they dont have to be red...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...poor Phil has the sniffles bless him, of course hes blaming me even though mine was the weekend before last just how long does he think I was contagious, it sounds more like an allergy to me than a cold, it could have had something to do with the super spicy salsa he had with his dinner last night you know lol...my Dad enjoyed his dinner and the bit of banter that went with it of course and I think he was a lot happier when he left...we had a little jaunt out as well and did a little shopping and some put the world to rights coffee yesterday afternoon...I think he may have figured out how to get world peace in the space of drinking one cup lol...hes off to my Sister's in Belfast at the weekend which will do him a lot of good and get him away from home for a few days...I hope he comes back refreshed and after spending a couple of days with his youngest grand kids he should have a huge smile on his face...fingers crossed...btw did you check out the winners of my candy I posted last night...I hate drawing winners you know not that I don't like people to win I just hate the thought that others don't, I was the same as a child I couldn't have one teddy or doll in bed I had to have them all because I couldn't bear them being left out, my Mum would come in the night and clear some of them away in case there wasn't room for me lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts & Me Challenge...this time is our lovely Mona's choice and she chose Nontraditional Christmas Colours...now you couldn't get any less traditional than the mix I chose could you, I chose to use this stunning Sara Burrier image from Crafts and Me for my card...she is called Lady Of Amethyst isn't she just beautiful...I coloured her very softly (maybe a little too softly) with distress inks and the amazingly coloured paper is a scrap by Rayher's Classic Collection and is called Multi Stripes...I recycled a flower into some holly leaves and used loads of coloured pearls for the berries (see they don't have to be red do they)...the fab sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge (my stash was the long forgotten half sheet of paper), I'm also entering it for the Artistic Inspirations challenge and the Crafty Sentiments challenge too...I'm gonna have a chilling day today I think with maybe a bit of cooking and crafting thrown in, I'm gonna make seafood pasta one of Phil's favourites, that should make him forget his sniffles I hope...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and don't forget to check out the winners post below just in case
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - pumice stone

dress - stormy sky

cuffs and headress - victorian velvet, scattered straw, seedles preserve

wings - stormy sky - seedles preserve

trim on dress and bells - seedless preserve

some days are so lucky...

Good morning everyone, I hope everyone is safe and sound and that all my American friends haven't been touched by the devastation that is Superstorm Sandy...nature is so beautiful most of the time but can be very cruel sometimes...I like most of us in the UK watched the news unfold with bated breath and hoped that this time wouldn't be too bad and only property would bear the brunt...I'm so sorry to say it wasn't and my heart goes out to the people whose lives were touched by death and destruction...some days are so lucky arent they and you end up feeling so glad to be alive...we went out to dinner last night, just a lovely quiet meal at a seaside town for the two of us...it was a fabulous dinner and of course we ate too much lol...we left about 7.30 so it was dark and Phil crossed the road just ahead of me, of course I looked before I crossed, always do, I learnt my green cross code at school lol...a motorbike was bombing up the road without its headlight on and spotted me at the same time as I spotted him...I knew it wouldn't miss me and know enough about bikes (thank you Phil) to know it would be easier for him to try and go round me than for me to run and for him to try and dodge me...so I just closed my eyes and waited for the thud...when I opened them the bike had stopped about 30cms (12 inches) away from me and Phil was standing on the pavement with his mouth open...some days when you walk away from something like that you feel utterly blessed...that will teach me to eat too much lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me Challenge which this time is our wonderful Nic's (Coops) choice, she chose the theme of Bling It Up...I used this beautiful Horn of Praise by Sara Burrier from Crafts and Me for my card...stunning isn't she...I coloured her with distress inks and glittered the sun and her wings...the amazing paper is from the Graphic 45 8x8 Paper Pad - Olde Curiosity Shoppe pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...gorgeous colours isn't it, did you know some people in Northern Ireland consider the peacocks feathers to be really bad luck (full of useless information aren't I lol)...I finished with loads and loads of blue gems...the fab sketch is from Sunday Sketch and Stamp but as I didn't use a stamp I cant enter it...but I am entering it for the Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge, Anything Goes Challenge and The Crafty Blogger's Network challenge...I'm off out today I feel in the need of a mooch, well we all do sometimes don't we...whatever your up to today take care crossing the roads and stay safe

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - frayed burlap

dress and wings shading - antique linen

leaves and dress trim - peeled paint, stormy sky

trumpet and sun - scattered straw

a beauty with a violin...

Good morning everyone...firstly thank you all so so much for the lovely comments for yesterdays photos, you really cheered me up...I spent a lot of time on Monday feeling very tearful and upset because I miss my family in England so so much, it was so wonderful seeing them all again but because it was a busy wedding and we were only there two days I didn't really get a proper catch up with any of them...the worst thing is I miss my Sisters which is shocking because one only lives 50 miles away so there's no real excuse for missing her is there, except sometimes everyday life gets in the way of the important things that are close to our hearts...I love my family so so much but like most people never really make the effort to show them, so slapped legs for me and all my family lol, my resolution is to contact one a day at least even if its just a text to see how they are...so thanks for cheering me up and for the couple of emails too they were lovely...I found another photo of my Daughter but one in which she is smiling, she has such a wonderful warm smile that stretches to her eyes and makes the world light up so it was a shame she wasn't smiling in yesterdays...I will ask her if she minds if I post it on here and put it on tomorrow if not...did you notice anything, none of my wonderful Phil, everyone I took he was either making a daft face for the camera or turning around lol...I will see if anyone has one of him near decent because he looked so handsome in his suit and lilac tie...I will let you know...right now onto my card for today which is for the new Crafts and Me Challenge...it was our wonderful Mona's choice this time and she chose the theme of Lace & Pearls...I used this amazing brand new Sara Burrier digi for my card, shes called Strings of Worship and will be available very soon in the Crafts and Me shop the paper I teamed it up with is from Basicgrey's Scarlet's Letters collection and is called Love Letters...I added some brown lace, a gingham ribbon and some pearls...the sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the House of Gilli challenge and the Fashionista Challenge too...I think I will head into town for my lunch today as I need to get out and a mooch, come on girls we all need a mooch now and again don't we lol...whatever your up to today phone or text someone you miss to show them how much you care and have a brilliant day

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - frayed burlap

wings - antique linen

outfit - antique linen, peeled paint

violin and flower - gathered twigs

we all need a little protection sometimes...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and have a fantastic weekend planned...I'm running around like a headless chicken today getting every ones things ready for the wedding trip, why is it always us Mums that do that...Phil does this thing on the way to the airport...he waits until we are about halfway then he starts, have you got the tickets...a pause...passports...did you pack this did you pack that...every single time we go away too lol...one of these days I'm going to wait until we are at the airport and say I have forgotten something lol...I decided yesterday to put a small dart in my dress as it was a teeny bit loose and stuck my finger with the needle, yes you guessed it blood on a white linen dress is not a good look...with a bit if cold water it came out though with no problem but for a few minuets I had a vision of having to run around buying another one lol...anyway onto my card for today...I fell in love with this amazing Sara Burrier digi from Crafts and Me...isn't it so beautiful...its one of Octobers new ones and should be in the store real soon...its called The Protector, couldn't we all do with a protector like this one now and again...I coloured it with distress inks and glittered his wings and the lantern...oh btw someone emailed a while back and asked what glitter I use...its Stickles Glitter Glue-Star Dust and I buy it from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...its lasts for ages and ages and you need only a teeny bit for great effect...right back to the card, I used two Kars papers...one for the background and one that I cut the holly out off...I didn't add anything else to the card as I thought the papers and holly were enough...I'm entering this for the Whimsy Stamps challenge, Fab 'n' Funky challenge and the Creative Inspirations challenge too...well I'm off to do my french manicure and a facial and then a bit more running around, I'm going to need another holiday at this rate lol...whatever your up to today have a great one

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

haor - frayed burlap

wings - antique linen

womans dress - scattered straw

mans skirt - shabby shutters

lantern, sword and belt - peeled paint

every girl has a bad lipstick day...

Good morning everyone I hope your all having a great week...ok hands up all those who thought I wouldn't get started again and would have another play instead...well your all right, I did start I promise I sorted out all my cards and bagged them up ready for Phil coming in to take them to the rubbish tip, which he did...but I did stop half way through for a play too....so best of both worlds...today it has to be finished though as Phil has said if it isn't done by the weekend he's going in to do it... aaaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhhhh there is no way on earth I'm letting him rummage through my stash throwing everything he thinks is rubbish away, would you?...so it has to be finished...last night I came on here to read your fab comments and wow all your ideas were fantastic, some I had already tried, like the local special needs unit, they make their own cards to sell and don't take ones from other people...I have to tell you though I had hundreds of cards and I'm not exaggerating I promise you there were hundreds, when you think I make at least one card a day you can imagine how many there was, I just wouldn't have had enough hours in the day to sort them to give to different places, I have made a promise to myself though that I will try and find a way to sell some and give others away from when I move, I know there were a lot of you shocked at the thought of me throwing them away but I honestly didnt have anything else I coukd do with them in the time I had...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me Challenge, this time the theme is to use something digital so anything you want as long as it has a digital element on it...isn't this stunning Crafts and Me Sara Burrier digi called Phlox Princess just stunning, but shes having a bit of a bad lippy day, I used a deep pink ink for her lips and it mustn't have been quite dry when I made the card...I didn't notice until I was doing this post and it was too late to make another, so she will just have to put up with her lippy error...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with these lush papers I found at the bottom of yet another pile of cards...they are Basicgrey from the Bittersweet collection, the plain one is called Crushed Berry and the patterned is Raspberry Cream...lush rich pink colour aren't they...I finished with some deep pink lace, a winged charm and a couple of pearls...the sketch I made up as I went along but I'm entering this for the Basicgrey Challenge and the Papertake Weekly challenge ...right I'm off back to my craft room for a few hours then out for coffee with my lovely Dad who is all well and back home again, he doesn't even need his glasses, although its weird to see him walking around without them...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx
p.s. has anyone noticed anything wrong with blogger, I cant change the colour of my font for my links like I used too, I used to colour my links to match my card (I know Im sad you dont need to tell me lol)...any ideas how I can fix it anyone?

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
clothes and flowers in hair - shading pumice stone,
pink is a mix of worn lipstick and a touch of barn door

normal service is resumed - well as normal as it gets anyway...

Good morning everyone, how are you all it seems ages since we had a good natter...first off my Dad is doing fine, hes very tired but getting up at 6am and hanging around a hospital forever will do that to you, he gets his dressing off today and all being well he will have perfect vision...oh no he will be saying I have more wrinkles now lol...ok own up which one of you was it that suggested we move house lol...I'm exhausted and am falling asleep before I even get a chance to get online so no blog hopping for me, I have most of the bedrooms sorted, packed and ready to go and we did the attic and cupboard at the weekend, poor Phil thinks I'm going next door for bags to take to the dump lol...did you all enjoy the first three days of the hop then, fab stamps aren't they and lovely to colour too don't forget there's one more day on Friday and one more chance to win goodies too...right now onto my card for today...isn't this amazing image from Sara Burrier just beautiful...all that hair is fabulous to colour...this is Poppy Princess and she will be available at Crafts & Me soon...I coloured her with my distress inks and teamed her up with these amazing papers from the Graphic 45 8x8 Paper Pad - Olde Curiosity Shoppe pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I finished with a black satin edged organza ribbon, a Cherish sentiment tag and some of the butterflies cut from the paper...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the Sassy Cheryl's Digi challenge and the Creative Inspirations challenge...I'm off out to Town today I need to get a few things and need a day away from packing I think before I go a bit stir crazy, don't forget I will be back at 9am tomorrow for the last day of the Sugar Nellie hop...whatever your up to today I hope its a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen,
dress - scattered straw, crushed olive, pumice stone
butterflies and heart - stormy sky

blood...

Good morning everyone, hows your week been so far...weather is still rubbish here and most of the UK I guess, well at least the hose pipe bans we usually have at this time of year will be a thing of the past surely lol...I sat for 9 hours yesterday sticking lace onto cards cutting the lace, and creasing the join with my thumb...my hands were burning by about 9pm last night and I was on my last few invitations (no not finished yet and still a few more elements to add) when I looked down and though where the hell has the red ink come from (its a sneaky thing red ink it gets everywhere lol)...then I realised it wasn't ink it was blood two of my knuckles I had been using for creasing were bleeding, after that I thought I'm off to bed I'm not spilling blood for my Nieces invitations, so two wrapped up knuckles later and I headed to bed...yesterday I spent half an hour over dinner trying to convince Phil its not enjoyable doing that much repetition, he reckoned I loved it...nope lol...right enough moaning from me for today you must be fed up listening to it by now you poor things...my card for today is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenge, this time is our wonderful newbie Coops turn to chose a theme, she chose Stitching (real or faux), well I don't really do stitching so mine had to be faux and these amazing papers from the Kaisercraft - Homemade 6"x6" Paper Pad fit the bill perfectly as all the decoration on them is faux stitching...I chose the stunningly beautiful Sara Burrier image called Primrose Princess, isn't she stunning, I coloured her with distress inks and finished with a sentiment tag from the same Kaisercraft paper pad and a twill ribbon bow..I cant tell you which challenge the sketch is from as I have lost my book with my challenge lists in...I will pop back later and put them on...right I'm off out this morning with Phil and our beautiful Daughter for breakfast and maybe a mooch around the shops...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and if you have time pop on over to our Crafts and Me challenge blog to have a look at every ones amazing work
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin -a antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - faryed burlap
clothes and bird - stormy sky, frayed burlap,

revenge of the sumo cat...

Good morning all you wonderful people, I hope your all well and happy...my Dad is much less tired now, well he must be as he headed to Ikea with my Sister yesterday evening, I think he loves Ikea as much as we girls do lol...well its official I'm allergic to cats, my eyes are streaming, and I'm itchy all over...so its revenge of my Daughters sumo cat she was sent to torment me and her hair is everywhere so no escape...oh well its only a few days and antihistamines will have to do until she leaves and then a good clean up should sort out the hair...I cant believe I'm allergic to cats up until about 6 years ago we always had cats...isn't that weird...anyway onto my card for today which is using this stunning image from Crafts and Me, isn't she beautiful, shes by Sara Burrier and is called Sienna, I coloured her very simply with distress inks and did black/grey hair again to match this stunning Graphic45 paper from their Le Cirque range called Magnifique ...you cant beat a bit of Graphic45 can you...it suits her so much doesn't it...I cut some of the flowers from the paper and added pearls to their centres and finished with some thick black ribbon (wrapping from a box at Christmas, we crafter's throw nothing away do we lol)...the sentiment is from a Fizzy Moon stamp set...the sketch is from Sketch Saturday and Im also entering it for the Truly Madly Crafty Challenge and Robyn's Fetish Challenge...I'm going to lock myself in my craft room today to stay as far away as possible from the hairy sumo cat, poor thing its not her fault is it, but hopefully my tablets will work a bit better today and I can get back to stroking her again, I tried to get a photo of her yesterday but she doesn't like the camera and every time I went near her with it she gave a little moan and toddled off so I got fed up chasing her round and I'm sure she was fed up being chased lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and watch out for the revenge of the sumo cat lol
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - black soot
outfit, shells and pearls - antique linen

Im seeing spots...

Good morning everyone I hope your doing well and have a good week...we went shopping yesterday, I was just noticing and a few people we met have commented that my Dad is looking really well, I think his eyes were really getting him down and he just wouldn't admit it...now he has that wicked twinkle in his eyes back, if I could just get him to go see an ear specialist and getting his hearing sorted out he wouldn't have to constantly ask me what people are saying...thing is he asks me way after the event and some days my memory isn't the best and I cant remember...you know if you put my Dad and me together you must get a whole person that everything works on lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenge, our challenge this time is Pearls and Lace, I used this stunningly beautiful Spring image from Sara Burrier at Crafts and Me for my card, gorgeous isn't she...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with this lacy paper from Kars...I love this paper its so so pretty and perfect for this challenge...I used the lace paper to cut out circles for the fab sketch from The Sweet Stop challenge and finished with some different coloured pearls...the sketch is a really simple one but looks fantastic don't you think...I'm also entering it for the Paper Sundaes challenge...I'm hopefully going to finish off the cards I started at the beginning of the week today, well that's the plan anyway but you never know do you, the call of the outside might just call to me...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and if you have the time pop on over to the Crafts and Me challenge to see what the rest of our team came up with
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
shading - pumice stone
bottom of dress and wings - stormy sky
flowers and bodice - broken china

all you need is a touch of pink...

Good morning everyone did you all have a fantastic weekend? ours was kinda quiet but the weather here was glorious yesterday the sun split the heavens and it was 22degrees, went and picked up Dads glasses on Saturday while Phil was away marshaling the motor bikes to make sure they are all safe, then yesterday we had a little mooch in town it was lovely walking around in the sunshine, but it kinda spoilt it when we called into Sainsbury's for prawn crackers for the chinese we were making for dinner and I saw a lovely little dog locked up in a car, the poor little thing was panting so hard, we went inside to see if anyone could help but no one seemed interested and luckily when we went back to the car minuets later it was gone...how stupid is that to leave a dog in a car in that heat...today will be a running around getting everything together for this week kinda day, its fine when there's just me and Phil going to the farmhouse but with Dad we need to get extras, like making sure he has all his medication and getting his stuff ready too...shopping is fine because although we usually just drive right through I don't think my poor Dads walnut sized bladder will make it for over 2 hours without at least two stops and there are a few nice places to stop on the way down, including a whole antique village to mooch around so we will stop for food shopping on our way down...I have scheduled all my posts so there will still be something every day while I'm away, as a Friend once told me 'I'm like Disney only shut for Christmas' lol...cheeky...anyway onto my card for today which is using this beautiful Sara Burrier image from Crafts and Me, shes called June, isn't she beautiful but then all Sara Burrier fairies are so stunning and a dream to colour, this one is coloured with distress inks and of course she has wings so you know the rules, wings = glitter...I teamed her up with these amazingly gorgeous papers from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Almanac, love this pad so much...I bought it from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with some beautiful black and pink satin ribbons and the sentiments are cut from the same paper pad...the lush sketch is from a new challenge blog for me Crafting For All Seasons Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Hotshots Craft challenge and Stampin with the Dragon challenge too...right I'm off to pack some flat shoes, I don't normally do flat shoes and like my high heeled boots but needs must in the countryside...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - walnut stain
dress - tattered rose

Chrysanthemum...

Good morning everyone are you all recovered from the cold snap them, I hope so, we are finally getting bitterly cold wind here, well I knew it would arrive sooner or later...thank you all so much for the lovely things you said about my image colouring yesterday and the two emails of the people asking me if it was a pre coloured image, I promise it wasn't a printed one I did colour it, I think it looked like that because I had dirty fingers and ended up having to cut it out and put it on with foam pads and that caused a shadow, I was so chuffed you all thought my colouring made it look like a photo though but if it was I would have said...we went out yesterday afternoon and it felt a little strange my Daughter picking my Dad and I up and driving down to Town, I don't know how I will get used to things like that, I'm used to my Dad picking me up and us going on our little jaunts to the Supermarket and out to have 'put the world right' coffee...it wont be long though I'm sure before hes nipping about in his little blue car again...we had a little mooch around town then while my gorgeous girl did a few more errands we went for coffee, the wind was so cold I felt my face had dropped off at one stage, I'm sure I had a candle dripping from my nose on a couple of occasions too lol...now that's attractive for a woman of a certain age isn't it but where the freezing wind is concerned who cares eh lol....right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenge, the theme this time is to use a New Image so anything you have that's brand new, I cant wait to see what you come up with...I used this stunning new Sara Burrier image called Chrysanthemum from Crafts and Me, I coloured her with distress inks and glittered her wings...I teamed her up with this gorgeous lush Fancy Pants 12x12 paper from their My Family collection called Sister, I cut out a couple of the flowers from it and raised them up at the edge, I finished with a lush rich coloured Satin Ribbon 25mm BURGUNDY from the Pretty Little Ribbon Shop and a dreams sentiment from my stash...the fab sketch is from the Totally Gorjuss challenge and I'm also entering it for the CES challenge and Ribbon Carousel challenge too...I'm going to have a crafting morning this morning then I'm off to the Doctors with my Dad to see about his liver function test...whatever your up to today I hope it isn't candle drip weather for you
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress and gloves - antique linen, stormy sky, aged mahogany
flower - stormy sky

a touch of spring green...

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

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

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

urgent plastic surgery needed...

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and enjoying the lovely soggy weather. unless your lucky enough to live somewhere warm then enjoy your sunny weather...aren't our children good to us Mums, my Daughters washing machine broke down so of course I got a text asking can I use your machine please Mum, course you can I replied...but I don't remember texting back that I would wash and dry the big bag of washing you bring down, fold it and make sure it's ready for you tomorrow lol...well I suppose that's what Mums are for aren't they, well I am anyway...I had to go to the supermarket for washing powder of course and my lovely Dad met someone he hadn't seen for years and was chatting away while I packed the bags, then strolling over the guy said, oh is this your wife, I was gobsmacked...I obviously need plastic surgery urgently so any phone numbers for surgeons or gift vouchers for the same guy would be gratefully accepted lol...oooohhhh and my Dad was the one who said indignantly 'shes my Daughter not my wife' lol...anyway onto my card for today, how stunningly beautiful is this Crafts and Me digi stamp she is called Autumn and is from the new November release, I used her for a Christmas card though as she works perfectly in this colour doesn't she...I coloured her with distress inks and her dress is coloured with one of the new Winter distress inks called Iced Spruce, beautifully soft isn't it, of course there is wings and its a wintry card so there had to be loads of glittery stuff didn't there...the papers I bought from a local shop at the weekend but didn't realise until I used them but there isn't any name or writing or anything on them so I haven't a clue who they are by but if I find out I will let you know...I finished with a huge organza bow and a couple of Anita's glitteration snowflakes...the fab sketch is from Stamp with Fun challenge and I'm also entering this for the Top Tip Tuesday challenge, Fab N Funky challenge and the Stamps & Fun challenge too...there's a new Dunelm Mill store opening today in town so we are off for a mooch I will report back if I find anything crafty I cant manage without...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

colours used
skin - Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap & Tattered rose
Hair - Black soot
dress - Iced Spruce, Stormy sky
shading - Pumice stone

ventician lace and a fairy...

Good morning everyone, did you have a fab weekend?...can you believe its nearly the end of October, how fast are the months flying by this year...we had a yummy Sunday lunch yesterday and it was fantastic catching up with my beautiful Daughter, although we only live a few miles away from each other I have been rarely seeing her lately as she works so hard and when she gets home late it doesn't seem right to take time away from her and her partners time together, I bet all you Mums know exactly what I mean don't you...Phil slept like a log last night, I think he needed it as the weather while he was camping was shocking and its a long day in the rain at the racing, I know I know he must be mad lol...my card for today is using this amazing digi stamp from Crafts and Me called Into the Word, shes by the amazing Sara Burrier...I coloured her with distress inks and I printed her faded again, there will be a tutorial on the Crafts and Me blog and the Crafts and Me shop online classes section on Wednesday...I teamed this beauty up with this incredible paper from Graphic45, this is from the Renaissance Fair collection and is called Venetian Lace, the Fairy sentiment is cut from the reverse which is the alphabet...I finished by cutting the edge of the card to match the paper and added a satin ribbon and bow...I'm entering this for the Monochromatic Creative Inspirations challenge...I'm having a day in today I feel in the need of a snuggle day, you know the sort with a blanket and a good film, although truthfully I will probably end up crafting lol...whatever your up to have a fab one
Mina xxx

lazy days and more fairies...

Good morning everyone, did you all have a fabulous day yesterday?...we didn't do anything at all, just lazed around and chilled really, but the weather was horrible here yesterday, drizzling, cold and windy...I hate days like that don't you, so the old heating went on and I made lunch and then we did nowt at all...my card for today is using this amazing new Sara Burrier digi stamp from Crafts and Me, isn't she stunning, Sara Burrier does the best fairies don't you think, they always remind me of the Flower fairies...I still have a set of them somewhere I think I stashed them sonewhere... I used to read them with my Daughter when she was growing up, we spent many many hours reading together, I think that's why she could read before she started school...or maybe shes a child genius and we didn't know it lol...I coloured this Lady of the Field with distress inks and teamed her up with more of the stunning Michele R Designs papers digi papers, this one is called Vintage Flowers with Lace, I printed three and cut them to add some dimension to the corners...I finished with a sprinkling of gorgeous green gems...ooohhhhh I have realised I didn't make this for any challenges at all, ok ok don't all faint at once lol...I haven't a clue what we are up to today but if the weather is as bad as yesterday, we will have to be wrapped up to do it...have a brill one everyone
Mina xxx

mushrooms - pumice stone and grayed burlap
dress - tattered rose, lipstick pink and crushed olive
wings - tattered rose
hair - antique linen and frayed burlap

oooohhhh I love a bit of recycling...

Good morning everyone how are you all doing?...well my wonderful Dads glasses are sorted and he looks so handsome in his new ones...we even managed a coffee and panini in a local cafe too...it was so warm and sunny yesterday and we sat in the window, it was like being on holiday, well that was until I caught my reflection in the window...omg I need a haircut I look like a busted sofa and that's no exaggeration I promise you...even my Dad keeps saying when you getting your hair cut woman lol...so will ring up today and get an appointment, anything to stop him nagging me lol, lets hope I have more luck with a hair appointment than the Docs, thanks for all the wonderful giggles you gave me with your comments yesterday I enjoyed them all so much...I'm having a clearing day today...well that's the plan anyway but you know what Im like when I head to my craft room to clear up, I'm so easily distracted aren't I...right now onto my card for today which is for the digi teams brand new challenge at Crafts & Me challenge...this weeks challenge is Lace, I used the amazingly beautiful Sara Burrier digi stamp Porcini, isn't she stunning, I coloured her with distress inks and used some Echo Park Be mine collection, this paper is called Love Letters and the deep pink is the reverse...do you see my bit of recycling?...its the lace half circle behind the image its from the Prima flower packaging and was too gorgeous to waste so I cut it out and used it...I also used black lace along the bottom and cut out two leaves for the rose from it too...what do you think is there enough lace lol...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering this for the Digital Tuesday challenge too...well I managed to catch up with a few of you yesterday and will catch up some more tonight...have a wonderful sunny day wherever you are
Mina xxx

yes yes yes about time too...

Good morning everyone and yes yes yes my internet is working again, well so far so fingers crossed, I did loads of blog hopping last night and caught up with some of your fantastic work I had missed...not a fraction of what I need to do but its a start anyway...you will be pleased there is no more mysterious marks on my arm although its still very red and bleedy but I still don't have a clue what caused them, I dont have any animals and Phil is 100 miles away, but keep on guessing everyone I love hearing them lol...I would love to have natural coloured linen curtains in the farmhouse but when I went hunting for linen omg how surprised was I at the price so if all you surfers out there come across some reasonably priced material sites that deliver to Northern Ireland let me know will you, because I refuse to take out a second mortgage for curtains lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new Digi Teams Crafts & Me challenge, I had a little bit of a senior moment (now no sarky comments please lol) and got my weeks confused, this weeks challenge is Bling...thanks goodness I glittered this stunning Sara Burrier Messenger image up a bit as I think it still fits the theme, well just anyway...I coloured him with distress inks and teamed him up with this lush Basicgrey paper, I haven't a clue what its called but will find out and report back...I used some brown ribbons, a tiny heart charm, buttons and a sentiment stamp to finish...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday...I'm off to pack a bag for going away tomorrow night and I wont forget my camera I promise...have a wonderful day everyone and if you have time pop on over to the Crafts & Me challenge to see what the rest of the digi girls came up with
Mina xxx

is it or isnt it shabby chic...

Good morning everyone I hope your all fit and well...my sniffles are ok not too bad must just be a summer head cold, I don’t feel really sick or anything, go figure...well it tiddled down all day yesterday and I felt so sorry for my poor Dad coming from Cyprus to this horrible weather...he had a good time but got a bit of a tummy upset and had to take drinks for dehydration, his poor tum is still a bit upset yet but fingers crossed he won’t need any more medication...well we had coffee and never shut up for about 2 hours, we nattered and gossiped and put the whole world to right...you know given enough paper work I think my Dad could bring world peace and a total end to poverty and stupid politicians all in a fortnight lol...its fab to have him back and I did only a half shop so we had an excuse to go out tomorrow again...I smell more coffee brewing lol...anyway onto my card for today which is for the Crafts and Me DT, I used this stunning Forest Friend which is one of the newest Sara Burrier digi’s, I love this images and those wings are so unusual not your normal fairy is she, maybe that’s why I like her so much...I coloured her with distress inks and of course those wings just cried out for glitter didn’t they...I teamed her up with this gorgeous paper from Basicgrey’s Wisteria collection, it’s called French Topiary, I finished with a gorgeous ribbon bow, some pins and a sentiment from my stash...those colours were just perfect for this fairy don’t you think...the sketch is from the Totally Gorjuss challenge and I made it for the Basicgrey Shabby Chic challenge too, but I always struggle with shabby chic as I’m never quite sure what it is, so I don’t think I managed to get the theme but will enter it anyway, if one of the BG team will let me know I will take it off if it doesn’t fit, I'm also entering it for the Papertake Weekly anything goes challenge too...right that’s me for today I’m off to take some card piccy’s then off out with my wonderful Dad...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

ooooohhhhhhh way to much to eat and a bump on the head......

Good morning everyone I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend, thank you all so much for the wonderful comments yesterday how flattering is it that you thought it was a photo not a painting, I couldn't believe you thought that...and huge thanks to Nic for entering my card for Sketch Saturday while I was away...the meal for our Daughters birthday was lush, but way too lush and we all ate far far too much...it astounds me our gorgeous Daughter is a size 8-10 and eats far more than anyone else...now come on how is that fair lol...well I must admit the farmhouse Phil found is so pretty and old fashioned, its the sort of farmhouse that has really low windows and loads of bends and curves, its like somewhere you would go for a getaway holiday but boy does it need work but the more you look the more you can see what it could look like with a little cosmetic work, its not somewhere for a city lover though its in the middle of field after field after field of cows with two lakes and a river but luckily only a mile to the local village which seems really nice...but would you believe I forgot my camera but I will get some photos next time...I did fall asleep on the coach but didn't snore or drool but did head butt the window when I jumped when it braked hard...ouch lol...I was really into my ipod and grooving away to myself when the man behind tapped me on the shoulder to ask what I was listening too as I seemed to be enjoying it so much...it was the Black Eyed Peas...I was maybe enjoying it too much but I find it really hard to keep still listening to music I probably annoyed the hell out of him lol...right enough waffle onto my card for today which is for the Crafts and Me DT, how glorious is this amazing Sara Burrier digi I love it, its called Joyous Grace and I coloured it with distress inks and glittered their beautiful wings...I teamed these beautiful angels up with some Graphic45 paper from the Halloween in Wonderland range this one is called Wonderland Classics, I finished with some gold thread and a ribbon sentiment...the lush sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering this for the A Spoon full of Sugar challenge and Allsorts challenge which are both things with wings...right Sunday Lunch today then I'm not eating anything for at least two days...have a fantastic restful Sunday everyone
Mina xxx