Apologies ...

 Good Evening!

I just wanted to pop on and apologise for why I haven't had anything to share for a couple of weeks. 
As I mentioned in a previous post I've recently started a new job, after working in retail for so many years I decided it was time for a change and find something with better hours. Working a mix of either 6a-2pm or 1:30pm-9:30pm each week with never more than 1 day off in a row was taking it's toll on myself and my home life. I'm now working as a Receptionist in a Doctor's Surgery and whilst it's a little overwhelming at times with how much you need to know I am thoroughly enjoying it. Plus I get weekends off which is a strange sensation!

Over the last few weekends all my time has been taken up by the garden, some of you may already know I'm an avid gardener! After moving into a New Build last year we've finally been able to get started on the garden and started putting plants into the ground. After renting for almost 10 years the majority of my plants were in pots and it feels so good planting some of those 'babies' I've had for years into a permanent home.
So far we've put some Hawthorn whips in to form a hedge over the coming years infront of the fence, created a little patio area and most recently we dug up some of the turf, worked in some well rotted manure and created a large border. There's a sneaky peek below. It's still a work in progress as I still need to pop in some Foxgloves that I've grown from seed and the spent Spring bulbs that I've had on display. Once the plants have established themselves and spread it should look a lot better!
We're planning on doing something similar on the opposite side as it seems such a waste just leaving all the space to turf! lol

So as you can see I've been a bit limited for time to craft but next week I'm planning on getting something made, so don't worry I'l be back with something soon.
 I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekends!
xxx

April Challenge - Creative Inspirations

     Good Morning!

Today I'm back with a bright and cheery card ready for our new challenge over at CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS which is called 'Hoppy Easter / Animals!  

I know that not everyone enjoys making Easter cards so I thought I'd add a little option for those that don't.  On my card I've used an older digi that I've coloured up by LOTV. I think it's versatile enough to be used for both Easter and non-Easter cards so you're not stuck only being able to use it once in a blue moon!

 INGREDIENTS -

LOTV 'Cartfull of Sunshine' Digi Stamp

Maja Design Papers 

Ribbon, Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Flowers  

 

  I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -

SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

STAMPING SENSATIONS - I LOVE ... (LOTV)

 

 Thanks for stopping by!

HAPPY CRAFTING! XXX

Hanglar & Stanglar Strawberry Girl!

  Good Morning!
Today I've got a card to share with you all that I made simply for fun over the weekend. Whilst organising my craft room I came across lot's of stuff that I hadn't set eyes up on for years, including my selection of Hanglar & Stanglar stamped images. Today's card is using one of them, I don't know for sure what her name is but I'm calling her 'Strawberry Girl' lol

INGREDIENTS -
Hanglar & Stanglar Stamped Image
Maja Design Papers
Ribbon, Paper Doily, Doodlebug Sprinkles & Flowers

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -

SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES

STAMPING SENSATIONS - I LOVE ... (using Stamped images, Design Papers, Distressing)

 Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a nice day planned.
Today will be my first day at a new job, after 7+ years working in a local shop I decided it was time for a change. Today I will be starting at one of our local Doctors as a Receptionist, wish me luck!

HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX  

April Challenge - PBSC

       Good Morning!

As promised I'm back with a card to share with you all today, this one is for the new challenge over at PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE. 
This months challenge is 'Anything Goes or Easter!'

Before I get onto that though I have a little bit to add to yesterday's post. Me being me I couldn't resist having a bit of a tinker with the craft room after sorting it out and I ended up moving the punches and putting all of my Tim Holtz products onto the dresser instead. Luckily only 7 of the stains were no longer usable due to changing colour, but the paints seemed to be fine!

You will be surprised to see that I haven't used any flowers on today's card AT ALL. Trust me I even surprised myself with this! lol I just felt that it didn't need any due to extra butterflies from the die cut. By the way if any of you know the make of this die please let me know, I was given some folders of Dies before Christmas and apart from Nesties I'm struggling to identify what is what! lol

INGREDIENTS -
Penny Black 'Butterfly Bunny' Wooden Stamp
DCWV Design Papers
Border Die - unknown
Seam Binding Ribbon & Doodlebug Sprinkles

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges -
SIMON SAYS STAMP - ANYTHING GOES
ALLSORTS - ANY 'REAL' ANIMALS

 Thanks for stopping by & have a lovely weekend!

HAPPY CRAFTING!
XXX    

My Craft Room!

Good Morning!
Today I thought I'd share with you a little look around my craft room as yesterday was the day that I finally got around to sorting everything out after moving into my new home 10 months ago!
I literally had about 10 large boxes of mixed craft stuff stashed behind the door comprising of old items that I haven't used for years that I'd put off sorting as I knew it would takes ages to do so. In fact it took me just over 8 hours to sort everything out yesterday! I think the main thing that pushed me to finally sort everything was that my other half managed to find a pine dresser for free last week so I had no excuses not to get on with it now haha

First up as mentioned is the dresser we got for free last week. This is now sat behind the door as you walk into the Craft Room. On top you can see a box of Tim Holtz products which does need going through still as from the looks of things quite a lot of the Distress Paints have dried up. I'm also going to stack my tubs of Distress Glitter next to where you can see my Distress Ink Pads are lower down.
The box beneath that is excess stuff that I'm either trying to sell or will be used as prizes over on the Challenge blog that I run. The first shelf as you can see is full of Punches, the lowest shelf is home to my Die Cutting machine. Inside the cupboard doors are all my Dies, an Express Big Shot and excess Embellishments that don't get used often.

Just to the side of the dresser is a bookcase holding all of my Wooden, Rubber and Clear Stamps. Heck knows how many there actually is! On top I've arranged 5 of my favourite cards that I've made.
To the right is a corner unit that my Dad made for me almost 20 years ago, it does take up a fair bit of space but I can't bear to get rid of it. I'm using it to store my Flowers, Ribbons and Embellishments that I use the most.

Moving round to the opposite side of the room is a cupboard storing non-craft things such as paperwork and my pet snake in the tank above. Don't worry if you're not a fan of snakes, you can't see her in the photograph. The bookcase (starting from the top) is holding 2 boxes of cards on the top that I've made, the top one is everyday and occasional, the lower one is Christmas cards. On the top shelf are boxes full of stamped images and coloured toppers, the next two are Design Papers and the other two are card blanks, envelopes which are followed by sheets of card.

Coming back around is the last part of the room, the desk! As you can see I've got another drawer set this time full of art supplies such as watercolours for if and when I ever get the chance to take up painting again and odd bits and bobs. 

I hope you enjoyed a little look around my Craft Room, apologies for the 10 month wait! lol
It was nice to look through all my old craft stuff though, it's definitely given me the motivation to craft a bit more!
I'l be back tomorrow with a card to share with you all.

Happy Crafting!
xxx