Who the heck is Anonymous????

Is anyone else getting 'Anonymous' blog comment emails? My inbox is full of them...I must get at least a dozen every day. It's getting VERY annoying as when my phone says I have 12 emails I think I'm very popular then realize I'm clearly not hmph!

I thought it was time I made Sophie another card (You can read about Sophie here) . She has had a bit of a time of it of late with recurring infections and high temperatures which leads to hospitalization (and delay her chemo) until the doctors can stabilize the infection.  She underwent a colonoscopy yesterday and should get the results in the next few days. Fingers crossed the doctors will find out what causes these infections and get her back on track. Her treatment is due for completion at the beginning of October and we all pray for good results.

Sophie loves to bake so the most logical stamp to use was a Cupcake Cutie. This is what I came up with....

I stamped Wagon Full of Cupcakes and coloured most of it in with my Copics. Then carrying on our Paper Piecing Challenge theme I stamped the image on 3 different pp's and paper pieced the cupcake wrappers. I think they look rather cool!

I really hope Sophie likes pinks and purples as I realized afterwards I'd used the same colours as the last card I made her!

A cupcake isn't a cupcake unless it has fab toppings so I've used Fluffy Stuff and micro beads on the top cupcake, Gossy Accents and glitter on the next and Fluffy Stuff and glitter on the bottom two. Good enough to eat me thinks lol.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Crafting For All Seasons - Stitching Real/Faux

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Sparkle (Cherry, dress) & Shine (cupcake frosting)
Scrapalicious USA - Anything Goes
The Perfect Sentiment - Anything Goes
Bearly Mine - Anything that Sparkles
Crafty Sentiments - Sparkle
Through The Craftroom Door - Diva or Anything Goes (CC could be a Diva wanting all the cupcakes but if not Diva-ish enough Anything Goes)

I want to thank those of you who have already sent Sophie a card. She has loved and appreciated every one. If there is anyone else that would like to send Sophie a card to help cheer her on her way to full health email me at ladybugcraftsink@aol.co.uk and I'll give you the address where to send it.

You can still get Cupcake Cuties Wagon Full of Cupcakes or any of the cling stamps at 1/2 price until midnight tomorrow!

Nicole and Ben get back from their honeymoon tomorrow...it feels like they've been away for ages and I can't wait to see them! We've had a couple of Face Time conversations though we kept getting cut off. Here are a couple of pictures I took while we were talking....

OMG...didn't realize how awful I looked lol. No time to Photoshop myself...as long as they look great that's all that matters :-D

That's me for now...have to get Rocky to the vet's for a check. Hope you have a great weekend.

Catch ya later x

TLT - Pami's Challenge - Paper Piecing

Happy TLT everyone...it's so great to be back!! Well, we actually haven't been away but back to normal IYKWIM lol. The summer...if you want to call it that...has been a wash out. Yesterday was just hideous...it didn't stop raining until dinner

 :-(

Enough of my whining...I hope you all had a great summer and are ready to roll up your sleeves and get back into crafting big time! The Summer Fun Challenge was a hit with a lot of you and your entries were fabulicious. Make sure you check out the Challenge Blog to see if you were the winner of the overall challenge (£10 spend in the LCI store), winner using an LCI image (£10 spend in the LCI store) or a Top 3 (winner of a badge lol)

This fortnight's challenge has been chosen by our super talented Ladybug Pam. She has chosen one of my favourite things to do....Paper Piecing! The first image that came to mind was Nikki Walking With Buttercup. This is what I came up with...

I stamped NRWB onto white cs then stamped her again twice on 2 different Nitwits Mr and Mrs digital pp. I coloured in everything but Nikki's coat, scarf and gloves and Buttercup's scarf then cut these out of the pp and glued them onto the stamped image. I then cut her out with my Nesties and stitched her onto a fancy mount (think it might be called Eyelet Circle??) 

I added LOTS of Glamour Dust for mega sparkle

Closeup of Nikki's Jacket, scarf and gloves. I added nailheads for buttons

Buttercup's scarf

Softalicious snowflake

A peek at the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Amusing Challenges - Anything Goes

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes

Craft A Scene - Anything in the Great Outdoors

Great Impressions - Anything With an Animal

Kenny K's Krafty Krew - Anything Goes

Made Especially For You - Paper Piecing

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge - Anything Goes

The good news is you can get Nikki Running With Buttercup or any of the stamps for 1/2 price until August 31st :-D 

Thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

Happy Birthday Ryan

It's my baby's 25th birthday today...can't believe how fast it's gone. Here's a picture of Ryan with his dad when he was a tiny tot...

and a in action

I'm just waiting for the Glossy Accents to dry on his card and will add it later...yup...late again lol.

Happy birthday Ryan

xxx

Edited to add:

As promised here is Ryan's card and a couple of pics of him with his cake :-D

Took ages for the GA to dry but here it is...

 He loved it...especially when he saw the ladybug :-D

Some how I managed to add the number in Photoshop....I well impressed myself lol

I added some felt grass to the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Pattie's Creations Design Challenge - Birthdays

Polka Doodles - Stitching

Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes

MAWTT - Anything but square 

Crafting for All Seasons - Stitching Real or Faux

Diva's by Design - Anything Goes

Dude time Doodles - Must be Masculine with Buttons

Penny's Challenges - Masculine

Thanks for stopping by...have a great weekend :-D

Catch ya later x

Rebel Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday everyone :-D I'm a tad bit late but my time management these days is off the scale and not in a good way lol.  I'm going to have to be quick cuz I've got a lot to do and not enough time to do it in. I think that's a common complaint with a lot of people these days!

Although it's a Summer Fun challenge theme this month I decided to be a rebel and add to my Christmas card collection and use one of the new Christmas Delight digi's I hadn't coloured up yet. Let me know what you think...

I printed  Christmas Robin Delight and coloured it in with my Copics (I will get my Prisma Pencils out one of these days). BFF emailed me through a couple of cards she'd made for a magazine and I loved the pp she used so of course I HAD to have it :-D I printed Nitwits Mr and Mrs onto linen paper and I have to say I love it even more...the colours are so pretty. I added Glamour Dust to the birdhouse and snow for lots of sparkle.

Oops...the lines must have moved when I was colouring lol. I added a Siam Swarovski crystal to the berry in the Robin's mouth and added Glossy Accents to the rest

I used my most fabulicious Magnolia Doohickey Christmas Tree die for the first time (it was a Christmas prezzie last year) and added pale pink Swarovski crystals to decorate it. Very sparklicious!

A little peek at the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps - Tree/Trees

Just Keep on Creating - Christmas

Crafty Boots Challenges - Tweet Tweet

Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes

Tammy's Scrapin Corner - Anything Goes

Whoopsi Daisy Challenge - Include a Sentiment

I'm heading up north to Granton tomorrow to do a Pampered Chef show for Nicole's MIL. It will be my 1st show after my own and I think I'm a tad more nervous this time lol. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive so I'll be staying over night. Wish me luck :-D

Thanks for stopping by today and as always for your lovely comments :-D

Catch ya later x

My ban has been lifted but should I go??!!

Happy Saturday everyone :-D Hope you're all having a good start to the weekend. The rain came back with a vengeance on Wednesday and it's been off and on ever since...it does not pay to have a white car hmph!

The football/soccer season in Scotland started a couple of weeks ago and so far so good. It will be an interesting season since Rangers (one of the top teams) got demoted to  the 3rd division during the summer. Pre season training was as hard as ever and Ryan could barely walk some days when he came home. Good thing is the knee has healed nicely and apart from the odd ache he's doing well. In case you don't remember I had been banned by him and hubby from going to see him play as he seemed to get bad injuries whenever I was there (2 dislocated shoulders 2 seasons in a row). The other day he came up to me and said I could start going to his games if I wanted to! Well that pleased me to no end but athletes are pretty superstitious and he's no exception so I'm wondering if I should go or not. I'll point out I was NOT at the game last season when he did his cruciate so I guess maybe I'm not the jinx he thought I was!!! Here's a picture of him advertising this season's strip...

I hope and pray and have everything crossed that this will be the year that he gets through the season in one piece :-D

I made a couple of cards for the girls from the hotel who helped organize Nicole and Ben's wedding and this was one of them...

I used Clear Vase Delight and coloured it in with my Copics. The ribbon is the best for tying bows...just the right stiffness without being to rigid

I added lots of Glamour Dust to the blooms and Glossy Accents to the water

I also made them one of the favors I made for the wedding guests....

I can't remember if I've shown these already so apologies if I have. It's a Post It Note cover and I made everything except the PIN pad. There was also a pen (it's kinda coming back to me that I may have shown you but what the heck lol) that was inscribed 'Nicole and Ben said 'I do' 26th May 2012'

Here's all 80 something of them!!

Ok...I'm off to procrastinate whether I go to the game or not...I'll let you know later lol.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x

Mid Month Reminder and a Dilemma

Are we really 1/2 way through August already??? Where on earth has this year gone?? It seems like we were counting down to the wedding then the Olympics and now Nicole and Ben are on their honeymoon and the Olympics are OVER :-( I am having serious withdrawal symptoms since the closing ceremony on Sunday. I wasn't watching the games all the time but it was always on in the background and the coverage was excellent and made it as exciting as it was. Now all we have to look forward to is the X Factor this weekend hmph!

It's mid month reminder of August's Summer Fun Challenge and I decided to make a card using

On Your Bike Robin wondering who I could give it to. I am behind with my birthday cards but only by a couple of months ;-D My dilemma? The person I have in mind for this one...I think I may have already used this image on a card for her. Give it to someone else I hear you say...I suppose I could but I had her in mind and I can't see anyone else receiving it even if she's already got a similar one lol. Think I might have to start making a note of who gets what but then that's something called 'organized'!!

Anywho, here's my card....

As always Robyn is stamped and coloured with my Copics then cut out with a Nestie. Funny thing is when I found the other card in Robyn's file on my computer I noticed I used the same Nestie as well doh! Again I traced around the same die  I used for the image and hand cut it to get a mount that wasn't too big. I finally used my new Die-namics corner dies though it's slightly hidden by the image but they are so fun and I'll be using them more often.

I added Glossy Accents to the bike and nailheads to the screws on the wheels for a bit of interest. The clouds were made using a die cut of a cloud for a stencil, ink pad and sponge.

Khaki Swarovski crystals were added to the center of the felt flower and peeking out is 'friends' stamped and punched out using Stampin' Up! Tiny Tags set.

A little peek at the inside.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Summer

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Paper Pretties - Anything Goes

Tammy's Scrappin' Corner - Add a Flower

Truly Madly Crafty Challenge - Summer Fun

Whoopsi Daisy Challenge - Anything Goes

I've been super busy tweaking new images that will be released VERY soon. Not sure yet how they'll be released...might be a fanfare or they might just appear overnight lol. They are FABULICIOUS so make sure you keep checking in for updates :-D

Thanks for stopping by today

Catch ya later x

Sweet Surprise

Have you been enjoying the Olympics? I have been glued to them and have thoroughly enjoyed sports that I would never normally watch such as cycling, rowing and even boxing...but that's probably because there are only 3 rounds and not 12 lol! I've found myself shouting and cheering the athletes on one minute then in tears the next when they've won a medal. I'm also ducking my head as if to go over the finish line in the track and field lol. 

I dropped Nicole and Ben off at the airport yesterday morning as they finally headed off on their honeymoon to South Africa and Mauritius...boy do I wish it was me though don't think I'd be very welcomed lol. Although it's winter in SA they have warmer weather and sunshine to look forward in Mauritius :-D

When I arrived home from the airport I found 3 parcels on my doorstep, 2 for Ryan and one for me. Mine looked like something had been leaking and I knew straight away what it was and who it was from. My lovely bogging friend Sally or (Hiya Sal as I always start my emails lol) sent me some of her homemade jam ...  blackberry,  raspberry and apple butter (which sadly was smashed but smelled wonderful) made from fruit from her own garden and a selection of teas in a 'tea envelope' all the way from Portland Oregon USA!!  Sal and I have been emailing for over a year after she contacted me regarding one of my stamps and have kept in touch ever since. Instead of emailing her my thank you's I decided to call her and we had a wonderful chat. She's as lovely as I had imagined and I look forward to a long and continued friendship with her. Here is what was in the box...

Sal was telling me she was out with a friend and the place they stopped for tea didn't have tea!! Her friend rummaged in her purse and found some tea but Sal thought it would be a good idea to make something to hold them in. The fabric envelope holds 8 packets of individual teabags and fold into quarters and ties shut. The card enclosed reads 'Instant Tea Party - Carry in your purse, add hot water and a friend!' Isn't that so sweet :-D The tea is now in my purse waiting for the hot water and friend but I had some toast and blackberry jam when I came back from walking the dogs this morning at it was delicious! Thank you Sally for your most fabulicious gift and friendship :-D

I made a card the other week for Steven's girlfriend who turned 21. This is what I came up with...

I stamped Handbag Nikki (who is on sale right this minute!) and coloured her in with my Copics. I used my new Trimcraft paper pad which I LOVE. I've made another card using it but can't show you just yet ;-D I cut the image out with a Nestie but the mount was proving a problem because the next size up was quite a bit bigger. TOP TIP ALERT!!! What I did was trace around the Nestie I used for the image on the OUTSIDE then cut it out by hand which gave me the perfect mount with only a small edge.Lot's of sewing, felt flowers and glitter complete the card. 

A sneaky peek at the inside

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Fat Pages & Cards With Attitude - Add Texture (I've used felt)/Anything Goes

Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes

Polka Doodles- Celebrate

Simply Create Too - Anything Goes

Wags n' Whiskers - Birthdays

Di's Digi Design Challenge - No Squares

I've quite a bit of work to do now...no rest for the wicked! Hope you've had a great weekend.

Catch ya later x

Pampered Chef Debut

Well what can I say except I survived lol!!! Monday was my first ever show which I did in my house. My kit only the Friday before so it was head down and practice practice practice and try and retain as much information as possible which is a real challenge for me! I woke at 4 on Saturday morning which I think was a combination of nerves and the fact that Steven was home and out on the tiles. I don't know if any of you do this but when any of my kids are out at the clubs I seem to have a 6th sense and wake not long before they come home. Sure enough at exactly 4:20 I heard a key in the door and Steven was safely home. But could I get back to sleep..oh no. I lay in bed tossing and turning...went to the loo at 5 then lay in bed till 6:30 by which time I figured I'd be better up watching my training dvd. On Sunday night I had the Olympics on mute, my laptop with training dvd playing, my ironing board up and was taking notes all at the same time...talk about multi tasking ;-D   

My guests started arriving at 7:30 on the dot and they kept coming and coming...and coming!!! I'd had a few cancellations and confirmations throughout the day so wasn't sure how many arrive...turned out to be 25!!! They all crammed into my kitchen and the show began...or it was supposed to but my mind went totally blank .... I totally forgot what I was supposed to be doing and ended up making the recipe in the wrong order lol. I found my groove albeit it a shaky one and had a great time involving some of the girls in the prep. We made Smoked Salmon and Tomato pizza and I made a Chicken, Tomato and Rosemary pizza earlier so there was plenty for everyone. 

Suzy Q was the official photographer and in no particular order here are some of the pictures she took...

This was a very funny moment above. After the pizza was made I was showing my favourite products I couldn't live without and one of them was the Crinkle Cutter. Hubby likes turnip but it's a REAL pain to cut...I've seen myself hammering it on the countertop with a knife well and truly stuck and the groans from the gallery reassured me I wasn't the only one lol. I demonstrated the CC and there were audible gasps but none more louder than Nicole's friend Jules so I invited her to try so she didn't think it was made of styrofoam ... needless to say she ordered one lol.

Here is Elaine doing her best game show pose ;-D

Me with the most amazing rice cooker...I made a cake in it!

Me warning Susan with my Mix 'n Scraper

Microplane Adjustable Coarse Grater (VERY sharp...my thumb got in a fight with it and lost!)

My youngest guest but Finn didn't seem to impressed with my show as he slept through it all lol

The amazing food chopper

Chicken, onion and rosemary pizza (uncooked)

Smoked salmon and tomato pizza

Mary demonstrating the forged utility knife

Nicole rolling out the pizza dough with the Baker's Roller on the Medium Round Stone

Hilda measure the puree with the Adjustable Measuring Spoons and Mix 'n Scraper

The aftermath!!! I couldn't go to bed knowing I had this to face in the morning so I stayed up till after 1am to clear it away. I should have got those plastic wineglasses after all lol

It was a super night...the girls seemed to enjoy it and they loved seeing the products in action. Try before you buy is definitely the way forward :-D Most importantly we raised money for The Teenage Cancer Trust and can't thank everyone enough for supporting me and this worthy cause.

Away from PC I have a card I made for Ladybug Catherine way back in June. She loves pink and I tried to make it as pink as possible....

I stamped Cupcake Cuties Make a Wish and coloured her in with my Copics then cut out with my Nesties. I embossed a piece of cs with a birthday embossing folder, stamped the LOTV circle sentiment and mounted it on a scalloped circle. The ribbon is totally fabulicious :-D

I used MP's favourite microbeads for the frosting on the cupcake

And the inside

I'd like to enter my card in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug - Anything Goes

Come And Get It Challenge - Adult Birthday

Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes

Creative Mondays - Food

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Paper Pretties - Scallops

The Pink Elephant Challenge - Ribbon Galore

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes with felt optional

Steven went back to Spain yesterday but will be back at the end of the month so I didn't get too teary at the airport. I'm not sure what his plans are when he gets back...he seems to have picked up a lot of contacts while working away so watch this space lol!!!

The 1/2 price stamp sale is still on till the end of the month so make sure you grab a bargain while you can :-D

That's it from me, thanks for stopping by

Catch ya later x