Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 34

Morning all Penny Black lovers......another great response to last week's challenge.....we set the challenges and week after week you come up with fabulous creations.....well done everybody and we really do appreciate you taking the time to join us every Saturday.

The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is a.......

CIRCLE CARD

and the prize this week for one lucky winner...
chosen at random......
these.... oh so cute downloads
kindly donated by Paula at....

aren't they adorable........

I loved making this one and with one of my new stamps.....a real bargain in "The Glitter Pot" Sale.....and doesn't this remind you of those Thelwell cartoons with the little fat pony.

Papers & Rub-ons....WeR Memory Keepers Whiteout Collection

(I just adore this collection of papers and can't stop using it....

Image: Penny Black..."Heart to Heart"

Ribbon: American Crafts

Can't wait to see all your circle cards this week folks.....back tomorrow with my last challenge card for

"The Crafty Pad".......Hugs Kath xxxxx

Just a Little Toot

Just a little toot....just in case you don't know.....the NEW PENNY BLACK 2009 COLLECTION is now in stock at "The Glitter Pot" and they are fabulous...my stash ban has just gone out the window again......but how could I resist......and being on the Penny Black Saturday DT.....how could I not.......and sadly "Happy Stampers" is closing down.....Pauline has decided that she wants to spend more time with her family......25% off everything at checkout and I am assuming that means off the already reduced items in the clearance sale. If you are on a stash ban.....don't blame me if you have no willpower......see you all tomorrow on Penny Black Saturday.....hugs Kath xxxxxx

Tag You're It - Week 43

Morning Taggers......I am so excited this week.....we have something extra special for you today but first of all let me say what a great response to last week's challenge and lots of fabulous tags with numbers....thank you so much for your continued support...we really appreciate it and enjoy popping over to see what you have created.....what a talented bunch of taggers you are!

The challenge this week on Tag You're It  is......

PURPLE

and we are so chuffed to be sponsored this week by

the fabulous PURPLE ONION DESIGNS and we have none other

than the lovely and very talented Michele herself taking part......

Michele very generously donated
this fabulous set of stamps and they will
be going to one lucky winner...
chosen by Michele

how fab are these....why can't I enter....

Why don't you pop over to the Purple Onion website and check out
their fabulous range of stamps....you won't be disappointed.

So all you need to do is create a tag with the colour purple somewhere on it and if you have any Purple Onion stamps....we would love to see what you create with them

Paper: Blonde Moments....Spring Fling....Krackin Kiwi

Image: Purple Onion......Thank You Block

Flowers: Prima

Ribbon: American Crafts

Bling from my stash

I decided to cut up the stamped image and then highlighted parts of the words with Sakura White Souffle Pen.    Right off you go and have a rummage for all things purple....will be popping over for a visit and can't wait to see your fabulous tags this week......and back tomorrow with Penny Black Saturday..
Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Papertake Weekly and Sneaky Peek Thursday

Morning Folks......the challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is a fabby sketch from my lovely bloggy bud Dawny....and what a great sketch too.....just a quickie from me again today as I am still wearing my decorating hat...in more ways than one.....need to cover up all the paint on my hair....mind you it would have cost a fortune to get this look at the hairdresser.   Well enough waffling from me.....on with the job in hand.






I love this image which I got from the lovely Allison...my fabby team-mate on Funky Hand....when the team did an Image Swap recently and it so reminds me of  my beloved hooligan ...yes...the one and only "Budster"....not that he carries the newspaper but he is always wandering around with either my slippers or shoes in his mouth and it ain't a good look.... off out with one shoe covered in doggy drool.

Paper: DCVW Self Adhesive which I distressed with my

new Basic Grey Sanding Caddy (a sale bargain)

Paper: WeRMemory Keepers....White Out Collection

Image: Whipper Snapper......"Good News Puppy"

Alphabet: Doodlebug

And a little bit of doodling to finish off.

Now Thursday wouldn't be Thursday with a couple of sneaky peeks.......so here goes

That's all for today folks....

off to get the paint brush out again ...carpet is ordered and paint for the walls has been chosen....oh I hope I like it....see you all tomorrow for Tag You're It....fabulous challenge this week and a great prize....

HAVE YOU ENTERED MY BIG BLOG CANDY GIVE-AWAY YET...WHAT YOU WAITING FOR...LOADS OF STUFF....SCROLL UP TO THE TOP FOR DETAILS.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

2 Sketches 4 You - Bonus Sketch

The bonus sketch this week on 2 Sketches 4 You is from the lovely and very talented Rae.  Rae has been one of the "Winter Design Team" and always produces the most fabulous cards....thank you for all your inspiration.

Another quickie from me today.....I am off today to order the carpet and choose a colour for the walls.....now this is the hard bit.....I have become so indecisive in my old age and have been humming and hawing over the colour........can't put it off any longer....because sofas arrive in just over 2 weeks.  Why is it I don't have any problem matching up colours for cards....I suppose...because if it ain't right...you can just rip it up and start again.

DCVW Self Adhesive Cardstock.....Olive

Papers: WeRMemory Keepers...White Out Collection

Ribbon: American Crafts

 Back tomorrow with some sneak peeks.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

2 Sketches 4 You - Sketch 18

The sketch this week on 2 Sketches 4 You is another fabulous one from Laura.This week we are saying goodbye to the fabulous "Winter Design Team"..thank you all so much for your wonderful inspiration.....but the good news is we will soon be welcoming the new "Spring Design Team".....can't wait.

This has been a real quickie for me today...I am now knee deep in painting and decorating....you think I'm kidding....there ain't a part of me that doesn't have paint on it...but hopefully it will all be worthwhile......even "The Budster" has paint on his head today.....may have to cut it off as it has now hardened either that or he needs a shampoo and blow dry.

Papers: Pink Paislee Vintage Moon Collection

Harvest Moon

Full Moon

Scrapworks: Vinyl Appliques

Lace..Flowers and Charm from my stash

Well ever onwards as they say....back tomorrow with Rae's Bonus Sketch......Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Paint Everywhere & I''ve been tagged

I've been tagged by the my lovely PBSC team-mate Beth...my lovely neighbour Debz and my bloggy bud Suzanne and the rules are...go to your PC and choose the 6th Album and then the 6th Picture and explain what it is about.......

Can you tell who this cute fella is...yes it's "The Budster" at 10 weeks old

supposed to be helping hang out the laundry but instead he chooses to chew the peg basket....

went through absolutely loads of these until he gave it up for bones.

What am I up to today...well I've got my painter and decorator hat on and yes that is the sun you see shining outside

clearing the room of furniture apart from the sofas...sanding down paintwork...cleaning up and then getting one coat of emulsion on the ceiling...oh how I hate the mess I get in...doesn't matter how careful I am...I always end up covered from head to toe with little spots of white emulsion...yikes it's every bit as bad as glitter and even "The Budster" had to get in the act...well not working...of course but supervising from the comfort of his sofa and he's not proud...quite happy fast asleep on top of the dust sheet.

Today....2nd coat on the ceiling and hopefully get started on the undercoat of all the paintwork...who's bright idea was this!!!!!!.....but I will be taking an hour out at 11.00am to watch my fabby boss at Funky Hand on Ideal World with her latest CD "Funky Daze"...well a girl needs a break and a cuppa.
And a fabby award from my lovely Penny Black Saturday Team Mate.....Tracie

How Sweet is this....thanks a lot Tracie....really appreciate it.

Back later with some challenge cards.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Please....please....please.

Please...please...please.....get on the phone and vote for TODD CARTY.....that is the best laugh I have had in years.....OK the boy can't skate very well.... but he is so enjoying himself.......absolutely no co-ordination.....he reminds me of Norman Wisdom on Ice.... I was willing him to do well because we do love the underdog don't we. Fingers crossed that my Sex on Skates...Dan the Man and Roxanne are voted back next week. ...please..please..please...
Ooooh....I so love DANCING ON ICE....off to do a bit of the old bloggy hopping...then make a quick cuppa before my soft landing on the sofa for the results.
Remember....back tomorrow early with my Big Blog Candy Fest Give-Away.....Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Crafty Pad Challenge..6

Hi Folks.....my second week as guest designer on "The Crafty Pad" and the challenge this week is

"MIXED MEDIA"

I will be totally honest....this one scared the pants off me but a challenge is a challenge.....the problem was I didn't have a clue what Mixed Media was.....so I Googled it and that wasn't much help......looked it up on Wikipaedia....no joy there either....so I got in touch with my bloggy bud and fellow team mate Dawn.....who gave me some helpful blogs to look at.   Thanks for that Dawn but I am not entirely convinced that Mixed Media is my style.....so please forgive me all you experts out there....I tried but whether I have succeeded or not is another matter......I fear the answer would be NOT!!!!

 

The adhesive stones were actually crystal but I coloured them with a permanent marker as I didn't have enough lilac and the mesh was actually pink.....so I dabbed it with a Versamark pad and embossed it

with Metal Magic Gold.

Paper: Crafty Individuals..Background Papers Book 1

Image: The Crafty Pad....."Faith Sure:

Flowers: Poppicrafts

Mesh, button and bling from my stash

Embossing: Debbi Moore...Metal Magic...Gold

Really looking forward to seeing what you all create this week......I may pick up some hints and tips on how to do Mixed Media.....be sure to pop on over tomorrow for the Big Blog Candy Feast Give-Away No 6 (the biggie)  .....Hugs Kath xxxxx

Award Time Again

Hi Folks...

what am I doing today......well after having the builders yesterday and that was all tea and chat....you know builders....it's just the kettle constantly on the boil and cup after cup...them drinking tea and me providing the chat and anybody that knows me....can vouch for that...so today I am trying to catch up with some serious crafting...things to finish before I can start on my part of make-over....but before I go I have lots of thank you's to do......beginning to pile up a bit andthe old trophy cabinet is beginning to groan under the strain......

this one from my lovely bloggy buds....Emma ... Pascale and Jackie...thanks so much for thinking of me....I really appreciate it.

This Lemonade Award is given by a previous winner to 5 people who have shown a great attitude or gratitude this week...now you know me by now that I don't like to single folks out for these awards but in this case I am awarding this to all my mates at Funky Hand .....they are a very special bunch.....truly caring and always there with love and support for each other....albeit a little bit bonkers....(oops I shouldn't be saying that about the boss).....you are so special to me and I luvs you all.....we are going to be meeting up shortly and I can't wait...

and this one from 2 lovely bloggy buds Sue and Clare

I know I have had this one before....but the last time I didn't play along...the rules are you have to pass it on to 5 others and list 5 things that you are addicted to....well here goes.....

I am sure you can guess the first one......crafting

You can probably guess this one too - craft shopping

Strong cheese....the kind that can walk across the floor by itself

Coffee....can't function in the morning until I've had 2 cups

And last but not least......has to be this blogging malarkey

I think that most folks will by now have received this award....so I am awarding it back to me....I had a real mojo slump after the Christmas festivities.....but I gave myself a bit of ENCOURAGEMENT.....a good talking to and a kick up the rear and am now back in my cubby hole as happy as larry....doing what I love......CRAFTING.

And this one from the lovely Joey

And last but not least.....from the lovely Dawn ; Suzanne and Faye

thanks girls.....now when I meet up with my fellow Scot and DT team mate Dawn.....I hope to be getting a real bloggy hug. This one I am awarding to all my bloggy buds with love.

Be sure to come back tomorrow when I will be announcing

GIVE-AWAY NO.6 in the BIG BLOG CANDY FEST......

and it's a biggie folks

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE

Well it's Burns Night tonight and Scots all over the world will be celebrating the Bard's birth 250 years ago......so I'm off noo to catch my haggis.....get him skinned and cooked....served up with Neeps and Tatties and washed down with a wee dram o' the old malt........Slainthe......

and I leave you with the "Selkirk Grace"

Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

Sae let the Lord be thankit.

Back at noon with my Craft Pad challenge card and boy is that a saga.......Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

P.S. And this one from my faberoonie Fiskars mate Lorraine

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 33

Another fabulous response to our dotty challenge...you do love your spotty dotty papers....and fabulous creations by all.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is.....

"FRAME IT"

This is a real me card......the type of card that I make for my own personal cards......plain and simple just like the old gal herself.  I used a Scalloped Mat and cut out the centre piece......stamped the flowers onto the blue cardstock and then popped them onto 3D foam pads finished off with a bit of inking and some card candy...I love these little dots...they really do look like brads.

Cardstock: Craftwork Cards..Softies Collection "Eggshell"

Scalloped Frame: Craftwork Cards

Image: Penny Black "Whispers"

Card Candy: Craftwork Cards

Ribbon from my stash

Fabulous prize up for grabs this week on PBSC

Tab at 7KidsCollegeFund

has kindly sponsored a $15 gift certificate for the lucky winner

and each entrant to the challenge can get 10% off their online order

by quoting the code PB10 at checkout.....

this offer will run from 24th - 31st January

so pop on over and have a look....

Well all you need to do is create a card...ATC....altered item featuring a frame......and I will be popping over to have a look.....can't wait to see what you all come up with this week.....you really are a fabulously talented bunch.....back tomorrow with my "The Crafty Pad" challenge card and I am off now to start looking out some goodies for the Big Blog Candy Fest Give-Away No 6.     Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Tag You're It Challenge - Week 42

Another great response to last week's challenge and I loved visiting your blogs to see your fabulous Sugar Candy Kisses creations....great work everyone.
This challenge this week on Tag You're It  has been set by my lovely and talented  team mate.....Carol

NUMBERS

Papers: Basic Grey...Bittersweet Collection

Ribbon: American Crafts

Chipboard Key: Maya Road

Bling from my stash

Tag making is a great way of using up all those bits of papers that maybe aren't big enough for a card and us crafters can't bear to throw away...so go and have a rummage around in your stash and I'm sure you will come up with a fabulous tag featuring numbers.....can't wait to see what you all create....and I'm sure I will be in for a treat....Hugs Kath xxxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge and Sneaky Peeks

The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is.....

"SHAPE UP"

the idea being that you use 3 different shapes on your card......

Well I hope this counts.....I have square stamped areas.....rectangles...flower shapes and circles....so that's four...just in case the flowers don't qualify.

Papers: WeR Memory Keepers White Out Collection

Flowers..buttons..gem and charm from my stash

Stamp: Hero Arts...Friends Background

And of course, it's Sneaky Peek Thursday......

See you all tomorrow on Tag You're It......Hugs Kath xxxxx

Arty Girlz Challenge #69

The challenge this week on Arty Girlz is from guest designer....the fabulous Fabrizio and is.....

Transparent

I love working with acetate cards and had to find an excuse to play with my new My Creative Scrapbook Kit and the fabulous papers from WeR Memory Keepers.

and the inside of the card

and a little sneaky close-up

Papers: WeR Memory Keepers...Whiteout Collection

Ribbon: American Crafts

Alphabet: Pink Paislee...Holly .......Orange Crush

Acetate can be difficult to work with....you don't want glue to be showing on the inside....so here is how I made this card.

Covered the inside and outside back of the acetate with paper.

The ribbon is attached to the outside using double sided tape and then another length of ribbon attached on the inside exactly matching up and cut perfectly with my "can't live without" Fiskars scissors.  For decorating the front of the acetate... the secret is to use images that can be mirrored on the inside of the acetate so they are glued back to back and no glue shows...... and the inside scalloped circle can be used for your message.

Back later with another challenge perhaps but definitely some sneaky peeks.....Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

P.S. to answer Dawny's question....the branch...leaves and bird were all cut from one of the patterned papers and Sarah's question....I buy my acetate from Craftwork Cards....A4 sheets because it's the perfect thickness for scoring and folding....you don't want it too thick.

A very Special Award

Wow.....Buddy and I have just received an award.....a very special award from a very special little lady....in fact....one of my favourite bloggy buds... she is gorgeous and oh so talented.....HOLLY .   If you don't know Holly or have never visited her blog.....I need to tell you that this special little cardmaker is only 4 years old....yes and she makes the most fantastic cards.....so pop on over and give her some special bloggy love.
A big thank you Holly from Buddy and me.......Buddy sends you lots of bloggy kisses XXXXXX

Catch up with you all tomorrow......some challenge cards to show.....Hugs Kath xxxxx

2 Sketches 4 You - Sketch 18

Morning Folks and what a beautiful morning it is too...cold, frosty but most important of all bright....and today is a very special day ...the first day of the new presidency of Barak Obama....a momentous day for the whole world...not just the American people.
As I watched his Inauguration Speech....I was truly moved by the occasion..he is a skilful orator and communicates brilliantly with his audience...a humble unassuming man who cares about all the citizens of the USA regardless of creed or colour....he has a big mountain to climb but he brings hope to us all for peace and stability in the world. I wish him and all our buddies in the USA good wishes and here's to better times.

The sketch this week on 2 Sketches 4 You is from Kazan and what a fab sketch....great cards as always from Kazan and the Design Team.....they are such a brilliant source of inspiration.
I think I have turned the corner this week...my old enthusiasm has returned and I am back to enjoying what I do.....probably because I have lots of deadlines and I always think I work better under pressure...give me lots of time and I never seem to get out of the bit....and do you know what....the bulbs are peeking through in the garden.......a sign that Spring is on it's way.

and the matching envelope

Papers: Basic Grey Sugared Collection

Bling & Ribbon from my stash

I am in challenge mode now....so off to get a couple more done and the last of the DT stuff...see you all tomorrow for Sneaky Peek Thursday.....Hugs Kath xxxxxx

And We Have a Winner.....

Hi Folks.....what a morning.....been busy busy and hey how wonderful it was to meet up with the lovely Debz......we had a lovely chat about......guess what......crafting...but enough of the waffling and let's get on with the news you are all waiting for.

The lucky winner of Blog Candy Fest Give-Away No 5 is..........

MEL

Congratulations Mel......if you e-mail me with your

address....I will get your CD off in the post to you pronto

and have great fun with your prize.

Blog Candy Fest Give-Away No 6......is going to be the biggie.....so I need a bit of time to look everything out and get it all organised.....so will be back on Monday....26th January...so put a little note on your calendar....you don't want to miss this one.

Off to get some pics done......the weather here today is frosty....toe nipping freezing but the light is brilliant and then it's boots...jacket.....hat....gloves on and... off to the forest with "The Budster".....at least today the ground will be solid whereas yesterday with all the rain.....it was a quagmire....boy did we get wet yesterday....the rain was running outta the seat of my pants.....or as we say in the North East....the arse of my breeks......back tomorrow with some challenge cards....hopefully........Hugs Kath xxxxxx

One World - One Heart 2009 .....Blog Hop Give-Away

This great event has come round again - One World - One Heart is hosted by Lisa Swifka, it is a world wide giveaway with a chance to meet and visit blogs from all over the world.  I just love the idea behind this....after all we are one big family....all crafters and bloggers...love what we do and do what we love with a passion..and the kindness and generosity of spirit of that family never fails to amaze me.....oh that the whole world has the same generosity of spirit.  Click HERE for details of how to participate in this wonderful event.

It started on the 19th January and ends on the 11th February at 6pm when I will chose a winner at random and the name of the winner will be announced on 12th February....entry is open to EVERYONE (whether you are a participant or not) but YOU MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE BLOG.

This is so exciting and I can't wait to meet all you lovely bloggy buddies out there.
Here is a bit of what Lisa has to say:

The giveaway portion is like hosting an open house......as if we were all living in this gigantic neighborhood where once a year we visit homes to meet, reacquaint and get to know one another. At each home there are samplings of goodies that you have a chance to take home like a door prize. You leave your name and at some point each home choses a winner or winners......and now you not only have met a new "neighbor" and you've seen where they live.....you have something that someone lovingly chose to give..... AND visa versa.

And here is what I am giving away

Hot Off the Press 8" x 8" Album

Friendship Book of Papers..Alphabet Tiles...

Borders...Tags and Art

If you wish to enter my give-away....please leave a comment ON THIS POST ONLY so jump on the Gypsy Caravan and join in the fun.  Hugs Kath xxxxxx