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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect As A Rose ....

Happy Saturday!  Here in the UK it's a Bank Holiday weekend, so that's an extra day off on Monday for some of us :)  This last week has been a better week with Dad.  He's been more or less his old self again, although he's still been very weak.  I've spent the week making some of his nutrition drinks into ice-creams and ice-lollies ready for the week after his Chemo treatment when we have trouble getting him to eat.  So, this week we're making preparations ready for his sick week.

Sketch Saturday challenge is sponsored by our regular sponsor

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."

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

The Craft Barn is open this Bank Holiday Monday at the usual time
9:30am - 5:00pm

and here's a date for your diary...
NEXT WEEK sees the next store event,
Saturday September 3rd is Andy Skinner day!
From watercolouring to alcohol inks with Andy Skinner, Carol Cockbain and Lina McDermott will be showing you loads of ideas using Andy’s stamps combined with lots of other goodies in their free demo day at The Craft Barn. 

At the minute we have no details of the prize thats being offered, but as soon as we know we'll let you know.

Here's this weeks sketch...

... and my card ...

... using another Teddy Bea image this time Teddy Bea_017

To make this card I used:-

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham and Create with TLC papers

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers & Pearls ~ Stash

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

Swinging By To Say Hi .... Sketch Saturday #169

Yesterday morning was spent Dad sitting whilst Mum went out to her friend's house for an hour and half for a coffee, natter and some much deserved "ME" time.  She returned relaxed and ready for whatever the rest of the day brought.  Which was a visit from the Occupational Therapist.  She's going to request a few things for us that she thinks will help Dad both in and outside the house.  We've had to make it clear to him that he doesn't have to use anything she brings, or if he tries them and doesn't think they're a help they can be returned.  He's funny when it comes to aids of any sort ... i think he sees them as defeat!  He must be feeling a little better cos he has us all organised with jobs tomorrow.  My sister is changing the bed and cleaning upstairs, Andy is sorting the TV out in the bedroom and plugging the electric bed in (Dad refuses to have it plugged in and use it when he doesn't need it!) and Mum and I have to go shopping for some new jog bottoms for him.  He hates the idea of not getting dressed when he goes downstairs, so i suggested some jog bottoms because they're like PJ's but they're not!  In the meantime, I've taken to comfort cooking and eating ...

... apple, sultana's and cinnamon tear and share bread.  We tore it and shared it and now its all gone!


So Good Morning people.  It's time for another challenge to kick start your weekend, and this week we have a new (for us at Sketch Saturday) sponsor!...

"iCopic.com is an online retailer dedicated to providing high quality Copic products backed by superior service and affordable prices. Our huge selection of Copic products and Price Match Guarantee program make us the one stop shop for supplying all your Copic needs. With you in mind, we’ve designed a site that makes shopping a breeze and most orders qualify for Free Shipping!


Along with our extensive Copic Products, we also offer the industries best products in markers and inks including Tsukineko and Tim Holtz products and accessories. Our rubber stamp collection offers a wide range of styles from Greeting Farm, CC Designs, Magnolia and many more including our Exclusive Gorjuss Collection.

With a shared passion for stamping and art, iCopic.com is proud to sponsor Sketch Saturday challenge, where one lucky winner will win our Copic Ciao Marker Kit which includes 8 Ciao Craft Primary colors and 1 multiliner pen. 

Copic Ciao Markers are the perfect choice for beginning artists. These round shaped pens are made specifically for those who want to try markers for the first time. Solid polypropylene body is both smooth and comfortable for a perfect controllable grip. These double ended markers with durable polyester nibs come with a Super Brush and Medium Broad nibs. Ciao markers are refillable and the inscriptions and symbols on the body are wear resistant. Markers are low-odor, blendable, and for use on paper, leather, wood, fabric plastics, faux fur, and more.

They’re also offering all Sketch Saturday subscribers who purchase $75 or more, $5 off and Free Shipping!

Please register and log in and use Coupon code SSS0811 during checkout (Expire 08/31/2011)."

WOW! WOW! WOW!

not only a superb prize for our challenge winner but a very generous offer available to ALL Sketch Saturday challengers!!!

Thank you SO MUCH iCopic.com xx

 here is this weeks sketch...

and my card ...

I'm addicted to these Teddy Bo/Bea images and had to use another one .  This beauty Teddy Bea_014 was used for the card I made to say thank you to our gorgeous friend Paula for putting up with us for our weekend away at her house in London the end of July.

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat Gingham & Kathryn Balint, Old Time Rendezvous

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls, Ribbons & Flowers ~ Stash

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

Showers Of Warm Wishes .....

I could do with some of those right now!  I had to mention side effect didn't I?!  Saturday morning at 4:30am I had a phone call from Mum, saying that Dad didn't feel well ... he was experiencing discomfort in his chest.  Fortunately, after being checked over by the Paramedics it was decided that it was the onset of side effects from the Chemo.  Dad has never been a poorly person.  I don't even recall him ever being ill, so i think he was panicked by how ill he felt and the fact that initially he couldn't wake Mum to tell her.  It broke my heart on Saturday morning to see him looking so small and fragile in his bed and again today.  He's very tired and has taken to his bed the past 2 days, only coming downstairs to lay on the sofa under piles of blankets.  I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow, for Mum's sake and for Ellie and Ebony (daughter and great-niece) who are babysitting him whilst Mum and I go grocery shopping.   Today I sent Mum out to her weekly exercise class.  Dad was happy upstairs in bed as long as he could hear me, so i hoovered for Mum and then made a noisy cup of tea, banging cupboard doors, the fridge door and cups on the side.  Andy and I had a vocal conversation about nothing in particular, we just wanted to keep the noise going LOL .... that was hard, when your happy sitting with someone in silence.  Not to mention how odd it felt being noisy whilst someone is resting in bed!

This weeks challenge at Sketch N Stash has been designed by Sue ...

You can flip the sketch and add extra embellishments but we must still be able to recognize our original sketch.  Please do remember tell us what your new /neglected stash is that you used on your creation.

  
The sponsor this week is the fabulous ...  Bunny Zoes Crafts 

and they have generously offered this  fortnights challenge winner a

£10 voucher for their fabby online store


NEW ARRIVALS
*NEW Belles 'n Whistles Sweet Art Girls II
*NEW August C.C. Designs
*NEW Whimsy August Release
*NEW Wild Rose Studio - Stamps & 6x6 Papers
*NEW Nellie Snellen Stamps
*NEW Sew Easy Stitch Piercers, Twine, Floss and Glitter Floss 
*NEW Basic Grey Oxford and Out of Print
*NEW Marianne D Papers Merry Little Christmas & Winter World
*NEW Marianne D Creatables Dies
*NEW Marianne D Snoesjes Christmas Stamps
*NEW at Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Authentique!!!
*NEW August - The Greeting Farm
*12 *NEW My Minds Eye 6x6 Paper Pads
*NEW Swalk Stamp sets
*NEW Humphrey's Stamp sets
*NEW Gorjuss Girl Stamps
*NEW Spectrum Noir Pens plus Neenah Card
*NEW Magnolia - The Winner Takes It All

For my creation I used new DP's and a new Teddy Bea image.  The neglected stash was tulle and Sakura Stardust Pens (Gold & Silver), which I haven't used for a while on my cards!

a close up of the fabby image ....

... and the inside ...

To make this card I used:~
CS ~ Stash
DP's ~ Essence by Jeanine Baechtold
Image ~ Teddy Bea_057
Sentiment ~ Create with TLC
Flowers, Tulle & Pearls ~ Stash
Tools ~ Crystal Stickles, Sewing Machine, Woodware Leaf Punch, Sansodor, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Carla Craft Corner Punch, Sakura Stardust Pens

Sending A Smile ....

Well the countdown has begun and I'm sending this smile now cos I don't know if I'll feel like it later in the week.  Dad looked awful when i went to see him today.  He was a funny colour and quite tired.  Not sure if that's his condition or whether its worrying about the start of his Chemotherapy.  He sat dozing in the chair for most of the morning with Koree (my grandbaby).  Tomorrow is the start of GP and/or hospital appointments along with the funeral directors visit tomorrow afternoon (its completely beyond me!).  That's one appointment I shall NOT be attending.  I don't think there is any need for me to be there!

On a happier note, I got the chance to play some more yesterday and made this card too ...

I used another adorable Teddy Bea image _008

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Travelogue, Pink Petticoat Gingham and Postcard free download

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls, Buttons and Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Cuttlebug, Nestie, Woodware Leaf Punch

Those Who Can, Do! ....

... So with that in mind, I did!  I settled down at the dining table with my trusted lappy and decided to make the most of the free time that I have before the onslaught of treatments and possible horrible side-effects next week! I really needed some "Me" time after spending so much time the past few day working on Dad "Funeral Program".  Thankfully though Jo x, my gorgeous teamie has come to my rescue and taken the biggest job off me and for that I am truly thankful!

I decided to follow a sketch from Sunday Sketch & Stamp and thought i'd enter my card.  Wrong .....  I've just checked and the competition ended at midnight last night L2MQ!  Typical!  It doesn't matter though cos i got to spend some quality time with my pencil crayons and a Teddy Bea image.

I used the gorgeous Teddy Bea_003 image ...

and not only used her on the outside, but inside too ...

... the adorable little verse was found via a google search.

To make my card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Raspberry Road Designs ~ Annie's Room

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Flowers ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons. Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Diamond Stickles, Sewing Machine, Nesties, Cuttlebug and Woodware Leaf Punch.