Elf-Creations

Moving on....

2010-10-07T22:47:00.000+01:00

Hello. Not sure if anyone wanders this way anymore but if do then have I have moved to here!x

And here are some I made earlier...

2010-01-14T19:17:00.005Z

Hello. I've still been crafting whilst I've been on my extended holidays so here's just a couple of cards to show you.

My latest passion is quilting and I am now hooked on it...but so is my credit card :(

I've also taken up knitting so we are all proudly wearing new scarves this winter lol :)

Still missing my boy and can't wait to see him in 4 weeks for his passing out parade.

Hugs,
Emma

Finally....

2010-01-12T12:42:00.004Z

Hello all. Have finally got round to looking at my blogs after months of neglect and nearly ran the other way. So after much thought (and a couple of glasses of Merlot) I've decided to simplify things in the hope of not feeling quite so daunted by the whole prospect of blogging again.

I realised many months ago that I was spending so long blog hopping that the crafty side of me was being completely neglected and that is the whole point of my blog! Don't get me wrong I love looking at other peoples work (that's where the inspiration comes from) but sometimes the pressure to create and keep on top of challenges can be a bit overwhelming and then spending up to 3 hours going through my blog list, everyday to keep up with you all :), is just...well...overwhelming.

So my blog list is empty. I plan to slowly and gradually build it back up and spend the time appreciating my friends creativeness instead of worrying that I may offend them if I don't comment on their blog every day...and yes I know I'm not the only one that thinks like this ;)

A lot has happened in my personal life since my last post and all good for a change. My wonderful son has become a junior soldier and hopes to become part of the Royal Artillery. To say I'm the proudest mum in the world is a very small understatement. Missing him like mad and still not used to music not blaring out of his bedroom every night!

We are also having a new addition to our family in April...and no I'm not expecting. My darling Nana is moving back from New Zealand to live with us and we are over the moon. I just wish I could persuade my mother to move back to the UK as well...if you are reading this mother please take note!

Finally (you can stop snoring now) many thanks to everyone that has kept in touch and for all my lovely cards...I have a huge boxful and I promise that when I get the time I will display them all for you to see that I really did appreciate them and keep them!

So I will be over to visit you in the not to distant future and look forward to seeing what you've been up to.
Hugs,
Emma

Lazy summer days embroidery

2009-06-16T13:58:00.002+01:00

Hugs,
Emma

Angel Asylum!

2009-06-10T21:14:00.004+01:00

Angel lovers look away now....

Stamps and papers by Crafty Individuals

Spring stolen from hubby's pen

Everything else from stash.

Hugs,
Emma

Twin bird Wedding Anniversary card.

2009-06-08T19:55:00.005+01:00

Commissioned Anniversary card.

Papers Basic Grey 'Eva'

Scroll stamp by HOTP

Bird template kindly donated by Jane

Everything else is from my long forgotten stash!

Hugs,

Emma.x

(And if I've not got round to your blog yet...please feel free to kick me!)

Boo...and a bit of bling...

2009-05-06T22:38:00.006+01:00

Honey I'm home!

Yep I'm back but under strict orders to take things easy for a while...and so you may notice a few changes to my blog.

Not going to bore you with my trials and tribulations of the past 4 months (gulp it really has been that long!) but I've taken up a few new crafty obsessions and we also have two new additions to the household.

Below is a few items I've made recently for a greyhound charity auction...can you guess yet what the new additions are!?!

Earrings made with greyhound pendants...
Key rings made with greyhound pendants as well!

This is our gorgeous Toby who has only been with us a few weeks but he has fitted in so well. Its his 4th birthday today and has been spoilt rotten.

And my gorgeous girl Holly, who came to us quite by chance in January but God help her previous owner if I ever find them.....grrrrrrrrr.

Thanks to everyone for everything and I'm really happy to be back.x

A 'Faith' brooch at The Craftypad

2008-12-28T01:56:00.003Z

Hello. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. I'm still not here so if you are reading this...delayed posting works. I've made this brooch for the latest challenge over at the Craftypad. This week you have to add some bling to your creation.

A few years ago when I lived in Gibraltar I got into the awful habit of destroying my hubbies CD's to make jewellery...so when Tina sent me a link recently on this subject it gave me the perfect excuse to start destroying again.

Debbie has asked for a tutorial and I know there are tutorials out there showing how to make them but this is how I do it...

*Colour your image in using Distress inks and then put a very thin layer of crackle glaze over the top and allow to dry.

*Cut a CD (needs to be cut at a 45 degree angle or it snaps) into the shape you roughly need. Sand it on the shiny side. Paint a layer of Acrylic paint and once dry stamp all over with alcohol inks finishing with a touch of gold.

* Edge in Walnut brown Distress ink and then decide where to punch your holes. I used my Big bite for this. Then just thread lots of gold wire in and out and add beads.

* The crown was originally silver so I used espresso and gold alcohol inks to give it a distressed look. Then very carefully glue gems onto it and attach to your image with silicone glue. DO NOT attach to your brooch just yet.

* On the back of the brooch adhere twisted and beaded wire in a position you like. Once they are stuck in place and completely dry turn over and glue down your image. Once the whole brooch is dry attach strong card to the back and then used silicone glue to add a brooch attachment.

* Spray with varnish and allow to dry.

Voila one unique brooch!

A Christmas video from Elf land....

2008-12-23T14:22:00.004Z

Put your sound on...press play...wait a few seconds...and let me and Belle entertain you!

Have a great Christmas everyone!

A time to share...

2008-12-21T19:09:00.007Z

Hello. I just wanted to share some of the wonderful gifts and cards I have received from my crafty friends...

I've received this gorgeous card off my gorgeous friend Debbie as a thank you for a bracelet I sent her...her work is stunning and I am so honoured to be on her DT...thanks Debs...

This is a selection of the wonderful hand made Christmas cards I have received so far from my bloggy friends...they are all stunning and I love them! So many thanks to Chris in Gib, Debbie, Natalie, Christine, Cathy, Joana, Pauline, Ali, Nessy, Kath, Dawn, Lainy, Linda, Donna, Sammi, Chrissy, Cass...

Sammi also sent me my very own Princess Amber stamp...and its adorable...fab present from a fab friend....

And then the postie brought me a huge parcel from my SBS Secret Santa...and I was in heaven! (There should have been a big bar of Galaxy chocolate to show you as well wrapped in the star paper....now I wonder where that went! LOL!) So whoever you are...my lovely secret sister Santa...thank you....

But then I also received this oh so cute hand made phone charm from my pal Donna...its very me and goes perfect with the new pink phone that Santa got me as an early Christmas present...thanks Donna....

And then Chrissy sent me these!!! To say I was over the moon is an understatement as after my mammoth bracelet making session a few weeks ago my bead stash was wearing a bit thin....thanks hun...they are perfect....

My pal Tina decided this year not to make Christmas cards...but to make us individual calendars with personal photos on them...this photo is of my beautiful daughter Belle on her third birthday a few weeks ago...thanks Teen...it will be treasured...see you Christmas Eve!

And finally...well I couldn't leave this wee card out could I? Even after having a new born baby (and boy does he look like his mother!) my best mate Gill still managed to get hand made cards out to everyone...and its gorgeous...thank you babe.x

Considering I've only been blogging for less than a year I've been incredibly lucky to have made some wonderful friends...and I can't wait to craft along side you all for another year!

Thank you to everyone for all your support and love throughout the past year and I can't wait to see what 2009 brings us...

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

Boys will be boys...

2008-12-20T12:54:00.013Z

Hello. Hope everyone's having a lovely peaceful weekend. The challenge this fortnight on Crafymuse is to create something for the boys.
Personally, as most of you know, I really struggle with 'male' cards so have made this pen holder for my young nephew as he is always hill walking with his Pa.
Sammi has created various male images for you to purchase as a download so check out Craftymuse and don't forget to take part in the challenge!

Ps...tomorrow I have got some really, really gorgeous 'things' to show you...heaven....mmmmmm!

No embellishments...OMG!!!!

2008-12-19T12:28:00.012Z

After finishing my DT work last night (finally!) I was sat playing with my new Leanne Mills stamps (that I accidentally purchased yesterday in the house of Sugar Nellie whilst wondering around it!) when hubby poked his head round my craft room door....

and after shaking his head at the mess and chaos that I had caused he challenged me to make something with NO embellies....eek!

It's probably the hardest challenge I've ever been given! Anyway I used watered down Distress ink pads to colour it in...hand drew the scrolls as none of my stamped ones were suitable. I actually like the washed out colour of it and have fallen head over heels in love with these little stamps.

I'm going to enter this tag into two challenges....Arty Girlz where they want a small piece of art......and Tag you're it which is to make a tag in the Secret Santa style. So this card is for my beautiful friend Gill...who started me on my crafting journey...and has been with me all the way...and is as calm and serene as the 'wish' image....oh and she loves these stamps as well!

Well a whole post and not a mention of the 'C' word!

Fantastic new sketch blog......

2008-12-17T21:29:00.005Z

My fabby team mate Becky has got together with Chrissie and Lisa to bring us a new sketch blog...Sketch and Stash....(love the name!) which will go live on Monday the 5th of January.

To celebrate they are offering a gorgeous 'Willow' with umbrella stamp from Whiff of Joy...so pop over to their blog...have a nose...and put your name down to take part in the draw!

And don't forget over on Craftymuse there are freebie Christmas downloads and a Christmas challenge where you could win a Muse stamp........

and over on The Crafty Pad you can meet 'Faith'....Debbie's latest gorgeous stamp and take part in the first challenge where you could win some gorgeous ribbons!

(Oh...and I'm not really here...meant to be doing DT work...failing miserably....to busy playing with Belles new toys....that I should be wrapping!

A very still Belle....LOL!

2008-12-16T16:03:00.010Z

Look what Sammi did for Belles birthday! I was in shock when I received it as its so personal and was such a lovely thing to do for us.
Sammi has also named one of her male images 'Jake' and my boy is chuffed to bits!

She has also done two fab 'ELF' images....a boy and a girl...which you can download for FREE if you pop over to the Craftymuse blog...and I thought there was only room for one elf around here! LOL!
Don't forget to check out the latest challenge as well.

(Crikey I've just realised that I've had over 30,000 hits...better sort some candy out....lol!)

Very proud to announce.....

2008-12-12T20:02:00.006Z

I really can't stop grinning! Not been around for a while as my Internet has been playing up and have so much to tell but would first of all like to apologise for not visiting you all for a while. Big thanks to Mrs T for being my secretary...she was terrible though! LOL!

Many thanks to everyone for the lovely Birthday wishes you sent Belle...she had a fantastic party but for some strange reason all the other mums went white when I dumped a load of finger paints in front of the kids and told them to get as messy as they liked...!

Anyway...some of you already know but I can now proudly announce that I am part of the Inspirational Team and I can't stop grinning! Having been featured on there twice it was a dream come true when Julie added me to her list and I feel very honoured especially when you see who else is on the team! I'm really looking forward to getting to know all the girls and to do even more blog hopping!

And.....the oh so talented Debbie has asked me to become one of her DT for her fantastic new challenge blog...The Crafty Pad...and as I love her images there was no way I was going to say no! Many thanks Debbie for asking me.

And finally...yes there's more...something I've made recently is going to be featured in an e-zine...but will reveal more when it happens!

So that's all for now. I'm going to be spending the next couple of days going round all the blogs and seeing what you've been up to. Out with the girls tomorrow night for our Christmas meal so may be slightly hungover on Sunday!

I really hope you are all well and many, many thanks for the beautiful Christmas cards that have been landing on my door mat.

Beady gifts...Edited

2008-11-30T11:07:00.008Z

**The lovely Helena has been in touch to ask if she can feature these on her new blog Helena-handmadegifts blog which is a new blog featuring gifts that bloggers have made...that has made my day! Thanks Helena**
Hello. I actually made this lot one night last week but could not show them until now...so I'm just hoping the postie has already been to a few bloggy homes!
I've got more to make but just waiting on a bead order. Tina popped round on Saturday and we made some bead brooches and key rings etc and even Belle joined in!

I also want to say a big thank you to Michelle at Poppicrafts who has featured my ribbon tree on her website...thanks honey it means an awful lot!

And an even bigger thank you to you! Life has been complicated lately but there's always one of you around to chat to and its so lovely to know you are there and I am very lucky to have found such wonderful friends.

And finally...its Princess Belles birthday on Wednesday and I've been making hundreds of butterflies, clouds, suns and flowers to hang from the ceiling as we are having a teddy bears picnic for her and her little friends! I handmade the invites and have done some homemade gift bags for the children to take home....with some gorgeous white chocolate teddy bears from Thornton's....they look to scrummy for the kids! Tina is helping out as Daddy is away and we are getting the kids to do hand and feet paintings after the picnic...so wish us luck! LOL!

I probably won't be around until Thursday now...if I have survived the party so have a lovely week and I will catch up with you all very soon.

Ribbon Christmas Tree tutorial...

2008-11-27T12:56:00.007Z

Hello. I've been meaning to make one of these Trees for ages but finally got round to it last night. If you would like to make one you will need a large Polystyrene cone, lots of ribbon (most of mine was from Poppicrafts!) which you will need to cut into 4 inch strips (approx 200 of these!) and some sequin pins.

I painted the tree with a bright green acrylic paint first and allowed it to dry. I started at the bottom of the tree and just folded the ribbon in half and attached to the tree with one pin. Make sure your ribbons slightly goes over the bottom of the tree to so that it lays nicely. Just work your way up the tree, overlapping each layer.

I topped my tree with two wooden snowflakes that I had painted white, glued a needle in between them with about half an inch sticking out so that they could be stuck into the tree.

And there you have one tree to sit in the middle of your table on Christmas day!

I'm going to use this for the Artygirlz challenge this week which is to use your favourite colours and the Secretcrafter challenge which was to use layers.

Hugs,
Em.x

Witches and Cr%p!

2008-11-24T11:45:00.010Z

Hello. This is the box that I altered for Tina for her birthday. It actually started life clear...then got the Elf distressing treatment! I loved making it as it was such a personal gift and I have included all of her favourite things including witches, tarot cards and purple beads.

I made the bracelet using her favourite colours and butterflies as she loves them....

And I did warn her that due to time issues her card would be crap...but she didn't believe me....

She was in hysterics when she saw it and I'm so glad that I went to all that effort with it! PMSL!!

If you would like to commission a crap card like this please do not hesitate to contact me...lol!

I am also going to enter the altered box into CraftawayaSunday challenge which this week is....magical!

Em.x

Thank you all so much...

2008-11-24T10:50:00.008Z

I'm honoured to have received this gorgeous award from Jane, Cathy, Pauline, Donna , Kirsten and Debbie.

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!These blogs are exceedingly charming.These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement.Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.Please give more attention to these writers!Deliver this award to eight bloggers who then must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I've made some truly wonderful friends since I started this blog but there is one particular lot who have made me feel like part of a bigger family and have all become such firm friends....and that is my SBS sisters.So please accept this, from me, with much love.

Hugs, Em.x

My purple phase.....

2008-11-20T22:45:00.007Z

Ok I'm only kidding but the challenge this week at Craftymuse is to create something using the colour purple...not one of my favourite colours (she says ducking as Mrs T throws something at her!) but Sammi let me use 'Princess Amber' who is new to the collection so I'm not complaining! Sammi has also been madly designing away and some male figures have now joined the collection so you might want to wander over and have a look....

I would also like to say a huge welcome to Becky, Ruth and Sarah who have joined the Craftymuse team! Not only are they fantastic designers....but they are also great friends so our little team is now one big happy family. Really happy to be working along side them and their design work is now showing on the blog :o)

Not going to be around for a few days as I have a 'you know what' to make for 'you know who' and its nearly Belles birthday and I have so much to make....HINT HINT TINA!!
I'll catch up with you very soon and big hugs to you all.
Em.x

Guest DT for ThisThursday....

2008-11-20T01:03:00.011Z

I was chuffed to bits when Tracey asked me to be Guest DT on the ThisThursday challenge blog which this week is all about 'playing with paint'. This 'red nose' puzzle piece was made by painting the background with acrylic paint then I used distressing inks, alcohol inks...you know the normal stuff I do to make a mess! The gorgeous stamp is by Toodles and Binks who are the sponsors this week and spoilt us rotten with the samples! The snowflakes are wood which I painted white, glittered, distressed and placed a dew drop in the middle to make them shine!

Obviously his nose was glossed!

This second one I'm really not sure on as these are colours I've not worked with for a while. I loved the stamp (Simone) and painted the swirls with acrylic and round the edge of the tag. The flowers are hand cut with dew drops as well. Belle keeps eyeing it up......hmmmm.....!

I really enjoyed this challenge so why not pop over to TT and have a go yourself! (Big thanks to the girls for inviting me this week as well!)

Hugs,

Em.x

One for the boys....(yikes!)

2008-11-17T21:32:00.010Z

The challenge to my horror over at the BG challenge blog...is to create something for the boys. I absolutely detest making cards for men....so much so that I have been known to actually BUY cards for male friends and relatives...just don't tell my hubby ;o)
Anyway I'm not overly happy with this card but wanted to take part. Papers are BG 'Phoebe' and I've used distressing inks to colour the image in.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Zuzu as well for inviting me to join her forum. I feel very honoured as I have worshipped this womans work for a long time and can quite happily spend an hour or two wandering round her blog.

Oh I have a favour to ask...if you happen to have any spare hours in the day right now could you throw them my way!?!
Hugs
Em.x

Craftymuse is now open for fun!

2008-11-06T12:02:00.012Z

This is my DT for Sammi's new challenge blog...

The fantastic new Craftymuse challenge blog is NOW OPEN!! Challenges will be held fortnightly and you can use any image or one of Sammi's....you have the opportunity of using one of Sammi's lovely images free for the first one!

Craftymuse also needs another two members to join us on the design team...if you are interested then play along to this weeks challenge and you may be picked!

So come along and see what its all about...just click on the banner and it will take you there!

The colours of Autumn...4x4

2008-11-04T18:53:00.007Z

Hello. The challenge over at Mixed Media Monday this week is to make something using Autumnal colours. I'd already started on this 4x4 at the weekend so hope it fits in with what they wanted.
I used distress inks, alcohol inks, acrylic paint, spritzed Perfect Pearls for the background which was also stamped with a vintage style leaf. The leaves are stamped shrink plastic and the tree was a black and white down load that I coloured.
Can't think of anything else...oh yes...the sun was actually a Belle 'splodge' that I had to then fit in with the theme...it was purple to start with!
Hope everyone's having a good week.
Big hugs,
Em.x

Sarah I am speechless!!!

2008-11-04T18:46:00.004Z

I received this absolutely stunning book in the post today from the lovely Sarah C. Its amazing and is full of inspirational quotes and beautiful photos. There are lots of tags with sayings on as well and these photos just do not do it justice....thank you so much Sarah...you are such a sweetie!

EDITEDA puzzled Christmas.....

2008-11-01T16:32:00.013Z

** I've just heard from Julie that this has been nominated to be shown on the Inspirational blog. So a huge thank you to whoever it was who nominated it...you have really made my day!**

Hello. I've made this puzzle decoration for the Basic Grey challenge which is 'Christmas' this week and for the One stop craft challenge which is 'wings'.

I used acrylic paint dabbers in Espresso and Cranberry, Alcohol inks in Raisin, Oregano and gold mixatives, Distress ink in aged mahogany. Papers are Basic Grey 'Infuse' and the star chips are from my Basic Grey 'Sultry' pack. Images were free downloads from Crafty computer papers and the wings were stamps from my stash. Beads from a necklace Belle has yet again destroyed...!

Hope you're having a great weekend.
Hugs
Em.x

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

2008-10-31T14:24:00.005Z

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~

2008-10-30T21:11:00.005Z

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.

2008-10-24T15:11:00.005+01:00

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!)

2008-10-23T16:26:00.007+01:00

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)

2008-10-23T12:37:00.009+01:00

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)

2008-10-23T12:12:00.006+01:00

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!)

2008-10-23T08:44:00.005+01:00

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!

2008-10-20T17:08:00.004+01:00

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

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

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...

2008-10-19T07:00:00.007+01:00

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!

2008-10-16T16:41:00.008+01:00

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.

2008-10-16T08:11:00.003+01:00

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

2008-10-15T12:00:00.004+01:00

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

2008-10-14T12:08:00.005+01:00

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

2008-10-13T12:44:00.008+01:00

**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....

2008-10-12T15:30:00.003+01:00

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....

2008-10-11T11:10:00.007+01:00

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?

2008-10-10T16:39:00.005+01:00

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~

2008-10-10T14:37:00.001+01:00

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.....

2008-10-08T10:23:00.005+01:00

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!..

2008-10-04T16:15:00.004+01:00

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!!

2008-10-03T15:09:00.003+01:00

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!

2008-10-03T14:13:00.006+01:00

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!

2008-10-01T15:40:00.004+01:00

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

Got a round tuit!

2008-09-29T14:18:00.003+01:00

The girls over at thisthursday have very kindly provided us all with a round 'tuit'....'So we want you to think about all those craft projects that you have been meaning to get a round to, choose one and do it.'

I am embarrassed to say that I started this cross stitch at the beginning of April whilst waiting in Gibraltar airport to come home to the UK. I completed the heart and then put it away for it to stay in a box until two days ago! Poor little cat! LOL! (Also need to mention that hubby is not happy with more cross stitch as its all over our house!)

Not quite sure where the days are going right now. Have spoken to several of my SBS sisters and it seems that everyone is struggling to keep up with 'blurfing' and life in general. Arhhhhhh.....just drink more wine!

Hugs,
Em.x

Shock, horror!

2008-09-26T11:55:00.003+01:00

I've actually made something!
This is for the Basic Grey challenge which this week is all about 'distressed'. Papers are 'Infuse' and I've just distressed away!
I'm meeting all the other Mum's this afternoon for a walk round the park and then cake and coffee. Its the first time I will have been out of bed and out the house so really looking forward to it.
This evening I'm sitting down with a decent bottle of Shiraz and am going to spend the time doing something I have really missed....looking at what you have all been up to! LOL!
Big hugs,
Em.x

Thanks Natalie!

2008-09-26T11:23:00.002+01:00

I've received this gorgeous 'Get well soon' card and goodies in the post from Natalie. Its stunning as she has actually glossed the image so that she looks wet from the rain! Thank you so much sweetheart....it really made my day!
Hugs,
Em.x

BIG appeal update and HUGE apology...

2008-09-21T12:27:00.004+01:00

Hello I hope everyone's having a lovely weekend. I just want to apologise for not getting round to any of your blogs but this is the reason why.....

These are all the parcels that arrived for the appeal...this week!
I am really happy to say that the total now stands at 618 cards and its all down to YOUR hard work. You should all feel very proud of yourselves as you have done a remarkable job! Thank you all so much.x

On a personal note I am sorry that I've been such a crabby friend lately and all your lovely comments and e-mails have meant so much. Things have just been a lot harder than I expected but the dark cloud is lifting slowly and hopefully normal service on this blog will resume shortly.

Big thanks as well to the gorgeous Debbie for this beautiful card and for what she wrote inside....
And to the forever patient and understanding Ruth who is an absolute gem....
The wording on the card says 'Among life's precious jewels, Genuine and rare, The one that we call friendship Has worth beyond compare'.

That pretty much sums up how I feel about all your kind words lately...thanks girls.

Em.x

A grumpy quickie....

2008-09-17T21:11:00.005+01:00

So you thought you could get rid of me that easily...not likely! LOL!

Yep I'm still here...stuck in bed and having a right grump about it. Not quite sure what happened...one minute I'm running round the house like a demented idjit sorting everything out for his lordships father arriving...the next I wake up in hospital. Whats that all about? Flipping meds. Luckily my eldest (God bless him) had the common sense to ring for an ambulance and then ring Tina (as she is a responsible adult?). My poor hubby got called back off his course and has spent all week running round after us all...my hero...LOL!

Anyway I'm hoping to be back on my feet in a couple of days so will hopefully be able to catch up with you all and some challenges. Have had loads of parcels arrive for the appeal so will post them all tomorrow.

Big thanks to Tina (for attempting to be a responsible adult and force feeding my kids McDonald's) and to everyone over on the other blog for your lovely messages. my lovely SBS sisters and to everyone that clicked that something was up and e-mailed.

Will catch up with you all over the next few days.
Lots of grumpy hugs,
Em.x

Ya wee darlin's!

2008-09-11T19:53:00.008+01:00

Helloooo! Yes I am still around but only just. It been a really busy week so I can only apologise for not returning e-mails or visiting blogs but can hopefully let you know next week what I have been up to. Thanks to everyone for the concerned e-mails...I will get back to you all over the next couple of days...you are all so lovely!

One thing I have been really busy with is the SOS card appeal.....236 have already been received and that does not include what Gill and I will be adding as well...well done to you all but please keep them coming. Every card WILL make a difference and brighten someones day....huge thanks to all who have already donated.x (Big thanks to Tina as well who is helping with all the sorting!)

Thanks to Cathy for passing an award onto me...I will collect it soon and pass them all on...thanks hun.

Lastly as well as receiving cards for the appeal I have received some gorgeous ones for myself and they have really made my week. So thanks to...

Natalie for sending this beautiful card with some lovely stamped images..
Donna for this fab PB card with images...
And Linda....who even though she is having a bad time of things still thought of me...thanks sweetheart.
I'll catch up with everyone over the next few days and I hope you are all well.
Lots of hugs,
Em.x

BG+Buttons=HEAVEN!!

2008-09-07T19:35:00.006+01:00

My oh so talented pal Chris is one of the DT for the new Basic Grey challenge blog so I had to join in with the fun as 1) I adore BG and 2) she may shout at me! LOL!
The first challenge is to make a card using buttons...so here is my effort using acetate. My one button is vintage, papers are BG 'sultry' and there is memory wire behind the flower. I've really enjoyed making this so many thanks to Martine for coming up with such a brilliant challenge blog!
Hugs,
Emma,x

Black is back....

2008-09-06T21:43:00.009+01:00

Hello. The challenge this week over at thisthursday is 'Black is back' in honour of Susie now becoming a lovely wife...many congratulations Susie...I hope the honeymoon is fantastic.

I've made this for my step mothers birthday next week...except Tracey is 6 months younger than me so its very bizarre calling her that!

Hope everyone is well.x

A bit overwhelmed....

2008-09-05T20:29:00.011+01:00

Hi. (After re-reading this I have just realised that you may want to go and grab a cuppa or just switch off now....) Just bear with me on this one as there's no point in me saying how tough the past two weeks have been because you all know that. I still feel that its not really happened and I keep waiting for someone to tell me that its just a horrible joke and that she is OK. It all feels so surreal. I find myself one minute smiling at something the kids have done and then sobbing my heart out. I know they say time is a great healer but I feel that things will never be the same again.

Don't worry I'm not going to go on about it...I think you've all put up with me enough lately and I feel that everyday I am thanking someone for another show of kindness. I originally set this blog up so that my friends and family could keep up with what I was up to but if anyone had told me what wonderful friends I would make through this I would never have believed them.

So without further ado I am going to say yet more belated thank you's.....

Cathy who has saved my sanity as well this week sent not only 30 cards for the troops but this beautiful card for me....its so sweet....
Kelly my gorgeous friend from SBS 15 sent me this card and the colours are stunning...
And Kath...sent this which is decoupaged and the swirls are actually cut out of the card...stunning...
Jane sent be this oh so cute note pad after I commented about one she had done on her blog.....I just need to save it from Belle!
Tina (my own private shrink!) made this beautiful felt brooch, card and earrings for me......
Chris sent me this gorgeous card and the photo just does not do it justice.....
My lovely SBS sister Lisa sent me this cute ATC for our friendship swop but also a beautiful card and some crafty goodies.....
Jane also sent me this card...
My Docrafts friend Fiona sent this lovely ATC...
A big thanks to Becky, Dawny P, Tracey, Debbie, Donna and Sarah C who have all kindly passed on tags or awards to me. They are much appreciated and I will one day eventually get round to collecting them...thanks girls.

I also need to say thank you to everyone who has been sending cards for the troops. There is a slide show at the top right so you can see them all. Thank you.

And finally....I have tried to contact everyone individually to say thank you for all the messages and e-mails of support and if I have missed you I can only apologise as my head is still not all there...so a HUGE thank you to....(I told you to grab a cuppa!)...

Gill, Tina, Natalie, Debs (meandlilG), bunnyb, Lainy,Christine, Manda, Kim, Lisa B, Becky, Pauline, Kelly, Teresa, Monica, Jennifer, Emma, Amanda, Jessica, Cass, Dawn, fe-fe, Trace dee, Gina, Donna, Sammi, Cathy, Nessy, Sarah, Sue, Debbie, Tracey, Sarah C, Vicky, Louly, Chrissy, DawnyP, Pam, Linda, Sammi Jay, Tara, madge, Ruth, Kath, Jane, Jan A and tiptop......

with heartfelt thanks to you all.x

I know I've not been a great bloggy friend lately and I can only apologise but....some how saying 'thank you' seems so little in comparison to the love, friendship and support you have all shown me.

With much love to you all,
Em.x

Huge Birthday Hugs to....

2008-09-05T17:46:00.004+01:00

my best mate Sammi!
I hope you had a lovely day babe with lots of lovely crafty goodies!

This is the card that Belle made for her using one of Sammi's own fairy images! (Which you can purchase from her blog...hint hint! LOL!)
Crafty birthday hugs,
Em.x

Small changes...

2008-08-31T11:07:00.006+01:00

Hello. Yes I've changed things again but change is good so I keep telling myself! I recently set the challenge swop for my SBS which had to have the word friend or sister on an ATC...and then with everything that has happened forgot to make one myself! So big, huge, groveling apologies to Lisa. I know she loves black and pink and is a fan of PB so I hope she likes this. Picture isn't very good as the pink is a lot brighter.

The postie has been busy delivering cards for the appeal and some beautiful ones for me from you and I've been tagged and awarded from every direction so will do them all later when Belle is in bed. Thank you all so much for everything...its been a lot tougher than I could have imagined...and an extra special thanks to Tina who has somehow kept me sane this week.

I hope everyone is well and I WILL catch up with you all soon...just doing things as and when I'm in the mood right now.

Demented, crafty hugs,
Em.

To you from me...

2008-08-27T19:01:00.003+01:00

Hi. Papers are HOTP and have been distressed. Pearl brad from Poppicrafts and swirl is distressed chipboard. Ribbon flower hand sewn from stash.

Crafting + Tina + Belle + rainy afternoon = therapy for the soul.

Hugs,
Em.x

Goodbye my friend.

2008-08-26T09:20:00.003+01:00

Most of you already know our sad news and for those of you that don't I can only apologise for not saying anything sooner.
My beautiful friends Debs has lost her battle to breast cancer and words just cannot describe how we all feel right now. Its happened so quickly and there were to many things left unsaid.
We met in 1988 at college and Debs, me and Julie would get up to all sorts of mischief and she is going to be so missed.
Julie and I are going to do some scrapbooks of her life so that the children will always remember Mummy and Dave her hubby has requested no flowers at the funeral as donations will be given to her favourite two charities.

I would like to say thanks to my hubby, Julie, Gill and Tina who have been my rocks since we heard and to all the girls on the other blog for your lovely words.

Not sure how to end this as I don't want to say goodbye and I feel incredibly angry that we have been cheated out of a beautiful, loving, gentle mum who laughed constantly and got drunk far to quickly on red wine...and if she is reading this she will be laughing as the first time we ever got drunk was when we were 16 in a grotty pub in Kings Langley and boy did we get into trouble that night!

I'll not be around for a bit but will catch up with you all soon. Em.x

Having a bloggy break...

2008-08-22T11:53:00.005+01:00

Hello. Not going to be around for a few days as my gorgeous hubby is coming home for the weekend!! Over the moon as I have missed him so much and am already dreading next week when we will be parted again.

Apologies as well for not getting round to comment on everyone's creations but having a bad FM/ME flare up and looking at the screen for too long is causing major migraines. I'll catch up with you all next week.

Big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my pals Pam and Rachel as well...I hope you both have a lovely day!

The cards for the troops have started rolling in and I already have a boxful but there is another box to fill so keep sending them! A big thanks to Tina, Tracey and Jane for their wonderful cards and Jane also sent me a gorgeous handmade book as I had admired one on her blog...thanks girls! I'm going to put everyone's cards onto a photo show next week so everyone can see them.

I've also been given the most beautiful earrings and necklace that Tina has lovingly made for me but will show them next week as I want to take a really good photo to show the beautiful bead work.

And finally...another blogger has had me in tears this week but for a good reason. This beautiful card arrived from Cass and not only is it the most beautiful card but what she had written inside had me in tears. Cass is a very special person to me. We met a long time ago on a forum and started our blogs at the same time. Not only is she a great supporter of my blog she understands my frustrations as a mum and always has the best advice where kids are concerned. We will be meeting up and I can't wait to me her and her wonderful family. Thank you sweetheart.

Now stop yawning and pretend to show some interest in what I write! LOL!
Have a great weekend,
Crafty hugs,
Em.x

A special LO....

2008-08-19T17:23:00.005+01:00

Hello. I've had a lovely afternoon scrapping with Tina and have made this as a special gift for my hubby just to let him know what he means to me.
Its been made as an A4 size so it will fit into a frame but that meant I could not use any embellishments as it will be under glass...but I did sneak some ribbon in!
We were married on Christmas Eve so my dress was a deep red...it was a magical day as it snowed lightly and only five months later we found out that I was expecting Belle. She was due on Christmas Eve which just made our day but my daughter, as ever, couldn't wait and arrived 3 weeks early.
I hope everyone is well and catch up with you all soon.
Hugs,
Em.x

Hurricane Fay

2008-08-18T18:31:00.004+01:00

To all the bloggers in the Florida area, especially Monica and Roz, keep safe and we are all praying that you get through this Cat 1 hurricane safely.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers and and we can only sit back and wait to hear from you.
To all our SBS I have asked that they let at least one of us know, when they can, that they are safe so please pass on any news that you hear.
We can now only sit back and wait and pray that this is not as bad as predicted.
Thinking of you all,
Emma.x

Busy bee's and PB!

2008-08-17T19:10:00.004+01:00

Hi all. Hope everyone had a great weekend. This is my first offering to the PB Saturday challenge which this week is 'ribbons'. Really enjoyed taking part and I don't think it will be my last time. Papers are BG, flowers are Poppicraft and the image was from Debs...thanks babe.

Well my dining room has been a hive of activity today and we have been very busy bee's...Belle included! Tina and I started on our big push for making Christmas cards for the Troops and had a right giggle doing it....red glitter in August seems so wrong! Many thanks to everyone who has agreed to help and I think we will be saying that a lot leading up to October when all the cards need to be in.

I'd also like to thank all the girls over at our 'twaddle and blab' blog for the hugs and kicks today...you lot are so vicious! LOL!
Catch up with you soon,
Crafty hugs,
Em.x

Seriously cheating!

2008-08-16T10:10:00.004+01:00

I'm seriously cheating with this LO as I'm using it for three challenges.....

1. The UKS monthly house team challenge is "Flower Power" and this is my first LO for my team the 'Glitter Gossips'.
2. Thisthursday is “Colour is my obsession” and as I hardly ever work with red I thought it would be fun to try something different.
3. The Stamping links to love challenge is hosted by my pal Monica and is 'Three's company' so I've used three photos and three large red flowers.

Papers are by Creative Imaginations and card stock is Bazzil.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and catch up with you soon.
Hugs,
Em.x

Heffalump hugs....

2008-08-15T13:49:00.004+01:00

I'm sending HUGE heffalump hugs to....

Debs and Lil' G for sending me this gorgeous wallet card filled with images. The photo really does not do it justice as the colours are stunning.
And to Dawny who sent Belle and I this stunning card after I admired it on her blog. Ellie's were the one thing that used to make Belle giggle when she was in hospital so they are our unofficial mascot....unlike bees! It was full of stamped images and elephant dies...and....
all these as well!
Girls you have really spoilt me and Belle and I can't thank you enough. A special thanks to Lil'G as well who decorated the front of the card with ELF and stuck some gorgeous flowers inside...Debs I think you are going to have to watch your very talented daughter...competition in the making me thinks! LOL!
Please check their blogs out as they are amazing!
Hugs,
Em.x

Royal birthdays...

2008-08-13T21:44:00.005+01:00

Hello. We have lots of birthdays coming up so thought I had better make a start on the cards.
Recipe...frame was stamped then embossed then had 'photo' distressing ink rubbed over it.
The image is craftyindividuals. It was stamped onto card that had been coloured with aged inks and then re stamped onto tissue paper...carefully cut out and layered back over the image. Crown was stamped with writing and then glazed. Post mark was stamped and embossed with clear and then re stamped. Scroll was done on card distressed with ink then rolled. Button in flowers is a real vintage charity shop find!

I really do appreciate everyone that finds the time to stop by and read my blog so many thanks to you all.
Hugs,
Em.x

To 'bee' or not to 'bee'...

2008-08-13T15:34:00.004+01:00

As well as an influx of giant bees in the garden I have also received these gorgeous cards today...both with a bee theme!

This one is from the lovely Mrs T....And this arrived from Lainy who is not only my SBS sister but a fabby friend as well...
and it was full with lots and lots of bee images!
Thank you so much and I promise to 'bee' nice to the little guys in the garden in future!! LOL!
Hugs
Em.x

A very special day...

2008-08-13T08:51:00.007+01:00

I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my handsome, gorgeous son Jake who is 15 today...have you gone red yet reading this! I really wish you were with us today but we have lots of lovely surprises for you when you get home! Love ya!

These are some photos taken yesterday when we went to the woods and beach with Tina and Poppy. It was a beautiful day and was finished off at the farm shop with cake!

It really is a beautiful beach...

Belle doing her spider impression....Me and my girl....
We managed to get Belle to keep still for two seconds for this shot....
Belles best friend Poppy....
A big thank you to Tina and Poppy for turning a housework day into one full of fun and giggles!
I hope everyone is having a lovely day and catch up with you all soon.
Hugs,
Em,x

Its a poo world....

2008-08-12T18:25:00.004+01:00

BUT if you are easily offended then log off my blog now!!!

Inflatable dog poo sculpture wreaks havoc

A modern art exhibit has wreaked havoc after blowing away from a museum in the Swiss city of Berne.

The exhibit in question, titled “Complex Sh*t”, was an inflatable dog turd the size of a house.

The exhibit, a sculpture by American artist Paul McCarthy, was blown loose from its moorings at the Paul Klee centre. An inopportune gust of wind then carried it 200 yards.

The giant inflatable stool brought down an electricity line and smashed a greenhouse window before eventually coming to rest in the grounds of a children’s home.

Representatives of the museum later revealed that McCarthy’s work of art had a safety system that would automatically deflate the inflatable turd in the event of a storm but admitted the device had failed to activate.

************************************************************************************

I nearly wet myself after reading this today!!

Em.x

The riddle solved!

2008-08-11T23:53:00.005+01:00

Well after fighting with the bees all summer the riddle was finally solved today. There are bee hives a few fields down behind our house! Don't get me wrong the little darlings have done wonders for my tomato plants but boy...I'm sure this lot have been force fed steroids as they are huge!
I'm definitely going to grow peas next year if these boys are around to help out!

Anyway I'll leave you with this little ATC that I did as an example for my lovely SBS sisters. It was my turn to pick the swop so I decided on ATC's with a friendship theme.
I passed it on to Tina because even though she is not an SBS sister she is a wonderful friend and a fantastic play mate for Belle!
Hugs,
Em.x

Summer stamping..

2008-08-11T17:07:00.006+01:00

Hi. I've made this card for someone who I wish I lived nearer to so I could give her a hug right now. Can't say who in case she reads this but hopefully when the card arrives she will understand just how much I do worry about her!
Papers and stamps are by craftyindividuals and I used chalks on the flowers. The butterfly is stamped as well.

You need to go and check Tina's blog out as well today as she can claim the prize for bargain of the day!!!
Hugs,
Em

Thanks Sharon!

2008-08-11T09:23:00.004+01:00

My pal Sharon has passed this onto me and as I am in awe of everything she does this means an awful lot!

The rules are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog

2. Link the person you received your award from

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Put links of those blogs on yours

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you’ve nominated

So I am going to pass this on to...

Pam who never fails to make me want to try new techniques.
Sammi who is the most kind hearted, generous person I have ever met.
Lainy who makes me laugh so much.
Lisa who has so much going on in her own life but always finds time for others.
Jessica who's talent and friendship means so much.
Teresa who never fails to make me smile.
Kim who always finds time to visit me and is such a lovely person!

I wish I could pass it onto you all....

Well its a beautiful day here so off for a walk into town with Belle to feed the ducks at the lake.
Hope everyone is well.
Hugs,
Em.x

Vintage...

2008-08-10T08:10:00.006+01:00

Morning all!
'This weeks Challenge over at Artyzgirl is 'Vintage' so you could use a vintage photograph on your creation, give your creation an aged effect, or go shabby chic use old ribbon or lace etc. As always you choose the format for your creation.'
Well after having my backside kicked last night by Mrs T who told me to stop mumbling about doing things and actually do something...this is what I came up with!
I've kept it quite simple as its for someone who I don't think likes to much fuss. The stamp is from craftyindividuals. Distressed using distressed inks and the button is original vintage!
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend....we are off for lunch at Mrs T's so will have to be on our best behaviour......
Hugs,
Emma.x

Sorry girls....

2008-08-09T16:04:00.003+01:00

I just don't know where this week has gone. I've hardly visited any of your blogs this week and I feel terrible after all the amazing support you have all given me recently!

I've been working on a couple of projects, sorting out the new blog and I've also just started a new one for my SBS sisters (with some fantastic help from Sammi!) which goes live on Monday...yikes!

Thanks to everyone that has joined us over at the new blog...its so lovely getting to know you all off blog if that makes sense!

I was also invited to join 'The Glitter Gossips' team over at UKS so am slowly starting to get to know them all. Teresa my SBS sister is already on the team and Sharon who runs it lives near me! I was really nervous about joining but they are all so lovely!

Sharon has invited me to a crop she is holding in September and I am going to drag Tina along and its going to be great finally putting faces to all the names I chat to on UKS.

Feeling very tired at the moment and Belle has been a little whirlwind all week...I would love some of her energy. In fact I'm so tired I'm not even going to link back to anyone I have mentioned in this post...so please forgive!

I hope everyone is ok and I promise that I will pop over and see you in the next few days...if I don't you have my permission to kick me!

Will post something crafty tomorrow...if I can find my way out of bed!
Hugs,
Em.x

Ribbons, ribbons everywhere...well not quite!

2008-08-08T12:52:00.006+01:00

Hi. The challenge this week over at thisthursday is 'This weeks challenge is called Bowdacious. so we want you to use ribbons and bows, so use the theme in any way that it inspires you.'

I'm always using ribbons on my cards so thought this time I would something a bit different. I know its not going to be to everyone's taste but its for my Dad so apologies for it not being pink and girlie!!

(And if you are thinking 'so where the heck are all the ribbons'...they are the striped background behind the elephants!)

I also want to say a big WELL DONE BABE to my mate Gill who has once again passed another OU exam under very stressful circumstances and I'm so proud of her! Whilst I was in the garden checking on the tomato plants that have finally got some fruit a huge fat bee kept pestering me and Gill said it must be the same one that's been annoying her......I'd forgotten after being in Gibraltar just how big and annoying they can be!!

Gill is also going to join us over at the other blog and I just want to thank everyone for making me laugh so much since its been set up!

Well I'm off to make some scones...many thanks to Tina's hubby for the recipe!
Catch up with you all soon.

Bucketfuls of cards...thank you!

2008-08-06T15:18:00.003+01:00

Hello. Just thought I'd show you some of the cards I have received lately...

This lovely CD was from Tina...

This gorgeous card was from the oh so talented Chrissy!

Another one from Tina...inside she had written 'Friendship-support, fun, giggles, tears and joy'...

This one arrived this morning from the lovely Jane. I knew she was sending the bird template but the card was unexpected and is beautiful!

A received this from my pal Rachel....but wait...

this is the back of it...how fab is that!

And lastly...but by no means least...this arrived from my SBS sister Kim with all the blog candy she sent me...its scrummy!

I can't thank you all enough as they are gorgeous and have really brightened my front room up...thanks girls!

Apologies for not getting round all your blogs at the mo...still working on the new one, doing some bits for my SBS and working on some of my own stuff as well so a bit maxed out. Will catch up with you all very soon...promise!
(Thanks to everyone that has joined the new blog as well...Debs had me wetting myself this morning with her post!!)

Time flies....

2008-08-03T22:38:00.005+01:00

Hello. The challenge this week over at thisthursday is 'WINGED THINGS. So you can put wings on things, use things that already have wings, whatever the title inspires you to create'.
So me being me decided to do a collection of ATCs with clocks...well time flies!
These are the first 'proper' ATC's I have ever done and really enjoyed making them. I did think that working on something so small would be intimidating but will definitely make more but if any of you have any tips, advice or suggestions for these please let me know...any help is always appreciated!

Hello!

2008-08-02T18:38:00.003+01:00

Just a quickie to say hello. Had a fab couple of days away and a big thanks to Tina for putting up with my cats...or should that be the other way round!!

Many thanks for all the lovely messages you left me whilst I was away...going to spend the next couple of days catching up with you all so please bear with me.
Have got some gorgeous cards to show you tomorrow that were waiting for me when I got home...and my new craftyindividuals stamps have arrived so can't wait to play with them...just don't tell hubby that I ordered more!

Hubby is now away for two months and my son is away for 3 weeks so if you notice me going a bit demented on my posts please just ignore me!

Hope everyone is well and catch up with you very soon.

Beautiful colours....

2008-07-29T19:19:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone. The challenge over at thisthursday was really difficult this week.

'Our CHALLENGE is attempt to create something you truly believe is either beautiful or useful. If like the design team you find that something didn't quite hit the mark , we still want to see it. Its about the journey not the destination. '

Ummmm well I don't consider anything I make 'beautiful'... more like chuck it together and pray that it resembles something! So I decided to use colours from out of my garden as personally I don't think there is anything more beautiful than nature itself. And yes I know its another necklace...but its easy to do when I'm stuck in bed!! (Have been banned by hubby from having glue and glitter on our bed!)

Not sure its what the girls were looking for but I suppose my interpretation kind of hits the mark...if you squint after drinking a couple of voddies!! LOL!

Hope everyone is well...I promise I will e-mail you all back soon, get round to thanking every one for their lovely awards...and just making a general nuisance of myself on your blog!

Had quite a few e-mails about the new look of my blog. I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you with where I got the header from...out of my craft room. Its amazing what you can do with some sticky backed plastic and a toilet roll!! LOL!
Seriously its just made from stuff out of my craft room...would love someone to do a digital one for me so if any of you are that clever please let me know!

Big thanks to Tina for letting my kids eat her out of house and home this weekend...she doesn't know yet but as of tomorrow she is looking after my cats whilst we are on our travels!!

If you need a laugh....

2008-07-29T10:09:00.003+01:00

This is the fairy tale that should be read to little girls when they're little:

Once upon a time

~~~~~~~~

In a land far away,

~~~~~~~~

A beautiful, independent,
Self-assured princess

~~~~~~~~

Happened upon a frog as she sat
Contemplating ecological issues
On the shores of an unpolluted pond
In a verdant meadow near her castle.

~~~~~~~~

The frog hopped into the princess' lap
And said: ' Elegant Lady,
I was once a handsome prince,
Until an evil witch cast a spell upon me.

~~~~~~~~

One kiss from you, however,
And I will turn back
Into the dapper, young prince that I am

~~~~~~~~
And then, my sweet, we can marry

~~~~~~~~

And set up housekeeping in your castle

~~~~~~~~

With my mother,

~~~~~~~~

Where you can prepare my meals,

~~~~~~~~

Clean my clothes, bear my children,

~~~~~~~~

And forever feel

Grateful and happy doing so.
~~~~~~~~

That night,
~~~~~~~~
As the princess dined sumptuously
~~~~~~~~
On lightly sautéed frog legs
~~~~~~~~
Seasoned in a white wine
~~~~~~~
And onion cream sauce,
~~~~~~~~
She chuckled and thought to herself:
~~~~~~~~
I don't f***in think so.

Well it made me giggle especially as hubby is in a foul mood and the kids are driving me nuts!! LOL!

Things that grow...ribbon embroidery

2008-07-27T20:13:00.007+01:00

Hello. The challenge over at CCT this week is 'things that grow...The obvious things would be plants etc but really there are lots more things that grow, we look forward to seeing your own interpretations!'

Well I wouldn't call this card cute but I had great fun making it! I've tried to keep it simple (for once!) and as I love Irises so much I thought this technique would make a change from the norm. The ribbons I used are sheer but unfortunately don't show up very well in the photo.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend...I'm off now to have a nose at what you've been up to!

And the winners are......

2008-07-26T17:58:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to everyone that took part in my latest blog candy....can't believe there were so many!
I did two separate draws and the winner for the £10 Poppicrafts voucher was....

ME!!!! Well it's my blog, my candy and I don't want to share...only kidding....a very well done to.....

who had actually said on entering....
'not that Im trying to get noticed and picked above everyone else for the candy... :) but did anyone ever tell you that to be number 55 on someones comments was extremely lucky for the person whose blog is being commented on? in fact... its up there with winning the lottery sorta luck....'
PMSL!!!

I did the second draw for those outside of Europe which was for a set of clear stamps and some small crafty goodies. So a huge well done to.....

I'd also like to say a HUGE thank you to Michelle at Poppicrafts for being so generous...you're a star babe!
I hope you both like your goodies and many thanks to everyone that joined in!

Golden oldies....

2008-07-25T15:48:00.005+01:00

Hello. The challenge over at DCM this week is to make a card using some of your old stash.
The only problem was that I have so much 'old stash' that I still struggled to decided what to use!
So this is made using some old BG papers that were forgotten about...a stamp that I've not used for ages (from Crafty Individuals I think) which I embossed and an old button.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend...and I promise to stop playing with my blog...I just wanted to confuse you all! LOL!

A little something for you!

2008-07-25T09:53:00.008+01:00

The wonderful Dawny has passed this on to me and I am bowled over by it as I think the award itself is so beautiful! Please check her blog out as well as it is amazing!

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.
2. Link back to this blogsite so Tammy can go visit all these wonderful women and remember the Purpose of the Award:
To send love and acknowledgment to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

And the fab thing about this award...there are no limits to the amount of friends I can pick which is lovely as I find it really difficult having to only pick a few each time.
So...to my lovely friends I pass this on to you ALL as each and everyone of you on my lists inspires, gives me confidence and amazing friendship...and most of all...you make me laugh and smile so much!

And now for a giggle.....

Delia's Way
Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice-cream drips.

The Real Woman's Way
Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for God's sake. You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway.

Delia's Way
To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

The Real Woman's Way
Buy Smash and keep it in the cupboard for up to a year.

Delia's Way
When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking tin, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

The Real Woman's Way
Tescos' sell cakes. They even do decorated versions.

Delia's Way
If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a potato slice.

The Real Woman's Way
If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, that's tough. Please recite with me the Real Woman's motto: 'I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes.'

Delia's Way
Wrap celery in aluminium foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks

The Real Woman's Way
It could keep forever. Who eats it?

Delia's Way
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go away.

The Real Woman's Way
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and drop it in 8 ounces of vodka. Drink the vodka. You might still have the headache, but you wont give a flying banana!

Finally the most important tip - my favourite!

Delia's Way
Freeze left over wine into ice cubes for future use in casseroles

The Real Woman's Way
Left over wine???? Hellooo

And trust me...theres never any wine left over in this house!! LOL!
Have a great Friday...

Happy, blessed and smiling!

2008-07-23T11:17:00.006+01:00

A little something for my fairy godmother....Mrs T!

Hi everyone.
Well its been a really uplifting week and its only Wednesday! At the weekend I had a bit of a chat with the big guy in the sky. We fell out over twenty years ago and I had turned my back on him and my beliefs. As some of you know the past fours months have been incredibly stressful with lots of heartache and I have, from time to time, asked him for forgiveness and to help my family and friends.
Well he has listened and it looks like he has forgiven me and for that I am truly grateful.

We had left Gibraltar under a dark cloud but that cloud was swept away on Monday and the sun is finally shining down on us. There is now a completely different atmosphere in our home and we can now concentrate on the future and put this behind us...with a lot of valuable lessons learnt.

I also heard yesterday from a friend, who I have been so worried about, and it felt so wonderful to finally hear her voice and to know that she is safe.

Our beautiful cats arrive back from Gibraltar tomorrow and Belle has only one more sleep as she keeps telling us! We have really missed them so much and none of us can wait for our little family to be whole again....we've not missed having to do the litter tray though!

I've also received lots of lovely cards from non bloggy friends this week that were completely unexpected but gave lots of smiles to us all and some of the messages that have been left on my blog and on friends blogs have really made me feel that I am part of a wonderful circle of friends...yes Chrissy and Nessy you did both make me cry!

And my biggest blessing this week...Tina. You all know I have Fibromyalgia and lots of other grotty things, but its not often I mention them on here. Tina sees me on an almost daily basis and puts up with me walking like an old woman and my tears. The pain at the weekend was pretty unbearable but Tina has been giving me Reiki healing and I feel like a new woman! She brings so much peace and calm to not only me but my children and I am so grateful for having her in my life.

And finally, because I can hear you all yawning, thanks for reading this!! LOL!

My very own credit card!!!

2008-07-22T11:53:00.006+01:00

Big huge thanks to the lovely Dawn for giving me this award. I feel very humbled receiving it from someone as talented as her! Thanks babe.

The rules of getting this are -

1. Only 5 people allowed.
2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

Quite simple really it is a way of saying thank you to those who take time out for wonderful comments to boost your day.

So my five are;
Chrissy,
Tina,
Heather,
Sammi
Not only are they talented crafters but I am lucky enough to call them good friends as well so please check their blogs out as they are fab!
My fifth blogger is overseas and is not on my blog list but I just love her work...Melissa. Her work is beautiful!

I'm just so sorry that I could not pass this on to everyone on my list as I think you
all deserve it!

Interesting!

2008-07-20T20:55:00.001+01:00

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people.

Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others.

You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others.

You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

I'd love to see what you are!
Hugs,

Its a 'bead' world!

2008-07-19T18:08:00.005+01:00

The challenge over at thisthursday this week is all about changes. I bought 3 of these tea light holders from M&S about 3 years ago but with all the moving around the green coating had started to peel off. So I scrubbed them clean and then decorated them with twisted wire and beads. Well waste not...want not!! LOL!

This is a bracelet I've made to match a top...

and then Tina made this gorgeous brooch for me this week which matches so well!! I'd admired one she had made when we first met so was over the moon at this present. Thanks hun!

I just wanted to apologise for not being around much at the moment or for getting over to your blogs but have just been so busy with one thing and another this week. I do appreciate you all finding the time though to leave such lovely comments for me to read and for all the very funny e-mails!!
Sending big hugs to everyone in Gibraltar that visits my blog as well...really looking forward to catching up with you all in a couple of weeks.
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend...I'm off to see what you have been up to!
Hugs,

My wild child!

2008-07-13T08:00:00.004+01:00

This is one of my favourite photos of Belle. We were by the lighthouse in Gibraltar and she was just running around everywhere. The shot is out of focus but for me it just captured her spirit so well.

This was taken last weekend when we walked along the coast and found this gorgeous forest. It led through to a beach and we ate our picnic there. On the way home Belle filled her Daddy's rucksack with pine cones...even though she insisted on calling them pinny stones! She was so tired that Dad had to carry her all the way back on his shoulders!

Went to the Chinese Circus yesterday and it was amazing. The only thing I will mention is the contortionist...its so not right that someone can sit on their own head!! Aewwwwwwww!

Its sunny here today...yah!!! Lets hope it lasts!
Hugs to you all,

Got a hot date later.....

2008-07-12T11:33:00.003+01:00

...with a clown! Stop laughing I'm being serious! LOL! Actually we have been given some tickets to go and see the Chinese Circus later and we are all so excited!
Just wanted to show you some of the lovely goodies that have been so lovingly made for us this week...

This gorgeous little lot arrived from Linda and I was gobsmacked when it turned up! I knew she was sending a card but this made me speechless. The card is beautiful...thanks Linda!

Tina popped round in the week and gave me this beautiful 'get well' card and a scrummy hand made box full of little goodies! Thank you Ms T for spoiling me!

And this card arrived for Belle yesterday from Poppy who is Tina's dog! Belle is besotted with Poppy and would love nothing more than for her to come and live with us! We even had a temper tantrum when I had to take the card off her to take a pic....bless!

Well I have been busy this week as some of you know and I'm really pleased the altered CD's were liked. Going to take part in some challenges later so will (hopefully!) have some bits of my own to show this evening. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend...a man is stood on our roof just emptying bucket after bucket of water over the house...does it ever stop raining here!!! LOL!
Hugs,

Hugs and birthdays...and a waffle!

2008-07-09T11:28:00.010+01:00

This is probably the quickest card I have ever made and I'm actually quite embarrassed about the fact as its for someone very special. The papers are by Crafty Individuals and the butterfly stamp has been done on acetate with a StazOn opaque. I've attached the acetate at the back of the card as I wanted it to be free on the front. Its also on an A6 card and its been at least a year since I made a card of this size.

NOT MORE CD'S...I hear you shout! Actually I've done quite a lot of these lately and am having great fun seeing what can be done with them! This one is for my friend Gill who is now back in the UK. The poem is actually stamped onto shrink plastic and...shrunk! Papers are BG and the stamp is Hobby Art.

Well its been a funny old fortnight...not side splittingly funny but emotionally funny. A year ago this month my hubby was doing his tour in Iraq and I had just received my diagnoses. Its been a tough year for lots of reasons, not just because of these two things, but a few things have happened over the past fortnight that have made me have a good old think about life.

Firstly a wonderful friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the same age as myself and has two gorgeous young children. Struggling to write this so please forgive me if I make no sense, but its been caught late. You can all imagine the anger and frustration that her and her lovely hubby are feeling and my heart is breaking for them both.

Secondly my Mum heard last week that Stuart, who she had fostered as a child, has passed away from cancer. He was 41. What age is that?

I know that this should not be about me...and I feel so selfish for even writing this, but for the past year I have sat and grieved for the life that I can never have back...for the life that I had enjoyed so much and would do anything to have 5 minutes of again.

But...I'm not going to lose my life...I will watch my kids grow up...I will torment my hubby for quite a few more years. There is nothing for me to grieve for and its time to start enjoying what I have got...and boy what I have got is bloody fantastic.
Hugs,

Altered card swop....I hope!

2008-07-06T22:27:00.005+01:00

Hello. Firstly I'm so sorry for not getting round every one's blogs today...I have missed seeing every one's creations but sorting my lists out took longer than I thought...and I still have my SBS one to do! I'll get it sorted tomorrow and will pop round to have a look at what you have all been up to.
I've made this altered CD for one of the girls on the Docrafts forum. We have been paired up for the July swop so I just hope she likes it!
Papers are BG and the stamp is by Elusive Images.
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and didn't get sun burnt!
Hugs,

Really, really pink and girlie!!

2008-07-05T19:08:00.007+01:00

Before you ask 'what on earth were you thinking about when you made this?' please let me explain!
The challenge over at thisthursday this week is to make something you can see through. Well I racked my brains and then I realised it gave me the perfect excuse to go really girlie and use pink acetate!!
Its for my friend's daughter who is fourteen in a couple of weeks so I thought instead of a normal card I would do her something she could re-use or attach to her school bag.
I stamped, embossed, glittered and glued....basically just had lots of fun!! (Once in a while its great to act like a big kid!)
Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.
Hugs,

Thanks Juliet!

2008-07-04T19:32:00.002+01:00

The beautiful Juliet has very kindly passed these three awards on to me. Thank you so much honey! Her blog is so lovely and her garden is amazing so please go and have a nose!
I have to pass it on to three people. Go on then...how the heck do I only pick three? Everyone on my list deserves them so I'm going to pass them on to three bloggers who I think are complete nutters and could do with a shrink...only kidding but they have made me laugh this week for various reasons so please do not be offended if you are not one of them...in fact be grateful that you are not one of them!! LMHO!!
So Debs, Heather and Rachel consider yourself nutters of the week!!! Love you all really!
And to everyone else who is relatively sane...don't worry...I'll get you next time!
Hugs

You either love it...or you hate it! (No not marmite!)

2008-07-04T08:14:00.005+01:00

Last night we were having a discussion on Heather's blog about word verification.
If you get a chance please pop over and see what we were all mumbling about!
Me? I hate WV...its bad enough stuggling to see the screen at the best of times with my FM...but throw fibrofog in...and I spend all night clicking on the disabled button to get a half decent lot of letters I can see!!! Have pity on me and free the WV!!! PMSL!

Puddy cat!

2008-07-03T18:02:00.005+01:00

Hi. This is the card I have made for the abc-challenge. Its all about animals this week and as a cat fanatic I just had to do another one of Lou's cats that you can download at CCC. The whiskers are wire and the papers are once again Basic Grey...but would you really expect anything else by now!! LOL!
Hugs,

Muchas gracias!

2008-07-03T07:29:00.006+01:00

Sorry for not being around much lately but I've been sleeping a lot! Feeling much better so thought I had better catch up with everyone.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Debs, Cathy, Pauline C, Sammi, Nessy, Cass, Donna, Sarah C, Vicki May, Jo, and lastly but by no means least...Kerry for passing this award onto me. Thank you all so much for thinking of me. Please go and visit their blogs as they are all amazing!

I'm now meant to pass this on to seven more blogs so I hope you can all forgive me if I just pass it on once this time...you can slap my wrists later!
I'm going to pass it on to my amazing friend Tina...with a huge hug after all her hysterical e-mails this week that have really cheered me up. Thanks babe!

Thanks to everyone for all the tagging lately but I'm going to pass on it this time if no one minds as I think you have all had it anyway!! LOL!

And finally many, many thanks to the girls at thisthursday who picked my necklace as one of their favourite 15. Am really happy with this as its now given me the confidence to have another go! Thanks girls!

Off to the fracture clinic now with Jake so will see you all later when I pop over for a visit!
Hugs to everyone,

Elf-Creations

Moving on....

And here are some I made earlier...

Finally....

Lazy summer days embroidery

Angel Asylum!

Twin bird Wedding Anniversary card.

Boo...and a bit of bling...

A 'Faith' brooch at The Craftypad

A Christmas video from Elf land....

A time to share...

Boys will be boys...

No embellishments...OMG!!!!

Fantastic new sketch blog......

A very still Belle....LOL!

Very proud to announce.....

Beady gifts...**Edited**

Ribbon Christmas Tree tutorial...

Witches and Cr%p!

Thank you all so much...

My purple phase.....

Guest DT for ThisThursday....

One for the boys....(yikes!)

Craftymuse is now open for fun!

The colours of Autumn...4x4

Sarah I am speechless!!!

**EDITED**A puzzled Christmas.....

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

~Twinkle toes~

Completely hacked off.

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

Testing out 'Ribbon Rings' (3 of 4)

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

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

Calling 109...your time is up!

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

Random Integer Generator

BG stitching challenge...

Oh baby, baby!

Heartwarming news to share.

Blogger Label clouds

Crayon resist tutorial

Get your boobs out! **EDITED**

10 Commandments for bloggers....

BG colour combo and a natter....

Biscuit anyone?

SORRY NOW CLOSED~CHRISTMAS CANDY~

Ribbon storage.....

Scalloping and smiling!..

AMAZING NEWS!!

More thank yous!

Half naked men!

Got a round tuit!

Shock, horror!

Thanks Natalie!

BIG appeal update and HUGE apology...

A grumpy quickie....

Ya wee darlin's!

BG+Buttons=HEAVEN!!

Black is back....

A bit overwhelmed....

Huge Birthday Hugs to....

Small changes...

To you from me...

Goodbye my friend.

Having a bloggy break...

A special LO....

Hurricane Fay

Busy bee's and PB!

Seriously cheating!

Heffalump hugs....

Royal birthdays...

To 'bee' or not to 'bee'...

A very special day...

Its a poo world....

BUT if you are easily offended then log off my blog now!!!

Inflatable dog poo sculpture wreaks havoc

The riddle solved!

Summer stamping..

Thanks Sharon!

Beady gifts...Edited

EDITEDA puzzled Christmas.....

Get your boobs out! EDITED