Sneaky Peek Thursday

Morning Folks....the sun is shining and it looks like it's going to be another lovely day....despite what the weather man says...and yes it's Sneaky Peek Thursday again but first.....the postie's been....and I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Helen for this gorgeous card......HELEN won my 100,000 hits Blog Candy and sent me this card which she made with some of the goodies in her parcel.......super cute card and it was very kind of you Helen.... it will have pride of place on the cubbyhole wall.

and to be honest I had forgotten all about this

my prize from Altered Pages for my win

some weeks ago on "The Pink Elephant" challenge blog

and look at all those gorgeous flowers

Ok it's time for your Sneaky Peek.....would you believe it took me the whole day to make this card....WHY....I have no idea....I chose the challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday and when it came down to it......I couldn't for the life of me come up with anything....Mr Mojo had definitely left the building.....eventually did manage to conjure something up....and though I am not entirely happy with it....hopefully it will grow on me....

and as for the second Sneaky Peek.....well there ain't one.....I am absolutely NOT HAPPY with it.....and it's in the bin.....so it's back to the drawing board with that one......well the Budster and I are off for our morning stroll and who knows we may just meet Mr Mojo along the way or he may be waiting for me out in the cubbyhole when I return....or failing that another challenge card might just kickstart the old grey crafting cells...gotta try something....

Have just realised this is the last day of April....deary me the year is disappearing before our very eyes and tomorrow is the first day of May....when all us girlies are supposed to be up at dawn and washing our faces in the May dew....nature's anti wrinkle cream.....I wish........catch up with you all later.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

P.S. Edited at 9.15am....just returned from our stroll....didn't meet Mr Mojo and Mr Weather Forecast may have been right....sun has gone...it's cold...windy and looks like a rain.....great start to the day

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Yes folks.....I'm back with my challenge card....and this is definitely the last one...no more playing for me today....got to get the serious crafty hat on.....
The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is.....

SPOTS AND STRIPES

Coredinations

Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Folder

Paper& Alphabet: WeR Memory Keepers
"Nonsense Scrapbook Pad"

Image: Funky Kits
Ribbon: Maya Road

Flowers: Prima

Spacers: Hobby House

Glamour Dust

well you all know me by now.....I love anything spotty or dotty.....and this gorgeous image by Leanne Ellis from my lovely crafty friend....the one and only Dawny P....my primas sprinkled with gorgeous Glamour Dust....distressing....inking..... all of my favourite things.......well how could I resist...have no willpower I'm afraid.....so I just had to play......but oh dear tomorrow is Sneaky Peek Thursday and at this moment in time.....there is nothing for you to sneak a peek at.     It's nearly time for our lunchtime walk to the Forest and yes I know what you are thinking....will we have a repeat of yesterday......I blinking well hope not..... and they do say that lightning doesn't strike twice....whoever coined that little phrase has never met "The Budster"......but we had a little bit of a team chat over coffee this morning ..and have agreed we are going to behave today....."No Swimming in Mucky Water" and "No Faffing Around with Hero Arts".....so when we get home....it's back to the cubbyhole for me and for HIS NIBS...it's back to the comfy sofa.......catch up with you all tomorrow for "Sneaky Peek Thursday".........fingers crossed.....Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

We've been very NAUGHTY

Morning Folks...yes we...my crafty partner and I have been very naughty...but let's start with me...because I am bigger and older...I've been playing again when I should have been getting stuck into some serious work and what's my excuse...well I had a square left of that gorgeous washed out paper from Pink Petticoat and rather than waste it...I thought "let's do another Hero Arts Club Challenge card"

to be honest I could play all week with Hero Arts stamps but had to give myself a good talking too...far too much to do or I will end up like last week and skidding in by the seat of my pants with the DT stuff.

Paper: Pink Pettitcoat...Washed Out Collection...Duck Egg Blue

Stamps: Hero Arts Printed Flowers

Flowers: Prima

Buttons and Charm from my stash

Sentiment: Basic Grey..White Choc Chip Stickers

A little bit of faux stitching and the usual inking to finish off

And my crafting partner...what has he been up to...well if you are a regular visitor to Chez Kath you will all know  "The Budster" and  if I say so myself he is rather gorgeous...my snuggly bundle of golden deliciousness ...well MOST OF THE TIME but if you are of a nervous disposition or were perhaps thinking of getting a Goldie pup...best to look away now.....

this is how he looked yesterday after our lunchtime walk at the Forest

"well I just fancied a bit of a swim Mum and how was I to know that the water was mucky" and believe me folks this is a treat to how he looked when we arrived home...he was well and truly hosed down and sent to his bed in the kitchen...no lolling on the sofa for you today...you naughty boy.

But people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...we've both been a bit naughty today and he doesn't get annoyed at me for faffing around making challenge cards so all is forgiven but you could say...he is now my bundle of Dirty Brown and Stinky Deliciousness.  Will be back with another challenge card later...well now I've made them it would be so rude not to share....

Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

Wowee.....Another Sell Out

Hi Folks........hope you managed to catch the show last night and hey great news

" FUNKY WORD BOOKS"

sold out.....well not that I didn't think it would.....because it's fabulous....just goes to show that you are loving these Word Book CD's and if you didn't manage to put your feet up and watch the show.......it's time to share some of the samples I made........

All the girls on the Design Team were allocated a collection to work with... just so that each collection would have samples for the show and I was over the moon to be given "Daisy Chain" which is soft pinks and limey green......and yes it's got flowers on it.....

"Home Sweet Home" Word Book

and I think this is my favourite

and then some cards made with the same collection

oops...might have dusted of the acetate before I took the pic....

one or two of "The Budster's" hairs have strayed onto this one

and then we could choose another of the collections to work with

and this is "Just for The Lads"

and apologies for this pic.....it was taken on one of those glorious days....remember them.....

and no matter how much I jiggled around with the photo editing software....

couldn't get the true colours...so half close your eyes and use your imagination......

And before you all rush over to "FUNKY HAND" to get yours....

it is not released on the website until Monday 11th May

Well that's all for today......back to the cubbyhole for more crafting.....

and hopefully will get time to do some challenge cards......

"ALL WORK AND NO PLAY"....."MAKES KATH A DULL GIRL" and all that.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

P.S. To answer Tina's question......Funky Hand CD's are very easy to use.....as Anice says "she doesn't do complicated"...pop it in your CD drawer and it opens automatically...and then it's just click and print.

Hero Arts Club Challenge

It's back to the grindstone once again craftywise....lots of projects and stuff to finish off this week but I just couldn't resist the challenge this week over on the Hero Arts Club Blog     The week is being  hosted by my all time favourite Hero Arts Designer....the one and only Shari Carroll and the challenge this week is......

April Showers Bring

May Flowers

create a project with some sort of flower... you can make cards or pages with stamped flowers, create a shaped card, use paper flowers, make your own blooms with cut papers, etc.

and you know me and my flowers.....just
love anything with flowers on it...but not a lot of
spare time....so kept it simple......

Papers: Pink Petticoat "Washed Out" Collection...Duck Egg Blue

Big Dots.......Duck Egg  Blue

Coredinations...latte...scored and sanded to create

wood panel effect

Stamps: Hero Arts....Solid Posy.....Good Posy ..Good Long Flower

Friends Background

Inks: Hero Arts Shadow....Lilac

Tim Holtz: Distress Ink...Brushed Corduroy

Ribbon: American Crafts

This is a real oldie set of Hero Arts stamps.....I have had them for years but still use them and they are great for creating these shabby chic crumpled flowers...so the motto is.....don't get rid of your old stamps....just like your clothes....they will come back in fashion....am just wondering when it will happen with my wardrobe......well off to walk "The Budster"......grab a bite of breakfast and it's off on the daily commute to the old cubbyhole and get those crafty fingers working.......catch up with you all later.....Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

"The Pink Elephant" Challenge # 12

The challenge this week on "The Pink Elephant" is a fabulous sketch from my lovely Funky Hand Teamie Carol....so I just had to have a go......and it was so good to get back into the cubbyhole after 2 days of gardening and kitchen cleaning.....domestic goddess I am not......

Papers: MME...Bella...Bella...Collection

Image was cut from one of the papers

Flowers: Prima...edges inked with

TH Distress Ink...Aged Mahogany

Spacers and Pearls: Hobby House

Sentiment: Papermania Cardstock Stickers

I need a card for a very special lady in my life....and I think this one may fit the bill although don't know if I am happy with the black sentiment and yes.... I just had to use my new goodies...loving these spacers. Well off to get togged up for our walk to the forest....who knows what the weather is going to do today.......very overcast and windy....and looks like rain.....so I am not taking any chances.....waterproofs and boots required.......and then back to the cubbyhole for another dose of crafting...the best medicine in the world.......catch up with you all later......Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

It's gonna be a Funky kinda day

Morning Folks

it's a very special day for all of us who love FUNKY HAND....Anice will be launching her brand new FUNKY WORD BOOKS CD on Ideal World tonight at 6.00pm .....and if you loved "Funky Daze" you will want this one too.   It will be sold exclusively on Ideal World for 2 weeks and will then be available on the "Funky Hand" website from Monday 11th May.It is always such an exciting time when Anice announces to the girls on the team that.....yes....she has finished her latest CD.....and it's in the mail.....oh I am always chomping at the bit for the postie to arrive and to get printing......and believe me folks....you certainly won't be disappointed when you get yours.

What are you getting this time......well 12 Collections.....and each collection includes a page for each letter of the alphabet and a page for each number 0 - 9 together with backing papers and alphabets for each collection......and they are absolutely yummy.......Anice has certainly worked her magic again on this CD and the Design Team have absolutely loved working with it...

so if you tune in at 6.00pm....Sky 671 or Freeview 22

you will get lots of inspiration from Anice's fabulous demos and from all the samples made by the team.

I can't believe it's a year this month that Anice asked me to join her Design Team and little did I know then....what a fabulous experience it would be.....working with Anice and all my lovely team mates....you are simply the best......and I love you all.

Now.....Anice has got a new hairdo....yes a complete new look and she is keeping us all in suspense....so you gotta tune in for a lookie......

And back to my lovely over worked postie.....two gorgeous little parcels arrived on Saturday.......first from my lovely friend Ann who came to visit a few weeks back

a gorgeous card.....those beautiful swirly stamps

and loads of chipboard tags.....oh...I feel a Tim Holtz moment coming on

thank you so much my lovely friend.....you are way too generous

and I love you lots....

and a little pressie from me to me

these darling little spacers and yummy pearls from

HOBBY HOUSE and it's all Bev's fault

And how am I feeling today after my marathon cleaning session.....in a word.....OLD....my whole body aches....OMG it feels as though I have gone 10 rounds in the boxing ring.....so no more cleaning for me today.....am off to the cubbyhole to get some crafty work done...OK it's still work ....but it's FUN WORK.

And I have just seen Carol's fab sketch this week for "The Purple Elephant"Challenge......so off to have a go at that one

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Cream Crackered

Hi All.....I am totally cream crackered after my day of  kitchen cleaning....but it's such a good feeling when everything is looking spanky bright and shiny new........dinner is in the oven....Lamb Roast with Rosemary....courtesy of M&S.....gorgeous crispy roasty tatties and mediterranean vegetables....have just made myself a very welcome cuppa and off to loll on the sofa and drool over all things American Crafts....apparently 5 new kits on the show....oh no.....will I be able to resist temptation....probably not but who cares....I deserve a little treat after working like a slave.
And tonight I will be chilling out with a glass or two of wine...for the final of "HELL'S KITCHEN"....have no idea who is going to win.....but honestly.....I am not fussed.....like both Ade and Linda......but I think LINDA may just be first past the post.....catch up with you all tomorrow...that is if this old body can get out of bed and stagger to the computer.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

P.S. It would seem that it is not only my body that is cream crackered....why did I think it was the final of Hell's Kitchen tonight.....no..no...no it's tomorrow...silly old moo.

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks....a very productive day in the garden yesterday.....just pottering around tidying up here and there....I just love this time of year when everything is bursting into life and so green until the sun decided it had done enough for one day and the heavens opened....so back indoors to get some housey things done....the boring things....like dusting and ridding the carpets of the billions of hairs that "The Budster" releases into the atmosphere every minute.....don't know why he isn't bald as a coot......and it will probably be just as dusty and hairy tomorrow again.....well enough of my waffling it's time to share another card.....
The challenge this week on Daring Cardmakers has been set by my lovely Funky Hand teamie....the uber talented LYTHAN and I had great fun with this one...after a little bit of a panic.......

SUPERSIZE ME

the idea being to use super size embellishments on your card....
bonus points for extra large flowers...

oh dear another problem ....I don't have any super sized flowers...
gave them all away because I thought I would never use them...
so a little bit of improvisation was called for

Paper: Bo Bunny....."Back to Backs".....Blush Dots

Image: & Sentiment: Pink Petticoat...a freebie from Liz
her Tweet Thoughts birdie
Button and thread from stash
and the

Supersize Flower came from here.....

a box of Bridal Petal Confetti I bought many moons ago

at my local Wholesale Florist......and have never used it.....
OK I had to build up each petal but it gave a lovely layered look
and turned out rather gorgeous....don't you think

BUT I just knew when I bought it....it would come in handy

someday and if you believe that...you will believe anything.....

and how much was it......£1.95....yes for hundreds of petals

And what have I got planned for today......steam cleaning the tiles and worktops in my lovely freshly painted kitchen and oh dear.....just saying this makes me cringe.....get stuck in to cleaning the oven.....yuck....but there will be a little reward for all this scrubbing and wiping......and for all the AMERICAN CRAFTS Fans out there...can't just be me that is addicted to their fabby ribbons and thickers.....Rosemary Merry is on QVC tonight at 5.00pm  with a whole hour of American Crafts......have booked my front row seat.

Will catch up with you all tomorrow and a little reminder for you all.....tomorrow is a very special day....bet you've forgotten...well I will be back to give you all the details in the morning.....Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 46

Morning Folks and once again it's time for another Penny Black Saturday challenge....where does the week go.    Lots of fabulous entries for Nat's sketch last week.....it was a great sketch and I just knew you would all love it.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is

ANYTHING GOES

easy peasy......was my first reaction but it didn't turn out that way

so much choice....I hummed and hawed about what I was going to do...

lots of ideas running around my head and suddenly it's Friday and the card still isn't made

 the penny finally dropped...need a card for a friend who is a keen gardener

Phew...thank goodness for that

and the inside to hold

a packet of seeds and a

gift voucher for the Garden Centre

Cardstock: Coredinations.... Latte

scored and sanded to resemble wood panelling

Papers: MME "Bloom & Grow"

Image: Penny Black....Hugs Collection

Flowers: Quickutz Die

Sentiment: Adorn-It Tiny Etched Natural

 & Papermania Cardstock Stickers

White...Lime and Chocolate

Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze Pen

Brad from stash

and we have a fabulous prize for you this week

from our sponsor

the lovely Heidi at

Well folks....I think I will give cardmaking a miss today......need to get some work done in the garden and catch up with some household chores.....but I will catch up with you all tomorrow......another challenge card to share and let me tell you this one was a little bit of a problem too.....enjoy the rest of your weekend and will be popping over to visit and see what you have all conjured up for this week's challenge

Happy Crafting.....Hugs Kath xxxxx....

Is it Just Me

Evening Folks.....it's Friday night and I hope you are all chilling out after a long week at work....well that was my intention.....came up to the 'puter intending to do some blog hopping and spreading some bloggy love....and would you believe....that old git....Mr Blogger is playing silly beggars again......on a go slow and don't know what game he is playing tonight but he has moved some of my posts around.......have had enough....am off to lie down in a darkened room for 15 minutes until I get my sanity back......and then I am off for my nightly MARCO fix......and who do you think will be voted off tonight.....to be honest I would be quite happy if any of the 4 won......but I think it could be between Ade or Linda.....boys versus girls....catch up with you all tomorrow and here's hoping Mr Blogger behaves and posts my Penny Black Saturday stuff......because the old gal is thinking of having a bit of a lie-in.

Hugs Kath xxxxx
P.S. Oh it's so sad.....Niomi has gone.....I didn't really want anybody to go tonight....what a lovely bunch they are.....no bitchiness...no back stabbing.....am loving them all.....and hey I have changed my mind about Ade.....he is gorgeous and such a nice guy.......and of course......Marco The Man.....I told you....didn't I....he is just the nicest sweetest pussy cat and a man who smiles with his eyes....does it for me everytime.

I love.....Hero Arts

Morning Folks.....some cards to share with you.... using my fabulous new Hero Arts Stamps......I have been a big big fan of Hero Arts since I first discovered stamping and thanks to them it became a rather serious addiction...I have never counted the Hero Arts stamps I own....but I have a lot.....and just can't stop buying....they are such an innovative Company...produce great quality stamps and unfortunately for my bank balance....just keep producing more and more fabulous designs.

I was smitten the minute I saw
this new Heart Flourish image....it's gorgeous and I know

I am going to use it over and over again...great for backgrounds

Paper: Coredinations

Basic Grey...Granola Collection

Image: Hero Arts Heart Flourish

inked with TH Distress Inks....Faded Jeans and Walnut Stain

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Script

Flowers: Prima Artful Collage

Button: Basic Grey...Granola

Sentiments: Hero Arts: Cute Letters

Twine from my stash

AND

I bought the Scattered Leaves Clear Stamp Set

just to get this gorgeous image...great stand alone

stamp or can be used to make backgrounds

Papers: Basic Grey Granola Collection

Image: Hero Arts Scattered Leaves Stamp Set

Flowers: Prima

Ribbon: Maya Road

Gems: Hero Arts

Sentiment: Clear Stamp Set

And both stamps would be perfect for

my favourite Distress Resist Embossing Technique

Why do I get the feeling you are going to be seeing lots and lots of cards in the next few months featuring these beauties....well off for our morning walk....then must go and do some food shopping because there are inconsiderate folks living here who want to eat......and then I need to finish my card for Penny Black Saturday......yes....real last minute stuff this week but will be back later with my card for this week's challenge over at Stampin Chic

Hugs Kath xxxxx

P.S. Car mirror is fixed.......and my crafty stash purse is poorer by £70....must admit I thought it would be more....it only took 15 minutes to do... the labour was £13.00....fair enough...but what I couldn't believe...the blinking little bit of glass cost £57.00.....how many Hero Arts stamps could I have bought for that....well that's life....c'est la vie as our French cousins say.

Stampin Chic Colour Challenge 3

Morning Folks....it's Friday....the end of another week and time for another challenge at Stampin Chic.
It was the turn of Sheila and myself this week to come up with the colour challenge and we have chosen....wait for it........

TURQUOISE and YELLOW

Yellow isn't normally a colour I would use out of choice but hey that's what challenges are all about...a little kick start to your imagination.

Papermania Scalloped Card

Coredinations Cardstock

scored with my Score Board and then sanded

Paper: CCSR "The Big One"

Image: Flower from CCSR Doodles Stamp Set

Sentiment: CCSR Sentiment Stamp Set

Whispers Ink Pad

Stamped the flowers onto patterned paper and Coredinations Yellow....a little bit of inking, sanding and faux stitching......and 3D foam pads to give lots of dimension.......I am still not convinced that yellow is my colour but it's a bright happy colour and that's more than can be said for the weather today......rather dull and overcast but warm......well off to do a bit more painting in the kitchen....nearly finished now....and catch up with you all tomorrow on Penny Black Saturday...card not quite finished...so better get my skates on.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

Sneaky Peek and we've been so naughty

Hi Folks.....back again with just one sneaky peek....but before I let you have a peek....I have a confession to make.....I have been so naughty.....and my excuse....blame it all on the painting hat again.....I was so fed up yesterday being stuck in the kitchen with the Peter Paint Pad and my cutting in brush.....the weather was glorious outside and I must admit I was feeling real sorry for myself.....so what's a girl to do to cheer herself up....kettle on....make a nice reviving cuppa....head off upstairs to the 'puter and have a little spend at one of my favourite places...."The Glitter Pot" and guess what my parcel of goodies arrived at 9.50 this morning.....well done "Glitter Pot" and my lovely patient postie.....here are my goodies.....

some gorgeous Hero Arts stamps....I love that heart flourish

and had to stock up on Coredinations...can't be without them

And I am not the only one who has been naughty....yes "The Budster" has been VERY NAUGHTY.....had a little roll....well that's an understatement.....he had a big long roll in Deer Doo..Doo....yesterday at the forest....OMG what a state.....all gold and yucky green....had to drive home with the car windows open....the smell was rather pungent.......a good hose down in the garden removed most of it but he won't be getting any smoochy snuggles for the next few days I can tell you..he still honks to high heaven....what is it with dogs.....does he think he smells delicious......is it the dog version of Chanel....I don't think so and no female dogs queueing at the door this morning.
Well after that little waffle.....here is a sneaky peek...only one I'm afraid....got rather distracted when my goodies arrived

now off to do my Penny Black card...am having trouble with this one and when you see the challenge on Saturday you will wonder why.....and then I may get some time to play with my new goodies.....given up on the kitchen for today......my neck is killing me after my acrobatics yesterday.....perched on the worktops trying to do that silly little bit above the wall cupboards and no rolling today for  my stinky friend....car is in the garage for the wing mirror repair so no forest today......and depending on the bill.....I wonder if "The Glitter Pot" do returns.....catch up with you all tomorrow on Stampin Chic.....Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Hero Arts meet Mr Distress Himself

Morning Folks.....two of my all time favourites meet up.......Hero Arts meet Mr Tim Holtz.
Jennifer McGuire one of my favourite Hero Arts Designers recently attended Ranger U ....oh I am so envious.....spending day after day in the company of the man himself.....and I bet learning lots and lots.  Jennifer is host this week on the Hero Arts Blog and the challenge she has set  is "Distressing".....well who better to get distressed with than the King of Distressing.......so I used Hero Arts Stamps....TH's Distress Inks and "The Distress Resist Embossing" technique......one of my favourite techniques.
Fairly simple card......my signature white space card and it just goes to show that Distressing doesn't have to be all dark....grungy and messy.....although that would be a perfect description of my hands after I finished with this one.
If you want to have a go at distressing....pop over to the Hero Arts Blog.....where Jennifer has some cracking videos showing different techniques.

Started off with a 14cm x 14cm mat.....distressed the edges and coloured with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.   On a small piece of card.....stamped one of the flowers from the set with Versamark....embossed with White Embossing Powder....then coloured my card with Aged Mahogany and  Brushed Corduroy...blending well...brushing the excess ink off the flowers with kitchen roll.....then overstamped another flower with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.    Cut into 3 small squares and distressed the edges. 

Tore a strip of Kraft Card....inked the edges and overstamped an icon from the set with White Stazon.  Cut out one of the embossed flowers....inked the edges and distressed....placing on top of a Prima.......added gems to the centres and finished off with the sentiment stickers.

Hero Arts Clear Stamp Set

"Printed Flowers"

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads

Brushed Corduroy....Aged Mahogany

Hero Arts.....Crystal Gems

Prima Flower

Sentiment: Papermania Cardstock Stickers

AND

 this one you have seen before....using the same techniques
but doesn't it look entirely different

Will be back later with some sneaky peeks......yes you thought I had forgotten it was Thursday didn't you.....well you are right actually......we had a local holiday weekend this past weekend...Friday and Monday off.....well some folks did and to be honest...I have lost track of the days ...now I have no idea what day it is....but that's nothing new.......so catch up with you all later but first need to make the cards before you can get a sneaky peek.....so watch this space.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

P.S.   Well Tim Holtz maybe Mr Distressed.....but I am Mrs Distressed this morning after last night's shockeroonie.....can't believe Bruce has gone.....I really liked him....just got on with the job....didn't moan...didn't gripe.....wasn't nasty about anybody and could have been the winner....Marco liked him and anybody that Marco likes is just fine by me.....why did he have to go?