Sneak peak & a question!

Wanted to share a sneak peak with you! It's my 1st attempt at gungepaper roses! I don't have a sizzix or cutting machine but made a template by hand & worked from that. Ooooh, my fingers are soooo inky today! hehe.

sneak peak!

I'm still on daily hospital visiting duties & can't see things changing much over the next few weeks. Not much sign of Christmas around here at the mo & no time for crafting or blogging or visiting my fabby Bubblie friends or blog hopping :-( but you are all in my thoughts. I'm dashing off to the hospital now but wanted to show you my roses! I've got my new challenge ready for Something Completely Different tomorrow so that's why I'm here.

Look what I picked up in town this morning from a charity shop for £2! I loves 'em. :-D



I've placed a little ink pad next to them so you can see how big they are...I don't know anything about them, where they were made or anything. Would be lovely if you could tell me something about them. Awe, they've put a smile on my face. I'm having problems with my dad's bank & finding him somewhere to live besides. I've been given a lot of wrong info & spent over an hour making phone calls. :-( why can't some people do their job properly...ooh, I'm turning into a moaner on my blog!!

(a close up! you can see they are glazed. Do you think I should name them! They need a wash me thinks! I think I've got a bargin tho. Not sure what DH will say...well, I do actually....not more junk!) Just wondering do you think I should paint the wooden case?

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Hopefully, I can upload my tags over the weekend. Hope everyone's preparations for Christmas are going well. Gez.xx

12 Tags of Christmas

I've been playing along with the challenges set over on Tim Holtz blog. Altho, I am missing a lot of the products needed I have had great fun using what I have at home. Here are my next 2 tags in the series.

Tag 7.

I had great fun trying the technique suggested which is a resist technique. A bit scarey adding paint to a rubber stamp 1st but I cleaned it straight away afterwards. I've used Distress Inks to colour a white cardstock tag & the stamp is from Paper Artsy.

On my 1st attempt I made a mask as required & even added a couple of different stamps for the background but the paint dabber I had used was a new one & when the resist technique didn't work quite right I realised the dabber needing the lid taking off & mixing properly as it didn't really work out.

So, on my 2nd attempt I used the background that is on the stamp (it was after midnight!!) but the masking technique did work!

Tag 8.

This tag was great fun to make... in fact, I have enjoyed making every tag. I am going to make myself a BIA book to store all my tags in & the materials required & pockets for the instructions.

I embossed the lampost but I'm not sure it shows up in the photo & used Copic pens for colouring.

Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Something Completely Different

It's tag time again over at Something Completely Different today & fabulous talented crafter Laura has chosen this weeks theme...

...Party girl.

click to enlarge.

I don't have any girlie stamps...... yet! (I really NEED to add a Stampotique to my ever growing wish list!) so I used a gorgeous little girlie from Lisa's Altered Art. I just love her expressions!

I love the background made from white cardstock & quite impressed myself with it's out come! I've used Distress Inks & a couple of gorgeous stamps from Magnolia & Paper Artsy.

Thanks for looking. Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Love Gez.xx

12 Tags of Christmas

I have 2 more tags to share with you. I have had so much fun practising 'new' too me techniques & altho I feel sad at not having the right products (most of the time!) half the fun has been the challenge of being resourceful & coming up with a totally original interpretation. I didn't think I could play along because I didn't have the right products. At least I know now what I hope to find in my stocking on Christmas Day!

Tag 5.

click to enlarge

Everyday I think oooh this is my favourite tag until the next day comes along & it's time to make a new tag! & then I have a new favourite. This tag I really do love....but then I madly love Tag 6 (below!) oh, the trouble with being a Gemini!!

I stamped the branches at the top with Pine needles Distress Ink & clear embossed because I could do it the right way! The writing background stamp is from Crafty Individuals..ooh, should have said the branches stamp is from Creative Expressions & my gorgeous doodly stamp is from....wait for it.......... all my Magnolia 'dis-liking' friends! yep, it's from Magnolia! & I love it to bits! .... small things!

The stamped images on my baubles are from Paper Artsy! what a mixture! :-D



Oooh, the gorgeous gold lace was a RAK from super talented crafter & very dear friend Karen.

I keep remembering things... the sentiments stamp is from Creative Expressions too.

Tag 6.

Now, this is my favourite tag! Background writing stamp from Paper Artsy, sentiment Creative Expressions & doodly swirl... Magnolia - girls!!

My car is cut from a sheet of Graphic 45 paper. Ooh, the fir tree is a Creative Expressions stamp.

I actually had to work with my tag the other way around to the original tag as my car is pointing the opposite direction!

Thank you for stopping by my blog & looking at my 2 tags. It's been great fun making the tags so far altho I am totally stumped for tag 10 as I have no metal foil. :-( Something to think about when I can't sleep!

If you would like to pop over to Artyjen's blog you will see a splinter group in the left hand column with very inspirational blogs for you to visit.

Have a lovely day. Love Gez.xx

12 Tags of Christmas

Well, Day 3 & 4 for me! I'm only 3 behind really. Unfortunately, I've no computer time at the moment & I shouldn't be here now! yikes, is that the time...

Tag 3.

I only own 1 alcohol ink so I used dye ink on glossy cardstock & really like the result. My trees are a stamp from Creative Expressions. Tim Holtz disc & pin. Other bits & bobs from my craft box.

T!m Holtz likes to show a close up so here is mine! not sure it's a good idea actually!!

Tag 4.

The background stamp is from Paper Artsy. The tiny image is a Creative Expressions stamp. The metal snowflake charm is from the Craft Den. Beads etc, from my craft box & the little square I've put my tiny stamped image on is a RAK from Net & I've used Distress Inks for colouring my tag.

I did make a tiny snowglobe but it actually wasn't big enough! I will take a photo next time. No close up photo either! need to take another one this one turned out fuzzy...

Better get ready for hospital visiting. Bye for now. Thank You for everyone's lovely comments. Hugs Gez.xx

12 Tags of Christmas

Well, first two actually with number 3 drying! I am only a very beginner in the world of all things inky. I've had a little dabble & had so much fun & quite lost track of time! I started making my 1st tag on Saturday morning & couldn't understand why the kids wanted lunch till I saw the time...sshh, I knew really! & then we ended up being late at the hospital to visit my dad!

Luckily, my dad didn't mind he already had 3 visitors there, oh, why? couldn't someone had told me & I could have had a day off & stopped home & played. :-D

As lots of you know over on T!m Holtz blog. T!m is already onto his 6th tag - yummy! I have had so much fun trying out some wonderful new techniques. I really didn't think I could play as I don't own a lot of Ranger products or stamps - yet!

After visiting Artyjen & a few other blogs I soon realised I could still play & use what products I've got at home. It's actually been great fun seeing what products I can adapt for the tags.

Tag 1

click to enlarge

I have used Distress Ink pads for the background & Rock Candy crackle paint from the Craft Den. The stamps are from Creative Expressions & a gorgeous Tando chippie from Bubbly Funk's October monthly kit (me thinks?) I covered the chippie in gesso & then a coat of Rangers Pearl dabber. I have used a thin layer of stay white glue for the icicles at the top of my tag & a coat of crystal Stickles on top. I didn't have the correct embossing powders so I stamped in black ink & embossed in clear...instead of the other way round!

I would definately have another go at making this tag again it was so much fun.

Here is my adapted tag for Day 2.


click to enlarge

The sentiment stamp is from Creative Expressions. My frame is a couple of different stamps, stamped together. My little rose is good old inside out tomato puree tube! & the gorgeous leaves I've inked were a RAK from Net.



Tag 3 is made but I'm waiting for something to come in the post that my DH won off ebay. :-D. Will be stalking the postie this week.

Thanks for looking. I know they aren't brilliant tags I had so much fun tho & I hope blogging them inspires other crafters to have a go too. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Fantastic NEWS!

I've just heard some absolutely fantastic news. A dear friend & crafter has the most exciting news on her blog.

Artyjen
has been voted
Craft Stamper 2009.


WOOHOO......

I have always admired Artyjen's creations since the first time I visited her blog & her interpretation of the 12 Tags of Christmas are absolutely stunning.

Especially wish you were nearer today hun.xxx

Journal Your Christmas - Day 5

It is lovely receiving an email first thing in the morning with the day's class attached. Today Shimelle has set the topic - Advent.

..... day 5.

I have used this years page to record 25 things my two older children love about Christmas & have included their thoughts on a tag.

Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Magnolia magazine

I've finally started making some Christmas cards tonight. I haven't have much time for anything apart from visiting my dad in hospital. Time is ticking & so far tonight I've folded the card to make 15 stair step cards...phew! my arm is hurting! I've no scoring board... with not being a card maker!lol... think I might need Santa to slip one in my stocking!

I thought I'd have a little break & popped on my blog to check out my blog list & noticed Lynne from the Craft Den has blogged some interesting news! ..... Lynne is taking reservations for the next Magnolia magazine due out in February 2010. I will definately be reserving a copy!

The photo below is of the 1st magazine which I had on pre-order in October & was lucky enough to receive it on the release date. These are also available from the Craft Den.

click to enlarge...

I love my copy!

Lynne also has some wonderful Blogoversary candy on offer too.
........ so, what are you waiting for!

Journal Your Christmas - Day 4

How fitting today's topic in class is 'perfection'...... It's a special day in our house today. My hubby is celebrating his birthday today & I have a cake to make!

Happy Birthday Mr B.... X X X

I know someone else celebrating their birthday today...... Gorgeous Deanne.

Happy Birthday honey.XXX

My Christmas journal is going to be a record for the future...... to look back on & reminisce. A record of what is important to me right now...... Christmas 2009. Last year when I thought about this topic I chose to record my 'perfect' chocolate box house (& that hasn't changed) see here. I am not planning to record the same things 2 years running. So I have chosen to think about my 3 precious angels today.

....Day 4.

(sorry, but I smudged their names before I uploaded to my blog.)

Thank you for looking. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Gez.xx

Journal Your Christmas - Day 3

Today in class we have been thinking about cards. Here is my page....

Day 3.

I have kept my page simple & included a handmade card. I am planning on lots of secret journalling this year & have included a tag on this page. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Journal Your Christmas - Day 2

Behind already! not really. I am finding it soooooo difficult to find time to blog at the moment. The days just aren't long enough. Here is my Day 2 for Shimelle's Christmas class.

Today's topic was the weather. I remember journalling this page last year (here) & having been praying for snow so we could build another snowman but all we've had for days is rain.

Here is my page for this year's journal.

Day 2.

Thank you for looking. Gez.xx

Something Completely Different

It's time for a new challenge over at Something Completely Different. We have a new challenge for December - tags! & our theme for this week has been set by Dawn. Dawn's theme is Marilyn Monroe.

Here is my tag.....

The Design Team have created some beautiful tags. It would be lovely if you have time to join us. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry, for not being around much lately. Daily hospital trips are taking up much of my time at the moment. Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Hugs Gez.xx

Journal Your Christmas - Day 1

As today is the 1st December 2009 that can only mean one thing in my little world! It's time for Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas.

On the 1st day Shimelle likes us to think about a manifest, a commitment or a dedication. Here is.....

................ my dedication.

I have used some gorgeous Bo Bunny papers not Christmassy at all! & added some pearl droplets using my Viva Pearl Pen available from the Craft Den. I've added a Magnolia image. I love the little cake in her hands.

My mum always had some home baking waiting for us when we called at her house & this image kind of looks welcoming - to my journal.

Front cover.

My cover is 6x6. I found this size worked for LSNED in September although I did fancy trying 6x12 but had cut my mount board before I remembered! Anyhoo...

I have used a sheet of Basic Grey for the background, Doodlebugs alphas left over from a CJ project some K&Co offcuts. A gorgeous image from Lisa's Altered Art & some gorgeous gold lace which was a RAK from Karen aren't I lucky! :-D

Well off to a good start! Thanks for looking. Love Gez.xx

Something Completely Different

It's time for a new challenge over at Something Completely Different & our lovely & talented Carol has chosen the last theme for this month's Christmas cards....

Red & Gold with a snowman.

I've had so much fun making this card. Thank You Carol for giving me the nudge I needed this week! My first attempt at an easel card. (I made Tracey's card at the same time! see post below!) I am so impressed I managed to 'suss' this out! It's so simple to make them any size as well.

I've used a sketch this week from Kathy's Waffle Sketch File. Kathy is a very talented designer & has some gorgeous creations over at Bubbly Scrumptious.

....side view.

I've coloured my snowman with Distress Inks another 1st for me. The papers are from Making Memories. Ribbon & blooms from my craft box & a couple of gorgeous pins from the Craft Den.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. Take care. Gez.xx

Have you heard the news!

Great news Tim Holtz is doing his 12 Tags of Christmas again!!! Starting on the 1st December. Lots of prizes will be up for grabs.

What a treat!

Happy Birthday Tracey..xx

I am very lucky to have made some very special friends over on the Bubbly Funk forum & one very special Bubblie celebrated her birthday today! Here is my card I've made for Tracey. My 1st attempt at an easel card. Well this Bubblie is worth it. :-)

I've used a fabulous sketch from Kathy's Sketch File & some gorgeous Basic Grey papers. The stitching is in silver thread but it hasn't shown up too nicely this time of year with the lighting etc., :-(

I've used a gorgeous little doodly swirl stamp as I know Tracey loves doodling. :-)

Hope you have a lovely Birthday Tracey...xx

Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Thank You....XXX

to everyone.xx I have received lots of lovely messages, comments & emails this week. It has been a very worrying time for me as my father has had to undergo a major operation to save his life. I believe in the power of prayer & it has been so kind of everyone to leave me touching comments on my blog. I don't have any brothers or sisters & life can feel quite lonely at times but I have made some wonderful friends here in Blogland.

I am sorry I haven't been able to blog hop lately & leave comments. The days & nights have all just disappeared. Just hoping my hubby & children aren't feeling too neglected. It's been a worrying time for us all. I saw my dad this afternoon & he has come through his operation on Saturday very well indeed. I know it is early days & he has a very long way to go to get his life back to a new kind of normal again but he has made a remarkable start so far & I am very proud of him. :-D

I've had little time to blog hop & even less time to craft. I did however receive some lovely images as a RAK from a very talented crafter & just 'had' to have a play with my Copic pens. :-D

I am proud to be able to say I have made this card using Lyn's fabulous sketch that she has drawn for Quirky Crafts forum for our new challenge this week. Here is.....

...... Lyn's sketch.

...my card.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my little blog. I really hope to catch up with everyone's fabby creations soon. Wishing everyone a lovely week & Thank You for everyone's kind words of support. They have all meant so me too me. Love Gez.xx

I won some Blog Candy!

OoOooh....look what I won! Isn't it stunning & it's much, much more than I expected! An original, framed too. I was speechless when this came through the letter box the other day.

..... Blog candy.

...click to enlarge.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Linda XXXX

Something Completely Different

Goodness me, it's Friday again! & that means a new challenge over at Something Completely Different. We've had a lovely response to our month of cards....Thank You.xx We've another card to share with you this week. Ang picked our theme which is blue with a white snowflake. Here is.....

.....my card.

I've used a gorgeous new stamp from the Craft Den by Crafty Individuals. I stamped the image onto white cardstock & used Distress Inks to colour the background.


The gorgeous pins & Martha Stewart snowflake punch are also available from the Craft Den.

Thank you for looking. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend & thank you for everyone's lovely blog comments & support through this difficult time for me & my family. Love Gez.xx

Oh deer!

I could get myself in a right mess here! Especially as I've had some bad news this afternoon but I might not be around much this next week. My Dad is very poorly. :-(

I very much would like to pass on some awards & apologise for not getting round to it sooner.

I wanted to share this little picture I made last night. I am soooooo sooooo pleased with it. :-D Can you tell! It's probably no big deal to others but I haven't been getting along with my cut&dry foam & Distress Inks but with the help of two special people I think I've sussed it!!

I have used some fabulous stamps from Creative Expressions & given some wonderful advice from both Sheena Douglass on how to hold the cut&dry foam & Lindsay Mason whose work I fell in love with as soon as I saw it. I must remember I have an ATC in my bag for the next time I see Lindsay!

Without further a do! I will pass on these awards.

The first award is from Leigh & I think I've to name 5 facts about myself you might not know about!

1.) I love bacon subs from Subway on cheese & herby bread with lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, green peppers & southwest sauce!

2.) I'm planning to do Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas 2009.

3.) I love to eat raw sprouts

4.) I have a character on Animal Crossing WII game called Boo! & I find her money rock everyday!

5.) I'm knitting a red (his favourite colour!) cardigan for Tom & have made the right front wrong!

Phew!

I'd like to pass this award on to......

Carolyn at Love Stitching Red. Carolyn's work is simply stunning. I love everything about Carolyn's work & her blog is just awesome. I am very lucky indeed to call Carolyn my friend. Please call on Carolyn's blog I am sure you will come away with a wonderful feeling of calm. I know I feel much more at peace with the world after stopping by. :-)

Fiona at Lil Daffodil. All of Fiona's creations are totally gorgeous & I enjoy every visit to Fiona's blog.

Margaret at My Crafting Chaos. Another inspirational blog. Margaret has a very creative blog.

Cheryl at Cheryl's Creative ATc's & Cards. I am in awe every time I visit Cheryl's blog. Cheryl's creations are all fabulous.

Lyn at Spyder's Corner. Another awesome blog. I love popping by. Lyn's creations are fabby too & always a good read.

I'd like to also pass this award onto all the DT members of the Quirky Craft's forum, Deanne, Anne, Julia, Lyn again!, Cazzy, Fe-Fe I haven't been able to fully commit just lately & they have been very kind letting me stay. Thank You Team.xxx

~♥~

This lovely award came from two crafter's Cheryl at Cheryl's creative Atc's & cards & Adele at Craftucrazy in South Africa.

I have 5 things to share about myself so I can pass it on to 7 super duper blogs....

1.) I love all things pink!
2.) I taught myself to crochet.
3.) I sing nursery rhymes in French to Tom!
4.) I love Yankee candles & always have a candle lit somewhere in the house.
5.) I like to grow my own veggies.
6.) I love playing on Mario Kart WII to chill out altho playing on WiFi gets me worked up!!
7.) I love soaking in the bath & have been known to fall asleep!

& the blogs I would like to pass this award on to are.....

Laura at As Happy As...
Junie at Juniejo Cards
Anesha at Crafting Queen
Artyjen at Artyjen
Sue at Sue's Snippits
Kathy at Kathy's Waffle
Clare at Glitterface-creations
Jo at Kinglake's Crafts
Linnie at Cute Daisy May & all the Wonderful talented Design Team members.

~♥~

I am privileged to receive this award from Fiona at Lil Daffodil. In order to pass on this award I have to think of 5 facts about myself....

1.) I like to sleep with the light on (not sure if it helps with the night terrors.)
2.) I had a fabulous time making a Christmas card with Sheena Douglass.
3.) Hoping to book a place on Lindsay Mason's class making fairy doors. (Must remember to ring tomorrow.)
4.) Won a most fabulous piece of art from a fellow blogger.
5.) Lost my scarf somewhere. :-(

I would like to pass this award on to.....

Joanne at Ambrosia and Iron
Net at Caique-momma
Tracy at Crafty me!
Hazel at My crafty outlook
Dawn at Crafty Ramblings
Humel at I Speak Melsh
Lynne at the Craft Den & the Design Team... Ann, Chanelle, Jo, Kathyrn, Sandra & Sue

~♥~

I am delighted to receive this gorgeous award from Lyn at Spyder's Corner. Thank You Lyn.xx

The 6 blogs I would like to pass this on to are.....

Lindsay at Lindsay Mason
Rleen at Precious Angels Creations
Fiona at Lil Daffodil
Linda at Liveart
Meikoningin at Creations-Blog
Melody at Melz Scrappy Junk
Rosie at Freycob

I am so very lucky to visit all these wonderful blogs & more besides. If your blog is in either of my side bars you are more than welcome to take any of these awards & link back please. Thank You. Gez.xx

I'm just looking at the clock at it say 01:22am! I really, really must go to bed & I am sorry I haven't time to call at everyone's blogs right now....but will call tomorrow...so I hope it's a nice surprise if you are calling in the mean time! Take care. Love Gez.xx

Star book

I am so excited to share this book with you! I first heard of star books months & months ago when a super talented crafter Tracy mentioned on the Bubbly Funk forum that she had made a couple & had received orders for more & there the seed was planted! I dug out an old copy of Craft Stamper from last year & followed their instructions to make a mini star book.

My children & hubby are always my first critics & so I ask for opinions & everyone thought the mini star book was fabulous. My little guy has spent the last two days sitting there just opening & closing the little book saying....look star! & putting it on his head! I knew straight away I wanted to make one for him & so here is Tom's star book that I wanted to share with you.

Gosh! these things are difficult to photograph! Thinking that it might be I took some photos in advance before I assembled the book. Here are the pages...

I have left space for some Christmas photos to fit into Tom's book after Christmas so it will be a nice keepsake for him.

Here is the completed Star Book.

I played about with the measurements until I was happy & used the gorgeous September monthly main Colourful kit from Bubbly Funk. The papers are perfect! I have kept to a simple theme & stayed away from embellishments other than paper ones so they don't pose a choking hazzard for my little guy. I am sure this little book is going to get put through it's paces & have to say I was quite impressed with how sturdy the book is once it was assembled.

I'd like to say a special Thank You to Kathy too for always being a great source of inspiration. Kathy's books are awesome. I can't wait to try Kathy's Christmas Pocket Book all I need is some........time!

I had so much fun making this book & can't wait to make a different one. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Awards

Oooh, I have been so lucky to receive another couple of awards this week. A special Thank You to Cheryl for this one. I love to visit Cheryl's blog & see her wonderful creations. Thank You for this award Cheryl & for making my trip around Blogland a more pleasant one.xx




I got a lovely surprise earlier on in the week from another gifted crafter Net. This gorgeous award. Net has a lot to answer for!! (er...... introducing me to Copics!) & her blog is always a great source of inspiration. Thank You Net for thinking of me. This award is super.

Now just to think of some answers to a few questions so here goes!


1. Where is your cell phone? not got a clue until it rings or beeps & then it's a mad scrabble to find it!

2. Your hair? hard work! mousey brown :-( ....... which I try & hide!

3. Your mother? gone to the stars ........ so we tell Tom & we talk to her everyday. :-)

4. Your father? in hospital :-(

5. Your favourite food? got to be Singapore fried rice

6. Your dream last night? I'm never in bed longer enough to hit REM sleep so no dreams for me although I do suffer from night terrors & quite often jump out of bed!

7. Your favourite drink? strawberry milkshake

8. Your dream/goal? to see my children grow into happy, healthy adults that can change a plug & make pastry. My dream was always to go to Everest base camp. :-) I know it's supposed to be a toilet but hey to say you've stood there & looked at Everest sounds awesome to me. :-D I suppose in a way I've had my dream... my 3 children & to stand inside the Eiger, Switzerland. :-D (If you look carefully at the photo in the link you can see a large area of snow fairly near the top, well, just there are glass windows that you can look out of! & where Clint Eastwood was in???? a film called The Eigar Sanction - I think!) I'm waffling - sorry! Just noticed in the link the photo of the 3 mountains in the photograph at the bottom of the page I'm tempted to tell you some more waffle but that little voice in my head is telling me to shut up!!!!

9. What room are you in? Lounge

10. Your hobby? all things crafty.... being a Gemini I love to try new things.

11. Your fear? worms! (quite often the reason I jump out of bed in the night...thinking the duvet is turf & I'm underneath it! oh & bees....for the same reason!

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? by the sea would be lovely :-)

13. Where were you last night? home as I was too ill to visit my father in hospital

14. Something that you aren't? thin :-( ...... my baby fat won't shift!

15. Muffins? blueberry yum!

16. Wish list item? bigger house

17. Where did you grow up? Accy

18. Last thing you did? made a Star Book (to be blogged when I get decent light tomorrow!)

19. What are you wearing? oooh, the temptation to say some silly answers!!! ...... house clothes

20. Your TV? aggrivates me. I wouldn't own one if I lived alone.

21. Your pets? one very old bordie collie nearly 17 next March called Glenn & one goldfish. We have the odd stray cat that visits us which is lovely. We've had gerbils & hamsters in the past but I always end up cleaning the cage so I'm having a break!

22. Friends? I've met some wonderful people in Blogland & on the Bubbly Funk forum. I've had a difficult two years & these wonderful crafters have carried me through my grief probably without realising half the time. THANK YOU.XXXX

23. Your life? a learning curve full of adventure

24. Your mood? being a Gemini it changes every few minutes!

25. Missing someone? my very special mum

26. Vehicle? Blue Silvercross sleepover pram £550.... I wouldn't have been able to afford it without the help of my mum sadly she only ever pushed it once when she was in remission from cancer. It kept her going & she would say I have to walk again to the nurses I've got some pram pushing to do. :-)

27. Something you're not wearing? earings

28. Your favourite store? how can I choose just one? can it not be stores?? if so I would choose Oswaldtwisle Mills, Stockleys Sweets, Early Learning Centre, Mothercare & not forgetting Subway - yum!

29. Your favourite colour? lilac (hence, my very gorgeous blog header designed by my talented DD.)

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? today

32. Your best friend? Tom

33. One place that I go over and over? school!

34. Facebook? nope

35. Favourite place to eat? The Hapton Inn.

Phew! done! one question Net how can you not wear socks. You're making me freeze just thinking about it! Hope you like my answers.

Think I should pass this one on now before I forget! & I hope everyone has time to play along. Kaz...just copy & paste ;-)

I'm passing this award on to......

Janice at Serial Crafter
Deanne atQuirky Boots
Karen at Karen's Carry Ons
Kaz at Slightly Wonky Crafts
Tracey at Searching my art
Carol at Krafty Pieces

I really hope to pass all the other awards I been kindly given on in the next couple of days. Thank You to everyone for taking the time to visit my blog & for finding the time to leave a comment.

Wishing everyone a super weekend. Gez.xx

Circle Journal

It's getting exciting over on the Bubbly Funk forum as the Circle Journals return home to their owner's. It was way back towards the end of January that our books started their crafty journey. I know I can blog the pages I have made for Suzie as I've had an email this morning saying Suzie has got her pages back.

Circle of Darkness CJ

Great theme Suzie. Thanks for letting me play.xx

Something Completely Different

It's time for a new challenge over at Something Completely Different this week & I hope I will be forgiven for throwing the colour pink in with the new theme! Here is....

....my card.

I have used some gorgeous papers from Blonde Moments available HERE from the Craft Den & I've glitzed the card by adding some Glamour Dust. Unfortunately, the camera doesn't pick up the sparkle very well. I layered my card onto Pink Bazzill cardstock.

Sorry for not blog hopping this week or passing on any awards. Just a bit chaotic here! & just for good measure as tho things weren't hard work enough I started with tonsilitis a few days ago!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Awards

Oooh I have been so lucky these past few weeks to have been given some beautiful awards. It's time I put them on my blog as I don't want anyone thinking I am ungrateful. It's just life ain't being right fair to me at the moment!

My DD ended up in hospital with Swine Flu & was so poorly I daren't think about it. Then my hubby caught it weeks later not from DD she wasn't contagious > by this time. Luckily, he wasn't half as poorly as DD but even so to watch this virus bring a grown man down was scary to watch. He still has a cough weeks later. It seems to be the chest infection that follows the fever that is the troublesome bit.

Just under 2 weeks ago my father was rushed into hospital & unfortunately, had part of his right foot amputated due to gangrene & so the daily hospital trips began & cleaning his house, my mum passed away suddenly last year so that only leaves me now. Big responsibility, am I ready for this? Any hoo.....

To help brighten my days & without these lovely crafter's realising they sent me some beautiful awards. I really, really appreciate everyone's comments & thank you to everyone who is following my blog.... that really makes me smile. I am very, very lucky to be surrounded by so many talented, kind & thoughtful crafters. Gez.xx

My 1st award I received weeks ago from a crafter I respect & admire & still can't believe she sent it too me is from Creations-Blog.


This is just so beautiful! Oooh, Thank You Meikoningin for your lovely email & award.XXX

~♥~

This award has been sent to me from Laugh's with Leigh. Leigh is one very talented lady & is a whizz with alcohol inks & dominoe's. I NEED to make it to a retreat asap!

~♥~

I also received a surprise email from South Africa & know I need to do something to pass this one on!! This is the bit where I get stuck! Thank You so very much for this Adele .XXX I still need to reply to your email honey. I haven't forgotten. :-)

~♥~

I also received an Award not so long ago from an inspirational crafter that has kept me going with my crafting in more ways than one. This lovely award is from Lil Daffodil. Thank You Fiona.xx Hope you get your new stamps soon from your DIL.

~♥~

Another, clever, inspirational crafter who has given me an Award is Lyn at Spyder's Corner. Hope your dog sitting comes to an end soon & you can get back to your craft room Lyn.xx

~♥~

Oooh.... I hope I haven't forgotten to include any awards I've been sent. Give me a poke if I have, it's not intentional. I will add these gorgeous awards to my sidebar with links to these inspirational blogs. Feel free to pop by, say Hi & see for yourself these crafter's all deserve their awards alot more than me!

I'm really sorry for not blog hopping as much as I would like too just lately. It's not that I don't care...sometimes I pop over for a looksee & think I'll comment later & then something else happens & I lose my day some how. I will get around to passing on these awards later in the week. Thanks for looking & for everyone's support.

xx

Winter Wonderland Challenge

Ooooh I've managed some 'ME' time this morning! haha... everyone wanting their lunch now!! but I've been having fun!lol. I am delighted to play with some new charms available from the Craft Den & my favourite Basic Grey Christmas papers & Magnolia...bliss! I even managed a squidge of hand stitching!

It's months since I've taken part in a Winter Wonderland challenge & when I popped over earlier & saw the sketch & all the wonderful DT inspiration I couldn't wait to have a try. Here is ......

..... my card.

...click to enlarge.

I have used my new Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Copic pens to colour my image & a gorgeous RAK sentiment from Karen Thank you muchly Karen.xx

Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving a comment if you get the chance. Don't forget to look at my post below to be in with a chance to win a fabulous crafty raffle. Gez.xx

Christmas Craft Raffle

Over on Quirky Crafts Forum Deanne is running a Christmas Raffle which is open to people outside of the forum also.

Deanne is constantly adding to the prize, and in total the raffle prize will be in excess of £100 in crafting goodies :)
The main prize is a cuttlebug die cutting machine, other prizes include a Zutter round-it-all with tote bag, denim mini book, smirk papers and much much more

Tickets can be purchased here for £2 each and you can purchase as many as you like. The winning ticket will be picked on December 14th so there will be plenty of time for Deanne to post it out and for you to pop it under your christmas tree :)

Ticket will picked by traditional printing out names from paypal and a lucky dip by one of Deanne's boys :)

Good Luck Everyone. Gez. xx

Something Completely Different

We have a new challenge over at Something Completely Different as we say good bye to October & inchies. We welcome November & cards...... Christmas cards & our Guest Designer.

Our 1st challenge is to use Red & Gold colours with the addition of holly & ivy.

It's getting that time of year again when it's hard to get a decent photo! but here goes... my DT card....

......Red & Gold card with holly & ivy.

I have made my card into a tag shape! SCD... It looks lovely IRL only I can't get the sparkle to show too good.

I fell in love with the Christmas papers as soon as I saw them & are available here from the Craft Den. The sparkle is Glamour Dust also available from the Craft Den.

We are very lucky to have a wonderful Guest Designer with us throughout November. I'm so pleased Pia is able to join us. Pia's creations are stunning I'm sure you will agree.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

October ATC swap

Here are the gorgeous ATC's from the Bubbly Funk forum swap. The theme for October was orange ....... these are the lovely ATC's I received in the swap...

October ATC's ~ orange.

click to enlarge...

Top row... left to right... Sue, Deb, Hazel, Leigh. 2nd row left to right... Tigs, Gez, Ali, Paddy & Scatz. They all look super together. :-) Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Inchie & Twinchie swap

The only little bit of crafting I've managed to squeeze in this week! I had great fun making these vintage twinchies, ATC & inchie. I just love the little metal frame on the inchie just the perfect size.


The background papers are from Graphic 45 & the images are from Crafty Individuals. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Something Completely Different

There is a new inchie challenge over at Something Completely Different today. The new theme is Halloween... Here is my inchie.



I inked some white glossy cardstock with dye ink & then sprinkled it with a few well aimed water drops....took about 5 attempts actually! & then added a tiny festive sequin.

Not much blogging from me at the moment unfortunately, my father is in hospital so my apologies for not being around quite so much.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Gez.xx

Quirky Crafts challenge

It's recipe time over at Quirky Crafts forum... a craft recipe! I am lucky enough to be on the Design Team & here is.....

.........my card.

....click to enlarge.

I really enjoyed making this card. Thank You Anne for a great challenge. If you get chance pop over to the really friendly Quirky Crafts forum. There is always lots of crafty swaps & challenges with prizes to be won.

I'd like to say a BIG Thank You to Lil Daffodil for giving me the inspiration to make this card. Fiona..... I said you had inspired me! Thank You my lovely.XXX

The papers I have used are from My Mind's Eye & Prima & the gorgeous Magnolia image is coloured with Copic pens available from the Craft Den. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Cute Daisy May challenge

A new week, a new challenge over at Cute Daisy May's challenge blog. I've had a lovely time being involved with the challenge blog. Here is my card for this weeks challenge.

.......my card.

The papers are by K&Co. The image is from Cute Daisy May Digi Stamps & my trusty Copic pens & black Dew Drops from the Craft Den. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Gothic Arches ~ black & orange

I am delighted to be able to take part in the new challenge over at Gothic Arches . This weeks theme is orange/black.

I would also like to enter my little bit of spookyness into this weeks Bubbly Scrumptious challenge.

Here is my arch.

click to enlarge.

Thanks for looking & a special Thank You to Gothic Arches for including my Twilight Arch in the sampler... it was a lovely surprise.xx Hope everyone has a lovely week. Gez.xx

Sneak Peak

Nearly time for a new challenge over at Quirky Crafts forum. Here is a little sneak peak of something I've made for the latest challenge, another small clue, it's a recipe! I just love those & sketches too. Thanks for looking Gez.xx

My Sincere Apologies...xx

I am currently having problems receiving emails. My email address is a domain & the company that collect my emails & send them on to me is having problems & haven't sent me emails for 2 days now. DH contacted them this afternoon & briefy saw our mails for the past 2 days but later on this evening when he called back to try & collect them he found they have disappeared. :( We are hoping the company can retreive them for us.

I want to apologise to everyone that has emailed me since Wednesday. I don't want you to think I'm too busy too reply because it's just not the case. I just haven't received any emails. :(

Please accept my apologies.

XX

Something Completely Different

There is a new challenge over on Something Completely Different challenge blog today. We are still working with inchies & our new theme is faces.

....my inchie.

I have stamped my face image on to white cardstock & used Copic pens available from the Craft Den for colouring.

Thanks for looking. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Gez.xx

Craft Den ATC Swap

Each month Lynne from the Craft Den hosts an ATC swap. I've wanted to take part for the last couple of months but unfortunately, due to other commitments I haven't been able to get one ready on time so when I saw this months theme halloween I made sure Lynne's ATC swap stayed top of my list until it was made!

I love all the colours that halloween brings..... some of my favourites. I have grown up living near Pendle Hill & all the Pendle witch stories that acompany it so it gets quite busy with visitors around this time of year & it's impossible not to get caught up in the excitment...Well, if you let it!!

...here is my ATC.

click to enlarge.

I have used K&Co papers for the ripped border & Jeepers Creepers Spider Web from The Paper Co. I gave the green paper a spray with silver Crafty Notions available from the Craft Den. The image & word are from Lisa's Altered Art & I have used some black lace from my craft box. There is still time to enter the swap at the Craft Den if you get on your broomsticks. Hehe.... Thanks for looking. Gez.xx

Bubbly Funk ATC swap

This months ATC theme over on Bubbly Funk's forum is orange. Here is my ATC I have made for the challenge.

October ATC.

I have inked glossy cardstock & stamped it with a stamp from Crafty Individuals using black Stazon & highlighted some of the flowers with a white gel pen. Thanks for looking. Gez.xx