Back in the Swing

Morning Folks.....I seem to be back in the swing.....and fingers crossed the old 'puter seems to have decided to behave........haven't got a lot to show for my crafty day yesterday.....we were having a new window fitted in the front room yesterday and it is a biggie....but there were plenty of bodies. The downside of that was constant interruptions and shouts of "is the kettle on"....spent nearly the whole day making cuppas and stuff to eat...but I did manage to get a card made for a friend.....

Papers: Pink Petticoat....Little Fleurs Collection

Letters: Pink Petticoat Monograms Collection

Flowers: Prima

Ribbon & gems from stash

And it's back to the cubbyhole this morning....hopefully no more interruptions......and what am I up to today.....well would you believe working on a Christmas project......not allowed to share at the moment.....but using the brand new Penny Black Christmas collection.....available now from The Glitter Pot and they are gorgeous......they only arrived in stock yesterday....I think I must have been first in the queue and lo and behold the postie popped them through my letterbox at 10.00am this morning....how's that for customer service.....catch up with you all tomorrow if I have time to have a little play and get a challenge card done.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 57

Morning Folks....and it's a small miracle I am doing this post at all after the week of computer disasters I've had.     Once again a fabulous response to our colour challenge last week....you obviously loved that one and lots and lots of fabulous......RED WHITE and BLUE cards......well done everyone.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is

SWIRLS

 

  

 

Background created with Tim Holtz Distress Inks.....Weathered Wood & Brushed Corduroy

overstamped with flourish stamp from Craftwork Cards...Choko Collection

Image: Penny Black Enjoy Collection

Flowers: Prima
Tim Holtz: Adage Ticket
Fiskars Ribbon Slot Punch
Ribbon: American Crafts

Pearls from stash

I have no idea where those metal flowers came from....just stumbled upon them in my stash when I was looking for something else...have a feeling they are from Maya Road...but not sure and I'm hoping that you will count the curly wurly bits on the flourish stamp as swirls....hey that's what challenges are all about....it is your interpretation of the theme.....that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

We have a fabulous prize for you this week
this super cute Penny Black stamp

 

"Frolic"

kindly sponsored by the lovely Jacqui 

at Simply Create

this is my local craft store in Alford Aberdeenshire
and if you are within driving distance...believe me folks
it is well worth a visit

It's time to get those Penny Blacks looked out and get inking.....can't wait to see all your fabulous creations this week.....happy stamping everybody......Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

An Award and I've been tagged

Morning Folks......I received this award from the lovely Desire....all the way across the world in South Africa and I've been tagged....I have to share 10 honest facts about myself and ask all my followers to join in......oh no.....what can I tell you about myself that you don't already know....I find these things so hard to do....but here goes.....

1. I am a senior citizen or an old fogey whichever way you want to look at it.
2. I have been married for 40 years next year....yes my Ruby Wedding anniversary....to hubby Andy and let me tell you one of us deserves a medal.....I wonder who?
3. I passed my driving test at age 50......at the first attempt.
4. I love hill-walking......ski-ing and walking my gorgeous bundle of golden deliciousness...yes the one and only "Budster".
5. I have 2 gorgeous grandchildren.....Brodie and Oliver.....the light of my life
6. I am a real perfectionist......and make no apologies for that.....I believe if something is worth doing...it is worth doing to the best of your ability.
7. I'm sure I have an addictive personality.....well the crafting and the blogging confirms that.
8. I am not a violent person....but would love to get my hands on those low life's who abuse children and animals....it makes my blood boil.
9. I get real grumpy when machines don't work.....as you will know from my computer problems early in the week...but I am like a dog with a bone and will stick at it until I solve the problem.
   
10. I consider myself very fortunate to still be in good health and very active......fingers crossed it will stay that way for a good number of years to come.

Now....how boring was that......mind you it did say honest facts.....just as well I wasn't asked for interesting facts.....that would have taken me all day........I am now inviting all my followers to join in.....leave me a comment here so that I can come and read your 10 honest facts.
Off for our morning stroll now....I do have a challenge card to share but in true Victor Meldrew style....I DO NOT BELIEVE IT.....and you won't either....I can't get my pics to upload onto my editing software...keep getting an error message.....well Mrs Grumpy needs to get to work and get that fixed.....catch up with you all tomorrow on Penny Black Saturday...that is if Mr Microsoft and Mr Blogger decide to play ball.

Hugs Kath xxxx

Are you ready........

Hi Folks.....are you ready to GET FUNKY......
On the 1st August Anice and the Funky Hand Design Team will be launching a brand new all singing and dancing challenge blog called

The challenges will only be once a month so plenty of time to take part each month and it will be well worthwhile joining in......there will be a big prize for the winner each month but more news about that later.. there will be freebies.... fun and lots of inspiration from the amazing Funky Hand Design Gang....I am so lucky to be working with this super duper fun team...and we are all mega excited about our new adventure... I know you are going to love it...so put a date in your diary and remember  

GET FUNKY......1ST AUGUST.

 Hugs Kath xxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Afternoon everybody....well I'm back but not entirely firing on all cylinders but it's a start......my mojo seems to have gone on a little holiday....well who can blame him...the weather here is back to the usual North East of Scotland.....cold...wind and rain....why did we all complain about the heat. Dragged myself out to the cubbyhole last night to make a start on some DT stuff and thought.....no....let's have some fun.....so made this little cutie and after 3 days of doom and gloom here at Chez Kath.....it made me smile.
The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is.........

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Yes all my favourite things......

Papers & Alphabet: Basic Grey.....Wassail

Creata Cuties.....my favourite birds....the cuddly robin redbreast

and it won't be long until he returns to the garden again.

Flourish Stamp: Rhona Farrer Autumn Leaves

Bling and not forgetting the glitter I can't live without......Glamour Dust

and yes my first christmas card

And hey ho it's sneaky peek Thursday.....to be honest after the week I've had so far....didn't have a clue what day it was until I switched on the telly this morning.....so here we go with just one peek today.......

and if no major catastrophe befalls me between now and then....I will be back tomorrow with something else to share.....and in the meantime....I will be trying to catch up with all my lovely bloggy buds and what you have been creating....I know I have been neglecting you all........Big Hugs Kath xxxxxx

The Best Laid Plans

Morning Folks....and no crafty stuff to share today.....I'm afraid I have my "moaning minnie" hat on today....you all know by now of my disastrous day on Monday when my computer decided to play silly beggars....well these things never comes in ones.....on Friday my car decided it didn't want to play either....stranded at my local shopping centre......started OK but when I let out the clutch...it stuttered and ground to a halt.....and I got the impression it wanted to go but couldn't.....tried several times but it was having none of it.... waited about ten minutes...tried again and off it went quite happily.....strange. Well the same thing happened on Sunday but this time it was belching smoke and there was a terrible smell of burning.....managed to gingerly drive it home and booked it into my local garage......too busy to fix it this week because they are closed this weekend for a local holiday....so it will be Wednesday next week. Now I am a very patient laid back kind of girl with people....but not with machines....I hate when things don't work and I want them fixed NOW....but no amount of throwing my toys out of the pram is going to work with the man at the garage.....so I am like a bear with a sore head. What is it with me and machines at the moment....I am beginning to feel I am on somebody's hit list.
The crafty schedule for this week has gone for a burton and I think my mojo has joined it.
What's the solution I wonder......well in the great scheme of things......I have had a couple of minor hiccups....so it's stop feeling sorry for yourself.....a good talking to and a kick up the bum is required.
"The Budster" and I are off for our morning stroll and you know the old saying "be careful what you wish for" well.....yes the weather has cooled down considerably......in fact by 100 degrees.....it is cold windy...in fact it's freezing.....so it's back to the snuggly fleece...but who knows it may just blow away all the doom and gloom and Chez Kath will be back to a happy crafting place again.......catch up with you all later.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

It's Me Again.......

Ok Folks.....it's your gorgeous bundle of golden deliciousness again.....boy oh boy what a day we had yesterday....my Mum's computer crashed in the morning and she sat for the whole day wrestling with Mr Microsoft and Mr Windows to get it back......and after a couple of phone calls to BT Broadband Help.....yes Mrs Not Very Helpful in Dehli....she was ready to jump under a bus.....we are up and running again......with still a few probs to sort out......the loss of all e-mail contacts and lots of software to download again....poor Mum....she needs a big BUDDY snuggle.    And I had a big decision to make and it was so hard......all the cards you made were fabby..... I loved them all.....A BIG BUDDY HUG  for making my birthday so special...thank you...thank you....thank you.....but there can only be one winner..........

LYNDA

Now isn't this just the cutest little pupster......

every bit as handsome as me and the paper has my name on it...how cool is that...

If you send my mum an e-mail with your address Lynda.....I will get our lovely postie to work his magic and get your parcel of goodies off to you as quick as I can chase him up the driveway......and sorry but no pic of the goodies I managed to steal....oops... borrow from my Mum's stash....Mum needs to upload the photo editing software again.......I am quite liking this blogging malarkey and who knows you may be hearing from me again.....I bet you get a bit fed up of all that crafting stuff...well toodle..oo for now.....still a bit tired after my morning stroll.......so off to catch a few zzzzzz's and snuggle up to my Mum on the sofa.

Big Bloggy Hugs...Buddy xxxxxxxx

Edited to add.....Hi folks....yes it seems I am back in bloggyland once again and fingers crossed problems are sorted out......lots of stuff needs to be reloaded onto the computer....and hopefully I will get that done over the next few days.....so apologies if I don't get over to visit you...blame Mr Microsoft...BT Broadband and probably Mr Blogger had a hand in the disaster too.....but in the meantime..a piccie of  Buddy's prize......

Big Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

BIG PROBLEMS

Hi Folks.....I am having big computer problems....connection is very intermittent....so don't know when I will be back in the swing......Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Hi Folks...and you won't believe the day I am having...my computer crashed and I have had to reinstall my whole operating system but at least I am back online....will have to work all day today and get all my other stuff installed.....I am not a happy bunny right this minute but more about that later.

The challenge this week on Daring Cardmakers is from the lovely Vanessa and is a colour challenge......

BLUE and GREEN

Scalloped Cardstock.....Craftwork Cards

Papers & Topper: Bo Bunny.....Collection

Flowers from my gorgeous parcel from Dawn

Buttons and Twine from stash

Sentiment: American Crafts Foam Thickers

Wow.....the Men's Final.....exciting or what......I was on the edge of my seat....a real nail biting battle of the Titans.....I was so willing my hero...Roger Federer to win but couldn't help supporting Andy Roddick too....he just never gave up....like a dog with a bone....he fought for every point.....and then when Roger finally triumphed....well I was in bits.....all the emotion just came pouring out.....hubby was rather bemused....tears of joy for Roger and tears of sadness for Andy......what a day and what a finish to a wonderful Wimbledon....roll on next year and hey hoping to be there....little Sis is celebrating her 60th and like me is a big tennis fan.....so perhaps that will be my birthday treat if I can get tickets.

The weather is still absolutely glorious here after a weekend weather forecast of cloud and rain.....am loving it but I do wish it would cool down at night.......definitely feeling a bit wilted and beware any burglars....enter the bedroom at your own risk.....sleeping in my birthday suit and woke up this morning with the sheet nowhere to be seen....I guarantee it won't be a pretty sight.

"The Budster" won't be announcing the winner of his Birthday Challenge until tomorrow...sorry folks...

Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

Guess Who.......

Hi Everybody....yes it's me....your favourite doggy blogger......my birthday card challenge is now CLOSED and hey you knocked my socks off with all the yummy cards you made me for my birthday......BIG THANK YOU's and I wish that I could send you all a load of stash but I think that would be pushing my luck just a little bit too far considering I am already in big trouble....had a little dig in a muddy hole this morning...let me tell you she wasn't best pleased....so better not chance my luck.   I have had a good sniff around in the cubbyhole and found some yummy stuff so all I need to do now is choose a WINNER and it's not going to be easy but will be back tomorrow with my big woofing announcement and hopefully a piccie....if I can persuade "SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED" to get the camera out.
And talk of the devil.... what has HER NIBS been doing over the weekend.....well hogging the computer big time......decided to have a bit of a blog makeover and that turned out to be a bit of a disaster.....well there were lots of bad words and big sighs coming from the office....but at least I got a mention....not quite my name up there in lights...and a little bit miffed about the hooligan reference....what a cheek....ME...a hooligan...NEVER.   Then she plunked herself on the sofa to watch a silly game called TENNIS...what a waste of time that is......batting a ball back and forth for hours and and not one of them managed to catch it in their mouths......need to give them a few tips on that one and all that grunting and the click clack of the ball......seriously how's a boy meant to get any shut eye with that racket (forgive the pun) going on.    And she tells me there is more of the same today......it's the guys today and she seems to be mega excited so there will be lots of "YESSS's".....and NOOOO's" going on.....honestly can't a dog get some peace and quiet around here.     There seems to be a frenzy of crafty stuff going on at the mo......probably doing a card for some challenge thingy so we will be catching up with you all tomorrow.

BIG BLOGGY HUGS TO YOU ALL.......BUDDY  xxxxx

P.S. I've just been informed by HER NIBS that it's rude to type in capitals....it's the same as shouting.....well you are all a long way away.....so I need to shout.....don't you think.

Saturday.....oh what a day

Morning folks.....do you ever get the feeling that the whole world and his wife is ganging up on you....well that was my day yesterday and believe me....I feel a little rant coming on....so get the kettle on and park your bum somewhere comfy.
The mistake I made yesterday was deciding to do a little bit of a blog makeover...why can't I just leave well alone.....popped over to Shabby Princess.....chose some new blogwear and proceeded to checkout.
Now we are talking of the princely sum of $2.50 converted to sterling....round about £1.58. After a bit of a "suspicious activity" scare on Paypal.....decided to pay with my M&S charge card....well the blighter was rejected 3 times.....what is going on...think maybe the first time I entered the cardholder details wrong....so in the end gave up and went with Paypal. Little did I know that my little typing error had alerted the security guys over at M&S....the phone rings and it is M&S....."did I try to use my card today on Shabby Princess".....yes....but it was rejected 3 times I told the nice lady....now I have to answer some security questions so she can be sure she is talking to me....the usual stuff....date of birth....postcode...don't know that proves anything....Mr Identity Theft would probably have that info anyway and she has called me on my home telephone so does she think for one minute that he lives here.... and then the nitty gritty questions.....what date did I pay my last statement.....easy peasy...always pay on the 1st of the month and what was the amount......oh dear...this was a bit harder because hubby was sitting within earshot.
This is my card I use for personal shopping and that means lots of crafty stuff.....so tried to whisper the amount....well she didn't hear and asked me to repeat....what's wrong with you woman......are you deaf.
Once she was reassured that it was actually me that had tried to spend £1.58....she was very apologetic....but do they really think that Mr Identity Theft is going to spend such a piddly amount...now if it was £1580....then I could understand their concern but can I just say that my other credit card companies have never once queried any payment large or small.....so I am not having a go at M&S.....good on you for taking card security so seriously but the ladies tennis final is fast approaching.... I am sitting at the computer and the blogwear makeover ain't going according to plan....what I thought would be an hour tops.....is turning into a nightmare......and the next time I feel like a makeover......you all need to give me a big bloggy slap.
But all's well that ends well.... the tennis....wowee those Williams sisters are just the best....well done Serena and then they won the Ladies Doubles.....how can they play 2 games back to back in this heat....must have some stamina....even more thrills in store today......Roger V Andy....that is going to be a cracker....so off to get some stuff done and dusted and my bum parked firmly on the sofa ready for all the action and guess what "The Budster" is sitting here waiting for his turn on the computer....so catch up with you all later.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 56

Morning folks.....it's Saturday again and time for another Penny Black Saturday challenge...let me say a big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun last week with Nat's fab sketch....and hasn't the weather been glorious....not ideal for sitting indoors making cards... so well done everyone on coming up with gorgeous creations once again.
Today is Independence Day across in the USA.....so here's wishing all our American cousins a very "Happy 4th of July"....hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend and have lots of fun whatever you are doing to celebrate.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is a colour challenge and we thought it would be rather fitting to make it the colours of the American Flag....."The Stars and Stripes"

RED WHITE AND BLUE

Papers: Fancy Pants "The Daily Grind" Collection

Checked Paper created with stamp

and Tim Holtz Fired Brick Distress Ink

Image & Sentiment: Penny Black....Micey Collection

Ribbon: American Crafts
Charm from stash

and before anyone asks....I have had this cute little charm for years and can't remember where I got it from

And we have a fabulous prize for one lucky winner this week.....
from the lovely Sharni and Clair.....Stampin Up Demonstrators
this gorgeous stamp...."From the Garden"

Sharni and Clair have kindly offered to sponsor the prize for the

1st Saturday of each month..how generous is that....

click HERE to visit their blog and share their fabulous creations

That's it for today folks.....can't wait to see your creations with the colour challenge and remember Buddy's challenge ends tomorrow at noon.....in fact......he is out in the cubbyhole at the moment...having a good sniff around and sorting out some stash for his prize...better go and keep an eye on him.

And oh dear...Andy Murray out of Wimbledon....what a match....real glued to the screen stuff....he played brilliantly but have to admit that Andy Roddick was the better player and just pipped him at the post and how can they run around for 5 sets in that heat...take my hats off to you guys....well off to get some crafting done this morning....my bum will be rooted to the sofa this afternoon for the yet again Williams Sisters..... ladies final and dynamite won't get me out of my seat tomorrow afternoon for what promises to be the final of all finals......catch up with you all later.....Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Carol's Sketch Fun Challenge # 9

Hi folks...I'm back again....the morning was certainly feeling a bit fresher earlier on but hey ho...we are back to hot and sticky again.....have just finished a fandango round the house with Mr Dyson.....and oh boy do I need to go and have another shower.....you know that feeling when your knickers are stuck to your bum but first must share my card for Carol's Sketch Fun and then go have a refreshing cuppa.
I love Carol's sketches....they are always so easy to work with and I have started to print each one off and keep in a file for future inspiration.....well us crafters need all the help we can get sometimes.

Papers: DCVW..."The Green Stack"

Stamps: October Afternoon.....Detours Clear Stamp Set

Ribbon: American Crafts

"Friend" Sentiment: Hero Arts...Share Laughter Clear Stamp Set

Pearls from stash

Can anybody tell me why Mr Blogger is taking so long to upload pics....does he think I have nothing better to do than sit and stare at a blank screen all day.....waiting for him to get his finger out.....but there may be a solution to all our bloggy problems....I have heard a little rumour that the MIGHTY GOOGLE are relocating their offices to Inverurie....a town just a short drive from here.....well folks I will be first in the queue to meet this Mr Blogger who at the moment is doing my head in.....he needs to be told good and proper...we are fed up of his little tantrums.

Well that's it for today folks.....off to have my second cool shower of the day...then have a gander at what Daring Cardmakers have got in store for us all this week.....and catch up with you all tomorrow for another fabby challenge at Penny Black Saturday......Hugs Kath xxxxxx
P.S. If Mr Blogger has read this...he certainly isn't running scared yet.....because he now won't let me leave my comment link on Carol's blog....grrrrrrr.

Polka Doodles Challenge

Morning folks...yet again another scorching day yesterday.....at this rate....I will be shrivelled away to nothing...eating nothing but fruit and drinking gallons of iced water....but I did find the fan and it's been going at a rate of knots in the cubbyhole.....so crafting is continuing despite the heatwave. Enjoy it while we can...as Mr Weather Man is predicting a change over the weekend....
The challenge this week over at Polkadoodles is..............

Make a card/project with any fruit on it

and a hidden element somewhere on your project

and the DT were asked to use the Cherry Collection from Sugar Birdies CD

and the hidden element

Papers & Image: Polka Doodles...Sugar Birdies CD
Alphabets: Papermania Cardstock Stickers
Ribbon from stash

Just got home from our longer than usual morning stroll.. The Budster is only getting 2 walks in this heat....early morning and evening.....no way can I take him out in the heat of the day.....too much even for a young and fit dog.....never mind an old....and not so fit Grandma. Off to make a challenge card for my fabby Funky Hand teamie....Carol's Sketch Fun....so catch up with you all soon.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Morning Folks.....and yes it's definitely going to be another scorcher.....I am wilting just thinking about it.....we shouldn't complain but it has been so humid here and I can't remove any more clothes.....not if I don't want to be arrested for indecent exposure....but spare a thought for the poor Budster....well say no more...wrapped in a toasty furry coat. I just lost all motivation yesterday....it was too hot even to sit around......the thermometer was hitting 30-32 at times and I was almost at the stage of going and sitting in a bath of cold water......certainly not great when you have heaps of crafty stuff to be getting on with but I did manage to battle through the heat and make another challenge card.
The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is another fabby sketch from my lovely bloggy bud...Dawny P which I have rotated and I decided to have another play with some of my goodies from my shopping spree with Dawn

Papers: My Minds Eye....Pretty Please Collection

Images: Panduro...Tilda Papercraft Collection

Alphabets: American Crafts Thickers

And yes it's sneaky peek Thursday.....only one peek I'm afraid

Penny Black Saturday is still a work in progress

Well off in search of an electric fan.....I know there is one somewhere on the premises....last used the last time we had summer....about 10 years ago probably and then get cracking with the crafting before it gets too hot.....catch up with you all tomorrow for a brand new challenge over at Polkadoodles and if I manage to get through another day feeling like a greasy plook (spot)....perhaps another challenge card.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx