Jilli's Paiges

Each Happiness Of Yesterday Is A Memory For Tomorrow ... DS Sketch #36

2012-02-02T17:09:00.001Z

I've had a few days of creative crafting after the wallpaper stripping, painting ....

... and titivating ...

... so have made a couple of cards as well as sewn some shabby chic birds (will reveal those once i've finished the whole thing!)

During a bit of down time I stumbled across this fab sketch site called The Deconstructed Sketch whilst hopping around the internet . There are some fantastic sketches on there ... and DS36 sketch challenge has no time limit on it! .....

My card made using the above sketch and "Kate Krafty, A Raggamuffin" by Saturated Canary ....

... and a close up of the image ...

... and the inside ....

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ from the bottom of my paper pile!

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls and String ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, X-cut Punch, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sakura Souffle Pen.

May All Your Wishes Come True ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #192 & DP2 Challenge #119

2012-01-28T09:48:00.001Z

My baby girl Weezy (Eloise) is 22 today, those years have gone so quickly, but its nice to see her evolving into a "proper" adult since she's left home. No celebrations today cos she's gotta work this evening ... so tomorrow night we are going out for a family dinner .... god help the restaurant , I hope they're ready for us all!

This week I've been up to my eyeballs in blue emulsion paint and the dreaded white gloss ... that's one job I really hate ... glossing! DH has been busy with the chemical paint stripper on the new bed frame ready for me to do the paint job on it, starting today ... I'm so excited . Not much longer and I should be able to share the photo's of the new guest room with you .

This weeks Sketch Saturday Challenge is being sponsored by The Craft Barn

.... The Craft Barn a UK based business selling a wide range of craft supplies including stamps, dies and embossing folders, punches and an extensive range of items to alter and decorate and much more for you scrapbooking and card making projects. They are committed to providing the best, most up to date craft products at great prices, coupled with first class service.

This weeks winner will receive a generous prize from The Craft Barn ... details to follow!

Over at DP2 Dorcas is the hostess for this week and her challenge theme is "All My Favourite Things" ... A fantastic theme open to so many opportunities ....

This weeks Sketch Saturday sketch ...

... and my creation ...

.... and a close up of Mo Manning's "Make A Wish" ...

... and used again on the inside in its naked state ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls, Hook & Eye's ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Pencil Crayons, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Diamond Stickles

Grandma's Never Run Out Of Hugs & Cakes .... DP2 Challenge #118

2012-01-22T08:00:00.002Z

Yesterday consisted of another day of feeling on and off. Seem OK whilst I eat, but I can't be doing that all day .... much as I'd like !
I thought a breathe of fresh air might help, you know blow the away ... it didn't . Just left me feeling . For now the 's have ceased, giving DH's eyes and nose time to heal ... he professed the smell was making them bleed ... he's such a sympathetic soul . Being such a caring mother I thought I'd go and visit DD at her new home and have some snuggles from Malibu ... I was totally to see the house looking spotless and her sorting out her own laundry to dry. It amazing what you can do when you have no other idiot doing it for you . She'd even managed to walk the before 11:00am the other day!!!!

You've probably all noticed how much i love Mo Manning's images, so I thought for a change I'd enter into one of her challenges....

Pat is hosting the challenge this week and she has chosen a fun theme ...

"Stitching (real or faux) with a Mo Image"

(use at least one Mo Manning image on your project)

....and this is a challenge? ....

... I used the new "With Love Boy" and merged the image with "Kai is One" ...

... I used it again on the inside in its raw state ...

I've made this for my grandbabies to give to my Mum on her birthday

To make this card I used:~

DP's ~ from my paper pile

CS ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Sewing Machine, Carla Craft Corner Punch

Have A Purr-fectly Delightful Day ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #191

2012-01-21T08:08:00.004Z

Our first week of peace and quiet went off without a hitch, and was peaceful and quiet ... listen! The only noise being radiated is from my bottom , think I might have the start of one of those 24 hour bugs, cos I feel really too ... suppose that could be from the smell !

Anyway, we had the bed delivered this week for the new guest room , brought the paint half price of course (£7.00) and some filler. A friend gave us some slats for the bed, now just need a mattress. Hopefully gonna start stripping the paper off the 2 walls this weekend and then sand the head and foot boards down. I'm going to try and take 's of before and after if I remember. Not sure how long this is all going to take cos we're expecting to be doing another house move sometime soon .... ... not us, but our gorgeous friend Paula is moving from the big smoke (London) to a lovely little bungalow in the close behind our house!!!! ... so many laughs ahead of us now and something to look forward too . Along with "The Sun" holiday the 4 of us are planning ... poor DH having to spend 24/7 with me, Mum and Paula! He'll return

So, this weeks Sketch Saturday Challenge is sponsored by

Bunny Zoe Crafts

NEW ARRIVALS

*NEW Wild Rose Studio - Love & Wedding
*NEW Tickled Pink Stamps - Lil Greek Gods
*NEW Bildmalarna Stamps
*NEW January Whimsy Stamps
*Back in stock - Spectrum Noir Pens
*NEW January Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp Release
*NEW January C.C. Designs Stamp Release
*NEW Strawberry Kisses Stamps by Crafter's Companion
*NEW Cards Only Magazine Jan/Feb Issue
*NEW Basic Grey Paper Pad - Kissing Booth
*NEW We R Memory Keeper Paper Pad - Cotton Tail
*NEW January Marianne D Dies
*NEW Marianne D Snoejes Clear Stamps
*NEW The Greeting Farm January Release
*NEW We R Memory Keepers Paper Pad - Love Struck
*NEW Magnolia Sweet Crazy Love Collection

Check out Bunny Zoe's Crafts blog where not only do we have a monthly challenge but each week there are candy giveaways, products updates, offers and inspiration from the Design Team.

This weeks Challenge Winner will win a generous $10.00 shopping spree at Bunny Craft Zoe's

This weeks Sketch is designed by the fab Jo

... and this is my creation ...

... using the gorgeous "Patience" from Mo's Digital Pencil Too ...

.... and the beautiful verse that my Nanna and Great-Auntie Doris used to recite to me ...

To make this card I used:~

DP's ~ A selection of leftovers

CS ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Woodware Leaf Punch, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Pencil Crayons, Sewing Machine

Special Kind Of Lady ... Sketch Saturday Challenge #190

2012-01-14T08:05:00.001Z

I scheduled this post, cos right now this minute, I'm running round the house like a headless making sure Ellie has everything packed in the cars or van ready to take to her new home . She's signing the paperwork at 9:00am this morning , if she can drag her sorry ass out of bed for a change! The only 9:00 she sees daily, is the PM one. No doubt if we're not running around like headless 's, we'll be standing around propping up a wall . I'm not quite sure what she plans on taking with her, or how long for that matter, she thinks this is going to take, but she's roped in 9 family members to help move a double bed and mattress, bookcase, clothes and 2 cars full of boxes (our car being one of them, which has been packed ready to go since my return from the hairdressers at 5:30pm) . I'm convinced she think's we're going to miss her ... but it'll be hard to miss someone who is argumentative, always right, knows it all and has to have the last word .... not to mention the mess and extra laundry she creates ... so, you must excuse me if I don't shed a as we her goodbye. We are that this total independence will be the making of her and she will turn into a lovely, caring young lady ... she has the potential to be that person, she's just not there yet!

Anyway, Good Morning and welcome to another challenge at Sketch Saturday sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

"With over 100,000 items in stock, Simon is proud to offer the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards, Altered Art, and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world!"

To see all the latest products instore please click HERE

Their exclusive Simon Says Stamp range are HERE

Not forgetting their Magnolia range HERE

All things Tim Holtz including newly released products can be found HERE

They have yummy Copics HERE

SSS have a fab range of Hero Arts new releases for 2012 available now,

including beautiful Hero Arts mid-tone shadow inks

Did you know that you can buy e-gift cards too?

any amount from $5.00 - $100.00 is available, ideal when you don't know what to buy as a gift for a crafty friend.

A very generous $25 gift certificate will be awarded to our lucky challenge winner this week to spend on goodies in the SSS store!

HUGE thanks Simon Says Stamp!

Here is this weeks Sketch .... thanks to our Jo x

... and my card ...

I used Sugar Nellie Flora ...

... and again on the inside with a cute little verse.

To make this card I used :~

DP's ~ Dovecraft Eastern Promise

CS ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Marianne Design Butterfly Die, Nestie, Cuttlebug, X-Cut Border Punch (i think but actually can't be bothered to get up off the sofa to go have a look)

Have A Fairy Sweet Day .... Mojo Monday 222

2012-01-08T08:05:00.004Z

Good morning my lovelies ... Happy 1st Birthday to my grandbaby Koree! So, how happy am I today? ... as Dad would say, "as happy as a in sh*t" ... Oh Yes!!!

Yesterday I told you all about the "Budget Shabby Chic" guest room to be as from next weekend ... I also told you we had spent £26 of the £50 budget on a bed and curtain fabric .... ... yesterday morning we needed to add to the furniture ... something like a wardrobe and 2 bedside cabinets perhaps? ... Well, after a smooch around on the local freecycle website on Friday night I managed to secure both of these from the same lovely lady and we collected them first thing yesterday morning ... FOR FREE!!! They couldn't fit in any better with the theme had they been purpose built ... we most definitely have some guardian looking over us to make sure we achieve this look ... Thanks Dad x

Keeping with the fairy/ theme I made this card following the great sketch at Mojo Monday ...

I used Fairy 2 from Mo Mannings Digital Pencil Too

... and close up ...

... again I printed her in her raw state on the inside with a cute little poem/verse I found on the net ...

To make this card I used~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ K & Company Garden Collage Pad ~ found in the back of the cupboard

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Marianne Designs Butterfly Die, Crystal Stickles, Sewing Machine, Crafts-Too Leaf Punch, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps

Magical Day .... Sketch Saturday Challenge #189

2012-01-07T08:10:00.000Z

I've had a fairly good and productive week I managed to make 3 cards and we brought a new double bed frame for our new guest room to be .... just got to wait another week for DD to move out and its all our's ... I can't believe I found the exact one I'd actually been looking for and at an excellent price. It was hiding right at the back of a little second hand shop in the next village, covered in skeletons and cobwebs, behind a mountain of washing machine pipes, gates and other paraphernalia. Needs a lot of TLC to make it into the shabby chic creation I want it to be, but I can't wait to get it here and get started! Shabby chic will be the theme of the room, but shabby chic on a budget of £50! I've spent £26:00 of that already on the double bed and curtain fabric ... yes I got enough lovely vintagey floral fabric to make a pair of curtains for the bedroom from my favourite local charity shop for £1:00 ... yes, ONE WHOLE POUND!!! I promise to take photos of the whole process!

On another note I had a tattoo just over a week ago ...

I had the feather and ladybird included for a reason .... the feather, cos the few weeks before Dad died and the week of his passing the whole family found white feathers everywhere we were, obviously sent by our guardian 's. The ladybird was cos, after Dad had been collected we stripped the bed and put clean bedding on ... when we unfolded one of the sheets that had been in the airing cupboard for a few weeks, there to our was a ladybird still alive! We took that as a sign.

On to this weeks challenge at SS that is being hosted by (Bente) and sponsored by The Paper Shelter ~ they have the most amazing digital images and papers and they're offering a fantabulous prize of a $20 gift certificate!

Here is a little introduction to them ....

If you are looking for fun, cute and lovely digi stamps for your paper-crafting or web design projects, The Paper Shelter is your one-stop boutique! This growing catalog of high-quality digi stamps with many different kind of options offers a multitude of themes such as everyday items, holidays, special occasions, children, adorable characters and creatures. Stamps are available in standard black and white line art, as well as in pre-colored format. Images are wonderful for coloring and make perfect additions to greeting cards and scrapbook albums. In "The Paper Shelter" you'll also find great other resources for all crafts (or digital) projects, like Paper Packs, Printables, Accesory sheet, etc."

.... and the beautiful sketch that Bente has designed for us to use ...

... and my card using a lovely Paper Shelter image ...

... a close up of the lovely image ...

... again on the inside in its raw state ...

To make this card I used ~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham & Angie Briggs Puppy Breath

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Pencil Crayons, Sewing Machine, Sakura Glaze Pens (orange, green, red & yellow)

I Smile When I Think About You .... DP2 Challenge #116

2012-01-05T19:33:00.002Z

Flippin' heck how windy is out there? Fortunately, I've not had to venture outside the front door today and have stayed snuggled up inside making cards trying to replenish my empty card box!

So, I decided to play along with Mo's Challenge this week which is ....

"Anything Goes w/ a Mo Image"

(Use at least one Mo Manning image on your project)

Now, I made a decision to use the "Soak Up The Joy" image on this card based on 2 things ....

1. Because I've not used it since 2009, shortly after I first brought it due to a comment made about it by the person I sent the card too.

2. Because I need to get passed the comment and get the vision out of my head every time I scan through my Mo images when choosing which one to use!

... I suppose you're all wondering what that comment was .... well, it went something like this .... Auntie Shirley (godmother) .... "Jilli Wick, (my nickname as a kid used by family) how rude of you to send me a card with one of those on" ... ... "do I look like a person who would use one of those?" ... ... "Look what she's holding in her right hand" ... ... "No, not her arm, look closer" ... OMG ... I had to admit it did look like she was holding a battery operated pleasurable device ...

.... and a close up of the image ....

(see what I mean)

I used her again in her raw state inside.

To make the card I used~

CS & DP's ~ Stash
Sentiment ~ Create with TLC
Buttons & Pearls ~ Stash
Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Diamond Stickles

Recipe Cards .....

2012-01-01T10:02:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all!!! I'm just lay on the airbed in the lounge at Mum trying to sit on the sofa and getting her feet stuck under the airbed, which ended up her losing her slippers! Don't you just love early morning entertainment?

If you know me well you will know that I love nothing more than giving practical gifts for Christmas and Birthdays and ~~this~~ last year was no exception! We decided that we'd buy the Outlaws a bread making machine after chats with them about home made bread! (last year was a slow cooker that they just adore) ... Along with the machine, we gave them the ingredients that they would need to make one of the loaves of bread ....

... I spent a couple of days sourcing recipes that we'd like to try and made the above recipe cards using Shabby Princess Holiday Recipe Collection ... after buying the bread machine for the Outlaws, I did nothing but whinge and whine about wanting one for myself, but just couldn't justify spending that amount of money on just little old me .... So, I was ~~pleasantly surprised~~ reduced to tears when I opened one from my gorgeous girls .... I wouldn't normally over a kitchen appliance, but I was feeling a little fragile after giving Mum her digital photo frame loaded with photos of Dad . I've used my machine already to make a white loaf and i'm planning on making a cheese and bacon loaf today or tomorrow!

The other recipe card was to go with a Popcorn maker for my Great Niece .... she'd borrowed mine and it so we got her one of her own ...

... again we wrapped all the ingredients for her ... even a tin of condensed milk ... that had to be rescued Christmas Eve from the Outlaws house ... DH had wrapped it and put it with all their bread making ingredients .... can't rely on a bloke to get anything right!!!

Ingredients

CS ~ Stash

Ring

Ribbon

Laminating Sheets

May You Be Kissed By Snowflakes .... Sketch Saturday's Last Challenge of 2011

2011-12-31T08:05:00.007Z

We goodbye to 2011 this evening and its a year I don't ever want to repeat, but one i'd do all over again in a heartbeat, if it meant being able to spend 11 more months with my Dad. . I have mixed feelings about 2012 ... a year of firsts :( without Dad, but hopefully a year of firsts :D with our gorgeous friend Paula!!!

On a personal note, I'd like to thank my Saturday Girl teamies for the and support they showed me during my difficult time. For the text and email messages of concern, the cards of condolence and sympathy and the huge cyber left for me! Thanks girls I love you all x

For our final challenge of the year, we are delighted to have o The Craft Barn sponsor us ...

There really is something for everyone :)

For all the latest products that have been added to the site PLEASE CLICK HERE,
Includes, NEW Cheery Lynn Designs dies, and fabulous Kraft Fusion products.
Do you love the sewn card look but don't like to sew?
then THIS RANGE is just for you.

Today is the first day of The Craft Barn's

WICKED WINTER SALE

Their shop sale will run for 4 days only and finishes at 5pm on Tuesday 3rd Janaury.
All sale products will be half price and can be found in their upstairs studio.
Their online Winter sale also starts today. The products in both sales are completely different to enable their staff to better manage the stock, so a visit to both the shop and the website is highly recommended...
...don't miss out on a bargain buy!

This weeks winner will win a co-ordinated embellishment bundle:
Artemio Ribbons Boy, Artemio Blue Ric Rac ribbon pack, Artemio light blue tassels, pack of blue buttons, Artemio blue flowers, box of wooden embellishments, a selection pack of extra large brads and a jar of blue Beadazzles.
All these goodies have a total value of almost £23 :D

Here is the final sketch of 2011...

... and the Christmas card I made for our gorgeous Paula ....

... I used the Mo Manning image "Snow Day" ...

... and again in B&W on the inside ...

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Leftovers

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Fluffy Stuff, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Woodware Scalloped Border Punch

Home Is A Starting Place Of Love & Dreams .... PTW Challenge

2011-12-30T17:04:00.000Z

I've had the past couple of days relaxing, making cards, peace and quiet :D ... before Mum returns again tomorrow! We didn't want her to be on her own seeing the New Year in alone ... so DH and I are back on the airbed tomorrow night ... sadly, I get so excited about this can't believe how comfy it is!!!

This card has been made for my youngest DD, who will be leaving home January 14th, next year ... I'm on countdown and have been since last week :)! Whilst I love her dearly, I can't wait for her to move out with all her faults and the puppy, and I'm really hoping that becoming totally independent will be the making of her and turn her into a nice young lady!

This week sees the last Papertake Weekly Challenge of 2011, which is a fantastic sketch ...

I used "Home Tweet Home" by Mo Manning

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Dwelling ~ Everyday Mom Ideas

Sentiment ~ No Place Like Home Kit ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Carla Craft Corner Punch, Woodware Scalloped Border Punch,

Just Like The Butterfly, You Too Will Awaken In Your Own Time ..... Sunday Sketch & Stamp Challenge #86

2011-12-29T16:13:00.000Z

I hope you all had the most fantastic Christmas :) Our's wasn't as bad as we expected it too be. Yes, there were when certain pressie were opened, when we turned and expected Dad to be sat in the chair, when we remember their was someone special missing :( But there just had to be ing too ... mainly at my expense!

We let off a shaped for Dad, Christmas morning, that had us all in a panic and fits of laughter, when we thought it was going to get stuck on DD's TV aerial on the roof :) ... we also decided that we'd let off 2 Chinese lanterns in the evening ... Rylee likes to send his Great-Grandad a light so he can see ... , we lit it and sent it up .... it hit next doors wall and ended up stuck in a bush burning merrily away ... the neighbour had left for Tokyo for a month that morning, which was pretty fortunate as I was trying desperately to climb her 3 foot wall .... Koree (1 year old grandbaby) found it hysterical, although we're not sure if it was cos everyone else was at me! I did manage to save the burning bush and extinguish the lantern. The other lantern went up without a hitch and floated off to Dad

Claire is hosting the last challenge of 2011 at Sunday Sketch & Stamp with this fabulous sketch ....

I had the unfortunate job of making a sympathy card, worse still it was for a stillborn ....

I used the Stitchy Bear image "In His Hands" which I thought fitted the bill perfectly ...

.... and a close up of the coloured image ....

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ RAK from Terry x

Sentiment ~ Create With TLC

Pearls & Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Marianne Design Butterfly Dies, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Woodware Leaf Punch, Sewing Machine

For Our Two Special Ladies ..... Trish & Nanna (Renate)

2011-12-22T18:57:00.000Z

.... those ladies have been a Godsend to us since they moved next door to my parents. They have been with us through all the bad times, they've with us, :)) with us and just >:D< hugged us when we needed a hug. Not only did they help us when Dad was :-& ... Trish gave Dad some Reiki and myself whilst I was sat outside in the October sunshine having a moment .... but since Dad died, they've been absolute s, helping us by looking out for Mum and putting her cream on every morning and evening to save one of us having to go back to do it.

We wanted them to know how special they are to us and how much we appreciate what they do and have done. That we don't take their kindness for granted!

So I put together this little gift basket ....

I cased the idea of the Vintage Cider and Spice Mix from Mina

Our ladies were thrilled with it all and after the we all shed came the beautiful :D.

you both lots like Jelly Tots xxx

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ...... Sketch Saturday Challenge #186

2011-12-17T09:05:00.000Z

Morning, it looks flippin' outside. We don't have any of the white stuff yet, although we did have lumpy rain yesterday, but nothing much else ... Thank God!

Yesterday I had the chance of a little me time and went to the hairdressers for pampering ... nice hot ~o) but no , the lady that makes it hadn't brought any :(! I mean how rude is that :-o? Anyone would think that she was busy or something!!!

Today we're taking Mum out with the outlaws, DD, her fella and the grandbabies :) .... shopping for wallpaper and paint, which is what DD asked for as her Christmas pressie :| ... each to their own, but i'd rather buy them something they wanted than a gift they don't really want and i like practical.

This weeks challenge will last for 2 weeks because there is no challenge set for Christmas Eve (24th), but there WILL be a challenge on 31st December :D. So you have until 11:59pm 30th December to submit your entries for this challenge. You can enter a maximum of 3 times if you wish. But they must be NEW entries only please.

Our generous sponsor this week is Crafter's Companion

"Sara Davies (nee Johnson) graduated from the University of York Management School with first class honours. As part of her degree she undertook a year in industry working for a mail-order company operating in the Arts and Crafts Sector. After undertaking product development research, by the time she returned to complete her final year of study in October 2005, she had a number of products in the final stages of development, and felt the impetus to push forward instead of awaiting her graduation (as had previously been her intention). So, in September 2005 Crafter’s Companion was formed. Crafter's Companion now has an office in the North-East of England, as well as in Florida, USA, from where the American side of the business is conducted.

Since the launch of the Enveloper, which Sara designed and developed with the help of her father, the company has gone from strength to stength. Numerous awards have been won by Sara individually, and by the company as a whole, both in the crafting industry and the business world in general. Innovative products such as the Ultimate Pro and the Rock-a-Blocks have changed the world of crafting and encouraged greater nmbers of people into papercrafting. The company aims to make papercrafting a fun and simple process, and so all products are made with this in mind. For example the extensive range of CD ROMs, which have spear-headed the rise in digital crafting, are made to a 'point-and-click' specification, meaning that even those who are computer illiterate are able to use them.

Crafter's Companion has been working with stamping expert Jayne Nestorenko since early 2008 to develop and manufacture the gorgeous Cute Companions range. Since March 2009, the company has taken on a number of well-known licensed characters, for example Popcorn the Bear and the Flower Fairies, and was even approached by the licensing company to take on the Beatrix Potter brand. Using the original artwork from these licenses, the company has created numerous crafting CD ROMs and rubber stamps, which have proven exceedingly popular with crafters everywhere"

Last UK order dates for pre-christmas delivery

Standard delivery - 19th December

Next Day delivery - MIDDAY 22nd December

Christmas Gift Shop

If you are searching for that perfect present for a crafty friend or relative then look no further than their Christmas Shop. There's a wide selection of gifts and crafting kits to suit all tastes and budgets. Each comes with a bonus gift absolutely FREE, plus double loyalty points with each item.

Stocking Fillers

There's a Stocking Fillers category on their web site, filled with hand-picked selections of their best-selling products. These crafty gifts will please crafter's young and old, and with a wide range of crafting abilities. Better yet, everything is under £30!

FREE UK delivery on orders over £50

Our lucky challenge winner will receive a £15 voucher to spend from their fab website! Woohooo!

Here's this weeks sketch...

.... and what I did with it. I flipped the sketch ....

... using my, had for ages but never used, "Sugar Nellie Sybil" digital image ...

.... and again on the inside with a cute verse ...

To make this card I used:

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Winter Wonderland ~ Jen Allyson

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Ribbon & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Diamond Stickles, Nesties, Cuttlebug

Large-Hearted, Sympathetic, Gentle, Gracious, Thoughtful, Mild, Compassionate, Considerate, Kind ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #185

2011-12-10T08:23:00.001Z

I'm so excited \:D/ its unreal .... I actually I-) all through the night for the first time since, well, before Dad died ... Ok so it was medication induced sleep, but a whole night of it all the same!!!! We took delivery of Dad's new home today too ... flippin heck I didn't expect it to be that big /:) ... we found it on EBay and its called "Open Book"

We had some brill news as well this week about our gorgeous friend Paula, but i can't share that with you just yet :| ... talking of Paula the card below is one that I made especially for her, to thank her for everything she did for us, which was above and beyond what was expected of her and we :x her lots.

This weeks challenge is sponsored by our friends at Simon Says Stamp!

"With over 100,000 items in stock, Simon is proud to offer the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards, Altered Art, and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world!"

To see all the latest products instore please click HERE

Their exclusive Simon Says Stamp range are HERE

Not forgetting their Magnolia range HERE

All things Tim Holtz including newly released products can be found HERE

They have yummy Copics HERE

and right now, SSS have a fab range of Hero Arts Holiday/Christmas goodies
perfect for those last minute cards you may need to make.

Did you know that you can buy e-gift cards too?

any amount from $5.00 - $100.00 is available, ideal to send to a crafty friend if you're unsure of what to buy them for Christmas.

A very generous $25 gift certificate will be awarded to our lucky challenge winner this week to spend on goodies in the SSS store!

HUGE thanks to everyone at Simon Says Stamp for your continued support and sponsorship of our challenge blog throughout 2011, we are delighted that this will continue throughout 2012 too! :)

Here is this weeks sketch...

.... and my card ...

... close up of Mo's Digital Pencil image "Make A Wish"

... I used her again on the inside in B&W with a beautiful verse ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ RAK from Terry ... thanks honey xxx

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Lace, Pearls & Staples ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Diamond Stickles

Away In A Manager .... Sketch Saturday Karita's Challenge #184

2011-12-03T08:04:00.011Z

Saturday morning again and flippin' December 3rd already, I still have cards to make and presents to buy #-o ... however, I've made a start and braved the masses yesterday with Mum and DN (darling niece) ... starting with a new pair of leggings for myself :D ... would be rude not too treat myself after the month I've had :(

Primark was manic 8-}, I only wanted a pair of pyjamas for DH's nephew ... seems that all kids are wearing age 6-7 pyjama's this year ... along with all the adult size 7 wellies in Aldi ... I think we got the last pairs of both ... it was funny though and we did nearly end up =)) trying to find the other "attached to very stretchy piece of extra long elastic" size 7 welly. I was concious as i pulled and tugged, huffed and puffed and struggled pulling it out that i might gain a serious injury b-( if it came out all of a sudden! DH came to the rescue though, with a member of staff armed with a pair of scissors ... injury averted this time! It did mean that when we got back to Mum's I had to have a mince pie to celebrate ;)

Karita is doing her first Dt week, and wants us to wish her luck :) ... not that she needs it!

Firstly, this week's sponsor is ...

Love to Stamp is home to the Little Darlings rubber stamp line. You can also find paper, tools, sentiment stamps and embellishments.

Love to Stamp is offering one lucky winner a $15 merchandise gift voucher.

And here is this weeks sketch, made by Karita :)

... and this is the card I made using Mo Manning's new image "In The Manager" for my Mum. I didn't want anything that depicted a couple, so I thought I would focus all the attention on the Grandbabies ...

... and close up ...

... and again on the inside in B&W with a lovely verse ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Old Fashioned Christmas

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pom-pom stuff & Pearl ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor

Thank Heaven For Little Girls ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #183

2011-11-26T10:09:00.000Z

Just 4 weeks to Christmas ... I'm really not organised, prepared or even looking forward to it :| , suppose I'll have to show willing though for the grandbabies :). Rylee wants everything in the Argos catalogue, the typical 4 year old /:) and we have got Koree one of those "Bounce & Spin Zebra's" ... its up in the bedroom staring at me everyday, tempting me to have a go on it ... I can hear it calling me ... I think my legs are too long though to get the full effect of it :D

Mum has become addicted to Tipples since Dad died ... suppose its better than the Diazapam the GP prescribed for a "just in case" ... she has a box and a half in a week ... :-/ I don't know what we're gonna do when Aldi sells out of them ... I do however, have a stash of 4 boxes here for her that she doesn't know about ;)! Maybe I should use them to wean her off 8-| ...

This week, our challenge is being sponsored by our friends at

The Craft Barn

Some of the leading companies that we stock include Stamping Bella, Ranger, Tim Holtz, Crafty Individuals, Martha Stewart, Katzelkraft stamps, Nestabilities, Craftwork Cards, Copic Pens, House Mouse, Viva Décor, Eco Green crafts and Cosmic Shimmer to name but a few.

We are constantly adding new products to our range of craft supplies so be sure to add us to your browser favourites so you can pop back and see us."

The Craft Barn offer a wide range of goodies for all crafters from all things 'Cuttlebug'to grunge paper, from cottage cutz dies to cosmic shimmers, then there's your essentials like cardstock and papers and adhesives.

Not forgetting their HUGE stock of clear and rubber stamps to tantalise you!
There really is something for everyone :)

For all the latest products that have been added to the site PLEASE CLICK HERE,

FREE POSTAGE ON ALL UK ORDERS UNTIL

MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 18DECEMBER

For EU customers free postage applies to orders over £25 and

for all other destinations it's free postage on orders over £40

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN OFFER WEEK 8

50% OFF HOUSE MOUSE & SNOOPY STAMPS

This awesome offer is available NOW!

This weeks winner will win a collection of sparkly goodies!

Lovely new Frantage products from Stampendous – shabby pink embossing powder, shaved ice glittery bits, silver crushed glass glitter and bronzed mica flakes, all with a total value of over £20.00

<:-P
As always, our thanks go to The Craft Barn xx

Here's this weeks sketch...

... and my card ...

I used Mo Manning's fab image "Penelope's Party Wagon"

.... and once again on the inside in B&W ....

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ RAK from Terry x

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Butterfly & Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Diamond Stickles, Sakura Glaze Pens

Daddy's Little Girl ....

2011-11-21T17:26:00.001Z

Tomorrow I've been married to my DH for 25 years :-O! We have a family meal arranged, but it just wont be the same, someone will be missing :( ... hopefully though he will have collected his O:) wings and will be with us in spirit.

The card below was made for the Sketch Saturday Challenge #181, that's last weeks challenge!

After asking the fab Mo Manning to draw me a "Father and Daughter" image. I made this card for my Dad and gave it to him at dinner time when I took Mum her meal on 26th October just 4 days before his condition worsened :( . He looked at it and :) , closed his eyes and squeezed my hand tightly and held it for quite a few minutes. Now, you might not think this is significant but it is ... Dad was NOT tactile at all, I don't ever remember him telling me he loved me (I know he did/does, but he would never say it) and the last time he held my hand was when I was a small child! So this memory means the world to me! 8->

Dad took the card with him when he went!

... a close up of the image ....

and used on the inside in B&W

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shery K Designs 2011 ~ Free Paper Pack 2

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers & Leaves ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Cuttlebug, Nesties

Two People, One Life ....

2011-11-20T16:45:00.000Z

So, as promised yesterday here is the first of my late cards! :-< ... that's pretty much how i feel today!

Our gorgeous friend Paula has returned home today after supporting us for the past 2 weeks. She started off with keeping us fed and watered during our beside vigils ... making oodles of hot ~o). Then she progressed to helping out with the vigil and entertaining the troops! Most of the time having us =)) inappropriately, but it helped us get through the night. The list of what she did to help not only, Andy and I, but my Mum, sister, niece, daughters, great-niece and the grandbabies ... not to mention Dad ... is far too long to type but this woman has most definitely a :x of gold! She has kept me sane when all i felt was @-). When i felt like ~X( she sorted me out. She has the knack of turning the :( to :)). I don't know what I shall do in the morning when i wake up ... who can I text saying "i'm awake" to bring me a ~o) ? Anyway, we shall miss her lots, but look forward to seeing her again very soon :-*

I made this card for Paula to give to one of her friends. This card was made using Sketch Saturday sketch #180

I used a Mo Manning Digital Stamp called Married

and used it again on the inside of the card in B&W

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham & Summer Driggs Giving

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers, Pearls & other bits and bobs ~ Stash

Tools ~ Marianne Design Butterfly Die, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Diamond Stickles

Let The Little Children Come To Me .... Sketch Saturday Challenge #182

2011-11-19T09:23:00.000Z

I blinked ;;) and it was Saturday again ... where has the past couple of weeks gone? I know I've been busy firstly doing =(( bedside vigils for a week with Dad and then helping Mum sort the funeral, make 100 funeral programmes and the million :)] calls that have to be made, sorting finances and informing different people/places/departments. It's been that hectic and I've been so (:| tired that I've not had time to post the last 2 weeks cards for the SS challenges on this blog .. but I promise over the next few day I will try too.

On to this weeks challenge at Sketch Saturday and another fabulous sketch created by our JO!

This week we are sponsored once again by the very lovely Nikki from

Bunny Zoe's Crafts

Here are the latest arrivals available right now at Bunny Zoe's Crafts

*NEW November Release - Whimsy Stamps

*NEW House-Mouse Mice & Crafty Rubber Stamps
*NEW Belles 'n Whistles Christmas 2011 stamps & more!
*NEW Kaisercraft Paper Pads - Madame Boutique & Cockadoodledoo!
*NEW Resin Flowers
*NEW cards only Magazine Issue 22 Nov/Dec
*NEW Gorjuss Stamps
*NEW Whiff of Joy November Release
*NEW Bildmalarna Mimosa Stamps
*NEW C.C. Designs November Release plus restocks!
*NEW MME Paper Pads - Everyday Fun, Happy Days & Love Me
*NEW Echo Park Paper Pad - Times & Seasons
*NEW Authentique Paper Pad - Bundle: Gathering
*NEW Basic Grey - Little Black Dress & Picadilly
*NEW Marianne D Creatables & Craftables Dies
*NEW Marianne Doe! Magazine - Winter 2011
*NEW November The Greeting Farm
*NEW 4 sweet Pickle Penguin Designs from Wild Rose Studio
*NEW Kraftin' Kimmie October Release
*NEW - S.W.A.L.K. Winter Cheer Collection

And remember... Bunny Zoe's Crafts ship worldwide, and if you live in mainland UK or Northern Ireland and your order is more than £40.00, you get FREE shipping :)

This weeks challenge winner will win a generous £10.00 shopping spree at Bunny Zoe's Crafts :)

Thanks go to Nikki for her kind sponsorship & generous prize :)

... the sketch ...

... and my card ....

... made for my gorgeous grandson's Christening (2 weeks late) using the beautiful Mo Manning digital stamp "Hanging The Star" with the star removed and replaced with a clipart dove

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shabby Princess ~ Festival

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC ~ Christening Collection

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sewing Machine.

Gone But Never Forgotten ....

2011-11-09T11:52:00.001Z

After a very brave fight and a week of bedside vigil's Dad passed away on Sunday 6th November at 1:43pm. We had just got back from having my 2 darling grandbabies Christened and had only been in the house for around 10 minutes when he started to fade away. We were all with him when he died and stayed with him until he was collected. Since Monday 31st October my husband, niece and sister have been doing shifts through the day and night sitting with him. There has been lots of laughs (some inappropriate) and as many if not more tears.

His funeral takes place next Wednesday, so I wont be around much, although I shall be popping on every now and again.

I want to thank Jo and The Saturday's for their kind words, prayers and understanding ... I love you guys! And most importantly my DH, Paula and Suzie for their love and support and for taking time to do their bit and more! xxxx

Merry Christmas ...... Sketch Saturday Challenge #179

2011-10-29T08:05:00.002+01:00

Good morning boys and girls :) another week's gone by at lightening speed. A mixture of ups and downs with Dad. He alternated good days with bad days. Happy days with sad days. Chatty days with very quiet days. But the best day this week was the one where a lovely memory was made :D :-<

Our challenge is being sponsored this week by ...

The Craft Barn

We are constantly adding new products to our range of craft supplies so be sure to add us to your browser favourites so you can pop back and see us."

Not forgetting their HUGE stock of clear and rubber stamps to tantalise you!

There really is something for everyone :)

For all the latest products that have been added to the site PLEASE CLICK HERE,

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
next Saturday, 5th November
The Crafts Barn are hosting another fabulous craft day
CHRISTMAS GIFT MINIFEST
FREE demos all day with
Françoise Read, Andy Skinner,
Michelle Johnson, Chris Dark, Di Oliver,
Neil Walker and Kathy Byrne

Personalised gifts are really appreciated and a cost effective way to show someone you care.
The Craft Barn will show you how to make gifts for men and women that you will be proud of.

And right now you can get a FAB deal on some fantastic products if you take advantage of week 3 of their Countdown to Christmas specials

it's Goody Box week!

These goody boxes are great value with real products that have all been for sale in their shop or on their website.

The RRP of the contents for each box is over £50 but you pay only £15!

Go to the website now, or visit in store to get yours :)
This weeks challenge..

This weeks lucky winner will receive a pack of 6 Flexmarkers worth over £15!

... this weeks sketch ...

... and this weeks creation ...

I used Teddy Bo_122 for my card ...

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Giving

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Ribbon, Pearls & Jingle Bells ~ Stash

Tools ~ Papermania Adhesive Border, Sakura Glaze & Stardust Pens, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Diamond Stickles

The Lord Will Guide You Always ... Card Pattern #138 & DP2 Challenge #106

2011-10-27T11:46:00.000+01:00

I really don't want to jinx things by saying this week ain't been too bad up to now! :) ... We've had a GP, District Nurse and a St Giles Nurse visit already and its only Wednesday! We've got a cupboard full of "just in case" drugs awaiting the need for a syringe driver :| ... the good news is ... Dad isn't sick enough to be even considered for one of those yet :D

I've got a much needed day off today. DS is at the oldies this morning cleaning and DN (niece) is off down there to play dominoes :-B I've already been to the opticians for a sight test and also took DGN (darling great niece) for her's too. We also did a spot of retail therapy and managed to bag a right bargain and a whole outfit for her to wear at the grandbabies Christening \:D/ ... which cost under £15 and consisted of a Wallis jumpsuit and all the accessories ... OK so it didn't include shoes and handbag, but it did include ... bracelet, belt, ring and headband thingy ... and i pushed the boat out and treated myself to some knickers from good old Primark! :">

Moving swiftly on to the fab sketch produced by Card Pattern's and sponsored by Catherine Pooler I made a card for Rylee for his Christening.

The Challenge over at DP2 is ... "Any Holiday or Celebration"

I used John drawn by the fantastic Mo Manning at Digital Pencil Too

and again on the inside of the card in just it raw form ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shabby Princess ~ Plentiful

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC ~ Christening

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Nesties, Cuttlebug

It's Better To Have Burnt And Lost ..... Sketch Saturday Challenge #178 & DP2 Challenge #105

2011-10-22T10:21:00.001+01:00

Here we are again another Saturday morning, they come round so fast, even though my weeks feel like a fortnight long :| I'm having a relaxing morning in bed, soggy branflake's and a nice hot ~o).

Last week was fun /:) ... not! Dad had episodes of nausea and :-&, so there was a lot of :-& bowl holding and rubbing of backs ... and that was just for me :D It seems to have passed now and he does appear to be getting stronger, he's been able to get out of bed himself towards the end of this week, without help :)

We also had trauma with 2 of DH's brother's this week ... brother no.2's 3 week old baby son was rushed to hospital last Sunday and then transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital with breathing difficulties :( ... it transpires that his nostrils weren't big enough and he ended up having his nose drilled :-s ... oh it makes your bum tremble just thinking about it! We still have a :-ss time ahead of us waiting for a brain scan and scans on other parts of his body until he gets the all clear. Fingers crossed ..... On the same day as baby's operation, brother no.1 drove into the back of a car that was travelling in front of him and suddenly braked! #:-s Fortunately, no-one was hurt, only the car's radiator!

On to this weeks fabulous challenge, sponsored by one of my absolute favourite artists ..... the amazing Mo Manning =D>

If you haven't visited Mo's store before... why not? ... You most definitely should, there really is something for everyone, young or old, and there's some that will make you :)) too. If you haven't visited the store before, you really don't know what you're missing!

For those of you who are familiar with Mo's fabulous images you will know exactly what i'm talking about! ;) .... I'm more than familiar, I sit =P~ over her artwork!

This weeks challenge is special, because we won't be having a challenge winner..... we'll have THREE!! Oh YES! :)

THREE of you will be chosen via Random.org to each receive a $5.00 credit for Mo's store. Thank you so much Mo! xx

Over at Mo's DP2 Challenge blog the challenge is ...
"Favorite Mo image PLUS a sentiment"
So i'm gonna be entering my card into that too!

Here's this weeks sketch...

and my card ....

... as Mo was sponsoring I thought it would be rude not to use one of her fab images ...

... Big Guy Grilling just had to come out and play again ...

To make this card I used :~

CS~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Father's & Fedora's

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC ~ BBQ

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sewing Machine, Nesties, Cuttlebug

The Thrill of The Grill .... Sketch Saturday Challenge #177

2011-10-16T11:45:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I'm a little late this week with my post and my card ... but I've had the week from hell >:) ... This post is for my eldest sister who rather than ring Mum for information about Dad is choosing to use either Facebook or my blog ... but then she always has been a selfish

Dad had been closely monitored by the GP last week with his chest infection and of course his impending last chemo session ... we were having visits every couple of days from him to check Dad's status. On Wednesday morning Mum said that Dad felt :-& and was having trouble getting his breath, so i advised she :)] the GP. He came out and said he was admitting him to hospital based on how he was that day and also his blood results from Tuesday. He was admitted to hospital with Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) and Sepsis :-S ... he was given Gelofusine to raise his blood pressure and counteract the shock and then saline and 2 units of blood. They got him sorted with cocktails of painkillers, anti-biotics and vitamin supplements and allowed him home with a fab care package on Friday evening :D

So, this morning has been a productive one for me ... Sunday lunch is cooking, roast chicken just out of the slow cooker, roasters and stuffing balls in the oven, along with a weetabix cake and a rice pudding (made especially for Dad using full fat milk and glucose). I have 2 apple and butterscotch cakes cooling on the side \:D/ ... i've been a busy bee but i'm a happy bunny! I've even managed to finish the card below that's been sat on my table for the past week!

This week we are sponsored by a new (for us) sponsor..."Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More

Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More, a division of I Did It Creations, was created and is owned by Robyn Weinrib. Robyn offers a wonderful variety of digital stamps and digital papers, designed to meet the needs of all digital paper crafting addicts for every occasion."

Now is the perfect time to shop in their store, to honour breast cancer awareness month you can get a massive 35% off! :)

Not only do they sell a vast range of digital stamps, but also a large selection of digital papers too.
And if you are looking right now for images for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, then there is bound to be something perfect for you in their 'Holidays' or 'Seasons' sections.

Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More is happy to award the winner a choice of EITHER 5 digital stamps OR 4 digital stamps and 1 paper pack.
What a FABULOUS prize! :)

So to be in with a chance of winning, please make a card using this sketch...

... this is what i did ...

I used my fab new digi stamp "Big Guy Grilling" from Mo's Digital Pencil Too

and on the inside too ....

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Flip Flopsicle

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC ~ BBQ

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Whisper Markers

Must Be Santa ... Sketch Saturday Challenge #176

2011-10-08T08:05:00.001+01:00

The past couple of days i've been feeling really rough :( ... We'd been advised to all have flu jabs with Dad having Chemo and us being part of his caring team. Not sure it was such a good idea *-:) So, Thursday we went en masse to the Drs Surgery (DH, both DD's, Niece and myself ... Mum and Sis had been done earlier in the week with being diabetic) ... by the time I was driving out of the car park my throat felt like it has been stroked with sand paper and my head was pounding @-) then came the arm ... OMG I couldn't even bear to touch it, let alone sleep on that side in bed without wanting to cry! And to top it all off we had an SOS :)] phone call from Mum at 1:37am on Friday to say Dad had fallen over and was wedged between the wall and the bed!!! After a nail biting :-SS drive down there, we managed to lift him up and pop him back into bed and check him over for injuries ... none #:-S

Yesterday we had the GP out to visit cos his chest infection had not really improved any and he was still quite :-&. He has given him a stronger course of anti-biotics and told to stay in bed as much as possible. We contacted the lovely District Nurses who sorted out some aids and appliances for us for during the night.

The last Chemo session is due on Thursday 13th but it looks unlikely to be able to go ahead at the minute :|

Onto this weeks challenge is sponsored by the fab, Simon Says Stamp!

"With over 100,000 items in stock, Simon is proud to offer the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards, Altered Art, and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world!"

To see all the latest products instore please click HERE

Their exclusive Simon Says Stamp range are HERE

Not forgetting their HUGE Magnolia range HERE

All things Tim Holtz including newly released products can be found HERE
They have yummy Copics HERE
and right now, SSS have a fab range of autumnal and Halloween themed stash - you'll be spoilt for choice!

Did you know that you can buy e-gift cards too?

any amount from $5.00 - $100.00 is available, ideal to send to a crafty friend if you're unsure of what to buy them eh?

A very generous $25 gift certificate will be awarded to our lucky winner this week to spend on goodies in the SSS store!

Thank you to everyone at SSS xx

Here is this weeks sketch, hope you like it...

... my card ...

... a close up of the image Stargazer by Sara Burrier available HERE

... using again on the inside in B&W ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs Winter Gifts

Pearl, Gems & Snowflake ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sewing Machine

Cocoa and Snow = Happy Glow ..... DP2 Challenge #102 & Card Patterns Sketch #135

2011-10-03T15:49:00.001+01:00

Managed to get the card below made yesterday in between making Sunday lunch, delivering "Meals on Wheels" and another night of favourite TV viewing! :D

Right now I have a Banana & Toffee Loaf in the oven and another 2 ready to go in =P~ ... The toffee has been stolen from the oldies house this morning ;) I made it for Dad for Father's Day and he's not really fancied eating it since his diagnosis ... he's not really fancied eating anything to be fair. So I thought I may as well use it up and throw it in with the manky banana's that are festering away in the fruit bowl :-&! We've (Mum, Sister, Niece and me) sat till 2:00pm waiting for the GP to come out to see him. He has a nasty chest infection on his right side :( .... the side that isn't affected by the lung cancer! Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing at the minute :-S He's really not very well at all, although we did manage to have a giggle when he took his huge anti-biotic pill and I told him "he was a really good boy" Once again he looks so frail, helpless and tiny lying in bed it breaks your heart =(( to see him like that.

BTW, the Banana Creme Caramels where a disaster, far too sweet for one and never really set properly for another ...

This weeks DP2 Challenge is "Furry Friends" ... this is my second entry for this weeks challenge.

Card Patterns have a fab sketch below ...

and are sponsored by ....

Paper Makeup Stamps is a little company started by professional make-up artist Katie Cotton. An endeavor to bring her love of beauty, paper and card making together resulted in a company that prides itself on offering un-mounted deeply etched red rubber stamps and accessories!

Paper Makeup Stamps offers various styles of stamps from numerous artists to suit your taste. They also offer a wide array of unique quotes and sentiments in various sizes. Not a rubber girl? Almost all of their images can be purchased in digital format. And just like any great beauty bag, Paper Makeup Stamps carries lots of essentials and accessories to simplify and beautify your card-making! So browse around and do a one stop shop!

one lucky random winner this week will receive:

$20 Gift Certificate

a close up of the image ...

... and again in B&W on the inside ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Winter Wonderland

Image ~ Mo's Digital Pencil ~ Dormouse

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Jingle Bells, Pearls, Ribbon & Wire ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Sizzix Snowflake Border Die, Cuttlebug, Diamond Stickles, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Glitter Snow

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas ... PTW Sketch & DP2 Challenge #102

2011-10-02T09:00:00.002+01:00

:-o I slept until 10:02am yesterday morning!!!! Not quite sure what or how that happened cos normally i'm an incredibly early riser ... however, I must of needed it and I do feel better for it.

Upon my awake I :)] Mum to see how Dad was feeling. Apparently, he fell over in the night on the way to the bathroom :( ... he was OK, 8-| just couldn't get up and had managed to wedge himself between the wardrobe and chest of drawers ... not a pretty sight ... he was :)) about it though, so it must be all good!

I did think that I'd be able to do loads of things with not having to visit the oldies but it never works that way does it? :| I plugged the vacuum in upstairs to make a start on the chores and ... :-< ... it died! DH did a mad dash down to Argos and purchases a new one ... its one of the cylinder ones ...#:-S ... flippin' heck I knew I was using that ... it nearly sucked the floorboards through the carpet. The suction was that good I could hardly push it!

I sort of multi-tasked for the rest of the day, doing a bit of baking and made a card ... I had a go at this new recipe using manky old black banana's ... Banana Creme Caramels ... will show the photos of them tomorrow. I whipped up a batch of meringues too with the egg whites I had left over :D ... oh happy days!

So onto this weeks PTW challenge and as it is the last challenge of the month (September) there's a sketch …

As always, please feel free to resize, flip and rotate the elements - as long as you can still see the sketch, it’s completely fine.

And as it’s the last challenge of the month, PTW are sponsored by

Simon Says Stamp

In business since 2002, Simon Says Stamp is striving to offer you the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Altered Art, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards, and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world. We stock over 100,000 items in our warehouses so that we can offer you quick service and one stop shopping at a great price! We are located in Ohio, the heart of it all. Our team works hard to give you a fulfilled shopping experience and is always open to your ideas and suggestions! Happy customers are the heart of our business. We work hard to find and deliver to you the latest in stamping and paper crafting supplies! Attending classes, workshops, and sales meetings around the world, our goal is to keep our product offerings fresh and current. Make us your one stop easy shop - and we'll deliver right to your door!

There is a $20 voucher up for grabs for you to spend in Heidi’s shop – woohoooo :)

Also at this weeks DP2 the challenge has been set by Iulia, and she's chosen Furry Friends! as the challenge theme...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ A Freebie from a couple of years back ... no idea of name or designer sorry!

Image ~ Mo Manning ~ 2010 Baby Bella & Bronte

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sewing Machine, Cuttlebug, Nesties, Diamond Stickles

Bringing Joy To Large & Small .... Sketch Saturday Paula's Challenge #175

2011-10-01T08:05:00.005+01:00

I shall update you on my week whilst I lie here with my hot ~o) and nice bread cut into doorsteps, toasted and dripping with pretend butter =P~ ... had to make a trip to Tesco last night especially for it!

In the grand scheme of things we've had a good week :) with Dad. Tuesday we spent a good hour doing a jigsaw puzzle with him whilst Mum and Carrie (Niece) went grocery shopping. I did however end up with a headache that afternoon :-< ... too much concentration I think or perhaps it was the bright red steam train that did it! Wednesday, was more my bag \:D/ ... a morning spent pushing Dad in his wheelchair around all the charity shops in the town centre .... we took Koree (No. 2 Grandbaby) with us cos Fae was having her Ofsted inspection to become a Child-minder ... which she passed =D> Taking Koree meant Dad had someone on his level to talk to ... in both senses of the words :P. He ... that would be Dad, although Koree's eyes lit up when he saw all the goodies on show through the window ... suggested we go into Birds and buy cream cakes and cobs/rolls/baps *delete as applicable* ... however he only ate a quarter of his cream bun, but it was better than nothing ... i felt it rude not to help him with it, so i ate some too ... :> Thursday we sort of had a day off ... well, a day off from the oldies ... who were replaced with Carrie. She had an important appointment in Derby and needed some moral support ... so DH and I went with her ... and because it went soooo well we decided that a spot of retail therapy was in order on the way home ;)... any excuse ... and to say thank you Carrie arrived Thursday evening with a box of Australian Crunchie she'd made ... it was gorgeous with a steaming hot ~o) but I ate too much and ended up feeling :-&! Yesterday, again was a day off from the oldies ... Carrie took her turn to babysit Dad whilst Mum went out and we stayed home and melted in the heat :| I fully intended on doing so much, but it was just too hot to even move very far .... I managed Aldi in the car for eggs so that I could try out a new dessert recipe for Dad ... ok, so perhaps it's for me, but Dad's a pretty good excuse to use to make fattening goodies knowing full well that he probably wont eat it ;;) ... I can't bear to waste food!

Because its the first of the month, this weeks challenge is hosted by our Paula, who has created a fantabulous sketch for us all to play along with and arranged an equally fantabulous sponsor!!!

Tickled Pink Stamps is an Australian based online company that stocks a range of popular and well sought after stamps from many companies all over the world and is always so excited to be supplying you with everything cute, quirky and PINK... They now have their very own Lil Lolita and Lil Lads along with the cute Lil Pinkette range.

The Lucky winner of this weeks challenge can choose either ONE Rubber Stamp or TWO Digi stamps from the Tickled Pink store...

here is Paula's Sketch...

... and my card ...

I used a Sarah Burrier image called Noon

... and used her again in B&W on the inside ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Old Fashioned Christmas

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Snowflake & Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Border Punch, Sewing Machine, Crystal Stickles, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Carla Crafts Corner Punch

Sketch Saturday DT Call ... Dad Update

2011-09-26T17:00:00.000+01:00

So i'm sitting on the sofa still wrapped in the snuggie blankie, filling my face with a nice ham baton and packet of cheese and onion Walkers Baked crisps when the :)] rang ... it was Mother ... great! I've got to the point now that I dread seeing their number on the :)] display .... Dad felt unwell and had a rash!!! We (DH, Niece and I) broke all land speed records and dashed round there. Mum had already :)]ed the on-call Oncology nurse who had told Mum to get me to call her once I arrived, which I did. She prompted me with questions to ask Dad about how he was feeling and then advised I call the "out of hours" GP. She said she wasn't unduly worried :-S but did feel he should be checked over by a Dr. I called BADGER (Birmingham And District General practitioner Emergency Room) ... didn't know Staffordshire came in that category but there you go, you learn something new ... who asked more questions and told me they would pass the details on to a Dr who would ring me shortly. 10 minutes later and that deed had been done ... a Dr would be with us in the next 4 hours ... no rush then /:)! Anyway to cut a long story short, the Dr came out, checked him over thoroughly and advised we ring the Oncologist this morning. I :)]ed the on-call Oncology nurse back to give her an update and she said she'd contact the Oncologist for me and get her to ring me this morning. And she did ... she told me that she was happy :) that what Dad was experiencing was just another side-effect but should the rash get worse or start to itch we had to take him in.

So today he was up, showered, dressed and on the way downstairs when I arrived ... I was surprised :-O to say the least but very pleased he felt well enough to be up. Ulterior motive for feeling pleased ... had taken 81 nappies with me that needed rolling and fixing with elastic bands ready for the Nappy Cake ... I think he enjoyed himself ...:>

Anyway, the real reason for this post is ... Jo and I are looking for 2 new design team members to join Sketch Saturday! \:D/ Initially only for a 3 month trial, which will hopefully lead to a permanent position.

We can't offer you any freebies, that's not what we're about, although occasionally a sponsor will give us free images which is wonderful and very much appreciated. However, we can offer you friendship, we have a lovely DT ... even if some of us are a little 8-}

What is required:

You MUST have your own personal blog and be prepared to post each week.

You MUST be able to make a card each week, and upload it before midnight on the Friday before the challenge goes live.

You WILL get the sketches well in advance, so you will have plenty of time to create.
You CAN use any craft materials you like to make your DT work (except copyright protected images of course),
The ONLY *rule* is that you stick as close as possible to the sketch, but of course artisitc licence plays a part and is welcomed, you don't have to be 'spot on' but the sketch design needs to be seen within your work.
You MUST post about our challenge on your own blog each week, leaving links to SS and to our sponsors on all posts.
You MUST be prepared to leave comments for challengers, currently 1 challenger in every 10, although you are of course allowed to leave comments for more should you have the time to do so.
You WILL be expected to take a turn hosting a DT week. DT weeks are the first Saturday of each month, the DT member is asked to make their own sketch for the challenge, arrange a sponsor, and arrange the guest designer (GD) too. You will be expected to type up the post for this week. DT week is only for one week, but your GD will be with us for the whole month, so would be expected to make a card for each Saturday in the month you would be DT host. You are responsible for uploading your GD's cards each week before the deadline. You must also type up the winners post the following week after your DT week, and arrange for your winner to receive their prize from your sponsor.

Sketch Saturday is a challenge blog like any other, we have no problem with our DT members being on other challenge blog DTs too. We expect ALL of our DT members to treat SS with the same respect as others.
If you are currently on other DTs then please do apply to join us if you want to be a part of our team too, however, if it is going to be a problem for you to make a card for us if you have deadlines from other DTs to keep to, then please do not apply if this means that SS could be pushed to one side because you need to make your card for another challenge blog instead. This would not not fair to the rest of us. We are equally as important as a challenge blog who gives you freebies to use, and expect all of our members to treat SS with the same respect. If you are able to make a card for other DTs then you are able to make a card for us too. Fair's fair.

If you would like to join Sketch Saturday, please email myself (Jilli) and Jo with THREE of what you consider to be your favourite cards to date. Please provide links to just the 3 blog posts of the cards you would like us to see. No more than 3. DO NOT just give us your blog address, we can look through your blogs anyway, we only want specific posts please.

We want to arrange our new DT members asap, so if you could get your emails to us sometime over the next week, then that would be fab, thank you.

We look forward to receiving your emails! :)

Jilli & Joxx

Swinging By To Say Thanks ....... The Emerald Faerie Garden Challenge #9

2011-09-25T16:34:00.005+01:00

(:| ... I've just woken up from a lovely Sunday afternoon sleepy-byes on the sofa ... i'm still wrapped up in my Snuggie Blankie as I type! I just couldn't keep my eyes open after devouring my lovely roast ~:> Sunday lunch, having first delivered the "Meals on Wheels" to the oldies!

Dad was up and about yesterday and wanted to help Mum and my sister to pull the garden waste brown bin out so they could fill it up with some branches that DD's BF had cut off the tree last weekend. They both told him that this wasn't happening which resulted in him spitting his out! He stomped off and sulked X( indoors for a while before my sister went in and told him he could sweep the patio ... this was after she told him he was lucky she wasn't his parent cos he'd have had his legs smacked :| needless to say we had big :D all round once he got the brush in his hands! ... not sure sweeping the patio wouldn't make me :)

Today he's not a happy bunny and is still in bed after having a really bad night .... he's had some pain again, which we have been told is the chemo attacking the cancer (dunno if that's true). He didn't want his lunch and was pretty I-) but was looking forward to tomorrow when I told him we would be making a nappy cake. I thought whilst I was lay on his bed with him in the morning I'd make use of the time and start rolling the nappies up ready.

This fortnights Emerald Faeries Challenge is "Pearls"

Dad asked me to make this card ready for his last Chemo session on 13th October. He wants to give it to the wonderful staff on the unit who have been so kind and provided us with support and entertainment during our long sessions.

I used the adorable Larkins ...

... and on the inside too ...

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shabby Princess ~ Fall

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls & Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Gold Embroidery Thread, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Sakura Souffle Pen, Carla Craft Corner Punch

We're having a DT call over at Sketch Saturday check out the blog for more details

If You Are What You Eat .... Sketch Saturday #174, Teddy Bo Things With Wings & Third Top Tips

2011-09-24T10:19:00.002+01:00

This is becoming a habit ... sitting in bed typing posts ;;) but here I am again, waiting for breakfast to be brought me by DH ... soggy branflakes and a nice hot ~o).... it doesn't take much to please this girl! And the stupid tickly cough has disappeared, along with the "if I tried hard enough" headache \:D/

Yesterday after the quiet time I had some much deserved "ME" time ... well i thought i deserved it! :D ... an afternoon of pampering at the hairdressers and cake! =P~ ... Yayyyy, my two favourite things ... having my hair fiddled with whilst eating a huge Pollyanna piece of home-made cake ...

Ok, so I leave the salon feeling suitably :-& but jeez I look good! After 3 hours ... not that the process takes that long, but as part of the furniture I get put to the back of the queue ... I left the shop, picked up a pizza and went to babysit Dad so Mum could go to bingo. He'd had a really good day until I subjected him to 2 episodes of Coronation Street :) ... he facetiously asked me if Ena Sharples was still in it :)) ... Obviously, feeling well enough he'd managed to go in his greenhouse and tend to his tomatoes and potter in the garden a little, but at ten to 9 it all got too much for him and he admitted defeat and went to bed.

This fortnight's Teddy Bo Challenge is "Things With Wings" and the Teddy Bo Third Top Tips homework is "colouring with pencil crayons" ... well seeing as that's all I use its not going to be hard for me :)

Enough of the waffle, its Saturday morning and time for another Sketch Saturday challenge \:D/ this week we are sponsored by...

The Craft Barn

"We are a UK based business selling a wide range of craft supplies including stamps, dies and embossing folders, punches, an extensive range of items to alter and decorate and much more for your scrapbooking and card making projects. We are committed to providing the best, most up to date craft products at great prices, coupled with first class service.

Some of the leading companies that we stock include Stamping Bella, Ranger, Tim Holtz, Crafty Individuals, Martha Stewart, Katzelkraft stamps, Nestabilities, Craftwork Cards, Copic Pens, House Mouse, Viva Décor, Eco Green crafts and Cosmic Shimmer to name but a few.

We are constantly adding new products to our range of craft supplies so be sure to add us to your browser favourites so you can pop back and see us."

Not forgetting their HUGE stock of clear and rubber stamps to tantalise you!

For all the latest products that have been added to the site PLEASE CLICK HERE,

including the NEW SPECTRUM NOIR marker pens,
the latest Crafty Individuals products,
Crafts Too embossing folders,
& the new LaBlanche silicone stamps.

and here's a date for your diary...

Christmas Card Minifest at The Craft Barn
Saturday, October 1st 2011

A fabulous FREE demo day with loads of ideas and oodles of inspiration for Christmas cards and much more. Please join Jenny Mayes, Neil Walker, Carol Cockbain, Chris Dark, Helen Meighan, Kathy Byrne & Jane Collman and feel inspired. The demos are very informal and the demonstrators are always happy to answer any questions you have about things you are finding challenging and to explain techniques and equipment.

If you do have the time to go to any of their FREE demo days, then please do. They are very popular events, and very worthwhile, you may pick up some crafting tips and meet up with fellow crafters too
And of course you will be able to see the full range of wonderful products available from The Craft Barn.

This weeks challenge prize is a corker!

Our lucky winner will receive one Impression Obsession cover-a-card stamp (of their own choice)
These are the best etched stamps ever, and you can stamp what it suggests.. a whole card front or background paper. How fab is that?!

Not only will you get a stamp, but you also get a Mega Mount acrylic block to use with it :)
The acrylic block is a 6" x 6" slightly curved acrylic block with a handle designed by Impression Obsession to fit perfectly with the stamps which measure 5.75" x 5.75"
You can of course also use the block with your unmounted and clear stamps too.
I can see this is going to be a must-have tool!

You can see what The Craft Barn's own DT have made with these stamps and acrylic block by reading the recent posts on their blog.

please note that YOU get to choose the stamp you want, you may want the swirl one shown here, but you do have loads to choose from, please take a look.

This prize package is worth just a smidge under £30... told you it was a corker! ;)
Our thanks, as always, goes to The Craft Barn for this very generous prize xx

Here's this weeks sketch...

... and my card ...

... another Teddy Bo image, meet "Olifant Smiles" ... TeddyBoBea_042 ...

I used him again on the inside ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road ~ Swanky Papers

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Marianne Designs Butterfly Die, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Border Punch, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Diamond Stickles, Sewing Machine

Heard You're Feeling Wrung Out .... Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Creature Comforts

2011-09-23T12:13:00.000+01:00

*Listen* ... it's amazingly quiet here ... DH has taken the mutt to the park for playtime and i'm left here all alone making the most of my playtime before the nutter puppy and hubby return. I've finally had chance to finish a card that's been sat on the table since Sunday. I found a brill sketch to follow and now can't for the life of me remember which blog its from :-? LOL!

We've now done 3 sessions of Chemo with only 1 session left :) . It was decided yesterday that the strength of the Chemo should be reduced by 10%, this hopefully will give Dad some quality of life in between now and his next session, rather than him being bed bound for a fortnight. So let's [-o< it works. Yesterday was the longest day ever, or so it seemed. I did 6 hours at the hospital with Dad and by the end of it I was feeling physically :-&. We did however still manage to have a giggle whilst we were there, but once home I had to jump in the shower and put the old jim jams on, I was more than ready to I-) for a week or two.

So onto this weeks PTW Challenge ... you can use any other animal, cute or otherwise as the challenge is ...

Creature Comforts

so any lil critter you want to use is fine.

This challenge is sponsored by ....

And the winner gets to choose 3 digital stamps from Wendy’s store.

... here is my card made for my Dad ...

I've used a Newton Bear colouring page for this card and a fabulous sentiment made for me by Paulette ... thanks x

... then something simple but meaningful on the inside ....

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Country Cuddles

Pearls & Ribbon ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Carla Crafts Corner Punch, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor

Walking in a Winter Wonderland .... ICSketches #131

2011-09-18T08:00:00.002+01:00

I did intend on having a nice relaxing crafting day yesterday ... hmmm ... I should've known what day I would have when the flippin post disappeared to start off. :-w ... my great niece Ebony walks the dog for Eloise when she's at work, but she text me to say that she'd been sick and wouldn't be able to do it ... that's not a problem i thought ... the sun is shining, the sky is blue ... so i donned my wellies and coat, loaded the dog in the car and off we went to the park. We had a good half an hour throwing the ball around and then we went to the river for a swim ... not me, the dog ... its far too cold for a bikini and I really didn't want to scare the wildlife! :D The first problem occurred when the ball sank and poor Mali couldn't retrieve it ... she's not yet learnt to swim underwater ... can dogs even do that?! Anyway ... I was stood :)) at her trying to get this ball, that she could see but was in too deep for her to get, when the heavens opened and it ~~p****d it down~~, rained really hard ... the car was in the car park right the other side of the field ...typical :-? ... Mali decided that she didn't want to get wet ... and off she sped to the car ... with the odd backward glance at me to see how far away I was ... no point rushing we were both soaked! (:|

After a squelchy drive home I had to dry myself off, whilst the dog basked in the attention she got from DH and the hairdryer ... no such treatment for me :-O

So ... anyway, as promised please meet my friend Andrea ...

... hmmm, disturbing eh? Ellie had the above wig delivered yesterday that she purchased from Ebay ... after chasing me round the garden for the package she ripped it open and tried it on immediately, followed shortly by me ... until DH told me that it made me look fat! X( ...took if off pretty sharpish. Then found out he had an ulterior motive ... well, you've seen what that was!

Now you're all suitable traumatised I shall move swiftly on to this weeks ICSketch that is sponsored by DZ Doodles. They are giving away 3 Free Digi Stamps to the winner for this challenge.

ICSketches #131

... and here is my card ...

Teddy Bea _135

... and again on the inside ...

... had to add the verse on a piece of paper cos the blasted printer slipped as the card blank went through and all the typing went double .... OK if you wanted your eyes to go all wonky! 8-}

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Old Fashioned Christmas

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Snowflake & Pearl ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Crystal Stickles, Nesties & Cuttlebug

Did You Ever Stop to Think and Forget to Start Again? .... Sketch Saturday Challenge #173 & Teddy Bo Challenge #17

2011-09-17T10:03:00.000+01:00

I had the most fantastic post all typed up and ready to publish this morning and would you believe I added just one little html code and poooffff ... everything's gone! It was a brilliantly funny update of my week with my nutcase family .... :D ... such a great start to the weekend ... NOT!

Like last week I've still got the stupid tickly cough, am sat in bed again (RE) typing this post and could have a brilliant headache if I tried hard enough ... the only difference this week is I don't have the gorgeous hot, dripping with butter doorstep toast ... instead its soggy bran flakes sprinkled with sweetener ... not even proper sugar :( As far as the headache is concerned after a spot of self diagnosis I'm convinced its connected to the stupid tickly cough. It's one of those headaches that only hurts when you shake your head or cough. I know the obvious answer is don't shake my head or cough ... but I have to have a little shake and cough to make sure it still hurts ... it does :-S The stupid tickly cough seems worse when I'm tired so I figure an afternoon nap should be prescribed! I-)

Nothing significant happened on the Dad front this week ... not that I want anything significant to happen thanks ... just a mere observation! His youngest brother and wife came for an overnight visit on Wednesday, which perked him up no end but equally tired him out. OMG ... can that man talk? ... It's no great surprise he now has sore lips ... they flapped non-stop until they left ... I'm amazed he's not lost his voice! He was still on top form Thursday evening when we went to take his photo for his blue badge application ... now that had me =)) ... Mum was very cross with him because he wasn't smiling "properly" ... he was chuntering during the whole process asking if we knew the right way to smile cos clearly he didn't know how too! Anyway, we got one before tempers flared, however it wasn't "the one" Mum wanted :|

We had to go shopping again yesterday for Dad ... more thermal vests ... he was specific about them needing to cover his bum ... we also picked him up some thermal slippers. All price tags were removed before he was shown the stuff else we'd have been making a impromptu hospital visit ... I had to have a little sit down myself when I saw the price of the slippers ... £14 ... I'm a Primarni and vintage shop girl myself and used to paying £3 for a pair of slippers!!!

I suppose I better get on with the job in hand really and cut the waffle ... I shall save the photo of my new friend Andrea until tomorrow ;) ... you seriously wont want to miss it!

The Teddy Bo Challenge is "Say it with Flowers"

And this weeks Sketch Saturday is sponsored once again by the very lovely Nikki from Bunny Zoe's Crafts

SUMMER SALE NOW ON! Please CLICK HERE

Here are the latest arrivals available right now...

*NEW 6x6" Paper Pads - Echo Park
*NEW 6x6" Paper Pads - Fancy Pants
*NEW Tickled Pink Stamps - Lil Victorian Christmas
*NEW September Whimsy Stamps release
*NEW Card Only No. 21 Sept/Oct
*NEW Cosmo Cricket - Clementine & Dear Mr. Claus
*NEW S.E.I Paper Pad - Silver Valley
*NEW Kaisercraft Paper Pads
*PRE-ORDER your Tim Holtz Tote Bag!!!
*NEW Wild Rose Studio Christmas Stamps
*NEW September C.C. Designs
*NEW Whiff of Joy Princess Collection
*NEW Autumn/Winter Stampavie
*NEW September The Greeting Farm
*NEW Crate Paper 6x6" Paper Pads
*NEW Limited Edition My Minds Eye Paper Pads
*NEW Dies - Marianne D, Nellie’s Multi Frame and cART-Us
*NEW Paper Pads – Marianne Design and cART-Us
*NEW Marianne D Vintage Lace Packs
*NEW Christmas Bildmalarna

And remember... Bunny Zoe's Crafts ship worldwide, and if you live in mainland UK or Northern Ireland and your order is more than £40.00, you get FREE shipping :)

This weeks challenge winner will win a generous £10.00 shopping spree at Bunny Zoe's Crafts :)

Here's this weeks sketch...

... and my card ...

... another Teddy Bo image ... Teddy Bea_033

... inside too ...

To make this card I used:~
CS ~ Stash
DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Licorice and Bubblegum
Sentiment ~ Create with TLC
Flowers & Pearls ~ Stash
Paper Ribbon Border ~ Dunelm
Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Nesties, Diamond Stickles, Cuttlebug, Marianne Designs Butterfly Die, Woodware Leaf Punch,

I Love You More Than My Teddy Bear ..... ICSketches #129 + Bonus Sketch & Teddy Bo Challenge #17

2011-09-11T08:00:00.004+01:00

Can't work out if I feel like crap today or not! I'm sat in bed typing this post (lazy mare), eating nice bread, cut into doorsteps and toasted with a thick lashing of butter on top ... (not actually butter, but the stuff in a tub that pretends its butter). However, I'm sure if I tried hard enough I could have a brilliant headache today and I can't quite make my mind up if I feel sick or not!

I managed to have a fab day yesterday, even though I've acquired a stupid tickly cough that sent me running for the tena ladies, but I did make 2 cards, the one below being one of them ... and to put the cherry on the top of yesterday I had an evening with Strictly, X-Factor and Big Brother .... bliss! I was so excited about last nights TV listings it was beyond sad LOL!!!

Dad, however did not have such a good day. We quite expected him to be up and about yesterday, which he was for a short while but then went back to bed. He struggled to get upstairs and had to be helped by my sister and Mum the last 2 steps. Once he was back in bed though he was apparently fine.

I've been given the job of cooking Sunday lunch again today and when Andy (DH) returned from the oldies house yesterday afternoon he came bearing a leg of lamb! It's been cooking nicely since 10:00pm last night in the slow cooker ... it smells absolutely divine! So it looks like I'm doing meals on wheels again today.

This weeks sketches at Inspirational Card Sketches have been combined with the bonus sketch...

BONUS SKETCH

and the Teddy Bo Challenge is "Say it with flowers"

I've made this card for my parents 53rd Wedding Anniversary in October. I've used another Teddy Bo image ... no surprise there eh?! TeddyBoBea_Tabs_002.

... and again on the inside ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Digital Divas Designs ~ Morning Sunshine

Sentiment ~ Teddy Sentiment from Create with TLC & Ticket Sentiment Jobo Designs

Flowers & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Diamond Stickles, Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Carla Craft Corner Punch, Marianne Designs Butterfly Die, Woodware Leaf Punch

Fluttering By To Say Hello ...... Sketch Saturday Challenge #172

2011-09-10T09:36:00.001+01:00

Fluttering .... hmmm, that's sort of what i've been doing all week, but perhaps not as gracefully LOL! Yesterday was spent fluttering here, there and everywhere ... my niece Carrie said that she would babysit Dad for us so that I could take Mum to the local Council Office to place a claim for Council Tax benefit (dunno what i'd do without her right now, she's been a tower of strength to me and has helped me out no end ... love ya honey x) ... OMG, that was a chore to begin with, they never make anything simple for you do they? Dad had given us a shopping list which included long johns, thermal vests, boxer shorts, pyjamas and gloves ... yes gloves, to go with scarf he's taken to wearing in bed! We also picked him up one of those cosytoes things for the wheelchair, which after seeing he decided he could use indoors whilst he's sat in his rocking chair! We're hoping that this weekend or next week, we'll be able to wrap him up and take him out in the wheelchair again. His next Chemo session is 22nd September so we want to make sure that the week before he does something and goes somewhere nice. If we have a nice day I want to take him to the National Arboretum at Alrewas which is about 15 minutes drive away from us. On my visit there in June with our friend Paula we found the memorial for the SS Lancastria which is the ship that my Grandad (Dad's Dad) died aboard. Dad has never visited and has never had the chance to say goodbye to his Dad. He was 8 years old when his Father died and all 9 children were placed in children's homes and foster care when my Grandma deserted them. Anyway, that's a whole story by itself .... to long for today. Talking of today ... the plans are to have a crafting day. My sister and her daughter are going to the oldies to clean the bedrooms, change the sheets and make the beds up in the guest room ready for my Uncle (Dad's youngest brother) and Aunts impending visit on Wednesday and to babysit Dad whilst Mum does some baking. She's desperate to make cakes which she generally does every week, but just lately hasn't had the time to do, so she's really looking forward to this chance.

This weeks challenge, is sponsored by Simon Says Stamp!

"With over 100,000 items in stock, Simon is proud to offer the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards, Altered Art, and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world!"

To see all the latest products instore please click HERE

Their exclusive Simon Says Stamp range are HERE

Not forgetting their HUGE Magnolia range HERE

All things Tim Holtz including newly released products can be found HERE

They have yummy Copics HERE

and right now, SSS have a fab range of autumnal and Halloween themed stash - you'll be spoilt for choice!

Did you know that you can buy e-gift cards too?

any amount from $5.00 - $100.00 is available, ideal to send to a crafty friend if you're unsure of what to buy them eh?

A very generous $25 gift certificate will be awarded to our lucky winner this week to spend on goodies in the SSS store!

Thank you to everyone at SSS xx

Here is this weeks sketch...

.... and this is what I did with it ....

Using yet another Teddy Bo image this one is TeddyBoBea_Tabs_001 and was one of my first purchases.

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ EverdayMomIdeas ~ Dwelling

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls, String, Eyelets ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Eyelet Setter, Diamond Stickles

Life is more Fun when you Dance .... Teddy Bo Top Tips ...

2011-09-08T20:52:00.000+01:00

Jill Henson is the first to show us a tutorial for the Teddy Top Tips Tutorials.

She has made a tutorial for a post-it easel card cos she think's it's a perfect little gift,
for yourself or for someone you care about.

Everybody over at Teddy Be Towers likes nothing better than to have a nosey round and see what we've all be creating with our favourite little bears. So if like me you make a Teddy Bo & Co post-it note easel card using Jill's tutorial and submit the entry you get the added bonus of not only having created a fab gift but also a FREE IMAGE as a thank you for sharing with them!

Not one to pass up a freebie LOL, I had to have a little play with this. So here is my version ....

.... and once opened ....

To make this easel card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Bearly Mine Floral Fantasy & Pink Petticoat Gingham

Image ~ Teddy Bea_094

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers, Lace & Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Diamond and Crystal Stickles, Nesties, Cuttlebug

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy .... DP2 Challenge #99

2011-09-08T14:01:00.000+01:00

We've had a relatively quiet week up to now. Dad's up and out of bed this morning. He's not been as sleepy this time and has been getting up every evening for a few hours, but today he's up already! His appetite is still not as good as at was, but again its better than last time. We've spent a couple of days just lying talking to one another about nothing in particular which is nice. Yesterday Mum had me changing curtains for her ... i think my good nature is being taken advantage of PMSL ... she only asked me to do one pair and i ended up doing 3!!! Mum is off out to the old fogey club this afternoon and as yet Dad doesn't want a babysitter but we're constantly on standby cos he does change his mind quite often.

My gorgeous grandbaby Rylee started school yesterday for the first time. He wanted me to go and collect him from school ... hmmm ulterior motive, i think ... he didn't want to walk home and knew i'd pick him up in the car! He wants his Pops to go collect him today!

Now on to this week's DP2 challenge...

Iulia is the "hostess with the mostest" again this week, and she's chosen another really, really fun challenge theme...

"Boy Attitude"

I love this little "Binky Baby" ... he looks like he's looking over his shoulder saying "yeah, and ..."

... i've used him again on the inside with a cute little verse ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ My Baby Love

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Gems ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor

Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star ..... Sunday Sketch & Stamp Challenge #71

2011-09-05T16:22:00.000+01:00

I've spent this morning lay on top of the bed with my Dad, just chatting, reading today's newspaper and watching the world pass by out of the bedroom window! It was nice to spend some "quality" (said loosely) time with him, just the 2 of us. He says today that he has some pain on his left side. Now we're not sure if this is the cancer or if its a pulled muscle, from lifting the hose pipe reel and moving stuff in his shed on Saturday .... He wont be told!!!! He thought it was funny that I was covering my feet up with his dressing gown cos they felt chilled, so we giggled about that and also about the fact that he was wearing a scarf in bed with his pyjamas! He wanted his gloves but didn't know where they were LOL.

On to this week's challenge, and it's Maggie's turn to give us all a sketch

Feel free to flip, rotate, re-size and add embellishments, as long as we can clearly tell you have followed the sketch.

If you win this week's challenge, you will receive a fabulous prize from our regular sponsors The Stamping Boutique.

To enter all you have to do is make a card following the sketch (making sure you include stamping somewhere on your creation - digi's are fine), and post your entry into the linky below. Check out the Rules page above for more information.

The deadline is midnight (UK time) on Saturday 10th September.

Well, I loosely followed the sketch I just didn't have room to fit my sentiment. I hope my card still qualifies for the challenge but I understand if it doesn't!

... again I had to use one of my babies ... Teddy Bea_033 ...

and once again on the inside of the card ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat ~ O' Christmas Tree

Pearls & Star ~ Stash

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC ~ Jolly Holiday Kit

Tools ~ Woodware Star Border Punch, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Crystal Stickles, Sakura Stardust Pen (Gold), Sewing Machine

From Our House To Yours .... DP2 Challenge #98

2011-09-04T19:58:00.001+01:00

Dad stayed in bed for most of today ... I suppose at least he's out of trouble and we know what he's up too LOL ... sleeping! Mum said that twice he'd said he was getting up and coming downstairs ... he managed to make an appearance at 6:00pm and was still up when I rang after 9:00pm. At least we know what to expect this time, so its far more relaxed and we're more laid back about his side-effects.

This weeks challenge is being hosted by Iulia. She's come up with a fabulous sketch for us to use...

... and here is what I've done with it ...

I used the cute little image "Rafe"

... and again on the inside ...

To make my card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs ~ Believe

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls & Beads ~ Stash

Tools ~ Leaf Punch, Woodware Leaf Punch, Sewing Machine, Sakura Stardust Pen (Gold), Diamond Stickles, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor