Ribbon Give-Away

Morning folks....I have a little ribbon give-away for you today....Keith at Fantastic Ribbons kindly sent me six packs of these yummy ribbons to share with you.....so if you would like one all you need to do is leave me a comment here and I will choose six winners on Friday 23rd July.......in the meantime why don't you pop over to Fantastic Ribbons and check out all the fabulous ribbons and buttons they have in stock....also great special offers on multi-buys and if you sign up for their newsletter....woo...hoooo...you could win £100 of ribbons.

and a quick card using one of the ribbons from the pack......not a colour combo I would normally use but hey I rather like it

Image: Stampin Up....Vintage Vogue

Inks....Colorbox Queue

TH Distress Ink....Faded Jeans

Pearls....Hobby House

Card Candy.....Craftwork Cards

Sentiment....Hero Arts...Thinking of You

and what am I doing today....to be truthful losing the will to live and wishing I had just stayed snuggled up under the duvet.  I was too bushed last night to tidy up after my marathon clear out and this was the scene that greeted me this morning.....where do I start and where is the magic tidy up fairy when you need her....

and did I ever find the stuff that created the de-stash in the first place.....in a word NO and it can stay hidden...any more searching is definitely out of the question.    It's time to crack on with the altered book which is almost done and dusted....needs to be ready for the big reveal on Wednesday and if all goes according to plan maybe a challenge card or two.....but don't hold your breath because I've probably put the scuppers on anything going right today after that bold prediction.

And talking of give-aways check out the fabulous candy from my lovely bloggy bud Debbi who is celebrating her 2nd blogaversary.

Catch up with you all later

Hugs Kath xxx

Do you ever......

Morning folks....do you ever have a moment of madness.....what you think at the time is a bright idea and it turns into a nightmare...it all started on Friday morning when I was trying to hunt down some stuff that I knew was lurking somewhere in my "not as good as I thought" cubbyhole filing system and started to unearth lots of stuff that I am not going to use in the month of Sundays....so in my wisdom I decided to have a little clear out.   And this is where the little idea turned into a gigantic work in progress......two days later and I am still in a guddle...the cubbyhole looks like a bomb has landed and I am reeling with the shock of what on earth possessed me to buy the mirri and glitter card....the "hours to cut out" decoupage and hold on your galuses folks....the biggest shock of them all...the peel offs.    But as the saying goes "I've started so I'll finish" and the de-stash will soon be on it's way to some local clubs and crafty folks who make cards for charity...hopefully they can make some money out of my rash purchasing and the terrible habit I have of hoarding stuff just in case it comes in useful.....the really naff stuff will be going to the skip under cover of darkness.
But it hasn't been all work this week....I had a fun day out on Thursday with my two favourite hooligans....we took ourselves off to Alford... to the Transport Museum which is well worth a visit.

This is Big Mack....the snowplough that cleared the road from Alford to Strathdon....up over the notorious Lecht to Tomintoul....the highest village in the UK... during the 60's and 70's and was driven by Brodie and Oliver's Great Grandad....and how strange they are sitting exactly where he sat...Brodie struggling to see past the steering wheel and Oliver trying to get to grips with the ancient gear box.

then it was time to do some steam rollering......

a change of pace and time to let someone else do the driving...a trip on the Alford Valley Railway

great fun chugging along at 2 miles per hour with Brodie and Oliver waving at the golfers and all the folks just out for a stroll

It's great having a grandkiddie day out.....allows you to behave like a child again without folks thinking you have totally lost the plot.    And if like me you are a big fan of the Lord of Timmie Holtzness and all his crafty goodies....you can get some fabby bargains over at Craft Obsessions ....and perhaps the mammoth clear out wasn't such a bad idea after all.....will catch up with you all tomorrow for a fabby give-away from Fantastic Ribbons.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend....hugs Kath xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 110

Morning folks....one minute it's Monday and before you know it's the weekend again and that means it's time for another challenge over at Penny Black Saturday.    I just knew you would all love Beth's fabulous sketch and once again you totally rocked it.... a big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun.

The challenge this week is something a little bit different.....

ANYTHING BUT A CARD

I decided to make another little sewing box.....similar to the one that I made for my workshop at Simply Create but as I left that one with the lovely Jacqui as a sample.....I needed another to keep all my sewing threads tidy and I love this heart shaped box

Papers: Delish Designs..Bistro Collection

Image: Penny Black.....Stitch In Time

Box & Cotton Reels......Hobbycraft

Buttons and Pearl Pins from stash

Twill Ribbon....Stampin Up

Tape Measure Stamp

I have hundreds of hanks of threads left over from my cross stitch days and thank goodness I didn't throw them out.....with stitching being a big trend in cardmaking they are coming in so useful and I now have the perfect place to store them.

Once again my lovely teamies have come up with gorgeous creations to share with you all....so pop over to Penny Black Saturday and check them out.

And we have another fabulous prize for one lucky winner this week

 from the lovely Alison and Jayne at Butterfly Kisses

this adorable stamp....Penny Black....Bountiful

Now it's your turn to show us all your fabulous creations for this week's challenge....I will be popping over to pay you all a visit for my weekly treat.....in the meantime happy crafting.

Hugs Kath xxx

Woof..woof..look what I got.....

A very Good Morning to all my lovely bloggy buds....yes it's your golden bundle of deliciousness and I have to say my flabber is well and truly gasted once again....look what arrived in the post yesterday from my lovely friends Denise and the gorgeous Meg....JUST FOR ME....

 how cute is this card with pics of Meg and me.....I tell you my Mum doesn't make clever cards like this and the bestest bit.....a yummy parcel of doggie treats.  If Mum gets a move on and unties this doggy ribbon I can get my teeth stuck into some doggy heaven.....big hugs to you girls....definitely the way to a dog's heart.

and of course Mrs "Can't See Green Cheese" just had to go one better and have a gigantic parcel delivered.....it has now taken up residence in the cubbyhole....but what on earth is it....could it be the latest crafty gadget?  I'm sure it's not for eating...so I ain't too fussed.

 I am under orders to show you all a little sneaky peek......and I'm sure you have all guessed it's buttons

and then to remind you all to pop over to Penny Black Saturday tomorrow for another challenge.    Lots of mumping and moaning coming from the kitchen....Mum is donning the wellies and the wet weather gear...blimey is she going deep sea fishing....looks like it's time for our morning stroll...lots of splishing and a-splashing and then home for an uber fantastico towel massage followed by a snoozy morning for me and no doubt a kettle on and off to the cubbyhole morning for Mum.  

Hugs & Snuggles

BUDDY xxx

Papertake Weekly Challenge

Morning all and trust me to bleat on about summer being back....well it was short lived and yesterday was one of those bleak and teeming down with rain kind of a days and today looks as though it's going to be the same...so from now I am keeping stume if the sun decides to put it's hat on again.......mind you it does have it's consolations.....no pulling out the hose every evening to give the garden a good drink which brings me nicely onto this week's challenge over at Papertake Weekly.....yes it's......

IN THE GARDEN

a chance to play with one of my new Penny Blacks and isn't he just the cutest dude....

Papers: Jenni Bowlin and Stampin Up

Image: Penny Black.....Hoppy Day

coloured with TH Distress Inks

Mesh..buttons...twine and sentiment from stash

And speaking of cute dudes....Brodie and Oliver are coming to spend the day and playing in the garden is probably going to be out of the question.....so it could be a trip out to the Soft Play Centre to use up some of that excess energy and lunch out as a little treat.

And "His Nibs" will be popping over tomorrow....he's like the proverbial cat that got the cream and there may just be a sneaky peek or two.

Hugs Kath xxx

What's on my workdesk...

Morning folks....it's the middle of the week already and that means it's time to play along at WOYWW....this is so much fun....such a consolation to know that we are not alone in being  MESSY crafters.... and for all us nosey parkers....the added bonus is we get to have a look around other folks' crafty work spaces.
You are probably all wondering if the altered book from last week is finished.....in a word NO....I have made a start but I get the feeling this is going to be a bit of a work in progress.....

I know I haven't got very far but let's face it....it's further on that it was last week.    Decided against the paper idea and am now working with a fabby roll of canvas that my lovely bloggy bud Anne gave me.......stamped the gorgeous Hero Arts..Dots and Flowers Background in Versamark and heat embossed with White Detail powder...coloured with TH Distress Ink.....Bundled Sage then overstamped with the beautiful flourish from one of Lord Tim of All Things Holtziness stamp sets.
The hinges are Tim's Hardware Findings Die inked with Brushed Corduroy and then embossed with Distress Embossing powder in the same colour......a great way to get the old rusty hinge look...

where it is going from here.....who knows.....maybe some Tattered Florals using some more of the Distress Embossing powders......need to have a play around and see how it goes....and as this box is going to be holding all my Idea-ology bits and pieces....it was time to have a root around in the Grungy Bits and Pieces box....and do you think it will be finished for next week's instalment of WOYWW.

Summer has returned to this neck of the woods and the cubbyhole turns into a bit of a sauna in the afternoons...so it's been a great excuse to take a break and relax in the garden.    Can't wait to see what everyone else has on their workdesk today.

Catch up with you all later

Hugs Kath xxx

Allsorts Challenge 60 - July Love

Hey it's me again.....I think my little away day trip to Simply Create yesterday has done the trick.....time to share another card I made for the challenge this week over at Allsorts....just because I felt like it....not a deadline in sight...does this mean that the crafty mojo is coming back.

And for this week's challenge - show your love by having a HEART on your project....and not a teeny tiny piece in one corner....let the heart be the focus point....let your love show

Stampin Up Kraft Paper over stamped with two of my favourite stamps

Hero Arts: Heart Flourish stamped with Versamark and embossed with Detail White

Old Letter Writing stamped with TH Distress Ink....Brushed Corduroy

Hearts cut from Coredinations..Whitewash Collection

overstamped with Hero Arts: Floral Brocade

Lace and Pearl Pins from Stash

Prima Flowers

Sentiment: TH Adage Ticket

TH Idea-ology Snaps

and talking of LOVE.....oh boy did I have the loveliest day yesterday with two of the nicest girls from craftyland.....my lovely buddie Anne who will be keeping me stocked up with Stampin Up goodies and the Queen of All Things Promarkers Debbi...

coffee...cake...chat... lots of laughter...lunch (thanks Anne)...more coffee and chat and boy did we get the giggles when one of the customers who had attended one of Debbi's classes thought that I was Debbi's MUM... "excuse me" was my first reaction and then shock horror when we did the maths it turns out I could be.  As the afternoon wore on I'm sure Anne was beginning to think we were staying overnight and you can't spend 5 hours in a craft shop without having a bit of a spend.....well you know the feeling folks....it would have been rude not to...that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Thank you girls for your wonderful company.....luvs you lots and can't wait until the next time.....and if you want to meet up with some lovely crafty folks and live within driving distance of Simply Create....why don't you come along to 

THE PINK LADIES CLUB 

on Wednesday 28th July 1-3pm or 7-9pm

give the shop a call on 019755 64010 to guarantee getting your bum on a seat because places are limited and join in some Simply Create fun....now I don't want to scare anybody away.....but I'm going and would love to see you there.

Must dash.... I have a deadline to meet....yes that altered box that is still sitting untouched on my desk...can't let my buddies over at WOYWW down....so it's going to be a Tim Holtz inky and alterations kind of a day.....catch up with you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: Need your help today folks.....just had a plea from Lily....she is having trouble finding Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Alteration.....I have had a quick skoot around but out of stock everywhere....if you know where it can be found....please leave a comment here and put poor Lily out of her misery

Craftwork Cards...Sketch 4 Challenge

Morning folks....hold onto your hats and please sit down if you are of a nervous disposition....yes I've got a card to share with you...my DT card for Sketch 4 Challenge over at Craftwork Cards Blog...a little bit late but better late than never.
All you need to do to enter is to make a card following the sketch using any of Craftwork Cards products and e-mail your entry to info@craftworkcards.com the closing date is 23rd July and you could be the winner of some fabulous products.

Papers: Craftwork Cards....Sugar And Spice Collection

Image: Hero Arts..Scattered Leaves

Flowers: Prima

Craftwork Cards Card Candy

Ribbon: American Crafts

Sentiment: Craftwork Cards...In Circle Messages

I got this award from my lovely bloggy buddy....Tina
thank you so much for thinking of me....I really do appreciate it

I am supposed to tell you 7 interesting things about me.....well folks if you are a regular over here you already know all there is to know about moi.....warts and all and I am supposed to pass this on to 5 other bloggers who I think are fantastic....how can I possibly choose....I truly think you are all fantastic so please take this award for your blog with all my love.

You are so not going to believe this but I will be back in a little while with another challenge card.....believe me I am every bit as shocked as you are and to tell you all about my fabby day out yesterday.

Hugs Kath xxx

Off on a Jolly

Morning folks ...well yesterday didn't quite go according to plan....I had intended to spend the morning at my local Car Boot Sale in an effort to clear the garage of more of the old tat....had the car all loaded up ready for an early start.    The weather forecast for Sunday was promising but when I got up at 6.30am it was raining and according to those experts at the Met Office it was going to be on for the day so I popped back to bed and snuggled down.  And surprise surprise when I woke at 8.30am the sun was out and the rain stayed off for the rest of the day.....I am making no further comment apart from the fact that I was not amused at having to unload the car and put all the clutter back in the garage.
And the grumpy mood didn't exactly put me in the right frame of mind for getting creative in the cubbyhole until I received an urgent call for 2 New Home cards.....and when the going gets tough....who you gonna call...no forget Ghostbusters....Hero Arts and the word "deadline" are guaranteed to work everytime.

Papers: Bo Bunny Back to Backs
Stampin Up Kraft Paper
Image: Hero Arts...2 Houses

Buttons from stash

Flower: Hero Arts

Sentiment: American Crafts Thickers

Rub-ons from stash

The mojo kept going all day and I managed to get heaps of stuff done....long may it continue.    I think I deserve a little treat after the stresses of last week...it's a gorgeous sunny morning and doesn't that make us all feel better...first stop the shearing station to have the locks cut off before I resort to doing it myself with the garden shears and then off on a little jolly to Simply Create to deliver the cards for the Save the Children Crop that I forgot to take with me on my last visit and meet up with my lovely buds Anne and Debbi for coffee...cake and a crafty natter and then home for a creative afternoon in the cubbyhole.

Catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

Daring Cardmakers Challenge

Morning folks...not a lot been happening in the cubbyhole this week.....it's been a crafty doldrum kind of a week not helped by the dismal and dreich weather.  I am definitely a sunny day kind of a girl and this lack of mojo has been driving me crazy.....lots of stuff to do so it's time for a kick up the butt and a good talking to....no more "woe is me".... time to get myself back in the cubbyhole and get that crafty brain back in gear.....has it worked...who knows only time will tell but I did manage to rustle up a card for one of my favourite challenges.
The challenge this week over at Daring Cardmakers is....

SEEING SILHOUETTES

and being a big fan of white space cards.....this was going to be a doddle..
so far so good but  famous last words and all that springs to mind

Scalloped Cards....Craftwork Cards
Background stamped with Hero Arts CQ170 Wildflower Garden

and lightly inked with TH Distress Ink....Pumice Stone

Sentiment: Hero Arts CL140...Thinking of You

Ribbon: American Crafts

Gems from stash

finished off with a bit of stitching

A little tweet on Hero Arts Twitter for me and my buddy Lin

Brimming with confidence now and getting far too big for my boots....I started making a whole batch of cards for sending out with Penny Black Saturday prizes and simple has to be the name of the game when it's mass production mode.....so I stamped the cute images on the front with the sentiments and then stamped the rest of the sentiments inside and wrote the greetings....so far so good.

Out with the Promarkers and coloured in the stamped images and oh disaster.....far too cocky by half and well and truly brought down to size.....do you ever get the impression that the crafty gremlins are out to get you...because I totally forgot that Promarkers bleed through cardstock.....go on have a good giggle....I did. 

I am not wasting a whole load of coloured images.....so I will trim them down and mat them onto fresh cards but if you are having a crafty day....look out for those pesky gremlins.

Catch up with you all later

Hugs Kath xxx