Pinkpuds

Daddys little helper's...

2012-01-30T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and did some lush crafting...we had a fab day yesterday but I was shattered when I got in and had to have a little nap which turned out to be a couple of hours long...oops...I wasn't too happy about it though as itv3 have had a Poirot weekend and I couldn't watch it as Phil loathes it, well I could have watched it as he wouldn't have said anything bless his little cotton socks but I wouldn't make him suffer like that now would I, but I was looking forward to snatching a few hours of them yesterday evening but I couldn't, it just doesn't work through your eyelids does it lol, when I finally got round to watching one wouldn't you know I had already seen it before many times...sods law...I love love love Agatha Christie, I bet she would have been amazing to meet, she had such a clean logical brain but there was a part of it that was a bit naughty and I bet she had a wicked sense of humor as it sneaks into all her writing...a woman way before her time I think...right now onto my card for today which is using these two fantastic helpers from Mo's Digital Pencil...the boy is called Fixer (Boy) and the girl is just called Fixer...I used my distress inks to colour them and teamed them up with these stunning papers from Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer collection, this is called Sunnyside Lane, the black numbered paper is the reverse...I printed the Daddy's little helpers on my laptop and added a house cut from the paper to finish...I love that paper don't you, see what you find when hunting through your piles of paper...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the One Stitch at a Time challenge and Simon Says challenge too....right I'm off to get my war paint on as I'm out to lunch with my beautiful Daughter today and you never know maybe a bit of retail therapy too...whatever your up to today have a wonderful time and I hope it stays dry for you
Mina xxx

yum yum yum candytime...

2012-01-29T20:20:00.004Z

Hi everyone its time for a little bit of candy, its not a huge one but it is a yummy one with some of my favourite things...I have included

3 12x12 sheets of my all time favourite Gingham in Blue, pink and lilac
2 sheets of the yummy Kars collection 12x12 papers
one red rose and the other green quilted satin look (love them)
5 sheets of double sided 12x12 Prima papers from the Madeline collection (me favs atm)
1 12x12 sheet of the double sided Prima Be Mine Black Damask (stunning paper)
5 metres of lush thick satin ribbon
and a mixture of fabulous roses cause every girl needs roses

sorry about the rubbish photos but its been tiddling down for 12 hours here
all you need to do is
post you name and blog link in Mr Linky AND leave me a comment
use the photo above to add a link to your blog (sidebar is fine)
its open worldwide and you have until midnight (GMT) Sunday 5th February to join in...I will draw the winner on Monday and announce it asap after
enjoy the rest of your Sunday, Im off to my garden to build an ark just in case
Mina xxx

a touch of spring green...

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a fabulous day yesterday?...we didn't get to Ikea our home phone broke down and we had to spend the time we should have been drooling around Ikea wanting everything in sight checking out the specs of phones and finally deciding on one although I say we I'm the gadget person in our house poor Phil still doesn't know how to use our TV yet bless him, now I just have to spend hours reentering (is that a word it doesn't look right but spell check says its ok) all our phone numbers into a new phone...oh joy of joys lol...we are going out with our Daughter and other half today so cant get to Ikea today either, oh well it gives us an excuse to go next weekend doesn't it and gives me 7 more days to look at the online store and decide again how many thousands I could spend there...my card for today is using this stunning fairy from Crafts and Me, shes called Casting Down Imagination and is by the amazingly talented Sara Burrier, I coloured her with distress inks and of course you know the rule, if she has wings she has glitter

the stunning paper is a double sided one from the Panduro Tilda kitchen Garden paper pad I bought ages and ages ago, don't you just love that soft green and of course the gingham...oooooooohhhhhh I love gingham don't you...I finished with a sentiment, a butterfly charm and a couple of Prima flowers...the fabulous sketch is from My Time Made Easy challenge and I'm also entering it for the Paper crafting Journey challenge and Crafty Catz challenge too...ok now onto the tidy craft room photos

the wardrobe (which I put shelves in as a cupboard), the kitchen table desk, chair (love my chair) and two chests of drawers (perfect size for my printer on top of them) are all Ikea, all massive bargains of course...the small table at the front with my guillotine on is also from there too...don't you just love the cardboard box on the side of my desk, I need more storage

the picture was there when it was my Daughters bedroom, its not my taste but I just haven't got round to replacing it yet

ok now hands up all those people who fancy a rummage through these huge piles of paper (there's another one under my small table too ssssshhhhhh don't tell anyone), the box in the centre is full of my 6x6 paper pads, the sofa is my Daughters sofa bed she used to have her friends stay over on, it is all marked with make up so that explains the throw covering it lol

ok this is about two thirds of my cards all piled up in bags...shocking isn't it...so there's my craft room, not the biggest, most organised or tidiest but its all mine and I love it to bits...its my space and I bet you all know exactly what I mean...I hope whatever you get up to today you have a fantastic time and don't forget to pop back later for my candy
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
hearts on dress - forest moss
dress - crushed olive

queen of hearts...

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone do you all have snow then?, we haven't, well not yet anyway but you know what its like here we can get all the seasons in one day lol...well all the boxes are sorted out and my flowers and sentiments have never been so tidy, I just have the mini mountains of paper to get sorted into the two paper boxes Phil bought me, looking at the piles and then the boxes it ain't gonna work...I think I need a shoehorn lol...I also have a huge pile of cards, at least 400 of them which I haven't a clue what to do with, I offered them to a couple of charity shops here but one said they dont do square cards and the other said if I bagged them and priced them for them they would would consider it, what do they want for nowt lol...I was thinking I may try to sell some on Etsy, even if I just got a couple of £'s each for them just think how much stash I could buy with that money, or more storage might be a better option and use up the stash I have but I would be gutted if none of them sold...I will have some photos for you tomorrow of the tidy craft room and piles still left to do oh and don't forget my birthday candy tomorrow evening, its not massive but its lush, I wouldn't mind winning it lets put it that way...ok now onto my card for today...how amazing is this brand new image from the super talented Gayle at Wonderland stamps, you all know Gayle better from Teddybo

when I saw this beauty I knew exactly how I would colour her and what paper I would use, I used my usual distress inks for her and some of the stunning rose paper to paper piece parts of her amazing dress, I lost the bit for her ruffled neck though but coloured it best I could to match the paper, I think it looks ok do you? I'm sorry I don't know what make this paper is as there's no writing on it but I'm off to my local Crafter's & Co shop today and will ask Sara is she knows so I can tell you all...I finished my card with some black lace, I chopped it up to be raggy but couldn't quite make it too raggy as its so lush, organza ribbon and two charms, I put the heart in the frame as I wanted it to really stand out...I love this stunning image don't you, she reminds me of a book I had with original drawing when I was small, my Sister didn't like it she thought it was creepy but I loved it so much and can still remember the illustrations vividly...I'm entering this for the DYSU challenge, Crafty Ribbons challenge and the fab sketch is from Cards & Things challenge...you will see another couple of Wonderland stamps images from me over the next week, my colouring hand is twitching already lol...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and stay warm
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
lips - barn door
hair and dress shading - pumice stone, grey marvy pen
ruffle collar - barn door, black soot
reds - barn door

hugs for you...

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone well its almost the weekend, do you have anything amazing planned?...I think we might take a trip to Ikea this weekend we got a rather large Ikea gift card from Phil's Mum for Christmas and its a closely fought thing to buy either a chair that Phil has his eye on or some more storage for my craft room...I personally think we should split it and he can put more to his half to buy his chair, I think that's fair don't you, and he should consider himself lucky I didn't sneak up with my Dad during the week and blow it all on storage lol...I did a bit more sorting on my craft room yesterday but still haven't finished sorting but its tidy enough to take some photos I think...so look for some this weekend oh and I will have some birthday candy for you all too probably on Sunday...right now my card for today is for our new challenge at Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge and this time its a lush sketch from our wonderful Jane, great sketch to work with, I turned it so I could have this fabulous A Little Gift Tilda from the Sweet Christmas collection sitting on the centre even if she does look like she might slide off at any second...the lush paper is the New Magnolia Paris Red Peony 12x12 paper, I love it, its so soft and pretty looking isn't it and of course I couldn't resist cutting out some of those beautiful Peonies for embellishments could I...I finished my card with a stunning Dark green wired (25mm wide) organza ribbon, a Made with Love tag charm, Fancy Heart Charm and finished with a cute little sentiment, everything I used except the sentiment is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...Im entering this for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and Anything Goes challenge...I am determined to get finished my tidying today before Phil gets home...so that's my day sorted...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and if you have time don't forget to pop on over to Just Magnolia to see what the rest of our team came up with this week...so much gorgeousness
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
clothes shading - pumice stone
sock stripe, gift ribbon and hair ribbon - barn door

peach and green valentine?...

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...did I sit around day yesterday then...nope...I had to go into my craft room for a pair of scissors in the early morning and looked at it and thought that's it...went down stairs and armed with bin bags, cleaning clothes and wipes and started to tackle it...6 hours later I was still doing it, besides for a couple of breaks I didn't stop until 10pm last night and it still needs more done...and the moral of this story is 'just don't start it' lol...I have a huge pile of papers to go through and sort, 5 boxes of flowers, sentiments, pearls, gems etc etc to sort out and a massive industrial size tub of ribbons, ever wish you hadn't started something ...I will crack it though as I have promised Jane some photos as proof it has been done...you will get them Jane...right now onto my card for today which is back to my usual colouring ...yesterdays was ssssssoooooo out of my comfort zone and I don't think I will do many without colouring as I miss it too much...this little stunner is of course from The Saturated Canary and she is called Queen of Hearts, isn't she stunning, I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with this amazing Graphic45 paper from the Once Upon a Springtime collection called Primrose cottage, I love love love Graphic45 papers don't you, I could use them every single day...I cut out some of the flowers and used them for embellishments, I used a cream satin ribbon and some lush gold thread and finished with some punched glitter board hearts...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the Saturated Canary challenge and My Mum's Craft shop challenge...guess where I'm off to today, yep its Thursday so I have to go to the supermarket with my lovely Dad who makes it bearable, I really don't mind doing his shopping with him you know I just like a little moan about it now and then lol...have a fabulous day everyone and I hope wherever you are the sun shines on you
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
eyes - peeled paint
dress and shoes - tattered rose, shabby shutters
shadows - pumice stone

too much glitter...

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope the sun is shining for you wherever you are, we had sunshine yesterday it was lovely to feel it on my face, what a difference a little bit of sun makes, although it does show up the dust in the house I mean not on my face lol...I had a lovely natter over coffee with my Dad yesterday, its fantastic to see him smiling and laughing again...do you think I spend too much time in my local supermarket, on Friday when we went in they burst into a chorus of Happy Birthday much to the amusement of the shoppers and my embarrassment...I think that's a definite sign I need to get out more and I don't mean to the supermarket lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenges, our host for this challenge is the fantastic Karen and she chose Pink & Sparkly, I used another of the new silhouettes from Crafts and Me, I still find it hard making cards I don't colour though, I guess its just what your used to but must admit they are super fast to make...this little cutie is called Fairy Love, I distressed the edges with a Pink Lipstick distress ink and teamed it up with these stunning papers that I had forgotten about, they are from the lush S.E.I. Claire 6x6 paper pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, lush papers in this pad some with metallic edging, you will be seeing more of this pad I promise, I cut out some of the flowers and leaves from the paper and glittered them but I made them a little too soggy and they curled up so I hope they look ok, I also glittered some of the flowers in the backing paper too...I finished with some gingham ribbon and a stamped sentiment...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday I hope it still counts as I had to move the sentiment to the bottom for it to work...I'm having a bit of a chillin day today as I feel so tired, I have a bit of the old eyelid disease, you know the one where they are attached to your bum so every time you sit down they close...everyone gets it now and again don't they...whatever your up to today I hope you manage to stay awake longer than me
Mina xxx
p.s. for all you people who are going to CHA I am ssssssooooo jealous, have you seen the new Tim Holtz distress ink markers...I so need these now they would make my travelling back and forward to the farmhouse so much easier, I would be able to take colouring things with me on the bus and for colouring when I got there...probably by the time we get them here there will be hardly any sets left, does anyone want to pay for me to go to CHA, I will bring them a set back too I promise lol xxx

freaky happenings...

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and having a great start to your week...I had a freaky one yesterday, I had a great time colouring and made some cards, but I forgot to make my bed so popped up to my bedroom at lunchtime to make it and sitting in the middle of the floor was a scarf, now not any old scarf but one my Mum lent me for a wedding about a year before she passed away, I loved it so much she gave it to me and after her death I stashed it somewhere and forgot all about it because I couldn't have it near me as it made me burst into tears, when I picked it up it still smells of Chanel no 5 my Mums perfume...I have no idea how it got there and as I'm the only one here it definitely wasn't me and couldn't have been someone else, how strange is that...then I went downstairs later on and switched one of the lamps on in my living room, the bulb exploded now I don't mean just went pop but shot out of the lamp and hit the ceiling exploded...now if my Mum is trying to tell me something I wish she wouldn't do it so violently and try to take my face off in the process lol...freaky eh?????...well I'm sure I will find out whats shes trying to say in time...now onto my card for today which is using this stunning little sweetie from Sugar Nellie, its from the newest Puppy Love release and is called Trip to the Park...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with lush papers from the Prima 6x6 Madeline paper pad, defo my favourite pad atm...I love the pinks and blues in this pad don't you...I added a sentiment cut from the same pad and finished with a huge bow and punched butterflies...I'm entering this for the My Mums Craft shop challenge (my favourite colour combo blue and pink) and The Ribbon Girl Pink and Blue challenge...the lush sketch is from The Sugar Bowl challenge...I'm off out today for a catch up coffee with my Dad so you can all relax as hes sure to put all the worlds troubles to right while we are sipping it...have a wonderful day whatever your up to today and watch out for freaky happenings
Mina xxx

cold, frosty and...er.....yellow?...

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you have a fab weekend, I really hope so...we had a lush Sunday lunch and for a change I cooked...yes that's right I cooked it, did you all faint...domestic goddess I ain't but I can make a mean salad lol...I was watching my Daughter and Dad together yesterday...all those years separate them but they have the same smile and laugh and share the same sense of humour, it gave me such a beautifully warm feeling, I love them both so much...btw a few people have asked me why I never mention their names, for that very reason, its their names and I don't think I have the right to write about them and identify them by name without their permission, I'm sure they wouldn't mind but its just easier for me than asking them everyday...so basically its laziness lol...its the same with photos of them...I will ask my Dad if he minds but I know my Daughter wouldn't like it as shes hates photos of herself (shes my girl in that way) and I wouldn't want to upset her by publishing one without asking her...I had an email asking about paper piecing digi images the other day from Sheila (Sheila in Cyprus)...I will do a tutorial when I get the time if you would like it...ok now onto my card for today....ooooohhhhhhh I love this fantastic Winter Fairy Halla from Mo's Digital Pencil, Mo is a true artist isn't she, look at this little sweetie, just perfect, I coloured it with distress inks and added a little bit of glitter...I bought the acetate I used for the wrap last year at the Kings Hall, isn't it lush, its from Making Memories Mistletoe collection and is called 12x12 Acetate Snowflake Mistletoe, I love using acetate don't you but its a bugger to stick and manipulate, yes I know the snowflakes are yellow and yes I know what they say about yellow snow lol...I finished my card with some beautiful 15mm gold Berisford small check gingham from The Pretty Little ribbon shop, btw we still have a Valentine challenge on at the Pretty Little ribbon challenge blog if you want to join in...I'm entering this for the Stampalot monochrome challenge, Truly Madly Crafty challenge and the Cardmadfairys challenge too...I'm having a crafting day today, I love the kind of days I can just colour and colour to my hearts content, I get lost in colouring its so relaxing and usually don't stop until my stomach starts rumbling...whatever your up to today I hope you have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

WE HAVE A WINNER...

2012-01-22T20:39:00.004Z

Yooohhhoooo everyone sorry Im so late, I nodded off after lunch...too much pie I think lol...anyway no waffle straight onto our winner this month....the Mr RNG says its
No 13 (lucky for some)
and that is......................

MAGS
huge congratulations Mags, could you email me your details and I will pass them on so you can get your beautiful prize
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday everyone
Mina xxx
p.s. dont worry if you didnt win I will be having some more lush candy next weekend to celebrate my Birthday (well any excuse for candy lol)

soar...

2012-01-22T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all having a fantastic weekend, are you having the stormy weather we are having, the wind is howling here and has been for days...oooohhhhh how I long for the Spring or a holiday, whichever comes first would suit me fine...we had plans to go out yesterday but just ended up to going to the supermarket with my Dad as he needed a few essentials, we did manage a coffee of course...why are some people just so inconsiderate..the woman in front of us in the coffee shop decided she would park her tray at the till and then get the food and drinks she wanted, what on earth is that about...after a couple of minuets of me trying my best to keep my mouth shut the woman on the till smiled a sympathetic smile and told us to go get our coffee and we could pay her later...aaaaaaahhhhhhhh some people make my blood boil lol...its ok you can come out now my mini rant is over and the coast is clear...my card for today is using one of the brand new images from Crafts and Me, they are a set of silhouettes and this little cutie is called Fayette...its so weird for me to make a card that doesn't take any colouring but I like the look of these, Im not sure I did it justice though...the stunning papers are from the Prima Printery 6x6 paper pad I bought ages ago, I didn't really need much to finish as the designs of the papers are so gorgeous, well I didn't think I did...I distressed the papers and added a ribbon and bow, some punched dragonflies and a few circle, I use an office hole punch for making tiny dots of papers, I just find it easier...I then added a sentiment from a sheet of Basicgrey Little black dress alphabet stickers...the fab sketch is from Simon Says Stamp challenge and I'm also entering it for the Craft Your Days Away challenge and the Stampalot challenge, I'm sure there was a monochrome challenge I meant this card for but I cant remember where it is...don't worry I haven't forgotten about my candy winner I will announce it later today, we are having a family lunch today but not the whole Sunday lunch works, just pie that Phil made, salad and baked potatoes...but we get the pleasure of a table full of family, love those kind of days don't you...whatever your up to today I hope you have a lovely relaxing one
Mina xxx

baby steps...

2012-01-21T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, do you have anything exciting planned for this weekend?...thank you all so so much for all your fantastic Birthday wishes, they brought a huge lump to my throat, your all so nice and thoughtful for your lovely thoughts on my Birthday, it really made it very special...first of all I woke to a dozen red roses and loads of Birthday cards (some had even been touched by the money fairy lol) then my darling Phil took me to lunch then despite the teaming rain we had a little mooch around the shops and he bought me a fab scarf I had my eye on, I hate my neck being cold and always wear a long wrapped round scarf in the winter...our beautiful Daughter and her lovely other half cooked us a meal of Sea Bass, pancetta and sweet potatoes with a garlic, aniseed and olive oil dressed broccoli, it was so delicious, she so takes after her Dad and not me in the kitchen lol...it was a lovely happy family day and I loved it so much...so all in all a brilliant Birthday, all your good wishes must have worked...now for my card for today, how amazing is this sweet little toddler from Mo's Digital Pencil called Walker, she is so fantastic to colour, I used my Distress inks, oh and I had to do a bit more of my favourite paper piecing, I love this technique just in case you hadn't noticed...the lush paper is from K&Co's Classic Bailey kit, I edged the cut pieced with some pearlescent white card and finished with a couple of rub on sentiments, punched butterflies and a stunning white ribbon from Tim Holtz...the fab sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge and I'm also entering it for the Flutter By Wednesday challenge and Cardmadfairy's digi days challenge...we are off to the shops today and for coffee with my Dad and I'm sure he will need some shopping too...whatever your get up to today have a good one
Mina xxx

all together now...Happy Birthday to me

2012-01-20T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...ok now all together now Happy Birthday to me.............yes its here Im another year older and have the wrinkles and saggy bits to prove it...thank you so so much to Sue, Tilly and the lovely Naomi (Mad Moose) for the beautiful cards you sent me, they made me smile and feel very special, thank you so much ladies you made my day...I learnt a lesson this week never ask your Daughter is she needs anything when your going to Town for a mooch, I got a whole huge list and spent all day getting them so didnt get anything for me lol, but never mind I enjoyed the mooch around Town, just getting out and about was lovely, I got a nice suprise last night my lovely Phil came home to spend today with me so I wouldnt be on my own...all together now aaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwww, hes a sweetie isnt he, I dont know what we are doing probably not much except out to lunch but that is more than enough...right now onto my card for today which is for the Bunny Zoe's Crafts DT using a fabulous new The Greeting Farm set called Hoo Love you...isnt this owl a real cutie, I coloured it with distress inks and used a bit of glitter...well its my Birthday and Im allowed to put glitter on my owl if I want arent I, the sentiment and the leaf stamp are part of the set and theres more sentiments and two more owls to use too...can you have a green owl lol...well I have anyway...the lush papers (the back one is velvet embossed are from the fantastic Kaisercraft Blea & Ivy 6.5x6.5 paper pad, I love this pad, the colours are lush..., I used one of the brand new Nellie Snellen 9cm paper frames (doilies) would you believe these are £1.25 for 12...I finished with a ribbon and one of the Prima Audrey Rose-Snow flowers...its an unusual card for me isnt it, but I really enjoyed putting these bright yummy colours together even if there was only a teeny bit of colouring lol...the fabulous sketch I used is from Mojo Monday (love their sketches dont you), Im also entering it for the DYSU challenge and Moving along with the times challenge too...well Im off to get my warpaint on, Im at that age when I wont put the bin out without it let alone go out ...whatever your up to today have a fabulous one
Mina xxx

Its a double day...

2012-01-19T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone and phew its a biggie today...its a double...first there's the Mo's Digital Pencil Dreamteam blog hop, where you have a chance at winning one of two $5 vouchers for Mo's Digital Pencil, all you have to do is comment on all the DT girls lush makes on the hop and then there's my DT card for our new Colour Create challenge

ok no waffling this morning as this post is long enough without me gossiping so we will have to catch up tomorrow...you should have arrived here from the fabulous Debbie's blog to follow the hop, if you haven't and want a chance to win pop on over to the lovely Jane's blog to start at the beginning as you don't want to miss out on a chance...Jane chose our blog hop theme this month and she chose 'All you need is Love', I didn't go for the usual Valentine romantic route though I chose to use the amazing Dancing with Grandpa from Mo's Digital Pencil as I think this image just sums up the love of a grandchild and Grandpa don't you...I coloured them with distress inks and paper pieced her stunning little dress and her Grandpa's waistcoat with the same papers I used for the card, they are from the K and Co Julianne 6x6 paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I love this pad ssssooooo much...I added some Prima flowers, punched leaves and a sentiment I made on my laptop

the fabulous sketch is from the The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the Secret Crafter Saturday challenge...your next stop on our blog hop is the lovely Pops who I'm sure has something amazing to show you...don't forget to leave a comment for all the girls for a chance to win...ok onto my Colour Create challenge card now...

our host this time is the fab Suzie who chose one of my favourite colour combos of Pink, Green & Neutral with an added option of handmade flowers, I didn't use the option as I thought there was enough flowers in the paper , our sponsor this week is the fabulous Kenny K and he sent us some stunning images to play with, how lucky are we...I chose to use the fabulous Biker Girl but I didn't want her to look too macho I still wanted to keep her feminine and girls...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed up with these lush papers from the Echo Park 6x6 Victoria Garden paper pad, I bought this from Bunny Zoe's crafts but I think its out of stock now...gorgeous bright colours isn't it and I love those roses...I finished with a strip of ribbon and a sentiment from a sheet from another pad...I'm entering this for the Sketch Saturday challenge and the Truly Madly Crafty Challenge...phew that was a mega post wasn't it...its supermarket day and my lovely Dad is back from his travels so we will be having a catch up...don't forget your comment to win and if you have time pop on over to the Colour Create challenge to see what the rest of the team made...have a wonderful day everyone
Mina xxx

p.s. I have candy on offer atm...just click on the butterfly on my sidebar to join in xxx

dont you just love a freebie...

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone thank you all for your kind get well thoughts, my headache has eased and I'm just left with that hangover feeling, which is not very fair considering I don't drink (well not often anyway), now you expect the fuzzy head and feeling when you have had the best part of a bottle of wine, or one to many cocktails but not just from a headache lol...I felt loads better yesterday afternoon and managed a few cards too...I paint at my desk but for cutting and making card I always do that one the floor, daft isn't it, I have a sofa, office chair and loads of desk space but I love kneeling on the floor to craft, the thing is you need to be tidy to craft on the floor as me kneeling on a pair of my teeny curved scissors can tell you...ouch...see I knew that curve in them was for something I just didn't realise it was to stick in my knee lol...anyway onto my card today, the fabulously talented Victoria Case was offering this freebie on Facebook, isn't she just stunning...of course I had to yell yes please didn't I, I couldn't pass up the chance to colour her...I used distress inks and added just a few sparkles, well she has wings so you know the rule...the amazing papers are from the Kaisercraft Blea and Ivy 6.5x6.5 paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, lush soft colours isn't it, the quote is Shakespeare and I typed it on my laptop, that's one of the brill things about digis being able to add things isn't it...I finished with a lush ribbon bow, Prima grey lace and a metal flower...the lush sketch is from the Ribbon Carousel challenge and the Deep Ocean challenge...I feel in the need of some retail therapy today, I might even buy myself an early birthday present, so a mooch in town is on the cards for today...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - grey Marvy pen
flower and leaves - tumbled glass, crushed olive
dress - iced spruce from the Winter set

I finally ran out of juice...updated photos

2012-01-17T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, well it finally happened I ran out of juice, well my camera did anyway and because I didn't realise until the last minuet so I had to take photos with a really old camera so sorry for the shockingly bad piccies but I will take some more later and replace these bad ones...well that's the plan anyway...I did loads of blogging last night but later Mr blogger went on a go slow for some reason so I didn't do as much as I had planned but loads more will be done today, so if I didn't get round to you I will I promise...so much for my crafting day yesterday I had a stinking headache that lasted all day, don't you hate those sorts of heads that make you feel sick and queasy all day long, hopefully I will just have the fuzziness today and not still the headache so will get on with my crafting today, fingers crossed...well I think I have done quite enough moaning for today don't you lol, onto my card which is using another of the stunning new Puppy Love release from Sugar Nellie...they are all so cute and girly aren't they...this little beauty is called Birthday Princess and I coloured with distress inks and added a few little bits of glitter to her...I used more of the lush K&Co papers from their scrapkit I bought, love these faded vintage colours don't you...the lush sketch is from Stamp with fun challenge and I'm also entering it for the CES challenge too...sorry this is such a miserable post but my head is pretty bad so I'm off for a lie down now I will hopefully be my old self tomorrow and bore you rigid with my daft tales lol...whatever your up to today I hope your all well
Mina xxx
p.s. I have updated the photos now because at last the sun shone just a teeny bit xxx

clean and simple...

2012-01-16T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a fantastic weekend, I hope so...we had a quiet weekend topped off with our lush Sunday lunch, my lovely Dad is away for a few days visiting my youngest Sister in Belfast which is a fantastic sign that's hes travelling again isn't it, so there was just Phil, our Daughter and her other half, yes I have decided to call him her other half lol...while Phil prepped the lunch I made this card, now I hardly ever make clean and simple cards but this was so fast to make and I even used some of my usual lush ribbon so I might just make more as I really enjoyed just colouring and making this as simple as I could...well its clean and simple for me anyway...the stunning little baby is off course from The Saturated canary and is called Baby Cakes, A Ragamuffin...isn't she a cutie look at those eyes, I of course used my usual distress inks for her and just added a lush pink ribbon and bow, I bought this ribbon from Dunhelm Mill, they sell them on rolls in the curtain section and have the lushest colours, cant remember how much I paid but the roll I think was about £2 something...I finished with a couple of these fabulous pink crown pins from the Ribbon Girl...Im entering this for the Saturated Canary clean and simple challenge and the DYSU Pink challenge too...did you notice last week my crafty blogs banner dissapeared and I couldnt get the code to work whatever I did, well I finally got it loaded and in a week I had dropped from 40 something to 520, bloody hell...well its back and now and very very slowly creeping up its like some kind of gaming machine, where will it stop nobody knows lol...oh and did you all join in the new Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy below, you never know you might win you know, and I will have some Birthday candy when that finished so keep an eye out for that too...I'm having a crafting catch up day today and hope to do loads of hopping too...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen, frayed burlap,
pinks - spun sugar, victorian velvet
white shading - pumice stone, grey watercolour Marvy pen

BUNNY ZOE'S CRAFTS MONTHLY CANDY

2012-01-15T21:00:00.001Z

Hi everyone its Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly candy time again and this time we have this stunning brand new Marianne D Craftables Butterfly for you

stunning isn't it and just perfect for Spring/Summer cards...now what do you have to do to win, well just the usual really,
leave your blog link and name in Mr Linky AND
leave me a comment
use one of the picture above to link to our candy - sidebar is fine
and that's it really, you don't have to be a follower of either my blog or Bunny Zoe's blog but I would anyway as there is always news and candy on both
you have until midnight GMT on Saturday 21st January to enter and I will announce the winner on Sunday
Good luck everyone
Mina xxx

unchain my heart...

2012-01-15T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you all enjoy the hops over the last few days, the DT's work was amazing wasn't it...we had a really quiet Saturday, shopped for Sunday lunch and did a little mooching but not much else really...Phil wanted to go shopping for my birthday present but there's nothing I have my eye on for it, its on Friday this week...I find it really really hard to get excited about my Birthday, Phil is always away at work on it and everyone else is busy with their jobs etc, so I usually spend it on my own or with my lovely Dad...to tell you the truth my Birthday is always really really bad, I dread it and usually keep my head down lol...about 25 years ago my Grandma died on my Birthday the poor woman, and it hasn't really recovered since seeing my birth date on her headstone I think...so you can see why I keep my head down cant you...but you never know one of these years something brilliant might happen...yeah right , I wont hold my breath lol...now onto my card for today which should have been on my blog on Friday but got postponed because of the hops so here it is today...its for our new challenge at Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge and this week is a gorgeous sketch by our wonderful Jacque, I used this gorgeously cute little Tilda from the new Magnolia Sweet Crazy Love collection and is called Tilda with Heartchain...I think she is so sweet don't you, I coloured her with distress inks and used a bit of Sakura stardust clear glitter pen to her chain but I don't think you can see it very well, the stunning paper is from the same new collection and is called Magnolia Calla of Paris 12x12 paper, I love the faded aged look of it and like all Magnolia papers it is perfect for distressing, the sentiment I printed on my computer and I finished with a lush 25mm Dark Green wired organza ribbon tied into a bow and a pretty little green button...isn't that ribbon gorgeous and its only 40p a metre would you believe and in loads of lush colours too, well you know me I dont like ribbons at all lol, everything is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...ooohhhhh btw did you see I have been promoted to Team Leader at Bunny Zoe's Crafts DT too..I'm entering this for the Crafty Catz weekly challenge, Crafty Creations challenge and the Craft Calender challenge, right now I'm off to do some crafting while my fab Phil makes the family Sunday lunch, thank goodness Im married to a good cook isn't it lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx
p.s. dont forget to pop back later as its time for the Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly candy...speak later xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress and sock shading - pumice stone
green - crushed olive, shabby shutters

Blog hop-The Sequel

2012-01-14T08:58:00.002Z

Good morning everyone I hope you all have a fantastic weekend planned...did you all enjoy the hop yesterday didn't the team have some amazing makes to show you...have you chosen your Puppy Love favourites yet, I would love to know which ones they are...you should have arrived her from the amazing Vicky's blog but if you didn't and you want a chance of winning some candy pop on over to the fab Jane's blog to start at the very beginning all the details are on the Sugar Nellie Blog...don't forget to leave each of the sweeties on the hop a comment for a chance to win some goodies from Sugar Nellie
my little beauty to show you today is the gorgeous Fifi Goes Shopping, I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her fabulous little outfit and her sweet little puppies too with some Basicgrey Little Black Dress papers...I used her as a tag (backed with more of the same papers) for a Kraft paper gift bag I made, she works brilliantly like this doesn't she...

I stamped a sentiment on the bag and used a stunning metal frame which is another of my fabulous Secret Santa Tim Holtz gifts, love them all...I finished with a black velvet ribbon tie and bow and a lace bow,I love this fantastic stamp she is perfect for a girly of any age dont you think......your next stop on the hop is over to the fantastic Tiets who has another amazing creation to show just as wonderful as yesterdays, Im entering this for the Basicgrey challenge and Cutie Pie challenge...enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget your comments for a chance to win, have a wonderful weekend
Mina xxx
p.s. come by tomorrow as I will have some new candy for you then

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed birlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
all the brown shades are frayed burlap and a brown watercolour pen
boots and black handles - black soot

Puppy Love Blog Hop...

2012-01-13T08:58:00.002Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and happy...your in for a treat today, there's a brand new release at Funkykits....our brand spanking new Sugar Nellie Puppy Love release...they are so gorgeous and perfectly girly....you should have joined me from the fabulous Jane's blog, if not then hop on over to the wonderful Pat's blog to start at the beginning, you don't want to miss anything and don't forget to leave a comment on all the sweeties blogs on the hop for a chance to win some candy, all the details are on the Sugar Nellie blog

its my great pleasure to show you the beautiful Best Day Ever, I love love love that dress, my Daughter had one just like that when she was small and wore it for her 4th Birthday....I coloured this little darling and her mouse friend with Distress inks and teamed her up with these beautiful Melissa Frances papers...I added some ruffled elasticated ribbon from Tim Holtz (a gift from my secret Santa this Christmas) and cream satin ribbon and a ruffled bow to finish...I wonder which of the girls you will fall in love with and wont be able to resist getting your hands on, I'm dying to know, I have my favourite picked out already...your next stop om our hop is the massively talented Tiet's, she has something stunning to show you...don't forget along the way to leave your comments, you don't want to miss out on a chance to win the lush candy...have a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of the hop, I will see you tomorrow hopefully for Blog Hop part two
Mina xxx

Colours used
skin - Antique linen, Frayed burlap, Tattered Rose
hair - Antique linen, frayed burlap
dress & shoes - Victorian velvet
underskirt and flower - tumbled glass
mouse and shading - punic stone, spin sugar
Gifts - Spun Sugar, victorian velvet, tumbled glass, shabby shutters

pppppuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrr.......

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone are you all well, there is loads of sniffling and coughing going around so I hope you haven't got the lurgy...I had one of those klutz days yesterday, you know the days when everything you do goes wrong and you cant even walk in a straight line...I fell up the stairs (now what sort of klutz falls up stairs) and whacked my elbow so hard I couldn't feel my arm for an hour and no amount of swearing or rubbing helped at all lol, then I caught what was left of the cuff of my fav creating top and ripped it till there was only a seam holding it on, I'm going to have to give up and throw it away aren't I, there will be tears that day I tell you, plus when I caught my cuff I had a cup of coffee in my other hand and it went all over me, yucky...I gave up after that and huddled on the sofa with a hot water bottle and a packet of biscuits watching rubbish daytime TV waiting for the roof to fall in...I can do without days like that but they do make me laugh when I think about them later, so every cloud has a silver lining...my card for today is using this fantastic Kraftin' Kimmie Jayne stamp which is on sale at Bunny Zoe's Crafts for £4.58, bargain isn't she and gorgeous to colour, I used my usual distress inks and paper pieced her dress and bow with the same Prima 6x6 Sparkling Spring paper pad papers as i used for the card, I cut out the edge of one the sheets to make this fab shape and finished with a stunning sparkly chipboard sentiment from a K&Co sheet, I didn't think it needed anything else as the paper is so gorgeous, my cards seem to be getting less and less embellishments on them don't they...I'm entering this for the Anything Goes challenge and the Allsorts challenge

its another preview time before our Sugar Nellie blog hop tomorrow and Saturday...today's preview is on the fabulous Gayles blog, hop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog to read all about it and I will see you at 9 tomorrow for our fab blog hop...Its supermarket day with my lovely Dad today so I will be keeping my arms by my sides and my feet firmly on the ground in case of anymore mishaps...have a safe and brilliantly fun day everyone
Mina xxx

butterflies,a tamborine and news of some sneak peeks...

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone do you have sun, we had sun yesterday and the day before and its so lovely to see it again...even the temperature has gone up a little...my lovely Dad and I went for lunch yesterday and boy it was so yummy but while we were eating there was this middle aged guy whose phone rang, nothing strange there until he proceeded to put the phone on the table on hands free and yell into it while he was eating, he was so loud that everyone in the place, and there was quite a few people, stopped eating to stare at him, he was sssssooooooo loud and what was worse we couldn't understand what he was saying because he wasn't speaking English lol...I said to my Dad I thought I should go over and try to explain to him it was a mobile phone not a megaphone, which made my Dad chuckle, its lovely to see him looking so much better and seeing him have that cheeky giggle of his again, he has even had a haircut and looks a lot more like himself...my card for today is using this amazing Mo's Digital Pencil Georgia, doesn't that fabulous little face just make you smile...I coloured her with distress inks and knew as soon as I saw her which papers I would use, these gorgeous papers from the Prima Madeline 6x6 paper pad and the tag from the same pad just go perfectly with her gypsy outfit don't you think...I finished my card with some ribbon and punched butterflies...the lush sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the CES Challenge and the Crafty Cardmakers challenge
now news of some sneak peeks for you...there's a brand new release of stamps called Puppy Love from Sugar Nellie being released on Friday 13th and as always there will be a two day blog hop with prizes along the way all the details are on the Sugar Nellie blog...but before Friday we are having a couple of sneak peeks for you
today's sneak peek is at the wonderful Vicky's blog, hop on over and see what she has to show you, you are going to love these new ones I promise...I'm having a crafting day today and a visit from my beautiful Daughter, whatever your up to have a fabulous time
Mina xxx

its still M.I.A...

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone are you all well and happy, we finally got a bit of sun yesterday but I'm still struggling with my photos and still cant enlarge them, but if you click on them you can see them larger...I'm probably doing something really simple wrong but my poor brain cant get round it at all, maybe I just need new glasses and they only look blurred to me lol...I managed to get some rummaging done yesterday and found loads of things I had forgotten I had (its shocking isn't it how much stash we have that we forget about isn't it) but my mojo is still sadly lacking and missing in action, I must have a look under my beds for it, that's where I usually found things I have lost lol...I have a couple of cards and some DT cards made for this week so I'm going to just forget about my missing mojo for a couple of days and hope it will sneak back when I'm not looking...its sneaky like that you know...anyway onto my card today which is using some of the paper I found yesterday I had forgotten about, I have the Prima Madeline paper pad but I bought this sheet ages before I got that and forgot about it, I love that beautiful Rose paper side but the other is an amazing blue sheet music, gorgeous collection this isn't it, this paper is called Prima Madeline Spring Tide, I want the job of thinking up the names for papers, wouldn't that be a brilliant job imagine getting paid to look at lush papers all day...the cute little twins stamp is a Fizzy Moon stamp called New Addition, I bought it from Dunhelm Mill and coloured it with distress inks, I finished with one of the sentiments from the same Fizzy moon set and added a shocking pink bow and some blue buttons...the fab sketch is from Stamptacular Sunday challenge and I'm also entering it for the Crafty Catz weekly challenge and the Simon Says Stamp challenge...I'm going out with my lovely Dad today for lunch, I'm taking him out to Town for his lunch, we still haven't heard anything from the Hospital and we are going with the 'no news is good news' attitude...have a fabulous day everyone
Mina xxx

roll on the spring...

2012-01-09T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, did you all have a fabulous weekend?...we did nothing yesterday at all, we were meant to go to town but I wasn't feeling too well and fell asleep at 2pm yesterday afternoon and didn't wake until 8pm would you believe...and I was still in the same spot I fell asleep in, woke with a really stiff neck though...ouch and I woke up after Phil had gone back to work so missed him leaving, I hate doing that...I think its the time of year you know as everyone seems to be the same, after all the hustle of Christmas things in January are very very quiet aren't they and I think we could all do with some fun and sun, so sign up below for a holiday away and we will all go somewhere warm for a crafting holiday oooohhhhh or how about a crafting cruise...anyone up for it lol...onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Bunny Zoe's Crafts challenge, this month our lovely Bettina chose the theme and its a inspirational photo challenge...my photo is once again rubbish because of the weather to get any photo at all I had to use the overhead light and that was in the morning too, roll on the sunshine of spring I say and it might give my mojo the boot up the bum it needs too...I chose to use this beautiful little Whimsy stamp called Valerie & Kitty Sitting Pretty, so cute isn't it and coloured it with distress inks...the lush papers and tag are from the Kaisercraft English Rose 6x6 paper pad this pad is so lush and the colours are beautifully muted too, I finished with some soft pink bias binding and some of the flowers from the same pad cut out and raised around the sentiment...I added some more of those lush Kaisercraft Resin flowers in Fuchsia as I cant resist them...I used the fab sketch from the Totally Gorjuss challenge and I'm also entering it for the Fussy & Fancy Friday challenge too...I'm going to have a rummage through my stash day to see if I can jump start my mojo...if your hiding it own up so I don't have to hunt for it lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

Kissy kiss...

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a wonderful day yesterday, ours was very very quiet but we are going to have a mooch in town today so we will make up for it, oooohhhh and I still have gift cards to spend...thanks for all your emails asking about my Dad, your such lovely thoughtful people, hes much better but we are still waiting for some results from Hospitals and Doctors but we have all our bits crossed that its nothing too bad, but like I said to him yesterday even though its happening to him whatever it is we will cope with it together, as a family...oooohhhhh that's deep for this early on a Sunday morning isn't it lol...right now onto my card for today, how beautiful is this Hannah Lynn digi from Crafts and Me, shes called Kissy Fish, I love how Hannah Lynn draws hair don't you and its a dream to colour...I used my usual distress inks and added a little bit of glitter to add a bit of bling...the lush papers are from the K&Co 12x12 Classic K Bailey scrap kit, love this kit so much, I finished my card with some of my favourite cream satin ribbon and a bow and a couple of flowers from my stash...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and I'm also entering it for the CES challenge and Creative Inspirations challenge...I'm off to have a look at the Boots website to see what goodies they have on offer for me to spend one of my cards on...whatever your up to today have a fantastic Sunday
Mina xxx

return of the glitter...

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, do you have anything fantastic planned for this weekend?, I don't think we will be doing very much at all really, but then you never know do you...when my lovely Phil came home last night after we had eaten he was gone for ages and I could hear him pottering about in the kitchen, then slowly this wonderful smell started to tweak at my nose, he had been baking and made pasties and pies and they smelt incredible, it was all I could do to stop myself having one then and there, only the thought of the molten lava insides and what it would do to my tongue stopped me, I did manage a little nibble or two when they had cooled though of course...he is the best baker ever, his pies are to die for...everyone loves them to the extent he made two huge ham and egg pies last Saturday and by Sunday morning they were both gone...I didn't eat them all honestly although if I put my mind to it I probably could....right now onto my card for today and before I tell you about, I'm having a real problem posting my images, is anyone else having problems?...I can get them posted but when I try to enlarge them they go all blurred, I have tried saving them in different ways etc and they look great on my computer, its only when I upload them it happens...its driving me crackers

right now card Mina...ok...how fantastically beautiful is Winter Fairy Talva (look at those cute toes) from Mo's Digital Pencil, she like every other Mo's image is a dream to colour...I used distress inks and of course loads and loads of glitter...the fabulous papers which I think are a perfect match for her don't you are from Whiff of Joys 6x6 paper pad Frühlingserwachen from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I used a few punched snowflakes and a huge organza ribbon bow to finish, I love that ribbon its lush, I so wish I could remember where I had got it from...the lush sketch is from Inspirational card sketches challenge (sketch 126) and I'm also entering it for the Stampalot monochrome challenge and the Do You stack up challenge...right I'm off to have a pastie lol...whatever you get up to today I hope its a brilliant one
Mina xxx

clowning around...

2012-01-06T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone have the winds finally settled down where you are, they died down a little yesterday afternoon then there was stillness last night and it seemed so weird because it has been blowing so long the silence was surreal...we went to the supermarket yesterday and put the whole world to rights over our coffee and tea so prepare to see things pick up over the next few days lol...my beautiful Daughter text me and asked me did I fancy dinner which is Daughter text for 'do you fancy cooking', well I didn't but I did buy us all takeaway instead...we had pizzas and I don't know if it was the garlic or what but I was so so thirsty I couldn't stop drinking water all night...we had a good old natter and spent some time together and her lovely fella even put my bins back for me bless him...I never know what to call him, partner sounds like their names should finish with Ltd or & Co doesn't it, I cant say boyfriend because they have been together 5 years and living together for nearly 3 of them, boyfriend sounds like they go on date or two...maybe I should call him my future Son-in-law might give them ideas to make it legal and give me an excuse to make some wedding invitations lol...what would you call him all suggestions greatly accepted...anyway onto my card for today which is another dark photo as the skies are still so grey the colour gets all washed out...this gorgeous little cutie is from Belles and Whistles and is called Clowning around, isn't she so gorgeous, I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her outfit, I love paper piecing, its all that cutting out...btw a little hint when your paper piecing, when you cut whatever your doing out go around it with a black pen and then you wont get those raw white edges...the fantastic papers and sentiment I used are from the Kaisercrafts Blea and Ivy 6.5x6.5 paper pad, the pad and stamp are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with some fantastic red gingham ribbon, the blue, green and red isn't a combo I have used before but I think it works well don't you...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday challenge and I'm also entering it for the Papertake Weekly challenge and Truly Scrumptious challenge too...I'm going to do some crafting and tidying today so not going out at all...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

roses in bloom...

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all safe and warm, its still blowing a hurricane here and I finally picked my bins up just to hear them go flying to the bottom again a couple of hours later...they are bloody staying there now until the wind and rain and hail has gone for at least 8 hours and so is the rubbish...its seems most of Europe got these storms too, there has been thousands of home without electricity too...strange in these technological days that a few storms and the whole grid goes haywire...haven't these people heard of more modern ways of getting it to us...right rant over, well for today anyway lol...I managed to get some DT commenting done last night and a few more of my own but it was like ploughing through treacle, I think the storms have slowed down the internet too if that's possible lol...I was watching Mamma Mia last night and thought hhhmmmmm I fancy a Gin and Tonic to help lubricate the vocal chords for singing along, fatal mistake all it did was make me incredibly sleepy, see that's what happens when you have a drink every six months or so lol...ok now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Colour Create challenge, our lovely Edna chose the colours of Cream, Sage and Red this time and I love them except you know what I'm like with red and of course I had to colour this beautiful Just Inklined digi called Rose Bloom in red didn't I (would you believe this is the amazing price of £1)...everything went brilliant until I picked it up and smudged the top corner...aaaarrrrggghhhhh another revenge of the red lol.... I used this amazing velvet embossed paper from the Kaisercraft Velvet Ensemble 6.5x6.5 paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and added some cream card as a contrast, I finished with some lush wide cream satin ribbon and a huge bow...the lush sketch is from Mojo Monday...I'm off out with my Dad today so hope the weather improves a bit, he struggles in the wind and it takes his breath away...I'm always scared getting out of his new car in case the door snaps back and dents, I have done this before oops...whatever your up to today keep safe and warm and watch out for bendy doors
Mina xxx

colours used
reds - Fired brick and Aged Mahogany
green - Bundled Sage
shading in box - Antique Linen

cobweb free...

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, I hope you haven't been suffering the storm we have here, I woke up yesterday morning to my two bins empty at the bottom of my garden and the contents all over the place (thank goodness they were emptied on Friday), the wind had whipped one of them so hard it dug a huge chunk out of the grass...needless to say the contents and bins are still there as I wasn't going to brave the elements to collect them, they can wait until the storms die down...my lovely Dad was telling me that his neighbour woke to a satellite dish in her garden and she doesn't even have one, well I suppose she does now lol...I wonder how far it travelled, I had visions of it sailing though the air like a scene from the Wizard of Oz...we did go out for a while though as my Dad needing some food shopping but we didn't stray far as the wind, snow, rain and hail was almost horizontal...straight home a fire on and heating full on and we were sorted for the rest of the day...ok now onto my card for today which is a midway reminder for our mega challenge over at Crafts and Me Challenge, you still have until the 18th January for a chance to grab one of the 6 amazing prizes on offer, the theme is anything goes and you can enter a maximum of 3 times too, so what you waiting get on over there and join in...I used this amazing Dusk digi stamp by Sara Burrier, beautiful isn't she and one of my all time favourite Crafts and Me digis...I coloured her with distress inks and the stunning paper is a Michele R Digital Design paper called Vintage Postcard, I printed it three times and layered the flower, butterfly and one of the leafs...because the image and paper is so beautiful I didn't think it needed anything else...well I hope it didn't anyway lol...I'm entering this for the Top Tip Tuesday challenge and Magical Monday challenge too...oh btw is anyone having problems with blogger?, some of my sidebar info and gadgets keep disappearing and I seem to be dashing around chasing them...oh well I'm sure it will settle down...I'm not going out today I'm going to watch the bad weather from inside in the warm...whatever your up to I hope the weather is better
Mina xxx

not just for Christmas...

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy, I had a semi successful crafting day yesterday and managed 3 dt cards, but I so need to do so so much more...at least over the last couple of days I have done some fabulous blog hopping and plan to do loads more tonight, I so miss it when I don't have time to do hopping, I love a good surf don't you but I'm so easy distracted by links lol...I wont get any crafting done today as my lovely Dad needs some shopping and I feel a coffee to put the world to rights is desperately needed...well it wont sort itself out will it lol...my card for today is using a Christmas stamp, don't you just love it when you can use something all year round..I used this stunning little Wish Upon A Star from Funky Kits and with the addition of some cute teeny tiny pearls and a load of glitter I changed its use, I think it works really well don't you...I coloured her with Distress inks and I'm so sorry but I keep forgetting to keep a note of the colours I use to add at the end, but I will do my best in future...the lush papers are from the new Basicgrey Little Black Dress paper pad, this pad is so lush, when you first look at its you think its all greys and blacks but it isn't there's some pale blues and creams/gold as well, there's also an amazing animal print in it that I cant wait to use...this pad and loads of other crafting goodies were a Christmas gift from the fabulous Karen at Sugar Nellie, isn't that amazing...I finished my card with some fabulously glitzy sparkly ribbon and a bow and a couple of crown pins from the Ribbon Girl...that fabulous sketch is from the Sugar Bowl challenge and I'm entering this for the Basicgrey Challenge, have a wonderful day everyone and whatever your up to I hope you have fun
Mina xxx

young love...

2012-01-02T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and are having a great start to 2012, Phil has gone back to work and it seems so strange to be here alone again but at least I will get loads of work done today, well that's the plan anyway...we had a fantastic family lunch yesterday and my lovely Dad seems to have his appetite back and even asked for a second Yorkshire pudding, fingers crossed he is well and truly on the mend, you probably heard the sigh of relief from where you are lol...because my Dad wasn't with us for Christmas we had a extra special lunch and even had Christmas crackers, and he chuckled at each and every terrible bad joke in them too...I missed his laugh as we haven't heard it much when he wasn't well, we are going shopping together tomorrow so he can spend some of his gift cards he got for Christmas, I don't like shopping for clothes with my Dad, he doesn't really need anything and the men who complain women are picky shoppers should spend the day with my Dad, I will give you an example when we were shopping for a new TV for him, it took him 12 weeks and I mean looking at them at least twice a week too...couldn't make his mind up if I paid him lol...anyway onto my post for today, its for our new challenge at The Pretty Little Ribbon shop challenge...

the choice of theme this time is from our fab teamie Peet and she chose Be My Valentine, as soon as I started to think about this DT project I knew I had to use this amazing Ragged Romeo from Mo's Digital Pencil, stunning isn't it and look at that little girls face, perfection, I coloured them with distress inks and used them as a tag for a box...the stunning ribbons are from The Pretty Little Ribbon shop and are Antique Gold Sheer Ruffle Edge 16mm (just peeping behind the white) and White Silky Crush wired ribbon, I finished with loads of Prima roses and a mixture of velvet and satin leaves from my stash...wait until you see what the rest of our wonderful came up with, wow...I'm entering this for the Simon Says Stamp anything goes challenge, the Joanna Sheen Celebration challenge (mines Valentines) and the Dutch Dare Card challenge too...I'm having a crafting catching up day today and I'm not coming out of my craft room until I have caught up...have a wonderful day everyone and when you have time pop on over to The Pretty Little Ribbon shop challenge and join in
Mina xxx

Happy New Year...Asprin anyone?...

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone and Happy New Year, I wish you all love, happiness and good health for 2012...anyone got a hangover?, oh and have you made any resolutions I would love to hear them, I never make any as I never ever keep them so its not worth the guilt trip when I never manage them...er...remember I said I wasn't going to buy anything in the sales, well we all went to Sainsbury's yesterday to get the food for today's New Years Day/Sunday lunch and I couldn't resist a little mooch through their sale goodies now could I, then I saw it, the fluffiest, biggest dusky pink dressing gown I have ever seen and an amazing 40% off now how could I resist that...so I didn't and bought it...I look like a polar bear who is going through its pink phase but it is so warm and lush, I love it...my card for today is for anyone who needs a little help with their hangover lol...the fantastic image is from Mo's digital pencil and is called Nurse, shes great for any get well card don't you think, I coloured her with distress inks and these lush Christmas papers (see you don't have to use Christmas papers just for Christmas do you), I haven't a clue who they are by though as there's no markings on them at all, I bought them from my local shop Crafter's and Co so must ask Sara who they are by...I finished with a white satin ribbon and a red tartan bow, the letters are from a sheet of Basic Grey embellishments...the fab sketch is from the My Time Made Easy challenge and I'm also entering it for the Card Crafter's Circle challenge and the Charisma Cards challenge too...I am so so behind with all my DT work that Phil's says he is going to make lunch today to give me a chance to at least get organised as to what I need to get done, thank goodness for men that can cook lol...we are having a lovely family lunch today, my favourite thing to do...whatever your up to I hope you have something wonderful planned too
Mina xxx
p.s. sorry about the photos but the sky is so grey atm it seems to wash out all the colour

a bit of time and some favourites...

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well...well we hit the shops yesterday and I got a huge bargain...an oven mitt lol...it was a bargain but hardly enough to get me excited I'm sorry to say, I looked at loads of sale goodies but found nothing that I really wanted so I will save my gift cards for something I really want instead of just buying something from the sale because its a bargain...my Dad is loads better thank goodness and since he started taking the re hydration solution he even looks lots better, but like most people he doesn't drink enough, I did try to tell him that tea doesn't count lol...do you have anything planned for New Years Eve then, we never do anything, in fact its usually just another night, we will maybe have a glass of wine at midnight, so go on make me jealous with all the lavish lush parties your going too...my card for today is to wish you all a very Happy New Years Eve, this gorgeous little fella is TeddyBo_84 and I coloured him with distress inks, these lush papers are from the Prima Printery 6x6 paper pad, I love this pad, the papers have an aged Victorian feel to them...the large clock is an acetate one from Kaisercraft that I bought at the last Kings Hall craft fair I went too, gorgeous isnt it...I finished with more clocks cut from the same pad and a swirly ribbon...the fab sketch is from the Crafty Ribbons challenge and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and The Ribbon Reel challenge...

have you seen the lovely Debby has a five favourite cards challenge at this time of year, she has one for Christmas Eve (which I missed) so I was determined to join in with her New Years Eve one, why don't you hop on over and enter too as you can win some candy for entering...
so here goes with my five favourite cards of 2011...boy did I find it hard, not because there is so many of them my favourites but because I make an awful lot of cards and had to go through them...I hope you like them too, the names above them are their links to the posts

Its all about the eyes

Midwinter

Welcome to the Carnival

Ive been steampunked

The Look of Love

phew that was a long one so thanks for sticking with me...have a fantastic New Years Eve everyone and I wish you and those you love the best for 2012
Mina xxx

nothing says I love you like flowers...

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and keeping warm, are you getting the wind we have, it certainly blows the cobwebs away doesn't it...my Dad is a little better and thank you all so much for your lovely wishes for him and your kind emails, I must have sounded very worried yesterday...I couldn't get him to go to the Doctors but hes taking the re hydration powders that were left on prescription for him, so at least we can stop worrying about him getting dehydrated, isn't it strange how we seem to change places the older our parents get...I seem to have turned into his Mum and spend ages nagging him so have decided my Dad knows what hes doing and just because hes getting older it doesn't mean he cant know his own body and mind, I have to respect that and he will let me know when he wants help, until then I'm just going to enjoy being with him as my Dad not as my child...soap box moment over lol...I'm gutted today, I have a favourite top its huge, long and covered with ink and has Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man on the front (much to my Nephews amusement lol), Phil bought it years ago for me from a tiny stall in a back lane in Venice and I love it to bits, it had a small hole on the bottom of the long sleeve and I caught it on a door handle yesterday and lets just say the hole isn't small in fact its another armhole, Phil thought it was funny but I was devastated (I'm still wearing it to paint though lol)...right enough waffling Mina, my card for today is using one of the gorgeously cute Fizzy Moon stamps, I bought it from Dunelm Mill, oh and btw they are on sale as I bought one yesterday and only paid £2.99 for it, bargain eh..I coloured this one called With Love with distress inks and used a half sheet of paper from my scraps, so sorry haven't a clue where its from but its so gorgeous isn't it...I added some lush ribbons, the blue one is 16mm Berisford grosgrain Sapphire ribbon from The Pretty Little Ribbon shop, I finished with a pale blue button, the lush sketch is from the Tuesday Morning Sketches challenge and I'm also entering it for the DYSU challenge and Simon Says Stamp challenge too...I'm off out to spent some of my gift cards I got for Christmas today, oooohhhhh I love a bargain in the sales don't you...whatever your up to today have a fab one
Mina xxx

WE HAVE A WINNER...

2011-12-29T20:22:00.002Z

Hi everyone its that time again...we have a winner for our lush Bunny Zoe's Crafts stamp
the Random number thingy says its no. 71
and thats......drum roll please

ADRIANA
huge congratulations Adriana, could you please email me your address and I will pass it
on to the lovely Nikki so she can get your stamp in the post
dont worry if you didnt win though as it wont be long until my next candy
Mina xxx

so much joy in one little face...

2011-12-29T00:20:00.001Z

Yyyyyyooohhhoooo everyone I'm back...did you miss me?, yeah right I bet you did lol...I hope you all had the most fantastic Christmas ever, we had a very quiet one just family and lots of laughs and gift giving, my Sister and her family were down on Tuesday so I didn't get on to check my posting so oops, this should have been yesterdays but by the time I realised it was so late I just kept it for today...see what happens when your not about to check things...thank you all so much for your fantastic comments on my Nativity scene, I had so so much fun making that and gave it to my Sister for her two little un's and I'm chuffed to say they love it so much, my Dad still isn't very well at all and we are all very worried about him but will he go to the Doctors...nope, but I'm working on him and have a feeling if he doesn't go he will end up in hospital, its hard to get my head around anything else but my Dad atm but it helps to take your mind onto something else doesn't it...so my card for today is using this gorgeous little Snow Day cutie from Mo's Digital Pencil, I used this sweetie in pink but you could use it for a boy or girl I think, don't you...the lush papers are from a pack I bought from K&Co called Classic K Bailey scrap kit, it included the word and the flowers too and there's loads and loads for me to use so I'm sure you will see more of this lush kit, I finished with a chocolate brown ribbon and a scattering of pearls...I am totally lost with the challenges so I haven't a clue where this fab sketch is from but I'm entering this for the My Mums Craft Shop challenge, Joanna Sheen challenge and the Simon Says Stamp challenge too...I'm off to persuade my Dad to go to the Doctors or I'm getting him to come out, that will shift him I think, keep your fingers crossed it does for me please...have a fabulous day everyone
Mina xxx
p.s. I will be back a little later with my Bunny Zoes Crafts winner

Wishing you Peace, Joy and Happiness

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, thank you all so much for your lovely Christmas wishes
and I wish I could have sent everyone of you a Christmas card, I couldn't so I wanted to
make something special to show you how much I appreciate you all and to wish you all the
best Christmas ever, I hope you have a fantastic festive season with
your loved ones

all you well wishes for my lovely Dad must have worked because hes feeling
much better and he is away to Belfast with my Sister for his Christmas dinner...
I'm so sorry the pictures are so small but every time I enlarge them they go really
blurred??? (if anyone knows what I'm doing wrong let me know please)...this
is the stunning Nativity from Mo's Digital Pencil and when I decided I
would make something special to wish you all a Merry Christmas this sprung to mind
straight away (only Mo could draw those beautiful faces)...I coloured them with
distress inks and attached a triangle of card to their
backs to stand up the Angel is attached to acetate so she can float over the scene,
the stable I made from a free download of plank paper from a model making website
and I couldn't get any straw so cut this from straw coloured card...thank you
all so much for taking time to visit me today and
I will leave you to enjoy your Christmas holidays
and I wish you Peace, Joy and Happiness
Mina xxx

more jingle bells...

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone only two more sleeps to go, btw I would love to know what you have asked for from the big red guy (or someone else close to you)...my poor Dad wasn't well yesterday so they put off his tests and scan until this morning so its back to the hospital today, but on the good side my Sister is coming down from Belfast to drive him up for Christmas as he isn't too good so at least I get to spend a few hours with her while shes here...my card for today is using this stunning image from Just Inklined called Christmas Bells which is the amazing price of £1 would you believe...I love this stamp it just screams Christmas doesn't it...I coloured it with distress inks and used this gorgeous freebie paper from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine as my colour theme, its unusual isn't it but works really well for this stamp I think...I also teamed it up with some of my favourite red gingham ribbon and cut out some of the flowers...as this was a card for a special friend I also added a beautiful Joy charm that's enameled and has tiny gems on it...the lush sketch is from Sketch Saturday and Im also entering it for the Creative Inspirations challenge and Charisma Cardz challenge too...I still have a few bits and pieces left to do, including the wrapping which always takes me ages, too fussy about bows etc that's the problem lol...keep your fingers crossed for my Dads tests today, I so want them to be over so he can start enjoying his Christmas and I hate it when there's anything wrong with him...if you have time pop back tomorrow as I have made something special to wish you all a happy Christmas, I hope you will like it...have a brilliant day everyone
Mina xxx

Jingle bells...

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, well are you all prepared for the guy in the big red suit yet?...I bet I have put Jingles bells in your head now, you will be humming it all day, I did when I made this card lol...we did the dreaded supermarket shop yesterday, what with nipping between supermarkets and heaving ourselves through the crowds (I think everyone had the idea of getting it out of the way early) it took us an amazing 6 hours...yes 6 hours...now how on earth can four people eat that much food, although I do have my lovely Dad and my Sister and her family on Boxing Day too...I managed to get a bit of blog hopping done last night but I nodded off at about 8 and didn't wake up until 11, I'm looking forward to another big session of blogging tonight as I so enjoyed looking at your blogs last night, no napping tonight though...this Christmas lark is hard work isn't it I was shattered, but at least I dragged Phil around with me to show him what I normally have to do alone, although I think its faster on my own and I don't have someone putting double what I normally buy in my trolley lol...right now onto my card for today, how cute and sweet is this fabulous Christmas Bells image from the Pachela Studios collection at Cuddly Buddly, I love this cute little rabbit and cant resist him, I will have to go buy some more I think, I coloured him with distress inks...I used some more of this lush Bo Bunny Father Christmas 6x6 paper pad I bought from Charmed Cards & Crafts, I didn't think this lush paper needed anything that might cover it so I just added some rich red satin ribbon to finish...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering it for the Papertake Weekly challenge too...I'm off to spend most of today with my lovely Dad he has to have some very unpleasant tests and scans in hospital, I feel for him but at least I will be there to keep him company...keep your fingers crossed they don't find anything that shouldn't be there...whatever you up to today I hope its a quiet shopping free one
Mina xxx

a sweetie wee stamp...

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all safe and warm and getting there for the big day firstly huge apologies for not getting round to commenting but I have all my DT work done and all my crafting stuff ready, including something special to show you on Christmas eve, so I'm having a commenting night tonight and tomorrow night to wish you all the best for Christmas I miss my hopping when I cant get around to it, oh and I'm sorry for the shocking state of these photos it was almost dark by the time I remembered I hadn't taken them...well I spent hours looking for Christmas gifts for Phil yesterday and what did I get...exactly nothing a big fat zero, well not nothing I did buy him a CD I know he wanted...I have a few ideas though but they will take a bit more research, you all had some fantastic ideas but I bought him the biggest set of Laurel and Hardy DVDs years ago, mind he is no help at all, every time I ask him for suggestions he says I don't need anything, I have tried telling him its not what he needs I want to buy him lol...we had a nice night last night my lovely Dad came for dinner and we made toad in the hole and it was scrummy then he stayed for hours just talking and watching cookery programmes with Phil...fabulous night even though I was bored with the cookery shows lol...for those of you who don't know what toad in the hole is here's a link that will help, have a try it is so yummy...right my badly photographed card for today is using one of these gorgeous little Wee Stamps, this is a digi and is called Winter Fairy, I coloured her with distress inks and used glitter glue, well of course I did she has wings lol...the papers are just scraps so I'm not sure who they are by but have a feeling they might be Graphic45...now I made a bit of a hash of the holly, it was a bright green and is felt but I wanted it more muted so I coloured it with a copic but it just turned a really bad muddy green...I finished with some punched snowflakes...the lush sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge and my stash is the paper, I'm also entering it into the Top Tip Tuesday challenge and Use it Tuesday challenge too...we are making a start on the dreaded food shopping today, oh no I hear you cry, I know I hate it too but I don't think my family will appreciate a tin of soup for Christmas lunch do you lol...whatever your up to today have a great one
Mina xxx

you can never have too many baubles...

2011-12-20T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...we had a very quiet day yesterday it was nice just to have a day chillin and doing nothing at all, on the days my poor Phil is off work we usually are running around trying to cram things in before he has to go back to work, its so fab having him off for two weeks...he made me laugh today, he was scouring the TV mag and I asked him what he was looking for, wheres all the great programmes that are on in the morning at Christmas, like Laurel and Hardy and the old Flash Gordon's series...I had to tell the poor fella they haven't showed them for years and years, shows how often he is off at Christmas doesn't it...he will have to do with the rubbish that's on now I'm afraid...my card for today is using one of the amazing Adorables from Sugar Nellie, this is the stunning Sybil, I cropped her and just used her head this time...isn't she just beautiful, I coloured her with distress inks and added a little bit of sparkle to her bows...the lush papers are a freebie with a magazine would you believe, I hardly ever buy magazine but cant resist a freebie can you...I used some gold card to frame the fab sketch that's too late for the Simply Stampin challenge sketch challenge but fits their new challenge I hope, and I used some of the papers to cut out loads of the gorgeous baubles, now how could I resist cutting some of them out, when I had used them I didn't think it needed anything else...Im also entering this for the Stampin Royalty challenge too...I still don't have Phil's presents would you believe, he is the hardest person to buy for so I'm off out today to get something and I'm not coming back empty handed...if you don't hear from me send help lol...have a wonderful day everyone
Mina xxx

whats a teeny bit of green between friends...

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, did you see the new Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy yesterday, its two post below if you would like a chance of winning, or click on the link at the top of my sidebar...wow how fast is the holiday season whizzing by, one second its October and the next its a few days to the big day...is it just me or is time whizzing by this year...it must be the season for hand and arm injuries...first my Dads hand (which is much much better) and then we found out last night that one of Phil's Sister has broken her wrist slipping on a floor at work....ouch it sounds painful and she is just a teeny tiny wisp of a thing too so hasn't any meat to cushion her fall, unlike me who would probably bounce lol...I hope shes ok and she will just have to let her other half do all the Christmas cooking for her...my lovely Phil is on two weeks holiday so I'm expecting some lush home cooked meals, my idea of cooking when hes away is opening a tin of soup or making a sandwich, I can cook I just find it a chore and to cook just for me seems a waste of time...anyway I can get a lot in a sandwich believe me lol...right onto today's card which is one of those ones that just go to show you don't need to use Christmas papers to make a Christmas card...I used some of the Prima Madeline 6x6 paper pad and teamed it up with the stunning Whimsy stamps Touched with Love image, stunning image isn't it...I coloured it with distress inks and shock horror would you believe no glitter even on her spectacular wings...I finished with some lush lace, sating ribbon and these beautiful Prima roses, the gold tint on them is beautiful, I punched some leaves and added a couple of buttons to finish...the gorgeous sketch is from Simon Says stamp Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Allsorts challenge (its a brown and blue colour combo but I hope they will forgive the little bit of green) and the Charisma Cardz challenge...I have a project to finish today so wont be going out until its finished (you will get to see it Christmas Eve)...whatever your up to today be careful I don't want to hear of anymore injuries, two is quite enough lol
Mina xxx

a winner and a card...

2011-12-18T18:14:00.004Z

yyyyooohhhhoooo everyone me again this time with a card and the winner of my paper candy...in case you haven't seen I have Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy just below, one of the lush new Sweet Crazy Love Magnolia stamps and a sentiment stamp too so pop on down to join in...we had a lovely day today we went out to town and had a lovely lunch did a little bit of unnecessary shopping (love that kind don't you) and then met up with our Daughter and other half for coffee later...we even went to M&S to try out some of their party range, they must be good as there was hardly anything left, wow what a difference today was from Friday night, the town was crammed full...carols playing and a really crisp day, so Christmassy...anyway onto my card, how stunning is this beautiful Belles and Whistles Christmas Angel Daniella, she is such a pretty little angel don't you think...I coloured her with distress inks and glittered her halo and wings I then teamed her up with more of these lush Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas papers...fantastic colours aren't they, I finished with a huge lush two tone ribbon, bow and another of these stunning Kaisercraft Fushcia resin flowers from the pack, I'm going to buy loads more of these as they really are so beautifully detailed, everything I used (except for the ribbon) is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday, Belles and Whistles challenge and Inspirations challenge too

right now its time for the winner of my paper candy...the Mr random thingy says its No.27 and that's.......drum roll please

ALI B

huge congratulations Ali could you please email with your details so I can pop your papers out to you asap...right I will leave you to enjoy your evening...keep warm and safe everyone

Mina xxx

BUNNY ZOE'S CRAFTS MONTHLY CANDY

2011-12-18T07:00:00.001Z

Yes its that time again Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly candy time and boy do we have something special for you this time, have you seen the brand new Sweet Crazy Love Magnolia collection, isn't it fantastic, I love it and am so so jealous of this candy...hhhhmmmmm are you allowed to enter your own candy do you think lol...the lovely Nikki is giving me one of these gorgeous cute Tilda Going Bananas and the Going Bananas text stamp too
ok now what do you need to do to win...just the usual things
leave your name and blog link in Mr Linky AND leave me a comment
you don't need to be a follower but I would love it if you wanted to be
use the picture above to link back to our candy (sidebar is fine)
this candy is open until the 28th December and open worldwide too
well that's it, that's all you need to do
enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone and good luck with the candy
Mina xxx
p.s. I will be back later with the name of the winner of my last candy

sssssssshhhhhhhh dont tell him...

2011-12-17T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone I hope you all have a brilliant weekend planned, I would love to know what your doing...go on you know you want to make everyone jealous lol...my lovely Dads hand is load's better, it turns out his hand is infected and because he walks with two crutches the pressure was making it much worse and causing it to swell really badly, I must admit though I would feel much happier if he had x-ray, do you think if I go to the hospital and tell them it will put my mind at rest they would do it...no maybe not lol...I had a fab late night shop with my darling Daughter, although the rain never stopped and it was freezing, I must admit though I was so shocked as the shops were so so quiet, there were a lot of shops with just us doing any shopping, a sign of the times I guess, I remember a few years ago you could hardly get moved on late night Christmas shopping Friday's here...so sad isn't it...we did manage a festive Starbucks coffee at least, it was nice but I find them a little sickly, I love good coffee and think to add all those flavours and sprinkle bits is a waste...right now onto my card for today, I have to swear you to secrecy though as this is my Christmas card for my Phil so ssssssshhhhh not a word, I thought he would love this Sassy Studio Designs Reindeer Games, shes a sweetie isn't she, I coloured her with distress inks and used my favourite colour combo of red and green but with a little twist of modern I think, I haven't a clue who this paper is by as the name strip was missing, but I like it, the lush ribbon is from The Pretty little ribbon shop and is called Red Large Polka Dot 15mm Ribbon, I'm entering this for the Sketch N Stash challenge, my stash is this beauty and this fab paper which I have had for ages, Papertake weekly challenge and The Cutie Pie challenge too...we are out for coffee today and you never know maybe even a little mooch too...whatever your up to today have a fantastic festive time
Mina xxx
p.s. all you Saturated Canary fans pop on over to their blog and have a look at the competition they are running, I have entered so would love a vote from one or two of you, only if you want to of course, or even vote for one of the other as there is some amazing work there...thanks

shock horror no DP's or ribbon!!!!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone are you all managing to stay warm in this chilly weather, I hope your all toasty warm...I'm so pleased to tell you we are now the proud owners of a brand new 94cm wafer thin HD TV and about time too I hear you cry...when the lorry pulled up with the two man team to bring the TV in I thought omg how heavy is this thing, well really guys your either very weak or getting a bit of overtime because I lifted it out of the box and put it on the stand myself and I promise it isn't heavy, now the old fatter type weighed a tonne getting it on the floor nearly ripped my shoulders out so I resorted to the dragging method, we have all used that method havent we...phew well at least its here and settled in for Christmas and I don't have to send for you all to come sort them out for me...ok now onto my card for today are you all sitting down as I don't want to get the blame for fainting spells, I didn't use any DP's or ribbon or buttons or anything actually (well I might have gone a bit overboard on the old glittery stuff mind ya)...ok pick yourselves up lol...my card is for our new challenge at Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge and its our lovely Sara's turn to host this week and her choice is white plus one...so loads of white and any one colour you want to use too...I chose this fantastic Tilda I haven't used for ages, I have a feeling shes called Chilly Tilda, I coloured her with one of the new Tim Holtz limited addition colours called Evergreen bough, lush colour isn't it and it matched perfectly with the glitter board I used for my snowflakes...the only other thing I used was more glitter board in white, when I got these all together to use I thought oh oh this isn't going to work but I think it looks ok...I'm entering this for the DYSU challenge, and the Deep Ocean challenge...my poor Dad hurt his hand the other day and when I saw him yesterday it is up like a balloon and really hot so he either has a bad infection or its broken, no amount of persuading would get him to go to hospital for an xray but come hell or high water he will be going today so that's my day sorted, I'm also going late night Christmas shopping tonight with our gorgeous Daughter, don't know what for though but I'm sure I will find something lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and its not too cold
Mina xxx

a double day and an aaarrrgggghhhhhhhh...

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone its a double day today its time for our Mo's Dreamteams Monthly blog Hop and a new challenge at Colour Create challenge too and I wasn't clever enough to combine them..oops...but first my aaaarrrrggggghhhh, still no TV despite spending 3 hours on the phone chasing it up yesterday, I did manage to find out that its in a delivery warehouse about 28 miles from me, I could have walked there by now lol...anyway back to today's cards and a warm welcome to the Mo's Digital Pencil Dreamteams monthly blog hop you should have arrived here from the super talented Debbie's blog, if you didn't you can pop on over Kerttu's blog to start at the beginning (btw don't forget to leave a comment on everyone's blog as there are two $5 vouchers for Mo's digital Pencil to be won, our host this month is the fabulous Kerttu and she chose the brilliant theme of Non traditional Christmas colours, I chose the unusual combo of yellow and grey for mine, it gave me the perfect excuse to use these Authentique Blissful 6x6 paper pad papers again, I love them...I used this stunning Little Elf Pipa for my card and coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced from the same paper pad, I know this really is an unusual combo for Christmas but think it works well with this amazing elf don't you

I finished my card with some yellow and dark grey satin ribbon and a stamped sentiment...your next stop on your hopping along way is the fabulous Pops...enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget your comments as you never know who will be a winner this time...I'm entering this for the Joanna Sheen challenge and Creative Card Crew challenge too...right now for my second card today which is for the new challenge at Colour Create challenge, this time the challenge will last a month because of the Christmas holidays, our fabulous host Sharon chose SILVER, BLUE & WHITE for her combo this time, its perfect for a real frosty feeling to cards

this little sweetie snowflake fairy is from CC Designs but I cant for the life of me remember what shes called, I coloured her with distress inks again and glittered her up too...the beautiful soft papers are from Prima Madeline paper pad, I added some silver glittered snowflakes which is very hard to see and a couple of punched snowflakes too...I finished with some lush pleated organza ribbon and a white satin ribbon too, the lush sketch is from Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge and I'm also entering it for the Crafty Calender challenge too...phew that was a long one wasn't it, thanks for sticking with me and I promise tomorrows will be much much shorter...my photos still look a bit blurred to me but I have a feeling it might be my glasses need replacing yet again, or maybe I'm just seeing things lol...I'm off out to the supermarket today with my lovely Dad...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and if you have time pop on over to Colour Create to check out the rest of the DT's wonderful work
Mina xxx

a blue haired christmas...

2011-12-14T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope the weather is being kinder to you wherever you are, its shocking here, there's gale force winds, one of my fences is bending in it its so strong, snow, hail, rain and just about everything it can throw at us...my lovely Dad was breathless and shattered by the time he struggled from the car to where we went for lunch yesterday and we both couldn't see a thing as our glasses were soaking, no point in struggling with an umbrella, anyway I didn't want my lovely green polka dot umbrella doing an inside out trick on me lol, we had a good natter and spent the afternoon together, I hope it helped him to cope a little better but must admit I had a few tears yesterday, the worst being on the phone complaining about where my TV was and why it hadn't been delivered, the woman on the other end was so nice and apologetic and I for some inexplicable reason just burst into tears, the poor woman thought she had upset me although I'm sure when the call was finished she probably had a few words to her friends about the middle aged tearful nutter on the phone lol...I want to say a huge massive thank you for all your wonderful kind comments yesterday, they made me feel I wasn't as alone as I felt, I'm always in awe of how kind and thoughtful fellow crafters are...your a lovely lot of people and thank you so much...my card for today is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenge, this week is the digi teams turn and our wonderful Mona chose the theme of Christmas, I wanted to use a non Christmas image for mine so I chose the stunning Moon Glow by Hannah Lynn coloured with distress inks, I coloured her hair slightly differently this time with grey and blue inspired by this lush glittered Christmas tree paper by Rayher, stunning isn't it...I used a white satin ribbon and finished with another of the amazing Lee's (craftyloops) amazing flowers, this one is a felt rose and the photos really don't do it justice, stunning...I'm entering this for the Stampin for the Weekend challenge, Dutch Dare Card challenge and Cute Card Thursday challenge too...Im waiting in for deliveries again today although Im secretly glad I dont have to brave the elements and feel the urge to do some colouring in the warm too...whatever your up to today stay safe and warm and have a good one
Mina xxx

I miss you...

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone today is a very sad day for my family its the anniversary of my Mums death, her name was Mary and she was a wonderful woman with a wicked sense of humour and a real twinkle in her soft brown eyes, she not only taught the practical things in life, she taught me to cook and sew and the everyday things to get me through life but she taught me my values and manners and to always be helpful and kind, values I still hold today...I remember many days and nights wrapped up in her arms while she sang softly to us Sisters, she had a beautiful voice...she was the most wonderful woman I have known and still today I miss her, my first thought whenever I get good news or need to talk is that I wish I could ring her...I will give you an example of her wonderfully wicked sense of humour, me,my Aunt (who was only a year older than me) my middle Sister and my Mum sat and watched Psycho when it hadn't been on the TV before (now that shows my age), we all sat huddled on the sofa with a blanket, terrified and when it was finished my Mum jumped up and said who wants something to eat, of course everyone did and off she popped to the kitchen to make something, we were still sitting in the dark chatting about the film when she burst through the door, kitchen knife in hand screaming...we scattered to the corners of the room while my Mum almost wet herself laughing...now that's a wicked sense of humour lol...I feel so privileged to have had her in my life and am so pleased I was able to be with her at home when she passed away...my card today is for my Mum, I make one for her every year on her Birthday and at Christmas and this one is with love to tell her how much I miss her...the beautiful image is from A Day for Daisies and is called Angels resting, beautiful isn't it, I coloured it with distress inks and used papers from the Kaisercraft Velvet Ensemble 6x6 paper pad for it...the amazingly beautiful roses were in my gift from the fabulous Lee (Craftyloops), thank you so much Lee I love them...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday...would you believe I spent all day waiting for my TV delivery and it didnt arrive, this is despite it supposed to be delivered before the 1st December...I need to ring today yet again, I wont get ready for a fight just in case I get shot down in flames again, my lovely Sister and Dad spent the day with me though and we had takeaway for dinner instead of going out so at least we spent time together before she went back today...I'm spending today with my Dad he needs company and distractions and I will do my best to do that...whatever your up to today have a wonderful one and if your lucky enough to still have your Mum, ring her and tell her how much you love and appreciate her, she will so love it
Mina xxx

you've been snowballed...

2011-12-12T08:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a fantastic weekend I hope so...my Sister is here on a visit from Newcastle, I love spending time with her as we never get enough time together and its so brilliant to see her, it always makes me feel sad when she leaves though...sods law we cant go out together today as our new TV is being delivered, I rang the delivery people up so I could get a time for delivery so I could at least plan to go out at some time during the day and the girl on the other end said 'Oh of course I can give you a time...between 7am and 7pm' well duh, that narrows it down a lot lol...I cant wait to see our new TV, its 37 inch full HD all bells and whistles one so I am expecting huge improvements on sound and vision or I will want to know why indeed lol
my card for today is for our new challenge at Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly challenge and this month the theme has been chosen by our lovely Dorcas and is fancy fold or shaped cards, I chose to make a fancy fold card, I think this is called a step card but don't quote me on that...I used the amazing Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 paper pad again, I must admit I'm addicted to the colours of this lush paper pad, I used the oh so cute CC Designs Laugh Lines Snowball stamp coloured with distress inks and the snowball splats and sentiment are from the CC Designs Laugh Lines Splat sayings stamp set, I glittered and cut out the splats and put the sentiment behind this green framed made from packaging from an alphabet set I bought a while back...the lush ribbon is Green Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon, this is so easy to make into a gorgeous large bow as it holds it shape easily...everything except the frame is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I'm entering this for the Winter Wonderland challenge, Crafty Creations challenge and Crafty Catz weekly challenge too...I am so way behind in all my DT work and commenting, see that's what happens when you go away for a few days without your laptop, so maybe a day in waiting for the delivery guys is a good idea...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and when you have time hop on over to Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly challenge to check out the rest of our wonderful DT's lush makes
Mina xxx
p.s. do my photos look blurred to you?, they look kinda fuzzy to me but then maybe it could be my eyes lol

Im back at last with a card...

2011-12-11T19:54:00.006Z

Yooohhooo everyone I'm here with a card at long last...although it was a bit dark when I photographed it so its a bit murky...this little beauty is of course from Saturated Canary and is called Christmas Nutcracker and is coloured with distress inks, I teamed her up with more of these stunning Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 paper pad papers, I cut some of those cute baubles from the paper to use too, I don't know if you have noticed but I love doing that lol...I added a huge ribbon and bow and the white lines are cut from the side of a sheet of white letter peeloffs (we crafters waste nothing do we lol)...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering this for the Stampin for the Weekend challenge too...right I will leave you in peace to enjoy the rest of your Sunday and will speak to you all tomorrow
Mina xxx

glamorous footwear...

2011-12-11T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and are having a fantastic weekend...well have you got everything sorted for Christmas then?, I bet your all super organised and even have some of your food shopping done...I have a few photos to show you this morning and I will be back later with a card too...I was having a really good practice with my camera and this amazing house is miles away from the farmhouse but with the help of the 28x zoom I got this fantastic close up shot...wouldn't you just love a look into that house and a rummage though the outbuildings

we had a little bit of snow while I was there but it didn't lie for long but it was freezing...because the house is stone built it retains the heat so is like a mini oven when it heats up but when its cold my goodness its freezing...this is the view over one of the garden walls towards the village

this photo is of one of the lanes leading up to the house, now that's what you call a puddle isn't it and it is as deep as it looks...the shadow is me but my hips aren't that bit honestly lol...I had a basket for holly with me...I swear its true

now wow how glamorous is my new footwear, but my jeans were so thick I couldn't get them tucked in so I had a bit of a balloon effect going on with them, mind when I went down the lane I was glad I had these on as I slid into puddles twice

this is some of the holly I cut, there is a huge amount of it, but not one single berry, there are a lot of birds about though so maybe that's the reason, because the walls are solid stone I didn't get one of the pictures up I took with me to hang, every single nail, picture hook and even screws buckled before they were even a teeny bit in, I think I will have to resort to sticky stuff and hope they stay up...so I gave up and when I was stepping down from the chair I misjudged and whacked my hip and upper thigh on the back of the chair, good thing we are detached because they would have heard me swearing but it bloody hurt lol, but I did manage to clean some carpets and rearrange some of the curtains Phil hung (he did a brilliant job but they needed a fluff if you know what I mean)...right I will speak to you all later when I pop back with my card....ohhhh by the way did you see I have candy below, don't be put off by the photo the papers really are lush and I will try and get more photos of all of them so you can see them...bye for now
Mina xxx

Im back and have a little bit of sweet stuff...

2011-12-10T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone, we got back very late last night we couldn't resist the twinkle of all those Christmas lights so stopped loads of times on the way down so I didn't have time to create anything so no card today but I do have a bit of sweet stuff for you...now do any of you fancy a stack of paper...I have about 50ish (I'm not too sure of the real number but its around that, the photo is just a few of them) 6x6 sheets of paper for you to play with, I had a little rummage in my papers before I went away and I have loads of loose sheets of 6x6 papers and thought I would share some with you...right now what do you need to do
just the usual things
add your name to Mr Linky AND leave me a comment
put the photo and link on your blog (sidebar is fine)
and that's it really
its open worldwide and to anyone
you don't need to be a follower but of course I would love you to and as I have candy all the time you don't want to miss any...I only want genuine followers though and no blogs that just have candy posted on them thanks this sweet stuff is for crafters to use
the candy will run until the 17th December and I will announce the winner that weekend
I have loads of photos to show you but it will have to be tomorrow I think as I'm off to get my poor Dad shopping today and we have to get our tree up before everyone things we are scrooges so I will speak to you all then...I hope your warmer wherever you are as its freezing cold here, have a fantastic day
Mina xxx

a vintage Christmas...

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone wow isn't this year just flying past, I can still hardly believe its December let alone almost 2012...when we were young 2012 sounded like science fiction, omg how old does that make me sound, I'm not that old honestly...even when I was small I was a sci fi freak and still love it now, would you believe I love love love those little comic books, not the comics but the mini novel ones and my most favourite are the X Men...I still read them even now but our local book shops don't stock them anymore...I really must see if I can find some on the net, I have found some on Ebay but they seem to be collectors items, I need them to be able to be read not kept in plastic, did you see the superman comic that made over 2million dollars last week in auction...oooohhhh now how fantastic would it be to find one of those lol...I seem to be on a ramble...right focus Mina...my card for today is using this fantastic image from Mo's Digital Pencil called Pammy's Stocking...I love this vintage feeling beauty, I coloured her with distress inks but kept her quite monochromatic except for a little bit of orange red, this stunning paper is of course from Graphic45, no one does this style like they do, its from their Christmas Emporium Collection and is called All I want for Christmas...I used both sides and finished with some gorgeous rich coloured satin ribbon, some pearls and a poinsettia in a faded caramel colour...I'm entering this for the Cupcake Craftroom challenge and the Through the Craftroom Door challenge too...we will be travelling back tomorrow and I have a little bit of sweetness posted for tomorrow too for you so check back in the morning...have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

a letter for me...

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, me again, the one that's here but isn't...don't you just love technology...the internet has to be THE invention of the 20th century doesn't it, it has opened the whole world up and I still think its amazing that I can post on here and it can be read and commented on by people all over the world...godsmacking isn't it, I like the colours of the papers I used for today's card they are so unusual for Christmas but work so so well don't you think, the papers are from the Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 paper pad...the cute stamp is from the Whimsy Stamps wee stamp range and is called A Letter for Me, I love her pj's and hat, although I think I would probably strangle myself in bed wearing a hat like that lol...I coloured her with distress inks, I still keep forgetting to post the colours I use but will try my best when I get back

I had to show you a close up of these stunning Blossom Resin Flowers from Kaisercraft, they are beautiful and so delicate looking but they aren't if you know what I mean and even have sticky stuff on the back too...love them, this is the Fuchsia pack...the papers, stamp and flowers are all from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I'm entering this for the Sketch File challenge and the Bling it On challenge too...whatever your up to today I hope you have a fun one
Mina xxx

a little rant...

2011-12-07T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all keeping well...I'm going to have a little rant today, well I'm about due one lol...I'm not a gamer and I don't own an Xbox or 360 or anything like that, I have only played one racing game once and I fell over twice when going round corners on the racetrack, I'm not built for games too top heavy lol...anyway back to the point, have you seen the advertisements for all those horrendously expensive games for Christmas, is it just me but does it seem right to you that the ads aren't actually the game footage, how on earth do they get away with that, its like showing a Mercedes on an ad for a Mini after all their both cars...how on earth do they get away with it just because they have in tiny print 'not actual game footage' would any other product get away with that...ok rant over lol...I'm still at the farmhouse so I'm sorry but no commenting or blog hopping this week but I will catch up with everyone this weekend I promise...my card for today is using this beautiful image from Crafts and Me called Angel Rays...she has a real ethereal look about her (oh my way a big word for this time of day lol)...I coloured her with distress inks and added loads of glitter...the fun fab paper is from Basicgrey's Jovial collection called Button Nose, I love those little snowmen don't you...the beautiful ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon shop and is called Sheer Ruffle Edge Antique Gold, gorgeous rich colour isn't it...I'm entering this for the Totally Papercrafts challenge and Cardmadfairy digi challenge too...enjoy the rest of your day and have a good one
Mina xxx

its all about the eyes...

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone are you all well and ready for Christmas?...isn't it weird that we all get so organised but still end up running around like headless chickens on the last few days...I always think the supermarkets are crazy at Christmas, a few years ago my Daughters other half came shopping with me to help me carry and he was so so shocked at the crowds and craziness in Salisbury's, I remember him asking me how long they were closed for an wouldn't believe it was just a day lol...my card for today is using this amazing digi stamp from Sugar Nellie, this is one of my favourite Adorables, its those beautiful eyes I think, his name is Nathan, I coloured him with distress inks and teamed him up with this lush Basicgrey paper from the Eskimo Kisses collection, this one is called Woodland...love these bright christmas colours...I took this photo in full sunlight (yes we do get some now and again lol) and I think it may have turned out a little bit too bright...I added some fab twill ribbon and two message cut another sheet of paper and just a few buttons...the fab sketch is from Inspirational Card Sketches and I'm also entering it for the CES challenge and the Fairytale Challenge I haven't a clue what I'm doing today, I'm probably colouring or walking down the lane collecting holly, does mistletoe grow wild in hedges?...hhhmmmm I must have a look...whatever you up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

I so want this under my tree...

2011-12-05T07:00:00.004Z

Good morning everyone I hope you all had a brilliant weekend, Im probably up to my eyeballs in cleaning carpets atm, or maybe not I might still be in bed depending on the time...I bought a few wreath bases a while back and thought I must take them down with me to make wreaths and can I find them...nope...I know exactly when I will find them though, two weeks after Christmas, I need to carry things round me or I havent a hope of finding them again lol...my card for today is for our new challenge at The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop challenge, this month its our lovely Sasha's choice of theme and she chose Christmas with a Bow, so anything you want as long as its Christmas with a bow on it somewhere...I used another of thee stunning little Pachela Studios images from Cuddly Buddly, this one is called Toby Tumble Christmas Surprise, how much would I love this stocking under my tree, what a stunning image isnt it, I coloured it with dostress inks and added just abit of sparkle, the lush paper is from Echo Parks Everybody Loves Christmas collection and is called Paper Snowmen, how lush are those colours together, I even used the name from the info strip for my sentiment...I added some fantastically lush Rose Pink Gingham ribbon and a bow from the same ribbon, three pins from the Diamonte 5cm decorative pins pack, the ribbon and pins are from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop
...the lush sketch is from Papertake Weekly challenge Im also entering it for the Joanna Sheen challenge too...right thats me for today sorry Im not commenting but I will catch up with you all when I get back...whatever your up to today have a wonderful one
Mina xxx

the quickest card I have ever made...

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all managing to stay warm, it was so cold here last night I thought it might snow, it was one of those nights when you just cant get warm, even the heating on, a hot water bottle and blanket didn't help...although Phil seemed to be ok, must just be the ice water in my veins lol...well we had pj success yesterday, I went to La Sensa and managed to get our Daughter two pairs of their lush pj's for the price of one and the lovely girl gift wrapped them for me into a box I would love to get too, I love girly touches like that don't you...my card for today took me exactly 4 1/2 minuets to make, how amazing is that, my Dad needed a card fast and I had a sheet of the Bo Bunny Father Christmas stickers and I have the 6x6 pad too so just stuck one of the stickers onto one of the papers and cut out, how quick is that then it was just a matter of layering up and adding some lush ribbon, a bow and a few buttons, I added a few holly leaves cut from ribbon too...I cant remember the last time I made a card that didn't have a coloured image on it, my Daughter wants a set of cards like this so I think I will just use the rest of the stickers to make them for her, could have them all done in an hour if I try hard...the fabulous sketch is from the Cards and Things challenge which is one I found through Feline Playful, that blog is a touch of genius isn't it...I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and Craft your Days away challenge too...btw in case your wondering how I enter the challenges while I'm away I have a lovely friend who links them up for me...right I'm off to pack my distress inks and brushes as I'm going to catch up on some colouring while I'm away and there's a couple of new techniques I want to try too...whatever your up to today have a fantastic warm one
Mina xxx

extra, extra...

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone have you all got something exciting happening this weekend to make me jealous?, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend planned...btw have you got your tree up yet?, I was going to put ours up tomorrow but we decided we would leave a bit earlier so it will have to wait until next weekend I think...could you let me know if you put a photo of your tree on your blog, I love looking at peoples Christmas trees dont you and I would love a look at them...In still trying to twist my Dads arm (very very gently) to come with us but I feel so much better today, no iffy tum at long last, I am starving hungry though as I wasn't eating well, you don't when your iffy do you...oh well I will just have to get Phil to do some yummy cooking for me, well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it lol...my card for today is using this gorgeous little fella from Mo's Digital Pencil, I love him he is so cute isn't he, he reminds me of the 1920's kinda era...this little sweetie is called Extra and I coloured him with distress inks and used more of the stunning papers from the Prima Printery 6x6 paper pad for him, they suit him don't you think...the teeny clock and the tag is cut from the same pad and I added a grey satin ribbon to finish...the lush sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering this for the Fab 'n' Funky challenge and the Do You Stack Up challenge...I'm off out to buy my Daughters Christmas PJ's today, every year she gets a some PJ's and slippers for under the tree on Christmas Eve, its a tradition my Mum started when I was small and I have always done it for my Daughter (and now her partner too although he doesn't get the girly ones or the slippers lol)...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

no clean up on aisle 4...

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone are you all well and happy?...you will pleased to know I didn't show myself up in the supermarket and there was no need for clean up on aisle 4 lol...my poor Dad is devastated...why?...because his car is fixed and he has to give back the loaner he loved, bless him, I feel a change of car coming on...I'm still feeling a bit iffy and my temperature is still up and down I even went to bed at 10.30 last night which is unknown for me as I have always been a night owl and do all my surfing then...from what I have heard though its going round but doesn't last long...well I hope not as I'm supposed to be going down to the farmhouse on Sunday for 5 days, I have put off the work that needs done too long and I want to get a real tree for Phil to add a bit of festive spirit to it and it surrounded by holly bushes so I thought I might make a couple of sprays and wreaths, I will take photos and some of the countryside now I have my new camera, I'm looking forward to a play with it, I have been trying to persuade my Dad to come down too but he hates long journeys in the car and as its a 2-3 hour drive it is long for him...right now onto my card for today which is for the new challenge at Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge, this time its our wonderful Donalda's turn to host and she chose Lots of Sparkle, I know its hard to see but there really is lots of sparkle on my card even her little bows and socks have sparkle on them...I used this stunning Holly Tilda from the new Sweet Christmas Magnolia release, I love this Tilda shes so sweet and she is 10% off atm too...I coloured her with distress inks except for her white hair which was shaded with a Grey watercolour pen from Marvy and I teamed her up with these Sweet Christmas Magnolia papers these are the Red and Green 6x6 Flurry papers which are also on offer, I finished with some fabulous sheer wired ribbon and this stunning Blossom resin flower from Kaisercraft, these sets are so beautiful and there's roses in the pack too...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the lush sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and I'm also entering it for the Saturday Challenge too...I really need to catch up with some DT work and stuff to post while I'm away next week today so need a craft room day I think...whatever your up to have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

Me to you...

2011-12-01T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well, wow can you believe its the 1st December already where is the time flying too ...right hands up who thinks I got all my DT work done yesterday...nope but I have a good reason...I hope you all have a hankie ready to sympathise...I'm not well (aaawwwwww bless), I have an iffy tum, cramps, sickness, headache and a temperature, don't know whats up with me but just a bit iffy so see I do have a good excuse...ok you can all dry your eyes now lol...I spent all day yesterday lying around feeling sorry for myself so I don't think I need anymore sympathy do you...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge over at Colour Create challenge, this week is the lovely Sylvia's choice of colours and she chose Red, White and Green, I love these traditional colours for Christmas don't you and seem to have made a lot with them this year, so great choice Sylvia...I am in love have you seen this stunning digi stamp, how beautiful is it, its from Pachela Studios and is available at Cuddly Buddly, its called Christmas Me to You, I love it to bits and of course a couple more popped into my basket at the same time...oopsie lol...I coloured it with distress inks and distressed the edges of the image and papers with Antique linen too...the fabulously gorgeous gingham is from Craft Creations and I finished with some lush rich green ribbon and a few, well a lot of buttons actually...now I know its rare and don't all faint at once but I'm quite happy with my colouring on this...the fab sketch is from Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge and I'm also entering it for the Ribbon Reel challenge and Simon Says Stamp challenge too...I'm supposed to go to the Supermarket with my Dad today so fingers crossed I don't throw up mid aisle lol, now that would be a talking point wouldn't it...have a fantastic day everyone and if you have time pop on over to Colour Create to check out the creations of the rest of our wonderful team
Mina xxx

a miracle in blue...

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope you all well and keeping warm, its freezing cold here and the gales have just died down...well coffee with my lovely Dad yesterday was a huge success we managed to end the rule of stupid politicians, put the economy to rights and had a rant at some of the idiots in the news too...see thats all it takes is coffee and my Dad and everything is sorted...he has fallen madly in love with his loaner Vauxhall car and doesn't want his Renault back lol...oops I smell trouble brewing lol...well have you all got your Christmas shopping sorted yet, I thought mine was done and dusted but Phil's present are causing a real pain in my bum...I haven't a clue and when I ask him for some ideas he says he hasn't a clue and there's nothing he needs...now its great he isn't in need of anything but just a few clues would be brilliant, all ideas would be gratefully accepted if you have any...right now onto my card for today which is for our new Digi teams challenge at Crafts and Me challenge the theme this time is Pearls and Swirls, the image I used is from Crafts and Me of course and is called Christmas Miracle and is from the December release which you will be able to get tomorrow...isn't she so beautiful sitting on her clouds with her gorgeous little lamb...I coloured her with distress inks and used some more scrap paper (can you tell I found a box of scraps lol), I have a feeling this is a Basicgrey paper, the swirls on it are snowflakes and its such a gorgeous colour combo...I used some gorgeous creamy coloured pearls and grey ribbon and added some scroll rub on's to finish...the fabulous sketch is from Sketch Saturday but I have just noticed I forgot the sentiment so I'm not sure it will count...I'm also entering this for the Fairytale challenge and Creative Card Crew challenge too...I'm having a crafting day today to catch up on some DT work anyway its far too cold to stray far from my heating...whatever your up to have a wonderful day and when you have time don't forget to pop on over to Crafts and Me Challenge and see what the rest of our wonderful digi team came up with
Mina xxx

MAGNOLIA SALE...

2011-11-29T21:17:00.003Z

Evening everyone I have just popped on to tell you that Nikki from Bunny Zoe's Crafts has a massive Magnolia sale on, some of them have a massive 25% off...Im off to see what I can pick up so hurry on over before they are all gone girls
Mina xxx

shot down in flames...

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...well I got myself all revved up yesterday and rang the powers that be to give them a piece of my mind....er...well shot down in flames lol...turns out my Dad should have rang their helpline (which is what I rang) and let them sort it out, everything from arranging his car to be taken in, new car delivered to him and everything in between, instead of trying to arrange everything himself separately, its even a freephone number too...the girl on the phone was so sweet and lovely too and got everything sorted and a few hours later a brand new car was delivered to my Dads house...you see what happens when a woman goes shopping for the day, all hell breaks loose lol...anyway its sorted now and I didn't even have to threaten anyone with my army of fellow crafters lol, and he has transport until his car is fixed and good to go and bless him he thought he was doing what he should so its not his fault either, now you should all know by now my Dad can do no wrong in my eyes...my card for today is using one of the lush new Home Grown Sugar Nellie's, this beauty is called Contemplation, she is so sweet and pretty isn't she...I coloured her with distress inks (I'm still not happy with my colouring atm though, mojo still in hiding I think, I would look under my bed but I'm scared of the dust bunnies)...the lush papers are a half sheet of Basic Grey from the Marjolaine Collection, this one is called Buttercream...gorgeous colours isn't it...I added two strips of ribbon and a bow and finished with a stunning blue Prima glittered flower...the lush sketch is a really simple one from Fetch a Sketch challenge...I'm off out with my Dad today, I need to go to town for some bits and pieces and run a few errands, oh and of course our put the world to rights coffee session too...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

if at first...

2011-11-28T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a fabulous weekend...wow how windy was it, I thought our roof was coming off at one stage....well Phil made his Dundee cake for my Dad again and this time it worked beautifully...we discovered what went wrong the last time too Phil forgot to adjust the temperature for a fan oven so it would have been too hot but as you can see the cake is gorgeous and it smells incredible...my Dad is so lucky hes getting it whole as it was so tempting...my kitchen smelled so much like Christmas yesterday as Phil was stewing the fruit for his Christmas cake, the mixture of fruit and alcohol is so scrummy smelling....yum yum yum

right now onto my card for today, I tried to make a Christmas card that was just a bit different but I don't think it worked at ll...oh well back to the drawing board lol...I used this lush Christmas cupcake from Meljen Designs and just shaded it and glittered it up adding some chocolate holly (well it seemed like a good idea at the time lol) and a chocolate coloured ribbon...the lush paper is really glittery and embossed and is another of the ones I bought from my local craft shop that doesn't have a name on it...

I added a chocolate coloured scrunched ribbon and a scattering of pearls to finish...this is one of those cards that I'm really not happy with (we all have them don't we) there's just something not quite right about it and Im so not happy with the colouring...I think I'm having a mojo crisis lol...Im entering this for the Totally Gorjuss challenge, The Ribbon Reel challenge and the Lollipop Crafts challenge too...I'm of to kick some serious butt to get my Dads car sorted out today, heads will roll and I will yell out if I need the rest of your fab girls for backup lol, thank you all for your support of my Dad yesterday, it so isn't right is it...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and I hope wherever you are the weather isn't too bad
Mina xxx

the winner is...

2011-11-27T22:51:00.002Z

its winner time...I hate this bit as I so want to give it to you all but there can only be one winner at a time but don't worry it wont be long until the next candy so keep an eye out for it... I used the random number thingy to choose and it chose no 189 who is

CHARITY CRAFTER
huge congratulations, could you please contact me before Thursday so I can pop your goodies in the post and arrange for the rest of your prizes
Mina xxx

a true Christmas image...

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone well did you all get your cobwebs blown away lol...we had a gale all day long yesterday and every single time I stepped out of the car the heavens opened, to the extent that Phil said he would go to a shop by himself as he didn't want to get wet again, and would you believe it didn't rain while he was out of the car...sods law lol...my poor Dad, the powers that be said they would ring him as soon as they knew what was happening about either his car being fixed, a loaner or even a rental car...they finally rang back and said we can only get you a hire car but you have to pick it up in Belfast before 1pm, we live 60 miles away from Belfast and they rang at...have a guess what time...12.40am...yes that's right 20 mins before the place closed...how stupid is that, I am so angry that they have left a severely disabled 78 year old man without any transport at all, even though he pays for all the extra help hes supposed to get if anything happens to his car, at least Phil was here to drive him around this weekend but I don't know what will happen next week as I don't drive...if I could have got someone on the phone I would have ripped a hole in them the poor things lol...they better run and hide before Monday though...right my rant for today is over (phew thank goodness I hear you all yell lol), I will get onto my card which is using this fantastically christmassy image, there's something about an image with a Robin isn't there, this little darling is from Just Inklined and is called Gatepost Robin, I coloured it with distress inks and frosted the gatepost because I wanted to make it look snowy and covered with frost...the stunning papers are from the Fancy Pants 6x6 Saint Nick paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, this really is THE perfect Christmas pad and there's bits of everything in it, I love the paper with the Saint Nick printed on it as it has a real textured old leather look to it...I finished with some lush ribbon and a few berries, I'm rapidly running out of these berries must have a hunt around for more for next years cards...the fab sketch which I tilted is from Inkspirations challenge and I'm also entering it for the Fairy tale challenge, Craft Your Days Away Challenge and the Cardmadfairy's digi challenge...we are going to huddle indoors and have a lovely ulster fry lunch today so no jaunts out as I'm not ricking another umbrella blowing inside out...whatever your up to today stay safe and warm
Mina xxx

pretty in pink...

2011-11-26T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone did you all have a good day yesterday and I hope you have something fab planned for today...we went shopping yesterday and it was bleeding freezing and blowing a gale all day, but it didn't stop us having a good mooch time and I managed to finish my whole Christmas present list...wwwwooohhhoooo how excellent is that, I tried my best to persuade Phil to buy me a new engagement ring, a huge solitaire diamond for half price a steal at £1,600 but he wasn't having any of it lol...mind I did see him sneak into Boots I think to get me the two Sanctuary gift sets I wanted for Christmas, well he came out with two bags anyway...the only gifts I have left to get that weren't on my list are the ones for Phil and I haven't a clue at all and he isn't being much help I'm afraid, at this rate he will end up with a selection box lol...my poor Dads car broke down while we were out and the garage left him with no courtesy car, so we had to try and sort that out for him but as we only had half an hour we didn't make much headway...would you believe the Disabled Drivers place who are supposed to take care of his car needs told us they had to have 48 hours notice for a courtesy car...do you know anyone who has 48 hours notice of a car breakdown...well duh lol...right now onto my card for today which is using one of the brand new Wee Stamps digis, shes called Heidi, isn't she a cutie, I love her hair don't you...I coloured her with distress inks and just a teeny bit of glitter this time...the paper is just a scrap so haven't a clue what make it is I'm afraid...I finished with a huge satin bow, a few buttons, a punched snowflake and a Kaisercraft stamp...I must admit I have a soft spot for these lovely drawn Wee Stamps and of course I couldn't just buy this one could I, you know when you go shopping and things just throw themselves in your basket, we have all been there haven't we...the lush sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge and Im also entering it for the Ribbon Girl Pink & White challenge, City Crafter Pink Christmas challenge and the Charisma Cardz challenge too...well I think we will be running a taxi service for my Dad today so haven't a clue where we will end up, but I will be doing some hopping tonight as at long last my internet seems to be working ok (well so far fingers crossed)...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx
oh by the way dont forget today is the last day to enter my candy (link at top of sidebar) it finishes at midnight so if you havent already pop on down and enter now

anyone want a cookie...

2011-11-25T07:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy and if you celebrated Thanksgiving I hope you had a wonderful family time...my Dad has been telling us over the last few months how disappointed he is that you cant buy a really traditional Dundee cake, he thinks the ones you buy in the shops don't taste like the real ones, so when Phil came home yesterday, off he went to the shops, bought all the ingredients and set about making him one, Phil is an excellent cook and he bakes the lushest cakes, so he made it last night and popped it into the oven and we forgot about it and yes you guessed it, it burnt...he was gutted as the inside tastes amazing...so he will have to get more while we are out shopping today and make another...poor lad worked so hard on it too, it even had the almonds on the top all arranged beautifully...oh well if at first and all that...we are off shopping for the day today and I'm so looking forward to it as shopping with Phil is so laid back, we just stroll round get what we need and stop for lunch and afternoon coffee and cake too...the most chilled shopping trips ever, we are then going to the light switching on ceremony in our local town this evening...right now onto my card for today which is using this stunning little sweetie from Whiff of Joy called Christmas Pastries plus two sentiments, isn't she so gorgeous, I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her dress and bow with papers from the same pad as the background...they are all from the stunning new Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 paper pad, this pad is so gorgeous, the colours are perfect for a fresh modern Christmas feel, but there's also ones (like the song one I used here) that have a real retro old fashioned feel to them too...I wish I had got a brighter picture as the colours are beautiful, the stamp and pad are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and don't forget they are all 10% off for Nikki's Black Friday special sale...I finished with some fab blue satin ribbon from the Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and a scattering of buttons...the fab sketch is from the Stamp with Fun challenge and I'm also entering it for the Dutch Dare card challenge...I'm off to get ready for our day out now as I cant go without the polyfilla on the face can I lol, whatever your up to today I hope you have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

dont you just love a bargain...

2011-11-24T21:59:00.000Z

Hi everyone I have just popped on to let you know that Bunny Zoe's Crafts is having a Black Friday event of 10% off everything from 10pm tonight until Midnight on Friday...so hurry on over to pick up a bargain...oooohhhhh I love a bargain dont you

Mina xxx

a winter fairy...Happy Thanksgiving to our American cousins

2011-11-24T07:00:00.003Z

Good morning everyone brrrrrrrr isn't it cold...I'm sitting here wrapped in a fluffy blanket, heating on full and a hot water bottle and I'm still cold, it doesn't help that I'm watching the Frozen Planet I recorded last night lol...isn't that such an amazing series, I would bet it will win every award possible...well we didn't go out yesterday dress shopping as my Daughter saw one on the net she loved ordered it on Monday and it arrived yesterday and it an amazing glitzy one shoulder number with teeny little sequins in gold all over...she looks amazing in it...oh btw for those of you wondering why you haven't seen a picture of her in her ringmaster outfit, she was just a tad worse for wear and couldn't take photos but shes checking with her friends to see which of them was sober enough and took some...they all had a fantastic night though...my wonderful Dad came back today so we went out for a while instead, it was lovely catching up with him and Phil is on his way home as he has a couple of days holiday so we are off on a jaunt on Friday we haven't decided where yet but I will let you know...right now onto my card for today which is using one of the brand new December digi release from Crafts and Me, this is the beautiful Casting Down Imagination by Sara Burrier, isn't she stunning, I coloured her with distress inks and of course you all know the rule now, if it has wings, it has glitter lol...the amazing papers are from a new cART-Us Christmas (green) paper pad (the dark green snowflake one is really glittery), I bought this from a local shop but Nikki at Bunny Zoe's stocks this brand too, you can find them here...I added some gold ribbon, lace from the same company and a punched snowflake...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering this for the CES challenge and Crafty Catz challenge too...well its supermarket day today with my Dad but I think I will persuade him to go to town for a little mooch too, well depending on the weather as he doesn't like it when its too cold, so we will see...whatever your up to stay warm and have a good one and to all our American friends and family have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Mina xxx

Mo's winner...

2011-11-23T22:45:00.001Z

Hi everyone wwwwoooohhhhoooo its Mo's Dreamteam blog hop commenter candy winner time, try to say that when you have had a few lol, this month its mine and Jak's turn to pick the winners of the $5 vouchers for Mo's Digital Pencil...my RNG says its No.86
and that's......................

LEE
congratulations Lee, you will need an account at Mo's Digital Pencil to receive your $5 credit, so could you please email your details and I will pass them onto Mo asap
Mina xxx

finger crossed...

2011-11-23T07:00:00.002Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and managing to keep warm...well fingers crossed there are no spelling mistakes today...for those of you that didn't see before I managed to correct it as fast as I could...I misspelled Shabby Shutters and put an i where the u is lol...and its not the first time just the first time someone noticed before I did, oopsie lol...see I told you I was distracted...well I had a fantastic surprise yesterday morning and a bit of a chuckle too but I will tell you a bit further down about that...onto my card first which is using this fantastically drawn Ragged Santa from Mo's Digital Pencil, isnt he just fantastic and perfect to colour, well he was but I just had to use the dreaded red didn't I (groan!!!)...I used my usual distress inks and you will be pleased to know not any shabby shutter in sight lol...the lush yummy papers are from the Bo Bunny 6x6 Father Christmas paper pad, because the papers are so lush I didn't need to use anything else except two felt holly leaves cut from a ribbon of them and some berries I have in my stash...I'm entering this for the Papertake Weekly challenge, Lollipop Crafts challenge and Just Us Girls challenge too...

yesterday morning the postman brought me a large packet and was grinning from ear to ear when he handed it to me, ooooooohhhh somethings tickled his fancy I thought until I looked at the package addressed to 'The Lovely Mina' then my address lol...it was a lovely gift from the beautiful Lee (Crafty Loops) for a teeny favour I did for her...oooohhhh look at all these stunning handmade flowers she sent me...there are some fantastic felt roses which are so beautiful and there is a set of bead headed pins that I cant wait to use either...thank you so much Lee...I'm of to have a play with some of these today and of out to help my Daughter pick her dress for her work Christmas party (which means I get to hold her handbag while she tries on size 8 dresses lol)...whatever your up to today have a fabulous warm one
Mina xxx

a bit distracted...

2011-11-22T08:00:00.004Z

Good morning everyone...aaarrrggghhh the light is driving me crackers and its so hard to get a photo looking like the real thing, although why am I telling you as I'm sure your in exactly the same boat, the photos are bright enough but all the colour seems to get washed out...it was ssssoooo cold last night a real snuggle in bed with a hot water bottle weather and it rained and was foggy all day long...I don't know if its the weather, time of year or Christmas rushing towards us but I am so distracted at the minuet, I seem to be doing one thing and my mind is off away somewhere else, to the extent I went into the shower yesterday with my glasses on the daft mare that I am...I didn't even realise until I went under the stream and they got wet either lol...well I rang BT and after many tries actually managed to speak to a human being who says they are working in our area (upgrading apparently, yeah right lol) and he will look into my problems and get back to me as soon as possible, so in other words don't hold your breath, it is so frustrating not being able to comment as much as usual, I'm getting around to some of you but not everyone but I will eventually...right now onto my card for today which is using another of the stunning new Country Cousin release from Sugar Nellie, these are such sweet girly images and lush to colour...I coloured this beautiful Cassie's Rendezvous with distress inks and used these beautifully coloured papers from the Fancy Pants OCT 31 6x6 paper pad I won in candy from the lovely Chris a while back (thanks Chris they are lush)...it just goes to show you don't need to use pads for what they are meant do you...all I added after the paper was a purple knot of ribbon and a lush glitzy Prima flower...the fab sketch is from ICS sketches challenge...I'm having another crafting day today so I can snuggle in the warm and paint to my hearts content...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and stay warm
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
clothes are a mix together of - dusty concord & seedless preserves
flowers - milled lavender
grass - shabby shutters
gatepost - frayed burlap

bottoms up...

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, did you all have a fabulous weekend, I would love to know what you were up to...just because I'm nosey and love hearing what you have done...I'm still struggling with my internet and although I managed to comment on a few blogs last night it wasn't a teeny fraction of what I wanted to though...its so frustrating, I can get on blogs although it takes ages but commenting just takes forever and although I can see your fab makes I cant comment...I'm going to ring them again today and give them a good telling off, heads are gonna roll....come on now a girl cant do without her hopping can she...we had a lovely lunch yesterday then had a little mooch in Boots, I even bought some long needed make up replacements...did you know you shouldn't keep make up longer than 6 months...no neither did I...so I replaced my 2 year old blusher at long last and even bought a new lipstick, I'm one of those people who doesn't even put the bin out without her face on lol...and we had a little look at new tv's, I think we need a HD one but its a minefield and we haven't even decided on size so it may be a while yet although before Christmas might be nice...right now onto today's card, how fantastic is this Mo's Digital Pencil cutie, shes called Big Chair and there's a boy version too...I loved colouring this stunning image it is so lifelike and it so reminded of my Daughter when she was small, so independent and never wanted help lol...the stunningly bright paper is a double sided one from Echo Park but I cant find the name strip yet but I will find it sometime today and let you know what collection its from...the frill around the image is a doily cut up and ruffled around it and I finished with some lush coloured ribbons and a couple of pearls...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday...I'm having a colouring day today as I have a pile of beautiful images just crying out for a bit of colour, I love those kinds of days don't you...whatever your up to today have a good one
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
dress - shabby shutters
pants & shoes - spun sugar
chair - tumbled glass, stormy skies

its about time but I think I finally got it...

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and happy and have a wonderful day planned...I know your probably fed up with the camera saga, nearly as much as me, but there was sun yesterday morning and I ran around like a loony in my fluffy dressing gown before it disappeared again and managed to take some photos and by gum I think I cracked it, I was so chuffed with the photos I got, I even replaced the ones below made with the Manger, isn't it amazing what a bit of sun does to your colours...I was downloading them and was having a good look at my camera and noticed these photos were taken on the auto setting...so there you go all that faffing about with different setting, shutter speeds etc and all I needed was to put it on Auto and get a bit of sun lol...do me a favour if you have a sec scroll down and see the new photos on the Manger card below and these and let me know if you think I should stop faffing with the camera and leave well alone, because you know what I'm like I will niggle away at it until the cows come home lol...we had a fab day out yesterday I got loads more ticked on my list, we have a fab lunch and I even managed to get a late appointment to have my hair cut...I have never seen anyone look as bored as Phil did in the hairdressers, the poor man even resorted to reading the hair magazines...but then its his own fault I told him to do what he wanted while I was there but he would insist on waiting for me, maybe he thought I was going to talk about him lol...onto my card for today, how amazing is this stunning new Whimsy Wee Silver Fairy stamp I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I love her wings they are stunning, such a perfect clear crisp image too as all Whimsy stamps are, as soon as I saw her I knew I had to buy her...I coloured this beauty with distress inks and just to make up for yesterdays no glitter day I went ott with the glitter here but come on now shes a fairy and deserves a load of glitter doesn't she, I teamed her up with more of the Kaisercraft Velvet Ensemble papers, this is gorgeous and the black on it really is velvet...beautifully tactile, I finished with some punched leaves, a white bias binding bow and some more of these stunning new Prima gold tipped roses, I so wish I had bought more of these at the Kings Hall, the fabulous sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering this for the DYSU challenge...we are having Sunday lunch with our Daughter and her partner today which I am so looking forward too (well Phil does cook it and its so yummy too), whatever your up to I hope you have a brilliant one
Mina xxx
p.s. see why I don't like using red, I just noticed the glitter glue must have touched the red as there's a bit that has spread...oops

the look of love...

2011-11-19T07:00:00.003Z

Good morning everyone, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend planned, we are off shopping and with a lot of luck and parking I might just get the rest of my Christmas shopping list, I'm finally getting the hang of my camera now if only the weather would just get a bit better I might get some brighter ones...this is very like the card except the colours are a bit brighter in real life...I will do a recipe post for my chicken and veg soup as soon as I can and thank you all so much for your kind comments on my photos...I'm having trouble again with my ISP, its BT so if any of you UK crafter's can recommend someone else as a provider that would be brilliant as BT is making me scream and yell at my poor little laptop every day, I know its them now as my TV has gone to pot too so they are out of here for sure...right onto my card for today, how amazingly stunning is this beautiful In The Manger digi stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil, I love it to bits and it is stunning to colour, but then which Mo's image isn't...Mo has really excelled herself with this beauty though, look at the expression on that beautiful angel, a look of pure love...I coloured it with distress inks and please take note...no glitter...I know its shocking but no fainting please lol...the stunning gold embossed paper is from the Kaisercraft Velvet Ensemble 6x6 paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, gorgeous isn't it, I used some gold flecked cardstock for edging and the star too and a fantastic wide lush ribbon to finish...the fab sketch is from Pink {INK} sketch challenge and I'm also entering this for the DYSU challenge and Stampactular Sunday challenge too...I'm off to get dressed bright and early as I want to hit the shops before the crowds (well hopefully anyway lol), whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx
colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
straw - antique linen, frayed burlap, walnut stain
manger - frayed burlap
hair - antique linen
blue swaddling - stormy sky, weathered wood
Angel wings and clothes shaded using a Marvy light grey pen

twinkle twinkle little snowflake...

2011-11-18T08:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all doing great, did any of you watch the new series Pan Am? how fabulous is the soundtrack to it and how about Frozen Planet wow wow wow to those amazing filmakers, the phtography is beautiful I almost feel like Im there when Im watching it, well I'm happy to report yesterdays supermarket shop was trouble free lol...at last here's two photos taken with my new camera...its a fab bit of kit, it seems to suck all the light available into my photos, which makes them seem a bit blue to me, but maybe that's because my others were a bit yellowish...I would love to know what you think of them, good and bad as I'm still not sure if they are right yet, they look far too bright to me...I made chicken soup last night...by the way if you would like the recipe for my chicken and veg soup let me know I will do a post for it, although I think soup is a personal thing and most people have a family recipe they love...my beautiful Daughter and her other half came for dinner (I thought they would when they knew soup was made lol) and we had a lovely evening chatting and enjoying our dinner together, I love family meals don't you...my Dad is off to my Sister in Belfast for a few days then later this month he is off to England to my other Sister...I love him getting away, not that I don't miss him but I think its good for him to travel, get about and meet up with family and old friends...right now onto my card for today which is for the Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge and wwwooohhhoooo this week I'm the host and my choice is...er...ribbons...well come on now what else could it be, so lets see all your gorgeous makes with either a teeny bit of ribbon or a huge amount and anything in between...I cant wait to see what you come up with...I used this gorgeous little Tilda from the new Sweet Christmas collection, I'm loving this collection aren't you, this little one is called A Little Gift Tilda, isn't she so cute and I love her plaits, I coloured her with distress inks and added a little bit of glitter to her wings, ribbons and gifts...I used her along with more of the Magnolia Sweet Christmas paper, this gorgeous paper is called Vintage Hellebore's, the stamp and paper is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I used some beautiful two tone sheer ribbon as a ruffle and added a big bow and finished with some Anita's sparkly glitteration white snowflakes...the fab sketch is from Tuesday Morning Sketches challenge and I'm sure there was a couple of more I was going to enter it for but I cant find my note book...it comes to something when you need a note to remind you of where you stashed your notebook lol...well I'm having a crafting day today whatever your up to have a fab day and when you have time pop on over to Just Magnolia challenge to check out the rest of the DT's amazing makes
Mina xxx

its a double...

2011-11-17T07:00:00.005Z

Good morning everyone I hope your all managing to keep warm today, it was a cold night here last night, so the spotted dressing gown and fluffy socks came out to play...well I managed to have a little play with my new camera but judging from these photos I need a lot more practice and the manual is 147 pages long and I though 90 pages was bad enough...right its a double day today and lower down is my card for our new Colour Create challenge but to start with welcome to the Mo's Dreamteams blog hop, you should have arrived from the fantastic DEBBIES if you didn't then hop on over to the lovely LORI'S blog to start at the beginning, you dont want to miss anyone of them because theres a chance to win some goodies dont forget

Lori's choice of theme this month is to Make a Gift, I thought and thought about this long and hard then had a light bulb moment when I was in those of those beautiful shops that sell all the country craft goodies and saw a packet of Spiced Cider mix, well for £10 I though that was sssssoooo shockingly expensive and that's where this idea came from...I bought some vintage cider from a supermarket for £1.99 (yes it really is vintage cider lol) and I already had all the spices as my lovely Phil makes Christmas cakes every year...I soaked off the labels and made my own including a recipe for making the cider...I used the stunning Ragged Carolers set coloured with distress inks and the paper is scraps from a card I made a while back and the shape I printed using a royalty free shape image from the net
the tassel is from Dunelm Mill and are meant for curtains I think...I'm sorry the photos are so bright but I haven't got the hang of which setting to use yet and it may take a little while lol
I put the spices into a card bag and cut it to the right size and made the topper the same way as the labels for the bottle...I know this is a long post and thanks for sticking with me and there is more below for the Colour Create challenge too...your next stop on the hop is one of our fabulous Guest Designers who is the lovely POPS ...enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget to leave a comment on everyone's blog to stand a chance of winning one of two $5 vouchers for Mo's Digital Pencil...ooohhhh and while your here why not pop over to my mega candy for my 3rd year blogaversary the link is here...now onto my Colour Create card

its time for our new challenge at Colour Create challenge of course and this time is our wonderful Kerry's choice of colours and she choice the stunning combo of Pink, White and Gold with the added option of adding some bling...I used this stunningly beautiful Apple Girl from A Day for Daisies, I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with some of the stunning papers from the Prima Printery 6x6 paper pad, this is such a lush pad...I added some ribbon in pink satin, a couple of the new Prima gold edged teeny roses and a sprig of blingy gems from a wedding cake decoration shop, isn't it amazing where we can find goodies to craft with and these are hugely cheaper than the ones you can buy from craft shops too...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday...I'm off out with my lovely Dad today, supermarket day uuurrrrggghhhh, oh and I might get a bit more playing with my camera too...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and when you have time pop on over to the Colour Create challenge and see what the rest of our wonderful team came up with

Mina xxx

now thats what I call glittery...

2011-11-16T09:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and happy...I got up yesterday and took these photos, just managing to get them as my camera was running out of charge, so I plugged it in and went about getting ready to go slipper hunting with my Dad, when I was ready I pulled the charger cable out and the whole usb thingy came out with it...oops...I tried and tried to get it back in but had to give up putting it down to the technical term of knackered, aaaahhhhh my poor little camera has gone to camera heaven bless it...so I rang Phil and said you know you wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas...well er...so I'm now the owner of a spanking brand new bridge camera, that's the term for not quite the massively expensive SLR professional photographer camera but not a point and shoot digital either...its in middle of them, it even has one of those in and out lens and a viewfinder and its fab (here's the link to it if you fancy a peek), now I just need to go back to school to learn how to use it, or plough through the 90 page guide online, I have to take some photos today with it so goodness knows how they will turn out, luckily though the memory card fits from my old camera so at least I got these photos loaded and I didnt have to buy a new one...I got my Dad some lush leather slippers and he loves them so another off the list too, we were having lunch in Town and having a good old chin wag and he was telling me about a friend of his who isn't very well, I said aaahhhh that's a shame, whats wrong with her...he leaned over and very quietly said 'I think there's something wrong with her falujah', I knew instantly what he meant and starting roaring with laughter which set him off laughing too, he really is a lovely man I love him to bits...right enough waffle and onto my card for today which is for our digi teams challenge over at Crafts and Me challenge, this week the theme is 'Simples' so no masses of embellishments and keep it as simple as you can...I have been dying to use acetate lately so I found some printable acetate at my local office supply shop and printed this stunning Sara Burrier digi stamp called The Blessing from Crafts and Me, I then printed her out again and coloured her with distress inks and cut just the beautiful angel out and glued it over the top of the acetate, I then added white glittercard to the back to make it look frosty and added glitter glue thickly to the front where the landscape is, I wasn't sure it would work but I think it looks ok, I used some gorgeous frosty card for my blank and the only embellishment I added was a white satin bow...what do you think is there enough glitter lol...I'm entering this for the Allsorts challenge, Crafty Catz challenge and the Cardmadfairy digi days challenge too...Im having a camera education day today so wish me luck, if you have time hop on over to the Crafts and Me challenge to have a look at the rest of our fab Digi teams creation and have a fantastic day everyone
Mina xxx

a little bit of fizzy...

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001Z

Good morning everyone, I hope you have all managed to stay sniffle free, I'm fine just a head cold and we women don't let little things like that bother us do we...well unless your working with glitter then its a good idea to stop the sneezes before they happen as my desk is testament to...its covered with a layer of very fine white glitter...I cleaned it the best I could but never mind its very festive and pretty anyway lol, luckily it was after I was finished and I was putting the glitter away or else all the cards I made yesterday would have been covered too...I had a brilliant play day yesterday, love those kinds of days dont you...I didn't realise until later when I was in the bathroom washing my hands I was covered from head to toe too, thank goodness I had my glasses on...anyway onto my card for today which is using this gorgeous little Fizzy Moon Wish Upon a Star stamp I bought when I struggled through that crowd at Dunelm Mill...isn't he just gorgeous, mind I think my colouring of him could have been a bit better, I don't think I got the colours just right, I used my distress inks of course and paper pieced his fab little star, the papers are from the Making Memories 8x8 Noel speciality paper pack I bought ages ago...I love this pack but its nearly finished, I finished my card with some lush lace and ribbon and a button, the sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the Cutie Pie challenge too...I'm off out with my lovely Dad today to get his Christmas present...he wants slippers but I'm taking him to a posh shop to get them after finally managing to convince him that I should spend more on his slippers than on shoes for him as he spends most of his time in slipper, now does that not make sense to you lot too...whatever your up to have a wonderful day
Mina xxx

Pinkpuds

Daddys little helper's...

yum yum yum candytime...

a touch of spring green...

queen of hearts...

hugs for you...

peach and green valentine?...

too much glitter...

freaky happenings...

cold, frosty and...er.....yellow?...

WE HAVE A WINNER...

soar...

baby steps...

all together now...Happy Birthday to me

Its a double day...

dont you just love a freebie...

I finally ran out of juice...*updated photos*

clean and simple...

BUNNY ZOE'S CRAFTS MONTHLY CANDY

unchain my heart...

Blog hop-The Sequel

Puppy Love Blog Hop...

pppppuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrr.......

butterflies,a tamborine and news of some sneak peeks...

its still M.I.A...

roll on the spring...

Kissy kiss...

return of the glitter...

clowning around...

roses in bloom...

cobweb free...

not just for Christmas...

young love...

Happy New Year...Asprin anyone?...

a bit of time and some favourites...

nothing says I love you like flowers...

WE HAVE A WINNER...

so much joy in one little face...

Wishing you Peace, Joy and Happiness

more jingle bells...

Jingle bells...

a sweetie wee stamp...

you can never have too many baubles...

whats a teeny bit of green between friends...

a winner and a card...

BUNNY ZOE'S CRAFTS MONTHLY CANDY

sssssssshhhhhhhh dont tell him...

shock horror no DP's or ribbon!!!!

a double day and an aaarrrgggghhhhhhhh...

a blue haired christmas...

I miss you...

you've been snowballed...

Im back at last with a card...

glamorous footwear...

Im back and have a little bit of sweet stuff...

a vintage Christmas...

a letter for me...

a little rant...

its all about the eyes...

I so want this under my tree...

the quickest card I have ever made...

extra, extra...

no clean up on aisle 4...

Me to you...

a miracle in blue...

MAGNOLIA SALE...

shot down in flames...

if at first...

the winner is...

a true Christmas image...

pretty in pink...

anyone want a cookie...

dont you just love a bargain...

a winter fairy...Happy Thanksgiving to our American cousins

Mo's winner...

finger crossed...

a bit distracted...

bottoms up...

its about time but I think I finally got it...

the look of love...

I finally ran out of juice...updated photos