JB-Crafting Supplies...Stylish ladies

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful JB-Crafting Supplies. It comes from Janet Kruskamp..The Collection, brought to us by Joanna Sheen. I just love this image and can think of so many friends that I could send this card to. The background paper is from my stash...I just loved the muted colour ways on the image. If there is anything you need crafting wise..pop over and speak to Julie at JB-Crafting Supplies...she really does have an Aladdins cave of fabulous crafting goodies.
I'm amazed that I have managed to blog at all today...thanks to BT. I've been trying since 8 a.m. to get to blog and the hub went even further than flashing on and off today...it just went off altogether. The computer was getting closer and closer to the window...it was driving me mad. Fingers crossed..I will be able to publish this any time soon. And you can't even blame the weather..the sun is shining and there isn't even a cloud in the sky. All the cats are on the studio roof..all stretched out enjoying the sunshine. Jeffrey looks like the walking wounded..yet another fight with Hobo. Hobo left the scene in rather a hurry...being chased by all the girls. Unusual as it is, he is a tom that attacks female cats...but only one at a time. The girls have obviously thought out a strategy..they all rush at him and he can't cope...hurrah for the girls. At the moment, they are all lay around Jeff..Hobo won't be getting to him anytime soon.
It was a crazy type of weekend...one of those when you think that you haven't stopped but seem to have achieved nothing. I do accept that I have lots of things going round my head as the inquest draws nearer. I know it's a hard time coming closer and I often find myself sitting in my chair in the middle of the night feeling very alone. I just need to get my head together and count my blessings.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to think about dinner. I have no idea what I'm going to cook. We had fish pie last night and it was lovely. It could be a simple tea tonight..perhaps beef burgers and chips...something that we don't have very often. It's shopping day tomorrow..so lots of fresh salad will be coming..I love it. I've found Sainsburys salad has been lasting a long time longer than Asda and Tesco..and I have to say that the prices have really surprised me. I love the fact that I can have my groceries delivered..it means that I don't have to rely on asking any of my friends and can take my time deciding what I want. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Jiggery Makery presents...Jayne

Here is todays design team make for the fabulous Jiggery Makery. This sassy lady is called Jayne and I love the attitude that the designer Adele has managed to capture in a drawing that doesn't even have a face. I can imagine Jayne just walking off from a disagreement saying 'whatever'. For some reason known only to my head..she just had to wear a red dress. I have been known to turn up to certain gatherings in a red dress..normally when I'm feeling that I have an attitude..lol. I coloured Jayne with my promarkers and then cut her out. I knew that I wanted to use the saying so I wrote it out and mounted it onto some black card. I layered some black card onto an 8x8 card, then added some backing paper from my stash and finally layered a strip of more black to attach Jayne to. I added a feather behind the saying and a lace bow below. Finally I added some pearls and some jewels. I am lucky enough to have a couple of friends that this card would be perfect for...they have just the right amount of attitude..lol
When I blogged earlier, the rain was lashing down and all the cats were sulking. What a difference a couple of hours can make. The clouds have disappeared and all the cats are now outside lying in the sunshine. The only thing that bothers me is that there is no breeze, which may well mean that we are going to be attacked by the dreaded midges later. I hate them with a vengeance. They never bothered Henry..I always said it was because he was born here. It looked as if he had been dotted with a felt tip if he went out and there were midges. Me..I come up in lumps and can't stop scratching and nothing that I have tried has ever worked. What annoys me the most is that when we have had a really hot day and you think to yourself that when it cools a little, it would be fantastic to sit outside in the evening coolness...you can't..the midges will just arrive and eat you. Mind you I have to be blessed to live in such a beautiful place..I suppose the midges are just one of the costs.
Well the coffee is calling again and then it will be time to make dinner. It's going to be a strange one tonight..fish fingers, chips and salad..I'm just feeling lazy...but I have to admit that sometimes there is nothing nicer than a fish finger sandwich. I've already made pudding..pears with a sponge topping which we can have with ice-cream.Just typing this has made me hungry..lol. So I'd better go and do something about it. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting

Left of Center....New Challenge..Ink it Up

Todays creation is a design team make for the fabulous Left of Center Challenges. This weeks challenge is to Ink it Up and is sponsored by the wonderful SLS Lines. I had such great fun creating this canvas and have to add that the cats helped and actually inspired the way that I went.

For the canvas I began by painting it black using my acrylics. I coloured the cats with my promarkers and as there were 3 of them I thought that it would be fun to use the old see no evil,speak no evil.hear no evil saying. I had every intention of doing some barbed wire in the background..laughing to myself of my cats needing barbed wire and then the actual cats arrived causing chaos..lol They ran in the window and straight over the canvas and wet paint, leaving paw prints. Well I thought that it was meant to be..so I let it dry and then added the cats. I made the words no evil using some alphabets from my stash and then added some silver frantage to the background to add a little sparkle.And as a little extra..I added the word really underneath. I hope that you will pop over to the Left of Center Challenge Blog and take a look at all the other wonderful creations.And why not join in the fun. It is pouring with rain here in the mountains today...so I am surrounded by cats..they are sat round my arm chair, so no doubt they will be again helping me to craft...lol Well the coffee is calling and I will be back later on with another design team make. I hope that you all have a good day..so until later..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Red Roses

Todays cards are design team makes for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. The card that I have chosen to work with is one of the 8x8 cards. The top card is made exactly as it is printed..it has been decoupaged and the only thing that I have added is a small bow at the top of the card. Sometimes you just need a quick card..and this would be one. The decoupage is not overly complicated and yet gives a wonderful effect. For the second card I have used the main decoupage but added my own backing paper and used some of the small roses to create a border at the bottom. I also added a double bow..one cream and one burgundy. I do like to have a play and see what a different card I can up with. The cdroms from Decoupage Delights give you an endless variety of options and are well worth every penny. Why not pop over and take a look.
I has every intention of blogging yesterday but BT were playing their usual games and I couldn't get my pictures to load. It drives me insane..and I always end up wanting to throw the computer out of the window. It's a bit gloomy here in the mountains today..raining on and off. Nicademus has decided that the couch is the best place today. Everyone else is out on the landing and downstairs. I was really annoyed this morning. And all the cats are to blame...lol...as normal Jeffrey woke me at 5 a.m. by stroking my face  and I thought that, that would be the end of my being abused but no...Raven decided that she would get me up by jumping from the wardrobe onto my stomach...again and again.It drove me mad..and to add to the mayhem, Sprout decided it would be fun to yowl down my ear. In the end I gave up the fight and got up. Consequently all day has been like walking through mud..lol. And I've just remembered that I haven't taken my tablets...no wonder I'm in so much pain. At least it makes me feel better..knowing some relief is imminent..lol. The trouble is that one of my other tablets makes me forget things...so it seems I'm on a strange roundabout some days..lol. 
Well the coffee is definitely calling..and I think some caffeine with my pills and I'll be a whole new woman..lol..I wish. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting 

JB-Crafting Supplies and Brambly Hedge

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful JB-Crafting Supplies. I made this card using the truly adorable Brambly Hedge triple cdrom, brought to us crafters by Crafters Companion. I have always loved the art work of Jill Barklem and just love the amount of detail that she manages to put into every picture. I mounted the backing paper and the image onto some dark green card and created a small border with the same. To this I added some diecuts flowers which I had coloured with my promarkers to match in with the backing paper. I could spend ages just looking at the paintings on this cd..there is just so much to see. Well it's a lovely day here in the mountains today. All the cats are outside enjoying the sunshine. From where I'm sat I can see Raven, Tankie and Jeffrey all stretched out on the studio roof. Milky is walking round the top of the village...no doubt looking for some extra food. She is a cat of small stature but has an amazing little round tummy. She will tell anyone that will listen that she is starving all the time..lol. A neighbour has her visit quite often and we laugh together over the size of the tummy. Virgo man has just visited with Jack. He really is a good dog...he sat on the patio watching all the cats and never even whimpered. And of course my cats just looked at him as much to say oh look another dog..lol. One of my friends brought her dog Tilly for a visit the other night. She is a Jack Russell and I have to say that when she wags her tail it's as if she is wagging her whole body. Reg thought it was wonderful to have a lady dog visit and again all my cats didn't even raise an eyelid.I really am blessed that my animals get on so well together. Sprout will be out of his pen this week. All his injuries from the fight have now healed and he is back on four legs. Let's just hope he doesn't do it again. No-one would have ever thought that little Sprout would ever get an attitude..but he has. Well the coffee is calling and then I have some commenting to do on the various blogs that I'm part of. I find it so interesting to see other peoples creations and am always amazed at the creativity that is out there. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Jiggery Makery presents Veronica and Victoria

This card is a design team make for the fabulous Jiggery Makery. I thought that it would be fun to put the two most glamorous ladies together, as if they were ready to go out. And that got me to thinking of the number of British girls that are now having Prom style parties.It used to be a predominantly American thing but now it's found it's way over the pond. Personally I think that any excuse to put on a fancy dress can only be a good thing.I have coloured both digis with my promarkers and of course I had the urge to give them both blue hair...just because I love it. my hair is green at the moment ut may go purple any time soon. I have glittered both the dresses because as far as I'm concerned there can never be enough glitter. In fact since I made this card, Reg, the cats and I are all having a little sparkle..lol. No matter how hard I try..the glitter will not be contained..lol
Social services came and it was ok really. As nice as they are..it just brings it all to the fore. It gets me feeling a little down and lots is going round my head. But I will go down and cook dinner soon and that should help. I always find cooking very relaxing...I put my music on and chop salad. It sounds strange I know but chopping really does help. We are having fish, chips and salad tonight. An easy dinner really..but it should be good.
Well the coffee is calling again...I think that most days, I'm caffeine powered..lol. I am looking forward to the weekend crafting though...athletics are on..so I can be in my happy space..lol.So for the second time today..take care and happy crafting..and I'll be back tomorrow.

Left of Center...and The East Wind

 Todays creation is a design teammake for the fabulous Left of Center Challenge blog. It has been sponsored by the amazing East Wind. I decided to make this canvas featuring this (what I think) twenties looking design. I had such fun creating thisI began with some canvas paper and painted it in shades from blue to green using my H2o's. I then coloured the digi using my promarkers and then added the picture to the canvas.I then took a packet of chipboard flowers which it seems I have had forever and decided to cut them up to reflect the leaf shape on the actual digi. I then added the saying. The new challenge which begins todays has the theme use ribbon/fibre/twine. Why not pop over and join in the fun

Digi shop...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/the east wind
I have popped the link to the etsy shop of the East Wind, in case you wanted to take a look at the fabulous goodies over there.
I hope that you will think of joining in the fun over at the Left of Center Challenge. The other team members are so talented and a wonderful source of inspiration. In my crafting I have been so lucky to meet such a great group of people, who have supported me in the hard times.Who knew where I was going when I started this blog...lol..and it still continues.
It is just a short blog this morning but will be back later, bringing you my latest make for the fabulous Jiggery Makery..so until then I'm off for a coffee or three, as social services are coming this afternoon. Wish me luck. I'll let you know how it all went later. Until then..take care and happy crafting

Decoupage Delights...Vintage Roses

Todays cards are a design team make for the wonderful company of Decoupage Delights. The two cards have been made using the same sheet but I made them up differently. The first card is as it appears on the sheet..but the second is using the same elements but in a different way.The bottom card needs a greeting but I haven't decided what one to use yet. The Decoupage Delights cdroms and downloads are a part of my library that I use so often and in so many ways, I find that I couldn't craft without them. As most of you know, I adore vintage images, so they are a perfect go to item to me. Why not pop over to their facebook page and take a look at what is available. I know that it is far too early to mention the christmas word but for those of you who have to start early to get all your christmas crafting early..take a look at the vintage christmas cdroms..they are fabulous. And of course the vintage fashion cdrom is due out soon..from what I've seen, the fashions are wonderful. So many of my friends would love the dresses, so no doubt they will be getting a card featuring one of them.
I was due to blog these cards yesterday but as usual BT were playing up.I am just getting so fed up with it.Trying to up load pictures, taking hours and still nothing. But of course you talk to the little BT lady in India and she tells you that you have amazing speed and connection..so what can you do. When you do manage to speak to someone in the UK, they tell you that it is the worst speed that they have ever seen...but still no one does anything about it. Just what to do next. It seems to me that the next option is to get in touch with the local mp. He seems to be doing something for other people in the valley with problems...but why should you have to? I'm going to give it some thought and set off on a course of action. Probably head down like a bull in a china shop..lol.
The weather today is back to being lovely. Yesterday it was like being in Brigadoon...the mist was up and down like shutters at a window. One minute you'd look out of the window and you couldn't even see across the street and the next time you'd look the shutters had lifted. And it was like that all day. Today the sun is shining and the whole valley looks very beautiful.

I am so lucky to be able to live in such a beautiful place. And the views you can see are my cats playground. Oh and I've got good news...Pinkie is home. She walked in last night...well in the middle of the night actually...as if she'd only been out for a couple of hours. I was in bed and the other cats had woke me as if something was wrong...they were jumping on me and pacing about. So I got up and when I got to the parlour, I could hear a cat crying at the window..and there she was. I'm so happy to know that she is ok. All the family are home..so all's well with the world.

Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to do some work. I've still got colouring to do and some canvasses to finish. I will be sharing them with you over the next few weeks. So until tomorrow..BT willing, of course..take care and happy crafting.

Crafting Musketeers..Shades of Summer

Today's card is one that I made for the current challenge which is running over at the Crafting Musketeers Challenge Blog. The theme is Shades of Summer. I chose to use this fabulous image from The Leslie Anne Ivory cdrom from Joanna Sheen. Cat obsessed as I am, this is one of my all time favourite cdroms. I just thought that this image of a tabby cat sat in the primroses and yellow daisies,somehow spelt summer to me.When I was a little girl, I can remember picking primroses and my Gran would put them in a tiny vase on the kitchen windowsill. It is a memory of sunny happy days. The primroses grew down by the brook and I spent many a happy afternoon down there. I can recall the sunlight dappled through the leaves, lay there dreaming my childish dreams. A small glimpse back to my early days.I count this as a blessing, that I have such memories.
The weather is fine here today in the mountains but it does look as if it may change.From where I sit, I can see Jeffrey stretched out on the studio roof. His injuries are slowly getting better, even though he is still bald in patches, where I have removed the fur to help with the healing process. He was quite happy for me to bathe all the wounds today..in fact majority have now healed..thank goodness. Sprout who was really quite poorly after his last fight has also fully recovered. I am just making sure that he has had a good rest before he goes back out again. What I'm most worried about at the moment is that Pinkie has gone missing again and is yet to be found. I have been out in the chair with Reg, calling her and there has been no sign. I'm trying not to worry too much, as she has been gone for weeks before...and the weather has been good..and she is a good hunter. But they are family to me and I'm not settled properly until they are all home.
Well the coffee is calling and I have lots to do. I have social services coming on Friday..I'm hoping they will be able to tell me what I can expect at the inquest. Unless it is cancelled, it is planned for the middle of July. I don't know what to expect but it is something that I shall just have to live with it. But enough of that now..I'd better get to work..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

JB-Crafting Supplies...A Gardening Lady

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous JB-Crafting Supplies. I have been lucky enough to work with 'One Summers Day...the wonderful cd rom brought to us crafters by Joanna Sheen. It features the art work of the very talented artist..Barbara Mock. I decided to make this card, that I thought would be perfect for a gardening friend. The image has been decoupaged. I mounted the backing paper onto some burgundy card and created a border with the same. The greeting and the small square decoration are  both on the sheet of decoupage. I also added some flower jewels to the border and a bow made out of gardening twine.
It's a beautiful day here in the mountains and I'm sat by the window enjoying the breeze blowing in. All the cats are stretched out in the sun warming their tummies and having a lovely time. I spent the weekend crafting and have to say that I enjoyed every minute of it. I've got lots of colouring to do..I have printed it all out ready to go. I just have to get my head together to do it.I've had the nurse this morning, she brought with her my new machine for taking my blood count. I have to do it 4 times a day.I hope that I can sort out some problems by monitoring my blood myself. The nurse was great..she showed me how to use it and now I can do it myself. She also took my blood pressure which was ok, I'm glad to say.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be head down, pens out and time to colour. Or as it now seems to be called...art therapy..lol. A new name perhaps for my job..no longer a card designer but an art therapist. I went up in the world and didn't even know it..lol. So until tomorrow...BT willing of course..take care and happy crafting.

Jiggery Makery...presents Victoria

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful Jiggery Makery. I had every intention of blogging this great digi yesterday..late afternoon but BT said no. It came to the point where I wanted to throw the computer and the router out of the window. I just had to give up and hated it. Every time I went to post the picture the connection went off. And according to the little BT person in India there is nothing wrong with the connection..lol. She told me that I had a speed of 8.75..I asked on what planet..we have never had a speed greater than 0.5...on a very good day..so where she was looking I don't know. Yet another complaint is coming..I can feel it in my water.
But back to the important item..this great digi of Victoria. As most of you know, I love Adele's work..there is something about her digis that are so great to work with. I loved Victoria because of her dress..how much can you play with that?When I was a little girl, I loved nothing better than spending hours designing dresses, colouring and glittering. And now as an adult..the fun is still the same. I love to make dresses that I would love to wear but sadly..I just don't have the figure. For this card, I coloured the digi with my promarkers and then doodled over the dress with a black pen and followed that with glitter. I added pearl jewels to her necklace and to the points of glitter on her dress. I then cut her out and placed her on the card. I had found a lilac based backing which I mounted onto some purple card. I created a border with the same, added a ribbon and some black jewels. I also added some glitter and a black jewel to her hair. The whole thing was a joy to create. So many of Adele's digis can inspire you..why not pop over to the Jiggery Makery shop and take a look at what is available.
Despite the weather men stating that we were due thunderstorms and a deluge of rain..it hasn't come yet. As I write it is probably heading this way..lol. None of the cats are in at the moment but if it rains, no doubt they will head home at great speed. The sky is looking a strange colour, so you never know .I'm aiming to have a couple of days crafting..I can really count my blessings today. An afternoon crafting, after watching some athletics..I don't ask for much more. I had a visitor yesterday..a friend of mine..we worked out that we have been friends for 21 years..it doesn't seem like 5 minutes since we first met.He is now married to a wonderful lady and they have 2 of the cutest children. I'm so grateful that life has treated them well..they both deserve it. It was so nice to see him and to catch up on all his news. It made me laugh that he is now the owner of two cats..two white torties at that...well known for having a little attitude. He showed me pictures of them they are both very pretty...so I just wished him good luck..lol. He was meeting up with some other friends last night and they are all due to go gorge walking today. I hope they have a great time, despite the inevitable hangovers..lol.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to pick up the pens and get on with it. I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend. So until tomorrow...take care and happy crafting.

Left of Center.....New Challenge... For the boys

Todays creation is my first for a new design team...Left of Center. I am so excited to become part of this team..there are some fabulous artists on the team and because of the varied challenges, it gives me a chance to let my wilder side out.

For my first challenge I have been lucky enough to work with  the wonderful artwork of Rick St. Dennis. The theme is For the boys and as I've just said we are lucky to have been sponsored by Rick St Dennis. Below is a link to his digi shop, so you will be able to have a look around all the fabulous designs that are available.

http:/www.zibbet.com/Rick1949
I hope you will find the time to pop over and take a look. There is some fabulous artwork available..some of it has just taken my breath away and is a constant source of inspiration.
For my canvas, I began by colouring the image which is called Chicago.( On the challenge blog, there is another canvas I have done which is called wiTche Burlesque.).I coloured the image with my promarkers. The canvas itself I painted using my H20s. I then added the quote which I thought was just perfect for the image. It also brings to mind another quote which involved a purple hat..basically it was saying that we only get the one life and to enjoy to the best we can, no matter what our age.
The sun is shining here in the mountains and I'm waiting for a friend to arrive. All my cats have left home..so I probably won't see them until either the weather changes or their tummies start to rumble..lol. They will probably be brought home by their tummies first. I always think that they are scared of missing something.
Well the coffee is calling and there is lots to be done. I hope that you will take the time to take a look at the Left of Center Challenge and maybe enter a work of your own. Remember the theme is For the Boys..a chance to stretch your crafting wings...above all..have some fun. So until tomorrow, take care and happy crafting.

Shower time

Todays card features this lovely image from the House Mouse collection. I don't mind if it's House Mouse, a Gruffie or a Happy Hopper...I love them all. There is a current challenge over at the Gruffies and guests challenge blog and this was one I made for it. The theme is Lavender and Lace and is running all this month..why not pop over and join in the fun. I had a great time looking through all the images and deciding which one to use. In my collection of cds I have the Triple House Mouse cdrom, The House Mouse Decoupage cdrom and the Gruffies and Happy Hoppers cdrom. I found this image on the triple and decided that it would fit the theme. The border that I created came along because I was remembering an Austrian blind that my friend used to have in her bathroom. It was made out of white lace and was covered in bows. It was way over the top...even for me..lol ...so I created this border as a homage to the 80's.
The sun is still shining, here in the mountains today. I did listen to the weather forecast today and it did say that we may have thunderstorms later....so we will have to wait and see. Jeffrey is outside at the moment..if the thunder comes, he will be home before you can blink. He just hates the noise. None of the other cats are bothered about thunder..only my big baby boy. He is now the biggest cat in the house and bless him..he really is the baby of the house. All the girls stick up for him..it's so funny when he's having a bit of bother and they all run to him to offer their help. It's the 3 sisters..Rave, Tankie and Milky that are the A team in this house. Rave is actually now the top cat. She has something to say on most things and appears at the strangest moments. The funniest is when you should hope to have a packet of crisps in peace...well you have no hope. Should Rave hear a packet being opened..she's there. Her favourite are cheese and onion. Her all time favourite is Wotsits. She can eat them quicker than any human, as the husband of my friend the pa can attest.
Well the coffe is calling and then I need to get myself together and get some work done. I have some housework to do at some time because I have a friend calling tomorrow afternoon. I do know that I have some glittering to do today. No doubt Reg will be sparkling later..lol. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights...Vintage and Blue

Todays cards are design team makes for the wonderful Decoupage Delights. I was lucky enough to get to work with this wonderful image of the little girl and her flowers. The second card featured today is going to be a free download..so I wanted to share the two different ways in which I use the images from Decoupage Delights. The second card is as the download will come..the card front ready for you to decoupage. For my first card I have taken the image and the flowers and designed another card, using these elements, but using a background paper from my stash as well as a card with a butterfly on it. As you can see I have used the decoupaged flowers and added some blue butterflies

As you can see, even using the same image and decoupaged flowers..they have made two very different vintage style cards. This is one of the things that I love about the Decoupage Delights..there is always something different to play with. On the second card, all I have added is a bow and some pearls. So if you get the chance remember to pop over to the decoupage delights facebook page and grab yourself a freebie. If you get the chance, I would love to see what you create.
It's been a busy day here in the mountains. I went out for a wheel with Reg. We went to see the Virgo man and of course Jack. Reg and Jack got on really well. The cats came so far and then all waited for us to return. I had a lovely cup of coffee on the land and got to see the new trees. They all seem to be doing really well. Reg had a lovely time, running round off his lead, sniffing everything and watching Jack. As you can probably guess the weather is fantastic. Reg is now exhausted and is lay by my feet. Jack was back and to the whole time..he kept bringing his ball to me to throw for him. He would bring it near to me and drop it and I would tell him that it needed to be closer to the wheelchair..and then, bless him, he would bring it closer so that I could reach him. When I came back towards the cottage, all the cats came out and walked home with me. I had a few with me today...Tankie, Rave, Milky, Nicademus and of course the Jeffrey. One of the reasons that I went out was to shout Pinkie..but there was no sign of her. She does this sometimes. She goes past a certain point and then forgets how to get home. Usually cats are great for finding their way home but I have had a couple like this. I know roughly where she is and she just needs scent of me or Reg to find her way back. So if the weather stays lovely like this, then I will be visiting again until she comes home.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time to do some more work. I hope that they weather is being kind to you wherever you are and that you get a chance to enjoy it. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting.

Welcome to a baby girl

Todays card has been an absolute joy to create. For the first time in ages, I had an order for a baby card. It was so much fun to make. The image and backing papers are from an old Joanna Sheen cdrom called Baby Love. The cd has been retired but I imagine that you would still be able to source it from ebay or somewhere similar.To make the card I began with some pink card and layered the two backing papers and then added a border. For the border, I punched two different patterns from some pink vellum. These I added to the reverse of a strip of pink card. I then added the image slightly off centre.I then created a corner effect with fabric roses, pink flowers and some diamante crystals. I also added leaves. The fabric roses were white ones which I coloured with my promarkers. The brief was that the customer wanted a very traditional British baby card.I looked at some vintage baby cards that I have collected over the years and came up with this design. The only thing that is different is that the spray of flowers is actually made with flowers and not just printed onto the card. I really enjoyed making this card and hope that it will become a keepsake for the new baby and her parents.
The sun is shining again today and I'm very happy sat here listening to the birdsong in one ear and some heavy metal in the other..lol.I have been a little bit of a contradiction..lol All morning I have been cursing BT yet again. I had no connection for hours. My little yellow light was flashing away and didn't even both to turn blue at all for about 3 hours. And then it was flashing on and off. If they had been bigger lights..it would have looked as if I had been in the middle of a disco. I could of at least thrown a few John Travolta moves had the lights had been large..lol. Mind you it would have been only from the waist up...my legs are giving me a bit of grief lately...well more than usual. My hip has been giving me a lot of pain and has swollen up like a rugby ball. It's not a good look..but then I've no-one to see it..apart from the cats..which is probably just as well..lol
Sitting here looking out of the window is a source of absolute joy when the sun is shining. I can see the mountains and watch the seasons changing. Over past few weeks I was gazing at the bluebells making purple streaks across the mountain side and now just as they are fading, the hawthorn blossom has come out.In my front garden, my rowan tree is fully loaded with blossom..it makes you wonder if that is the sign of a bad winter to come. In all my years here the rowan has never been so full of blossom..it is weighing the whole top of the tree down. Virgo man has just visited with his dog Jack. He is quite a large dog but acts like a puppy bouncing around like a nutter...lol It amazes me with my cats..they look at Jack and are not bothered in the slightest...it's as if they say.oh look another one of those dogs..lol
Well the coffee is calling and I think a good dose of caffeine is needed. I'm all ready to do some colouring and have to say quite looking forward to it. I have 4 images ready to do. I always seem to do it in stages..I do any skin first, then any hair and then finally I do any clothing. It's weird how you find your own routine to do anything. So until tomorrow..take care and happy crafting

JB-Crafting Supplies...Just a little sunshine needed

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous JB-Crafting Supplies. I was lucky enough to get to work with the wonderful cdrom..The Gruffies and Happy Hoppers. I chose this perfect image of the gruffie relaxing in the sunshine.I'm forever hoping for some summer weather. Last week was like the middle of winter..lol. For this card, I mounted both the image and the backing paper onto some blue card. I also created a border with the same. I was lucky enough to find some sunflowers in my stash, so I added them to my border. It makes me laugh when people say things about my stash..it may sit around for a while but it comes into it's own in the end. I have been looking at these sunflowers for about 5 years..but I knew that they would come in useful at some time..lol.
The weather is actually ok today. The sun is shining and I am looking at a blue sky. All I can hear is Icabod snoring and that's competing with the birdsong and the cuckoo in the distance. Yesterday the cuckoo was calling all day long. I'm surprised that he has any voice left. Jeffrey has gone out..dodging the magpies no doubt. Yesterday they came and sat in the tree in the front garden and terrified him again. They are a pair of calculated birds.Sprout is still being kept in, to make sure that he recovers from the fight. He is looking a lot better. He was off 2 legs through loosing claws in the fight. The front leg is totally recovered..it's just his back leg..but he is stretching it out now..it's just where he has lost his claws. I noticed this morning that he is starting to put it down..which is a good and I think a few more days rest and he will be better. Reg is also having a little limp at the moment...but then he is getting to be an elderly dog and sometimes he just gets a little stiff..bless him.
Well the coffee is calling and then it will be time for my favourite job..colouring some new images. I have already printed them out and am ready to start. It is the only time that I'm guaranteed to be quiet..lol. No doubt the tip of my tongue will stick out as well as I'm trying to concentrate..lol. The hardest thing is that my glasses have to come off now and again so that I can see the detail..it's just an age thing. Some days I feel as if they should be on a string..they are off and on all the time. So until tomorrow...and of course BT willing that is...take care and happy crafting

Gruffies and Guests..New Challenge..Lavender and Lace

 Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous Gruffies and Guests. A new challenge has just begun over on the Challenge blog and has been sponsored by the two wonderful companies below.

Both these companies have been kind enough to sponsor this challenge and both are offering great prizes. Why not pop over and see what's up for grabs.
For my card, I have chosen this image from the House Mouse Triple cdrom. The theme for this month is Lavender and Lace. I used some lavender coloured card and added the backing paper to it. I added a border on either side with some of the lavender card and edged it with some cream lace. I added the image to the middle and the greeting below. I then decided to make some lavender..I used some wire and some flowersoft to make the stems.
Here in the mountains today the wind is raging...we are lucky that there is no rain..at the moment. The only cat that has decided to brave the wind is Jeffrey. All the others have opted for a cuddle up on the landing. Reg is curled up on his bed, even though he is still sulking at me because I decided to wash his donut bed. You should have seen his face when I put his spare bed down and removed the donut. You would have thought that I'd stamped on hid foot..so was his look of disgust. He was so disgusted that he refused to lie in it for 2 days. Even going as far as pulling the blanket off my chair and lying on that..lol. They make me laugh every day..they all have their own little ways and goodness help you if you disturb their routines.
Well the coffee is calling and lots of crafting to do. I was waiting for an inkjet all week. It normally arrives the next day but this week it didn't arrive. So I telephoned and they sent out another..which didn't arrive either. I informed the company and they produced a paper that was supposedly my signature...and wasn't. In the end 2 arrived with a totally different company so I telephoned to inform them and they told me to keep the second one as it was their fault. So even more printing will be going on. I did a lot of printing last night, trying to get organised. The first thing this weekend will be the painting of some canvasses, so they have the chance to dry ready for me to work on. So until tomorrow...BT willing of course..lol..take care and happy crafting.

Jiggery Makery presents Elizabeth

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous Jiggery Makery. Let me present Elizabeth. As soon as I saw this wonderful digi, it raised a smile because it made me think of one of the funniest books that I have read and it was called coffee, tea or me. It was popular in the early 70s and it was about the changes affecting air hostesses at that time. The other thing that this digi made me think of was a lot of gentleman who this would be perfect for. They may say to many I haven't the time for ladies, I'd sooner have a good cup of the tea..but I know that they still have an eye for a great pair of legs..lol This is going to be a card that I send to them...I haven't got good legs but at least Elizabeth has. It would raise a smile. I really enjoyed working with this fabulous digi. I loved the idea that I could decorate the cup and saucer as well. I chose to draw some stylised roses on this card but was also thing of using some of my smaller stamps and creating other designs over the cup and saucer. If you get the chance, please pop over to the Jiggery Makery facebook page and check out the fabulous creations of the other members of the design team. They are truly wonderful and very inspiring. What always amazes me is that you can give the same image to any number of people and they come up with very different designs..all great and they can in turn inspire you to create something totally different for yourself. I feel myself to be blessed to work with some very talented ladies.
The weather today in the mountains is back to normal..rain, rain, rain. But I have a weekend of great crafting to look forward to..which always cheers me up. I'd like to say have a great holiday to Sunshine and Mr. 5 Cheeks who are off to Italy today. Everyone I know seems to be off to Italy in the next few days. I hope they all have a fabulous time and have remembered to pack their Henry Tshirts. I wonder who will be first to post from Italy. It is really surprising how many T shirt post there has been. I'm getting orange dots all over the world.When people come to see the map, they're always really shocked just how many we're getting. Henrys owl really is flying the world.
Well the coffee is calling and then it's time to craft. I hope that you all have a great weekend. So until tomorrow..and BT willing of course..take care and happy crafting.

JB-Crafting Supplies...Who needs a coffee?

Todays card is a design team make for the wonderful JB-Crafting Supplies. I blogged this card on their blog on Monday, but I just thought that I should share it will you all, as I know that a number of you really love the House Mouse family. And I thought that it would give you all a giggle..knowing me as you do and knowing my need for a regular caffeine hit..lol. This card is made using the House Mouse Decoupage cdrom, brought to us by Joanna Sheen. I have decided to make all the house mouse featuring tea or coffee, to be framed for my kitchen.  Every time I see one of these images, I can't help but smile..so I thought it would be nice to make a feature of them.

Below is a close up of the decoupage. I always find the little mice a little fiddly but they are so worth the effort. And to be honest a large number of the images on this decoupage cdrom are really easy to cut out and you can decide just how many layers that you want to do.

The sun is shining again here in the mountains and the house is a cat free zone..for a while. Sprout is doing really well. I think that he understands that it's doing him good. He came out of the cage last night and had a walk round, ate some biscuits and then went back to the pen on his own. He had the choice of where to sleep but decided to lie down in the pen, with the door open. This morning at their breakfast time he came to the bowls with everyone else but then waited and demanded that he be fed in the pen..lol. At the moment he is fast asleep, looking very cosy. Jeffrey is looking a bit rough..I have cleared the fur from where the magpies attacked him to clean his wounds..he does look as if he's going bald..lol..but it won't be long until it has all grown back. He has recovered his old personality now he has gotten over the attack.I still think that he will have learnt his lesson...he doesn't seem to be going very far from home...bless him. All the others are well and enjoying the sunshine. Living here they have to..nobody knows how long it will last.
If you remember I was given some trees to plant on the land. Virgo man planted them all and I have to report that they are doing really well. Lots of new leaves and growing..so I'm really pleased. My friend the pa bought me some herbs for my birthday..and of the four she bought me ..3 are flourishing but it looks as if I have killed my basil..by doing nothing. It looked wonderful when she brought it in, but within days it turned up it's toes. The gentleman she bought it off said that it had to be in the house and that the others could go out. So the basil came in and promptly died and the others that were left out are all fine...so who knows. I have a money tree in the parlour that needs repotting but I have asked Sparkle to do it..I just don't want these non green fingers of mine to touch it. I just love it so much.
Well the coffee is calling and after a much needed caffeine hit, I will be back to making moths. It's coming along ok at the moment but I never know how well they look until they are finished. I will share them with you when they are finished. So until tomorrow..BT willing...take care and happy crafting.

Decoupage Delights

Todays card is a design team make for the fabulous Decoupage Delights. This is another image coming from the soon to be released Vintage Fashion cdrom. I'm so excited by this forthcoming cdrom, I may need a good shake..lol. I have seen a lot of what will be on this cd and as far as I'm concerned, the backing papers themselves are just great and that's without all of the fabulous fashion. For this card I began with a piece of holographic silver card and added 2 strips of the wonderful backing paper.I then outlined all the papers with a peeloff. The image has been decoupaged..I think I did 4 layers. I then placed the image to the centre of the card and added a greeting.
I was looking through my library of cdroms today, looking for some inspiration and found that much..I don't know where to start..lol. I then had a phonecall from a friend who wanted a new baby card for a beautiful Chinese baby. So first I went to research what is traditional for a new baby in China. I found that a red envelope containing money is a traditional gift and I remembered that on an older cdrom I have the opportunity to print one of these little red envelopes. So now I have a plan. I'm going to make a very traditional British baby card but it will contain the little red envelope, holding some money for the baby.I have yet to decide on an image but I shall have great fun looking through all my baby images.
Today as I write this..there is not a cat in sight. They are all outside, enjoying the sunshine. Yes, sunshine..it's hard to believe just how quickly the weather changes. I've been working on some canvases earlier today and it was a joy not to have to worry about little pawprints in the wet paint..lol. I have to say that they have added to a couple of canvasses that I finished last week..and it didn't look so bad but I would prefer to be the one who decided on the final look. Jeffrey and Raves pawprints are soon to be adorning my walls as part of a couple of creations..lol
Well the coffee is calling and I will then be creating some furry moths. I have an idea that involves acetate, diecuts and flowersoft but we shall have to see how it works out. I will let you know. And I don't know how to colour them...it may be a mix of H20s and alcohol pens..fingers crossed for a good result. So until tomorrow..and BT willing...take care and happy crafting.