A Technophobes Blog

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 77

2012-02-09T09:00:00.001Z

Good Morning!

Yes, I have been even quieter than usual...but then I know that's a relief to some folks!
We've been on a little jaunt to see the apple of my eye ~ Miss Poppy. Yep..she is still as sweet and squishable as ever, and just about the happiest little bunny I've ever seen.
You might be thinking that I'm biased? But it can't be so, as her Mummy and Daddy and Grandpa think exactly the same thing and I'm sure we can't all be wrong :)

OK, so today I'm back in action with a card for the Sugar Bowl challenge. We have a fab sketch from Sweetie Kiki with an optional of theme of 'Love'. Perfectly fitting for this time of year with Valentines Day just around the corner.

I really couldn't decide which of my many Sugar Nellie stamps to ink up, but then Maria told me she would be using Elise, one of my older but still much loved images (sorry...but she's a very popular girl and all sold out at the moment) and I really wanted to ink her up too!
She's been coloured with DI's as is the norm for me. These gorgeous papers were a gift off a very lovely lady in The Netherlands..thank you very, very kindly...though I love them so much that cutting them seemed a crime! I had to immediately go and buy some more....phew, panic over!
They are available in 12x12 and 6x6 sizes from Crea Duymelot and are Pion Design From My Heart collection.
Another very simple card with minimal embellishments, just a few pearls and some SU seam binding on the tag.

The prize for one lucky winner chosen at random is their choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, rising to 6 stamps if we reach 100+ entries.
As always, there are a fabulous array of cards made by the Sweeties over on the Sugar Bowl to give you a little inspiration.
Thanks for looking.
Love

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 76

2012-01-26T09:00:00.002Z

Good Morning Sugar Lovers!

I am back today with a card for the new Sugar Bowl challenge. We have a fabby sketch from the one and only Gayle...Sugar Mama and whip cracker extraordinaire! And an equally fabby optional theme of 'paper piecing'.

I LOVE paper piecing! It's something I rarely do because I always forget, but I love doing it and I really enjoyed this challenge.

I had to ink up this beautiful little girl Best Day Ever and out came my favourite Maja Design papers, Fika...which you can buy from the lovely Astrid and Kees at Crea Duymelot.
She's coloured with DI's and SU inkers..though she looks a little washed out here. It's hard to take a decent photo when it's always dark by the time I get home.
The sentiment is from SU, a few pearls and nothing else! This is under-embellished even by my standards, but I liked it better left clean and simple.

Yep, I flipped the sketch for a change :)
The prize for one lucky winner chosen at random is their choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, rising to 6 stamps if we reach 100+ entries.
As always, there are a fabulous array of cards made by the Sweeties over on the Sugar Bowl to give you a little inspiration.
Thanks for looking.
Love

Sweet Sugar Candy ~ Winner.

2012-01-24T19:46:00.000Z

Good evening my lovelies.

Thank you for all your lovely comments regarding the new look to my blog. I love it but it's always nice to hear other peoples views...I'm really pleased to read that others like it too.

Mr Random has picked a number....

Congratulations Coops! If you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I'll get these in the mail to you.
Many thanks to everyone that entered.
I'll be back on Thursday with a card :)
Love

A New Look and Sweet Sugar Candy :)

2012-01-17T23:00:00.003Z

This post will stay at the top ~ Please scroll down for any newer posts.

Do you like my new blog design?

I wanted a fresher cleaner look to my blog, something a lot more simple and a lot less cluttered. This was my Christmas present off my lovely hubby because yes, he knows how useless I am at doing this sort of thing myself, so this was created by Alicia from The Cutest Blog On The Block and she understood perfectly what I was looking for. I now have a navbar but I've not updated the pages yet...work in progress.

Did you all enjoy the hop last week? I love these new stamps but then I always love Sugar Nellie rubber!
I did buy a spare set soooo......candy anyone?

I have a full set of 7 brand new unmounted rubber stamps up for grabs...

Rules of entry:
As always, the candy is open worldwide though I am not liable for any customs/duties that some countries impose, and it is open to my followers.
Please click on the blue froggy to enter.
Thanks for looking xxx

Sugar Nellie "Puppy Love" Blog Hop!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.005Z

Good Morning and welcome to my little part of the blog hop to showcase the fabulous new release of sweet stamps from Sugar Nellie.

You should have arrived here from the awesome card on Astrid's blog, but if you've just popped by and want to start at the beginning please go to the Sugar Nellie blog....you really don't want to miss any of the awesome cards the DT have created!
There are 7 new stamps for this release and I know you will love them all as much as I do!

The image I have used for my card is called ' Trip To The Park' and it will be available to buy today from Funky Kits along with the other 6 stamps.

Isn't she adorable taking her 2 furry friends for a walk?
She's been coloured with a mix of DI's and SU inkers and I chose the paler shades of ink to go with the very pretty Pion papers. As always the embellishments are pretty minimal, with a couple of punched flowers, a few pearls, a Doo Hickey Heart Swirl branch that was a gift off the lovely SuzieQ and the teeny weeny butterfly is a MFT set, another gift off my PA buddy Amanda.

The next blog for you to visit is the lovely Marianne and I know she has something stunning to show you.

Please remember to leave a comment on each of the blogs you visit to be in with a chance of winning some candy!!

Thanks for looking.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 75

2012-01-12T09:00:00.001Z

It seems like ages since I actually made anything...probably because it IS ages since I made anything :)
Between the frantic rushing around in the run up to Christmas and a cracked rib which seriously hampered my card making, since I couldn't find a comfortable position to colour in, I have very much missed my time spent playing with sweet rubber and pretty papers.

So I am delighted to be back with a card for the Sugar Bowl challenge. As always there is a sketch to follow, this time from the lovely Erika, and a nice 'n' easy optional theme of 'Birthdays'.

I have used another of my favourite stamps...

Oh yes..Pippi has come out to play again. Just in case there is anyone left in blogland that doesn't know this fact, I luvs Pippi...oh yes I do!
She's been coloured with a mix of DI's and SU inkers. The gorgeous papers are from my lovely friends at Crea Duymelot and you can find them HERE. A DooHickey swirl and a teeny flower, a few pearls and a sentiment from PTI.

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
As always, the Sweeties have created a gorgeous array of cards to give you some inspiration which you can
see on the Sugar Bowl blog, along with the rules of entry.

Thanks for looking.

Top 10 Cards....

2011-12-31T12:50:00.000Z

Gosh...it's been a long time since I was on here! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and that Santa left you all lots of fabby gifts.
We all had a lovely- if busy- Christmas. Spent lots of time visiting family and catching up with friends, and we've had Jon, Sam, and the adorable Poppy staying over.

I've seen various bloggers with their top 10 cards of 2011 so here goes...

The beautiful Bella Bunting..I luvs this little lady.

Another Sassy image, this time Boho Chic. I really like the frame (WMS) around the image.

A much older image for this one, Leanne Ellis Luvvie.

A Hanglar stamp for Gayle's birthday card...I'd better make a really special card for her next birthday, she'll be 40 in 2012!

I only own this one wedding stamp from LOTV, and this was a commissioned card.

I love these stamps, this one is Hello Little Friend and was made for the Sugar Bowl Challenge.

Puss In Boots is another favourite stamp, and for this one I dusted off the Polychromo pencils for a change.

The beautiful Cinderella was used for the Sassy Blog Hop.

Ahhhhh...Pippi Longsocks, I luvs this little lady too and these papers are my favourite from 2011.

Another sweet fairy, Hazel and Nutty, and some much stroked Pion papers.

And finally...I started with Bella so it only seems fitting to end with the gorgeous Bella Bunting.

Oops! My 10 cards turned in to 11 for 2011.

Happy New Year to all my lovely friends and blogging buddies. I hope 2012 will be a happy and healthy year for us all, filled with love and new rubber.

Thanks for looking.

Love & hugs Elaine xxx

And Finally...Again :)

2011-12-18T23:32:00.000Z

I always feel so bad when a candy ends, I wish I could send something to everyone, but unless I win the lottery it ain't going to happen.
So my thanks to all who entered, and for the last time this year Mr Random has picked a number...

...Sandra (Craftynan) please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get your winnings in the mail.
Love Elaine xxx

And Finally...

2011-12-17T17:35:00.000Z

Before I get down to the good bit...

I am sorry for my lack of cards...if it wasn't for the little candy's then I would have nothing to post at all.

Besides being busy trying to prepare for Christmas - trying, as I've still not finished buying gifts, nothings been wrapped yet and there's about 60 cards that still need writing - busy at work as I need to cram 4 weeks worth of work into 3 weeks this month, and on top of that I'm still not feeling too well.

The cold I had weeks ago is still lingering. I do feel much better in myself though I'm still snotty and have a cough, and for the last 2 weeks I've had a terrible pain in my right side ribs. It only hurts when I cough or bend but it's keeping me awake at night.

I have been advised that I could've cracked a rib...with coughing! So I'm on pain killers and anti-inflammatories to see if they ease the pain and I'm back at the doctors next week. This getting old is no fun I tell ya!

The last of the little candy's...too late for Christmas me thinks!

Whimsy (Sylvia Zett) Let It Snow rubber stamp

Whimsy Winter Notables 1 rubber stamp set

Whimsy Notable 1 die - which coordinates with the above stamps

Whimsy Elegant Notable 1 die - which also coordinates with the stamps.

Memory Box Catalina Wreath Die

As is usual..the candy is open worldwide and is open to my existing followers only.

I want to thank my followers for being there for me, I know too well I haven't been around much in blogland recently but I still get a visit and comments off my lovely followers so my candy's are a way of expressing my thanks to them.

Merry Christmas!

Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No5 Winner

2011-12-17T16:01:00.000Z

Mr Random has again picked a number...

...and this little lot is going to Vicky...please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get your goodies in the mail on Monday. All other candy's have been posted and I hope everyone will have them before Christmas. (Karyn..I think yours may well be after Christmas because of the distance but I'll keep my fingers crossed it reaches you in time honey).

I've got one more candy to put on here so I'll be back soon.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No5

2011-12-16T00:15:00.001Z

Sheesh...the days are flying by so quickly now! I'm still getting nowhere fast when it comes to Christmas, but I thought I'd better get another little 'un on here quickly before I run out of time!

Today when I was trudging around the shops, feeling cold and wet, all I could think about was Spring...

Whimsy Stamps Sweet Blossom.

Bildmalarna Little Winged Friends - On Walk

Echo Park - A Walk In The Park 6x6 pad

Same rules as always, but I'll leave this one open a couple of extra hours since I'm so late in posting it here and everyone in the UK will be in bed by now!
Merry Christmas!
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No4 Winner

2011-12-14T19:47:00.000Z

Yes..I am late again! The candy ended last night but I was late home from work again today so my first job was to get Mr Random to pick a number...

..and the winner is Karyn..my little candy's have been posted far and wide across the globe but I've never sent anything to Australia before! Karyn if you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get your goodies in the mail.
I'll be back soon with another one.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No4

2011-12-12T22:49:00.001Z

I think Christmas must be coming...I'm rushing around like a blue-ass fly and getting nowhere fast, hence why this post is so late.
This time I have for grabs...

MME Lost and Found Sunshine 6x6 pad.

Simply Sassy Picture Pose unmounted rubber stamp.

Simply Sassy Domestic Goddess unmounted rubber stamp.

Please note...the candy is just the stamp not this stunning card which was made for the Simply Sassy blog by the lovely and very talented DT member Anita. The stamp is all sold out at Funky Kits and so I couldn't find a photo to show you the image so I asked Maria's permission to show you this card instead which is a fantastic way to illustrate how beautiful the image is..thank you kindly Maria and Anita :)

Same rules as before.
Merry Christmas!
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No3 Winner

2011-12-10T22:09:00.000Z

Sorry this is late again..I've just bobbed on here with the candy winner.
Poor Mr Random...I made him do some more work for me and pick a number...

Congratulations to Jenny (stamps,pencils and paper) if you can please EMAIL me with your full postal address and I can get your goodies in the mail.

I still have some more little 'uns to put on here so I will be back soon :)
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No3

2011-12-09T20:34:00.000Z

Another little 'un and back to a Christmas theme. I know it's a bit late for Christmas crafty stuff, I am just so disorganised this year!

Spellbinders Create-a-flake 3 dies.

And Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas 6x6 pad.

Sames rules as before.

Merry Christmas.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No2 Winner

2011-12-08T22:36:00.000Z

Sheesh! Sorry this is so late tonight...it's be a fun old day :)

Mr Random has picked a number...

Congratulations Lisa Jane! If you could please email me with your full postal address and I will get your parcel in the post.

I'll be back soon with another little 'un.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No2

2011-12-07T20:20:00.000Z

Well I'm back with another little 'un.
A little break from the Christmas theme for this one.
Same rules as before.

First Edition Summer Breeze 6 x 6 pad.

Bildmalarna - You and Me unmounted rubber stamp.

Bildmalarna - Your Angel unmounted rubber stamp.

Merry Christmas!
Love Elaine xxx

Simply Sassy Spotlights!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.001Z

When the Simply Sassy head girl Maria asked me to make just one last card for her to showcase I think she knew very well that I could not say no. I love the Simply Sassy range of rubber stamps soooo much!

This is the last of Maria's spotlights for this year and she wanted to make it extra special, so she asked a few ladies who had previously done a spotlight on the blog if they would like to make a card and join in.
Of course we all would!

I really wanted to make a card using my most favourite image..but which one to pick? I have so many favourites! In the end, this little lady from the second release of stamps won the top spot.
The very beautiful Bella Bunting.
( Dena...you may need to sit down first, embellishment overload again hee hee hee!)

As always, Miss Bella has been coloured with a mix of DI's and SU inks.
I forced myself to cut and use some more of these gorgeous papers - Maja Design 'Fika'.
OK, you know I'm a simple girl so the embellies are always minimal. I started off with a Doo Hickey swirl, a punched flower with a little rose in the middle and a few pearls. But it looked too bare even by my standards so I added the strip of lace...a lot of embellies for me to use on one card!

Thank you for asking me Maria...it's always a pleasure to get the opportunity to show some love to a Sassy.
Now I'm off to go and visit the Simply Sassy blog myself to see all the other ladies cards...they will be awesome!

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No1 Winner

2011-12-05T18:51:00.000Z

Phew..you liked that stamp and die, didn't ya?

Mr Random has picked a number...

Congratulations Heidy (Heidisscrappies) if you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your candy in the mail.

I have more candy to put on here but not tomorrow as I have a card for tomorrow!! I know, don't all faint!
Thankfully, I had got well in front with my cards before I started with this cold which is a darn good job as I've not had the will or energy to make anything. I now need to go and find my mojo and get back into my craft room.

Love Elaine xxx

You've Gotta Be Quick ~ No1

2011-12-04T18:09:00.000Z

As promised, I'm back with a little candy.
I will put these on here randomly throughout December. Some have Christmas stuff and some just general crafty stuff, but each one will only be open for a day or so and each one contains a couple of crafty items.
One simple rule...open to my followers. (I will post worldwide)

Whimsy Stamps Winter Fairy

Memory Box Flowering Christmas Tree die.

I can't buy a Christmas gift for all my lovely followers...but I can share a few little gifts around.

Love Elaine xxx

Vintage Winter Blog Candy Winner.

2011-12-03T23:52:00.000Z

Many thanks to everyone that entered the Maja Design Vintage Winter candy, and my heartfelt thanks to Astrid and Kees for this beautiful pad of papers...the winner will not be disappointed :)

Sadly there can be only one winner and Mr Random has done his duty and picked a number...

Congratulations Teresa A !!

Please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your candy in the mail.

I'm rather good at making plans in my head and running out of time to actually put the plans in motion...a lack of time is usually the reason, and also this snotty cold which seems to have taken up citizenship and is refusing to leave!
I had planned to organise some Christmas candy's starting back in November but the month just vanished.
Throughout December I will pop on some little candy's but they will be 'grab 'em quick' ones...on for a very short period of time and for my followers only...
I'll be back...

Love Elaine xxx

Maja Design Vintage Winter Blog Candy

2011-12-03T18:00:00.000Z

This post will stay at the top ~ please scroll down for any newer posts.
Please indulge me for a few minutes and let me take you back in time a couple of weeks....to the Think Pink blog candy. My thanks go to all who entered, and who posted the candy on their sidebars. We all need to remember to keep checking for lumps, or anything that seems unusual. The sooner any lump is detected, the sooner it can be treated.
Many of you left comments. Positive, reassuring comments, and lots of good wishes for Astrid. I am very grateful for your thoughtfulness but more importantly, Astrid is very grateful and touched by everyones care and concern.

Let me take you back a little further in time to October when I wrote this on a post...

I've also suddenly started to receive "We'll send you one of these free to give away as blog candy" emails. I have refused them all - politely of course. If I was offered something I already use then I would willingly accept the occasional freebie to give away as blog candy. But if I don't use it then it's wrong to pimp it on my blog, in my opinion.

I have always done this because I feel it is wrong to promote something I wouldn't actually use myself just because it's free. I am not saying that I'm right in this matter, just that it wouldn't sit well for me. (hubby regularly tells me that I would cut my nose off to spite my face and that I am the most stubborn person he has ever met)
But when Astrid and Kees asked me if I would like them to send me a pad of papers to offer as candy I jumped at the chance. This is something I love and something I use so I was delighted at the offer.
(Thank you very much Astrid and Kees, you are so lovely)

Maja Designs make the most gorgeous papers, the only problem I have with Maja papers is actually using them. They are so pretty that it's almost a crime to cut them! The quality of the paper is the best I've ever used, nice and substantial but still easy enough to cut.
I also love Pion Design papers and Inkido (but I am not allowed to buy any Inkido until after I've opened my Christmas presents!) and you can find a fabulous selection of these papers at Crea Duymelot.

So for my candy I have...

Maja Design Vintage Winter

This is a beautiful pad of 6x6 papers...available to buy Here and it's a nice fat wad of papers too, 48 sheets in total, 2 sheets each of 23 double sided patterned papers and 2 die cut sheets.

And on the theme of Christmas, I also have...

One Memory Box Winterland Tree die, plus my favourite Stickles Stardust glitter glue, and a bottle of fine grade German Glass glitter in clear, which makes the most gorgeous snow.
(Please note that the glass glitter IS glass so handle with care)

Candy is open to my followers, and is open worldwide...though I am not liable for any customs/tax that some countries impose. Posting a picture of the Maya pad on your sidebar would be greatly appreciated. Candy will close on Saturday 3rd December at 6pm GMT.
Please click the blue froggy to enter.
Thanks for looking
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 73

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001Z

My apologies for my recent lack of activity...I am still full of a horrible snotty cold along with a hacking cough that's keeping me up all night - and half the street too I think! It's been living with me for a fortnight now and I am getting a tad fed up with it, not to mention the cost of decongestants, 4 bottles of cough medicine and countless boxes of tissues. But on the plus side, it is only a cold and will pass.....eventually :)
It's a good job I was well ahead with my challenge cards as I've not stepped foot inside my craft room for a fortnight!

Today there is a new challenge over on the Sugar Bowl with a fab sketch by the lovely Sweetie Cathy and this time the optional theme is "Out of the ordinary".

Well, that was definitely a challenge for me! And it took me longer to decide what to do than to actually make the card. I was going to make a fancy shaped card, since I almost always make the standard 6x6 size, but the stoooopid dies I have wouldn't cut through 2 layers of cardstock.
Then I thought I would use a non-Sugar Nellie stamp....that's definitely out of the ordinary for me but would've no doubt resulted in me getting a very stern telling off!

So this is what I came up with. I used another of Sugar Nellie's gorgeous fairies, this one is called Hazel and Nutty. As always, she's been coloured with a mix of DI's and SU inks.

OK, so what's the "Out of the ordinary" bit then?
Firstly, I used my beloved and much stroked - but not often cut - Pion Design paper...this paper only comes out for very special occasions.Next, I aged all the paper edges with walnut stain distress ink. And finally, I added a whole host of embellies...well, you know me and my simple cards, so this is a embellishment overload for me :)

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
My fellow Sweeties all made such awesome cards, so please pop on over to the Sugar Bowl to view them all.
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Simply Sassy Blog Hop Stamp Winner

2011-11-21T13:26:00.000Z

A big thank you to everyone that came hopping along with us over the weekend. I guess you must love these Sassy stamps as much as I do since the special offer set was a total sell out!
But you can still purchase the individual stamps at Funky Kits.

So...the winner of the beautiful Cinderella stamp is....drumroll please....Aunty Sue.

Congratulations chick..please EMAIL me with your full postal address then I can pass this through to Maria to arrange for your stamp to be posted.

I've been in hibernation this weekend..full of a horrible snotty cold kindly donated to me by my lovely son. He is always so generous with his bugs, but I really wish he wouldn't! I've not slept much since Thursday as I can't stop coughing for long enough to be able to get to sleep. So I spent the weekend snuggled up in my PJ's watching soppy Christmas films dosed up on decongestants but I will be back soon with some more candy...think Winter...think Maja...think gorgeous!

Hugs Elaine xxx

Simply Sassy Blog Hop ~ set 11.

2011-11-19T08:00:00.001Z

Good Morning Sassy fans!

I was thrilled and delighted when Maria asked me if I would like to join in with the Simply Sassy blog hop, to showcase the new release of stamps from set 11. Well, I could hardly say no now could I??
I love a blog hop but I love the Sassy range of stamps even more!

If you've arrived here from the lovely and talented Anita's blog then you are on the right path. If not please start at the beginning at the Simply Sassy blog.

For my card I was given the most gorgeous stamp to use Cinderella. Isn't she just sooo beautiful?

As always she's coloured with DI's and SU inks. These pretty papers are Maja design Crea Diem available to buy HERE from my lovely friends at Crea Duymelot.

All the new stamps are available to buy now at Funky Kits.
There is a very special offer on these stamps HERE, for the launch weekend only, you can buy the whole set of 6 stamps for the price of 5 AND with the set you will also get free a limited edition stamp called Seasons Greetings. That means 7 stamps for the price of 5!!

This offer is only for the launch weekend while stocks last, and the limited edition stamp is only available with this offer.

The next blog for you to visit is the lovely Erica and I know she has something awesome waiting for you :)

Don't forget to leave a comment on each of the blogs...for there is rubber to be won!

If you would like to win the stamp I used for my card ( Cinderella ) but a new stamp of course, then leave a comment and a winner will be drawn at random at noon on Monday 21st November.

Thanks for looking.

Love Elaine xxx

Think Pink Candy Winner

2011-11-18T22:01:00.000Z

Just a quick post from me...I've been up since 2am so I'm going to get in bed very soon!

Big, big thanks to all those who entered the candy, and more importantly spread the word around to keep on checking those boobs!
Mr Random has picked a number...

Congratulations Anne (Felixir) if you can please Email me with your full postal address and I'll pop your winnings in the mail on Monday.

Don't forget that there is a blog hop on Saturday starting at the Sassy blog to showcase the new release of stamps...and they are gorgeous!
Hope to see you tomorrow :)
Love Elaine xxx

Blog Candy...think PINK!

2011-11-18T18:00:00.000Z

This post will stay at the top...please scroll down for any newer posts, thank you.
I got a lovely parcel in the mail today from my new friends over at Crea Shop Duymelot in Holland.
My addiction to all things papery has been satisfied...for now! I also bought some stamps for gifts and one for a blog candy.
Do you remember me telling you about Magnolia producing a special Tilda stamp, only to be sold HERE?
Magnolia are donating 500 euros to the Swedish Cancer Fund, and for every one of these stamps sold 2 euros is donated to the Pink Ribbon Cancer Fund and so a very good way to raise funds and awareness.
This charity is also very close to Astrid's heart (the owner of the Dutch shop) as she has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer herself and went into hospital last Tuesday for an operation.
There was good news and not so good news. The tumour was small and the surgeons removed it all, and it had not spread. But the bad news is that the biopsy showed this to be the most aggressive type of breast cancer, so Astrid will now have radiation treatment and chemotherapy, as a precaution, to be extra safe.

It was very fortunate that this tumour was caught so early...keep checking your boobies ladies!!

My very best wishes go to Astrid, her husband Kees, and family.

So on that note I have a little candy.

Raining Hearts Tilda

And in keeping with the Pink theme I have added a couple of extra bits and pieces.

A 6x6 pad of MME Love Me papers.

A pack of Prima flowers.

And a Pink mini ribbon kit.

The rules are a little different this time..so please read below.

As usual, candy is for my followers and is open worldwide but I am not liable for any customs/duties that some countries impose.

But this time in order to enter I want you to post the top photo of the Tilda stamp on your sidebar, or in a post and link it back to this post...just to spread the message around again to keep on checking your boobs!

Candy will stay open until Friday November 18th 6pm GMT.

Please click on the blue froggy to enter.

Thanks for looking.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 72

2011-11-17T09:00:00.003Z

There is a new challenge over on the Sugar Bowl today. We have a fab sketch from our very own Sugar Mama Gayle with the optional theme of "Ice and Snow". A perfect theme for this time of year when we are all trying to make some extra Christmas cards..or even a card for a Winter birthday.

I am sorry the photograph is so poor..it's dark by the time I get in from work and I am really struggling to take a good photo. This doesn't show the colours of these gorgeous papers off at all well.
I thought I would ink up an older stamp seeing as they have been sadly neglected lately! So out came the beautiful Miss Claus and she was coloured with the usual DI's, SU's and Nick Bantock inks.
The papers are Poppy design and are so beautiful in real life..thank you very much Maria xxx
If you click on her name it will take you straight to Maria's candy on her blog, which includes some of these papers too :) Not much else on here except a couple of MS snowflakes, pearls and lashings of glamour dust on her trim.

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
You can see all the awesome cards from all the other sweeties over at the Sugar Bowl blog.

One last thing before I go...

Ain't she just the sweetest darling you ever did see?
There is a blog hop this coming Saturday, starting over on the Simply Sassy blog for a new release of lovely yummy rubber, and you can see sneak peaks this week on the Sassy blog.
So I know what I'll be doing Saturday morning..I'll be a-hopping...hope you'll come and join me.

Thanks for looking
Love Elaine xxx

A...You're Adorable...

2011-11-04T23:16:00.000Z

B...you're so beautiful

C...you're a cutie full of charms.

If you want to see more of these little beauties then pop on over to the Sugar Nellie blog tomorrow where I can promise you there will be an awesome display of cards from the uber talented DT.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge - 71

2011-11-03T09:00:00.002Z

Today sees a new challenge over at the Sugar Bowl. We have another fab sketch from the multi-talented and very sweet Sweetie Erika for you to follow, and the optional theme this time is 'Patchwork'.
I didn't do so well with the theme this time!

I guess I also need some photography lessons...for reasons I can't fathom she looks like she's been using fake orange tanning lotion on this photo!
I do so LOVE this little lady Pippi Longsocks. And as usual, she's been coloured with Distress inks and SU inkers.
This yummy paper is one of my recent purchases Maja Design Fika from MY Dutch shop Crea Duymelot. I love it so much that I had to go and buy some more..just to put away in my cupboard and stroke..not to cut!
(Janette, yes they do post to America...and Hawaii, Russia, Norway, Indonesia, Canada, Germany, Slovenia, and even to the UK and Holland hee hee! If you don't speak Dutch as well as I do *cough* then at the top right hand corner of the page click the EN button and ta-da English!)
What else did I use...a die cut flower and leaves, SU sentiment and punches, a couple of pearls and plenty of Glamour Dust on her wings...well, all fairies need some sparkle.

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.

Please visit the Sugar Bowl blog to see all the awesome cards from the other sweeties.

Thanks for looking today.
Love Elaine xxx

Just A Little 'Un Winner...

2011-10-30T21:41:00.000Z

Thank you for all your comments and advice on my little spam problem. I hope it stops soon, but because I moderate my comments I can at least just hit that delete button.

My buddy Mr Random has picked a number...

...Mummylade if you can please EMAIL me with your full postal address and I will ship them out to you.

Many thanks for joining in everyone...

Love Elaine xxx

A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That!

2011-10-30T00:21:00.001+01:00

OK, I know I've been quiet again and I've been off work on holiday! I don't know where the days disappear to.
But I thought I'd pop on here and annoy you all today...I'm good like that.

Question...Is anyone else getting lots of spam comments? Sheesh, I checked my blog one morning and there was a comment awaiting moderation..and 17 spam comments! From folks selling plastic business cards to some that sounded a bit unsavoury. I've had the occasional spam before but not on this scale and they keep on coming. I'm just glad that I chose to moderate my comments so I can weed the buggers out first!

I've also suddenly started to receive "We'll send you one of these free and another to give away as blog candy" emails. I have refused them all - politely of course. If I was offered something I already use then I would willingly accept the occasional freebie to give away as blog candy. But if I don't use it then it's wrong to pimp it on my blog, in my opinion.

Other news...I found a fabulous Dutch shop! I am always a little wary when buying from abroad. I do occasionally buy from the USA but gosh I always get stung with import duties!
And in my new found Dutch shop I saw this....

She is a very special little Tilda. Magnolia have made this stamp only to be sold at my Dutch shop. You notice it's now called MY Dutch shop?
Magnolia are donating 500 euros to the Swedish Cancer Fund, and for every one of these stamps sold 2 euros is donated to the Pink Ribbon Cancer Fund. All in all a very worthy cause and you even get a stamp at the end of it!
This charity is also very close to Astrid's heart (the owner of the Dutch shop) as she has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer herself and is going into hospital on Tuesday.
So if you want to do your bit for charity then you can find the stamp HERE. Yes, she is a little more expensive than your average Tilda, but she's a very special Tilda! They are on pre-order at the moment but are due in the shop early next week. I did my bit and bought some for gifts, plus an extra one for a future candy.
I did do a little extra shopping whilst I was there...Maja and Pion papers..it's a terrible addiction you know.
And I blame a certain lady in Indiana for sending me the link to the shop. You know who you are!
I forgot to add this..there are NO import duties to buy from Holland to the UK!
Next topic...if you've not fallen asleep/gone into a coma/died...
Candy.
I much prefer to give away little candy's than big 'uns. If they are smaller then I can do them more often and spread the love around more. All makes sense to me.
So I have a little one :)

Candy consists of:

3 Wishes by Sylvia Zet for SCACD unmounted rubber stamp.

Bildmalarna Mimosa Walk unmounted rubber stamp.

Authentique Uncommon 6x6 paper pad.

It's a quick giveaway and will end later tonight, this way I hope that the people who enter are my followers and the ones who usually bob by rather than those on the look out for a freebie.

I've put a froggy link on, only because it is so much easier and the fairest way for Mr Random to pick a number from those who enter. Usual rules apply..I'm sure my regulars know them already!

Thanks for looking.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge - 70

2011-10-20T09:00:00.001+01:00

There's a new challenge over on the Sugar Bowl today. We have a fab sketch from the lovely Sweetie Maria Therese and the option is 'Clean and Simple'.

Now this challenge is right up my street as I am very challenged when it comes to using embellishments! I love them and I have nothing but admiration for those card makers who can add a multitude of gorgeous embellies and create a fabulous card jam packed full of detail. I drool over these cards, but I just cannot make them myself. They always end up looking like a right dogs dinner!

This adorable little sweetheart is from the Fairy Glen range of stamps and is called Charlotte. As always she's been watercoloured with a mix of DI's, SU inkers and Nick Bantock inkers. As the sketch was just a single layer I chose this beautiful paper from Pion design. The sentiment was a freebie in a magazine, the flower is a MFT die, and the swirly thing is one of my Spellbinders dies. Her wings have been liberally drowned in glamour dust as is befitting a little fairy.
And that's about it..simples!

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.

For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you can also see all the gorgeous cards from the other Sweeties for your inspiration.

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Thank You!

2011-10-17T16:14:00.000+01:00

Many thanks for all your comments on yesterdays essay...you are a lovely bunch of friends and it's always nice to hear your feedback and thoughts.
I said it would be a quick candy so without further waffle...

Kelly Schelske...If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your little rubber babies in the mail to you.
My little stamps get posted out to all over the place and this time they are off to Canada. One of the nicest things about blogging is all the friends you make and from all over the globe too. People you would probably not meet without blogging.

OK, I'm off..see you on Thursday with my Sugar Bowl card.
Lots of hugs
Elaine xxx

In Answer To Your Question...

2011-10-16T22:47:00.001+01:00

Candy has closed now..thank you xx

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my Sugar Nellie Fairy Glen hop card...yes, I know that was such a long time ago now! I think these stamps are gorgeous and you must all think so too judging by the amount of viewers I had for the hop. A special thank you to all my regular readers/followers/commenter's for your support on the blog hop, it is much appreciated.

No card to show today...well, I did have two cards on here the other week so you surely can't expect to see any more from me for a while eh?

I get quite a number of emails asking me a variety of questions, so I thought I would answer some of them here..this may get boring so feel free to skip straight to the end!

1. This was a comment and not a question but I will answer it anyway:
"Although I enjoy dropping by your blog I am often disappointed as you don't post many cards".
True..I can't argue with that statement! I often feel disappointed that I don't make and post many cards but I make what I can. In my ideal world I wouldn't have to go to work, I could stay at home and play all day...OK, maybe play after I've done the chores. But until I retire (or win the lottery) this is my life.

2. Would I do a tutorial for colouring with DI's, and any tips for colouring.
Tutorial - Err..no. I just have neither the ability, the know how or the time (but thanks very much for the compliment!) There are plenty of excellent tutorials out there in blogland.
Tips - Use the best quality watercolour paper you can afford and a couple of good quality brushes. My personal opinion is that quality does matter.

I love colouring with Distress inks, but it does take me a long time to colour just one image..anything from 4 to 6 hours is about usual and another reason why I don't post many cards. So in an attempt to speed up the colouring process, I bought some Copics (again) and some Promarkers.
I did try them both out and I prefer the Promarkers, I just couldn't get along with the fat brush end on the Copics. Although I can colour much quicker with the Promarkers I still think I colour much better with DI's. So I had a long hard think about what I really want to do and where I want to go with my blog. I would rather post one card a fortnight coloured with DI's that I'm happy with as opposed to churning out three cards a week just for the sake of posting them here.

3. Why do I not participate on DT's? (I'm sorry to say that I think that's a bit of a daft question.)
I am on the Sugar Bowl challenge DT.
The obvious reason for not being on other DT's is I've not been asked. There is no-one banging down my door and begging me to join their merry band. That said, I've never applied for any DT position. I imagine that when stamp companies or retailers are looking for new DT members they must want bloggers who post cards regularly and have enough time to produce good quality cards/projects to promote the brand. I am just not productive enough.

4. A new blogger asked 'How do you get free goods to give away as candy?'
No idea at all! The candy I offer on my blog is bought and paid for by myself. I am not given anything to offer as candy. There has been one exception when I received some stamps in the mail to make samples with but I had already bought these images for myself. So I asked the lady who sent them me if I should return the stamps to her or could I offer them as candy, which is what I did.

If you've read this far down then you deserve a medal..or some rubber.
I know I've been quiet this past week (again) though some folks might think that's a good thing! I've not had much time to play but I do have a card ready for the Sugar Bowl challenge on Thursday.
I will leave you with this...

I have 3 extra brand new rubber babies that would like to be adopted.
Let them eat cake, Hazel, and Faye & Freddie.
This is a really quick giveaway...aimed at my regular readers and not candy hunters so I will pick a winner tomorrow..just leave me a comment.
Thanks for looking
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie Fairy Glen Blog Hop.

2011-10-08T09:00:00.001+01:00

Good morning and welcome to my little part of the Sugar Nellie blog hop.

You should have arrived here from Jane's blog, one of the lovely and talented new members of the DT. But if you've just popped by then you might like to start at the beginning over on the Sugar Nellie blog, you don't want to miss any of these fabulous cards!

There are 11 stamps in the Fairy Glen range, all of which are gorgeous. I keep changing my mind as to which I like the most, I just love them all and can't wait to my inky mitts on the rest of them.
For the hop I was given Rosie to play with...

Now is she sweet or is she sweet? I wanted to colour Rosie with quite pale and delicate shades, and I teamed her up with Melissa Frances 5th Avenue papers from Jill at the Hobby House. These papers are gorgeous, though they didn't photograph very well and look a little insipid here, they are much nicer in real life. As always Rosie has been coloured with DI's and SU inks, and the cardstock for matting is my favourite shade from SU, Baja Breeze.
The sentiment is from Elzybells, sadly no longer trading. The flower was made with a MFT die as was the teeny weeny butterfly - thank you Amanda. The leaf and heart swirl is a Magnolia Doo Hickey, many thanks to Suzie Q, and a little sprinkling of pearls for the finishing touch.

You can now buy all these beautiful rubber babies over at Funky Kits - but be quick as I think they will be a sell out!
OK, that's all from me today and I hope you like my card. The next stop along the hop is Mina and I know you'll be in for a treat. Please don't forget to leave a comment on each of the blogs as there will be candy picked at random from some of the comments left.
There will be a second blog hop tomorrow starting at the same place...the Sugar Nellie blog, and at the same time of 9am BST with a whole host of different and fantastic cards from the DT and the Sweeties.

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Hal's Birthday Candy Winner

2011-10-07T14:41:00.000+01:00

A big thank you to everyone who entered the candy, and a bigger thank you for all your good wishes for the birthday boy. Hal was suitably spoiled (as always).

Mr Random has done his job and picked a winning number...

Congratulations to Christine L...if you could please EMAIL me with your full postal address and your choice of 6 Fairy Glen stamps (when they go on the website).

Tomorrow you will be able to see all 11 of these gorgeous Fairy Glen stamps showcased on the two day blog hop which starts at 9am BST on the Sugar Nellie blog....see you tomorrow then?

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 69

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000+01:00

Today sees a new challenge over on the Sugar Bowl. It's another fun and fab sketch from (sharp intake of breath) our very own Sugar Mama Gayle.

This gorgeous image I Grant You One Wish is from the Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells range of stamps and has been coloured with a mixture of DI's and SU inks. The DP - which has nothing at all to do with Christmas - is MME Believe matted onto Kraft card stock. MS punches for the two snowflakes, PTI sentiment, glamour dust for the sparkly bits and a few of my compulsory pearls.

I really enjoyed following this sketch.

And photographic inspiration for the theme. For heavens sake..a gingham kitchen ceiling? Who would actually go as far as to have a gingham ceiling hmmm??

Don't forget that there are still sneak peaks all this week on the Sugar Nellie blog.

These gorgeous stamps, 11 in total, will be available to buy from Funky Kits this coming Saturday!

Ho hum....I shall be forced to buy them all. After all, a girl can't be too rich or have too much rubber :)

Thanks for looking.

Love Elaine xxx

I Luvs Ya, Sweetpea x

2011-10-06T00:01:00.000+01:00

Yes, I have been a little quiet recently. Just life taking over and keeping me out of my craft room :(

The weather has been glorious this last week, and although I enjoy the sunshine and love the heat, the downside is the first day of sunshine and unseasonal heat means the phones never stop ringing with requests for call outs. When I leave the office the phones are transferred to home so there is no escape... and yes we do get calls at 3am! Of course it is good for business but not so good for my poor hubby who has been late home from work every night, and I've been late home too. We haven't sat down to eat before 9pm, and last night we watched TV in total silence, simply because we were both too tired to even speak.

But I know Autumn will creep back in again and the phones will quieten down a little.

I had to make a quick dash into town one night after work to buy a gift, as I'd forgotten a friends birthday. I don't know whether it's because I get bogged down and preoccupied with work, or because I'm getting old!

Yet there are dates that are firmly lodged in my data banks, never to be forgotten. Some are memorable for good reasons and some are not. It isn't just the date I remember, but the little details, the weather, the sights and the smells. A whiff of a certain perfume or aftershave can suddenly transport me back in time. Songs have the same effect, they can make me smile wistfully recalling happy memories or make my eyes sting with tears.

October 2nd 1994 was a VERY happy day. 12.20am was the time when my world changed forever with the arrival of a sweet and cuddly baby boy. Everything changed in my world. I was never very maternal, and having married a man who already had 3 children I was quite content with my life and had no plans to have any children of my own. On discovering I was 10 weeks pregnant I was very shocked, but surprisingly very happy, and I cannot begin to imagine how empty my life would've been without Hal. He has made me complete (and broke, and grey) and I love him to Mr Moon and back.
Happy Birthday Sweetpea..luvs ya always xxxx

So I need to do a little candy in honour of the birthday boy but first, have you seen this??

Yes!! The sneak peaks will start on Monday over on the Sugar Nellie blog. These stamps are awesome and I love them all!! These little beauties will soon be available to buy from my favourite shop Funky Kits so for Hals birthday how would you like to win your choice of 6 of these stamps?
If you would like to enter then the usual rules apply:
Candy is only open to my existing followers. I will post worldwide but I am not liable for any customs/duties that some countries impose. Candy will close on Friday 7th October at 12 noon, after which Mr Random will pick a winner who can then choose 6 stamps from the Fairy Glen range as soon as they go on the website.
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 68

2011-09-22T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm back with my card for the new Sugar Bowl challenge and this time the sketch is from Sweetie Kiki.
Now I loved this sketch and really enjoyed putting the card together. Definitely one I will use again.
The optional theme is 'Autumn' which you can interpret as you wish..autumnal colours or image or both?
I did struggle a little with the theme this time, only because they are not the colours I would normally use, but I guess that's why it's called a challenge ha! A good few hours were spent rummaging through my papers to see if I could find anything suitable.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this card turned out in the end, much better than I expected it to.

This gorgeous image is called Hello Little Friend..aren't they so sweet? And a pure delight to colour with a mix of DI's and SU inks. The papers are some old Bo Bunny called Kitchen Spice which I bought from Jill at The Hobby House. The wings have been liberally drowned in glamour dust which you can see better in this next photo...

A little die cut flower held together with a pearl brad (again from Jill ) and the sentiment is 'Tiny Tags' stamps and dies from PTI.

I rotated the sketch (cos I was desperate to ink up this stamp!)
The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find a stunning array of cards from my other lovely Sweetie sisters.

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Sweet Sugar Christmas Candy Winner.

2011-09-14T21:05:00.001+01:00

Thank you to everyone that entered the little candy. You will LOVE these stamps, they are definitely my favourite ever Christmas images, winner in a moment...

I had a lovely time at Harrogate last Saturday, the best part of the day was meeting the other ladies...Christine and Christine, Lisa Jane, Mau, Avril and Joan (I hope I got everyones name right!)
I also met the very lovely Kath who has the most beautiful accent and was actually working when I spied her, doing demos for Craftwork Cards.
I had a coffee and a good old natter with Jill, owner of The Hobby House. Jill also feeds my paper addiction!
It was a really, really good day out and I had a thoroughly good time.

OK, on to the candy. Mr Random picked a number....

Congratulations to Janette G..if you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get your parcel in the mail to you.

Next is a little photo of what Emma got up to on Saturday!!

It is quite a large tattoo, but I do think it's beautiful..(not what Phil thinks!)
I did say to Emma that I could always go and get one myself, but with the size of me I could have the full bouquet instead of just one bloom..not bloomin' likely..I bet it hurt a bit!

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Sweet Sugar Christmas Candy.

2011-09-08T22:29:00.001+01:00

This post will stay at the top. Please scroll down for any newer posts, thank you.

I love, love, love the latest release of stamps from Sugar Nellie, the Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells images.

And I have some extra stamps to giveaway.

Stamps are all brand new and unmounted.

The set of 5 stamps consists of:

Little Apprentice, Warm Winter Wishes, Old Saint Nick, I Grant You One Wish and Heavenly Angel.

Rules of entry:

Candy is for my followers and is open worldwide though I am not liable for any duties/customs charges that some countries impose.

Candy will close on Wednesday 14th September at 6pm BST.

Please click on the blue froggy.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 67

2011-09-08T09:00:00.002+01:00

It's time for a new challenge over on the Sugar Bowl. The sketch for this challenge has been provided by the very talented and very lovely Sweetie Erika with the optional theme of 'use scraps'. This was a nice and easy sketch to follow, quite a simple one which you can really go to town with and dress it up, or keep it simple...guess which one I opted for huh? And the theme of 'scraps' is perfect as I'm sure we all have those little scrappy bits of paper that we keep..just in case! Well, now's the time to use some of them up.

Fear not crafters...the Copics have been evicted and I'm back in my happy, snuggly colouring comfort zone.

Oh yes, it's official. I am in love with the new Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells range of stamps and I couldn't wait to get another one inked up. This little sweetie is called Crystal Flakes. She's been coloured with a mix of DI's and SU refills (if anyone out there has a stash of the SU ink refills that they no longer use I'd be very happy to buy them off you) Her wings are slathered with Glamour Dust and the trim on her jacket and skirt is covered with some really old white glitter, not that you can see it but maybe if you enlarge the photo it might be a little more obvious.
My scraps of paper are Echo Park Wintertime and I did manage to use up quite a lot of the odds and ends, but then I was so sad to see these papers go that I had to buy another pack of them :)
A few pearls, CWC sentiment and a flower made up of a Prima white flower which I dipped the edges of the petals in Diamond Dust then added a small red poinsettia on top held together with a pearl brad.

Does a sideways view show the glitter any better? Nope!

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find lots of gorgeous cards for inspiration from the other sweeties.

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Stamp Winner.

2011-09-05T19:21:00.000+01:00

I've got to be quickety quick as I need to get me in the kitchen and magic something delicious up for tea!
I used Mr Random to pick a number...since I like to be fair to all... and he picked Number...

Which is Mau..please EMAIL me Mau with your full postal address then I can pop this in the mail for you.

I have never seen such a sorry looking parcel in all my life..with a single stamp in it. It looks so pathetic! So I've put some other little goodies in your parcel too.
Love Elaine xxx

Trying To Catch Up!

2011-09-04T22:33:00.002+01:00

ETA: This stamp has now been rehomed, thank you very much.

Sorry...no cards to show cos I've not had the time to make any this week!

A big 'Thank You' to everyone that left a comment last week on the Sneak Peak and the blog hop, you are all very much appreciated. I know how far behind I am with leaving comments, but it's not that I can't be bothered, it's just trying to find the time some weeks. Every night last week I didn't get into bed until long past midnight and then I'm grumpy because I'm so tired! So my apologies to everyone for not leaving a comment though I do always look at all your blogs.
I'm trying to get a few days off work this month and hopefully recuperate a little and catch up with everyone!

Next weekend is the craft show at Harrogate which is something I always look forward to. The best bit is meeting up with all the other lovely bloggers and having a good old natter.
I don't really need to buy anything while I'm there but I'm sure I won't come away empty handed!

Before I go, when I was cleaning yesterday I found this...

Furry Friends rubber stamp from Sugar Nellie. It appears I have two of these :)
So if anyone wants to give it a home then please leave a comment saying so, and I'll pick a name out of the comments and pop it in the mail tomorrow after work.

ETA: You can tell I'm tired, that was a stupid thing to write! I will post it on Tuesday when I've got an address to post it to duh!

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie ~ Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells Blog Hop!!

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm so excited..and I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control (again) and I think I like it...

Ooh it's a very special day today! A very extra special day today!

We start the day with the blog hop where you can view all the new Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells stamps from Sugar Nellie and....these gorgeous stamps will go on sale at Funky Kits today at 10am.

So on to the hop...you should have arrived here from the amazingly talented Tiets, but if not then please start at the Sugar Nellie blog because you really don't want to miss any of the fabulous creations the DT and the Sweeties have made to show you.

There are 12 new images to be released today and I just luvs them all!

This image is called Christmas Garland, aren't they just so sweet? I adore all the detail on the garland and just look at Mr Snowman's hair! Cool huh?

This image is coloured entirely with SU reinkers - as sent to me off my good buddy in the USA - the papers are Kaisercraft Christmas Spirit, the sentiment is from Whimsy, a few of the obligatory pearls and a ickle flower.

I am the last blog on the hop today but I hope you've left a comment on each of the blogs you've visited because Sugar Ma'am Gayle will be selecting some random comments to win some Sugar!

I hope you've all enjoyed our little blog hop, there will be another tomorrow...same time, same place but different cards of course.

All that leaves me to say now is a big thank you for joining us on this first day of the hop but before you go please visit the Sugar Nellie blog and leave a comment there too. Karen will be itching to know if you love her new rubber and which are your favourites.

Thanks for looking

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie ~ Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells.

2011-08-31T23:10:00.000+01:00

It's almost here..the day I've been counting down to...

The Sugar Nellie DT and the Sweeties request your company at the Hippity Hop.

Venue: Starts at the Sugar Nellie Blog
Date: Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September.
Time: 9.00am precisely.
Dress Code: Well...you can do the hop in your jeans and t-shirt from the comfort of your own home. Or wearing your pj's sitting in bed whilst drinking coffee, or wearing your office suit whilst pretending to work or even your birthday suit, you can even do the hop wearing your evening gown and tiara whilst entertaining Royalty in your back garden :)
Just turn up as you are!

See you tomorrow
Love Elaine xxx

Hubby's Non-Birthday Birthday Candy ~ Winner

2011-08-29T22:00:00.001+01:00

Just some bits 'n' bobs of news to share with you today.
Firstly, thank you everyone for all the lovely comments left on my last card. I so love all these images, and yes I have seen them all nah nah nah nah nah!
There are 12 new stamps in the Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells range and all will be up for sale this Thursday at Funky Kits but there are still 2 more days of sneak peaks to go yet, so don't forget to visit the Sugar Nellie blog.

Next...hubby had a lovely birthday, thank you for all your birthday wishes for him, and Hal got his exam results. Some very good and some he could have done better at!
Maths A, Chemistry A, Physics A, Biology A.
English Language B, English Lit C.
Media - two exam results C & D
Religious Studies E
ICT and Art are BTEC's so not graded as a,b,c etc and Hal got a Pass result in them both.
All in all I was very pleased with the results and his hard work, though I guess he won't be joining the Clergy any time soon!

Lastly, thank you to everyone that entered hubby's birthday candy. Mr Random got jiggy and picked a number....

Congratulations Susan Moffatt, please email me with your full postal address and I'll get your goodies in the mail.
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie Sneak Peak ~ Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells.

2011-08-29T09:00:00.001+01:00

Today we are on Day 5 of the Sugar Nellie Sneak Week, to showcase these fabulous new images from the Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells range.
You will be able to buy these gorgeous stamps on Thursday 1st September from Funky Kits. Not too long to wait now until you can buy all these little darlings, and start stalking the postie!

Isn't this just the cutest little Christmas Fairy you ever did see??
This little Sweetie is called Knitted With Love and was coloured with DI's for her face and the rest of her with Stampin' Up refills which a very dear friend of mine in America sent me a huge bundle of..thank you very much hun xx
The papers are Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate - I just LOVE these colours so much - and there's a good sprinkling of Glamour Dust on here too.

All the Sneak Peeks are on the Sugar Nellie blog and there are still 2 more days of Sneaks to go!!

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Hubby's Non-Birthday Birthday Candy?

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

This post will stay at the top. Please scroll down for any newer posts, thank you.

As promised, I'm back with a little blog candy in honour of my lovely hubby's birthday on Thursday. The hardest thing was deciding what to put in the candy.
My first thought was a set of the new Sassy stamps, but I have no idea when the next set is due out..Karen, it's been a while since the last release and I'm getting a little twitchy!
Next thought..Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells..these images are divine and I can't wait to get my inky mitts on them all myself, but they aren't due out just yet.
I've given myself a headache trying to think of something to offer as candy, so hubby's non-birthday birthday candy is Christmas themed. Does that make sense? No? Well my thinking was that on his birthday (August 25th) it will be exactly 4 months until Christmas and I know there are lots of crafters who are making a start on their festive cards.

This candy is a bit of a mix, a couple of my favourite things from last Christmas mixed with some new goodies released recently for this years celebrations.
Sorry about the quality of the photo, Mr Sun had gone to bed.

So the candy consists of:

Sugar Nellie Stamps:

Simply Sassy Secret Santa

Simply Sassy Christmas Kisses

Snow Buddies

Furry Friends

My Mind's Eye- Lost & Found Christmas 6x6 pad.

Authentique - Wonder 6x6 pad.

LOTV

Christmas Dance

Toboggan for Two

Ski Jump.

From last year:

Whimsy Stamps - Holiday Ticket Sentiments plus the Ticket Die.

Whimsy Stamps - Winter Letter Seals

Everything is brand new, stamps are unmounted except for the Whimsy ones which come pre-mounted.

Rules of entry:

Candy is my way of saying thank you to my followers and those who kindly leave a comment. Even though I struggle to find time to leave the comments I should, there are still plenty of lovely bloggers who still visit me and leave me some love. So with that in mind, candy is open to my current followers only, and is open worldwide though I am not liable for any duties/customs charges that some countries impose.

Candy will stay open until Monday 29th August 2011 at 6pm BST.

Just click on the blue froggy to enter :)

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 66

2011-08-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

I'm back with a card for the new Sugar Bowl challenge, but first I would like to say a big welcome to my new Sweetie Sisters Fiona and Cathy, it's fabulous to have these two talented girlies join our happy little team of Sugar lovers!

So, the sketch for this challenge has been provided by the sweetest Sweetie Marlene with the optional theme of 'For the Girls'.
I just feel I should warn you first..this is not the sort of card you will be expecting to see off me...

I love this image Honey Pip, I love the papers - First Edition Up,Up Away and I love the sketch...so you must know what I don't love!
I always watercolour my images and although I am reasonably happy with the majority of my efforts, it does take me a ridiculous amount of time, 4 or 5 hours to colour one image, hence the reason why I don't make many cards. So in an attempt to speed things up I bought some alcohol markers to try. This image was coloured with Copics and some polychromo pencils and I hate it! I hate the Copics for a start. The brush end is too fat and squidgy and I really struggled to control it. In fairness to Copics, this was my first (and last) attempt with them. I solemnly do swear never to use them again!

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find lots of lovely and far better coloured cards for inspiration from the other sweeties.

Today's the day!! The sneak peaks have started over on the Sugar Nellie blog so head on over there and see for yourself why I'm so excited about this new release of rubbery loveliness!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Did You Know....

2011-08-22T20:58:00.000+01:00

....it's just THREE more days until the sneaky peaks start!

I'll be back later with hubbys candy..just need to finish a few things first.
Love Elaine xxx

Jingle Bells and Tinkle Bells

2011-08-21T23:20:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie before I crawl into bed.
We've had visitors this weekend so my laptop hasn't seen much action. Jon, Sam and Poppy came to stay on Saturday and we've had a really lovely time with them..and especially with little Miss Poppy.
Don't they grow so quickly! She's walking and talking now and she remains the most pleasant and contented child I've ever met. I know I always say it, but she is such a happy, giggly baby and very squishable.

I'm sure you all know by now that there are soon to be released a whole host of rubbery loveliness from Sugar Nellie. And our Sugar Ma'am Gayle has organised a special week of sneaky peaks....

...starting on Thursday.
Same day my boy gets his exam results and same day as hubbys birthday, so I'd better get his birthday candy posted here soon! I'll try and get it posted here tomorrow.
Love Elaine xxx

Giveaway Winner.

2011-08-16T23:38:00.000+01:00

Just a quickity quick post today as it's getting late and I still have some chores to get through. It was a tiny giveaway so I asked my boy to look at all the comments and pick a name, any name, just pick it and quickly and he picked .....

Crafty Kitten - Dawn

Please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will pop them in the mail asap.

Next week see's my hubbly's birthday and Hal gets his exam results on the same day..it will either be a very good day or a very bad day! Fingers crossed it's the former! So I will be back soon with a little candy for hubbly's birthday.

Please forgive me my total lack of blogging, just busy at work and other boring stuff, same old broken record but still true.

Love Elaine xxx

Cherry Pip Giveaway

2011-08-15T23:22:00.000+01:00

Where did my weekend go to? I think the Fairy Time-thief pinched the days right from under my nose!

Hi ho hi ho it's back to work I go..and I do not sing that in a happy little people voice on a Monday morning. No siree! I sing it more in a funeral march style of singing...sad and bone weary.
But I am counting down the weeks until my next holiday..I LIVE for the holidays and I have my fingers crossed I can wangle a week off sometime next month.

On another note:

Remember this card from the Sugar Bowl challenge 64?
I was very lucky to receive this stamp and the other 4 Sherbet Pips off my Sweetie sister Erika for my birthday, and this lovely pad of papers off my new Sweetie sister Fi.
I do loves these Pips very much and I adore the papers, right up my colour street!
So I bought another pad of them ( First Edition Up, Up Away) and a brand new stamp (Cherry Pip) to give away to a reader. Just leave a comment after this post. I will pick a winner tomorrow night..it's only a little giveaway so no need for the linky thingy and no need to advertise it..just leave a comment :)
Thanks for looking
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 65

2011-08-11T09:00:00.002+01:00

Yes! Yes! Yes! The Sweeties are all back from their Summer holidays and ready for a new challenge.
Sadly, my Summer break didn't take me very far, just to work and back home again repeatedly! But I am very happy to be back here today for the new Sugar Bowl challenge.The sketch this time has been set by the lovely Sweetie Maria Therese with the optional theme of the colour BLUE.

This gorgeous Christmas image is called Furry Friends and has been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks, slathered with lots of Glamour Dust. The DP is Echo Park Winter Wonderland (from last year). A couple of flowers, pearls and some swarovski crystals for embellies. Pretty simples as usual.

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find lots of lovely cards for inspiration from the other sweeties.

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Did Ya Miss Me??

2011-08-08T22:35:00.000+01:00

Whaddya mean NO!!

I would love to tell you that the reason for my MIA status is because I've been off travelling to foreign climes, drinking cocktails on the beach at sunset, having romantic meals for 2 by candle light, enjoying massages, facials and pedicures in between sight seeing trips and I returned relaxed, bronzed and ready to take on the world.
But alas no. I have been to work, work, work and then work.
Darn it..I so need to win the lottery and retire so I can play all day and be a happy bunny :)
Work just eats too much into my crafting/blogging/emailing time!

I have had little crafting time and the only card I've made is for the next Sugar Bowl challenge on Thursday.
So having nothing new to show I thought I'd post this one instead.

Made way back in June, one of our customers at work asked me to make a card as his best friend was getting married. I hate making cards for other people! And of course him doing the asking was a bloke so had no idea as to what he wanted! This LOTV stamp is the one and only wedding image I possess so he had no choice! Coloured with the usual DI's, and papers are Tilda Frosted Bluegreen.

As you can see, I made an easel card which I often make but can't take a decent photo of so rarely bother to show the inside. I never know what price to charge, most men faint if they have to pay more than £1 for a card so I never ask for a fee.

Whilst I'm here...have you read the news at the Sugar Nellie blog?

The newly appointed DT coordinator Gayle is looking for some new faces to join the Sugar Nellie DT.
If you want to be part of the fabulous Sugar Nellie team please email Gayle.

Finally, many many thanks for all your get well wishes for Poppy.
She is doing fine and back to her usual happy, bouncy self, and just needs to go back for a scan in another 3 months to check everything is still fine.

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Miss Poppy's Birthday Candy ~ Winner.

2011-08-01T22:21:00.000+01:00

It's been one of those horrible days today. Me and the hubster have mawped about at work generally feeling fretful. We both felt sick and I've been on the verge of tears all day.
All because today was Poppy's operation day. The logical side of my brain knows she's in good hands but the emotional side of my brain can't help but worry.
I am a born worrier and I really shouldn't have had children. I should have stuck to my cats, but then I worry about them too. Could be I'm a bit deranged? I could ask my friends for their opinions but I somehow don't think that would help any!

Anyway, Poppy had her operation this afternoon at about 2pm, and the surgeon said it all went to plan with no problems. Jon phoned at teatime and they'd done another scan and everything is fine, the valve is closed with no leaking and Miss Poppy was feeling well enough to tuck into macaroni cheese and chips.
Phew! I'm just too old for all this stress :)

Next, thank you to everyone that entered Poppy's birthday candy. Mr Random has done his job and picked a number....

Congratulations Paola.....I do believe this candy will be travelling a long way. I may need to dress the Sassy's in some warmer clothes ready for the trip to South Africa, I think it's their winter now?
Please EMAIL ME Paola with your full postal address and I will get your rubber babies in the mail.

Love Elaine xxx

Miss Poppy's Birthday Candy.

2011-07-26T21:00:00.002+01:00

This post will stay at the top ~ please scroll down for any newer posts, thank you.

At last I have some photos of the birthday girl. These were taken on her actual birthday last week, not at the party, as it appears that the official party photographer had a bad case of camera shake!

Looking at her birthday cards.

The bubble machine was popular.

Very popular !

Go back in time now to the end of June...I did buy stuff for a birthday candy but it's still sitting in the cupboard unphotographed! There's just not enough hours in my day to accomplish everything I should.

So instead, in honour of Miss Poppy's birthday I have a small - but very sweet - candy comprising of...

Sugar Nellie Simply Sassy Stamps.

The set of 6 brand spanking new unmounted rubber stamps, from the latest release as shown on the Simply Sassy Blog Hop last weekend.

Rules of entry ~ the same as last time:

Just one, this candy is only open to those who already follow me. I have noticed in previous candies that some folks add themselves as a follower only to remove themselves after the candy has finished. I apologise in advance as I know this will offend someone somewhere but it's my blog, my rules and my candy :)
Any new viewers are more than welcome to become a follower but will not be eligible to enter this candy but will be eligible to enter future candies.
Candy is open worldwide but I am not liable to pay any customs/duties that some countries impose. Candy will stay open until Monday 1st August 6pm BST.
Please click on the blue froggy to enter unless he's gone for a little hop about, he will return shortly!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Simply Sassy Blog Hop Winner!

2011-07-25T18:40:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post today. Wasn't the Sassy blog hop fabulous?? Thank you to everyone who popped by and joined in the hop. Each blog has a surprise stamp from this collection for one random winner. I wasn't sure how to pick the winner fairly so I checked how many comments were left before 12 noon today, and put the number in random.org and then I had to count down to find the winner..I'm sure there was an easier way of doing this!!

So number 37 was picked which is:
ASTRID (cards by Astrid)
If you can please EMAIL me with your full postal address within a week and we can get your stamp posted off to you.

Many thanks for hopping along with us, and thank you again Maria for inviting me to play.
Love Elaine xxx

Simply Sassy Blog Hop

2011-07-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

Maria and her talented team of ladies are having a blog hop today, over on the Simply Sassy Blog. They even have a guest joining them...and that guest would be me! My regular readers all know that I'm a huge Sassy fan and this latest release is my favourite set...so far :)

If you've come here from the gorgeous creation on Kathrin's blog then you are on the right path, but if not then you really need to start at the beginning over on the Simply Sassy blog because each member of the DT- and myself too- will be giving away a surprise stamp from this collection to one random commenter. All you have to do is leave a comment at each blog before Monday 25th July 12 noon GMT.

Now on to my card...

Being the guest, I was given first choice of which stamp I would like to use, and I just had to pick Butterfly Girl, she is gorgeous and I love the expression on her face! As usual she's been coloured with DI's. The papers are First Edition Summer Breeze, the sentiment is Whimsy and a birthday gift from Maria. The flower is an MFT Upsy Daisy die and the leaves are from a fabulous Spellbinder set off a very dear friend of mine in America. The little butterfly was the perfect size and so delicate and pretty, another MFT set, a birthday gift off my sweet buddy Amanda.

All the fabulous Sassy stamps you'll see on the hop are available to buy now over at...

Mr Funky Kits man Mark has a very special price for you if you wish to buy the full set of six stamps but only for the launch weekend, so don't delay and go fill your baskets :)
Next stop on the hop is the lovely Tracy and I know she will have something amazing to show you. Don't forget to leave a comment on each blog!

Many thanks to Maria and all the DT ladies for letting me join you on the hop xx
Love Elaine xxx

There's A Light At The End Of My Tunnel...

2011-07-20T19:07:00.000+01:00

It's not a bright blinding 'come into the light' sort of light, just a dim glow in the distance, but it's still there.
I can now see each tree rather than just the forest, both at work and at home...phew!

I'm still waiting for my errant step-son Jon to upload the birthday girls photo's, so in the meantime I thought I'd share this one...

Little Miss Poppy in her padding pool. She is just the happiest little muffin ever, always laughing and smiling :)

Other news:
Maria and her girls on the Simply Sassy DT are having a blog hop this Saturday to showcase and launch the next set of stamps and I believe there is also a guest joining in.

Now you all know I am a huge Sassy fan, and in my humble opinion this next set is the best ever! They are absolutely gorgeous (yes, I have seen them nah nah nah nah nah!)

Calling all Sassy Addicts...Maria is searching for 2 guest design team members. It's easy to apply and you can find all the details on how to enter HERE. What's better than new rubber? Free new rubber! So get on over to the Sassy blog and enter and you could be getting your inky mitts on future Sassy releases.

I received this fabulous award off a new friend of mine, Janette. Thank you so much Janette for thinking of me.

Here are the rules to this award!!!

1. Share 7 things about yourself

2. Pass it along to 7 beauty blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy

3. Thank and link back to who gave you the award

So now I have to share 7 things about myself.
1. I am a very clean, tidy and organised person, too much so! To the point where I drive my poor husband (who without me would live in a happy world of disorganised chaos ) around the bend!
2. I hoard paper, be it 12x12, 6x6 or even 8x8, I hoard it. If I see nice new 12x12 papers I have to buy 4 sheets of each, just in case. Just in case of what I'm still not sure about?
3. I drink too much coffee, 12-15 cups a day :) But rarely drink alcohol, and if I do it will be either champagne or cider..from Princess to pauper eh?
4.I love music and listen to it all the time, either the radio at work or ipod at home. Anything from classical to heavy rock and I sing along very badly.
5. Olives are the work of the devil! I hate the little buggers! I'm quite convinced that God didn't create olives, or wasps for that matter.
6. I love my cats and talk to them like everyone else talks to a baby (crazy cat lady!)
7. I am thankful everyday for all my wonderful friends. These are extra special people who actually like me for being me as opposed to family who has to put up with me whether they like me or not! My friends are all very special and dear to me.
So with that last thought in mind, and because I cannot pick just 7 people, I would like to pass this award on to all my friends and followers, you are all amazing and make blogging (even though I am such a bag blogger) the wonderful experience that it is.

Hope no-ones nodded off, sorry this turned into a mini book.
Love Elaine xxx

Just A Little Candy....Winner.

2011-07-17T23:00:00.000+01:00

Phew...I'm cream crackered! The weekend has been delightful, and Poppy had a fabulous birthday party.
Of course I am biased, but she really is such a sweet child, she's a happy, smiling and pleasant baby and she had such a lovely party with lots of family and friends. Thankfully the rain stayed off until after the barbecue.

The real reason I'm here is to announce the winner of the candy. Mr Random has picked a number....

Congratulations Yvon ( scrappiesvanyvon.blogspot.com ) please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your stamps - and some other bits - in the mail to you asap.
Thank you to everyone that entered, I have some more of my birthday candy stuff to post, once I get the laundry basket emptied and the rest of the chores done!

Love Elaine xxx

Just A Little Candy....

2011-07-16T21:00:00.000+01:00

This post will stay at the top, please scroll down for any newer posts, thank you.

After a lovely few days off last week I am now back at work and positively drowning in a sea of papers!
No-one covers my work load when I'm off so I have a lot of extra paperwork to catch up on so no crafting time for me this week boohoo :(
I had already bought goodies for a birthday candy, but have had no time to even take a photograph. So without wishing to delay it any longer I have split the candy up into smaller lots and first up is:

3 brand spanking new Sugar Nellie stamps from the latest release as showcased at the Carnival of Colour blog hop last weekend and
3 brand spanking new LOTV stamps from the latest release.

Rules of Entry:
Just one, this candy is only open to those who already follow me. I have noticed in previous candies that some folks add themselves as a follower only to remove themselves after the candy has finished. I want candy to go to those who it's meant for..one of my followers and not a 'candy hunter'. I apologise in advance as I know this will offend someone somewhere but it's my blog, my rules and my candy :)
Any new viewers are more than welcome to become a follower but will not be eligible to enter this candy but will be eligible to enter future candies.
Candy is open worldwide but I am not liable to pay any customs/duties that some countries impose. Candy will stay open until Saturday 16th July 9pm BST.
Please click on the blue froggy to enter unless he's gone for a little hop about, he will return shortly!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

I meant to say...

2011-07-16T00:01:00.001+01:00

But as usual I forgot!
It's been another busy week for us though that's pretty normal in my household. Today was Emma's graduation ceremony. She was a nervous wreck but ultimately pleased that we twisted her arm into actually attending!
I need to get the photos off Phil then I will post one on here.
My candy ends tomorrow evening but we are away for the weekend so I will post the winner on Sunday evening when we get back home. We are going to visit Jon, Sam and Poppy. They are having a little party for Poppy's first birthday. I don't know where this last year has disappeared to? I'll post some photo's of Poppy next week too.
Another scan at the hospital revealed the valve still hasn't closed on it's own so Poppy is scheduled to go into hospital on 1st August, poor little lamb but it needs to be done.
Before I go, Ali has a surprise blog candy to celebrate her second blogaversary.

I'll post a link on my sidebar but you can also click HERE to go straight there.

Ok, I'll be back on Sunday. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 64

2011-07-14T09:00:00.004+01:00

Today is my favourite day of the fortnight, yes it's time for a new Sugar Bowl challenge. For this challenge the sketch has been done by the Sweetie Kiki and as always it's a fabby one. The theme, should you choose to follow it, is a nice and easy one of 'lace'.
Nice and easy for some folks huh! But not me :( I love lace but it's one of those things that I buy and stash away never to be used. I just can't bear to cut into it.
So I think I deserve a gold star for the addition of lace onto this card!

(I got so many lovely gifts for my birthday last month that it will probably take me the rest of the year to show you everything, so please forgive me if it takes a little while, I do love and appreciate everything I got.)

This little sweetheart is of course one of the new Sherbet Pips, and she's called Cherry Pip and was a gift off the lovely Sweetie Erika along with lots of other rubber - thank you very much Sweetie.
She's been coloured with the usual DI's and Nick Bantock inks. The gorgeous papers are First Edition Up Up Away, a lovely gift off my buddy Fiona, thank you Fi, these colours are right up my street.
The heart circle is a nestie die and a gift off my very sweet friend Patty in America, thank you - I love this die, and I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to Patty (it's a special Birthday too!) for Saturday, I hope you have a fabulous day and get lots of lovely presents xxx
The sentiment is from Whimsy, a couple of punched flowers, a few pearls and a little strip of lace.
Phew...that's a lot of stuff on one of my usually minimalistic cards.

ETA: Thank you Marie for pointing out that I'd put here the sketch for challenge 63 and not the correct one for 64, the sketch above is now the right one, my sincere apologies, some days I'm as thick as two short planks!
The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
The Sugar Bowl Sweeties are taking a little Summer holiday break, so this challenge will run for four weeks instead of the usual two, so there's plenty of time to get a card made!For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find lots of lovely cards for inspiration from the other sweeties.
This is the 3rd card in a row without a Sassy image!!! I think my Sassy girls will be packaging their bags and leaving home soon in search of some inky love...I shall rectify this little 'issue' very soon.

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie ~ Carnival of Colour Blog Hop Part 2.

2011-07-02T09:00:00.001+01:00

Roll up roll up..again, and welcome back to my little tent for the Saturday performance here at the Carnival of Colour blog hop. I'm so pleased you came back to see me one more time before I roll up my tent. I guess you all enjoyed your time at the Carnival yesterday? There were lots of you who bought souvenirs from the Gift shop but if not you need to visit this tent HERE.

If you've arrived here after stopping by the fabulous display at Maya's then you are on the right path, if not, or if you get a little lost on the journey then please go back and start at the Sugar Nellie tent.

'Tis the Season...I'm here with another Christmas image to show you.

Isn't this just the sweetest image you ever did see? I think it will be my most used Christmas stamp this year. It's called Snow Buddies and you can buy it HERE. It's a really nice size of stamp so I kept the layout very simple and the embellies minimal, much like yesterdays card.
I returned to my comfort zone and coloured with DI's, and again there's plenty of glamour dust sprinkled about. The DP's are from Dream Street, another Marianne die for a different snowflake, a few pearls and a cwc sentiment completes the card.

I hope you've enjoyed the Carnival as much as I have, the next stop is Michele where I know something fabulous will be waiting for you.

A little footnote for my buddies:
My friends all know by now that I average one card a fortnight, and this week I've managed to make three!! It's been great fun for me but no housework/laundry etc has been done and I've had no time to leave comments plus my inbox is full of emails waiting for replies. So the plan of attack for today is chores first and then catch up with all my lovely friends.
Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Nellie ~ Carnival of Colour Blog Hop.

2011-07-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

Roll up, roll up...and welcome to my little tent on the Carnival of Colour blog hop. There is no charge to enter but please feel free to visit the Carnival gift shop to buy yourself a little souvenir afterwards!
Follow the signs HERE and take home a little memento from your visit.
If you've arrived at my tent from the very talented Maya's then you're on the right track, if not or if you get lost along the way then head on back to the Sugar Nellie blog.

What's the 'Most wonderful time of the year'?...Christmas is!

Isn't this just the cutest kitty you ever did see? Waiting with his friends the robins for Santa to arrive and fill their stockings with Christmas treats. This sweet image is called Puss in Boots and is available to buy HERE.
It's been coloured with....wait for it....Polychromo pencils just for a change and slathered with lots of glamour dust but you may need to enlarge the photo to see the sparkle better. The DP is Echo Park, a Marianne die for the snowflake, a few pearls, and a cwc sentiment.

I hope you enjoyed my little show today, but please pop back again tomorrow to see the Saturday Performance.
The next tent for you to visit is Michele's where I know you will find a fabulous display waiting for you.
Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 63

2011-06-30T09:00:00.001+01:00

As promised, I'm back with a card (at long last) for the new Sugar Bowl challenge. The very lovely Sweetie Erika has provided the sketch for this challenge and the optional theme she has chosen is 'Make Your Own Flowers'. Hmmm a little tricky for me, I do like to add an odd flower to my cards and I did make them myself, sort of?
Ok, I punched them out but that's about as good as it gets from me.

Just for a change I used a Sassy image, bet you're all shocked eh?? This little sweetie is called Carnival Balloon and as usual she's been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks. The papers are SU but I've no idea what they're called (but I need to order me some of these Nic!) I've used a new Magnolia die that I got for my birthday, thank you Maria xx I got lots of lovely birthday gifts so you'll be seeing them all over the next few weeks :) The flowers are made from a mix of X-cut, EK Success and Woodware punches. A few pearls and the jobs done.

The prize for one lucky winner is a choice of any 4 Sugar Nellie stamps, but if there are 100+ entries then the prize will increase to any 6 Sugar Nellie stamps.
For all the details on how to enter please visit the Sugar Bowl blog, where you will also find lots of lovely cards for inspiration from the other sweeties.

Just one more sleep until the Carnival of Colour arrives in town, I hope you are all going to come along and join in because it's going to be fun, fun, fun...hope to see you all again tomorrow :)

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Of Proms, Hops and such...

2011-06-28T22:25:00.000+01:00

Just some bits'n'bobs of news. I've been a really busy bunny this week, the washing and ironing is almost caught up with and the house is relatively clean and tidy again.
Today I've had an excited boy, getting ready for his school prom tonight. He was up early, showered and a trip to the hairdressers..little wonder I'm broke but our hairdresser has a Jag! Unfortunately he is streaming with a cold but that didn't put a damper on his excitement.
I always pitied the mothers and fathers out there with daughters to dress for the prom. After all, having a boy would surely be a cheap affair as we can hire a tuxedo for the night? But no, Hal had already seen what he wanted to wear and there was no hiring of it and it was bloody expensive! Darn it...I'll not be retiring just yet!

Just ignore the metal sticking out of his lip..that's what happens when you go away for the weekend and leave a boy at home!

I have got cards made and ready to post on here on the correct days. Thursday sees a new challenge on the Sugar Bowl, and Friday and Saturday will be the Sugar Nellie Carnival of Colour blog hop.

A two day hop to celebrate and showcase the new releases (which are all fab) so I hope you will all come along and join in the fun.
I have got a (late) birthday candy planned for my followers but I wanted to wait so I can include some of the new Sugar Nellies..well, it would be rude not to!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Just A Quick Update..

2011-06-25T22:32:00.000+01:00

OK, I know I've been quiet this week. It's been super busy at work plus I've been working extra to clear my desk so I can take a few days off next week.

My stepdaughter Emma got her results yesterday for the BA course at Uni and gained a 2:1 so we were with Emma last night for a little celebratory champagne or two! I'm quite sure I said 'never again' to champagne after the last time?

A heartfelt thanks to all my lovely buddies for your good wishes, cards and gifts, you really made this birthday a very special one indeed, and I was extremely spoiled! I stayed up on the Thursday night to phone/email/text etc but I do still owe a few lovely ladies a reply which I will do either tomorrow or Monday but I am away this weekend at Cleethorpes and what a lovely time I've had so far.
I met Jill from The Hobby House at about 12ish and we went for a spot of lunch, and I then spent the rest of the afternoon in her craft shop...I apologise Jill!! I think they close at 4pm and we left around 6pm.

I've got quite a few cards to show next week, so you'll no doubt be sick of the sight of me before the week is out!

Love Elaine xxx

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

2011-06-19T14:00:00.001+01:00

I just wanted to wish a Happy Fathers Day to my Dad, and all the other Dads out there.
I know how lucky I am to still have both my parents, but in our busy working lives we sometimes take it for granted that they will always be here and don't spend as much time with them as we should.
So today I wanted to give a shout out to my lovely Dad, I was truly blessed to be born to wonderful parents.
Last Sunday was my Dads birthday (shhhh 83 but I didn't say that) and since my Dad loves his camera we bought him a portrait kit - don't ask me what, not a clue! Hubby has to point me in the right direction if it's anything camera related. But it was a toy/gadget for him to play with (always a good idea to buy men new toys, keeps them occupied and out of mischief!) and he took the self-portrait below with his new toy.

Looking a bit serious there Dad! I bet he was concentrating on taking his own photo :)
Love you Dad, always.
Elaine xxx

Candy Winner.

2011-06-17T20:52:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry! I should've posted this last night but I simply ran out of time.

Thank you to everyone who entered my little candy, Mr Random has picked a number...

So this time the candy is going to the USA to live with Amanda R, congratulations hunny!

I have always bought the candy first before putting it on my blog, except for this time as the stamps were not available to buy at the time I posted it. As from today you can buy the next set of Sassy's HERE and there is a special offer price if you buy the full set of 6. But Karen also has a whole host of delicious new stamps due for release on July 1st including the sweet Sherbet Pips, there really will be a lot of sweet rubber to choose from! So Amanda, although my candy was supposed to be Sassy stamps if you wish to wait until you've seen all the previews of the other new stamps then I am more than happy to offer you the choice between the Sassy's, Sherbet Pips or any of the other new stamps due out. Just let me know.

Thanks again to everyone for entering, I'll be back soon with a little Birthday candy.

Love Elaine xx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 62

2011-06-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for a new Sugar Bowl challenge, and as always this is a fabulous one! This time the sketch has been provided by the amazingly talented sweetie Marlene and the optional theme is 'Summer'. Here's hoping Marlene, I think Summer passed us by this year! We did have one lovely sunshiny day on Tuesday, just to get our hopes up, then it was back to the usual dull, dreary, wet and windy weather that we are used to!

YES...I'm back to my true self with a Sassy image!
Hmmmm...not the best take on Summer but this gorgeous lady was begging me to ink her up so what choice did I have? And be honest now, you would hardly go out in winter dressed so skimpily would you? If she lived in Oldham she would need a liberty bodice and thermal thong under that dress even in June!
This Sassy lady is called 5th Avenue and available to buy HERE, she's been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks, the papers are Prima Madeline, the odd pearl and a MFT die cut flower.

I flipped the sketch again as my chosen image was vertical not horizontal.

There's lots of fabulous new images due out very soon. Maria and the ladies on the Simply Sassy blog are having a blog hop this Saturday ready for the release of a new set of Sassy's and July 1st will see lots more new rubber at Funky Kits so keep checking the Sugar Nellie blog for further updates.
Some of the new stamps due out on July 1st are these....

Sherbet Pips

Aren't they just the most delightful and sweetest stamps ever? Which brings me nicely to the prize for the winner of this challenge, the full set of 5 Sherbet Pips rubber stamps.
So what are you waiting for? There's a fabulous sketch, an easy theme and a gorgeous prize so get your entries in to the Sugar Bowl where you will also find lots of inspiration from all the other talented Sweeties.

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

A Little Mystery Blog Candy!

2011-06-07T16:16:00.003+01:00

This post will stay at the top, please scroll down for newer posts.

As I said in an earlier post, May sort of passed me by without a candy. In truth, I was sick of the sight of Jiffy bags stuffed with Party Bags! I am all candied out and can't think what to offer up this month, in which case I will offer up my mostest favouritest stamps ever in the whole wide world!
Now being as I am a spoiled little bugger I have already seen the soon-to-be-released set of Sassy Stamps- set 8 - from Funky Kits and they are amazing, as always. This set is a little different from what we've had so far but that's all I'm saying, my lips are sealed.
So my candy will be the next set of 6 rubber stamps - set 8 Simply Sassy.

Rules of entry: Simple as always, just like me :) All I ask is that you are a follower and yes I do check! Candy is open worldwide but I am not liable for any import/customs duties that some countries impose. Please play nicely and only enter once. Candy will stay open until Thursday 16th June 6pm BST.
Please click on my blue froggy to enter.
Love Elaine xxx

ETA Either Mr Blogger or Mr Froggy is being a bit of a devil today! People are entering but it's talking ages to show on my blog although I can see the entries on Inlinkz. If it doesn't show your entry it will turn up eventually!
ETA Again!! I apologise, I've just found out that these new delicious stamps will go on sale on June 18th so I have brought the closing date forward..sorry!

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 61

2011-06-02T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm back with my card for the new Sugar Bowl challenge..gosh I think the weeks go by quickly, but it's been a year since my first Sugar Bowl card and I can't believe how quickly that went! They do say time flies when you're having fun, so I must be having a blast! (Or getting old?)
The sketch for this challenge has been done by Sweetie Kiki and the optional theme is Weddings/Love.
Since I am rather lacking in wedding images then I went with love instead.

Maybe I should've warned you first? Another card with no Sassy image on it! I thought I would practice what I preach and dig out a much older stamp for this challenge. This is Luvvie, a Leanne Ellis Annie image, I love this little cutie and it's one of my very well used stamps.
As usual, she's been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks, the papers are MME Stella & Rose (Hattie) which I've been stroking since March so I thought it was about time I actually used them.
The sentiment is from Waltzing Mouse Stamps, the flowers are a MFT die which I've had for absolutely yonks but never used yet I keep admiring them on Fi's blog, a few pearls and the jobs done.

The fabulous prize for one lucky winner is a set of 6 pick'n'mix Sugar Nellie stamps. As always, you can find all the details over on the Sugar Bowl blog along with lots of lovely inspiration from all the other sweeties.

Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Just Catchin' Up

2011-05-31T16:40:00.001+01:00

Our American visitors have caught their flight back to Atlanta today. It's been a blast having them over here and we've all thoroughly enjoyed their visit but I am cream crackered! I am far too old for going out so much and I just want to crawl in a hole somewhere and sleep for the rest of the week. I guess the 3 bottles of champagne we downed on Sunday night didn't help much either!

So I now have a mountain of washing and ironing to work my way through this week, and I need to try and catch up with all my emails and go blog visiting.

I want to do a little shout out to my lovely Sugar Bowl buddy Erika "A very Happy Birthday today Sweetie, I hope you have a fab day and are treated like a proper little Princess", and also the very sweet Cathy who's birthday is also today, "Happy Birthday Cathy, I hope your day is a special one".

My ink carousel is all nicely stocked up now and in action and Martin has decided to make some and see what the market is like (thank you for everyones input) so if anyone wants anymore information they are available on Ebay HERE or on Folksy HERE.

I've only just realised that I didn't do a candy in May...I was all candied out after the party bags! So I need to try and think of something different to offer up..any ideas would be appreciated! Is there anything in particular you would really love to see in a blog candy?

For those of you who don't know what's in Grimsby - or rather Tetney which is home to the very lovely Jill owner of The Hobby House and my first port of call for paper. I always have a good stock up on papers when I see Jill at the Harrogate shows, so this time I am going to visit her at the shop. I am so excited!!!

Lastly, for those of you who haven't nodded off yet zzzzzzzzzzzz

A blog candy that came to my attention...but you need not bother to enter this one cos I NEED to win this!

I love the colours and all the papers yum yum.

But seeing as I am so nice then if you pop over HERE you can enter the candy.

Ok, I'm off to tackle the washing.

Thanks for looking

Love Elaine xxx

You May Need to Sit Down Before Reading This!

2011-05-26T08:49:00.001+01:00

Firstly, a big 'Thank You' for everyone who took the time to leave their views on my ink storage carousel. I hope that all your comments can help Martin make his decision. He already knows how much I love it! And another big 'Thank You' to my lovely hubbly for my early birthday present. Since I had already filled the carousel with my inks (for photographic purposes of course!) it was too cruel of hubbly to make me take them out again and wait until my birthday :)

OK, now to a card....you may need to sit down and take a deep breath for this one, hold on to your hats.....

It's not a Sassy image...the first non-Sassy I've made since about January! It's not even a Sugar Nellie image... the first non-Sugar Nellie since maybe last October? But in my defense it was for my lovely buddy Gayle's birthday last week and she does love these hAnglars. I know Miss hAnglar is dressed up in her winter clothing with hat and scarf, but it's bloody cold up in Scotland!
As always she's been coloured with DI's, the frame around her and sentiment is from Waltzing Mouse Stamps, DP is Tilda Kitchen Garden, the frond thingy is a Marianne die as is the flower - thank you Gayle, I love it.

We have family coming over from Atlanta tomorrow - Phil's brother Neil and his wife Bev, so I know I won't be around much. We don't get to spend too much time together so we all try and make the most of their visits.

On another note, my hubbly is taking me away for a long weekend at the end of June. I am VERY excited about this trip! Where are we going? It begins with the letter G....Germany? Gibraltar? Goa? Well, maybe not Goa for a long weekend! Nope....Grimsby! Well, near Grimsby, it's actually Tetney...if anyone knows what or rather who lives in Tetney? If you do know then you will understand why I am so excited!

Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xx

Could You Help Me Please??

2011-05-21T19:12:00.001+01:00

A little while ago I posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew where I could buy a storage unit for my Distress Inks and re-inkers in the UK.

My friend Trish called and asked me if I'd like her husband Martin to have a go at making me something.

Martin and Trish run their own business Hillside Crafts and make wonderful wooden gifts from plaques to rocking horses.

Yesterday my storage unit arrived.

The unit holds 24 Distress ink pads and 24 re-inkers on two opposite sides so a total 48 ink pads and re-inkers plus room for mini misters, or in my case Sakura pens.

The other two sides hold my other ink pads. There are also hooks on two sides which hold at least a couple of pairs of scissors on each. The top area holds all my other smaller ink pads and bits 'n' bobs.

The unit is hand made by Martin from wood and is a carousel which makes it so easy to use. This is a beautiful and solid piece of workmanship and I am absolutely delighted with it. I rang Trish and Martin as they'd asked for my honest opinion, was there something he could do to improve it? Did I like it? And to me this is totally perfect and exactly suits my needs. So I had asked Martin had he thought about producing these to sell on his website? Since Martin designs and makes them himself they can be made to hold different makes of ink pads etc.

Now I asked Martin if he could make this for me without too much thought to the cost, so I thought it was a very reasonable price at £70 plus £10 delivery...this is a heavy and solid piece weighing about 14lbs!

The only other storage I could find in the UK would've cost me £60 plus p&p but that was molded from plastic.

But just because I love it and bought it would anyone else be interested? Before Martin can decide whether or not to start making these it would be helpful if he could get some feedback other than mine!

So my question is, would you please leave me a comment with your HONEST opinion. Whether that be good, bad or indifferent. Is it the sort of thing you would buy? Is the cost acceptable? Are there any other storage solutions you would like to see eg Copics, wall mounted units etc.

I would be truly grateful if you could spend a couple of minutes and leave me your honest views on this.

Thanks for looking and for any help you can give.

Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 60

2011-05-19T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm back with a card for the new Sugar Bowl challenge, and the sketch has been provided by Sweetie Maria Therese. The option is a nice and easy one...Birthday, very handy as we all need a steady supply of birthday cards and this week is packed full of birthdays for my family and friends.
Today is my Sugar Mama Gayle's birthday....*Happy Birthday Sweetie, hope this day is a special one*

I wonder who will spot my stupid mistake??

I coloured up this gorgeous Sassy image Boho Chic a couple of weeks ago, the minute I got my inky hands on her. But I must have had a little interruption in brain activity because on my image she is wearing a scoop neck top, and on everyone else's that I've seen since she has on a polo neck! A little brain blip on my part.
As usual she's been coloured with DI's and Nick bantock inks, the box around the image is a Waltzing Mouse stamp set, the DP is Stampin'Up Elegant Soiree, the teeny weeny tag is made from PTI's Tiny tag stamps and dies.

The fabulous prize for one lucky winner is a set of 6 pick 'n' mix Sugar Nellie stamps. What would you choose? To maybe buy some older images and fill in some gaps in your collection, or the new Sassys perhaps?
For all the details please pop on over to the Sugar Bowl blog where you will also find lots of inspiration from all the other Sweeties including.....our own lovely Pat who has returned to the Sugar Bowl *Welcome back Pat, I kept the home fires burnin' for ya!*
Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Carnival Balloon

2011-05-14T00:31:00.001+01:00

I did fully intend to post this card several days ago but I've been working much longer hours all week and I just haven't had the time. Then of course Mr Blogger has been bloggering about and making things difficult for everyone!
I made this card following Sugar Bowl sketch 58 (not the current one but the one previous) I know that many folks have already seen this card on the Sugar Nellie Facebook group but I said I would post it here too to show the difference between this one and the Butterflies and Pigtail's card which I disliked so much that it did go in the bin.

Same papers but I used pink around the image on this one. You can judge for yourselves but I much prefer this card.

Thank goodness it's the weekend and I can look forward to spending it catching up with the cleaning/washing/ironing since Cathy did not turn up and do it for me! Though I did try and tempt her as Cathy knew I already had set 7 of the Sassy stamps in my possession!
Don't forget that over on the Simply Sassy Blog they are having a blog hop at 8am and you can buy the stamps at Funky Kits now.

Right I'm off to my bed as it's late and I'm pooped.
Love Elaine xxx

Candy and Waffle!

2011-05-08T11:20:00.002+01:00

You'll be pleased to hear that I'm on my way out to go food shopping so this will be the quickest of quicks!
My apologies for the lack of commenting this week, just been a busy old week but I hope to get some time later on today to catch up a bit with you all, even if I don't comment I do still look at all your gorgeous creations!

You've only got a couple of days left to enter the lovely Debbi's candy as it closes on Tuesday 10th May. It's a lovely bundle of goodies that's on offer including Promarkers.

Also the very sweet Vicky has a lovely selection of candy to celebrate her first year in blogland. This candy ends June 6th.

And finally, the winner of Party Bag number 6 has never come forward with their name and address so Mr Random has picked another number...

Entry Number 6 Debbie B.

If you still want it Debbie then please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get it in the mail.
ETA...It's now May 18th and no-one has come forward to claim the candy, so I have posted it out to one random lady and I hope she will like the total surprise when it turns up!
Have you read the Sugar Nellie blog today? Every Sunday they show cards from a Sugar Addict. If you have a Sugar Nellie addiction and fancy a turn in the spotlight then you can either leave a comment on the Sugar Nellie blog or email me.
Ok, I'm off to Asda.
Have a lovely Sunday everyone.
Love Elaine xxx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 59

2011-05-05T09:00:00.001+01:00

Yayyy Yayyy It's Sugar Bowl day...and that's the full extent of my poetry skills!
The sketch for this challenge has been provided by the very lovely Erika and the option, if you choose to follow it, is distressed/vintage. Thankfully the other Sweeties have done a much better job at this than I did, the most distressed thing in my craft room was me! It was one of those cards where everything went wrong and it will now be filed in my special storage system under 'B' for bin.

The image - which is the only thing I like about the card - is called Butterflies and Pigtails and you can buy here HERE. She's been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks. The papers are First Edition, some butterflies from a MS punch and a few pearls.
I coloured her over a few nights and when I took a proper look in the daylight I wasn't much impressed, much darker than I was aiming for. I did distress all the paper edges with Brushed Corduroy except around the image where I used Antique Linen and that I think was my big mistake. Around the image is now very creamy coloured and it looks out of place next to the white of the papers. Add to that a fuzzy image - though I think it might look better in soft focus!
I did make another card using the same papers but a different image and sketch and I will dig it out and pop it on here later in the week just so you can see the difference.

So now to the best bit...the prize for one lucky winner is a 'Steampunk' themed gift bag containing stamps, embossing folders and charms.
For all the details on how to enter please pop on over to the Sugar Bowl blog where you will also find inspiration from all the Sweeties.
Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xx

Booby Prize Number 2 Winner

2011-05-01T22:25:00.002+01:00

At long last it has all come to an end *sigh* As much as I have enjoyed the party bags it is a relief that it's now over. I seem to have spent most nights bagging up and writing address's on jiffy bags and I've neglected my commenting duties! And I'm sure Mr Random will be glad to see the back of me for a while.

So Booby Prize number two goes to...

Entry Number 43 Semsee

If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get the parcel in the post on Tuesday morning.

Do you remember This post Is it too late for Easter Candy?
I posted the winners name on April16th and still no-one has come forward to claim the prize, so Mr Random has picked another name....

Entry Number 28 Vicky (stickywithicky)

If you would still like this candy then please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get the parcel in the mail on Tuesday.

The winner of the 6th party bag hasn't emailed me yet (Stempeltiger) please get in touch or I will pick another winner on Friday.

Finally, thank you again for everyone that entered and all your lovely comments.
Love Elaine xx

Booby Prize Number 2

2011-04-30T23:09:00.000+01:00

Well I'm glad that you still liked the booby prize :) The number drawn is....

Entry Number 37 Christine L.

If you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will pop it in the mail on Tuesday.
And now to the last - thank goodness they have all gone now - Booby prize number 2.

This one has:
Prima 6x6 Botanical papers, Sugar Nellie Party Frills stamp, LOTV Cherry on Top stamp (and a part pack of sentiments) hanglar stamp from the Attitude kit and the remainder of the ribbons.
Sames rules as yesterday and the link will close at 10pm on Sunday night.
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xx

Winner Of The Last Party Bag.

2011-04-29T22:35:00.001+01:00

Before I tell you who Mr Random picked out tonight I would just like to say a big Thank You to everyone that entered. I thought that it was a good idea to split up the candy into 10 bags to spread the goodies around a bit, but I always feel mean afterwards that there are still so many people who entered and won nothing.
I always use Mr Random to pick the winner because I think it's the fairest way but that doesn't stop me from feeling sorry that more people can't be winners.

So without any further waffle, the tenth party bag goes to....yet another number in the 40's...

Entry Number 41 Cathy

If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your party bag in the mail first thing on Tuesday morning.

So back to the subject of me feeling bad, anyone fancy a 'booby' prize or two?
I went in the cupboard to get out the last party bag and there is a little box with the stuff I had leftover from making up the bags. Though I have to warn you that none of this stuff is co-ordinated at all. I've split it up into two jiffy bags but I did take photo's simply to show you what the leftovers are.

So this jiffy bag contains:
Memory Box 6x6 papers Frond, Sugar Nellie Bad Hare Day stamp, LOTV Recipe Sentiments stamp, hAnglar stamp from 'Hugs' kit and a selection of ribbon from the Ribbon girl.
This is for those who entered the party bags but didn't win one. The link will stay open until 10pm on Saturday night.
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 10

2011-04-28T22:25:00.001+01:00

I've really run Mr Random ragged this week picking a number for me every night and tonight is no exception.

The ninth party bag goes to....

Entry number 40 - Victoria (angeldrummer)

The hanglar stamp in the tenth party bag is from kit number 11 (Limited Edition) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Friday night.

Thanks for looking and good luck!

Love Elaine xx

Party bag No 9

2011-04-27T22:59:00.000+01:00

Sheesh! We're whipping through these little baggies in quick time. I'm more surprised that I've actually remembered to post them every day!
Mr Random has picked another winner and the eight party bag will be going to....

Entry number 7 Pamela.

If you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your parcel in the mail asap. I know Pamela doesn't have her own blog but has been a follower of mine for a long time now, and Pamela is in Canada so these little bags are being dispersed far and wide!
The hanglar stamp in the ninth party bag is from kit 24 (Hugs) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Thursday night.
Before I leave you all in peace, yesterdays winner Debbi also has some gorgeous candy on her blog, lots of goodies from Promarkers to pencils, stamps, ribbon, embossing folder and papers so pop on over HERE and spread the word!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 8

2011-04-26T22:37:00.000+01:00

Well today is the day! My little blog is one year old. I can't believe how fast the year has gone and I'm not sure how I've managed to bluff my way through a whole year?
All the party bags won so far have been posted so hopefully some folk will be getting them plopping on the mat soon, though the Netherlands and Hawaii may take a while longer to reach their destinations.

The winner of the seventh party bag is.....

Entry Number 20 Wiccababe

If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will send it out to you asap.
The hanglar stamp in the eighth party bag is from Kit 25 (beach) again. I just stick my hand in the cupboard and pull out a jiffy bag, but I have to say that this is one of my favourite party bags, I love the papers and stuff in this one. The link will stay open until 10pm on Wednesday night.
Thanks for looking and good luck.
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 7

2011-04-25T22:33:00.000+01:00

This will be another short and sweet one off me tonight. Back at work tomorrow so I plan on an early night.

Mr Random has worked overtime for me this week and again he has picked a winner, the sixth party bag will be going to.....

Entry number 62 Stempeltiger

If you can please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your parcel in the mail asap.

The hanglar stamp in the seventh party bag is from kit 26 (Messenger) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Tuesday night.

Thanks for looking and good luck!

Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 6

2011-04-24T22:41:00.000+01:00

Evening all..I hope everyone has had a lovely Easter Sunday.
Mr Random has just done his job and the fifth party bag will be going to....

Entry number 6 Kerry M.

If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get it in the post to you on Tuesday.
The hanglar stamp in the sixth party bag is from kit 25 (Beach) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Monday night.
As always, thanks for looking and good luck!
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 5

2011-04-23T23:15:00.000+01:00

So, we are half way there with the party bags now and so far one is heading to the Netherlands, one stays in England and another is going to Hawaii, where will the next one be posted to?
The fourth party bag will be going to live with...

Entry number 42...Fiona.

I believe that this bag will be on it's way up to Scotland! If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get the parcel in the post first thing on Tuesday morning.
The hanglar stamp in the fifth party bag is from kit 26 (Messenger) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Sunday night.
Thanks for looking and good luck!
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 4

2011-04-23T00:04:00.000+01:00

Oh so sorry...we went out for a drink with a friend (You are such a bad boy Scott..he always makes me drink too much hahaha!) but we had a fabby night out and it's good to kick back, relax and enjoy the company, so I know how late this is and I pray it still makes some sense!
Mr Random has done his job and picked a number, so the winner of the third party bag is.....

Entry number 30 Shirley N

If you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I can get the parcel posted first thing on Tuesday morning.
The hanglar stamp in the fourth party bag is from kit number 25 (Beach) and the link will stay open until 10pm on Saturday night.
Please forgive my absence from blog land this week, I am so far behind with my commenting! I hope to get time to catch up over this weekend. And I so appreciate those who still pop by here and leave me a comment even though they know I've not been around much *mwah*
Thanks for looking and good luck
Love Elaine xx

Party Bag No 3

2011-04-21T22:48:00.000+01:00

You'll all be relieved to know that I'm still too tired to waffle much so the winner of the second party bag is....

Entry number 54 Jules.

If you could please EMAIL ME Jules with your full postal address and I will pop your parcel in the mail asap.
It will probably be posted on Tuesday because of the long Easter weekend.
The hanglar stamp in the third party bag is from Kit number 24 (Hugs) and the candy will stay open until 10pm on Friday night.
Thanks for looking and good luck.
Love Elaine xx

Sugar Bowl Challenge ~ 58

2011-04-21T09:00:00.004+01:00

Faster than the speed of light..that's how my time is whizzing on by. I'm beginning to wonder if I live in a different time dimension from anyone else? But there's always a silver lining to my clouds, the faster the weeks go and the quicker the next Sugar Bowl challenge comes around which is always fun, fun, fun!
The sketch for this challenge has been provided by the sweetest Sweetie Marlene and this is a gorgeous sketch, so much so that I actually made my Sugar Bowl card and then straight after I made another card with the same sketch. The option, if you choose to follow it, is buttons. Nice 'n' easy huh? And yes I followed it - just.

I had to ink up this gorgeous lady first, aawww ain't she so sweet? And she looks so in love to me, so I made this card for my hubby on our wedding anniversary last week. The image is a new Sassy stamp from set 6 called OH La La and you can buy her HERE. She's been coloured with DI's and Nick Bantock inks, the papers are Prima Reflections, a Doo Hickey swirl, a Nellie Snellen flower and 'A' button...not buttons.

I rotated the sketch just so I could use this image.
So..onto the prize. One lucky winner picked by random will receive:

A set of Spellbinders Fancy Tags 2 dies...I likey these a lot, they are going on MY wishlist, and...

a set of Hero Arts 'Find Joy' stamp set, these have such beautiful sentiments.

For all the details on how to enter please pop on over to the Sugar Bowl and you will also find a stunning array of cards from the other sweeties to give you some inspiration.
Thanks for looking and for any comments you may leave.
Love Elaine xxx

Party Bag No 2

2011-04-20T23:34:00.000+01:00

Golly gosh...this is late! Sorry but I've been really busy all day - and night.
So the winner of the first party bag is.....

Entry number 21 Angelique.

I will apologise for not showing Mr Random.orgs picture of the winning number but I am trying to get this posted before I crawl into bed, and to be honest I doubt I will have much time all week, so you're going to have to trust me on this. Angelique if you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address then I can get your party bag in the mail.
Next, the hanglar stamp in the second party bag comes from kit number 11 Limited Edition (I am just sticking my hand in the cupboard and picking out a bag here for randomness).
The draw will stay open until 10pm on Thursday night..yes I know it's a bit short of a full day, but I need to get some sleep this week!
Thanks for looking and good luck.
Love Elaine xxx

Party Bag No 1

2011-04-19T21:59:00.000+01:00

Let's get the ball rolling and the party started! The hAnglar stamp in the first party bag comes from Kit 24 Hugs.
Please read the two posts below for all the rules and regs and details of what's in the bag. The link will be open for one day only and when Mr Random has picked a winner then I'll post the winners name and put up the next candy. Simples!
Thanks for looking.
Love Elaine xxx

Just A Bit Of Clarification..

2011-04-19T14:05:00.001+01:00

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post...it seems that I had a good idea for once! I also had a few emails asking some questions..thank you for raising these points..I would rather you understood the candy then you can decide whether you wish to enter or not. So a bit of clarification:

The hAnglar stamps..are they images or accessory stamps?
Each kit has a hAnglar image stamp, they are all full size stamps not the minis.Yes the kits do usually have some accessory stamps too and these have been put in some bags along with an image stamp. I didn't mention this before because not all the bags have them..take them as an added extra.

Are they suitable for children, my daughter would love a party bag?
Nope! Please do not give to children without first checking the contents. The bags do contain small items which a child could choke on, and some bags have pins in them. Please check first!

What do you class as 'regulars'?
The candy was my way of saying a little Thank You to those that pop by. Some leave a comment, some lurk, some have blogs and some don't, but they still pop by.
Some I know better from Facebook, some email me more than they comment.
I want the candy's to go to those who visit because they want to rather than because there's a freebie on offer.

There was another comment made....but I am just not going there!
The good news is that Funky Kits have been as super efficient as ever and they arrived today, I will try to get candy posted tonight but I need to go a-visiting my friend after work so it depends what time I get home!
Thank for looking and I hope this clears up any uncertainty.
Love Elaine xx

Easter Blog Candy Winner and other stuff.

2011-04-16T19:41:00.001+01:00

Ok, this is going to be the length of a novel, so may I suggest a toilet break first and make a brew - even a sandwich to keep you going!
First off, the winner of the Easter candy.I apologise for the lateness in posting the winner but we've been out.
17 years ago today the lovely Phil took me up the aisle- so to speak! Yes it's our wedding anniversary. Lord alone knows how my lubbly hubbly has put up with me for so long, but I am thankful that he has. So we've been over to my Mum and Dads and taken them out for lunch, very nice it was too but I am now late with everything!
So without any further waffle:

Mr Random did his job and picked a winner and I laughed when I saw the number 16, as it's the 16th today and our wedding anniversary..fate? Anyhow, congratulations to JudeB, if you could please EMAIL ME with your full postal address and I will get your winnings posted off to you.
Thank you everyone that entered, I'm always sorry that there can be only one winner but....there is more to come.
As I said in an earlier post, it will be the 1st anniversary of my move to living in blog land on April 26th. I am amazed at how quickly this year has flown by. I knew absolutely nothing about blogging and I was a nervous wreck for the first couple of weeks. I'm still not sure what I'm doing half the time, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 months and have met some wonderful people and forged some true friendships.
So of course I wanted to put some candy together to celebrate the occasion.

Guessed what they are yet?
Do you remember when you were little and went to your friends birthday parties? What was the best thing about the party? Leaving and getting a party bag on the way out! I was always so excited and couldn't wait to get back home to see what surprise was in the bag. Usually a piece of birthday cake wrapped in a napkin, by the time you got home the cake was all squashed and the napkin stuck to it like s**t to a blanket! You also got some sweets or chocolate, and a toy. A yo-yo or how about the coveted plastic ring with an almost fluorescent 2 carat size gem?
So my candy will be party bags.

No squishy cake or plastic rings in here!
Sorry about the quality of the photo, it was hard to get a clear photo as they are all packed in cello bags.
All the kits contain roughly the same thing. Three unmounted rubber stamps:
1 Sugar Nellie Simply Sassy stamp from the latest release (set 6).
1 LOTV stamp from the latest release of animals.
1 hAnglar & stAnglar stamp from a variety of kits.
Some 6x6 card stock, 6x6 DPs and various embellishments.
Now some kits are larger than others simply because some paper ranges contain more than others.

This is the smallest of the party bags ( no Sassy in here yet as they are ordered but not delivered yet)

This is one of the larger party bags.
I have ordered the remaining stamps, the Sassys, and am waiting for them to be delivered, which I expect to be next Tuesday. Once I've added a Sassy to each kit then I will seal the bags and seal the jiffy bags ready to post, so even I won't know who gets what.
I will put the candy's on my blog hopefully next Tuesday, and one bag at a time. I will put which hanglar kit that stamp has come from ( kit 11 limited edition, kit 24 hugs, kit 25 beach, kit 26 messenger or kit 27 attitude) please let me know if you want me to post pictures of the kits.
I will put one kit on for one day only, then when Mr Random has drawn that winner I will put a new one on.
You are free to enter for as many of the 10 kits you like (or for none if you don't like them!) but if you win one then can I please ask that you don't enter for any more.
I know it's not one huge candy like some folks offer, because I wanted to divide up the 30 stamps to give 10 people a chance to win something.
It will be open worldwide but to my regulars only, after all you are the people that make it all worthwhile. This way my regulars get more of a chance of winning. I apologise in advance to those I will upset, I do value all my followers and I do offer regular candy's to my followers.
Ok, if you are still with me and haven't lost the will to live, I've written all this up today because A) I don't have much spare time when I'm in work and B) It makes it so much easier next week to just pop the candy on without all this additional info.
I've tried to make this as clear as possible but don't hesitate to ask if there's anything that's not clear.
Thanks for looking and I will be back as soon as the Sassys arrive.
Love Elaine xxx

Is it too late for hAnglar Easter Candy??

2011-04-16T12:00:00.000+01:00

This post will stay at the top, please scroll down for newer posts.
My little blog will be celebrating its first birthday at the end of the month. I have been beavering away and getting everything ready for a candy, there is just one thing that I'm waiting for. There are some stamps that are due for release in a week or so and once I have those in my grubby mitts then I can get the candy on my blog.

But I also have an additional set of hAnglar stamps to give away and I've just realised that Easter will be upon us in no time, and unless I post this candy soon it will be far too late for anyone to use them until next years Easter celebration.

One set of brand spanking new and unmounted hAnglar stamps. This kit has 2 regular size stamps and 2 matching minis, plus the Easter egg basket and 2 sentiments.
To go with the kit is a 6 x 6 pad of Prima papers called Celebrate with Jack & Jill. The papers cover different occasions and it has some Easter papers in.
If you fancy joining in then all I ask is that you are a follower - and yes I do check!
Candy is open worldwide but I am not liable to pay any customs/duties that some countries impose.
To enter please click on the blue froggy.
Love Elaine xx