Didn't we have a lovely time.......

In the words of the song....didn't we have a lovely time....the day we went to ALFORD but beware this is a "pic heavy" post.  The weather first thing in the morning was dull...gloomy and very misty....but by the time I set off to meet my lovely bloggy bud Dawn.....the sun was out and it was beginning to get a little toasty......and Dawn is just as I imagined her to be.....lovely sweet lady and you know that feeling you get within minutes of meeting someone....as though you have always known each other and it was chat chat chat all the way home to Chez Kath to meet YOU KNOW WHO......Buddy is a real people dog and Dawn got an extra special welcome...toy stuffed in his mouth....speaking his own doggy welcome..tail and bottom wagging furiously...I'm certain he would be absolutely useless as a guard dog.

Dawn had made him the most gorgeous birthday card........

 

  

and a yummy parcel

and the cubbyhole Queen wasn't forgotten either..

 

 

 

thank you so much Dawn for such a beautiful card....I will treasure it always and I loved my flowers and gifts....you are so generous and I truly had the most wonderful day.

We had a quick bite to eat.....took HIS NIBS for a stroll around the block and set off for our crafty journey to Alford set in the beautiful rolling hills of Aberdeenshire and oh my giddy aunt...by now it was cooking....thank goodness for air con.....we had a yummy lunch at a local bistro and set off to do what all crafters love to do at "Simply Create"

 

  

and my lovely bloggy friend Dawn in spend mode

and her face says it all

"Will I go and get that House Mouse Stamp"

  and just in case you come over a little bit faint after your

spendathon....you can chill out here and have a coffee.....

and did we need to sit down.....well that would be telling..

your secret's safe with me Dawn

 

We were a little disappointed that we didn't meet the lovely Jacqui but she had left me a yummy parcel.

Simply Create is sponsoring some prizes on Penny Black Saturday...gorgeous craft goodies which you will have the chance to win very soon.But all good things come to an end and all too soon Dawn was heading for home...a big thank you for a wonderful day my lovely bloggy friend...it was so nice to meet you at last and hopefully we can do it all again soon and if you live in the North of Scotland...you must make a point of paying Jacqui a visit at Simply Create...you won't be disappointed but a little word of warning...save up your pennies before you go. And what did I buy yesterday...well you will be seeing some of my goodies very soon. Did Andy Murray give me a few heart stopping moments last night but won through in the end...Ok we all have off days and he is under so much pressure..the whole country is rooting for him but you need to up your game matey and get the old head together...atch up with you all tomorrow for another challenge card and some fun photos from Brodie's sports.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Happy Birthday to our Special Boy

Happy Birthday Buddy......
our beautiful bundle of golden deliciousness

 

  

 I can't believe he is 3 years old today....just seems like yesterday we arrived home with this gorgeous bundle of fluff.....

and quickly realised how much of a hooligan he would turn out to be.....he devoured everything in the garden.....not just the plants and flowers.....but stones...sticks anything he could get in his mouth.....and dig.....he could have won an Olympic Gold.    Thankfully he has outgrown the diet of flowers and stones....but boy he still loves to sit and chew on a stick and given half a chance would have a crater dug in the middle of the lawn as quick as a flash.   But he has the most gorgeous eyes and when he flashes that "I'm sorry...Mum" look....well my heart melts....and doesn't he know it....he is definitely a charmer...and so laid back...his favourite occupation is lounging around outside the cubbyhole and he definitely wasn't interested in posing for any pictures.....far too hot for all that sitting to attention nonsense

until I mentioned the magic word......BISCUITS

Well must dash I am off this morning to watch Brodie's nursery sports so let's hope the weather stays nice but will be back later with all the news of my fabulous day yesterday spent with my lovely bloggy bud Dawn....did we have a ball...lots of pics to share and yes we were a little bit naughty.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks.....the challenge this week from Daring Cardmakers from Sue is very special one....touched my heart big time.....

MAKE A CHILD SMILE

and why is it special.....just read what Sue has to say....

Well, it’s special because this week we are very proud to be linking up with Post Pals, an organisation that was set up to create smiles for children who suffer from life threatening and long term illnesses. As part of the dare, and the most important part at that, I would like you to actually post your card to one of the children listed on the Post Pals web site.

It’s very simple to do, just visit their Home Page where you’ll see they have some ‘featured’ children at the top of the page and to the Left in the side bar there’s a whole data base of children and their stories. Just follow the five easy steps to send your card.

Papers & Images: Kanban Patchwork Pals

It was a very humbling experience visiting Post Pals and reading all the childrens' stories....I am sending my card to Charlie H....whose cheeky smile melted my heart......so come on folks...join in if you can.....let's get those crafty fingers working..... make a cheery card for a sick child and put a little bit of happiness into the lives of these wonderfully brave children......hoping to get another card made for a special little girl and Buddy is going to join in too and send some cards.

What am I doing today....well it's morning stroll first and oh dear the weather is looking a bit dreary...misty and damp but hot and sticky and then I am off to meet up with a very special lady....my lovely bloggy bud Dawn.... back here for coffee and to meet up with the hooligan himself (and how naughty is he....after his little bloggy adventure yesterday) then we are taking a trip out to Alford to visit our lovely new fantastic craft shop.....Simply Create.....Dawn is in for such a treat.....I just know she will love it.....have a spot of lunch while we are there......that is if we have enough pennies left.....toodle oo for now....catch up with you all tomorrow for a special fella's birthday............Hugs Kath xxxxx
P.S. Early post from me today....because for some reason Mr Bloggy has decided he can't be bothered with scheduled posts at the moment....this is a known issue on Blogger and they are looking for a fix...so if you are affected....hang in there folks

"BUDDY'S CHALLENGE"

Hi Everybody......it's BUDDY or you may know me better as "THE BUDSTER" ....now aren't you surprised....bet you didn't know that dogs can blog just like all you lovely crafters....well I am a little bit fed up of my Mum hogging this blog all the time....it's all cards and crafty stuff....well how boring is that......so I think it's time that we all had a little bit of doggy fun.    What my Mum doesn't know is that all her lovely followers only visit to catch a glimpse of me....well I can't help being such a handsome devil can I.      Always up for a bit of fun and good old fashioned mischief.....so here's what I've got in mind.......I am going to be in so much trouble for this ...but what's new....so in for a penny... in for a pound.    I have a birthday coming up.....will be 3 on Tuesday.....but for us doggy chaps....well it's a bit of a special one.....21 in doggy years.....and you know what....I will probably get one card from Mum & Dad and a load of stupid squeaky stuff....so just to prove to My Mum what a popular fella I am......I am setting you all a bit of a challenge......make me a card for my birthday......now you don't need to post it because that poor postie chap must be fed up delivering stuff here.....just leave a comment here with a link to your card.....see I have been listening to all this bloggy jargon.....and then I can come visit you.    Now I know that all these challengy things give out prizes.....well cheapskate I ain't......so there will be a bumper prize for my favourite card......the cubbyhole queen doesn't know it yet.....but her stash is definitely going to be a good bit lighter....you wouldn't believe the stuff in there.....hardly room for me to rest my handsome head....and when I do manage to get a bit of shut eye.....I end up covered in those little white squares...blighters of things...they get everywhere.   I have hatched a cunning plan to get the prize to the lucky winner....I am thinking that nice postie chap might help me out....if I promise not to chase him again and I know what you're thinking.....gee this dog just ain't a pretty face.
Well what you waiting for.....can't wait to see some birthday cards.......the deadline is Sunday 5th July at noon GMT......well off to get the old head down and have a snooze....who would have believed how tiring this blogging malarkey can be.

BIG DOGGY CUDDLES AND KISSES

"BUDDY"

and that's another bone of contention.....that reminds me where did I leave that bone...

why does she insist on calling me "THE BUDSTER".....

my proper name is "HIS LORDSHIP LAURENCE"

but no need to stand on ceremony....you don't have to bow or curtsey....just crack on with the card.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Week 55

Morning Folks....it's Saturday....the weather is absolutely glorious and it's time for another challenge from Penny Black Saturday......I love Saturdays...the start of the weekend and some leisure time. Another fabulous response to our embossing challenge last week and I loved how you all interpreted it differently....some using your Cuttlebug or other means of dry embossing and others using stamping and heat embossing....lots of fabulous cards and lots of inspiration.

The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is a fabulous sketch from our resident sketch expert on the team....the lovely talented NAT..loving this sketch and I am sure you will too and have lots of fun with it.

Papers: Basic Grey Sugared Collection

Image: Penny Black....Teddy & Company Clear Stamp Set

Flowers: Prima

Lace...Beads & Pearls from stash

Sentiment Backer: McGill Nesting Oval Punches

After days of making men's cards.....I thought I would go all girly and pink with this one......I love the cute images from this set of stamps and decided to make this adorable teddy female....isn't she cute in her pink trimmed sailor suit and I have fallen in love with these gorgeous Prima flowers I received from my lovely bloggy bud.....Dawny P......how sweet she wanted to share some of her prize from Simon Says Stamps with me.

And we have another fabulous prize for you this.....a 15% off voucher from P B Stamps..

if you love Penny Blacks....pay a visit HERE and you will think you have died and gone to heaven

Well what are you waiting for....get those Penny Blacks inked up and get stamping.......back tomorrow with a little fun challenge for you from "The Budster"......Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

Hero Arts Challenge

Well what a week it's been.....lots of ups and downs....busy..busy...busy but I made it.....all the DT stuff is done so last night I decided to have a little play.....another challenge card for Hero Arts Club Blog Complementary Colour Challenge Week hosted by Shari Carroll....my stamping idol....I just adore everything this mega talented lady does....I don't think she has ever made a card that I didn't love.
The colour theme for today is....... RED and GREEN and of course.....Christmas immediately springs to mind...no way..... I am not making a Christmas card when the temperature is still 21 degrees at 8.30 in the evening....the sun is shining and the hanging baskets are brimming with flowers.

Papers: WeRMemory Keepers....Coredinations

Stamps: Hero Arts: Scattered Leaves.....Share Laughter

Ribbon: American Crafts

Buttons: Basic Grey

Inks: TH Distress....Fired Brick

Colorbox: Olive Green

I found the template for this flowerpot card sometime ago....but at the moment can't remember where....will come back with the info....if the old memory comes up trumps......well that's all for today folks.....off to stock up the old larder....hubby has eaten us out of house and home while I have been away but will catch up with you all tomorrow for another fab challenge on Penny Black Saturday and I have a little surprise for you on Sunday.....a little challenge from my four legged friend.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

P.S. Well the old gal ain't as doolally as you think....remembered where I got the flowerpot template and instructions from......click HERE

Something Completely Different

Morning folks....it's Friday and my last week as guest designer at Something Completely Different
The theme for this month has been TAGS.....which I love making and a big thank you to Carol and the Design Team for asking me to join in the fun and I have so enjoyed seeing all the fabulous creations.....lots of talented taggers out there.  The challenge this week is.......

CROWNS

This one had me stumped for a while as I don't own any stamps featuring crowns......so I thought I would make a crown shaped tag........decorated with stamping.....lots of bling which doesn't show up too well in the pic.....lace and a bit of Glamour Dust.....not too happy with the end result.....really wanted to go out with a bang.....but will just have to settle for a bit of a damp squib.

Stamp: Hero Arts.... Heart Flourish

Inks: Tim Holtz....Distress...Fired Brick and Aged Mahogany
Bazzill Cardstock

Flower: Prima

Lace and Pearls from stash

Alphabet: Adornit....Tiny Etched

Hope you will be able to join in the fun this week and pop over to check the fabulous tags from the mega talented Design Team......will be back later to share another challenge card for the Hero Arts Blog Complementary Colour Challenge and great news the super talented and fab bloggy buddy Kim (Paperbabe) has won first place in last week's "Be Inspired" challenge.....big congratulations Kim....your card was stunning and you will have great fun choosing your prize..........Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

A real Sunshiney Day

Hi Folks.....well it's another fabulous sunshiney day here and according to the weather man set to last for a few weeks....me thinks I may have to purchase a set of shackles.....oh dear it is so hard to stay crafting in the cubbyhole when the sun is beating down outside but needs must today.....had some commission cards to do for my niece...needed for tomorrow...off to make my own card when I finish this post.....

Papers & Alphabets: K&Co.....Blue Awning Collection

Stamps: Hero Arts: Artistic Borders

Ribbon & Black Pearls from my stash

a real simple card

Chipboard Letters: K&Co...Blue Awning Collection

Flowers: Prima

Pearls from stash

Sentiment: Penny Black....Hugs Collection

Just got back from our lunchtime walk and it was a shorty today.....far too hot for a "rabbit chasing" kind of walk and the bold hero is fast asleep under a shady tree in the garden.....I bet he wishes he could unzip that gorgeous fur coat. I am a real.....can't be bothered eating when it is hot" girl but have to keep up the old energy levels.....so I have just devoured a huge bowl of these beauties.....left a few to eat later...just to make you jealous......but you may have the last laugh.....I will probably end up with a stomach ache......well off to drag myself back to the cubbyhole.....catch up with you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxxx

Cards for the Guys

Morning folks....a little bit of a mixed bag today.....I know this is Thursday but no sneaky peeks today......for several reasons......no Polka Doodles Challenge card this week....Freddie Foo Foo has kindly given me the week off ... trying frantically to catch up but I can't seem to get the old mojo back to working at full speed.....almost finished the samples for the Polka Doodles Create and Craft Launch next Wednesday at 12.00pm and have been working on cards with the super cute men's decoupage.  My kind of decoupage.....all die cut ready to pop out.....great for quick and easy cards....Football cards appeal to quite a large percentage of the male population.....whether they play or are just happy spectating from a comfy armchair and for the non-sporty male perhaps the quiet pint and packet of crisps in the pub card would go down well.

and let's not forget the girlies

And a little snippet of news.....lots of exciting things happening soon over at Funky Hand...and you will be able to join in the fun too....will share as soon as permission to blab is given by Anice.....so with that in mind and with a bit of a heavy heart..... I have decided to step down from the Design Team at Stampin Chic....just not enough hours in a day I'm afraid so have decided to cut back a bit before crafting becomes a chore instead of the fun it should be.    Off for our morning stroll....blow away the cobwebs and then back to the cubbyhole for hopefully a more productive day.....some personal cards to make for tomorrow....yes at the last minute as usual......catch up with you all tomorrow for my last week as Guest Designer on Something Completely Different.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

The Pink Elephant Challenge # 20

Hi Folks.....back again with a challenge card......didn't really think that I would manage to fit in many challenges this week.....but while making some samples for the new Funky Hand download.....I decided to use the fabulous sketch from my Funky Hand teamie Carol for this week's challenge over at The Pink Elephant.

Papers & Topper: Funky Hand "I Do Word Book" download

Flowers: Prima

Ribbon: American Crafts

Pearls from my stash

Sentiment: Doodlebug All Mixed Up Rub-ons

I love the papers in this new download from Anice at Funky Hand.....they are so soft and neutral.....matching with any colour.....great for anything wedding or anniversary......well it's ever onward.....am having great fun working with the super cute decoupage from Polka Doodles.....will be back tomorrow to share.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Hero Arts Club Challenge

Morning Folks and wow has summer returned......the weather yesterday was absolutely toasty....and with so much DT stuff to catch up on......I had to practically drag myself into the cubbyhole....have been working on a word book and some cards from the latest Funky Hand download and I am loving the gorgeous papers...will be back later to share once I get some piccies.   But after a week of no crafting....I had to have a little playtime and popped across to see what was going on this week at the Hero Arts Club Blog and no way could I miss out on this week's challenges......from Shari Carroll.....a week of complementary colour challenges....starting with

BLACK AND WHITE

one of my favourite combos

Hero Arts Stamps:

Old Letter Writing

Large Delicate Woven Fabrics

Tiny Jubilee Dots

Artistic Borders Clear Stamp Set

Cute Letters

Twine and Ribbon from stash

Well it's time for our morning stroll....then drag myself back into the cubbyhole and get crafting with some super cute decoupage from Polka Doodles and hopefully find some time for another challenge.....hope the weather is glorious where you are too.......Hugs Kath xxxxxx

More Pics

Morning folks...sorry no crafty stuff to show today...spent the day yesterday washing and ironing and must admit I am feeling a little bit ropey this morning....probably picked up someone's bug on the flight home so just a few pics to share...I promise I'm not going to bore you with the hundreds of photos I took...

Multi storey parking Amsterdam style

was really disappointed in Amsterdam....grubby...run down looking and decidely tacky unless you wandered way back into the old town o the quaint canals and bridges...houseboats of every description and the strange assortment of buildings and romantic little cafes......

Den Haag is entirely different with it's beautiful historic and quaint buildings...round every corner a square full of restaurants and cafes with their outdoor tables...a great excuse to rest the weary legs and have a coffee and the fabulous appelgebak with slagroom (apple pie and cream) and who in their right mind came up with the word slagroom for cream.

The transport system is fantastic whether you are using trains..trams or buses and of course there are bicycles everywhere...they have right of way on the roads so you really have to concentrate when crossing because they seem to appear out of nowhere...running a car is really expensive in the Netherlands...yes even more so than here and everyone cycles...young and old and of course it's entirely flat...not even one tiny little hill.

Parliament Buildings in Den Haag

Street cafe

and can you believe that these are made out of sand...talking of sand...little sis will kill me for showing this one...beach cafe in Den Haag after delicious apple pie and yes slagroom.

Catch up with you all later

Hugs Kath xxxxxx