More Funky Hand Retro Fun

Morning folks....well Spring has come and gone and in this part of the world....we seem to have jumped a season or two and are back to Winter again.....heavy snow overnight and I ain't going anywhere....

quite happy to stay indoors and craft...and yes the incentive of playing with my new goodies fair did the trick...I have some cards to share made with the brand new Funky Hand's Retro Fun Wordbook Download......now all the other fantastic girls on the Design Team have been much more organised than me...as per usual and have already made some gorgeous cards....so I thought I would do something a little bit different using up the little itty bitty scraps you are left with after making a wordbook....and being a canny Scot I can never bear to throw them away.....so here are what I call "my scrappy" cards

I love the quilted effect on the middle card...an idea I borrowed....well truth be told....nicked from the fabulous Julie Hickey....see Julie's beautiful card HERE

Anice has excelled herself once again.....I love the colour palette on this download....funky and retro but in such gorgeous spring like colours and talking of spring....these little beauties decided to bloom just in time to welcome me home....but they are in for a rough time....horrendous gales and driving snow.

Off to make my card for tomorrow's brand new challenge over at Get Funky.....oh I know skidding in at the last minute by the seat of the old pants....but if you are like me...always running at the last minute.....you have just enough time to enter the March challenge and win a £20 voucher to spend at Funky Hand....hey you could get this brand new download and lots more.....see you all tomorrow over at GET FUNKY.

hugs Kath xxx

Funky Hand Retro Fun

Morning folks.....shock horror....woke up this morning to a blanket of snow.....OK it's that wet slushy stuff...but snow none the less and I felt like snuggling back into bed....but lots to do today...playing catch up again after my wild weekend and as per usual I am a bit like the coo's tail...the lovely Anice at Funky Hand has just released another Word Book download and I am loving the gorgeous funky colours in Retro Fun Word Book.  Released on Sunday actually...and here I am just getting some samples made.....how naughty am I.....the house is like an absolute tip but hey a girl's gotta get her priorities right.....pop over to Funky Hand...click on the download to see the fabulous samples from my lovely teamies.

and it looks like I am not the only one misbehaving at the NEC....my lovely but oh so "wanton woman" teamie En from Funky Hand stealing kisses from an unsuspecting stormtrooper misting up his visor into the bargain

Off to have a dance round the house with Mr Dyson....hopefully back tomorrow with some cards made with these gorgeous gorgeous papers.....and crikey it is nearly the end of the month and I haven't made my card for next month's challenge over at Get Funky....the quicker I get all this stuff done and dusted....I will get to play with some yummy goodies from the NEC...so go girl.

Big Hugs Kath xxx

My Little Give-Away

Hi everyone......Mum's back..looking a bit frazzled....think she's getting a bit long in the tooth for all this gallivanting but I was so excited to see her.... well that is until she opened her suitcase and produced this......

a doggie parcel just for me from one of my zillions of fans....you sure do know the way to a boy's heart Lynda...I do love treats.....thank you...thank you....thank you....sending you big sloppy Buddy hugs and kisses.
Isn't it nice to get pressies....but it's even nicer to share....but don't get the wrong end of the stick....I ain't sharing my pressie.....oh no...I ain't that stupid.... but I don't think Mum will mind sharing some of her goodies from the NEC.   Thank you all for your lovely comments but I can't do that random thingymibob and I can't write your names and pull them out of the hat......so I closed my eyes....did a bit of paw plunking.

and the winner is......
Sparkly Girl-Tina
woof...woof....you sound like a fun girl just like my Mum

E-mail your address to my Mum ..kathinwesthill@btinternet.com and she will get your goodies off in the post...Mum is back to the cubbyhole again....lots to do I hear her sigh....so I am off to have a snooze keeping her toes warm while she crafts and dreaming dreams of lovely doggy treats from my new bestest mate Lynda.

BUDDY xxx

Kicking up a Storm..at the NEC

Morning folks....I am feeling a little bit bleary eyed this morning after the bestest fun time at the NEC and I want to set the record straight and quash any spurious rumours that are circulating around bloggy land, don't believe a word of anything you read over at Dawny P's blog. I had to step in and protect these two lovely fellas from the amorous advances of Miss Pink Piggy Wiggy herself, poor lads were terrified.

what a fantastic day, one I will remember for a long long time, not a lot of crafty stash to show to be honest, we did more sitting in Wetherspoons and blethering than anything else. Blimey by 3.00pm I hadn't yet ventured into crafty spending mode but it was such a buzz for me to finally meet up with my favourite bloggy buds Enfys Lynda her lovely fella Mark and Carol and boy did we get on like a house on fire from the word go, just the nicest folks We had such fun and of course it was lovely to meet up again with my cyber twin, the gorgeous but oh so naughty sweetheart Dawny P.
On meeting up we dashed off to the Fiskars stand to see my lovely Fiskars matey Lorraine and dump my luggage, then it was over to see the gorgeous girls Sue and Julie at Craftwork Cards and wow a lovely surprise....Sue had made up a fabulous goodie bag for us all, how kind was that and to say hi to the lovely Bev and Jill over at Hobby House. Then we all headed off to Wetherspoons for a marathon bloggy chat and then the lovely Clare popped by to say hello,such a sweetheart.
And talking of sweethearts and the icing on the cake, I finally met up with my idol - oh yes the Queen of Distress Inks, the gorgeous Kim Piggott, the fabulous Tab, Tara, Jacqui my teamie from Penny Black Saturday and Kim Costello.. Wow imagine the buzz of being in the same room with all this fantastic crafting talent.
All too soon it was time for the very naughty but the sweetest lady ever...the one and only Dawny P to set off to catch her train home sso we trotted back to Hall 11 for some final crafty shopping and believe me, we were in danger of being escorted out forcibly at the end of the show. Can you believe I only managed to suss out Aisles A..B and C....whatever gave you the idea we were there for crafty shopping.
Then Enfys, Lynda, Mark and I were picked up by Mike - Enfys' lovely hubby and whisked back to her house for a coffee and more chat. Then we were off out for an Indian meal to round off the day, back home, coffee and a few drinkies and guess what, more chat, it was 3.00am before we tumbled into bed and I slept like a log until 8.30.
All good things come to an end and all too soon I am off to the airport for the journey home. Thank you all so much for making the day so special and a big thank you to Enfys and Mike for being such wonderful hosts. I have wonderful memories of a fantastic day with such special folks and forgive me if I have missed anyone out but after my exciting day and late late night, the clock change didn't help either and my brain has gone to mush.   Flight home was a bit of a turbulent affair and a rather rocky landing at Aberdeen due to strong crosswinds and welcome to Aberdeen, the blast of cold air the minute they open the aircraft door There is snow forecast for Tuesday so are we in for more batten down the hatches weather.
And the perfect end to a fantastic weekend, Dancing On Ice, what can I say, fabulous fabulous fabulous. Hayley and Dan's flying routine, WOW, from the opening bars of that beautiful Eva Cassidy song, the tears were flowing. I was so disappointed for Keiron because I really wanted to see him perform Balero but did you hear me screaming when Hayley and Dan the Man won. What am I going to do until next year, well Sundays will be back to watching the boys from Top Gear again.
And my big cuddly bundle of golden deliciousness...I missed him so much when I was away but he will be popping on later with the winner of his little give-away, bit of a hiccup there as I haven't got round to unpacking yet.

Toodles for now

Big Hugs Kath xxx

It's me again

Hi everyone....it's me again....the boss lady isn't here as you know....but she said it was OK for me to come on and say hello to you all in her absence.....I bet she has had an absolute ball at the NEC ....she will be home today after lunchtime and probably laden down with lots of crafty stuff she doesn't really need.
Thought I would share a gift card she made for her lovely friend's birthday....looks like they are off on a theatre break weekend.....does she ever stop gallivanting around the country.

Will be back tomorrow with the winner of the little give-away.....once I have rummaged through all the new stuff from the NEC.

Big Hugs BUDDY xxxx

Penny Black Saturday....Week 94

Morning folks and before we know it's Saturday once again and that means time for all things Penny Black.
Lots and lots of fabulous cards last week and you obviously all loved the fabulous sketch from Carole...big thank you to you all for joining in the fun.
The challenge this week over at Penny Black Saturday is.....

BUTTERFLIES & BEES

Papers: MME...Bloom & Grow
Image: Penny Black... Sweet Catch
Die Cuts Flowers...MME.. Wild Asparagus
Pearls....Hobby House
Sentiment...Penny Black...Hugs

and we have another fabulous prize for one lucky winner this week
15% Lifetime Discount Voucher
from PB Stamps

an online store with more than 4000 Penny Black stamps

and sadly this is Nadine's last week as our guest designer
and I would like to say a big thank you for joining us and I'm sure you will agree her beautiful cards have given us all so much inspiration

And that's me all set to leave for the airport to check in for my 9.30 flight to Birmingham...and in just a few hours I will be at the NEC and meeting up with all my bloggy buddies...I can't wait.....will be staying overnight with my lovely Funky Hand buddie Enfys and travelling home tomorrow.....must remember that the clocks go forward at midnight tonight....don't want to be missing that plane .....I need to get home in time for the Dancing On Ice Final.

Something tells me that "the Budster" may be keeping you company tomorrow and I will be back bright and early on Monday morning with all the news from the NEC...and whooping and a hollering if Hayley and Dan do the business....fingers crossed.

Big Hugs Kath xxxxx

Sneaky Peek Friday

Morning folks.....at last I am done and dusted with all my crafty stuff for this week....only because I have been burning the midnight oil most nights making lots of personal birthday cards.....don't know about you....but in our family...all the birthdays seems to come lumped together in a few months....why couldn't they be spaced out over the year ...bad planning on someone's part....and it's a problem when you have to make several cards for the same person...

Papers: WeRMemory Keepers
American Craft Foam Thickers
Hero Arts: Artistic Borders

A definite  "NO CRAFTING" day.....need to get myself ready for my trip tomorrow....and I am travelling light....hand luggage only....so it's clean knickers...jammies and toiletries....what else does a girl need.   Can't wait to meet up with my lovely bloggy buds for big hugs and a chat....and then will be popping by to see Severine and Lorraine on the Fiskars Stand..Sue Julie Richard & Laura at Craftwork Cards...Bev at Hobby House....blimey will there be enough time left to do some crafty shopping.
It looks as though you are liking the new bloggy make-over....more's the pity that I couldn't get such a quick and easy make-over.

And time for a little sneaky peek....

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

Toodles for now

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Well I Never..another give-away

GIVE-AWAY CLOSED....Morning all my lovely bloggy friends....yes it's the star of the show....look at me...at long last I have got my name in lights....can't quite believe it....think the old girl must be losing the plot.....she decided to have a little spring make over of the blog.....and blow me over with a feather....decided to use a pic of this handsome devil....talk about top billing or what and between you and I....not before time.   She could have missed out that hooligan bit...but I ain't rocking the boat......and because I am so happy....it's time for another little BUDDY GIVE-AWAY.
So leave me a little bloggy love and when Mum gets back from the NEC on Sunday....I will suss out some goodies from her pile of crafty shopping and choose a winner on Monday morning.
And wow all my doggy pals were amazed when I told them the news this morning....lots of tail wagging and all wanting to shake my paw.......hey I'M FAMOUS......modelling contract here I come....and what about a change of name....me thinks it could be BUDDY'S BLOG.....

Lots of Bloggy Hugs

Buddy xxxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge Sketch

Morning everyone....time for another challenge card and another fabby sketch over at Papertake Weekly from  my lovely bloggy bud Dawny P.
I love simple sketches and this is definitely one for filing away in my sketch folder.

Hero Arts....Dandelion Frame

Cling Dots

Papers: MME "Quite Contrary"

Prima E Line Flowers

Bead Caps and Pearl from Hobby House

Fiskars Square Scallop and Square Squeeze Punches

Sentiment: HOTP

Basic Grey Chipboard Alphas

Not sure if I like this one or not....but hey I have another 4 cards to make before tomorrow....so no time to faff around and only 2 more sleeps until I will be meeting up with the lovely Dawny P at the NEC on Saturday...I have promised not to wear my slippers and Enfys won't be wearing her bright pink afro wig.....so if you want to come and say hello to the mad women of bloggy land.....we are meeting up outside HALL 11 at 12.00......and we promise to be on our best behaviour. And last minute Annie as per usual....off for my morning stroll with "His Nibs".....then home and get the kettle on and get stuck in to my Penny Black Saturday DT card.
And is it just me that Mr Blogger has decided to single out this week for torture or is anyone else having problems uploading images...it's driving me crazy....and hey do you like the new bloggy make-over.

Catch up with you all tomorrow for sneaky peek Friday.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Allsorts Challenge....Week 44

Morning everyone....the challenge this week over at Allsorts from my lovely bloggy bud Amanda is....

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Image: Penny Black.....Teddy & Company

Flower Punch

Sentiment: Penny Black

Spring is in the air....well not here it ain't.....woke up this morning to thick fog....now being optimistic...it could be a heat haze and will burn off but somehow I don't think so.....it's just plain old cold miserable FOG... and when you see the storms in the US....hey winter may rear it's head once again but today I am off on a bit of a shopping spree....to our new huge M&S Home Store to get curtains and bedding for my new look bedroom.........yes I have finally finished the decorating and my new bed and bedside cabinets should be arriving next week. Hubby still hasn't fitted the new velux window in the en suite and the tiler still has to do his stuff....so I can't move in just yet....but it is certainly beginning to take shape and just think I may be vacating my squat in the front room and taking up residence in the boudoir again just in time for Christmas....you think I am joking !!!

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

Sugar and Spice

Morning folks.....Sugar and Spice and all things nice...that's what little girls are made of......well not this girl....I was never a girly girl.... I was a real tomboy as a child...always mucky and wouldn't have been seen dead in anything pink...the minute I got home from school...I changed into jeans and welly boots....setting off on my bike, jammie piece in hand to spend time with my beloved horses......and now with a hooligan golden retriever to walk 3 times a day....they are still the order of the day....can't remember when I last wore a dress or a skirt.....and yes I am still mucky....love nothing better than getting my hands all inky.  
So where does the Sugar and Spice come in....well I think it snuck up on me in old age and now I love Pink although I prefer using it for cardmaking rather than wearing it...

check out this gorgeous collection of papers and die cuts from Craftwork Cards

and just so the boys don't feel left out

a little bit of "Little Boy Blue"

Well that's it for today folks......it's going to be another manic week at Chez Kath....and I am all of a dither..playing catch up before I leave for my trip to the NEC on Saturday....oooh I am so looking forward to meeting up with my lovely bloggy buds...... and if you want to come and say hello....the rendezvous point is outside Hall 11 at noon........catch up with you all later.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Square Eyes or What

Morning folks....I have a confession to make...I am not a TV girl at all...very selective in what I watch unlike hubby who will watch any old rubbish...but have I got square eyes after a weekend of TV watching...kicked off on Friday with the Cheltenham Gold Cup....I have loved horses since I was a tot and am a real National Hunt Racing fan....so raced home from my trip to Simply Create.....a yummy lunch...a little spend and a too short chat with the lovely Anne......and this racing thing is real heart in the mouth stuff....imagine falling from a horse travelling at 35 mph and then being trampled by the rest of the field.....what a relief that Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh walked away unscathed from their crashing fall and you can never predict the winner....all down to the skill of horse and jockey and a little bit of luck on the way round.
And then on Saturday my bum was firmly rooted to the sofa watching the Six Nations Rugby and well done Scotland on winning their game against Ireland.....lump in the throat stuff when you see these big bruisers singing Flower of Scotland....and oh yes massive thighs in shorts does it for me everytime.
And the highlight of my week....the fabulous Dancing on ice and woo...hoo..hoo.... oh boy was I  doing my happy dance ..Hayley and Dan the Man are through to the final...and I can't wait to see them dance the Balero....tissues at the ready I fear.
Well enough wittering on from me....it's time to don the party frock and the killer heels for a little bit of Glitz and Glamour......courtesy of Craftwork Cards.....

Hope you all had a great time at the GPNE.....so sad that I couldn't be there this time around....but I'll be back tomorrow with a change of frock.....Sugar and Spice next time.

Hugs Kath xxxxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks and yes it is officially Spring as of yesterday at 5.32 pm...now that's a little bit of useless information for you on a bright and sunny Sunday morning....and call me an pessimist if you will but I don't think we are done with winter yet and it may just jump up and bite us on the bum.... but lots to do today so let's cut to the chase.
The challenge this week over at Daring Cardmakers set by the lovely Vanessa is.....

TWEETIE PIE

To use a bird or birds on your card

Papers: My Minds Eye

Image Hero Arts...Be Inspired

Flowers: Fiskars Small Scalloped Circle Punch

Petaloo Flowers

Gems from stash

Sentiment..My Little Shoebox...Tiny Alphas

Basic Grey Chipboard Alphabets

Wasn't sure that I would be able to join in any challenges this week...I have a load of personal cards to make before the end of the week...including one for a lovely friend who will be 40 soon.....shock horror...life begins and all that....and hey this worked out perfect...speak about killing 2 birds with one stone....pardon the expression.    You know how much I love the cheeky little birds who live in the conifer hedge in the garden.....yes those little cuties who eat us out of house and home and it will soon be time for them to start building their nests and rearing their young...and a little helping hand doesn't go amiss....it's not easy being Mum and Dad to all those hungry chicks.

I think I will be having a bit of a craftathon today......and then feet up and relax tonight for another thrilling Dancing on Ice.....ooohhh fingers crossed that Hayley and Dan make it through to the next round.....and can you believe that next week is the final and no more Dancing on Ice until next year....feeling withdrawal symptoms coming on already.
Catch up with you all tomorrow when I will be donning my party frock for some Glitz and Glamour

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge....Week 93

Morning folks....it's Saturday and once again time to look out those Penny Blacks.....big thank you to all those who joined in the fun last week and I loved all your gorgeous Spring Colour cards...it seems that Spring has sprung and about time too....doesn't it gladden your heart to see some sunshine....although in this neck of the woods it has been accompanied by a force ten gale.
The challenge this week over at Penny Black Saturday is a sketch from our lovely teamie Carole

Papers...My Mind's Eye
Hero Arts: Stripes Pattern embossed with white and coloured
with Tim Holtz Distress Ink....Brushed Corduroy
Image: Penny Black....Letters & Flowers
Flowers: Prima
Pearls....Hobby House
Sentiment: Tim Holtz Adage Ticket
finished off with some Glimmer Mist and Glamour Dust

and the prize this week for one lucky winner kindly donated by our lovely teamie Carole

Look forward to seeing what you conjure up this week with Carole's fab sketch and will be popping over to pay you all a visit.....in the meantime....happy stamping.

Hugs Kath xxx

Sneaky Peek Friday

Morning folks....yes it's Friday and time for a little sneaky peek.....

and what am I doing today.....the cubbyhole is closed for the day....so nothing crafty and definitely nothing to do with decorating....I am having a bit of a retail therapy day.....OK the credit card will probably get a bit of a scare but much cheaper than the other kind of therapy......yes I am heading out Alford way to my favourite haven of all things crafty.....Simply Create....

don't know if Jacqui will be there....I think she has Fridays off but I know that my lovely bloggy bud Anne will be in residence.....so a good old natter and a bit of a spend will lift the spirits and I will probably treat myself to a yummy lunch at the local Bistro.

And an update on hubby.....well I was under the impression that the operation was performed on his mouth....so why have his legs and arms stopped working.....sitting on the sofa with a real hang dog look and every now and then I hear a little sigh.....but that's men for you.

Well I am off to walk the hooligan and then need to have a major scrub up for my day out.....get all the paint and goodness knows what else off my hair...hands and any other part of my body that wasn't covered up.

Catch up with you all tomorrow over at Penny Black Saturday.....another fabulous challenge and a yummy prize up for grabs.

Hugs Kath xxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Morning folks....yeee....haaa....I actually managed to get a challenge card done....OK it was a quick and simple one for the challenge this week over at Papertake Weekly which is a gorgeous colour combo

LILAC & LEMON

Papers: Pink Petticoat...Little Fleurs Collection

Image: Hero Arts...Scattered Leaves

Flowers: Prima

Gems from stash

Sentiment: SU  Circle of Friendship

And guess who turned up in the cubbyhole yesterday.....yes none other than Bob the Builder himself armed with his paintbrush......well sorry matey....where were you when I needed you.....the decorating is almost finished

And hubby....well could write a book about his day with the NHS.....in a word SAGA....didn't get taken to theatre until 4pm....two teeth out....stitches...picked him up at 8pm looking a bit like a chipmunk and too traumatised to be grumpy......and just when I decided to do a bit of blog hopping and catch up on my Penny Black Saturday comments......Mr Linky had gone walkabout and then he was back and then off again......he was obviously having a bad day too.
And the weather....what is going on there....after some gorgeous sunny days.....apparently there is a storm travelling our way from the Atlantic...heavy rain....gale force winds and maybe even snow in the NE of Scotland......just when I was feeling full of the joys of Spring.....well enough is enough.....after a manic topsy turvy week....I am having tomorrow off......planning a little jaunt....a bit of a me day and who knows...maybe a treat or two.....will tell all tomorrow that is if I haven't been carted off to the loony bin in the meantime.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: for all those who e-mailed to ask where I got the Bob The Builder image....downloaded from the CBeebies Website....resized to suit and coloured with Promarkers.....remembering that this image is probably copyright...so only use it for personal cards.

More Sneaky Peeks

Morning folks...I seem to have been up with the lark this morning....just got back from dropping hubby at the hospital....he is having a wisdom tooth out today under anaesthetic and he is not the happiest of bunnies.....so "The Budster" and I could well be in for a few moany groany days....well you know men....they do NOT make good patients .....so we may just make ourselves scarce and let him moan away to his heart's content....he will be at death's door.....you understand.
Onto some more sneaky peeks before I get stuck into some more decorating.....oooh I'm beginning to see the wood for the trees now....am definitely on the last leg and once I get all the painting stuff cleaned up and put away....it won't be coming out again for a long long time....oh I know I said that before but I have well and truly sickened myself this time.

Gorgeous Sugar & Spice Papers & Die Cuts

from Craftwork Cards

and Little Boy Blue Nursery Collection

The "ThingsTo Do Today" list just seems to get longer and longer......do a bit of decorating...surprise surprise ....then some birthday cards to make for my niece.....samples for a brand new download coming soon from Funky Hand.....and it would be nice to get my Penny Black Saturday DT card done too.....and the car needs a good clean out.....the floor is covered with sandy gritty stuff left from the bad weather and I can hardly see out of the windscreen and that is one of my pet hates....but what to do first.....and I would love to squeeze in a challenge card but making no promises....see how the day goes.

Hugs Kath xxx