Penny Black Saturday Challenge 12

Great response to last week's challenge.....a little bit trickier but you came up trumps once again and produced fabulous creations. The challenge on Penny Black Saturday this week is "Stars and Stripes" and the prize this week has been kindly donated by Anice from FUNKY HAND.....I am lucky enough to be on the DT at Funky Hand and just love this new download called "Minty Madness".

It worked out perfect for this challenge as there are several stripey papers in the collection and the sheet of toppers is stars....how lucky was that. Don't know why but the colours remind me of Mint Aeros or that famous Mint Choc Ice Cream - YUMMY.

• Papers: Funky Hand: Minty Madness
• Image: Penny Black "Critter Party" clear stamps
• Sentiment: Cut with Cricut and American Crafts Thickers.

Don't you just love.....Technology

I am sitting here this morning at my computer gnashing my teeth...bald as a coot after pulling all my hair out..don't you just love technology. My morning routine involves about an hour on the old 'puter checking mail, answering mail from long suffering friends who don't craft and sometimes think I have dropped off the planet and general admin sort of stuff. Lots to do today so up early, coffee in hand and all set to go when up pops a little message from my friends at Microsoft...CRITICAL UPDATES....INSTALL NOW.....now being a law abiding citizen....I do what I'm told but why of why did I press that little button....didn't tell me that this was a major Software Update and 2 cups of coffee later, I am still waiting for it to finish. Does this mean my computer is now super hyper and will operate at the speed of light...somehow I don' t think so.

But it isn't all bad in bloggy land this morning I received a beautiful card yesterday from my blogging friend Dawn as a thank you for her blog candy....and this fabulous award also from Dawn and Dawny - 2 seriously talented blogging friends ...thank you girls for thinking of me. I am supposed to pass it on to 5 other crafters who inspire me.......how can I choose 5 out of all the lovely blogging friends I have made since I started my blog. I do appreciate your visits and all the lovely comments you leave so whether you are just an occasional visitor or one of those stalky folk...consider yourself awarded and display it on your blog with all my love.

Well that was a bit of a rant for you this morning.....am now off to lie down in a darkened room...only kidding........have to finish off my first post for Penny Black Saturday tomorrow and that's another story because Mr Blogger ain't co-operating on that one either.....and then....you won't believe this but Christmas Card Samples are definitely on the cards today unless the world suddenly comes to an end or Tim Holtz suddenly turns up for a coffee and a chat......maybe not a good idea considering I am sitting here in my grotty old dressing gown and the hair I've got left is like a bird's nest.....hope you are having a better day where you are.

Love Kath xxxxxxx

Hoop de doop de dooooooo

Look what I have just won over on Daisy Bucket's blog.....you know how I love my Daisy Bucket Papers and they were giving away some free stuff to celebrate their new blog......leave a comment to be in with a chance....so I did....but there were 188 comments......no chance I thought until I browsed over tonight and yes I am one of the winners.......can't wait to get it and have a play with the collection of papers and rub-ons.
What am I like.....I know a kid in a sweet shop. Love Kath xxxxxxxx

Toot..er...oot..er..ooo

Well I definitely ain't getting any work done today that's for sure ...just had an e-mail from my FH DT mate Chris to say that she wants to feature my card from Carol's Sketch Fun # 2 on INSPIRATIONAL. How honoured am I...if you're not acquaint with Inspirational...it is jammed packed with fabulous creations and is totally awe inspiring so pop on over and check out it out.
Thank you Chris for your lovely comments even the one about me being vintage...have to hold my hands up to that one and getting even more vintage by the day....it's a worry.

This card was so easy to make and working with products from two of my favourites companies....the gorgeous papers from the Blue Awning Collection at K & Co do all the work for you and I love this Collage Art stamp from Hero Arts...so the products are the stars here.....I just did a little bit of stamping and sticking down.
I know you have heard this before but I am definitely off to do some work...even although it is another gorgeous day here.    Love Kath xxxxxxxx

Arty Girlz/House Mouse

The theme this week on Arty Girlz is SUMMER and on House Mouse it's LACE so I am combining the two...basically because yesterday was such a beautiful day that I had a bit of a laze around instead of starting my Christmas Card samples.....tomorrow is another day....well not a good move...opened my mailbox last night to lots of more card commissions....oh dear....... meeting myself coming back...will be burning the midnight oil me thinks.......

Have had these Blond Moments Papers for absolutely ages and never really used them...a bit too citrusy for me, but hey I think I like them...definitely got that Summery feel.

• Papers: Blonde Moments
• Image: House Mouse "Sunny Side Up"
• Punch Border: Martha Stewart Doily Lace Edge
• Lace: from my stash
• Sentiment: Rub-on's from Docrafts

Ever soooo....slightly distracted

Feeling back on form today and Christmas card samples....here I come.....until I got ever so slightly distracted by the postman and PARCELS.....Candy from Jane....thanks so much..you are very very generous ...lots of fab images, stamps, decoupage and those big flowers are just gorgeous.

Stamps from Bubbly Funk...I love these "Stamps Away" stamps....they are ridiculously cheap but are great quality and they stamp beautifully with a Versafine Black Ink Pad.

The weather is glorious here today but a bit windy...not complaining about that...the washing is out and will be dry shortly....oh no...more ironing. Buddy was lying out in the garden doing a bit of doggie sunbathing until he saw me with the camera.....he is a real poser and check out that big wet nose!!!!

Well no more excuses back to work...well perhaps after a coffee and a little seat in the sun!!!!!

2 Sketches 4 You

The sketch this week from ....2 Sketches 4 You has been set by Laura. I am still on a bit of a high from last week and what on earth can I do this week...mind you the chances of being "Card of the Week" 2 weeks in a row must equate with winning the lottery. Well that focused the mind and I decided to make a card for a very Special Lady in my life ....can't say anymore because I fear that she stalks my blog occasionally.

• Cardstock: Bazzill Arroyo
• Paper: Crate Paper - Blue Hill Collection..Grass
• Sentiment: Adorn-it Foam Alphabets
• Charm and Ribbon from my stash

Carol's Sketch Fun # 2

Here is the second sketch from Carol and what a brilliant sketch .... I loved working with this sketch and the minute I saw it...it just spoke K & Co......to me. Wait until you see the fabulous stamp that Carol is giving away as the prize......so get your crafting goodies out and join in the fun.

This was to be the day that I started on my Christmas Card samples but.....not feeling too good today...think I may have picked up some tummy bug.....so what better cure than a little bit of TLC in the form of playing and maybe I can get some challenges done.....well that's my excuse!!

• Papers: K & Co Blue Awning Collection
• HOTP
• Stamp: Hero Arts...Thank You Collage Art
• Punch: Martha Stewart Doily Edge Lace
• Lace & Button: from my stash.

Very Nearly Stumped

I have been making commission cards for many years and have covered practically every subject under the sun and believe me I have had some weird and wonderful requests over the years but this one very nearly had me stumped and I just had to share it with you. The brief was "card for a teacher who is moving to a new job at one our local primary schools from a school in Aberdeen about 5 miles away"......easy peasy I thought..I will look out my Nitwit Kindergarten Collection and " could you add something about canoeing onto the card...as she is really into CANOEING".

I spent most of the afternoon pondering how I could incorporate canoeing onto the card and I must say I don't give up without a fight...finally the penny dropped and this is what I came up with......

After all the excitement of yesterday...as you can see it's back to the day job and this week I must make a start on making up my sample Christmas cards...now that is a challenge as at the moment I have no ideas in my head whatsoever. Love Kath xxxxxxx

A new download from Funky Hand

It's been very busy over at Funky Hand Towers and the reason.....Anice has been working on a new download......called... MINTY MADNESS .... and it's gorgeous...Mint and Black....very on trend.....

available from the FUNKY HAND WEBSITE....... NOW....

for only £3.49.....Yummy papers .......(22 in the collection) plus one set of alphabets and a sheet of Star Toppers and Sentiments.



Anice is offering a Bank Holiday Discount offer of 10% off everything on the website including this new download and if you are a newsletter subscriber..it's 15% off up until midnight on Monday 25th August.....to take advantage of this offer you need the Discount Codes which you will find on Anice's Blog.....Funky Hand Thoughts
Don't know why but it reminds me of Mint Aeros which are one of my favourite choccy treats.
I've had great fun playing with these papers.....you've done it again Anice .....another fabulous collection.
A little reminder for all you sketch fans out there...Carol my Funky Hand DT mate will be posting Sketch No 2 on Carol's Sketch Fun .....on Tuesday 26th....so get over there and join in the fun.

Toot....toot....toot

I bet you can hear me tooting from where you are? I am having a total meltdown here...can't believe it...I've just won

CARD OF THE WEEK

on 2 SKETCHES4YOU.....yippee...wowee....not enough adjectives to describe how honoured and chuffed I am. I love this sketch challenge blog so much....fabulous sketches by Kazan and Laura...two very talented crafters and such lovely ladies...that I try to get their sketch done every week and sometimes it means burning the midnight oil but I'm addicted....so a girl has to do what a girl has to do. The creative talent is just awesome so if you haven't visited yet...what are you waiting for....get yourselves over there tomorrow for Laura's sketch and have fun.
Big thank you to Kazan for choosing my Birthday Book this week.
Love
Kath xxxxxxxx
P.S. I've never been superstitious but after winning the prize on Tag You're It and then Jane's blog candy I did comment that perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket...well I didn't win the lottery but this means just as much to me...and it just goes to prove that good things do come in 3's.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge 11

I think it might be safe to say that you all enjoyed last week's challenge using ribbons and my oh my fabulous creations from everyone.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is.....No Cards Allowed.....I decided to make a Reminder Board for my office...a bit of a necessity when you have a memory as bad as mine.....I am a real "make a list" person especially when I go shopping ...but then I arrive at the supermarket and discover I have forgotten to take the list and it is still sitting on the kitchen table......perhaps I need a list to remind me to take the list.....it's a worry.

• Papers: Basic Grey Perhaps Collection
• Flowers cut from a sheet of Basic Grey paper and dotted with Sakura Souffle Pen..White
• Chipboard
• Alphabets: Basic Grey
• Stamps: Penny Black Bear Blanks
• Ribbon: Costco
• Post-it-Note Pad from office
• Eyelets: WeR Memory Keepers

Enjoy your weekend and hope the weather with you is as beautiful as it is here this morning.

I was very sad to hear that Tracy was standing down as one of the co-ordinators on PBSC ..she has done a marvellous job along with Tracie is making PBSC what it is.......a real fun blog and I wish her all the best for the future ...she will continue on the Design Team so we aren't going to miss out on seeing all her fabulous work. Jacqui and I will be joining Tracie as co-ordinators and I hope that we can continue with the great work Tracy has done. We really appreciate your support over the last 11 weeks and it's great fun to visit you all and see the wonderful ideas you all come up with.

Love Kath xxxxxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

The dare this week on Daring Cardmakers has been set by Tanya and is "THIS WAY...I want to see Arrows." I am often asked "where do you get your ideas for cards"...well I must be honest sometimes from the weirdest places. After I read the dare this week I went off to my crafty cubbyhole to do some work and suddenly I couldn't stop singing that song "Is this the way to Amarillo"....remember the video by Peter Kay for Children in Need but how could I make that into a card....well this cute little fella came to the rescue......

Last challenge of the week completed but of course they start off all over again on Monday. Off to put my feet up and relax...probably nothing on the box...so will no doubt end up back up at the computer doing a bit of blog hopping.

Tag You're It Challenge

The challenge this week on Tag You're It is "Punch Art" set by guest designer...Deb Neerman. I love this lady's work and if you pop over to her blog, you will be truly inspired and have your sense of humour tickled at the same time.

I had been using these papers today for a card order and rather than tidy away all the little scraps...why not make my tag for the challenge. I used four different punches:

• Martha Stewart Doily Lace Edge for the border
• Fiskars Large Heart Squeeze Punch for the flower petals and leaves (heart cut in half
• Woodware Small Square for my sentiment
• Large Scalloped Circle Punch
  
• Papers: K & Co Blue Awning & Basic Grey Perhaps
• Alphabet: Basic Grey Perhaps
• Button: Basic Grey Sultry Collection
• Lace & Twine from my stash

More Daisy Bucket

Another rainy morning in Aberdeenshire and I feel a protest coming on....the weather forecast last night said "everywhere in the country should have a dry day apart from the North East of England"...what happened chaps.......

Busy catching up on card orders again today but I did have a little break mid morning......no.. not the Kit-Kat variety.....I had a little play with my new Daisy Bucket papers and came up with this one....I'm sure you can tell I am totally in love with these papers...so much so I even cut out each individual blade of grass to make the border at the bottom....if that's not love I don't know what is......

Have a great weekend folks whatever you are doing and see you all tomorrow for the Penny Black Saturday challenge......

• Papers: Daisy Bucket
• Sentiment: Circle Sentiment Stamps from Stamps Away

Thank You Cass

The weather today is atrocious....heavy heavy rain and driving conditions are awful...just got home from a shopping trip to town......should have taken the canoe.....the roads are awash with water and lots of numpties driving around in zero visibility with no lights.....and because they can't see they are driving around at 20mph......PUT YOUR LIGHTS ON...YOU IDIOTS....but there is always a little ray of sunshine and this is what I found when I arrived home.

It never fails to amaze me how kind crafters are....when I mentioned on my House Mouse & Friends Post that I didn't own any House Mouse stamps...but was using some images kindly sent to me by my Funky Hand DT mate.....Carol.......a certain lady left a comment to say that she would send me some stamped images and that was........Cass.....fellow Scot, Rock Chick, fantastic card maker and lovely lovely lady.....big hugs Cass.......pop over to her blog to see her fabulous talent and isn't this card just gorgeous....the piccie doesn't show the true colour....it is the most scrumptious lavender.......camera doesn't obviously like the weather either. Big THANK YOU CASS...you are a star.....love you loads.....Kath xxxxxxx

2 Sketches 4 You Challenge

The sketch this week on 2 Sketches 4 You has been set by Kazan......and boy did I struggle this week - not with the sketch but getting the photograph - I just couldn't get the true colour of the papers. I was making a Birthday Book for a friend's birthday and her favourite colour is BLUE. The pages of the book were computer generated to show a page for each month of the year.

• Papers..Chipboard Alphabet..Rub-ons and Gems are all from K & Co Blue Awning Collection.
• Ribbon: from my Stash
• Eyelets: WeR Memory Keepers

Arty Girlz Challenge # 48

The challenge this week from Arty Girlz is to "Add Shapes" and my favourite shape must be CIRCLES. I love dotty paper and am guilty of using circles quite a lot in my card designs especially punched out circles with foam dots to make them pop.

The mojo seems to be back on track - make hay while the sun shines - hope to get lots of boxes ticked today and another challenge bites the dust.

• Papers: Daisy Bucket "Perfect Harmony"
• Circle: Cut with Cricut George & Basic Shapes at 5" Silhouette
• Sentiment: American Craft Stickers & HOTP Clear Stamp Set
• Gems: Crafty Bitz

Toot..toot....Pink Petticoat

I am featured on the Pink Petticoat website - Liz says "MORE THAN 50 NEW Card Making Inspirations for you from your favourite Designers & some new Designers too! See them in Inspirations. Pop over and have a look - some great designs and as the name says "lots of inspiration". I was honoured when Liz commissioned me to make these cards and I just had to go with my dotty...birdie....doodly...flourishy mood of the moment...don't you just love this cute little birdie. I am such a fan of Liz's work....love all her image designs and fabulous papers..they are always so on trend.

• Papers: 'Big Bloomers' Card Making Collection.
• Image Stamp & Sentiment: 'Home Sweet Home' & 'Too Tweet' Image Stamps Collection
• Flourish: HOTP Clear Stamps

House Mouse Challenge & Ingrid's Sketch

After 2 days of no crafting I am going to be chasing my tail to get all the challenges I love to do completed this week and of course, I can't resist having a go at the NEW challenge...

House Mouse & Friends and would you believe Challenge 1# is NEW....so I thought I would make a card to let them know how much I love their NEW challenge blog. Don't have any House Mouse Stamps yet so I used an image kindly given to me by my Funky Hand DT mate Carol....who loves her House Mouse stamps.....pop over to her blog to see some fabulous cards created with these beautiful stamps. Urgently need to get some but there are so many that I love and Mrs Dithery Knickers here can't decide....would love to get them all......HELP...the Bank Manager has just fainted.

What a co-incidence but this card also fits the new Bonus Sketch and Card Series on

2 Sketches4You kicked off by DT member Ingrid......excuse the pun but what a bonus......two challenges ticked off...how many still to go?

Think I need a little practice on my watercolour work..not too happy with it...but my excuse is it's been a long day.

YUMMY..YUMMY....

Well the weather ain't improved.....it's chucking it down and what do you do with a bored youngster...we watched Jungle Book....took Buddy to the forest and yes we all got very wet.....so Brodie and Grandma decided to make some rock buns for our afternoon snack. Brodie is a dab hand at the baking and did another great job......yummy....yummy....yummy...can't wait for them to cool.....don't imagine they will last the rest the day.



Back to the crafty stuff tomorrow......kath xxxxxx

FLAT PACK FUN

Flat pack Fun or was it chaos...Grandad needed Brodie's help yesterday to put up some flat pack units for the spare room...so our very own Bob The Builder arrived with all his safety gear and tools and I think it was a bit of the blind leading the blind...

 but at least he's prepared to read the instructions unlike his Grandad

and even Buddy got in on the act...

Well all's well that ends well and I think it was a job well done...Grandma took the boys out for lunch as a treat and then we all had a walk to the forest with Buddy.

The weather today is awful.....lots and lots of rain...Grandad and Brodie have gone to B&Q for some more DIY stuff so I am having a peaceful hour catching up on my blog comments....Buddy is lying asleep at my feet....off to make a cup of coffee before the boys return looking for lunch. Brodie goes home tonight so hopefully I can catch up and get some challenges done tomorrow. Hope the weather is better where you are.

Love Kath xxx