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

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.

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

Sh*t Happens

Sh*t happens ... hmmm, what an apt sentiment for our lives at the minute!  For those of you that don't know, my Dad has been diagnosed with stage 3 Adenocarcinoma of the left lung.  His prognosis isn't that good and with treatment he has a minimum of 12 months left with us.  Which will go by in no time at all because you want it to go slow!

My parents have adopted the "Sh*t happens" approach to this horrible disease and can be heard saying it in nearly every conversation they have LOL.  Dad has said that he refuses to give in and be beaten by this, he says he's not ready to go just yet.  His positivity gives us hope.

As soon as i saw this image i just knew what i wanted to make with it and who i wanted to make a card for ...

Isn't he adorable?  He is one of Mo's new creations ...

The fantastic sentiment was created especially for me by Paulette at Create with TLC

and i used the cute little image again on the inside but left it black and white.

To make the rest of the card I used:-

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Happy Kitchen ~ Raspberry Road Designs

Button ~ Stash

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

Sketch Saturday ~ Sketch Challenge #166

Saturday again, another Royal Wedding and one of which i shall be attending later this afternoon.  Obviously not THE Royal Wedding but my friend's wedding which she thinks will match it LOL.  

We also have another fab sketch for this weeks challenge along with a fantastic sponsor, our regular ....

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, fab NEW products added, including the NEW SPECTRUM NOIR marker pens!

You have this weekend to take advantage of theSummer Sale Spectacular at The Craft Barn, there's 50% off hundreds of products in store.
Don't delay - order today ;)

Fancy a fun & crafty day out?

Visit The Craft Barn on SATURDAY 6th AUGUST for their minifest

Featuring FREE DEMOS with

Jean Hardy from Crafty Individuals

Jenny Mayes from Hobby Art

Carole Cann

Karen Maccoy

Jane Collma

Neil Walker

Kathy Byrne

 The Craft Barn are giving away another fabulous prize this week to our challenge winner, a prize that any Tim Holtz fan will want for their collection...

Tim Holtz Alterations: Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die - Artful dwelling

This Movers & Shapers window die showcases the bold and edgy style of Tim Holtz®.

The window die must be used in any one of the Movers & Shapers base dies or base tray.

The Artful Dwellings measure approximately 1 7/8" x 3 1/4" to 2 1/2" x 5 1/8". These die-cut shapes are cutest when paired with Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set - Mini Openings

What an amazing prize.  Special thanks to Sandy & everyone at TCB xx

Here is this weeks sketch...

... and my creation ...

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

To make this card I used:~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs

Image ~ Mo Manning

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Gems ~ Stash

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

Sketch Saturday ~ Sketch Challenge #165

I know this post should've appeared on my blog last week, but i was taking a much deserved (well i think it was deserved lol) rest before the week from hell this week.   We spent a fantastic weekend with our gorgeous friend in London.  It was very tiring, but filled with lots of love, hysterical laughter and fun!

"I wanna be a soldier"

On to last weeks challenge, and we were sponsored by the fabulous...



Your Next Stamp offers a unique variety of fun and whimsical rubber stamps for every occasion!

Their signature lines include Fhiona and Friends, Heather Collections, Dale Designs and the humorous Franfou Collection. Stamps are produced with top quality rubber, which are then mounted onto cling foam, trimmed and are ready to use with any clear block!

We ship Worldwide and are always happy to assist you so if you have any questions please feel free to contact Karen – karen@yournextstamp.com.

Be sure to check out the YNS Facebook page too!

If you were last weeks challenge winner, you'll now have $10.00 to spend towards stamps of your choice at theYNS store! :)

but there was more!

ALL of our challengers can benefit from Karen's generosity too :)

10% discount off your next purchase by using the code shown above.

Karen... thank you SO much! xx


Here's last weeks sketch...

... and last weeks creation ...

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

To make this card I used :~

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Everyday Mom Ideas

Image ~ Mo Manning

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Buttons ~ Stash

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

Sketch Saturday Challenge #164

Good Morning folks on a very damp, dreary day here in the UK!  What has happened to our sunshine?  I suppose at least one good thing will come out of today's downpour .... no watering of the veg patch tonight!

I've had yet another action packed week here this week.  Another week of GP and hospital appointments, this time not only for Dad but for me too ... We managed a family day out at the hospital the beginning of the week with Dad having a CT scan, my niece and myself having a blood test ... surely there are better places for a family day out LOL!!!!

This week we are sponsored by the lovely Nikki and Bunny Zoe's Crafts

NEW ARRIVALS at Bunny Zoe's this month!

*NEW Bildmalarna Stamps

*NEW Magnolia Sweet Rainbow DooHickey Dies

*PRE-ORDER Whimsy July Release - Due 15th July

*Restocks Stempelglede

*NEW Personalised Stamps - Butterfly, Ladybug & Paw Prints

*NEW Magnolia Sweet Rainbow Collection 6 x 6" Papers

*NEW Nellie's Choice Frame Dies

*NEW Kaisercraft 6x6 Paper Pads

*Restocks - Gorjuss Stamps

*NEW July - The Greeting Farm

*NEW Summer C.C. Designs

*NEW Tickled Pink Lil Pinkette's

*NEW Marianne D Ribbon Flowers

*NEW Basic Grey Paper Pads - Sweet Threads and Lauderdale

*NEW Marianne D Dies

*NEW Marianne D Paper Blocs - Indian Summer and Songbook
*NEW Humphrey's Corner Collection

*NEW* NOW STOCKING - Wild Rose Studio!!!

... and much, much more in store!

there's so many amazing products available, so let your creativity go wild

Would you like £10.00 to spend in store?  Of course you would!  Well,that is exactly what this weeks challenge winner will win ... a generous £10.00 shopping spree of goodies from Bunny Zoe's Crafts :)

Thank you so much Nikki xx

Here is the sketch you need to follow to be in with a chance of winning that £10.00

... and here is my card ....

and a close up of the fab image from Mo Manning

To make this card I used :-

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ The Fast & The Furiest 

Image ~ Taking a Break ~ Digital Pencil Too

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Dewdrops & Staples ~ Stash

Tools ~ Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Corner Punch, Sewing Machine, Sakura Glaze Pen (black)

Sketch Saturday Challenge #163

Sorry this post is late but i've spent the morning at Rylee, my grandson's 4th birthday party at Wacky Warehouse ... 16 kids aren't my idea of fun but i did manage a couple of goes on the slide LOL!

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 my creation ....

... and a close up of the fab image by Mo Manning and the amazing sentiment from Create with TLC ...

To make this card I used .....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Just My Type

Image ~ James at the Carnival ~ Mo Manning

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Eyelets ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Eyelet Setter, Pencil Crayons, Blending Stumps, Sansodor, Nesties, Cuttlebug, Martha Stewart Punch

Sketch Saturday ~ Sketch #162 ~ Bente's Challenge

Today is  Bente's turn to host the Sketch Saturday Challenge blog. 

Our guest designer for the month of July is Bente's dear friend Janne. She makes stunning cards and her colouring is just amazing!!

We are so excited to introduce you to Papilio Stamps – the sponsor for this week.

Papilio Stamps is a small Norwegian company located in the western part of Norway, where the owner Malin designs the most gorgeous images. You will find a lot of different images, both rubber stamps and digital stamps. She ships internationally.

The lucky winner this week will get to choose 4 images from the digital stamp section.

The sketch for the week is this one ...

and my card ....

To make this card I used ....

CS ~ Stash

DP's ~ Summer Driggs

Image ~ Magnolia Pier

Sentiment ~ Create with TLC

Pearls ~ Stash

Tools ~ Sewing Machine, Pencil Crayons, Sansodor, Blending Stumps, Martha Stewart flourish punch thingy LOL!