Di's August #2 Sketch

There was a bit of a glitch with blogger the other day it seems ... in fact I guess it could have been google as a whole - I say that because my e-mail was down at the same time. The upshot is that the scheduled 40 days winners post & this one, completely disappeared!
Anyway, the first card is my DT sample for this week's card sketch and the second one is a simpler version of the same sketch. I do like to make multiple cards from Di's sketches! LOL. You might have noticed that these (there are others too similar to warrant posting) are thank you cards. This ties in with Di's 'Theme Thursday' this month, which couldn't have come at a better time for me. I have absolutely no thank you cards in my stock ... & I need a whole bunch of 'em due to the Big Birthday! LOL. So you can expect to see a few more this month too.
And in case you were wondering ... yeah! It's all scraps again!!
Why not have a go at the sketch yourself ... or maybe join this month's theme & make some thank you cards - hey! do both!!!

Be back later with that 'winners' post.

Butterfly ... Flutter By

Another bunch of cards, loosely inspired by Di's August #1 sketch (see previous post). I'm not a big stamper but loved the patterned wings ... so I had to get it! I have had it for some time now ... & I have used it before. It works well just stamped onto coloured/patterned papers but this time I have just picked out a few li'l details to colour in! I've also just curled the edges of the wings & attached the bodies to the card so as they are 'in flight'. Lots of texture on these with chenille & velvet ribbons from Making Memories ... have no idea whose papers they are (the brown ones are HOTP I think) it's all just stuff from my stash!
I prefer to stamp in dark brown rather than black ... looks a bit softer I think and doesn't distract so much from the overall design when using softer, distressed colours!


40 Days Winners coming tomorrow!!

Another Di Card - August #1

It seems that, unless I schedule these posts, I don't quite get around to blogging them ... not until the 11th hour at least. So I'm spending tonight (Monday 11th August) scheduling some catch up posts. Gotta love scheduled posting! LOL.
Anyway, this is last Wednesday's sketch ... & you still have time to whip up a quick card & get linked up before this week's sketch!
I'm still using up scraps & old stash ... HOTP Earth's Palette papers, scraps of HOTP 8x8 Vintage & Karen Foster Loopy Brads (unopened after about 3 years!!)
Check out the next post for some more cards ... yup! more scraps!!

Am I A Scrap Addict?

Evidently Deanne Burton thinks so!! I have just joined the Layout Sketch DT over on Deanne's fabulous blog ... Along with a few other names you might know! Go check it all out ... but first, just have a look at that cool blinkie over on the right column ... cool huh?
So, the deal is I'll be designing a cool layout for Deanne on the 1st & 15th of the month using one of her fab sketches ... & you can join in too - just link her up in the comments section when you've done yours ... so fun!
And don't forget the Pen Pals Challenges - you still have a few days to join in challenge #1 & grab a cool prize ... and join us in the coveted 'Pen Pal of the Week' spot.
I'm also sticking with Di Hickman's card sketch team ... even if she tries to shake me off ... I ain't goin' nowhere! LOL.
I haven't forgotten about the outstanding 40 days prizes ... struggling a bit to get straight at the mo - I feel another catch up post coming soon! LOL

It's All About Etsy!!

Ok - so I bet a few of you thought I wouldn't make it ... but I did officially open my Etsy shop today - at 23:49 - so it was on my birthday ... just as I said. There's not a whole lot in there just now but a bunch of cards ... but I do have a whole lotta projects to finish up & list.
It has an RSS feature, so you can sign up to the feed if you are that way inclined! And obviously I'll be updating my li'l bloggy here with the odd peek at my new creations.
If there is anyone who is still unsure as to what an etsy shop is ... basically it is an online venue with loooooads of shops selling mostly handmade stuff - you can sell a bit of scrappy supplies/kits & the like but it is mostly there to sell handmade. If you look over to the right of this blog - you'll see my Etsy link - just click on the shop name ... yup! it's 'crafty moments' & that will take you right to my store.
& if you like what you see - please e-mail it to all your friends (there's a feature to do that in the etsy store) and join the list of peeps that {heart} my store.
I'm a li'l bit excited about this ... can you tell???
Oh! and I have been taking on board all your suggestions for both the Etsy store and our new monthly kits ... I think you are gonna like what I've got planned!
I shall probably be offline mostly tomorrow - family BBQ for my birthday - but I'll be back very soon with more winners n stuff!

Day #40 - 40 Days Event

Well here it is ... the big 4-0!!

I actually, officially turned 40 at 4am ... & yup! I was still up! LOL

Thank you all sooooo much for joining me on this 40-day journey - it's been fun & you have all made it such a special time!

Our final challenge is another simple comments RAK ... and because birthdays are for gifts I'd like to award this one to someone who didn't win anything yet! So today (or before midnight BST on August 14th), leave a comment if you haven't won anything yet - don't worry about all the challenges that are still open ... I'll be drawing this one last so will take out the future winners too!

Keeping it short for now - I have to prep for my class this afternoon ... I am expecting that there will be cake! LOL

40 Days Round Up!!

Wow! Don't know what happened with the internet last night ... just couldn't get back on! LOL. So here is the post you've all been waiting for on the penultimate day of our 40 day journey.

Day # 35 You might be aware that over on my store DT blog, they call me Guv (short for the governor, geddit?) - today's challenge is to create a layout with a title starting with the letters 'G' 'U' or 'V' - I'll put on posts for each day's challenge in a mo - post your blog link (or e-mail me if you don't have a blog) on Day #35's post. Scrappy goodies up for grabs people!!

Day #36 Pop over to the webstore & then comment back on Day #36's post - what is your fave paper range that we currently stock ... & what ones would you like to see next ... A selection of store goodies going begging here!

Day #37 Another easy one! We launched our brand new monthly embellie kit on August 1st. So far it has been well received but you can't have too much feedback! LOL. So today's challenge is to post a comment on Day #37's blog post & let us know what you think of this kit, what you'd like to see in future kits ... and give us some ideas for upcoming themes! And the really good news ... although the store doesn't do international orders ... from September our kits will be available to everyone!! look out for deets later this month! There's an embellie kit up for grabs here (could be August's or September's)!

Day #38 Another comments only as I'm sure we are all getting a bit tired from the looooong journey! LOL. You might not know ... but I'm a bit of a tree hugging hippy on the side. So today, I want you to tell me one thing that you do for the environment ... whether it be composting, recycling cans or simply using your scrapping scraps - and give me your top green tip! Not sure what exactly the prize will be here ... there'll be some vintage supplies involved!

Day #39 Today will be the fourth & final round of 'Guv's Celebrity Squares' over on the store DT Blog but ... I don't have the new grid back yet! LOL. Hopefully I'll be getting it v. soon ... so check back later!

All these challenges end Midnight BST August 14th!!

And other challenges running until tomorrow???? Check them out:

Day #25 - win handmade etsy embellies
Day #17 - Birthday Tag
Day #1 - link list
They all end tomorrow ... so be quick!
We are still looking for October's GDT over on the store DT blog - find the deets here: free kit & exposure up for grabs!! & while you are there ... be sure to cast your vote for September's GDT winner!

Day #39 - 40 Days Event

Today will be the fourth & final round of 'Guv's Celebrity Squares' over on the store DT Blog but ... I don't have the new grid back yet! LOL. Hopefully I'll be getting it v. soon ... so check back later!

Day #38 - 40 Days Event

Another comments only as I'm sure we are all getting a bit tired from the looooong journey! LOL. You might not know ... but I'm a bit of a tree hugging hippy on the side. So today, I want you to tell me one thing that you do for the environment ... whether it be composting, recycling cans or simply using your scrapping scraps - and give me your top green tip! Not sure what exactly the prize will be here ... there'll be some vintage supplies involved!

Day #37 - 40 Days Event

Another easy one! We launched our brand new monthly embellie kit on August 1st. So far it has been well received but you can't have too much feedback! LOL. So today's challenge is to post a comment & let us know what you think of this kit, what you'd like to see in future kits ... and give us some ideas for upcoming themes! And the really good news ... although the store doesn't do international orders ... from September our kits will be available to everyone!! look out for deets later this month! There's an embellie kit up for grabs here (could be August's or September's)!Closes midnight BST August 14th!!

Day #36 - 40 Days Event

Pop over to the webstore & then comment back on Day #36's post - what is your fave paper range that we currently stock ... & what ones would you like to see next ... A selection of store goodies going begging here!
Closes midnight BST August 14th!!

Day #35 - 40 Days Event

You might be aware that over on my store DT blog, they call me Guv (short for the governor, geddit?) - today's challenge is to create a layout with a title starting with the letters 'G' 'U' or 'V' - post your blog link (or e-mail me if you don't have a blog). Scrappy goodies up for grabs people!!
Closes midnight BST August 14th!!

Here's some more winners!

OK! I love giving prizes as much as getting them! So this post makes me happy! LOL.

The winner of Day #23 Christmas in July is Vanessa Colbourne ... you win a bunch of Christmas Cards, handmade by me & ready to give as a gift (if you don't want to use them yourself! LOL). I have your addy & I'll pop them in the post for you!

Day #22's 'Use You Scraps' winner is Ruth - let me know what colour you'd like for your scrappy RAK & I'll pop it in the post ... have your addy too!

Finally ... the winner of the last round of Guv's Celebrity Squares on the DT blog goes to Stampin C ... need your addy!! The full deets & the next round (which is open to everybody again) will be published a li'l later - just as soon as I get the new grid from my techno-genius! LOL

I'll be back this evening with a catch-up post for all the missing challenges ... right now I have to go fix dinner! & if you are wondering how the same names keep cropping up as winners ... it's cuz they keep entering! LOL. You have to be in it to win it!!!

What's Up With Me?

I've been thinking for a while about doing a monthly summary-type post a bit like Di Hickman does, & somehow never get around to it - so from September my 'what's up with me?' post will be just that - there, I said it ... & that's like a commitment! For this month tho' there's just a few things that I need to get off my chest.
I have been struggling for some time now & failing completely to achieve some sort of balance. I've taken short breaks of a few days here & there but none long enough to really achieve anything. But just long enough to see that something has to give! Right now I'm coming out of a period of over-commitment, so this is a good time to make some changes.
My DT term with journaling junkie & MCC has now come to an end & most recently, Allie from Croppinsville USA announced that she was not going to continue with either the DT or Hometown Bloggers due to online issues with the webstore. I am not going to apply for anymore DT places in the near future, although there are 1 or 2 upon which I'm waiting to hear the outcome. I'm going to continue to create for those DTs upon which I do serve ... but that's it - I'm officially taking a 'creative break', which also means I'll be creating less for this blog too. So no challenge entries, no 'hobby' scrapping etc ... a proper break.
And that will give me some time to concentrate on my home (which is a state!) & my garden (which needs TLC). I have no idea how long this break will last ... could be days (it's been 3 so far), maybe weeks ... I doubt I'll last a month! LOL. But I expect to come back fully refreshed & ready to create with a re-invigourated (is that even a word?) mojo!
There will still be eye candy on this blog - I still have lots of stuff to post for DT work & for my classes, etsy store etc - I'm just gonna take some time to finish stuff up without worrying about creating every day etc ... then next month maybe I'll feel refreshed!
And I'm gonna try my very best not to take so much on in future! I have loved doing '40 days' but with opening the etsy shop before it ends & the launch of the new challenge blog & a few new DT applications & running the webstore & the launch of our new monthly embellie kit... maybe it's just too much! So from this weekend, I'm gonna take it all at a slower pace ... maybe just ONE thing at a time ... how about that!
Thank you all sooooo much for sticking with me - even when I am unreliable ... I love sharing my journey with you all! This week is for tidying up the loose ends ... the new, 40-year-old me will be taking over at the weekend! LOL

Possibly The Worst Blogger In The World!

Yeah! I know I'm days behind again ... bear with me tho' ... today is going to be another huge catch-up blogging day!
So basically:
If you have entered a challenge & haven't seen your project posted on either Blog 'Til You Drop or Pen Pals Challenge Blog ... I'm doing it, I promise - hopefully today.
If you are waiting for the results of a previous draw from the 40 days event either on this blog or Blog 'Til You Drop ... I'll be announcing all those, definitely today.
If you are looking for the most recent days challenges (August 3rd - 5th) they are all coming, definitely today!
If you just want to know what I'm playing at, being totally unreliable etc ... watch out for the next post - I can explain! LOL

Day #34 - 40 Days Event

Off to visit with Jay in sunny Bristol (!) UK today! Can you say 'ribbon?' LOL. Now Jay's competition is only open to the UK (postage is stupid expensive here) BUT for all our international players ... pop over to Jay & then come back & post your answers here & I will match the prize on this blog, geddit? UK players comment on Jay's post, internationals on my blog - so we'll have two prizes this time!!

Did you see the new ScrapJunkie Embellie kit? We are v. excited about it ... & after just one day we have just 3 left!!

Aaaaand the voting has just open to decide the winner of July's Guest Design Team challenge ... go cast your vote here.

Day #33 - 40 Days Event

Here's a bit of a peek at my first layout for the new Pen Pals Challenge Blog, who are also today's 40 Days Event organisers (yeah! Ok, it's me & Colette really! LOL). You'll have to pop over to pen pals for the full layout, deets of the challenge & fabulous prize but for those that want supply lists etc (with handy links to my webstore for those in the UK ;o) )... here ya go!
Supplies: Papers: Cloud 9 Design (Sunrise Smoothie); Flowers, velvet trim: Making Memories; Orange Ribbon: American Crafts; Buttons from my stash.

Di's July #5 Sketch

Here's my take on Di's sketch this week - the first taken with my fabby new camera! I'm still working my way through a bunch of HOTP stuff (it was on my desk from another project!). This sketch is just perfect for using some of the large sentiment quote stamps - this one is from Cloud 9 Design. I've pretty much followed the sketch to the letter (actually, I often do!) cuz I love it the way it is!
And just to prove how fabulous my new camera is ... check out the detail in the close up shot ... if you click to enlarge it, you can see the weave in the fabric flowers, texture of the ribbon 'n all the stuff. Pretty cool huh?
Anyway, check out Di's blog for all the other DT cards, & a proper supply list for this one ... & why not have a go yourself while you are there!

Day #32 - 40 Days Event

Join me over on the DT Blog today for a snappy li'l challenge! Curious? Check it out here

& don't forget to have a go at this month's challenge - you have until midnight BST to get your entries in - there's a free kit, GDT spot & snappy li'l mini album up for grabs!

Have You Found It Yet???

Our brand new challenge blog went live today ... & I'm soooooooo excited about it! By 'our' I mean mine & Colette's. Looooove working with Colette, so when Stella announced she was closing the Journaling Junkie blog I kinda thought we could do better ourselves! So a bit of arm twisting (it was more 'you know you're gonna say yes ... so let's just do it!' LOL) & I managed to persuade (bully/tempt ... whatever!) Colette that she just had to join me on a crazy journey when we both already have so much going on! LOL.
So that was it ... Pen Pals was born. The first challenge goes live on Friday but you can have a li'l nosey around right now ... & don't forget to leave a comment ... you never know when there could be a li'l comments RAK coming ... cuz that's the kinda gals we are!

Another Trio Of Cards

I made these a week or so ago & just hadn't got around to photographing them yet. I'm finding more often that I'll make a few cards all basically to the same design, varying placement & altering papers, embellies etc ... so they still look like three different cards. So kinda 3 on a theme then! The papers & artwork are all HOTP & some of the brads are from personal shopper kits. The flowers are from making memories embellie kits & the li'l felt butterfly is Heidi Swapp ... I luuuurve the brown ones!

I think I'm gonna keep the first card aside as a 'good luck in your new school' card for Fish ... he's soooooo excited about going to his new school. If you wanted to take a look it's this one. I think he's gonna be really happy there - I have a really good feeling about it & he didn't want to come home when he went to try it out for a half day. There will be 9 children in his class - so I'm happy that he'll get plenty of quality teaching there. The uniform is kinda cute too ... I spy a scrapping opportunity on the horizon! LOL.

The other two cards are good all-round any occasion cards, I like the ones that aren't specifically birthday or whatever. Mostly cuz I'm disorganised I guess, so ones like these will suit all the birthdays, thank you's etc that I forget to make a card for! Maybe I should develop a whole range of 'oops, I forgot' cards ... just in case!

Day #31 - 40 Days Event

Off on our travels again today ... all the way to Australia to visit with my French friend Brigitte - I have no recollection of how we first met online ... but I'm so glad that we did!
Anyway, you'll need to check out Brigitte's blog for her 40 day event AND when you post your comment there, use a password - how fun! All the comments will go into a draw for a li'l RAK from Brigitte!

PASSWORD: CUPCAKE

Yummy! Who doesn't love cupcakes????

More stuff to share later ... so visit again soon!

For Colette ...

As I mentioned earlier today, it's my blogging buddy Colette's 29th (!) birthday today. So I whipped up this li'l card for her. We are all set to start an exciting li'l project together ... but it's a secret for now! LOL ... I might just tell by the end of the week tho'
I'm a pretty bad buddy really - rarely actually send cards but I made it & I'm hoping she has a fabulous day... good enough?
The papers were scraps on my desk (still!) from a card I made last week. They are actually from a (HOTP) school theme set but I love the colours & the numbers paper running along the bottom I though was kinda cool for a birthday. The buttons & flowers are from Making Memories Buttons & More kits (2 different ones) ... I've pretty much used them up now but still have tons of buttons & a few of the felt flowers left. Ribbons from my stash.
And just to plug my fabby li'l camera again: look at that detail ... it even picks up the texture of the ribbon - how cool is that? LOL

Happy Birthday Colette ... Luv Ya!!

Be sure to pop over to the Store Blog, where I'll be sharing a sneak peek of some exciting new lovliness in just a li'l while ... go on, you know you want to! LOL

Day #30 - 40 Days Event

Today we are off to visit another special pal of mine over in Phoenix, Arizona: Colette Bate. We haven't known each other long, in fact we only 'met' around 6 months ago while both on the Journaling Junkie DT & currently serve on the C&T Publishing DT together, so it looks like we are destined to be bloggin buddies 4 evah! I am so in awe of her talent & you will be too - this gal can move me to tears with every one of her stories! Pop on over to Colette's blog and see the fabby prize she has up for grabs ... & be sure to leave her some love today ... she's celebrating a birthday too!!

Mini*Mania!!

I just found out about this new challenge blog, so I just had to try out for the DT! Anyway, to save clogging up Janelle's e-mail with far too many images, I've put together a couple of slideshows of the albums I submitted to her.
The first is called 'All Woman' & is all about the women in my life that inspire me. It is the one I did for C&T publishing using the new scallop album (a post about that tomorrow - but here's the pics), currently somewhere in the USA:


The second is the one I made for my MIL - a Bo Bunny My Word book, decorated with Luxe Designs Papers.


Hope you like them!

More '40 Days' Winners!

Remember this recycling challenge for Day #19? Weeeeeell, can you believe I only got 2 entries??? Mad, huh? So: Timi & Bibi, e-mail me your snail mail addys & I'm gonna send you both some alterable goodies!

Lots more challenges coming up ... be sure to check back daily!

Day #29 - 40 Days Event

Today we are visiting my Design Team again ... Elliemook has another recycling challenge for you here. The prize is a li'l bit secret (which means I didn't take a photo yet! LOL) but will be a bunch of alterable goodies!
I have also posted yesterday's 40 Day Event (along with deets of the last round's winners).

And check out this post for even more winners! Phew! Almost caught up again ... can you believe we have been doing this for almost one whole month?????

We are off on our travels again tomorrow!!

I Take Coolpix!

My MIL took me shopping to buy a new camera (an early birthday pressie) when I was visiting last week & I'm now the proud owner of this fabby (& Purple!) li'l camera. Obviously it had to be idiot proof ... with image stability & cool zoom features!
I am so impressed with it! LOL. I'm even taking close up shots of the details on cards etc when I don't need to ... just so as I get to play.
The guy in the store wanted to sell us a rather naff looking 'leather look' camera case ... lotta money for li'l style ... so I made my own that very evening! Granted, I didn't finish until 3 am but it was soooo worth it!
It's actually the prototype for the ones I'm planning on offering in my Etsy store (more about that nearer the time!) & the finished article will have a few improvements ... but it does the job rather well! And in case you aren't a pink kinda person (!) it'll be available in other colours too!

Di's July #4 Sketch

I have been a v. bad DT member this past week - although I made my card on time for Di's #4 sketch, I didn't e-mail it & neither did I blog it ... until now. The piccie isn't all that good either but this is all set to be the last naff image I post (all will be revealed shortly! LOL) All the supplies are from HOTP Kits ... so that's a bit more of my stash used up!!

Anyway, it's a fab sketch & the next one (which I have e-mailed in on time!) isn't due to go live until Wednesday ... so why not have a go!

More 40 Days Events!!

Well I don't know about you but I'm getting a li'l bit confused about which challenges & draws are still open! LOL.
So this extra special post ... & the challenge for day #27 is simple:

Below is a link list of all the events on either this blog, or the Crop 'Til You Drop DT blog, that are still open. All you need to do is enter any of those challenges & post your comment ON THIS POST too to be in the draw to win another bunch of All My Memories Embellies! You have until August 7th, Midnight BST to enter this one - but obviously you will also need to look at the deadline for the challenge you are entering ... if you get what I mean???

Day #25 Win Handmade Etsy Embellies - Deadline: August 8th
Day #24 What's In A Name - Deadline: July 29th
Day #23 Christmas In July - Deadline: July 28th
Day # 22 Use Your Scraps - Deadline: July 28th
Day #17 Birthday Tag - Deadline: August 8th
Day #6 'Best Birthday' Projects - Deadline: July 31st ... WIN A GUEST DT SPOT, FREE KIT & HANDMADE (by DT Member ALIX) MINI BOOK
Day #1 Link List - Deadline: August 8th

While I was putting this li'l list together, I spotted a whole bunch of prizes that haven't been drawn yet - So look out for mega-prize-posts on both this & the Crop 'Til You Drop DT blog tomorrow (which is actually today now! LOL!)

DAY 26 - 40 DAYS EVENT!

JUST A QUICK POST (AGAIN) TODAY. WE ARE OFF TO JAYNE'S WITH A FAB CHANCE AT WINNING A SCRUMMY MEMORY MASTERS BOOK (I WANT THIS!!!)
WILL BE BACK WITH STUFF TO SHARE OVER THE WEEKEND (JUST AS SOON AS I'VE CAUGHT UP WITH MY FAMILY & UNPACKED! LOL)

Day 25 - 40 Days Event

LOL! Sorry guys ... back with me again & I am totally unprepared for today's challenge! I've been thinking a lot about etsy this past few days - technically I have an Etsy store - have done for almost a year & there is absolutely NOTHING in it - absolutely nothing ... nada ... not a bean!

So spur me on here, give me a helping hand & tell me what would you want to buy from my Etsy shop ... assuming there was something in it! For this one, can we have sensible suggestions & who knows ... I might just start turning your ideas into actual products available in my Etsy store ... & maybe I'll even open for business by the time I'm 40!!!
Post your comments before my birthday (august 8th) & I'll draw a winner on the 9th (that's a Saturday) ... you can also post multiple entries for this one ... so long as each has a suggestion for product ideas.

The prize? Well I am working on a li'l handmade range of felt embellies right now & some other li'l bits potentially for my Etsy store ... so how about a selection of those?
Can't wait to hear all your ideas!

Oh! I think I'm a li'l bit late with drawing some winners ... I haven't forgotten but will do it tomorrow (Friday) when I am back at home & will be able to post them out!

Day 24 - 40 Days Event

As promised, we are off to visit somewhere else today ... Phoenix, DT Member extraordinaire (she'll like that! LOL) over on my store DT. Check out today's fun game here!

Day 23 - 40 Days Event

I've been taking part in a lot of 'Christmas in July' challenges of late and as I now have quite a stash my challenge for today is to make something with a Christmas theme - I have been making cards but you can enter layouts, ornaments etc if you wish!
The prize will be a set of Christmas cards in a presentation wallet - handmade by me for you to use of give as a gift.
No piccie as I forgot to take them before I left!!
Post a link to your blog/gallery & I'll draw a winner after midnight BST next Monday!!

Day 22 - 40 Days Events

As promised, this is yesterday's challenge ...
I have a big thing for using up my scraps (although I doubt I'll ever get to the bottom of them!) Today's challenge is for you to do the same: use your scraps & show me your scrappy projects - & as I love the odd multi-challenge attempt, feel free to combine this with as many other challenges as you like, LOL.
Send me a link to your gallery/blog where I can find your entry & I'll draw a winner for some scrappy stash - winner chooses the colour, so no piccy I'm afraid. This one closes midnight BST 28th July (next Monday).
Check back at 6pm for today's challenge!

40 Days Continues ... Normal service is resumed!!

Oh! I have been a bad blogger of late ... so sorry! The upshot is, I have run away from home (LOL) & am currently enjoying some most needed R&R in the peace & quiet of my MILs home. I'll be spending the week catching up on some sleep, a bit of online stuff, as well as taking stock of my life a bit - time to re-assess & set some goals. I can do all that here ... it is quiet, there are no distractions, & there's a bath that's big enough to make me feel positively sylph-like ... & a heated floor to step out on to (woo-hoo).

Anyway, I guess what you really want to know is where all the 40 day challenges have gone since Saturday ... & here they are!

Sunday: Another round of 'Guv's Celebrity Squares' with yours truly!

Monday: Me again! Scroll down to the previous post!

Tuesday: Yup - still me!! I'll be posting today's challenge at 6pm BST on this very blog!



Tomorrow, I promise we'll be off somewhere new!

Thanks for sticking with me - it's been a tough couple of weeks but it's all about to get exciting again!

Day #20 - 40 Days Event

Soooooo sorry to post so late! What can I say? It's been a hellish day at the end of a hellish week! Anyway, tomorrow's another day 'n all that so: Today's event is over at Jay's blog ... and there's card making goodies up for grabs! Check it out here
It's also Alix's wedding today ... I hope you had the most fabulous, special day hun ... Love ya!!

Day #19 - 40 Days Event

Nearly half way through the '40 Day' celebrations, which means it is exactly 3 weeks 'til I turn 40!!!! So today I've picked another li'l challenge that is close to my heart - recycling. I hate waste (a BIG bone of contention in our household!!) so there is nothing I like more than to use my crafty scraps & turn the packaging into something useful too! The pic to the right shows packaging from themed ribbon, a pack of brads & a li'l pack of embellies (forgot to photograph before I started altering! LOL) & the slideshow below shows them in action ... as part of two li'l accordian albums I put together for Auryn's teachers (he had his last day at Tiggywinkles Nursery today).
So today's challenge is to alter/recycle/repurpose something & either link it here or e-mail me if you don't have a blog & I'll pick a winner after July 27th to receive a bunch more alterable goodies! I might even get a pic up for you to see! LOL
And as I'm also the Guest Designer for the Arty Girlz ongoing Recycling Challenge ... don't forget to link your project there too - that's gotta be the easiest multi-challenge project ever! LOL

Oooops! Running Late!

Today's '40 Days' Event will be announced sometime around 5pm BST - sorry for the delay ... I guess it's gonna be one of those days!

Did I Mention That I LOVE Cosmo Cricket?

Those of you who are regular visitors to my li'l corner of blogland might just be aware of how much I love Cosmo Cricket ... & that I didn't get a place on this year's DT ... & that I did get a $5 gift certificate. So this is what I spent it on! OK, you might be thinking that I couldn't possibly have got this whole bunch of yummy scrumptiousness for a mere $5 ... & you'd be absolutely right! But Miss Paper Jane (. com) had a clearance sale on & my credit card did take a li'l bit of a hammering!
Just thought I'd share! LOL
Oh! Forgot to say, these are all 'older' lines that I hadn't got yet - I'll definitely be getting the new CHA releases - & if you are in the UK, they will be available from the webstore ... just as soon as I can get my sticky li'l mitts on them!

Day #17 - 40 Days Event

Today we are going to play Birthday Tag ... & here are the rules:

1. Post your answers to the questions below on your blog (my answers are in brown!)
   
2. Add a link to this post in your blog & make sure that the people you tag also know that they must link to my post to be in the draw
   
3. Tag at least 5 other people (post a comment on their blogs to let them know!)
4. Post a comment on this post to be entered into the birthday tag draw - be sure to let the people you tag know to comment here too
   

There will be a birthday related prize (picture to follow) & I'll add an additional prize for every 40 comments ... so spread the word to increase your chances of winning!

If you are reading this ... consider yourself tagged! LOL

QUESTIONS:

1. What age was your best birthday (so far) & why? My 35th - it was my cut-off for having another child & I'd been hoping for 18month - I found out I was carrying DS4 on my birthday! Although this one is shaping up to be great fun so far! LOL
   
2. What was the worst? Last year ... It's like the entire planet was unaware & nobody remembered (Nope, not even DH)
   
3. What is the best present you have ever received? Nothing particularly expensive ... my Dad bought me my first digital camera about 3 years ago - I desperately need to upgrade (maybe for this birthday?) now but it was fabulous when I first started!
   
4. What was the weirdest? Nothing too weird ... I did have a gas bill paid as a birthday present once (my dad again!) which was the best thing in the world at the time. The girls at the store (when I owned the LSS) used to do weird things for me ... a birthday donut with a candle in it, helium balloons etc ... 'twas all good fun!
   
5. Where would you most like to spend your birthday? I was hoping for an early birthday trip to CHA this year but it didn't pan out that way ... A scrapping cruise would be fabulous ... maybe one day. Realistically, I barbeque with DH's folks, my boys and some of their freinds will be cool too!
   
6. What is your zodiac sign? Leo: Proud, stubborn (i like to call it 'focussed'), determined, a good organiser & loving being the centre of attention. Oh yeah! That's me LOL
   
7. Chinese Year? Ummmm, Monkey! LOL. I have no idea what it means tho'

So post your comments - I'd love to come & read about your birthdays too!

Di's July #3 Sketch

You might have noticed that I'm back on my 'use the stash' mission again right now - & Di's fabby sketch this week is perfect for using up some of the larger ones!
I have quite a collection of HOTP Cardmaker's kits - some barely used, so this week I've been tackling some of those papers. I'll be going for sometime if I'm going to use them all tho'. I hadn't intended sanding the edges but the circle punch I used was a li'l blunt & snagged the paper - after I trimmed it, there was still a li'l bit of white showing, so I sanded all my edges & then inked with the same colour I'd been stamping in. The stamp was free with a magazine about a year ago - still sealed! LOL
Be sure to check out Di's blog & see what the rest of the DT did!

FIVE Challenges in One!!

Yup! You did read that right - I'm taking multi challenge layouts to the next level! LOL
First up, Deanne Burton is hosting today's '40 Days' event. Now I don't usually enter these - doesn't really seem right as I organised the whole event, contacted our fabulous participants and all the other behind the scenes stuff ... but Deanne specifically invited me to play along - & it would be rude not to! LOL
Anyway - the challenge was to create a layout with the word 'happy' included somewhere (1) you can increase your entries into the draw by creating a completely new layout (which this one is) AND by using one of Deanne's fabulous sketches ... which brings me neatly to challenge #2 - posted yesterday, Deanne's mid-month sketch! (2)
Arty Girlz current challenge is to create something with a male theme - that's my littlest man on a playdate with a buddy in the pic (3), Colour Your World are looking for summer themed layouts with sunny colours (I think but my translation could be a bit skewed) ... so that's 4!
Last but by no means least Janean set the following blog challenge (y'all know Friday is Blog Challenge Day, right? ) on the Croppinsville blog ...
For the anagram challenge, I'll select a word. I'll then select an item or two using the first letter of the word. The remaining letters are up to you. You must then use the supplies listed along with items you selected for the remaining letters to create your project. This weeks word is: CROP.

C~
R~
O~Orange
P~

So your challenge is to use something orange. Then you'll need to come up with something for C, R and P. Hope you enjoy!
So I have: C = COSMO CRICKET (like you couldn't see that coming!) R = Red Rub Ons O = Orange P = Paper Punches (Flower & Corner Rounder)

So there you have it! total number of challenges = 5!!!!

HS:MS - RED

I was just reading the HS:MS prompt online, wondering what I could find that is red, when my neighbour arrived with the final picking from her cherry tree. So I guess it is meant to be! LOL.
I didn't take this photo today - this one was taken last week, shortly before I finished off the last bowl of cherries!
You might recognise the pic from a recent layout too!

Day #17 - 40 Days Event

We are off on our travels again today, visiting Newfoundland, Canada & my good buddy Deanne Burton. Deanne is one third of the Sisterhood of Scrap (along with her actual sisters, Carla & Susan) and has her own sketch challenge blog too.
So there's a fair chance that today's offering will be sketchy (but in a good way!) ... & I'm sure I heard mention of my very favourite manufacturer too! Go get the details!

Fab's June Christmas Cards

Here's my entry for Fab's Big Christmas Challenge - this month's nutter level is to make 6 cards - before 25th July, when the next month's challenge will start.
So I'm still on a mission to use my stash ... & I'm still on the HOTP personal shopper Cardmaker's kits ... Ooooooooh it's gonna be a long, long time 'til I use all these up! LOL. I have made 42 cards from 1 kit before - & I have at least 18 month's worth (plus a few ex-display from the store - in varying states of use) so I guess I better start making a whole bunch of cards! LOL
Anyway, these 6 were a good start I think. You might notice a few poinsettias here & there - gotta say I love flowers on my cards just as much, if not more than layouts!
The next 40 days event is coming up later - be sure to check back!!

YAY! It's Christmas!!

... at Croppinsville USA!! Now you are all gonna want to know about this one! If you live within driving distance of Collinsville, Oklahoma, I suggest you get on over to the store this weekend (full address etc at the bottom of this post) BUT ... if you are like me & live a little bit far away to visit in person ... you can join us online!
Croppinsville now has a fully functioning forum & gallery - I'll be there ... will you?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY CROP BLITZZ

Oh my gosh!!!! Allie is out of town for CHA and while the cat’s away the mice (staff) are gonna play! We are in the mood to get Christmas started early this year!!! We will have classes all weekend long (Friday evening until Sunday evening) with projects you can work on for Christmas, including CARDS, MINI-BOOKS and ORNAMENTS. At 5 pm Sunday, we will have a Christmas Card and Ornament Swap. What a great way to get a nice selection of cards and ornaments for family and friends. You will have plenty of time to complete cards and ornaments to swap with the other croppers during classes and crop time so be sure and keep your eye out for the class schedule closer to the date. COST: $12 all weekend or $5 per day to reserve your table and project costs will vary. Snacks will be provided.

Fri. July 18 7 PM – Midnite, Sat. July 19th 10 AM- Midnite, Sun. 10 AM-7 PM.

Ticket vouchers will be given to reserved croppers for snacks and drinks.

Your table reservation fees will apply toward your purchases/class fees only for this weekend.

No credits will be given for future purchases/classes/crops.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY… 7:30-9:00 pm Cost: $2.00 DEXAHEDRON CHRISTMAS BALL

9:30-10:30 pm Cost: $3.00 ORIGAMI GIFT BOX ORNAMENT

11:00-11:30 pm Cost: $2.00 CHRISTMAS CARDS (2 different cards)

SATURDAY… 11:00 am-12:30 pm Cost: $10.00 ALLIE’S STAR BOMB BOOK

1:30-2:30 PM Cost: $5.00 2 PAGE CHRISTMAS LAYOUT

3:00-4:00 pm Cost: $1.00 CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT

5:00 – 6:30 pm Cost: $2.00 DEXAHEDRON CHRISTMAS BALL

7:30-8:30 pm Cost: $3.00 ORIGAMI GIFT BOX ORNAMENT

9:30-11:00 pm Cost: $8.00 CHRISTMAS PURSE WITH 4 CARDS

SUNDAY… 10:30-11:00 am Cost: $2.00 GOODIE BOX CONTAINER

11:30-1:00 pm Cost: $8.00 CHRISTMAS PURSE WITH 4 CARDS

2:00-3:00 pm Cost: $1.00 STAR ORNAMENT

SWAPS…

5:00-5:30 pm ORNAMENT SWAP (FOR EVERY HANDMADE ORNAMENT YOU BRING, YOU WILL RECEIVE ONE IN RETURN FROM SOMEONE ELSE). This will require at least 4 people to participate.

5:30-6:00 pm CHRISTMAS CARD SWAP (FOR EVERY HANDMADE CARD YOU BRING, YOU WILL RECEIVE ONE IN RETURN FROM SOMEONE ELSE). This will require at least 4 people to participate.

Supplies needed for classes: liquid & dry adhesive, black fine tip pen, brown ink

Athene and Your Friendly Crew at…

Croppinsville

1106 W. Main St.

Collinsville, OK 74021

918-371-0071

http://Croppinsville.blogspot.com

Her Space: My Space ... Row

The weather is grey & gloomy here - but the prompt on Her Space: My Space was fortuitous nonetheless. This is DS1 in the garden, preparing rows to plant late crop beetroot, potatoes & a couple of courgette plants that won't fit in the growbags!
HS:MS has been on a li'l break & I haven't played for the longest time! I have it in my google reader now (if you aren't using this, maybe you want to check it out - saves me sooooo much time!) so maybe I'll play along more often!
Back later with that project I was talking about - for now I have to upload more clearance goodies to the webshop! Me? Oh yeah! I live the high life! LOL

Day #16 - 40 Days Event

Off to Manchester, UK today to visit Laura ... who might just have a fabulous mini book up for grabs ;o). What are you waiting for ... GO GO GO!!

I'll be back later with a fabby project to share (I have been waiting to show you this for about 4 MONTHS!!!)

Day #15 - 40 Days Event

Off on our travels again today, to visit with Sharmaine - all the way over in Tasmania! Sharmaine has a fab game to play today - and a fab scrappy prize! Good luck, have fun & don't forget to visit me tomorrow to see where we are going next!

Arty Girlz #42

OK! This is my last post for tonight (yup! I do realise that it is, in fact, tomorrow! LOL) This is my take on the Arty Girlz challenge this week, which was (unusually) a sketch. I'm also going to count this card towards Fab's Big Christmas Challenge ... but I guess I'll get the others made before I link it all up! LOL. It's my own fault for going for the nutter option ... I could just do the one card! LOL.
This is another 'use my stash' card - still working my way thru all that HOTP - but I gotta say, we're not even making a dent in the pile just yet!!! Got a loooooong way to go!

Ismaki Sketch #27 ... With Fairies!

I won a bunch of hand stamped Hanglar images from Jo last week & I've been busy doing a li'l bit of colouring in the evenings ... but this is my first card! I lOVE these (I'm sure I saw a really cool dragon somewhere on their site too!) & am joining the ranks of people who wish they were available in the UK! LOL. Anyhow - DH says he thinks we have relatives in Norway ... so I'll be checking that with MIL on Tuesday!! LOL.
Anyway, the Ismaki sketch this week had the option to include fairies - so this li'l guy is perfect I think. Using up stash again - all the papers, arrow brad & card art are from a HOTP Cardmaker's kit - the flower is from a making memories embellie box & the velvet ric rac is from the yummy stash that Aunit Jane brought me on her last visit from the US (CI Art Bar, I think!) - It doesn't show well in the photo but the heart has a layer of diamond glaze! I'm colouring my images with Derwent Inktense pencils - just fab! & if you give me a few days, I'll be uploading them to the webshop - on a clearance offer ... savings to be had!!

52 Sketches ... 52 Weeks

This is my layout based on Julie's #27 sketch - it's only the second one I've done - how lame is that???? The photos are from 'the stack' (YAY!!) & the papers? Cosmo Cricket! LOL. I'm on a 'use my stash' mission again at the moment (have to make way for all the new yummies I am expecting to arrive shortly!) & these are 'Be Good' - last Christmas's collection (& a sheet of random kraft cardstock - no idea what manufacturer!). I'd already used the 'a' from the button fashions sheet - so I used the negative as a stencil to cut a new one!! The papers are already distressed but I inked them up a bit more with Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink (I use this ALL THE TIME!) - I keep a pad just for inking edges - it's really dry, so gives a really soft finish - useless for stamping, so I have a nice juicy one for that! LOL
I stamped the journal block & added Making Memories (5th Avenue, Elizabeth) Die Cut Brackets ... these are a brilliant buy - there's about 100 die cuts in a pack - I'm nowhere near using them all yet! LOL.
The embellishment in the sketch had me stumped for a li'l while ... I just didn't have the perfect thing & didn't want to cop out & just use a flower - so I made a li'l embellie collage with a Heidi Swapp chipboard clock, Tim Holtz game spinner, adage ticket & trinket pin, a li'l bit of American Crafts ribbon & a Petaloo blossom. Let me know what you think, won't you?

Day #14 - 40 Days Event

Busy, Busy, Busy! LOL. We are still celebrating over on the Store/DT blog today - with a new game & a new host ... ME!!!
Come & join me for our next giveaway & the first round of a new game - you'll need to be in this round to qualify for future rounds! Curious??? Come on over!!

I'll also be announcing the winner of our 10,000 hits RAK! Exciting, huh?

Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries

I noticed today that with all the '40 days' blogging, there has been a distinct lack of eye candy, inspiration, creativity ... call it what you like - there hasn't been any 'stuff'! LOL
This layout is a real mix of product ... really working on using up my stash! And it's a double challenge layout too! I've been missing my play time recently &, taking my cue from Di Hickman (as I often do!!) I have decided to create one thing every day ... if I'm pressed for time, it might be a card or ATC or something - but I will make stuff every day ... even if I can't share it!
So, Color Your World set the challenge to use green & brown (OK, I had to pink it up a li'l bit! LOL) & I just found this new challenge blog today 'Say It In Scrap' who set the challenge to create a layout with something you haven't seen before - I dunno ... does anyone else scrapbook fruit???
In case you want the details - I have a whole bunch of manufacturers here ...
Supplies: Papers & Numeral Stamps: HOTP; Buttons & Paper Flowers: Making Memories; Fabric Flowers: Petaloo; Journaling Ticket & Game Spinner (for clock hands): Tim Holtz; Flourish Stamps: 7Gypsies; Acrylic Letters: Queen & Co.
Chipboard: Letters (Cosmo Cricket); Glittered Cherry (Creative Imaginations); Hearts (Maya Road); Clocks (Heidi Swapp).
Ribbon & Cardstock - unknown

I have an award!!

Not for the messiest scraproom (would win it hands down! LOL) or for the most Cosmo Cricket Stash in one place (I guess it's ditto to that!) but this one ------->>
I was nominated TWICE for the award (look at me! Miss popular! LOL) by Jo & Elliemook ... Thanks guys - sorry it's taken so long for me to blog it!!

Those that accept the award have to follow these rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the boys/girls you've nominated.

So, I'd have nominated my fabby DT members ... but Elliemook already did that! LOL - luckily that made the choice of seven on my international list just a touch easier!! here goes:
Brigitte
Pam Sandy
Shirley Pando
Colette Bate
Deanne Burton
Sharmaine
Fabrizio

I hope you'll all stop by and visit these guys ... fabulously talented, every one of them!

Day #13 - 40 Days Event

No travelling required today! We are staying over with the DT & this time it is Phoenix hosting a li'l game. Find all the details here!

Don't forget the 10,000 hits RAK - today is your last chance to enter

Sharmaine's Fabulous Adventure!

My blogging buddy & '40 days' supporter Sharmaine is through to round #8 of Project Scrap Away & they have just added the twist of 'blogging immunity' for this round.
So what is this? Well it is the opportunity for all those making it through to round #8 to 'earn' immunity. How? Well, by blogging about it she gets a point, by getting people commenting on her post and by those people going over and commenting on Project Scrap-Away's Blog Immunity post, that's another 2 points AND she gets another 2 points for each person who post about her and Project Scrap-Away including links (the url is http://scrap-n-cropcontest.blogspot.com/ ). So do you want to join the fun?? leave a comment on Sharmaine's post here, then head over to the Immunity Post and leave a comment saying Sharmaine's friend and if you blog about this adventure leave the link to your post as well as Sharmaine's friend in the comments.
If you are feeling pretty lazy (as I am, it's almost 11.30pm here), you can just copy & paste my post (the links will all remain intact) into your own blog & then go add the comments following the links - cool huh? And while you are over at Sharmaine's blog - check out her fab sunrise photos ... & her cool arty stuff!

Stars n Stripes Winner!!

Sorry! A li'l later (it's 10:30pm in the UK - if you are elsewhere then I guess it's maybe not late yet! LOL) than I had planned on announcing our winner - Fridays are busy days for me with classes etc. Anyway - I have a hard time choosing a winner - especially when I know some of the entrants on a personal level. So I decided to use the random integer thingy (my saviour, always) to avoid making a decision at all & numbered the entries left to right as they appear in the picasa album.
It picked #9 ... & that is ...

SHANNON HATFIELD!!

E mail your snail mail addy to me & I'll get your goodies into the post!

Congratulations Shannon - hope you'll come back to play soon!

Do You Have Something To Say?

I have been asked by some of my (more technophobic) ladies to post a bit of an 'Idiot's Guide' to posting comments! Awwww ... Bless Them! LOL. So I got to thinking; although it's easy when you know how, maybe there are a bunch of other people who also want to participate more ... if only they knew how. If that doesn't apply to you, feel free to skip this entire post - I have nothing else of interest to say this time ... but thanks for stopping by!
OK - so here we go with the Baby Basics of Blog Commenting:

1. If you look at the bottom of this post (scroll down a li'l bit) it says: Posted by Beverley Todd, then the time I posted, & then 0 comments (or possibly a number of comments, depending on whether anyone had anything to say yet!)
2. Click on 'comments' & a pop up window will open (you need to have pop ups enabled ... but that's a different issue)
3. If there have been no comments yet, you will see a message box. If there are comments, you can either click 'jump to comment form' or read the messages (some are quite fun) until you get to the message box at the bottom.
   
4. Click inside of the message box, type your comment (add your name too, so I know who you are!!) & then move on to the next step:
5. Near the bottom you'll see a heading 'choose an identity' Click on the li'l circle to the left of 'anonymous' (which is why you left your name with your comment) & then click 'publish your comment'
6. Congratulations - you have just posted your first comment & can now close that pop up down!!
   

You won't be able to see your comment as I read & authorise each one before it is published on my blog.
If you have a gmail (or googlemail) e-mail account, you can log in under the google/blogger identity using the log in details (username/e mail address) & password that you use to access your e-mails.
You will also find that these instructions will not work for some blogs that don't allow anonymous comments ... it might also be different for non-blogger blogs - but this is all you need to do to comment on my blog/the crop 'til you drop DT & store blog/a new bloggy venture of mine launching in August ... Oh wait! that last one is a secret!! Shhhhh ... don't tell! LOL

I'll look forward to reading your comments ... & seeing your entries to all the '40 days' events!
Have Fun & Crop 'Til You Drop!!

Day #12 - 40 Days Event

Back in the UK today at my store blog, home of my fabulously talented (& completely mad) DT. Today, Elliemook is hosting a fab li'l challenge based around one of my fave colours! Can you guess what it is yet?? Off you go, take a look!

& don't forget to check out the 10,000 hits RAK while you are there - there's goodies to be had!

Day #11 - 40 Days Event

Back off to the USA today ... Collinsville, Oklahoma - home of Croppinsville USA! My fabulous boss-lady Allie has a brilliant li'l giveaway for you today. You want a clue? Ok I have a couple ...
1) The challenge is called 10 for the 10th
2) Can you say 'Autumn Leaves Stamps?'

Ooooh! Intriguing huh? Pop on over to the blog for all the deets - & if you didn't already, wish our Allie a happy belated birthday (hers was July 5th! ).
You might want to also pop over to the main site to check out the forums, galleries & the beginnings of the new webstore. And for all you guys that were disappointed that my store doesn't ship internationally - Croppinsville could be your answer!

There's still time (if you are quick!) to join in with the Stars &/or Stripes challenge, which closes midnight (BST) tonight!!

Di's July #2 Sketch

Here's my offering for Di Hickman's Card Sketch DT this week. Loved this sketch - so easy to make a nice n easy card - didn't take me long either (which made a pleasant change!!)
Pop on over to the blog for deets of the free digi template, to join in the challenge & to see the rest of the DTs cards - they ROCK these sketches each & every week!

Cosmo & Mr Poe

I love it when my fave things come together in one place! I love edgar allan poe (particularly, The Raven) & I think everybody got the bit where I love Cosmo Cricket *smile*
In order for any of this to make sense, you need to read this post on the Cosmo Cricket blog - obviously you'll want to take in all the sneak peeks - but you also need to pay attention to the blurb on the Halloween papers.
& because I'm very tired after working in the garden with FIL & DS1 today (the rain was torrential, but we soldiered on!), instead of tidying my scraproom; finishing the blogging backlist; crafting even - I penned this:

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer
‘Eric’ said I ‘or Julie, give me new goodies, I implore;
But the fact is I was scrapping, & I have no time for napping
Cuz I fear there is a gap in the Cosmo stash upon my floor
& now I start to panic, throwing wide the scrap room door
I need more Cosmo, nothing more

Back into my scrap room turning, all my soul within me yearning
For the CHA releases somewhat newer than before
‘Surely‘, said I, ‘surely that is, my destiny … the fact is…
Only Cosmo lines will satisfy my yearning to explore
Let my heart be still a moment - my inner artist must explore: -
Cosmo Cricket … Nothing more!

Apologies, of course, to Edgar Allan Poe!

Day #10 - 40 Days Event

Wow! 10 days into my 40-day-long birthday bash! That's one quarter of the way already! Today we are off to visit my family in Canada - Sisters, in fact! Now, for those that know me well - you'll be thinking 'you don't have a sister' Ah but I do - a whole bunch of them - & I have the blog button to prove it! LOL.
Yup! Off to visit the Sisterhood of Scrap for a special birthday challenge & the chance to win a bunch of scrapping goodies! While you are there - be sure to check out all the other stuff going on - there are weekly challenges with a chance to become a 'Sister of the Week (so fun!) & monthly stash prizes too!
Don't forget there is still time to enter my Stars &/or Stripes challenge (ends midnight tomorrow), Shirley's Free Class Giveaway, Pam's Supply Challenge, Jayne's Cupcake Challenge, & my Blog Links Drawing.

Thank You Jo!!!

I won some fabby blog candy over on Jo's Blog a li'l while ago & now I have it in my mucky li'l paws (sorry Jo ... I poached your piccy!) Can't wait to have a li'l colouring session & maybe make a card or two!
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU!! I LOVE THEM!!!

I have been tagged & nominated for a couple of blog awards - Haven't forgotten about them ... Not ignoring you ... Just having a bit of a bloggy backlog!
LOL! I have gone from sporadic posting, to daily, to multiple posts per day ... Where will the madness end!

Day #2 - 40 Days Event - International Draw Winner

The Random Number Generator gave us ...

15 

Timestamp: 2008-07-08 21:47:56 UTC

& that was ...

Katie said...

Hi I am Katie from Georgia in the US

02 July 2008 03:33:00 BST

E-mail me your snail mail addy & I'll get your goodies in the post! CONGRATULATIONS!!!