Trailing Birdhouse for Mum!

Hello Blogging Friends, back at last.  I knew I wouldn't be around so much this week as work was going to be busy, little did I know that I would be off work with this horrible stomach bug which make you don't know if your on your knees or bottom, if you get my meaning.  I'm now beginning to feel a bit better, although I feel as if the stuffing has been knocked out of me.  These sort of bugs also plays havoc with my diabetes as I have to keep taking my insulin, but not managing to eat anything so, it makes this kind of illness a bit tricky to manage, anyway I'm on the up.

Thanks to my latest toy, a tablet, I've been able to follow what you have all been doing whilst in bed.  I'm still learning how to use it, I'm not that good with techie things, but I'm getting there.  I've loving what you all have been posting, some really lovely cards and projects.  Such a wealth of talent.

Anyway on to my card, yes I managed to make two today, these have been commissioned for Mother's Day by two of my colleagues, here is the first one;

I've used a LC Trailing Birdhouse stamp and coloured it with Promarkers, stamped on to card cut with a large Xcut die., co-ordinations card, papers were free with a mag, WO Cherry Blossoms, Sizzix Butterfly dies. Pearls and ribbon from The Ribbon Girl., Sentiment, from Flower Soft. To finish off a little Star Dust and some crystal gems.

It's turned out not too bad as I got a bit stuck at one point and thought I would have to scrap it, as long as Susan's mum likes it that's the main thing.
That's me for today and thank you one and all for the lovely comments on my last card, love reading them.
Kate x

I Love You Just the Way You Are!!

Hello Everyone, how has your Sunday been?  Our's has been cold but really quite nice.  Alistair and I went over to Channory Point in Fortrose, The Black Isle, to see if the Dolphins were around, the snow was flurrying around at this time and we were like snowmen.  No show for the dolphins though, maybe they don't like snow, so we then moved along the coast a bit to Rosemarkie to walk on the beach, the plan being that we would call into the little Beach Cafe for a hot drink after the walk.  Too early in the season, so we had to go back home for our drink.  It was lovely though and it blew the cobwebs away.  We are so lucky living up here as the scenery is magical, regardless of the weather.

Thank you to all who left comments on my last card, I do love that you visit and I do appreciate that everyone is busy, so it is just great that you all take the time to look at what I do.

I've got a card today that I put together quite quickly, it's from the aciddropsandwhatnots.co.uk  
range of stamps which I do really like for their quirkiness, here it is;

!

This is Arnold, and I smiled when I first saw this stamp, I've used Promarkers to colour him, matted and layered on to Co-ordination, i've embossed the blue card with a Spellbinders folder but cant remember which one.  The sentiments come with the stamp, and the black ribbon from The Ribbon Girl.

I think I'm going to keep this one for Alistair's birthday, as he had been loosing weight, not that he was ever big, but he is trying to get down to his climbing weight of yester years.  Every Saturday he has his weigh in, and shouts with glee that there's another pound off and I tell him "I love you just the way you are".

So ther you are folks.  I'm away to get a bit of ironing done before I tackle the dinner.  I popped into see ny sone earlier in the afternoon, and there he was ironing away whilst watching the footy on TV.  and I though, I trained you well,  wish I had taken mine over and he might have ironed that too.  Oh well!

It might be a wee while till I get back to post, but I will try to keep up with all your creations and news,

Take care,  Kate x

Love Grows!

Good Afternoon  Blogging Friends, and I hope you are all well and enjoying your Saturday.
I work up this morning to a shaking of snow and it was very grey, but it's now lovely and bright and snow all gone, at my level anyway.

I've not been around to post for a couple of days but, I have tried to keep up with all of your Blogs, but please forgive if I've missed anyone out.  My engery levels have been low and we have been short staffed at work and there has been a lot of very ill clients which drains the remaining staff, so by the time I get home I'm whacked. I'm off for the weekend, thank goodness.

My card today;

and a closeup;

I've used a LOTV stamp and coloured with Promarkers, samped on to card cut with Sizzix Doily die, using also the Doily Border die,  First Edition Rose Garden papers, and Co-ordinations card. embellished with; Sizzix Hello Summer dies, and Xcut heart die, sentiment LOTV. Papermania gems, ribbon and button from my box, Glossy Accents on Wellie and Watering Can, Star Dust for a bit of sparkle.

Off now to do a bit of housework, happy crafting everyone

Kate x

I would like to enter this card into; http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/little-claire-monthly-challenge-30-love.html 
http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/butterflies.html

With Sympathy!

Hello Everyone, hoping you have had a good day and managed to get some crafting done.

Thank you to all who visited and left a a comment on my last post, I really do enjoy reading them.

Today was another gorgeous day, started of with quite a harr and it was bitterly cold, in fact it took my breath away, but as the day wore on the sun fairly shone.  Not that I enjoyed much of it as I was working, unlike my hubby who was away with a couple of friends to Ben Nevis.  He was away early in the morning and only arrived back an hour or so ago, exhausted, but had a great day.  Oh to be retired.

My card today is one I've been asked to make;

I've kept it fairly simple and used decoupaged flowers, had these a while and can't remember what they are, with a Sizzix Doily die. Colours I've kept to light grey and white, with silver to tine in with the colours of the flower. Spellbinders embossing paisley folder, computer generated sentiment, Silver peel off borders and pearls from The Ribbon Girl.

As I don't make Sympathy cards all that often, I don't really have all that much in my stash for them, so I have to rummage around to find what is suitable.  I think this is OK though, you want to get it right for this type of card.

So it's Good Night from me, sleep well everyone,

Kate X

Baby Fairy Flora!

Good Evening Everyone,  I hope a  good day has been had by all.
I'm a bit late tonight in posting this, so It will be a short one and then off to bed.  Thanks to all who not only commented on my last card but, also wished me better sleep.  I did sleep better last night, thankfully, but I was so tired that I wasn't able to stay for the whole of choir rehearsal, I kept nodding off when other parts were singing their bit and sopranos were not needed and Fiona, my friend who sits next to me kept giving me a nudge to try and keep me awake.  So, I thought at break time it was time to call it a night and go home.

Anyway, another beautiful day here although white frost in the morning, but it felt a healthy sort of day, and a great one to be alive in.

My card today;

Another Mo Manning digi image, I just think it's so lovely, Promarkers, Country Companions, Sunshine Meadows paper, Co-ordination card embossed with a Sisix embossing folder, Xcut die, LC sentiment, pearls, gems. ribbon and flowers from my box.  Finished off with Butterfly Trails from Hunkydory for some fairy sparkle.  The colours are a combinations of yellows and peaches.

I'm really quite pleased with how this little card has turned out, a nice one for my box.

Good Night,  hope you all have a good one, as do I
Kate x

Mother's Day Card!

Good Morning All, yes it's Monday again, doesn't it come around all too quickly.  I hope you all had a great weekend.

I'm early today with this post, I felt I had to get going  as I've been a wake since 2.20am and I now feel as if I've got a hangover and now feel the desperate need to sleep, but hey oh, it's time to get going for work.  It's my turn to be doing the cooking at the project and each time it is I've got a full fortnight of stress.  It's the main part of my job I hate.  Anyway onward and upward as they say.

My card today is one I've been asked to make for Mother's Day;

Another wonderful stamp from LOTV and coloured with Promarkers, Co-oridination cream card and First Edition Sweet Owl paper, Spellbinder Floral Oval dies, Corners also Spellbinders from Frosty Forms, Lace and pearls from The Ribbon Girl, WO roses and to finish some stickles for a bit of sparkle.

As my colours are pink and cream, I would like to enter this card into,
http://wildorchidchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/challenge-70pink-and-cream.html  
and  because there's pearls also http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/pearls.html

Have a good day Everyone,
Kate x

Butterfly Thanks!

Good After noon All,  hoping your Sunday is a good one and your weather is fine.
We have had such a lovely weekend weather wise, it's a little warmer and the sun has been shining, even got washing and fairly well dried.  It's so good to get the clothes out for an airing.  I've even got the ironing done!!

Alistair and I had a lovely Indian dinner last night, but oh how we suffered for it afterwards, and we didn't eat a lot. Because we have both lost weight and not eating big meals, I think our stomachs must have shrunk. My blood sugar was raging when I took my reading before bedtime, 11.3, it should be at 5.5. so needless to say I did not have a good nights sleep. However, back on track once again, and it was lovely to go out and not to cook.

I was out shopping in the morning and just popped into Hobbycrafts for a browse and found a new range of dies and for the life of me I can't remember their name, it's something and Lace and they have been designed by Stephanie Wightman, not sure if I've spelt that correctly.  Anyway they are lovely, and are fairly reasonable, around the £12- £16 mark.  I didn't buy any though as I'm trying to save for going to the NEC in Birmingham in November along with Patricia(Summerhouse Crafts) and Hazel her sister. As I have never met these two ladies before, I am really excited by it all and I've never been to a craft fair either.  Anyway, I'll be interested to hear if any of you try these dies out.

My card today;

I have used a Fancy card blank from LC and embossed purple Co-ordinations with a Papermania folder. Memory Box Butterfly die, Marianne Thanks die. Charm and ribbon from The Ribbon Girl, and butterfly gems from my box., I've inked around the edges of the card with a purple ink pad from Superman.

It was a very simple card to do, for me anyway, and I don't usually do this kind of card as I'm a stamper and a colourariner, but this was fun to do and I think it's quite effective.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks, take care

Kate x

I would like to enter this card into http://ribbongirls.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/february-colour-challenge.html
and the colour is Turquoise or Aqua

Please!

Good Morning Blogging Friends, hope all is well with you.
A lovely day up here in the North of Scotland, it's bright, a little sun and a wee breeze, great for getting the washing out.

Thank you for all the great comments on my last card effort, greatly appreciated, and can I say how much I love looking in on your blogs, what a wealth of inspiration, and for those who tell a little about what's going on in your life's, well, it's a privilege to read it.

So to my card of today;

Isn't she just so cute? I fell in love with her the moment I saw her, she is desperately wanting something hence the title Please.
This image is from Mo Manning, and coloured with Promarkers, Co-ordination card and papers from Papermania Capsule Collection Spots & Stripes- Pastel, Base card from Hunkydory,LOTV sentiment, ribbon -The Ribbon Girl, pearls, button and  flowers from the new Riverbank Revels collection by Helz Cuppleditch. Finished off with a little bit of Crystal Stickles for sparkle.

I'm off now to browse you wonderful blogs whilst I finish my coffee, then it's the turn of the house.

Have a great Saturday, whatever you happen to do, Alistair and I are going out tonight for our Valentine's meal to a wonderful Indian restaurant, we held off doing that until I was on days off and a little less tired, so looking forward to that.

Bye for now,  Kate x

I would like to enter this card into http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/challenge-172-happy-birthday.html

My Little Cart!

Hello Everyone, Happy Valentine's Day!  Did you all get cards or did you just make some?  Alistair loved the one I made for him, thought it was quite a hoot.

 I hope you've all had a good day and you have been able to have plenty of time to have fun and craft.
Me, well I was working and what a woozier of a day it was. As usual short staffed, and some very needy folk who all wanted attention at the same time.  The place was going like a fair, at one point I suddenly realised that four people were talking AT me all at once, the phone was ringing and the doorbell buzzing as someone wanted in, couldn't find my colleague, two of the clients were having a shouting match with some pretty foul words, and I thought "that's it, it's finally happened, I'm now mad and I'm in Bedlam".  Susan, then appeared, with another of our clients who was in a flood of tears, I have say to Susan herself looked as if she was having a nervous breakdown.  We looked at one another and burst into hysterical laughter, it shut everyone though and one very kind client asked if she could make us a cuppa. We finally pulled ourselves together and got folk sorted out.  Half and hour later our manager arrived, and said "all quiet then, that's good".  There was no time to have a debriefing about it all, and why certain things happened, but the main cause is too little staff to cope with the volume of clients, but it's across the board in the care business. So just tomorrow to go and then my days off, can't wait, poor Susan has to go until Saturday.

I had this little card in the bank so to speak, too tired to put my thinking cap on tonight to make a new one;

The colour hasn't come out too well, it is really quite colourful.

Another Paintshop Poppets decoupage form the CD, as is the sentiment and backing papers, silver miri card, bow and glitter.

I want to say thanks to everyone who left comments on my last card, very much appreciated.
That's me for tonight, I need an early night, cheerio
Kate x

A Very Pretty Little Girl!

Hello Blogging Friends, hoping all is well with you and you're enjoying your evening.  I had a wee burst of energy so I thought I would get a card made.

It was a horrible wet day which started off trying to snow, but didn't get anywhere, though it would have in the mountains, but I don't go there so that was OK.  Alistair isn't going up mountains just now as the snow is very unstable and there have been quite a few tragedies as it is. 

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and left such lovely comments on my last card and also comments on my little bits of  news, I'm so delighted you take the time to read it.  For those who visit but don't leave a trace of you being there, please think again and let me know, because I will visit you.

My card tonight I made really quite quickly....for me that is, here it is I hope you like it;

I've used  Sarah Kay decoupage, I think these are just lovely images and matted it on to co-ordinations card, papers are First Edition Rose Garden, gorgeous papers, Xcut dies, LOTV sentiment, heart shaped doily, pearls, gems, lace and flower all from The Ribbon Girl.  The colour shades are pink and brown.  Photo doesn't do the colours justice.

Another wee card for my box.   Good night folks,
Kate x

Valentine You'er Mine!

Good Afternoon All and I hope you are all well.  It's been a lovely day here in old Inverness, really spring like, getting cold now though. 
Thank you all for the lovely comments on yesterday's card, I always look forward to reading them.

Well the BAFTA Boy won once again last night.  I saw a little clip at the end of the main programme where he was accepting his award and they showed a moment or two of his animated film.  I had a bit of a lump in my throat watching him and I'm not his mum, so I would imagine that Susan was just so proud.  I know she had a day off today cos no doubt there would be celebrations in the Anderson household last night, and a bit of a hangover today.  Susan has been my manager at work for 14 years and that's how long I have known Will, he was just a wee boy when I began my employment at the Cottage and he was always drawing, and even way back then you could see he had a future in art.

That's the good news, the bas is that I never got my gloves back.  I hope who ever has them finds them lovely and cosy and enjoys wearing them.

My card today is one for a friend who has a new man in her life, and didn't want a serious card, here it is;

I ound this image from Just Inklined and thought it would be perfect, coloured with Promarkers and then I decided to cut around it, now it isn't meant to be a heart, I just thought the piece of card was too big. Papermania embossing folder used on the red card, and black co-ordination card as the background.  Papermania hearts, Kirsty Wiseman sentiment and a computer generated one also.
I've tried to keep it quite simple and fun.

That's all from me tonight, off to Choral  rehearsl later, and as I missed last weeks because of the snow I'm sure there will be plenty to catch up with.

Have a good evening
Kate x

Welcome Baby Ella!

Good Evening Everyone,  It feels like ages since I last posted so I hope you are all well.  I've attempted to keep up with all your news and creations over the last few days, but I'm afraid I've been really tired and not that fit for much after a days work.  I think one reason might be that my diabetes is a little out of control, higher blood sugar levels than I would like and not wanting to increase my insulin if at all possible has left me with very little energy.  After spending the last six months being extremely careful with my carb intake and reducing my insulin by a huge amount, I don't want to increase it  again.  Anyhow, I managed to get a card made today.

I would like to welcome my new followers, it's great to have you visit me and I hope you will enjoy my work, and my little stories and perhaps find a little inspiration.  I know I do when I visit other blogs.

I was asked to make a card for a new baby and it had to be quite girlie, so here it is;

Well, as you can see she is in shades of pink.  I've used a lovely MO Manning digi stamp and coloured with Promarkers and Flex-markers.  First Edition Papers, co-ordination card, WO carnations, charm, pearls and lace from The Ribbon Girl, Frosted lace Sparkle.

I would like to enter this card into http://littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/little-claire-monthly-challenge-29.html "Flowers and Sketch"

I'm off now for a cuppa, and a look at the BAFTA's just in case I can spot Will.
Have a good night all

Kate x

You're Wonderful!

Good Evening Everyone, hoping you are all well and have had a good day.  I read that some of you have had the snow again,  it can't keep up surely, can it?  We had quite a fall on Monday than on Tuesday it disappeared when the rain arrived, then overnight we had some more, but it's going.

I have a little news about our young friend who was so horribly burned last year. Alistair went to visit his dad the other day and learnt that Laurie has had  quite a few skin grafts, and they have taken really well, but his skin is as you would expect really tight.  The surgeons tell him that it will take about four years to complete the proceedures.  He is getting out and about and trying to get on with his life, but he is awfully scared around his torso and upper legs.  Thankfully his handsom face is untouched.   it would also seem that there will lots of types of work he will not be able to do,  so his future with regards to employment may well be limited.  No one is saying anything about any pychological trauma at this time, I guess only time will tell on that one.  Laurie, remains positve, a very brave lad.

My card today uses the othe LOTV stamp I received as my prize;

This stamp is one from LOTV new launch.  Coloured with watercolour pencils, stamped on to an Xcut large die shape.  Papers from Dovecraft Back to Basics11. Co-ordination card.  LOTV sentiment, Memory Box Madera corner dies and butterfly die.  WO purple rose and ribbon and gems fro The Ribbon Girl.  Glossy Acsents on balloon and Star Dust to finish.

I would like to enter this card into http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/a-touch-of-romance.html

No one in mind for this card, just one for my box.

That's me for today, off for a cuppa now.

Have a relaxing night,  Kate x

Arranging the Flowers!

Good Morning Everyone, Monday again, doesn't it come around quickly, but at least I still have a day off.  I was off most of last week with the flu, but feel I can go back tomorrow.  Thankfully it has not floored me as some people have been awfully ill with it and taking ages to clear up.

Thank you all for your great comments on my last card, it's always good to hear what you all think, sometimes I make something and I'm not really sure about it all, but the fact that I've put so much work and time into it, I wouldn't have the heart to do it again.  So I is greatly appreciated and encouraging to read your comments.

I'm earlier today, need to ge into town, and don't want to put off too much time there, I'd only spend money, and I have also got to go round a couple of shops I was in yesterday as I lost my gloves and they have sentimental value as they were my mums, not to mention they are leather with cashmire lining and I love them. I am really hoping someone will have handed them in.

My card today is for a crafting friend who is not too well just now, hasnt been for a wee while noe and is waiting to go for tests at the hospital, so I hope this one brightens her day;

This is one of the stamps I won in the Lili's Little Fairies Blog Challenge a couple of weeks ago and I just love it and I thought it just right for Margaret.
Coloured with  Promarkers and matted on to yellow co-ordination card.  Papers are from a new range called Riverbank Revels, as are the buttons and flowers. LOTV sentiment, Memory Box corner bow die and red seam binding from The Ribbon Girl, finished off with some Star Dust.

I would like to enter this card into http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/  "Anything but Square"
I hope Margaret likes it I tried to make it bright and cheery.

I will love you and leave you now, and hope that whatever your doing today goes well,

Kate  X

 

Ascension!

Good afternoon Blogging Friends, I hope you are well and having a good Sunday.  it appears that weather has improved in many of your areas which is good.  We have rain, and it was awfully dark in the first part of the day but it's brightened up now.

Well I was very amused by all the sympathetic votes for my hubby and his fiddle yesterday, it made me feel quite guilty having a moan about him, but, you'll never guess what has happened, he broke his bow.  Apparently its an old bow and he need to mend it and asked if I had some sort of waxed twine in my box of tricks, I hadn't but when out at the shops this morning popped in to Hobbycraft thinking I might find something to suit there and found some thin leather lace.  The very thing he said, so off he went to mend the bow, he came back to tell me that when he tried to remove a metal piece which was rusty the whole thing fell apart, so now he needs to find a real bow maker mender.  Don't know why this particular bow is so special to him, but I really do hope he can get it mended.  There you go not so hard hearted after all.

I managed to get a card completed which I began last night but had to stop when Borgan came on, can't do things and read subtitles at the same time, here it is;

This is a commissioned card, one of my clients asked me to make it for her friend, a young man who likes travel and oldish things, vintage I suppose.
Unfortunately there is a bit of glare,  One day I'll be able to take good photos.

I've used an 8x8 card base and inked it up with Distressed ink, embossed white card with a Couture creations folder then ink that, matted on to Kanban mirri, paper from Chronology , Papermania as is the stamp of the globe, Spellbinders dies, they are snowflakes but they look a little like cogs, LOTV birthday sentiment. Gunmetal gems.
It's maybe a bit blue, I think I had some sort of idea in my head about up and away into the blue yonder, or something like that.

That's me for today, thank you for all your wonderful comments, I love reading them, and if I could just say to people who visit, please do leave a comment so that I know you were here, cos I will visit you and see what marvellous creations you have.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday
Kate X

Alpacas!

Hello Everyone, it's 5.50 so I'm not sure if it's afternoon or evening at this time, so I suppose an Hello will do.
Have you all had a good Saturday?  Hope so.  Our weather has been really nice today, although it's been cold. I even got washing out and though not dry, had a good airing.  I didn't expect to have the car today as I thought Alistair needed it, but it turned out that he didn't so he took me to Nairn for a walk along the beach and then some lunch.  It was really good to get out as I've been mostly in the house as I've had the flu, so it was good to clear some cobwebs away.

We drove along the back road through Cawder as I wanted to see if the herd of Alpacas were still there.  I just love these animals, although I believe they can spit, but I think they are gorgeous and their fleece is delightful to knit with ans oh so warm.  They were indeed there and I was able to take these photos;

They were much nearer the fence at first and then they wandered off, but I managed not too badly to get these.

I've no card today, I've trying to concentrate on some knitting which will be gifts.  But I received two fab new LOTV stamps yesterday which was my prize for winning one of the challenge blogs a couple of weeks ago, and my LC stamp of the Month arrived this morning so I'm not short of goodies to play with.

I'd like to thank you all for the great comments on my Bafta Boy card, It was great to read that you all thought I'd got it right.  I do love to read your comments, it's such encouragement.

Better get off now and see about making dinner,  Alistair is upstairs just now playing his fiddle, doing my head in and wish a string would break, so the sooner I get him fed, the sooner we will be fiddle noise free.

Enjoy the remainder of your day

Kate x