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

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 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,

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

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

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

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

Happy Freezin' Season ..... PTW Challenge

Shhhh, yesterday was peaceful.  I made this card and the one downstairs!  I sat at the laptop for most of the day only moving to eat lunch and to hang out the laundry!  How much fun did I have?  I've made 2 whole Christmas cards for this year, this could mean that I wont have to buy a box ... but we wont hold our breath on that score just yet!  Dad was feeling good yesterday, but then we know its the 2nd day after Chemo when it all kicks in.  So in theory today is THE day!  I'll keep you posted on here and for those of you that have me as a friend on Facebook you can catch up with me on there! x   In the meantime the chicken is in the slow cooker, the veg is in the steamer ready to be switched on and i'm still in bed LOL!  

This week is Papertake Weekly's  last challenge of the month, and as always they have a sketch ….

Please feel free to resize, flip and rotate the elements - as long as you can still see the sketch.

As it’s the last challenge of the month, they are sponsored by those fabulous people across the pond

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 to spend in Heidi’s shop !!!

So onto my card .... wait for it ....

I just can't help, I'm addicted to these little bears and at least the little cuties have got me making Christmas cards! 

I used Teddy Bo_128 (again!)

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Shabby Princess ~ Holiday Magic

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Tim Holtz "On The Edge" Die, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Cuttlebug, Snowflake Die, Sewing Machine, Crystal Stickles

Santa Called ..... Sketch n Stash Challenge #69 and Teddy Bo Challenge #16

Sketch n Stash Challenge 69

Julie has designed the sketch below ..

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

 

Kenny K Downloads 

The prize for this fornights challenge is.....

5 images of the winners choice, how fab is that?

Also, The Teddy Bo Challenge is to make a project using "Black & White + one more colour"

So here is my card ...

... another Teddy Bo image!  ... Teddy Bo_128 (my newest image)

.... and another cutie on the inside ....

To make this card I used ...

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Pink Petticoat ~ O'Christmas Tree & Gingham 

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Snowflake ~ A gift from a friend and the first time the packet has been opened

Pearls and Hook & Eye fastener ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Blending Stump, Sansodor, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Crystal Stickles 

Friends Make Life Bearable ......Sketch Saturday #171

Saturday again, where does the week go?  Most of my week was spent organising ice-lollies, ice-creams and fruit sorbet's for Dad made with his nutritional drinks ready for after his Chemo on Thursday .... hmmm, that didn't happen!  After one bag of saline and 3 hours, one of his blood test hadn't returned (his kidney profile) and it was decided that Chemo couldn't commence without it!  So we were told to take him home and phone on Friday morning at 9:00am when it would be decided if a space was available for him to have his treatment  ... A space was available for him thankfully.  Once again though, we were there until 6:30pm, why does it have to take so long?!  We had a quick dash home, a trip to the chip shop ... Dad enjoyed his fish and chips :) then it was time to do babysitting duties so Mum could go to Bingo.  On the plus side he was in bed by 8:55pm.  Bless him, he was shattered.  Mum came back with a tin of Celebration chocolates and everything to make a chicken roast dinner with trimmings.  Guess what we're having for Sunday lunch!!!

It's Lisa's turn at hosting our sketch challenge this week. She's especially excited because her new store... The Craft's Meow...is our sponsor for this week's challenge!

Opening The Craft's Meow is a dream come true for me. We offer a line of stamps exclusive to TCM designed by the likes of Nina Brackett (Nina B Designs), Jenny Suchin and Michelle Bertuzzi, with new illustrators joining us soon. We also offer exclusive card kits and a variety of paper crafting bits and bobs to make your crafting more fun! And this is just the beginning!

We ship internationally and offer first class mailing to keep costs down. We refund overpayment of postage when the check-out system over-estimates the cost. For orders of $65 US or more, shipping is free within the US; for international orders, we will refund $6.50 US from the actual postage cost.

The prize up for grabs for playing in this week's challenge is a TCM stamp set of choice!!!

Without further ado, here is this week's sketch:

... and my card ...

... Yep, sorry another Teddy Bo image... this time TeddyBo_002

I had a go with a new technique that i've seen being used on other blogs.  I don't know the technical term for it, but it entails dotting the picture with markers.  

I added another Teddy Bo to the inside of the card.

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Digital Diva's Design ~ Morning Sunshine

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls & Ribbons ~ Stash

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

Happiness is Homemade and Teddy Bo Challenge #16

.... and we're trying to make lots of happiness at home right now with the start of Dad's Chemotherapy on Thursday.  We couldn't have a plane sailing day either ... ending up being there until 6:30pm because Dad had got very dehydrated again over the past few weeks and his calcium level had raised again.  We now know exactly how much fluid he needs to be having, 100mls every half an hour!  We shall be trying our best to make sure that he has that ready for the next treatment. He didn't have a very good night Thursday night, I think it was all the information he'd been given and a lot of excess nervous energy left over from the unknown.  Yesterday morning however, he's been up into the greenhouse and tended to his plants and pottered about in the garden for 10 minutes.  He's tired but still in his normal aggravating mood.  He's said that he's hoping that the side effects of the Chemo are all mind over matter and has said that he doesn't intend on having any of them except the hair loss!  So fingers crossed. 

I want to thank my gorgeous friend Suzie, who i know stalks my blogspot, for the beautiful card that she sent me and especially for what she wrote inside.  I love you loads xxx

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

To see the exclusive Simon Says Stamp range, please click HERE
Not forgetting their HUGE Magnolia range HERE

All things Tim Holtz including newly released products can be found HERE
They have new Copic colours HERE

Did you know that SSS have 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 all at SSS xx

Here is this weeks sketch...

 and the Teddy Bo Challenge #16 is .... LOVE IS IN THE AIR

We are looking forward to seeing all your fabulous creations, and we only have one little rule, which is        

You must use a Teddy Bo and Co image.

I've made this card for my Husband for his birthday on 26th of this month.  He's been so good to me just lately and so understanding ... I'm sure i don't always deserve it!  I thought the sentiment was apt "Happiness is Homemade"  

... my creation using a Teddy Bo image ...

 ... and close up ...

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Can't remember now ... its been a long week

Image ~ Teddy Bo_002

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Buttons & Border Ribbon ~ Stash

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

Hearing Voices In My Stethoscope .....

In the grand scheme of things this week has been fairly uneventful.  Dad only had one hospital appointment and it wasn't a procedure!  It was his Pre-Assessment appointment prior to the start of his Chemotherapy next Thursday.  He was on top form and performed beautifully to his captivated audience.  Not much serious talking and far too much laughter really LOL!  But then its his positivity that's keeping us all going.  I've also been asked to design his "Funeral Program" ... talk about feeling obliged to do something!  I have to admit i'm finding it extremely difficult to do, but he has me over a barrel LOL!!!  I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to Jo who has offered to help me out with cluster frames.  I decided I would design some and use on the back page .... Pfft, hadn't got a clue how to do them or where to start, just thought they look pretty L2MQ, didn't realise it'd be that difficult!  

Anyway its Saturday again and means just one thing .... Its time for SKETCH SATURDAY.  This weeks fabulous sketch has been designed by my gorgeous, kind, caring, generous teamie TERRY.  She has designed a brilliant sketch and arranged the most fantastic prize too from a very generous sponsor who is offering copious amounts of goodies!

They are ...

Art Journey is the most specialised, but above all the cosiest (online) StampStore in Holland.  The Website has 3 different languages, so therefore is accessible for everyone. Service and quality are very important to Louisse for her store. Visit the online webstore through http://www.artjourney.nl and you will see lots and lots of yummie stuff that we crafters really really need (LOL).

Art Journey offers a wide range of goodies for all crafters.  

Besides lots and lots of common craft products, they also have their own stamps!  

If you have the opportunity to visit the Store in Sleen (in the Netherlands) then Louisse and Liesbeth will be very happy to say Hi to you during a workshop or in the store itself.  Don't hesitate to come on over to the online webstore or to the store in Sleen and you will find lots of yummie stuff. Terry went there yesterday to in with a workshop and had a great time ...

The fabulous prize on offer is .....

This fabulous stamp sheet is called "Boys"  How adorable is that .... definitely need this for my boys!

This stamp sheet is called "Birds"

This stamp sheet is called "Friends2"

The next stamp sheet is called "Modern2"

and the last one....

... is this fabulous Stamp sheet called "Willy Héléne"

Hmm i'm wishing I wasn't one of "The Saturdays" so that I could be in with a chance of winning those beauties.  But for your chance to win these gorgeous stamps you need to follow the sketch below ....

You can rotate it or flip it, but follow the sketch ....

I wanted to make yet another card for my Dad ... he's not going to have room on his mantelpiece at this rate L2MQ ... It's just a "stay strong during your treatment" card!  I used Teddy Bo Doctor for my card ... a huge THANK YOU to Terry who made this card possible x

... and a close up of the beautiful Doctor  

and the inside of the card ...

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Poor Baby Free Download

Image ~ Teddy Bo_029

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Clipart Images

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