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

MEGA CANDY TIME...

 Hi everyone...its that time...time to celebrate my massive 500,000 hits...and this time I don't have one prize but 10 prize's to give away...so that's ten winners....now this is a followers candy so

YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER TO WIN
new ones are welcome too of course

as I'm celebrating all those hits its only fair it should be my followers, old and new, who win all this yummy stuff

so what can you win, in no particular order there is 

from the wonderful Nikki at Bunny Zoe's Crafts

one lucky winner will get to choose 2 Magnolia stamps

from the super talented and always so generous

Mo from Mo's Digital Pencil

5 winners will get a $5 store credit (you must have an account to get a credit)

 from the fabulous Karen at Sugar Nellie

we will have two winners which will get to win one of these sets of 4 stamps

from the lovely Teresa at Crafts & Me

one winner will get these two beautiful stamps and a choice of one more

 and finally to make up the ten prizes I have a giveaway too...these papers are

stunning you will see me use them all over the next couple of weeks, they are glittered

and embossed, the photos don't do them justice, I have also added some of my favourite 

Kraft tags and a length of lush cream satin ribbon

so what do you think...they are such lush prizes and because everyone has been so generous Im super excited that we will have ten winners...what do you need to do to win then

YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER (either new or old but dont just be a 
candy follower only follow me if you like my work please)

ADD YOUR NAME TO MR LINKY AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT

ADD THE VERY TOP PICTURE AND A LINK ON YOUR BLOG

SIDEBAR IS FINE
THE CANDY IS INTERNATIONAL

and thats it really...the candy will run until the 12th November at Midnight and the winner will be drawn and announced asap after that...good luck everyone and have a wonderful day, I will be back bright and early Wednesday so speak to you all then

Mina xxx

Sunday treats...

Good morning everyone did you have a fab Sunday...look what my lovely Phil made for us while I was doing a bit of crafting, I followed my nose downstairs from my craft room and he had this beauty made...its an apple, cinnamon and raisin tart, even the pastry is homemade and wow it was so delicious (its almost all gone already lol)...did you see he put our initials on the top bless him...he is definitely a keeper isn't he...besides from Phil making his yummy pie, I made soup for tonight's dinner, it always tastes better made the day before so it can infuse although I did have a bit of a fight to keep Phil away from it lol...

we were going to head out for a walk then lunch but the heavens opened and it poured and despite Phil saying 'your not made of sugar girl, you wont melt', I voted for staying in the warm and stuffing my face with pie...well come on be truthful wouldnt you?...right now onto my card for today, how stunning is this beautiful  C.C. Designs Mashi's Muffins Tangled Tori stamp, I love her,so retro and perfectly Christmas, I coloured her with distress inks and used some of the lush Echo Park - Winter Wishes 

paper pad, this is a stunning pad and the colours are just a bit unusual for Christmas which is brilliant and a real change from the usual red and green, the pad and stamp are from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with a sentiment cut from the same pad and a few scattered buttons and pearls...I love this lush sketch its from Sketch Saturday and I'm also entering this for the Stampin' For The Weekend challenge and The Crafty Pad challenge...I'm off to town today to pay a few bills, bbbbboooo hhhhiiisssss to paying bills there's loads more stuff we could do with the money isn't there lol, then all the family for dinner tonight...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and keep warm

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

dress, shoes and cuffs - stormy sky, milled lavender

lights and headband - ripe persimmon

be careful what you ask for...

Good morning everyone, did you have a fabulous day yesterday?...anything exciting, go on tell us all and make us jealous lol...we went out for lunch and a little teeny bit of shopping, I didn't find any curtains, well that's not kinda true I narrowed it down to four...oh no wheres another woman when you need one lol...we went into a little shop in town to get some stuff to feed the wild birds, there's hundreds here and I love watching them so what better way than to feed them...I know it sounds kinda bad but the best things to feed them in winter are Fat Balls which is a mix of fruit, seeds and fat that they need for the winter...but when I went into the shop I couldn't find them but there was no way I was going to ask a male assistant if he had any fat balls lol...so I sent Phil instead, he came back knowing where they were and after a min or two I asked him did you really ask him where they were, no he says I asked where the wild bird food was as they are beside them...now why the hell didn't I think of that duh lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this stunning Crafts and Me Hannah Lynn digi called Summers Day, shes stunning but makes me feel cold looking at her she needs a fleece and some woolly socks on I think lol...I used my usual distress inks to colour her and a stunning Bo Bunny paper called Smoochable Huggable...lush colours aren't they...I finished with a pink gingham bow and some hearts cut from the paper...I'm entering this for the Card Crafter's Circle challenge and the Clearly Inspired challenge too...we haven't anything planned for today except I'm going to make some chicken and vegetable soup for all the family to enjoy on Monday, its one of their favourites and goes really well with crusty bread for a winter dinner...so I will be up to my elbow in vegetables...whatever your up to today have a great warm toasty day

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - antique linen

eyes - shabby shutters

lips -worn lipstick

outfit - shabby shutters, scattered straw, worn lipstick

horizon - ripe persimmon

tail - shabby shutters

wwwoooohhhoooooooooo.....

Good morning everyone well I did it, hit the big half a million hits, how amazing is that...I'm totally gobsmacked when I first started my blog I remember getting so so excited when I got my first hit and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get to this many, so thank you all you wonderful people you...to thank you I will be doing a lush candy with not just one winner or two winner or....oh no too much info you will just have to wait and see lol...did you all enjoy the new release hop yesterday, they are gorgeous boy digis aren't they...great to colour too...its getting really cold now here and we even had sleet and hailstones yesterday, I was freezing last night and had on my fleece Minnie mouse pj bottoms, a pink fleece top and my huggy bear dressing gown...its an amazing dressing gown almost to the floor, huge and very very fluffy its like being hugged by a bear lol...I had a hot water bottle and the heating on full blast and poor Phil was sitting in a t shirt and shorts he was so warm...there's defo something wrong with my inner heater I think lol...right my card for today...how adorable is this little cutie from Mo's Digital Pencil...shes called Beatrix with Bear and she is so so wonderful to colour as all Mo's images are...I coloured it with distress inks and glittered up the bear...it reminded me of a bear my Daughter had when she was small, it was huge, so soft and had a little sparkle to its fur...I wish I could get a better picture of this amazing paper, its so stunning, really soft colours, embossed and loads and loads of glitter...I think its from Kars, theres no mark on it but I will double check for you if you would like to know...I finished with a huge organza bow and a oh so cute pram charm...the sketch I made up as I went along but I'm entering this for the Fussy and Fancy Friday challenge, Brown Sugar Challenge and the A & T Emerald Faeries challenge too....we are heading out today as we need to buy a new stair carpet and cant decide on a runner or a fitted one, I suppose the fitted one would be much quieter wouldn't it...I will keep you informed on the big candy as I have a couple more things to arrange for it, whatever your up to today I hope you manage to keep warm without looking like a huge pink teddy bear like me lol

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - antique linen

outfit - tumbled glass, shabby shutters,

antique linen

bear - pumice stone, spun sugar

SPARKLE & SHINE BLOG HOP...

Good morning everyone, I hope your all well and had a brilliant week...it has turned really chilly here and has a real Christmas feel in the air...perfect for these brand new Sparkle & Shine digi release from Sugar Nellie...there's three of them, each as cute as the other and they are available now at Funky Kits...of course with any new release we have a blog hop and a chance to win some prize's, so don't forget your comments...you should have arrived here from the fabulous 

LISA

if you didn't and you want a chance to win and why wouldn't you lol...hop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog to start at the beginning

the image I got to show is the so so cute Puppets...brilliant isn't he...I coloured him with distress inks as always, cut him out and used some amazing papers from the My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland collection...the paper with the house is called At Home and I cut some presents for decoration from the Presents paper...I finished with a sentiment from the Season Greetings stamp set by Crafty Inspirations which are available at Funky Kits stamped in Barn Door distress ink

I think this fabulous Puppets image and those papers were meant for each other don't you, they are great together...your next stop on our fab hop is the wonderful

MICHELE

who has something fantastic to show you...enjoy the rest of the hop and don't forget your comments for a chance to win...have a brilliant day

Mina xxx
p.s. I'm just heading for my 500,000 hits, how amazing is that half a million hits...so watch out there a nice big juicy candy on its way for all my followers to celebrate it

distress ink colours used
skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose
boys outfit-  shabby shutters, pumice stone, tumbled glass, black soot
Santa puppet - barn door, black soot, pumice stone
reindeer puppet - frayed burlap, antique linen, black soot
basket - frayed burlap, antique linen
bunny - tumbled glass, spun sugar
tree - shabby shutters, barn door, tumbled glass
baubles - barn door, tumbled glass frayed burlap

even witches can be cute...and some new release news....

Good morning everyone...bbbbbrrrrrrrr it was cold here last night, a real crisp clear chilly night and felt like Christmas...we went to the DIY store for the draught excluder and they had all the gorgeous Christmas decorations displayed along with a little garden shed made into a grotto full of soft toys and fairy lights, it was so pretty and festive, even my Dad stopped grumbling about 'Christmas decorations already' and said a little aaaaahhhhhhhh...we went outside and were chatting and I heard a 'oh I hear a fellow Geordie accent'...it was a woman who has just moved to Northern Ireland from London...now there's something you have to know about Geordies they will chat with anyone, any excuse for a good natter lol...so we chatted for ages and I told her some things about the area and where things were but as I was leaving I meant to give her my phone number in case she needed a bit of support as it can be kinda lonely moving to a new area cant it...so I'm hoping I bump into her again so I can at least invite her for a coffee...you never know she might even be a fellow crafter lol....right now onto my card for today...now who knew that even witches could look this cute...this is the gorgeous Bewitched from Sassy Studio Designs...shes fabulous isn't she and reminds me of the old fashioned movie witches like in the series Bewitched, I couldn't find her on the Sassy site so I have just linked to their shop instead ...I coloured her with distress inks and used some fantastic Halloween papers from the Fancy Pants Oct 31 paper pad...I paper pieced her dress and hat band with some of the same papers...the fab sketch is from last weeks My Mums Craft Shop Challenge but oops too late but luckily it fits for their challenge this week too...I'm also entering it for the {PIN}spirational Challenge and The Cutie Pie Challenge too...I'm off to the stupidmarket today with my Dad and might do a bit of crafting when I get home, well if I have the time

now onto my new release news...watch out for tomorrows post we have a fantastic lush new Christmas digi release at Sugar Nellie with a fab blog hop (with prizes of course)...so pop by here or start of on the Sugar Nellie blog for all the details at 9am tomorrow

right that's me for today...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and speak to a stranger, you never know you might make their day or even better make a friend

Mina xxx

WINNER....SCROLL DOWN FOR TODAYS POST

 Hi everyone , we have two winners for our Mo's Dreamteam blog hop...its Jak and my turn to chose this month and my choice is no 4 who is

CAROLINE (CARDOLINE)

congratulations Caroline...Please make sure you have registered in the NEW shop www.mosdigitalpencil.com then contact Mo at mo@mosdigitalpencil.com with your full name so she can find your account and set you up with your prize
Don't worry if you didn't win this time you have another two chances at the next hop
Mina xxx

doorway to a winter wonderland...

Good morning everyone how are you all?...there seems to be a lot of sniffles and colds going about atm I hope you haven't had them...I had a really quiet day yesterday, just colouring and having a little play...Phil didn't get the results of his exam yet but I will keep you posted and he seems very confident he did ok...a little bit of technology news for you, did you know we in Northern Ireland were the very last to get the digital service, how shocking is that that it took years for the whole of our small country of the UK to supply it to everyone there...they even had a little ceremony here for the final switchover and it was on tv too...not quite the celebration kinda thing I would have thought, yeah ok lets celebrate because it took so long to happen...go figure lol...I broke my mobile too, it was well on its way out though so no real sadness,so I need a new one I kinda fancy the new Galaxy so if any of you have it could you tell me what you think...or if you have a different mobile that's excellent above and beyond whats expected let me know that too...I need some recommendations fast as there are so many on the market atm aren't there...anyway now onto my card for today...have you seen these new stamp sets from Just Inklined...such fabulous value and perfect for Christmas...this scene and couple stamps are from the Holly Berry Lovers set...there's loads on the set though not just these...I coloured them with my usual distress inks and used some scraps of a double sided paper from Teresa Collins Noel collection called Noel sheet music...gorgeous isn't it...I ripped the paper and turned it back to try and make look like they were walking into an old book page...what do you think did it work?...I finished with a stamped sentiment...I didn't think it needed anything else...Im entering this for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, Squiggles stamps challenge and the A & T Emerald Faeries challenge...right its off to the shops day today, I need some put the world to rights coffee with my Dad today and a little mooch around a diy shop for draught proofing for the front doors...ooooohhhh life is one mad social whirl isn't it lol...whatever your up to today have a fabulous one and stay out of the draught's

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

scene - antique linen, scattered straw, barn door, 

frayed burlap, shabby shutters, pumice stone

woman - barn door, peeled paint,frayed burlap

man - blacksoot, peeled paint,frayed burlap, barn door

nothing beats a teddy hug...

Good morning everyone are you all well and having a good start to your week? we had a lovely relaxing day yesterday starting with a bit of you tube hunting for songs and a little bit of a dance (really badly) and a lot of giggling to the Rizzle Kicks - Mama Do The Hump...then it was my stern face while I told face to get on with his studying for his exam today...he did for a few hours then he needed to get out so we went for coffee then straight back to his studying, in the meantime I made this card and a couple of others and was about to start colour a few more but the rumbling started and I knew Phil would be hungry too, I had made some Irish stew though as I didnt want to be rummaging in the kitchen for hours while he needed some quiet...so a nice dinner and then a bit of TV, Phil was snoozing on the sofa by10.30 and his snoring was making sure I knew about it too lol...I hope his exam goes well today...I'm sure it will though hes very clever, well he chose me didn't he lol...right now my card for today which is using one of my favourite releases from Sugar Nellie...this is one of the Simply Adorable's, shes called Nancy, isn't she stunning...I love colouring this release the way the shading is on the print always makes you look like you have spent ages shading and filling when really you haven't, I think a few people got a bit daubed when they first saw the shading and wondered how to colour them, but if you have tried one have a go I bet you will be amazed at how professional it looks when your finished...I coloured this beauty and her cutie bear with distress inks and used some of this lush Fancy Pants Designs My Family collection paper...this one is called Family Tree...I love the colours on it don't you and the tree and branches are a great designs not just for scrapbooking but great for a card too...I finished with a few buttons, a circle shape cut from the paper stamped with a Daughter stamp from the Crafty Impressions Baubles stamp set from Funky Kits these are fabulous sets and not just for Christmas either...the great sketch is from Sketch Saturday and Im also entering it for the One Stitch at a Time challenge and The Crafty Bloggers Network challenge too...right a crafting morning this morning and then a wait for a call to say Phil's exam is over...I wonder if I can colour with my fingers crossed lol...whatever your up to today try to do it with your fingers crossed too

Mina xxx

oh no not yet please...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well and happy, my Christmas card production seems to be in full swing now, I love making cards at this time of year, Christmas has limitless possibilities for cards and it gives my mojo a massive list...although I'm sure I'm ready for the weather this fab stamp has...well not just yet anyway...we had a fabulous lunch yesterday, everyone catching up and giggling and laughing, I was watching my Daughter and Dad chatting sitting in the sun on the decking...they are so alike they were chatting away and laughing and it made me smile just watching them...isn't it amazing 52 years between them and get on so well and still laugh at the same daft jokes as they did when she was a child...it was defo a warm glow kinda moment...where we lived before my Dad would visit but not visit if you know what I mean...well lets put it this way hes been to the new house more times and for longer in the past six weeks than he has in the last year at our other house...he says he feels warm and comfortable here and loves the house so much...he did have one small criticism though, he would love it even more if it had a downstairs toilet so he didn't have to climb the stairs bless him...right now card time...this fabulous stamp is a Whimsy Stamp called Heidi...I love her spotty bows don't you...I coloured her with my usual distress inks and used some of the lush brand new Glitz 6x6" Paper Pack - Joyeux Noel for her, I bought the stamp and pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the sentiment is on the paper already and I added some punched snowflakes to finish...the fab sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and I'm also entering it for the Challenges 4 Everyone challenge and the Stampalot Challenge too...I'm having a crafting morning this morning, Phil's off work today to cram for an exam he has tomorrow so I want to leave him in peace to study, hes been taking a part time course for his job so wish him luck for tomorrow, not that he needs my clever little man...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique ;inen, faryed burlap, tattered rose

hair - antique linen

all white shaded with pumice stone

all red is barn door

green - shabby shutters, peeled paint

a little birdie told me...

Good morning everyone are you having a fantastic weekend? what you been up too anything exciting?...we had a lovely day out yesterday and even managed a quick visit to my local neighbourhood craft shop...bought some lush papers for a new release out soon...ssssshhhhhh cant tell you yet lol...we even found a new farmers market and car boot sale and picked up a couple of massive bargains...an old tin bath for £3 which is going to be turned into our herb garden and a gravy boat and stand that matches my white dinner set for a whole £1 would you believe....oooohhhhhhh I love a good rummage through a car boot sale dont you...for all you people from the USA a car boot is kinda like a garage sale but everyone congragates and sells their unwanted things from the boot of their car...as we were walking around we saw a few people we hadnt seen for years too so a good excuse for a natter...off for breakfast then up to our local fruit and veg place for all the making for Sinday lunch today...its ages since we had a family sunday lunch...so my lovely Dad and our Daughter and her other half will be here for roast beef and all the trimmings...we then went for a mooch in town to look at jackets for Phil for the winter...we thought we had the perfect one, right size, colour great, perfect fit but wow did we get a suprise when we looked at the tag £275...they have to be joking, Phil says he could buy his complete wardrobe for the year with that much lol...right now onto my card for today...I loved colouring and cutting out this stunning Mo's Digital Pencil image...this is the stunning A Little Birdie Told Me isnt it gorgeous,I even enjoyed cutting out the background for the paper to peep through...the stunning papers are from one of my favourite pads atm, the My Mind's Eye - All is Bright 6x6 Pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...if you only buy one pad for the Christmas season buy this one its so beautiful, the colours are perfect and the double sided pages have layout and little added extras on them...this wasnt a freebie I did buy this and Im so pleased I did but will be so gutted when its finished...I finished with some red string, a huge blue bow and a sentiment tag cut from the same pad...the fab sketch is from Tuesday Morning sketches challenge and Im also entering it for the Fussy & Fancy Friday challenge and the One Stop Craft Challenge too...Im off to peel some spuds for roasties and then a bit of a play with my new papers I think...whatever your up to today I hope your spending it with someone you love

Mina xxx

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - antique linen

bird - frayed burlap, antique linen, barn door

window frame - frayed burlap, antique linen

nightie - tumbled glas mixed with stormy sky, peeled paint, barn door

twinkle, twinkle...

Good morning everyone, what you got planned for this weekend? anything exciting...we don't have anything planned at all which is really nice after the last few whirling dervish months we have had...we are going to head into town early morning and have a huge breakfast together, then a little mooch around the shops looking for curtains for the living room and maybe a coffee mid morning...fabulous I'm chilling just thinking about it...it comes to something when shopping is our idea of relaxing lol...we even had a couple of mojitos last night we had a few on holiday and got hooked so I found a recipe and tried it out last night...they were nice but of course not as nice as on holiday...its a bit different sitting in 23c sipping and ice filled drink than sitting in our living room heat on full blast sipping a drink with too much ice in isn't it lol...right now onto my card for today which is using this gorgeous Sugar Nellie Heavenly Angel stamp, isn't she beautiful, I coloured her really softly and glittered the cloud and stars...the fabulous holly paper is from Rico Design it dosent have a name just a number...I don't normally go for paper this dark but I liked the contrast in the colours of the two sides...I finished with some metal stars and a few scattered pearls...the lush sketch is from Mojo Monday (love every one of their sketches) and I'm also entering it for the Cute Card Thursday challenge and Paper Crafting Journey challenge too...I'm off to get myself glammed up for my day out and my tum is rumbling at the thought of my ulster fry breakfast yum yum,we go to a teeny little cafe that sells the best one ever...should I tell you whats on it and make you hungry too...sausages, bacon, eggs, pancakes, potato bread, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm lol...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one and enjoy your breakfast

Mina xxx

BARGAIN NEWS...

Hi everyone hop on over to Bunny Zoe's Crafts to check these amazing bargains this weekend

WEEKEND SPECIAL

15% OFF ACROSS THE STORE
Ends Midnight, 21st October.

Please note orders will begin shipping Monday 22nd October.

PLUS:

40% OFF Older High Hopes

40% OFF Stampavie

40% OFF Belles 'n Whistles

25% OFF HALLOWEEN SHOP

Mina xxx

I can finally show them...

Good morning everyone, wow how fast are the weeks flying by, another couple of blinks and Christmas will be here...aaaarrrrggggghhhhh everyone run around and panic lol...have you noticed the Christmas things trickling into the shops for the last few weeks...sneaky and I dont know if its just me but way way way too early

I don't have a card to show you today but I promised I would show the wedding invitations I made for my Niece and her Husband (oooohhhh that sounds weird lol)...they so loved them and I had a little blush when he mentioned and thanked me in his speech

I made them on recycled cards...they are gorgeous cards and come in two colours, I have to recommend the lovely Lesley I bought these from is excellent, not only good value but super fast delivery...her shop is called Crabapplehome and is on ebay...the invitations I made by spraying adhesive onto the lace and sticking to the front, seriously messy I had to keep stopping to clean up my hands and nails so I didn't get any glue on the cards and made sure to get rid of any on the front of the mesh bit but it worked brilliantly I then made a slit the same size as the ribbon so I would have any messy edge...I used my good old trusty red backed double sided tape to stick the ribbon and the jewel embellishments are from a stunning shop full of amazing bejewelled and lush embellishments and jewellery findings called Imagine Doing it yourself, another fast service and excellent customer support

the menus I kept a lot simpler as I had 100 to make, I just printed them and used a smaller card, I must admit they looked great on the tables (I really should have taken a photo of the tables shouldn't I...oops)...well what do you think they aren't too shabby are they lol...they loved them and a few people mentioned them to me on the day...I'm off out to lunch with my gorgeous Phil today as he doesn't start work until late afternoon...whatever your up too have a fantastic day

Mina xxx

BUNY ZOE'S CRAFTS NIKKIS BIRTHDAY BLOG HOP WINNER...SCROLL DOWN FOR MO'S DREAMTEAM BLOG HOP

Hi everyone sorry this is so late but I had internet connection problems...we have a winner of the £10 gift voucher for Bunny Zoe's...I chose the winner from the comments on the Bunny Zoe's blog and the RNG said its no.3 and that is

drum roll please......................

CATHERINE

congratulations Catherine...coule you please email me your details and I will get your gift voucher to you asap...if the prize isnt claimed before Monday I will redraw

well thats me for tonight Im off for an early night

Mina xxx

hop hop hopping along...

Good morning everyone are you all having a great week...it has turned very cold here and I have my fluffy socks out of storage...oh no that means winter has arrived...its time for our monthly blog hop at Mo's Dreamteam and if you have popped over from the fabulous DEBBIE'S blog then your on the right road...if you haven't and want the chance to win one of two $5 credits for Mo's Digital Pencil, then pop on over to the start of the hop to the talented GRETHA who chose our theme this month of adding an animal to a Christmas card which is an easy theme using a Mo's Digital Pencil image

theres loads of images with animals for Christmas cards so I was kinda spoilt for choice...so I used one of my all time favourite animal images from Mo...this is the fantastic Bismarck, look at that face isn't he amazing...I coloured him really softly with distress inks and paper pieced that huge bow on his bone...I teamed him up with these lush papers from the Bazzill Basics 6x6" Multipack - Believe I'm totally loving this gorgeous pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, the colour combo's are fantastic and so perfectly Christmas...I finished with a big red satin bow...the sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge and I'm also entering it for the Crafty Sentiments challenge and Bearly-Mine Challenge too...ok now your next stop on our hop is the fabulous

POPS

who I'm sure will have something beautiful to show you...don't forget your comments for a chance to win and enjoy your day

Mina xxx

p.s. I haven't forgotten about the Bunny Zoe's Crafts blog hop candy draw I will be back a little later to announce our winner

distress ink colours used

Bismarck - pumice stone

scarf and hat - barn door, peeled paint

shading on bow - pumice stone

bone - antique linen

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

wedding photos at last

Good morning everyone...I waited to post this morning until I had downloaded some wedding photos to show you...isn't it strange that you have a picture in your head and I don't know if its getting older or just not noticing but you download photos and someone pops up that looks like you but an older version and you suddenly realise its you lol...its little wonder I hate my photo taken...ooohhhh btw I forgot to tell you about something that happened after we had finished the photos outside the church, we all trooped out across grass and all of a sudden we heard a yell and a friend I hadn't seen for years had actually stood on a dead hedgehog with her high heels on...I know its yucky but I couldn't stop giggling, visions of Victor Meldrew and his dead hedgehog slipper, that probably went straight over everyone who isn't from the UK's head so here's a link for some episodes of One Foot In The Grave, when I have more time I will see if I can find the episode for you all...its so so funny...so I know it wasn't funny for the woman at the church but it was so funny too lol...right now onto my card for today how cute and perfect for Christmas is this Bildmalarna - Skates stamp...its so cute I will have to colour this in a different colour scheme too...I used distress inks for this cutie and used some of the lush new Glitz 6x6" Paper Pack - Joyeux Noel pad, isn't it fabulous traditional colours but with a twist...perfect for Christmas

I finished with some punched borders, gingham ribbons and a wreath charm...the papers and stamp I bought from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I made the sketch up as I went along but am entering this for the Simon Says Stamp challenge, The Crafty Bloggers network challenge and the Stamp with Fun challenge too...right now onto some wedding photos

wow wow wow the stunning Bride and Groom, isn't she just stunning her dress was amazing and the lace edged veil perfect for it and he looks so wonderful in his uniform, there were a lot of sailors in uniform there too

me in my dress, I'm still not sure this is me lol...I love love love this dress not only does it look nice but was so comfortable all day long...I'm watching for Laura Ashleys sales now and will buy something in them every time, the quality is superb...what do you think it was defo a huge bargain wasn't it for £35...shame I cant say the same about the shoes, they came off twenty mins after this photo and didnt go on again until I walking to the car lol...but I had painted my toenails to match my dress just in case

now I'm sure my beautiful Daughter might be a bit unhappy about me putting her on my blog, but this photo of her and her other half is so lovely I wanted to show it off...well that three of the photos, I will post some more later on this week...I'm off to catch up with some crafting today fingers crossed...whatever your up to watch out for squashed hedgehogs they sneak up on you lol
Mina xxx

return of the mojo?...

Good morning everyone did you all have a wonderful weekend?...we had a fantastic time at the wedding, the Bride was stunning (I'm not biased at all because shes my Niece lol), the Groom was so handsome in his navy uniform too...the venue was just wow, you can see it here it was like something out of a movie inside too...we seriously don't have any luck with flying at all though do we, on the way out we were supposed to arrive in Newcastle at about 10pm but the plane was late so we were delayed 40 mins, no too bad so we all trooped through the departure gate to board then were all turned back into the lounge as the light bulb on the emergency door was faulty so they had to get it checked out just in case, couldn't find a spare bulb and had to fly another plane from Edinburgh to get us...so we finally arrived at our hotel at about 1am...didn't get to sleep until 2.30 and up again at 7am to get ready for the early wedding...ooooohhhhh we were so tired, but the adrenaline of the day kicked in luckily and we made it and managed to stay awake until 10.30pm, then we finally had to give in and get back to the hotel for sleep...if you find out which flight I'm on don't book it lol...I'm a flying jinx I think...we were then up early Sunday morning and Phil took my Daughters other half to see Newcastle football ground as hes a football freak while we got ready for an early lunch with Phil's family...it was wonderful to catch up with my side of the family on Saturday and Phil's on Sunday and we got to finally introduce our Daughters lovely fella to them...he loved the whole weekend and is so lovely he got on with everybody like he had known them all his life, but he is one of life's good guys...right I think that's enough waffling for this morning don't you lol...I have photos for you but need to download them, I think we even got one of me somewhere in them all lol...right my card for today...well what do you think has the mojo finally poked its head out of where its hiding?, I think its coming back as I really enjoyed making this card...it might have something to do with this amazing Mo's Digital Pencil image...isn't it beautiful...this is So Funny...I coloured it with distress inks and did a bit of double paper piecing with her (ooohhhhh I love cutting out so much)...I teamed her up with more of this stunning Carta Bella - Beautiful Moments 6x6 Paper Pad, I'm gutted that this stunning pad is finished and might have to buy another from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I finished with some a punched flower, buttons, a red ribbon and a sentiment cut from the same pad...I haven't a clue where the sketch is from so if any of you do let me know please and don't know what other challenge to enter it for as I haven't seen any for a few days but will add them later...I'm off back to bed as I'm nursing a bad headache and sore throat (too much shouting, laughing and singing I think lol)...whatever your up to today had a fabulous day

Mina xxx
p.s. I still havent found where the sketch is from but am entering this into the Simon Says Stamp challenge

distress ink colours used

skin - antique linen, frayed burlap, tattered rose

hair - frayed burlap

dog - frayed burlap, antique linen, barn door

boots - barn door, black soot

shading on paper piecing - pumice stone

oh no...

Good morning everyone, how scary is this...I have over the last three plus years posted every single day...but have been struggling a little bit with my mojo since I came back from Holiday and because I'm away at a big wedding this weekend, I decided to take two days off to concentrate on the weekend and to give my poor bruised and bashed mojo a little bit of time to recover...how scary is this that I'm not posting and my mojo is missing, like everyone I have struggled in the past with it sometimes but it has never gone walkabout for this long, it feels so so strange...anyway while Im away theres still a chance to win some candy by joining in the Happy Birthday Nikki hop below...the link is here

Have a fantastic weekend and I will be back Monday with some wedding photos for you to have a look at and hopefully something new and my mojo intact

Mina xxx