its coming...well maybe...

Good morning everyone how you all doing?...yes its me again I think I'm on a mojo roll this week and about time too I hear myself cry lol...have you noticed the daylight has started to hang about a lot longer...is that spring I see just peeping out of the ground too, Phil planted some stunning tulip bulbs last year and he says they have started to peek out to see if its warm enough yet...I feel like running into the garden and screaming to them 'get back under its too cold' but I think the neighbours might think I have gone a bit loony...still a while to go for spring yet I guess but we can live in hope of an early one cant we...my card for today has a real spring like feel to it I think with all those pretty bright colours...this stunner is a new Saturated Canary stamp called Eva, isn't she gorgeous and wouldn't you just love a figure like that?...yep me too lol...I coloured her with distress inks (and yes this is using old card) and used more of the beautiful Basic Grey Fresh Cut 6" x 6" Paper Pad for her...I paper pieced her skirt and top and cut one of the flowers from another sheet from the same pad...I added a twirly bow made from stunning Organza Ribbon - Cerise (25mm Wide), I also edged some of the paper with some Marianne D Romantic Lace to finish...everything I used on my card is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the Crafting from the Heart Challenge, City Crafter Challenge and the Craft-Dee bowz challenge too...I need to get my butt in gear today for some last minuet things for Phil and my Dad going away so need to get motivated to move I think...right war paint on and away we go...whatever your up to today have a lovely bright one and I will speak to you all tomorrow for this month Mo's blog hop

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

eyes and lips - shabby shutters, victorian velvet

skirt and sleeve - victorian velvet

flowers - spun sugar, victorian velvet, shabby shutters

shading on paper piecing - pumice stone

still bbbbbbrrrrrrrrrr...

Good morning everyone...how are you all, are you up to anything exciting this weekend?...bbbbbrrrrrrr its freezing cold here and makes you want to hibernate until the sun decides to come out in full force...I have had a very quiet few days just resting up and trying my best to find a bit of mojo, I managed to find a little bit but its still being elusive atm...do you all have problems with your mojo now and again and if you do how do you get over it...I don't know if I have just got out of the habit of creating over Christmas or if its being ill for a while but hopefully its just around the corner peeking at me from a distance lol...my card for today is using one of the new CandiBean stamps...shes a real cutie isn't she?...shes called Penny's Winter Walkies I coloured her with my usual distress inks and teamed her up with some lush papers from the Kaisercraft - Marigold 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad (isn't that metallic embossed paper just fabulous)...I added a bow made from Organza Ribbon - White (25mm Wide), a tag from the same pad, some white roses from the Mini Spray White (3 Stems) and glittered everything up with a good healthy layer of Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust well you cant beat some glitter can you...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...oh btw have you seen we are running a new Guest DT call at the Bunnyzoe's blog so pop on over and read what you need to do to try out for it...the fab sketch I used is from the Tuesday Morning Sketches Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...I haven't a clue what we are up to today but I do need to stop by the craft shop (ssssssshhhhhh don't tell Phil I will just spring it on him lol)...we will probably be having coffee with my lovely Dad too I'm sure but will just have to see what the day brings...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and I hope you manage to stay warmer than we are

Mina xxx

p.s. dont forget to enter my hit candy...the link is at the top of the sidebar

distress ink colours used

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

hair - antique linen

outfit - tumbled glass, shabby shutters, pumice stone

dogs - antique linen, frayed burlap, tumbled glass, shabby shutters

shading - pumice stone

just add a bit of bling?...

Good morning everyone how are you all...well and happy I hope...it was so fantastic to catch up with my Sisters at the weekend and I know my Dad loved it...like most families who live some distance apart we don't spend near enough time together and really should make more of an effort...I must admit though I'm stuffed after eating out so many time over a few days...phew the old belt needs another notch I think lol...Friday the 13th didn't go without a hitch, did yours?...I found out that my Niece was rushed into hospital and then discovered my Uncle had been too...they are both going to be fine thankfully...I know its just a daft superstition but something bad always seems to happen then...well in our family anyway lol...well are all your preparations done yet?, we will hopefully get the rest of what needs done finished today as Phil has the day of work so we are heading out for the day list in hand...right now onto my card for today...when I saw this stunning Mo's Digital Pencil image I decided that although its a winter image I wouldn't use winter papers to go along with it, I wanted different colours to the normal Christmas ones...this is the stunning Anya and Nanook coloured with my usual distress inks and glittered with Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust...the beautiful papers are from the stunning Kaisercraft - Curiosity 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and I added more glitter to the fruit and leaves to add a frosty feel to it...what do you think? does it work?...I added some tags and a sentiment from the same pad and finished with a key charm, the sketch I made as I went along but am entering this for the Craftitude Challenge, Inkspirational Challenge and the Crafty Catz Challenge too...right I better get the war paint on, well we women of a certain age don't go out without it do we lol...whatever your up to today I hope its a relaxing one for you...I will let you know tomorrow how we got on with our list and will be back a bit later with my Bunny Zoe's Crafts winner

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

outfit - shabby shutters, crushed olive, ripe persimmon

sled - antique linen, frayed burlap

Nanook - black soot, pumice stone

shading - pumice stone

Freaky...

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

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

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

outfit - peeled paint, antique linen, black soot

dog - antique linen, fired earth

postbox - black soot, antique linen, fired earth

shading - pumice stone

my addiction...

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

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

hat - antique linen, peeled paint, shabby shutters

top - pumice stone, antique linen

trousers and hair ties - fired earth, frayed burlap

shoes - antique linen, peeled paint, shabby shutters

shading - pumice stone

a grey and pink christmas?...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and had a fantastic weekend...what did you get up too, anything exciting...we didn't do a lot as my pain in the hip from falling has now turned into an ache in the bum lol...oh no does that mean I really have become a pain in the butt lol...isn't it strange that things break down when you really could do without the added expense, my phone finally gave up and went to phone heaven, mind it is 6 years old and cost me about £30 so I cant really complain can I...my lovely Phil offered to buy me an early Christmas present though so I didn't even have to buy one myself...is it just me or does it not seem crazy spending hundreds of pounds on a phone when the Samsung one I got does everything I need anyway and it even has an mp3 and radio that's a bonus and was half price at £49...oooohhhh I do love a bargain don't you and its a fabulous phone too I love it...right now onto my card for today...have you seen this new set from Mo's Digital Pencil...this little cutie is from that Valerie in Winter set of 3 stamps...its such a great bargain and would be fantastic to paper piece but for this one I coloured her with distress inks and glittered the snow and her bobble on her hat with some Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust...I kept the colours really simple and teamed her up with a pad I have had for ages...the papers are from the Basic Grey 6x6 Little Black Dress paper pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts but that was a couple of years ago so it wont be in stock now...I added a stunning two tone organza ribbon tied in a bow and a lovely checked button (well I had to sneak one in somewhere didn't I lol and finished with a rub on sentiment...the fab sketch is from the Sweet Sketch Wednesday Challenge and I'm also entering it for the BasicGrey challenge and the ABC Christmas Challenge too...I need to get some crafting done today, well hopefully anyway so I'm having a craft room lock in...whatever your up to today I hope you stay nice and toasty ad warm wherever you are

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hat, scarf & gloves - pumice stone, victorian velvet

coat - spun sugar, victorian velvet, pumice stone

dog - frayed burlap, antique linen, spun sugar

shading - pumice stone

its becoming an addiction...

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

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

eyes - tumbled glass

hair - antique linen, frayed burlap

top - antique linen, faded jeans

bear - stormy sky, pumice stone, spun sugar

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

tree gathering...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well, yes I'm back finally, did you think I was stuck on my craft room floor lol, my hip is all better a bit stiff but at least I can sit and colour for a little while...yyyyyaaaayyyyyyy...I haven't been out much or even done much this week, see that's what you get for being a klutz isn't it, you get stuck on the house while everyone else is out enjoying that start of the festive season...I went out yesterday afternoon for a little mooch around and was gobsmacked at how many places have their Christmas decorations up, mind I haven't seen one in a house window yet...have you?...well what you been up to while I have been hibernating...anything exciting?...oh btw has anyone seen Gravity yet?, I would love to know if its worth going to the cinema to see...right now onto my card for today this fabulous little Edwin is from the new Winter Wonderland Magnolia collection, this is the so so cute Christmas Eve Edwin...I coloured him with my distress inks and used papers and a tag from the Kaisercraft - Holly Bright 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad...this is such a lush pad isn't it, just perfect for all those traditional feeling cards...I added a stamped sentiment from the C.C. Designs Naughty Or Nice Sentiments set, the stamped snowflakes I used by masking off Edwin are from the same set too...a lush bow made from some Gingham Wired Edge Gold Thread Ribbon - Burgundy, a few buttons from the Primary - 25g button bag and finished with a couple of snowflake charms from the 5 x Snowflake 6 Charms (B024-W) bag...everything I used for my card today is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the lush sketch is from the Top Tip Tuesday Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Tilda's Town Challenge (my favourite Magnolia stamp is always the newest one) and the Sister Act Card Challenge too...I think Phil is baking cakes today as my lovely Dad loves Dundee cake but hates the ones in the shops and will only eat Phil's...I must admit he makes the best boozy creole Christmas cake ever, its so rich you can heat it up and eat it with cream like Christmas pudding...its scrummy...right I have made myself hungry now so I'm off for some toast lol...whatever your up to today have fun and watch out for those lethal stairs the last step is a big one lol

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

dungarees - pumice stone

sweater, buttons, star and hat - barn door

tree - peeled paint, frayed burlap

shoes - black soot

shading - pumice stone

50 shades of grey and a splash of red...

Good morning everyone I hope you all had a fantastic week and are all well and happy...things and problems are a little better now but not quite there just yet but poor little Sumo cat isn't well bless her...she spent the last three days at the vets on a drip and loads of tests, x rays, scans and tablets...shes well enough to be home now but still isn't well...she had an enlarged liver, a blocked bile duct and they have found a large lump on her x ray but they aren't sure what it is...it doesn't sound too good does it...it was horrendous three of us trying to get her to take her tablets last night and she spent ages frothing at the mouth the poor little thing...she isn't eating so we cant hide them in her food at all so any hints from all you cat owners out there would be fantastic...omg how horrendously expensive are vets its way over board already and the treatment hasn't finished yet...fingers crossed she stays ok as shes about 13 years old and doesn't look too bad for her age, a bit round on the hips but aren't we all when we are getting on a bit lol...keep all your bits crossed for her please...right now onto my card for today, I love love love this rubber stamp Saturated Canary don't you...shes is called Blanche and I couldn't resist the grey and red for her...I coloured her with my distress inks and teamed her up with these stunning papers from Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Far & Away which I'm sorry to say is out of stock, but the stamp, rose and papers came from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I added a huge red checked bow and finished with a Ruffle Rose - Red just for another splash of red...I'm not keen on colouring with red distress inks because I always end up looking like I have been in a horror movie, it goes everywhere and always smudges but I really enjoyed colouring this beauty...the fab sketch is from the Papertake Weekly Challenge and I'm also entering this for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge and the Paper Crafting Journey Challenge too...I'm putting some war paint on and heading into town today I have been trapped in the house all week and feel a sudden urge for some retail therapy...have a great Saturday everyone and whatever your up too have fun...speak tomorrow

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair, eyes and dress - pumice stone

lips, frill and earrings - fired brick

not just for summer...

Good morning everyone how was your weekend, did you get up to anything exciting?...yesterday was just as wet and dark as the rest of the weekend here...boy isn't it hard taking photos when it gets dark and wet, even with my lamp this is the clearest photo I could get, I might try a bit later to get a better photo or two...depending on how dark it is this afternoon of course...my lovely Dad arrived in England safe and sound, I hope he has a fantastic time while hes there and gets loads of baby hugs...when my sister told me about the baby's birth I could actually smell him lol...must be a Mum thing what do you reckon...right now my card for today, it just goes to show you don't need to just keep those summer papers just for summer doesn't it...I coloured this amazing Mo's Digital Pencil digi with my usual distress inks and glittered and glittered to my hearts content with Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust (well all that snow and ice needs some sparkle doesn't it)...this is the gorgeous Igloo and the papers I used for it are from the Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Summer Stories, I so love it when I can use papers not meant for Christmas for my Christmas cards don't you...papers should definitely be multi seasonal tasking...I added a sentiment cut from the same pad and finished with a lush bow made with Organza Ribbon - Dusky Pink (25mm Wide) and a button...I had to get one in somewhere didn't I lol...everything except the Mo's Digital Pencil image and button is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from the Sweet Stop Sketches Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Digitally Sweet Challenge and Sister Act Card Challenge too...I'm huddled in today, hatches battened down and fire on, fluffy dressing gown on and hot water bottle filled...boy I hate the cold can you tell lol...whatever your up to today I hope you get out and about and enjoy some sun

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

dog - pumice stone, victorian velvet, black soot

jacket - pumice stone, victorian velvet

igloo - stormy sky

shading - stormy sky

oops...now how did I do that...

Good afternoon everyone hows your weekend been, I'm a bit late today as oops I forgot to press the button to schedule my post instead it was in draft form...duh lol...first things first my Neice had a baby boy, he is ssssooooooo gorgeous but will probably be a few months old before I get a hug as they live in England...it has been chucking it down here all weekend, Phil was away at the motorbike racing but it was rained off and he came home earlier than expected but my Dad and I went out yesterday morning to get the baby a little gift and of course I couldn't resist the baby clothes and had to get him a few outfits, now who on earth can resist baby clothes...we were supposed to go into town but the rain was so heavy and running down the streets so we didn't bother, its hard for my Dad as he walks very slow with two crutches by the time we just get from the car to a shop door the poor fella is drenched and with the wind an umbrella wouldn't have worked...but hes off to England today to meet his first grandchild so hes looking forward to that, I so wish I was going too...right now onto my card for today...how stunning is this new Magnolia stamp...shes the beautiful Winter Wonderland - Peaceful Tilda, I stamped her in soft grey this time for a softer look (what do you think?, did it work) but still coloured her with my distress inks I paper pieced her dress and glittered her up using Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust...the lush papers are from the Kaisercraft - Miss Empire 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad, gorgeous muted colours isn't it...I added a sentiment from the paper pad, a lush Organza Ribbon - White (25mm Wide), a scattering of 4mm Flat backed Pearls - Cream and finished with a Prima flower...everything I used on my card today came from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is an old one from Mojo Monday and I'm entering it for the Ribbon Girls Magnolia Challenge, Tilda's Town Challenge, Craftyhands Challenge and the My Creative Moments Challenge too...what you up to today, we are having a lazy one just watching tv and surfing for me I guess so nothing exciting...whatever your up to have a dry one

Mina xxx

distress ink colour used

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

hair - gathered twigs, antique linen

basket - frayed burlap

candle and flame - antique linen, scattered straw, ripe persimmon

shading - pumice stone

christmas outfit sorted...

Good morning everyone...I need a little bit of advice, my Daughters cat isn't eating very well, she has hardly eaten half a bowl full of food since she arrived...any ideas how to tempt her...I have tried her favourite things like ham but she isn't having any of it...I reckon she is missing her owners even after all the fussing she is getting from us...should I be worried or will she eat when shes good and ready?...I didn't do any crafting at all yesterday, I had a little play of some things like cutting out stuff but didn't really get down to any card making etc...in fact I even cooked instead of crafting...I know shock horror eh, imagine cooking instead of crafting lol...I'm sure that urge will pass real soon though...right now onto my card for today...I love this fabulous little fella and he just goes to show you don't need to colour him black, let your imagination go wild or do what I did and colour some bits paper piece him a lush Christmas outfit...this is the fabulous new Edwin With Derby hat from the Little London collection ...hes great isn't he and look so dapper in his festive suit and hat...I coloured him with distress inks and the papers I used for the piecing and card are from the stunning new Echo Park - Reflections Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad...I cut some of the checked paper into holly leaves and used a sprinkling of red buttons (some from the Big Red - 25g bag) to finish...everything but a few of the buttons are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop Challenge the Marvelous Magnolia Challenge and the Dream Valley Challenge too...I'm off out today I'm a little fed up babysitting (or should that be cat sitting) and need some fresh air I think, I'm sure the cat will be fine for a while without me fussing over her (although Phil is just as bad as me lol)...so I'm heading to Town with my lovely Dad for a little bit of retail therapy and get some things I have put off until I made a trip into town if you know what I mean...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and any advice about the cat would be greatly appreciated
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - pumice stone

shoes - black soot

cane - frayed burlap

shading on piecing - pumice stone

shading around image - pumice stone

at long last...

Good morning everyone and yes I finally made it...well the internet started working ok about 8ish last night but I think it wasn't a good idea posting at that time so you will have to wait a bit longer for the holiday photos...are you gutted?, yeah right lol...well my MRI scan was 100% worse than I thought it would be, considering I feel uncomfortable in a lift I should have maybe ticked the box on the safety form that said 'do you suffer from claustrophobia' but I don't really I just don't like closed spaces or is that the same thing do you think...I am shall we say a bit ample on the chest department and when I lie down its the part of me that is the highest so they were touching the top of the machine and as soon as I got inside my breathing went funny but with the help of some advice from the nurse I controlled it and managed the 30 minuets inside without screaming my head off, which could easily of happened, mind I was shaking like a leaf when I got out, I could hardly hold the water they gave me, that really isn't made for people of my proportions lol...I really wouldn't want to do that anymore than once in my life thank you very much...Phil's face when I walked out was priceless though lol, he took one look at me and said 'omg are you ok'...I'm fine though and its over so just have to wait for the results now...I will report back...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly challenge...this month was our lovely Tracy's choice and she chose Something Blue...I chose to use this stunning Whiff Of Joy Girls Rule (A480) stamp for my card..she has the most amazing hair and its a joy to colour...I used my usual distress inks for colouring and teamed her up with this stunning double sided Magnolia Blue Vintage Hydrangea 12" x 12" Paper...lush isn't it and perfect for the challenge...I added a fab bow made from some Organza Ribbon - White (25mm Wide) and some beautiful swirls from the Prima Say It In Crystals Mini Swirls - Divine set...everything I used today is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from the Sweet Stop Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Sweet Stampin' Challenge and the Paper Creator's Challenge too...I'm going to have a relaxing crafting day today and catch up on our holiday washing I think, well I cant avoid it forever can I...whatever your up to today have fun and if you get a chance pop on over to the Bunny Zoe's Crafts blog and take a peek at the rest of our fab teams makes...oh and btw we will be starting a new Guest DT call on Wednesday so I hope you will all go for it...bye for now

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap, antique linen

eyes - tumbled glass

top - milled lavendar, faded jeans

heans - pumice stone

hair plaits - faded jeans

Is it that time already...

Good morning everyone hows your week going...has anyone noticed its starting to get dark by 9pm already...oh no please someone tell me it isn't that time yet...surely our summer cant be drawing to a close already...that makes me so sad...we have decided to see if we can catch the end of the summer and take my lovely Dad away for a week to explore some more of this beautiful island we live on...so end of August we are heading to a real thatched cottage for a week...the rest will do Phil good too I think...now for a little bit of a rant about my Dads new wheelchair...we were going to get it at the local Disability shop but it was £199 there and I found the exact same model online at a well know Pharmacy website with free postage for would you believe £69.99 and I think that's enough to pay for a fold up one to sit in his boot in case he needs it don't you...now how on earth can there be that much mark up in Northern Ireland (I checked online and every disability shop here was near enough the £200 mark) and almost 70% cheaper on the mainland why are disabled people here being penalised, what if you don't use the internet or don't know anyone else who does your stuck paying that horrendous amount for the same model...shocking isn't it...ok rant over lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this super cute little sweetie...shes a CC Designs stamp called Drozy's Darlings White isn't she a real cutie...I coloured her with my distress inks and teamed up with some papers from another new pad...these are from the stunning Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Stationary Noted...its so gorgeous...I finished with some flowers and a tag cut from the same pad and a bow made with Organza Ribbon - White (25mm Wide), I love this ribbon because its wired and its so easy to make a perfect fluffy bow every time and if it gets crushed it can be reshaped...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from Crazy 4 Challenge's and Im also entering it for the Cutie Pie Challenge and the Allsorts Challenge too...I'm having a catch up with crafting day today there's loads I need to get done so wish me luck, I need it lol...whatever your up too have a brilliant day without any rants needed lol

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - frayed burlap

dress - barn door, pumice stone, stormy sky

shading - pumice stone

the scent of summer...

Good morning everyone...did you all enter for this months Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly candy yet...if you didnt then its the posts below this one and its a good one too...a chance at a spending spree...the garden seems to be bucking up a bit since we decided drastic action was need and last week I decided I would use my new sacatures to chop away at one or two (or even three lol) plants that looked like they had died and despite Phil mocking me and saying he wanted to dig them up and reuse the pots they have sprouted again would you believe..a bit chuffed and very smug dosent even touch how I felt when I showed him last night lol...I think even my lovely Dad was a little impressed as he was down for his dinner yesterday evening and said he thinks the garden is slowly coming back to life...phew I thought it was knackered to tell you the truth (thats a technical term by the way lol) and Im so releaved that all the work and love we put into those plants and making the decking somewhere lovely to sit hasnt gone to waste, we did have a bit of a giggle though when Phil went behind the swing seat to check on his tomatos and touched the canopy, whatever water was there tipped over him and he turned to me giving me a look because I was watering some plants with the hose pipe and he thought I had squirted him with it, it took ages to convince him it wasnt me, well it was a bit harder with me rolling about laughing at the time lol...right now onto my card for today which is using one of the new Crafters Companion Barkley stamps...this cute one is called The Scent of Summer...like I have said before Im not the best colourer of animals but I enjoyed this one anyway so I hope you think its ok...I used my distress inks for it and teamed it up with some beautiful summery papers from the Carta Bella - Cool Summer 6x6 Paper Pad, the little tag is from the same pad but is stamped with one of the sentiments that came with the stamp...I finished with a huge blue bow and a Prima Flowers Primmers - White Cotton flower topped with a pink button, everything except the bow and button are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the Crafty Calender Challenge, Brown Sugar Challenge and the Challenges 4 Everybody challenge too...Im off out with my lovely Dad this afternoon so best get some war paint going later...whatever your up to today watch out for hidden pockets of water
Mina xxx
p.s. sorry the photos are blurred again Im still struggling finding all the programmes for photo editing

distress ink colours used

cat - antique linen, spun sugar

dog - pumice stone, black soot

birds - scattered straw, stormy sky

garden - peeled paint, shabby shutters, victorian velvet, stormy sky, scattered straw

forever blowing bubbles...

Good morning everyone did you all enjoy the hop yesterday and I hope you didn't forget to leave your comments along the way for a chance to win some prizes...it was really hazy and foggy here yesterday still dry and hot though but we didn't get the hottest day of the year that was promised...so we are still looking forward to that...we had to head to some garden centres yesterday because we had a minor garden crisis...something was eating the leaves of all our gorgeous new plants and leaving them like lace and on close inspection they are infested with tiny caterpillar type larvae and aphids so although I'm against using chemicals I don't like the idea of killing the good guys too but we had to get something to stop them in their tracks before the sweet pea were devastated to death didn't we...I managed to find an organic spray so Phil sprayed everything yesterday evening and we will see what happens...keeping my fingers and toes all crossed....oh btw I took some photos of the decking now its all flowery and colourful and will post them next week for you to see if your interested that is of course lol...but good thing is B&Q was our first try for a spray and we spotted a bargain two seater seat swing and couldn't resist buying it for the garden...well who can resist a bargain for the garden eh but I was cursing it after two hours of putting it together lol...right now onto my card for today and yes I actually managed to make one lol...how cute is this little darling...shes from the incredibly cheap C.C. Designs Sweet November Mermaids set, I think this set is a bargain for three stamps...I coloured her with my usual distress inks and used some Stickles Glitter Glue - Star Dust to glitter her tail and top...the papers and sentiment are from the Kaisercraft - Miss Empire 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad...aren't those colours so lush....I finished with a few scattered pearls from the Mixed Bag of 3mm Flat backed Pearls, a bow made from Organza Ribbon - Orange (25mm Wide) and a single jade coloured rose...everything except the rose is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fab sketch is from Tuesday Morning Sketches and I'm also entering it for the Inspire Me Friday Challenge and the Creative Corner Challenge too...Phil's off work tomorrow so he's had a long weekend this weekend its a Bank holiday here, he's getting a bit bored to be honest and I think we need to head out today so I was thinking maybe a picnic or something similar, what do you take on a picnic?, we love to take little tapas type things and a few sandwiches and of course dessert...whatever your up to today I hope you get out and about and have some fun too

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - gathered twigs, antique linen

eyes - peeled paint

tail and top - shabby shutters

shading - pumice stone

back with a flourish of pink and white...

Good morning everyone did you miss me?...did you notice I was gone lol...well I'm back from our little break, we had a fantastic time and would you believe only had one day of rain...wow is that some kind of record I wonder lol...well what did you all get up too in my absence? anything exciting or spectacular, go on spill the bean.  County Wexford is one of Ireland's most stunning counties I think...its very like Devon and lots to do and see too...and strawberries everywhere you look in fact after a six hour epic car journey down there when we arrived we couldn't drive to our hotel as the annual Strawberry festival was in its last throws and the finish was in full swing right beside the hotel but with a bit of canny Galaxy tablet GPS manoeuvring we finally managed to get to the car park and find a space dumped our bags and headed to the celebrations...brilliant street market with food, music and celebrations...I was a bit miffed Phil wouldn't let me get my face painted but we enjoyed it anyway lol...when we finally crashed into bed that night despite a couple of hotel disappointments which I will tell you about tomorrow we were shattered but content...I have loads and loads of photos but will only put you through a few I think you will like so don't panic lol...right now enough waffling and onto my card for today which is for our new monthly Challenge at Bunny Zoe's...this month the theme is Pink and White, I love this colour combo don't you...for my card I used this oh so gorgeous stamp from the Magnolia Special Moments collection she's called Tilda with Little Hat isn't she so so sweet (shes on sale atm too)...shes coloured with distress inks I masked her up and stamped a frame from the Kaisercraft Clear Stamps - Miss Empire Frames set and cut them both out, the sentiment I used on on of the tags is from the same stamp set too, the lush papers and tags are from the Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Summer Stories...I added a white satin ribbon bow and finished with a gorgeous flower from the Prima Flowers Perle Bebe - Almanac pack and a scattering of Flat Backed Pearls...everything except the ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the No Matter Which Challenge, Addicted to Stamps Challenge and The Ribbon Girl Challenge too...when I went into my craft room last night to make a couple of cards for this week the images I had pre coloured before going away had been sitting in the sun and were so faded I could harder see them duh lol...so its back to the drawing board...I might not have a card made for tomorrow but if I haven't I will probably bore you to bits with some holiday photos and some tales so be warned lol...whatever your up to today I hope you manage to enjoy some sunshine

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

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

hair - black soot

dress, hat and gloves - spun sugar, black soot

shading - pumice stone

flowers and leaves on frame - spun sugar, victorian velvet, peeled paint, shabby shutters