50 Shades of Grey. . . . . .(Not Maureen's New Hair Colour)

Good morning everyone. Hope the Sun is shining on your bit of the planet. Glorious day here yesterday and another set for today, hurrah!!!

Thank you for your lovely comments on my 4th Birthday post. Please don't forget to leave a comment on it to be in with a chance of winning a Paddle Prize. . . . . . click here if you missed it.

Now, today's card I made as I needed a guy card and also, out of a bit of devilment to enter a challenge. I'm not normally one to enter challenges but I had a bit of a chuckle about this one that I saw mentioned on Wendy and Karen's blogs for Craft Rocket. The theme is Inspired by a Book or Movie and I couldn't resist my cheeky take on it.

Ingredients

White and dark grey card

Spectrum Noir alcohol pens in 50 shades of grey (lol!!!)

CE Falling Snow embossing folder

Grey grosgrain ribbon, stamped with black archival ink

John Lockwood stamp

Black pearls

Well, it was either this or The Karma Sutra but Kate (Cuilliesocks) borrowed my copy a couple of years ago and I haven't had it back (probably explains why she hasn't had much sleep lol!!!)

Its all a bit of fun but I got a usable guy card out of it lol!!!

Chinese GP today (that's Formula One not the nationality of my doctor as someone thought once, hahaha!!!). Its highlights so I've got to stay away from the news or sports programmes until 2.30pm, so washing will be hung out early and a trip to Tesco done quick smart. Also, a trip to the bookies to collect my £40 Grand National winnings ...... Hurrah!

Still, doing ok at typing this and seeming to be in rhythm still. The arrhythmia nurse did get back in touch with me to check how I was and told me the consultant wanted me to come off one of my tablets. Bit scary, as you feel like you're then on the trapeze without part of the safety net but we'll see how it goes. If it causes me any problems, I'll be ripping someone's head off and spitting down their neck lol!!!

Still waiting for my liver and haemoglobin results and having a thyroid blood test tomorrow (ever felt like a second hand pin cushion lol???)

Hope those who got to Ally Pally had/have a great time. I'm keeping everything crossed for September.

Enjoy your Sunday.I'll be back on Wednesday with the start of some samples I made for John's Hochanda shows this week.

TTFN

Ang x

I'd like to enter this card into the Crafty Rocket Challenge #36 Inspired by a Book or Movie

And Darnells NBUS Challenge #11  Embossing folder is brand new.

4th Year Blogaversary. . . . . . . . . .

Good morning campers, Hi Di Hi !!!

Happy Blogaversary to me, Happy Blogaversary to me . . . . . . . . Yes, can you believe its 4 years today since my first fledgling post. There were no photos on the first post as I hadn't a clue what I was doing (some would say I still don't lol!!!).

Also, the very first person to leave a comment has never been back since . . . . . . . not sure what that says hahaha!!!

I am giving away a Paddle Prize to mark the auspicious occasion. Please see below.

Now, I thought it appropriate to show a birthday card to mark the occasion (and to give you a break from Christmas)

Ingredients

Cream and dark cream card

First Edition Family Ties papers (from 12x12 pad)

SB Curved Borders 2

SB Fancy Tags 1 (Framed)

SB Classic Ovals

John Lockwood Sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Peanut Brittle ink

Cream satin ribbon

Pearlage

Hopefully you can see the sparkle on this lovely paper.

Its been an eventful 4 years (aint it just!!!) but I have met some wonderful folk along the way. Mr Lockwood was the first person I actually met face to face 4 years ago this Summer. We overdosed on caffeine and chat at the food court in Fosse Park (caffeine, I remember you dear friend. . . . . .)

Then the Scottish Posse, as they used to be known, Kate, Patricia and Hazel along with Christine. Fortunately, Christine and I also get to meet up at the NEC and other local craft shows, health permitting.

There is also Wendywoo (Spanish Crafter), John's friend from Spain on a couple of occasions.

Iv'e also met up with Jan and Anne from Northampton and Joy, Pauline and Annette (John's Breedon ladies) at CE Towers when being John's glamorous assistant (I'm Debbie McGee to his Small Daniels).

I also am not forgetting Ann Oliver and the gruesome Sue-some (Olliesmam and Planet Susie) at the NEC and also, Karenlotty and Sandra at Ally Pally.

And last year, all the way from Livermore in California, the utterly hilarious Darnell, whilst on her UK Tour.

I also chat by email behind the scenes with some of you lovely ladies and hope that one day, we too can meet up . . . . . . Elaine, we'll be good when you decide to rent next door but remember our street's dress code of Lycra and/or pyjamas.

What a wonderful thing this blogging mularky can be eh???

To celebrate these 4 years and as a thank you for putting up with my inane ramblings about life, health and goofy neighbours, I am offering the following Paddle Prize . . . . . . . . 

I thought the die was quite appropriate as I want to say "Thanks for Everything".

To be in with a chance to go in the draw for the above, you need to be a follower and leave a comment on this blog post. I will get Mr D to do his pulling duties (Steady ladies!!!) on 19th April at 7pm so that gives you all 2 weeks to leave a comment.

On that note, I shall let you get on with your day. Once again, thanks for sticking around and for your ever thoughtful and encouraging comments.

Bless ya all !!!

TTFN

Ang x

Festive in Purple . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope you are all bright eyed and bushy tailed. As of typing, still appear to be in rhythm and fluid situation is easing. Still getting the odd rogue beat but otherwise ok.

Thank you for your comments on the last card. It was a bit different for me but once I got teddy bears in my head, I had to run with it.

Littlelamb. I don't mind you commenting at all. Thank you very much for taking the time. So polite so I'm not quite sure why you've been hanging around with Maureen lol!!!

Talking of whom, I'm not sure sticky pads will do. so I've sent a hoist.

Jackie and Kate, hope you had refreshing breaks. Welcome back.

Suzzie, Darnell and Karen I promise to keep on top of the situation and I am good about salt anyway. I don't add it to anything,  except a juicy sirloin steak. Sorry, that has to have a twist of Maldon on each side lol!!!

Yorkie Wendy, I always work on the principle, laugh and the World laughs with you . . . . . . fart, and you laugh alone. . . . . . 

Now, this is another little deep purple Christmas number, teamed with some silver mirror card. . . . . they do go well together, methinks, although the photo above doesn't look very purple. Trust me, it really is lol!!!

Ingredients

White and purple card

Silver mirror card

Sue Wilson Holly Octagonal Frame

Sue Wilson Snowflake Gemini

Docrafts Snowflake embossing folder

Dovecraft sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Grape Jelly ink

Pearlage

Still quite a flat card, although I think this one went to our next door neighbours.

Well, Flash has competition. An older neighbour 5 doors down from us has decided to do a bit of cycling.

Now, he is a rather portly fellow (in his 60s, about 5ft 9 and I'd guess around 20 stone) and I commend him for embarking on a fitness regime but Lycra is very unforgiving!!!

There was a fluorescent yellow skin tight Lycra top (safety first eh? Not that you could miss him in broad daylight) and shockingly tight Lycra leggings. . . . . . . even Linford Christie would have given these a swerve. Mind you, did remind me that we've got some walnuts lurking in the cupboard left over from Christmas.

I can only hope that he found a comfortable saddle position as he wobbled up the road, waved off by his wife.

Will have to think of a name for him if he is going to continue. 

Now you have that lovely image in your head, I shall wish you all a happy and healthy week.

TTFN

Ang x

MAWTT Challenge 42 . . . . . . . .

Good morning guys and gals. Hoping all is good with you.

Today its time for another challenge at MAWTT. Its Emma's first time as host and she has chosen the theme . . . . . . . . . . . . 

INTO THE WOODS

That should give you all lots of scope so hope you can join in the fun or at least pop over to the blog and see what the other gals have come up with.

Now, my first thought when I saw the theme was, Teddy Bears Picnic as that's how my weird thought process works (I can think of a lot worse things that could be going on in the woods that you wouldn't want to put on a card lol!!!).

I found this lovely image and worked the rest of the card around it.

Ingredients

White and yellow card

Image from internet (no credit or copyright info shown on it)

Embossalicious Tumbling Leaves embossing folder

John Lockwood sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Bamboo Leaves ink

Yellow organza ribbon

Bling

Simple but cute (a bit like Mr D lol!!!).

It would be lovely to see some familiar names entering the challenge so get yourselves over to MAWTT.

Well, I got in touch with the arrhythmia nurse who said I wouldn't get a follow up appointment for 3-4 months, unless I go back into A/Fib again. When I queried about the continuing fluid and breathless issues, she said things would take a while to settle and to get more water tablets via my GP.

Have to say, she had been tripping over herself to be helpful prior to the Cardioversion (probably as I had been emailing the consultant directly) but now it came across as a "you're in rhythm so bu@@er off and annoy someone else" so I did remind her they were supposed to be monitoring my haemoglobin and liver function (one of the tablets I am on is particularly nasty with its side effects) and I have now had a blood test form from her.

Other than that, I'm still getting the odd rogue beat and with the extra water tablet, my Usain Bolt like dashes to the loo have extended from morning/early afternoon into afternoon and evening. But, there's those worse off than me so I'll only grumble a little bit.

Jackie, I thought that McLaren's new livery was naff until I saw the pink Force Indias.

SuzzieQ, I do try and elevate the legs as much as possible but its not the most attractive of positions and not conducive to being up and down like a yo-yo to the loo lol!!! You and Darnell asked about the salt intake. No one has said anything about that but I try and watch that anyway. I have been munching on bananas to keep my potassium up.

Marion, my goodness you are going to be a busy gal. Click here and here to see 2 golden wedding cards I've done if it helps inspire (or is that me being cheeky poking my nose in lol???) 

That's me for now. Be good everyone.

TTFN

Ang x

Swirls and Snowflakes & Crafty Purchases . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. How is everyone today? Apologies to anyone awaiting an email or blog comment from me over the past few days as our internet has been playing silly beggars. Its been like Russian Roulette as to whether there is a connection. I will make amends in the next couple of days as it seems to have settled as I type this.

I still appear to be in rhythm (anyone whose seen me dance would never have thought I'd be saying those words lol!!!) but still got puffy feet and still getting breathless so will be getting in touch with my Arrhythmia Nurse today. May need the water tablets upping, which will be interesting as I may just need to just take a magazine, sandwiches and a flask with me and stay in the bathroom for 4-5 hours lol!!!

I did manage to get over to Daisy's to see John on Friday. I took him some lunch, so he was a happy boy and could just go home afterwards and crack on with his prep for his upcoming demos. I did go a bit nuts over the sales stuff (photos at end) but couldn't resist.

Now, today's card is all white (even in a Michael Barrymore sense) with just a hint of silver. Didn't think this one needed a sentiment, even though I'm always telling John off about not putting them on his cards lol!!!

Ingredients

White card

Silver mirror card

CE Frosty Swirls embossing folder

SB Snowflake Pendant 2013 dies

Silver Krylon Pen

Pearlage

There is a certain crispness about a predominantly white card, I think. 

FoxyG and Wendy, hope you enjoyed your get together surprising your Mum.

Maureen, you always make my cheeks quiver (the ones on my face, with laughter). Yes, Patricia, she is a one but in a good way, lol!!!

Jenny, you're quite right, I have enough bladder issues without jumping up and down lol!!!

Jackie, hope you had a lovely break with your Mum.

Ok, confession time. Here's what I bought on Friday . . . . . . . . . . .

And . . . . . . . . . .

I know, I know, I have the EEC First Edition pad mountain but I hadn't got these ones (well, I do have Family Ties but only the 12x12). I didn't mean to leave the prices on but those stickers were not budging easily and I wanted to get them photographed.

Now, the prices on the stuff is the 50% off price. These items were then half priced again so anything priced £5 was actually £2.50. You can see why I was like a kid in a candy shop now.

Everything in the 2 photos came to £26 . . . . . . now that did excite me!

Of course, Mr D surveyed my purchases with a quizzical look saying "Why have you bought all those pads when you don't use the shelf full you've got?" Crafters, forgive him, he's still learning, bless him.

A marvellous start to the new F1 season, especially not having to put up with a smug Hamilton in the post race interviews (sorry Wendy but I just can't take to the fella). 

On that note, I shall wish you all a happy week.

TTFN

Ang x

Even More Poinsettias . . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope you are well and not experiencing minus temperatures.

We had a lot of rain and grey skies yesterday until about 5pm, then beautiful sunshine.

Still feeling tired at times but plodding along and hoping I awake this morning still ok as last time, my rhythm went loopy again in the early hours of the Thursday morning. Mentally, I think I need to get past this point to start feeling more positive.

Now, the Christmas theme continues with more poinsettias. This looks quite dimensional but was actually quite flat-ish, though I suspect that Mr Postie had those flowers flattened even more by the time it got opened lol!!!

Ingredients

Cream card

Rich red card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

CE Frosty Swirls embossing folder

SB Layered Poinsettias

Indigo Blu sentiment stamp

Memento Dew Drop Rhubarb Stalk ink

Pearlage

In case you were wondering (and apologies if you weren't lol!!!) how I got the gap in the embossing, it was as simple as embossing the top and bottom bits of that layer. OK granny, stop sucking those eggs lol!!!

I think there are about 5 more festive cards to go. I thought I'd warn you before you start thinking, not another b#@@dy Christmas card lol!!!

Hoping to meet up with John tomorrow. He's doing a workshop at a local craft shop which is closing down to concentrate on doing shows and on line trade and bonus is they are having a half price sale too. As I didn't get to the NEC, it would be nice to get to look around some crafty bits.

Before I go, Foxyg, hope hubby is still doing well. I do check with Wendywoo now and again.

SuzzieQ, I think it helped me helping the other lady. My random act of kindness for that day lol!!! 

Jenny, you've sussed me out. I'm CEO of Foam Pads R Us lol!!! Seriously, before I left The Range, I made good last use of my staff discount and bought a load of packs of foam tape and pads. That was 2 years ago (blimey, where did that go ???) and I've still got plenty left as I only use enough not to get saggy bits (Maureen. . . . . .No!!!)

June, I could sleep for England at the minute lol!!!

Wendy (Yorks Butterfly), I'm super excited about the weekend. Will miss Jenson Baby but I think it will be an interesting season. Jackie D and Wendy will hopefully be watching too (unless Wendy is on her flight at that point).

Well that's me for now. Be good.

TTFN

Ang x

Festive After Fryday. . . . . . .

Good morning all. Hope you are full of the joys of Spring? (I know its Monday but try your best).

All went well on Friday and as of typing this on Sunday afternoon, still in NSR as far as I'm aware and hoping it stays that way. Only needed one shock this time and thankfully didn't feel it this time, so the burns aren't as bad, though the one on my back itches like mad.

There were 2 older ladies in front of me (one was 85 bless her, and the other was maybe late 50's). The 85 year old was quite jovial but I could tell the other lady was petrified. Her husband didn't have a sympathetic bedside manner either. In fact, I could have shoved his IPad somewhere that would have required surgical removal several times.

I didn't feel quite as nervous this time so I chatted to her about it and she seemed to calm down and settle.

Apparently, I was snoring when I got wheeled back, much to everyone's amusement but I blame the fluid lol!!! Finally got home about 7pm in time for John's last show.

As I couldn't take my water tablet Friday, I didn't sleep Friday night due to the fluid on my chest but with a 3 hour nap Saturday afternoon and a good 10 hours on Saturday night, I feel better now.

Thank you again for your well wishes, emails and cards and thank you Patricia for coming out of your blogging break to send good wishes. Keep up the positive thoughts so that I can hopefully stay in rhythm. 

Now, back to another easy batch, postal friendly card.

Ingredients

White and cobalt card

Silver mirror card

Crafters Companion Christmas Jumper embossing folder (Love this)

SB Heirloom Ornanments 2010

BeBunni snowflake embossing folder (on the baubles)

Dovecraft sentiment

Memento Dew Drop ink

Teeny blue bling

Pearlage

Well, that's me for now as still feel a bit tired.

Thank you again and hopefully all will still be well on my next post.

TTFN

Ang x

Poinsettias, The Sequel of the Sequel . . . . . .

Good morning all. Hope everyone's fettle is fine? Happy St Patrick's Day to those who celebrate.

Still running with Christmas but a more ornate one this time (and those pesky poinsettias and holly flourish again lol!!).

I love the purple card. It was from a craft show but no make/brand on the wrapper.

Ingredients

Cream and purple card

Silver mirror card

SB Labels 18

SB Layered Poinsettias

Cheery Lynn Holly Flourish

Sheena Douglass holly embossing folder

Crafters Companion sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Grape Jelly ink

Silver Krylon pen (for the veins on the poinsettia bracts and on the pearls)

Pearlage

I always thought purple and gold went well together but purple and silver looks just as good, methinks.

Well, today's the day again. Not looking forward to it (well, you'd have to be a masochist to be looking forward to it) but it needs to be tried again so try we must.

To be honest, if they told me standing on my head, butt naked, flower strategically placed, whistling the National Anthem, in the middle of Trafalgar Square, would help me, I'd do it (now that would get my own back on those bloomin pigeons lol!!!)

Bridget, they do it under sedation but last time they didn't give me enough, I felt it and screamed "Owwwwww" lol!!!

Marion, don't get falling over with your cross legged walk lol!!!

Maureen, I wouldn't dare be disapproving, lol!!! I do love the elegance of the DL but I'm tight as a fish's oojit and want my moneys worth out of Royal Mail lol!!!

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. I do thank you from the heart of my bottom.

Will let you know how it goes as soon as I can and apologies if I don't get round to visiting blogs for a few days.

TTFN

Ang x

Variations on a Theme . . . . . . .

Good morning lovely bloggers. Hope all is good with you and yours.

Warning, picture heavy post.

Have had an up and down few days but managed to meet up with John for breakfast yesterday morning. Had a great catch up and a nice chow down.

Now, today we have a threefer,  a variation on the theme of the last card but in DL format and a couple of others . I don't normally do DL cards and making these, I remembered why. You use pretty much the same amount of useful card to create a smaller card, that still costs the same as an A5 card to post!!!

You live and learn. . . . . . 

Ingredients

Cream card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

Sue Wilson Snowflake Striplet

Dovecraft sentiment

Versamark

CE Gold Detail embossing powder

Pearlage

Ingredients

Cream card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

CE Snowflake Lattice embossing folder

SB 2013 Snowflake Pendant dies

Dovecraft sentiment

As for the stunning card above, I cannot claim the credit for as it was sent to me by the lovely Wendy (Yorks Butterfly) for her paddle prize and showing part of her prize (the Grate Works die) to great effect. Wendy doesn't have a blog so I asked if she would mind me showing it. 

Isn't it a picture? Thank you again Wendy.

Well, who knew that wearing your jim jams to go shopping was such a popular pastime. 

Elaine and Nancy, it comes to something when a store has to put up a sign telling folk to not come in their nightwear and perhaps charging them will do the trick (Nancy, hope you got to the SECC or to see John if your'e in that neck of the woods)

Mrs A, she was wearing slippers (that shamefully did not match the pyjamas lol!!!)

Donna and June, thank you for bringing the images of Walmart shoppers in to my life. After viewing them on Google, I am seeking therapy to rid my memory of such hideous images lol!!!

Thank you all for your best wishes for Friday (or Fryday as John and I named it after getting burns on my chest and back last time).

Its a mixture of emotions (like watching your ex drive off a cliff in your brand new car) as not looking forward to it,but wanting to have it done to try and get me back to normal . . . . . . well, as normal as I can get lol!!!

Hopefully I should get a post on for Friday so hope to see you then.

TTFN

Ang x