**NOW CLOSED**Please don't shout...but fantastic candy prize!!

(Many thanks for all your get well wishes...still stuck in bed and feel like pants...but its got me out of the ironing!)

I know you are all going to groan at this but I thought it was going to be months before I got the 10k hit...not so flipping soon!! So, as a way of saying thank you to everyone for all yours visits, lovely comments, advice, tips and listening to me ramble on I am offering some more candy.
BUT...instead of me picking what you can win I thought it would be quite nice for you to be able to choose it yourself.
I contacted the oh so lovely Michelle at Poppicrafts and asked if I could purchase a voucher to give away as blog candy. I have now got the voucher sat in my account...except Michelle DONATED it!! How nice was that!!
The voucher is worth £10 and is yours to spend how you want at Poppicrafts if you win.
To enter all you need to do, as usual is leave your name in the comments so you can go into the draw, leave a link on your blog to this...AND...please leave a link to Poppicrafts as well. That's it...easy peasy!
Please don't worry though if no one enters....I am more than happy to spend it on myself!!! LOL! As there is so much blog candy out there at the mo I thought we would leave this one to run until Friday the 25th of July if that's OK with everyone.
**THE VOUCHER IS NOT FOR USE OUTSIDE OF EUROPE SO I WILL NOW BE DOING TWO DRAWS. ONE FOR THE POPPICRAFT VOUCHER FOR SOMEONE WITHIN EUROPE AND A SECOND DRAW FOR A SET OF CLEAR STAMPS TO BLOGGERS OUTSIDE OF EUROPE. APOLOGIES FOR ANY DISAPPOINTMENT!
Massive thanks to Michelle as well for being so generous. I'm in no way connected to her shop but I just love her quick service, her no frills packaging and her scrummy goodies!

Distressed friendship

This is probably going to be my last 'post' for a couple of days as I've come down with a bit of a chest infection and its knocked my FM for six.
I decided to distress away on this for a bit of fun. Ripped paper (Basic Grey!) inked flowers, stamped image that I've coloured and then used crackle glaze on. The corners were done through the 'bug' and then I ran a distress ink pad across them.
I'm afraid I don't know where I got the verse from as its been on my laptop for ages so many thanks to whoever wrote it...its beautiful.
Finally, as I can hear my bed calling, I've got something really great for you to take part in towards the end of the week...but can't say anymore yet (but you will like this one!!).
I'll catch up with all your blogs when the 'lurgy' has left!
Hugs,

Being true to myself.

Hello.
Well I wasn't going to show this card but after looking at the kind of work I was producing last year I've realised that this is probably more 'me' than anything else I have made lately.
I love working with different textures so on here are ribbons, buttons, threads, ink, fibres, felt and beads. The beads and stitching are hand sewn. The flowers were cut in the 'bug'.
Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and that the weather is slightly better where you are!
Hugs,

Number 34 please come in!!!

We have just realised that we are out for the day tomorrow so won't get a chance to do the whole pulling names out of a hat thing for the blog candy! (Would have loved to have used a parrot like Lou did!! LOL!)
So I have just used random.org to decide instead. In total there were 52 entries and the number picked was 34...SARAH C!!!!!
Well done babe!
Many thanks to everyone that joined in the fun. It was lovely to read about so many achievements and yes there were a few tears with some of them.
I hope you have a lovely weekend and lots of squeezy hugs to you all!

My little haven and updates!

This is my little craft haven away from the world. There is also a large walk in wardrobe, just out of shot, that holds all my sewing stash.

Wasn't planning on coming back on today as Fridays are always a bit busy in our house...but several things have happened so thought I'd share them...if anyone is interested...if not then log off now!!
SSAFA have been in touch and they are going to give us some extra support whilst hubby goes away. Can't tell you how relieved I am as I was really worried about Belle.
Thanks to everyone for your e-mails about Jake. His collar bone isn't giving him to many problems and he is back with the fracture clinic next week. He has not moaned once about the pain and I am so proud of him.
FINALLY had a letter from the solicitor's today. If anyone had told me that getting remarried (3 years ago!!) was going to cause so many problems with surname changes I wouldn't have bothered! Only kidding...love him to bits!
And the best bit of news I can share...whilst I was in the shower Belle came in and said she had used the toilet. Her nappy was off so I went to investigate...dreading what I was going to find...and she had used the potty!!!! So happy as she had shown no interest so thrilled that she is finally coming round to the idea.
I'd also like to say thanks to everyone for all the visitors I have had lately and all the lovely comments. It really has meant a lot especially when I know that so many of you are not having a particularly good time at the moment.Crafty peeps really are a nice bunch!!
Take care,

Beaded Beauties....no not bearded!!

Hello again.
Well the challenge over at ThisThursday is to create something using beads under the title 'Beaded Beauties'. I racked my brains as I've already done lots of beaded cards and wanted to try something different. Before I left Gib I had started making earrings and bracelets but not got round to a necklace...so here's my first attempt...ever!!
I really had fun making it...but hubby is not impressed with millions of beads all over the house!! Well I couldn't make up my mind which ones to use!! LOL!
A big thanks to all the girls over at ThisThursday for taking me out of my comfort zone!

I'd also like to send lots of birthday hugs to my dear friend Bev. Hope you had a lovely day babe.x

No longer blog hopping!!

Popped over to Dana's blog tonight and found 'blurfing'....blog surfing!! Sorry but it did make me giggle! (Actually everything makes me giggle right now...or is that hysteria!!)

Ist attempt at a CD!

Hello all.
Well just got in from the craft class so thought I'd better get this altered CD on now as the rest of the week is going to be a wee bit busy. The papers are Basic Grey Sultry and the image is Pinkpetticoat. The colours really don't show up too well as they are much brighter especially the ribbons.
Tonight was one of those nights where everyone giggled over nothing! Even though Gill and myself ran the craft club in Gibraltar everything we demonstrated was self taught so its really nice to finally have someone show me different techniques. June who does the demos is an extremely funny lady who has the patience of a saint with us lot!!
Also if you get the chance can you please pop over to Tina's blog and say hello. We met at the class and she has the same sense of humour as me and is a really lovely person. (Tina you can pay me the £5 later!!LOL!)She is also one incredibly brave person who, one day, will change a child's life forever...her blog will make you realise just how fortunate some of us are.
Hope everyone's having a lovely evening.
Hugs,

(I forgot to mention that I have been tagged FOUR times this week..phew...some of you are gonna be real busy once I start handing this out!! LOL! I'll get them done this week and many thanks to the evil four who passed them onto me!!!)

CHOCOLATE!!!

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are unique, creative, and fascinating. You don't do what's expected of you. You go for what's unknown and uncharted. You are emotionally expressive and sensitive. You're effected by everything around you. Your friends appreciate your open heart, but they are afraid of hurting your feelings. You love being around people. Friendships are important to you. You feel lost when you're by yourself... so you tend to avoid being alone.

The Chocolate Oracle

That summed me up pretty well...your turn!

Broken bones and birthdays!

Hello!
Well its been a really bizarre 24 hours! My little boy (yes I know he's nearly 15 and is 6 foot tall!!) broke his collar bone last night whilst playing Bull dog with his mates. Luckily he's doing OK but is feeling very tired and a little bit sheepish!! Bless him though...he's not moaned once today about it and will hopefully be back at school tomorrow.
As you know we were meant to go back to Gibraltar this month for a visit but Belle came down with chicken pox which put a hold on everything! Originally we should have been going in July for a friends 40th...so the tickets were booked today...YIPEE!!
Not sure who in the house is more excited but I have made both children PROMISE that nothing else will happen to either one of them before we go!! LOL!
Well July is a month full of birthdays so I thought I had better get cracking on the old cards. This one is using Basic Grey Sultry papers. The stamp is a PB from an image swop. I've also used this card for the cutecardthursday challenge which was to make a birthday card.
I hope everyones ok and I hope a certain person got her blog fixed!! LOL!
Hugs,

***BLOGGER WARNING***

Please DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT look at the Poppicraft's site. If you do enter this site a little Green Goblin will come out of your screen, steal your bank card, and order you lots and lots of luscious goodies.
It's true I swear. This photo proves it. I swear it was the Goblin that ordered it all...not me!!

PMSL!!!

Dusty stamps...and a promise!

The gorgeous Gill is challenging everyone to get out their dusty stamps...and shock, horror...use them! I managed to use three on this and now feel quite guilty about the new ones I have just ordered. I completely stole the idea for this one off the very talented Pam. I make no apologies as I just adore her work! (Thanks Pam!)

Well if I'm going to use dusty stamps then I thought I had better start using up my dusty papers...Basic Grey...obviously!! The flower was made up of a chip board flower that I painted, then a white paper flower and then a design from the Basic Grey pack all topped with a metal flower from Maya Road.

Since I posted my blog candy I have been overwhelmed by the response. Some of the challenges that people have overcome or achieved has made me smile, laugh, cry and think very hard about what other people go through in life.
So this week I am going to visit every single blog that entered to find out more about the people that shared, what sometimes, was a very personal life changing event.
Thank you to everyone that has taken part and for sharing such heart warming stories.
Hugs,

A mouthful of big bites....

It's arrived...and now I can't wait to play!!
I adore my little crop-a-dile and use it daily but when it comes to scrapbooking I knew I had to go big!! LOL!
Please don't worry...the little 'un will still be well cared for!
Hugs,

Art Deco and birdies!

I made this one a few days ago but just not got round to putting it on here. It's going to be sent to my friend Bev who is still recovering from major surgery. The papers and stamp are by Imaginisce.

This is the card I made on Tuesday night at Sally's craft shop. Really wasn't overly keen on the images to start with but quite like it now. Just thank God my Mum loves Art Deco!! There is actually embossing around the images but it doesn't show up in the photo which is a shame. I must admit I loved working with the black card and will now use it a lot more.

Well it's been a tough couple of days and I'm just so glad this week is over. Yesterday I had a meeting with SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) and this morning it was back to the Solicitors and then a mad rush round to the Doctors.
Emotionally I'm feeling and thinking so much more positively but physically I feel like I have been hit by a bus!
But the sun is peeking through the clouds. There's been a light shower of rain and its all smells so fresh. Last night we sat out till late with some friends and watched the bats chasing each other round the garden and the adjoining field. Our little fox popped in to have a look as well. Its the first time we have seen him out at night and he is definitely putting on weight!
So for now, in our little haven in Scotland, all is well.
Lets just hope it lasts.

Awwwww thanks!

This beautiful card turned up in the post from the oh so talented Nessy and was full of stamped images! Thank you so much babe!

And this card arrived from Gibraltar...from Gilly babes! Its got real cattitude!! Thanks honey.x

If you are having a bad day.......

Blog candy give away! *THIS IS NOW CLOSED*

Hi everyone.
As most of you know I've been having a really hard time with my Fibromyalgia since we moved back to the UK. I don't really like talking about it especially on here (that's why I never mention it!) but the one good thing about getting to know you all is that no one judges me on my speech or walking stick.
One of the downsides to the pills I take is weight gain (yes as well as the wine and chocolate!) but for the past 7 weeks I have been working hard on losing the weight. Its been really tough especially as I cannot exercise...but I reached a milestone this week and want to share it with you!! I needed to lose 1lb to reach my stone target...but I have lost another 3lb this week which takes me well over it!!!
I've dropped a dress size and feel so much better for it. I know most of you will be thinking...and?...but for me this means an awful lot.
So to share my big grin...and boy is it a big one...I'm offering this candy. Its also my way of saying thanks to you all for the lovely support you give me. One nice comment on a bad day always makes the world seem brighter...so thank you!
The last candy I gave away was pink and green so I have picked yellow and blue this time. There's all sorts...ribbon, button, fibres,brads, chipboard flowers for you to decorate, papers, flowers, fabric etc, etc!
All you need to do, if you want to take part, is leave a link on your blog to mine...AND...l would love you to leave me a comment sharing one of your achievements. It can be a little one like mine...but if it makes you proud when you think of it then please share it with me!
I'll get Belle to draw a name on Saturday the 28th. Thanks so much for reading!

Puddles!

Evening!
I've made this for my lovely friend Gill. I can't send it to her as she will finally have left Gibraltar before it gets to her...the post takes forever to get out there...so I will just have to hand deliver it when she arrives in the UK...and I can't wait!!
The stamp is from Hobby Art, papers are Crafty Individuals and flowers and ribbon from Poppicrafts. You can't see it on the photo but the rain drops are glossed.
Big huge thanks to Nessy for my beautiful card that arrived today...will put it on show tomorrow! Thanks babe!

Mojo oh Mojo...where art thou!

I always look forward to the tenth of the month as that is the day the fabulous Leo sends us our Crafty Templates. This month I even purchased the matching goodies kit as it was soooo scrummy.
BUT...the tenth arrived...the templates and kit were on my craft desk...and then put away untouched. I just could not think of one single idea to do. The design teams ideas were brilliant but my mojo had run out of the room screaming!!
It wasn't til last night that I decided to have another go. Not overly happy especially with the dress one but I think that's because its so far off what I normally do.
I'm going to do the next one as an altered CD...so watch out for the poodle!!
On Friday I'm going to be offering some blog candy as I achieved a little milestone this week but will tell more on Friday.
Hugs to everyone,

Wow!

I received this stunning card in the post this morning from Natalie at Docrafts for our image swop. I had to share it with you as I think its beautiful. She had also included some fabby Magnolia images...so thank you very much Natalie!

Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to say Happy Father's day to all the Dads out there...especially to the Dads who are serving in the Armed Forces and can't be at home for this special day.

No matter what you may think of the wars in Iraq and Afganistan...they are our heroes.

Just for you....

Well I've not had much of a chance to blog this week as I've been busy, busy, busy as some of you will have found when the postie arrived today!!! The two wallets in the top picture I made for Debs and Lil'G...and apparently Lil'G kept saying WOW!!LOL! (And yet again I've nicked your photo Debs!!!)
I started a fantastic new job this week. I'm working in a tiny haberdashery in town one day a week whilst Belle is in nursery. What's so special about this shop is that it is run by the local authority and is also a learning centre for adults with learning difficulties. So as well as working in the shop I also get to spend hours in the attached room teaching crafting...its heaven! They are a fantastic group of characters and I'm thoroughly enjoying it!
Well enough of me rambling on...the bottom card is for someone very special who has given me the confidence to do my blog and show my little creations to you all...but I can't say who just yet!!LOL!
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend,

Beautiful Belle

Hello from a very cloudy Elgin!
I adore Marieke and her creations are just stunning! I've done quite a few cards using her downloads but have never sent them to anyone as they are so far off what I normally do.
Anyway when I saw these huge frames on her etsy shop I knew I had to bite the bullet and have another go...well if I don't try different things then you lot have nothing to laugh at!!
I also want to thank the girls over at CCC for their support this week. That thing in my skull is playing up, or so the Doc says, (and the difference from normal I here you ask!?!) and they have all pulled together to kick my butt...thanks girls!
And to Roz...watch out for the post!!! (Giggling hysterically!!)
Catch up with you all soon,

Birthday Nellie

Hello.
I don't use my Nellie's enough so thought it was time to dust this one off!
Its a beautiful day here and think I may have re found my mojo!!!
Take care,