a letter for me...

Good morning everyone, me again, the one that's here but isn't...don't you just love technology...the internet has to be THE invention of the 20th century doesn't it, it has opened the whole world up and I still think its amazing that I can post on here and it can be read and commented on by people all over the world...godsmacking isn't it, I like the colours of the papers I used for today's card they are so unusual for Christmas but work so so well don't you think, the papers are from the Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 paper pad...the cute stamp is from the Whimsy Stamps wee stamp range and is called A Letter for Me, I love her pj's and hat, although I think I would probably strangle myself in bed wearing a hat like that lol...I coloured her with distress inks, I still keep forgetting to post the colours I use but will try my best when I get back

I had to show you a close up of these stunning Blossom Resin Flowers from Kaisercraft, they are beautiful and so delicate looking but they aren't if you know what I mean and even have sticky stuff on the back too...love them, this is the Fuchsia pack...the papers, stamp and flowers are all from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...I'm entering this for the Sketch File challenge and the Bling it On challenge too...whatever your up to today I hope you have a fun one
Mina xxx

a little rant...

Good morning everyone I hope your all keeping well...I'm going to have a little rant today, well I'm about due one lol...I'm not a gamer and I don't own an Xbox or 360 or anything like that, I have only played one racing game once and I fell over twice when going round corners on the racetrack, I'm not built for games too top heavy lol...anyway back to the point, have you seen the advertisements for all those horrendously expensive games for Christmas, is it just me but does it seem right to you that the ads aren't actually the game footage, how on earth do they get away with that, its like showing a Mercedes on an ad for a Mini after all their both cars...how on earth do they get away with it just because they have in tiny print 'not actual game footage' would any other product get away with that...ok rant over lol...I'm still at the farmhouse so I'm sorry but no commenting or blog hopping this week but I will catch up with everyone this weekend I promise...my card for today is using this beautiful image from Crafts and Me called Angel Rays...she has a real ethereal look about her (oh my way a big word for this time of day lol)...I coloured her with distress inks and added loads of glitter...the fun fab paper is from Basicgrey's Jovial collection called Button Nose, I love those little snowmen don't you...the beautiful ribbon is from The Pretty Little Ribbon shop and is called Sheer Ruffle Edge Antique Gold, gorgeous rich colour isn't it...I'm entering this for the Totally Papercrafts challenge and Cardmadfairy digi challenge too...enjoy the rest of your day and have a good one
Mina xxx

its all about the eyes...

Good morning everyone are you all well and ready for Christmas?...isn't it weird that we all get so organised but still end up running around like headless chickens on the last few days...I always think the supermarkets are crazy at Christmas, a few years ago my Daughters other half came shopping with me to help me carry and he was so so shocked at the crowds and craziness in Salisbury's, I remember him asking me how long they were closed for an wouldn't believe it was just a day lol...my card for today is using this amazing digi stamp from Sugar Nellie, this is one of my favourite Adorables, its those beautiful eyes I think, his name is Nathan, I coloured him with distress inks and teamed him up with this lush Basicgrey paper from the Eskimo Kisses collection, this one is called Woodland...love these bright christmas colours...I took this photo in full sunlight (yes we do get some now and again lol) and I think it may have turned out a little bit too bright...I added some fab twill ribbon and two message cut another sheet of paper and just a few buttons...the fab sketch is from Inspirational Card Sketches and I'm also entering it for the CES challenge and the Fairytale Challenge I haven't a clue what I'm doing today, I'm probably colouring or walking down the lane collecting holly, does mistletoe grow wild in hedges?...hhhmmmm I must have a look...whatever you up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

I so want this under my tree...

Good morning everyone I hope you all had a brilliant weekend, Im probably up to my eyeballs in cleaning carpets atm, or maybe not I might still be in bed depending on the time...I bought a few wreath bases a while back and thought I must take them down with me to make wreaths and can I find them...nope...I know exactly when I will find them though, two weeks after Christmas, I need to carry things round me or I havent a hope of finding them again lol...my card for today is for our new challenge at The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop challenge, this month its our lovely Sasha's choice of theme and she chose Christmas with a Bow, so anything you want as long as its Christmas with a bow on it somewhere...I used another of thee stunning little Pachela Studios images from Cuddly Buddly, this one is called Toby Tumble Christmas Surprise, how much would I love this stocking under my tree, what a stunning image isnt it, I coloured it with dostress inks and added just abit of sparkle, the lush paper is from Echo Parks Everybody Loves Christmas collection and is called Paper Snowmen, how lush are those colours together, I even used the name from the info strip for my sentiment...I added some fantastically lush Rose Pink Gingham ribbon and a bow from the same ribbon, three pins from the Diamonte 5cm decorative pins pack, the ribbon and pins are from The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop
...the lush sketch is from Papertake Weekly challenge Im also entering it for the Joanna Sheen challenge too...right thats me for today sorry Im not commenting but I will catch up with you all when I get back...whatever your up to today have a wonderful one
Mina xxx

the quickest card I have ever made...

Good morning everyone I hope your all managing to stay warm, it was so cold here last night I thought it might snow, it was one of those nights when you just cant get warm, even the heating on, a hot water bottle and blanket didn't help...although Phil seemed to be ok, must just be the ice water in my veins lol...well we had pj success yesterday, I went to La Sensa and managed to get our Daughter two pairs of their lush pj's for the price of one and the lovely girl gift wrapped them for me into a box I would love to get too, I love girly touches like that don't you...my card for today took me exactly 4 1/2 minuets to make, how amazing is that, my Dad needed a card fast and I had a sheet of the Bo Bunny Father Christmas stickers and I have the 6x6 pad too so just stuck one of the stickers onto one of the papers and cut out, how quick is that then it was just a matter of layering up and adding some lush ribbon, a bow and a few buttons, I added a few holly leaves cut from ribbon too...I cant remember the last time I made a card that didn't have a coloured image on it, my Daughter wants a set of cards like this so I think I will just use the rest of the stickers to make them for her, could have them all done in an hour if I try hard...the fabulous sketch is from the Cards and Things challenge which is one I found through Feline Playful, that blog is a touch of genius isn't it...I'm also entering it for the Simon Says Stamp challenge and Craft your Days away challenge too...btw in case your wondering how I enter the challenges while I'm away I have a lovely friend who links them up for me...right I'm off to pack my distress inks and brushes as I'm going to catch up on some colouring while I'm away and there's a couple of new techniques I want to try too...whatever your up to today have a fantastic warm one
Mina xxx

extra, extra...

Good morning everyone have you all got something exciting happening this weekend to make me jealous?, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend planned...btw have you got your tree up yet?, I was going to put ours up tomorrow but we decided we would leave a bit earlier so it will have to wait until next weekend I think...could you let me know if you put a photo of your tree on your blog, I love looking at peoples Christmas trees dont you and I would love a look at them...In still trying to twist my Dads arm (very very gently) to come with us but I feel so much better today, no iffy tum at long last, I am starving hungry though as I wasn't eating well, you don't when your iffy do you...oh well I will just have to get Phil to do some yummy cooking for me, well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it lol...my card for today is using this gorgeous little fella from Mo's Digital Pencil, I love him he is so cute isn't he, he reminds me of the 1920's kinda era...this little sweetie is called Extra and I coloured him with distress inks and used more of the stunning papers from the Prima Printery 6x6 paper pad for him, they suit him don't you think...the teeny clock and the tag is cut from the same pad and I added a grey satin ribbon to finish...the lush sketch is from Mojo Monday and I'm also entering this for the Fab 'n' Funky challenge and the Do You Stack Up challenge...I'm off out to buy my Daughters Christmas PJ's today, every year she gets a some PJ's and slippers for under the tree on Christmas Eve, its a tradition my Mum started when I was small and I have always done it for my Daughter (and now her partner too although he doesn't get the girly ones or the slippers lol)...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

no clean up on aisle 4...

Good morning everyone are you all well and happy?...you will pleased to know I didn't show myself up in the supermarket and there was no need for clean up on aisle 4 lol...my poor Dad is devastated...why?...because his car is fixed and he has to give back the loaner he loved, bless him, I feel a change of car coming on...I'm still feeling a bit iffy and my temperature is still up and down I even went to bed at 10.30 last night which is unknown for me as I have always been a night owl and do all my surfing then...from what I have heard though its going round but doesn't last long...well I hope not as I'm supposed to be going down to the farmhouse on Sunday for 5 days, I have put off the work that needs done too long and I want to get a real tree for Phil to add a bit of festive spirit to it and it surrounded by holly bushes so I thought I might make a couple of sprays and wreaths, I will take photos and some of the countryside now I have my new camera, I'm looking forward to a play with it, I have been trying to persuade my Dad to come down too but he hates long journeys in the car and as its a 2-3 hour drive it is long for him...right now onto my card for today which is for the new challenge at Just Magnolia & hAnglar & sTanglar challenge, this time its our wonderful Donalda's turn to host and she chose Lots of Sparkle, I know its hard to see but there really is lots of sparkle on my card even her little bows and socks have sparkle on them...I used this stunning Holly Tilda from the new Sweet Christmas Magnolia release, I love this Tilda shes so sweet and she is 10% off atm too...I coloured her with distress inks except for her white hair which was shaded with a Grey watercolour pen from Marvy and I teamed her up with these Sweet Christmas Magnolia papers these are the Red and Green 6x6 Flurry papers which are also on offer, I finished with some fabulous sheer wired ribbon and this stunning Blossom resin flower from Kaisercraft, these sets are so beautiful and there's roses in the pack too...everything I used is from Bunny Zoe's Crafts...the lush sketch is from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and I'm also entering it for the Saturday Challenge too...I really need to catch up with some DT work and stuff to post while I'm away next week today so need a craft room day I think...whatever your up to have a fantastic one
Mina xxx

Me to you...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well, wow can you believe its the 1st December already where is the time flying too ...right hands up who thinks I got all my DT work done yesterday...nope but I have a good reason...I hope you all have a hankie ready to sympathise...I'm not well (aaawwwwww bless), I have an iffy tum, cramps, sickness, headache and a temperature, don't know whats up with me but just a bit iffy so see I do have a good excuse...ok you can all dry your eyes now lol...I spent all day yesterday lying around feeling sorry for myself so I don't think I need anymore sympathy do you...right now onto my card for today which is for our new challenge over at Colour Create challenge, this week is the lovely Sylvia's choice of colours and she chose Red, White and Green, I love these traditional colours for Christmas don't you and seem to have made a lot with them this year, so great choice Sylvia...I am in love have you seen this stunning digi stamp, how beautiful is it, its from Pachela Studios and is available at Cuddly Buddly, its called Christmas Me to You, I love it to bits and of course a couple more popped into my basket at the same time...oopsie lol...I coloured it with distress inks and distressed the edges of the image and papers with Antique linen too...the fabulously gorgeous gingham is from Craft Creations and I finished with some lush rich green ribbon and a few, well a lot of buttons actually...now I know its rare and don't all faint at once but I'm quite happy with my colouring on this...the fab sketch is from Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge and I'm also entering it for the Ribbon Reel challenge and Simon Says Stamp challenge too...I'm supposed to go to the Supermarket with my Dad today so fingers crossed I don't throw up mid aisle lol, now that would be a talking point wouldn't it...have a fantastic day everyone and if you have time pop on over to Colour Create to check out the creations of the rest of our wonderful team
Mina xxx

a miracle in blue...

Good morning everyone I hope you all well and keeping warm, its freezing cold here and the gales have just died down...well coffee with my lovely Dad yesterday was a huge success we managed to end the rule of stupid politicians, put the economy to rights and had a rant at some of the idiots in the news too...see thats all it takes is coffee and my Dad and everything is sorted...he has fallen madly in love with his loaner Vauxhall car and doesn't want his Renault back lol...oops I smell trouble brewing lol...well have you all got your Christmas shopping sorted yet, I thought mine was done and dusted but Phil's present are causing a real pain in my bum...I haven't a clue and when I ask him for some ideas he says he hasn't a clue and there's nothing he needs...now its great he isn't in need of anything but just a few clues would be brilliant, all ideas would be gratefully accepted if you have any...right now onto my card for today which is for our new Digi teams challenge at Crafts and Me challenge the theme this time is Pearls and Swirls, the image I used is from Crafts and Me of course and is called Christmas Miracle and is from the December release which you will be able to get tomorrow...isn't she so beautiful sitting on her clouds with her gorgeous little lamb...I coloured her with distress inks and used some more scrap paper (can you tell I found a box of scraps lol), I have a feeling this is a Basicgrey paper, the swirls on it are snowflakes and its such a gorgeous colour combo...I used some gorgeous creamy coloured pearls and grey ribbon and added some scroll rub on's to finish...the fabulous sketch is from Sketch Saturday but I have just noticed I forgot the sentiment so I'm not sure it will count...I'm also entering this for the Fairytale challenge and Creative Card Crew challenge too...I'm having a crafting day today to catch up on some DT work anyway its far too cold to stray far from my heating...whatever your up to have a wonderful day and when you have time don't forget to pop on over to Crafts and Me Challenge and see what the rest of our wonderful digi team came up with
Mina xxx

MAGNOLIA SALE...

Evening everyone I have just popped on to tell you that Nikki from Bunny Zoe's Crafts has a massive Magnolia sale on, some of them have a massive 25% off...Im off to see what I can pick up so hurry on over before they are all gone girls
Mina xxx

shot down in flames...

Good morning everyone I hope your all well...well I got myself all revved up yesterday and rang the powers that be to give them a piece of my mind....er...well shot down in flames lol...turns out my Dad should have rang their helpline (which is what I rang) and let them sort it out, everything from arranging his car to be taken in, new car delivered to him and everything in between, instead of trying to arrange everything himself separately, its even a freephone number too...the girl on the phone was so sweet and lovely too and got everything sorted and a few hours later a brand new car was delivered to my Dads house...you see what happens when a woman goes shopping for the day, all hell breaks loose lol...anyway its sorted now and I didn't even have to threaten anyone with my army of fellow crafters lol, and he has transport until his car is fixed and good to go and bless him he thought he was doing what he should so its not his fault either, now you should all know by now my Dad can do no wrong in my eyes...my card for today is using one of the lush new Home Grown Sugar Nellie's, this beauty is called Contemplation, she is so sweet and pretty isn't she...I coloured her with distress inks (I'm still not happy with my colouring atm though, mojo still in hiding I think, I would look under my bed but I'm scared of the dust bunnies)...the lush papers are a half sheet of Basic Grey from the Marjolaine Collection, this one is called Buttercream...gorgeous colours isn't it...I added two strips of ribbon and a bow and finished with a stunning blue Prima glittered flower...the lush sketch is a really simple one from Fetch a Sketch challenge...I'm off out with my Dad today, I need to go to town for some bits and pieces and run a few errands, oh and of course our put the world to rights coffee session too...whatever your up to today have a brilliant one
Mina xxx

if at first...

Good morning everyone did you all have a fabulous weekend...wow how windy was it, I thought our roof was coming off at one stage....well Phil made his Dundee cake for my Dad again and this time it worked beautifully...we discovered what went wrong the last time too Phil forgot to adjust the temperature for a fan oven so it would have been too hot but as you can see the cake is gorgeous and it smells incredible...my Dad is so lucky hes getting it whole as it was so tempting...my kitchen smelled so much like Christmas yesterday as Phil was stewing the fruit for his Christmas cake, the mixture of fruit and alcohol is so scrummy smelling....yum yum yum

right now onto my card for today, I tried to make a Christmas card that was just a bit different but I don't think it worked at ll...oh well back to the drawing board lol...I used this lush Christmas cupcake from Meljen Designs and just shaded it and glittered it up adding some chocolate holly (well it seemed like a good idea at the time lol) and a chocolate coloured ribbon...the lush paper is really glittery and embossed and is another of the ones I bought from my local craft shop that doesn't have a name on it...

I added a chocolate coloured scrunched ribbon and a scattering of pearls to finish...this is one of those cards that I'm really not happy with (we all have them don't we) there's just something not quite right about it and Im so not happy with the colouring...I think I'm having a mojo crisis lol...Im entering this for the Totally Gorjuss challenge, The Ribbon Reel challenge and the Lollipop Crafts challenge too...I'm of to kick some serious butt to get my Dads car sorted out today, heads will roll and I will yell out if I need the rest of your fab girls for backup lol, thank you all for your support of my Dad yesterday, it so isn't right is it...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one and I hope wherever you are the weather isn't too bad
Mina xxx

the winner is...

its winner time...I hate this bit as I so want to give it to you all but there can only be one winner at a time but don't worry it wont be long until the next candy so keep an eye out for it... I used the random number thingy to choose and it chose no 189 who is

CHARITY CRAFTER
huge congratulations, could you please contact me before Thursday so I can pop your goodies in the post and arrange for the rest of your prizes
Mina xxx

a true Christmas image...

Good morning everyone well did you all get your cobwebs blown away lol...we had a gale all day long yesterday and every single time I stepped out of the car the heavens opened, to the extent that Phil said he would go to a shop by himself as he didn't want to get wet again, and would you believe it didn't rain while he was out of the car...sods law lol...my poor Dad, the powers that be said they would ring him as soon as they knew what was happening about either his car being fixed, a loaner or even a rental car...they finally rang back and said we can only get you a hire car but you have to pick it up in Belfast before 1pm, we live 60 miles away from Belfast and they rang at...have a guess what time...12.40am...yes that's right 20 mins before the place closed...how stupid is that, I am so angry that they have left a severely disabled 78 year old man without any transport at all, even though he pays for all the extra help hes supposed to get if anything happens to his car, at least Phil was here to drive him around this weekend but I don't know what will happen next week as I don't drive...if I could have got someone on the phone I would have ripped a hole in them the poor things lol...they better run and hide before Monday though...right my rant for today is over (phew thank goodness I hear you all yell lol), I will get onto my card which is using this fantastically christmassy image, there's something about an image with a Robin isn't there, this little darling is from Just Inklined and is called Gatepost Robin, I coloured it with distress inks and frosted the gatepost because I wanted to make it look snowy and covered with frost...the stunning papers are from the Fancy Pants 6x6 Saint Nick paper pad from Bunny Zoe's Crafts, this really is THE perfect Christmas pad and there's bits of everything in it, I love the paper with the Saint Nick printed on it as it has a real textured old leather look to it...I finished with some lush ribbon and a few berries, I'm rapidly running out of these berries must have a hunt around for more for next years cards...the fab sketch which I tilted is from Inkspirations challenge and I'm also entering it for the Fairy tale challenge, Craft Your Days Away Challenge and the Cardmadfairy's digi challenge...we are going to huddle indoors and have a lovely ulster fry lunch today so no jaunts out as I'm not ricking another umbrella blowing inside out...whatever your up to today stay safe and warm
Mina xxx

pretty in pink...

Good morning everyone did you all have a good day yesterday and I hope you have something fab planned for today...we went shopping yesterday and it was bleeding freezing and blowing a gale all day, but it didn't stop us having a good mooch time and I managed to finish my whole Christmas present list...wwwwooohhhoooo how excellent is that, I tried my best to persuade Phil to buy me a new engagement ring, a huge solitaire diamond for half price a steal at £1,600 but he wasn't having any of it lol...mind I did see him sneak into Boots I think to get me the two Sanctuary gift sets I wanted for Christmas, well he came out with two bags anyway...the only gifts I have left to get that weren't on my list are the ones for Phil and I haven't a clue at all and he isn't being much help I'm afraid, at this rate he will end up with a selection box lol...my poor Dads car broke down while we were out and the garage left him with no courtesy car, so we had to try and sort that out for him but as we only had half an hour we didn't make much headway...would you believe the Disabled Drivers place who are supposed to take care of his car needs told us they had to have 48 hours notice for a courtesy car...do you know anyone who has 48 hours notice of a car breakdown...well duh lol...right now onto my card for today which is using one of the brand new Wee Stamps digis, shes called Heidi, isn't she a cutie, I love her hair don't you...I coloured her with distress inks and just a teeny bit of glitter this time...the paper is just a scrap so haven't a clue what make it is I'm afraid...I finished with a huge satin bow, a few buttons, a punched snowflake and a Kaisercraft stamp...I must admit I have a soft spot for these lovely drawn Wee Stamps and of course I couldn't just buy this one could I, you know when you go shopping and things just throw themselves in your basket, we have all been there haven't we...the lush sketch is from Sketch N Stash challenge and Im also entering it for the Ribbon Girl Pink & White challenge, City Crafter Pink Christmas challenge and the Charisma Cardz challenge too...well I think we will be running a taxi service for my Dad today so haven't a clue where we will end up, but I will be doing some hopping tonight as at long last my internet seems to be working ok (well so far fingers crossed)...whatever your up to today have a fantastic one
Mina xxx
oh by the way dont forget today is the last day to enter my candy (link at top of sidebar) it finishes at midnight so if you havent already pop on down and enter now