Easy Easel

Easel cards are huge in the crafting world right now and no wonder as they are unbelievable easy to make. Just as well as I'm extremely busy with Christmas card orders right now and haven't any time for complicated cards.
In fact, tying the large velvet bow neatly took longer than making the base card - Seriously!

The Congratulations card was made for a young lady who was recently told she was to lose her job and rather than despair about the injustice of it all just before Christmas, got out there and found another one.
Given the current job market situation, that is quite something and needs celebrating don't you think? Go Laura ! ... Go Laura !


Her sister, Shelley has made the decision to fly the family nest and very recently moved into a New Home, so there're lots of big changes happening down Mexborough way for my friend Ann and both her girls. Exciting and "skeeery" too.

Now ... these cards were both posted on the same day - at the same time - in the same post box.
SO! - How come one was delivered 3 days later than the other?
A Right Royal Mail Mystery ... and if anyone has a reasonable explanation then please share.

Now I must get back to finishing the list of orders still outstanding before I get slapped legs!

Random Round Up

T'was nice to get time to visit a few of your blogs last week ... I will eventually get around to you all but there are so many it's going to take time. It was lovely to see all of your amazing and beautiful projects.
Last week I did manage to get some cards made myself but won't bore you with them all, that would be too cruel.
Here are just a few ... click on the images for a clearer view.

The first was for my dad, who celebrated his birthday last Tuesday, using the K. & Co. Verbena Scrap Pad for everything - all the elements were pop out so a very easy card to make.

The black and gold gatefold card was also for my dad from our 'kiddlings' ... who call him Pops ... and the foiled champagne topper was part of a Kanban kit.
I did a similar card for the Glenrothes Squad ten pin bowling coach who celebrates his 70th birthday today.
Black card, gold mirri card and a few peel offs and it's a job done!

My brother and his wife celebrated their Wedding Anniversary on 11th but were in Florida at the time - lucky devils - so they'll get their card and gift when I next see them.
This one is recycled from the many cards that people pass on to me, and I simply cut the image and message into a heart shape with scalloped scissors and mounted them with foam pads onto silver mirri card debossed with swiss dots, added a ribbon and popped it all onto a DL card blank.

The Christmas card orders are starting to come in now and I'm really, really, really going to try to be sensible and only take on what I can achieve without having to resort to 24 hour sessions to complete them, as happened last year.
Time will tell if I can follow through on that one.

Well hubby is due at the station in about an hour, so had better go and see if I can make myself semi-presentable - not sure lippy and mascara will be enough though! Good job he loves me.

Bursting With Pride

Have just got to tell you all ...

Despite the bowling disappointment at the weekend it turns out that things were not as bad as we thought. Naomi and her doubles partner actually scooped the Gold Medals on Sunday! So everyone else must've been playing badly too ... needless to say she is absolutely delighted and is smiling once more!

However, the icing on the cake is that we found out last night that our wee Naomi (and her fellow teammate Nicola who is only 12!) have both made the U16's Scottish Squad 2009 .... WHOO HOO!!!!
Not only did she make the Top 10 (which is what she wanted to achieve), but her final ranking place was 6th!!
Everyone is so chuffed for her ... can't wait for hubby to call so she can tell him.
She will have to formally accept her place and then will begin training with the top UK coaches with the opportunity to represent Scotland in International events next year.
I'm so proud I think I'm going to burst!


Here's her Congratulations card ... it was the least I could do.

Congratulations BookATrix

I mentioned in a previous post that Jenny Hall from Crafts Beautiful magazine is moving on to pastures new.
I decided to get out one of my BookATrix boards to make a 'Congratulations' card to send along with the Keepsake Box made for the CB challenge.

The pretty paper used is more of Brenda Walton's designer paper but unfortunately the pattern is too subtle to show in the photograph.
The string of beads were adhered with Diamond Glaze adhesive and once again my trusty scallop punch proved useful.
Hope she likes it.