OSAAT DT - CHALLENGE NO 233 - ANYTHING GOES WITH 'NATURE'

Good afternoon everyone out there in blogsterville!  Today is the start of another challenge over at the One Stitch at a Time blog and our theme this fortnight is 'Nature'.     The maestro used to go fishing every weekend at the crack of dawn (silly beggar!) and he always said it was amazing at that time of day.  He never seemed to catch many fish but he saw loads of wildlife!!! Bless!!  He did try his hand at sea fishing but said it wasn't as much fun!!!  I compare it to watching wood warp meself - but each to his own.  In case you are wondering, I did go fishing once and caught a good 'un - he spent so much time putting the maggots on my hook that he missed the 'bites' he was getting - allegedly.

Here's my very quick card - well, quick for me anyway - I am a little disappointed with the wording because it seems too small but it's the only die I have with 'Happy Birthday' on it - note to self must buy a larger one - or use my virginal Cricut!!!

There's a great prize for the winner ...

Ingredients

7" x 7" White card blank - Anna Marie Designs
Digi - 'Gone Fishing' by Stitchy Stamps at Stitchy Bear Digi Outlet
Papers - 'Country Gent' from LOTV
Papers - Teresa Collins DP from Creative Expressions
Die - A2 Valiant Honor Die from Spellbinders
Copics and Flexmarkers
Card Candi from Craftwork Cards

Thanks for stopping by my blog and I do hope you can enter our challenge, there is a really good prize of digis and papers!

I loved your comments on my last card and am still miffed that I had to miss the NEC - Mrs Duck wants to know about Apple Catchers but as she is very well informed about Soloman's not sure I can tell her any more (ROFL)!!!  My toe is still doing a Batman** but not quite as much now - especially without shoes!!!

Take care and enjoy the weather, we had a perfect view of the eclipse last week - utterly amazing and so odd, can you imagine what it was like back in the dark ages - I bet it frightened the poop out of them.  Gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

Lots of big hugs to you all and an extra big hug to those who need an extra big one!

Sue xxx
PS  ** Batman and Robin = throbbin'!!

CHRISTMAS CARDS ALL YEAR ROUND - MARCH REMINDER!

Good afternoon everyone out there - this is a mid month reminder (just a tad late) for the CCAYR Challenge where the theme is 'Cute Critters' .  I have an art pad from LOTV which included this lovely little image and I thought it would be perfect for the theme.

I know that Christmas is still a long way off but..... you don't want to suddenly find that it is December 15th and you have no cards in your stash.  In other words, start now and avoid the rush!!!  The CCAYR have a monthly challenge and you can win two cling Christmas stamps from Platypus Creek!  

Ingredients

6" x 6" white card blank from stash
Image - Pre-coloured from LOTV Art Pad 15 'Furry Christmas'
Papers - Bebunni 6" x 6" paper pad
Snowflake punch - Martha Stewart
Create a Flake Five - Spellbinders dies
Label die - Tattered Lace dies
Sentiment - Daisy and Dandelion Christmas Sentiment Clear Stamp
Stick and Spray - Crafters' Companion
DecoArt Glamour Dust
Stardust Stickles Glitter Glue
Ribbon and Gems - stash

I hope you have time to enter our challenge this month, I'm sure you will have one or two cute images lying around in your stash.

Thank you so much for commenting on my last cards, several of you have asked about my 'diabetes' diet, well to be honest, I'm not following a diet as such because they have never really worked for me but I have stopped all bread, cakes, biscuits, cheese (yum yum), ice cream (oooohhhh) and my 'mostest' favourite - choccy!!!  We have also cut down our portions - by half!!!  I must admit that the tablets I have to take have helped (my GP says others have also said the same thing) although there is no real reason for this.  I think that this diagnosis has really been helpful to me personally because I would never have cut out all those foods or halved portions otherwise.  I'm eating more fruit as well and am not even thinking about all those other really gorgeous tasty naughty things!   At least not until my 'friends' on the blogs tell me they have had cakes or chocolate of some kind .... you know who you are ladies!!

Anyway I'll leave you to it, I should have gone to the NEC today but my toe wouldn't let me!!   I can hear you giggling from here by the way but I have an extremely painful ingrowing toenail and the pressure of my shoes is causing me agony at the moment.  I have cut the 'V' shape out of my nail but I did stab my toe with the scalpel (who was that screaming in the background??) and I must have infected my toe.  The inflammation is going down gradually but not enough, as yet, for me to walk comfortably.  Really sorry I missed you Christine and Mrs Duck  - Sue J was going as well but is at home looking after hubby Paul.  

Hugs to you all and I enjoy the forthcoming weekend.  

Take care.

Sue xxx

I would like to enter my card into the following 6 challenges -

ABC Christmas Challenge - http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/f-for-frosty.html

Crafting with an Attitude Challenge No 1 - http://craftingwithanattitude.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-1.html

Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge Extra (Mar)- http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/chnc-challenge-extra-for-march-2015.html

Party Time Tuesday Challenge No 196 - http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ptt196-anything-goes-and-februarys.html

Scrappers' Delights Challenge No 43 - http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-43-always-anything-goes.html

Whimsy Stamps Challenge No 81 - http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-81-use-diecut.html

THROUGH THE PURPLE HAZE - A CARD FOR MOTHER'S OR ANY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

Well peeps this is my card for TTPH and the digi has been supplied by Sweet Pea Stampers

I was really pleased when I finished colouring him 'cos he looks quite furry and I can assure you this is more by luck than judgement - lol!!!  I made the flowers on the sides of the frame out of a piece of card/paper from First Edition's 'Rose Garden' pad.  The page has printing all over it with faint pink hearts here and there.  I used a Small Tea Rose die from Cheery Lyn and when they were made I sprayed them (and the corners) with Crafter's Companion Pearl Spray.  This gives a lovely finish and in real life they look like porcelain.

Ingredients

7" x 7" white card blank - Anna Marie Designs
Digi - 'Dozen Roses' by Conie Fong at Sweet Pea Stamps
LOTV - 'Country Meadow' Nitwit Collection paper pad
First Edition - 'Rose Garden' paper pad
Tonic - 'Big Hug' semi die set
Tonic - Scalloped Circle Layering dies
Cheery Lyn - Small Tea Rose die
Copic Markers
Crafters' Companion Pearl Spray
Pink Nail Heads - found in my stash recently and I can't put them down!!

I do hope you enter this challenge to make a card for a mother or indeed, any woman in your life.

Thank you for checking my blog and for any comments you may have made.  I do appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes - oh I must tell you I have lost 13lbs thanks to my 'diabetes' diet.  I'm trying hard to lose enough weight so that my glucose levels get back to normal and I can stop taking the flippin' tablets.  Of course there's still loads of me to go yet - even me love handles have their own love handles - too much information?????? - but I do feel loads better already - apart from the ingrowing toenail - and that is another story.  Needless to say the Mobile Blood Transfusion Unit was standing outside - much to the maestro's relief.

Big hugs to you all and don't forget the challenge!

Take care

Sue xxx

I would like to enter my cards into the following 8 challenges -

2015 World Wide Design Team Challenge (Mar) - http://2015worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/2015-world-wide-open-design-team.html

The Colour Sisters Challenge No 18 - http://thecolorsisters.blogspot.it/search/label/Palette

Crafts Galore Encore Challenge (Mar) - http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/its-march-and-anything-goes.html

Craftyhazelnuts Patterned Paper Challenge (Mar) http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper-march.html

Digi Galore Challenge (Mar) - http://notrealstamps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/its-all-about-her-with-kenny-k.html

Mema's Crafts Challenge (Mar) - http://memascrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/march-challenge-2015.html

My Craft Creations Challenge (Mar) - http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.co.uk/p/new-challenge.html

Sisters of Craft Challenge (Mar) - http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/sisters-of-craft-march-anything-goes.html

CRAFTY CALENDAR MARCH CHALLENGE - ADD SOME METAL

Good morning friends and fellow blogsters out there!  Well it's the start of another Crafty Calendar Challenge and the theme is 'Add some metal' - this can be a charm, metal corners, brads ... anything that you can think of that is ... metal!!  The challenge runs right through to Friday 8 April and you can enter up to THREE creations.

I thought I would use this Sassy Cheryl image which I won some time ago, she is so cute and I could just nibble that lump of choccy cake (although I can't now .... grrrrrr).

Ingredients

7" x 7" white card blank - Anna Marie Designs
Sassy Cheryl digi - Sam's chocolate cake
LOTV 'Bear Necessities' pad
Die'Namics - Fishtail Flags Stax die
Tattered Lace - Anne Border die
Creative Expressions - Finishing Touches 'Camellia Complete Petals' die
Creative Expressions - Finishing Touches 'Camellia Open Petals' die
Flexmarkers
Pink 'nail heads' - stash
Flower charm on Chain - jewellery making stash
Pink Heart - free gift from My Crafty Heart

I hope you can find the time to enter our challenge this month, you have loads of time and the prize will be a Gift Voucher for an online crafty shop - details will be given later on the Crafty Calendar Challenge blog (here).  

Thank you, not only for popping over to my blog, but also for the comments on my previous posts.  I really do need to do some ironing now - unless there are any volunteers out there - pleeeeeeease!!!!!   Oh well, worth a try! 

Enjoy the rest of your week, if you are feeling under the weather, I am sending you a virtual hug and hoping that you will feel better soon.

Big hugs to you 

Sue xxx

I would like to enter my card into the following 6 Challenges

2015 World Wide Open Design Team Challenge - http://2015worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/2015-world-wide-open-design-team.html

Country View Challenges (March) - http://countryviewchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/its-march-and-were-celebrating-our-2nd.html

Crafts Galore Encore Challenge (March) - http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/its-march-and-anything-goes.html

LaurelCraft Challenge No 15 - http://lauralcraft.weebly.com/dragonfly-dreams-challenge/challenge-15-add-some-embellishments

In the Pink Challenge No 64 - http://inthepinkchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-64-for-special-lady.html

Party Time Tuesdays Challenge No 196 - http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ptt196-anything-goes-and-februarys.html

OSAAT DT - CHALLENGE NO 232 - ANYTHING GOES WITH 'WOMEN'

Good afternoon peeps - I have scheduled this post so I do hope it works!!  This fortnight on the One Stitch at a Time Challenge the theme is Anything Goes with Women.

The world is your lobster with this theme so I do hope you are going the enter the challenge.  You can win the following plethora of prizes 

Blossom's little contribution!!

Whilst I'm here I thought I would update you on the pond 'renewal' - as you can tell by this little pic I'm not the only supervisor.  Blossom decided to help out by testing whether the cement between the bricks had set!!  As you can tell, her little fat paw really made an impression and the maestro was not best pleased because he had to 're-do' this bit.  There's another one a little further around the edge but it's not as deep so he left that one in!!

The pond is taking shape and we are waiting for the cement to dry before anything else happens.  Mind you he's at work next week so it will be on hold for a few days - the birds (and Milo from next door) have already been down for a drink so they're happy!!

Oh well - back to card making!

Ingredients

7" x 7" white card blank - Anna Marie Designs

Peacock Profile digi - Ali Peeps at Stitchy Bear Digi Outlet

Die-Namics - Pierced Oval Die Stax

Spellbinders - Floral Flourishes die 

Memory Box - Macarena Corner die

Magnolia Doohickey - Hydrangea Flower die

Black on white printed card - Anna Marie Designs

White Mulberry Paper with silver pattern - stash

Teal Card - Creative Expressions

Flexmarkers

Gems - Iridescents from Create and Craft

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my meandering blog - I do tend to waffle a tad and will talk about everything from a larvae in me knickers (here) to Mistress Blossom and her husband Donny.   Thank you for all your lovely comments by the way - I've enjoyed reading them and also had a guffaw or two!

Catch you again very soon, please take care and enjoy what is left of the weekend.

Big hugs and cuddles to you all.

Sue xxx

I would like to enter my card into the following 10 challenges

Clear it out Challenge - http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/march-is-here.html  (I used some very very old mulberry paper from eons ago)

Craft Your Passions Challenge No 251 - http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-251-always-anything-goes.html

Crafting from the Heart Challenge No 49 - http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-49.html

Cute Card Thursday Challenge No 363 - http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-363-die-cuts-and-punches.html

Doodle Pantry Challenge No 3 - http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ants-in-my-pantry-digital-challenge-3.html

Loves Rubber Stamps Challenge No 141 - http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/2015/03/challenge-141-anything-goes.html

Mema's Crafts Challenge - http://memascrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/march-challenge-2015.html

Papertake Weekly Challenge - http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/anything-goes.html

Party Time Tuesdays Challenge No 196 - http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/2015/03/ptt196-anything-goes-and-februarys.html

Scrapper's Delights Challenge No 42 - http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-42-always-anything-goes.html

THROUGH THE PURPLE HAZE - ST DAVID'S DAY/ANYTHING WELSH

Hi there everyone - I am such a numpty I have forgotten to post my first card for the very wonderful Through The Purple Haze DT!  I really hope they will forgive my 'senior moment'!   I was so pleased to be invited onto their Team, they are a lovely lot and I'm learning even more about Facebook!

We are quite busy here at the Casa Planet Susie 'cos the maestro is rebuilding - or re-doing - our pond.  Although I am unable to do any of the physical work (back very unwilling) I am being supportive - go maestro, go maestro, go maestro etc!!!   He's bought a new liner (not as in the Titanic), new bricks for around the edge and next it will be a few new plants.  Of course all this takes time because he had to put the liner in, fill the pond and then leave it for a while to settle.  Oh and that's in between showers, snow, high winds etc.  The pond has been leaking for ages but over the last couple of months it's down to the last 2" of water.   This is all because Cyril Squirrel wanted to line his dray with a nice waterproof lining - little beggar!!!!   Anyway on to matters in hand - I will keep you updated by the way!

The theme, at Through the Purple Haze this week, is St David's Day/Anything Welsh.   It may sound difficult but you can do anything that means Wales - I thought of daffodils, but there's Tom Jones, dragons, colours of the Welsh Flag, leeks even!  The final day for entries is this Saturday - sorry I'm late in letting you know, I will try to be better next time .... honest!  After all that waffle, here is my card .

Our sponsor this week is Kenny K - another favourite of mine!  This lovely girly is called Jasmine and I coloured her with my Flexmarkers.  I couldn't manage to pop her in front of the daffodils on my laptop so I did the daffodil background and then 'fussy' cut her out and glued her onto the page.

Ingredients

7" x 7" white card - Anna Marie Designs
Jasmine digi image - Kenny K
Scalloped Circle die - Tonic Dies
Victoria Corner die - Spellbinders Dies
Shabby Shack paper - LOTV 'Raspberry Road' Designs
Patterned paper - First Edition 'Hideaway' pad
Ribbon - Creative Expressions
Flower Charm - Ebay
Star shaped Pearls - stash
Flexmarkers

I do hope you can find the time to enter this challenge - it's a good one to get the juices flowing!

Thanks for the comments on my last card and for the understanding - you are all stars!  Please take care of yourselves and I hope your mojo is with you!!!

Big hugs to you all

Sue xxx

I would like to enter my card into the following 10 challenges -

2 Cute Ink Digi Stamps Challenge No 124 - http://2cuteinkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-124-spring-free-digital-stamp.html

Artistic Inspirations Challenge No 126 - http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-126-anything-goes-with-twist.html

Crafter's Cafe Challenge No 106 - http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-106-use-charm.html

Crafting for all Seasons Challenge No 97 - http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-97-girly-girls.html

Crafty Sentiments Design Challenge - http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/spring-colours-challenge.html

Creative Card Crew Challenge No 82 - http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/82-green.html

Creative Moments Challenge No 63 - http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-63-anything-goesspring-greens.html

Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge (Mar 4-10) - http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/march-4-10-challenge-greenwhitecolor-of.html - (Green + white + another colour - mine is yellow_

Kenny K's Krafty Krew Challenge No 190 -http://kennykskraftykrew.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-190-shape-up.html

Scrap Creations Challenge - http://scrap-creations1.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/going-grey-with-scrap-creations-lets.html

CHRISTMAS CARDS ALL YEAR ROUND - CUTE CRITTERS

Hello to all of you out there in blogland - something weird has happened to my blog this morning - not sure whether you have the same view of the page as I do but my pink front has flown away into the ether - there's just a big space there now!  Haven't a clue how to get it back so my blog certainly looks different!!!    Just opened my blog today and everything seems back to normal yipee!

Anyway I'm posting a card for the Christmas Cards All Year Round DT.  The theme this month is 'cute critters' and you can win  two cling mount Christmas stamps from Platypus Creek Stamps - well worth entering our challenge eh??

When I thought of cute critters I thought of House Mouse and I do have a 'few' of these unmounted stamps which I don't use often enough.  This image made me smile just because of the look of resignation on the hamster's face - poor old thing.

Ingredients

6" x 6" card blank cut from sheet of Centura Pearl (Crafters Companion)
'Christmas Opening Presents' - House Mouse rubber stamp from Joanna Sheen
Decorative Rectangle Layers die - Tattered Lace Dies
Poinsettia dies - Britannia Dies from Joanna Sheen
Small Ivy die - Britannia Dies from Joanna Sheen
Frosty Border die - Memory Box Dies
Small Label die - Side Stepper Card die from Tattered Lace Dies
Flexmarkers
Papers fro stash 

I am loving being a member of this DT - there are some super monthly themes on the horizon which I know you will enjoy and there is the added bonus that you should have some great cards for Christmas, with not so much of the last minute rush!!!  Pop over to CCAYR to check out my teamies' cards they're a very talented bunch indeed.

Thank you so much for checking out my blog today and if you have had the time to leave a comment or two, that is brilliant 'cos I love reading them.  You all know that I am a bad blogger !!! 'cos I get so into my DT work and making cards (I'm not the fastest crafter in the world and one card will take me 3 or 4 days - a commissioned card could take me up to two weeks)  that I forget to comment on my friends' blogs - I do have a look at your cards and tell myself I will be back later to leave a word or two - but I then forget!   I apologise now if you have left me a comment and I have not reciprocated - please know that this is not because I don't like your work .. it's just me being dozy and breathing thin air on Planet Susie!!!

Lots of lovaggles and hugs to you all

Sue xxx

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

ABC Challenge - http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/e-is-for-exceptionally-cute.html

Christmas Card Challenge No 13 - http://christmascardchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/christmas-card-challenges-13-color.html

Completely Christmas Challenge No 52 - http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/28-february-challenge-52-atg-with-twist.html (texture is the crusty glitter on the hamster's hat)

Crafting from the Heart Challenge No 49 - http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-49.html

Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge Extra (March) - http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/chnc-challenge-extra-for-march-2015.html

Crimbo Crackers Challenge No 75 - http://crimbo-crackers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/challenge-75-make-me-laugh.html

Hiding in my Craftroom Challenge No 189 - http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2015/03/himcr-189-any-holiday.html

Scribble and Scrap Challenge No 39 - http://scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/challenge-39-always-anything-goes-dt.html