Freaky...

Good morning everyone how has your week been?, anything exciting to tell me about...how freaky is this weather, would you believe it was 16c yesterday, that's a spring day here (in fact some summer days too lol)...but in December that is just plain freaky isn't it...today is a sad day for our family but especially for my lovely Dad, its the anniversary of my Mums passing and my Sister is over to visit from England and my younger Sister is coming from Belfast with her family so we will all be together so my Dad has his whole family for support...I like to think of the good times with my Mum rather than her not being her...she had a wicked sense of humour and the most wonderful hazel coloured eyes...a beautiful woman inside and out...she would love that we will all be together this weekend she loved her family with a passion and we all loved her too...what you going to be up to this weekend?...right now onto my card for today...I think this fab Wild Rose Studio stamp is so so cute don't you...its so perfectly christmassy...this is called Wild Rose Studio - Antoine at Postbox and I coloured it with my usual distress inks and any excuse to use more Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust so I glittered all the snow up...I used more of the beautiful Kaisercraft - Holly Bright 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad  papers (isn't that metallic embossed one fab) and cut some sentiments from the paper to add to the tag...I added a bow made with Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Burgundy and a few buttons from the Primary - 25g button pack...the lush sketch is from Sketch Saturday Challenge but I turned it on its side and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and Papertake Weekly Challenge too, everything I used on my card today was from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...well this morning I have loads more cutting out to do for my beautiful Niece's wedding invitations...would you believe over the last couple of day I have cut out by hand 230 pieces of card and paper...my poor aching fingers lol...it will be worth it though as even if I say so myself they are fabulous...then will be seeing my Sister and Dad this afternoon so I better make a move and get started...whatever your up to today I hope whatever your doing is special and fun

Mina xxx
p.s. theres still time to join in with this months candy if you would like too...the link is in the sidebar

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

outfit - peeled paint, antique linen, black soot

dog - antique linen, fired earth

postbox - black soot, antique linen, fired earth

shading - pumice stone

my addiction...

Good morning everyone did you all have a super fantastic weekend?...hands up all those super organises people who have all their shopping done for Christmas?...you can do off some people you know lol...I have just started mine but one ticked off the list is my lovely Dads, I haven't even thought about the decorations yet although they are down from the attic at least bt are just a guilty reminder every time I go into the bedroom...sitting in the corner accusing me of neglecting them lol...I wish my festive spirit would arrive and poor Phil would come home to a wonderfully festive scene straight out of a movie...well we can all live in hope cant we...go one then tell me you have your tree up and make me feel even worse lol...right now onto my card for today...I seem to have become totally addicted to paper piecing atm, I love cutting out and find it one of the most relaxing things ever, I have actually been known to nod off half way through cutting something out I get that relaxed...this amazing little bit of cuteness is of course from Mo's Digital Pencil where else, this sweetie is called Little Elf Ava isn't she a perfect Christmas image?...I coloured her with my usual distress inks and paper pieced her star...the amazing papers are from the Carta Bella So this is Christmas 6x6 paper pad, I'm sorry to say that I bought the last one though..the trees I added as embellishments were cut from the same pad and I finished with a sentiment stamped from the AmyR CC Designs Stamps Christmas Verses II (told you that you would see more of this stamp set lol)...the fab paper pad and stamp set are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...oh btw someone emailed me this weekend asking about paper piecing so if a few more of you have any questions about paper piecing I will do a little post about it...hands up all those who would want one please...anyway back to my card, the fab sketch is from the Creative Inspirations Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Stamping Sensations Challenge and the Cute Card Thursday Challenge too...I'm going to hopefully have an organising day today, make lists to do for Christmas, get organised with my DT work and sort out the decorations...keep your fingers firmly crossed for me that I at least get two out of three done...whatever your up to today I hope your not running around starting things and it a relaxing one for you instead

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

hat - antique linen, peeled paint, shabby shutters

top - pumice stone, antique linen

trousers and hair ties - fired earth, frayed burlap

shoes - antique linen, peeled paint, shabby shutters

shading - pumice stone

MO'S DIGITAL PENCIL MONTHLY BLOG HOP TIME...

Good morning everyone...well have you got any of the white stuff yet where you are...ours has gone but it has been blowing up a storm for the last two days...bbbbbrrrrr...anyway enough weather forecasting...its time for our Mo's Digital Pencil Dreamteams monthly blog hop again and of course as always there's a chance to win one of two $5 store credits for Mo's Digital Pencil just for leaving comments...so don't forget them. Our theme this month is to Create a Gift Tag and you should have arrived here from the super talented

KALY

but if you didn't and you want to follow the hop and of course a chance to win, just pop on over to Alexandra's blog to start at the beginning

now I have never made a tag but decided I would instead of girlie and pretty I would go for a boy tag and used this fantastic Who Me? image for mine...I just love the look on his face don't you, so cheeky lol...I coloured him with my distress inks and used more of my favourite pad atm...I bought the lush Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Santa's List pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and the sentiments and holly leaves I cut are from the same pad too...oh and btw can you spot the mistake...ssssshhhh the paper is upside down lol...I added some button berries and a button and ribbon at the top to finish...your next stop along the way on the hop is the fabulous

JAK

who as always will have something stunning to show you...I'm entering my tag for the Love To Scrap Challenge, Craft Your Passion Challenge, Cards for Men Challenge and Cute Card Thursday challenge too...Its supermarket day with my lovely Dad today so that means 'put the world to rights' coffee time too so I better get some war paint on...don't forget your comments along the way and enjoy the rest of the hop

Mina xxx 

distress ink colours used

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

hat, scarf and jacket - pumice stone, fired earth

gloves and boots - fired earth

jeans - stormy sky

its becoming an addiction...

Good morning everyone how are you all?...well and happy?...bbbbrrrrr its freezing here and the ground is white with hailstones, so here it comes...oh no run away lol...poor Phil in the hope of kick starting my festive mojo got all the Christmas decorations from the attic, I had a little rummage through them but nope no festive spirit popped up yet...I seriously need help to get some festivity from somewhere so all suggestions gratefully accepted I mean for goodness sake even the Marks and Spencer's ads aren't working lol...right now my card for today...this Sugar Nellie Simply adorable is one of my all time favourites...hes called Nathan and like all the adorable's hes a dream to colour...I used my distress inks and teamed him up with some stunning papers from the Carta Bella So this is christmas 6x6 paper pad, I'm sorry to say that I bought the last one from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...oops lol...but there are loads of other Christmas pads to choose from...I added a spotty bow and finished with a mixture of buttons from the button packs at Bunny Zoe's...buttons are beginning to become a bit of an addiction for me aren't they...the fabulous sketch is from the Mojo Monday Challenge I love love love their sketches...I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge and the Lady Anne's Challenge too...if the weather wasn't so white here I think I would go for a little mooch in town but the way my legs go from underneath me I'm as dangerous in snow as one the stairs so may just stay put...I think a bit of safe crafting sitting on my lush comfy office chair is called for instead what do you think?...whatever your up to today I hope wherever you are its warm and cosy, I wont be around tomorrow but will be back on Thursday with my Mo's Digital Pencil monthly blog hop post

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

eyes - tumbled glass

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

top - antique linen, faded jeans

bear - stormy sky, pumice stone, spun sugar

Oh and before I forget theres a brand new Winter Wonderland release this weekend at Funky Kits...so of course Sugar Nellie is having a unveiling so I will be back for that too xxx

jump for joy...

Good morning everyone...did you have a fabulous weekend?, not too rainy I hope, it was a bit soggy here for the whole weekend, its so frustrating having all the new flowers for the decking and not being able to get going with them...Phil planted some but had to come in cause the rain got the best of him...there will be a flurry of activity when the sun does come out though lol, we did head out on Saturday though, had a little mooch around town then to look at some cars with my Dad (he still hasnt chosen which make he would like), then Sunday it was a lazy day with a yummy lunch of poached salmon, salad and hersey royal potatoes followed by fresh berries and tiramasu...yum yum yum...so despite the weather it turned out not a bad weekend...right now my card for today is fro our new challenge at Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly Challenge...this month our Guest DT member chose the theme of Case The DT Member...my card is made using this super fantastic and perfect for a boy card Magnolia stamp...hes from the Magnolia Once Upon a Time collection and is called Game on Edwin...I loved using him hes fantastic to colour...I used my usual distress inks for him and cut him out so he could jump off the card

I teamed him up with a brand new paper collection from Bazzill Basics called Bazzill Basics 6x6" Multipack - Freedom...these are fantastic heavyweight papers perfect for 4th July, boys or girls cards...you will be seeing more of these I promise you, they are lush to use...I finished my card with a fab bow made with some Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Blue, a few buttons from the Big Red - 25g pack and some pieces of washi from the Section SMASH Tape roll...everything I used except the sentiment letters are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the Papertake Weekly Challenge, Cute Card Thursday challenge and the Crafty Catz Challenge to...I'm going to have a bit of a crafting day today as I have loads to catch up on...whatever your up to have a brilliant sunny day (fingers crossed for you) and if you get some time hop on over to the Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly challenge and have a look at the amazing work of our super talented DT and see which member you will choose to case...have a good one

Mina xxx
p.s. some good news with a sale on this and others too just click to go there

 

distress ink colours used

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

hair, shoes and moustache - black soot

hat - faded jeans, fired brick

dungarees - faded jeans, fired brick

gloves - fired brick

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

I'm bbbbbaaaacccckkkk.....

Good morning everyone and yes at last I'm back, did you miss me, bet you never even noticed lol...we have had a fab weekend...Friday afternoon my lovely Dad spent outrageously flirting with his audiologist while she switched his hearing aids up another notch...he can almost hear a pun drop now and there's no chance of whispering behind his back now lol then Friday night was a surprise dinner party in a local hotel for my Aunt and Uncle for their 50th wedding anniversary...how amazing is that 50 years, you should have seen their faces when they walked in, it was a total surprise and a lot of tears flowed from everyone...it was fantastic catching up with all the family and my Dad, Sister, her husband and Phil were there too...our Daughter and her other half were meant to be there but she was still away but she was gutted she couldn't be there and it would have been a chance for her other half to meet everyone who only get together at occasions like this...we had a shopping, lunch kinda day on Saturday then Sunday was a family lunch, our beautiful Daughter came home for a day and a half and was full of excitement and brimming over with all the things she had been doing and how much she is loving it to bits...I'm so pleased for her and was so full of pride when she told us how well she is doing I thought I would cry at one stage...soppy bugger I am lol...phew that was a lot of info, see what happens when your broken down for a few days lol...right now onto my card for today...now who else could draw this stunning image but Mo from Mo's Digital Pencil...this is the fabulous Baby Fairy Bee, she is just so so cute in her bee outfit isn't she...I coloured her with my usual distress inks and teamed her up with these lush papers from one of my new buys from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, they are from the Kaisercraft - Remember Me 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad, now you all know my passion for paper and I love Kaisercraft pads but this one is something special, some are flocked some are glossed, its just a shame they don't show up more in the photos...you will be seeing a lot more of this pad as its so lush I wont be able to resist using it...I finished my card with some Thickers letter stickers and loads of punched butterflies...the fab sketch is from the Crafty Catz Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge and the Joanna Sheen Challenge too...it will be a busy busy busy week this week as we are away for a week from Saturday for the holiday for my Dads Birthday present, so packing, doing posts doing DT work etc, I will probably pass myself in the hall a few times I'm sure...have a fabulous day and I hope its a bit more relaxing then mine

Mina xxx

p.s. I will be back later with my Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy winner

distress ink colours used

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

hair - antique linen

bee outfit - black soot, scattered straw, antique linen

flower - peeled paint, barn door, pumice stone

shading - pumice stone

a breath of Summer...

Good morning everyone have you anything exciting planned...its that season again the motor bike racing has started and Phil is off on one of his marshaling expeditions, I don't mind though at least I get to see him all week now hes home so don't begrudge him his days and weekends away in racing season at all...anyway I need to go to the opticians again with my Dad to pick up his new glasses...ooooohhhh I must admit I'm dead excited about him getting his hearing aids next week though after years of him not being able to hear properly it will take some getting used to for him...the audiologist is excellent though and has said it will only be half power first and will be switched up over some weeks because it would be a shock to his system all at once, I was quite relieved when she said that...its bound to be wonderful for him because it had to have been so frustrating for him...at least I have a card to show you today I just didn't have time yesterday as I had a lot of DT stuff to do...I used another of Janey's Digi Designs images for my card today...how lush is this Lupin, I love using Jane's images they always remind me of summer don't they?...I coloured it with distress inks and teamed it up with some lush papers from a My Minds eye 6x6 Honey Cake paper pad...fab colours aren't they and a great contrast with the blue I think...I finished my card with some gorgeous organza ribbon and bow and a few buttons from my stash...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering it for the Digi Darla's Challenge and the Cute Card Thursday challenge too...I'm off to make pasta sauce for tonight's dinner as I never know what time Phil will arrive home from the racing so its good to have something fast on the go then I need a couple of layers of the old war paint before heading out with my lovely Dad...whatever your up to today I hope you have a fun filled one

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

flowers - stormy sky, tumbled glass

leaves and stems - shabby shutters, crushed olive

it aint over till...

Good morning everyone, well how was your Christmas, any mishaps and was the jolly guy in the red suit good to you all...I hope so...well I'm back and creating after my little break, did you miss me...bet you didn't even notice I wasn't posting lol...we had a lovely Christmas quiet and just the four of us but I thought for a few minuets on Christmas morning we were going to spend the day in casualty...we (me and Phil) were standing in the kitchen and heard this massive thud, Phil looked out the window and yelled 'omg shes fallen'...our Daughter who was on the deck with her cat had slipped and fallen, her other half was white with shock as her long hair came forward and she had landed so close to a wooden bench her hair was resting on it, he thought she had smashed her face into the bench, well we all did...phew luckily though the only real things besides from a few bruises and scrapes was a very very dirty pair of new Christmas pj's which were easily sorted out...well it certainly made sure we were all awake anyway but for a second or two I could have burst into tears just at the thought of what it could have been like...shes terrible for breaking bones she has already had two broken wrists and a broken nose so like her Mum just a tad accident prone lol...everything else went without a hitch and my Sister and her lovely family, Dad, Daughter and her other half and us all spent the day after boxing day together...loved it and I might have just gone over the top a tad on the food front though...well I'm a Mum and its in my genes to feed isn't it lol...right now my first card since the holidays and I'm sorry but the Christmas aren't over just yet, I love making them don't you and who can blame me with a cutie like this to colour...this fabulous little scene stamp is from the Mulberry Wood collection and is called Merry & Bright...how cute is that elephant...I used my usual distress inks and some Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust the lush paper is Magnolia Holly Script 12" x 12" Paper backed with some plain red cardstock and I finished with a tag cut from the the name strip of the paper and some lush green ribbon, everything except the ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and loads on sale too...the fab sketch is from Stampin' Royalty challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and the Cute Card Thursday challenge too...well I'm off to hit the Next sale today to spend some gift cards I got in my stocking...wish me luck, I hate sales but have to see whats on offer lol...whatever your up to today have a lovely day and I hope you find some bargains too

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

shading in sky and elephant - pumice stone, spun sugar

snowflakes - stormy sky

trees - crushed olive, shabby shutters

mouse - antique linen, victorian velvet

envelope - antique linen

outfit and mouses scarf - barn door

nothing says Christmas like a green spotty hat...

Good morning everyone...hands up who has their Christmas tree up yet...er...that wouldn't be us then lol...poor Phil didn't get home until sixish and by the time we ate and caught up with the chatter for the day it was too late to start putting the living room one up...but I have a tree ordered online which we will pick up today so will get them both up today hopefully....my lovely Dad rang to see if I fancied a little mooch around the shops so we headed out and I bought some more baubles, some lush tin ornaments and a box of white tipped pine cones and a hanging set of tin hearts which jangle away but I have a feeling after a while they will grind a bit lol...we were walking around a shop and Christmas songs were playing over the tanoy and walking past one of the assistants he was singling away to them, I said 'someones happy, you sound really festive'...his reply ' its day 1, wait until the 24th I will be sick of the sounds of this soundtrack'...bless him lol...right my card for today is using an amazing image from the wonderful Mo's Digital Pencil, I love the face on this stunning Lhasa Apso with Santa Hat don't you...so funny and cute...I coloured him very simply by shadowing him with distress inks and paper pieced his hat and bow...the fabulously christmassy paper is from Echo Park's Merry Christmas collection and is called Winter Wonderland...lush isn't it...I finished with a fantastic sparkly Cosmic Green/Gold Glitter Ribbon-25mm ribbon from Crafts & Me...this is a stunning ribbon and its available in loads of colours too (I have a few more to show you so watch out for them), and a sentiment tag cut from the name strip of the paper...the lush sketch is from the Papertake Weekly challenge and I'm also entering it for the Creative Inspirations challenge and the Cute Card Thursday challenge too...we are off out today, Phil's work is so so busy atm we have to take any opportunity to get all our Christmas shopping done while we can just in case he has to work weekends again and of course we have to pick up our lush new 7.5 ft Christmas tree, cant wait...whatever your up to today I hope its something festive and fun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

shading - pumice stone

my baubles...

Good morning everyone did you have a fab day yesterday? and an even better one planned for today I hope...we went to the craft and antiques fair yesterday and walking in was like a massive hit of instant Christmas...it was all the smells of the handmade candles and spiced buns and cakes and the sights of the wonderfully made wreaths and Christmas ornaments and there was Christmas carols playing too...it was wonderful and Phil was in his element and loved every second of it, he chatted away with the stall holders and was asking all about how they made the ornaments and wreaths etc...we bought some amazing glittered cupcakes and a couple of small ornaments for our tree (which we still don't have lol)...and there was someone selling revamped furniture and I was so so tempted to buy four retro chairs that were painted duck egg blue with some really funky sixties style fabric for the pads, they were so lush but no matter how hard I tried I could figure out where to use them where they would be shown off, we have six off white ladderback dining chairs so couldn't use them for the dining table and they deserved more than to be stuck in bedrooms so I resisted...now talking of ornaments I'm quite embarrassed to show you my first attempts above, mind remember they are prototypes and hopefully the real things will get better...well I hope they will

right now for my card for today using this super cute little stamp from Marianne Designs...shes called Daisy Autumn I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her gorgeous little coat... I think she works great for a Christmas card don't you especially with these lush papers from the Glitz 6x6" Paper Pack - Joyeux Noel pack...I also used a sentiment stamp from the Kaisercraft Clear Stamps - Twig & Berry Postmarks set, this is a fabulous set for all your Christmas cards and even for the sentiment inside...everything except the fabulous green satin ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts

the fab sketch is from the Try Stampin' On Tuesday Challenge and Im also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge and the Gem of a Challenge...we are heading out today I don't know where yet but we have to get my Dad out of the house and his mind distracted from the fact it would have been my Mums Birthday today...of course a bit of spoiling and a couple of hugs are in order for him too...whatever your up to today have fun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - frayed burlap

dress - barn door

boots - frayed burlap

umbrella - barn door, peeled paint

leaves and shading - painted paint, antique linen

twinkle, twinkle...

Good morning everyone, what you got planned for this weekend? anything exciting...we don't have anything planned at all which is really nice after the last few whirling dervish months we have had...we are going to head into town early morning and have a huge breakfast together, then a little mooch around the shops looking for curtains for the living room and maybe a coffee mid morning...fabulous I'm chilling just thinking about it...it comes to something when shopping is our idea of relaxing lol...we even had a couple of mojitos last night we had a few on holiday and got hooked so I found a recipe and tried it out last night...they were nice but of course not as nice as on holiday...its a bit different sitting in 23c sipping and ice filled drink than sitting in our living room heat on full blast sipping a drink with too much ice in isn't it lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this gorgeous Sugar Nellie Heavenly Angel stamp, isn't she beautiful, I coloured her really softly and glittered the cloud and stars...the fabulous holly paper is from Rico Design it dosent have a name just a number...I don't normally go for paper this dark but I liked the contrast in the colours of the two sides...I finished with some metal stars and a few scattered pearls...the lush sketch is from Mojo Monday (love every one of their sketches) and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and Paper Crafting Journey challenge too...I'm off to get myself glammed up for my day out and my tum is rumbling at the thought of my ulster fry breakfast yum yum,we go to a teeny little cafe that sells the best one ever...should I tell you whats on it and make you hungry too...sausages, bacon, eggs, pancakes, potato bread, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and enjoy your breakfast

Mina xxx

something I havent done for ages...

Good morning everyone I hope whatever you were up to this weekend was fabulous and your all well...thanks for all your well wishes, I will be champion although I must admit the face ache is annoying and I have to keep walking around with a pen and paper pad to be understood lol...but I will be fine in no time I'm sure, Phil reckons I'm going to the Docs this morning if my voice isn't any better (thats what he thinks lol), hard to explain to him that most throat problems are viral and there's nothing a Doctor can that I cant to help of that's what it is, so why waste his time...we did have a little venture out yesterday though, I went to the Next sale...omg it was like a huge jumble sale and they had the heating on so it was boiling hot in there, so we didn't stay even five minuets, I'm sure there was nothing there I couldn't live without lol...I don't like TK Max for the same reasons too, why do they insist on keeping shop's heated to volcanic level, it does nothing for us women of a certain age does it lol...oh and I finally bought Fifty shades of Grey, well I thought I better see what all the fuss was about...right now onto my card for today which is using this super cute Gorjuss girl stamp called Dream of Tennis...I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her fab little dress with the same papers I used for the card...they are from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Doodle Deux pad, I love the gorgeous colours in this pad don't you...I finished with a few buttons from the Prima Buttons - Doodle Deux pack and a sentiment ribbon from my stash...everything except the ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts ...the fab sketch is from the Cute Card Thursday challenge and I'm also entering it for the Card Makin Mamas challenge and The Crafty Pad challenge...my Sister and her family are visiting from Belfast today so we will be heading out I'm sure...whatever your up to today have a good one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
shading - pumice stone
tights and tennise racket - stormy sky

sleepy...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy...I'm shattered today our Daughter and her other half's flight from Amsterdam was delayed so it ended up it was the small hours of this morning that we finally got home and by the time the luggage was moved, stories were told and I fed them (well I'm a Mum and its my job lol) it was after 3am when I finally got to bed...so I'm a bit fuddle headed this morning and I don't want to see one of you say 'no change there then' lol, I don't mind waiting around in airports as I love people watching and wondering where they are rushing to or from and what their 'stories' are, too much imagination as my Mum used to say...my Dads home and looking wonderfully brown and well, he had a brilliant time and it turned out he was just to tired to go to England and is going in July instead...did you all enjoy the hop yesterday, how amazing was every ones work with the ethnic skin tones...right now enough waffle Mina, I think I need to go back to bed for a few hours so I will get on with it...my card for today is using this beautiful Saturated Canary image called To The Lake...isn't she gorgeous in these colours, I used distress inks to colour her and matched her up with this amazingly bright and gorgeous double sided paper from the Echo Park Summer Days collection called Scallops ...love these colours together don't you?...I finished with some pearls and Prima flowers...the little summer days tag is cut from the info strip from the paper, waste nothing remember lol...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge and I'm also entering it for the Charisma Cardz challenge and Cute Card Thursday challenge too...right I'm off back to bed for a couple of hours then a bit of crafting I think, colouring for the soul will buck me up no end...whatever your up to today do it quietly so you don't wake me lol
Mina xxx
p.s. todays the last day to enter my candy...links on the top of the sidebar if you havent entered already go on, you never know you could win

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
eyes - tumbled glass
bikini - spiced marmalade
shorts - dusty concord
flip flops - spiced marmalade, dusty concord
ring - shabby shutters, scattered straw
toe nails and lips - fired brick

butterflies everywhere...

Good morning everyone are you all well...go on let me know what you have arranged for the weekend...anything exciting?...Phil has to pop into work today so we cant go far as its his turn to be in charge in case hes needed, I need to go to the craft shop for card to make my blanks with though (well that's my excuse ssssshhhhhh dont say anything lol)...we had a lovely lunch the other day and then I held my Daughters bags while she tried on just about everything she could get her hands on in a vintage clothes shop, of course I ended up buying her a jacket that looked like it had been made for her, its a shame the prices weren't vintage lol...but it looked so stunning on her it was worth every penny and I think shes all set to head of to Amsterdam on Monday ...my lovely Dad is home on Sunday but then hes straight off for a week in England, international jet setter at 79 not bad eh?...right now onto my card for today which is using this stunning Cerridwen image from Saturated Canary...isn't she beautiful...there's three stamps on this card though, the two butterflies are from the Kaisercraft Clear Stamps - Tigerlilly this is just two of the butterflies from this stunning set, I stamped the butterflies on some of the Kaisercraft - The Lake House 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad papers which I also used for the card...another amazing Kaisercraft paper pads, I bought the stamp set and pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts I finished with some lush pink ribbon and punched lace...the sketch is a past sketch from Mojo Monday...I'm entering this for the Cute Card Thursday challenge, The Ribbon Girl blog challenge, Saturated Canary Challenge and the Digital Tuesday challenge...well I'm off to finish my Daughter and her other half's washing as their washing machine has broken down, just in time to do all the washing they needed done for Amsterdam...hhhmmmmm funny that isn't it lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant fun one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
lips & butterflies - victorian velvet
eyes - broken china
hair - pumice stone, Marvy grey pen
dress - spun sugar
gloves - broken china

roses and pearls galore...

Good morning everyone, how you all doing...I still haven't managed to do any blog commenting, I'm hanging my head in shame I'm such a bad blogger but when I'm feeling a bit better I will catch up with you all I promise...I got fed up with sitting in yesterday so got ready to go out walked to the bus stop but by the time I got there I was shattered and came back home for a sleep instead lol...oh well I got some fresh air anyway but I bet the neighbours thought I was nuts though...you know I do hop by blogs every night but just a flying visit but don't always leave a comment but I do like a little nosy at what you have been doing as they always inspire me...right now onto my card for today which is for our new Challenge at Crafts and Me Challenge this week...this time is our wonderful Rose's choice and she chose the theme of Roses and Pearls...fab theme isn't it...I chose to use the beautiful Rest on the Horizon from Crafts and Me for my card and coloured her with distress inks...now how stunning is this Graphic45 paper, I love it...its from the Tropical Travelogue collection and is called Hibiscus Heaven...I finished with some beautiful Wild Orchid roses, a beautiful satin ribbon and bow and a scattering of pearls...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the Wild Orchid Challenge and Cute Card Thursday challenge too...I haven't a clue what I'm up to today well besides for lying around feeling sorry for myself again lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
tail - tattered rose, antique linen

magical...

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well...can someone please switch that big tap in the sky off it seems to be stuck on sprinkler setting, it has been raining here for the last 24 hours and everything is very soggy...ok now enough is enough lol...hands up everyone who thought we would find sunglasses for my Dad...nope you were wrong and over coffee came to the conclusion it would be easier for him to get what he wants in Dublin Airport...well that was my excuse not to go to anymore shops anyway lol...I did get his Euro for him though and a few more bits and pieces, he is so looking forward to the wedding in Sicily and I so wish I was going too, but there isn't the space so I will just have to settle for phone photos of the day and sitting here in the soggy rain...do you all feel sorry for me lol...right now onto my card for today, how stunning is this beautiful Mermaid Lola from Make it Crafty, she is amazing to colour too...I used my usual distress inks and teamed her up with these lush papers from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Fairy Belle pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I love this pad, the soft muted colours and patterns go with so many images...I added a beautifully soft grey organza ribbon and bow, pretty little gems, a crown charm and a stick on sentiment from my stash...I cant remember where the sketch is from (my brain is waterlogged lol) but I'm entering it for the Cute Card Thursday, Simon Says Stamp challenge and the Paper Crafting Journey challenge too...I'm all by myself for the next two days as my lovely Phil is away camping so he can do some marshaling at the races, so two days of crafting, crafting and er maybe just a bit of crafting I think...I'm looking forward to trying out some new things I have wanted too for a while...bliss...whatever your up to today have a fabulous one and I hope its a dry one too
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - milled lavender
top and tail - milled lavender, victorian velvet

I so want that bag...

Good morning did you all have a fantastic weekend, I hope you did, we had a great one, oh and I forgot to tell you yesterday before we set off for the craft show then Ikea I double checked the stock on the two bedside tables we were wanting and they had a full stock...well when we got there was not a single one left....hhhhmmmmmmmm could it be because they were half price for Ikea Family members...I know I was going to the craft show anyway but as its a 110 miles round trip for us I would have been very miffed if we had just gone for the tables...oh well we had lunch there anyway, long trip for a bit of salmon though lol... did you all enter my candy yet, if not its on the post below its one I wouldn't mind winning so pop down after this and enter, you never know do you, you might win...its Phil's first full day at work today, I'm all nervous for him although I don't know why, he is excellent at what he does and I know it, it was strange last night as Sunday nights are usually spent alone as he used to travel back on Sunday, it was strange but strange in a nice way, does that make sense, well it did to me when I wrote it lol...right now onto my card for today...how amazingly cute and gorgeous this stunning To Grammy's image is, it is of course from Mo's Digital Pencil...that much gorgeousness has to be by Mo doesn't it, I so want that heart shaped bag too...I coloured her with distress inks and the lush yummy coloured papers are from a pad I bought at the show (bargain half price too)...its a My Minds Eye-A Happy Heart 6x6 pad...fabulous pad...I finished my card with two colours of ribbon, a few pearls and a metal heart charm (more show purchases)...the fab sketch is from the One Stop Craft Challenge and I'm also entering it for the CYDA Challenge, Crafty Catz Weekly challenge and Cute Card Thursday challenge...I'm off to get some shopping today, I thought I would make a stir fry and maybe some cupcakes today ...oooohhhhhhh get me all domesticated, Phil better not get too used to it lol...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
sking - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
coat and hat - victorian velvet, stormy sky
bag - victrian velvet
dolls outfit - stormy sky, scattered straw,
dress - scattered straw
flowers on hat - scattered straw,shabby shutters

whos a sassy girl then...

Good morning everyone did you all have a fantastic weekend?, I hope you did and that your all well, I feel a lot better since we went out yesterday, I really needed some fresh air I think and the sun shone all day too although the wind would have cut you in half it was so cold, we had a mooch around the shops and I even bought the new paint brushes I desperately needed, mine seemed to have had an arguments, all the bristles were going in opposite directions...so hopefully colouring will go a little more smoothly from now on...well that's the plan anyway ...oooohhhhhh I forgot to say yesterday I just noticed I'm only a few followers away from an amazing 1500 follower, how amazing is that...oh no I feel a big candy coming on...I have already started collecting the bits and prizes together so watch this space...right now onto my card for today which is using this amazing Saturated Canary digi called Circus Trixie, don't you just love her and wow all that hair to colour to my hearts content...I coloured her with distress inks and used some of these amazing papers I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...these are from the Echo Park This & That Graceful pad...lush aren't they and perfect colours to work with for Spring/Summer...I finished my card with a rub on, some lush bright green satin ribbon and a selection of flowers from my stash...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and Card Makin Mamas challenge ...right I'm off to try out my new brushes today so I feel a mega colouring session coming on...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress - tattered rose, pine needles, shabby shutters
hoops and ribbon - tattered rose, victorian velvet

watch out for that sympathy fairy...she will creep up and bite you in the butt...

Good morning everyone, thanks for all your good wishes, I'm feeling loads better, still sore throat but not as bad feeling which makes all the difference doesn't it, I think my day lying around watching bad tv did me the world of good, I'm not sure Phil will agree when he hears my cough though...a word of warning today I forgot to mention that last week I tripped up the stairs and fell with my hand onto the vacuum, I whacked my wrist and boy did it smart, I was fine but it left a big blood blister welt across my palm where I fell across the the vacuum foot...so I was talking to Phil that night and was telling him, although like you hes used to me being a klutz by now, did I get sympathy...er...no lol...his reply 'were you drunk, did you have floppy socks on or did you trip over your jim jams' oh yes ha ha very funny says I...well last night I was chatting on the phone to him and he was telling me he went for a walk across the fields at the farmhouse and tripped, whacked his hand on a stone and grazed him chin....so did I give him sympathy...er...no lol...I said ' were you drunk, did you have floppy socks on etc etc'...see watch out for the sympathy fairy she will bite you on the bum when you least expect it lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this fantastic Chocolate Smile from Mo's Digital Pencil, only the wonderful Mo could draw that smile...I coloured her with distress ink and teamed her up with these amazing papers from the new Echo Park -This and That Charming 6x6 paper pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, gorgeous papers aren't they...fantastic colours...I added a couple of ads from the same paper pad and finished with some buttons, pins and a distressed green gingham ribbon...the lush sketch is from the Fussy and Fancy Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and Really Reasonable Ribbons challenge too...I'm going to see how I am later and might just take a little walk into town, or maybe not as it snowed and hail stoned here yesterday so might just stay in the warm...whatever your up to today remember give sympathy as you never know when you might need it back lol
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
socks - pine needles
dungarees - pine needles, crushed olive
chocolate - walnut stain