If I have to Paint Another Match box……….

……….I may just scream!
So, teenager is having a minor sulk re: Advent calendar, so guilt ridden Mum is making another one – with him in mind this time and not me!
Here it is under way!

And this is the helper I had today …………….NOT!
Ingredients:
Blood, sweat and tears …..joking!
Matchboxes from Baker Ross

DP’s -  Blonde Moments from Art from the Heart, All I want for Christmas collection
Numbers from Polka doodles Jingle Jangles CD
Paint – Adirondack dabbers – cranberry and Anita's metallic green paint
Metallic wax rubons

I am entering it into the following challenges
SSC – Winter Love – I do love my teenager!
Charisma Cardz – Anything Christmas
Pollycraft Monday Challenge – Wonderful Christmas Time
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Christmas Crackers!
Everybody-Art-Challenge – Christmas
Paper Cutz Challenge – Anything goes
Here's the completed one I started yesterday – think this one is mine – now off to ask OH's advice on what  to fill it with – hint, hint! LOL  Trouble is, men don't really do hint language do they?
Have a great week everyone
SuzyX

Yikes!

This morning came the sudden realization that is it the 1st December on Tuesday!

I had planned to make an Advent Calendar ................. weeks ago!!

So this is what is keeping me busy today!
Trouble is now that it is nearly finished I think its a wee bit too sophisticated for my teenage son - I made it with................ well, with me in mind!!!

The idea came from the Craft Stamper magazine (last months).  It is 24 matchboxes (bought here) glued together,  painted initially with Gesso
and then metallic acrylic paint and edged with silver.

I then lovingly messed up embossed Mirri board with acrylic paint for the sides :-).
Its kept me quiet all afternoon!

I think son may have to do with a shop bought one! Bless!
Somehow I dont think he will  be bothered!


TTFN
Love to all
SuzyX

WOYWW

Its that time of the week again!

I'm afraid theres not much going on tonight - I'm shattered - far, far to busy at work!

Anyhow, this I got in the post today and decided to have a little play with different inks to see which works best.

Remember the John Bull printing system you had as a child??? Suppose it depends on your age group........well this reminds me of that!  They are JUST RITE ...The Nestabilities Rubber Stamps and I got them from Once Upon a Stamp.

The pencil pot at the back with my Marvy's in is a nearly completed Graphicus retreat project made from ATC sized stampbord, and in the middle is a nearly finished tag and a another stampbord box just to side of it!

Off to have a nosy at everyones desks now - see them here.

Hugs to all

SuzyX

What Card?

Ummmmm, interestingly, I started out to make a card and this is what happened! Think my mind is wandering……….
And I so need Christmas Cards – oh well, my excuse is I’m not really feeling the Spirit yet – the Christmas one that is!
So, using a project from the Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop this is what I made! A 3D frame!

I have entered it into the following challenges
PBSC – Winter Wonderland
Crafty Cardmakers – “clear as day”
Lots to do – free theme
Allsorts challenge – to use a song title/Christmas Carol – I used Deck the Halls
Colour Create – green, red and white
Simon Says Challenge – Animal antics
Catz Corner – to use winter colours
Creative Inspirations - sparkle
Materials used
Stamp is Penny Black
Papers are from Funky Fairy
Ribbons, snowflake from stash
Poinsettia from Hobby House
Ok, dessert is calling………

Some Completed Projects from Paradise!

Well, I have finally managed to complete some of the projects from Graphicus’ first ever Paradise Retreat!
This is a card made with stamping onto acetate and then backing with gold leaf.
This is a stitched accordion book – I have to say we all did very well here considering the time of day that we had needle and thread in our hands!
Jean Hardy from Crafty Individuals taught this particular project – A “Shrine”.  Can you spot the deliberate mistake???
 
And Glenda showed us all how to make this wonderful “Diptych Dreams” arched book.
I still have a couple of tags to finish and two stampbord boxes! However I haven't made a card for a week and now have challenge starvation fever so off to try and accomplish that – family allowing – they’ll be wanting their Sunday Lunch/Dinner!

Thanks Ali, very Much Appreciated

I have received this fabulous award from Ali aka Dragonlady - thank you so much. Sorry its taken me a few days to acknowledge it but I have been a busy crafty bee!
The rules are:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. One word – now that will be difficult if not impossible – apologies now for breaking the rule – hey, but that's why I exist, isn’t it??!!! LOL

So here we go:
1. Where is your
cell phone?... ummmmmm,not sure!.
2. Your hair? Brunette
3. Your mother?…in her castle
4. Your father?… same castle 
5. Your favourite food? …all
6. Your dream last night?…I conquered the invading aliens – I know, I’m crazy! 
7. Your favourite drink? … tea
8. Your dream/goal?… for a happy, contended family. 
9. What room are you in?… craft bunker 
10. Your hobby?… stupid question! Hazard a guess! 
11. Your fear?…not being able to provide for my family 
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?… not considered that one – am happy now! 
13. Where were you last night? … in my comfy bed 
14. Something that you’re aren’t?…twiggy
15. Muffins?…peach and raspberry from Starbucks
16. Wish list item? …ummmmmmm, Golden Gel Acrylic Paints
17. Where did you grow up? … countryside, in the family castle
18. Last thing you did?…fed the family 
19. What are you wearing?…PJs
20. Your TV?… what’s one of those?
21. Your Pets?…8 Cats – excessive I know! 
22. Friends? …everywhere
23. Your life?… busy but happy 
24. Your mood?…a little tired
25. Missing Someone?…my parents – they live to far away 
26. vehicle?… Volvo
27. Something your not wearing?…undies!
28. Your favourite store? …All craft shops, Debenhams, Selfridges! 
29. Your favourite colour?…lots – blue, pink,purple…… 
30. When was the last time you laughed?…at work
31. Last time you cried?…cant remember 
32. Your best friend?… other half
33. One place that I go to over and over? …work!
34. Facebook?… yes - occasionally 
35. Favourite place to eat?…Bees Knees Bistro,Harvey Nics restaurant, Pizza Express

Think I learnt a lot there too! I sound quite the crazy lady! LOL

I would like to pass this award on to the following people to say thanks for their comments and support.
Penni , Sue, and 3 gorgeous Funky Fairies Eileen, Ginny and Lou.
(I understand 100% ladies if this sort of thing is not you - if you want to play and pass it on please do, if not then thats good too! )

With love SuzyX

WOYWW!

Afternoon everyone!
This week I have a very busy and messy desk.
It is littered with all the projects I have started at Graphicus' Paradise Retreat at the weekend.  This is the unpacking - I've not had any time to finish/play with it all yet!
They kept us busy as you can see!
In the top image there is an arch shaped book we were working on - it still needs piecing together, to the top left is a card we started stamping onto acetate and then backing with gold leaf - that was fun!

In the middle of the next photo is a "shrine", taught by Jean Hardy from Crafty Individuals still in need of "something", below that are some canvas boards that I started to alter and make a wall hanging and below that is a book we made - that we stitched together - yes! me with a needle!
To the left of this - still in a bag -  are numerous stampbord pieces which will be boxes!

I am hoping to finish all these and will put photos on when done!

I need more hours in the day, and more days in the week!

Looking forward to having a nosey at everyones desks on Julias Stamping Ground!

SuzyX

After the retreat!

I had such a fantastic weekend at Graphicus' first ever Paradise retreat. I learnt loads, met lots of wonderful people, worked hard - oh and I have never ate so well and so much!
I managed to finish zero projects and have a  hoard of pieces to finish - but I dont mind - thats how I usually work at things anyway.  I am looking forward to finishing them and will post piccies as I go.

One of our first projects underway........

..........our lovely "messy" table.......

 

The Graphicus team were amazing, they put so much into the weekend and it showed, a big THANK YOU to them.
After the retreat ended a large group of us headed towards the shop (sorry about the trip around the countryside Lou - satnav took us an interesting route!).  We were kids in a sweet shop! Heaven!

BTW, Glenda, is you ever read this, my cats thank you for the purple/lilac paper carrier bag  - they have had hours of fun - its still in one piece but probably won't last the week!

Contended, but tired
SuzyXX

Where has the craft ROOM gone???

The craft bunker is now the packing bunker – I am off on my first ever craft retreat tomorrow until Sunday teatime!

Its up in Darlington, hosted by the wonderful Glenda Waterworth of Graphicus.

I am a little giddy kid!  The camera is going with me and I will post piccies if that's ok’d by the rest of the group.

We have a very busy agenda set out before us  - I am so looking forward to getting away from the stresses of my job and being able to chill from the usual household activities!

Teenage son cant wait for me to go!!!

Now, if he thinks he can get away with multiple misdemeanours he's very much mistaken – I have put into place a very full agenda for him with the whole family! He’ll be exhausted………… with any luck!

LOL

I am such a thoughtful mother!  Love ya Jake XXX

Excitedly

Day6 Project Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop

Ok, so I am skipping a day – for now! I will get round to doing day5 – but it wont be for a while!
Day 6s project is a snowflake decoration!

Great idea and so simple to make – just as well as I am wacked!
Until the next time

WOYWW

Its that time of the week again! I love this! Such a nosey person!
There's not that much going on – I am finishing a project for the Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop I signed up for! It will be a snowflake! Just waiting for the stickles and glue to dry!

Until next week!

day 4 Project Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop

Oh, I am so behind! Its now day 10 and I have just finished day 4s project!
It didn't help that the printer ran out of ink!

Anyhow – day 4s project was to make a candle holder – I made loads of mistakes, don't craft when you are tired! Still, I wont make the same mistakes again (hopefully) – you live and learn!
Some of the other folks on the workshop have made this into a holder for other things – eg a plant holder – ingenious bunch!
I am side-stepping day5 for now and going to day6 next just because of the time factor during the week! That’s nearly ready but I am having to wait for the glitter glue to dry!
Watch this space!  LOL
TTFN

Day 3 Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop

Here's what I have made for day 3 projects.

A Gift box and a mini album.
A very pink theme going on here! I love these bright and  bold colours! Very me!
I reckon its gonna take me a least a month to finish everything! Will keep me busy and out of the shops I suppose!
Hugs

O’ Christmas Tree…….

Here's a card I have made on request by my OH! He has some friends/colleagues living in France so asked for one with a French greeting on!
He loves cute cards – and this was very appropriate since this is what happened several times last year  - certain mischievous cats leaping up and into the tree!  Funny when you think back – especially walking into the living room to find one clinging to the middle of the tree! I didn't laugh at the time!
I have entered it into these challenges:
PBSC – theme is a song – O’ Christmas Tree
Colour Create – blue, silver and white
Allsorts challenge – Bring out your Bling! – plenty of that!
Lots to Do – to use distressing – I have torn the edges of some of the cardstock.
and
Create 4 fun who’s sketch I have used.
Materials used
Stamps - Penny Black, coloured with Marvy watercolours and glitter gel pens – doesn't pick up very well at all in photo!
DPs are from Papermania – last year I think
Everything else found in stash!

day2 Projects Funky fairy Christmas Workshop

Well, there's 3 projects for day2 – I have only managed 2 – I need to go shopping for the final item so that will have to wait!

 

My first is a Christmas Ornament 

and the second a Fairy Castle Book.

   I wasn’t looking forward to doing this but I’ve really enjoyed it! Haven't a clue what I will do with it but I know plenty of friends with young daughters who will probably love it!

That all for  now folks!

Hugs to all

Funky Fairy Christmas Workshop

I signed up for the FF Christmas Workshop (I think there’s  still some places   left) – its now on Day6 and I’ve only just finished Day1!!!
That work thing just keeps getting in the way!
Anyhow here are my finished projects for day1 – I have to say I have really enjoyed doing them, especially the 3D frame!

The gift box I have made for it to go in wasn't part of the workshop but I made it for a gift and, of course , it needed to be “wrapped”!
This is a gift holder and matching card.

 
Day2 to follow – guess what I’m doing this weekend – yup – trying to catch up with the projects! Will keep me busy and not causing mischief!
I hope all you lucky peeps at the NEC are having a great time and are emptying your purses! Please share!
I made the decision not to go – I am going on the first Graphicus retreat next weekend – am keeping my pennies for then! I am on a sleep count down! Can’t wait, a whole weekend of getting inky and messy with the wonderful Glenda Waterworth and team.
TTFN