Less is More Challenge

Morning folks.....I'm having another go at the Less is More Challenge which this week is a simple sketch.....but I've come to the conclusion that perhaps I am not as "less is more" as I thought...that old habit of inky edges rears it's head again....the urge was almost too much for me.

Tim Holtz...Pattern & Stitches Texture Fades

Twill Tape

Tape Measure Stamp

Flower cut from fabric with Tim Holtz...Tattered Florals Die

Sentiment....Hero Arts....Sew Artsy

and I love those super cute wooden buttons from The Hobby House I bought at the NEC....now I'm wishing I had bought more.

As you can see I have been having a play with the Vagabond....what can I say....it's ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS....no kidding folks after my bad experience with the Big Shot Express I vowed I would never have another motorised die cutter.....this one is in an entirely different league.....you can tell from the weight of the machine it is a serious piece of kit and the motor feels much more robust...you never get the impression it's struggling to feed the plates through and it is so quiet...so if you are dithering my advice would be to get one....you will LOVE IT.

The Furry Boy will be joining you bright and early tomorrow with the winner of his give-away and I will be back later in the day with a chance for you to win some goodies from the NEC.

Hugs Kath xxx

What's on my Workdesk Wednesday

Morning folks....crikey it's Wednesday already....I can't believe that this time last week I was on my way to the NEC....where does time go and before we know we'll be into April...but it's time to play along at Julia's place aka WOYWW where lots of lovely crafters open their crafty room doors and let us all have a rummage around. The magazine commissions are done dusted and off in the mail to Crafts Beautiful....the step by steps are done and e-mailed to Fiskars and after yesterday's late night crafting session I didn't have the energy to tidy up before I hit the sack and for someone who is such a neat freak....let's just say it's not the best start to my day.

but I'm taking time out to finish off this cup of coffee before the big tidy up because I have a new toy to play with.  I needed to take a quick trip over to The Papeterie yesterday to photograph my projects for the class on 9th April....it's not easy to kit up a class when you forget to take pics and can't for the life of you remember what they look like and lo and behold they were unpacking this....if you are reading this Debbi....look away now....

I have been humming and haaing since I got back from the Timmie event.....

it was a great deal at £145.00 and because I had nowhere to stick the exclusive Limited Edition Vagabond sticker Tim gave us at the Artsycrafts Event I just had to get one and after 4 days of hard slog at the NEC...this is my little treat to me....to be honest I think I deserve a medal for holding out so long....

And a chance for you to win some fab crafty stash....The Papeterie are holding a "Spring Into Summer" Designer Challenge...with 3 prizes up for grabs...£100...£30 and £10 of crafty goodies.  All you need to do is design a card made with products currently sold at The Papeterie with a spring/summer theme.   Take them into the shop to be displayed...they will also be featured on the website.  The challenge runs until 30th April at 12pm and the winners will be announced at 4pm.    

I'm off to have a little play....catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

My Special Fellas

Morning folks....it is so good to be back snuggled up in my own bed again with the Furry Boy snoring at my feet and I'm feeling almost back to normal....the voice is recovering....after 4 days of non-stop talking...the hot stuffy air in the Hall and the horrible air conditioning in the hotel I was almost rendered speechless by Saturday but help was at hand thanks to my first very special fella....Fernando the super cute Restaurant Manager in the hotel who made me a lovely hot lemon and honey drink every morning to try and fix my croaky whisper voice.
My second special fella......who by the way I never met because he crept onto the stand every night under cover of darkness and scooped up all the debris left behind by 70 messy crafters leaving it spick and span for us to mess up all over again....I wanted to take him home....every cubbyhole needs a magic tidy-up elf.
But the beautiful special fella who truly stole my heart and I would definitely have taken him home in a minute....

 Aries who is a canine partner to his lovely owner Pam

we got chatting outside before the show opened and Pam mentioned that she would love to come to a workshop but there was a problem.....one very handsome and adorable dog....but that's not a problem in Fiskars Land so they booked themselves in and boy oh boy was he the star of the show.    He sat for the whole 50 minutes hanging on my every word and paying a lot more attention than some of the crafters...such a well behaved boy apart from totally covering my black trousers in dog hairs but hey ho that's my usual crafty look so he made me feel totally at home.

And it was such a treat to meet these special girls....Andrea and her lovely Mum Mary from the Ribbon Girl and shock horror Mary and I were wearing the same top....just goes to show girl you have excellent fashion sense....my Funky Hand teamie Jules...Clare..my TH Buddy Carol and her DIL Rhiann....Bev and Jacqui and last but not least..the Weatherspoon girlies aka The Magnificent Seven....(stole the pic off my "twin in another life" bestest buddy the one and only Dawny P's blog....and did she look glam with her false eyelashes)

my bestest buddy Dawny P...Kim C...Jo....Heather and Lorraine....waving at you all....sending big hugs and hope your journeys home weren't too stressful.
And what did I buy...well to be honest not a lot because I still have a pile of stuff from my Timmie trip and some shopping splurges on line sitting on the floor of the cubbyhole and shock horror haven't yet got round to playing with any of it and it's driving me mad.....

and woohooo well done Buddy for grabbing the Kraft Resist Paper Pad from Craft Obsessions before it sold out....we'll make a crafter out of the Furry Boy yet....perhaps he could do the workie stuff and I'll just play.
I will be having a little give-away soon but first I need to get these step by steps typed up...a real big girl knicker job if ever there was one.

Catch up with you all tomorrow over at WOYWW

Hugs Kath xxx

NEC = Cream Crackered

Morning folks and before you know it I'm back....this time last week I was running about like a headless chicken getting ready to go and play at the NEC...passed in a flash although it didn't feel like it at the time...
The super heavy suitcase sailed through check-in no probs and no excess baggage to pay but before the fun can begin....the set up team have to get to work....in this case MOI.....unpacking tables...chairs and tools

decorating the stand to make it into my little home from home for 4 days

 setting up the tools table

 and after what happened to my samples at the SECC....these boys were super glued to the wall

Back at the hotel by 6pm....didn't even have the energy to take myself down to the restaurant so it was room service...jammies on...into bed and asleep by 9.30pm.  And after 7 (50) minute workshops each day with only a short break to grab a drink...something to eat and a dash to the loo....I arrived back home last night slightly cream crackered but with wonderful memories of the 280 lovely crafters who joined in the Fiskars Fun.....including 3 gentlemen....sending big hugs to you all.

But it's not all work....had lots of fun catching up with crafty friends....sending big hugs to Jill at Hobby House...Leandra at Paperartsy....David at Samuel Taylor and Keith at Fantastic Ribbons. Big thank yous to Penny and the team at Art of Craft and of course the Fiskars Dream Team...the lovely Severine (the boss) my hooligan demonstrator chums...the lovely Hina and Rach who tried at every opportunity to lead me astray and even managed to get me tipsy on one occasion......loves you all.

But the icing on the cake was meeting up with some very special crafty buddies and the very special fella who came to a workshop but will tell you all about that tomorrow....have some magazine commissions for Fiskars to get done before Wednesday so it's back to the cubbyhole and get the crafty hat on.....and oh yes I did manage to buy one or two crafty things so look out for a little give-away coming your way soon.

Hugs Kath xxx

Woof...woof....woof

Howy folks....I'm all excited...today's the day that the crafty lady my lovely old Mum comes home....not until late o'clock but tonight I'll be in seventh heaven snuggled up in bed and falling asleep to the sounds of Mum snoring......I bet she is going to be dog tired so it's probably going to be a mega decibels night...where on earth did Dad put those ear defenders.
And I have a sneaky feeling that she is not going to be in the best of moods....don't think she has realised that she is going to miss most of the Dancing On Ice Final.....she will be winging her way home at 35,000 feet while they are twirling and birling around the rink.....wonder if I can work out how to set the video recorder....now that would definitely be a big feather in my cap and earn me mega brownie points.
But I think I may just have the very thing to put her in the bestest of moods....she's been hankering after this Kraft Resist Paper Pad from you know who.....

so when an e-mail arrived from  Brenda & David at Craft Obsessions to let us know it was in stock.....I went on the charm offensive and persuaded Dad to have his very first crafty spend online.

And a big thank you from Mum and me to Jeannie for giving us this award

and yes Jeannie I am definitely one versatile blogger

No doubt Mum will be catching up with you all tomorrow.....boring you all to tears with tales from the NEC....which reminds me....I definitely need to go and hunt down those ear defenders.

Big Hugs & Furry Snuggles

BUDDY xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 144

Morning folks...yes it's Saturday and time for another challenge over at Penny Black Saturday....I will be girding my loins and putting on my crafty hat and comfy slippers all ready for Day 3 at the NEC....so have scheduled this post...fingers crossed that Mr Blogger is in a good mood and is not having a "throwing his toys out of the pram" day....

The challenge this week is......

RECYCLING

and what did I recycle....the paper and tag from a pack of Timmie goodies...just goes to show that you don't have to go down the grungy road if you don't want to....a bit of stitching....some pretty lace and a cool image makes for a feminine card.

Image: Penny Black...Whispers

Sentiment: Penny Black....Tiny Wishes

Brad... Hobbycrafts

Pearls....Hobby House

Pop over to Penny Black Saturday and check out what our lovely Guest Designer Sarah and the fabulous girls on the team have recycled for you this week....a big thank you to Sarah for joining us for the month of March and for sharing her fabulous inspiration with us all.

Looking forward to seeing what you all create this week and will be popping by to pay you all a visit when I get back.  Must remember to re-set the old alarm clock tonight....one hour less in bed....enjoy your weekend and happy crafting.

Hugs Kath xxx

The CEO of the Cubbyhole's Give-away

A very good morning to all my lovely bloggy buddies from your favourite bundle of golden deliciousness. I'm home alone again....well apart from Dad....yes my old Mum has deserted me again...I do miss her when she goes away but no point in grumping I just have to put a brave face on it and wait for her to come back late on Sunday.  In the meantime I've been given a rather important job....one of those sneaky peek thingies so I'd better get this right or no big huggles for me on Sunday night.

And guess what... I am now CEO of the Cubbyhole and have taken a huge executive decision to have a little spend at The Glitter Pot....only the latest crafty clobber is good enough for my bloggy buddies...so here goes folks...

Jillibean Soup 6 x 6 pad...Blossom

Tim Holtz..Pattern & Stitches Embossing Folder

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Hanger Clips

Woodware Flowers

Sticky Glue Pen

Penny Black....Sealed With A Kiss

and you all know what to do....just leave me some bloggy hugs here before midnight on Thursday 31st March and I will be back bright and early on Friday to announce my winner.
Don't forget to join the Design Team girls over at Penny Black Saturday tomorrow for another fabby challenge and yummy prizes...and keep your fingers crossed that Mr Blogger isn't having one of his tantrum days and mucks up Mum's scheduled post....oh mamma mia...she will not be a happy bunny.
 I'll be back to keep you company on Sunday.....toodle..ooo for now.

Big Furry Hugs & Snuggles

BUDDY xxx

It's Showtime

Morning folks.....up bright and early and all set for Day 1 of Fiskars Fun at the NEC...by the time you are reading this I will be showered..dressed with the electric shock hair suitably controlled and heading down to tuck into a hearty Full English Breakfast and for someone who usually just has a coffee and a slice of toast...a bit of a novelty but hey it's very true breakfast sets you up for the day and with a busy busy day of Fiskars Fun ahead....stocking up the body fuel does wonders for the stamina. And the best part of the show for me is NOT the shopping which you will probably find hard to believe....it's meeting up with lots of lovely crafty buddies....hey it's all about having fun....believe me folks this is definitely not work in any shape or form but if I get a move on and arrive super duper early I can have a bit of a nosey around and pick up some bits and pieces before they throw the doors open and the mad dash begins.  If you are coming to the show....please come and say hello at Stand H01...I would love to meet you.  Just so you don't think I have swanned off and forgotten all about my lovely bloggy buddies.....The Furry Boy will be taking over tomorrow and I do believe he has been doing a little bit of crafty shopping.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: for those who have e-mailed about how to book up for the workshop make and take......just come along to Stand H01....numbers are limited to 10 people so as soon as you arrive at the show come and see me to book your free place. TheWorkshops will run daily at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30 and will last approximately 50 minutes....you will leave with a card made using lots of Fiskars new products and a £5 Fiskars discount voucher.

What's on my Workdesk Wednesday

Morning folks....it's Wednesday and time to play along with the lovely Julia and her What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday or WOYWW to all those of us who are now addicted to this wonderful phenomenon....and if you haven't already joined in the fun where have you been. Do you get the impression I am waffling a tad here and taking a bit of a liberty because I have absolutely nothing on my workdesk today.....the cubbyhole is deserted.....the suitcase is packed and sitting in the hall ready for the taxi to arrive...

and any minute now I will be on my way to the airport and flying high bound for Birmingham...that is if my uber heavy suitcase makes it through check-in.....none of these weight restriction/security issues when you're travelling by train...but hey ho...did I happen to mention I am off to the NEC for a five day holiday....I admit there is little chance of sun sand and sangria so no need for the shades and Factor 15 but hey there are also no deadlines or schedules to worry about.....just stress free fun....great company and the best bit...no cooking or household chores either. Today I will be setting up the workshop area all ready for the doors opening bright and early tomorrow...catching up with lots of crafting buddies and then donning my Cubbyhole Stash Buyer hat for a sneaky preview of what's on sale.

Hugs Kath xxx

Less Is More Challenge x 2

Morning folks....I just had to have another go at the "Less Is More" Challenge...well I am Scottish and we are known to be a tad stubborn and determined when we set our minds to something and of course I had to pick the week with the challenge that lots of us find a trifle trying just like men in general......yes the challenge this week is....

MASCULINE

in for a penny...in for a pound and I actually managed to make two cards...

a great excuse to have my last rubber and ink fix for this week with Tim Holtz and Paperartsy goodies. The suitcase is in the process of being packed....the nails are booked in for a "major tidy up" manicure and polish this afternoon and that will be me all set for my silly o'clock flight tomorrow...NEC here I come.

Hugs Kath xxx

Ribbon Girl Goodies

Morning folks....crikey where did the weekend go.... time to share some more Ribbon Girl DT cards.....it's always such a delight when my Design Team parcel arrives each month from The Ribbon Girl.....I just know it's going to be full of gorgeous goodies...and I still have all this left after making 4 cards....

Short and sweet today....after our morning stroll it's time to get the ironing board out....not my most favourite of jobs and get the crafty clothes all ready for packing.

Catch up with you all tomorrow for another attempt at the LESS IS MORE challenge

Hugs Kath xxx

The Ribbon Girl Challenge #6

Hi Everyone..oops should have posted this earlier....got a tad mixed up with the time...but better late than never..so let's cut to the chase..time for this month's Ribbon Girl colour challenge. The challenge will run for 2 weeks and the colour theme is Green and Yellow...lovely spring colours to match the glorious weather we've been having. 

love this yellow gingham ribbon.....check out the button covered with ribbon

and the prize for one lucky winner

the choice of either the Yellow or Green Colour Selection Kit 

and from

£10 voucher to spend in their online store

Catch up with you all tomorrow with the rest of the cards I made with my yummy Ribbon Girl DT parcel.

Hugs Kath xxx

From Revamp to Rustiques

Morning folks.....I had a lovely afternoon out yesterday with my buddy Anne....the official launch party for Rustiques.    Revamp is no more...Moira has given up her day job and poured her heart and soul into her fabulous new venture....perfect location on Royal Deeside at Milton of Crathes....set in beautiful idyllic countryside and if you think the outside is stunning.....

wait until you see the inside....it's absolutely fabulous darling and filled to the brim with beautiful wantables.....you've done a wonderful job Moira and not forgetting hubby Norman who did most of the work or so he tells us....

the lovely lady herself with a surprise "Celebration" cake beautifully hand-crafted by Tracey's Mum

the world and his wife turned out to celebrate....so busy that we were spilling out into the afternoon sunshine....

time for some more champers perhaps Anne....

And who knows...Rustiques may well have a visit from some very special folks when they come to our neck of the woods for their summer holidays...Charles and Camilla perhaps...even better William and Kate or hey the icing on the cake...Her Maj may just pop in for some fabulous interior inspiration but royalty or not you will be guaranteed a very warm welcome at Rustiques.

Wishing you every success with your new adventure Moira...live the dream and enjoy every minute of the journey.

Big Hugs Kath xxx