My Purrfect World of Cats, Cards & Crafts

MAKE WISHES COME TRUE (HMFMC113)

2012-02-14T20:28:00.001Z

Hope everyone has had a Happy Valentine's Day and have managed to clear all of the many cards from their letter boxes!!!.

I have managed to get the HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS challenge (HMFMC113) done nice and early this week. The theme is "make wishes come true" so I had the perfect stamp to use. Here is my card;

MATERIALS I USED

CRAFTWORK CARDS WHITE CARD

PINK HAMMER CARD

WHITE LINEN CARD

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP

KARS HAT PIN

KAISERCRAFT BRADS

sentiment & TWINE FROM STASH

FLEXMARKERS & PROMARKERS

SPELLBINDERS FANCY TAGS

SPELLBINDERS FLEUR DE LIS SQUARES

It is a little hard to see from the photo but I have lifted the fleur de lis square onto foam pads to give the image shape and I ended up liking the effect of the inner pattern of the Fleur de lis frame instead of squaring it off with a plain nestie.

Blimey can you imagine having a cake that big lol!!!!!.

I would also like to enter my card into the following challenges;

MY TIME TO CRAFT - Bring on the cake

TUESDAY THROWDOWN - use twine on your card

MOVING ALONG WITH THE TIMES - Cute critters
BUNNY ZOES CRAFTS - Celebrations

Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful evening whatever you are doing!!!

Hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxx

HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS LOVE BLOG HOP CHALLENGE #112

2012-02-12T23:47:00.000Z

HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS are having their first blog hop challenge of 2012. The theme IS "love" and has to contain more than one heart on the card.

This is the first time I have taken part in a blog hop and can't believe all of the giveaways that are going on!!!. Here is my card;

INGREDIENTS I USED

RED SHIMMER CARD

GLITTER POT PLAIN WHITE 300gsm CARD

RED & WHITE POLKA DOT CARD BY DAISY BUCKET

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP "LOVE" CHOCOLATE HEART SET

PRIMA FLOWERS & SAY IT IN PEARLS

COUNTRY COMPANIONS HEART BLING

CARD CRAFT SUPPLIES FILIGREE SILVER CORNER & CREAM JUTE

PROMARKERS (IVORY, BLUSH, TAN, BERRY, WARM GREY 1, CARAMEL & SANDSTONE)

"I LOVE YOU" PEEL OFF FROM STASH

Right best get off to post my card as the deadline is looming!!!.

Big hugs Clare xxx

SYLVIE'S CHRISTMAS CARD CLUB CHALLENGE!!!

2012-02-12T17:06:00.000Z

Hello everyone, hope you are keeping warm. Not sure about you but we had a lot of snow here in Eastbourne this morning. I have been struggling to keep warm today, even though the heating is cranked up. Not having a good day with the Rheumatoid today either and hoping the steroid injection the Rheumy gave me Thursday will kick in soon. He is starting me on a new drug shortly which is monthly and I can inject myself at home which is good. It is called SIMPONI (for my fellow RA sufferer's & medical bloggy friends out there!). So hoping that it helps as this will be the 7th drug trial I have been on.

Anyway onto the gorgeous SYLVIE (GIBMISS) Christmas Card Club challenge which was to make a card featuring snowflakes.

INGREDIENTS I USED

PLAIN WHITE CARD & BLUE LINEN CARD

SILVER MIRRI CARD

WILD ROSE STUDIO POLAR BEAR & PENGUIN STAMP

KAISERCRAFT "BE MERRY" CLEAR SENTIMENT STAMP SET

KAISER BLING

KARS ORNAMENT BOX SNOWFLAKES

SNOWFLAKE CUTTLEBUG EMBOSSING FOLDER

FLEXMARKERS

DIAMOND STICKLES

If you are interested in joining the Christmas Card Club just drop one of us girls an email. We are just a small friendly group who create a Christmas card every fortnight. The girls are listed on my sidebar so why not pop over and see their lovely cards.

Thanks for popping by and I will be back again soon.

Keep warm, love Clare xxx

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!!!

2012-02-07T19:11:00.001Z

It is my lovely niece Rebecca's 18th Birthday today. Just don't know where the time goes it's scary, only seems like yesterday I was cradling her in my arms after she had come home from the hospital.

Me and Dad won't get to see her until the weekend so has helped as been poorly for a few days and got behind with making her cards.

Rebecca absolutely loves cats (just like her Auntie lol!) so thought I would make at least one of her cards with one on.

MATERIALS I USED

PLAIN IVORY CARD FOR THE EASEL

IVORY & PINK BAZZILL CARD

MY MINDS EYE PATTERNED CARD

K&CO BROWN PAPER FOR PAPER PIECING THE CAT

HELZ CRUPPLEDITCH COCO CAT STAMP

LOTV CIRCULAR STAMP

PRIMA FLOWERS

WILD ORCHID ROSES

SPELLBINDERS CIRCULAR SCALLOP, CIRCULAR & LACY SQUARE NESTIES

HAT PIN & BOWS FROM STASH

GLOSSY ACCENTS

STICKLES (EUCALYPTUS, PINK & DIAMOND)

PROMARKERS

Just thought I would show you a picture of Miss Simone posing with the card!!!!

I would like to enter my card into these challenges;

PAPERTAKE WEEKLY - Anything goes with the addition of a heart or love theme (I have a heart on the flower pot)

SIMON SAYS - Animal antics

Hope everyone is keeping warm as it's set to get to -13 this week according to weather reports, brrrrrr!!!!.

Big hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxx

GORJUSS GINGHAM!!!

2012-02-01T13:37:00.000Z

Hello everyone. Blimey it's freezing!!!!. Hope everyone is keeping warm and rugged up. I'm not feeling very good today, feeling all fluey but then again it is probably the Rheumatoid. Throat sore, snotty nose, headache and every joint in the body hurting.

Oh well I guess with this weather it is to be expected.

Anyway's I have made another card using a sketch from KATHY'S WAFFLE SKETCH FILE BLOG, this is the first time that I have participated over at this fab monthly challenge blog. There is still 4 days left to have a go then the February sketch will go up. Go over and check it out.

So here is my card;

MATERIALS I USED

CRAFTWORK CARDS CARD & ENVELOPE

WHITE & MAUVE BAZZILL CARD

HANDY HIPPO MAUVE GINGHAM PAPER

GORJUSS STAMP (IMAGE FROM A FRIEND!)

CRAFTWORK CANDY

ANITA'S RIBBON

WILD ORCHID FLOWERS

LACE SQUARE NESTIBILITIES

FLEXMARKERS & PROMARKERS

GLOSSY ACCENTS

I would also like to enter my card into the following challenges;

CES CHALLENGES - Check it out

MY TIME TO CRAFT - "A" is for adorable

Well that's it for now. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.

Make sure you all keep warm my friends.

Big hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxx

FEELING VERY PROUD!!!!

2012-01-30T16:27:00.000Z

Wow I have found out this afternoon that I was a winner's over at HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS for challenge #111 black & white card.

I am excited now as I was when I won Cardmaker of the Year for Craft Stamper magazine in 2010 lol!!!. This is the first ever blog challenge that I have won. I have not participated much in blog challenge sites until recently and now I definitely have the bug!!!.

I absolutely love HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS and I am building up quite a selection of these gorgeous stamps. You could say I'm addicted lol!!!. If you pop over HERE they are doing a blog hop with loads of lovely prizes. The theme for the next fortnights challenge #112 is "more than one heart" set by CHRISTINE.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday as I know I am despite the freezing cold weather.

Love & hugs Clare xxx

PINKY'S CHALLENGE AT THE CHRISTMAS CARD CLUB!!!

2012-01-29T11:09:00.002Z

Hi there everyone!!!. Hoping everyone is well on this cold Sunday morning. I am just posting my card for PINKY'S challenge for the Christmas Card Club.

Pinky's challenge was to create a card with critter's on ie, an animal, a bug etc. So this was my take on it.

Sorry guys i'm so rubbish at taking pic's as it is a bit wonky lol!!!. Oh well atleast you can see it I guess.

MATERIALS I USED

WHITE, GREEN & RED BAZZIL CARD

PENNY BLACK "CHRISTMAS WISHES" STAMP

PAPER (THINK IT IS ECHO PARK)

KAISER RUB ON SENTIMENT

KAISER PEARLS

RIBBON FROM STASH

FLEUR DE LIS SQUARES NESTIBILITIES

PROMARKERS (TAN, BLUSH, IVORY, WARM GREY 1, RED BERRY & FOREST GREEN)

If you would like to take part in the Christmas Card Club just message me or any of the other girls. We make a card every fortnight with a set challenge. It is a great way of getting those Christmas cards made well ahead of December!!!.

Please go see the other girl's creations, they are all listed on my side bar.

I would also like to add my card to;

CHNC CHALLENGE which is to make a square card
LADYBUG CRAFTS which is to add bows to your card
SIMON SAYS anything goes
CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS anything goes
DREAM VALLEY CHALLENGES animals
BIZZY BECS anything goes

Thanks for looking and for your wonderful comments. They mean the world to me.

Have a great Sunday!!!.

Big hugs Clare xxx

BIRD WATCHING FRIENDS!!!

2012-01-26T18:49:00.002Z

Hi everyone, hope you have all had a good Thursday. I'm just entering my recent make into some challenges. I absolutely love the Prima card that I have used but wish I had brought more as it's sooooo gorgeous!!!!. I can't find any more so if anyone out there knows where I can get some please let me know!!!!.

MATERIALS I USED

BLUE & YELLOW BAZZIL CARD

PRIMA CARD

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP "BIRD WATCHING FRIENDS"

PEBBLES HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUB ON

MARTHA STEWART DOILY LACE BORDER PUNCH

KAISER PEARLS

PROMARKERS (TAN, SANDSTONE, BLUSH, IVORY, BUTTERCUP, KHAKI, PASTEL PINK & KHAKI)
GLOSSY ACCENTS

I am entering my card into the following challenges;

PAPERTAKE WEEKLY - Happy Highlights (mine is Glossy Accents)

SIMON SAYS - Anything goes

BIZZY BECS - Anything Goes

DREAM VALLEY CHALLENGES - Animals

That's it for today. I'm just going out to tea with my lovely friend Wendy but will be back again real soon!!!.

Thankyou for your lovely comments, I really do appreciate them.

Big hugs Clare xxx

HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS BLACK & WHITE CHALLENGE

2012-01-21T14:43:00.000Z

Hello blogland!!!! hope everyone is well on this Saturday afternoon. Not sure about where you are but it sure is blowing a gale in sunny Eastbourne.

After a very slow start this morning with plenty of joint pain I have managed to get a few chores done around the house followed by a lovely warm bath and now heading to the craft room for the rest of the day (may have to shove a little nana nap in there somewhere too due to the heavy artillery painkillers!!!).

Here is my card for the HOUSE MOUSE & FRIENDS challenge this week which had to be a black and white card.

MATERIALS I USED

CRAFTWORK CARDS CARD, CIRCLE SENTIMENT & SCALLOP CIRCLE

HOUSE MOUSE BIRTHDAY STAMP

DOODLEBUG BLACK & WHITE POLKA DOT PAPER

BLACK TWINE, BUTTONS & RIBBON FROM STASH

I am really loving taking part in the House Mouse challenges now I have plenty more HM stamps. One of my resolutions was to take part in more challenges out there so so far so good!!!.

Have a great weekend my lovelies.

Love & hugs Clare xxx

Challenges!!!

2012-01-18T18:12:00.000Z

Hi there, just a quick post. Just want to enter my card into some challenges that I play along with. I got this gorgeous LOTV stamp from my lovely friend KERYN for Christmas and this is the first time I have used it.

MATERIALS I HAVE USED

LOTV STAMP
GREEN GINGHAM CARD, RIBBON, SENTIMENT & BLING FROM STASH
LABELS ONE NESTIES
PRIMA & WILD ORCHID FLOWERS
FLEXMARKERS
GLOSSY ACCENTS
ANTIQUE LINEN DISTRESSED INK PAD

I am entering my card in to the following challenges;

WILD ORCHID CHALLENGES - Anything goes
MY TIME TO CRAFT - Your favourite embellishment (mine is flowers!!!)
PAPERTAKE WEEKLY - Buttons, bows, blink or blooms
CHARISMA CARDZ - Happy Birthday
CRAFTY CATZ - Use something new (my something new is my stamp & the gingham card)

Hoping all of my lovely crafting buddies are well on this cold and wet day.

Buckets of hugs Clare xxxxxxxx

KERYN'S CHRISTMAS CLUB CARD CHALLENGE!!!

2012-01-15T13:57:00.000Z

Think thin is this weeks challenge by the gorgeous KERYN. We had to create a card no thicker than 5mm in it's envelope so no 3d, no thick embellishments, ribbon, buttons etc. Keryn's inspiration for her challenge was through sending her Christmas cards off and being charge ridiculous prices just because they didn't fit within their 5mm limitation before the prices went up!!!.

I must admit it was indeed a challenge as I had to stop myself reaching for my usual stash!!!. I have surprised myself though and actually really like the flat look.

MATERIALS I USED

Magenta 5 large tree's stamp

Hero Arts Car With Tree stamp

Kaiser sentiment rub-on

Woodware snowflake punch

Bling from stash

Flexmarkers (Glacier Blue, Honeydew, Aniseed & Blue Grey 1)

Promarker (Sandstone)

Stickles (Eucalyptus and Diamond)

This year we have welcomed two new lovely ladies to the Christmas Card Club, ANNE and LORRAINE. If you want to get ahead with your Christmas cards we have a challenge every fortnight. If you are interested then just drop us a line.

Please go see all of the other girls lovely cards, they are all listed on my sidebar.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday, it is a beautiful day here in Eastbourne but very cold.

Big hugs Clare xxx

MY FAVOURITE CARDS OF 2011

2012-01-14T21:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone. Hope you are all having a nice weekend. Blimey it's cold out there isn't it!!! must admit I have been curled up in my little bungalow with the heating on all day with the furbabies.

Ok, I haven't finished cards yet today to show but I thought I would show you my favourite cards of 2011. I didn't think I would find it had to narrow it down but surprisingly I did. I notice a lot of you have been showing off your cards so thought I would follow suit, although i'm probably late as usual!!!. So here goes.

It is so weird to think of how fast 2011 came and went as doesn't seem that long ago since I was making these cards.

Thanks for stopping by and I really love and appreciate you comments.

Best wishes Clare xxx

NEW SOMETHING

2012-01-13T19:31:00.000Z

Aren't these two House Mouse character's just the cutest!!!. I am definitely addicted to HM stamps now and building up quite a nice collection. I made this card for House Mouse and Friends challenge #110 which is to create something to celebrate which is new to you ie, new beginnings, new baby, new job, new hobby, new stash!!! anything basically that is new. So my "new" to my card is this stamp set which I got just before Christmas and this stamp has never been used before.

I HAVE USED

WHITE & YELLOW BAZZILL CARD STOCK

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP FROM BIRTHDAY SET

OCTOBER AFTERNOON "FARM FRESH-FARMHOUSE" CARD

RIBBON, SENTIMENT, BLING & BRADS FROM STASH

FLEXMARKERS

I am so happy that I have got back into blogging and card making. I have been a good girl and sticking to my resolutions to blog often and catch up with my friends. Finding it very theraputic. Right back to the craft room!!!.

Big hugs Clare xxx

Especially for You

2012-01-12T22:04:00.000Z

Hello everyone. Hope you are all well on this Thursday Evening. It has been soooo nice seeing the sun today for a change. I even opened a few windows up!!!.

I have made this card for one of my lovely friends, just to let her know I am thinking of her. I used one of my favourite LOTV stamps.

I USED

White linen cardstock

Prima "Jack & Jill" collection paper's

LOTV stamp

Daisy & Dandelion sentiment tag

Bling, ribbon & flower from stash

Spellbinders Floral Doily Motif Shapeabilities

Promarkers & Flexmarkers

Antique Linen Distressed ink pad

Thank you for popping by my lovelies xxx

Loving my Polka Doodles!!!

2012-01-11T17:55:00.000Z

Just made this card for one of my lovely friends for her recent Birthday. I am so loving Polka Doodle stamps at the moment as one of my gorgeous friends got me one of the sets for Christmas.

I USED

Craftwork Cards 8x8 White Card

White & Red Linen Card

Doodlebug red & White Polka Dot Paper

Polka Doodles Stamp Set

Pebbles "Happy Birthday" rub on

MSE "To a Special Friend" rub on

Kaiser bling

Vintage Photo Distressed Ink Pad

Promarkers & Flexmarkers

Stickles (Eucalyptus & Diamond)

Hope all of my lovely friends are well and settling into 2012.

Big hugs Clare xxx

Baby Card

2012-01-11T01:18:00.001Z

Just wanted to share this card with you that I made for my lovely friend Lizzie who has just given birth to her beautiful baby girl Isabella.

I HAVE USED

Craftwork cards 8x8 white card

Red Bazzill card
Funstamps "Baby Bear with Rattle" Stamp
Paper makeup "Little Baby" sentiment Stamp
Floral Doily Motifs Shapeabilities
Red Gingham paper, bling, hatpin, red ribbon and baby charm from stash
Promarkers & Flexmarkers (Tan, Sandstone, Pastel Pink & Antique White)
Worn Lipstick Distress Ink Pad
Ranger Glossy Accents

Just want to say a very big thank you to all of my beautiful bloggy family for such a lovely and warm welcome back.

Thanks for stopping by

Hugs Clare xxx

Some Christmas Makes

2012-01-09T22:22:00.000Z

Just wanted to share some Christmas cards which I made.

Thanks for popping by xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2012-01-09T21:37:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I am hoping and praying big time that 2012 is going to be a much better year and I for one was glad to see the back of 2011.

Well I know that it has been a long long time since I last blogged and you were probably wondering if I was ever coming back!!!. I ended up taking a much longer break than I had expected which I will try to explain as briefly as I can.

I had my kidney op which went well but ended up being more involved than just removing the stones. He ended up just doing my right hand side and when I went back for my post-op he has decided to leave my right side for the time being unless it gives me any problems. About 3 weeks ago I ended up having another kidney stone flare up on the side which was operated on which was a big shock as I thought that was the whole purpose of the bloody op, grrr!!!. I am leaving it for the time being as I am hoping it was a one off fluke. If I get any more flares I know I will have to get back in touch with the surgeon so finger's crossed.

After the operation I got really sick which ended up being sourced to the Methotrexate injections I was giving myself for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. All of my bloods were all over the place, I couldn't eat and kept being sick. The best thing was was losing over a stone in weight!!!. I know that is a real typical female thing to say lol!. Once I had come off the drug I gradually got better but I am now not on any drugs for my Rheumatoid, just anti-inflammatories, steroids and strong painkillers. I went to see my Rheumatologist just before Christmas and he wants me on another drug trial which I am waiting to hear about at the moment. I have had to go up on my steroids and had joint injections just to try control the RA flare up's in the meantime. I have had another bad weekend and been in bed for most of it hardly being able to walk. I'm feeling a bit better today but still high on the morphine!!!.

Enough health stuff. I do hope that everyone was thoroughly spoilt at Christmas time. I was very lucky with some yummy crafty gear, a printer, some new red and white polka dot kitchen wares, money, CD's, smellies, lots more.........I just want to share these cute pic's of Bert & Simone with their new Christmas baskets;

JUST COULD NOT RESIST THE POLKA DOTS!!!

Both furbabies were thoroughly spoilt!!!. They got the big red doggy bone mattress too, a lovely fleecy mat and new blankets along with lots of toys and treats.

So 2012 has kicked off to a good crafty start. I have been having a big craft room spring clean and have had to be really brutal and throw out loads of things I am not using, a big cull!!!. It is not all bad though as what my Mother-in-Law does not want I will donate to the hospice. I have been having a play with some gorgeous new stamps and bits I received for Christmas and even made a Christmas card for the first challenge for our Christmas Card Club (see the side bar for details). I am going to show my cards in some seperate posts so stay tuned.

I do hope everyone remember's me and does not think I have deserted you all!!!. I will pop over to everyone's blogs so bear with me.

With love and big, big hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SIGNING OFF FOR A LITTLE WHILE.........

2011-10-07T01:20:00.000+01:00

Yep it's the day of my operation so just wanted to fit in a post. I would like to apologise for not posting earlier but life has been mad of late. Time seems to be flying past so quickly it is scary.

Just wanted to let you all know that both of the fundraiser's went amazingly!!!!. Firstly the MacMillan Trust managed to raise £557.00 and at the weekend the coffee morning for St.Wilfred's Hospice raised over £450.00. Just waiting on those final figure's. Both events had a fantastic turn out and everyone had a great time.

On Sunday Willow, Brian and Monica had to (very reluctantly) go back to WRAS where they will spend the Winter together to fatten up and grow for next year. They will be able to be released safely March/April time 2012. Me, Bert and Simone are missing them so much but I have been assured that more babies will be on their way once I get over my op. Just want to share some pics I took last week to show just how much they have grown!!!.

Aren't they precious babies!!!. I feel so lucky to have been part of raising them and know they have been given a much better chance a survival.

Well I have my bags packed and have been reassured by Dad and Martin that the furbabies (and spikey garden one's!) are going to be well looked after in my absence. I feel so relieved as Martin is going to be staying here at the house so I know he will look out for Dad too.

So im going to say ciao for now and will be back as soon as I can. I will be back card making before I know it. Just going to leave you with a couple of cards I made this week.

Godbless Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KERYN!!!

2011-09-28T20:07:00.000+01:00

I meant to post this comment yesterday so I am a day late celebrating Keryn's Birthday on my blog!!!. I obviously did speak to her yesterday though so i'm sure she will forgive me. Just wanted to share the card I made for my beautiful friend.

I used one of my new House Mouse stamps which I managed to get from EBAY. I also used my new yummy Flex Marker's. Everything else on my card was used from my stash.

Keryn, thank you for being one of the bestest friend's a person can have. You have been brilliant, especially over the past few weeks which have been really hard. You have always been there for me. Love you mate xxxxxxxxxx

CHRIS' CHRISTMAS CLUB CARD CHALLENGE!!!

2011-09-25T22:54:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone hoping you are all fit and well. I'm still being kept busy with those gorgeous little hedgehogs and found out today that I will be keeping them until 6th October, the day before my operation. Going to have to make the most of them. Will upload more pic's this week. Can't believe how quickly they are growing!!.

It was Chris' challenge this last fortnight for the Christmas Club and it was "anything goes" which was really nice, no pressure you know!. This is my card.

I really love this LOTV stamp and used it in my last challenge but decided to 3D it. I glittered it up a bit too and used MMI "Colourful Christmas" backing paper.

If you look on my sidebar you can click on the other girls blogs to see their cards. If you would like to join our little Christmas Club please feel free to message one of us and come aboard. It's great as it certainly gets you ahead on your Christmas cards and the challenges are once a fortnight. We are a real friendly group of gals and our motto is to have fun!!!.

Thanks for popping by!

Lots of love Clare xxxx

I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET WILLOW, BRIAN AND MONICA!!!

2011-09-22T00:22:00.000+01:00

This is why I have not been around a lot!!! I am looking after these dear little baby hedgehog's (sorry hoglets!) who lost their Mum and I am having to bottle feed them as they should still be feeding off her. They are the most adorable little babies you could meet and these are the youngest I have ever handled.

As you can imagine they are real little time waster's too!!!. I have had so many visitor's who have wanted to come see them the past few day's. They are a pretty rare sight to see so really wanted to share them with you and will be updating you with picture's.

Ummm yes, they are standing in their food eating!!!. They have not quite grasped the concept of manner's yet. I am trying to get them used to solid food which is why it is there so it is all a learning process for them. I tell you what I am getting through so many baby wipes!!!.

Promise to be back soon with more photo's and updates so bear with me. I am still trying to make cards for the fundraiser's in between the feeds, cleaning them and everything else in my life!.

Nite nite xxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL MUM

2011-09-18T18:51:00.000+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MUM IN THE WORLD...................

I miss you each and every day, some day's even more and especially on days like today so we can all celebrate together.

Me, Dad and Martin sat around in your garden this afternoon and talked about old times, shed a few tears and managed a few laugh's. We placed your Birthday card on your tree with gifts and flower's surrounding your memorial.

I wanted to make a special card with the colours and things you liked. I knew you would love this cute little House Mouse image!!!.

Mum I really hope you are having a kick arse 71st Birthday party where you are right now surrounded by family and friends and also showing Matthew how it's done in heaven!!!.

Love you so much Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A BOX OF TOADSTOOLS!!!

2011-09-14T22:56:00.000+01:00

I am trying to get some card box sets done which always seem to be good little seller's at charity events. My gorgeous friend KERYN made some beautiful box sets last year for my first St.Wilfred's Hospice fundraiser and they sold so quickly so I was determined to give it a go. Put it this way if they do not sell like Keryn's I will be getting her to do them in future lol!!!.

I wanted to keep the cards fairly simple with different everyday messages on them. The little toadstool stamp is by KARS and the fern is a Woodware punch. The greeting's are just tiny peel off's from my stash.

I am working on another little box set but not sure yet what the theme will be, think I will sleep on it as im tired!!!.

Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate your comments and feedback is welcomed big time.

Love and hugs Clare xxx

TOGETHER FOREVER

2011-09-14T14:56:00.000+01:00

Another card creation for charity featuring this lovely LOTV stamp. Everything else on the card I used from my stash.

Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday.
Thanks for popping by xxxxxxxxxxx

CARD AND A HALF SKETCH CHALLENGE #4

2011-09-13T19:27:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone. Hope we are all well and not freezing cold like me!!! I can't seem to get warm today, may even have to resort to my red and white polka dot hot water bottle later!!!.

Well there is only one more day left to get your card sketch in for this month's Card and a Half challenge but there is still time. The sketch this month was designed by Scraptherapy who are also the proud sponsors of this month's challenge.

Lee-Anne and Danny are giving away a $25 on-line gift voucher from their store and Helen has also put up a little goody prize pack.

As well as using the sketch as a basis Lee-Anne is also asking to add texture to our cards ie, embossing, textured paper's or cardstock, glitter, gems, ribbon etc.

This is my card;

INGREDIENTS

BAZZILL BASICS WHITE DOT CARD

RED & WHITE LINEN CARD

HOUSE MOUSE BIRTHDAY'S ICE CREAM STAMP SET

CRAFTWORK CARDS SENTIMENT

RED RAFFIA LACE

BOW FROM STASH

PROMARKERS

SPELLBINDERS SCALLOP CIRCLE

Go check out the Card and a Half Blog as a new extra challenge has just gone up!!!.

Hugs Clare xxx

A BEAR SHARE!!!

2011-09-13T00:14:00.000+01:00

I am busy making cards at the moment for the forthcoming charity fundraiser's ahead for MacMillan Cancer and St.Wilfred's Hospice. It is good as it has given me a kick up the bum and I have a little conveyer belt of stamping images, colouring, cutting etc going on. I am trying to make at least a couple of each style card to bring the number's up. So I am going to be sharing cards with you over the coming weeks which I am going to be making for these wonderful charities.

INGREDIENTS

CRAFTWORK CARD BLANKS

WHITE & POWDER BLUE LINEN CARD

LOTV BBQ BEAR STAMP

CRAFTWORK SENTIMENT

PAPERS, RIBBON & BRADS FROM STASH

FLEXMARKER PENS

SPELLBINDERS FLORAL DOILIES

Nite, nite all xxxxxxxxxxx

Margaret's all White With Glitter Card Deadline!!!!!!

2011-09-11T16:04:00.000+01:00

Hi All!. Hope everyone is well on this wet and windy Sunday afternoon. Hard to believe another fortnight has passed since the last Christmas Card Club challenge deadline. It was Margaret's turn and she chose an all white card with glitter. This is my take on it;

Hoping i am not breaking the rules with having a stamped image with obvious black outlining!!!!.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE LINEN CARD

LOTV POLAR BEAR STAMP

SPELLBINDER'S FLEUR DE LIS SQUARE'S NESTIES

PRIMA JEWEL

BUTTON, RIBBON & SENTIMENT FROM STASH

My life is pretty busy at the moment as i am busy making cards for the St.Wifred's coffee morning on 1st October and in the week i was asked to help out for the MacMillan Nurses coffee morning on 24th September.

I have found out that my operation has been scheduled for 7th October and that i have got to have the op twice as they will only do one side of the kidney at a time, great!!!.

I still have my beautiful Murdoch the hedgehog who i am nursing. He ended up having another operation on his leg (or stump!) as it kept getting infected so the vet has now put staples in which seems to be doing the trick. I have got to look after him for another 2 weeks then he will go back to have the staples removed. Poor little bugger now has a skin infection so i am having to spray him in oil daily!!! he is not a happy hoggy at having this done and turns into a miniature rottweiler!!!. Will put up some more pic's of him shortly.

On Friday i am going to be looking after 3 baby squirrel's and possibly 3 baby newborn hedgehogs. The lady i deal with is going on holiday for 7 days and she has asked if i am up to looking after them. I am so excited guys and my camera will be doing overtime lol. It is good though as it is all keeping my mind occupied from the not so nice things happening in life.

Ok will be back soon.

Love to you all, Clare xxxxxxxxxxxx

SYLVIE'S CCC MISTLETOE CHALLENGE

2011-09-01T00:20:00.000+01:00

Made my first card in about a month and I am now up to date with the Christmas Card Club challenges. It was the gorgeous SYLVIE'S turn and she chose the theme of a card with mistletoe on.

I used this cute little Penny Black stamp along with a House Mouse sentiment from one of their Christmas sets. The red polka dot pp is from Echo Park and the mistletoe pp is from Do Crafts.

The following fortnight's challenge is by our lovely Margaret and the theme is white with a bit of glitter. If you click HERE you will see Margaret's stunning take on her challenge.

If anyone would like to come and take part in the Christmas Club just message any one of us girls and go check out our lovely group which is featured in my sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by guys.

Big hugs Clare xxx

KERRY'S CHRISTMAS CARD CHALLENGE

2011-08-29T23:15:00.000+01:00

I'm finding it really hard getting back into the swing of life at the moment. I haven't even thought about card making the past 3 weeks but I made a bit of a breakthrough tonight, I think.

I had a little dabble and began to make one of the latest cards for The Christmas Card Club challenges. I had already made the one below but have not yet blogged it. The lovely Kerry had her chance to set the challenge which was holly, a robin and the option of a letter box.

Well it is kind of close!!! definitely some holly, the bird could be a robin and it could be a fancy letterbox!!!. I tried anyway. I love this stamp from LOTV and one of my Christmas favourite's.

I really need to get back into lots of creating as on 1st October me and Wendy are hoping to have another coffee morning to raise money for St.Wilfred's Hospice. If anyone out there is able to spare a card or two to donate for the hospice please just email me on earlygirl1@hotmail.co.uk and I can give you further details and my address.

I will be back very soon as I need to get lots of creating going on. I will also do updates on the hedgies and my lovely painted bungalow!!!.

Lots of love to you all and remember to tell the special people in your lives how much you love them xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I AM GOING TO BE A FOSTER MUM!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-21T18:38:00.000+01:00

That is a hedgehog foster Mum......The day before we lost Matthew I was asked if I would like to get more involved in looking after hedgehogs and would I be prepared to become a foster Mum to little baby orphaned hoglets.
In the Autumn the wildlife services become over run with little babies which need to be weaned and looked after which have become orphaned. Many are too tiny and underweight to hibernate in the Winter and die and as Hedgehogs are decreasing every year we need to look after these little protected creatures. It may also mean that I will have to look after them throughout the cold winter months indoors and release them when it warms up in March/April time.

At the moment I am looking after two amputee hedgehogs which I have found sick in my garden missing limbs. Murdoch and Billy are doing really well and hopefully in the next week or so they will be well enough to release back into the garden.

I have just been shown how the inject antibiotics into Murdoch which I have to do on a daily basis. This wasn't too hard for me as I have to inject myself weekly lol!.

I have managed to get hold of a double hutch and will be setting up my conservatory to look after them. I even won a big cage from EBAY today for 99p!!!. I am having some supplies from the Wildlife Services too which will be a big help and already I have another big outdoor cabin and lots of food which they have supplied recently.

I am going to leave you with a few picture's of Murdoch and Billy;

THIS IS BILLY WHO I FOUND EATING FROM THE DISHES JUST OUTSIDE THE CONSERVATORY A WEEK AGO TODAY. BILLY HAD A LOT OF TICKS ON HIM AND WHEN I EXAMINED HIM UNDERNEATH MOST OF HIS RIGHT HIND LEG WAS MISSING. I GOT HIM TO THE VET AND THEY OPERATED AND HE HAS BEEN RECOVERING AT HOME WITH ME SINCE TUESDAY & DOING SO WELL.

THIS IS BIG MURDOCH!!!! THIS GORGEOUS HOGGY HAS BEEN WITH ME FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS NOW AND IS ON HIS THIRD LOT OF ANTIBIOTICS. AGAIN, THE SAME AS BILLY I EXAMINED MURDOCH AND REMOVED TICKS AND I COULD SMELL REALLY BAD INFECTION ON HIM AND WHEN I LOOKED HIS REAR LEFT LEG HAD BEEN CUT CLEAN OFF. THE VETS RECKON IT IS PEOPLE USING STRIMMERS WHEN CUTTING THEIR GRASS BUT I'M NOT CONVINCED. MURDOCH HAS ANOTHER 4 DAYS OF ANTIBIOTICS AND A FEW DAYS TO SEE HOW HE IS AND HOPEFULLY BACK INTO THE GARDEN.

Just to let you know when I can release these little guys I will mark them so I know exactly who is who whenever I see them outside. Nail varnish is one of the safest and best things to use and stays on their spikes. Just another good reason to buy loads of different funky colours!!!!.

Matthew was amazed by all of our little creatures when he came over for a holiday 5 years ago and I think he would have happily snuck them into his suitcase!!! Matthew has always loved animals and reckon he would be giving me a big thumbs up.

Thank you for stopping by.

Love and hugs Clare xxx

A VERY BIG THANKYOU

2011-08-21T17:47:00.000+01:00

I would like to say a really big thank you to everyone for all of the love and support that they are showing with the recent loss of Matthew. Your cards, phone calls, emails and texts have really helped and are definitely getting us through this tragedy.

Helen and the boys amaze me on a daily basis at their strength and courage to move forward in life. I know they will get through this with the help of everyone around her and with Helen's positive outlook in life this will get her and the boys through anything.

The main thing Helen wants is for life to go on as Matthew was the biggest go-getter around and would never want her to fall apart and stop doing things that she loves. With this in mind i am also going to do this and continue with happy stuff on my blog which i love to share with all of my beautiful friends.

My next post is going to kind of be a tribute to Matthew as i know he would be so pleased with the latest venture in my life. I just feel sad i did not get to tell him but i know he is up there looking over us all with approval.

Thank you again everyone and i love you all very much xxxx

FAREWELL MATTHEW

2011-08-17T23:41:00.000+01:00

I woke up early this morning and started lighting candles around my house as today was the day that my beautiful Sister Helen and darling Nephews put Matthew to rest.

The funeral took place at 3.30pm which was 6.30am UK time. I sat and prayed and then thought about all of the wonderful memories and the priveledge i had in knowing Matthew and being able to call him my Brother.

I try to console myself that Matthew was meant for better things than this life but i cannot believe that there was anything better for him than Helen, Jacob and Braiden. I guess we will not know until it is our time to depart this earth.

I do know that Matthew will be up there with Mum, my Brother and all of the other dear one's lost, all of whom will be looking over Helen, the boy's, family and friends guiding and protecting and trying to help us all come to terms with this tragedy.

They have been looking after my Sister Carolyn who has just text me to let me know she has just landed safely in Sydney. In a few more hours after her connecting flight to Cairn's she will at last be with Helen and the boys and be able to hold them and cry with them and look after them as we all wish we could here at home.

Farewell and Godbless Matthew, i know one day we will all be together again xxxxxxx

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL MESSAGES, EMAILS, TEXTS AND CARDS. THEY HAVE MEANT SO MUCH TO ME AND DAD XXX

REST IN PEACE MY DARLING BROTHER-IN-LAW

2011-08-09T21:52:00.000+01:00

I HAVE THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS RIGHT NOW. MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER HELEN AND HER TWO BOYS JACOB AND BRAIDEN LOST THEIR DARLIN HUSBAND AND DAD IN A TERRIBLE MOTOR ACCIDENT YESTERDAY.

I CANNOT BEGIN TO GET MY HEAD AROUND ALL OF THIS, THE WHY'S, THE HOW'S, THE WTF'S??? I WILL NEVER EVER UNDERSTAND ANY OF THIS BUT FOR NOW ALL I CAN DO IS BE A SISTER AND AN AUNTIE AND DO ALL I CAN TO GET THIS BEAUTIFUL BROKEN FAMILY THROUGH THIS.

IF YOU ARE OF THE PRAYING KIND THEN PLEASE SEND PLENTY IN THEIR DIRECTION.

REST IN PEACE MY GORGEOUS BROTHER-IN-LAW, YOU ARE NOW WITH MUM AND AMONST THE ANGELS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Two Cards One Stamp

2011-08-03T19:45:00.000+01:00

Ok im a bit too hot today guys. I know i shouldn't moan but really feeling it today and not in a good way. I used my Methotrexate injection today so that probably hasn't really helped. Right whinging over!!! hope everyone is well and that YOU are enjoying the heat.

I made a couple of Christmas cards at the weekend using the same Lily of the Valley stamp. It is one of my favourite's and find it really flexible with papers and card.

Atleast my Christmas stash is increasing although i still want to make plenty more before December. So glad that we have the Christmas Club going (see on my sidebar) which is so inspiring and a lovely group of girls. If you are interested and want more information on the group just send me a comment and i will email you.

Love and hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ANOTHER MMI SHARE!!!

2011-08-02T13:54:00.000+01:00

Wow what a beautiful day today! i have to admit though i am keeping cool indoors with the cats with the fans on. I went out to hang two lots of washing on the line and came back in very hot and bothered!!!.

Just wanted to share another MMI Alphabet soup range card i made for my friends Daughter Alex who has a Birthday on Saturday. Added googly eyes and that cat & penguin look like they have been on my morphine!!!.

I am very excited today as i ordered an Ottlite from Create & Craft on Friday. I have been wanting one for a long while now and they had it on flexi-pay last week so paying it in two installments. I have set it up as my bedside lamp as will be so good if i want to craft of an evening on the bed. The light is supposed to be something like 95% as close to real daylight and is amazing.

It will be so cool for colouring images with my ProMarkers as will be seeing the true colours. Very chuffed with it indeed.

Keep cool everyone.

Hugs Clare xxx

CARD SHARE

2011-08-01T21:39:00.000+01:00

Hope everyone is well. Just wanted to share a couple of my latest makes.

Im on a bit of a My Minds Eye infatuation at the moment and love their Alphabet Soup range. I have used their girly Zoo Animal papers in the first card and used their chipboard elements from the same range. The baby sentiment stamp is by Stamping all Day. The second card i used their Garden Party range "Lush Blooms Daisy Chain" papers, again using some of the Alphabet Soup flowers and little birdie.

Will be back again soon. Thanks for stopping by!.

Love Clare xxx

CHRISTMAS CLUB CARDS

2011-07-31T23:26:00.000+01:00

I am so pleased as i have managed to catch up with my Christmas Club cards after being poorly and getting behind. I have even been able to make a few other cards this week which i will blog this week.

Firstly i made this card for PINKY'S challenge which was to make a card with a teddy bear featured. I only have one teddy stamp (but lots of polar bears lol!) and dug this oldie out by Anita's. I think i have had this stamp since i started cardmaking and my sis Helen gave it to me!!!. I have used coloured stickles and glossy accents instead of ProMarkers. Definitely not the best card i've ever made but hey, we all have our off days!!!.

The second challenge was set by SALLY which was entitled "Santa Claus is coming to town" where an image of Father Christmas or an animal dressed up as Santa was required. Crazy hey! no bloody Father Christmas stamps in my whole collection!. The closest stamp i had was this little Japanese doll by Hero Arts. I think she is so cute and comes as a set of three but i kind of think she looks like a little Santa doll.

The next fortnight's challenge is set by the lovely Kerry and will be her first as she is a pretty new gal to the group. KERRY wants a card with a robin, holly with the option of a postbox. Looking forward to this one Kerry!!!.

Please go check out the other girl's Christmas cards on their lovely blog's by clicking on the list on my sidebar.

If anyone else would like to join our little Christmas group give me or any of the girls a shout. It is just a little friendly group of 13 and we want to make as many cards as we can before Christmas with these fortnightly challenges.

Thanks for popping by!

Nite all Clare xxxxxx

Some Pictures of my Home Makeover so Far!!!

2011-07-29T18:35:00.000+01:00

Ok you may remember back in the beginning of the year me and Dad painted the kitchen and i have given it a whole new retro look with red & white polka dot with lots of EBAY shopping and loads of bargains.

It took me and Dad ages to paint and arrange but i am so happy with the result. Not a lot has been achieved with the rest of the bungalow so the other day Dad decided that he was going to get someone in to do it. Me and Dad struggle anyway, me with my health and Dad is 78 and he struggles with things and he calls himself a "plodder" nowadays lol!. So Gary has been coming in and so far he has completed toilet, bathroom and hall and is halfway through the sitting room.

I promised to share some pics with you and here they are;

GOING TO GET NICE COLOURED BLIND AND A COLOURFUL SOAP DISPENSER, TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER & SOAP DISH AND SOME BOTTLES etc.......

My yummy bathroom!!!. Loads of colour!!! it's a shame though as the paint comes out too blue in the pics but it is a gorgeous turquois. Since i got into crafting i have really fallen in love with bright colours. I love this colour as you can mix it with lots of yummy coloured towels and accessories.

Here's the dunny!!! the same colour as the bathroom but again the colour looks too blue. I have managed to find a close match to the paint colour below.

Here is a quick pic of the hallway colour but it is looking a bit bare at the moment so just a snippet and more pics to follow;

Thought i would keep the hallway a fresh guava green as the wrong shade would make it look too dark and dank.

So there we go a few pics and will post more as updated. I know the colours may not be everyone's taste but me and the kitties love it!!!!!.

Thanks for taking a peek.

Lots of love Clare xxx

Hello!!!

2011-07-28T00:45:00.000+01:00

Hello, im back at last!!! it has been a busy two weeks that has passed and one where not a great deal of crafting has gone on.

To start with i am having my little bungalow painted. Dad and i managed to get the kitchen done earlier in the year but due to bad health on both our parts not a lot more had been done so my lovely Dad has decided to get someone in to do it recommended by his next door neighbour. So far the bathroom, toilet, hallway and half of the sitting room has been done. It is looking lovely and as soon as all is done i will be putting up pics. My favourite part is buying some nice bits to show off the new rooms! doing a lot of EBAY shopping at the moment and got some lovely bathroom bits from NEXT this week.

Healthwise i have had another kidney stone flare up two Saturdays ago. I still do not have a date for the op but my specialists secretary contacted me to have a chat, find out how i am and to give me contacts for her etc. Got to have some tests before the op so that is all in hand.

I started my new Rheumatoid injections last Tuesday, Methotrexate. A nurse came in to train me and it all went really good. Dad wanted to learn too as if im not well or he needs to do it for me he will know what to do. It was just as well he was there as i have to inject the tops of my legs and my arms. Normally it would be legs and stomach but i have loads of scars on my tummy so it is not an option. So i did my leg last week and yesterday Dad did the top of my arm. I feel so proud of him as he is 78 and prepared to do this for me. I am very lucky though as i have had a lot of friends offering to do it too and Martin is already trained to do it anyway from the past home injections i had to have.

Apart from a bit of nausea and feeling really tired the side effects are tolerable. It can take a few weeks to notice any difference so only time will tell. The main important thing is that i am on some sort of drug that will hopefully help and slow down the progression of the disease. It is not a cure but just got to take what you can until such times.

Righteo then my lovelies. I will be back tomorrow with some cards and maybe a sneeky peek of some of the painting!!!.

Thanks for stopping by and promise to pop by everyone's blogs over the week.

Lots of love Clare xxxxxcxxxxxx

A STASH CARD!!!!

2011-07-12T20:23:00.000+01:00

This is a card where literally everything i used was from my stash with no names!!!!.

Coloured this gorgeous image with ProMarkers and decided to compliment it with this lovely piece of ribbon my beautiful Aussie friend DEB gave me many moons ago but have wanted to save it for a special card.

See you all soon

Big hugs Clare xxx

CARD AND A HALF MONTHLY SKETCH CHALLENGE #2

2011-07-11T14:41:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon everyone, hope everyone is well on this fine Monday afternoon. Well i have managed to finish off my card for the CARD AND A HALF MONTHLY SKETCH CHALLENGE #2. I missed the deadline for the first one so wasn't taking any chances this month. There are still 4 days left so go pop over there and check out all the fun!!!!.

This is the sketch and the wonderful card sample and monthly prize is supplied by the lovely Carol Mead. Go check out her beautiful blog and ETSY store here at TATTERED INSPIRATIONS & http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tatteredinspirations.

And here is my card;

INGREDIENTS

CREAM HAMMER CARD

DOODLEBUG STRAWBERRY BLOSSOMS PP

LILI OF THE VALLEY INSPIRATIONAL SENTIMENT STAMP

PRIMA FLOWERS

WILD ORCHID GYPS

KAISER RIBBON

BUNNY ZOE CRAFTS HATPIN AND STOP

th DISTRESSED INK PAD "ANTIQUE LINEN"

Thankyou for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your Monday!!!

Big hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxx

CARD AND A HALF EXTRA CHALLENGE #2

2011-07-09T17:07:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone, i do hope you are all having a good Saturday. Thank goodness the rain has stopped and have been able to get some washing out.

I have made this card for the CARD AND A HALF EXTRA CHALLENGE #2 which still has 4 days left for you to submit your cards. There is also the monthly challenge running so please go check them out!!!. Helen is doing so so well with her new blog and receiving so much wonderful support.

This is the gorgeous new stamp that i recently bid for & won off EBAY from a lovely lady called Sandra. Not only have i gained a stamp but a beautiful new bloggy friend. This is Sandra's blog ROSE PETAL CREATIONS please go check out her lovely blog as her work is stunning.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE LINEN CARD

BROWN & GREEN BAZZILL CARD

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP

EYELETS, SENTIMENT & BROWN & GREEN THREAD FROM STASH

TH DISTRESSED INK PAD "ANTIQUE LINEN"

PROMARKERS (POPPY, MEADOW GREEN, WARM GREY 1 & 2, ALMOND, TAN, SANDSTONE, IVORY & BLENDER PEN)

Thankyou for stopping by and your comments mean the world to me!!!.

Lots of love Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

CHRISTMAS CLUB CHALLENGE

2011-07-08T22:22:00.000+01:00

Hi all! hope everyone is ok today. Did anyone else log on this morning to their blog to a new look dashboard???. Took me ages to realise there wasn't a problem with Blogger (yeah makes a change!). Everything is different and harder to get around and i hate it!!!!. Im a bit of a creature of habit im afraid. Anyone else got an opinion???.

Right i am finally up to date with the Christmas Club challenges and now working on our current fortnight. The last challenge was set by the lovely LIZZIE. We had to make a card without using patterned papers, although we could make our own prints with stamps.

I decided to add my image direct to my card without backing it onto any layers, instead i used the sentiment as the focal point. Don't you just love the beautiful words?. I love this cute House Mouse image too, it is one from my new Christmas set. Ive been a bit of a bugger lately spending and gone a bit HM mad. I just love them soooooo much!!!.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE LINEN CARD

RED & GREEN BAZZILL CARD

HOUSE MOUSE STAMP "WINTER CANDLE" SET

STAMPING ALL DAY SENTIMENT STAMP

ICICLE PEEL OFF'S

BLING

PROMARKERS (POPPY, SANDSTONE, TAN, IVORY, BLUSH, MEADOW GREEN & WARM GREY 1)

Will be back tomorrow to share another card!

Big hugs

Clare xxx

HEDGEVILLE UPDATE!

2011-07-07T10:33:00.000+01:00

Well this is the 3rd year now that i have been looking after these little critters and i have had the hardest so far this year. So far there has been 4 casualties and only 1 out of those 4 have so far survived.

I have a very heavy heart today after finding out about my lastest little poorly hog that i called Willow. He turned up on Sunday evening and i noticed he had lots of ticks on him. I brought him in and managed to remove 6. On further examination i noticed he had a massive laceration/abscess on his tummy which was very badly infected. Poor little thing must have been in a lot of pain but just seemed so sprightly considering. He spent the night being well looked after in the cosy indoor cabin with plenty of food and water. First thing Monday i took him straight down to the vet and we all thought his prospects seemed good.

When the vet sedated Willow the damage was a lot worse and the infection had spread deep into tissue and into the muscle, going right into his bladder. They would have had to remove so much tissue that he would not have been able to do a wee so it was best to let him go. I know that everything was done for him as they have to try to keep these little hoggies alive as they are decreasing at an alarming rate.

I really though that Willow was going to be a survivor but sometimes the damage can be too bad and they would suffer so much.

RIP LITTLE WILLOW

I love these little creatures so much and as hard as it is losing them i just have to say to myself that i am making a difference and by feeding them and looking after them it may make their lives a little easier. The vet said to me that the sick one's i have found would be suffering so much out there on their own and would have a very painful & slow death so by putting them to sleep really is helping them when they are that sick.

One thing i always notice when i have looked after a hedgehog is that when i go into the conservatory to clean up i always find a little white feather. This to me is a lovely sign.

Last night when i took the nightly food out i was met with a hedgehog trotting around the lawn waiting for his food!!! that is what keeps me going when i feel sad about losing one. He looked up at me when i shone the torch down on him and he looked up at me as if knowing it was "food time". Last night i saw seperate hoggies so i know there are still plenty around in my garden.

Thanks for listening.

Hugs Clare xxx

CHRISTMAS CLUB CARD UPDATES!!!

2011-07-06T11:21:00.000+01:00

Well i am finally getting back on track with the cards for the Christmas club which i got behind with from getting sick.

The first one is CAROL'S challenge which was to use pastel colours, a penguin and a bow.

Next is a challenge set by MARGARET which was glitter, tree's, berries, snow and a card that is not "square".

My third card challenge was set by CLAIRE which was to make a card white, red, green and to include a reindeer.

Now i just have one more and the current challenge to catch up on which i am working on!!!. I hate getting behind with things and such a relief when caught up.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Lots of love Clare xxx

P.S I promise i will get around to everyone's blogs, so sorry i have been so slack x

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE!!!

2011-07-05T23:07:00.000+01:00

Hi all!!! So sorry i have not been around for a while again. Just wanted to give you a quick update. My little munchkin Simone is still recovering from cat flu. I took her back to the vet yesterday and she was given another slow release antibiotic jab. She is still on daily painkillers which she has to stay on for the time being. The scabby nose and lesions in her mouth have settled down although her mouth is still red and sore.

Simone is definitely not back to normal but well on the road to recovery with lots of TLC!!!.

SIMONE KEEPING A BEADY EYE ON ME!!!

SLEEPY GIRL

I have still not heard about my operation for the kidney stones but have to ring up on Friday if i have not heard by then. I had to go see my Rheumatologist last week and i will be starting on another drug over the next few weeks. It is called Methotrexate and is a chemo drug which is used to help Rheumatoid. I have got to learn to inject myself with it once a week (yikes!!!). I have been on the drug before in tablet form but it made me really sick but they have now brought it out in injection form which is supposed to carry less side effects.

Like everything you have just got to give it a go, even if it does make you ill. There are no clinical trials for the time being so i just need to try this in the meantime.

I now need to really get back into my cardmaking as i am so aware how quickly the year is going by it is scarey!!!.

Will be back soon to share some cards.

Love & hugs Clare xxx

MY POOR BABY GIRL!

2011-06-19T20:33:00.000+01:00

My little Simone has been really poorly all week, she spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the vets. She seemed to be picking up but drastically went down hill yesterday.

It all started last Sunday when she started with a yucky brown discharge coming out of her nose and a weepy closed up eye. I also noticed she had a red and raw hind paw. She kept licking it and when i investigated it was all yucky, red and infected. First thing Monday she was at the vets.

Her vet Gemma said she had a nasty infection in her paw and some sort of viral infection going on in her nose & throat. She had a raging temperature and was not eating or drinking. She gave her anti-inflammatory & antibiotic injections which she had for 3 days on the trot and then i was given oral antibiotics to give her at home. Gradually she started picking up.

Yesterday Morning when we woke up she was really sheepish and wouldn't eat or drink at all. She was so listless and down and by the evening she looked like she was in a lot of discomfort. I was even trying to get fluids down with a syringe so she wouldn't get dehydrated. I couldn't even get her antibiotics in to her and i noticed she was really struggling to swallow.

This morning i got Simone straight into the vets and when he examined her she had a temperature of 40.5!!! she had all nasty lesions in her mouth and by then a nasty crusty scab on her nose. She has finally been diagnosed. It's CAT FLU!!!.

Although she is vaccinated annually and an indoor cat she has somehow managed to get it. Apparently it is like human flu where we can still get it despite having the flu vaccine but we just do not get it as bad.

My poor baby girl. Thankfully he has given her a slow release injectable antibiotic (which will cover her for 2 weeks) so she will not get stressed out having to have them by mouth. He also gave her a high dose anti-inflammitory with painkiller for her pain. I have got to take her back tomorrow and if she hasn't picked up she will have to stay in and go onto a drip. If she is a bit better i will be able to give her oral painkillers to keep her comfortable. My little angel is going to need a lot of care as it will take her a while to get over it. She has picked up quite a bit since she has been home and has managed to have a little water and some special food the vet prescribed. She seems to pick up more once the painkillers take effect.

This is my beautiful baby girl tonight. Look at her poor nose. She looks so bony where she has not been eating.

I am praying that my Bert will not get it. The vet said that there is no reason why he should as he reckons the reason Simone has got it is because she was low through getting an infected paw.

HERE IS MY GORGEOUS BOY BERT

THIS WAS TAKEN ON THURSDAY WHEN SIMONE HAD PICKED UP

Please will everyone pray for my little girl and also pray that Bert doesn't get it. I will keep you all up to date on her progress.

Thankyou for listening

Big hugs Clare xxx

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

2011-06-19T18:26:00.000+01:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS DAD WITH MY ELDEST BROTHER ANDY TAKEN YESTERDAY

I guess we are all saying this today!!!. I am sooooo lucky to have such a lovely Dad. Although Mum is no longer around he still tries to do things that he knows Mum would want. He is the best!!!.

Just want to wish all those Dad's out there HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. I also want to let all those who's Dad's have passed that i am thinking of them. I know just how hard it is with losing Mum.

I made Dad this non fussy card!!!. Dad is not into fancy, pouffy (as he calls them lol!) cards so i kept it simple. I refuse to buy a shop card so this is what he got!!!!.

Love you Dad xxxx

APOLOGIES FOR NO COMMENTING!!!

2011-06-16T21:08:00.000+01:00

Just wanting to apologise to everyone as i am unable to comment on people's blogs at the moment because of stoopid Blogger. Is anyone else having problems???

I am writing my comment and it asks for my password which i type in, it then takes me back to your blog and i press the comment box to post my message and it just keeps taking me back to rewrite my blinkin password, grrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Is this happening to anyone else????. I feel really bad as everyone must think im really rude for not commenting.

Hugs Clare xxx

A LITTLE EXTRA CHALLENGE #1 - CARD AND A HALF

2011-06-14T21:02:00.000+01:00

Firstly i owe my Sister Helen a big apology. I was too late to add this card to her very first challenge on her new blog site Card and a Half the deadline being 14th June. I was not thinking Australian time as they are so many hours in front of us derrrrr!!!. So instead i am going to add my card to her "A Little Extra Challenge #1" which is to make a male card and to use embossing folders and punches.

The due date for us Pommies will be 18th but if unsure you can always go check the Mr.Linky tag where there is a countdown (which maybe i should have done lol!).

This is my first card in a while and my mojo is a bit challenged at the moment!!!. I used the same sketch for Helen's first challenge.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE & GREEN BAZZIL CARD

DAISY BUCKET "UNDER THE BOARDWALK" PAPERS

PENNY BLACK BIRTHDAY STICKEROO

BUTTON, TWINE, RIBBON, PEEL OFF & STUDS FROM STASH

MARTHA STEWART BUBBLE BATH BORDER PUNCH

GLOSSY ACCENTS

Helen will have her second monthly challenge going up very soon and will be announcing last month's winner. Thankyou to everyone who has shown their support it really is so appreciated. Anyone who hasn't visited go check it out HERE.

I have got so many cards to make it is frightening thinking about it!!!. Oh well one at a time i guess.

Thankyou for stopping by.

Big hugs Clare xxx

HEDGEVILLE 2011

2011-06-12T00:39:00.000+01:00

I know that this is a post which has been pending for a few weeks and have had so many requests to do an update on the hedgehogs in my garden. I do apologise guys and know a lot of you understand due to ill health, BUT this does not mean that this has affected Hedgeville in anyway and i have plenty to report about our lovely friends, some great but some sad too. This may be a long post with plenty of news & piccies so may want to grab a cuppa!!!!. Here are some pics of the first hoggies i photographed of 2011. Just bear in mind that some pics have been taken behind the conservatory door!.

THESE TWO LITTLE BEAUTIES ARE TRYING TO FATTEN UP AFTER BEING IN HIBERNATION FOR WEEKS. IT DOES NOT TAKE THEM LONG!!!

ANOTHER VISITOR!!!

I have only just been able to clean out the two hedgie cabins as they have been occupied all over the Winter!!! i am so happy knowing i was able to provide a safe & warm home for hibernation for some hoggies. I have left food out all year around and i monitored the tell tell signs that the hedgehogs had ventured out during their hibernation period (like the tiny hoof prints they had left in the snow when it was bad!!!). On the sad side when me and Dad were cleaning out one of the cabins we found a dead hoggy in there which had died during hybernation. I was quite shocked as the cabin was still being used as a home to other hoggies so it had obviously not bothered them.

Me and Dad redesigned Hedgeville adding more rockery and logs. I have let that whole area of the garden to become overgrown for their protection and to encourage them into the garden. I am going to buy more plants and build up more logs and nooks and crannies for them. The biggest thing i want to do though is invest in another couple of cabins which is imminent. It has not been uncommon when i do my checks to have a couple of hedgies in one cabin so feel there is a need for more housing. I promise i will take pics of Hedgeville when the sun comes out!!!.

FOR THOSE NEW TO MY BLOG THIS IS ONE OF THE CABINS THAT HOUSES THE HEDGIES BEFORE IT WAS PUT INTO HEDGEVILLE. ALTHOUGH SHE TRIED HARD MY LITTLE PRINCESS SIMONE COULD NOT FIT IN THE ENTRANCE!!!

THIS IS THE CABIN WHICH IS USED INSIDE FOR THE POORLY OR HOGGIES WHICH NEED LOOKING AFTER WHEN THEY NEED SOME TLC.

Ok so far this year there has been two casualties. BARNEY being the first poorly hoggy.

SORRY THE PIC IS A BIT FUZZY BUT A CLOSE UP OF BARNEY

THIS IS MY GORGEOUS BOY BERT GIVING BARNEY A PROTECTIVE SNIFF!

THIS IS ANOTHER HEDGIE CALLED BERYL WHICH HAD TEAMED UP WITH BARNEY. I THINK SHE WAS PROTECTING BARNEY. BELIEVE IT OR NOT BARNEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME SIZE AS BERYL BUT WHERE HE WAS SO SICK IT HAD AFFECTED HIS GROWTH.

I had brought in Beryl and Barney to be de-ticked which is part of my care for them as if left they can make the poor hoggies really sick & anaemic. I had noticed how tiny Barney was and as i was checking nightly i had noticed that he was dragging his hind left leg. I contacted Monica at the Wildlife Trust for advice and she asked me to bring him indoors and look after him till the following day when she would pick him up to take him to the sanctuary vets. She thought that perhaps he had a broken leg which could be treatable as long as any infection was not bad and gone into the bone.

Monica rang me on the Saturday evening (Barney was collected on the Friday) to give me the shock news that poor little Barney had been put to sleep. He had not got a bad leg after all but a massive ulcer in his poor tummy which was pulling his leg up presumably through the pain. He was in a bad way and the kindest thing to do was to let him go. I do not mind admitting to you all but i cried and cried all night. I had been looking out for him for a few weeks and had gotten so attatched. Monica had said though that had i not been feeding him and looking after him he would have been suffering a lot more and would probably have starved to death not being able to get to food. I also know that he had a good night when he was her with plenty of food and water and a lovely nest with fresh straw, oh and a big conservatory to sniff around in!. Here are some more pics of little Barney i would like to share;

I KNOW I DID MY BEST FOR LITTLE BARNEY & I AM GLAD HE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING XXX

My second casualty is Millie who was showing signs of Mange and also appeared to have a poorly left hind leg (i know alarm bells!). I nursed Millie for a couple of nights until Monica could come examine and pick her up. When Monica arrive she confirmed that she did indeed have Mange but was unable to examine her leg as Millie was playing hard to get!!!. One suprise though is that Monica thinks Millie could be pregnant with hoglets due to her shape!!! i would be so thrilled if she is. I just hope that she has no other problems that would jeopordise this. I have got to wait until Monday to find out the verdict so will keep you all posted. I have taken some lovely pics of Millie in the conservatory being looked after.

I HAD TO GET LITTLE MILLIE READY FOR MONICA TO EXAMINE

MILLIE DECIDES THAT SHE REALLY DOESN'T WANT TO BE SOCIABLE!

OK SO SHE DECIDES THAT MAYBE SHE WILL STICK HER LEG OUT!

OK IF I REALLY HAVE TO I WILL STICK OUT MY SNOUT!!!

MIGHT EVEN TRY AND HAVE A LITTLE WANDER!

So there is little Princess Millie. I am keeping everything crossed that her prospects are good but unfortuanely as i have just learnt, nature and wildlife can be very up and down. There is a fine balance between letting nature take it's course and having to know when you have the right to intervene. As Hedgehogs are a protected species i know we need to look after these beautiful little creatures though and suffering is one thing i cannot bear to see.

I promise that i will keep you all posted ok. Im so sorry that it is such a gynormous post but i know all of my genuine hoggy followers will really appreciate it, especially as you have been nagging me about it!!!.

A very big thankyou to all for your beautiful and kind comments from yesterdays post. It really does mean so much to me.

Thankyou for stopping by.

Love & hugs Clare xxxx

Really Not Sure Where to Start...........

2011-06-10T22:06:00.000+01:00

So just going to give you as brief an update as possible. Since my last update i have been really poorly and had another 2 bad flare ups with the kidney stones. In the end i had to have an emergency hospital appointment with a Urologist on Wednesday evening to be told that i have got to have an operation.

I am not sure how long it will be but i am on an emergency list. Although i have been passing stones (well more like grit!) the specialist thinks that it is only particles from much bigger stones inside. He needs to remove the stones and to check if there has been any damage to my kidneys. I am hoping that they can be removed easily as it will be open surgery if not.

At the moment i am on painkillers and the specialist has put me on a drug to try to prevent any further, although until they can tell what type and what is causing them it will be a bit hit & miss.

He has told me that it is not a very nice op and will take 2 to 3 weeks to get over it and be pain free as such. You know the way i feel at the moment guys, it surely cannot be any worse than the beginning of a flare up as you just do not know what to do with yourself when you are in agony, throwing up and sweating profusely!!!. I can honestly say that i have never know pain like it and i have experienced a lot in my lifetime.

So i am going to keep you all updated, try and get back into creating as i have not done any in weeks and got so much to do. I also have a few things to share with you all so please bear with me. I may be slow but i will get there!!!.

Thankyou to all of my lovely friends who have been emailing, texting, phoning and sending cards. It really does make me feel better.

Lots of love

Clare xxxxx

A RETURN OF THE STONES!!!

2011-05-20T23:57:00.001+01:00

No not the "Rolling Stones" im afraid, kidney stones!. Just wanted to let my lovelies know this is why i have not been around much and commenting on blogs, also the lovely personal emails i have received. Promise i will get around to you as soon as i feel better.

I have so far managed to avoid hospital, especially after my last visit where i had to wait for 9 hours to get pain relief, IV and anti-sickness drugs. I have had the Doctor in and have promised to go straight in if things get worse. I feel strangely reassured this time knowing exactly what it is. I am on the good old morphine, anti-inflammitory and anti-sickness which is all that they would do in hospital anyway. Atleast i can take it when i need it though and not be laying on a guerney in agony for hours. I have had to dig out the old pee jug too which was starting to gather cobwebs in the bathroom wicker basket! this is to check for any stones by the way lol!!!.

Promise i will be back in touch as soon as i can ok. Just want to say a big Happy Birthday to the gorgeous Heather J in OZ, good luck tomorrow Squirrel girl and to have a wonderful weekend Carol D & Sylvie (Gibmiss) who are having a holiday weekend. Also to Margaret i hope the car is wonderful and want to see some pics!!!. Sorry i have not emailed back girls but promise to real soon.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Lots of love Clare xxx

CLEAN & SIMPLE WITH INCY WINCY

2011-05-18T20:06:00.000+01:00

Hi all, just made a quicky card to play in the INCY WINCY challenge this week. The challenge is "clean & simple" which i found quite hard to do as i am so used to lots of embellishments and normally a stamped image. Hope it fits the criteria ok!!!.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE BAZZIL CARD

DOODLEBUG LADYBUG SWISS DOTS PAPER

PAPERMANIA (CLARE CURD'S SIGNATURE RANGE) HAPPY BIRTHDAY SENTIMENT STAMP

CRAFT CHIPBOARD FLOWER

SPELLBINDERS LABEL ONE NESTIE

RIBBON, BIND & BUTTONS FROM STASH

As you can see im still in love with my red & white polka dots lol!!!! don't see myself changing this anytime soon. Hope everyone has a good evening.

Thankyou for all of your lovely comments.

Big hugs Clare xxx

BIRTHDAY CARD FOR CHALLENGES

2011-05-17T19:19:00.000+01:00

Hello everybody! hope all is well on this cloudy Tuesday. Apologies for not being around much the past few days. Im happy to say that the steroids have finally kicked in and im feeling a lot better at the moment and my painkillers are doing their job.

I was asked to do a Birthday card for a friends Mum for tomorrow and i came up with this using one of my all time favourite Penny Black stamps.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE, GREEN & MAUVE BAZZILL CARD

PENNY BLACK GOSSAMER STAMP

STAMPING ALL DAY "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" CIRCLE STAMP & "MUM" STAMP

KAISER MAUVE PEARLS

HATPIN, BUTTERFLY & RIBBON FROM STASH

MAUVE CARD CANDY

SPELLBINDERS SCALLOP & CIRCLE NESTIES

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

CRAFTY CREATIONS - ANYTHING GOES

PAPERTAKE WEEKLY - BLOOM & GROW

MOVING ALONG WITH THE TIMES - TWO B'S (BUTTERFLY & BOW)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Hugs Clare xxx

(REST IN PEACE MEG 1993-2011 YOU ARE NOW WITH THE ANGELS BEAUTIFUL GIRL)

THANKYOU

2011-05-17T18:19:00.000+01:00

Hello my friends. Just want to say a big thankyou to everyone for such kind messages. I ended up at the hospital yesterday as i was in so much pain and even morphine wasn't really helping. My Rheumatologist ended up giving me a big dose of injected steroids on top of my daily Prednisolone. It usually takes a couple of days to really take effect so hopefully i may start feeling a better soon.

I made a card on Friday for one of my lovely neighbours. He is such a kind person and always running around after other's worrying about everyone else. He is 77 and he does wood turning as a hobby and he made me a lighthouse for my new kitchen. I still need to paint it so will put some pics up when it is done. He is so clever. I just wanted to make him a thankyou card with a nice sentiment.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE & ORANGE BAZZILL CARD

KAISER PP

PAPER MAKEUP SENTIMENT STAMP

PRIMA FLOWERS

BROWN VELVET RIBBON

BUTTONS & TWINE FROM STASH

Thanks for stopping by

Hugs Clare xxx

CARD AND A HALF CHALLENGE KICKS OFF THIS SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-14T00:39:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!!! just want to let everyone know Helen's new card challenge blog

CARD AND A HALF kicks off this Sunday with the very first sketch!!!. I am so excited and so is she.

Helen has been trying to get the word out but with all of the blogger problems over the past couple of days a lot of the comments everyone has made have not reappeared on her first post where she has asked you to comment to be in with the chance of the very first prize pack. Please would you go check and if it is not there make sure you add your comment again to be included. Also check that your follow status is still there as there has been 4 lovely ladies who have disappeared from that too. Helen is so disappointed but unfortunately it has been out of her control. BLINKIN' BLOGGER!!!!!. I know that we have all been affected by it in one way or the other.

I would like to thank loads of my lovely follower family for extending the love and support to Helen with her first new challenge blog. I know it is going to be a big success with exciting challenges and fantastic prizes. Make sure you all pop over on Sunday to see the first sketch going up!!!.

Lots of love

Clare xxxxx

BRAND NEW "CARD AND A HALF" CHALLENGE BLOG BEING LAUNCHED!!!!!!

2011-05-11T23:53:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!!!. I would just like to do a plug for my lovely Sister Helen who is launching a brand new card making challenge blog. It is called CARD AND A HALF and Helen is going to be setting a monthly sketch challenge with a new sponsor and a different prize every month. Also throughout the month she will be doing "just for fun" challenges and inspire us into making more cards and to get our creative juices flowing. It is open for all cardmakers whether you have been creating for years or never made cards before and just want to have a go.

Please go pop over and check it out!!!!. By helping Helen to spread the word you will be entered into a draw for the very first prize pack . Make sure you leave her a comment!!!.

I can't wait for the launch, stayed tuned for the date girls!!!!!.

Thankyou for your support.

Hugs Clare xxx

A TOOT TOOT!!!! AND A CHRISTMAS CARD!

2011-05-08T18:51:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone!. I have some really happy news to share with you, well happy for me anyway!. Yesterday i posted a card on my blog which i stamped with an Imaginisce Snag em stamp from their Twitterpated range.

This morning i had a message to say that i had been i-spied by the lovely MELINDA SPINKS who is the IMAGINISCE Design team Co-Ordinator and that my card was appearing on the Imaginisce blog HERE!!!. I am well chuffed as i have been a bit poorly with the RA this weekend so it has cheered me up no end. The only problem is is that i have got bloggy problems today and i cannot actually see the pic of my card on the blog. Hope i will get to see it tomorrow.

Which leads me on to my card for the Christmas Club. I cannot believe another fortnight has passed. The lovely SYLVIE set the challenge which was to use pink, white and one other colour on our Christmas card.

I guess silver is my other colour but i do have several colours for the colouring of the stamp. Thankyou for the super challenge Sylvie!!!.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE SILVER SHIMMER CARD

PINK & WHITE BAZZILL CARD

CRAFT CREATIONS PINK GINGHAM PAPER

LOTV STAMP

BUTTONS, RIBBON, TWINE & PEEL OFF'S FROM STASH

PROMARKERS

SQUARE SPELLBINDERS NESTIES

DIAMOND, RED & GREEN STICKLES

Please go pop over to the other girls blogs in the Christmas Club by clicking on my sidebar. Thankyou for popping by!!!.

Hugs Clare xxx

Paper Piecing Challenge at Simon Says!

2011-05-07T23:11:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone. Just a quick share which i made to enter into this weeks SIMON SAY'S challenge which is paper piecing. I absolutely love this technique and should do it more often as i just love the effect you get.

INGREDIENTS

WHITE LINEN CARD

BROWN SHIMMER PAPER

K&CO AMELIA BLOCKS FLAT PAPER (FOR FOXY)

BO BUNNY "ROUGHIN' IT IN THE WOODS"

IMAGINISCE "TWITTERPATED" FOXY STAMP

WILD ORCHID LEAF'S

PRIMA BROWN FLOWER

KAISER PEARLS

SPELLBINDERS LABEL ONE NESTIE

NELLIE OVAL NESTIE

TH DISTRESSED INK PADS (CRUSHED OLIVE & WALNUT STAIN)

RIBBON & PEEL OFF FROM STASH

Hope everyone is having a fantasic weekend. Will be back again soon.

Big hugs!

Clare xxx

POLKA DOTS & CHALLENGES!!!

2011-05-05T15:03:00.000+01:00

Hi there everyone!!!. Hope we are all happy and well today. I would like to enter this card into some challenges. Yes it is different from yesterday's Get Well card, although i did use the same ingredients. It is a Birthday card for my SIL.

INGREDIENTS

RED & WHITE BAZZILL CARD STOCK

CRAFT CREATIONS POLKA DOT PP

PENNY BLACK "WONDERFUL DAY" STAMP

LADYBIRD BOTTLETOP EMBELLISHMENT BY MARGI OLIVER AT "BITS & PIECES"

GINGHAM BOW & SENTIMENT FROM STASH

KAISER CRAFT RED PEARLS

SPELLBINDERS SCALLOP CIRCLE NESTIES

PROMARKERS

GLOSSY ACCENTS

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

MY TIME TO CRAFT CHALLENGE - RED & WHITE

LADYBUG CRAFTS - GOING DOTTY!!!

PAPERTAKE WEEKLY - ANYTHING GOES

TOP TIP TUESDAY - OPEN CHALLENGE

MOVING ALONG WITH THE TIMES - ANYTHING GOES

Have a great day everyone!

Love & hugs
Clare xxx

GET WELL WENDY!!!

2011-05-04T22:03:00.000+01:00

Hi chooks! hope we are all well on this fine Wednesday. Unfortunately poor Wendy is not so good. She went in for her chemo yesterday and on her way out of hospital she felt very unwell. She was taken to A&E and it looks like she has had a mini stroke. Poor bugger it is the last thing that she needs as she also has had a rotten kidney infection. But in true Wendy style she has trooped on and has managed to get home under strict rest.

I went to see her earlier and i must admit i was not sure how i would find her. I was reassured when i saw her though as she looks exactly the same and all of the symptoms she had are gone. I made her a card and took her some strawberries to cheer her up!.

Wanted a nice bright cheery one for her and she, like me, likes red yay!!!.

INGREDIENTS

RED & WHITE BAZZILL CARD

CRAFT CREATIONS POLKA DOT PP

PENNY BLACK "WONDERFUL DAY" STAMPS

MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND MARG OLIVER HANDMADE THE FUNKY BOTTLE TOP (DETAILS AT END OF THE POST)

BLACK PEEL OFF SENTIMENTS, HEART BUTTON, TWINE & RIBBON FROM STASH

SPELLBINDERS SCALLOP CIRCLES NESTIES

PROMARKERS

GLOSSY ACCENTS

Get well soon my beautiful friend!!!!

Love & hugs Clare xxx

HERE IS THE LINK TO MY GORGEOUS FRIEND MARGI'S BLOG WHERE SHE SELLS HER BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE EMBELLISHMENTS. PLEASE POP OVER AS THEY ARE AMAZING!!

http://bitsandpiecescreatedby-marg.blogspot.com/

PICTURES OF MY NEW LOOK KITCHEN!!!

2011-05-04T21:36:00.000+01:00

Atlast some pics of my new kitchen!!!. Apart from some bits which i will be replacing eventually and a shelf to go up above the tiling on the boiler wall my lovely kitchen is done. I absolutely love it and although it may not be everybody's cup of tea but it certainly is mine!!!.

A SIGN JUST INCASE I CAN'T FIND THE KITCHEN!!!

HAD TO BUY THIS MAT FOR THE FLOOR AS THE LINO GOT RIPPED WHEN PULLING OUT THE FRIDGE & FREEZER!!!

I EVEN MANAGED TO FIND A RED & WHITE POLKA DOT DOOR MAT! OH BY THE WAY THAT IS ONLY CAT GRASS IN THE CORNER!!!

I LOVE MY RED & WHITE GINGHAM BLINDS

I EVEN MANAGED TO GET A RED BIN

DON'T WORRY I DID NOT GO OUT & BUY A RED CAT BOWL SET! BERT & SIMONE HAVE HAD THESE SINCE KITTENS

MANAGED TO GET SOME RED SAUCEPANS, EVEN GOT A POLKA DOT FRYING PAN AND MILK PAN! THINK I NEED SOME SPRAY PAINT ON THE VERY PINK SINK TIDY. EVEN MANAGED TO GET SOME POLKA DOT DISH CLOTHS!

GOT THE PLATE RACK & SPRAY PAINTED IT RED ALONG WITH THE SHELF

HAVEN'T GOT MY PLATES YET BUT HOPE TO GET THEM SOON. I HAVE JUST STUCK BITS UP ON THE SHELVES SO THEY DON'T LOOK BARE!!!

MY LOVELY NEPHEW MANAGED TO GET THESE FUNKY MUGS IN THE CATS PROTECTION CHARITY SHOP BLESS HIM!

OK I KNOW I NEED A RED KETTLE & TOASTER, WILL DO ONE DAY!

Next job on the agenda is the bathroom & toilet. Really want to do each room as and when i can afford it and get the entire room done. Had a lot to get for the kitchen so put all of my money into it but wanted it all completed before moving on.

Will be interested in comments guys, good or bad!!!. Thankyou for popping by my lovelies.

Big hugs Clare xxx