It's a parcel fest

Morning Folks.....it's been a bit of a parcel fest here.....first thing Friday morning the postie arrived with a parcel from QVC.....ooo.. eee.... it must be my Tim Holtz TSV...boy I was excited...couldn't get it open quick enough.....love Tim's new book and love all the bits and pieces that came with it.....OK I have already got all these things...but hey you can never have enough TH stuff....he is the craft version of SHOES.

And then after lunch the doorbell rang and a courier arrived with this........

my Fiskars goodie box from France.....oh mon dieu

full to the brim with all the new 2010 products...all the stuff I need to make my samples for the SECC....

and my biggest bugbear....trying to get into all those bubble packages.. a case of a sledgehammer and brute force springs to mind....and then I need to ditch all the packaging.   I'm sure that both my postie and my bin man must love me to bits.....NOT !!!!

and then on Saturday these arrived.....oh I do hope the bank manager isn't reading this.....

still the reinkers and the sticky back canvas to come....oh dear will have to smile sweetly at the postie again on Monday......and the sad thing is I don't have time to play with any of these goodies this week....need to get cracking with the SECC samples....so as much as I would love to stay and blether....I need to get those crafty fingers working.....catch up with you all tomorrow for a brand new challenge over at Get Funky

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 90

Morning folks...it's Saturday and that means time for another challenge at Penny Black Saturday....big thank you to all those who joined in the fun last week and lots and lots of gorgeous colour combo cards...it's obvious you are all dreaming of spring.
The challenge this week is a fab sketch from our lovely teamie CAROLE...and this will be another one filed away for future inspiration....and woo...hooo another chance to play with one of my new Penny Blacks.....loving this image...so you could be seeing quite a lot of it over the next year....and yes....my favourite colour combo at the moment.

Background created with Hero Arts Soft Sand Shadow Ink Pad
overstamped with one of my favourites
Hero Arts...Old Letter Writing
Image: Penny Black...Letters and Flowers
Hero Arts.....Stripes Pattern stamped with Soft Blossom Shadow Ink
Flowers: Prima E Line
Craftwork Cards.....Card Candy
American Crafts....Velvet Ribbon

and we have another great prize this week

from PB Stamps

15% Lifetime Discount Voucher

Well that's it for today folks.....it was a bit of a parcel day yesterday....and I love parcels...it's just like Christmas all over again....will share tomorrow and will be popping over to see what you all create with Carole's sketch and in the meantime....happy crafting.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Messy Crafter at Work

Morning folks...the cubbyhole is working at full steam ahead and as per usual looks as though it has been trashed......busy..busy....don't know how many times I cleared the decks yesterday morning and within minutes it was bedlam again....

but I am ticking off the crafty jobs.....finished my little project for Craftwork Cards but can't get it in the mail because once again winter has returned with a vengeance and I can't get my car out of the drive let alone out of the street.....may have to don the old welly boots and hike to the Post Office.....the novelty has well and truly worn off now.....sick fed up of it....roll on Spring.

but in the meantime....here's a little sneaky peek

Well it's back to the grindstone for me.....finish off my DT card for next month's brand new challenge over at Get Funky...here was me thinking I had plenty of time until 1st March....then it dawned on me there are only 28 days this month....who's bright idea was that....how inconsiderate.....catch up with you all tomorrow over at Penny Black Saturday and that's something else I need to get done....blimey as per usual.....it's another "skidding in by the seat of my pants" week.

Hugs Kath xxx 

Papertake Weekly Challenge...Sketch 35

Morning folks and I have a confession to make...and you will probably find this hard to believe but I have absolutely no willpower...sound familiar....my statement about ignoring my new Penny Blacks lasted the whole of 5 minutes...what is it about ink and rubber?    I just had to play with this sweet image for the challenge over at Papertake Weekly a fabulous sketch from my lovely bloggy buddy Dawny P who I will be meeting up with very soon at the NEC....one of the sweetest girls in blogland....oh I can't wait for a lovely Dawny P hug....and a good old natter.

Paper: Magnolia

Image: Penny Black....Tweet Talk
Martha Stewart Border Punch

Prima E-Line Flowers

Sentiment: Craftwork Cards...Birthday Circles

finished off with Stardust Stickles

Having a little play with my Promarkers.....I am still very much the novice.....and as I was colouring the image with one eye watching TH....I made a bit of a muck up of the bird going over the outline....would have been no problem with the old Distress Inks....a clean moist brush would have whisked it away....so next time...I need to be paying more attention.    I stamped the image with Momento Black Onyx onto the fabulous new Digital Ultra Smooth Cardstock from Craftwork Cards.....great for your Promarkers and Copics....need to try it with the my new Distress Inks winging their way from QVC.

And my exciting news.....it would seem that Fiskars need me after all at the SECC.....well there is no show without punch....pardon the pun....wooo..hooo....I am so happy.....3 days of doing the best job in the world....sharing my passion for crafting and meeting lots and lots of lovely crafters and of course....working (and I use that term very loosely) alongside my bestest Fiskars buddy...Lorraine..... blimey Glasgow beware....do they know what they have let themselves in for....I don't call that work....it will be a riot of Orange and Black....FUN FUN FUN..    Won't be there on Thursday as I have tickets for the XFactor Show in Aberdeen that night and there is no way I am missing out on seeing the gorgeous JOE in the flesh...but will be hot footing it down on the first train Friday morning....so look forward to seeing you all there.....Lorraine and I would love to meet you....so don't be shy.... come and say hello.

The not so good news is just when I thought I was getting ahead of the game.....it's now more samples to fit into my already jam packed schedule....so it looks like more burning of the midnight oil.....need to get "The Budster" crafting....it's time he got a job and earned his keep...don't you think.....and we are knee deep in wintry snow again....can't believe it after the spring like weather we had on Tuesday.....so it's time to look out the Nanook of the North outfit again and brave the storm for our morning stroll....don't envy the poor folks trying to push their cars out of the deep snow to get to work.
Catch up with you all tomorrow....with hopefully a sneaky peek.....Hugs Kath xxxxx

Edited to add: thanks to Lorraine and Lynda for your hints and tips when I stray over the lines

Allsorts Challenge...Week 40

Morning folks...wow...wow...wow...what a fab day yesterday with the nicest guy on the planet....such a shame that they constantly hurried him along but he took it all with good humour and it's a long time since I've sat still for so long.   Been a bit of a naughty girl I'm afraid.......well how could I resist Tim....his wonderful smile and all his fabulous new products....I'll be eagerly waiting my ever patient postie arriving with the goodies and.... after my lazy telly watching day yesterday I have to get stuck into some serious crafting but before I do.....time to share a card I made for the challenge over at Allsorts this week from my lovely Funky Hand teamie ....the very talented Jules......

TAG..TICKET OR LABEL

Papers: K&Co Hopscotch

Image: Hero Arts: CL 322...Artistic Borders

CL386...Stencil Art

Sentiment: Hero Arts: CL183 Cute Letters

HOTP...Birthday

Tags: Quickutz Die

Pearls and ribbon from stash

and I seem to be in a "real simples" mode at the moment ....I know it's says TAG but thought I would play safe and go for 3 for the price of one.... using some of my favourite K&Co papers....Hopscotch....I have had this kit for years and sadly am only left with bits and pieces.

Well it's going to be a nose to the grindstone kinda day and Mr Postie has just delivered a parcel with some gorgeous new Penny Blacks but I need to put them where I can't see them until the work stuff is done and dusted....and the temptation just never ends...Hero Arts brand new Designs On Wood stamps have just been released.....oh my giddy aunt....the bank manager ain't going to be a happy that the credit card has gone into meltdown....it could be bread and water for the next few weeks.
Catch up with you all tomorrow for some fandabbidosie news........Hugs Kath xxxxx

Do Blogs have Birthdays?

BLOG CANDY  NOW CLOSED......Morning folks...do blogs have birthdays, maybe not but today is one very very special day...yes 23rd February 2008 was the day that this daft old bat embraced the latest technology and started my blog and HERE was my very first post, short and sweet but hey once I got going there was no shutting me up. I can't believe how quickly time passes when you are having fun and believe me I have had lots of fun, made lots of new friends sadly most of whom I will probably never meet, sharing happy and sad times together and I am truly amazed by all the fabulous talent and inspiration in blogland and how kind and generous everyone is. A big thank you to my followers....all 651 of you, without you I am basically talking to myself every morning. I really do appreciate you coming to call and for leaving me such lovely kind comments.This is post number 1035...crikey that's a lot of chatting and uploading of photos and have notched up over 240,000 hits....gee whizz.

So to say thank you in true bloggy fashion...it's time for some blog candy......

Some of my favourite crafty things

50 sheets of MY MINDS EYE paper 

MY MINDS EYE Bloom & Grow Stamp Set

CARD CANDY kindly sent to me by the lovely Sue and Julie at Craftwork Cards..13 different colour collections

PRIMA Flowers...Bumper bag

BLING...we can't have candy without bling....

STAMP sets from HERO ARTS & PENNY BLACK
LOVE & CHERISH CD from Polkadoodles
SIZZIX...... 2 Sizzlits Dies

Edited to add:  some stamped images from my new Penny Blacks....aren't they gorgeous

All you have to do to enter is put a link to the candy on your blog, leave your name with Mr Linky...you have until midnight on Tuesday 9th March to enter...the winner will be announced the following morning...only active blogs can participate and no e-mail entries will be considered for the draw.
And did I get my TSV...you bet I did...was on that phone within a nano second and can't wait for it to arrive...off to walk "The Budster"...get the household chores done and the kettle on before 11.00am...the first of my telly-sit-ins.....Scrapbooking with Rosemary Merry, then grab a quick lunch before Tim is on again at 2.00pm with lots more goodies. Catch up with you all tomorrow.

Hugs from a very happy but soon to be declared bankrupt crafter

Kath xxxxx

I can hardly wait......

Scroll down for Buddy's Stamp Give-Away Winner
Morning folks....yes I confess I am all of a twitter....the King has landed in the UK and I am mega excited about seeing my hero tonight at midnight on QVC ...yes "The Budster" and I will be burning the midnight oil....no way am I missing Tim's fabulous TSV....and it is guaranteed to sell out before the repeat shows in the morning.....do I know what it is...."NO" but Tim gave a huge hint on his blog about satisfying our curiosities...so putting 2 and 2 together...it's his new book and it could be this for around £25.00 + P&P.....

Tomorrow my bum will be firmly fixed to the sofa for all the hours with our friends from across the pond....Tim...Suzie Weinberg and the fabulous Shari Carroll from Hero Arts who will be on at 7pm.....and oh dear I have a little sneaky feeling that the credit card is going to take a bit of a pasting.

But I have a slight problem in the shape of one plasterer coming to do the bedroom and en suite....and the poor guy probably can't function without regular cuppas.....so perhaps I should make a large sign......
KITCHEN....KETTLE...MUGS...COFFEE MILK SUGAR AND BISCUITS THIS WAY.....HELP YOURSELF.
And I have a bit of a surprise for you all tomorrow ....it's time for a celebration and you know what that means......so will catch up with you all bright and early in the morning....well that's the theory depends how tired I am after my late night.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Edited to add: to answer Kort's question.....yes you can watch it live on the internet....log on HERE and then click Watch QVC Live on the left side bar.....remembering the time difference if you are viewing from Europe or the US.

Woof...woof

Morning everyone....it's your gorgeous bundle of golden deliciousness and before I announce the winner of my Stamp Give-Away.....I must tell you the good news.....I've been given an award by the lovely Brenda.....how cool is that and she is surprised I have never had one before...well if the truth be told....me too Brenda... so sending big wet doggy kisses for thinking about me.

always look on the bright side...that's me folks....no point in wearing a grumpy face

now I have certain things to do.....

List the top 10 of the things that make me happy

1. Anything edible
2. My morning stroll with my Mum
3. Chasing rabbits and chewing sticks
4. Meeting my doggy friends on our stroll
5.  Sleeping on my Mum's feet when she's crafting
6. Snuggling up on the sofa with my Mum
7. Sleeping on my Mum's feet at night and before you get
any ideas....no I don't have a foot fetish
8.  Playing with my bestest chums....Brodie and Oliver
9. Watching my Mum eating her toast in the morning and hoping to get a bit
10.  Lazing around in the garden in the summer

And a top 5 list of trivia about me

1. My kennel name is His Lordship Lawrence
2. I came from a litter of 9 puppies....7 boys and 2 girls
3. My Dad won Best of Breed at Crufts
4. Swallowed one of my Dad's socks when I was a pup.....bit more
sensible now
5. I am definitely not a hooligan...that's  just a rumour put about by my Mum.

Now comes the bit my Mum doesn't like.....and there is no way I can choose 5 folks to pass this on to....I have millions of fans don't you know and I don't intend to offend any of them....but if you want to play along...leave a comment here and I can come read the interesting things about you.

Now I bet you are all bored stiff by now and want me to just get on with announcing my winner....so here we go......the winner is.......

SIOBHAN

Congratulations Siobhan and if you e-mail my Mum with your snail address....she will get your goodie parcel off in the post....and hey my Mum is mega excited today....all of a twitter....but she will be over later to tell you all about it....and apparently we are staying up extra late tonight...we've got a hot date with someone called Tim.

Lots of Bloggy Hugs

Buddy xxxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks....and yes we are still in the grip of winter here....and rather appropriate for the card I made for the challenge over at Daring Cardmakers this week......

WINTER BIRTHDAYS

Background created with TH Distress Ink Pads

Weathered Wood & Faded Jeans

Hero Arts: Snowflake Rosette

Tiny Snowflakes

Stampin Up: Lovely As A Tree

Sentiment: HOTP

Liberal Sprinkling of the old Glamour Dust

And little did I think I would be using some of my favourite Christmas snowflake stamps and my most favourite of all the Cuttlebug dies....that gorgeous snowflake and here we are heading towards the end of February....so thank you Rein for letting the old girl indulge her snowflake fetish just one more time.....but that is it... they are truly stashed away now until next Christmas.

Well I have my painty decorator hat on today....bah humbug....dirty job but someone has to do it....but tonight is my favourite time of the week.....oh yes....feet up on the sofa all snuggled up with "The Budster"...time to relax and have my weekly fix of Dancing On Ice......relax....blimey who am I trying to kid....I am still having palpitations after watching Hayley and Dan's sexy steamy and absolutely gorgeous routine last week.....what will they get up to this week and who will be voted off I wonder.
Remember to check back tomorrow when "The Budster" will be announcing his Stamp Give-Away.

Hugs Kath xxxx

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Week 89

Morning folks from a rather wintry Aberdeenshire....more snow yesterday and arctic temperatures but it's Saturday..the start of the weekend and time for another challenge from Penny Black Saturday....a big thank you to all those who joined in the Valentine challenge last week....gorgeous cards from you all.
The challenge this week is a colour combo......

PINK....GREEN....YELLOW

Papers: My Minds Eye

Image: Penny Black....Whispers

Martha Stewart Punch Around the Edge....Flowers

Ribbon: American Crafts

Sentiment: Craftwork Cards

I struggled with this one....knew what I wanted it to look like but it didn't quite come out as I hoped.....don't like the ric rac ribbon but it's been a busy old week and as I left it to the last minute.....it was a case of going with the flow...no time to start all over again....I think Mr Mojo is having a laugh and playing the old "silly beggar" game....we need to have a serious chat.     Once again I just had to play with my new favourite toy from Martha Stewart...I think you might be seeing rather a lot of this baby....then I couldn't lay my hands on the right paper for the flowers without hours of searching through my huge paper stash....so just drew a check pattern with Promarkers.

And we have another fabulous prize for you this week from our lovely teamie Carole

"A Tender Hug"

This is the view from the cubbyhole this morning.... I ain't venturing out and am having a day off from all the decorating stuff.....

so the kettle is boiling.....the cubbyhole is nice and toasty warm....."The Budster" is snuggled up fast asleep.....and it's going to be a crafting day....I am off to make a start on an exciting project which I will be sharing with you all soon....a little hint...from Craftwork Cards......but in the meantime have fun with your crafting and I am looking  forward to seeing all your gorgeous colour combo cards this week......will be popping over to pay you a visit.

Hugs Kath xxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Morning folks......a bit late posting this morning....the old body is protesting and doesn't want to play after a busy day of decorating yesterday...oh I am so fed up with it now....but still lots to do and as they say on Mastermind....I've started so I'll finish....well don't have an option really unless I want to sleep in a two tone half painted bedroom...but the day wasn't all doom and gloom......I had a visit from the lovely Judy in the afternoon and a bit of a crafty natter over a coffee which cheered me up and then it was time to get stuck in and make some cards......hey that was wishful thinking.....only got one done..... for another of my favourite challenges and then I was zonked out on the sofa with "The Budster" for the rest of the night.
The challenge this week over at Papertake Weekly is.....

CHECK IT OUT

Hero Arts Cling Stamp....Floral Garden

Martha Stewart.....Patterns Clear Stamp Set

Martha Stewart Border Punch

Petaloo Flowers

Gems from stash

Ribbon: American Crafts

Sentiment: Hero Arts....Thinking of You

Brilliance....Peacock Ink Pad

And never mind CHECK IT OUT.....it was almost CHUCK IT OUT....just wasn't happy with it....kept moving things around...so this is the finished card and do you know what....I still ain't happy.....but if I work at it any more....it will be in the bin...and I'm afraid no sneaky peek today...it's going to be a last minute dash with my Penny Black Saturday card this week and I hope that Mr Mojo is feeling more energetic than I am or I'm in big trouble.   Catch up with you all tomorrow and a little tease......a very special day in the life of the old blog coming up soon and a rather special you-know-what.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Allsorts Challenge Week 39

Morning folks...from an icy and still snowy Aberdeenshire.....back again with another border punch offering... a card for another of my favourite challenge blogs....Allsorts.
I was lucky enough to meet up with two of their fabulous Design Team....Emma and Kirsten ...two absolute sweethearts at the GNPE show at Harrogate last year and how I wish I was attending again....it's a fabulous show....smaller than the NEC or the SECC but so friendly and there just seemed to be a more relaxed atmosphere...none of that pushy shovy brigade .....it would be great to meet up with all my lovely bloggy buddies from that neck of the woods again....and for all those who e-mailed to ask if I was going......afraid not....maybe next time.
I digress however....so let's get on with the purpose of this post....the challenge this week over at Allsorts is..

Recipe with a Difference

3..2...1....and you can choose

my recipe is 3 Flowers.....2 Buttons and 1 patterned paper
and this is what I cooked up

Paper: MME

Flowers: Prima E Line

Hero Arts: Scattered Leaves Stamp Set

Buttons from stash

Craftwork Cards In Circle Sentiment

And still in "simples" mode....these punches are so beautiful....they basically stand alone and don't need lots of fuss and clutter around them.....and after all the fun at my demo day on Saturday....I was feeling a little bit flat on Sunday so it was the bestest pick-me-up when my TSV from QVC arrived on Sunday afternoon.....yes....a delivery on a Sunday...blimey I looked at the guy as if he had landed from the moon....so I'm assuming it wasn't Parcelforce....and wow...wow...wow....this was the bargain of the century....an absolute snip....£29.50 for 4 punches.....retail price over £60.00 and no I ain't on commission from QVC....and you can bet your boots....they will be featuring often on this little old blog.

I am trying to wear two different hats at the moment.....the crafty one and the decorators one....both of them messy...but need to get a spurt on as the plasterer is back next week to do the bedroom and en suite and I am nowhere near ready.....probably because I have been taking time out to watch the Winter Olympics....loving the ski-ing and the figure skating......so toodle oo for now...back to the crafty stuff....may be back tomorrow with a little sneaky peek.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Edited to add: I have had a few e-mails asking about lining up the punch around the page and yes you do have to work with standard card sizes.........the size of the border is 1.75" and when you add on the corners...it is 3.25"......so you are working from 3.25" adding increments of 1.75" each time.......the one that I did on my Allsorts card started off with a 5" square piece of card.....punched the four corners and then 2 border punches in between each corner...e.g. if you wanted to do a 12" x 12" for a scrapbook page....you would have 6 border punches in between your corners.....hope this helps...it took me a while to work it out because I didn't bother to read the excellent instructions that came with the set.

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks from a very snowy Aberdeenshire.......perfect weather for staying indoors all snuggly warm and crafting with my crafty helper fast asleep at my feet and snoring his head off .....it's a dog's life right enough

Busy...busy....busy but I just had to join in the fun this week at one of my favourite challenges....Daring Cardmakers and as I was lucky enough to win last week's prize......that gorgeous Martha Stewart...Butterfly & Stamp Punch....it was a great excuse to have a play with all my new MS goodies.

The challenge this week is.......

HAVE A HEART

and I seem to be in "simples" mode this week

Papers....MME

Martha Stewart Flower Border Punch

Butterfly Stamp & Punch

Hero Arts...Scattered Leaves Stamp Set

Hearts cut with Fiskars Squeeze Punch

Gems from stash

Sentiment: American Crafts Thickers

My Little Shoebox.....Tiny Alphas

Believe me folks.....if you don't own any of these fabulous punches....they are well worth the investment....tip-top quality....and being a big Fiskars fan when it comes to border punches....I never thought I would be waxing lyrical about another company's punches.....but in all honesty I think these are better.....oops hope no-one from Fiskars is reading this and the flower border is just yummy.    The butterfly and stamp punch....what a clever idea....the stamps are stored in the lid on top of the punch....and it's so easy to stamp the butterfly details...turn your card over..line up your stamped image and punch and hey I managed to punch through 300gsm cardstock no problem....now that is a sign of a quality punch.

Back tomorrow with more border punch offerings.....oh I feel another addiction coming on.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Buddy's Stamp Give-Away No 2

Morning folks.....it's your bundle of golden deliciousness here with the winner of Stamp Give-Away No 1.......it's No 86.....

MICHELLE

Congrats Michelle

if you e-mail my Mum at kathinwesthill@btinternet.com....with your snail mail address.....we will get your parcel off in the post and I bet you will have great fun playing with your goodies

Here we go with Stamp Give-Away No 2

and my Mum is apologising for the bad photo......it was so dark and dreary yesterday but hey the snow is back this morning.....yippee that means me and my Mum playing snowballs....catching them in my mouth and then eating the snow...great fun...you should try it.
Now you all know what to do.....leave your name with Mr Linky and I will choose a name at random and announce the winner on Monday 22nd February....and Mum will include some papers...flowers and bling.   She is rather busy at the mo with new crafty projects......so here is one of the things she made for her demo on Saturday......now I am not a crafty dude....so she had to tell me what it is and what she used to make it.....

Wall Decoration made with Nestabilities Labels Die
Tim Holtz Distress Inks....Faded Jeans...Brushed Corduroy...Frayed Burlap

Hero Arts: Old Letter Writing

Hero Arts: Thinking of You Clear Stamp Set

Ribbon: American Crafts

Self Adhesive Gems

Prima Flowers

Chipboard Alphabets
Decoart Glamour Dust

OK folks....that's me signing off for today......off for our morning stroll and then I need to have a lazy snoozy kinda day after running around yesterday with my bestest chum Brodie......blimey that kid has endless energy...just as well he doesn't live here all the time.

Hugs BUDDY xxxxx

Better late than never

Hi Folks....a bit late in posting today.....Brodie came to spend the day with Grandma - 4 days of teacher in service training this week....what a nightmare that must be for all you working Mums.....so we decided to have a bit of a crafting morning......made some Easter Baskets with chocolate chicks from M&S......and yes there were a few eaten during the process.....

and then Brodie suggested we make a card for Megan...so I gave him some stickers and alphabets and this is what he came up with......definitely a chip off the old block

less is more as they say.......

and the inside

well it's time for lunch.....so catch up with you all tomorrow when "The Budster" will be announcing his Stamp Give-Away winner and will have some more goodies up for grabs.

Hugs from Brodie & Grandma

xxxxxxxx

Edited to add: get your hankies out girls......after the card was finished and we were tidying everything away back in the cubbyhole.....Brodie said " Grandma...can I put something else inside the card?".......and he added "You are the best present we have ever had"......I must confess that my bottom lip was trembling and I felt my eyes welling up.....out of the mouths of babes......so sweet.