Just For You Gift Bag. . . . . . . . . .

Good evening folks. Hope you're all well. 

Sorry if I appear to be MIA. Its been a bit of a manic week here in The Pond. Changed shifts mean I work one less day but longer hours on the days I'm in and my goodness, I have felt those longer days. I've ached in places I didn't know existed lol!!!

I've also had two of the box frame photo holders to make for Nesta, urgently, a birthday card and a few Christmas cards on the hoof.And, the dentist, shopping and the last bit of gardening before the last brown wheelie bin collection of the year. . . . . . . .pauses for a breath!

Now, just a quickie for today, which kinda fits in with the Friday Oldie theme that some of you guys follow, as its a gift bag I made house some birthday goodies some time ago.

Ingredients

White card

Pink PMD card

SB Classic Ovals

SB Captivating Squares

SB Medallion 4

SB Fancy Tags 3

Embossalicious EF

Pink Satin ribbon

Not too ornate as the recipient isn't a gal for all the whistles and bells.

I will be attempting to get around everyones blog tonight and tomorrow to catch up with you as I've got a little behind (in the blogging sense. . . . . I can only wish in the other sense hahaha!!!)

Hope you all have a super weekend and I shall be back on Monday with a House of Cards Blog Hop and there's some cracking prizes so hope you can all join in.

TTFN

Ang x

Ps. . . . . Anyone, apart from the Scottish Posse, tried the Thank Crunchie its Friday recipe yet? I have a tray in the fridge for us to to troff whilst watching I'm a Celeb later. . . . . . . .yummmmmm! Wendy, would you like some next Thursday or are you still at diet club?

Roxy's Pressie. . . . . .

N

Good morning one and all. Hope all is well with you. 

Oh, the horror of having to scrape Shaun for the first time this winter, yesterday morning (Shaun is my car before I get reported to the NSPCC or RSPCA lol!!!) I wonder if my heat tool would work on an extension lead. . . . . . . .hmmmm?

Well, had fun at Daisy's on Saturday afternoon. I took Nesta to meet John and also a friends' young daughter, Megan (whose birthday card I made and showed you here)

John was brilliant with the ladies and as for Megan's appraisal of John?. . . . . . . "He's fantastic" and she had to then watch a recording of his last C&C show when she got home. She is 10 , bless her and has an interest in craft. I bought her some stamps at Daisy's so she can have a play with them (I had already given her an ink pad and some other bits) but after seeing John, she has been well and truly bitten by the craft bug. 

When he gave her one of the cards he made at the demo, you would think she had the crown jewels. 

Me and Mr D are thinking of paying for her to do the workshop with John, on his next trip to Daisy's, for her birthday, if she is still interested at that point (you know how their interests change all the time at that age). 

Now, last time out, I showed you Roxy's 21st birthday card and today its the pressie. It was just a little something which is why I went a bit mad on the box (which she has kept). Apologies that I forgot to photograph the box before I scrawled on the label.

There is acetate behind the Butterfly Magic panel

Ingredients

Lime Tree 300g white card

Red PMD card

Red tissue paper

SB Butterfly Magic

SB Decorative Labels 28

SB Fancy Tags 2

Red satin ribbon

Treats

I stuck some ridges of card to the bottom of the box, under the tissue paper to stop the goodies moving around.

Hope you like it.

See you all soon.

TTFN

Ang x

21st Birthday. . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope you are all well. Ita, I hope your hospital stay is not a long one chuck.

Sue, poor Donny. cold and Trossachless. What's a cat to do? lol! 

My Trossachs are still having to be heated at the moment and I think its set to get cooler. . . . . eek!

Had to get a new battery for Shaun (my car) this week as he was struggling to start. I think its the shortish journeys to and from work and as 2 of my shifts are lates, they are journeys with lights and blowers going. Didn't fancy being stranded in a dark empty car park on my own so new battery it was.

Before I forget, the sweet treat I made for the girls for the NEC is called "Thank Crunchie its Friday" in this house. The recipe is Sweet and Salty Crunchie Nut Bars and is a Nigella from her Kitchen recipe book and its here if you would like to try but they have made a typo, as you only need 4 Crunchie bars. Its very easy and very tasty. Due to the butter and golden syrup, the chocolate takes on a fudge like texture.

Now today's card I made for my mate Roxy who was a colleague but she has now moved onto pastures new. I had forgotten that I hadn't shown her card and pressie to you all (her present will be my next post)

Roxy's favourite colour is red so that had to be the main theme and yes, I did go mad with the die cuts lol!!!

Ingredients

White base card

Red PMD card

SB Decorative Labels 28

SB Elegant Labels 4

SB A2 Bracket Borders

SB Fancy Tags 2

SB Imperial M-Bossibilities

Hobbycraft corner punch

Red satin ribbon

Bling

A bit OTT? Welllllllll, you're only 21 once (although I may have been 21 several times lol!!!)

Well, thhhat's all folks. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. No work for me, hurrah!

The last F1 GP this weekend and the championship is down to the wire and I'm off to Daisy's, my local craft shop today, to heckle John (I am taking him lunch and some Thank Crunchie its Friday)

TTFN and be good!

Ang x

On Your Wedding Day. . . . . . .

Good morning, one and all. Hope this finds you well. A bit chillier in these here parts and for the Scottish Posse, I bet its nippy round the Trossachs! (have to say, my Trossachs need an extra layer at this time of year lol!!!).

Hopefully, Blogger behaves and this post goes live when it should today.

A warm welcome to the Pond to Margaret. Nice to have you come paddle with us. Also, hello to some new names on the comments. Thank you for stopping by and hope you can visit again soon.

Glad you all liked my first Christmas card (sorry Janice, it is the one and only at the moment) and my bow experiment.

Now, today's card is one I mad for Nesta to give to her niece for wedding part two at the end of October. As always with her niece, the colour scheme was purple and gold, so I ran with this.

Ingredients

Cream card 

PMD purple card

Gold mirror card

The Striplet

Sissix Squares

Hobbycraft heart punch

Versamark

Gold mica powder

Pearls

I used The Striplet around the edge, only cutting half which is a little tricksy, especially going round corners but worth it, I think. My, did I have to cut some small foam pads to raise it above the gold layer.

The card was, apparently, well received so you can't ask for more.

I have been eyeing Sue's new Striplets but I have actually bought 3 of the new Spellbinders Borders that operate like a Striplet. Soon as I get 5 minutes (New shifts again!!!) to play, I shall.

I haven't forgotten about the choccy peanut recipe. I will check if it's available on line to refer you by link (its a Nigella so I don't want to get sued for putting it on here)

For any of you who live near the NEC you may be interested to know about the World Duty Free Airport Sale in December. They have it every year and you can get some corking bargains on perfumes, handbags, cosmetics etc. Just visit the NEC website, register and print off your tickets. Its free to get in and so is the parking. To give you an idea of the savings, I've bought Radley handbags for £30 and perfume sets with RRPs of £90 for £25.

Anyhoo, that's me for today. Til next time, be good.

TTFN

Ang x

Let it Snow. . . . . . . . Well, Not Literally!!!

Good morning afternoon all.  Hope you are well.

Well, I don't know what's going on with Blogger This is the second post in a row that I have scheduled and Blogger has not published (and yes, I did check the date and time were correct).

Had to go out first thing so this is the first chance I've had to be at my laptop to sort it. I was going to re-schedule for tomorrow but not sure I trust it so I shall just apologise for it being late today and hand over to what I had already typed. . . . . Have a good day all. Ang x

Now, today's card is my first official foray into Christmas. I decided it was about time to play with my LiS die and as I said on a previous post, I'm experimenting with some different bow/ribbon bits.

The LiS was brushed with mica. I've used different colours, just tapped at random over the Versamarked die cut, then blended with a brush to give different shades (fixed with hairspray).

I cut a piece of acetate bigger than the aperture and to get the "snow" I dabbed a Tippex pen all over the back and let it dry. I then stuck the mica-ed die cut to the front and added some pearls.

Ingredients

White card

Blue card

Silver mirror card

Sue Wilson LiS die

SB Labels 25 die (Aperture)

SB Snowflake Pendant dies

X-Cut Snowflakes embossing folder

Acetate

Tippex

Mica powders

Silver satin ribbon

Pearls

I like the way this bow experiment turned out so I shall be making some more like this. I wanted it to look snowflakey (if this not a word, it should be lol!!!) and think it kinda does.

I think this will be going to our friends who live in Spain but will be visiting before Christmas.

Norah, just wanted to say no need to apologise chuck. It must have been an almighty scare for you all but hopefully everything will go smoothly for Kirsten from now on.

Pamellia, thanks for the red Krylon link matey.

Tina, thanks for popping by. Unfortunately, as I explained to Hazel, yours is one of the blogs I cant comment on, something to do with Google + apparently. I can look, but not touch (a bit like Colin Firth. . . . . .ooops, sorry, I digress)

And a truckle is a small waxed ball of cheese. . . . .sorry, can't remember who asked, maybe Michelle?

Now, onto the next tutorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Look familiar Patricia?. . . . . . . . . . .Hahahahahahaha!!!

TTFN

Ang x

Fuchsia Tutorial. . . . . . . .

Good morning folks. Hope you are all well. I still have the residue of a cold and have now passed it on to Mr Duck (who is, of course, thrilled) and he will, no doubt, pass it back to me. . . . .hurrah!!!

I would like to give a warm welcome to Rita. Thank you for joining our merry band. Rita has a lovely blog here.

Now, today is what passes for a tutorial in The Pond. For those of you who wanted to know how I did my fuchsias, I've done a step by step pictorial for you (sorry, I have no clue about the ins and outs of You Tube and videos). You may want to get a hot beverage at this point (or something stronger lol!!!)

These are the bits you will need. . . . . . .

Ingredients

Paper twine

Glue

Seed beads

Britannia Rose die (I have the medium size)

Embossing tool and mat

Pokey tool

Card of choice

  Cut 4 sets of petals and 2 of the calyx using the die.

 Shape the petals to curve inwards.

 

   Shape the calyxes to curve outwards.

   And this is what you have for one flower.

                      Glue the 2 sets of petals together, offsetting them so they look like this.

Pop your pokey tool through the hole so that the glue doesn't block the hole. Shape the petals downwards.

Glue the calyx to the top of the petals and pop the pokey tool through the hole again to stop the glue clogging the hole.

                                                   You then have the basic fuchsia.

For the stamens, take a piece of paper twine and thread it through a seed bead. (you could also use pre-made stamens)

Then thread this through the hole in the flower and add a dab of glue to the bottom of the seed bead to stick it to the calyx.

                                                  Fan out the end of the paper twine.

                                             Snip into the end to form several stamens.

                          Brush the tips of the stamens with ink and voila, you have a fuchsia!

For those of you who have made it to the end, I salute you! Blame those who asked for the tutorial lol!!!

Please excuse some of the photos as the light wasn't great and on occasion, on the pics where you can see may hand, I was one handed with the camera.

If there are any questions, just let me know and for those who didn't see dear Ita's question on my last post, can anyone help her with knitting (I'm as much use as a chocolate teapot with that)

You can contact Ita through her blog at http://ita-foodandcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ if you are able to offer any assistance.

Also, for those who asked about the Krylon Pens , they were £7.99 each from Inkylicious. They do mail order, which I think is £2.50 per order. I know they're not cheap but they are beautiful pens. Must see if I can source the red one that Pamellia mentioned.

Well, that's enough from me.

Next tutorial, how to get out of the back of a Fiat Grande Punto when you are over 5 ft 8" hahaha!!!

TTFN

Ang x

NEC Stash Nov 2014. . . . . . .and tales of debauchery

Good morning everyone. Well, how bad is this when the photos of new stash from the NEC have to spread onto two photographs lol!!!

At this point, I should say that the white substance in the bag on the second photo, is glitter. . . . . . . . honestly Officer!!!

The silver and copper Krylon's are as fab as the gold (see you at next weeks addiction meeting Pamellia lol!!!)

Another fabulous day, even though I was sniffing and sneezing through it. Christine and I met at lunch time for a schnack, a cup of tea (thanks Mrs H for my cuppa) and a natter. 

A good selection of stalls, although I did note a couple of my usual ones were not there. . . . . . . I had taken my last years Crafty Bob bag (he was not there this time) and wish I had a pound for everyone who asked me where he was.

What I didn't take a pic of was the waxed chive and onion cheese truckle and jar of blackberry chutney I bought for Mr D as a thank you (he kindly gave me some pennies to take as my Christmas pressie) I also got myself a hot chilli cheese truckle. . .yum, yum!

We stayed to the end then headed for the Harvester up the road to meet the Scottish Posse (Hazel, Kate and Patricia) and a special guest appearance from. . . . . . . drum roll. . . . . . NESTA!!!

Bless her, the windows on the bus were steamed up and she got off at the wrong stop so I nearly had to send the St Bernard with the brandy.

What a fantastic evening we had. The same waitress from last year was there but swiftly handed us over to a colleague (can't blame her, she's probably still in therapy after last year lol!!!) and once again we were seated at the back, away from the quiet folk. 

Lovely meal (especially with an email voucher for free starters/desserts, hurrah!!!). wonderful company and lots and lots and lots of hilarity.

The evening was over all too soon and can't believe we have to wait another year to meet up, wherever it may be next time. Mind you, the sight of Patricia trying to get out of the back of my car will stay with me for a while lol!!!

Sheila, wished I knew you were going on the Thursday as we could have said hello.

Norah, have I caught a gist from a comment I saw on Sue's blog, you're going to be a Grandma? If so, mega congrats, if not, I should've gone to Specsavers lol!!!

Well, that's me for today. Just to say, I have done the photos for the fuchsia tutorial and I shall try and get it on the blog this week (there are about 14 photos to accompany my waffle so you may need a strong coffee and matchsticks to get through it hahaha!!!)

I shall be at work today but hope you have a nice restful day.

TTFN

Ang x

Happy Diwali 2014. . . . . . . . . . .

Good morning my blogging chums. Hope all is well with you.

I shall be winging my way to the NEC this morning, hopefully, as I've been suffering from the mother of all colds. Christine Harrop is coming up and The Scottish Posse are flying down (I hope I don't give em a little extra something to take home with them or they won't be best pleased with me. . . . . . . .still, I like to share, even germs lol!!!

Shall meet Christine for a cuppa during the show, then we shall meet the girlies (and Nesta is coming too) for a meal in the evening at the local Harvester. So, if you're in Sheldon around 6pm. . . . . . .I would stay well away, hahaha!!!

Thank you to you and my HoC team mates for your lovely comments last time out; it does warm the cockles! (and ones cockles do need lots of warming at this time of year, lol!!!)

Now, today's card is bright, I know but that's what Diwali is all about. This is the card I made for Nesta and once again I went to my First Edition pads (I do have an unhealthy obsession with them and I know Hazel is not far behind lol!!!).

It had to be the Neroli as it really has an indian influence with the mandala style flowers and paisley patterns. I used the 8x8 and 6x6 pads for this one. These particular sheets have a lovely sheen and the red on them is shiny, hence my teaming the layers with red mirror card.

Have been playing with some different style bows lately too, so this is one of my efforts. . . . .

Ingredients

White card base

Red mirror card

SB Classic Diamonds

SB Blossom die (for the centre)

Sissix Squares

First Edition Neroli 8x8 and 6x6 pads

Red satin ribbon

Pearls

I know that it won't be everyone's cup of Darjeeling but I think it was suitable for the occasion and Nesta loved it (mind you, she is easily pleased lol!!!).

Well, wish me luck around the NEC. First stop will be Inkylicious for Silver and Copper Krylon pens to come and live with their Gold friend (sorry, Pamellia, the addiction has taken hold again) and some of their lovely stamps.

Have a great day whatever you are up to and be good.

TTFN 

Ang x

House of Cards November Challenge. . . . . . . . Sketch

Good morning everyone. Hope this finds you all ticketyboo (love that word) but if your boo isn't all that tickety, I hope it will be soon.

Thank you for your kind words about Lydia's pressies and yes she was a happy girlie. I love a bit of bead weaving when I get time (I'm no stranger to a Potawatomi Weave. . . the stitch I used for the hair clip).

Now, today its time for House of Cards November Challenge and the inspiration for you is this sketch. . . . . .

I raided my First Edition pads for the paper and didn't want to cover it too much as it twinkles in the light (which, of course, never shows up properly on snaps). A simple looking card but its the paper that shines, literally lol!!!

Ingredients

Cream base card

Pink Card

First Edition Desert Blooms 12x12 pad

Hobbycutz laser cut swirl embellishments

Crafters Companion sentiment stamp

Versamark ink pad

Victorian Velvet DI

Pink satin ribbon

Pearls

As usual, when using distress ink to stamp, I pre-dabbed the stamp with Versamark as I find it then holds the distress ink better.

I hope that you will join in the challenge or that you can pop over to House of Cards to see what everyone has created.

Also, if you have a few spare minutes, please pop over to Pamellia's blog here to see her Halloween House. It is truly amazing and her other creations are a delight too.

My shifts are supposed to be changing again next week to a more Duck friendly version. Hopefully they will stay that way so I will be keeping my webbed appendages crossed lol!!!

Jackie, I hope you have some alternative accommodation sorted. . . . . . .its too damp for your craft gear in a tent!!!

Have a great weekend folks (US GP highlights for me)

TTFN

Ang x