I'm on the Mend ...

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who sent me e:mails and cards after my last post. They were all truly appreciated. That was not fun, but I have a tentative diagnosis. My doc thinks it is a virus so has prescribed anti-viral meds and all that's left to do is wait and see if it recurs. Fingers crossed it does NOT!

I have been stamping and have a few things to share with you this week. Firstly, here's a simple card I made with the new level 1 hostess set from the Holiday mini catalog. I love this wreath and coloured it using my SU markers direct to rubber. It's then 'huffed' and stamped onto naturals ivory. The scallop squares are from the new Big Shot Die, also from the mini, and the ribbon is new from ~ yes, you guessed it ~ the Holiday Mini catty!

Recipe
Stamps : Northern Hearts, Curly Cute
Cardstock : Naturals Ivory, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake
Ink : Always Artichoke
Accessories : Big Shot, Scallop Squares Die, Cherry Cobbler Binding Ribbon, SU Markers

What a week! I became ill last weekend with some curious condition which nobody can diagnose. It leaves me feeling quite miserable and COVERED in huge purple/reddish blotches all over my legs, arms, back and ~ worst of all ~ face. My lips swell up and crack and I actually look like a leper. No, I'm not exaggerating. Anyway, after visits to the doctor, dermatologist, hospital and one biopsy and blood test later, I'm awaiting results.

The result of this has been a miserable 'me' with no stamping! Imagine that! I'm hoping next week will remedy that.

Anyway, today I managed a quick card for my dear friend Elaine. She is the bravest and most 'together' girl I know and I just love her.

Recipe
Stamps : Friends Never Fade
Cardstock : Greenhouse Gala DSP, WW, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight
Ink : Versamark, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories : 1/2 Pearls, DD Taffeta Ribbon, Clear EP

No Stamping; Baking Day Today!

I spent the morning cleaning my kitchen in preparation for my friend, Elaine, coming over for a spot of Yorkshire Tea this afternoon! Well, when Elaine arrived, Sarah said "Gosh, it's a shame we don't have a Victoria Sponge" ... so we all decided we'd make one!!! Mum knows that I've been struggling with my cakes sinking in the centre ... well, mum, I don't know if it's because Elaine was standing next to me when I made it ... but today's Victoria Sponge was 100% perfect! We put whipped cream and strawberries in the centre and dusted icing sugar on the top.

Mmmmmmm .... is there any left?

Come to think of it, it was 'almost' worth not stamping today, just to have that cake :) Well, almost!

Oliver's ONE!

Some of you may remember my cousin Kate and her husband Jacko having baby Oliver last Autumn. Well Ollie is now ONE on the 10th and Kate and Jacko have their 2nd munchkin arriving in November. Wow, that's A LOT of work (and Kate may kill me for telling you that she's over 40). Good things come to those who wait!

Well, everyone would be surprised if I actually got Ollie's card to England ON TIME ... in fact, I had his b.day in my diary as Oct 10th so it was only when I was chatting to mum this morning that I realised I was going to be late. Nothing changes!!!!

This card is taken from the Idea Book & Catalogue (p. 96). I noticed it the very first time I leafed through the new book and I think it's just Kate's style!

Happy Birthday Oliver!

Recipe
Stamps : Fox & Friends, Defining Alphabet
Cardstock : Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake
Ink : Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake
Accessories : Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, 1/2 Pearls
Some of you may remember

Card Organiser Class ~ Sept 24th

I've been working on a card organiser to offer as a class and finally I've finished tweaking and remodelling :)

This organiser has dividers for each month of the year so you can slip a full sized card and envelope into the relevant section ready for your birthdays, anniversaries etc. The little envelope on the front will hold stamps so everything's handy for your envelope!

This class will be held on Friday 24th Sept at 7pm at my home. The cost will be $15, all supplies to make your organiser are included in the cost along with a step-by-step photographic tutorial.

Birthday Teacups!

I'm meeting my friend, Laura, for lunch today. It was her birthday yesterday and I made this card for her. I tried a different 'watercolouring' technique. You use SU markers on watercolour paper and then blend with an aquapainter. I really like how it turned out.

There's a few of us for lunch today, Lisa H, Moe, Dawn Marie, Laura and myself. Maybe a few other Minglers will make it too!

Recipe
Stamps : Morning Cup
Cardstock : Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Watercolour Paper, WW
Ink : Versamark
Accessories : Black EP, SU Markers, Aquapainter, Poppy Parade Ribbon, Pinking Hearts Punch