A bit of Ouch, Sadness, frustration and a card, so not all bad!!!

Good Evening friends.

I would first like to apologise for being a bad blogger this week. As this title suggests it has been a week of  emotional  ups and downs and though I have been looking at your wonderful blogs I have not been commenting. My arm is no better - still got that trapped nerve which is making my fingers numb and making it difficult to make cards so I am relying on cards I have under my belt but not posted yet.

Secondly, my very dear friend Denise,  lost her husband of only 17 months to cancer. They had been together for many years but got married just 17 months ago. The cancer was only diagnosed 12 weeks ago but he sadly lost his brave fight last Monday. Steph was a wonderful man and would put a smile on anyone's face. They were so happy and Denise just doesn't know how she will ever be happy again. Denise lost her mum last year and then her faithful Labrador only weeks later. How much sadness does someone have to bear. I can feel myself welling up just writing this - a lot of waterproof mascara going to be needed on Wednesday. 

Thirdly and I could use some very choice words here, my computer was hacked. Luckily I was prompted  by Bev Rochester who was in my contact list and I got on the phone to Microsoft.  They very quickly sorted the problem and deleted any malicious programmes or whatever they put on. My computer is now hopefully secure enough for them to not cause problems. If anyone in my contact list had problems due to this I am truly sorry. Like I said I could use some choice words. 

Any way, on a very much lighter note - a card. I have use the adorable Roses are Red, Violets are Blue from Saturated Canary. 

The image has been coloured using Copic Markers ( I have been very Brave here and attempted black hair - could be better but it could also be worse)!!! The papers are from Nitwit Collections.

The sentiment is a free download from Scrap-a-liscious. She has some fabulous sentiments and well worth a visit. 

The flowers are from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and WOC as are the hat pins. The ribbon is also from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop which unfortunately closing. 

The image has Aged Silver and Shabby White Frantage surrounding her. 

The butterfly is from Memory Box  and is called Darla and Vivienne.

I would love to enter this card into the following challenges

Crafty Friends Challenge - Anything Goes
The ABC Challenge - Open
Tammy's Scrapin Corner - Anything Goes - Add Texture (Frantage)
Sister Act - Anything Goes
The Rubber Buggy Challenge - Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge - For the Girls
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes
Fab n Funky - Girls
Allsorts Challenge - Here Come The Girls
The Hobby House - Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts - Anything Goes

I would like to say hello to my new followers. It is lovely to see you here as it is my older followers.

I am going to have a blogging evening tonight so I will catch up with you all.

A new Challenge at Songbird.

Good Morning Blogger Friends.

Hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and it hasn't flown by far to fast. My weekend starts today as I have a Monday and Tuesday off work. Yippee. 

Today sees a new Challenge over at Songbird Challenges. The Challenge has been sponsored by Meljen's and they are  giving away 5 digi's to a lucky random winner. All we ask of you is that you incorporate a  star/stars into your design. 

I have chosen the adorable Sleepy Moon Bear. 

The papers are Life's Little Lemons from Nitwit Collections. The image has been coloured using Copic Markers. 

The butterfly is from Memory Box and is available from many on line stores. The ribbon and cheesecloth are from my own stash. 

The heart is by Marianne Design Collectables

I am entering this card into the following challenges
Paula Holifield Crafts - Anything goes
Incy Wincy Designs - Fur or Feathers
Bitten by the bug - New Baby
Craft you Passion - Adorable animals
Cupcake Craft - Cute and Cuddly
Mema's Crafts - Anything goes
Pin and Tack - Anything Goes

Thank you so much for stopping by. I am now going blog hopping to catch up with some wonderful friends.

Bunches of Love

Morning friends.

Today see's the start of a new challenge over at Diva's by Design. The challenge is sponsored by Lili of the Valley and the theme is Fancy Folds. It would be lovely to see you take part in this challenge and there is plenty of inspiration over at Diva's. 

Before I show you my card I would like to say that for all you blogger friends who said that my new baby would mean that I wouldn't be able to craft as much were wrong. I have not been able to craft at all!!! My goodness, I am worn out after just four days. I have to say though she is so adorable and is bringing us so much happiness. She is such a good girl and  because we have bought her a cage to sleep in at night, she has slept all the way through. She is such a clever girl. Ooops, just had a mishap on the floor. Good job its a wooden floor. 

I have used the adorable Bunches of Love by LOTV. 

The image has been coloured with Copic Markers and the papers Butterfly Kisses Too are from Nitwit Collections. 

The heart dies are by Memory Box and the ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop

. 

The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the Sentiment from LOTV.  The doily and gems are from my own stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges
Crafting by Design - anything goes
Milk, Coffee Challenge - Cute
Stamp n doodle = Anything goes.

It is now 10pm and I am going to bed now because my little baby has tired me out. Sweet dreams blogger friends. See you in the morning when I post this blog. 

A new Challenge over at Songbird.

Good morning Friend.

Hope you have all enjoyed your weekend. As some of you have commented - my baby has definitely got in the way of my crafting. I am just pleased I was able to get my DT cards finished before we picked Abbie up. 

Over at Songbird today, we have a new challenge which has been sponsored by Joanna Sheen. The theme for the challenge is Sixteen going on Seventeen so we would love to see all your age cards. 

I have used an image from Tiddly Inks - Wryn.

I would like to give a special mention to Alyce from Kit and Clowder for her wonderful colouring tutorial. I used the same colours as Alyce used in her tutorial as I thought it would be the best way to practice. I am very pleased with the results though I have a long way to go to be nearly as good as Alyce.

Wryn has been coloured using Copic markers 

The papers are Bonnets and Bowties from Nitwit Collections

The flowers and the fishtail dies are both by Die-namics available from many on-line stores. 

The sentiment has been computer generated. 

 Daisy Doodles - Anything goes
Whoopsi Daisy - Make it girly
My Craft Spot - Add flowers
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Stampavie and More - Lots of layers
Milk coffee Challenge - Cute
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything goes

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comments.

Take care.

A new Challenge at Dream Valley

Morning Blogger friends.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  Today starts a new challenge at Dream Valley and the theme for this challenge is Ribbons and Bling. We are being sponsored by  Crafty Ribbons. It would be lovely to see you over there and please check out the DT's gorgeous creations.

We had a wedding this weekend so I used the gorgeous Digi Bird Swing by Wee Stamp to make my wedding card. Such a cute image. 

The image has been coloured with Copic Markers and the papers are by Pink Petticoat called Little Hearts. 

The flowers and the hat pin are from WOC

The ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and the heart border (Cherish Border) is by Memory Box which available from many on line stores. 

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges

Allsorts Challenge blog. - Things with wings
Raise the Bar - Anything goes
QKR stampede - Anything goes
Jen's digi Stamps - Ribbons/lace
Forever Friends - Animals
Milk coffee Challenge - cute

Thank you to my new followers. So chuffed to have you with me. 

Enjoy the rest of your day. 

Catherine

Good morning friends.

Hope you are all well and enjoying crafting whilst I am at work. Boo Hoo. Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Dream Valley. We are being sponsored by Robyns Fetish who will very kindly give away 5 Digi stamps to the winner. The theme is girls, girls, girls - it would be lovely to see you there. 

        Before I get onto my card has anyone seen Les Miserable yet. I have loved Les Mis for 25 yrs. I first saw it in London and have got the 10th and 25th anniversary performances.  I was very dubious about going to see the film because of my passion for the show but after watching the documentary about it decided I would go.

It was actually the second time I watched the film yesterday and yet again I cried all the way through.  Absolutely stunning performances from the cast and they so deserve to wipe the board at the Oscars. It was so so hard not to burst out into song but I don't think it would have gone down well. 

Anyway, on to my card. I have used a Robyns Fetish image called Catherine. Isn't she sweet.

I have coloured the image with Copic Markers and paper pieced the outfit with papers from Pink Petticoat. (Backing papers also from Pink Petticoat).

The Ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop.  The flower die and the heart dies are by Memory box. 

The flowers are from WOC. The doily, gems and button are from my own stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges

613 Avenue create - use kraft card
Pile it on - Have a heart
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything goes
Crafting by Designs -   Alcohol Marker challenge plus hearts
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything goes

That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with another DT post but till then, enjoy the rest of your day. Happy Crafting.

Bad Hair Day

Good Afternoon friends.

Hope you are all well and not snowed in. Actually that's not a bad idea. Think of all the crafting we could do. I have already broken my new years resolution which is to use all my crafty products and not buy anything new. I have had to order some ink for my printer and I couldn't resist 2 digi stamps last night from Mo Manning. My stash of flowers is also dwindling very fast so may have to have a sneeky peek at WOC. Gosh don't we have such an expensive hobby!!!

My card today is the first of my buys from Mo Manning and is called Bad Hair Day. Such a cutie.

The card blank is from Craftwork Cards and the papers are from Nitwit collections.  I have used one iof my favourite items at the moment, which is Kraft Card. I am finding that it goes with most colours and love the effect of it. 

The paper doily is from my stash as are the gems. 

The ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and the flowers are from WOC.

I am going to spend the evening blog hopping so I will be dropping by to say hello later on. 

As Miranda's mum says "Such Fun".

I am entering this card into the following challenges

By the cute and Girly - Cute and Girly
Inky Chicks - Anything goes
Crafting for all Seasons - Something new (image)
The Squirrel and the Fox - Anything goes
Digi Darla's - Anything Goes
One stich at a time - Anything goes
Card mania - Girly
Cards Galore -  Anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything goes
Can you Digi it - girly

Bye for now

Snow Queen

Good morning friends.

Hope you are all well. Not many more sleeps now until the jolly little chap appears and hope you are in a better place than myself. The only Christmas cards I have made are the ones for my DT blogs!! Me thinks that time is running out for me. Guess they will have to be CAS!!!

At 9am today there is a new challenge over at Diva's by Design.  The theme is "Let it Snow". The snow can be on your stamp, embellishments or snow effect. The challenge has been sponsored by Joanna Sheen. It would be lovely to see you there and I am sure the DT members would love a visit. 

I have used the lovely Snow Queen from LOTV.  I am not entirely happy with the quality of the picture as I took it in the evening, so not enough light.

I have coloured her in with Copic Markers and added glamour dust to the snow. The papers are from Nitwit collections called Merry and Bright Too.

The Ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop. 

The die is Frostyville border from Memory Box which is available from many on-line stores.

The flowers are from WOC.

I am entering this card into the following challenges.

Aud Sentiments. Holiday Sentiment
Simon Says - snowflakes
Lori Designs - Winter
2 Sisters  - Christmas Sparkle
Fussy and Fancy - Christmas
Craft your Passions. -Snow

Thank you for visiting and for your much appreciated comments. 

Love and Hugs Sharon. x

Mulberry Wood "Friend"

Morning Friend bloggers.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Today I have a card which I made for Russ's Birthday. The image is by Crafter's Companion and is part of the Mulberry Wood range called "Friend". Quite appropriate as Russ is my best friend.  The stamp comes with its own friend sentiment but I computer generated the sentiment on the card. 

The papers are from Nitwit Collections. I have used Kraft card for the first time and I am very impressed with the results. I have used Copic Markers (the greys) and Pro Markers (for the rest).

The Spellbinders die is Marvellous Squares.  I am so pleased I managed to track these down from the NEC.

The flowery border is by Memory Box which I also purchased from the NEC. 

The ribbon is Silky Crush Ribbon from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop. 

The gems are from my own stash.

Enjoy the rest of your week. Happy Crafting Bloggers.

I am entering this card into the following challenges.

http://flourishes.org - something that makes you happy
http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.co.uk// - die cuts and punches
/www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com// - ribbons
http://ppp-makeitmonday.blogspot.co.uk// - anything goes
http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.co.uk/ - any die will do
http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - birthdays
http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - anything but christmas
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/ - ribbons and or pearls
http://challenges4everybody.blogspot.co.uk/ - anything goes

Tilda with Wrapped Heart

Hi Blogger Friends.

Thank you so much for the get well messages for my dad. He has been suffering from Pancreatitus and has been extremely poorly. He is still in the high observation ward and has a long way to go but hopefully he is out of danger. I have never seen him look so frightened.  I have not been able to face going to work and have found it difficult to eat and sleep, I needed to be at home so that I could get across to the hospital as soon as possible if needed. Luckily I live across the road from the hospital.

  We have had some more sad news this week. Our daughter Kayleigh has unfortunately lost her baby. She was 12 weeks but the baby had stopped growing at 8 weeks. Russ set off this morning at 6am so that he could be with her as she had to go through the necessary procedure to make sure the baby had come away and it is now 9pm and he is still at the hospital with her. Bless her.  So all in all it has been one hell of a shitty week. 

I have tried to keep up with my comment commitments for my DT blogs but have not felt in the mood for any crafting. This is a card I made earlier for a friends daughter. 

The card blank is from Craftwork Cards and the papers are from Nitwit Collections. The image has been coloured with Copic Markers. 

The butterfly  die on the side of the card is called Butterflight by Tim Holtz. Love this die.

The ribbon is Silk Crush from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop. The feather is from my own stash as is the button on the ribbon. The sentiment is computer generated. 

I am now going to do some commenting on your wonderful blogs whilst I wait for Russ to get home. I think he will need a big hug. 

I am entering this card into the following challenges

http://paper-craftingjourney.blogspot.co.uk - add some bling
http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - Ribbon
http://craftymesschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ anything goes
http://lollipopcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ - Happy birthday
http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - bling (209)
http://ilovepromarkers.blogspot.co.uk/ anything goes (196)


 As I said earlier thank you so much for your lovely comments. 

Patchwork Daisy

Good afternoon friends.

Hope you have all had a good weekend. I booked today off work because I knew that I had to make cards for my DT's and friends but you know what they say "best laid plans"!!!  We went to out daughters Saturday evening and left this morning in good time but we called in at a shopping centre. We then went to Russ's mums and ended up going out for lunch with her and Russ's niece and great niece. So I have actually in two days made a whopping 1 card!!! I really hope my mojo stays for tomorrow.

I have made this card for my parent's to give to their friends for their Diamond Wedding. Mum didn't want anything mushy so I got out one of my favourite stamps.

Card blank is by Craftwork Cards and the papers are In the Meadow too by Nitwit Collections. 

Got withdrawal symptoms for my Memory box butterfly die so here it is again.

The flowers are all from WOC

The butterfly die on the right of the card is Butterflight by Tim Holtz which I purchased from a local store. This is another of my favourite dies. 

The image has been coloured in with Copic Markers and the shadow around the image is a Polychromo pencil. The gems are from my own stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges.
http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ - (77) animals
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.ca/ - (237)  ribbons
http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.ca/ - cute and cuddly
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ (96) Die cuts and punches

That's all for now blogger friends. Take care.