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

*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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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