Thursday's 'mojo' and a new DT...

Hello. This weeks challenge over at thisthursday is 'Mojo surfing...You can either Click on any random 5 of our participants blogroll links and take inspiration from something on each of those blogs or something on one of them or click on any 1 of our participants blogroll links and then follow 1 link on there and so on until you reach 5 links and then take your inspiration from there.

Well I ended up on Zuzu's blog and was over the moon as her creations are absolutely stunning! It took me forever to get there though as I had to get through 4 other blogs and they were all gorgeous as well...I love blog surfing as the inspiration out there is amazing.

Anyway there is no way I can come even close to Zuzu's masterpieces but she did inspire me to try different backgrounds and textures. On this card I have stamped, distressed, torn, punched, filed and basically grunged it all up!

I used distressed inks to make my own background...then stamped over it...then sprayed with water...then sprayed with perfect pearls in copper...oh and then did a bit more stamping! I threw chalks, inks and doodling at it and even though it has not turned out like I imagined I really had fun making it...and that's what its all about!

Now....do any of you fancy being on a new DT? Sammi is bringing out a new challenge blog 'Craftymuse' which will also highlight her own images. I am thrilled to bits as she has asked me to join the new team and there are now 4 of us...but I know Sammi is looking for another two who will be asked to join after our first challenge! So if you fancy being on the team just take part in the challenge which is going to be announced very, very soon!

Hugs,

Em.x

~Twinkle toes~

Hello again. Its my nieces birthday in a few days and so I decided to go pink and glittery for this one. The image is 'Angelique' by the fabulous Sammi and she is a real cutie. Papers are BG 'Euphoria' and I used my Martha Stewart 'doily' punch for the scalloped edge. I used Sakura pens with water to colour her in.


Many thanks to everyone who left comments on my last post and for the one or two e-mails I received...lol! They were all much appreciated and I will be popping by to thank you all personally. Have just made some more scrummy bread so off to find the peanut butter...catch up with you all soon.
Hugs,
Em.x

Completely hacked off.

Have spent all day wanting to down pills and sleep but Belle needs looking after so feel like screaming instead. Hubby has come home from work early to take over from me so I can crawl under my duvet. This is the second time this week he has had to come home early and I'm really not sure how he feels about all of this anymore.

I've been making some small changes to see if I can get any relief from the pain but as of yet nothing seems to be working. I hate taking the pills as I feel like a zombie on them but without them my speech and mobility are non existent.

A friend of mine is not well at the moment. She has low energy and needs lots of iron to get her back on track. I feel so jealous of her as I know that very soon she will be back to normal whilst I have to live in this shell that refuses to function. Don't get me wrong I hate seeing anyone feel ill...and I can't wait for her to be back at work and happy again...just wish it was me as well.

Yesterday I actually got dressed and put a load in the washing machine. Played with Belle and Tina popped round for a chat. Hubby came home and commented that I must be feeling better...then he ducked as I threw a toy at him! Its my kids I feel the most sorry for. My fifteen year old son is one of my carers and does a lot more than most boys of his age. Belle gets upset when I can't play or cuddle her and that breaks my heart.

Belle tends to get up very early in the morning so whenever anyone comments that I look tired they automatically put it down to Belle....I wish!

I also heard this week that someone in my little crafty world has been commenting on my illness. She cannot understand why I have to go to bed with it and has been questioning a mutual friend. Well read on....

Fibromyalgia affects us in different ways...for me its...chronic widespread pain, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable bladder, hot flushes, muscle spasms, heavy frequent periods, speech problems, short term and long term memory loss, weakness in limbs, eye sight problems, ME (fatigue), sleep disturbance, diminished attention span,depression, anxiety, the inability to multi task and twitching....( I also have a deterioration on the left hand side of my brain that was discovered in April when I had my MRI to see if I had MS)....so if I want to go to bed then I flipping will!

Can you tell I'm hacked off? Its hard enough being a mum and trying to get through each day without stupid bloody comments off other people. Don't get me wrong I don't want sympathy or pity (God I hate it when I'm out and people take one look at me shuffling along with my stick and BANG...there is pity in their eyes...drives me nuts.) but I don't question other peoples lives so why the heck is it ok for them to judge me or anyone else in my situation?

So for anyone out there that thinks us Fibromites are attention seeking (oh yes another blogger has accused me of that as well!) for sympathy...we're not...just some understanding for something that we have to come to terms with....every bloody day.

I'm not going to apologise for ranting because I think most of you know me by now and I'm sure you won't mind if I stomp my feet once in a while. So if I'm not around for a while I'm not going to feel guilty anymore. Hopefully once the cold weather is over and Belle is at nursery I may get some sanity back.
Em.x

Throwing a curve and stamp storage.....(4 of 4...finally!)

The challenge over at ThisThursday this week is to create something using curves...'Thrown a curve. now you can use that as a title or you can use anything that curves eg arches arcs, circles ovals waves, well even let you use squiggles'...so I'm hoping this altered CD will suffice?
The image was kindly given to me by Tina and the corners were done in my bug. The ribbon is actually a really deep purple and not black as it has photographed. I've stamped, inked and distressed and added a few adhesive pearls for some texture. I think the papers are HOTP but wouldn't swear to it!

And finally...I know its been a whopping 4 posts in one day but I've been really busy unmounting all my wooden backed stamps...and boy have I been cursing to Tina's amusement! I've wanted to do this for a while as they were taking up so much room and to be honest as some were in draws I just forgot about them.

And this is the final result of three days of wanting to throw them all out the window!! All my really large stamps are still mounted and any unwanted were donated to the Belle craft box!
Its much easier to find exactly what I want now but I think my hubby is now sick to the back teeth of laminating card for me!! Big thanks to Mrs T as well for helping me to cut some of the unmounted stamps out. So if any of you have a better way of storing your unmounted stamps....PLEASE DON'T TELL ME AS I MAY CRY AFTER THIS MAMMOTH TASK!!!
So now you know why I've not been around and why I'm cramming a weeks worth of posting into one day. Sorry!
Hugs,
Em.x

Testing out 'Ribbon Rings' (3 of 4)

Hello. Tina and myself were approached by Melissa Bickle who owns ribbonrings.com in the States to test and review her product. As if I was going to say no after my post here! LOL!

In our promotional packs we received ten ribbon tags, five inventory dots (if you have a long length of ribbon and need to cut it to a manageable length, you affix the dot to the corner of the tag to remind you that you have more of that ribbon...ingenious!) and a 1.5" ring.
So this is what my purple and lilac ribbons looked like before.......
And hey presto....order is restored! I managed to put 4 ribbons on most of the tags depending obviously on their width.
This is what it looks like in its full glory and its so easy to see exactly what I have got without rummaging through bags and bags!
Because of my hands I did struggle with threading them to start with but then put the ends of four ribbons into a piece of folded card and threaded them like a needle and it was really easy.
Personally I think they are a fantastic idea and Melissa has informed me that they are working on some wider tags as well which is great news.
So that is finally, hopefully my ribbon storage solution resolved....for now...lol!

Em.x

Lots of thank yous and 'THAT' Santa stamp! (2 of 4)

Yes its 'that' Santa stamp!! Pauline managed to get her hands on some extra ones, then did a draw to see who could buy it off her...and it was me!!! I couldn't stop grinning when I heard as its for another bloggy friend to use....I bet you can guess who! Many thanks Pauline.x

Belle then received this in the post from our friend Sammi in Oz and she hasn't stopped walking round with it. Its now looking slightly battered but she loves it so I'm not complaining! There was also lots of little crafty bits and pieces but unfortunately I cannot show them as Belle got to the envelope before I did...need I say more!?!
Sammi also included this beautiful card for myself which is one of my favourite 'Maggie's'...thanks hun.x
And then these gorgeous images arrived from Donna...perfect as I was running really low on Christmas images.....
and they were inside this stunning card which is so autumnal its gorgeous!
So I'm feeling thoroughly spoilt once again but its such a lovely feeling so thank you to everyone that has sent me cards recently!
Hugs,
Em

A beautiful award....(1 of 4!)

I know I'm notorious for never collecting awards or tags but this one is so beautiful I couldn't leave it.....
So many thanks to Susie, Vikki, Christine, Pauline, and Dawn. Thanks so much girls as it is much appreciated.

I know that most of you have received this award already but I am going to pass it on to Alison, Pandy, Debs and Jane who themselves or a member of their family have something in common with me....but I wish we didn't. (Fibromyalgia if anyone was wondering!)
So if anyone else out there has a chronic illness please accept this award as well with love.
Gentle hugs,
Em.x

Calling 109...your time is up!

Blog candy winner......picked by random.....

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

109 

Timestamp: 2008-10-20 16:07:51 UTC

I apologise now for the delay in holding the draw but had the out-laws staying and to be honest I completely forget...yes I am holding my head in shame!!

A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to enter as it was lovely getting the chance to look at so many fantastic new blogs. There were 124 comments but after duplicates etc there were 120 entries.

So without further ado the winner is 109 which is Jo !

Please send me your address Jo and I will get it posted to you ASAP.

Thats all for now folks.....

Em.x

BG stitching challenge...

Morning. The challenge this week over on the Basic Grey challenge blog is to create something using stitching...either real or hand drawn.
The papers and embellishments are from the 'Sultry' range. Please pop over and have a look at the other DT's work as they are so talented!
Hugs,
Em.x

Oh baby, baby!

Hello. This is the card I have made to celebrate baby Oliver arriving yesterday (see post below). I've made it into a little keepsake book and inside is his very first scan picture and a tag with all of his birth details. There is also a 'Made in Gibraltar' sticker as that is where he was conceived!
It was great fun to make and I will definitely make more. I hope everyone is well and I'll be around this evening to pop over and say hi.
Lots of hugs,
Em.x

Heartwarming news to share.

Morning. Have heard some fantastic lovely news and had to share it. I spent all day yesterday on tender hooks waiting for the phone to ring, hoping and praying that every time it rang it would be the news I wanted to hear.

So....I just want to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my best friend Gill on having a gorgeous baby boy! I spoke to her hubby Mark last night and both mum and baby are doing well. Dad is still in happy shock, the kids are over the moon and their Gran is delighted.
Baby Oliver was huge...a whooping 9lb, 10.5oz but is beautiful...just like his mum!

After the last couple of months this is just the best news ever and I cannot tell you how happy I am. I did make a card weeks ago for them....but after the last minute name change I now have to make another one so will show it later tonight!

Well done babe and I can't wait to hold him in a months time!

I hope everyone has a lovely day...we've not stopped grinning since last night!
Hugs.
Em.x

Blogger Label clouds

A few people have asked me where I get my label clouds from. I normally pick templates that already have them incorporated...but this new one didn't so here is a cracking tutorial site to show you how to do one...phydeaux3
I promise that it is easy to do...well I managed it so that says a lot!! LOL!
Hugs
Em.x

Crayon resist tutorial

Hi. On one of the forums I stalk we were asked to share a tip or technique. This was my contribution so thought I would share it on here as well. I have only used very basic colours but you can use any colours you like and it looks great if you mix your Distress Inks.

First of all you will need some white card, a stamp, a white crayon, a Stazon (for this example I am using black but you can use whatever colour you like but please make sure its a Stazon!), a mister and a Distress Ink of your choice.
Stamp your image and then using your crayon highlight the areas you wish to remain white. On this example I highlighted the paler stalks and heads.
Then the fun begins! I soak up some ink on a sponge and rub it all over the image. This is where you can mix colours for more interest if you want to.
Once dry gently wipe over with a wet wipe to remove the ink from the top of the crayon. You can then spray Glimmer Mist or perfect pearls over it at this stage or just use water (as I have) for a more distressed look.
Your image is then ready to be used....
Have fun!
If you have done this technique before please let me know as I would love to see some other examples.
Hugs,
Em.x

Get your boobs out! **EDITED**

**Edited to say...this template is actually a bottom wearing pants which has just been adapted to become a bra....Tina has e-mailed me as I sent her the template and said 'trust you to make an arse into a lovely card!'....how rude!! LOL!**

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so Sammi has chosen 'pink' as our SBS 15 challenge this month. I decided to go with a pink bra card and have used Basic Grey 'Eva' papers. If anyone would like the template for this please just e-mail me.
As most of you know I recently lost a lovely friend to this terrible disease and even now I find myself picking up the phone to chat to her. Its been harder than I could possibly have imagined....so go on girls...just for me...
squish ya boobs!
Hugs Em.x

10 Commandments for bloggers....

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity.

2. You shall not make an idol of your blog.

3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog.

5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes.

6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings.

7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind.

8. You shall not steal another person’s content.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger.

10.You shall not covet your neighbour's blog ranking. Be content with your own content.

I found this on Pandy's blog and thought it was worth sharing! By now I am hysterically trying NOT to say something sarcastic so Tina you had better kick me now!!!
If you would like to read more about the bloggers Commandments then please click here.
Catch up with you all soon.
Big hugs,
Em.x

BG colour combo and a natter....

This week's Basic Grey Challenge is all about colour combinations...

• Green & Red/Maroon
• Brown & Cream
• Blue & Gold/Yellow/Orange

I loved this challenge and used papers from 'Offbeat' and the design was from Craftytemplates. The other DTs are gorgeous so please pop over and have a look.

I've been approached by a company in the States to test and review a product they have designed to help us crafters. Can't say any more about it but can't wait for it to arrive...but you will all laugh when I show it as its something very close to my heart!

Also my lovely friend Pam (who is so talented and generous) has got together with some of her friends and has designed a fantastic new blog called The Vintage Veranda.
This is what they have to say....'We invite you to join our vintage community where we share our love for vintage-style creations - anything from cards to altered art. The Vintage Veranda is an online resource and community for anyone who creates in the vintage style or who wants to learn how to create their own vintage style. We welcome both the seasoned artists and those just exploring vintage.' So please pop over and have a look!

And lastly, as some of you know my blogging has become slightly chaotic lately. Well life is pretty chaotic at the moment....(not blaming Belle...honestly!). I am still here but until Belle starts at playgroup in January I'll only be blogging as and when time allows. I do appreciate everyone that takes the time to visit and I promise that when January hits this blog will start functioning properly!

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and enjoying the biscuits Belle baked for you yesterday!
Hugs,
Em.x

Biscuit anyone?

Hello. This is what Belle and I got up to yesterday. She loves vanilla flavoured biscuits and its one of our favourite pastimes. Its also a great way of spending time together on a rainy afternoon....


Unfortunately there are now only 4 left...so you will be served on a first come first serve basis so get the kettle on! LOL!
Hope everyone is ok.
Hugs
Em.x

SORRY NOW CLOSED~CHRISTMAS CANDY~

NOW CLOSED.
To say thanks to you all.....
* 1 Dooodlebug 'tags and tabs' Christmas sticker sheet
* 8 lengths of different ribbon * 12 large red poinsettia
* 12 large white poinsettia * 12 large green leaves
* 3 buttons * 3 stocking brads * 3 ginger bread men brads * 3 present brads * 3 candle brads * 3 wreath brads * 12 small red poinsettia * 12 small white poinsettia * 12 small green leaves * 12 bunches of yellow stamens * 3 large brads * 3 large fabric brads * 3 medium brads * 3 small brads
~All the above, except for the Doodlebug stickers, are from Poppicrafts~
It all co-ordinates so please just leave a comment to say you would like to enter and give it a shout out on your blog. The draw will be on Friday the 17th of October and is open internationally.
Hugs Emma.x

Ribbon storage.....

Hello. My name is Emma and I am a ribbon addict! I love it and just cannot get enough. I have tried so many different ways of storing it but have never been happy. I thought recently of buying some ribbon rings but then thought I'd make some...but knew it would be really time consuming so came up with this instead!
Its amazing how many ribbons you can fit on a £4.99 plastic veg rack from Argos!

Browns, creams and greens on the front as I use them the most....
Blacks, whites and lace on one side....
And pinks on the other side....
Thicker ribbon is bagged by colour and is inside on the shelves. Corresponding fibres are hanging from the side.

Now I just need to go and buy another 3 for the rest of the colours! LOL!
I'd love to hear how you store yours and if you have an addiction as well!
Hugs,
Emma

Scalloping and smiling!..

Hello. I hope everyones having a lovely weekend. I have the pleasure of being Guest Designer for the Basic Grey challenge blog this month and this weeks challenge is to create something using scallops.
This hanging picture frame is using the new 'Eva' papers which are now my firm favourites.
And this circular picture frame is using 'Gypsy' papers.
I hope everyone enjoys this challenge as much as I did.
Out with the girls tonight for a meal and tomorrow has been booked for blog hopping...all day...so see you then for a catch up!
Hugs,
Em.x

AMAZING NEWS!!

I e-mailed craftyribbons.co.uk a while ago to ask them if they could do me a £10 bag of ribbons for the appeal draw that is being held tomorrow (so excited!). I said I was more than happy to pay but would prefer one large bag instead of having to order lots of little bags......

THEY ARE DONATING IT FOR FREE TO THE APPEAL!!!!

How lovely and kind is that! So a big lovely thanks to Tony at craftyribbons.co.uk for being such a lovely person!!!

Thank you , thank you, thank you!
Em.x

More thank yous!

Hello. I just wanted to share these two beautiful cards that have been sent to me.

This one is from my friend Kirsten on Docrafts who also sent a huge amount of cards for the appeal...she was worried they wouldn't be good enough but they are gorgeous...thanks hun.
And this one is just simply stunning. Its from Kim and has already been stolen by Belle for her bedroom! Thanks Kim from me and Belle!
Hope everyone is well.
Hugs,
Em.x

Half naked men!

Not really but I needed to get your attention! LOL! Well its already the 1st of October and by rights the cards for the appeal should have stopped...NOT! They are still flooding in thick and fast and are slowly taking over my dining room!

We will be taking them over to Aby at SOS in Aberdeen on Saturday and she has kindly agreed to do the draw for me so any cards received up until then will be put into the hat. This appeal will be featured on the SOS website so I'll let you know when its there.

I promise (faithfully) that next week my blogging will be back to normal and I will be back on track visiting you. Spending each night sorting the appeal cards at the mo when Belles gone to bed so just not enough hours in the day. I'm also working on a couple of bits but will show them later once the card appeal is over. For those of you that have asked...my FM is still misbehaving but I'm just kicking its backside!

Now comes the gushy bit....the cards I have received this month for myself have cheered me up so much and it feels wonderful knowing I have so many good friends out there in craft land. I do appreciate that many of you have problems at the moment, so to know that you are thinking of me really does mean an awful lot...probably more than you realise. I'm sorry for not sending any out like I normally do but will once this week is over. (And boy is my postie going to be relieved!!)

So once again many thanks to....

Joana and her gorgeous family for sending me this beautiful get well card and images....
Fe-Fe for this very cute card....
and Tracey who's words had me in tears...thanks babe.x
And to Tina...who gave me these beautiful roses today and who always knows just the right words to say...
So that's all til Saturday folks. Thanks for reading...and thanks for being there.
Big hugs
Em.x