Getting ready to 'deck the halls'!

Hi,

I haven't done much crafting this week... I have been getting the house ready for the decorations to go up at the weekend. My daughter sings in the choir at school so we went to the switching on of the village lights... it rained so they had to do the service inside the village hall... strange!

The one thing I have done is finished my cross stitch bow (as in the above picture)... I am really please with it.

I am getting on with my christmas shopping... I have finished my main bulk of christmas cards... just need to do one for OH, my mum, and the children. My christmas cake smells gorgeous. I am feeding it brandy on a regular basis... lovely!!!!

Hopefully I will be posting a picture of my Project Tuesday attempt either later or tomorrow... hoping for some peace and quiet this afternoon...

Hope you have a lovely day...

Hugs

Kim

Friday Sketchers #80

This is my take on the Friday Sketchers #80...

Love the sketch... the samples are lovely... love an excuse to use some of my lovely flowers. I have tons of them, I think I got a little carried away at some point and bought shed fulls. They never seem to go down either.
I am a total stash collector... I love to build a collection of something... which is why I have too much paper, lots of ribbon, shedfuls of flowers, and now I am starting to buy stamps for my cards for next year. I want to get a collection of promarkers too. Ssshhhhh! wouldn't want OH to hear that! He never says alot about my crafting stuff, unless I leave a mess out which isn't very often... but he gives me a 'look'.
I want to get myself organized tonight as the kids are going to a disco and OH is on nights... gives me a couple of hours to play...
Hope you are having a good day.
Kim

Challenge Up Your Life - challenge #9

I discovered a lovely challenge blog called Challenge Up Your Life and thought I would have a go at a gift bag... and here it is.
I am hoping to find something adorable to put in it and give it to my sister for Christmas... they are most definately her colours!
What a great blog... what wonderful samples... and what an inspiration... I am so happy to have started this blog and keep at the various challenges to complete my cards. It's great to find inspiration to have a go at other papercrafts too.
Happy crafting...
Kim

Mojo Monday ~ # 114

Hi,
My take on Mojo Monday's Sketch #114 ...


Having started writing my cards, I discover that I am quite a few short, so need to get making some more... am hoping to post them all by a week on Friday. I need to get a move on.
My little boy has had a high temperature, and he has been off school. He has fitted in the past due to high temperatures from colds and flu type virus's so it is always a worry when he gets anything like this.
Hope you have found time to craft.
Hugs
Kim

Project Tuesday - Peek-a-boo boxes

Hi
Here are my little boxes... I love these... They are from Project Tuesday ... they made Peek-a-boo boxes... I will probably make some more of these for over Christmas... I literally grabbed the first double sided PP I could find to make these... and I have no goodies to fill them with!!!!

Thank you for the inspiration... I had fun making them. The Samples on the blog are lovely.
Hugs
Kim

Jamie from the X-Factor and the Christmas Lights

Hi,
Well, I didn't get any time to do any crafting yesterday... but we did go into Preston to see the christmas lights being turned on. I have never done this before but the kids quite liked the idea after hearing someone mention it so we braved the weather and the crowds. It was fun actually. Jamie from the X-Factor was there. Kids thought it 'weird' seeing someone from the tv in the real... my little boy said 'he looks normal'... he was happy about this, don't know what he expected! Aren't kids funny!!!! My photos weren't very brilliant but it's all memories isn't it?

Also there was Santa and the cast from the Cinderella panto...

And lots of fireworks...

Today I am making some time for crafting... so I may be back later with some piccies if I get anything done.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

Hugz

Kim

Christmas crafting - boxes

Good Morning!
Last night I had a play at making these open boxes... not quite sure what I am going to put into them yet, but I had a lovely time making them.
I used some papers and embellishments from an Anna Griffin kit I got from QVC last year I think it was... such pretty papers but have never really found much of a use for them... I think they worked perfectly on these.
Only thing is I have lost the link for the 'how to make' for the boxes and appologise... I need to seriously find time to organise things on my laptop more... I have so many useless links which is how I lose useful links...
Anyway, must get on with the housework... am hoping to play again later. The children have a special assembley today for the children in need day which had them all excited this morning... dressing in their own clothes is always fun and they dressed their teddy bears up too.
Hope you have a good day,
Hugz
Kim

Mojo Monday #113

Hi,
Believe it or not, I have had that really bad cold return this week and felt worse than ever so have done no crafting for a few days... I get withdrawal symptoms, when I don't get to play with paper, do you know what I mean?
Anyway, here is my take on Mojo Mondays Sketch #113... what a fun sketch... the DT samples are brilliant this week. Thank you for the inspiration.

I have actually started to write and address my Christmas cards now. I am slowly organizing my Christmas shopping. Hopefully it will all come together a little earlier than usual...
Hope you find some time to craft today...
Hugs
Kim

Sassy Designs by Susy - new blog candy!

There is new blog Candy at Sassy Designs by Susy... Looks fun to play with...

Hugs Kim

My UKS CC Layouts

Hi,
I didn't get as much time as I would have liked to do much of the Cyber crop on UKS, but I totally enjoyed what I did manage to do. I have printed the classes off to have a go at the others this week.
This one was my take on the 'Twister & Shout by RAchel (Taniwha) and PaperArts... really enjoyed making this ... used some Basic Grey from the Two Scoops collection.


Then I had a go at 'Dare to Dream by Tracie (traciedoodles). I don't tend to doodle and don't know why after doing this LO, it was fun!!!

Here was a challenge - a LO about things that were popular with me... I actually used up paper left from the other classes...

The last one I did was a kit from Shimelle. The class was called 'Take No Notice of the Man behind the Curtain by Shimelle', I really enjoyed this class, it was an idea that I know I will use in the future when I have multiple photos as it opens up...

Wish I had had time to do more but 'life' has a habbit of taking over ... just grateful I got to do these. I love the glitter thickers alphabet... aren't they wonderful?!!! I am so glad to have managed some LO's hope my scrapbooking mojo is back now...

Well, am off to watch the X-factor!

Hugz

Kim

Friday Sketchers #78

Hi,
Well, I really was the early bird this morning... due to lack of sleep the night before I went to bed early last night... so I ended up really early this morning. And I made a Christmas card... using Friday Sketchers #78 Sketch... what a great sketch it was too.

I really enjoyed making it, I think it was because I was so relaxed that I didn't have anything that I should have been doing instead, do you know what I mean?!!!
Need to get my stash sorted today for the CC on UKS. Hopefully I will find some stash I've forgotten I have and my scrapbooking mojo will return.
Have a lovely day...
Kim

Mojo Monday #112

Hi,

Another Christmas card take on Mojo Monday's Sketch 112. Have been dying to use this Christmas tree paper, it's so cute! The DTs samples are really lovely!

Well, this week I feel better... but of course my daughter has it now and OH is getting the starting symptoms... God help all of us!!!!

On UKS there is a Cyber Crop this coming weekend, I am hoping to at least do a few classes and challenges. I am going to do the pre-crop challenge this afternoon... I feel abit nervous about it, which is ridiculous, but I haven't done any scrapbooking lately and I need to do a LO about things that make me feel at home. I seem to have lost my scrapbooking mojo... lets hope the CC can help me get it back. How do you find your lost mojo?

I have 2 Martha Stewart punches to play with... Fall Leaf Corner Punch and the matching border punch. I don't use punches much... but love the look of these.

The other thing I need to do today is soak the fruit for my Christmas cake. I used to decorate cakes for a job. I loved that job, but gave it up to move up here with OH. Now the only cakes I make and decorate are my Christmas cake and my childrens birthday cakes. We used to make truffles at Christmas... I say every year I am going to make my own truffles but I never have the time.

Last year the children helped me decorate the above cake... we make snowmen and snowballs! They were very proud of themselves...

Anyway, better get a move on...

Hope you have a lovely day!

Hugz

Kim

Sketch & Stash Challenge #23

Hi,
I found the sketch #23 at Sketch and Stash very inspiring... The samples are wonderful too.

I have used new Bazzill 'Just the Edge', the papers were bought new especially for my Christmas cards and the snow flake in the middle of the flower is actually old... I found a half used pack of them in a box at the back of the cupboard with some other delightful discoveries to use on my Christmas cards... isn't it lovely when you do that??!!!

I feel much better this week... the sun is shining (although its very cold) and I am determined to get my cards all made now by the end of the week...

Hope you find some time to craft today...

Hugz

Kim

Friday Sketchers - 77

Here is my take on the Friday Sketchers #77... I enjoyed making this one...

Am planning to craft this eveing... make some cards and little boxes, I think... I wonder what will come along to make me stop... something usually does when I have a whole free evening!
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Hugz
Kim

Tri-Fold Card

Last night I also had a go at making a tri-fold card... I enjoyed it, but was not very organised and took ages to make it... Thats the thing with crafting... you live and learn. It makes a nice special card, I think. I can't see me making too many of these - I'd be just about done next christmas... lovely idea though.
The weather here is still dreadful. Very depressing.

Keep smiling.

Kim

My Christmas Diary - A work in progress...

Hi,
here are the promised pictures of my Christmas Diary for 2009... I am still working on it... I am encouraging my children to pick embellishments to go into it too and it still needs more tags...

I have left room for me to add photos, and I will write on tags and journal squares...

Last year I didn't do enough preparation in my diary which is why I didn't get around to finishing it... I think you have to have very little to do to keep it up over such a busy time.

I have tried to vary the pages abit and have left pockets to add more tags etc if needed.

I have to say a huge Thank You to Ali Edwards for the inspiration for making the diary...

Hope you find some time to craft today.

Kim

Project Tuesday - Triangle box

Hi,
Last night I discovered Project Tuesday. What a great challenge blog... I really enjoyed playing along.

I have been playing around with different ideas for teaching gifts and these are perfect... I am going to fill them with some nice choccies... wonderful idea and easy to make... Thank you for the inspiration!

Here is a link for a 'how to' guide if you fancy having a go.
Hugs
Kim

Mojo Monday - 111

Hello!
This is my Christmas take on the Mojo Monday Sketch 111. Is it a sin to admit I used a peel off? I couldn't find any silver ribbon...



I love all the different colour schemes that make up christmas cards these days... There is so much choice these days in Christmas paper, it is hard to make a decision on what to buy. I'd love some new ones for my Christmas scrapbooking pages this year but I honestly can not make my mind up which I like the best... does anyone else have this problem? I just keep browsing and browsing!!!!! And then I find another new one....

I am hoping for a crafting evening tonight... I still have this dreadful cold... I do feel a bit better, but my head is killing me... the painkillers I have taken haven't touched it this morning. I am one of these people who try to ignore it and hope it goes away... not happening today though!

Hope you find time to craft today...
Hugs
Kim

A beautiful and inspiring blog with Candy too!

Hi,
Here is a blog that you should visit: http://jacquesmagnolias.blogspot.com/2009/11/papilio-and-some-sweet-stuff-for-you.html

The prize looks like great fun... the blog is even more fun and inspirational to look around. Some of the most beautiful holiday things I have seen...
Hugs
Kim

2S4U - 38

Hi,
Here is my take on Sketches 4 U -38.
The sample on the blog are lovely as usual and I love the sketch.

I haven't made cards over half term... before half term I managed to start my Christmas Diary... When I have done some more to it I will take some pictures. Unfortunately, I didn't quite finish last years, and ended up sticking photo's on the days that I didn't get to write in... I am hoping this year as I am only leaving small spaces to right, some pockets and small spaces for photos so that I don't have to spend so much time on it, this way I may finish it!
Anyway, having made a proper list of who I need to make cards for now... I need to get the rest made!
Hope you find time to craft.... oh, and that the weather is better where ever you are... it's dreadful here today.
Hugz
Kim

CC on UKS!

Hey! Just thought I would blog that I am in Toto's for the Cybercrop on UKS... Obviously the theme is the Wizard of Oz. I love that film.

Cute, eh? I love CC's... An excuse to shop!!! I mean stack up on the essentials, of course!

With the children at home I haven't done much crafting. I have made a start on my Christmas diary... will take picture when I have finished.

I am hoping to have a crafting session with the kids... always interesting... I never actually seem to get anything done myself...

Hope you have a lovely day.

Kim

Mojo Monday 109

Hi,
This is my take on the new Mojo Monday sketch... These are some things I had left over from a kit I got last Christmas ... it's Anna Griffin... I love it when you find things in the cupboard that you forgot was there...
I really enjoyed making this card... I love the use of pink for the holiday cards... lovely!
Thank you for the inspiration... look forward to next weeks sketch.
Hugz
Kim

Hi,

This is my offering inspired by Friday Sketchers 74... I enjoyed making this card... I love the colour purple and what wonderful colours the halloween papers are these days!

The cards are all beautiful on Friday Sketchers blog... again, thank you for sharing and inspiring.

Well, it's late and I am tired. It's been cold here today, I actually had to put the heating on for a short time before the children went to bed... I am going to tuck myself in with my book.

Goodnight all!

Kim

Alzehimers Blog Candy!

This is Alzehimers Blog Candy... the link is at the side in my Blog Candy section...

Check out this blog and support this cause... and of course you can enter to win all these lovely goodies!
Thank you for your support!

Kim

Christmas cards ...

Hi,
Here is my card inspired by Kazan's Sketch 37... It's a very simple card using some images that my mum picked me up 'Fairy Doodles' by Buzzcraft. As we have such a large family, she thought I could use some images to help me get the cards done before the end of October.

All the cards on the 2 Sketches 4 you are so lovely...
Hugz
Kim

Poorly children!!!

Well, I haven't done much crafting this week so far at all... I did make a couple of cards yesterday but haven't had chance to charge my camera battery up so that I can take photo's. The children, one after the other have had a rather nasty tummy bug - something going round the school, they tell me!
On a good note... today was yellow box day... yes, I have the gogo create kit each month... only had a small glimpse through it but it looks like fun!
I am currently stitching a Debbie Mumm Front Door Bow called 'Peace, Love, Joy'. I am almost done on the actually cross stitching now. I am actually going to hang it on the living room door. I am trying to get my christmas crafting sorted earlier this year... I don't want to be finishing things off as I need to hang them, like a do every christmas normally. I am determined to be organised.
I want to make a planner. There were some good links to printable pages on UKS last week, just need to get the BIA out and I can get started.
And of course there is the Christmas cake to make... due to tummy bugs being in the house, I have put that on hold until next week now.
Hopefully I will have some pictures for next time I am on.
Hugz
Kim

Motivet Blog Candy - Wow!

Wow! Aren't these images just absolutely gorgeous? If you click the picture hopefully it will lead you to the site... go have a look... it's worth it. Adorable!

Well, my little ones are ill today... they have some kind of bug... suppose I'll catch it too... the worst of course, is when Daddy gets it - he is worse than any kids! I am hoping that I can settle them down early and do a bit of crafting, but I won't hold my breath! Off to check on my babies...
Hugz
Kim

Mojo Monday - 107

Hi,

Here is my take on Mojo Monday's 107 sketch... I really enjoyed making the flower embellishment... my daughter keeps saying when are we going to make some more!!!

These are definately my favourite colours to use for my Christmas cards this year...

The weather here has developed a definate 'nip' to the mornings now... when I take the children to school I find I am wearing a jacket each morning... but the sun is shining so we are not complaining! I am going to make the most of having the morning to myself and craft!

Hope you all have a lovely day!

Hugz

Kim

Blog Candy... this one is a wonderful Prize!

Hey,
Here is some amazing blog Candy... http://crafterskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/amazing-blog-candy.html I would so love one of these... go check it out!
Hugz
Kim

Making Flowers!

On Monday night, my 8 year old daughter and I got the Cricut out, cut a load of different size circles out of patterned paper and made these flowers. We had a lovely time... I am hoping to use mine on some scrapbook layouts. I have been looking at some of these lovely new flowers around and to be honest need to keep my money to start my christmas shopping so can't really afford to buy stash at the moment. This is why we had a go at these.





Didn't she do well?






My daughter is so proud of them that she wants to make a picture for her bedroom and stick the flowers on to it. I love that she likes papercrafting.

She now wants me to have a go at crochet flowers... mmm... can I remember how to crochet???? It's been a while...

There was a thread on UKS this week where ladies were leaving tips for saving money and making the most of the crafting stash you already have... When you are watching the pennies more as stash does seem more expensive, it does actually make you more creative, I think. I have always bought my embellishments and fancy papers already made. Now I question whether paying that more for the glittered version is actually worth it!
It all adds to the fun!
Have a lovely day,
Kim

Having fun!

Hi

I have been making some more cards... these 2 cute cards are for some cousins of mine... I managed to use some paper that I really didn't know what to do with, which pleased me... you know those paper packs you think will save you money and give you loads of choice... then you get them and you don't quite know what to do with half of it!

The anniversary card is for an Aunt and Uncle...

I haven't made a card this shape before...

it was interesting... don't know if I would do it again...

This Christmas card with the adorable dogs

is for an Auntie who loves dogs...

as soon as I saw this image

I knew it was perfect for her.

The best thing about making your own cards

is that each Christmas card is individually

made with someone in mind.

Anyway, thats what I did over the weekend.

Kim

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Friday Sketchers - 72

This is such a pretty sketch... I wanted this one shiny and blingy for a friend of mine... all her tree decorations are silver and navy blue...

I love the stamp images, aren't they gorgeous? The DT cards are beautiful. I thank you for the inspiration... my Christmas cards are coming along lovely.

Hugz

Kim

2 Sketches 4 You

Hi,
I have had hardly any time to myself this week and have only been able to get my crafting out today... this is my take on the Kazan's Sketch 36...

I enjoyed making this card... only problem was I left taking the photo until tonight and therefore had a problem with it shining a lot in the photo...

Hopefully I will get some more cards made over the weekend... with OH on nights and I can get the children settled into something, I may get some more done...

This week my OH has got a metal detector and took us all down to the beach for some treasure hunting... not that he found much, but the scrapbooker in me took some nice photo's... only thing is, I came to print the photo's today and our printer wouldn't work properly. It's the first time I have felt inspired to scrapbook in ages... typical!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Kim

Friday Sketchers #71

Here is my take on the Fridays Sketchers 71 - I love this little bear he is so cute...

The weekend seems to have flown by... I'm working on some little gift bags for 'teachers gifts' for christmas believe it or not... My children always want to send to every teacher they have anything to do with... this kind of adds up! So I am going to make gift bags, decorate them with the kids and fill them with sweets/chocolates...

When we have done a couple I will post a photo...

Anyway, going to watch the X Factor...

Kim

Squiggle Candy!

I have just discovered this lovely looking blog candy on the Squiggle Stamps Blog - link at the side. I am still struggling with linking everything together - but isn't this a great selection of Candy!

The blog is also lovely for a browse too if you haven't discovered it yet...

Kim

Friday Caardvarks Sketchfest

Here is my Friday take for the Sketchfest at Caardvarks...
I actually want to find some lettering to put a family greeting on it... I need to plough through my stuff, I know I have some rub ons somewhere... I hate it when I know I have something I want to use but am not sure where it is, it's amazing how often I don't actually find it in time to use on a project, then months later it shows up in the most unlikely place. Shows my crafting stuff needs a good sort out! It all looks pretty tidy but believe me it isn't!!!

Today, I had some wonderful new Cosmic Shimmer Watercolour Paints arrive... they are just so pretty. Unfortunately I am not going to get to play with them probably until next week, but it gives me something to look forward to. I also treated myself to the My Minds Eye Bloom & Grow Decoupage pad of flowers... I am looking forward to doing something with those too.

Well, off to make Apple Tray Bake for this little ones to munch on ...
Have a lovely day
Kim

Thursday Caardvarks sketch

Hi,
Just couldn't find the time to make any cards yesterday... Here is my take on Thursdays Sketch.

I am so pleased my pile of Christmas cards is now growing and starting to look like I am getting somewhere. Only thing is, my children are starting to write their Christmas lists because I am making them feel all festive... not sure whether that is good or not!!! It's a nice thought to be honest, being organized early for christmas, but then again I think a bit of running around adds to the spirit.

Anyway, am going to have a browse...

Kim

Caardvarks Tuesday Sketch

Here is my take on todays sketch over at the Caardvarks Sketchfest...

The paper I used kind of took over in the end... it just seemed too nice to cover up too much... I almost gave up on it and started again.

Lovely samples today again!

Happy crafting...

Kim

Rosie-Dee's challenge - Stars & Stripes

Hi,
My first card today was inspired by Rosie-Dee's Challenge - the theme is Stars & Stripes, which is perfect for Christmas cards...



Luckily my OH has gone fishing this afternoon, which gives me more crafting time, I am organized with dinner for a change... so the afternoon is mine! It always goes to quick though!
Hope you are able to find time to craft today too.
Kim

Friday Sketchers Challenge

Hi,
I am plodding along with my Christmas cards with the help of some wonderful challenges... I found the Friday Sketchers Challenge through a link somewhere and thought I would have ago.
I love this snowman face... isn't he cute!!!



There are some lovely cards on this blogg... if you haven't checked it out yet, it's well worth a browse!
Kim