Strawberry girl

Good afternoon all.

Whoa - been a few days since I last posted here but been soooo busy. It's non-stop action here in crazyland - parties, exams, mummy-duties, nurse-duties and pay-for-everything duties hehe.
Phoebe has been to her parties at the weekend, James did his practical cooking test at school (2 1/2 hours cooking 4 dishes), Ben is sorting the last few things before going to Greece on Sunday and I feel like I have been running around in circles like a headless chicken. It's not helped by the fact that my left foot has been in agonising pain for the past month. Not sure whether to go to the doctor or not, but it's very painful.
Today I went to Derby with my 2 boys (Phoebe's school teachers were not on strike) and I spent a small fortune. A little clothes for me (boy did I need that), clothes for Ben and a suitcase and other bits. James had a lot of money from his birthday so he got kitted out with some trendy clothes (£70.00 for a pair of jeans - glad he paid himself lol). Then a visit to my little craft shop in the market - got a K & Co. paper pas for £20.00 (360 sheets of 12 x 12 designer paper - OMG is all I can say). Expect to see me use that a lot as there are so many wonderful papers. I love that shop - so many great bargains and such a friendly service :).



Right, I made this card for the Digi Bell's Blog Hop challenge and I just love Elisabeth's images. So sweet and full of innocence. Perfect to colour and for any age and occasion. I coloured her using Promarkers - isn't she sweet.

MATERIALS USED

Image: Elisabeth Bell (I am not sure if she's still available)
Papers: Cosmo Cricket
Ribbon
Buttons

Thank you for visiting me today and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Tiny One

Good morning all.

A bit grey and cool this morning but at least it's dry. Yesterday's BBQ started off with lovely weather but as so often happens at BBQs in the UK the rain soon tried to spoil the fun. But we did manage a few hours of fun.

Ben had his last day at school yesterday. He came home feeling a little sad that it was all over but I am sure he's looking forward to starting something new. He went out in the evening with class-mates and came home in a sorry state lol. He was mildly intoxicated, giggly and chatty. So mum put him to bed with a huge glass of water and he's up this morning feeling a-ok. I would like to point out that this is properly his first time out-on-the-town drinking (he is 18) so I bet just walking in to a pub would get him intoxicated lol. He did however state that he would miss me once he goes to Uni - awwwww :).



So for today I would like to share this card made for A DAY FOR DAISIES CHALLENGE "Pastels but no pink". If you have not seen Tammy's adorable images yet now is the chance to do so. She's is offering this super sweet image free to those who wish to join in the challenge so really there is no excuses :).

MATERIALS USED

Tiny fairy @ A Day for Daisies
K & Co paper
Ribbon
Buttons
Stickles "Crystal"

Thank you for dropping by and hope you enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Harley

Good morning all.

This is going to be a quick post as I am busy today. Friday is the day when I do my housework and my ironing basket is full :(. It's not so bad as I tend to do it while watching Create and Craft (a UK crafting tv program) however, there is always something I want to purchase. Not good as I have put myself on a strict craft stash diet - a 3 month ban apart from necessities (adhesives). I am sure I am not the only one hording huge amounts of papers (love papers), flowers, ribbons etc etc. I have got to use some of my stash before buying new things. I managed to stop smoking 4 years ago and believe me that was hard but this ban seems like torture lol.



I have for a while been wanting to try one of the sketches at Deconstructing Jen so this is it. I used one of the sassy ladies illustrated by the fabulous Kenny K, they all look like every guys dream-girl lol. I think they are fab and such fun to colours. You can really go to town with them. I used the colour theme at The Ribbon Girl - pinks and creams.

MATERIALS USED

Harley @ Kenny K Downloads
Papers: K & Co (Check) and MME (rose)
Ribbon
gems
Sentiment: Dorcas Design

CHALLENGES

Deconstructing Jen - Sketch
Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - Check it out!
The Ribbon Girl - pinks and creams

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

1st Snowball of Winter

Good evening all.

No - I haven't gone completely gaga although the title might suggest so. And I do know that we are in the middle of June but half the year has already gone and if I don't get started soon I will end up as every year - short on cards to give friends and family for christmas.

Today Phoebe and I took the train to Belper. Had a lovely day shopping and eating lunch and once we got home we spent some time doing a little home-work. She is working on the "proper saying" of the alphabet and not just phonics. I am pretty sure it's all a bit confusing for her. And yes, the Pokemon bug is still in the house - she has her little heart set on a soft Pikachu toy so it's a browse on ebay for me lol.



As I mentioned I have a christmas card for you today. The challenge at SCACD is Anything goes and we all love those. So I thought I might get started on this years cards using this gorgeous stamp designed by the super talented Elisabeth Bell. Isn't she just super. I have kept the design simple as I send a lot of cards to family in Denmark and if I attach too much embellishment the postal cost is huge.

1st Snowball of Winter @ SCACD
Paper Adventure paper
Ribbon
Flakes

Thank you for dropping by and hope you enjoy your evening. Hugs, Mette

Christine

Good morning all.

Well, it's a grey day here in Derbyshire but atleast it's not raining. Not long till school finishes for the summer but the kids have a few inset days and on the 30th the National Union for Teachers have voted to strike so the boys won't be at school. Not sure about Phoebe's school yet - they'll let us know.

Today is my weekly online food shopping day. I love having it delivered to my door and I don't have to go myself. The store saves all my purchases so all I have to do is click my usual food and a few add-ons. Simple, easy and painless.



I am again joining in the TIDDLY INK CHALLENGE. This week it's sugar and spice with a twist = something funny or sarcastic. No need for me to tell that I love Christy's images and this lady was just perfect for my sentiment. And yes - more paper piecing lol, used a little kraft (I am so running low on that), a ribbon and done. Eventhough the image isn't coloured I think it looks quite good.
Christine can be purchased HERE.
The sentiment says "Who says I am not in shape? Round is a shape, isn't it?

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Tiny Tia

Good morning all.

Pfff - someone borrowed the sun - AGAIN!!! It's rather cool and Phoebe is wearing tights. Ben got up at 5AM again to help set up tables for exams at school and as usual I wake up and can't go back to sleep. Not much longer now as the exam period is almost over. James is sitting maths today (and he borrowed my steel rule which I use for crafting :( ). Ben has his last exam on friday and that's him finished. 3rd July he goes to Greece with his gf for a week and then he has to wait till mid-september before starting lectures at Uni.
So what does one do at 5 AM in the mornings??? Drink a cup of coffee and browse blogland. So many fabulous images both rubber and digital and so many talented ladies it's sometimes hard to keep up hehe.



No, I didn't make this at 5 AM, far to early for my brain to be working 100%. Hard enough after several coffees and breakfast lol. I made this yesterday during the 10 min when my brain kicked into gear (or at least the idea was formed). I do like the super images from Some Odd Girl - huge eyes, tiny waist and grandma ankles :). A dream to colour and suitable for any age. I did a little paper piecing (love doing them) and Bob's your uncle (a very silly english expression as not many of us have an uncle named Bob).

MATERIALS USED

Tiny Tia @ Some Odd Girl
Papers: Doodlebug (red) + unknown (green)
Ribbon
Button
Handmade flower

CHALLENGES

SOME ODD GIRL - kraft or white + 2 pop colours
CUPCAKE CHALLENGE - Sketch
CRAFT YOUR PASSION - Paper Piecing

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Dani with presents

Good evening all.

What's this?? Two posts in one day - that's almost unheard of but I have been lucky that I got some time this weekend to do some serious crafting.
My daughter has suddenly discovered POKEMON (omg I remember my sons being crazy about that almost 8-10 years ago). She's got a sticker book, dug out the boys old Pokemon Trading Cards and watching the episodes starting with #1 (did you know there are over 650 episodes). This however means that mummy has become invisible or not needed for the time being. Not sure if it's a blessing or tragedy lol.



Just a quick show for you this evening and Yes, I do know it's not christmas yet. But this week at MO'S CHALLENGE they wanted to see tags and I always want to do my own for christmas and somehow run out of time. So now I am starting :).
I have used the super trendy image Dani with presents, some kraft stock and DP. A little glitter with a glue pen and "Hey Pesto" - sorted.

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your evening. Hugs, Mette

Cupcake Kiki La Rue

Good morning all.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and looking forward to the week ahead. The sun is shining from a bue sky which always makes me happy. I am sure there is something about the weather and how we feel.



My card for today is featuring the very sweet Kiki La Rue designed by Christine Wooden (CC Design's mummy). I love CC Design, not only are they super cute but they are a joy to colour. There is a wonderful Photo Inspiration challenge over at ATS WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE - lots of lovely pastels. This would be perfect for a party Phoebe is going to this coming weekend - yes, she has 2 parties and a school BBQ (I am exhausted all ready lol).

MATERIALS USED

Cupcake Kiki La Rue @ All That Scrap
Papers: Papermania "Rose Garden"
Flower
Ribbon
Brad

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Party Time

Good afternoon all.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend relaxing and spending time with loved ones. Today is Father's Day and happy wishes to all fathers out there :).

Well, I have not posted anything for a few days. Been busy with housework, cooking and spending time with my kids. Phoebe and I made pizza dough yesterday and then we all had fun putting our favorite toppings on - mmmmm. This is definately not the last time we do that and I think it will become a weekly favorite with all my kids. Might move on to muffins next and other home-baked things.

Yesterday Ben was looking after a friends 2 young Cavalier Spaniels - they are just gorgeous and we went several time to play with them. However, Phoebe had a bad experience as a toddler so she is anxious around dogs (although she does want her own). There dogs are rather playful so Phoebe stayed on the other side of the gate :).



So onto my card for today - it's a little late as I ran out of ink for my printer and had to wait for the new cartridge. This week at Tiddly Ink the challenge is "One Layer". Normally I use lots of layers but I still had fun doing this and I must admit I love the simple and clean look (so expect more in the future).
I coloured PARTY TIME with my Promarkers and added a border and sentiment. Hope you like it.

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Sonny's Party

Good afternoon all.

Well, what did I tell ya! The lovely weather wasn't gonna last and it's been grey and wet (on and off) all day. But hey, the optimist in me said "go on, hang the washing out to dry" which I happily did. And there, right behind my roof, where I couldn't see is, was Sergeant Raincloud telling his little soldiers "hang on there lad, no just yet - wait till she's gone back in the house and then you can POUR to your little hearts content". So my washing is soggy and feeling sorry for itself.
But it does mean that I can spend the day colouring and watching C4's Comedy Gala (just go to 4oD to watch yourself). I absolutely LOVE british comedy and humour and what a wonderful way to spend the day :). Oh yes, I also managed to do my weekly shopping - ONLINE - ofc :).



I put together this little sweetie - she is available free from HERE together with another adorable image. Use either of the images to make a card or project to enter Pollycraft's DT call and combine it with POLLYCRAFT CHALLENGE this week - it's flowers and ribbons and we all love those. So I am doing both - I am not on any DT team but it would be an honour to work with Paula's cute and wonderful images.

MATERIALS USED

Sonny's Party @ Pollycraft Design
Papers: a mixture from my paper box
Flowers
Brads
Ribbon
Hero Art's "Box of Words" stamps

Thank you for taking the time to visit me and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Cordelia the mermaid

Good evening all.

Yes, I am posting this late but it's been such a wonderful day that I have been out-doors mainly. My friend asked me this morning if I would look after her 2 little ones this afternoon (her daughter and Phoebe are best friends) as her husband wouldn't be back in time when she went to work. It's been real fun having 2 5 year old girls and a 1 1/2 year old boy playing in the garden in Phoebe's new princess paddling pool. Ice cream and biscuits on the menu together with orange squash :). Mind you I am tired now so will properly be in bed before Phoebe lol.
Unfortunately it looks like the lovely weather is not gonna last - well, this is Britian lol.



So made a lovely summer card last night but I do wish I was by the beach. I love the sea and really miss it living in-land, This lovely mermaid is called Cordelia and I just think she's gorgeous. I used blue tones to colour her and attempted to make a "beach". A starfish and fish button makes it more fun :).

MATERIAL USED

Cordelia the mermaid @ Make it Crafty
Papers: mixture
Flowers
Buttons
K & Co transfer sticker

CHALLENGES

Make it Colourful - Blue tones
SCACD - Summer fun
A Spoonful of Sugar - Splish Splash

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your evening. Hugs, Mette

Psst - Dani and Taylor

Afternoon all.

See, I told you it was raining all day yesterday and that is why I have 2 posts today. Got a lot of housework and crafting done :). So without further ado here is card #2 .........



I made this for the Mo's DP2 CHALLENGE which asked for A Recipe for Friendship and these 2 girls look as if they have been best friends since Pre-school :). The colours were chosen from BASIC GREY CHALLENGE pink, lime, brown and kraft. Love them!!

MATERIALS USED

Psst - Dani and Taylor @ Mo's Digital Pencil
Designer Papers: Basic grey "Lemonade"
Gems
Inkadinkado "Friendly Advise" stamps

Thank you for dropping by again and enjoy the rest of the day. Hugs, Mette

Awww Thanks

Good morning all.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Yesterday was a complete wash-out here and it rained non-stop. I know we needed rain but I did start contemplating building an arc - just in case you see :). The kids and I just had a lazy day - Phoebe and I did colouring and played some board game while the boys were shooting monsters and other fictional characters. However, I did insist they both did a few hours revision for upcoming exams.

While visiting my favorite blogs (I do have a lot that I like to visit for inspiration and don't always leave a comment) I came across THIS fabulous SMASH! book over on Inge Groot's blog and I can only share her sentiment I WANT ONE. So if anyone knows where they are available in the UK I would love to know.



I made this card for TIDDLY INK CHALLENGE and they are asking for Goth, create a dark fun card. I am not sure if this card qualify but as I am used to working with bright colours this is very dark for me. This sweet image was sent to me by the talented and generous Christy Croll, who was rewarding her fans with a free image. I jumped at the chance as I just love them. I used the fabulous sketch from Sweet Stop Sketches Challenge and my Promarkers

MATERIALS USED

Awww Thanks @ Tiddly Ink
Papers: can't remember manufacturer
Flower
brad

Thank you for dropping by and hope you have a lovely day. Hugs, Mette

All Grown Up

Good morning all.

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. Phoebe and I took the bus to town yesterday (I live in a small village in the countryside) and OMG, how can they justify charging £5.40 for a trip that lasts approx. 5 min. It's definately not something I will be doing every day. But we did have a fun time - the farmer's market was on and we did a bit of shopping. Phoebe wanted a pair of shoes - again. I swear that girl has more shoes than Imelda Marcos lol. I dread thinking about what she's gonna be like as a teenager.



At the moment Phoebe is being invited to a lot of birthday parties so I am busy making cards for little girls (and a few boys). My daughter and her friends all love dressing up so this image was perfect. She's called All Grown Up and she's gorgeous. Used my Promarkers to colour her and did a little paper piecing on her bag :). I will be entering this card into the SCACD CHALLENGE and they have a super sketch to follow this week. Why not dig out your favorite SCACD stamp and join in :).

MATERIALS

All Grown Up @ SCACD (available HERE)
Papers: MME "Oh la la"
Flowers
Brad
Ranger Stickles "Crystal"

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

I can fly Tilda

Good morning all.

It's definately a grey start to the day and I am not sure it's gonna improve. Furthermore they have promised a miserable week-end. I am wondering whether it's effected by James' mood. He was feeling sick and stressed this morning. Literature exam today and practising one of the 4 dishes he has to cook for his technology exam later in the month. Last night he made the berry ice cream (oh, it's healthy made with yoghurt) but I do feel for him at the moment. I was never very good during exam time - I guess you might say a nervous wreck lol. Ben however doesn't show any signs of nervousness but he does admit he gets stressed.
All I can do is try and support them during this stressful time and treat them now and again :).



Well, it's not often I make a card using Magnolia these days. Magnolia was the first stamp I bought when I first discovered stamping but with so many artists and especially digital images she tends to be forgotten. Which is sad really as the are lovely. So I thought I might join in the new OFFICIAL MAGNOLIA INSPIRATION CHALLENGE. Their theme this week is Happy Birthday and I used the super sketch from MOJO MONDAY CHALLENGE. For this card I have used soft colours for a change :).

MATERIALS USED

Magnolia I can Fly Tilda @ Bunny Zoe's
Papers: MME "Asparagus"
Flowers
Brad
Ribbon

Thank you for swinging by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Rupunzel

Good morning all.

Well, it's another glorious morning here but we have been told that it won't last. Heavy rain and hail has been forecast so I am gonna stay at home and do some crafting. Besides my weekly shop will be arriving this afternoon so need to be here for that.

Both my sons are doing revision at the moment for exams all this month. James has an english exam tomorrow (Of Mice and Men) and later there will be maths, science and cooking exams. All these will be counting towards his final GCSE grades next year.
Ben is in his last year at school so these will be his final exams before University. Can you imagine the tension - you can cut it like a knife lol.



I know I have said it before but I do love these Simply Sassy images. I think it's the eyes, the hair and obviously the shoes :). So much fun to colour and they are perfect for modern colours. This one has more hair than most so you can really go to town. The SUGAR BOWL CHALLENGE theme is Love/Wedding and I made this for my daughter's best friend.

MATERIALS USED

Pupunzel @ Funky Kits
Papers: Basic Grey "Sugar Rush"
Flowers
Brad
Heart gems @ Quixotic Paperie
Sticker

Thank you for swinging by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Birthday Luca

Good morning all.

Well, it's a day with sunshine and showers so I am getting a lot of exercise running in and out with the washing hehe. Gonna have to place my food shopping order soon for delivery tomorrow. I love the fact that I don't have to go to the shop and I spend less cos no temptations :).



I hope I am not too late with my card for TICKLED PINK CHALLENGE. I love this guy - he's great for both male and female cards. Not sure who will receive this but someone will one day I guess. Totally into bright and fresh colours at the moment - maybe due to the summer.

MATERIALS USED

Birthday Luca @ Tickled Pink Stamps
Paper: Basic Grey @ Lime Rickey
Buttons
Doodlebug "loopy joy" alphabet.

CHALLENGES

Tickled Pink Challenge - Anything goes
Sweetstopsketches - Sketch
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Rock Dude

Good morning all.

Am up very early this morning - 6AM. My son is helping at the school at the moment setting up tables and chairs for exams and he has to be there for 6AM. He catches a lift from his dad. So his alarm woke me up but I don't really mind as it gives me 1 hour to myself before her highness wakes up and demands my full attention hehe.
Today I am having to catch the bus into the nearest town. It's not that I mind catching the bus but it only comes once an hour and it is costing far to much in my opinion.
Phoebe's dad came yesterday with a princess paddling pool and we spent a while trying to blow the thing up lol. Luckily I do have an electrical pump otherwise I am sure I would have been out of breath for weeks. She spent a few hours playing in it but had to come in around 6.30 PM as she was getting cold.



So yesterday I made this card - my daughter will give it to her dad on father's day. He doesn't really play the guitar but he does have long hair and loves rock music. I have not been able to find an image of a guy with ponytail on a big superbike but I still think this is a great image. I used the sketch over by KENNY K'S KRAFTY GIRLZ CHALLENGE.

MATERIALS USED

Rock Dude @ Kenny K's Downloads
Papers: from stash
Brads

CHALLENGES

Stamp Something - Use a digi
Fussy and fancy Friday Challenge - Card for a Male or Boy
Some Odd Girl - Manly Card

Thank you for dropping by and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

Shout Out!

Good morning all.

Hope you all had a lovely week-end. I got a fair few things done which I have been putting off for a while and I feel it always gives me a good sense of achievement. And there are less things to worry about. During the summer I will be busy clearing out all the boys old stuff and re-arranging bedrooms. Ben's going to University and so there will be a big shake-up upstairs in my house. I am hoping I will be able to get a small crafting space :) - at the moment I use the dining table in the kitchen which means putting away all the time.



I want to use some of my stamps which have been gathering dust and needs a good airing. This image is from Kraftin' Kimmie and I think she's fab. The challenge at KRAFTIN' KIMMIE this week is "Cut it out!" meaning paper piecing.

MATERIALS USED

Shout Out @ Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps
Papers: Basic Grey Lemonade
Ribbon
Flowers
Brad
Staples

Thank you for popping in and enjoy your day. Hugs, Mette

For Teacher

Good evening all.

Just a really quick note as watching the England game and later won't have time as the BGT final is on. Another super sunny day and got lots done in the house.
My son's gf has just arrived and we are all putting money in a pot and will order a nice curry. Gonna be a lovely family evening :).



When I saw this little sweetie on Mo's blog I absolutely has to have her - isn't she adorable. And as it's the time of year for giving cards etc to teachers I made this for Phoebe's teacher. May have to make some more as there are a few teaching her class. I followed the sketch for this week's MO CHALLENGE.

MATERIALS USED:

For Teacher @ Mo's Shop
Paper: Cosmo Cricket "Garden Variety"
Flowers
Ribbon
Button
TLC Sentiment

Thank you for popping in and hope you enjoy your evening. Hugs, Mette

Chi

Good evening all.

Oh Wow - have we had a fabulous day or what!!! Sunny, no clouds, hot temperature and just glorious. Phoebe and I went to Matlock on the train with a friend and her 2 kids. Had a lovely time in the paddling pool and play area and after we had a picnic on the grass. It was brilliant just to relax and watch the kids have a great time. After yesterday I definately needed that. A "white-van" drive hit the back-end of my car, which was parked outside my house, and just drove off without telling me. Came out later in the day to discover the damage. Not sure if the car is drivable at all now so will need someone to check it out. I might even have to scrap the car :(. So I am NOT a happy bunny.



Anyway, on to my card for today which is another image from Tiddly Inks. As I said before I love them and have so much fun creating with them. This week the TIDDLY INK challenge is "Darling Divas". Now I wish I could have use Phoebe as she is the biggest drama tantrum diva ever but that would not be good lol. Instead I have used this very oriental diva whom I adore. Japanese Geisha girls just scream ultimate diva to me - hm, should have done her face white (maybe next time).

MATERIALS USED

Chi @ Tiddly Inks
Papers: basic Grey "Koishe"
flowers
gems
tag
Hero Arts "Box of Words"
Crafty Individuals swirls

Thank you for popping in and enjoy this wonderful weather while it lasts. Hugs, Mette