Sunday..Snow and Sad News

Morning folks...we are back in the grips of winter here in the North East of Scotland...as I sit and type this all snuggly cosy in my big fluffy dressing gown...it's blowing a blizzard outside...so it's back to shanks' pony and better get stocked up with grub for another week or so of being marooned.

Some sad news to share with you all today...I have decided very reluctantly to step down from the Polkadoodles team and it wasn't an easy decision to make...lots of conversations with myself but I feel I have become stuck in a bit of a rut and need to make some changes. I am so going to miss Nikky...she is just the loveliest loveliest talented lady and have loved working with her and the fabulously talented team of girls at Polkadoodles and much to my horror have come to realise that I am not SUPERWOMAN...so it's time for a change of direction in my crafty life and concentrating more on my first love...rubber stamping.
So this year I am going back to what I love best and hoping to do more workshop and demonstration day stuff which is right up my street...crafting on your own day in and day out can be a bit of a lonely occupation so this year I am going to get out and about and meet loads of other crafters...sharing my passion for all things papercrafty is such a joy and a great opportunity to chat with someone other than "The Budster".   He's a great listener...a great companion...my sleeping partner but it's a bit of a one-way conversation.
And for all those folks who live in the Elgin area...I am coming to a craft store near you...the lovely Karen (Mrs Sugar Nellie herself) has asked me to come along on Saturday 13th February 10.00am - 4.00pm to Papercraft Boutique to share some crafting tips and techniques so if you have nothing better to do...come along and join in the fun...I would love to meet you.
Catch up with you all tomorrow for a brand new challenger over at GET FUNKY and I think you are going to LOVE this one.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Edited to add:......good news.....big congrats to my lovely bloggy bud GAYLE.....on the safe delivery of her beautiful baby girl....Maya......hugs and kisses to all.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge....Week 86

Morning folks....it's time for another Penny Black Saturday Challenge......fabulous response to our "Something Sweet" challenge last week and all your cards were just the sweetest.....and it was great to see so many new faces join in the fun.    This is the last challenge of January which means this will be Joey's last card as guest designer.....it has been an absolute pleasure having Joey join us and I'm sure you will agree her cards have been gorgeous and a wonderful inspiration to all us Penny Black lovers.

But without more ado...the challenge this week is..

 SPECIAL SOMEONE

Stampin Up Kraft Paper
Image: Penny Black "Whispers"
plaid pattern drawn on with American Crafts Slick Writer
Sentiment: Hero Arts....Great Flourish
Martha Stewart Border Punch
Jewel Brads....Stampin Up coloured with Slick Writer
Ribbon: Stampin Up Gingham

and another fab prize for one lucky winner this week...
from PB Stamps

15% Lifetime Discount Voucher to use in their online store
and if you are a Penny Black Addict....you will be in Penny Black heaven
4000 + of our favourite stamps in stock

Well the world is your oyster on this one folks.....great chance to get a valentine made for the man in your life or just a card to let someone special know that you care....looking forward to seeing what you all create this week and will be popping over to pay you a visit.......in the meantime get those Penny Blacks inked up and join in the fun.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

It's Friday and it's snowing....again

Morning folks....yes it's Friday...the last day of the working week before the weekend...sadly not for me...I am knee deep in crafty stuff at the moment....so it looks like I will be working over the weekend.....and the weather here has turned freezing cold again and yes we have had a snowfall overnight.....so not too much of a hardship being stuck in the cubbyhole but first "The Budster" and I need to get togged out  and brave the weather for our slippery slidey stroll.

A quick sneaky peek

and some exciting news......guess who will be appearing on our TV screens soon.....no....don't all run for cover...it ain't me.....perish the thought.....the one and only king of all things crafty....Mr Tim Holtz will be appearing on QVC Craft Day on 23rd February and even better.....he has the Today's Special Value launching at midnight.......oh my giddy aunt....I can hardly contain my excitement.....wonder what it can be....perhaps some of his new Sizzix dies which are to die for...excuse that pathetic pun or maybe some of his new Distress Inks.....whatever it is...I am going to want it so will be glued to the screen at midnight with my finger posed on speed dial....and matchsticks keeping my eyes open.

I think I need a nice soothing cuppa and a comfy seat to chill out after the mega excitement.....lord knows what I will be like come midnight on the day....but first need to remember and put a big red circle on the calendar.

Catch up with you all tomorrow for another fabby challenge over at Penny Black Saturday

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Papertake Weekly....Sketch 33

Morning folks.....time for another challenge card.......all work and no play is no fun at all...so I managed to sneak a bit of time to make a card for one of my favourite challenges.....oh yes it's PAPERTAKE WEEKLY and another fabby sketch from my lovely bloggy bud....Dawny P and this is just my cup of tea....love circles and simple sketches....another one being filed away in my sketch folder.
And surprise.....surprise no pink....a complete change of colour combo

Papers: MME Andrea Victoria

Image: Hero Arts Clings CG130.... Butterflies

coloured with TH Distress Ink Pads

Sentiment: Hero Arts CL140...Thinking of You

Martha Stewart Border Punch

Gold Self Adhesive Gems

Ribbon: American Crafts

Decoart Gold Glamour Dust

This was a set of Hero Art Cling Stamps I got before Christmas and never had a chance to play with and wow....3 gorgeous butterflies...great for doing curly edges....playing at colouring and popping onto 3D foam pads....got to get cracking with my DT card for Penny Black Saturday.....oh yes...last minute Annie again this week.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Craftwork Cards Challenge

Morning folks....it's time to move on to the next letter in the

C. R. A. F. T. W. O. R. K..challenge.....

A...for Acetate

to enter your card you can either do a direct link to your entry or e-mail your card to info@craftworkcards.com
You have until 5th February to enter and the winner will have their card displayed on the blog and win a fabulous prize including some acetate and remember you still have time to enter the R....for Ribbon Challenge.

and I know what you are thinking.....oh no...the dreaded acetate cards

I think I have probably explained how I do acetate cards before...but for any newbies...I use symmetrical shapes that can be placed back to back on the front and inside front of the card...e.g. the border strip and the flowers and that way....you don't have any nasty gluey mess on show

simples.......and you can write your message on the outside back of the card.

Acetate Card....Craftwork Cards

and this is the best quality acetate....wouldn't buy it from anywhere else.

Image: Hero Arts....Heart Flourish

stamped in White Stazon on the acetate

Dotty Flowers...In Circle Message and Card Candy

from Craftwork Cards

The card was quick and easy to make...getting a half decent photo was the hard bit......dull dreich low light weather at the moment ..roll on bright spring mornings but I think we have a way to go yet........well it's back to work as opposed to playing....catch up with you all later.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Edited to add: To answer Sally's question....What is a Haggis?

Haggis is a dish containing sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet,spices, and salt, mixed with stock...sounds a bit gross....but it's delicious....looks a bit like a big fat sausage and is traditionally served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potato)

Beavering Away

Morning folks.....feeling a bit wabbit this morning....no...not from the effects of my wee dram but from that spicy haggis.....awake half the night with heartburn....perhaps a few more drams would have diluted the blinking stuff and I might have got a good night's sleep but ended up with the Mother of all hangovers....a real no win situation....and no cards to share today but I don't want you to think that I am slacking....perish the thought....I am working away at lots of things......nothing I can share just yet......but I do have some sneaky peeks of some cards I have been working on.....which are hopefully winging their way as I speak ....deadline Friday....are you listening Royal Mail.

You may recognise the papers if you have recently purchased a certain fabulous CD Rom.

And blow me down with a feather....I have just noticed that this is POST NO....1004.....can hardly believe I have done all those posts since I started this little old blog away back at the end of February 2008.....crikey that is an awful lot of chatting but no surprise to anybody who knows me......I LOVE TO CHAT...and have even been known to chat to myself.

And today....although I would love to stay and chat....I have mountains of stuff to do.....so it's back to the cubbyhole and get those crafty fingers working.....may even find time to squeeze in a challenge card or two.

Catch up with you all later.....Hugs Kath xxxxx

Happy Burns Night

Wishing my fellow Scots wherever in the world you may be.....

A VERY HAPPY BURNS NIGHT

 Burns Suppers will be taking place all over the globe tonight in memory of our National Bard

Rabbie Burns

and the traditional Burns Supper consists of a meal of Haggis Neeps and Tatties washed down with a few wee drams of the water of life.....but starts off with the ceremonial piping in of the Haggis

followed by the Selkirk Grace and
"The Address To The Haggis"

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, 
Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! 
Aboon them a' ye tak your place, 
Painch, tripe, or thairm : 
Weel are ye wordy o'a grace 
As lang's my arm.

and lots of Burns poems by local worthies before the feasting begins followed by lots of Scottish dancing and believe me.....nobody knows how to party like us Scots and the secret to drinking all those drams of whisky and remaining sober.....it's all in our energetic dances

The Eightsome Reel....
Strip The Willow
Dashing White Sergeant
The Gay Gordons

but I am not partying tonight.....just a quiet meal followed by perhaps one wee drama....(oops sorry that was meant to read...one wee dram......more than one and hey it would be a drama.
Slainthe
Hugs Kath xxxxx

Allsorts Challenge....Week 36

Morning folks and it's Monday morning again....after a busy working weekend...I'm afraid it's just another working day in the cubbyhole.....magazine commission is almost finished....Simply Cards & Papercraft Issue 69 I think....which is beginning of March.....just the bumph to write and believe me...that takes longer than making the cards and then get seriously stuck into some demo stuff.    Had a little play around with some ideas yesterday and I know that we all love our gorgeous papers.....and have to have flowers and ribbon in every colour of the rainbow to match....but in these credit crunch times...not everyone has lots of spare cash to spend on crafty stuff.......so I thought I would share a quick and easy card today made from this........

and after a little bit of Cuttlebug embossing....inking and colouring with Promarkers.....we end up with this fairly simple card and it just so happens it fits in perfectly with the challenge this week at over Allsorts.

HEARTS & FLOWERS

(ok....mine is heart and flowers)

excuse the pic....it is so dark and dreary out there...the cardstock is brilliant white

Prima Flowers and Stampin Up Twill ribbon coloured with Promarkers

I just doodled some lines onto the Heart

A big thank you to all my lovely bloggy buds who left me comments about the Just Rite stamps.....I went onto the "Once Upon A Stamp" website and you can buy these ready made phrases to fit into the round stamp block......much easier to use...so perhaps this is the way to go if..... like me....you don't do faffing.  I am not really a Crafty Shopping Channel girl apart from QVC....when they have American Crafts shows.... I do tune in to Create and Craft when Anice is on....but I just happened to flick over the other day while enjoying a quick cuppa and I could easily become hooked on some of their programmes....fabulous demonstrations and giving the guest plenty of time to show off the products....not like the verbal diarrohea and rush rush....running out of time...that is QVC.   It would be so tempting just to relax with a cuppa every day and watch someone else crafting.....so I have to resist the temptation of switching on and take myself off to the cubbyhole.
But if anyone knows when they will be demonstrating Just Rite Stamps on Create & Craft again...leave me a comment so I can watch and perhaps learn some tips and tricks.

To answer Jo's question from earlier in the week

"Have 1 question though (I am just new to your Blog so you've probably been asked before)- how do you colour the cardstock with the Distress Ink, eg: with the ink refillers or the pad/sponge. Hope you don't mind my asking"

This is what I use to colour my cardstock...Tim Holtz Blending Tool with foam pads.....I keep a separate foam pad for each colour of ink and if you only have the one blending tool....the pads are interchangeable because the tool has a velcro type pad....you can use the foam sponges also from Ranger.....but I don't think they blend so well.....this sits on my desk 24/7 because as you all know I love my inky edges.

Well enough chatting....off to get the dreaded instructions written for those cards and then get my crafty Thinking Cap on for more demos....and this is a very special night in Scotland dedicated to that sonsie fella....Rabbie Burns.......still to have to catch my haggis and get him in the pot to cook.....get the neeps and tatties organised.....so best get a move on.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add.....blimey life is just one big dilemma at the moment.....what to watch on a Sunday night.....my favourite Dancing on Ice or my other favourite......Top Gear....why do they have to be on at the same time and yes I know I could tape one or the other.....but that is another dilemma....we have one of those all singing...all dancing....tape thingies and do I know how to work it...that would be a .....NOOOOO!!!!!

Just Rite.....I don't think so

Morning folks.....I have a bit of a dilemma and  I desperately need your help before I completely lose the plot....I received these Just Rite stamps the other day....so excited when they arrived and couldn't wait to give them a try.....but let's just say the excitement quickly turned to a "real tearing my hair out day".    What do you think.....is it just me that can't get it right....it seems like rather a lot of faffing around for what I must admit is a wonderful idea and fabulous effect but I wonder how long it took to get all those tiny letters in place.....because going by my efforts to do"Happy Birthday".....I am estimating about 3 days.

Firstly the little blighters are so minute that I can't even see the letters........ may have to invest in some mega magnifying glasses of the bottle top variety and trying to get them out of their little groove with the tweezers is a major operation but even worse is trying to get them into the groove on the stamping block and getting them to stay there

blimey this is mega precision stuff folks....master this and next thing you will be able to perform the most intricate brain surgery....and they have a real hankering after making a bid for freedom.......one dropped on the floor and who knows where it is.....down on my hands and knees and lots of finger tip searching ....but no luck....I fear it may be now swimming happily through the digestive system of "YOU KNOW WHO".

So if you have bought this set.....please can you give this old gal some tips before I lose the will to live and stash them away to the back of some drawer never to see the light of day again....all in the name of sanity.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge....Week 85

Morning folks....it's Saturday once again and that means time for another challenge for all you Penny Black lovers out there......fabulous response to our colour combo challenge last week and gorgeous gorgeous cards from everyone.....thanks for playing along....we really do appreciate it.
The challenge this week on Penny Black Saturday is......

SOMETHING SWEET

and this was right up my street because if you a regular visitor to my little old blog you will have noticed I have been having a bit of a PINK week.....so just to finish things off....

Image: Penny Black....."Micey Day"
Frameabilites....Scalloped Edge Frame coloured with TH Distress Ink Pad..Aged Mahogany
The frame is actually rectangular but I cut it twice and pieced it into a square
Heart cut from paper I used earlier in the week
Sentiment: Making Memories...Tiny Alphas
Prima Flowers & Pearls from stash

And we have another fabulous prize for one lucky winner

kindly donated by our lovely teamie CAROLE

Popcorn Bear Stamp Set ......how cute

Can't wait to see all your fabulous creations this week and will be popping over to pay you all a visit.

And this weary old crafter who has been around the block more times than I care to remember....has seen it...done it and definitely got the T Shirt.... has a BIG problem.....need your help....so pop over tomorrow and see if you can help me out.......PLEASE !!!!!

Hugs Kath xxxx

Dreams Come True and a sneaky peek

Morning folks....first a quick sneaky peek of my very last Pink card.....well for a little while anyway.....

and at last I can share with you all some of the samples I made with Funky Hand's brilliant new..all signing and dancing CD......

DREAMS COME TRUE

card with a pull out M&S gift card

And if you missed the premier of the CD last Saturday on Create & Craft which was a sell out.....no surprise there......not too worry.....Anice will be strutting her stuff again

 today on Ideal World....Sky 671 and Freeview 22 at 2pm.... 

a great excuse to make yourselves a cuppa and snuggle up on the sofa.....and enjoy some fab demos and feast your eyes on gorgeous creations from my lovely teamies.  And if you want to get your hands on this CD absolutely free......you need to enter the challenge this month at Get Funky and who knows you may be the lucky winner of a £20 voucher to spend at Funky Hand....need I say more.

Catch up with you all tomorrow for another challenge from Penny Black Saturday and a super cute prize.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Morning folks....yes I am still wearing my Pink hat and that worked out rather nicely because the challenge this week over at Papertake Weekly is....

Pretty Pink Papertake

Hero Arts...CL375....Big Flowers

CL291....Hello Circles

CL2333...Scallop Borders

S4878 Old Letter Writing
C3085....Tiny Jubilee Dots

Chipboard Letter & Brackets

American Craft Fabric Thickers
Hero Arts Button & twine from stash

Boy oh boy did I struggle to get a half decent pic of this card.....after one day of Spring....we have returned to dark dreich rainy days with more snow forecast......blaaaah.......and more bad news.... the play part of crafting is coming to an end....a couple of commission cards to do....a magazine commission to get started on... get my thinking cap on for samples for an up and coming demonstration day and of course....need to do my Penny Black Saturday card  for next week's challenge......life is never boring in the cubbyhole but might just manage one more play with all things Pink.....after I clear this chaos off my desk.....

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Allsorts Challenge...Week 35

Morning folks.....well it's turning into a bit of a PINK week......the challenge this week over at Allsorts is a colour combo and one of my particular favourites

PINK and BROWN

Paper: SU Kraft

overstamped with Hero Arts CQ122.....Branch Background inked with

SU Whisper White

White Cardstock coloured with Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad....Brushed Corduroy

and overstamped with Hero Arts C3085..Tiny Jubilee Dots inked with TH.....Frayed Burlap

Flower: Hero Arts CL322.....Artistic Borders
Sentiment: Hero Arts CL140...Thinking Of You
Hero Arts CL281...Whimsical Frames

SU....Twill Tape

Dots on Branch Background highlighted with Ranger Inkessentials White Opaque Pen

This was a great chance to play with some of my new Hero Arts goodies.......and once again creating my own patterned paper.....catch up with you all tomorrow for perhaps another pink card.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx
Edited to add: I have since straightened that sentiment frame.....it was driving me crazy

Simply Create Challenge

Morning folks......it seems to have been all fun since Christmas playing along with my favourite challenges...well you know what they say about all work and no play.....and I think this should be my New Year's Resolution....to have more playtime.
And blimey what is happening with the weather.....after severe snowstorms and lots of icy roads.....it went to lashing rain and flooded roads and now it is positively springlike.....gorgeous sunny days which are perfect for taking "The Budster" on long country walks and we are both kicking up our heels after being cooped up indoors for almost a week.....well let's rephrase that.....one of us is kicking more than the other.

The lovely Jacqui at Simply Create has set us all a challenge......

"have some serious blog candy to give away, you won't believe how much crafty stuff I will fit into a box for the lucky winner and to win I would really love to challenge you to make a card using only pink and email me a picture and I'll post as many as I can on my blog with a link to your blogs and heres the twist, I'd really appreciate if you would post the card to me too, as after the "Post Christmas Party/Crop" we will be donating them to CLAN for fundraising or just for them to send out a special message to someone that needs it!

Hero Arts Cling....Large Cupcake

Papers: Paper Cellar 6 x 6 Pad....Wedding

Ribbon: American Crafts

Sentiment: Making Memories Tiny Alphas

Ranger: Stickles...Stardust

Martha Stewart Border Punch

This is one of my new Hero Arts Clings......coloured with Promarkers and given the PINK treatment.  Off to get the crafty thinking cap on and maybe get another couple of challenge cards in the bag.

Catch up with you all tomorrow.....Hugs Kath xxxx

Craftwork Challenge.....R

Hi Folks.....back again with my card for Craftwork Cards Challenge and this week is featuring the letter

"R"

to make a card with Craftwork Cards Ribbon on it

You can enter the challenge in the usual way by linking your entry or e-mail your card to info@craftworkcards.com...you have until the 29th January to enter and the prize for one lucky winner will be

a selection of RIBBONS and don't we all love ribbons.

I love using ribbons on my cards and can never bear to throw away even the littlest itty bitty scrap......and this is a great way of using them up.......cut out the heart template....stick it onto double sided sticky paper...cover  with rows of ribbon scraps.....and then cut it out again.....you need super duper sharp scissors for this part....my trusty Non-Stick Fiskars scissors are perfect for this job...you don't want frayed ribbon at the edges....matt onto white cardstock and yes cut out again.......a great way of using up those pesky itty bitty scraps of ribbon and this works great too with strips of patterned papers.

Ribbons & Card Candy.......Craftwork Cards

Flowers...Prima

Sentiment....Doodlebug...All Mixed Up Rub-ons

Charm from stash

Fiskars Ribbon Slot Punch

Paper: Paper Cellar 6 x 6 Pad....Wedding

Remember you still have until the 22nd January to enter your card to the first challenge....using CARD CANDY.

I've been sent this lovely award from my lovely Fiskars buddy Georgie....
thank you so much Georgie for thinking of me

and I have to name 10 things which make me happy

1. It would really make me happy if I could get my hands on those yummy cupcakes.

2. The love and support from my wonderful family and friends

3. My gorgeous grandchildren....Brodie and Oliver

4. And of course.....my best "BUDDY"...that bundle of golden deliciousness and his gorgeous big brown eyes.

5. Getting up each morning and realising that YES....I'M STILL ALIVE....although some mornings I have to think about it.

6. The beautiful countryside where I live and the wonder of nature in all its glory.

7. OF COURSE......my passion for papercrafting and I am so lucky that my hobby is also my job.

8. When Mr Postie comes to call with yet more crafting goodies......it's like Christmas all over again.

9.  All the lovely friends I have made since I started blogging...I have managed to meet quite a few of my bloggy buds but it would make me truly happy if we could all have a great big get-together....wouldn't that be a hoot.

10. Girlie weekends away with my Sis....lots of fun and laughter.....and we have quite a few organised for this year.....including a bumper one ...yes my Christmas present to me...6 nights in New York for Thanksgiving.....but I have to wait until November and don't you think..... the waiting is half the fun.

I am now supposed to pass this on to 3 bloggy friends.....but who do I choose out of all my lovely bloggy buds.....tell you what....if you want to join in the fun.....leave me a comment here with a link to your answers...I would love to know what makes you happy.   Off to make my PINK card for the challenge over at Simply Create.......catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxxxx