Polkadoodle Challenge 18

Morning folks....yes it's Friday and time for another challenge from Polkadoodle and this one had me uploading my card to the DT blog and then running off to hide behind the sofa......seriously folks you need to pop over and check out the fabulous creations from all my lovely talented teamies this week......I was totally in awe when I saw them and now I am almost too embarrassed this week to show my pathetic effort .....the crafty portion of the old brain just isn't working at the moment and it's all Mr Mojo's fault.....he is in serious trouble and is in great danger of getting my Size 5 up his rear end....he needs to seriously buck up his ideas....may just set the "The Budster" on him for good measure.
And why don't you pop over to Polkadoodle pronto....Ruth my lovely talented Polkadoodle and Funky Hand teamie has posted two fabulous tutorials on how to make hand made flowers.....maybe I should get myself over there and get some lessons.
The challenge this week is........

DIY FLOWERS

Papers: Jingle Jangles CD

Jillybean Soup 100% Recycled Paper

Flower made with Fiskars Heart Punch

Snowflakes & Sentiment: Polkadoodles Christmas Stamp Set
Self Adhesive Pearls
Versarmark Ink Pad
Ranger....Seafoam White Embossing Powder

Now if you are mega observant you will see that I made a little alteration to my flower after I took the close up pic.....yes added a little faux stitching and forgot to retake the pic.....on reflection I wish now that I had matted the heart petals onto white card....made them stand out a bit more....but hey hindsight is a wonderful thing... don't you think.....the only saving grace is.....I do rather like the snowflakes and sentiment stamped onto the Kraft Card....may be using this again.   Can't wait to see what you all come up with for this week's challenge and will be popping over to pay you a visit.   Catch up with you all tomorrow for another fab challenge over at Penny Black Saturday and I did fare rather better with this one......perhaps Mr Mojo is now running a little bit scared. and I must say a big thank you to all my lovely bloggy buds for your lovely comments regarding my current affliction  (no not the dopey mare thingy....my mogolessness is what I was referring to)...but whatever...you sure did cheer me up.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Sneaky Peek Thursday

Morning folks it's Sneaky Peek Thursday and yes I have managed to get my DT cards done for this week..old Mr Mojo is back but I am not convinced he is in full working mode yet.

And shock horror....mega disappointment......received a call yesterday afternoon from my Fiskars bloggy bud Lorraine quickly followed by an e-mail from Fiskars ...they have decided to pull the plug on the autumn shows so I will not be winging my way to Glasgow in October.....and at 4 weeks' notice the chances of picking up another demo job at this late stage are virtually nil....well let's just say I am not a happy bunny right this minute but I'm sure I'll get over it....worse things happen and there is always a silver lining...thank goodness I haven't been plugging away at samples.....I will probably be still be going to the show but just for one day and in my official capacity as "CHIEF CUBBYHOLE STASH BUYER"......... I am so going to miss working the show....4 days of fun working with my Fiskars buddy and meeting all my other lovely crafty buddies....this is what crafting is all about for me....sharing my passion for all things papercrafty and I love the buzz of it all.....lots of hard work but great great fun....well here's hoping they decide to do the Spring Show......and the train tickets........they will be on their way to Fiskars attached to an invoice for a refund.
Catch up with you all tomorrow over at Polkadoodles for another fabulous challenge and wait until you see the stunning samples from the rest of the team.

From your rather miffed bloggy bud....Hugs Kath xxxxxx

What a Day !!!!!

Morning folks....well not a lot to share today...yesterday turned into a bit of a disaster but good old First Scotrail didn't let me down...tickets for Glasgow arrived at 7.00am this morning....just need to put them in a safe place now....well that is a safe place that I will remember and I got all my paperwork and computer stuff done and dusted...here was me thinking I was on a roll now...will get my DT stuff for this week in the bag in record time BUT that is where it all went pear shaped...would you believe that Mr Mojo has decided to take off again...goodness knows where and don't know when the blighter will be back...let's not panic I thought...forget about the DT stuff until tomorrow and make a Christmas Card or two...well even that was a complete disaster...had lots of ideas in my head but blimey could I transfer them to a card...card after card ended up in the bin...eventually I did end up with one but not entirely happy with it...it needs something and to be honest right this minute..I couldn't even hazard a guess at what...if my life depended on it...will leave it lying for a few days and maybe one of those magic moments will happen but come what may it will be added to the festive pile.

Paper: Making Memories...Mistletoe Collection

Image....Papermania Stamp Duos....Poinsettia

Sentiment: Hero Arts...Jolly Circle

Gold Self Adhesive Gems

"The Budster" and I are about to set out on our search and rescue duties...fingers crossed we find the runaway and normal service is resumed at the cubbyhole...catch up with you all tomorrow for Sneeky Peek Thursday hopefully.
Oops nearly forgot I have some questions to answer......
Debby asked about using the Sizzix Texturz plates in the Cuttlebug...now numptie here can't find the YouTube video that I watched but I did manage to find something just as good HERE. To use the plates with your Cuttlebug you do need the Sizzix Impressions Pad and a silicone rubber mat and they recommend that you use card shims to get a good impression...I used 2 sheets of 300gsm cardstock and it worked perfectly.
Steph asked where I buy my Martha Stewart Punches...one I bought from the Martha Stewart website and that is a whole other story which I'm sure Dawny P and I will never forget but that's getting off the point.
The others I got from my local crafty shop....Simply Create but they don't have a website...I had a little browse...DIES TO DIE FOR and CRAFTS U LOVE are two that I found but if anyone knows anywhere else...eave a comment here or send me an e-mail and I will pass the info onto Steph....I know you won't let us down...all you super duper crafter shoppers out there.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge 24

Hi Folks....I am so excited and absolutely over the moon ...that I have been asked to be Guest Designer for the next 4 weeks over at Papertake Weekly..... I am very honoured...if a little nervous.... to join such a talented team including my lovely bloggy bud....Dawny P....but no going back now....
The challenge this week is

FAKING IT

must admit I pondered over this one for an age

started off with a little faux stitching....pierced holes with a pricking tool

using these fab little gadgets that I got from my lovely Funky Hand Teamie En

guaranteed to give you nice evenly spaced holes and then ran over with a fine liner pen

then onto the fake flowers......cut individual tear drop shapes from this patterned paper

fixed with 3D foam pads to create daisies and finished off with these gorgeous dew drops

the other flowers were created using black self adhesive gems with a gold gem in the centre

cut thin strips of paper to create fake ribbon

Papers: MME Andrea Victoria Collection

Image: Hero Arts.....Scattered Leaves

Tim Holtz...Adage Tickets

Pink Petticoat..Tiny Typed Alphas

Dew Drops

Self Adhesive Gems

Well that's it for today folks and my first guest challenge done and dusted....just have to come up with the goodies for the next three....looking forward to seeing what you all create and will be popping by for a visit......catch up with you all tomorrow.....Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

What's on the cards today

Morning folks and what's on the cards today....paperwork and not of the crafting variety either...computer stuff....all those "I'll do tomorrow" jobs that never get done and now I am snowed under...so it's needs must...... first job of the day....been online and booked my rail tickets for my trip to the SECC in October now the cost isn't really important from my point of view as Fiskars will be picking up the tab....but I can't fathom out how it works at all.......for a return ticket from Aberdeen to Glasgow.....£47.50 but if you choose 2 single tickets....£10 each...total cost for the journey £20...shouldn't it be the other way round...cheaper if you buy a return....so take note Fiskars....have just saved you the princely sum of £27.50. Their method of calculating fares may be a bit tipsy turvy...but can't fault FirstScotRail's ticket delivery system....the tickets will no doubt...arrive here bright and early tomorrow morning......one job done and dusted.
Next...find some info on using the Sizzix Texturz plates with the Cuttlebug....have just taken delivery of some gorgeous new Christmas ones.....would they work with my Cuttlebug....oh yes....found a great tutorial on YouTube and they are fabulous....will be using them very soon no doubt on ....yes....you've guessed it....more Christmas cards....and what we would all do without our computers.....how did we ever manage to get through life before the Internet.
I think all this technology is rather wonderful.....e-mail to start off with...how you can communicate with friends and family across the globe with a few keystrokes......send pictures in a nano second....and with Skype...actually talk to your loved ones......go online and order lots of crafty goodies 24 hours a day....then track the parcel to find out when it will be arriving.......bank online......check your M&S statement.....which I don't do very often....it's not too good for the old blood pressure.....even pay it online with a debit card......buy foodie stuff and get it delivered straight to your house so really folks we have no need at all to ever leave our homes....and last but not least blogging......to which I am totally addicted....I have made so many wonderful friends....OK lots of them I will never ever meet.....but what a wonderful way for us all to share our passion for this wonderful hobby....yes for an oldie....I am a big fan of all this technology.....anything that makes life easier is definitely a good thing......BUT there is one branch of technology I have never really taken to.....my mobile phone.....sits in my handbag from one month to the other....isn't switched on unless I need to make a call and £10 credit lasts me more than a year.....and texting....well that's just a total enigma to me.....have tried it...but it took me so long to do the simplest of messages.... I gave up when even I didn't understand what the message said....that's something I may have to work on...but for someone who is really bad at even checking for messages on my landline phone.....can't see it happening any time soon.
Tune in this morning to Create & Craft....Sky 671 or Freeview 36 at 9.00am to watch Nikky demonstrating the yummy Jingle Jangles CD and also her brand new sets of co-ordinating stamps. Well I am off to get the kettle on and have another wake me up cuppa before our morning stroll but will be back later with some exciting news....and a card.......oh dear there is never a dull moment in the cubbyhole.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

Carol's Sketch Fun # 14

Hi folks....back again with another challenge card and I am fairly stacking up the christmas cards....this must be a first for me....normally I am rushing at the last minute to get enough cards done for friends and family.
The challenge this week over at Carol's Sketch Fun is another fabulous sketch from my lovely and mega talented Funky Hand teamie Carol and woo hoo a super duper prize for one lucky winner....a wonderful CD from Funky Hand...one of my favourites.....Funky Daze.

Papers: Basic Grey Wassail

Images: Papermania Clear Stamps: Silent Night & Snowflake Decorations

Sentiment: Doodlebug All Mixed Up Rub-ons

Brenda Pinnick Clear Christmas Stickers

Papermania Red Shimmer Dots

Tim Holtz Distress Inks...Aged Mahogany & Peeled Paint

Ribbon: American Crafts

Martha Stewart Punch

And oh dear am I suffering a bit today.....think I have pulled a muscle in my back...probably lugging all that crafty boxes in and out of the car....not very comfortable sitting down or bending....so off to have a soak in a nice hot tub and then maybe a little crafting standing up in the cubbyhole.....catch up with you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

Revenge is Sweet

Morning folks....as promised I think it's time to spill the beans...and set the record straight....the truth about my bundle of golden deliciousness.."His Nibs"..."The Budster" or "Hooligan Harry" as I often call him....he thinks he is just the bee's knees at the moment....lapping up all the attention you are giving him and is rather pleased with himself that lots of you have suggested he takes over the posts on my blog.......well let me tell you folks.....I just about split my sides laughing at that one....a post once a month is about all he could muster the energy for. What does he do in a typical day......EAT.....he is your stereotype goldie....food plays a bit part in his life...and he will lie in the garden for hours chewing his bone....well I suppose he doesn't talk...so it's the only exercise his jaws get.... unlike his Mum......WALK....that should be renamed SPRINT.....he's like a whirlwind crashing through the woods like a baby elephant chasing rabbits or seeking out the nearest pool of vile smelling mud to dive into and wallow like a hippo....and after all that energy sapping exercise.....the only thing he is fit for and "BUDDY's" favourite pastime......

CHILLING

out for the count sleeping like a babe......dreaming about goodness knows what....and the cheek of it.....not on the sofa with the doggy throw....oh no....he has to conk out on my sofa....nice one Buddy.....now the seat of my pants will be covered in doggy hairs.....but he's never in trouble for long... how could you resist this cute pudding face and those chubby cheeks.

Buddy was bred from working dog stock but somehow I can't imagine him out all day in the hills retrieving game...he'd be in constant trouble for lying down on the job...he is a real couch potato and loves the good life...so let's just say that posting every day would just be far too tiring for him.....once in a blue moon is the best you can hope for I'm afraid. Well that's me got my own back for his little foray into the choccie drawer.....whatever mischief will he get up to next.....I dread to think.
And look what arrived for "His Nibs" in the post the other morning.....this gorgeous birthday card from the lovely Desire all the way from South Africa

and chocolate....now we all know that he is not allowed chocolate so I just had to force myself to eat it before he got a sniff......and a little pressie for me....a beautiful rub-on sentiment.....big thank you Desire and Buddy sends big furry hugs. It's time to set off for our morning sprint and then back to get cracking with the crafty stuff....but will be back later with my challenge card for Carol's Sketch Fun....so long for now.

Hugs Kath xxxxxg

Papertake Weekly Challenge 23

Morning folks....yes I'm back again....up bright and early this morning but things are not going according to plan today.....but I did manage to get a challenge card finished.....oh yes running at the last minute yet again.
The challenge this week on Papertake Weekly is another fabby sketch from my lovely bloggy bud...Dawny P....and I do love a good sketch.
I know Dawny is a big fan of the stamps from the Greeting Farm....so a great excuse to use my new stamp.....a pressie from Nikky over at Polkadoodles and I must apologise most sincerely for assuming that this cutie was female.....didn't realise until I went searching on the net for the name of the stamp.....oops.....IAN LADDIE...should have had a peek under his kilt....that is if he is a true Scotsman....I can hear Miss Pink Piggy hooting with laughter from here...thought that might tickle her wicked sense of humour......just the kind of boo boo she would make...sorry matey...we really are two peas from the same pod....and it's half the battle if you know you're daft......it's when you don't know....you have a problem.

Papers: MME Merry Days of Christmas

Image: Greeting Farm...Ian Laddie

Sentiment: American Crafts Foam Thickers

My Little Shoebox....Mini Alphabet Stickers

Buttons: Basic Grey

Twine from stash

and oops......another mistake....forgot to paper piece his sporran.

"And the best laid plans o' mice an' men...gang aft agley" as Rabbie Burns used to say...this could be my motto...had planned a trip to the car boot today.....trying to get shot of all the surplus crafty stash from the old cubbyhole.....what was too good to chuck in the skip but just wouldn't fit into the new cubbyhole....lots and lots of bargains for some lucky crafters....and after loading the car to the gunnels last night....got up this morning to cloud and drizzle.. ..can't believe it after the gorgeous warm sunny day yesterday...but that's our weather for you....next Sunday perhaps...so what am I doing today.....unload the car again and have a relaxing kind of a day with a cuppa and the Sunday crosswords but I will be back tomorrow with "the truth...the whole truth"....yes it's "spill the beans time" about my bundle of golden deliciousness....time to get my own back on "The Blabbermouth Budster".....and revenge is so sweet.

Hugs Kath xxxxxx

New Christmas Downloads

Morning folks....exciting news...just had to share.....2 brand new Christmas Wordbook downloads just launched over at FUNKY HAND....and they are gorgeous

'TIS THE SEASON

yummy Reds and Greens

BLUE CHRISTMAS

gorgeous icy blues

apologies for this terrible pic.....camera just wasn't playing ball on this one...

the colour is truer on the acetate card....made using up the scraps of paper from the word book...

oh yes I am a Scotswoman through and through....don't throw away anything

Haven't made up my mind yet which is my favourite....I love them both but the red snowflake paper on 'Tis the Season is yummy and I think I will be using it quite a lot on the run up to Christmas....and for inspiration...pop over to the FUNKY HAND GALLERIES to see what the rest of the team have made...lots and lots of gorgeous gorgeous samples.
Will be back later with another "running at the last minute" challenge card.

Hugs Kath xxx

Allsorts Challenge..18

Morning folks and yes I'm back again with a card for the Allsorts challenge but this time.wooo..hoooo...as Guest Designer.....I was so chuffed when Emma asked me to guest this week.....one of my favourite challenge blogs and I try to join in as often as I can......I met Emma and Kirsten at the Harrogate show last year and they are just the nicest sweetest gals......so I am truly honoured to have been asked to join such a talented team this week....thank you girls.
The challenge this week is a fab sketch with a little twist....to use a two colour combination of your own choice....well this one took absolutely no thought whatsoever....I am well and truly in Christmas mode now and yes... my favourite colour combo of the moment....

DUCK EGG BLUE & RED

Papers: SEI....Winter Song

Image: Penny Black....Happy and Cool

Hero Arts: Tiny Snowflakes

Snowflake: Cuttlebug Die

a little bit of inking and loads of the old Glamour Dust

Can't wait to see what you all create this week and will be popping over to pay you all a visit......so happy crafting everyone.....Hugs Kath xxxxxx