SPARKLE & SHINE SUGAR NELLIE RELEASE BLOG HOP...

Good morning everyone and boy do we Sugar Nellie DT girls have a treat for you today, not only is there a brand new digi stamp release called Sparkle and Shine (I love digi's don't you, its the instant downloads, no sitting by the door waiting for the post lol) but they are gorgeous Christmas images and you get a chance to win prizes just for leaving a comment on all the DT's and the Sugar Nellie blogs...you should have arrived here from the amazing
LISA'S
blog but if you didn't and you want to join in with the hop, pop on over to our fabulous Sugar Nellie's blog to follow the hop from the beginning

I get to show you the gorgeous Gingerbread, isn't she fab and so lovely to colour too...I used my usual distress inks and the perfect papers for her are from Kar's...I added a Christmas decoration for my sentiment and finished with a few scattered pearls...the images are available now at Funky Kits, I wonder which you will choose, I don't know if I could choose to tell you the truth...the next stop on our hop is the wonderfully talented
TIET'S
who has another amazing make to show you...dont forget all your comments on everyone's blog for the chance at winning some goodies...I'm off to the garden centre today to pick up some plants for our new front garden its in desperate need of a weeding and tidying up, whatever your up to I hope you have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the hop
Mina xxx
p.s. I have candy on the go just click on the photo at the top of the sidebar if you wouldn like to join in

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
shading - pumice stone
scarf and tights - antique linen
boots and red trim - fired brick
skirt - peeled paint

we have all had those days...

Good morning everyone have you all had a wonderful week?...my heads away with the fairies at the min, too many things flying round and not enough space for them I think...my lovely Dad came down yesterday and on our way out I spent five minuets looking for my door keys and was getting a bit frantic, Dad says 'what you looking for?' me 'my keys'...my Dad gave me one of those your going crackers girl looks and says 'they are in your hand Mina'...I had a hand full of mobile phone, money, purse and hadnt even noticed the keys I was holding oops I felt so stupid, see that's what happens when your heads away with the fairies lol...my Dad just shook his head and I could see his shoulders going up and down as he giggled his way to the car...this fantastic image from Mo's Digital Pencil made me laugh because it brought back a memory when our Daughter was about 10, she was upstairs watching tv in her bedroom (you know homework time lol) and I hears her shout 'Mum can you come up here please', she had been watching something that was doing a demo of how to get the perfect fringe by wrapping it tightly and cutting across, I don't think she had left enough though and her long long hair had just a little spiky tuft where her fringe was...oooohhhhh I so wanted to laugh but of course couldn't but she was gutted when she realised there was nothing I could, but a couple of funky thick headbands sorted it out until it grew enough to be shown in public again...poor thing lol...this fabulous digi is called Bad Hair Day (we have all had them haven't we), I coloured her with distress inks and used some more of the stunning Carta Bella - Beautiful Moments 6x6 Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, its such a lush pad this isn't it...I finished my card with a sentiment cut from the paper, a few pearls and a Prima flower...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday...everyone is coming for dinner tonight so I'm making burgers, I make big fat burgers flavoured with garlic, herbs and shallots...they are yummy even if I do say so myself lol...whatever your up to today have a fantastic day...oooohhhhh btw there a brand new release at Sugar Nellies tomorrow so we are celebrating with a blog hop as always...so will speak to you tomorrow for the release
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
outfit - victorian velvet, antique linen
shoes - victorian velvet

who says pumkins have to be orange...

Good morning everyone...oooohhhhh I forgot to tell you yesterday, have a look at Craftin Ireland online Im this months featured crafter, how chuffed am I...well you were all so right I made up yesterday for my lazy day the day before...I emptied all the boxes from the bathroom and toiletries, hung the gorgeous bargain mirror I bought for it (pictures tomorrow), hung the light fitting, built two chests of drawers, made a pasta sauce for dinner and made four cards...phew...that will teach me lol...now I need at least three days off I reckon I'm shattered...it must have been catching too as Phil came home early and decided to paint the trim and step at the front of the house and he did it all too, well all the downstairs trim he will need much bigger ladders for the top one...Phil and ladders don't mix very well he once painted some wood trim on our first house and the old ladders collapsed while he was doing it, he was fine thank goodness but he was totally covered head to foot in dark wood varnish the poor man, plus we never did get all the stain out of the newly laid paving so you can why I'm dreading him getting up there...right now onto my card for today and yes I know pumpkins are meant to be orange but I just couldn't resist paper piecing this fantastic little cutie from CC Designs called Punkin Beatrice, isnt she a real sweetie...I coloured her with distress inks and the lush papers I used for the card and paper piecing are from the stunning My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Bluebell 6x6 Pad, this is a gorgeous pad...the stamp and pad are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts , I finished with a glitzy bow and a ceramic sentiment...the fab sketch is from the Totally Gorjuss challenge and I'm also entering it for the Ladybug Crafts Ink Challenge and Simon Says Stamp challenge too...its supermarket day today with my lovely Dad, I really should buy shares in that chain lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and watch out for flying varnish
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tatered rose
hair - antique linen
paper piecing shadin - pumice stone
sleeves, stalk and shoes - shabby shutters

a guilty sorta day...

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and enjoying all the kids getting back to school...more crafting time for all you Mums with schoolkids, I used to love it when our Daughter was on school holidays because she was an only child we spent the whole summer on days out, sitting watching movies together playing in the garden, I felt like it was one long summer holiday for me too...I was always the most tearful one when she had to go back after her break...I had a really quiet day yesterday, a little bit of crafting, cooked dinner ready for later and then out with my lovely Dad to the chiropodist and then for a coffee, no work done on the house at all now why do I always feel so guilty for those sort of days...there is loads and loads and loads to do, not to mention holiday clothes to get ready so maybe that's why and omg my Nieces 100 table menus for her wedding aaaarrrrggggghhhhhhh panic...oh well I can catch up with some of it today I'm sure, well that's the plan anyway lol...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge at Crafts & Me Challenges, I'm the host this time and I chose the theme of Add a Flower, so whatever you fancy as long as its got at least one flower on it...I used the amazing Sharla by Hannah Lynn for my card, I don't think shes released yet as shes brand new but it wont be long...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with these lush papers from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Tea-Thyme I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the fantastic ribbon I used is wired and I found it all scrunched up in the bottom of a box, I love finding forgotten surprises like that don't you...I finished with a lush Prima flower and a sentiment zipper pull...I'm entering this for the Use It Tuesday Challenge, Crafty Catz Weekly challenge and the Papertake Weekly challenge too...I'm locking all the doors and windows and not even venturing outside until I have at least 3 jobs ticked off my huge list today...whatever your up to don't feel guilty about it and when you have the time pop on over to the Crafts & Me challenge blog to see the amazing creations of the rest of our fab digi team
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, faryed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
outfit - tattered rose, spun sugar, victorian velvet
hair decoration - spun sugar, tattered rose shabby shutter, crushed olive

everyone hang your head...

Good morning everyone how are you all...well and happy I hope...before anything else please bow your heads for a second and join in a moments silence for Harry...yes Harry the Hitchhiker is no more...he met a not too dignified end on the sole of Phil's shoe bless him, there was a lot of screaming and running involved and it wasn't from Harry or Phil lol...but on a happier note I can now go into one of the spare rooms and empty boxes (oh no I haven't got an excuse now lol)...well our bathroom is decorated and Phil thinks its finished, men dont realise the little touches that make a room do they, I think they think it just happens lol...so a shopping trip for little extras is needed, I'm hovering between either pink gingham curtains and rose trims sewn onto cream towels (I gave up wishing for the Cath Kidston ones, way too much) or plain towels and rose fabric curtains and accessories....hhhhhmmmm will have to think about it a bit more I think I would love to know what you think, did you all join in my new candy yet its a good one for all you die cutting fans so pop below and join in if you haven't already...right now onto my card for today...I love the Simply Adorables from Sugar Nellie don't you and I keep going back to colour them, I think because they are digis you can make them different sizes and reuse then differently each time...this is the stunning Verity standing coloured with distress inks...I kept the design really simple to show off this stunning paper from the beautiful Kaisercraft - Sweet Nothings 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I used some American Crafts Thickers letters aged with distress inks for the pink sentiment and finished with a few of the butterflies from the paper cut out for embellishments...I think this is about as clean and simple as my designs get lol, I'm entering this for the Cutie Pie Challenge, Paper Pretties challenge and Simon Says Stamp Challenge too...right I'm off out with my lovely Dad for coffee and food shopping today, I hate food shopping don't you, I think its trying to think of what to make for dinners etc that bores the hell out of me...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and watch out for any of Harry's little friends
Mina xxx
p.s. sorry about the bad photos but it was getting dull when I took them, I will retake them if or when we get any sun today

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen, frayed burlap
outfit - spun sugar, crushed olive, victorian velvet
shoes - victorian velvet, pumice stone
ribbon - shabby shutters

MORE CANDY FOR YOU...

Good morning everyone did you all have a fab weekend?...I went shopping with our beautiful Daughter yesterday and what was supposed to be a little browse through one shop turned into an epic shop....did I buy anything?...er no...did our Daughter...er yes loads lol...it was fabulous catching up with her and having a girlie natter, everyone needs a girlie natter now and again don't they...I don't have a card for you today as I have been totally mojo less all weekend, I think its the mess in what will be my craft room, but I do have a few things put aside to give away though and here's one bundle for all you die cutters

now I don't own a die cutting machine (I love my scissors too much lol) so have collected these over months and decided someone should get some benefit from then, they are all brand spanking new and there is three whole sets for some lucky winner, I'm sure one of you will give them a fab new home...so what do you need to do
add your name to mr linky AND leave me a comment
add the picture and a link on your blog (sidebar is fine)
and you don't have to be a follower but its a good idea as you might miss a giveaway you know
this candy will run until Sunday 16th September at midnight GMT
and is open to anyone
good luck everyone and wish me luck finding my mojo, I will be back at 7am as usual tomorrow
Mina xxx

WE HAVE A WINNER...

Hi everyone me again, this time to announce the paper candy winner and dont worry if you didnt win this time theres my new candy starting tomorrow...ok now firstly onto the winner..................................
drum roll please.................................
Mr Random says its no 21
and that is

DOTTY JO

huge congratulations Dotty could you please email me your address so I can get your papers into the post for you
now my new candy will start tomorrow, its a goodie and something I know I lot of you love and wouldnt be without...so speak to you tomorrow morning at 7am
Mina xxx

massive hug...

Good morning everyone hows your weekend going?, I hope your having a brilliant one...hands up everyone who thought I wouldn't have a day off from the house?...well your sorta right lol...I did go shopping and bought some new red nail varnish, tried on shoes (didn't buy any) but couldn't find any clothes I wanted to brave the packed changing rooms to try on...then...off to buy paint for the house and drag poor Phil around a wallpaper shop...so I sorta didn't do anything in the house, well I did try to empty another bag but found out we have a hitchhiker, the downstairs bedroom has been our unpacking room so I went in to tackle some more and discovered when I moved a pile of cushions out flew one of the great big spiders we had at the old house, I dropped the bag on my leg and we ran in separate directions, Phil had a hunt but found nothing, my leg now has seven large lovely coloured bruises...I'm going to go on holiday looking like I just stepped out of a boxing ring at this rate...I told Phil I'm not emptying anything else from that room until he produces a body I can identify as Harry the Hitchhiker lol...right now onto my card for today, nobody else but Mo could produce this fantastic image could they, look at that massive hug she has for her Dad...how stunning is this Love You Daddy b image and perfect for a birthday for any lovely Dad...this is the ethnic version of the image so I did the skin darker, don't know if I managed it well enough though...I used my usual distress inks and teamed it up with these stunningly coloured papers from the Basicgrey Origins Collection called Relaxation...I finished with some brown gingham ribbon, a button and a glittery heart charm...the fabulous sketch is from the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge...well I'm off to see if I can pick up some bargains at one of local garden centres today we need a few things to tidy up the front of the house and add a bit of interest...whatever your up to today watch out for any of Harry's big friends
Mina xxx
p.s. I will be back a bit later to announce the paper candy winner and tell you about my next candy so will speak to you then

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tea dye, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
girls outfit - shabby shutters, scattered straw
mans outfit - pumice stone, crushed olive, frayed burlap, shabby shutters
flowers - scattered straw, shabby shutters

shades...

Good morning everyone...wow can you believe its September already...whoosh the time is just flying by and its only 18 days until we are off on our holidays too, it seems ages ago we booked it but it was only a couple of weeks really, my judgement of time seems to have disappeared totally lol...do you think women see shades of colours differently or is it just we crafters?...I put the first coat of olive green on the bathroom wall and set about painting all the woodwork and boy is there loads of it as there is wood panelling half way up the bathroom walls, its was coloured a deep cream and I wanted it a little lighter and less yellowy so chose a colour called Almond White...so I spent ages patiently painting the grooves and using a roller for the flat parts, Phil came in from work and into the bathroom...first words that green needs another coat and I thought you were doing the paintwork????...now I know there wasn't a vast difference in the colour for the wood but considering I only had it half done I could see where I had started and finished but he really honestly couldn't tell the difference...then he says is there anything for dinner...my answer whatever your buying from the chinese...that will teach not to be able to tell different shades bless him lol...right now onto my card for today, isn't this new Whiff of Joy stamp so so cute and girlie...its called Tea Party, I remember sitting having little tea parties with our Daughter but of course real milk (no tea of course) and teeny cut sandwiches and mini cakes...I coloured this cutie stamp with distress inks and the beautiful papers are from the Kaisercraft - The Lake House 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad, this really is a stunning pad and the sentiment tag is from the same pad too, I stamped it with a sentiment from my stash...I finished with some beautifully perfect Blossoms - Resin Flower Bluebell flowers...everything I used on my card are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the lush sketch is from the Sketch N Stash challenge and Im also entering it for the Paper Crafting Journey Anything Goes challenge and the Fat Pages and Cards with Attitude challenge...I'm doing no diy, decorating or anything like it today instead I'm off to buy some new nail varnish and maybe even something girlie for our holiday, I need a little time away from it I think...whatever your up to today have a fantastic relaxing one
Mina xxx
p.s. you still have time to join in with my paper candy, the link is at the top of the sidebar

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
teddy - frayed burlap, antoque linen, spun sugar, victorian velvet
bunny - antique linen, spun sugar
outfit - spun sugar, victorian velvet, pumice stone
table - shabby shutters
crockery - punice stone, stormy sky

never ask a man to choose...

Good morning everyone, hows your week been?, I hope it was a brilliant one...I think I sorted the pink out, isn't it amazing what a bit of old printer paper and some double sided tape can do, well it will do for the time being anyway, not the best but better...all I need now is to sort the room out lol...I managed to get all the holes filled in the bathroom but that's as far as I got...my lovely Dad had to go out so of course what choice did I have but to go with him, well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it...I picked up a catalogue from our local diy store of all the new stuff they are getting in and wow wow wow to their range of wallpapers...I have my eye on three of them for our bedroom, now Phil keeps saying do what you want it doesn't bother me the colour or whatever so I chose what I liked...one has the most amazing pink and blue design on it and it very loud, the second is more muted with a pale washed out grey background and pale pink huge roses and the last is lavender and yellow roses (I cant show you photos yet as they aren't on their website until they stock them)...so I made the big mistake of asking Phil what he thought and which he would chose...apparently he doesn't like any...moral of that tale, don't ask lol but then I was only asking his opinion and will choose the one I want really, wouldn't you?...right now onto my card for today which is using this beautiful Hannah Lynn digi from Crafts and Me, stunning isn't she...this is Monarch Mermaid...I coloured her with my usual distress inks and used this lush yummy paper from Graphic45's The Magic of Oz collection...its called Poppy Fields...I used a wired checked ribbon for the bow and some of the poppies (my favourite flowers) for decorations, the sketch I made up as I went along but I'm entering this for the Crafty Sentiments challenge, Bearly-Mine challenge and the Creative Inspiration challenge...I have my paint brush poised today and I don't mean the craft sort so you know what I will be doing...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and don't forget if you don't want to know don't ask
Mina xxx

Distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - pumice stone
cat - frayed burlap
outfit - glittered
flower - fired earth, ripe persimmon
leaf - peeled paint

oh no that pink has to go...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...well I managed to make a card but then where to photograph it, isn't it strange that you have a certain place your used to doing something but then finding a new one with the same light etc is really hard...ok one of the shelves in my new craft room would be perfect so I took them, then when I was doing this post I realised...oh no that pink on the walls so has to go, it has washed all the colours out of my image and given it a strange dirty look...never mind we live and learn don't we lol...I got my paint for the bathroom yesterday, I chose Olive Green but think that blue may need a coat of white before I even attempt it...we also needed a new toilet seat not glamorous but essential when the other is a bit icky...the young fellow in the shop got the one I wanted really huge box and heavy, would I like a bag he asked...no thanks says I...are you sure your ok carrying that to your car without a bag...then it just dawned on me the lovely young man thought I would be embarrassed carrying a toilet seat bless him...its ok I said I have long ago got past the age a toilet seat in public would worry me, well not unless I was sitting on it at the time anyway...he liked that lol...right now onto my weird coloured card for today, how super cute is this little fellow from Mo's Digital Pencil...hes called Fall Fairy Jesen...I coloured him with my distress inks and used some of this lush new pad called Studio Calico 6x6 Paper Pad - Heyday, its from Bunny Zoe's Crafts and I love that lush orange number paper don't you...I finished with a fab orange bow and pumpkin charm and a ceramic sentiment from my stash...the lush sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and Party Time Tuesday challenge too...well I'm not back in full swing with crafting yet but I will do my best so will be back tomorrow as usual...I'm off to fill holes in my bathroom wall before my first coat of paint...oh a quick question has anyone seen any of those lush flowered towels like Cath Kidson's but without the price tag, I refuse to pay a fortune for something to wipe my face on lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one, oh and if you see anyone carrying a toilet seat just ignore them lol
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
wings - crushed olive, frayed burlap
outfit - crushed olive, faryed burlap
pumpkin - wild honey, spiced marmalade

we have arrived...

Good morning everyone, how are you all...well we have arrived at our new house and wow are we exhausted...I don't have a card to show you today just a little chat and some pictures of the house...everything went fine on Monday except I smashed a mirror and stood on a piece of glass while I was trying to sweep it up, not a great disaster but really sore and loads of blood for a teeny sliver of glass too, well that will teach me to walk around in bare feet

this is a photo of our new bathroom, just look at that gorgeous bath, lush isn't it...I cant wait to paint over that blue though...I must tell you what happened on Tuesday, Phil went to work and I needed food so my lovely Dad went to the supermarket with me, I waved him off as I went into the house...now I should explain at this time, we have a front door, a porch then another locked inner door...I got into the first door fine then the key went into the lock of the second one and refused to turn...no matter how hard I tried it just wouldn't budge, so I text Phil three times, then rang him twice, nothing...my Dad was off out when he dropped me off and never ever answers his mobile so no joy there, our Daughter was off out with her other half 55 miles away...so I sat and sat and sat and waited in the porch, sitting on those freezing cold tiles for 3 hours until Phil got home, we ended up having to smash the security glass in the second door to get in...so more glass for me to step on lol...turned out the door opened fine from the inside, locks but doesn't open from the outside...go figure??????

this is my new craft room, the view is lovely all green and restful...you can see from the second photo of my craft room below why I don't have a card ready cant you. these boxes are just about half there's more....'groan' where to start but start I will...

well that's me for today, I'm starting my craft room, making at least one card then off out to buy paint with my Dad...oooohhhhh we do love a good shop together don't we...whatever your up to today watch out for flying glass
Mina xxx

WE HAVE A WINNER

At long last Im online so it winner time for our Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy....I hate this bit just giving one candy means only one winner...but dont worry you can enter my paper candy and there will be another Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy next month
ok no morw waiting...drum roll...........................
No 4

CEBELICA
congratulations Celelica...could you please email so I can pass your details onto Nikki
Mina xxx

why are we waiting...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...I'm either sitting waiting impatiently for the engineer to come fit my new super fast modem or watching him fit it, I hope its the latter...I hate waiting about for people don't you but I guess it will give me some time to empty boxes etc, oh no does that mean I don't have an excuse to go out now then lol...I will bet you a fiver the boxes are emptied faster than they were filled, it takes longer to sort out than put sorted stuff away doesn't it...I suppose I could use the time to rip up the mingy stair carpet...or not lol...right now onto my card for today which is using one of my favourite digis from Sugar Nellie, this is the beautiful Sybil from the Simply Adorable collection...I love love love this collection don't you...I coloured her with distress inks and used some beautiful paper I found in my stash...its from S.E.I and is called Poppy/Pelican I finished with a huge silk bow, some organza ribbon and a red button to hopefully bring the red out...I have totally lost all timing for challenges and as I'm not online wont enter it for any...keep your fingers crossed for me that I get online sometime today as I'm sure I'm having withdrawal symptoms by now lol...have a fabulously good day everyone
Im entering this for the Lisa B Designs Monthly Challenge
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress - tumbled glass, barn door
shoes - bran door
teddies = antique linen
shading pumice stone

Ive lost her...

Good morning everyone I hope you all had a fantastic weekend...well the day is finally here MOVING DAY....oooohhhhhh I'm so excited I could crush a grape lol...it has been such hard work getting everything ready and boxed etc in time, you wouldn't believe how much rubbish we had gathered for two people over the last 5 years...its nuts isn't it, I'm sure our poor house was groaning at the sides and will breath a sigh of relief when we are gone...keep your fingers crossed everything goes to plan as these things have a tendency not too don't they...right now onto my card for today this is a stunning image from Saturated Canary but can I find her...nope...I haven't a clue if she was a freebie or I bought her but I have looked and looked but either I have brain fog or shes missing from the shop if anyone knows whats shes called could you leave a comment for anyone who needs to know...shes a stunner though isn't she and wow to that amazing hair, I coloured her with distress inks and used some of the stunning Glitz 6x6" Paper Pack - Pretty in Pink paper pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with a mix of flowers, a couple of them are Prima...the sketch is from the One Stop Craft Challenge but I don't know if I'm in time or what as time has slipped away from me totally lol...right I'm sure I'm up and moving already and don't forget I don't have any internet but I will hopefully be online sometime tomorrow but my card will be up as usual at 7am...have a wonderful stress free day everyone
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - pumice stone
dress - spun sugar, pumice stone
ribbons - spun sugar
roses - worn lipstic, shabby shutters