Manicstamper

A Card....Now There's A Novelty!!!

2012-01-24T19:25:00.000Z

After spending several days trying to avoid the pain of this flaming infection which is hanging about a bit I just had to do something so I went off upstairs and made some really simple Baptism cards.
Flourish stamp is from a Prima set.
Diecut cross is an old Ellison die.
Cross charm from The Works.
Sentiment ticket was made on the computer.

The wedding order is just about finished and once it's collected next week I can get back to making more cards........hurray. I couldn't make wedding stuff regularly. It drives me mad to make a half dozen of cards all the same let alone a hundred.

Miss Doodle has cheered this old mamma up no end today. She is such a little chatterbox and is asking questions all day long and amuses herself for quite long periods now with her little games.
Her favourite toy for Christmas was the cleaning trolley we got for her with it's mop and bucket and sweeping brushes etc. I hasten to add that she is not daft enough to offer her services as a Mrs Mop as mamma still has to clean up after she has gone home. She uses the trolley to push her two dolls around on or she will set out her teaset on it and give us all tea and pretend cake. She is such a joy.

Still waiting for the builder to come and start the bathroom and I am getting a bit annoyed now. I want to get it done and out of the way as I have several other large jobs that I would like to get done but daren't start as I don't want to spend the money earmarked for the bathroom. Soooo frustrating. I'm going to ring him again tomorrow I think and ask for a start date.

Just off to finish the tidying up and then I have some food I need to prepare for tomorrow night's meal. So no crafting for me tonight then.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Bleurgh!!!

2012-01-19T16:19:00.000Z

What I thought was a cold turned into some sort of infection in my sinuses. Gawd I have never felt so ill in my life. I have managed to soldier through looking after Doodle and all the household stuff but my spare time has been spent huddled on the sofa feeling very sorry for myself indeed.
Seem to be on the road to recovery now. I can smell and taste a little and I have managed a bit of time upstairs this morning finishing off the Valentine cards which should have gone down to the shop last week. Never mind they are in now and I have started on Christening cards. It's one card that always gets forgotten and the only time I make them is to order........not no more...... I have loads part done which will get finished after I have fed the troops.

Miss Doodle will be turning two next month and I should think we will be having a party as we did last year. She loves parties so I expect it will be great fun and after the success of the 'mummy' cake I am thinking I will make a big cake this year instead of cupcakes.........if I am asked of course.

Right best go and check on dinner.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Oh My Word!!!

2012-01-14T10:37:00.002Z

Well.....I am absolutely blown away by all the emails and messages asking me not to stop blogging. I would never have thought that people were interested much in my daily life. It was just something I was blogging for my own pleasure.
So I will leave the blog up and post as and when I can but it will probably become more of a life blog with crafty posts now and again. I will also try and keep my camera to hand more to take pics of things to make posts a bit more interesting for you.

I have had a couple of questions about potted cheese.
At family gatherings I like to have a good cheeseboard with a wide variety of different cheeses for people to try. This year I had some beautiful cheeses from Tesco including rum and raisin fudge, orange and biscotti, apricot, mango etc along with the usual cheddar, stilton, brie and camembert. The only bad choice I made was an ale and mustard cheese which was disgusting and got thrown out.
As always though there were leftovers which probably would have stayed in the fridge until they got binned so I decided to do something with them.
My potted cheese can be made with just about any combination of cheeses. Here's what I used-:

A chunk of cheddar
A chunk of Cotswold with chives and onions
A smaller chunk of stilton
1 small onion
Some double cream
Butter
Chop the cheese into small pieces and place in a food processor with the onion. Blitz until the cheese is broken down and the onion finely chopped.
Add cream a little at a time, blitzing after each addition, until you have a soft paste with no lumps of cheese visible.
Spoon into a container but don't fill right to the top.
Melt the butter and spoon over the top of the cheese to seal it.
Serve with crackers or french bread.......it's yummy.
I also made some with the sweet cheeses but added chopped dates instead of onion........it was gorgeous.

We are a bit of a sickly household here at the moment. DD has had a cough and a cold since last September and it just won't shift, Miss Doodle has something called Slapped Cheek Syndrome....who makes these names up......doesn't that sound awful. She looks very red and blotchy but she is not really poorly thank goodness. And me......just when I could do without it I have been side swiped by a rotten cold which is not surprising with all the germs relishing the mild weather we have been having.
I was quite pleased to wake up to a heavy frost this morning and stood outside breathing in the sharp, cold air.....bliss!!!
Anyway I am off to rustle up a tuna and pasta salad for DD to take to work tonight and then I am off upstairs to carry on with the prep of some wedding invites I am in the middle of making.
See you all soon.
Love
Sheila-x-

Sadly!!!

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000Z

I have decided to stop blogging for a while and will be removing the blog from public view in a week.
Being called Manicstamper people expect to see stamping and I'm afraid at the moment I am not getting much time to do stamping as I used to do it and I think that readers are getting a poor deal visiting here to find a post telling that yesterday I did painting and potato printing with Ruby and made potted cheese and other such domestic stuff.
I am hoping that there will come a time when I can get back to doing what I love and start up the blog again but for now I'll just say goodbye and thanks so much to everyone who has visited regularly.
Love
Sheila-x-

Valentine!!!

2012-01-08T16:59:00.000Z

Just a quick and easy Valentine card using embossing folders and a Martha Stewart punch.

From my heart stamp is Hero Arts I think but not sure who's the Valentine stamp is.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Ooooh Me Aching.......!!!

2012-01-08T09:44:00.000Z

......everything. Arms, legs, back......you name it and it aches. It's my own fault because I had an attack of the domestics yesterday and did a thorough clean up job on the kitchen. Everything out, cupboards scrubbed.....yes even the tops of them. A shufty round and hey presto, a nice tidy kitchen and one completely crackered Manic. Ah well it won't need doing to quite that degree for a while now.
I did get a little time in the evening to make a few cards and I am hoping that Mr Manic is cooking today so that I can get a bit more time up there but it will only be until tea time as I am having an overnight guest tonight in the shape of a Miss Doodle. She has just gone into a big girl bed and her mummy and daddy are not getting much sleep so I am giving them a break.
Should be back later with some pics.......if things go to plan.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

32?!!!

2012-01-02T23:11:00.000Z

I am soooo dead in the morning when DD opens this card for her birthday......lol!!!
Can't quite get my head round the fact that she is 32.....how did that happen?
She has the lovely surprise of a Kindle for her pressie...not really my cup of tea. I prefer the real thing but it's what she had mentioned that she would like and these days it's getting harder to buy for her as she pretty much buys what she wants as she goes along.
There will also be a cake....which I should have been making tonight but me poor old limbs are aching after a busy day rushing around so it will get done first thing in the morning.
I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a messy play day as Doodle had lots of crafty things for Christmas so there could be glueing, painting and all sorts going on.
Well these achey old bones are headed for bed now. I've had so many late nights over the last week and now I have to get back into my routine of going a bit earlier to be able to get up for Doodle Bird. Can't wait to see her as I haven't seen her since last Sunday with DDIL's family being up visiting. I like to leave them to spend some time together seeing as I see her pretty much most days.

Products used for the card are-:
Dinosaur Safari download by Misty Cato from Sweet Shoppe Designs.
Flowers-Prima.
Numbers-Basic Grey. Colored with a permanent marker.
Buttons, brads and thread from stash.

Bye for now and thanks for visiting.
Sheila-x-

One Down!!!

2012-01-01T21:22:00.001Z

Hi there........and a Happy New Year to you all.
I've spent today putting the finishing touches to the table plan I was supposed to finish on Boxing Day but didn't quite get finished. Too much distraction by domestic things.
It is actually quite huge. Those snowflakes are eight inches across and are cut and glittered by hand. I now have a blister the size of Staffordshire on my cutting finger.
I'm pretty chuffed with it and I hope the bride is too.
Just one more wedding to do now.

Oooh hey up......Mr Manic is calling me to go and watch a film with him and I had better obey as he has been good enough to cook and wash up today while I got on upstairs.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Oy......Santa!!!

2011-12-28T17:44:00.000Z

I reckon that when Santa dropped by on Christmas Eve he went and nicked me mojo and it's now snuggled up at his house in front of a roaring fire having a jolly good old rest.
That's the only explanation for me not having a single bit of inspiration despite now having a few days off from child caring/cooking/cleaning etc.
To try and jump start it I am having a sort out of ribbons and papers. Once that's done.....if it still isn't back then it will be on to the stamp collection.

We had a very nice Christmas. The edge was taken off it a bit with car troubles, a car accident and the stress of trying to keep a meal in a fit state to be eaten when the guests finally arrived on Christmas Day but all in all it was fine.
Ruby was spoiled rotten by everyone and found it all a little bit overwhelming so she went off early to go to bed.
I can't go out now for a couple of days as I am on call to take Miss Doodle at short notice if DDIL should get called in to work......and I must say I don't mind at all. In fact it's quite blissful.
Anyhoo I'm off to untangle a few more ribbons.
Hope you all had a fab Christmas.
Sheila-x-

Merry, Merry, Merry

2011-12-24T08:32:00.000Z

We have to dismantle the computer today to be able to fit the tables in the back room ready for tomorrow so......................

Merry Christmas

A Happy New Year

Hope to be back on Boxing Day.

Have a cracking Christmas

Love

Sheila-x-x-x-

All Done!!!

2011-12-21T21:36:00.000Z

Well I am absolutely shattered and I don't think my feet have ever hurt so much but it's done. All the last minute pressies are bought. DD and I have a heavy wrapping night ahead of us tomorrow and then all that's left is the fresh food shopping on Friday morning and somehow turning the back room into a festive dining room.
I can't wait for the day itself. To have Ruby sitting at the table with mummy and daddy, two sets of grandparents and two aunties. To see her little face when she sees the flickering candles and the twinkling lights. Just what Christmas is all about.
Hope your preparations are going well too.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

All Is Calm!!!

2011-12-18T14:04:00.000Z

and all is very, very bright in the box containing the thirty snowflake napkin rings all done and dusted. I am glad they are done but will be sorry to see their twinkliness gone when they are delivered to the bride tomorrow. Also in the box are the table names. The table plan will be done on Boxing Day when I am home alone due to Mr Manic having to return to work at 6am and DD will mostly be in bed due to returning to work on a nightshift.
So now all is calm. There are no more orders and I can concentrate on getting ready for the Manic Towers Christmas Bash on Christmas Day.
This morning I have made a start on the winter warmer bags for everyone. Hot chocolate, candy canes, marshmallows, gingerbread men and snowflake biscuits. This year I have gone a bit posh and bought the ready to decorate white bags with handles and used Basic Grey papers to decorate them. They will be going on the table so I wanted something that would stand up. I'll take a pic when they are finished.
Christmas cards are nearly written on and I am just about to spend a couple of hours in the kitchen baking and making my final shopping list for the food.....bliss!!!
Woke up to a good old snow storm this morning but it was just the filthy slushy stuff and now all that's left is a sprinkling on the shed roof and lawn. It seems to be freezing over though so the garden steps are slightly treacherous until I can find the bag of grit Mr Manic bought.....and obviously hid.
Well I'm off to soak up some Christmassy smells in the kitchen.
Bye for now and thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

It's All About The Snow!!!

2011-12-16T09:56:00.000Z

There are still snowflakes coming out of my ears. Today I am going to be finishing off the napkin rings above. I set myself a right old job with these I can tell you. I'm not a fan of diecut glitter card as I usually find that diecutting it leaves a dull edge around the shape so these have been cut from cream card, sprayed with Stick an Stay adhesive and covered with Glamour Dust. I did assemble the two together first.......not being quite mad enough to do them individually.....lol!!!

The tartan napkin is just for display for the photograph I think there will be cream ones at the wedding and they should look fab.

The snowflakes are from the Spellbinders Snowflake Pendant set.

.........and just as I started to write this post it started snowing outside. Lovely big fat flakes which lasted all of two minutes...bah!!! I got so excited too.

Well it's a bit chilly down here in the back room so I am off up to the workroom and I am going to put the heater on and craft the day away......and keep checking the window for snowfall.

Thanks for your visit.

Sheila-x-

Hi!!!

2011-12-13T16:55:00.000Z

So sorry for the lack of posts over the last week or so. It's been a bit mad here.
Ruby has been very poorly and is only just getting back on her feet. Fortunately we managed to avoid her having to stay in hospital and we have looked after her at home.
Not a lot of crafting been going on here as you can imagine but she has been collected a little earlier tonight, tea has been had and Mr Manic....bless him is doing the washing up so I am off upstairs for a couple of hours to work on an order and then tomorrow I have to finish the napkin rings and table plan with a hope of delivering them at the weekend...we'll see how it goes.
Thanks for your visit......if anyone is still visiting.
Sheila-x-

Up To My Neck In..........!!!

2011-12-05T17:57:00.000Z

Snowflakes.......oh how I wish they were the real thing but unfortunately not. These are paper ones which will be assembled into toppers for napkin rings for a winter wedding. Once they are done I have the seating plan to do and that is one wedding down and one to go.

It is officially cold enough now for me to start on my annual reading of Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher......just to get me in the mood for Christmas. I can't read it when I am chucking the duvet off every five minutes. I like to snuggle up. My copy is so battered now and doesn't even have a front cover anymore as Ruby ripped it off last year.

Poor Miss Doodle has been quite poorly over the last few days. She ended up at the hospital with a fever. It turned out that she had an infection and needed antibiotics. Mummy stayed at home with her today but she is coming to me tomorrow.

Well Mr Manic will be home soon so I had best go and sort him out some tea so he doesn't sack me......lol!!!

Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila-x-

Butterflies, Poorliness And Peace!!!

2011-12-01T23:18:00.000Z

Just one or two..........

..........simple cards to use up stash.

Top card I used a Go Kreate die for the pink layer.
Butterfly is Cuttlebug.
Border punches are Martha Stewart.

My little Doodle was rather poorly yesterday while I had her. I knew there was something wrong as she didn't want her breakfast. That is so unusual as she loves her porridge.
Then she had an upset stomach and once we had her cleaned up all she wanted to do was sit on my lap and go to sleep. She had about twenty minutes or so and when she woke up she was burning hot so I gave her Calpol and sat back down with her while she just lay in my arms and we talked about Christmas and Santa. Half an hour later she was as right as rain but spent the rest of the day wanting cuddles.......which is just fine by me and at hometime she was back to normal. Haven't a clue what had been wrong but I was so glad she was better before I sent her home.

Today has been utterly peaceful.....one of those rare 'whole day upstairs' days. I have cut hundreds of card blanks with no interruptions apart from Mr Manic calling me down for lunch and a quick visit to the kitchen to whip up some creamed garlic mushrooms for Mr Manic to have for his tea.
I thought this was the best job to do today as the cutting them as I need them I have been doing lately just doesn't work for me when I have so little time to spend up there..
Tomorrow I am gutting the back room, cleaning it and shifting furniture around ready for Christmas Day. I need to see if the table arrangement is going to work to fit nine of us in......if not it's back to the drawing board.

For tonight.....I am not the least bit tired as I slept ten hours straight last night.......must have needed it. So I am starting again on Bones Season Six.

Thanks for your vist.
Sheila-x-

Poppy Mania!!!

2011-11-28T20:23:00.000Z

Tis true.......I've gone crackers for the poppy stamp.

It's huge and also very easy to cut out.

Used it once again with Cosmo Cricket papers and also one of their self adhesive alphabets. I have hundreds of the blame things so they are getting stuck pretty much anywhere and everywhere.

Border punch is by Martha.

Doodle Bird has not long gone home. She's been very gorgeous all day apart from trying to destroy the Christmas tree and pushing the flap right in on the front of the DVD player....luckily DD did a save on that one.

Have spent a good part of the day going through Doodles new comic In The Night Garden..........what the heck is that all about? I've never seen such a load of drivel in my life. Next time I am out I shall be looking for something a little more normal. The sixty free stickers did keep her amused for a full half an hour though.

Ah well....washing up needs doing and no volunteers so it looks like it's my job as usual.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sheila-x-

I'm Done!!!

2011-11-27T20:53:00.000Z

I've really had it with Christmas cards now. The stand at the shop is full and all my orders are up to date so I thought I would take time out to make a start on everyday cards ready for when the Christmas cards come out.

I wanted to use up some Cosmo Cricket papers and this gorgeous poppy stamp from Indigo Blu. What doesn't show very well in the picture is the lovely glaze on the poppy which came about by accident. I had stamped the image onto some pink distressed paper and sprayed it with Crafters Companion Irridescent Glitter. It looked pretty horrible so I took a red ProMarker and coloured over the spray which made it look more like a shimmery glaze than glittery and I love it. I shall be trying that again. The pen does turn the spray sticky at first but once it's dry it's fine.

Well it's been proper busy at Manic Towers. I've had Ruby ten days on the trot....including the three days away as DS had to go away for a couple of days and was away on his rest day. I am expecting to have her extra this next week too as he will be away again for a few days.

The Christmas tree has gone up today as it's the nearest day to December 1st that DD has off to do it and I do like the tree up and flashing it's lights by December 1st.

Christmas shopping is nearly done. I can't believe I have been so organised this year as I am usually running around at the last minute. This week I will make a start on cooking for the freezer and get as much food prepared ahead as I can as there will be nine of us for lunch and tea.

I can't be doing with this warm weather we are having. I want cold and frost and SNOW at this time of year and to be snuggling. Instead I am still in sleeveless tops. It's just not right.

Anyhoo I am off to watch a film with DD as she is back to work tomorrow night and then I had best have an early night. Ruby wasn't at her best last week as she has her last teeth coming through and I was just a tad frazzled by the end of the week.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Back From Bath!!!

2011-11-21T10:20:00.000Z

Another weekend gone by in a flash.
Went away on Friday with the Doodle family to babysit Ruby while her mummy and daddy went to a friends wedding. The wedding was in Bath but we stayed at Chippenham. I have to say that I would love to go back there. Such a nice place with some lovely shops.
On the way back yesterday we stopped for a walk round Bath. Wasn't so keen.....it was a bit too big for me....but at least I can say that I've been.
Back to the daily routine now but I don't think there will be much in the way of crafting until later in the week although I do have to pack some cards for the shop tonight.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Vintage Holly Girl!!!

2011-11-14T22:57:00.001Z

Using up some old, old paper from HOTP today that I have had for years.

The image was from HERE .........Thank you Chris.

Eyelet circle is Spellbinders.

Plain circle and tag are Quickutz.

Stamps on the tag are....Viva-holly flourish and Kars-greeting.

The flourish has been stamped in Versamark and brushed with gold mica powder.

I threaded the ribbon through a gold buckle to embellish the tag and added red nailheads.

Well I'm feeling a bit down in the dumps today. This cold I caught from Ruby is an absolute stinker and as if that wasn't enough I have had to go for blood tests and a flu jab today and the arm I got the flu jab in is very sore.......miserable old goat aren't I?.......lol!!!

Anyway I found enough energy to put a pan of stew on for tea tomorrow and wash the pots up so I'm going to look for something cheerful to watch on the computer and snuggle up with a nice cold drink to soothe my throat.

Thanks for your visit.

Sheila-x-

It's A Card......At Last!!!

2011-11-13T20:20:00.001Z

Nothing spectacular. Just stamping, colouring with Promarkers and a bit of glittering but I just needed half an hour doing something for me. It will be the last bit of quality time I get upstairs for a couple of weeks what with appointments and the weekend away with The Doodles.

Stamp is PSX

Paper is Basic Grey

DD and I have been doing quite a bit of shopping for the 'C' season. There will be nine of us for lunch and tea on Christmas day and I intend to be super organised about it all so that I can actually spend time with our guests and not in the kitchen.

An update on Smudge......he has his last appointment with the vet next Friday.....yay!!! Oh you should see his leg it's amazing. The nurse parades him round to everyone when he goes on a Friday for his check up as she is astounded by his recovery.

Miss Doodle has very kindly shared her current cold germs with me so I am off to snuggle in front of the computer and watch some more Law and Order.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry.......!!!

2011-11-09T20:17:00.000Z

.......that I have been missing in action this week.
I have been working hard to clear my order book before the weekend and this morning I had to go to the opticians to have photo's taken of my eyes which involved having drops put in them. Can't say I liked it much and everything has been blurry until the drops wore off so it was a bit uncomfortable trying to make anything.....believe me I tried......lol!!!
Tomorrow we are taking Miss Doodle out to look at Christmas displays and to have a spot of lunch then Friday is mine......all mine yay!!!
Right I'm off to make tea for tomorrow night before I settle down for the night and watch a film with DD.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

A Year Ago Today...........!!!

2011-11-05T09:07:00.000Z

........we were all getting poshed up ready to go to a wedding.
I can't believe it's DS and DDIL's first wedding anniversary today....where does the time go?

Today I have the day pretty much to myself so I'm off up to the workroom to try and clear my order book and hopefully make a few more Christmas cards..........carefully ignoring the fact that the lounge needs a good dusting and vacuuming and the kitchen floor needs mopping. Those jobs can be done tomorrow while I wait for Sunday lunch to cook.

Right.....I am off to work.
Hope you all have a fab weekend.
Sheila-x-

In A Pickle!!!

2011-11-02T21:37:00.002Z

Oooh me poor hands.
Today I have chopped three huge red cabbages and prepared and pickled a carrier bag full of beetroot. It's starting to look like a pickle factory in here.....and smell like one too....lol!!!
This year's production so far.....
Three large jars plum chutney, three large jars apple, ginger and chilli chutney, two large and one small pickled onions, two huge jars pickled beetrrot and by tomorrow I will add two huge jars of pickled red cabbage.
I'm giving the piccalilli a miss this year but I am going to have a go at something called Bread and Butter Pickles which I saw HERE They look scrumptious.
My hands were too sore to do any cardmaking this afternoon so I have been sorting ribbons and doing a bit of sorting out of files on the computer and getting my font collection under control.

In a couple of weeks I am going away for the weekend with DS, DDIL and Miss Doodle. They are off to a wedding in Bath and I am going to babysit Ruby while they go to the evening do so I shall have a small amount of free time to wander around by myself while they are all at the ceremony in the daytime. I think we are actually staying in Chippenham so does anyone know of any craft shops I could visit in the area that don't require transport as I don't drive. Or maybe I will travel into Bath with them and wander round there if there are any shops anyone can recommend. I love sewing shops too if there are any of those.

Right.....I am off to rest my weary old bones.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Beautiful Poinsettia-3!!!

2011-11-01T20:26:00.000Z

Can't stop making cards with this poinsettia die as you can see....lol!!!
This one is done in a pearlised cream card.
Heart and swirl are Sizzix Sizzlit dies and the holly leaves are punched and edged with gold pen.

........and one in red.....as it's my favourite colour.

It's been a nice peaceful day today with plenty of time upstairs to get lots of jobs done that have wanted doing for a while.
I'm also pickling onions at the moment ready for Christmas. Tomorrow is red cabbage day and Thursday will be beetroot day if I can get hold of some. Friday I might have a go at making some picalilli.
The Doodle family arrived safely at their holiday destination after getting lost........even with a sat nav. I missed my Doodle Bird the last couple of days.
I've bought a big pile of felt down with me tonight to cut out some Christmas things I want to make from my Tilda books so I shall start on that after the onions are jarred and after being very greedy and finishing Bones yesterday I am back to Law and Order which I shall have on while I am cutting out.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Halloween Shenanigans!!!

2011-10-30T22:17:00.000Z

Here's the cake I made for DDIL's birthday/halloween party. It went down a storm. The inside is a green sponge cake.....suitably disgusting I thought. In the Asda brochure they had used white marzipan but the thought of eating that made my teeth curl up to the top of my head so I used ready roll icing and rolled it over caster sugar which gave a fab texture to the bandages plus a little sparkle.
Thumbs up to Asda for great idea.
The weather spoilt the party a little as it started raining about half an hour before it started and all the food had to be moved inside. It didn't rain for long but enough to wet everything thoroughly so we stayed inside once the kiddies had done the treasure hunt.

A Doodle Pumpkin....just good enough to eat. Oh she did enjoy herself bless her. My costume lasted all of two minutes. Doodle kidnapped my spider necklace and all the spiders from my cobweb apron, my hat blew off walking up the garden. I never saw it again and the cobweb was driving me nuts so that had to come off as well.
Ah well it was a good fun day.

The workroom has been a hive of non activity for the last few days what with birthday shopping and cake making Friday, the party yesterday and food/home shopping today. The desk has been tidied a little and I have sorted out some of the new envelopes and bags but that's it. However Miss Doodle and her entourage are off on holibobs tomorrow so I should get some work done this week......I hope so as I have another wedding stationery order in and some orders for special cards still to finish.

Right.....time for disc three of the new Bones methinks.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Beautiful Poinsettia-2!!!

2011-10-28T19:11:00.000+01:00

I have a box full of these poinsettias ready for use so here is card number two.

The background is Basic Grey cut with the Vintage Cabinet Card Alterations die and edged with gold pen.

Circle is printed from a PC Crafter Hugware collection.

I haven't the foggiest idea where the greeting is from. I found a few of them in a box of Christmas bits.

I've also added some punched ferny bits. The poinsettia leaves were a bit OTT on this card.

Corners are punched with an EK Success punch which I have had for a long time so not sure if they still do this one.

Well....DDIL's presents are sorted and DD and I have our costumes ready for tomorrow. I'm a witch.......no costume or make up really necessary really.....lol!!! DD is the Grim Reaper. Honestly we were so excited shopping for the stuff......you wouldn't think we were grown ups. It was amazing what we picked up from the pound shops.

I am just about to start on the birthday cake which is huge and I've pinched an idea out of the Asda seasonal brochure to make my life easier.

Best go and crank up the oven then.

Thanks for your visit.

Sheila-x-

Beautiful Poinsettia!!!

2011-10-27T21:50:00.001+01:00

Oooh I do so love the new Spellbinders Poinsettia die set.

Here I have cut the flowers from Basic Grey and the leaves from gcd Studios and layered them all up with punched ferny things.

The background paper is also gcd Studios and the swirl is Sizzix.

Today has been a lovely day. It started off at Pear Tree Yard this morning where I stocked up on envelopes and bags. Mr Manic bought me two new sets of stamps......not Christmas so I will have to wait a while to play with those. We picked up a naughty bag of chips on the way home to share for lunch and then we had a visit from Miss Doodle and her daddy for an hour and apart from cooking tea I have spent the rest of the day upstairs and got twelve cards made.

Tomorrow I have a hospital appointment and then DD and I are off to Derby to shop for DDIL's birthday present and some dressing up stuff for her party on Saturday then I have to make her cake when I get back. After that I am parking my behind on the sofa and DD and I will be watching the new season of Bones......yay!!!

Back tomorrow with another card.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

I am Still Crafting!!!

2011-10-23T19:21:00.000+01:00

Honestly I am.....lol!!!
I've finished the wedding stationery and got a couple of orders done. Still have a few to finish but today DD and I decided to make a few spiders homeless and have had a good old mucking out session in the lounge and kitchen. Unfortunately that made me want to go up and sort my pig sty of a workroom out as I have been feeling a little cramped up there. Just a few things to get back into place and then a tidy of the desk and I shan't know what to do in all the space I've made.
Miss Doodle will be here tomorrow and we are planning a long walk if it's a nice day as I feel in need of a good dose of fresh air.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Christmas!!!

2011-10-19T21:48:00.000+01:00

After a couple of rather trying days with the Doodle Bird I have had neither the inclination nor inspiration to be upstairs even though I have work that needs doing. Instead I have been soothing my tatttered nerves with a spot of chutney making.
Last night was Apple with ginger and chilli which I will be labelling Ass Kicking Apple Chutney as I put just a touch extra chilli in it and it does have a definite kick to it. Tonight I have made Plum Chutney which I have never made before and it is divine. I could almost break out the cheese, crackers and celery now just thinking about it......lol!!!
I've just had a lovely hot bath and am sitting in a nice cosy house. I lit the fire this afternoon as it has been a bit wet and miserable here so it's just perfect now for sitting chilling in front of Law and Order. That should get me fit and ready for another stint on the front line tomorrow.....lol!!!
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

A Random Card!!!

2011-10-16T21:41:00.000+01:00

Just a random card made from bits that were on my desk.
The paper is Bo Bunny.
Lattice border punch is Fiskars.
Background circle is stamped with a Viva Christmas script stamp using Antique Linen Distress ink.

My gorgeous Doodle Bird in her spotty wellies. She's mad about tractors so we had to let her have a ride on this one up at the garden centre.

I've had a very productive day today finishing off and packing more Christmas stock for the shop. Mr Manic cooked lunch today bless him so that helped me to get on even though I've felt grotty all day. DD kindly passed on her cold to me a few days ago and I have a nasty cough and bunged up nose. Yesterday I didn't feel too bad but it was quite warm here today and at times I felt like I couldn't breathe.

Still working. Law and Order is going on and I am going to assemble the wedding invites while I watch it.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

So..........!!!

2011-10-15T22:23:00.000+01:00

.......yesterday we did the messy play thing and indeed messy is what it is. We did printing with bubble wrap and paint........well at least that is what we should have been doing but Ruby had other ideas. No paintbrush for her.....straight in with the hands scooping up great globs of paint and rubbing it onto her face, the chair, the table and DD and me.
Activity two was making a squishy picture which involved drawing onto coloured cellophane with marker pens this then went into a plastic bag along with the painted bubble wrap, several colours of paint, glitter, sequins, buttons and cooking oil. My word I thought I could get messy but now I think I am verging on neat freak after seeing that.......hope I don't have to go too often.

Today I had the opportunity to spend the whole day upstairs and what happens........I get an attack of the domestics and shampoo the kitchen carpet and the lounge rug so I ended up with only a couple of hours before I had to come down again to cook tea. I do have some cards that just need finishing off but I'll need to tidy up before I can do anything up there tomorrow.

Law and Order is going on now and I shall be Promarkering some stamped images while I watch it.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

The Best Laid Plans And All That!!!

2011-10-14T09:17:00.000+01:00

Well today I had planned to get the wedding invitations pretty much finished and get started on some more Christmas cards (one design has already sold out at the shop and they have only been in since Wednesday)........however we shall be having a little visitor in the shape of Miss Doodle as her mummy has to go to work. Being Friday this means I have to take her to something called Messy Play so I shan't be getting dressed up....lol!!! After that I'll go and get the shopping done and take her to lunch.
Hopefully I'll get upstairs late afternoon after we have dropped Ruby back at the cottage so I may be back with a card or two later.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

That Snowman Again!!!

2011-10-10T21:05:00.000+01:00

Couldn't resist another play with him. He is just so gorgeous.
Background paper is from The Clipart Fairy.
Letters making up the word 'snow' are cut on the Cricut using the Base Camp cartridge, white card and silver self adhesive glitter film.
Embellishments are clear snowflake buttons with a slight hint of colour to them.

Despite the wind it's been a tad warm here today so no cosy fire to snuggle up by tonight. We have lit one the last couple of nights and it has been bliss. I do miss my coal fire through the summer when we don't have it lit.
This week I am starting to go through the freezers to use up things so that I can make room for Christmas food. I'm going to make a batch of homemade stuffing and bread sauce to freeze and the usual mince pies. There are apples from a neighbour which I am going to turn into chutney this weekend and I may go to the market for plums to make other chutney. Last year I did green tomato but Mr Manic didn't grow tomatoes this year so no greenies to make any......that was my favourite one too.

Miss Doodle arrived this morning in her new pink spotty wellies and the only time she has taken them off was to have her bath after tea. They had to go straight back on though.....with lime green and blue pj's.......she thought she was the bees knees......lol!!!
She has two favourite songs at the moment which I have to keep playing for her on You Tube. Jessie J's Price Tag and Ollie Murs My Heart Skips A Beat. I used to like both of them.....not anymore though....lol!!!

Ah well.....I have a few jobs to finish before I can settle down so I had best get them done.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Christmas House!!!

2011-10-09T23:00:00.000+01:00

At last.......a card.
I put the finishing touches to a stack of these today before starting on my mammoth packing session.
Door-Crosscuts
Wreath-Quickutz
Tree-Sizzix (old die trimmed down)
Pot-Sizzix
Snow Mound-Sizzix
Sign is made with a Cuttlebug rectangle and hand cut strip.

Is this the life or what?

Smudge enjoying an afternoon nap and wearing one of his dads socks over his dressings to try and stop him nibbling......it's working very well.

I'm a bit achey after twelve hours upstairs so I've had a nice hot bath and am now going to relax with an episode or two of L&O before bed.

Miss doodle will be here bright and early so maybe I'd best just watch one.....lol!!!

Thanks for your visit.

Sheila-x-

A Day In The Workroom!!!

2011-10-08T23:05:00.000+01:00

Had a fabulous day upstairs today......yes a whole day. It has been somewhat frantic as I have been finishing Christmas stock for the shop and DDIL's office then tomorrow it needs packing and sorting before delivery on Monday. Once I have done that I need to make up a couple more samples for the wedding stationery I have been commisioned to do and once the final choice is made it will be all sytems go to get that done by the end of the month and there's a stack of orders for birthday cards to do. So I am being kept pretty busy.
I'll try and get some pics of stuff I've done tomorrow too as I missed the light today.

Smudge is doing very well. The vet was so pleased with his progress when he went for his appointment yesterday and I think rather surprised at the level of care he is getting. Why wouldn't we look after him though......we love him.
Mr Manic has been given some information which may lead to the man whose dogs were responsible for the attack. The police were unable to find him from the partial number plate he got at the time so hopefully this might lead somewhere.

Well I am off to prepare the veg for tomorrows lunch while I watch Law and Order.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Snowman Silhouette!!!

2011-10-03T22:47:00.000+01:00

I am in love.......with my new snowman. It's taken a long time for me to decide to buy it and I am so glad I did.

There was just one sheet of the background card from Kanban in my stash so I made it count and got four cards out of it.

The snowman was decorated with some peeloff snowflakes....one sheet left to go...yay!!!.....and gemstones.

The pic isn't brilliant as I took it tonight so I'll try and remember to retake it on Wednesday in daylight then replace this one.

Ruby has been gorgeous today. She loves her play area and grandad went out and got her a beanbag so that she has somewhere to sit when she reads her books......she thinks it's a cuddly toy and sits on the sofa with it by her side...lol!!!

I'm suffering a bit tonight with indigestion. Not something I get a lot but I added a twist to the fish pie I made for tea and I think that is what has nobbled me. There's not a drop of Gaviscon in the house and I can't use the tablet things that hubby uses as they make me sick. I'll have to hope it clears up on it's own.

Right....one episode of Law and Order then bed for me.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Oh Deer-3!!!

2011-10-02T11:07:00.000+01:00

I seem to be doing a lot of deer cards this year and I rather like this deer image by Inkadinkado with this Basic Grey paper.

Today I am cooking an early lunch and then I am off upstairs to have a play with my Tim Holtz Alterations snowman die which arrived yesterday. I ordered it from Country View Crafts at 2:30pm on Friday and it was here by 10:30am yesterday. What fabulous service..........along with great prices and free postage. I shall definitely be ordering from them again.

It's a bit cooler here today which I am thankful for. It means I can wear the new slippers DD bought for me without feeling like my feet are going to burst open.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sheila-x-

Using Up Again!!!

2011-10-01T23:03:00.000+01:00

Waling into the Basic Grey pile at the moment and this combination of papers is a personal favourite.
The snowman is Inkadinkado and the greeting is from a set of free stamps which were on the front of a recent magazine.
Circles are Quickutz.
Snowflakes are a stamen punch by Leone M and a sparkle by Papermania.

Absolutely mad day today. DD and I have stripped the wallpaper in the back room, washed the walls, painted the ceiling, painted the walls and got all the furniture back in......all before tea time at 7pm. It's not a huge room but we are quite chuffed with ourselves.

An update on our boy Smudge........
His leg is on the mend and the skin is starting to knit together. Still dressing it three to four times a day but he is off his medication now which is a relief as it was getting impossible to disguise it in his food and traumatic for both him and us to try and give it to him by pushing it down his throat.
He's getting back to his old self now and isn't quite as sleepy all the time as he has been for the last three weeks. The bark is back with a vengeance and I will never ever tell him to shut up ever again. It's been horrible having him so quiet.

Doodle Bird is down south this weekend seeing her other grandma and grandad. Can't wait for her to see her own little corner here in the back room when she comes on Monday.

I'm off to relax with a bit of Law and Order SVU now.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Distress Santa!!!

2011-09-30T21:11:00.000+01:00

Hey there.......long time no see.
I can't believe it's nearly a week since my last blog post but then again I suppose I can really as it's been a pretty busy week yet again here at Manic Towers.
There have been a few snatched sessions here and there for making cards but mainly at night so no hope of taking pics up in what has become known as 'The Cave'.
Anyhoo....here's one of the cards I have managed to get done.
Stamp-Tim Holtz
Paper-gcd Studio
Tree is a very old Sizzix die trimmed to give a curved bottom edge, embossed and inked over with a Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink pad.
Ribbon and button from stash.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Get A Grip Woman!!!

2011-09-24T21:45:00.000+01:00

I don't know why but I just don't seem to be able to get on top of the housey type jobs at the moment. Everyone seems to be in messy mode just now and as soon as I clean and tidy....they mess it up. I'm spending a lot of time with my teeth clenched and steam pouring out of my ears but trying not to lose my temper. The whole house looks like a whirlwind has passed through it.
DD and I have decided to tackle the back room next weekend as it has just become a dumping ground again.

Bad news today that the builder isn't starting the bathroom now until after Christmas.......I could cry I honestly could. He's promised that we will be the first job on the list in the new year.

Smudge keeps nibbling at his bandages until he exposes his wound and then starts nibbling at that so I have had to come up with a solution for it......I bought some childrens tights then removed one leg and cut them so that his waste disposal areas are clear, slipped one leg over his bad leg and the waist band over his belly. I had hoped that he would be able to leave his lampshade off but he managed to remove the tights so it's back on along with the tights and so far so good.

Anyway....blow the housework for now.....tomorrow is another day. For now I am going to relax and watch the last of Bones and then start on Law and Order SVU again.

Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

I've Been Doodled!!!

2011-09-22T20:40:00.000+01:00

My word Miss Doodle has kept me on my toes today. I feel like I've been done on a boil wash and then thoroughly mangled. I've just been upstairs to try and do some crafting to wind down but I think she has got me so hyper that it just didn't happen. I could do with a large glass of something alcoholic........unfortunately I don't drink......lol!!!

Smudge is coming along fabulously. His leg is looking good and he is regaining a bit of his joie de vivre which is what I have missed. Another visit to the vet tomorrow will probably have him down in the dumps for a couple of hours or so....he hates going there at any time.

I think I'll go and have a soak in a nice hot bath with something that smells good and then settle down and watch a bit more Bones. I am on season five again and there's not long to go before the release of season six........yay!!!

Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Christmas Pud!!!

2011-09-20T22:01:00.000+01:00

I'm not over fond of eating Christmas pudding but I do like to see them on cards.
Kraft cardstock cut with a Sizzix die and stamped with a large Kars spotted background. Another circle cut from cream pearl card and trimmed for the cream,custard or brandy butter......take your pick.
Holly is punched with a Dovecraft punch and the berry is a punched circle embossed from the back.
Papers are HOTP (free from a magazine) and I think DCWV.
Sentiment stamp is from an old Papermania set.

Me little boy is home where he belongs. Unfortunately it has fallen upon me to play nurse and be in charge of changing his dressings four times a day. My stomach is not happy with me. What with Ruby and her nappies and Smudge and his poor little leg....I'm not sure I will ever eat again......lol!!!
He is very happy to be home and has spent the day stretched out on an old duvet sleeping and rising occasionally to eat, drink and wee. The only thing that's worrying me is that he isn't barking but I'm sure that will come as he gets better.

Right.....domestic duties call. I'm off to make a tomato sauce for a lasagne so it can sit overnight. Things always taste better when they have sat I think.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Oh Deer-2!!!

2011-09-19T15:04:00.001+01:00

Today's card is made using a gorgeous stamp from a set by Kanban. The set consists of various sized solid and outline reindeer along with snowflakes and some sentiments. It is truly beautiful.
I've stamped onto plain white card and then added double sided adhesive to the whole piece and covered with irridescent glitter.
The tartan background is also Kanban.

I am so disappointed. I phoned the vets this morning to see how Smudge is and they said that they were happy for him to come home today. When they looked at the appointment book though they couldn't fit us in so it will be tomorrow now. They will show us how to dress his leg.
I don't think he has been eating very well as the lady I spoke to asked if we could take some of his own food in and also some carrots as he wolfed the one down that we left him yesterday.......he must be missing them as he has one every night at bedtime without fail.......a bit like a baby going to bed with a dummy.....lol!!!

Well I've had a potter about upstairs, sorted out my cardstock and tidied up a bit......in an effort to find the 'C' plate for my Cuttlebug which I have mislaid.
Now I am on domestic duties and have just put a pot of homemade soup on to cook. Just need to make some cheese topped herb scones to serve with it and then I am back off upstairs.

Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Kids Christmas!!!

2011-09-18T14:17:00.001+01:00

I saw these cute snowmen last year made with a Top Note die which I don't have so I have used my Tim Holtz Ornamental die which works just as well.
Paper.......no idea sorry. It was out of my bit box and I couldn't find any with a manufacturer's name on.
Holly is punched from a piece of Paper Adventures Crackle vellum. The berry is made from a circle punch and I have embossed it with with a large embossing tool from the back.....same with the nose.
As cute goes........I am quite liking this little fella.

We've been allowed to visit Smudge at the vets this morning and take him for a walk around the car park. I was very shocked when I saw the state of his leg.....it's the first time I have seen it.
They've had to strip the skin off it and it's just red raw which is why they are keeping him there. They are dressing it four times a day with wet dressings to keep it moist. I was surprised that he managed to put his weight on it though when we took him out.
No mention yet of when we will have him home but I can't wait. The house is just not the same without him.

Managed to get a good start on the painting yesterday but it's not quite finished as the hall took ages with all it's fiddly bits.......and I hate the paint colour. It wasn't my original choice and it's too pale but Mr Manic will murder me if I ask for a different colour so I'm stuck with it.

Well I'm off upstairs for a bit until it's time to cook the veg and stuff for our late roast. Mr Manic won't be home until after six but we do like to sit down together for our Sunday meal.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Oh Deer!!!

2011-09-17T09:38:00.001+01:00

A few more Basic Grey scraps with stamps from Viva and Papermania.

I also used up some metal corners that I have had for years.

Snowflake corner punch is by Martha Stewart.

Having a busy day today. DD and I have an appointment with a paint brush, a paint pad and a tin of Dulux Endurance.......oh joy!!!

Yes the hall, stairs and landings will be finished over the weekend thank goodness. If you could see the area we have to tackle you would know how daunting that is.....but it's no good me sitting here waffling.....I'll go and crack on with it.

Thanks for your visit.

Sheila-x-

Bling Bird & A Smudge Update!!!

2011-09-15T21:12:00.001+01:00

Using up Basic Grey papers today paired with an Inkadinkado stamped image. The bird is blinged up with gems and glitter.

Poor Smudge is away from home for a few days. He has to stay at the vets as he has an infection in his leg. Tomorrow they will operate again to remove nasty stuff and then leave the wound open to the air to help it dry. I have cried so much today that I don't think there is a drop of liquid left in my body. I miss him.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Sparkle!!!

2011-09-13T21:46:00.000+01:00

A scrap of paper from my bits box, flowers and letters that wanted using up and Bob is your uncle......lol!!!
I made several cards in this style and they look much better in real life than they do in the pic......the light in my room is diabolical.

That's all for tonight. After a busy day with the Doodle Bird I have a date with the sofa, a DVD and Johnny Depp to feast my eyes on.....yum!!!

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Deck The Halls!!!

2011-09-12T23:29:00.001+01:00

Today's card is I think my favourite one so far this year.
The stamp is by Woodware but slightly altered as I removed the bow to allow me to use ribbon instead of colouring it.
Stamped in Memento Cottage Ivy and coloured with Promarkers.
Finished off with Glossy Accents and a little Frosted Lace Stickles.
The shaped piece is cut using an On The Edge die by Tim Holtz.
Paper is Making Memories.

It's been a Doodle Day today. Yes Miss Ruby has been in da house. I've not seen a lot of her for a coupe of weeks as mummy and daddy have been on holiday and they've been doing family things....catching up with friends etc. I am amazed at how much she has changed in such a short time.
We had a fabulous day and I can't wait to see her tomorrow.

Smudge is doing fine. His tail is wagging again and he's had a couple of little barks. He does keep nibbling at his dressings however and Mr Manic had to rush him off to the vets to get his leg re-bandaged. He wasn't due for that until tomorrow really.
I'm more worried now about Mr M who is very down in the dumps. It's understandable I know but I think he either blames himself for what happened or feels he could have done more to save Smudge but he really couldn't have faced with two large vicious dogs who weren't on leads and were with an owner who obviously had no control over them.....and who, when Mr M asked for help said 'I can't'. Oh gawd I would have smacked him straight between the eyes.

Ah well I had best go and get some sleep to be up bright and early for Doodle Bird.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

A Quiet Day!!!

2011-09-11T10:59:00.000+01:00

Today Mr Manic and I are quietly celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. Our anniversary has never been quite the same since since the dreadful happenings of 9/11 and today our thoughts are with everyone.

Smudge seems much brighter today. He ate his first meal since his operation at about midnight last night and he is very gingerly hopping about on three legs.
Mr Manic has taken him to the vets to get his dressings changed this morning.

Not sure if I'll get any crafting time in today. I did start some cards yesterday which I desperately want to finish off but I have DD and The Boyfriend coming back for a late lunch after a night away.

Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

A Nasty Incident!!!

2011-09-09T19:24:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry but I'm not in the mood for cardmaking today.
This morning both hubby and the dog were attacked by two vicious dogs in the woods where they were walking.
Mr Manic has a nasty bite on his hip but Smudge has fared much worse and has sustained some very nasty injuries to his back leg and throat which the vet says will take several weeks to heal. He is home now and getting lots of cuddles.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Simple Stocking Card!!!

2011-09-07T17:06:00.000+01:00

I'm still trolling through my boxes and using up Christmas stuff I already have as I don't intend to buy any new stuff this year apart from stamps and maybe dies.

I made these stockings last Christmas and never got around to using them.

Dies used are-:

Stocking-Sizzix

Holly Leaves-Quickutz

The sparkly strips are some self adhesive glitter paper that I have had for a couple of years but get this.......I did some in gold with red adhesive glitter paper and I've had that for about seven years....untouched.........how's that for hoarding...lol!!!

Anyhoo....got to go and be all domestic now as DD needs feeding before she goes to work then Mr Manic will be in later and he'll need feeding but he didn't want what we are having so I have to get him something else. I think I might just as well open a ruddy cafe.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sheila-x-

Sooooo Tired!!!

2011-09-05T10:18:00.000+01:00

Well that was a bit of a manic weekend and I am absolutely shattered. Yesterday was a very happy day with our guests......DD's fella, DDIL plus her sister who is up from down south plus the gorgeous Ruby. For some reason the cooking of lunch went rather smoothly probably due to the fact I spent until midnight Saturday prepping the veg and stuff.
Miss Doodle was in very fine form yesterday. I haven't seen her for a week and she has changed so much in that short time. She now has a booster seat and can sit at the table with us to eat and she loved sitting with us all yesterday......plus she eats much better when she has control of the eating irons.

Today I am having a pyjama day and making cards and I have a couple of orders in that need doing for tonight, a wedding card for a reception we are going to on Saturday and an anniversary card for Mr Manic as it is our 35th on Sunday. After that I need to tidy the desk off and then get on with the Christmas cards.

Hopefully I'll be back later with a card.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Posh, Cute And Queezy!!!

2011-09-01T21:39:00.000+01:00

Posh-:
Kanban foiled card I have had stashed away. I've made six of these cards and now have only half a sheet left.
Sentiment is from a Papermania clear stamp set from about three years ago I think.......if not more......lol!!!
Holly leaves are Paper Cellar.

Cute-:
Another snowman from PC Crafter.
Background paper is by The Clipart Fairy.
Using up white peeloff sentiments........down to one and a half sheets now.

Queezy-:
Quick and easy using diecuts and some Kanban toppers I found on the shelf which I bought a couple of years ago. I don't usually buy toppers but I loved the images on the three sheets I did buy. Just the smaller bits to use up now.

Well fingers, eyes and toes crossed..........I have sorted out the computer and everything is looking good so far. I took the plunge and reset it to delivery condition, changed internet browser to Firefox and put back everything I lost. It's been on all day and not lost internet connection once so I am pretty chuffed.

I've had a pretty peaceful day today as DD has spent most of it down at the cottage with The Doodle Clan. They've been swimming and shopping and are watching a film tonight.
Mr Manic is home and vegging in front of the tv so once I've washed up and tidied the kitchen I am going to watch some Bones then get some sleep ready for a busy day tomorrow. The Boyfriend is coming to stay for a couple of nights so it's mucking out time and there's shopping to fetch so not much will be left in the way of time for crafting. Saturday should be good as they are going up to The Lakes for the day and I just have to prepare the evening meal and do a bit of baking.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Snowmen!!!

2011-08-30T17:43:00.000+01:00

My most favourite of all my PC Crafter images are these two snowmen......love, love, love them. Especially the second one.
I've used Pink Petticoat snowflake and gingham papers and today's 'using up' is the wording and snowflake peeloffs.
Another productive day. Finished the nine cards I started yesterday which are the ones up yonder. I am being good and packing all the cards as they are done and I am just filling my second box of Christmas cards now. I need to make loads as I already have an order for fifty.

Just need to warn you that if I disappear from Blogland it's because I have kicked the computer down to the bottom of the garden. It is seriously getting on my nerves now. The internet won't stay connected and we have to keep resetting it. So far today we have reset it eight times. It keeps putting up a box saying 'Internet Explorer has stopped working'........I will punch it before long.

Anyhoo......tea is a-cooking so I am off to have a browse round some blogs while this heap of rubbish is behaving itself.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Traditional, Modern and Cheeky!!!

2011-08-29T22:07:00.000+01:00

Traditional-:
Stamped holly with tartan.
Stamp is Magenta. Embossed in gold and painted with H2O's.
Berries are Card Candi
Using up......peeloffs.....yay not got many Christmas ones left now.

Modern-:
Gorgeous pearl gold and silver card cut into tree shapes.
Using up ribbon offcuts and peeloffs.

Cheeky-:
Ruby's little face with a cheeky grin after she was bought a tumbler with a curly straw in it at the zoo yesterday. She has just learned how to drink through a straw and is sooooo chuffed with herself.

I've had a good day today......twelve of the tartan cards and eight of the tree cards plus nine others that just want finishing off tomorrow.
Must have worked off the migraine as it was gone by dinner time.
More cardmaking tomorrow but I will have to cook a roast dinner for Mr Manic when he gets in so I won't get quite so long upstairs.

Just off for a cuppa and a bit of Bones.
Tara for now.
Sheila-x-

Shattered!!!

2011-08-28T23:57:00.000+01:00

Another week of prepping in snatched hours and no actual cardmaking. It's driving me nuts now.
Luckily I have no commitments tomorrow apart from making a bolognese sauce to go with some pasta for tea which I will get out of the way in the morning then the rest of the day I'm going to be upstairs come hell or high water.

DDIL took me shopping Friday afternoon. My normal shopping day is to whizz into Tesco and be back home in about one and a half hours..........it took us four hours.......lol!!! After that I only had a couple of hours to whip round the house tidying before DS picked me up to go and babysit Miss Doodle. It's a good job I had spent those four hours with her as she wanted to go to bed and was asleep within half an hour of me arriving. I settled down and watch The Lovely Bones. What a fantastic film. I read the book a long time ago and loved it so didn't expect to like the film.
Yesterday I was up early and in the kitchen preparing a fabulous picnic to take to Trentham with us last night. We had a fabulous time. We ate our picnic under umberellas in the rain, we sang, we danced and arrived home just after midnight completely shattered.
I had to cry off the visit to the zoo today due to migraine so spent the day sleeping and pottering about flicking a duster and stuff.
Anyway I hope to be back with a card or two tomorrow.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

PS.......Is anyone else having trouble with Blogger. I've had a heck of job to get this post done and I can't leave comments on blogs. It's doing my head in big time.

Hello Stranger!!!

2011-08-23T22:28:00.000+01:00

Gawd this life and busyness thing doesn't half get in the way of doing anything remotely pleasurable like crafting......apart from a couple of hours stolen here and there.

I managed to make a couple of the card up yonder.

Paper is Crafty Individuals and I used it only as a last resort after going through my paper stash twice to find an alternative. I love it and it broke my heart to use it.

I think the rose is Rubber Stampede/Delta and it has been stamped in Versafine and coloured with Aquatone pencils and a damp paintbrush onto watercolour paper.

Background is stamped using a Viva stamp and coloured with distress inks. The rose was masked off first with Masking Magic.

Last week we took the Doodle Bird out to a local farm centre and had a fabulous day.
Here she is milking the pretend cow.

I very nearly stuffed these up my jumper to bring home. Oh my word they were so cute.
Ruby was in her element as she loves animals......to look at but not to touch bless her.
I have to be honest and say it wasn't a day out I was looking forward to but it was a beautiful place and we will definitely be going back again. There was lots to see and do and there is a good restaurant with an adventure play area for the littlies.
For anyone who's interested it is called The National Forest Adventure Farm and can be found on Postern Road, Tatenhill, Staffordshire.

Well I've got a busy few days coming up with Ruby. Then Friday DDIL is taking me shopping after she gets home from work at lunchtime. I'm babysitting at nightime and then Saturday will be spent getting our picnic ready for Trentham when we go to see the open air showing of Mama Mia in the evening. Sunday we are all off to Twycross Zoo with DDIL's family. I have a few days grace then until next weekend when DD's fella is coming to stay again. I know I've said it before but.........how on earth did I ever find time to go out to work.

Mr Manic has had a bit of an expensive weekend. He washed his mobile with his work clothes on Saturday night and then on Sunday morning the tumble drier blew up.......we are now awaiting the third thing.......lol!!!

Anyhoo.....I am going to treat myself to a couple of episodes of Bones.......I've started again from the beginning........and then I am off to bed to get my strength up for a day with Ruby tomorrow.
Bye for now and thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Cookin' And Craftin' Up A Storm!!!

2011-08-14T21:22:00.000+01:00

Last week hubby got me a fabulous bargain from the staff shop at work. Huge jars of cooked, dried shallots and I have to say that I am loving using them. No more peeling and chopping of onions for a while.
Today I have used them to make a batch of Cottage Pies for the freezer, the filling for a cheese and potato flan for later in the week and a huge bowl of homemade sage and onion stuffing....some for tomorrow's tea and some for the freezer. So quite a productive few hours in the kitchen.
I have Ruby quite a lot this next week so I have also been doing lots of prep of card fronts etc so that they can be put together quite quickly. I think I prepped about fifty Christmas cards in total. They will get done in the precious hour or so I get upstairs at night when Ruby has gone home.

Well I am on a fast now until about 10am tomorrow when I have blood tests. Can't even have my bedtime cuppa which is a major trial for me. I love my bedtime cuppa more than any other drink I have in a day.
Need to keep myself busy so I am off to a few jobs instead of sitting watching Bones as I will be too tempted to put the kettle on.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Festive Friday!!!

2011-08-12T22:08:00.000+01:00

Today's card is one I put together using some toppers I made up last year and some Making Memories paper.....one of those annoying double sided papers that is gorgeous on both sides and you put off using because you can't decide which side to use. Anyway I bit the bullet and chopped it all up and I think there are only a few small pieces left now.
The diecuts are Cuttlebug embellished with tiny gems.

I've spent some of today doing prep for Christmas cards. Chopping up layers and making toppers ready to put together. I picked up a gorgeous set of Kanban stamps the other day so I hope to get time to play with those this weekend although I will need to tidy the desk first.
I've also done some tidying and condensing of stuff in my workroom so that I can get rid of some of the bigger boxes that fall off the shelf if I look at them never mind touch them....lol!!!

Well everybody has been fed and watered and the kitchen is nice and tidy so it's time a bit of me time. I'm missing Bones so I'm going to start again at the beginning and that will hopefully take me up to the release of season six.
Bye for now.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

It's All About The Birds!!!

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000+01:00

The first bird is a peacock.
Stamped and embossed in silver onto Basic Grey paper. I have then coloured areas with Tombow pens and added Stickles in Lime Green for a bit of twinkle.
After I had mounted it onto black card I felt it needed something else.....hence the diecut flourish.
I think the stamp may be Magenta but I'm not sure.

Next we have Doodle Bird snuggling up to an owl. Oh she did so love this carving. She kept kissing it and going shhhhh as if she was trying to make it go to sleep. So cute.

It was my day off today so I spent most of it upstairs and made twenty one cards. I did get a visit from Doodle this morning as she wanted to show me her new shoes and then again this evening while DS went to the docs.
A bit lost tonight as I have finished Bones. DD has given me another series to try but I'm not sure if I will like it. It's called In Plain Sight. I'll give it a go but if I don't like it I have Brokeback Mountain to fall back on.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Blankety Blank!!!

2011-08-07T21:18:00.000+01:00

A very simple card today.
Background is stamped straight onto the card blank using Ancient Page-Deep Harbour.
The two step flower is stamped first in StazOn and then the solid image in the same ink as the background.
I also used the Deep Harbour to colour a piece of card for matting.
Just added three tiny gems to embellish the flower.....job done.
I made twelve of these in various colours and I love how soft the inks look on this pearlised cardstock.
Stamps are all Artemio.

I've had a fabulous peaceful day upstairs today as I decided I would cook our Sunday lunch for teatime. I managed to make twenty four cards so that was a very productive session.
The computer is driving me mad at the moment. We had a virus last week......despite having anti virus protection. It wiped out all my picture files, removed everything in my favourites lists, ate the Google toolbar and won't let me download it again and now using the Orange search tool when I click on the site I want from the lists I am getting the most revolting websites coming up instead of the ones I need. It's doing my head in.

Anyway I'm off to watch more Bones. I'm on season five and will have to wait until October for season six...blah!!!
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Snoozy Saturday!!!

2011-08-06T16:49:00.001+01:00

Today's card has been made to use up some purple card. I'm not a big fan of purples and lilacs and the only paper I had in my stash was the spotty one so I printed a Pink Petticoat pattern for the rest of it.
The image was a free download from Twisted Papers and for the punched strip I used a Papermania edge punch.

We've had a fab couple of days out with Ruby. On Thursday we took her to Trentham for lunch and we decided to go Italian. Ruby ate enough to last her until Christmas I think and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. I tried olives for the first time in my life.....oooh I shan't be eating them again any time soon.....they were disgusting.
Yesterday we took her to Rosliston Forestry Centre. What a fabulous place. Ruby walked all the way round and had a great time despite being full of cold. She fell in love with a carved wooden owl and was cuddling it for ages we had a job to prise her away from it. I think her favourite bit was the ice cream at the end though..lol!!!

Today I am playing catch up with jobs in the house, shopping and trying to get some cards made but I don't have much time for upstairs as DD has booked me for a DVD session tonight.

Right...off to do a bit more.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Still Using Up!!!

2011-08-03T13:21:00.000+01:00

Having only had these Heidi Swapp embellishments for about 18 months they are relative newcomers to the workroom. I got them from Graphicus when I went up that way for a short holiday last year.
Elements from the sheet are just layered and I have added a watch face with a Tim Holtz gear plus some peeloff corners around the compass to fill in some gaps.
Sorry the picture isn't brilliant but the light up in my room is diabolical.

DD and I have just finished painting the ceiling on the hall, stairs and landings. I did the cutting in and DD followed behind with the roller and filled in the gaps. So that's a job well done for today and I am going to spend the rest of the day upstairs playing......erm sorry working.....lol!!!

Tomorrow we are off to Trentham Gardens to take Ruby out for some air and also to pick up an extra ticket for the open air showing of Mama Mia that we are going to at the end of August. DDIL's mum is now joining DD, DDIL, her sister and myself and we are looking forward to a fun night......with dry weather hopefully.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

2011-08-01T21:40:00.000+01:00

Another 'using up' card and I have to say that I thought I would end up throwing these flowers out as they seemed to be breeding...lol!!!
I have managed to use up every last one though.....both pink and blue....yay!!!
I'm not sure who made the corner punch I have used. It was one I got from Trentham Gardens when they used to have a small craft department.

Well it's been miserably warm here today. Not ideal when you are chasing about after an eighteen month old who had a touch of the minx about her. We are having battles trying to get her to eat proper meals and she seems to be surviving on nectarines and yoghurt at the moment. She is so like her daddy was when he was little.

No crafting tonight as I have been cooking tea for tomorrow. Mr Manic is at work until six and DD has a training course so there will be nobody to watch Ruby while I cook the evening meal. Roll on Thursday and Friday when the kitchen will be closed. We are taking Ruby out for those days and will eat out.

Right....tea is simmering nicely so I am off for a cool shower and then a veg in front of the tv watching some more Bones.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

A Slow Paced Sunday!!!

2011-07-31T18:27:00.000+01:00

With Mr Manic at work and DD in bed after a nightshift I have had a few hours to myself this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it after a very busy week with Doodle Bird.
I decided that after all the cooking last weekend and throughout the week that we would have a simpler meal for today so I haven't had to spend all morning in the kitchen which was a very nice change.
Instead I have been upstairs putting the finishing touches to a huge batch of cards I started yesterday. Very simple but quite labour intensive as all of the letters have been glittered with two layers of Stickles.
I'm in a using up mood again so the letters are from a 12 x 12 sheet of Basic Grey cardstock adhesive letters. The snowflakes are Stampendous peeloffs which I have had for years and now they are orgon (all gone) as Ruby would say.
Well here's Mr Manic home. He'll be wanting feeding after his shower so I had best go and play the dutiful wife.....lol!!!
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

What A Weekend!!!

2011-07-25T22:03:00.000+01:00

Phew....lovely weekend but.....I am glad it's over.
I've not even had a peek in my workroom since Thursday what with all the cleaning, cooking and general entertaining of a weekend guest and Sunday visitors. I think we passed muster though with DD's fella.
Miss Doodle, recovered from her virus, was just gorgeous yesterday and so funny. At one point she was layed down on the floor with Smudge stroking his feet. When she found his claws she thought they were teeth so you can imagine how much we laughed at that.
Today I have been getting a box of cards together for DDIL to take to work and I did manage a couple of new ones but had no time to take pics. That's on the list for tomorrow.
Off to watch some Bones now.......I am so hooked I can hardly bear a night not watching any.
Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Sorry!!!

2011-07-20T10:51:00.000+01:00

So sorry for the lack of posts again this week. I seem to have been busy at everything but what I want to be doing.
Ruby still has the virus that she started with last week but I think she is on the mend now. She's certainly eating better and the nappies aren't quite so disgusting as they were.....sorry....too much information....lol!!!
DS is collecting her earlier today so I will be off upstairs later to put the finishing touches to the shop stock ready to go tomorrow and then I have to start on a huge clean up as we are up for inspection by DD's fella at the weekend. We are meeting him for the first time and I am a little nervous I must admit.
Right I am off to get a couple of jobs done while the Doodle Bird is napping.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Rose!!!

2011-07-16T22:25:00.000+01:00

Today I have been going through a box of part prepared cards and found a pile of Joy Fold cards that needed decorating.
Paper is K & Co.
Stamp is I think Rubber Stampede/Delta but not 100% sure as it has been unmounted and I forgot to put the company name on the back.
Inks are StazOn-Saddle Brown and Distress- Antique Linen.
Lace is paper from a pack of rolls I got from Lakeland years ago.
Finished off with self adhesive pearls.

Being a bit naughty and saying s*d the housework and have spent the last two days upstairs. I've really cracked on and have just about filled the box ready to do the stand at the shop next week.
I did take a little trip up to Byrkley for half an hour and managed to come back with a pack of printed kraft card, a set of christmas stamps, some foam applicators and an embossing folder. I only went up for a sheet of red glitter card.....which I didn't get....lol!!!

We've had a bit of a rough week with Ruby as she has not been eating but has had an upset stomach. Yesterday she didn't even want her milk.......and that's the girl who is single handedly keeping the milk industry going.......she is a milk monster normally. Speaking to DDIL today though it seems as if she is over the worst thank goodness.
DD has had tonsilitis again so it's been a bit like a sick bay here.

Right well I am off to snuggle up with Mr Manic and watch some Bones.
Thanks for dropping by
Sheila-x-

Crafty Doings!!!

2011-07-12T22:58:00.000+01:00

I managed to get some good time upstairs today and have made eighteen cards. Thought it was about time I put some ink on this gorgeous little set of stamps by Artemio. Nothing much technique wise but today I have been too hot to think straight.
I've used paper by Making Memories, Old Paper Distress ink and Old Paper Distress Stickles.
Sentiment stamp is by Papermania.

On the home front.....plans for the bathroom are coming along nicely. The builder has been and sussed it out and hopes to start work at the end of September....I've told him that I want it done and finished before Christmas. It's going to be fabulous as everything on my wishlist is achievable....yay....no more ugly pipes.

Didn't do myself any favours last night by standing ironing for three hours. Usually it's DD's job as standing at the ironing board causes problems with my back and legs. That has been very much in evidence today so what with the heat and the pain it's not been a fabulous day even though I spent most of it sitting down.
Anyhoo DD has had a very busy week or so and it was piling up and driving me nuts. I never want to see another t shirt in my life.....I must have ironed forty.

Had a visit from Miss Doodle tonight while daddy went to an appointment. She is a comedian in the making I swear and had us all cracking up with her antics.

Rightio....I'm off to add gemstones to twelve cards I stamped before I came down. I have to be done before Mr Manic goes to bed as he can't stand any kind of noise when he's trying to get to sleep.

Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Another Weekend Gone!!!

2011-07-10T23:47:00.000+01:00

So much planned and so little achieved once again. I was cracking along nicely with some cards yesterday, felt guilty that I wasn't doing house jobs and ended up having a good old sort out upstairs. Somehow I never got back to the cards and I really wish I had stuck with them instead of giving in to the guilts because I think I overdid it a bit. I feel like I've been beaten with a stick but at least there are no cobwebs.

Sunday is usually a domestic type of day. Cooking lunch, laundry etc in the morning then a quick session upstairs in the workroom but today that was kiboshed by visitors.........very welcome ones I hasten to add in the shape of Miss Doodle and her mummy and daddy. Then tonight I spent some time with DD as I haven't seen her properly for three days. We watched a film called Season Of The Witch. What a waste of an hour and a half that was. Absolute rubbish so we made up for that by watching a couple more episodes of Bones.......much better.

Ah well... I should maybe get off to bed as the Princess will be here in the morning and I shall need all my strength and wits about me.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Domestic Friday!!!

2011-07-08T22:33:00.000+01:00

Today I was left home alone and it was sheer bliss.
Started on the housework as soon as I got up, got the lounge cleaned, the kitchen tidied, baked a cake and had a friend round for coffee all before twelve 'o' clock. Then upstairs to work on some wedding invitation samples for a customer, more housey pottering and back upstairs for some inky antics making backgrounds for some arty Christmas cards. They are still drying so I couldn't make them up into anything. Fed and watered Mr Manic when he got home at seven and now I am just about to have my tea so I will love you and leave you for now.
Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Ornament Poinsettia!!!

2011-07-06T20:59:00.000+01:00

More stamping with the Viva Christmas stamps.
This time I have used an ornament stamp to make a poinsettia.
Below is a sample of how I stamp the layers.
I finished the centre off with a circle of card and a punched sparkle.

Inks used are all StazOn-Black Cherry, Olive Green and Forest Green.
The background piece is another Viva stamp and is distressed with AL and VP Distress Inks.
The scalloped edge is a Tim Holtz On The Edge diecut.

Had a fab morning with Ruby and DDIL at playgroup but by the time I got home I could feel a migraine starting so went and had a lie down. I fell asleep and didn't wake up until half three. The migraine was gone anyway so that was good.

I'm off to watch some Bones with DD now and then I'll catch up with The Apprentice on Iplayer.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Miss Doodle!!!

2011-07-05T23:20:00.000+01:00

My gorgeous Ruby enjoying the sunshine and a lovely cooling breeze at the park today.
We had been out for most of the morning and she fell asleep in the car on the way home. I had to sit in the car with her until she woke up which delayed our picnic at the little park near where we live. By the time we had been there for half an hour it began to rain but she had her little picnic and a kick around with a ball. She was tired out by the time daddy picked her up tonight......and a tad cranky but still adorable after her bath and snuggled into clean pyjamas.

No time for crafting tonight but I did get my desk cleared ready to start tomorrow once I get back from playgroup. I'm going with DDIL who has a day off. It's her first time so I said I would go and introduce her to everyone.

Bye for now and thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

I'm Melting, I'm Melting!!!

2011-07-04T21:48:00.000+01:00

Anybody got any snow they can send me? This heat is killing me.....says she who has just made matters worse by mucking out the kitchen.
Miss Doodle has been an absolute delight today....except for when we nipped into town to get an outfit for DD who is off to a party in Wales at the weekend. Ooooh she were a little minx and we have to repeat the trip tomorrow as I treated myself to a pair of sandals in the sale and they were the wrong ones when I got them home. Can't see meself in a pair of bejewelled wedges somehow....lol!!!
No crafting tonight as I didn't finish in the kitchen until about half nine and all I fit for now is a cool bath and a session with my feet up on the sofa.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Viva Vintage Christmas!!!

2011-07-02T23:16:00.000+01:00

As promised a pic of a project done with a stamp from one of the new Viva Christmas sets.
I used papers from K & Co and Hot Off The Press.
The image was stamped onto a diecut circle (3.75in) using Olive Green StazOn and then distressed with Antique Linen and Vintage Photo.
I layered it onto gold circle and then used a Sizzix Decorative Accents die to cut the fancy frame and inserted the circle into it.
Added a bit of twinkle with some burgundy Stickles and some snowflakes punched from cream glitter card.
The sentiment circle is one I found in a bag and have no idea where it's from.......but I distressed it with AL and VP and added another punched snowflake.
The frame and snowflakes are embellished with some tiny self adhesive gold pearl type thingys.

I didn't get to play quite as much as I would have liked today as I was keeping the builder and his mate supplied with drinks while they worked. It was so hot out there and I didn't want them flaking out from lack of fluids.
Then I had DD needing to be fed at five before she got ready for work and Mr Manic coming in at half six.....don't know why I don't just open a cafe and be done with it.....lol!!!
Now I am a bit hot and bothered after my bath so I am going to cool off for a little while and then start on a sewing project. I found a brand new king sized duvet set in the cupboard that has never been used and I am going to turn it into some curtains for this back room which needs a bit of a makeover. Cutting and pinning tonight and then I'll fetch the sewing machine down and get them finished tomorrow.
Bye for now and thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Where Did My Week Go?!!!

2011-07-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

Crikey.......I don't know where this week has gone. Well I suppose I do really. Pretty much lost in the hecticness that is Miss Doodle.
I did manage to get upstairs for a while yesterday and made twenty four cards........just top ups for the Christmas box of some popular designs which you have all seen before so nothing new to post.
However...I am off up there now and I intend to stamp with my new Viva Christmas stamps today.
Should be back later with pics.
Tara for now
Sheila-x-

Small And Sweet Christmas!!!

2011-06-28T22:33:00.000+01:00

Teeny tiny cards made using printed images from Pink Petticoat. They have been coloured with ProMarkers.......I think I need to get some of the new fine nibs as these are so tiny that I kept going over the edges.
Images have been embellished with Viva Pearl Pen and Viva Gloss Gel Pen.........my new favourite must have crafting things. They are fabulous with a capital fuh and if I ever run out I will cry. The red gloss pen makes the most fabulous berries and tree lights and the pearl pen made beautiful mistletoe berries. I never ever got on with Liquid Pearls but the slightly looser consistency of the Viva pearls gives lovely neat little mounds that dry smoothly.
The paper is Basic Grey.

Miss Doodle has been in fine form today. She has had me dancing around the kitchen floor with us both in fits of giggles. We've read all of her books......again and I am a tad fed up of Little Kitten and the bl**dy noisy nose. It's her favourite and we read it over and over and over again. Still we've had a smashing day and I can't wait to see her tomorrow.

Not had much time up in my room tonight. By the time Ruby went home and I had fed and watered Mr Manic and DD all there was time for was to take my new card stash up and sort it and cut a few more blanks.

The stamps from the giveaway will be posted tomorrow. I'm sorry for the delay but I've not had anyone available to take me up to the post office. The one day I did........I forgot to give them the parcels....numpty!!!

Right......I'm going for a bit of a browse with a nice mug of coffee and then I had best get to bed and get some sleep.......I may have to dance again tomorrow.....lol!!!

Thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Quick, Quick!!!

2011-06-27T20:09:00.000+01:00

You know.......we say quick and easy cards and they are.....if you've spent several hours doing all the diecuts beforehand....lol!!!
A simple Good Luck card using up more of the bright spotty paper and a free stamp from Craft Stamper.
Embellishments are a flower gem and some Magenta corner peeloffs.

I had a bagful of these Prima flowers so I had a good sort out and used up what I could. The rest went in the bin as they were either a bit chewed up or they were strange colours that didn't colour very well with Promarkers.
The circles took me hours.........the card......five minutes.

Well I've been that flippin' hot today I think me mojo was in a puddle on the floor so I have spent pretty much all day sorting out card blanks and envelopes ready for my mega delivery of card from The Paper Mill tomorrow. One big box of cream, one big box of white, a box of A3 creams and whites, a box of black and a box of cream felt mark. Gawd only knows where it will go but I am so short of of everything that it had to be ordered.
Took a break for an hour to look after Princess Doodle while her daddy went for a check up at the docs. I think we looked at every book in her collection and she must have about fifty here. My nice tidy living room looked like a bomb had hit it when she went home.

Mr Manic is back from work and has been fed and watered and DD has gone off to work so I think I'll go back to my card sorting for an hour or so. After that it will be a cool bath and a session on the sofa watching some more Bones.........I am so hooked.

Tara for now and thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Cupcake!!!

2011-06-26T09:59:00.001+01:00

A Sizzix cupcake using My Minds Eye glittered papers on a background of K & Co spotty paper.
The scalloped border is one I cut from a 12 x 12 sheet of scalloped card by DCWV.
Sentiment is Hero Arts.
I've made twelve of these for the shop box so it's filling up nicely now.

Just waiting for the builder to arrive and then I am off upstairs to craft with the fan on full blast. Dinner can wait until later today.....it's just too hot to have the oven on so we'll have as tea so it's fresh when Mr Manic gets home from work.

Enjoy the sunshine.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Bright!!!

2011-06-25T17:18:00.000+01:00

Back to the everyday cards today.
I wanted to use up a small stash of this very bright spotty Doodlebug paper so I made several of this simple card for the shop box.
The foliage stamp is Hero Arts and I used an Anna Griffin punch for the small flower and an unknown punch for the larger one. Brads for the centres and then I embellished with a punched butterfly (Martha Stewart).
The sentiment is from a Papermania set.

No heatwave here today. It's been grey and drizzly all day. The builder was rained off so he's hoping for a better day tomorrow.
I've just spent the day upstairs sorting and condensing and now I am just waiting for the potatoes to cook for the Cheese and Potato pie I am making for tea...yum yum.
Had a quick visit from Miss Doodle when she and her mummy came to pick up DD to go shopping. She was thrilled with a present I gave her........a pair of rubber gloves. I had to buy her some of her own as she loves mine but keeps biting holes in them....lol!!!

Right well I shall go and poke the spuds and see if they are cooked.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Ding Dong Merrily On High!!!

2011-06-24T21:05:00.000+01:00

.......and so it begins. Flamin' June.....yeah right and here we are back at the Christmas cards. I started off very gently by using some of the diecuts I did the other day and I have to say I love this card. It is just the sort I would buy myself. Good job I do like it as I have made twelve. Six in white with gingham ribbon and six in cream with tartan ribbon.
The foliage used to make the wreath is a from the Tim Holtz Alterations die that's got the shield thingy and banner on it. The bird is from the Caged Bird die.....with his legs chopped off.

Today I have managed to make another twelve everyday cards. All the same design but in different colourways. I'm cooking on gas me you know. I've even put all the inserts in and bagged up all of the cards I have made over the last few days. It has helped that Mr Manic has been at home and helped out with the cooking and stuff. He is an angel.

Went and babysat Miss Doodle last night. She was a bit crotchety but only to be expected as she has had a little accident. She loves playing chase but when she was playing the other day she fell and skidded along the carpet on her nose. She now has a lovely carpet burn from the tip of her nose to her forehead. I could cry when I look at her....it breaks my heart.
Talking of hearts.....mine nearly gave out last night while we were at the cottage. Sitting reading my book and minding my own business I saw something shoot across the carpet out of the corner of my eye. It was a mouse. Oh my gawd I nearly died. I'm not over fond of mices...have you seen how quick they move? I couldn't wait for DS and DDIL to get back so I could get home. Then to cap it all I had forgotten that DD had parked the car by a tree and I walked into a branch that was hanging down. Pity there was nobody about looking for people to scream in horror films.....I'd have got the job....lol!!! Oh the joys of living in the country.

Well I think I deserve a bit of snuggle time with DD now. We're watching a series on DVD called Bones and it's rather good.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

......And She Has Finally Flipped!!!

2011-06-22T22:04:00.000+01:00

OK.....so yesterday I cleaned the cooker. Now normally a one big job like that is enough for me in a week but there must be something in the water round here as today I have only gone and finished.....yes I say finished......papering the stairs. All that remains to be done now is the painting and for the first time in.....ooooh years.....I shan't be ashamed to open the front door to anyone. How fab!!! This weekend the builder is coming to repair the rendering and sort out the ridge tiles. We booked the job ages ago but another huge job came along for him which he couldn't turn down. Anyway he is also bringing us the bathroom brochures to look at and once we have sorted out what we want I am hoping he will be able to get that done. Gawd we shan't know ourselves soon....lol!!! Mr Manic says I can have it gutted and whatever I want done so the word is going to be streamlined. It's a very small bathroom and difficult to clean so I want a tiled floor and walls, I want pipes hidden and a sink without a pedestal. Oooooh I am so excited.

After finishing the papering this morning I decided that I deserved a treat so DD took me up to the garden centre where they had had a new delivery of Viva stamps. Well three sets of Christmas ones sort of attached themselves to me plus a set of Go Kreate dies and two reels of some rather nice grey striped ribbon. That little lot filled up my loyalty card so I got another set of dies for free.
This afternoon I have sat doing some diecutting ready for Christmas cards and reduced my bags of red card offcuts from two to about three quarters of a bag so that's a job well done.

A message for Sue C........I love your pirate card and did try to leave a comment but for some reason I can't....sorry. Google won't let me sign in even though I can sign in to my own blog.

I'll get the draw stamps packed and posted in the next couple of days to the ladies who have let me have their details.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Mad Morning!!!

2011-06-21T19:21:00.000+01:00

This morning in a mad burst of late onset spring cleaning I decided to tackle the cleaning of the cooker before it choked us all to death.
It was disgusting and I was totally ashamed but two hours and much aching of arms and shoulders later the job is done and I feel extremely virtuous.
My reward was a lovely couple of hours or so up in the workroom where I made six cards to fill up the box for the shop. Things then went a bit downhill with the start of a migraine. I went and had a lie down and it seems to be on it's way out now. I just feel like my head is falling off when I look down. Another dose of painkillers should sort that out and then I'm back off to do some more crafting.
As you may be able to tell.....Ruby isn't here this week. Her daddy has booked the week off as it's his birthday on Thursday. They did pop in for a cuppa yesterday after a morning at the park and I am babysitting on Thursday night while DS and DDIL go out for a meal so at least there have been some and more to come cuddles from my little angel.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Stamp Giveaway!!!

2011-06-19T22:44:00.000+01:00

As there were only seven entries for the stamp draw I am going to send something to all seven ladies who entered.
So could you all e mail me your addresses.....including Lisa who left her comment on the wrong post.
Thanks
Sheila-x-

Long Day!!!

2011-06-18T01:06:00.000+01:00

For some unknown reason I was up at the crack of a sparrows doo dah yesterday and despite having time to do some crafting all I managed was four measley cards.........and all the same at that.
Did however manage to reduce a huge box of cream and white offcuts into usable pieces by diecutting and paper trimming plus I sorted out a bag of Prima flowers and finally chucked out all the manky ones.
Just need to do something with the box of coloured card offcuts and the humungous box of paper offcuts now and then I shall feel all tidy and virtuous......lol!!!

I think Mr Manic could do with a bit of sorting out. He came home yesterday with another two oil lamps that don't work to add to his collection. I wouldn't mind if they at least looked nice but they are the tattiest old things you ever did see.........and he won't let me paint them.....mean old thing. I can just see them painted, one in a lovely dark red and one in dark green to have on the mantle piece at Christmas. Oh well at least he did get me to go online and track down a mantle and some lamp oil to see if he can get at least one of them working.

Well I'm off to bed. It's going to be a bit busy tomorrow as we are having Father's Day a day early. Mr Manic has had his shift changed and is now doing twelve hour day shifts.....starting Sunday so we are having Sunday lunch tomorrow.......and I still have to make his card.

Bye for now and thanks for your visit.
Sheila-x-

Day Off......What Day Off?!!!

2011-06-16T00:41:00.000+01:00

Just look at this gorgeous poppy. No sign of it yesterday. It was peeping out of it's bud when I got up this morning and by the time I had had a cuppa this is what it looked like. Loads more buds to break open yet so it's going to look pretty awesome when they do.
Not bad for a few seeds scattered randomly at the end of last year.

Another card made with the Provo Craft chipboards plus some letter stickers.
I have had the chipboards for at least five years......maybe longer and the same with the stickers so I think it's fair to say that they have been stroked for long enough and need to get out and earn their keep.

Well today I was going to do wonders upstairs as it was my day off from having Ruby. DS called with her at 9:30 am to borrow a pack of baby wipes to take with him to playschool because he'd forgotten to pack some. Then they called again at lunchtime to borrow the pushchair as DDIL had got theirs in her car and she was at work. Then to cap it all tonight after I had seen Mr Manic and DD off to work and cleaned up DS phoned to say he was coming round with a load of washing for the tumble drier and he was here until about 9:00pm. I finally got upstairs just after ten........to sink into a nice hot bath.......bah!!!
I told Mr Manic when he phoned me tonight that if I don't get some decent crafting time in from Friday onwards that I am leaving home and going to live under a hedge on the motorway. It's got to be more peaceful than our house is at times.......lol!!!

Anyway.....thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

A Last Minute Card!!!

2011-06-14T19:01:00.000+01:00

A card for my DDIL's stepdad which had to be made last night to post this morning. I don't know him well enough to know his hobbies or interests so I just printed the font out into two inch squares using JFR Ringmaster at size ninety. Not sure if you can tell on this picture but I filled in the letters with Powder Blue ProMarker. I grunged around the edges of the letters with a StazOn ink pad and added self adhesive nail heads to finish it off.
Have to say that in real life it was quite a striking card with it being on an 8x8 blank.

Loved being down at the cottage today although the delivery men did have some trouble finding us. We got there in the end though and the new sofa and chair are installed.
I could so live down there. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the wildlife was out in force with squirrels playing on the lawn. It was beautiful and I feel like I have had a day's holiday.
No Ruby tomorrow so I aim to be making cards all day.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Well Finally!!!

2011-06-13T23:57:00.000+01:00

A card made just because I wanted to. It seems like forever since I did that.
I have used some offcuts of Graphic 45 papers. The punched side is done with a Fiskars punch.
The Eiffel Tower, lady and ooh la la are from a set of chipboards by Provo Craft but I removed the tower from it's board backing so that it would lie flat on the background.
Stamped tag is from a set by Royal and Langnickel.

Today has been a lovely day with Ruby. She is just at that really interesting stage and learning new things all the time......although I will be quite glad when she learns to eat without covering grandma. Today my jeans carried a rather fetching smear or two of hummous and she would insist on stroking my hair which ended up looking like I had never heard of shampoo......lol!!!

As I post in the future you will probably notice that the room in the background is somewhat different to what it has been. I am now in a new room. DD and I have exchanged rooms for the time being. It is way smaller than the attic and at the moment rather overcrowded until I get everything sorted properly. Poor old DD ended up doing most of the work as I had Ruby four days last week and didn't have much time to help.

Tomorrow I will be looking after Ruby down at the cottage as there is a furniture delivery expected. I am looking forward to the peace and quiet.

Don't forget to add your name to the post below if you want to be in with a chance for a free set of Paper Artsy stamps.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

Sharing The Love!!!

2011-06-12T01:15:00.001+01:00

This draw is now closed.

My good friend Meryl sent me a box of stamps that she no longer needed and amongst them were four sets that I already had so I thought I would share the love and pass them on.
If you would like to recieve one of the above sets for free please leave a comment on this post and I will do a draw next Sunday.

Bye for now
Sheila-x-

Nasty Cold!!!

2011-06-10T21:48:00.000+01:00

Hooey......well the cold didn't last too long thank goodness but boy was it nasty. My head felt about three times it's normal size and every bone in my body ached. So what with that and Miss Doodle being here for four days to say that I am knackered would be quite an understatement. She chose yesterday, when I was at my lowest, to act up for the whole day......squealing, whingy and cranky. Then half an hour before she was to be collected her mood changed to the complete opposite and she was giggly, smily and cheeky. You wouldn't have thought she was the same child.
Today I have caught up with some jobs that were desperate to be done and then I've spent the afternoon just pottering about and sorting out cards that need finishing off and cards that need packing. Fingers crossed I shall actually get some crafting time in tomorrow.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

A #%$$?£ Cold!!!

2011-06-05T22:31:00.000+01:00

Well I have managed to get some cards made but can I find the gig stick thingy to put the pictures on? No I can't. I've looked everywhere. I'll have to have another look tomorrow after Miss Doodle has gone home.
While I've been up there I have been feeling more and more grotty as the day went on and now I have a rotten cold or some kind of flu. My ribs ache like anything and my head feels like it's stuffed full of cotton wool. I thought something was on it's way when we went out last night as I had a slightly sore throat and runny nose. Anyway I am off to soak in a hot bath which always makes me feel better......topped off by a nice hot cuppa before bed.
Sheila-x-

And Relax!!!

2011-06-05T07:55:00.001+01:00

The end of another busy few days at Manic Towers.....and none of the busyness was being crafty.
We had a fabulous meal out last night cooked by DS and DDIL at the cottage. Very, very relaxing and I have slept like a log.
Today I need to pay a quick visit to the garden centre and then Mr Manic is cooking dinner while I go upstairs and do my own thing. Can't be bad eh?
Hope to be back with pics of stuff later.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

The Best Laid Plans!!!

2011-06-02T07:19:00.000+01:00

I had my evening all planned out last night. Tidy up after Miss Doodle (you wouldn't believe how far a 100 piece kitchen play set can spread...lol!!!), tidy the kitchen and then get upstairs to start designing some Christmas cards......I have had an order enquiry already. Managed all of an hour before DS was banging on the door wanting to use the tumble drier and by the time he was done all I had time for was to go up and turn off the lights. It does put me in a grump when things don't go to plan so I ain't making any plans for tonight....we'll just see how it goes.
Looks like we might have some sunshine today so I think Doodle and I might spend some time in the garden.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-

I've Been Busy!!!

2011-05-30T23:09:00.001+01:00

Got my kitchen duties out of the way this morning. I thought with it being wet, windy and quite chilly that a pie would hit the spot for DD, who is back at work tonight after a three week holiday and Mr Manic, who can eat anything at anytime....lol!!! So I rustled up a Pork and Apple Pie and served it up with Jersey Royals and some veg.........it went down a treat.
Off then upstairs to make a start on the order and got three done before I had had enough......well they were men's cards......say no more.....lol!!! So I decided to take a break and make myself a little tool holder to sit on the desk as I am always losing stuff.......and here it is.........

.......it's made from one sheet of 11.75inch x 9inch mountboard scored into three 3 inch sections lengthways. I glued the dividers in next with some Glossy Accents and covered it with Basic Grey paper. I then cut two pieces of board 7inches x 3 inches and scored 2 inches from each edge. These made the end pieces to hold it together. The holes for the brads were punched before assembling which made it much easier. Just need to tidy the corners of the red board with some gilding paste now.

Mr Manic has been and fetched the paint today for the stairs. I just couldn't make my mind up on the colour so it was almost a 'stick a pin in a paint chart job'........lol!!! Anyway off he goes to Homebase where our chosen paint was three for the price of two.....and as you might guess they only had two cans.......bl**dy typical. Had to choose another colour while he hung on the phone so I hope it looks OK when it's done.

Ooops almost forgot the card. Paper....sorry unknown. I got it from a bargain bin ages ago. Stars are Spellbinders. Grommety thing came with my Big Bite.

Right......well I am off for a bath and a read which is well deserved today I think.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila-x-

OK....So Not The End!!!

2011-05-29T23:01:00.000+01:00

Oh well........I thought I was at the end of my special orders for a while but checking my e mails I got another one in for six cards. That means no play time for me for another couple of days then.

Had a lovely lunch out with Mr Manic today. We went to The Swan aka The Mucky Duck at Fradley Junction. The meal as usual was fabulous and then we went for a walk along the canal. I love looking at the boats and peeking in at the tinyness of everything. I find it fascinating but I'm not sure it's something I fancy doing.

I've had three days of being spoiled by DD and Mr Manic but I'll be back to the grindstone tomorrow with kitchen duties in the morning and work upstairs in the afternoon.

Bye for now....and thanks for visiting.
Sheila-x-

The End!!!

2011-05-28T00:43:00.000+01:00

Well I think this is the last of the cards I have 'had' to make and now I can get on and make some just for the fun of it. You watch my mojo go off on holiday now........I swear I will scream if it does....lol!!!

I've had a lovely day today. DD took me out for my monthly airing. We had a ride to Bridgemere and a squizz around Hobbycraft. Their stamp selection was abysmal and most of the other stuff was either uninspiring or over priced.
I had a quick drool over the stuff in the window of the new Lakeland branch that has opened there but I didn't go in as today was definitely for crafty shopping and not housey stuff.
After Bridgemere we headed off to Trentham Gardens. We had a walk around the shops and then DD treated me to a carvery lunch. Oh boy it was gorgeous. Couldn't manage all of it as it was a huge plateful. Then we had a walk around inside the garden centre and the gift areas. I think if I won the Lottery I would spend it all in there as they have some seriously amazing stuff.......none of it neccessary you understand but very 'I want......able'.....lol!!!
Sunday Mr Manic and I have a day to ourselves and he is taking me out for lunch. Am I spoilt or what? Hopefully I will get to do some crafting over the next few days as Ruby is away now until Wednesday showing off her walking and talking skills to her other grandma, grandad and aunty. They will be so excited to see her.

Anyway I am off to bed. I'm quite worn out with the excitement of having a day out and another to look forward to.....sad old bat...lol!!!
Night night.
Sheila-x-

Weary Bones!!!

2011-05-25T23:40:00.000+01:00

I have just come downstairs after a very busy twelve and a half hour day assembling and packing some of the Father's Day cards. I managed fifty altogether with more to be done so they will have to go to the shop and office in two lots. It's a start anyway.
I am now very, very weary with sore fingers so I am off to make myself a cuppa and put my feet up with a book.

Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila-x-

Bad Blogger....Again!!!

2011-05-23T22:46:00.000+01:00

Sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. As usual I'm not getting much time upstairs.....the Father's Day cards are still waiting to be put together.
I did manage this little card though using a stamp from a set by Prima.
First I used it to create the background which I then chalked and embossed with a Cuttlebug folder.
Then I stamped the main piece and coloured it using just a plain old HB pencil.......smudging it with my finger to create a shadow around the flower.
The sentiment is from a set by Personal Impressions.

Mr Manic has shocked the heck out of me and has already asked somebody about doing the bathroom. I expected to still be waiting in two years......lol!!! He has seen one that the person has done already and is very impressed.

The gorgeous Miss Doodle was here today. A little bit grizzly as she had a tummy ache and I think more teeth on the way. She did cheer up a bit though when she saw the present I send grandad out to get. We've bought her a play kitchen and a box of assorted foodstuff as she was very taken with the one at playgroup. She loves it and has been cooking up some horrible concoctions for us to eat. Sausage and gherkin stew, chicken and strawberry stir fry and fried oranges with crips (crisps).......lol!!! I would have loved something like this when I was little. It has running water, an oven and a grill and the hob makes cooking noises. It's fabulous.

Well I am away to do a bit of surfing round the web before bedtime though how long I shall last I do not know as it's quite windy here therefore draughty in this back room so I am quite cold.

Bye for now.
Sheila-x-

Baby Drawers......Oo'er Mrs!!!

2011-05-19T22:46:00.000+01:00

I have seen several versions of baby dressers around the web and I've had a fiddle about today making this one which is based on a tent fold 5 x 7. Because I don't keep A3 card in stock I have had to join two pieces with an overlap at the back.
So I have just used plain white card and inked around the edges of the card blank and drawers using a Versamagic ink pad.
The baby outfit and heart is PC Crafter.
Coat hanger is handmade from silver wire.
Drawer handles are large brads.
I finished off with just a touch of Stardust Stickles around the lace on both the outfit and heart.

Nothing much exciting going on around here at the moment but I don't mind a quiet life for a change. I've got a busy day tomorrow and then a bit of housey stuff on Saturday. I think Miss Doodle and Co will be coming for lunch on Sunday but I can't remember. Best get something in just in case.....lol!!!

Mr Manic has me looking around at bathroom stuff as he thinks we should turn ours into a shower room. I have to say I agree as it must be the smallest bathroom ever. We also have recurring problems with water occassionally leaking through the ceiling from our over bath shower so I think ripping it all out and starting from scratch is a pretty good idea. What I am not liking is the thought of the mess but I suppose I will deal with that when it comes.

Off to do a bit more looking then.

Thanks for dropping by.
Sheila-x-