An Inferiority complex

Oh how I laughed.. my post yesterday had a great reply from my sis, Julie..

She loves my lickle phoney-woney.. although it could be said, not as much as I! .. and she said yesterday that I needed to text her off my phone, because her phone has a severe inferiority complex now. Poor thing.. I didn't mean to hurt it's feelings! I just needed a new contract and after shopping around on Friday, this contract was offered and I couldn't refuse.. and when faced with a choice of phones, this one said 'buy me!!'.

So, what have I been upto this weekend? Well, as it happens, not alot. I was going to nip off to the show at Harrogate on Sunday, but decided to spend some quality time at home with the family. Being away last weekend meant enjoy this weekend to the max. And besides.. housework desperately needed doing. lol. I did however, find time to nip over and see my Sis and family. I can't believe how much the kids grow up. Sam, my neice, was having a bad hair day... Liam, nephew, was covered in mud - he'd been playing with the big boys at rugby, and mum.. well, she's just as daft as me! There's really no hope for me in the coming years at all!! Haha.

I didn't manage to hook up with my other neice, Stacey, who had the most beautiful baby boy a few weeks ago now.. She is quickly becoming a close second to ol' Nigella... what a great domestic goddess eh? Word of warning here.. I bought the book thinking it was going to make me a more fulfilled goddessy-type housewife, and in fact, it's just a baking book, which makes me a more filled and rounded (!) person.. which I am trying to shed! Bummer!

On another note.. I didn't manage to get any crafting done, but I did manage to find the most perfect ribbon for a couple of cards I wanted to make. It's lacy type.. and it looks lovely.

Well, it's Monday 9.08am, and I suppose I better these these loungy furmonsters up and out of bed, otherwise they'll stay there all day.. and I've got work that needs finishing.. !

Speak later.

Loved up

Don't you just love this picture... this is my cuddly twosome, Holly and her Beau, Scooby. She adores him, and he does her. Sweet. This is the first blog post with a difference.

I'm playing with my new mobile - I can blog from it!!! How great is that! This is a novelty for me because I'm not all that technical with a mobile, but this one is sooo pretty not to use to it's full capacity! So watch out, if I'm away from home.. my blog can still be updated.. Neat eh?

My new phone, do you like it?

I absolutely love it! And it's a Sony Ericcson, not a Samsung like I always have. My phone number has changed too, so if you need it - if you had my previous one - please email me and I'll get it off to you.

Right.. off to go and soak myself in a lovely, bubbly bath - not with the phone though! lol.

Oh how lovely!

Hello everyone...

How are you all? Me, I'm good... I've got over my moan the other day - thanks for all your emails.. lol..

I am just here on a waffle again - I forgot to charge my camera battery, so photos later! - but this time it is a really good waffle..

Have you come across Zoe's blog? Wow... she makes some lovely cards. And she is also a really lovely person!! I have just handed over the Daisy and Dandelion blog to her to run. I really don't have the time at the moment to keep up with everything as it is, and am just about caught up with cards for companies -just another 12 to finish for Tuesday. I have just recieved first design kit for another company too, more on that later. Then I still have a few to make for a couple of digikit companies. Oh it's all go here you know! I would love then to be able to get stuck into doing some challenges for myself.

I am also now well over a hundred cards to send off to Marie Curie, made using lots of bits and pieces from my studio - not that you can tell anything has been used!!

Back to Zoe's blog - this is what she wrote the other day - isn't it lovely?? I am really humbled actually. As a demonstrator, you like to inspire people, but to have it in black and white is so nice.

"...We then had a ride to Donny for the Do Craft demo - these events need a serious health warning. I've been mad at it ever since I got home!

I met the ever so lovely Jo Austin, again, she is such a sweet heart! and a brilliant crafter. She has taught me a lot over the years - I'm normally pretty quiet at the demo's - well the last one I went to I came out of my shell a bit - but normally I just hide in the background.

Jo probally wont remember but at a previous demo she got me to do some stamping as I never liked it - the results were rubbish - but Jo took the time to show me how to stamp and how to blend - and now I love it! Its cost me a fortune but well worth it and I am ever so thankfull - hubby isnt - but hey you cant please everyone!

I've picked up lots of tips today, especially about blending on the edges of the cards - I love this effect but Jo's way is brill, so I will, well I HAVE used it already and will be using it again.But the best thing today was some storage for my clear stamps - I was well impressed and as soon as my feet came in the house I was scouting for bit n bobs to make one for myself - I knew if I didnt do it today then it wouldnt get done.

So I've made TWO!!! I'll take some pics in the morning as its so bad light tonight but I am chuffed to bits with them.So, who is the TV star I met - well it was Jo and she signed me one of cards cos she is going to be on create and craft in the next week or so, she is filming 2 shows on Monday and they will be aired soon after - its for the company that makes the Eazi score boards - so watch out for her!

How nice is that? Thank you so much Zoe.

Well, I'm off to see if my batteries have charged.. so may well see you later.

So.. what have I been upto?

I am absolutely shattered! I feel absolutely worn out today, and I'm sure it's because I've had such a busy couple of days.

I had a demonstration on Saturday, which was very busy all day and I had lots of fantastic crafters come to visit. Even my buddy Zoe came to gather a little bit of inspiration - as if she needs it! She is a lovely lady who always tries to come to my demo's and actually, it's lovely to see a familiar face or two there..

So, after a busy day on Saturday, I spent most of Sunday at home doing the housewifey types of things and of course enjoying Mother's Day. I was quite sad on the morning, when I found out Jade Goody had passed away. It's such a shame for someone so young to lose their life to cancer. I know people didn't always agree with her televising her illness, but I reckon if it leaves that memory in peoples heart to go and regularly get their smear tests and to act on the results, then it's all good. I just feel so sorry for her boys and her mum.. it must've been awful for them. People can decide to agree or disagree with me, but I thank her dearly for making folks realise just how awful cancer can be and how quickly you need to act on it ... Rest in Peace Jade.

Anyway..

Later on Sunday, I was packing my case ready to set off for Peterborough. I was due at Create and Craft at 7am on Monday to do a day of filming. I was filming on behalf of Phyllis and Diamond Card Craft and had two shows to pre-record. I was filming 9am to 11am, another Jo was filming the second show 12 until 2, and I did the last one at 3 until 5.

I got to the hotel around 8.30pm, and met up with Phyll and Jo to discuss the program. Settled into the room around 10.15pm, had a shower and went to bed... and didn't sleep! In fact, at half past three, I decided to get up and get a cuppa. I sat from 4am making cards (yep, I took my kit with me.. lol) and travelled to the studio for 7.

My floor manager was the lovely Howard (such a laugh and genuine nice guy!). The first couple of hours was taken up with setting up the product, product shots, set display and talking through the program.

I was recording the show with Nigel and I must say, we had a right old giggle! It was so funny. He has such a wonderful personality and a cheeky sense of humour! He's sooooo nice and really puts you at ease. The shows went well I think, the first one I was more nervous than the second, but hey... we had fun!

I drove home yesterday around 6pm, after packing up my kit, loading the car and having a coffee.. and then YES!!!! My own bed and cuddles with the hubby and pupsters when I got back! The pooches missed me terribly apparantly and never settled on Sunday night, or yesterday until I got back. This morning, they've done nothing but sleep! Cute!! Oh how I love em!

So.. today.. and back to crafting. I really need to get this design work finished and posted, then I have some Debbi Moore product to get going with. That has to be back for the 31st for a show that is going out.

Well, thanks for reading all my waffle... I'll be back later with some cards.. promise!!

Oooh Aahhh just a little bit....

Hello all...

I thought I'd nip on and share a couple of cards with you this morning. They were made yesterday for my demo at the Range, Doncaster which is tomorrow 10am - 4pm.

This first one was made using the beautiful Papermania cat kit. It comes in a box with the papers, double sided cardstock, embellishments and alphabet.. a great little scrapbook kit! I've made a project with the dog papers too, but didn't get a chance to photograph it this morning.

I love these papers, they are so cute. Beautiful colours. Even the little flower embellies have pom poms on!

This card was just a quickie with the lovely little Daisy and Dandelion stamp sets that are out. I love this little bear. He's so cute!

I used the Daisy and Dandelion papers too, then restamped the flower a few times and layered them onto the front of the card. Here's a close up of the flower.

Last but not least, a little box... any guesses to what's inside? Well, I'm not showing that.. so you'll have to come along to the demo to find out.. LOL. The papers were some more from the PM Cat Kit. Lovely aren't they?

Cuddle Time

I love this image! And actually - shock, horror - I actually quite like this card!



This is the card I made for the Lili of the Valley Challenge.


This week, we have a lovely sketch by Donalda. Why not pop over and take a look and even join in. There are prizes to be won most weeks, so give it a go.

Lili of the Valley also have some new products coming out soon.

They are releasing some new Teabags Made Easy sets. If people would like to buy them, they are called Cottage Garden Teabag Effects and Sports Teabag Effects and they will be previewed on Ideal World on Tuesday 24th March at 11am.

They will only be available there and at Exhibitions, next ones to mention are Stitch and Craft at Olympia, London this weekend, Great Northern Papercrafts Extravaganza, Harrogate on 28th and 29th March and Ally Pally on 18th and 19th April.


Also, just in case you didn't know, Kirsty Wiseman's new cd is going to be available at the Great Northern Papercrafts Extravaganza, Harrogate on the same weekend. She will be on the Art from the Heart stall.. Why not nip over and say Hi? And grab this fantastic cd too.. It's very arty and colourful.

Cor Blimey... I'm in a daft mood..

I've been in a bit of a dafty sorta mood today - must be the sunshine...

Here are a couple of photos from today..

I was having me hair done - I've had a bit of a hair disaster this last couple of weeks, so I'm trying to get it back to normal.. which has worked now look... my lord! I can't stick having me photo taken!!!! But at least my hair looks better!

And I just had to show you this.. it's a lovely card I found over on Becky's blog.. I'll find the link and update later, but if I didn't put it on, I'd have lost it.. isn't it beautiful?

Something you probably didn't know...

Well, it was news to me anyway.. Did you know that Adam Woodyatt, aka Ian Beale from Eastenders is an award winning photographer??

It was a suprise to me, but he does take some seriously lovely photographs.. check his web site out HERE.

Mmmm.. you learn something new everyday!

........... and just a few more....

This is my last lot for today.. just a quick few cards for a couple of challenges out there.. that sorta completes my sample cards now me thinks.. just the odd one to finish.

This is one that I did for a challenge over at Kathy's blog.. Itr also fits in with the Stamp Something challenge

• We have a new challenge for you today and a new sponsor too! This week we are thinking GREEN! Spring is right around the corner as is St. Patty's day, so what better challenge than Green Somethings! All you need to do is use the color green as the main part of your project. So it could be different shades of green papers, ribbons, or flowers. You could use greens to color your image, anything with the color green is good for this challenge.

and also the Secret Crafter

• Onto this week's challenge which has been set by our lovely MANDY. This week she has chosen a theme of: -
  HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT!
  As usual any project but cake must be somewhere on your card

The stamp is one of the Stamp Duos from Papermania, and the papers are the new set from January.. can't remember the name, but will get it for you.

This one also fits the sketch challenge over on Kathy's blog, no. 7, Torn Trios. it also fits with Rosie Dee challenge 26

• Week 26 - Deanne's Challenge
  With Easter looming ever so much closer, that means only one thing! No not chocolate, but Spring, yes I've started to get that feeling in the air that Spring is near :)
  Spring to me is so colorful, so for this week I'd like to see your interpretation of Spring
  

This one is no 6 on Kathy's blog - Swirls and waves. It also fits in with Rosie Dee Challenge 25

• Week 25 - Rosie's Challenge
  .If Spring is on it's way, then it must be getting near to Mothers' day, so with that in mind, I'd like you to show us something to celebrate a special lady in your life. This doesn't have to be a mum as I know there are far too many out there that miss that most special lady in their lives (My DH included). As long as the card is for a lady - friend, daughter, sister, then your creation will qualify.

New Kit... new cards...

Oh I'm loving this new Designer Kit from Docrafts! Wow, what a lot of luvverly stuff I have.

I've made a few sample cards to share with you all using a variety of the products. Unfortunately when I was doing my demo at the Range, Southport on Saturday, there wasn't alot of product (wasn't alot = nothing!) to demonstrate with, so I came away feeling very sorry for the lovely ladies who joined me for the day and weren't able to buy anything new. However, if you're reading this blog ladies, then please enjoy the following, for when you are able to get the new bits.

I've had quite a busy few weeks and crafting has just got in the way of life - usually it's the other way round isn't it? I'm now up to date with most things. I just want to make up some new samples for my demonstration this Saturday at the Range, Doncaster (between 10 and 4). I also have to finish off my bits and pieces for the filming for the Create and Craft shows on Monday. I'm travelling down to Peterborough on Sunday and staying over. I have to be at CC for 7am! Blimey... early morning. LOL..

Oh well, enough waffle.. here are the cards.. enjoy!

This card was made using the lovely Stamp-Duo's stamps. I used the flower head as a mask so that I could chalk the background on the card, then cut them and layered them with silicone.

This card uses the Papermania flowers, the Marie Curie stamps for the background and some lovely background paper to match.

Oh I love elephants! And this one is no exception. These are the new Daisy and Dandelion products. I used the decoupage for the elephant, and the papers for the background. I've used the new stitch templates for the flowers and the borders.

A quick card using the D and D stamps and background papers.

Another decoupage. The papers are also in the pack. I've used the new Papermania flowers and a couple of buttons to finish.

Visiting a technique I haven't done for quite a while, I did a little bit of dry embossing onto the lovely coredinations cardstock. The stamp is from the front of issue 3 of Creativity Life! magasine.

Another quick D and D card, this time I scrunched the coredinations card to create a leathery look for behind the dog. Hope you like it.

Well, that's it for now... I really need to get a shifty on with these other projects.. see ya later!

My blog candy winner

Hi all.. I've just processed the winner through the Random Integer Generator and here's the result -

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:24
Timestamp: 2009-03-12 06:45:05 UTC

So... according to my list of commenters, the winner is

AGNES

So if you can please email me your address I can get this Candy off to you.

thank you so much to everyone who entered.... there may be more candy soon... watch this space!

A few pics - just for Aunty Julie!

Well, what a week it's been - it's Wednesday already and I must say I'm shattered! I've got most of the work done that needs to be done, and still have lots more to trudge through .. oh the joys eh? But I love it, and this is my dream job, so I can't really complain.

I thought I'd nip on this morning to share a few photos with you all, as I can't really share any of the cards I've been working on.. so these are a mix of different things, and a few especially for my sis from my youngest, Martina.. just because she knows how much Aunty Julie loves her cakes!

This is a Red Velvet cake. Martina made it herself from the Rachel Allen cookbook that she got for Christmas. It looks really yummy, but let me tell you it was even more so!

The icing that is in the middle and around the outside, was just like the middle of those little chocolate marshmallow teacakes that you buy.. delicious!

I know it's March, but don't you just love it when everything in the garden starts to grow? Here's the fuschia bush just starting to bud... every year it comes back looking more beautiful than the last. And even my little daffs are growing.

These are the miniature daffies, the heads when they are opened are only around an inch in size. They are beautiful. Since this photo was taken at the weekend, they are now fully open and look great. A lovely splash of colour in a very dog-scruffed garden!

Talking of dogs... look at this little beauty.. !!!!!!

This is Holly - laid in her usual nightly dossing position! She's so funny.. Both Holly and Scooby lay out on their back, and even Truly has done it a few times..

And here are some snapshots of the pupsters from the other day.. enjoy!

This is a lovely pic of Truly. She has come on leaps and bounds since being here nearly a year. She looks completely different to the little matted up, raggy, uncared for dog she was when she arrived from Ireland last May. She is a proper little madam now, with a wonderfully cute personality. And the one below is Miss Snuggly position. She absolutely adores her cuddles. She is such a baby!

Ohhhhh swooon! My handsome boy, Scooby.. He's such a stunner and I love him to bits -my cheeky boy.. He thinks he's a little wall flower, when in fact he's a 26 kilo brick wall! But he's just wonderful and is such a character!

What appealing eyes.. and they're probably thinking 'please will you make me a cuppa tea and let me have a fishy bite!'.. Boooooooooooooooooootiful!

And here's my little Holly. She is so sweet and shy. She just woke up when I pointed the camera at her, I couldn't resist including this little shot of her. She doesn't really like her piccie taken, so to get any at all is a bonus. What a hunny she really is. Bless..

This last photo just had to be included.. This is Kiara, she's one of two cats who live here with the pupsters. She is quite elusive at times so to have her near to have her photo taken is quite a pleasure. lol.

Little Kiara was found years ago -well, 10 in June actually, by our old dog Asti. She had gone for a walk with the ball, down a little lane near us with my hubby and son. Paul threw the ball and Asti went to fetch it, quickly coming out with around 6 little kittens following her. They had all been dumped in a carrier bag in a hedgerow. Paul and Leyton carried them home (no.. not in the carrier bag!) because the road was actually quite a busy road then, and the RSPCA came out to fetch them. We decided we wanted to keep Kiara, because they didn't think she'd survive. She was the smallest one, just around four inches long, and about 2-3 weeks old they guessed. Here she is 10 years later, as cute as a button.

Anyway.. I'm off for now.. photos uploaded, waffling done, now for cards to be made....

see ya later!

.............. and breathe......................

just about anyway.. the blog candy is now closed, and winner will be announced in the next few days...

Back tomorrow with more news... now off to bed!

Blog Candy - feeling generous! This post will stay at the top until 9 March

This blog candy draw has now ended.. winner will be announced over the next couple of days..

Thank you to all who entered.. Keep an eye on this post - I'll update it here!

A blog award

This blog award was given to me the other day (however, I can't remember by whom! how bad am I?) and I thought I'd pass it on.. Thing is, I keep all my awards in a folder and always change their names on saving, but this one I must've forgotten to do and it only came up as a number!


Anyway, here's the award

Ooooh now then.. best comments - I would love to pass it onto 6 peeps who leave me comments most often..

So, that would be

• Tenia,
• Happy Crafter,
• Jan,
• Jane,
• Juanita,
• Marcea

Enjoy the award ladies.. xx

Feeling flowery!

Hi again ..

Two posts in one day - well, actually I'm still laid in bed with the pupsters, they're having a bit of a lazy morning!

I thought I'd just post these cards up to show you the amazing things you can do with vellum! As a parchment crafter I love using vellum in all shapes and sizes and to make flowers is just the best.. funnily enough, it also fits in with the challenge that Julie's set for her blog candy here.

Here are the pics..

My Challenge cards for LOTV

Ooooh.. still plodding on with everything, but at least I can share these two cards with you this morning. These have been sitting in my piccie folder for a few weeks now, until this week's challenge over on the LOTV blog was announced.

I absolutely love this card - and those that know me should know this is a rare occurance!

Here is the little ducky in close up.

And here is a close up of the flower I made at the bottom of the card

As far as I remember, the papers are from DCWV Spring pack from last year. The flower was made using the XCut flower punch from Docrafts.

Here is my second card I made - this was using the LOTV products.. I decided to show one with and one without.. plus I got fed up of them just sitting there doing nothing.. lol.

Now.. I do not have a clue what papers these are, they were dug out of my studio drawers to match in with the stamped image. However, the rub ons for the greeting is Basic Grey and so are the doodles. The buttons at the top of the page I made by punching a circle and doodling on them..

Hope you likey! see you soon xx

Gawd, I'm so stressed.... !

It's not a word I use lightly - only in jest - but today.. I really reallly REALLY am!!

I have just realised it's Wednesday - dustbin day here so I'm up and around extra extra early!

Then I'm at the opticians at half nine because I'm having trouble with keep going dizzy, so just checking the specs as I've a looooooong drive to Southport next weekend. If it's not the specs, then to the doccies I must a-went to get some stop-the-head-whirlygigging pills !

So why I am stressed??

Well, because I've just realised that

• I've got 10 cards to finish for a commission by Friday, but also repeats of (like 2-4 times!!) and all the write ups - although they're looking great so far me thinks..


• I've got samples for Debbi Moore to finish by the end of the week - around 10 cards for that...


• I also have my LOTV card to do I think - not sure if this week's challenge is done & dusted.


• Samples desperately need to be made for my Create and Craft meeting on Tuesday


• I need samples and kits to do my big workshop on Monday - and just realised it's the other side of town and I don't have the car on Monday's (you know, since I wrote the other one off last June!)...


• I have loads of samples to run up for two other companies too - one in the US and one in the UK.. although secretly can't wait to get stuck into these as the things I'm using are FAB!


• And... to top it all, my new Docrafts kit arrived and all I've had time to do with it is look... baa humbug! I need to play.. I need to make my samples for next weekend's demo!
  

Blinkin' eck... don't you ever just think that you wish there were more hours in a day??
But hey.. I've still got something to show you.

These are some cards I made for the oober talented Kirsty Wiseman's printables website.. she loved 'em.. so I hope you do to. Don't forget the cd's out Mid March - I can't wait!!!!!

The papers print out absolutely fantastically and are a joy to use.. When I've got time, I'll be making more. lol..

Thanks for looking - I'm off to have me nervous breakdown now.. I've got a few minutes spare!

A blog award.. for me...

Just before I shoot off and carry on with all the work I need to do this week, I thought I would just share this lovely little Blog Award I recieved from Hazel. Thank you so much Hazel.. it's lovely..

Pretty pretty pretty... a pink ladybird!

Now, all I need to do is to choose 10 people to award it to..

I will nip back later to give the list, as I really need to get stuck in these commissions... xx

I'm rich! I'm rich! I'm rich!!

I just can't believe my luck this past couple of days.. here was I sat on Friday thinking I wish I had more money for crafty spending.. and here I am on Sunday a multi millionaire!

I got an email yesterday from Daniel in Nigeria who informed me that I'd been left £1.5m and I just needed to email him to claim it.. *reminder.. still need to do that*

And today - I've been awarded £12.5m by the FBI in Washington! Apparantly, that was found after checks on my bank account and had been fraudently taken! Whoops - I have so much money I'd not noticed! All I need to do to get my money back is give them all my personal details, addie, phone numbers, passport number etc.. then they'll transfer it through to me by ATM transfer **reminder 2 - I need to find my passport number**

Oh.. bugger... just remembered - I also got an email off the Alliance and Leicester to say that my bank account had been frozen on Friday evening because of unauthorised accesses.. ! Darn it.... it's impossible to keep up with where I have bank accounts with all my millions..

I really need to get my finances sorted.. maybe Joshua in Nigeria could help the FBI and Daniel to ensure I don't get in this mess again..

Right .. off to find my passport number for that ATM transfer..... anyone want a share??????