Thursday, 30 June 2011

Nothing to report...

Haven't done any crafting today :( I've been on strike from work today so took the children swimming this morning and then we went for lunch at a friends and they played there for a while. Came back, other friends came round. After they left we went to Braehead and bought some holiday clothes :) Thinking of leaving work early tomorrow to get the last of the stuff I need to do done. Then pack the car tomorrow night and we'll be off Saturday morning! Can't wait. I've decided to take some stamped images with me on holiday and my promarkers. That should keep me entertained for a wee while. Still got a card to make before we go away so hopefully back tomorrow with a card. Hugs. Susan xxx

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Bad light stopped play

Well not really but it's kind of interfered with my photos tonight! They're not the best but I wanted to blog them to prove to my friend Michelle that I had actually done some work tonight - although she is actually horrified that I made a Christmas card in June!! Thanks for the nagging though Michelle x And yes, you do see a Christmas card here. In June. To be fair though it's probably the only one that will get made this side of Christmas ;) Miss Claus was a new stamp - I wanted to play. And she started out life as a card for a challenge (can't even remember which one) which was to use 3 papers and then the router broke so she didn't actually make it into the challenge! Poor wee soul.

Challenge - Ladybug Crafts Ink - Christmas in June

Image - Miss Claus - Funky Kits coloured with Promarkers Cardstock and paper from stash Embellishments - eyelet sentiment - Making Memories, Rhinestones - Stampin Up, Flowers from stash, Card Candy - Craftwork Cards This second card I should have made last night as it should have been posted today. I didn't remember about it until 11pm last night so I thought it was a bit late to start thinking about another card. Image - Coffee Time - Funky Kits coloured with Promarkers, Sentiment - Penny Black Cardstock - from stash Paper - Stella & Rose - My Minds Eye Ink - Early Espresso - Stampin Up (see what I did there!!) Embellishments - Card Candy - Craftwork Cards Tools - Big Shot, Nestie labels Oh and...... C'mon Murray!!!! Hugs Susan xxx

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Short week

I'm in work tomorrow but off on strike Thursday and then in again Friday and then off for 2 weeks for my holidays!! Woohoo, only 4 sleeps and we're off to a cottage in Lincolnshire for 2 weeks! Really looking forward to it. Thinking of taking some crafting with me. What do you think? Should I? I might just get inspired while I'm away.... I've made this card for a friend at work - it's for the section to give him. He's a bit of a gadget fiend so I thought this image would work well for him!

Challenge: Papertake Weekly - sketch Image - Computer Fun - LotV coloured with Promarkers, sentiment - LCI Cardstock and Paper from stash Embellishments - Card Candy - Craftwork Cards Hugs Susan xxx

Wonders will never cease

The sun is shining, this is not a drill, the sun is shining..... It may even be warm out there but that would be too much too hope for right?! Taking the boys swimming today with some friends so that should be fun. Then this afternoon I'm on gardening duty at church - I haven't told them this yet so that may not be quite so fun..... Got some cards to make later for birthdays that happen while we're away so I'm blogging now in the hope that I won't just sit on the laptop later. We'll see though. If you see me around here or on Facebook you have my full permission to nag me :) Made this card the other day using the free Ladybug Crafts Ink stamps that came free with the Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine. There's also a Robyn stamp and some sentiments in the set. And I've challenged myself to make a girly card this week so you may see Robyn appear here later in the week. I wold have entered this card into the Passion For Promarkers challenge blog IF I'd remembered that the theme was Park Life..... IF I'd remembered! Pah! Isn't Jack just adorable though?! I'd like to enter this into the following challenge Pear Tree Designs - theme Stamp Something Image -Free Jack stamp from LCI (Simply Cards and Paper Craft Mag)coloured with Promarkers. Sentiment from LCI Cardstock and paper from stash Embellishments - Craftwork Cards Card Candy Hugs Susan xxx

Monday, 27 June 2011

Surprise Surprise

It wasn't raining today..... yeah, I know?! Who knew eh?! Started to try and get organised for going on holiday today. The only trouble is, I've nowhere to put the stuff that I've put to one side now. Maybe I should just start packing it in the car. At the moment it's all lying on our bed so I'll have to go and move it shortly if we want to get to bed some time this evening... The boys and I are off swimming in the morning with friends. They're looking forward to that. Well, I say that but Scott appears to have done something to his shoulder bouncing on his wee pal's trampoline. Oh, and Andy's got a sore back having lifted the old oven out of the house and removed it to the dump on Saturday. Honestly, the whole house is falling apart.... Oh, and the good news is that the wireless router arrived today so we're now connected back to to the internet and not on payg broadband :) I'm a happy bunny now. Here's a card I made on Saturday.

I'd like to enter it in the following challenge: Simply Stampin - sketch Image - Motorbike and sentiment - Stampin Up Cardstock - Baja breeze, early espresso and very vanilla - Stampin Up Paper - Elegant Soiree - Stampin Up Ink - Early Espresso - Stampin Up Embellishments - Brads from stash Hugs Susan xxx

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Soggy Sunday

What happened to the heatwave that we were supposed to be getting? Still soggy in Scotland!! The Barenaked Ladies were fantastic last night. They'd played Glastonbury on Friday night and are playing London tonight so they thought they'd fit in a gig in Glasgow. As you do, cos they're just round the corner from each other!! I guess they must just love the Glasgow audiences :D Made this card yesterday, not for any particular reason or for any particular challenge but I was playing about with a stamp I unearthed last week when I was looking for something else. I'm quite pleased with it! I'll just need to find someone to send it too now. Image - Single flower, not sure of manufacturer coloured with Promarkers, Hero Arts sentiment stamp Cardstock and paper - from stash Tools - Stampin Up Stamp-a-ma-jig Hugs Susan xxx

Saturday, 25 June 2011

Well, I survived the first day

Well, that's one day of the holidays down... only another 3098495 to go..... The sun was shining yesterday. Got some washings done. It all went horribly wrong again last night though when the rain started again and it hasn't really stopped since :( We're off to see Barenaked Ladies tonight. Looking forward to it :) Still on the payg broadband. Terrified of spending too long on the net so this is just a quick post!! This is the second of the teacher's cards. I just did the same card (more or less) for both of Craig's teachers.

Image - PB Boy (don't know what it's called), coloured with promarkers Cardstock - from stash Embellishments -Flowers from stash, card candy Tools - Big shot, SU top note die and SU lattice embossing folder If I'd had the wireless router working I would have entered it into the CPS challenge. Had loads of plans this week and cards for challenges that are half made but because of the router breaking I've not had a chance to enter them. Never mind :( Hugs. Susan xxx

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Technology - pah!

The wireless router is gubbed so I'm on a payg broadband dongle thingy... so just a quick post to let you know that I'm still here, I just can't connect. Maybe the internet holiday will make me more creative!! Susan xxx

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Christmas in June?!

Well, a Christmas blog hop at any rate. To celebrate the release of their new Christmas stamps there's a blog hop 0ver at Ladybug Crafts Ink . Fun starts 9am on 28th June!

Bleugh...

I think that about accurately sums up how I feel tonight. Been feeling crap for days now. Nothing specific, just something working on me. Thought it might have been hay fever but with all the rain today surely it can't be that?! I'm happy to report that Craig got the teacher he was expecting so he's a happy boy to be going back to Mrs Bouhadjar again next term. Scott is to get two teachers - one Monday to Thursday and the other one on a Friday. Can't believe that Primary 5 and Primary 1 are nearly over. On to today's card. This is for a girl at work for her section to give her. It's not the best photo ever but it was hard to try and get everything in as it's an easel card and I was taking the picture on my phone! The sentiment on it reads "sit back, relax and enjoy"... Image - Martini Nikki and sentiments - Ladybug Crafts Ink, coloured with Promarkers Cardstock - Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake - Stampin Up Embellishments - Card Candy - Craftwork Cards, Label ?? Nestabilities, Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon - Stamping Up Tools - Big shot, Martha Stewart punch Hugs.Susan xxx

Monday, 20 June 2011

One down, 2 to go.

of the teacher's cards that is. I've just realised that I really need to make them tonight - I'm out tomorrow, I'll have to go to bed early on Wednesday night as I'm up early on Thursday morning to go to Birmingham and I'm sure by the time I get back late on Thursday night that the last thing I'll feel like doing is making cards! So, it's going to be a looooooonnnnng night tonight! I'm just going to make Craig's 2 teacher's cards the same - I may go for a different colour scheme but we shall see. This is the one for Scott's teacher. I hope it reminds her of Scott and makes her smile when she looks at it. Very proud of both boys, the report cards are in and they've both done really well this year. Tomorrow is moving up day at school when they'll find out who their new teachers are. Craig is hoping to get the teacher he had in P1 and P3 who has since moved to P6! He'll be bitterly disappointed if he doesn't get her. I shall report back tomorrow if there have been celebrations!

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog - things with wings Image - Jack - Ladybug Crafts Ink, stamped with Memento and coloured with Promarkers, Paper Artsy - Woodgrain Cardstock - SU from stash, Bazzill from stash Embellishments - wee turtle from Doodlebug Tools - Big shot and deckled rectangle nesties Hugs. Susan xxx

Sunday, 19 June 2011

Happy Father's Day!

I've written, deleted, written again, deleted again and so on..... a post for today. I'm multi-tasking again. Andy is at swimming lessons with the boys. I've been tidying, am still mid tidying but thought I'd have a wee break, I've made a victoria sponge (although really the children should have made it as it's Daddy's favourite) and I'm just about to go and climb the ironing mountain. I may be some time. If I don't make it out alive it's been nice knowing you ;) Here's the father's day card I made for the boys to give to Andy.

If I make it back from the ironing, I'll be back later.

Susan xxx

Saturday, 18 June 2011

No cards, just me

at the wedding yesterday! Looking all pink and girly. It's a first and is unlikely to ever happen again! We all had a lovely day. The bride and groom looked wonderful and happy. The service was lovely. The minister made them take a moment during the service just to look at each other and take in the moment. It was a lovely thing to do. I remember from our wedding how things flew by in what seemed like seconds. The boys had a great time too. We were at dinner with another couple who had 2 boys similar in age to our 2 and the 4 of them had a great time running about with each other. Louise and Jonnie had thoughtfully provided all the kids at the wedding with a wee box of goodies to keep them amused during the speeches and dinner. It certainly worked - although Scott and Archie used their telescopes as swords and were having sword fights!

Back tomorrow with a card. Hugs. Susan xxx

Friday, 17 June 2011

Today's the day

If all has gone to plan this post should be appearing after 2pm which is when the wedding is due to start! I didn't want the post appearing before then just in case the bride or groom somehow managed to see the card.... daft I know but never mind! This is the second time the bride's father has done his father of the bride bit. Now here's a puzzle, he and my cousin have 2 daughters and this is the first wedding of either of their daughters......Sean gave me away when Andy and I got married in 2000! I was very grateful to Sean for stepping into the position as my own dad died in 1996, I have no brothers and my 2 remaining uncles had both passed away the year before we got married. A poisoned chalice some might say. Anyway, Sean survived and today is giving away his youngest daughter. I'm sure we're all having a lovely time by now but I'll be able to tell you more about that tomorrow. For now, here's the card for the happy couple. Hugs.Susan xxx

Thursday, 16 June 2011

It's almost time!!!

for the wedding that is! The kilts arrived today. Safely and all in one piece. I have to admit after all the phone calls yesterday I wasn't at all confident that it would all go smoothly but I was proved wrong and it did. (Yesterday they phoned to say that they didn't have a shirt for Scott - well they could give me one for a 2 year old but as he's 6 I thought that might be a bit on the snug side. Anyway, the woman sorted it out and one arrived shortly after the kilts did). I think we're all set. Maybe! Fingers crossed for a lovely day weatherwise. As we're staying overnight tomorrow and Scott has a birthday party at his friend's house on Saturday afternoon I've had to do a card tonight for the birthday boy. And here it is! I've used my new stamp "Karate" from LotV. Last night Andy presented me with 2 new LotV stamps, this one and "Abracadabra". He's not a bad old stick sometimes ;)

I'd like to enter the card in the following challenge: Papertake Weekly - Dads and Lads Image - Karate from LotV stamped with Memento and coloured with Promarkers, sentiments from Ladybug Crafts Ink Cardstock - from stash Embellishments - First Steps Sizzlit alphabet Tools - Big Shot I have scheduled a post for tomorrow when we're at the wedding so fingers crossed it works ok. I shall speak to you again on Saturday :) Hugs. Susan xxx

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Tuesday again

I swear it comes round quicker every week! Never mind, I've got a short week this week (off for the wedding on Friday) and then a short week the following week (kids finish school for 7 weeks, yes, 7 weeks, count them.... no, on second thoughts don't. It's too depressing!!) Looking forward to the family wedding on Friday. My cousin's younger daughter is getting married. The wedding is in South Queensferry following by the reception in Uphall. We've booked the Travelodge in Livingston for the night so we can just get a taxi too and from the reception. Scott is very much looking forward to wearing his kilt! The other two however, are not. Never mind! At least 1 of the 3 of them will be happy ;) Got so many cards to make this week. Haven't managed to do any of them yet. Been too busy entering challenges! So the challenge for tomorrow night is to at least get a wedding card made and a birthday card made for the party that Scott is going to on Saturday afternoon! Made this wee card yesterday. It did have 3 wee blue gems on it but one appears to have disappeared overnight. The stamp came free with a Docrafts mag and I've stamped him in Stampin Up Basic Grey ink and coloured him with a grey promarker or copic (I can't remember which I used!).

Anyway, I'm going off to bed shortly and have things to do before I get there (not least move stuff off the bed before I can actually get in it!!) Image - Tatty Teddy - Docrafts Cardstock - from stash Ink - Stampin Up Basic Grey Embellishments - 2 Blue gems, ribbon from stash Thanks for looking. Hugs Susan xxx

Child labour

Scott went round to play at his friend's after school yesterday. Craig played his ds for a wee while and then I told him to come off and made him help me reorganise my scrap paper, card and ribbon into this wee set of drawers I got in Asda a few weeks ago! All the paper/card/ribbons are now in colour groups so, in theory, it should be easier to find stuff. In theory like. Maybe not in practice! Did find some ribbon that I'd forgotten I had which is perfect for my canvas and it was my intention to do it last night when I came back from visiting some of the folks in my district. However, I went out at 6.45 and returned at 9.45 so I didn't bother doing any crafting. The beautifully reorganised set of drawers :) Hugs.

Susan xxx

Monday, 13 June 2011

I don't want to alarm anyone

but there is a round object in the sky. Not sure what it is. Could it be the sun? Sadly it's out too late for the fun day to have survived. It was postponed late last night and we're trying again for Thursday. Sadly I'll be at work then so won't be able to help out. Gutted. I was looking forward to testing out all the bouncy castles before the kids got a go. Just in the interests of research you understand. Anyway, onto to today's card. I love this wee image from LoTV. I'd coloured him in a while ago but he made it onto a card last night and I stuck it all down today.

I'd like to enter the card in the following challenges. Passion for Promarkers - colour theme blue and brown

Lili of the Valley - anything goes

Paperplay Challenges - man's card Cupcake Crafts - boy oh boy oh boy Image - Lili of the Valley Cardstock and paper from stash Ink - Image stamped with Memento, coloured with Promarkers SU - Soft Suede round the edge of the image Embellishments - Buttons from stash and SU linen twine Hugs. Susan xxx

Sunday, 12 June 2011

Stuck for a title....

Sorry, couldn't think of anything more exciting for a blog title today! Hope you've all had a good weekend. Craig said tonight "that weekend went awful fast" lol. He's only 9, I don't like to break the news that it will only get worse! Went to Damselfly Crafts on Great Western Road yesterday. Caught up with Cass and Lorraine and did a wee workshop with Lorraine creating a canvas which I've not quite put the finishing touches to yet so I'm not ready to share! Sandra and I had a lovely walk through the park yesterday after getting off the bus and then while we were in the shop the heavens opened!! I'm so glad that Andy took the washing in before it started so the 20938984 washings that were out were mainly dry. Finished the card I was creating the other night and am full of plans to go back and finish another one that's half done before the night is through. However, I'm now sitting multi-tasking (watching Case Histories) again so it may not happen! Photo isn't very good but you get the general idea.

I'd like to enter the card in the following challenges Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - Male theme I Love Promarkers - Sketch

The school is supposed to be having a fun day tomorrow with lots of bouncy castle type things in the playground. I hope the weather improves as there will be a lot of disappointed children if it doesn't take place. Hugs Susan xxx

Saturday, 11 June 2011

Testing...

Signed up for the NetworkBlogs app on Facebook. Just wanted to see if this works.... Susan xxx

Thursday, 9 June 2011

No second wind

sadly. Was supposed to be out tonight at a Pampered Chef party. Was really looking forward to it but I'm so tired I just couldn't bring myself to go :( I've decided I'm going to bed shortly! Just after the kids go lol!! Hugs Susan xxx

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Multi tasking...

I'm doing this while watching The Apprentice, which isn't as funny since Vincent got the boot last week! This is the second of last night's 2 cards. It's a card of firsts for me - first time I've used 2 stamps and masked one off so that Tatty Button is standing in front of the toadstool. It's also the first time I've chalked the background. I'm not sure you can see it on the photo properly but I'm quite pleased with the effect. In fact, I was so pleased with it I also chalked the background of another image I coloured in last night - the paper for which has been picked but it hasn't made it to a finished card yet. When it does it will be for this week's TLT Challenge! This second card was sent to me in an RAK by Vicky - I'm part of a Facebook Sugar Nellies group and Karen McIver started an RAK thread and some of us took part - we sent some stash to the next person on the list. Vicky sent me mine. It was lovely to receive a wee parcel in the post!! As you can see she's used the Winking Student from Funkykits. I think she's fab and she may have to go on my shopping list sometime soon :)

Hopeful of doing some more crafting after the Apprentice but before I turn in. I'm still waiting on my second wind though....

Hugs.

Susan xxx

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

I hate Tuesday nights!

because for me they're like Sunday nights - it's the day before I start my working week :( And it's a long week this week lol. 3 days. How will I cope?! Only 2 days next week though as we've a family wedding on the Friday. However, I've been quite productive this evening. I've made 2 cards (so far, the night is young). The first of which is below. I'll post the second one tomorrow. I've made this using the Plane & Simple set from Stampin Up. I really love this set - one of my faves from the current Stampin Up Mini.

I tried to be all arty farty and take a couple of closer photos but for some reason blogger won't let me upload them so I'm afraid I'll just have to make do with this shot!

I'd like to enter the card in the following challenges -

Charisma Cardz - something that flies

Cards & Things - Sketch

Thanks for looking.

Hugs.

Susan xxx

Really I should be busy with housework

but maybe the housework fairies will start working soon...... Although to be honest, I fear it's unlikely :( After I'd made the 10 cards for my swap last night I was in the mood for another so here it is! The Facebook SN challenge this week was monochrome. I found the acetate sentiment and it made me laugh at the thought of putting it on the card with this little madam but I think it works quite well.

Enough from me just now, I'm going to tidy (or something else equally constructive.....)

Hugs.Susan xxx

Monday, 6 June 2011

Oooh forgot to ask

Did you watch the Doctor on Saturday?! Wasn't it fab? Can't wait for the next part of the series in the Autumn. I just {heart} Rory, I think he makes a great assistant and I have to be honest I much prefer him to Amy Pond! I won't spoil things for you in case you haven't seen it yet and are intending to watch :) The husband has just got up again to ask when was the last time I saw his book. Mmmm, shouldn't you know where it is dear, lol?!? Anyway, started these cards earlier when Yvonne and Sandra were round. They're for a swap on ILWS using our fave Stampin Up set - I picked Vintage Vogue and tbh I'm not sure why now. It was really tough and I'm kinda wishing that I went with a similar theme to the swaps I did for the Regional training back in March. Never mind, they're done now. I've done 10 the same and I'll post them off tomorrow. The photo isn't the best but you get the idea of what it looks like.

Right, this week I'm going to get the cards done that need doing and I'm going to enter a few challenges - and my own personal challenge is to make a Christmas card!!! No idea why, just decided that a few minutes ago.

Hugs.

Susan xxx

Right....

Back from a Parent Council meeting and have now had a cuppa. Going off to the dining room to do a spot of crafting :) Hopefully back later. Hugs Susan xxx

Sunday, 5 June 2011

Feeling a bit flat

after all the frenzied activity and the visit of Andy's brother and his wife. They've gone now - away through to Edinburgh to see Andy's other brother. The house seems very quiet now (well, as quiet as it can be with a 9 year old and a 6 year old) I'm hopeful of getting some crafting done later - all this enforced lay off has kinda put me in the mood to create something later - and I have sooo much I need to do. We went in to Glasgow yesterday. Grant and Anne treated us all to lunch and then took the kids to Hamleys and bought them a game each. 2 happy boys. And look who they came across while they were in Hamleys! A photo just had to be taken :) Hugs Susan xxx

Friday, 3 June 2011

Just a quickie

Guests have arrived and have now been installed in the spare room. I've had to put my crafting stuff away so no crafting till Sunday for me :( Susan xx

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Phew

Don't know about the birthday boy but I'm knackered!! All this tidying/birthday preparations have taken their toll. Shouldn't have bothered with the tidying though - the living room is now full of presents and bags filled with ripped off wrapping paper. Ah well, I'll pick it all up tomorrow. Watching the Apprentice now. There are a lot of very stupid people on it! Thinking I might just go and get my pjs on and go and do some cards. Or not maybe. Maybe I'll just have an early night. Hugs. Susan xxx

So sweet

Had to wake the Scott up this morning! Yeah, I was surprised too! I whispered "Hello Birthday Boy" in his ear. He kind of opened one eye, then both and gave me a big smile and said "I'm really 6" "I'm really really 6" and then jumped out of bed, hugged me and woke Craig up and said "Craig, I'm 6". Bless him, he's really excited. Just getting ready to go and get them from school. Time to open some more presents and then off to the Big Adventure for the party :) Hugs Susan xxx

Happy Christmas!

Well this is exciting, this is my very first post as a member of the DT at Lili of the Valley ! And to start with I'm using a couple of ...