distress inks vs lady grey tea...

Good morning everyone how are you all...all finished then?...is your present wrapped and food bought...nope? me neither lol...well the curse of 2013 is still with us I'm afraid, my Niece was in Hospital and my Uncle then yesterday I found out my cousin had a heart attack and has to be transferred from our local hospital to a larger one for a pacemaker...they are all being sorted and on the mend hopefully and that's the three so no more hospital troubles...finger, toes, arms, legs and eyes crossed...I only have a few things left to buy and of course the big food shop...going around supermarkets at Christmas you could be forgiven for thinking they were going to be closed for a fortnight not just one day wouldn't you...its nuts how much food is bought and money spent on it at this time of year and looking around the shoppers there is always so many miserable faces, I sometimes thing if we spent less time and money worrying about food and gifts we might even remember the essence of Christmas and start to enjoy it...what do you think?...right now my card for today...can you see the smudging? that's what happens when your enjoying a cup of Lady grey whilst your gazing out of the window...just one little drip and its smudge city...I thought I had managed to save it until I saw these photos so will have to reink this cutie and this time no tea in sight while I'm colouring lol...so ignore the smudges and pretend its perfect...this little cutie is from the new CC Designs release...this is the gorgeous CC Designs Rascals Sking Henry coloured with my distress inks (and lady grey lol) and glittered with Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust...I teamed it up with some stunning papers from the beautiful Kaisercraft - Marigold 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad although its not a winter or Christmas pad I think the colours and patterns work great for this one don't you...I added a bow made from Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Blue, a stamped sentiment from the C.C. Designs Naughty Or Nice Sentiments (the tag is from the paper pad) and a few buttons from the Primary - 25g button pack...everything I used today is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Brown Sugar Challenge and the Craftitude Challenge too...I'm off out to town today for a little mooch what you up to?...whatever it is I hope you have some festive fun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen

outfit - stormy sky, shabby shutters, pumice stone

skies and poles - antique linen

extreme paper piecing...

Good morning everyone how are you all?...well and enjoying your first weekend shopping fest of the festive season I hope...sorry I didn't post anything yesterday but life sorta sneaked into the crafting time, it has a way of doing that now and again doesn't it lol...it was the festive light switch on in our local town last evening and we had planned to go to it so we headed off nice ad early to have a bite to eat first and as we got out of the car the heavens opened ad I don't mean a shower but it starting raining so hard it was bouncing off the car park ground, so with that and the really high wings we decided standing in it watching the lights being switched on wouldn't be happening...so after our food we headed home to sit in front of a roaring fire instead...oooohhhhhh are we getting old or just sensible enough not to get drenched watching lights being switched on, I'm going with the latter one lol...right now onto my card for today...how adorable is this brand spanking new Whimsy Stamp...its called Whimsy Elf Frame...I coloured him with my usual distress inks and then went to the extreme with my paper piecing, I couldn't stop and even paper pieced the border, holly and bow...I stopped at his lovely little face thank goodness lol...isn't this stamp just the perfect kids image for a Christmas card...all the fabulous papers are from the Kaisercraft - Holly Bright 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad, the tag is from the same pad but the sentiment is from the stunning CC Designs AmyR Stamps Christmas Verses II, this is a fantastic stamp set at a fantastic price and perfect for all your Christmas tag or verses...I love it and you will see it on loads more of my cards, I finished with a bow made from Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Burgundy and a few scattered flowers from the Blossoms - Resin Flower Pansy set...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from the Papertake Weekly Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Stampin' For The Weekend challenge too...poor Phil is having to work all day today there's a new computer system being installed at work so he will have square eyes when he finally gets home bless him so I'm heading out to hopefully get my Dad Christmas present so wish me luck I will need it lol...whatever your up to today whatever it is I hope its fun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen

bells - antique linen

berries - fired earth

shading - pumice stone

back with a cricket...

Good morning everyone...I'm back, did you miss me? anyone? lol...we had a lovely time and wow the weather was amazing too...it never dropped below 20c and in September too, isn't that fantastic...the weather must have been about the same at home too as we came back to three dead hanging baskets and all my poor roses drooped over and so dry the soil had shrunk away from the pots...I will load some photos tomorrow of the amazing thatched cottage complete with beams in the attic bedrooms and the even more amazing gardens at the back of it...my Dad had a lovely time too but hes shattered I think we wore him out, we wanted him to have a good time so went to loads of fantastic places, but I'm not sure if my interpretation of wheelchair accessible is the same as some places you know...deep gravel or rocks do not a wheelchair path make as we found out a few times, which meant my poor Dad had to get out and walk which is not really fun for him when your half way round somewhere bless him and the terrible journey home which took two hours longer than it should have thanks to every tractor available being in front of us lol...so I think he will need a few days rest the poor man, but hes off to my Sisters on Sunday for a week so he will have some rest time there I hope...did anything exciting happen while I was away then?, go on spill the beans I'm busting to know...oh and I haven't forgotten about the prize winner for the last Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy I will be back this evening with the winners name...right now onto my card for today...look at that adorable face now who else could draw that but Mo...this is the stunning Fan's Cricket from Mo's Digital Pencil, I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her outfit with the same papers I used for the card...they are from the beautiful Kaisercraft - Miss Empire 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...lush aren't they, in fact so lush I only had to add a thin chocolate brown ribbon to finish my card...the circle and corner piece I cut from the same pad...I made the sketch up as I went along as I haven't caught up with the sketch challenges yet but Im entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Sister Act Card Challenge and the Creative Corner Challenge too...right I'm off to get ready to go for my MRI this morning so better get the war paint on and head off...whatever your up to today I hope its more fun than we will be having in the hospital for hours, I really don't like hospitals do you? they give me the chills and I hate the smells but they aren't there for pleasure are they, just to help when you need it...have a good one everyone

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlapm tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - black soot

shading - pumice stone

basket - frayed burlap

shoes & cricket

what do you think?...

Good morning everyone how are you all?...whats the weather like where you are, its definitely turning autumnal here...the nights are getting shorter and there is less and less sun and more rain...hang on isn't that summer lol...isn't it sods law that we have waited and waited and waited for our tomato's and roses to come to full bloom and its looking like it will be next week while we are away...there will be nobody about to prune and pick so we are hoping they will last for a week and still be blooming when we get home...my lovely Dad went to the doctors yesterday and his chest infection has cleared up, phew we thought for a few days we might have to cancel but its all steam ahead, well it would be if I could get my finger out and sort out my clothes...I think its harder to pack for somewhere like Ireland don't you, I mean if your going somewhere like the Med or Caribbean then you know what to pack but being somewhere like Ireland we have to take almost three lots of clothes...you need the t shirts etc but then you need sweaters and cardigans and you need something cosy and warm for the evening...and of course not forgetting my fluffy socks in case of wooden floors...right now onto my card for today now I need your honest opinion please, don't be afraid of hurting my feelings you wont I really want to know your thoughts...I tried a little bit of an experiment and coloured this stunning digi from Aurora Wings Etsy Shop a lot darker than I usually would, do you think it works or is it too dark and I should stick to lighter, I must admit it felt a bit odd piling on the colour...isn't she stunningly beautiful, she is drawn by the ubber talented Mitzi Sato-Wiuff and is called Little Elf Kia...she is amazing to colour and I used my usual distress inks...I cut her out and teamed her up with these beautiful papers from the K & Co Julianne 6x6 papers I bought many moons ago at Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I don't think Nikki stocks K & Co anymore though...I finished with some of my favourite cream satin ribbon and roses cut from the same pad...the lush sketch is from the Sketch Saturday Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge and the Digistamps 4 Joy Challenge too...right now no more excuses Mina go sort out your clothes girl is what I have to keep repeating to myself today lol...oh but except for the coffee break with my lovely Dad of course...whatever your up to today I hope you have a brilliant one...I have a real fun image to show you tomorrow so will speak to you then

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - frayed burlap

outfit - antique linen, stormy sky

grass and leaves - shabby shutter, peeled paint

ribbons - scattered straw

eyes - peeled paint

flower - victorian velvet, peeled paint

everyone needs at least one true friend...

Good morning everyone are you all doing anything exciting this weekend?...Phil's away marshaling again this weekend so I'm at a bit of a loose end but I think I will be heading out...our poor little deck garden has been devastated over the last few days by the wind and rain and is looking so sorry for itself...I have no idea what to do to bring it back to life or even how to save some of the plants...so if any of you know please leave me a comment telling me how too...btw do any of you know how this Google thingy works, I have been going to some of my favourite crafters blog only to be put onto some page that doesn't show me anything except their photo and no posts etc...any ideas?...I haven't had the best end to my week some people I love so so much hurt me without even a second thought but like most things we get over them don't we and have to go onwards and upwards (dont worry its not my lovely Phil lol)...the worst part is they didn't even think how much their actions would hurt I think and I don't know if that's better or worse...so I hope you have had a better week than me...right enough of being upset onto my card for today...I love this beautiful digi don't you, its so soft and beautiful feeling...its of course from Mo's Digital Pencil, I don't think I will ever get sick of looking at Mo's amazing images...this is the beautiful A Friend Is coloured with distress inks...I'm not sure I did justice to the dog though as I always struggle to colour animals...I found a half pad of these stunning K & Co Julianne 6x6 papers I bought ages and ages ago from Bunny Zoe's Crafts in my stash, now how on earth did I forget about this one, that's shocking isn't it...naughty Mina lol...I cut some of the flowers from the pad and used them as embellishments....oooooohhhhhhh I love a good cutting out session don't you...I finished my card with a green satin ribbon and bow and the sentiment that comes with the image printed on another of the papers from the pad...the fab sketch is one I scribbled down last week but cant remember what blog its from so if anyone knows let me know so I can give them credit but I'm entering this for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Creatalicious Challenge and the Crafting By Designs Challenge too...right I'm off to put the war paint on and smile and head out for the day...no way I'm sitting in feeling sorry for myself lol...have an amazing day everyone and whatever your up to I hope you have fun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - frayed burlap

outfit - stormy sky, pumice stone

stool - mixture of peeled paint, shabby shutters, pumice stone

dog - antique linen, tumbled glass

shading - pumice stone

watch out for head butting bees...

Good morning everyone are you having a good week?, enjoying good weather too I hope...ok hands up who thought we went to Ikea yesterday...nope...as Ikea is about 1hr 15mins from us we really didnt fancy sitting in a card for all that time in 27degrees...isnt it weird how it can be so hot but cloudy and dull, so instead we had a little mooch in town looking for Phil's Birthday present (yes hes 21 again today)...I hate shopping for men dont you, if you ask a woman what she wants she can give you a whole list to choose including prices and where they can be bought but ask a man and theres not a thing he wants lol...so I have his card (of course) but nothing to give him yet...the only idea I had our Daughter has pinched for her gift for him, cheeky girl...after our town mooch and lunch we were sitting in the garden and I was watching all the bees playing amongst the Nasturtiums and being nosey headed over to watch them gather their nectar...they are so relaxing don't you think...I got a little bit too close and got head butted by one of them, I don't know who was more shocked me or the poor bee although it did fly away probably wondering what the hell it flew into lol...I'm so pleased Phil was inside getting a drink he would have just shook his head and done that little grin...you know the one don't you girls lol...right now for my card for today and its using another of the brand new Summer Adorables from Sugar Nellie...did you get any of them yet, if you did I would love to know your favourite if you haven't seen them all pop on over to Funky Kits and have a look...I love this Ballet Student one she is stunning to colour...all those beautiful folds in her dress and that amazing hair...I used my usual distress inks and teamed her up with these lush papers from the Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Summer Stories, I added a ribbon bow from my stash and finished with a couple of pins pushed through the bow and a stunning chocolate coloured resin rose from the 15mm Flat Back Rose Cabochons - Mixed Bag...the paper pad and cabochons are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from the Sketch Saturday Challenge and I'm also entering this for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Crafter's Cafe Challenge too...Phil's back at work today so I'm going to make him a roast dinner (his favourite) for dinner and our Daughter and her other half are coming for dinner to celebrate his birthday...so I will probably be flitting between the kitchen, garden and my craft room most of the day...whatever your up to today have a fantastic relaxing one and watch out for those head butting bees lol

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - frayed burlap

eyes - stormy sky

dress and shoes - tattered rose, tumbled glass

shading - pumice stone

a bit of steampunk...

Good morning everyone your comments about your cinema experience yesterday gave me a real chuckle and I thought the feet incident was bad lol...I had a really quiet day yesterday and caught up with a few things and only one temperature so not a bad at all...and then...wall to wall sunshine in the afternoon so we sat on the decking in amongst all the beautiful flowers that are finally blooming and chatted...I love afternoons when Phil gets finished early and we can have some chat time before dinner...I think I still haven't got over the novelty of having Phil home even though its a year now...can you believe how fast the last year has flown by...its like blink and its gone...right for my card today I have an amazing artist digi...the artist is called Mitzi Sato-Wiuff and she is super super talented...I have admired her work on facebook for a while but only just found her Aurorawings shop on Etsy...this is just one of her amazing digis (of course I bought a few more lol)...this is the beautiful Steampunk Angel and Owl 2-Pack coloured with my distress inks, I cut the owl out and raised it a little...she is a dream to colour, I just knew she would be and I cant wait to colour the others I bought and I will have to get some more definitely...I used some lush papers from the Graphic45 Old Curiosity Shoppe 8x8 paper pad I bought ages and ages ago from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and cut out some butterflies from the same pad...oh I have a hint for you too today...the fab letters are from an old set of stickers and I had no a's left so I cut around the negative and used that instead...it worked ok don't you think and made the sentiment a bit more interesting...I finished with a cog charm...I'm not sure I got the steampunk theme right what do you think?, I always have problems adding more stuff than I think a card needs and all the steampunk cards I see have loads of stuff on them...must try harder Mina lol...the fab sketch is from the Tuesday Morning Sketches Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Crafty Cardmakers Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...I'm sorting some clothes out for our holiday today and wont have another post until Saturday with a little bit of Bunny Zoe's Crafts holiday candy for you...I will be posting a few cards next week while I'm away...I will schedule them but will hopefully add some gossip while I'm away...fingers crossed for the WiFi in the hotel...whatever your up to today have a brilliant relaxing one

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

wings - frayed burlap, antique linen

hair - frayed burlap

eyes - peeled paint

outfit - gathered twigs, antique linen, pumice stone, peeled paint

owl - gathered twigs, frayed butlap, antique linen

shading - pumice stone

its hop, hop, hop time...

Good morning everyone...well would you believe the sun was out yesterday how fabulous is that...its amazing how much dust the sun shows up though lol...I think a major clean is well due, oh no not the duster anything but the duster, I'm sure I'm allergic to housework you know lol...its hop day today, yes its that time again, time for our Mo's Digital Pencil Dreamteams monthly blog hop...you don't just get to see some amazing inspiration from our wonderful DT but you also get the chance to win one of two $5 credits for Mo's Digital Pencil just for leaving comments on the DT's too...so what you waiting for pop on over to fabulous

ALICE'S

blog to start at the beginning, you don't want to miss anything do you, you should have arrived here from Alice's too if your already following the hop...the theme this month is Flowers, now I don't need to be told twice to use some flowers do I lol

I used this stunning Thanks! for my card...this cutie was a freebie but if you missed it then you still have a chance to buy it just click on the link...don't you love images like this...although I coloured her pink with my distress inks...you could so easily make it a boy...just what you need for cards isn't it, a multi tasking baby image...the amazing papers are from Echo Park's Victorian Garden paper pad and I finished my card with some white flowers from the Blossoms - Resin Flower Fuchsia pack, a gorgeous Prima flower and I cut a couple of leaves from the paper cut off, the flowers are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...your next stop on the hop is the fab
POPS
who I'm sure has something amazing to show you...the fab sketch I used is from the Fetch A Sketch Challenge and Im also entering it for the Crafting For All Seasons Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget your comments for a chance to win too...have a brilliant sunny day
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen

outfit - pumice stone, spun sugar, victorian velvet, worn lipstick

flowers - shabby shutters, victorian velvet

shading - pumice stone

hole in the head attack...

Good morning everyone...just a second...aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh...thats better lol...I have had a hell of a morning...first I forgot to schedule my post yesterday and went to take photos early this morning and my camera was out of charge...so quick charge then photos taken and I couldnt find the lead to download them...I always keep it in a magazine rack beside the sofa, is it there...nope...so quick rush round looking for it, I cant find it anywhere so had to find an old one instead (I feel Phil's hand tidying in this)...finally sorted, downloaded and then kaput no internet...so I gave up for an hour had a cuppa and some deep breathing and try again...so Im here now and ranting like a loony lol...phew breath and relax...right start again...Good morning everyone I hope your all having a brilliant week...Phil is of marshaling at the North West 200 this morning and the weather is terrible, windy and tipping it down, what a madman sitting in this marshaling...would you believe we even had hailstones yesterday...its half way through May and hailstones, isnt that mad...I think we had our Spring/Summer last Monday lol...oh well wait a couple of hours and there could be a heatwave...well we live in hope lol...right now onto my card for today...now who else but Mo from Mo's Digital Pencil could draw this...this is the amazing My Chubby Valentine coloured with distress inks and blinged up a bit with glitter on her wings...I used some of the papers from the amazingly colourful Kaisercraft - Secret Admirer 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts for her...the colours are great for her arent they...I added a sentiment tag from the same pad, a gorgeous floaty pink bow and a gold heart charm to finish...Im entering this for the Crafting when We Can Challenge, The Shabby Tearoom Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...Im having an hour to relax and chill to get my head sorted then Im off out with my lovely Dad, Im cooking tonight for him so need a few bits and pieces...Im sure a very soggy Phil will pop his head ip sometime this afternoon too bless him...whatever your up to today I hope you dont get hailstones and can enjoy some sun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen

dress - tumbled glass, worn lipstick

bow and heart - worn lipstick

shading - pumice stone

Happy Birthday cheeky...

Good morning everyone are you all looking forward to your weekend? anything exciting planned?...I learnt a good lesson yesterday walking up the stairs I spotted a sliver of black ribbon I must have dropped and picked it up to put in the bin, I don't know who was the most shocked but I know who screamed as the spider wriggled in my fingers...it went one way and I ran the other lol...lesson learnt?...wear your glasses at all times lol...uuuurrrrrgggghhhh just the thought makes me squirm...ick ick ick ick ICK...the worst thing is I didn't find it after I had settled down either, so there's a terrified spider lurking in the dark somewhere needing a tiny spider therapist and waiting to get its revenge...my card for today is just a little bit 'cheeky' (sorry I couldn't resist the pun lol)...this is the cutest little Magnolia stamp called Bonny Tilda from the Magnolia With Love collection...I coloured this cutie with my usual distress inks and glittered her wings with the same glitter I used for these fabulous butterflies from the Wooden Flourish range, these are the Magical Butterflies FL341 ones and the glitter glue is the Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust...the lush paper is also Magnolia and is called Magnolia Blue Flowers 12" x 12" Paper, isn't it just so pretty...I finished with a ceramic sentiment and some lush satin ribbon...everything except the ribbon and sentiment are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from the Stamp With Fun Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp challenge too...I'm having a relaxing crafting day today as I don't think the rain will stop long enough to get any gardening done...I'm definitely a fair weather gardener lol...whatever your up to today remember to make sure you know what your picking up, it could be a nasty surprise...have a good one

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

bow - tumbled glass

shading - pumice stone

fresh as a spring morning...

Good morning everyone, I'm back did you miss me then? lol...I'm refreshed and back to creating...I went into my craft room while Phil was at our Daughters fixing her lawn mower yesterday morning and before I knew it, it was 4pm, I missed the whole day and we didn't get to the garden centre at all oops...never mind though Phil's off today and it will probably be a bit quieter shopping today...sounds like a plan doesn't it?, but you know what we are like, plans are meant to be broken or at least bent...Phil did get loads of little jobs done around the house between making me cups of tea, so double result...I came out onto the decking later and all the pots from the shed are lined up ready to be filled...do you think he was hinting lol...we decided to fill them with loads of flowers of different colours for a cottage garden sorta look and we have a huge pot which I quite fancy a Japanese Maple for...to add some height and different texture...do any of you own one?, if you do what do they grow like in pots?...I wish I could find my garden encyclopedia, I haven't seen it since we moved...that's what happens when there's more than one person unpacking lol...right now onto my card for today, how bright and fresh is this beautiful Mo's Digital Pencil cutie...shes the beautiful April, only the super talented Mo could draw this stunner...I printed her a bit softer in grey, it looks quite pretty and faded doesn't she...I used my usual distress inks and some of the gorgeous bright papers from the Echo Park - Sweet Girl 6x6 Paper Pad, its a beautifully colourful pad and perfect for spring or summer cards dont you think?...I finished with some pink string, a gorgeous bow made from Organza Ribbon - Sunflower (25mm Wide) and a Prima flower, the paper and ribbon are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Challenges 4 Everybody Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...right I'm off to get ready for the garden centre...book, notes and lists in hand so I don't make any expensive mistakes or buy anything I cant pronounce lol...whatever your up to today I hope you can enjoy a lovely garden day too

Mina xxx

cool summer...

Good morning everyone hows your week going...yes your seeing right I have another card for you...this is becoming a habit lol...I think the mojo crisis is over thank goodness and its very slowly creeping back...and about bloody time too lol...well I went for a wee mooch in town yesterday but didn't get my lunch as my lovely Dad wanted some stuff there too so we went together and he had already eaten...one of the things I went for was foam pads for my cards...I couldn't find any anywhere is there a worldwide shortage of square foam pads I ask myself, I had to settle for circular ones but at least I can cut up the shocking wastage from the edges and in between...I couldn't even find any ribbons I really like either...whats going on when I cant find fabulously gorgeous ribbons...so I left town with a couple of sheets of foam pads and nothing else...now that's a shocking state of affairs isn't it...oh well I will just have to try harder I think...Phil's away again this weekend marshaling so I might manage to persuade my lovely Dad to pay a call to the craft shop...you know I just thought I'm the only one in our whole family that cant drive...its not because I don't want too, I would love to have a little Fiat (preferably a lilac one) of my own to pop into and head out on adventures but my eyesight in one eye is so bad I cant pass the sight test to see the number plates...gutted...oh well at least it gives my Dad an excuse to come with me, bet hes thrilled he will be able to go to the craft shop lol...right now onto my summery card for today...how cute is this little scene from Whimsy Stamps...its called Little Jack and Bobbin Seaside Dreamin', just a perfect summery image isn't it...I coloured it with my distress inks and used some beautiful fresh papers from the Carta Bella - Cool Summer 6x6 Paper Pad, guess where the sentiment tag is from...go on have a guess...ok I will tell you, its the name from the from of the pad...waste nothing lol...I finished with a few buttons and a scattering of punched butterflies, everything except the buttons are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, oh and btw Nikki is having a sale of the papers and there's 15% off this pad...the sketch is an old one I found so haven't a clue where its from I'm afraid but I'm entering it for the Twisted Tuesday Challenge, Deep Ocean Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...its supermarket day today but at least I get to have a put the worlds to rights coffee with my Dad which makes supermarket day worth having...whatever your up to today I hope if your shopping you find what your after

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

outfit - shabby shutters, victorian velvet, pumice stone

scarves - tumbled glass, barn door

boat - pumice stone, barn door

stones and sand - pumice stone, scattered straw, antique linen

sea and shading - stormy sky, tumbled glass

dog - frayed burlap, antique linen

yellow, blue and pink????...

Good morning everyone are you all having a fab weekend...we woke up to wall to wall sunshine yesterday and yes the temperature even got to double figures...phew a heatwave lol...well I say we woke up Phil was away marshaling at a road race he was supposed to be away Friday night too but the heavens opened and he refused to pitch his tent in a field swimming in water bless him lol...there's nothing worse than soggy socks when your marshaling the next day...well I have caught up with some things but still have loads of emails to go through so if you sent me one and I haven't replied I'm not ignoring you honestly I just haven't got to it yet...I must admit though since coming back I have struggled to make anything as I think I left my mojo in Mayo...there could be a song there lol, I even gave up colouring yesterday and threw what I had done in the bin in a fit of temper...but I will have a hunt for it today, if you see a lonely little mojo wandering around please send it home its greatly missed...but I managed this card anyway using the beautiful Daffodils from Janey's Digi Designs...perfect for a spring card aren't they?...I coloured them with distress inks and used some of the stunning Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Doodle Deux, I'm not sure if this colour combo works totally but it seemed like a good idea at the time lol...but I do love the patterns in this pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts so much...I finished my card with a mixture of different buttons...the fab sketch is from the Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Digi Haven Challenge too...I'm not going to craft today but we are heading for some garden centres as the sunshine has made Phil yearn to make some hanging baskets...I don't know why as I'm not a great fan of them and prefer flowers where I can see them properly...but you never know I might find some nice pots for the decking and I quite fancy a sofa for outside...you know the sort of thing, comfy, perfect for coffee and reading but waterproof...sssshhhhhhhhh dont tell Phil that's the only reason I'm going with him will you lol...whatever your up to today have fun and I hope the sun shines on you

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

scattered straw, antique linen, pumice stone

I can sing a rainbow...

Good morning everyone did you have a nice weekend?...we decided yesterday as my lovely Dad was back from his travels and our Daughter is heading off on hers this week we would have a family dinner so as it was spur of the moment we headed for good old M & S...pasta bake, salad and I baked some new potatoes with garlic, shallots and teeny tomatoes, and then onto dessert, well Dad wanted cheesecake but I couldn't find any Amaretto for the base, then we thought pie but then our Daughters other half doesn't like stewed fruit...so we ended coming home at 4pm and I made the fastest Victoria sandwich cake ever to be filled with strawberry's and whipped cream but would it hell cool down...so I opened the back door and then had to rescue my cakes as two pigeons tried to get in to eat it...that's what you get for feeding the birds isn't it lol...very lush it was too, the meal not the pigeons...it was so lovely to catch up with all my Dads gossip and spend some time with our Daughter and yes my stomach is still churning at the thought of her going away for three weeks...you would think she was 8 not 28 wouldn't you lol...do we ever stop worrying like this?, I think its our job to worry about them...well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new monthly challenge at Bunny Zoe's Crafts Challenge...this month was our fantastic Karina's choice and she chose to use your favourite colour combo...I really don't have an all time favourite combo but atm I'm loving using green, yellow and blue so decided to use that...when I was going through all the colours in my mind I ended up humming that song I can sing a rainbow (bet your humming it now lol)...I used the gorgeous Stampavie Sarah Kay - Tool Time stamp for my card, wow I love this card it just screams summer holidays doesn't it...the amazing papers are from the  Carta Bella - Cool Summer 6x6 Paper Pad fantastic colours aren't they and perfect for my colour combo too...I used a couple of the 5 x Wrench charm pack , a bow made from Organza Ribbon - Lime (25mm Wide) , a few Prima Flowers Perle Bebe - Sun Kiss (boys cards can have flowers too lol) and  Wooden Ornaments for the Birthday boy sentiment...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I cant for the life of me remember where this sketch is from but it a goody...I am entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge, Stamping Sensations Challenge and the Joanna Sheen Challenge too...I'm off to town with my Dad today I was meant to be getting a haircut but I forgot to book so keep your fingers crossed I will get one last minuet...whatever your up to have a brilliant one and if you have time please pop by the Bunny Zoe's Crafts challenge to see the amazing makes by our team

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antque linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

dungarees and hat - tumbled glass, stormy sky

t-shirt - scattered straw, antique linen,

tool box & tools - peeled paint, shabby shutters, frayed burlap, pumice stone

shoes - frayed burlap, pumice stone

shading - pumice stone

I so want these fabulous red glasses...

Good morning everyone are you having a lovely Easter week then, have you done anything exciting or are there some lucky one or two of you actually off to somewhere warm for the Easter break...if there is then tell us all so we can be green with envy...I would so love a week or two in the sun wouldn't you somewhere to warm my poor cold bones...well this is Phil's last day off work and hes back tomorrow, I will miss him but it will also be nice to get some me time if you know what I mean...well at least some me crafting time anyway lol...we were in town yesterday afternoon and stopped for lunch at a local coffee shop settled down with our paninis and coffee and on the next table were 5 twenty somethings...every single one of them was either on an iphone or tablet, fingers flipping like they were possessed hardly a word spoken between them...they finished and got up and I heard one girl say to the other...'I have really missed these coffees together haven't you' lol...seriously they could have just text, messaged or skyped (is there a plural of skype?) each other and saved on the coffee don't you think...whatever happened to the art of conversation...don't get me wrong I'm as addicted to technology as anyone else and post every day on here chatting away but given the choice of chatting to you all over coffee give me the coffee chat any day...right now onto my card for today...I so want these red glasses don't you...this cutie is of course from Mo's Digital Pencil, now who else could draw this sweetie...this is the gorgeous Fabulous coloured with distress inks and teamed up with some of my last papers from the Teresa Collins Design Now and Then paper pad I bought it ages ago from Bunny Zoe's Crafts so I don't think its in stock atm though, I finished with some more of the lush Bunny Zoe's wired gingham ribbon this one is the Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Burgundy one, I also added a few flowers cut from a page from the same pad as an embellishment...the lush sketch is from the Sweet Sketch Wednesday Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Sweet Stampin Challenge too...Phil's cooking tonight so we are heading to the shops to buy supplies for it today, I haven't a clue what hes making but as he cooks brilliantly I'm looking forward to it...have a fabulous day everyone

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen

outfit - antique linen, fired brick, frayed burlap

boots - frayed burlap

Happy Anniversary to us...

Good morning everyone...ok lets hear you all together now...Happy Anniversary to us...wow 37 years together that is an amazing achievement isn't it...I have known Phil since I was 15 years old and he used to come to meet me from school, cute eh lol...we then split up and met again when I was 19 and married a year later...I can hear all your minds adding up the years to find out my age lol...I got the largest bunch of pink and red roses with freesias (my favourite flowers) last night...in fact it was so big I had to use two vases...so beautiful and adds a wonderful bit of colour on these grey days too...what have I bought Phil I hear you ask...er...nothing...well not yet anyway I haven't a clue what to get him so will just take him shopping instead...men are so so heard to buy for don't you think...oh a bit of useless information for you today I found out yesterday this March has been the coldest on record for 50 years...I totally agree lol...right now for my card for today these papers are such amazing colours I couldn't resist using them together for this stunning Saturated canary stamp...I have only ever used their digis before but was super impressed with this stamp, its crisp and clear but probably would have stamped darker if I had reinked my stamp pad as its drying out...this is the fab Walkie coloured with my distress inks...I used the stunningly coloured papers from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Doodle Deux, I love these colours together don't you...I finished my card with a black satin bow, a stunning charm which I added some of the black patterned paper too and a butterfly charm...the papers and stamp are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and The Paper Shelter challenge too...right I'm off to get my war paint on to head out shopping and for lunch...whatever your up to today I hope you have a lovely one and manage to spend some time with someone you love
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

eyes - peeled paint

hair - black soot

jeans - mix of tumbled glass & stormy sky

shoes - shabby shutters

can & t shirt - pumice stone, shabby shutters

lips & hearts - barn door

oh some fantastic sale news for an Easter treat for you too today...pop on over to Bunny Zoe's crafts for 10% off across the store...little hint have a look at the new Magnolia stamps and papers its a beautiful collection and I have the feeling it wont last long

at last...

Good morning everyone at long last I can post again...I don't know if it was blogger or my connection but I could hardly get online yesterday and when I finally did about 7.30pm blogger wouldn't let me download anything...I have a sneaky suspicion that it may have had something with the work being done to the electricity connections as there are still thousands of homes with energy here still and our light kept flickering...but never mind what it was I'm back online now...amazing how much you get used to doing something isn't it...I spent most of yesterday double checking things because I was sure I had forgotten something...er....yes a post lol...Phil had to go into work yesterday and my Dad popped down for a cuppa...Dad hardly ever just pops in but we sat chatting about everything and anything...I had forgotten how easy conversations used to be before his hearing went and now its back its amazing...I'm loving it so much and he seems to want to be out and about and to speak to as many people as he can...he loves how he can now hold a real conversation with someone and has spoke to everyone he has seen since Friday...it has made so much difference to his life...in fact so much difference to us all...thank you all so so much for your wonderful comments about my Dad, he is so special and I'm so pleased I manage to show that to you all...right now onto my card for today which should have been yesterdays really but better late than never...how amazingly stunning is the dress and mask on this stunning Make it Crafty digi...she is called Christine Soprano and is wonderful to colour...I really enjoyed sitting down and colouring her with my distress inks...I teamed her up with some beautiful springlike papers from the Prima 6x6 - Tea Thyme paper pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts but it was ages ago and its out of stock atm...I finished with some more of these addictive butterflies from the Prima Butterflies - Divine pack which is also from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I don't seem to be able to stop using them as they go with loads of papers and there are lots of colours in each pack...of course the gems add a little bit of sparkle don't they and you cant beat a bit of bling can you...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge, Sweet Stampin' Challenge and the Challenge 4 Everybody Challenge too...I'm cooking dinner for everyone tonight...way to go my little girl...so will be making a cottage pie and cheesecake one of our families favourite meals, I hope my lovely Dad wont find it too loud as all the chatter can get a bit over zealous lol...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and wherever you are I hope it doesn't snow for you

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

eyes - crushed olive

dress & mask- tattered rose, crushed olive

shading - pumice stone

daft as a brush...

Good morning everyone have you ever had one of those weeks when everything you do just makes you feel dafter and dafter?...I'm having one of those, first there was the blue streak at the doctors, then we were going to the chiropodist for my Dads appointment on Wednesday and neither of us could remember if the appointment was for 2.50pm or 3.10pm so I rang to check only to be told it was in fact for 2.50pm....on Tuesday...well duh how daft is that...then I got the dinner ready on Thursday settled down to catch up with some emails and an hour later was sitting wondering why no smell...I forgot to put it in the oven didnt I...I think there's weeks when you really shouldn't get out of bed don't you and they should definitely be forgotten lol...right now onto my card for today which is using one of the new Little Easter collection from Magnolia...this is the cute Happy Easter Tilda...I'm sorry though shes out of stock atm but there are some of the others from the same collection available...I coloured Tilda with distress inks and used some of the lush papers from the My Mind's Eye - Oliver 6x6 Pad...I love this pad and only have a couple of sheets left in it...I will be sad when its all used...I finished with a big ruffled satin ribbon bow and a few scattered butterflies from the Prima Butterflies - Divine pack, they are so cute with their gem centres aren't they...everything except the ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch I used is from the Try Stampin' On Tuesday Challenge, I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Stamp & Create with Magnolia Challenge too...its Ears day today...yes the day is here at long last to go get my lovely Dads hearing aids fitted...I cant wait I'm ssssoooooo excited and if I'm like this my Dad must be whooping with joy although you wouldn't think so he was kinda chilled out at the supermarket yesterday...but then men don't get as excited about things as we do, do they...I will let you know how he gets on tomorrow and don't worry I have double checked his appointment card for date and time lol...whatever your up to today I hope your doing something as exciting as us

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

outfit - stormy sky, scattered straw, antique linen

shading - pumice stone