Princess Manga

Morning,
OMG I can hardly contain myself - just one more sleep until GJWTHF2, woohoo


But enough of that for now, I want to share a wee card I made for this lovely wee girl that I know.

Image: Manga Princess from Sugar Nellie, coloured with promarkers and trias, sakura white gel pen and glamour dust.
Papers are all Kaisercraft, SU border punch


I'd like to enter her into: 
Sugar Bowl - sketch
Gingersnap Creations - turquoise, blue & purple
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Scrap Creations - its  a girl thing


This morning I'm off to meet Kath at The Papeterie, to get everything set up for GJWTHF tomorrow. We're getting so excited now - can't wait.


Just a wee heads-up for anyone in the Dundee area, I may have some news for you very soon :)

GJWTHF2 - Sneaky Peeks

Thought I'd share a cheeky wee sneaky peek with you today of what my workshop at GJWTHF2 on Saturday is going to be...

Did you see Kath and Anne's sneaky peeks the other day? if not then you'd better hop over to their blogs and have a nosey.


It's only 2 more sleepies until GJWTHF2 at The Papeterie and we're getting very excited now. Can't wait to see some faces I know and some that I don't yet. 
If you want to keep up to date with future GJWTHF craft days then we have a facebook page where we post all our news, so please feel free to join us there. This is also where we'll be posting pics after Saturday 


Back tomorrow with my Sugar Bowl entry :)

Christmas Candy - Winner

Good afternoon,
I feel like a manic thing today, seem to be running around doing 5 million things at once.... exaggerate? me? 
Chasing up appointments, making important phonecalls, catching up with dad on the phone after their holidays, taking Willow to an appt, sorting out paperwork blah blah blah
And now that I'm home and the kids are home I'm tring to sort out homework, schoolbags packed for tomorrow, uniform looked out, and supervising them tidying their rooms cos dad is home tomorrow.
Would you believe the girls have grown out of their school tights already? so had to stock up on bigger sizes for them both - only nipped to Matalan for their tights and came home 50 quid lighter arhgh!!
Anyway, am boring myself to tears here... you'll want to know who won the advent calendar.. ok drum roll please....

the winner is number 29 which is

Lilackat

so congrats Kat - and I'll take your prize with me on Saturday :)


big thankyou to everyone who entered and helped to spread the word - I'll be having some more candy soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Christmas Candy

THIS IS A STICKY - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE RECENT POSTS :)


Hiya, I thought it was about time I gave away some candy - and seeing as I'm in full Xmas flow, craftily speaking I thought I would give away one of these super cute Tudor style Martha Stewart Advent Cottage Calendar kits.


All you have to do is leave your name in the inlinks tool at the bottom of this post and please copy this pic to your sidebar with a link back to my blog, to help spread the word. Only those with blogs can enter - if you don't have a blog, it's easy to create one.


The candy closes Wednesday 28th September at 12 noon GMT.
Good Luck 

Postponed!

My "next step" class at The Papeterie tomorrow (27th September) has been postponed until next week. It will now go ahead at 10am on Tuesday 4th October.
To reserve your place please call The Papeterie on 01224 802337


This class is at aimed at people who want to move on from beginner classes and learn crafting techniques. I will be concentrating on a different set of techniques at each class. 
For the first class we'll be concentrating on using die-cutting machines to emboss card and other materials and putting together these cards...

The next class will be featuring heat embossing, sneaky peeks coming soon :)

Splash

I was scrolling down my blog the other day and realised there was a distinct lack of me actually making anything that I could show - so I thought I'd rectify that with a bit of an instant digi image hit.


I'm sure most of you will already know about Krista's new Saturated Canary digi images, and the challenge blog has just gone live over the weekend too, so for a quick fix I decided to colour Pearl, A Mermaid in.

Image: Pearl, A Mermaid from Saturated Canary Digis coloured with Promarkers and Flexmarkers - to get the scaly type effect on her tail, I touched the blender pen to the paper and lifted off, repeating as required.
Core'dinations card, lacy ovals and oval nesties - I wove some Anita's white organza ribbon round the lacy oval, bling clusters from The Papeterie, papers are Tilda that I got in a candy from Elaine, and I doodled the faux stitching. Pearl pen for the accents in her hair.


I'd like to enter her into:
Addicted to Stamps - stitching
Paper Sundaes - anything goes
My Sheri Crafts - sew simple
If the Shoe Fits Scrap it - Bejewelled blue
Outlawz - Anything Goes
Colour Create - Lime, Aqua and White
For Your Inspiration - photo

GJWTHF2 - Sneaky Peeks

Well I had planned to show you this sneaky peek earlier today but things didn't go according to plan. My photo manipulation program decided to seize up and nothing short of a reboot would get it moving again. Anyway, I won't bore you with excuses.
As you can see by the ticker at the top of my sidebar there is only 6 more sleeps until Girls Just Want To Have Fun 2, and the excitement is building.
So here's my workshop all 34 kitted up and ready to boogie....

well, you didn't seriously think I was gonna give anything away did you?
more sneaky peeks over at chez Kath. And keep your eyes peeled on Anne's and Kath's blogs this week for more, and I might even have another soon ; )

The Sew Room - workshops

You saw my post about Anne's beautiful new shop yesterday? well she's just announced details of her first workshop..
fancy making one of these..

then pop over to Anne's blog for all the details

Sew Impressive

Morning folks,
well if you've been over at Kath's blog this morning you will already know where I was yesterday, but if not then I'll tell you. Kath and I went out to visit our GJWTHF buddy Anne now that she has opened her very own shop.... 

THE SEW ROOM

44 Main Street

Alford

Aberdeenshire

an exciting new retail sewing destination,

where you can create and make in the studio workroom,

support and inspiration always on hand.

workshops , sew socials and private tuition.

not forgetting retail therapy

want to have a sneaky look?....

 just the cutest pin cushions ..... ever!

 Isn't it just beautiful?
And the ever "sew" talented Anne is going to be running fabulous workshops - details to follow.
Just look at the fabulous canvas Kath gave Anne as a shop-warming present, isn't it amazing?

 I'm just back from having a lovely coffee with Elaine in Stonehaven - oh life is hard ;) so I guess I better go do some housework :(

Next Step Classes

Today I'm going to be having a wee trip to The Papeterie to get some bits and bobs to finish kitting for GJWTHF and for my Next Steps class next Tuesday. And I'll be meeting up with one of my GJWTHF partners-in-crime, Kath so I think I might have to take some mini muffins for her, Charlotte and Rachel the Elf. And a little birdie tells me there are some new goodies in mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.


I'll also be dropping off the samples for my Next Steps class - to book a place just call The Papeterie on 01224 802337.
As I mentioned last week, this first class is concentrating on embossing with die-cutting machines...

I Don't Like Mondays

Sir Bob definitely had a point all those years ago - yes I know I'm showing my age there, and all you youngsters probably have no clue what I'm waffling about.


Nose back to the grindstone today, Faith gets a wee reprieve from school this morning to go and pick up her new glasses and if I remember I might nip in past one of the charity shops for a quick rummage.
And after I've dropped her back at school I'll be getting busy with the kitting for next weeks embossing class.


So I better not spend too long on blogger, so I'll leave you with a pic of the two pests who were keeping me company while I crafted yesterday afternoon - cos of course there's no show without Punch!

as you can see, they had a bit of a jammie day :)

Inspiration Showcase - progress

I'm actually amazed that I've managed to fit this class in - between the usual house stuff, kid stuff, kitting for GJWTHF and doing samples and kitting for my class on the 27th. But that's the beauty of this class, because each project is just wee, it takes no time at all :)


I shared the first 2 rows of my canvas with you the other day and today I'm sharing the next 2 rows. Now I'm certainly no neat freak, by any stretch of the imagination, but i have always been a little reluctant to get down and dirty with Distress Inks, well..... you'll be pleased to know I'm now over that, thanks to Jennifer's "finger inking" technique - certainly not one for the faint hearted lol

Row 3 - Distress Ink/Stain techniques
Row 4 - Other than paper and inks techniques


Of course what would the Distress Inks techniques day be without a guest appearance from King Tim Holtz himself with a clever technique using the new Distress Stains - which I'll be trying out as soon as I invest in some more stains - I only have one :(
I mentioned in my post the other day that Jennifer is encouraging students to use what they already have - rather than rushing out to buy new supplies and to illustrate this point.... 2 of the techniques in row 4 used Memento markers, well I only have 2 and they are Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa because I use them for touching up stamps that haven't stamped out correctly or for freehand drawing images that I'll be colouring with promarkers. So what did I have instead... well my kids vandalised my old Whispers markers so they got binned a while back... hmmm - well I dusted off my forgotten about Letraset Aquamarkers and wow, they work a treat.


Well I guess I better go and make a start on dinner, then hopefully I'll get the kids off to bed nice and early after their baths tonight so I can snuggle up on the settee with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 that arrived from Love Film yesterday :)

Inspiration Showcase

hiya, I thought I'd share something a wee bit different with you today. I signed up for the Inspiration Showcase online techniques class by Jennifer McGuire after seeing it mentioned on Tim Holtz's blog
It's terrific value for money - 2 weeks online classes for $19 which works out at just over £12 and once the class is over you will have lifetime access to all the class materials and instructions - you'll find all the info here. 
Today is day 5 so we'll be learning some Distress Ink/Stain techniques for row 3, but I thought I'd show you my progress so far...

Row 1 featured 7 different resist techniques
Row 2 featured embossing, die-cutting and punching


As well as featuring these techniques and showing us alternative ways of using those techniques, Jennifer has lined up some special guests to show us some techniques including 2 of my favourites Shari Carroll and Tim Holtz.
I think the thing I like most about this online class is the fact that you can use what you already have - although Jennifer and her guests have provided comprehensive supply lists, Jennifer does say that you should use what you have rather than buy everything on the list. And so far I've only had to get some glossy paper (The Papeterie do one that works just the same as Ranger Glossy Paper but is way cheaper).

New Classes and a New Shop

Newsflash :)
I can finally reveal that I'll be starting regular classes (hopefully) at The Papeterie in Aberdeen this month. I'll be doing some "next step" card classes, with each class concentrating on a specific technique or techniques.
The classes will be aimed at those who want to move on from the very basics and learn some papercraft techniques that they can take away and use at home.
Here's a sneaky peek at one of the cards we'll be making - they won't all be xmas cards though.

The first class will be on Tuesday the 27th September from 10am - 12noon at The Papeterie, will cost £15 and we'll be concentrating on embossing with die-cutting machines.
You should take along a basic kit e.g, trimmer, scissors, double-sided tape/glue and other favourite tools.
To reserve your place please call Charlotte or Rachel the Elf at The Papeterie on 01224 802337
If there is sufficient interest I'll be running the classes fortnightly.


And more exciting news from one of my fellow GJWTHF partners in crime, Anne....

Introducing

the sew room

opening soon

at

44 main street

alford

an exciting new retail sewing destination,

where you can create and make in the studio workroom,

 support and inspiration always on hand.

 workshops , sew socials and private tuition.

not forgetting retail therapy.

The view from the opposite direction ........

The Retail Space ......

and the prep so far......

The past few weeks have been a complete whirlwind and yes I am opening a shop in Alford.

I hope you will come and share my workspace.

Hope to have the doors open next Thursday, followed by an opening party at the beginning of October,

After Girls Just Want to have Fun .

**********

Am excited to be stocking

Annie Sloan Fabric and Chalk Paint

so  workshops have been launched in conjunction with Moira,

details on the Rustiques blog

here

All the shop fittings are being chalk painted,

so still lots to do.

************

Sass and Belle stock arrived today !!!!

Love it.

***********

Back soon with more updates

Anne xxx

Happy 12th Birthday Scott

Happy Saturday!
My first born is 12 today, I can't believe it's 12 years since I went into labour 7 weeks early and was in complete denial lol And who would have thought that that tiny wee bundle weighing 3lbs 5.5oz would turn into the strapping young man he is now.
This is Scott 12 years ago today...

that was the polaroid they took of him in the neonatal unit, to give to me until I was able to go see him. In fact I'm getting a bit emotional thinking about it.
Anyway, this is my big strapping lad now...

I'll show off some more pics tomorrow cos we're still mid-birthday lol
But in the meantime I thought I'd share the cards Willow and I made for him, here's Willow's one...

 Willow has used Smitty Schoolboy digi from Saturated Canary Digis, and coloured him with her promarkers. She cut off one of the petals from a glittered foam flower she bought at the House of Sugar last weekend and used that as a sun.


And here's my card...

Image: Smitty Schoolboy from Saturated Canary Digis, coloured with promarkers and flexmarkers, the "son" stamp is papermania, paper is MS and star EF from The Papeterie


Better go find 12 candles for the cake, see ya!

Bad Blogger, manic catch-up again

Well hello there strangers, have you missed me? I've had a wee bit of a blogging break - what'd'ya mean you hadn't noticed???
ok so what have I been up to? well........
there are loads of things being planned that I can't tell you about yet, but as soon as I can - you'll be the first to know.
And if you're on my Facebook then you'll know that I had a wee jaunt up to the North coast of NE Scotland with the family. I had been booked to teach and demonstrate Promarkers to the Aberdeenshire Craft Group in Banff for several months, so last-minute-Annie here decided to make a weekend of it up in Moray which meant I could finally make a visit to the world-famous House of Sugar!
So we set off on Friday night after Willow had been at Rainbows, and we landed in Hopeman just after 9pm. I'd booked a caravan at the Station Caravan Park there and this is the view we woke up to on Saturday morning...

The beach is gorgeous, Graham was gutted he hadn't taken his r/c cars to play with.
Anyway, we spent Saturday morning in Elgin - it's been quite a few years since I was there and always brings back memories of when I was in the Air Cadets and fell for a Rock Ape at RAF Lossiemouth.
Moving swiftly on.... 

And on Saturday it was time to visit the home of Sugar Nellies... and it was fab - I could've quite merrily stayed there all day. Karen, if you're reading this, you should consider yourself very special - this is the first and only time graham has ever set foot in a craft shop!
Willow and Faith both grabbed a basket each and managed to fill them - Graham censored them, not enough though as they still cost me a fortune. And I think Karen's lugs were dirling from Faith yapping at her.

And it was fab to see some wonderful ladies that I've met before: Karen of course, Tina, Erika and Jenny and some new faces - Christel and her friend (sorry, forgot your name), Jane and of course Kate - and anyone else I've missed (honestly, I have the memory of a goldfish) It's so weird when you're in a craft shop and someone comes up and says "excuse me, are you wiccababe?" :)
So after all that excitement it was back to the caravan to relax, play with our new goodies and have something to eat - and of course go exploring on the beach...

Then on Sunday, we were up and off along the coast to Banff. While I was off teaching the lovely ladies some colouring techniques, Graham took the kids to the Macduff Aquarium. Now I have to tell you a wee story here.... Faith has the same ill-trickit **insert evil** sense of humour as me, so I told her to ask one of the young ladies who work there if Starfish have bums. And of course she did, so the girl in question took Faith by the hand and showed her exactly where starfish bums were and what they looked like without batting an eyelid.
He also took them to the famous Spotty Bag shop and bought a whole load of tat.


I had a super time with the ladies of the Aberdeenshire Craft Group - it's always a joy to teach people who are so keen to learn, and they all produced fantastic results and I just want to thank them for the prettiest thankyou card they gave me, and the carrot cake was YUMMY! Hopefully I'll see you all again soon :)