A Bag for Steven

Hello everyone. Quick post tonight as I am just back from my first cake class at college and I still have to get the school things ready for tomorrow. I really enjoyed the class and we made a couple of wee figures which I will show tomorrow as long as you promise notto laugh!. This is a small bag I made for Steven. I had the idea to make a bag for my friends wee girl who has just started ballet lessons. I thought she would like a wee bag to carry her shoes in and, knowing how Steven would react to her getting a bag and him not...I made his first! He uses it to put his new shoes in and also to take his PJs to Grannys when he goes to stay. I have used some nice ribbon as the drawstring.

As yet, I haven't managed to make one for Sophie, hopefully will get it done on Friday before I see her at the weekend. Anyway, off to get organised. Thanks for taking the time to look

Hugs
Suzanne

Happy Birthday Jack

Hello everyone. I have at last managed to get 2 minutes to myself, lol. What a busy day. It is Jacks birthday today (11) and it has been all go since first thing this morning. First, we had a trip to visit Gran...he likes to go and collect his present early, lol...then it was off to the shops to buy pizzas and fizzy drinks...and price the PS3 consoles, of course - he has wanted one of these for an age but is not a saver so he was hoping he would get some help from his birthday fund...next, everyone came to visit for cake...then it was shopping for something for tea and more console pricing...and finally...the purchase of the console and game and home to bed, lol. Such a shame that by the time we decided what bundle to buy and had tea it was too late for him to play it! Never mind, he has it now and I am sure he will get plenty practise tomorrow night.

So, I said I would be back with a bit of sewing but unfortunately, I haven't had the time -we went out for the day yesterday. So I will show Jack's card today and show my sewing tomorrow. This was actually a bit scary because my mum and I had chosen the same sketch and colours (not that any other colours would've done, lol) but hadn't told each other what we were doing...so a bit spooky when I saw her card today!

Ingredients:
Image: Wild Rose Studio ( love these images - brilliant to colour);
Medium: Promarkers;
Paper: TCP Studio - Transportation;
Embellishments: Stars - Dress It Up Buttons;
Ribbon: Stash.;
Sentiment: Free Forever Friends stamp (Docrafts Mag).


Challenges:
Sunday Sketch and Stamp: Sketch;
CRAFT: Milestone Birthdays/Anything Goes;
Crafty Emma's Challenge: Anything Goes.

Well, that's it for the card. I will show a few of Jacks birthday pics and then I am off to bed. Actually, I should be ironing the clothes and making pack lunches but my feet are so sore that I am going to leave it till the morning!

On this last one, you might actually believe that being the Birthday Boy is hard work, lol:

Thanks for taking the time to look,

Hugs
Suzanne

Crafty Catz DT - Colour Combo

Good morning everyone. I hope you are all well. Right at this moment, I am enjoying the peace and quiet while the kids are all at school and nursery...it will be over all too quickly because today is a half day, lol. Steven goes in the mornings now and I come home and do some blogging with my toast and tea and sit n relax - it's fab!
If you usually read my blog, you will know that I had a bit of a challenge going with my mum and my daughter, Kim. Well, we all did the fab sketch over at Lili of the Valley challenge and Kim's card was picked as the winner! I was well chuffed - even more than her, I think, lol. Her prize was a £10 gift voucher to spend in the shop...just in time for the new Christmas stamps! I was really pleased because it had actually been a whole year since Kim had made a card or posted on her blog and I hope it will help keep her interested.

Anyway, enough of me going on and on. It's Friday today and that means it's time for another challenge over at Crafty Catz. Thanks to everyone who took part in last weeks challenge and we hope to see you all again this week. Trish had the pleasure of choosing the theme this week and she has chosen a colour combo. So, she would like to see...

'Orange, Blue & Brown'

So, get your fingers moving, get you papers and card out and if, like me, this isn't your usual colours, get hunting through that unused stash, lol. I had no idea what I was going to do wit this one but actually, I loved it in the end and the colours all went really well with the image, I think.

Ingredients:
Image: Apple Blossom Farm by Stamposaurus;
Medium: Watercolour Pencils;
Papers: Nutmeg 6x6 pad from Cosmo Cricket;
Tools: Cuttlebug; plain and scalloped circle Nesties;
Sentiment: Handwritten.

Challenges:
Truly Scrumptious: Fab Sketch (I didn't go for the optional extra but loved the sketch);
Create 4 Fun: Birthday Card;
Let's Ink It Up: Anything Goes with a twist of yellow ( straw and wheels);
Totally Papercrafts: Keep It Plain and Simple.

Well, think that's it. Have a busy weekend coming up... it's Jack's birthday on Sunday...so lot's to do. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Make sure you check out the rest of the DT's fab projects and I will see you all tomorrow with another wee project

Hugs
Suzanne

Lili of The Valley and a Family Challenge

Hello everyone. A quick post tonight as I am going to catch up on my tv programmes and tidy up this desk. My mum was stamping up some images the other day and Kim asked her to stamp her one..then I saw what she was doing and asked her to stamp the same one for me and suggested we all did a bit of a challenge. So, we all used the same image and the fab sketch over on the Lili of the Valley challenge blog and set to work. I didn't think Kim would stick to it but was delighted that she finished the card and with gorgeous results. In fact, even if I do say so myself, I think they are all quite gorgeous, lol. So...

Ingredients:

Image: All Wrapped Up by Lili of the Valley;
Sentiment: Lili of the Valley;
Medium: Promarkers;
Papers: My Minds Eye 'I Believe' range;
Flowers: Handmade;
Ribbon: Paper Mill Shop;
Brads: Papermania;
Charm: Craft Fair;
Tools: Cuttlebug; Circle punch;
Other: Opal Dust; Stickles; Mini Flat Backed Pearls.

Challenges:
Lili of the Valley: Sketch by Bev;
Papertake Weekly: Recipe of 3, 2, 1 ;
Stamp with Fun: Card for a Girl;
Stampavie: Christmas in Summer;
Stampin for the Weekend: Anything Goes.

Well, think that's it. Pop over and check out Kims card HERE and my mums card HERE. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and visit.

Hugs
Suzanne

Crafty Catz DT - Butterflies and Buttons and another award.

Hello again everyone. Hope you are all well. I wanted to say thank you to Aunty Sue. Sue is one of my team mates over at Crafty Catz and she has been kind enough to pass on this fab award to me.

I know that I posted this earlier but I didn't want it to pass without saying thank you. I won't do all the bits again - as I said earlier, good photos are rare and...I don't know if I could think of another 3 things I love about myself, lol. I do, however, want to pass this on to all my followers for their continued support and to say thanks for putting up with my creations which sometimes leave a lot to be desired, lol. So, once again, thank you, Aunty Sue.

Now, onto the main post of today. I wouldn't get too excited with this one...I don't know if it was the butterflies or the buttons or maybe it was both but, I just could not achieve a likeable end result!! I have even tried to make a card all day today to see if I could maybe show something extra but, even that didn't turn out right...my colouring was absolutely awful! I just don't know what is wrong or where my mojo is but I really need him to come home! So, this week, Suzie would like to see

'Buttons & Butterflies'

We have a lovely sponsor so be sure and stop by the challenge blog and check out the details and don't forget to stop by the rest of the DT's blogs to check out their fab creations.

Ingredients:
Papers: Basic Grey 'Green at Heart;
Tools: MS Butterfly border punch; Cuttlebug; Plain and Scalloped Circles; Xcut Butterfly punch;
Other: Buttons and some Fudge to fill.

Challenges:
Simon Says: Make A Gift;
Sarah Hurley: Anything BUT A Card;

Well, that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by

Hugs
Suzanne

Cherry On Top

Hello everyone. I have just popped on here to show off the fab award Ihave been given by Elaine. I am really pleased to get this and as I have said before, I love to get an award because it makes it all worthwhile.

Now for the rules:

1. To thank the person who gave me the award so... thank you, Elaine x
2. To post the award on my blog
3. Post 3 things I love about myself
4. Post a picture I love
5. Pass this award onto 5 other people.

So...3 things I love about myself...
1. I love making cards, boxes, etc and usually like the end result.
2. I love that I can get 'lost' for hours on end in either a book or blogland.
3. OI love te fact that I have recently changed from being obsessed with housework to absolutely hating it and only doing it if I really have to, lol. No...Im joking. I love that I am no longer obsessed with it though.

Now, a photo that I love...

This is quite rare in our house. 2 children relaxed and smiling at the same time. I love this photo. They were singing a song to each other and getting Steven to put his socks and shoes back on was not a fight for a change, lol.

And, lastly, to pass this on to 5 people:

1. Lindsey
2. Mandy
3. Janette
4. Lynne

5. Suzie.

This is always the hardest part and I wish I could choose everyone but, sadly, I can't. Anyway, off to get some chips for tea...too lazy to cook tonight.

Thanks again, Elaine.

Hugs
Suzanne x

Welcome Little One

Hello everyone. Quick post tonight. I have been very busy yesterday and today. Between tidying up Mums garden and scrubbing all Stevens outdoor toys last night... then today, it was into town to buy Kim's school uniform - last minute as always, lol. At tea-time, I went to the college and enrolled for a Creative Cake Production course which is on a Tuesday evening and I am really looking forward to it. And, then tonight, I was determined to make a card and relax a bit. I even distressed this one a bit to see it it would 'de-stress' me a bit, lol.

Ingredients:
Image: 'Lazy Ellie; by Stamposaurus;
Medium: Promarkers;
Papers: Once Upon A Time collection by Magnolia; Nana's Nursery 'Baby Boy' collection by DCWV;
Flowers: Large one is Prima; Small one from Wild Orchid;
Other: Lace; Flat-backed pearls.

Challenges:
Papertake Weekly: Sketch #46;
Creative Card Crew: Sparkle and Shine;
My Time To Craft: Glitter & Glitz;
Cute Card Thursday: Tree-mendous( trees or leaves);
Secret Crafter: What Are Little Girls Made Of;

Well I think that about covers it. I must get to bed now because no doubt tomorrow will be a mad rush busy sort of day...nowt new there then, lol.
Thanks for stopping by

Hugs
Suzanne

Stevens Birthday (a very long post)

Hello everyone. I thought that since I don't have a card to show, I would show some pics of Stevens fourth birthday yesterday. You will have to excuse the angle on some of them - I don't know what Kim was doing, lol.

We have had a fantastic weekend. On Saturday, it was off to East Links Adventure Fortress. Lovely weather and lots of fab stuff for the kids. A huge fort thing with massive slide, climbing, rop ladders; soft play; ball firing zone; go karts; pedal bike things to go round the farm; trampolines; toy tractors; a park and of course, the animals too. A brilliant day...the only down side was that Steven was a bit under the weather...but he still enjoyed himself.

Then, yesterday, the day started off with presents at home then Granny's. After, we met my friends, Lizzie and Robert adn their wee girl, Sophie at MacDonalds. Then it was off for a trip to our local fire station. Steven loves fire engines and Fireman Sam and was very excited about this. The fire officers were so nice and friendly - excellent with the kids. They brought the engine out and put the hose on. Then, they let them sit in, turned on lights and sirens and let Jack dress as a Fireman. They showed them all the different tools and then Stevens favourite of all - the firemans pole. Unfortunately, due to Health and Safety, They couldn't go down it but... Debbie did to show the kids. The kids loved it and I will have to make a card and hand it in with a small gift to say thank you because the officers were so nice. It was all a bit much for Steven and Sophie but the rest of us loved it.

Next, it was home for visitors and cake and lots of toy building and playing.

We then spent the rest of the evening building the meccano set my dad got Steven - 2 1/2 hours...Only for him to take it apart again today, lol.






Have had a great weekend and am really looking forward to Jack's birthday in a fortnight

Hugs
Suzanne

Crafty Catz Dt Card - Animals

Morning everyone. Yes, I did eventually manage to get my DT card finished - think it was somewhere aroung 1am but done nevertheless! This week over at Crafty Catz, it is Aunty Sues turn to set the challenge and she has chosen the theme of

Animals

So, get going and make some kind of project with an animal on it. This week, we are lucky enough to be sponsored with a fab prize by Crafty ribbons so be sure and stop by the challenge blog to check it out. This is a fantastically easy challenge, birds, teddies, dogs, cats, fish, bugs and beasties - lots to choose from and...there are lots of other challenges out there running the same sort of theme so you can combine your entry!! More chances of grabbing a prize, lol. Of course, there are one or two wee rules... new entries only, one entry per person and HAVE FUN!

Ingredients:

Image: Teddy Stamp free from Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine;
Medium: Inktense Pencils by Derwent;
Papers: 'Nutmeg' by Cosmo Cricket ( Candy from Paula a while back);
Ribbon: Crafty Ribbons;
Sentiment: PC;
Tools: Cuttlebug; Plain and scalloped Nesties;
Other: Flat backed Pearls and Thread from stash.

Challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers: Birthdays (Happy 1st Birthday Crafty Cardmakers);
Papertake Weekly: Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue ( new papers and stamp);
Cute Card Thursday: Tree-mendous, trees or leaves (leaves on paper and strip of bark paper);
Secret Crafter: It's a Man's World (card for a male);
Sarah Hurley Challenge: Animals;

I have made this card for Stevens birthday. Jack has made his own but as yet, Kim hasn't so this is just incase she doesn't get round to it OR, it may be incase mine isn't made on time, lol.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by
Hugs
Suzanne

Drama Queen

Hello everyone. I can't believe that there is only 1 week left until the kids go back to school here. It has gone a lot quicker than I thought it would. I will be glad of a day to myself though, lol. I thought I was doing really well last week when I was so organised and had my DT card ready early...so, I started a card for a couple of challenges but, never went the way I planned and this is it just finished now, lol. And, I haven't even started my DT card for this week yet!!

Oh well, can't win them all, lol This does fit a few challenges though:

Ingredients:

Image: 'Drama Queen' digi image by Kenny K;
Medium: Promarkers and Stickles;
Papers: Christmas Snow Blizzard by Lili of the Valley;
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts; Hobby Craft; Craft Fair;
Pins: Tabbycrafts;
Sentiment: pc;
Tools: Cuttlebug; plain and scalloped oval Nesties.

Challenges:
A Spoonful of Sugar: Sketch;
Creative Card Crew: Cute & Girly;
Papertake Weekly: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed or Something Blue.

Well, that's it. I have a busy time ahead of me over the next few days...Steven will be 4 on Sunday and I have still to make him a card and an extra cake since his Handy Manny one isn't big enough to keep the adults happy too, lol..we also have a day out planned for Saturday and a trip to the fire station and Macdonalds on Sunday (or Old Macdonalds as Steven calls it) then all the family visiting for the cake. On top of that, I have school uniform still to get for Kim, Jack starting football training tomorrow night and a DT card to make! Phew - don't know how I do it all, lol!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting.
Hugs
Suzanne

Crafty Catz DT - Buttons and Bows

Morning everyone. The weather here and the lack of sleep doesn't have the makings of a very good day, I'm afraid. Mind you, after all the lovely comments regarding my cake the other day - perhaps we will have a baking day, lol.

So, today is Friday which means its time for another challenge over at Crafty Catz. Thank you to everyone who entered Lindsey's challenge this week and I hope we see you again this week. It was my turn to set the theme this week and I have chosen:

'Buttons & Bows'

So, get your crafty stuff out and create something with at least one button and one bow on it - more if you want but, at least one of each and only new projects please.

As always, the DT have done a super job so make sure you pop over and check out their individual blogs and leave a comment if you have a minute. We were lucky enough to be given some images to use from our sponsor this week, I Did It Creations, who are also offering one lucky winner their choice of 4 digital images from their shop.

Anyway, enough waffling. Here's my card:

Ingredients:
Image: Digi Image from I Did It Creations;
Medium: Promarkers;
Papers: Forever Friends baby pack;
Tools: Cuttlebug; Scalloped Circle Nesties;Swiss Dots Embossing Folder;
Buttons: Courtesy of my Gran, lol;
Lace: Local Shop - Go Crafty
Other: ribbon, flowers and card candy from my stash.

Challenges:
Sketch and Stash: Fab Sketch ( I used old papers and new lace);
Creative Card Crew: Cute and Girly;
Papertake Weekly: White & Bright (white and one other colour);
Cute Card Thursday: Whateva (anything goes);
One Stop Craft: Patterns;

Now, I think that's everything, lol. But, can you believe that after choosing the theme of the challenge myself, I had no baby buttons to use - so, I had to go and 'borrow' some from my Gran!

I am off to get organised now or this will turn into another lazy day. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and i look forward to coming along and seeing what you come up with for this week

Hugs
Suzanne

WOYWW

Today, I thought I'd join in with WOYWW again and since nothing new is on mine, lol, I thought I'd show you a pic of the yummy cake Steven and I made last night.

Here's my boring desk again. I don't know where my mojo is but if you see him can you send him home please, lol. I think I might move all my craft stuff downstairs and see if that helps.

And this is the cake that Steven and I made last night. It was a bit of an accident actually. Steven wanted to make cakes and I asked Kim to go and get some eggs from the shop as I had run out. I then had to call her and ask her to pick up cake cases too because I had run out of these as well. Unfortunately, the shop had run out too, lol so...we ended up with a big cake. And, this morning we made some butter cream and icing and added some choc chips to the top. Just a shame we have to eat it now - NOT, lol!

That's it for today and hopefully, I will be back soon with a card - hopefully, I said.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and look

Hugs
Suzanne

Where Have I Been...

Hello everyone. I thought I would come on and post some bits and pieces about where I have been hiding this last fortnight. But, I don't think I can remember everywhere, lol. So, what I'll do is post a few pics of the kids and tell you where they were taken and then I don't need to worry about where I went and when, lol.

Jack was being Mr Bentley from Bob the Builder here, lol



Not very often I get one of them altogether!The two pics above were at Tantallon Castle.



Another rare moment of Jack and Steven playing together - usually Steven is being a terrible bully. This one and the next couple were at Direlton Castle near North Berwick. It was absolutely gorgeous here with amazing grounds. It was a shame I couldn't capture it with the camera.








One more of them all



Kim in a huff - nothing new here then!!



I'm the King of the Castle.



This one and the next couple are at Gullane Beach.



They started at the top of the beach and got closer and closer to the water.



This is where Steven took his pants off because they were wet.



And this is Jack gone for a swim with all his clothes on!! he had to come home with 2 cardigans wrapped round him!

These ones are from Elcho Castle.

Jack signs the Visitors book and Steven waits for his turn.



This was the Stewards house at Elcho castle and it was gorgeous - my dream home, lol.

Well, that's it,we have done a lot more but, too much to show. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and look
Hugs
Suzanne