hop hop hop under the sea - day 2

Good morning everyone, did you all enjoy the hop yesterday amazing makes from our fabulous team werent they...so many different styles and each so beautiful...if you all started at the
Sugar Nellie Blog
this morning then you will have realised Im the first stop on todays hop around and get to introduce the beautiful Oceans Gift...isnt she stunning, I love her hair and how shes perched on her rock admiring her pearl and that little seahorse is sssssooooooo cute isnt it

I coloured her with distress inks and couldnt resist using this incredible Graphic45 paper with her...it just sort of goes with her dosent it...its from the On The Boardwalk Collection and is called On the Boardwalk (well that makes sense dosent it lol)...I finished my card with some buttons and a huge rust coloured glittery ribbon bow...the sketch is another from the Mojo Monday archive...your next stop on the hop is the fabulous
JANE
who has another amazing make to show you again...I know you have only seen two so far but which is your favourite so far?...go on tell me Im dying to know and theres only another three days for the release at Funky Kits of course

dont forget to leave a comment on all your stops for a chance to win some goodies...Im still up to my eyes in boxes and black bags at the min so thats what Im up to today...whatever your doing have fun and enjoy the hop...I will speak to you all tomorrow at 9am again for day 3
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - tea dye, antique linen
outfit - crushed olive, stormy sky,
beads and pearl - barn door
rock - pumice stone, crushed olive

Under the Sea - mini blog hop Day 1

Good morning everyone I hope you all had an amazing weekend...we are up to the eyes in packing boxes for our house move but we managed to get quite a lot done this weekend...welcome to Day 1 of the brand new release from Sugar Nellie...you should have arrived at me from the amazing
PAT
if you didn't and you would like to join in the hop...pop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog for all the details, don't forget just for commenting on our blogs there are prizes to be won...

for Day 1 our stamp is called Under The Sea (I bet your singing in your head now lol)...isn't she so cute with her little turtle...I coloured her with distress inks and use this stunning Basicgrey paper from the Granola collection, its called Sunflower and I thought the colours were perfect for her...I finished my card with some shapes cut from the paper and a huge navy satin bow...the next stop on the hop is the fabulous
JANE
who is bound to have something beautiful to show you...all the sketches I'm using for the mini hops this week are from the Mojo Monday archive, I love their sketches and if I ever get stuck for one I dip into their file for inspiration

don't worry if your fingers are itching to get the beauties we show you this week they will be available at Funky Kits on Friday 3rd August so not too far away...enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget your comments for a chance to win...I will speak to you again at 9am tomorrow, whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - pumice stone
tail and top - stormy sky
beads - frayed burlap
turtle - scattered straw, frayed burlap, pumice stone

A NEW SNEAK PEEK WEEK...

Me again, I know three times in one day shocking isnt it...I just wanted to let you know we have a special sneak peek week for the brand new releases at Sugar Nellie...so pop back tomorrow at 9am for a chance to win prizes...all the details will be on the Sugar Nellie blog if you would like to start there
Mina xxx

BUNNY ZOE'S CANDY WINNER...

Hi everyone are you all having a wonderful quiet Sunday...I have just popped on to tell you that the winner of this months Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy is....drum roll please................................

No 12

and that is CHRISSY...huge congratulations Chrissy could you please email me your address and I will pass all your details onto the wonderful Nikki so we can rush your candy to you...don't worry if you didn't win there's another Bunny Zoe's candy next month and I will be having candy very soon too...enjoy the rest of your Sunday...I will speak to you all tomorrow at 9am for a special week....but ssssshhhhh will tell you more at midnight
Mina xxx

a boy and his dog...

Good morning everyone are you all having a brilliant weekend?...the heavens opened here yesterday morning and it hardly stopped all day...so its hi from a very soggy us, its chilly too, like November not July...while I was out yesterday and was eavesdropping on people moaning an talking about the weather and was wondering what is this obsession we British have with the weather...its either too hot, too wet, too cold...wouldn't it be lovely to overhear someone saying 'oh today is just right' lol...although we would probably all faint...my love Dad took me shopping yesterday but I couldn't find the birthday present for my Nephew so I did what any reasonable person does, rang his Mum and got her to get it, she knew exactly where to go and they are coming here tomorrow for a little celebration tea for him, I'm so looking forward to that...well the boxes are made up and we are starting with the attic and airing cupboard today and we might even get to the wardrobes depending how fast we are, we are determined to be ruthless and sort at least half of what we have to give to charity or the onto the skip...well that's the plan anyway lol...right now onto my card for today, how sweet is this little cutie from Whimsy stamps...hes called Whimsy Little Jack and Bobbin Gone Fishin' I coloured it with distress inks and used more of the stunningly lush coloured papers from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Doodle Deux pad , the pad and stamp are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts I finished with a sentiment cut from the same pad, a lush rusty orange glitzy ribbon bow and a lot of buttons...the fab sketch is from Tuesday Morning Sketches and I'm also entering it for the Crafty Creations Challenge and Delightful Challenge...right I'm off to put my work gear on (do we all have a set of these, mine are paint and plaster spattered crop trousers and my Leonardo Da Vince sweatshirt)...whatever your up to today I hope yours is going to be a bit more restful than ours
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
wagon and contents - scattered straw, frayed burlap, stormy sky, barn door, spiced marmalade
grass - shabby shutters
flowers - spiced marmalade
outfit and pole - stormy sky, pumice stone, barn door

should she be green?...

Good morning everyone did you all stay up to watch the Olympic ceremony last night then?...I was a bit gutted at our team GB outfits, the Italians arrived in Armani and we arrived looking like extras from Little Britain lol...whats wrong with our gorgeous red, white and blue, who on earth decided we should change from our flag colours to cream and gold foil...yuck, not even David Beckham could make that look good (not that he had the chance though)...my lovely Dads garden is finished and hes so relieved, my Dad is badly disabled and walks with two crutches but hes one of those people who stresses that he cant help, do you know what I mean and he ends up making himself sore and ill from straining to not help bless him...so hes aching from head to foot...ooohhhhh I'm so excited for him next Wednesday is his final cataract operation, I bet it will open the whole world up to him, now if I could just get him to go get his hearing down he would have his 80 year MOT sorted I think lol...anyway onto my card for today which is using this stunningly beautiful Green Lady from A Day for Daisies, isn't she amazing and she wonderful to colour...I know I probably should have coloured her green but couldn't resist this colour combo for her, it suits her don't you think...the papers are from the Teresa Collins 6x6" Paper Pad - Everyday Moments I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...love those colours...I finished with an organza ribbon bow and two flowers cut from the papers...the papers are so beautiful I didn't think I needed anymore, do you?...the lush sketch is from The Sweet Stop but I'm a bit late and missed the dealing, oops...I'm entering it for The Stamp Man challenge though...Phil's away at the racing today so I'm heading out to buy a Birthday present for my Nephew, the thing my Sister said he wanted I haven't a clue what they are but have direction on how to get them...am I getting old or just out of touch with kids present, I hope its the latter...whatever your up to today I hope you have a fabulous one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose, spun sugar
hair - black soot
kimono and hair ornaments - tumbled glass, scattered straw

a tramp and overgrown bushes...

Good morning everyone I hope your all enjoying a little bit of sunshine, the sun has been shining here for a nice change, long may it continue too...I was supposed to go to the supermarket but had to go without my motivational talk from my Dad and an afternoon of crafting instead (yes I know I should be packing lol), hes having a bit of work done on his garden and the gardeners were supposed to come today but they came yesterday instead, oh well better early than not at all, the poor guys had to use their truck to pull out my Dads bushes as they have been there for over twenty years, hes having them all taken out and decorative stones put in instead, much easier for him to enjoy I think as he was sick of his view being obscured by huge bushes, we tried a few times to get them out but they wouldn't budge so we left it to the professionals...we will have to head out today instead of yesterday unless the gardeners decide on another day today too...they are good guys and when they start they need to finish...so we cant complain can we...right now my card for today...don't you just love this The Tramp from Mo's Digital Pencil, he is brilliant in monochrome isn't he...I coloured him with my Distress inks and teamed him up with these amazing papers from the Graphic 45 8x8 Paper Pad - Olde Curiosity Shoppe I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...perfect combo together aren't they...I finished with some black ribbon and a knot and a fab violin charm...the lush sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and the Charisma Cardz challenge too...now its either the supermarket or clearing out under the beds today so fingers crossed for the supermarket lol...whatever your up to I hope you have fun
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - black soot
clothes - black soot, pumice stone, tea dye
shoes - black soot

watch out for headless chickens...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy...I decided enough is enough and its time to bite the bullet and start the clearing and packing (amazing how much rubbish you gather over 6 years isn't it), so bin bags, cleaning stuff and long duster in case of spiders in hand, I stood at the bottom of the stairs and the feeling of panic rose from my stomach to my chest...omg headless chicken act or what, I haven't a clue where or even how to start...any ideas?...my thinking was start at the top of the house (the attic) and work our way down but I cant figure out if that's a good idea or I'm just putting it off again as the attic is Phil's domain lol...so keep an eye out today for me running around doing my headless chicken act, if you see me catch me give me a good hard shake and say 'get on with it girl'...I'm so so pleased you all liked my first mood board, I'm loving that red and grey together even more every time I look at it...I only have another 8 or so rooms and a garden and decking to sort in my head now lol...right now onto my card for today...how gorgeous is this cute sweetie from Saturated Canary, shes called Krafty Kate and I bought her a while back but she got hidden in my huge digi files...I hate it when that happens don't you...I coloured her with distress inks and teamed her up with more of these luscious papers from the Carta Bella - Beautiful Moments 6x6 Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts ...I used a tag sentiment cut from the same pad and finished with some vintage seam binding and a yellow rose...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and I'm also entering it for the Ohh La La Creations challenge and My Mums Craft Shop challenge...I'm off out to the supermarket today with my lovely Dad, I will take him for coffee and get him to give me a talking too about starting the packing, he will sort me out lol...whatever your up to today don't forget to watch out for headless chickens lol
Mina xxx

distress ink colours
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
clothes - antique linen, spun sugar, Victorian velvet, frayed burlap
bunting - antique linen, spun sugar, Victorian velvet, frayed burlap

first of many I think....

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and having a great week...wow the weather here yesterday was brilliant and last night there was the most intense sky I have ever seen, it actually looked like it was on fire, of course after spending about 15 minuets watching it in awe, Phil says did you take a photo...oops I was enjoying it to much and totally forgot, if its the same tonight I will get one to show you all...I have put my first ever mood board below, I know its kinda pointless because I cant show you the kitchen yet but you will get a gist of what I'm heading for I think...be kind its my first one ever lol...my card for today is for our new challenge at Crafts and Me challenge, the theme this time is Anything Goes so why not have a go and don't forget you don't have to use a Crafts and Me image for the challenge either...I used this beautiful Sara Burrier image called Larkspur, I don't think shes in the shop just yet but should be in the next few days...shes stunning to colour and I coloured her with a darker skin tone than normal...I still don't think I have the knack of colouring darker skin tones yet but I will work on it...I used my normal distress inks for her and teamed her up with some of my favourite Bazzill Basics 6x6" Multipack - Vintage Marketplace I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, I love love love these papers...I finished my card with some lush cream and pink gingham ribbon and bow and a couple of punched butterflies...the fab sketch is from the Willow Sketchie Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Creative Craft Challenge and the Stamp Man challenge too

well whats you thought on my mood board, I love vintage white furniture and ladder back chairs...and I know the shoes are a bit random but I love that pattern on them...I saw some Kath Kidston cushions in the garden centre we went to on Sunday and that's what gave me the idea of the red and grey scheme...another crafting day today and then I have all the boxes made up that Phil brought home from work so I guess I need to pack some of them so at least I feel like I have done something this week lol...whatever your up to today I hope you have a bright sunny one and when you have time dont forget to pop on over to the Crafts and Me challenge to see what the rest of our fab team came up with
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, vintage photo, tatered rose
hair - frayed burlap
clothes - spun sugar, tumbled glass, shabby shutters
flowers - tumbled glass

an apple a day....

Good morning everyone, well how was your start to the week, good I hope...thank you all so so much for your good wishes yesterday for our new home, I can not wait to share it all with you, believe me you will go through every little mishap, mistake and finished moment with us even if you don't want to lol...I will get round to you all tonight to thank you all personally, your such a brilliant set of crafters...I'm quickly gathering up a folder with ideas and I would love to put a few to you all if you don't think it would be pain or you would get bored with them, I think everyone needs someone to bounce ideas off don't you, poor Phil is the loveliest man on the planet but he seriously cannot get excited about paint, wallpaper, fabrics etc and when I ask him what he thinks of something I usually get the male no...you know the one the shrug of the shoulders and totally bewildered look lol...my gorgeous Daughter is at the age that shes interested but only if shes doing it herself if you know what I mean...so I need some fellow crafters to bounce some ideas off, are you game...does anyone have any experience of mood boards, you know those things the designers pull out casually as if it hadn't taken them hours to make up, I wonder if they work or get you even more confused...right now onto my card for today which is using the stunning Mackenzie from Sugar Nellie, I love her cute little apples don't you and they are perfect in red...I coloured her with distress inks and used this gorgeous checked paper from Kars for the colour combo, a different way to use red, white and blue isn't it...I finished with some red card to edge the shapes, a big red organza bow and a Prima sparkly flower...the fab sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering it for the Paper Shelter challenge and Scrappy Frogs Challenge ...I'm having a crafting day today I need to get well ahead so I have some time to get started on boxes, I looked at my craft room yesterday and so wished I had a magic wand to just transport it all...oh well I guess its a good excuse for a sort out isnt it...whatever your doing today I hope its fun
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress - weathered wood
shoes, stripe and apples - barn door
baskets - frayed burlap

the house hunting is over...

Good morning everyone did you all have a wonderful weekend, I hope so...it was so hot here yesterday but very cloudy and heavy, you know those kinds of days...we went to the garden centres and spotted some wonderful bargains which I will tell you about in a couple of weeks...a few weeks ago we went to see a house and it was one of those places that had no curb appeal at all it looked like it was made from lego and bits stuck out all over the place so we went in with our minds already made up I think...as soon as the door opened and I spotted the ceramic victorian tiles inside I knew it was something special...long story short it has all the original doors (thankfully double glazed windows), plate racks around the walls, wooden floors, original banister, claw foot bath and the icing on the cake a huge massive newly fitted shaker style kitchen with a dining room attached with double doors which open fully to a large deck and a few steps down to a private gravelled garden, it is stunning inside...that's why we were at the Estate agents last week to finalise some papers...we have a moving date of 6 weeks...we are over the moon and I have been looking at colour schemes, furniture, wallpaper for the last few days, I think that's why we went to the garden centres to stop me dragging Phil around wallpaper shops lol...isn't that amazing but very scary too, I cant believe how much we have to do in six weeks...aaaaarrrrgggggghhhhh packing my precious craft room (there's a extension room in the new house just perfect for my craft room)...anyway I will keep you posted with photos of before and after when we get the keys...seems ages away but it will go pretty fast I think...phew sorry for all the waffling, now onto my card for today which is using this beautiful Tilda from the Summer Memories - Rose Garden Tilda, I love this collection don't you and great for any occasion, I coloured her with my usual distress inks and teamed her up with these amazing papers from the Kaisercraft - The Lake House 6.5"x6.5" Paper Pad , I love this lush pad, the gorgeous are stunning...I finished with a grey organza ribbon and a sentiment stamp from my stash...the sketch is from Simon Says Stamp Challenge and I'm also entering it for the Stampin' for the Weekend challenge and Craft Your Days Away challenge too, everything I used except the ribbon I bought at Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I'm off for a haircut this morning as Im getting that busted sofa kinda look, I bet you know exactly what I mean lol...I knew it was time when my lovely Dad stared at me while we were having coffee and said 'when was the last time you had your hair cut girl, its looking a bit shabby'...cheek lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, scattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
trousers and hair bow - pumice stone
trouser turnups and top - victorian velvet
roses - spun sugar, shabby shutters

enjoy...

Good morning everyone I hope you have a fab Sunday planned, we are heading back to that garden centre we were at earlier this month to pick up some bargains...I would love a climbing rose, you know what I mean the open wild looking kind, but they are really hard to find with a nice smell...its surprised me that so many of them had no scent at all, so any suggestion would be great...I think I will buy a couple of their large bargain pots too they are too cheap to miss out on...there's also a huge garden centre a little further away which has a restaurant and craft shop inside so I might wangle a visit there too...sneaky lol...Phil's back from his marshaling and it always makes me laugh that his eyes seem to be attached to his butt when he gets back as soon as hes eaten and sits down that's him until I wake him up to go to bed...he doesn't do very early mornings well bless him lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this beautiful Hannah Lynn image from Crafts and Me, this is the beautiful Teya coloured with distress inks...I teamed her up with these beautiful Echo Park papers from the Victorian Garden paper pad I bought ages ago from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with a stunning wired organza ribbon bow, this is actually from a card shop and is gift wrapping ribbon, lush isn't it..a couple of pearls and a sentiment cut from the same pad...the lush sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the Digi Design Challenge and The Stamp Man challenge ...I'm off to make a couple of cards before we head out...whatever your up to today I hope the sun shines for you
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen
roses, gloves and tail - spun sugar
to and eyes - forest moss, shabby shutters

looks like she dosent need told...

Good morning everyone do you have anything wonderful planned for your weekend?...go on let us all know so we can be jealous...Phil's away at the racing so I'm having a lovely relaxed crafting couple of days as hes camping overnight and wont be back until late tonight...then a chinese I think when he gets home as we are never quiet sure what time it will be...you will be happy to know Sumo cat is fine, seems she must have just bumped herself and shes much better thank goodness...I was dreading what the vet would say so a huge sigh of relief from all of us, I know it will happen eventually but our beautiful Daughter has had her since she was very young and I'm dreading it as she will be devastated...she didn't find anything she wanted to have a go at in the craft shop, in fact after five minuets she was saying she was bored lol...oh well it was worth a try wasn't it...right now onto my card for today...seriously know does Moo from Mo's Digital Pencil look like she needs telling to relax lol...after I finished colouring her with distress inks I stared at her for a while thinking what is wrong with my colouring, I knew there was something wrong but couldn't quick pick it up...it isn't until now I have realised I have coloured her udders white instead of pink...well duh how daft is that lol...Cows are definitely my favourite animals, its their chilled, laid back attitude I think, they never seem in a hurry...I teamed her up with these lush papers from a Whiff of Joy paper pad I bought ages and ages ago from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with a couple of strips of yellow ribbon and some butterflies cut from the papers...I'm entering this for the Craft your Passion Challenge, Charisma Cardz Challenge and The Paper Shelter Challenge too...I'm off to do a little more crafting before I decide if I'm heading out today...whatever your doing today exciting or relaxing I hope its a good one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
shading - pumice stone
brown spots - frayed burlap
hooves - black soot
hearts = scattered straw, stormy sky
leaves and grass - shabby shutters

one for my wee darling...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and having a brilliant week, did you all enjoy the fabulous hop yesterday? oh and did you join in my lush candy too, if not the hop is below there's loads of time to join in for a chance to win and the candy link is at the top of the sidebar...I have had a super busy this week, I dont know why though its been one of those two steps forward one back kinda weeks, do you know what I mean?...oooohhhhhh btw our beautiful Daughters Sumo cat isn't very well, its developed a funny sideways kinda walk thing as if its back hips are hurting, we were wondering if it had been hit by something or someone, so I'm going to the vets with them today I don't our Daughter wants to go on her own, just in case...shes a huge fluffy sweetie but she is 14 year old and our Daughter is terrified something will happen to her that cant be put right...poor lamb I'm not sure shes taking the right person with her to the vets for strength I would probably go to pieces too...then after that its a visit to an estate agent (yet again) then we are heading off to our local craft shops (all being well) as she fancies having a go at making jewellery (our Daughter not the cat lol)...oooohhhh how I would love for her to get into something crafty that we could share...right enough waffle for today I think lol, my card for today is the one I made my darling Phil for his Birthday, I know shock horror there's no colouring on it but its Phil's taste and that's what counts isn't it...I used a sentiment stamp from the new Whimsy Definitions Notables 4 stamp set, this is a brilliant set with something for most occasions, I teamed it up with one of the amazing papers from the Graphic 45 8x8 Paper Pad - Olde Curiosity Shoppe pad, I love these Graphic45 pads so much I bought both of them, I couldn't resist lol...I finished with a black ribbon knot and a selection of the buttons I bought at Denelm Mill...the sentiment is using the Wooden Ornaments - Alphabet set coloured with a black waterproof pen, I love these wooden letters they add a real dimension to a card, the pad, stamp and letters are all from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I'm entering this for the Mema's Crafts challenge, Tuesday Alchemy challenge and the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge too, well what did you think of my non colouring card? did you like it or miss the colouring, be honest now I have a very thick skin lol...right I'm off to put my face on for heading to the vets, wish us luck please...whatever your up to today I hope its a peaceful relaxing one
Mina xxx

there were no distress inks hurt in the making of this card lol

Hop Hop Hopping along...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...its that time again, Mo's Digital Pencil Dreamteams Blog Hop time...I have the privilege of hosting this time so this is your first stop...I chose Ribbons as my theme (now come on what else would it be from me lol)

this little sweetie is another stunner from Mo's Digital Pencil and is called Summer Girl, isn't she just perfect for any summer occasion card...I coloured her with distress inks, glittered her fabulous sunglasses (I so want a pair don't you) and the amazing papers I used are from the Carta Bella - Beautiful Moments 6x6 Paper Pad I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...perfect summery girlie colours don't you think...I finished with two different ribbons to match the papers and a tiny little ice cream brad with the back cut off, the sentiment is cut from the paper

the next stop on our hop is the fantastic POP'S who I'm sure will have some amazing as always to show you...don't forget to leave a comment on all the dt's blogs as you get a chance to win one of two $5 credits for Mo's Digital Pencil...oh and btw when you get to our wonderful Jak's blog wish her Happy Anniversary as shes celebrating today...the fab sketch I used is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering this for the By The Cute and Girly challenge and the Cupcake Craftroom challenge...I'm off out for lunch today, whatever your up to I hope you have fun and enjoy the rest of the hop
Mina xxx
p.s. you can join in with my Bunny Zoe's Crafts candy below just pop down and read the instructions

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
outfit and glasses - victorian velvet, antique linen
lolly - spun sugar

CANDY, CANDY, CANDY TIME...

Good morning everyone....ooohhhhh have we got some yummy scrummy candy for you this time from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...this is a lush one and Im ssssssoooo jealous of you getting a chance to win them...so what is Nikki giving this time

Magnolia Turning Leaves Editor Tilda

Magnolia 12 x 12 Paper: Vintage Birds

Magnolia 12 x 12 Paper: Vintage Blue Autumn

Magnolia 12 x 12 Paper: Vintage Corn

now is that a fab candy or not...so what do you need to do to join in
you don't need to be a follower of my blog or Bunny Zoe's Crafts blog but its a good idea as you don't want to miss some candy do you and I would love it if you liked my work enough to follow
leave me a link to your blog AND leave a comment below
put a link with the photo above on your blog to this post(side bar is fine)
and that's about it, the candy is open worldwide and everyone is welcome but please no candy only blogs as I will remove these from the draw
you have until midnight GMT on Saturday 28th July and I will announce the winner on the Sunday after
good luck everyone
Mina xxx

new buttons...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well, the rain is back here (for a change lol)...my wonderful Sis and her family were here for a little while yesterday but they were heading out for a jaunt and as the car was full I couldn't go, every time I see them I realise how much I miss seeing them, kids just shoot up don't they and here's are a real joy, I would love to see them everyday...we really should make more of an effort to see each other after all we only live 50 miles apart, but with kids, work and me not being able to drive (I know shocking isn't it) it rarely happens...Phil had a nice Birthday I think, not the best type of days when you have to work 2-10pm though as we didn't even get a chance to go out for a meal....so it will have to be another night...I will show you the card I made him in a few days....oooohhhhhhh and I have some lush candy from Bunny Zoe's Crafts for you this week, Nikki always gives candy that I'm jealous of and this one I SO want...can you enter for your own candy do you think lol...right now onto my card for today this fabulous little Home Grown Manga sweetie from Sugar Nellie and is called Honey Bee, isn't she gorgeous and shes on offer at the mo for an amazing £4.25...I coloured her with distress inks and used this lush double sided paper from Echo Park's Sweet Summertime range, its called Summer Argyle...I must buy some more of this range the colours are so beautiful and bright...I finished with some pretty coloured pearls and some of my new find, these buttons are from Dunelm Mill and I bought three different colour ways...these are from two of them...aren't they stunning colours, unusual and bright...the fab sketch is from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp & Show challenge and the Crafty Boots challenge (I used Ribbon, stripes and yellow)...I haven't a clue what I'm up to today but feel the need for a mega colouring marathon...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours
skin - antique line, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique line
dress and shoes - victorian velvet
jar - stormy sky, scattered straw, spiced marmalade
bee - scattered straw, black soot

something I havent done for ages...

Good morning everyone I hope whatever you were up to this weekend was fabulous and your all well...thanks for all your well wishes, I will be champion although I must admit the face ache is annoying and I have to keep walking around with a pen and paper pad to be understood lol...but I will be fine in no time I'm sure, Phil reckons I'm going to the Docs this morning if my voice isn't any better (thats what he thinks lol), hard to explain to him that most throat problems are viral and there's nothing a Doctor can that I cant to help of that's what it is, so why waste his time...we did have a little venture out yesterday though, I went to the Next sale...omg it was like a huge jumble sale and they had the heating on so it was boiling hot in there, so we didn't stay even five minuets, I'm sure there was nothing there I couldn't live without lol...I don't like TK Max for the same reasons too, why do they insist on keeping shop's heated to volcanic level, it does nothing for us women of a certain age does it lol...oh and I finally bought Fifty shades of Grey, well I thought I better see what all the fuss was about...right now onto my card for today which is using this super cute Gorjuss girl stamp called Dream of Tennis...I coloured her with distress inks and paper pieced her fab little dress with the same papers I used for the card...they are from the Prima 6x6" Paper Pad - Doodle Deux pad, I love the gorgeous colours in this pad don't you...I finished with a few buttons from the Prima Buttons - Doodle Deux pack and a sentiment ribbon from my stash...everything except the ribbon is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts ...the fab sketch is from the Cute Card Thursday challenge and I'm also entering it for the Card Makin Mamas challenge and The Crafty Pad challenge...my Sister and her family are visiting from Belfast today so we will be heading out I'm sure...whatever your up to today have a good one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
shading - pumice stone
tights and tennise racket - stormy sky

weddings on the brain...

Good morning everyone I hope your having a great weekend, I have had a bit of a sore throat and headache for a few days and woke up this morning with no voice at all, completely gone...I bet you can hear Phil cheering from where you are lol...my Dad looks so fantastically well and healthy and he even had a haircut while he was away, hes going back to England mid August too...then hes off on holiday again after the wedding in October, can you tell by my card for today I have weddings on the brain...we posted my Nieces huge massive parcel of invites (£24 to post would you believe) and a few hours later guess what arrived...the original lace I ordered from Canada over 7 weeks ago, er just a tad late don't you think lol...so what am I supposed to do with 15 yards of amazingly stunning lace that I have nothing to make with it...any ideas gratefully accepted...I think that's whats called 'sods law' don't you lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this stunningly beautiful Marry Me image from Saturated Canary, shes gorgeous isn't she...I coloured her very simply with distress inks and teamed her up with some of my favourite colour combination papers from Graphic45, this is from their Baby 2 Bride collection and is called From This Moment, I think this range is discontinued now, such a shame...I finished with some of the roses cut from the papers and raised, a fabulously lush satin ribbon bow and a few pearls...I made the sketch up as I went along but I'm entering this into the (Pin)spirational challenge and Southern Girls challenge too...I still don't have a clue about a present for Phil yet and had thought that I would take him out for a meal but he tells me hes working late Monday so that's that idea shot down in flames...I don't think we are doing anything today as Phil has some paperwork to do and I need to have a crafting day...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - frayed burlap
dress - antique linen, victorian velvet
roses - victorian velvet, crushed olive

more bling and a huge bow...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy, I have finally got the photo posting working, bloody BT again I think...my wireless connection has only just reappeared after 2 months...have you got anything spectacular arranged for this weekend?...its tiddling down here after two glorious days of sunshine, my lovely Dad came home last and he thinks hes to blame for the weather bless him lol...we headed for Belfast yesterday but decided to stop at a pub for lunch on the way and didn't get any further, I would hate to see it if they were busy the main course took 45 mins to arrive, I ordered salmon in a dill sauce and....it was microwaved I was flabbergasted...microwaved for goodness sake, Phil asked me how I knew but you know don't you, freshly cooked food will be hotter on the outside than the inside and microwaved is warm on surface and volcanic in the middle isn't it...wont be going back there I think...we turned around after that and headed for the closest town where we hit the shops to buy Phil a Birthday present for Monday (21 again lol), he doesn't want anything and every time I picked something he just shrugged his shoulders, I hate shopping for present for men don't you...right now onto my card for today, I can remember what this A Day for Daisies image is called I have hunted my digi folder and cant find it, but it has to be there I think its a case of cant see for looking lol...anyway I coloured her with distress inks and glittered just about everything I could...the amazing paper is Graphic45 Steampunk Debutant Modern Marvels isn't it stunning, I love Graphic45 don't you, I finished with a stamped sentiment using a Kaisercraft stamp set and a tag from the papers and of course this huge massive organza bow, lush isn't it...the fab sketch is from Stamptacular Sunday and I'm also entering it for the Digi Makover Challenge and Delightful Challenge...we are off to the stupidmarket with my Dad today to stock up his cupboards for him then maybe a family dinner tonight, I'm hoping while I'm the shops something comes to me for Phil's Birthday present....well I live in hope lol...whatever your up to today have a fabulous one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - pumice stone
flowers - pine needles
shading - pumice stone

aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhh....

Morning everyone I dont know if its my isp or blogger but I cant post a photo so will be back a little later to try agin...speak to you then...well fingers crossed
Mina xxx

cant beat a bit of bling at the seaside...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...we had a lovely day yesterday, the sun was actually shining (I know incredible eh lol) it wasn't hot but it was at least shining...so we made ourselves a lovely picnic and headed for the beach, it was only about 15degrees but would you believe there were people swimming and surfing...bbbbbrrrrr we British are made of hardy stuff aren't we...after a lovely lunch we went for a walk along the beach then back to the car and headed to a fab garden centre, well it used ot be a fantastic place for plants but I don't think business is very good as a lot of their plants looked very old and pot bound, in fact there was quite a lot I would have probably put in the bin, sign of the times I guess, its such a shame though that great business's are going to pot like this isn't it...then we headed home to make dinner for the family, brilliant day but all that fresh air was very tiring, I was asleep by 10.30 last night lol...right now onto my card for today and I used another beauty from Mo's Digital Pencil isn't she so so cute and I love her dolly, shes called Waiting for the Parade
I coloured her with distress inks and couldn't resist making a little windmill from the lush My Minds Eye Miss Caroline-Howdy Doody 6x6 paper pad papers I used...I finished with a few buttons and put one in the middle of the windmill...the lush sketch is from the Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge and I'm also entering it for the Saturday Challenge...we are heading to Belfast today not sure what we are doing when we get there but I'm sure we will find something lol...

oh btw while we were at the beach I took a photo of my new bling to show you...simple but beautiful isn't it, I love it...yes they are my real nails and yes they are always painted red, I have a thing for red nails...right that's me for today, whatever your up to today I hope you have a brilliant time
Mina xxx

bling, bling, bling...

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and having a brilliant week...well wwwwoooohhhoooooooI'm finished the invitations at long last (that goodness for that I hear you all cry maybe now she'll stop moaning about it lol), 75 of them all done dusted and ready for parcelling to reach my Niece in loads of time for her end of July deadline...all I need to do now is 60 order of service and menus but they don't have to be thought about for a few months yet phew...we went out to breakfast yesterday with our gorgeous Daughter and then went for a walk in town, now there's this fabulous little jewellery shop, you know one of those places you just cant resist looking at the diamonds in the window, come on we've all done it...so while Phil's getting the ticket for the car park I always nip over to drool at them, there's this beautiful solitaire I have had my eye on for ages, it has my name written all over it...so I'm standing with a pool of drool at my feet and Phil comes over 'Are you still drooling over that ring'...err yeah lol...ok says Phil come on, he only went inside and bought it for me...I know! I was gobsmacked too, not gobsmacked enough to say no though lol...I will take a photo and show you my new bling, its gorgeous...I will have to walk round with my hand on my face so people notice now lol...and for those people who asked no I'm not lending him out lol...right enough waffling onto my card for today which is using this fantastic little sailor boy, isn't he adorable...of course only Mo Manning can draw that much expression into an image...this little cutie is one of the set called Sailor Boys, another amazing value set from Mo's Digital Pencil...I coloured this cutie with distress inks, had to colour it twice though, the demon red struck, it gets everywhere doesn't it...the stunning papers are from one of the new ones I bought at Bunny Zoe's crafts, the Graphic 45 8x8 Paper Pad - Little Darlings pad, its a stunningly gorgeous pad...I finished my card with a Little Darling banner cut from one of the papers and a red gingham ribbon to bring out the red in the image...the fab sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and Im also entering it for the Creative Inspirations challenge (I used Ribbon, Blue & polka dots from the bingo)...We are having a big family dinner tonight so we have to go shopping for the gubbins to make it today...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
hair - antique linen,
outfit - stormy sky, pumice stone, barn door
boot - frayed burlap, pumice stone, barn door
soilders - black soot, barn door, peeled paint, antique linen, frayed birlap, tattered rose

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,