Kath's Blog......diary of the everyday life of a crafter

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...I really enjoyed my day out at the flicks with my buddy Debbi...War Horse is a beautiful emotive and heartwarming story of the love and trust between man and horse...a real tear jerker with a lump in the throat happy ending and oh yes we did ourselves proud in the bubble stakes...exiting into daylight with faces resembling torn scones but hey a good old bubble occasionally does you the world of good. The only downside was the rip off parking charges at Union Square...how can it be more expensive for your car to sit in the car park than for you to sit in the cinema for 2 and a half hours. But I've been swinging the lead a bit too often lately so today's definitely going to be a stay at home cosy cubbyhole day and it's Wednesday which means it's time to join in the fun over at Julia's place aka WOYWW where all the fun crafters hang out.
So what's on my workdesk today...new goodies from Hero Arts 2012 Catalogue...I know I sound like a broken record but they truly have excelled themselves AGAIN with this collection and isn't it strange how Mr Mojo is chomping at the bit when the Heros are around so I'll be making hay while the sun shines...time to get cracking with the samples for my Demo Day at The Papeterie in March....

just a little sneaky peek...

Wooohooo...I've just been watching a video from CHA of The Lord of All Things Holtziness demo-ing his brand new Distress Markers...oh my giddy aunt...they've just jumped right to the top of my wish list...fabulous or what....you can take a peek HERE if you dare...I'll see you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add....The Furry Boy has chosen his Candi Stamps winner....scroll down to check if it's YOU

We've Got A Winner

2012-02-01T00:30:00.000Z

Hi everyone...it's your bundle of golden deliciousness popping in to announce the winner of the Candi Stamps and because it's way past my bedtime I'm not going to hang around chatting so here we go....

The winner is.....

SUSAN

(CraftinSuzie)

All you have to do Susan...is e-mail my Mum and we'll get your parcel of Craftwork Cards goodies on their way to you tout suite.

Night Night Everyone Sleep Tight

Big Hugs & Furry Snuggles

Buddy xxx

The Best Laid Plans....

2012-01-31T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...I know I said that yesterday was going to be a work today but things didn't quite go according to plan at the weekend...I'm back to the drawing board on the card for the Fiskars NEC workshop...the colour I chose is now discontinued so I'm home with lots of options and just need to decide which one to go with. The new Hero Arts stamps and dies will be arriving at The Papeterie this week...more decisions to make about what I'm going to use for my demo and workshop on 17th March so a trip will have to be pencilled in to the list of crafty things to do...another "killing two birds with one stone" recee morning of coffee cake and chat...the sacrifices us crafters have to make in the name of art. In the meantime the cubbyhole is at a bit of a standstill in the work department so what better way to while away the day but have another play with Art Parts and some of the new goodies from Hero Arts.

And today is looking like another play day...I'm abandoning the cubbyhole to meet up with my GJWTHF buddy Debbi for a day out at the flicks...we're off to see War Horse and don't worry I've packed the tissues...hopefully enough to mop up all the tears from the bubbly bairns.

See you all tomorrow over at WOYWW

Hugs Kath xxx

LINK TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

Art Part Addict....

2012-01-30T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...back to Monday...that dreaded day of the week when folks return to work after chilling out at the weekend and for some the thought of the mind numbing commute...lucky me I just have a short stroll from the kitchen through the hall to the cubbyhole...no wrapping up warm and braving those numpties on four wheels...of course I still have the four legged road hog Furry Boy to watch out for but being your own boss certainly has it's compensations...coffee time is any time and there's no-one saying "what doest thou".
And why have I got the old philosophy hat on this morning....well it's time to make a start on the new regime...yes I did say that today is going to be WORK..WORK..WORK...but and it's a huge BUT....I have a new addiction...oh yes...yet another one to add to the many that invade the cubbyhole on a regular basis....ART PARTS....absolutely love them and managed to fit in another little play yesterday....crikey I must be addicted to give up my lazy Sunday afternoon snuggled on the sofa with His Nibs giving the old brain it's weekly crossword workout.

Off to put the kettle and the work hat on and I'll see you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

Life After Fiskars

2012-01-29T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...crikey we're fast heading for the end of January...the shortest month of the year February is only a smidge away and with March lining up to be busy busy for me...my thoughts should be turning to getting workshops and demos organised but I've been having a bit of trouble with Mr Mojo and motivation...it's the "is there life after Fiskars" thing...after a couple of weeks of being in a certain design set mode I'm stuck in the old sample bubble and all the usual cliches apply...glad it's done and dusted but left feeling a bit deflated...a lost soul wandering around the cubbyhole not knowing where to start...stuck in a crafty rut...even lining up new crafty goodies didn't kick start one iota of inspiration so drastic measures were the order of the day yesterday...start the day with one of those boring...big girl knicker...why did I start this...kind of jobs...yes labelling up the ink pads in my new storage thingy...a bit of a faffing fiddly job...

and you know what...it seemed to do the trick...Saturday turned into a cubbyhole crew play day. I had lots of fun getting mucky with gorgeous Art Parts from the lovely Wendy Vecchi and Mr H's Distress Stains...definitely an improvement on yesterday's feeble Floral Frenzy effort.

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

But with a list of crafty things to do a mile long...it's not long before work stuff is invading the crafty brain again and top priority is sourcing supplies for my workshop and the Prima Demos at the NEC in March...oh yes the mega marathon kitting job is looming on the horizon but I have a cunning plan....if I start now I can have one day working and the next playing...why didn't I think of that before...so I'm taking a trip this morning to The Papeterie for the necessaries to set the ball rolling and whilst I'm there it would be so rude not to partake of a bit of coffee cake and chat. Time to put the new regime into practice...today will be a play day...tomorrow it's back to work and who knows I may just manage to fit in some more ski days before Spring...a fun day out in the bracing mountain air is a great way to blow away life's cobwebs and stresses and the old legs will just have to learn to keep up. And guess who's been having a little play with the Candi Stamps...a great way to make your very own Alphabet Candi...remember you only have until 8pm on Tuesday to enter The Furry Boy's Candi Stamp Give-Away

Hugs Kath xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 186

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...yes it's Saturday and time for the last challenge of the month over at Penny Black Saturday...there were lots of lovely entries for the Crafty Bargains Challenge last week and I did enjoy having a nose around to see what you all bought...the winner's been chosen so pop over and check out who has won that gorgeous stamp from Crimson Cloud.

The challenge this week is...

FLORAL FRENZY

I was flying by the seat of my pants with this one...last minute Annie again and the jury is still out as I don't normally put so many flowers on one card but you can hardly call it a frenzy with just one bloom and a great excuse to use Craftwork Cards new Newsprint Candi...

and the prize this week for one lucky winner is....
4 rolls of ribbon of the winner's choice from

Well that's me for today folks...I'll be popping over to see all your floral frenzy creations during the week...off to have a play with some new goodies and if all goes according to plan...I'll see you tomorrow to share. In the meantime enjoy the weekend whatever you have planned and stay cosy.

Hugs Kath xxx

InLinkz.com

Who would have thought....

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's 3 days since my downhill ski-ing adventure and this old codger...who from time to time forgets that she's not as young as she thinks she is...is still suffering from achey leg syndrome...oh yes those 2 ton stormtrooper look-a-like ski boots and metal planks have taken their toll...perhaps it's time to hang up the real thing and stick to ski-ing with Mario on the Wii. And who would have thought that these words would ever pass my lips but I'm looking forward to a sitting down day at the computer nailing the last of the Fiskars step-by-steps...oops perhaps just one sneaky peek too many...

aided and abetted by my snuggly Furry crafty helper...just a shame that his attention span is virtually nil and very soon he'll be collapsed on the floor and snoring his head off...don't be fooled by the "who me" look...

Hallelujah...the cubbyhole has returned to normal...well as normal as it ever gets around here...the Fiskars samples are all boxed up and will be winging their way to Fiskars a la Francais tout suite but...

I'll be like a hen on a hot girdle until I know they've arrived safely...the thought that they might get lost en route doesn't bear thinking about...making them all over again definitely does not float my boat. But before we settle down for a step-by-step and coffee day...it's time for some birthday wishes...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to my lovely buddies DEBBI and PBSC Teamie JENNY

21 again girls...hope you have an extra special day with lots of cake and pressies

big hugs from Buddy and Me xxx

I'll see you all tomorrow for another challenge over at Penny Black Saturday which reminds me the DT card is still on "last minute Annie's" list of things to do today.

Hugs Kath xxx

Yubba...dubba...doooo

2012-01-26T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...I'm back in the groove after a couple of chilling out days and thanks for your concern but I made it through my fun ski day without any thrills or spills...to be honest I only lasted the morning before the old legs started to protest...3 hours of ski-ing = 5 rounds with Mike Tyson...a bit out of practice obviously. But sore legs or not I'm jumping with joy...doing the happy happy dance and shouting from the rooftops...the USB cable arrived and we're back in business and even better the very last Fiskars sample is on the production line...just waiting for the glue to dry before it's turned into an Easter Basket...

and once that's out of the way...just the last step-by steps to do...my intentions of doing them as I went along fell rather by the wayside...still have 15 to do...oh joy of joys...might have known that the euphoria would be short lived. So it's going to be a big knicker "pounding the keyboard" kind of day...then they can all be packed up and on their way to the "Stitches" Trade Show in February...the UK version of CHA and the cubbyhole's chief stash susser-outer will be attending this year for a whole 2 days of fun with my lovely buddies Debbi...Charlotte and Rachel. I'm so excited...can't wait to see what's going to be HOT in 2012 and of course pop by to say hi to the Lord of All Things Holtziness and his fabulous BTS right hand man Mario. Have you been keeping up to speed with all the new stuff Tim is bringing out this year...crikey my eyes have been out on stalks and the cubbyhole stash purse keeper is in meltdown...

And for the very very last time...I'll leave you with more Fiskars sneaky peeks...

and I can't wait to see my many hours of toil on the Fiskars stand.
See you all tomorrow
Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: and yes folks I will be asking Tim about his new DI markers and hoping to have a little play.

What's on my Workdesk Wednesday Give-Away

2012-01-25T00:30:00.000Z

A very good morning to all my lovely bloggy buds from your favourite bundle of golden deliciousness...Mr Stop Gap has been commandeered again to fill in today and on a very important day of the week too. It's Wednesday which means it's time to pop on over to Julia's place...aka WOYWW and show the world and his wife the hive of activity that is the cubbyhole. Sorry to disappoint folks but my old Crafty Mum has downed tools in favour of a "feet up and relax" day after all that piste bashing so you're stuck with me and I would be taking my life in my hands if I showed you the workdesk covered in samples ready for today's mega photo session but the rest of the cubbyhole's been decluttered and is back to spick and span again...

But hey it's time for a little CUBBYHOLE GIVE-AWAY...

Fabulous Card Candi Stamps from Craftwork Cards...

yes the ones that Mum's been raving about

and even I know that you'll need some Candi to stamp onto...

and some of the brand new Savile Row...how dapper are these guys...

and Mum's favourite at the moment...Newsprint

and just for good measure...some of the brand new Message Sheets

and last but not least I'll have a little rummage for some yummy papers to pop in the parcel...so all you have to do is leave me a bloggy bud hug before 8.00pm on Tuesday 31st January to put your name in the hat...I'll announce my winner bright and early on 1st February.

And it's a very special day for all us Scotties...it's Rabbie Burns Birthday...

so tonight we'll be feasting on Haggis Neeps and Tatties followed by a wee dram...when I say WE...I don't suppose that will include me...I just get the boring dog food and apparently I am enough of a hooligan or so I'm told repeatedly without partaking of the water of life.

Well that's me completed my task for today so I'll be joining Mum on the sofa for a day of snuggling...see you all later.

Big Snuggly Hugs

BUDDY xxx

Technology...what a nightmare...

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000Z

Hi Folks...yesterday did NOT go according to plan...in fact the only way to describe it is...a technological nightmare...I'm like a dog with a bone when things don't work so after hours of struggling with Dell Diagnostics...reinstalling a driver for this that and the blinking other...it turns out that it wasn't the computer that was misbehaving...the USB cable for my camera is faulty so I'm stuck with lots of pics of Fiskars samples not going anywhere until a new cable arrives from Amazon...isn't it frustrating when technology jumps up and bites you on the bum and in this instance nothing whatsoever to do with Mr Blogger.
So I'm very very tempted to head for the hills....yes literally...I need to chill out in more ways than one and what better way than to spend a day ski-ing...all weather dependent of course...fingers crossed that when I log in at The Lecht shortly that the roads are open if there's been more snow overnight or what is already there hasn't disappeared or it isn't closed due to high winds.

a great way to blow away the technology blues...limber up the old body and have some fun in the bracing mountain air. Whether I'll be so chirpy tomorrow is anybody's guess...two metal planks fixed to your feet don't half remind you of those muscles you rarely use and no doubt the old knees will be protesting too but no worries The Furry Boy will be joining you tomorrow so I can always have a lie in followed by a long leisurely soak in a hot tub.

Hugs Kath xxx

That Monday Morning Feeling...

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000Z

Hi folks...crikey before we know it's Monday again...I had a totally non crafty day yesterday...took myself off to town bright and early...those M&S christmas vouchers were burning a hole in my pocket and then I headed off out to spend the afternoon with those gorgeous grandkiddies before heading home for a yummy chicken dinner...a glass or two of vino whilst I fed my Dancing On Ice addiction....but hey all good things come to an end and it's back to the Fiskars production line...

it's going to be a "working my socks off" crafty day....today is going to be the day that I nail the last of the samples so that I can play with the yummy parcels that arrived in the cubbyhole last week....my February DT bundle of deliciousness from The Ribbon Girl and these fabulous Candi stamps from Craftwork Cards....have you seen the brand new Newsprint Candi....I couldn't resist and will be stalking the postie until it arrives...

and how cute are these mice made out of wool felt by my lovely Ribbon Girl teamie Gail

and they are all looking for a new home so if you would like to win one of the these gorgeous mouse pin cushions along with a selection of Ribbon Girl decorative pins...pop on over to The Ribbon Girl Blog for details of how to enter. But it's time to take the phone off the hook...disconnect the doorbell and CRAFT. See you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

A Cute Button Box...

2012-01-22T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...the "taking over my every waking moment" Fiskars samples are almost done...just 5 to go but to absolutely guarantee that I retain my sanity right through to the end I took my lovely buddy Paula's advice and decided to sneak in a little playtime. Yesterday's project for Penny Black Saturday set me thinking about that syndrome that most of us crafters suffer from...oh yes that uncontrollable urge to keep buying new stuff when you already have enough crafty stuff to keep you going for years. And this is the time of year when your crafty purse could be feeling a tad stretched after the expense of Christmas...January seems to be the longest month when you're waiting for your next pay cheque...juggling the pennies to pay off the dreaded credit card bill so don't beat yourself up if you're on a temporary stash diet. Time to make something out of all those papers and bits and pieces that have been hiding in the darkest recesses of your crafty space for many moons...so after a root around in the cubbyhole...here's what I found...

this cute little stacking Snowman box that I bought last November in New York...the sweeties contained therein have long gone....why didn't I line his body up with his head before I took this photo...

Gorgeous Bo Bunny Papers...Chipboards and Alphabets again bought last year and sadly forgotten in the cubbyhole paper mountain. So I set to work...sticking down the papers and giving the lids a lick of paint...Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue mixed with Old White..but any acrylic paint would do...

stacked the boxes..each box glued to the lid below it...

and then it was time for the fun bit...the embellishments and if you don't have the right colour of ribbon....get out those Promarkers or Distress Inks and have a play...I buy lots of white ribbon and then it's easy to colour match to the colours you're using in your project...

and it also works on plain old white Prima flowers

time for the decorating...

and I'm sure you'll agree I have ended up with a pretty cute box for my buttons....made from almost nothing...just need to find the time to give the old Licqorice Allsorts tin and Snowman's buddy the thrifty treatment...

and if you decide to have a go....I would love to see what you've made...just leave me a comment with a link to your project. Catch up with you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 185

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...yes it's Saturday and time for another challenge over at Penny Black Saturday..thanks to everyone who joined us for the "Anything Goes" challenge...a huge variety of fabulousness...the winner has been announced so pop on over and find out if it's YOU.

The challenge this week is...

CRAFTY BARGAINS

we are a nosey old lot on the Penny Black Design Team and we want you to make a project with the bargains that jumped into your baskets at the crafty sales...here's mine...

half-price chipboard album from Craftwork Cards and even better a free paper pack that came with Simply Cards & Papercrafts mag and here's what I made...

we have a fabulous prize this week for one lucky winner who will be chosen at random and announced next Saturday from the lovely Mel at...

so pop on over to Penny Black Saturday to see what my lovely teamies made with their Crafty Sales purchases and then it's your turn to share. I'll be popping by to pay you all a visit during the week and a word of warning...all is not well in the cubbyhole...we have a poorly keyboard...the IT doc has diagnosed sticky key syndrome so if I leave you a gobbledeegook comment...rest assured that I haven't lost the plot just yet...a trip to the keyboard shop for a replacement is just something else to add to that "getting longer by the minute" list of things to do. I'm ditching the work hat today and having some playtime...setting myself a challenge...can I come up with a cure for that dreaded syndrome that us crafters suffer from.

Hugs Kath xxx

InLinkz.com

Sneaky Peeks...

2012-01-20T07:02:00.000Z

Morning folks...well yesterday just turned into one of those faffing around kind of days...a quick trip into town didn't quite go according to plan...anything that could go wrong did...do you ever have days like that or is it just me who seems to rub the person who decides our fate up the wrong way from time to time. And just to make my day...it started snowing and with the wind whistling all the way down from the arctic...oh happy days...it looks like winter is getting ready to put on it's snowy overcoat.
And grovel grovel with big apologies for even more of those irritating sneaky peeks...

don't know about you but I sick to the back teeth of them all....can't wait to get back into just the normal "me having a play" kind of crafting but still have a way to go before that happens. But take heart...I'll see you all tomorrow for another Penny Black Saturday challenge with an actual project to share.

Take care if the weather has turned wintry where you are and stay safe

Hugs Kath xxx

Messy Painty Fun...

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...I'm beginning to think that I should rename this blog "The Sneaky Peek Blog"...with lots of workshop/samples and demo stuff going on in the cubbyhole at the moment...I don't seem to have time to enter any of my favourite challenges or indeed play with the parcels of goodies which arrived last week but hey don't they say that all work and no play makes Jill a very dull girl or in my case tres grumpy...so I'm jumping off the Fiskars treadmill today to have a messy painty inky day of fun. I've never been one to run away from a challenge so when Emily from Most Wanted Blog e-mailed me and threw down the gauntlet...how could I resist. If all goes swimmingly...I should be sharing something definitely more than a sneaky peek with you all on Sunday...

The flight is booked...you'll be relieved to know I've been allocated a seat...so no wing walking for me on the trip to Birmingham and I'm excited excited excited...the supplies order is in for the first Girls Just Want To Have Fun of 2012...ooohhhh I think this is going to be best workshop yet...lots of real up to the minute gorgeous stuff will be arriving soon and I can't wait to play. In the meantime...have fun whatever you have planned for the day and I'll see you all tomorrow for...quelle surprise...yes another sneaky peek

Hugs Kath xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...middle of the week again and time to throw open the messy cubbyhole and join in the fun with Julia and her cronies over at WOYWW....so what's on my workdesk today. Well before I can get busy with more of this...

there are those "if only it was just about making cards" jobs....the dreaded step-by-steps...I know...tres boring and definitely a big girl knickers job but I'm forcing myself to do them as I go along because the thought of sitting burning the midnight oil and doing 24 in a row....well "strait jacket" and "throw away the key" springs to mind...

but I'm on a roll and cooking by gas...10 projects completed...

and then of course there are the photos...don't know about you but I seem to spend more time faffing about with the camera...not forgetting Mr Blogger and his tantrums than I do actually making the blighters but all this will be in vain if I don't get my finger out and get my flight booked for Birmingham...so first job of the day is make a cuppa...check the diary to make sure I've got the dates right....oh yes remember Harrogate...so double check the dates and hope that Mr Flybe still has some empty seats...

Catch up with you all tomorrow for some sneaky peeks of yet another secret project to be revealed soon

Hugs Kath xxx

Ticking Along Tuesday

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...I've scheduled this post because right about now The Furry Boy and his old Mum are spark out for the count snuggled up under the duvet having a snoring competition after our stay up late night....did you get your TSV. And what a difference a day makes...seems I hit the nail on the head about the hair thing....yesterday turned into a ticking over nicely day...the production has definitely kicked up a gear...Mr Mojo has decided it's time he earned his keep and the cubbyhole crew are HAPPY HAPPY. The CHA samples for Craftwork Cards are going off in the mail today so time to share just a few teeny sneaky peeks...

But we're not out of the woods yet and with lots still to do I'm wondering how I can wangle some sneaky sofa time today to watch the rest of the Craftwork Cards hours on QVC...well a girl's gotta eat to keep those energy levels up...so the plan is...

9.00am.....well that's breakfast time

12.00pm....lunch

3.00pm....afternoon tea

5.00pm...perhaps time for a pre-dinner snack
and in between it's back to the Fiskars samples...

Catch up with you all tomorrow over at Julia's Place...aka WOYWW

Hugs Kath xxx

Monday's Moan...

2012-01-16T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Mrs Grumpy Knickers in Moaning Minnie mood...have you got that Monday morning feeling...yeah me too and I'm hoping that this week is more productive than last...even working over the weekend hasn't made a huge dent in the sample department...

the weather is frosty icicle chilly...the cubbyhole looks like a reclamation yard...Mr Mojo is just not cutting the mustard and me...I think I'm losing the plot...the joys of crafty deadlines when you've got not one jot of inspiration...not even the tiniest spark of creativity don't make for a "bundle of fun" cubbyhole. And that's not the only problem that's been driving me up the wall....the infamous Kath barnet has decided to go down "the life of it's own" route...suddenly without warning it's taken on that bird's nest "big hair" look....thank goodness I'm booked in for a short back and sides this morning and don't have to resort to a DIY job with the Timmie scissors. I'm hoping that the weight of all that hair has been playing fast and loose with the crafty brain that lies beneath and once I've had the lawnmower treatment I'll be running...steady on...running is now longer in this old girl's repertoire...walking smartly back to the cubbyhole to play with yummy Candi and Messages...with lots of ideas for a creative day making samples for Craftwork Cards to take to CHA.

And woohooo talking of Craftwork Cards...a little reminder of our hot date tonight at midnight with the lovely Julie Hickey over on QVC for a fabilicious TSV.

I'll be staying up late...snuggled up on the sofa with The Furry Boy...mind you he will probably be fast asleep snoring...wrapped in my cosy jammies with a cup of cocoa. I hope you'll be joining me...you don't want to miss out do you and with lots of new kits available throughout the day I have a sneaky feeling it's going to be a "everyone will want some"...lots of "fly out the door" bundles of gorgeous Craftwork Cards crafty goodies kind of a day.

I'll see you all tomorrow with less hair but hopefully more craft stuff to share

Hugs Kath xxx

Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge 15

2012-01-15T09:02:00.000Z

Morning folks...2 weeks of the month gone already...it's hard to believe isn't it but that means it's time for the first Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge of 2012 and woohoo a lovely surprise....we have my lovely buddy LORRAINE (Lols) joining us as Guest Designer this month...

I love the colours for this month's challenge...a great excuse to use up some fat quarters which have been hiding in the cubbyhole for yonks...a perfect match for the Ribbon Girl Felt and Seam Binding and hey check out that super cute scissors charm.

The challenge will run until 9pm on 28th January....plenty of time to join in the fun and as always there are fabulous prizes up for grabs....from our lovely chums over at LOTV...

to spend in their online shop

and of course a parcel of yummy delights from The Ribbon Girl...

So it's time for you to hop over and check out what my lovely teamies at the Ribbon Girls have made....lots of gorgeous projects for you to feast your eyes on....I love them all but hey I am absolutely drooling at the gorgeous teddy bear made by TAB. Enjoy what's left of the weekend and I'll see you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 184

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...hey it's Saturday and time to join in the fun over at Penny Black Saturday. Thanks to everyone who joined in the "Case-It" Challenge...you all came up with fabulous versions of Beth's card...the winners have been announced so hop on over to check if it's YOU. The challenge this week is a "No Brainer"...just what I needed considering Mr Mojo is still not playing ball...

ANYTHING GOES

which means the world is your oyster..it's do your own thing time.

I decided to make myself a book for listing all my stamps...now here's a surprise...during a recent stamp tidy moment...I found more than a few duplicates...how on earth did that happen...please tell me that I am not the only person who is silly enough to go and buy stamps that I already own but when I'll find the time to write anything in it...well that's anybody's guess...

Chipboard Album...Craftwork Cards

Paper...Chipboard Alphabet and Die Cuts...My Little Shoebox - Imagine A Forest Kit

Image: Penny Black...Whispers

Sentiment: Papermania Alphabet Stickers

Fiskars Lever Punch - Circle

Seam Binding....The Ribbon Girl

Pearl Brads....American Crafts

Self Adhesive Pearls...The Hobby House

and there's a fabulous prize up for grabs this week for one lucky winner who will be chosen at random and announced next Saturday from our lovely chums over at

$20 voucher to spend in their online store...
hop over for a browse...you'll find loads of Penny Blacks and other essential bits and pieces

I'll be popping over to pay you all a visit during the week to feast my eyes on your Anything Goes creations...in the meantime have a great weekend whatever you have planned. I'll catch up with you all tomorrow for the first Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge of 2012.

Hugs Kath xxx

Crafty Parcels

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks....yes it's time to share the crafty parcels that arrived yesterday in the cubbyhole...I love crafty parcels especially since I rarely get any for Christmas...the perfect excuse for having a bit of splurge. I've been thinking for some time that the cubbyhole was sorely in need of some new storage...something a bit more streamlined so that all the products and tools I use everyday are right at my fingertips....so starting off with a revolving Tool Caddy and Timmie's fabulous Crafty Spinners...can't believe how I managed to live without these for so long...

all neat and tidy and leaving me so much more space on my workdesk...

Revolving Caddy from Sir Stampalot

Craft Spinners from Artist Trading Post

great customer service from both companies....arriving in super duper fast time

this CD holder used to hang on the wall in the family room but was destined for the bin until I had one of those rare lightbulb moments...perfect for storing oft used ink pads...extra workshop ink pads and sticky down stuff ...I just need to find some time to label up the rest of the blending tools and all those inkpads...but retail therapy isn't much fun when it's the boring storage stuff so I had to include some play stuff in the shopping list....new Hero Arts Stamps and some of their brand new Mid Tone Chalk Ink Pads...

and The Furry Boy's "cheer-me-up" parcel from Craft Obsessions bumper sale arrived...and well done Buddy...he obviously pays attention...all essential cubbyhole re-stock items.

Crikey the weather here has turned wintry...it's bitterly cold with snow forecast and seeing as this is Friday the 13th...I'm not in the least bit superstitious but I've had enough of gremlins for one week...I'm having a snuggly warm "keeping a low profile" cubbyhole day chasing those deadlines...I'll leave you with a sneaky peek and see you all tomorrow for another fabulous challenge over at Penny Black Saturday...

hugs Kath xxx

Exciting News...

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...I'm in toot-er-oot-eroo mood today with some exciting news to share...yes GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN are back...DEBBI...ANNE AND YOURS TRULY are ready for some more crafting fun...do you want to come and join us.....

And for our crafting buddies who are not within easy travelling distance of Aberdeen...we'll soon be revealing details of more GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN workshop days in PERTH...BANFF and way..aye...NEWCASTLE...numbers permitting.

Debbi is now accepting bookings for Aberdeen - just e-mail her at...

wiccababe@btopenworld.com or click on this link.

She is also taking names and e-mail addresses for the other venues so if you are interested in attending either Perth...Banff or Newcastle...please get in touch and she will contact you before we publicly announce.

We're so excited to be doing GIRS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN again this year...we have some great projects to share with you and are looking forward to getting on the tour bus and coming to a venue near you. So if you are interested in joining us for a fun crafting day...don't delay as places are limited and they do fill up incredibly quickly.

As if that wasn't enough exciting news for one day...Craftwork Cards have a fabulous TSV coming up on QVC...I've marked the calendar and will be staying up late on Monday evening waiting for the stroke of midnight launch...joining Julie for the big reveal and a little birdie tells me it's exciting...inspirational...fun and collectable! There will be stunning brand new kits throughout the day on Tuesday so be sure to join me for a sofa day and tune in at Midnight... 1am...9am..12 noon...3pm and 5pm.

But there are deadlines to nail...so it's time to knuckle down and get back to work...see you all tomorrow.

Hugs Kath xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks....crikey before you know it's another week whizzing in....already it's Wednesday and that means it's time for a jaunt over to Julia's place aka WOYWW...a chance to share our crafty spaces with the whole world. So what's on my workdesk today...well it's time to check out one messy cubbyhole abandoned at late o'clock last night after a faffing around...not achieving much of anything kind of a day...a lot of chaos with not much to show for it...

The desk is back in postage stamp mode...we've been invaded by...yes no prizes for guessing that it's all things Fiskars....even the floor has turned into a slippery slidey "watch where you walk" highway...

and it seems that the mystery of the disappearing pokey tools is back....only 2 left out of the 6 that used to reside in the cubbyhole...no amount of bin raking has thrown any light on their whereabouts...another of life's mysteries...

a few sneaky peeks of the stuff for the NEC...all done and dusted...the samples for the Trade Show aka Stitches are coming along but not as fast as I would like....still 22 to go...

but I've had enough of trying to persuade stroppy Mr Mojo to play ball...so the CEO of the Cubbyhole has made an executive decision... I'm shedding the crafty shackles and having another little jaunt today to meet up with my lovely GJWTHF buddies DEBBI and ANNE for coffee cake lunch and lots of chat...a fun day planning for the next round of GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN coming to a venue near you...watch this space...details soon. Fun time spent with great buddies is guaranteed to put a smile on this miserable old physogue and hopefully a spring in my crafty step. And who knows by the time I get home...Mr Postie may have been a-calling with some retail therapy crafty parcels.

Catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

Just one more...

2012-01-10T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...this will probably be the last Hero Arts card for a while...well that is until I can sneak in another play day.

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com
I was rather hoping that 2 days of bunking off from the Fiskars Deadline Marathon Thingy might just kick start Mr Mojo but no joy I'm afraid...he seems to be as down in the crafty dumps as the rest of us. What is it about January that gives us all a dose of the doom and glooms...is it the post Christmas excitement blues or the dark dismal short on daylight days...crikey it's still dark at 8 o'clock and even The Furry Boy has taken to snuggling under the duvet for a lie-in...by the time we rouse ourselves...go for our morning stroll...half the morning has gone. No amount of big girl knicker pulling up seems to be doing the trick either...I am sorely in need of a miracle pick-me-up cure so perhaps it's time to break into the cubbyhole stash piggy and have a little January Blues Retail Crafty Therapy Blow-Out.

Catch up with you all tomorrow over at WOYWW and who knows what will be on my workdesk.

Hugs Kath xxx

Another day of playing

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...well I just had to have one more play day....Messrs Google and Picasa were doing my head in yesterday...oh yes the "black squares with exclamation marks" syndrome returned...can't understand why some folks can see them as normal pics including me and others can't and it would appear that Mr Google is puzzled too but he's racking his brains to come up with a solution as we speak. And what better way to preserve the little bit of sanity I had left but to get all messy and inky again....

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

And then the perfect end to my day...woohooo Dancing On Ice is back...my post Christmas Sunday night addiction indulging my most guilty of pleasures but it's so not fair I have to wait until next Sunday to watch Dan The Man strut his stuff. Loving the new Ice Panel...so much better without the Mr Nasty Motormouth...Jason Fits His Face and oooaaah Katarina Witt...I'm a big fan....probably the best female skater ever. Have to confess I was in tears watching Chemmy Alcott...great to see she has recovered from the terrible injuries she sustained after a horrendous 80mph downhill crash last year....go Chemmy go...rooting for you girl. But before I am overcome with skating excitement it's back to the topic of crafting. I had a lovely e-mail from my bloggy buddy JACKY who won one of my Stitched Canvas kits in a give-away a few months ago and here's what she made...a gift for a friend...isn't it fabulous and I'm sure her friend will treasure it...

Thanks for sharing Jacky

Well playtime is over...Fiskars hat at the ready...time to get back to the worky stuff...catch up with you all tomorrow for another Hero Arts card.

Hugs Kath xxx

Playtime

2012-01-08T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks....Christmas is just a distant memory now...I was itching to get the tree and decs down but being a superstitious old crone had to hang on until the 6th....it's that old Twelve Days of Christmas thing but the tree's been de-tinseled and de-baubled and is back in the loft and the decs are packed away for another year.

And before the Fiskars madness takes over again on Monday...I was determined to find some time over the weekend to have a little play but first the cubbyhole needed it's very own declutter...a place for everything and everything in it's place is my motto or otherwise I would spend hours looking for stuff...

well as tidy as it's going to get at the moment but just enough room on my workdesk to have a little sneaky play with the new Heros...

two very different looks from the same stamps...

Catch up with you all tomorrow...with hopefully some more Hero Arts creations
Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: .it looks like the "Black Squares with Exclamation Marks" syndrome is back...please leave me a comment if you can't see the pics....strange thing is that some folks can see them including me...others can't and to answer Janet's question...the inks used on the clock dial are Vintage Photo...Stormy Sky and Broken China....dabbed on with my fingers

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 183

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...Happy New Year to all you Penny Black lovers out there...have you recovered from all the Christmas festivities...where does the time go...it's hard to believe that this time last week we were getting ready to welcome in a new year and already the first week of January has flown by. After a welcome break it's time for the design team to get back into the crafting swing with the first challenge of 2012 over at Penny Black Saturday.
Thanks to all those busy busy crafters who managed to find time to join in the tag challenge...you came up with a great selection of beautiful tags....but of course there can only be one winner...so hop over and check out if it's you.

We have something a little bit different for the first challenge of 2012

CASE-IT

which is going to be a feature of the first week of each month throughout the year...

each design team member will choose one of their favourite cards

starting off with our lovely teamie BETH....

all you have to do is share your interpretation of Beth's gorgeous card
and here's mine

and as always there are 2 gorgeous prizes for the lucky winners who will be chosen at random and announced next Saturday....

Fireworks

Yellow Mini Ribbon Kit

I'll be popping over to visit you all during the week and am looking forward to you sharing your inspiration...in the meantime pop over to Penny Black Saturday to see the gorgeous cards from the rest of the girls on the team.

Happy Crafting Everyone

Hugs Kath xxx

InLinkz.com

The Joys....

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...the joys of technology...OK when it's working but an absolute b****er when it decides to throw a wobbly and yesterday was definitely a wobbly day. First job of the day is to check e-mails and lo and behold lots of messages to say heaps of pics had disappeared from my blog and been replaced by black squares...what's that all about....probably Mr Blogger throwing his toys out of the pram again and then my e-mail programme decided to throw a hissy fit...an error message everytime I tried to send an e-mail. With photos and step-by-steps to send to Fiskars I was beginning to wish I had stayed up snuggly and warm under the duvet and of course the weather isn't exactly cheery is it but we can't blame that on technology.
Suddenly the e-mail facility is up and running again...time for a photo session with a Fiskars project that had just been upgraded to mega urgent with a magazine deadline of lunchtime...crikey have I upset someone...this is enough to send the calmest of folks over the edge because the camera decided it wasn't playing either...the battery was as dead as a dodo. Nothing for it but to put the kettle on....pull my hair out and have a mini nervous breakdown while the charger works it's magic.
But with everything back to behaving it's self and the project winging it's way into cyberspace...time to get cracking on this week's DT card for Penny Black Saturday and hey with my desk well and truly occupied by all things Fiskars....

I set to work on the postage stamp work area...can the day get any more awkward...but we did manage a little sneaky peek...that is if it hasn't turned into a black square with an exclamation mark....oh joy of joys...

Fingers and everything else crossed that lightning doesn't strike twice and that today is just a normal manic kind of day...if so I'll see you all over at Penny Black Saturday for the first challenge of 2012

Hugs Kath xxx

Fiskars Photo Fest...

2012-01-05T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...seeing I've got my Fiskars Hat on and probably will have for the rest of January at the rate I'm going...I thought I'd share some projects I made a couple of months ago using the brand new 2012 products which will be available in the UK soon...

calendar card for the Project Of The Month over on the Fiskars website

love this paisley design for the Continuous Stamping Wheel and the Everywhere Window Punch Frame

home-spun style wall hanger

The Fiskars Marathon production line is moving at a snail's pace...only 2 projects finished with another 25 to go...the cubbyhole isn't exactly awash with inspiration after all the festivities but we're not hitting the panic button just yet. Catch up with you all tomorrow if all goes according to plan with a Penny Black sneaky peek and you still have time to enter the current challenge over at Penny Black Saturday which runs until 8pm on Friday.

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES...

InLinkz.com

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Wednesday and time for all us nosey-parkers to join in the fun over at the first WOYWW of 2012...so what's on my workdesk today....well I have a confession to make...absolutely NOTHING because I've been struggling to get back to the CRAFTY WORK STUFF but TODAY is definitely going to be THE DAY...no more procrastination...it's big girl knicker time....with serious Fiskars deadlines haunting my every waking hour...I need to give myself a proverbial kick up the butt...ditch the lame excuses of being laid low with the cold or gallivanting off to crafty sales and catching up with friends...it's time to clock on and get CRAFTING.
And the strangest thing...although I was almost at death's door with that dreaded cold...OK slightly exaggerating there...I somehow managed to drag myself to the cubbyhole and spend some time doing PLAY stuff...the Aide Memoire is finished and hanging above my desk in the cubbyhole...

now there is no excuse for turning up at the dentist on the wrong day...

I know it's a bit of a thought to return to work after the Christmas Holidays but hey all that lazing around and stuffing my face has taken it's toll...the old digestive system doth protest and will be mightily relieved to be returning to sensible rations...in fact right this minute I never want to see another chocolate or liquorice allsort again...I wonder how long that will last. Catch up with you all tomorrow....in the meantime batten down the hatches and stay safe in this horrendous weather that's hitting the UK.

Hugs Kath xxx

Back In The Swing...

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...thank you for your get well wishes...after a few days of sneezing...sniffing and feeling downright sorry for myself...I seem to be on the mend thanks to Messrs Neurofen Lemsip and Kleenex...hopefully by tomorrow I'll be back in the crafty swing proper and making a start on that marathon job that will be kicking off 2012. But before Fiskars completely take over my life I've got a personal project to finish....I've been having great fun decorating this Christmas pressie from my lovely buddy Anne with fabulous Art Parts and stamps from Wendy Vecchi and a little help from Lord Tim of All Things Holtziness...it's going to be a great aide-memoire for the cubbyhole and when you've got a memoire like mine...I need all the aide I can get.

But just to make sure that I'm definitely back in cheery cup mood...I'll be heading over to The Papeterie for a cuppa and a chin wag this morning and no doubt some bargains from their MEGA SALE which starts today will be falling into the cubbyhole stash basket...if you are heading over there first thing...PLEASE don't clear the shelves...leave some GOODIES for me.

Catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

I'm Making A List...

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all my lovely bloggy buds...lang may yer lums reek as we say in Scotland...it's your golden bundle of deliciousness kicking off 2012...stepping in to help out again because the CEO of the cubbyhole is indisposed...or rather her nose is...it's either dripping like a tap or sounds as though she got some Timmie tissue tape stuck up it by mistake...she's giving Rudolph a run for his money in the red nose stakes let me tell you and a tad grumpy with it and we can't have the new year starting off on a grumpy note...can we. So I have a cunning plan...the proverbial cure for all the ills that befall you crafty girls...a little spend at the online crafty sales. When an e-mail popped into our Inbox from David and Brenda at Craft Obsessions with lots of Timmie products at knock down silly prices there was not even a flicker of interest from my old Crafty Mum...crikey this could be more serious than I thought but I'm hoping that a crafty surprise parcel arriving in a few days time might just be the pick-me-up that will do the trick...so...

I'M MAKING A LIST...

CHECKING IT TWICE...
DOESN'T MATTER IF SHE'S BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE...

SANTA BUDDY IS COMING TO TOWN...

just need to do a little inventory first

and then persuade Dad to let me run amok with his credit card.
Hope you will keep me company and let me share my cubbyhole antics with you all in 2012
Big Hugs and Furry Snuggles
BUDDY xxx

A Guid New Year...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year Everyone

it's time to reflect on the old year filled with special memories...

lots of laughter and fun and be thankful for friends old and new...

some sad times too

remembering the folks who are no longer in my life

time to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in a new year..

who knows what lies ahead but that's why life is never boring and

with the continued love and support of the ones I love

I look forward to the journey...whether the road be smooth or a tad bumpy...

here's to love and special friendships...

good health..happiness and peace and

always remembering I have lots to be thankful for...

I raise my glass in a wee toast to you all....

A guid new year to ane an' a'

An' mony may ye see

An' during a' the years to come

O happy may ye be

An'may ye ne'er hae cause to mourn

To sigh or shed a tear

To ane and' a' baith great an' sma'

A hearty Guid New Year

This is the traditional Scottish song sung to welcome in the New Year traditionally after the bells. A big thank you to all my lovely bloggy buddies and teamies for your love and friendship throughout the year and to all those who have visited my blog over the past year we hope you'll come back and keep us company in 2012.

It's way past my usual bedtime so time to climb the wooden hill and snuggle down...today is another day of feasting...New Year's Dinner is yet another traditional custom here...you could say Christmas Day Take 2...thank goodness it isn't followed by another Boxing Day.

Lots of Love from Kath & Buddy

xxx

It's Hogmanay

2011-12-31T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...after all the Christmas hullabaloo I've kind of lost track of the days which is not an unusual occurrence in my world...working from home I often have to stop and ponder which day of the week it is but even I know it's the last day of December...the last day of 2011...yes it's New Year's Eve or in my neck of the woods Hogmanay...time to say goodbye to the old year and look forward to a brand new one. Can you believe at the stroke of midnight tonight...it will be 2012. And just when I thought I had persuaded myself to ditch the grumpy face...all is not well at Chez Kath....

out of the blue...I think I will be welcoming in the New Year with a couple of uninvited guests...yes we've had a fall of snow so it looks like it's going to be a white start to 2012 and I think I'm in for the dreaded cold...the fuzzy head and sneezing for Scotland which at my age presents added complications in the bladder department are a dead give-away...a present that definitely wasn't on my Christmas List. You know what they say "feed a cold...starve a fever"...well I'll do my best but I think the body computer must be having a malfunction as the food intake levels have already gone off the Richter Scale. I'm planning a cosy jammie day...a great excuse to dodge for yet another year that old age Hogmanay tradition of cleaning the house from top to bottom...can't really see the point...dust is dust and who cares which year it took up residence...instead I'll be chilling out on the sofa sorting out the workshop diary and the 2012 calendar...transferring all the birthdays from one year's calendar to the next.

And then we come to another bonkers tradition that I won't be taking part in...the New Year Resolutions...to be honest there is absolutely no point in me even attempting to go down that road...over the years I've had to admit that willpower is not one of my talents and I think the motto for the January page of the 2012 calendar says it all...

We'll be back at midnight to raise a glass and ring in the New Year with you all

Hugs Kath xxx

With a Little Help From My Friends

2011-12-30T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...crikey the weather in my neck of the woods has been wild and stormy to say the least...the wind's been blowing a hooley making those scary wooshing noises as it rattles around the house. It's silly o'clock and I'm sitting at the computer right next to the radiator looking out at the slight covering of snow with The Furry Boy slumbering at my feet wondering if he's thinking what I'm thinking...that it might be good idea to give our morning stroll a miss today...I hate these dark gloomy cold mornings but probably not...as soon as I move he'll be switched on and raring to go.
Don't know about you but I've got that deflated apres Christmas feeling not helped by the dismal weather we get at this time of year...the thought that Winter proper has still to come and the fact that the Fiskars projects are yet to get off the ground...just can't seem to get back into the crafting groove...oh dearie me I've been hit by a bout of moaning minnie doom and gloom sickness. Is there a cure...well help may well be right under my nose...staring me in the face and in the words of those Beatles classics....

"ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE"

"WE CAN WORK IT OUT"

"WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS"

my fabulous specially commissioned "kick up the butt" inspirational Cubbyhole Christmas pressie mug from my lovely buddy Debbi...

and the Christmas supply of chocolate yummies destined for the cubbyhole may well persuade Mr Mojo to come out to play...ooh I feel better already...every cloud has a silver lining...the shortest day has been and gone...only 2 days left of 2011...Spring can't be that far away with those gloriously light and bright "up with the birdies" mornings and tomorrow is Hogmanay...time to ditch the grumpy face and get ready to step into a brand New Year.

Hugs Kath xxx

Kraft With Colour

2011-12-29T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...time to share what I've been making with my DT Kraft With Colour Project Kit from Craftwork Cards...can you tell that I loved this gorgeous kit filled to brimming as always with yummy papers...die cuts et cetera et cetera...

and a gift box with tag...

The weather here has turned a bit wild and woolly...a perfect excuse for having a cubbyhole day...time to crank up the crafty production line...fingers crossed Mr Mojo wants to play and help me nail some of those Fiskars projects.

Hugs Kath xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...have you recovered from the Christmas celebrations...Christmas is all about spending time with family and friends...the excitement of the parcel opening frenzy on Christmas morning and if you're like me eating until you are fit to burst but after 3 days of making merry this old biddy is suffering from bah humbug and beach-whaled syndrome...the temptation of Christmas Cake and all those yummy bites are stretching my willpower to the limit so perhaps it's time to lock myself away in the cubbyhole...if I'm crafting then I can't be nibbling.
And hey it's Wednesday and that means it's time to join Julia and all her crafty buddies over at WOYWW...our last chance of 2011 to have a peek into crafty spaces across the globe. So what's on my workdesk today...I had every intention of the cubbyhole being out of bounds until 2012 but...and it's a great huge BUT...the first work commissions of 2012 landed in my Inbox just before Christmas and the cubbyhole crew are bracing themselves to get stuck into some frantic Fiskars crafting....

My Workshop Project for the NEC in March

along with 2 Projects for the Prima Demos at the show

need to be done and dusted by the beginning of January

and wait for it....

24 samples and step-by-steps for the launch of the new 2012 products at the
CHSI Trade Show at The NEC in February

OH YEAH...it's back to HEADLESS CHICKEN AND PANIC STATION MODE again
even The Furry Boy has that "YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS" look on his face...

And isn't hindsight a wonderful thing...I should have added "crafting inspiration in times of need" onto this year's Santa list and talking of Santa...no not the big fat man in the red suit...the other one who goes by the name of Mario...yes Timmie's right hand man...look what arrived in the cubbyhole on Christmas Eve....my "12 tags" prize parcel....great timing Santa Mario and a wonderful Christmas surprise...

I already have this gorgeous set of Texture Fades so they will be winging their way to one of my crafty buddies who has recently been bitten by the Timmie bug. I'm off to make a cuppa...whip the cubbyhole crew into shape and pray for some divine intervention in the inspiration department. See you all tomorrow to share what I've been making with the gorgeous Kraft With Colour Project Kit from Craftwork Cards.

Hugs Kath xxx

2011 in Cards

2011-12-27T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks..hope you all had a lovely happy and fun Christmas with your loved ones...that Santa popped down your chimney with lots of gorgeous presents and unlike me you didn't stuff yourself silly with food...I do it every year and now feel like a beached whale...it hasn't quite sunk in yet that it has been and gone for another year and in a few days time we will be celebrating a new year.
Time for what is becoming an annual tradition in the cubbyhole...yes my favourite cards from 2011..started off in 2009 with just one card per month but it's grown wings...apologies for the mega photo fest because I couldn't choose one favourite...indecisiveness is becoming my middle name...time to grab a cuppa and a comfy sofa...

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

and you'll notice that from July onwards I was in a Christmas mood...
JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

So why don't you join in the fun...leave me a comment here with a link to your Favourite Cards of 2011...I would love to come and have a peek. I'll be back tomorrow to play along at WOYWW and woohoo wait until you see what was in my parcel from Santa Mario...

Hugs Kath xxx

Boxing Day Sale....

2011-12-26T14:01:00.001Z

wooohoo the Boxing Day Sale has started over at CRAFTWORK CARDS....lots of yummy bargains up for grabs and a super duper chance to win £250 of products...

"Buy one of our SPECIAL EDITION GOODY BAGS from our Boxing Day Sale area and you will be in with a chance of winning £250 worth of products from us! The SPECIAL EDITION GOODY BAGS are crammed full of cards, papers and accents from our best selling ranges. There is approx £25.00 worth of product in each Goody Bag, PLUS your chance to win £250.00 worth of product from us. One of these SPECIAL EDITION GOODY BAGS will contain a GOLDEN TICKET giving you the chance to win this fabulous prize".

Don't delay folks....get on over and grab yourselves some bargains.

Hugs Kath xxx

And The Winner is....

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000Z

Happy Christmas to all my lovely buddies...yes it's your bundle of golden deliciousness and I had to don the old Santa Hat just one more time to announce the winner of my give-away. But first I need to know...did you all enjoy your Christmas Turkey...me too and did Santa pop down your chimney with all the things on your Christmas Wish List...me too but of course there was never any doubt he would leave me lots of yummy treats and toys...after all I've been extra super duper good this year and you know for a big fat guy he must be real light on his feet because I never heard a thing...sshhh don't tell anyone but my guard dog status has just flown out of the window.

But I won't keep you in suspense any longer...the winner is...

MAY

just e-mail us with your address May and as soon as the Post Office is open for business your bumper goodie parcel will be on it's way.

It was supposed to be a big party today with my cute chums Brodie Oliver and Megan but they've all had that nasty sickness bug that's been doing the rounds so it's postponed until tomorrow...looks like I'm having a chill out day...sleeping off all those yummy treats from the Christmas Table.

Big Furry Christmas Hugs & Snuggles

BUDDY

xxx

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-25T07:03:00.000Z

Santa's been here...has he popped down your chimney too...

Santa's now on his way home to The North Pole for a well deserved cuppa...three cheers for Santa and his reindeer...another great job guys....YOU ROCK !!!
Time to open those parcels...
Merry Christmas Everyone

Hugs Kath & Buddy xxx

Merry Christmas From The Cubbyhole

2011-12-24T00:30:00.000Z

Hey everybody...it's Christmas Eve...don't you think it's kind of snuck up on us this year...hopefully all your Christmas prep has gone according to plan and you're all set for the big day tomorrow. The cubbyhole is closed for the holidays and the crew will be heading off to bed early tonight...all snuggled up cosy and hopefully fast asleep before Santa comes a-calling. So all that leaves me to say is that....

We wish you all a very

Merry Christmas...

and a big thank you to all my lovely teamies and our bloggy buddies for the beautiful cards and good wishes and to all the lovely folks who have visited my blog this year and left comments...we love to hear from you. We hope you all have a wonderful happy and fun Christmas with those you love...enjoy all the fabulous food and worry about the diet later and that all your Christmas dreams come true. The Furry Boy will be popping on briefly on Boxing Day to announce the winner of his give-way and I'll see you when I've recovered from yet another Christmas food fest...despite the best intentions in the world...I will no doubt gorge myself silly again...can't seem to break the habits of a lifetime...thank goodness it's a once a year thing and I am so looking forward to the best Christmas treat of all...the Downton Christmas Special...a whole 2 hours

Lots of Love
and Christmas hugs from

Kath & Buddy

xxx

Tis The Season of Goodwill...

2011-12-23T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...well it's serious countdown time now...only 2 more sleeps until the fat guy in the red suit pops down the chimney and the thought that I will be running the gauntlet bright and early this morning at M&S for all the last minute foodie stuff that you can't buy in advance isn't exactly filling me with Christmas JOY....in fact the old plastic and I will be mightily relieved when the shops close their doors on Christmas Eve and if I've forgotten some vital ingredient....well the kitchen crew will just have to adapt and overcome.
Silly me for thinking that this is supposed to be the season of goodwill...not in everyone's world apparently...I had the misfortune yesterday to come across one of life's "I'm All Right Jack...Sod Everyone Else" folk...a way over the top frazzled individual who proceeded to rant and rave at me all because I had the audacity to get in her way as she stormtrooped down the aisle....talk about supermarket rage and for those of you who don't know me...my pet hate is rudeness in any shape or form so it was time to give her a little bit of Christmas Get A Life advice delivered in my softest and calmest voice...crikey we are all in the same boat and for goodness sake...it's only a slightly posher than usual Sunday dinner...certainly not worth getting in a strop about and I can't help but feel sorry for the folks who will be joining this miserable sour faced old biddy for Christmas.
Christmas Dinner at Chez Kath this year will be a laid-back affair...with no extra hungry visitor mouths to feed it's going to be an "eat when we like" day...starter and soup early afternoon followed by a long gap before we tuck into the main course....pudding...cheese and biscuits to follow later in the evening snuggled up on the sofa watching TV with a few doggy strolls thrown in throughout the day to aid the digestion and get rid of that bloated "I've over-eaten again" feeling. Taking things easy so that I'll be fighting fit for Boxing Day...looking forward to a fun filled day spent with those bundles of fun aka...the grandkiddies.
So after hitting M&S and I sincerely hope I don't run into Mrs Sour Puss again...it's back to my "all is calm...all is bright" sanctuary to string up the Christmas cards...one of my least favourite jobs but hey someone's gotta do it. I have managed to finish 2 of the rosette trees...

but 2 hardly constitutes a table decoration and I doubt if I can magic up the time to make any more so for this year they will be sitting on the festive mantlepiece....

alongside a family favourite...the angel with attitude...

Thanks for listening folks and if like me you are feeling a little a bit battered and bruised by the whole run up to the big day thing...put the kettle on...chill out with a cuppa and a great big chunk of christmas cake...it's a bit like giving birth...hold on to the thought that this time next week we will only remember the good bits.

Hugs Kath xxx

Seriously miffed....

2011-12-22T00:30:00.000Z

Good morning to all my lovely bloggy buddies from your bundle of golden deliciousness...can you tell by the look on my face that I'm seriously miffed...once again I've had to step into the breach to cover for the old crafty girl who spent the most part of yesterday stuffing her face and blethering instead of getting stuck into finishing her Timmie trees and let me tell you folks the ladies who lunch were right at the front of the queue when the ability to blether was handed out...would you believe I could hardly get a word in edgewise.
And to add insult to injury I've become just a blog filler...oh yes I was commandeered to model my new waterproof cosy coat which I thought I was getting from Santa...I just hope he is bringing me something else instead...well I'm not having it...I won't be treated like any old dogsbody...I'm having a "sit down" protest but at least it makes a change from me posing in that boring old Santa hat...

but two can play at that game...so I'm sneaking in a pic of her half finished trees...to be honest they're not a patch on the real thing and I think she needs to get a move on or they won't be gracing this year's Christmas table.

Remember folks you still have until 8pm on Christmas Eve to enter my Santa Buddy Give-Away HERE

Big Furry Hugs & Snuggles

BUDDY xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2011-12-21T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Wednesday the 21st of December...only 4 days left before the big day and surprise surprise the christmas timetable seems to be on schedule which means I'm here to join in the fun with Julia and her buddies over at WOYWW. So what's on my workdesk today...well I'm flitting between the kitchen and the cubbyhole...the Christmas Cake is iced and once it's set will be getting a festive look with some yummy Christmas Ribbon and if I remember the safe place I put them in after demolishing last year's cake...some ever so cute snowmen.

Lots on today's agenda....starting off with our morning trot around the block followed by a visit to the dentist before I dash home to entertain my lovely buddies Debbi and Charlotte - soup/sandwich and a good old blether is on the lunch menu today.
Then I'll be cranking up the oven to cook the ham and roast beef ready for the Christmas Feast and while it works it's magic I might just skive off to the cubbyhole to play with the new arrivals...my Kraft With Colour DT Project Kit from Craftwork Cards which is absolutely gorgeous...

choc-a-bloc as always with lots of delicious goodies...love the printed Kraft and Fusion Papers...those fabulous die cut flowers...yummy candy...messages in colours to match along with 25 cards and envelopes and an ideas sheet from the lovely and mega talented Julie Hickey...

and a special surprise...each Project Kit comes with a free copy of the Christmas Edition of Cards Magazine..so be quick if you want to get your crafty mitts on this great kit while stocks last.

Or maybe I will have a little play along with the wonderful Mr Holtz...have you seen his gorgeous version of rosette trees...click on the picture to pop over and join Tim for a free tutorial on how to make these little cuties...

I'm off to get die-cutting and make some for my Christmas table...

Merry Christmas to all my fellow WOYWWer's...it's been great fun popping in for a sneaky peek of your crafty spaces in 2011...some neat...some messy and some downright...well unfit for publication...you know who you are.

Hugs Kath xxx

Cooking Up A Storm

2011-12-20T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...surprise surprise a Birthday card...it certainly makes a change from the usual Christmas variety that has taken over this blog for months....another card for the Colour Challenge over at The Ribbon Girls...

LINKS TO SUPPLIES...

InLinkz.com

The Cubbyhole's now been abandoned in favour of the kitchen...the Christmas Cookathon is in full swing...it's going to be a day of mixing...kneading...baking...roasting and messy marzipaning...

and of course my Furry Sidekick is never far away from the action....

surely he wouldn't like marzipan I hear you ask...don't you believe it...he will eat anything...after all he's a Golden Retriever...the dustbins of the doggie world. I'll see you all tomorrow over at WOYWW but whether I have my crafty or cooking hat on...that is the question.

Hugs Kath xxx

Santa Buddy's Give-Away- GIVE AWAY CLOSED

2011-12-19T00:30:00.000Z

A very good morning to all my lovely bloggy buds from your bundle of golden deliciousness and I've got my Santa Buddy hat on again. Great for keeping the old noggin warm because we've had a bit of snow where we live and it's decidedly baltic even for me with my super duper thick furry coat. I hope you are all managing to stay snuggly warm and safe where you are.
I've been super extra busy over the weekend doing a job which is not for the faint hearted let me tell you...the annual CubbyHole Pre-Christmas Tidy up...the problem lies in convincing my old crafty Mum aka The Queen of Hoarders to get rid of stuff...if I had a biscuit for every time I heard the old "well it may just come in handy"...I'd be looking rather roly poly by now.

So here we go girls

Fiskars Paper Trimmer

20 Cards & Envelopes from Craftwork Cards

3 sets of Spellbinders Nestabilites

Chipboard Book

and a bumper bumper bag of ribbons

and all you have to do to enter is leave me a great big festive hug before 8pm on Christmas Eve....I'll be back on Boxing Day to announce the lucky winner.

And after our chilly morning stroll...

I've been told we are having a big Christmas Cookathon day so I've bagged my place right next to the oven and I'll be snoozing with one eye open and my nose fine tuned for any tasty treats but the downside is... no doubt Mr Buble will be gatecrashing our little party...oh yes it'll be Jingle Bells...Jingle Bells all over again.

Big Snuggly Hugs

BUDDY xxx

The Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge 14...

2011-12-18T08:18:00.000Z

Morning folks...we are now heading at break-neck speed towards the big day..hard to believe that this time next week we'll be ripping open all those presents and looking forward to stuffing our faces with glorious festive food but before we do...there is still time for one more Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge before the end of the year and the yummy colours this month have been chosen by our lovely teamie Vicky...

and there are 3 gorgeous prizes up for grabs....
from our chums at Lili Of The Valley

to spend at their online store
from The Ribbon Girl....
Red and Black yummy Mini Ribbon Kits....

and this gorgeous mug rug made by our lovely teamie Gail

The challenge will run for longer than usual to cover the whole of the christmas period and will close on January 7th at 9pm (UK Time) so you have plenty of time to join in the fun. Pop over and check out the gorgeous creations from my teamies and our guest designer for December Debbie.
And woohoo didn't our gorgeous little drummer boy Harry do well...I've been rooting for Harry and Aliona from the start so I was squealing with excitement when they won. Going to miss my Saturday night helping of Strictly but hey ho...Dancing on Ice will soon be back with Dan The Man...ooooaaaah. We've had a fall of snow overnight....a gorgeous Christmas frosting and after our morning stroll The Furry Boy and I will be getting stuck in to a little bit of a Pre-Christmas Tidy Up in the Cubbyhole...he's already booked his slot on the blog tomorrow and can't pull the wool over my eyes...I have a sneaky suspicion he will be squirreling some stuff for his last give-away of 2011.

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES...

InLinkz.com

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 182

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's the weekend and can you believe that this time next week we will be all excited and waiting for the big fat guy in the red suit to pop down our chimneys with his sack load of presents but first it's time to join in the fun at Penny Black Saturday...our last challenge of 2011. Thank you to all those who found time to join in the fun with Domi's sketch and a huge thank you to all the lovely folks who have played along throughout the year...we really do appreciate your support...all your lovely comments and of course seeing all the fabulous Penny Black creations that you share with us all.

The challenge this week is...

MAKE A TAG

and will run until 8pm on 6th January

which means you have plenty of time to join in the fun.....

if like me you have that anti-climax feeling after all the Christmas rushing around...it's a great excuse to spend a little time crafting with all the goodies that Santa brought.

I was a bit tickled by this week's challenge...what a co-incidence that the cubbyhole has been in mega tag mode lately taking part in Timmie's "12 days of christmas" tag fest and if I'm honest I'm feeling a bit tagged out but surely I could manage just one more...albeit fairly simple...

and

we have a fandabbidosie prize for one lucky winner who will be chosen at random and announced on 7th January...a little festive present from the Design Team...

Penny Black Slapstick Stamp...Caroling Trio

and 3 sheets of Stickeroos

I'll be popping over to pay you all a visit over the holidays and all that is left for me to do is...

Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas

Have lots of fun with your family and friends

and if you've been good...perhaps Santa will pop some Penny Black goodies into your Christmas Stocking
I'll see you all tomorrow for another fabulous Colour Challenge from The Ribbon Girls...

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES...

InLinkz.com

Ding Dong Merrily On High

2011-12-16T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Ding Dong Merrily On High at Chez Kath...all is calm...all is decidely bright...I think after all those years of running around like a headless chicken I've finally cracked it but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without me having just a teeny rant so get the kettle on and settle down while I get a few things off my chest.
Is it any wonder that folks get stressed when we are constantly bombarded with reminders that there are only now 9 Shopping Days to Christmas. Everybody knows that today is December 16th and that Christmas Day is December 25th....it has been celebrated on that day all over the world for hundreds of years...so why every year do they feel the need to keep reminding us...it doesn't take a lot of working out...simple subtraction...25 minus 16 = 9 so if you're not up to speed with the prep it's certainly not going to help if you are being constantly reminded how disorganised you are.
And why is that every publication you open at the moment will have The Countdown to Christmas Menu Planner...telling us what we should be doing minute by minute in the run up to preparing the Christmas Meal...at 4.00pm on Christmas Eve we should start preparing the sprouts...at 6.00pm we should be making the mulled wine...at 8.00pm we should be roasting the chestnuts by an open fire to make the stuffing...give me a break...I've been doing it for 40 years and had no complaints so far. I swear that they just drag out the same article every year...tart it up a bit to fill a couple of pages and why do they care if my Christmas Meal is a success or not...they won't have to eat it.
Not content with interfering in the food department they proceed to tell us...WHAT THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST SHOULD BE WEARING ON CHRISTMAS DAY...pleeease...if they think for one minute I am skipping the light fandango around the kitchen with roasty tatties in one hand and a jug of gravy in the other in one of those strapless backless...up to my bum concoctions...wearing the highest and flimsiest of strappy shoes...they can think again...trousers and top will do me nicely and hey where have you heard it before...my SLIPPERS because everybody knows if the cook ain't happy.....ain't nobody gonna be happy.
So chill out folks...ignore all these super organised numpties...do your own thing and I'm sure your Christmas will be just the same as mine...organised chaos but FABULOUS...DING DONG.
I'll leave you with a little peek of some of the new goodies to arrive in the cubbyhole...will I have time to squeeze in a little play before Christmas...

and I'll see you all tomorrow over at Penny Black Saturday for the last challenge of 2011 and you won't believe what the theme is...talk about deja-vu.

Hugs Kath xxx

The Winner is....

2011-12-15T00:30:00.000Z

Good morning....good morning...good morning to all my lovely bloggy buds from your golden bundle of deliciousness....can you tell I'm in a happy happy mood today and the reason for my doggy euphoria...well we're coming to that time of year when the kitchen will be going full steam ahead with yummy smells coming from the oven...they'll be tickling my taste buds...going round my mouth like hairy worms and driving me insane. But before I can get my chops around all those tasty treats I've got to run the gauntlet of the kitchen being turned into a Christmas disco...oh yes never ending christmas music courtesy of Mr Buble...how many times do I have to listen to that CD over the next week and my old crafty Mum singing along...well let's not even go there...luckily I am a bloke and I've got that inbuilt sanity saving button that all us males have...yes it's the switch off and only hear what I want to button...comes in handy on lots of occasions.

But hey before I forget it's time to announce the winner of my "SANTA BABY" GIVE-AWAY...a yummy parcel of deliciousness will be winging it's way to my lovely bloggy buddy....

CHRISTINE B

so don't delay Christine...please e-mail Mum with your address and with a bit of luck it will be popping through your letterbox before Christmas.

Let me just finish with a little bit of doggy advice girls....

CHILL

Christmas is going to happen whether you're ready or not so no point in getting your knickers in a twist and if I can tear myself away from the kitchen...there will be one last "Santa Buddy Give-Away for one lucky commenter before the big day.

Lots of Snuggly Hugs and Cuddles
BUDDY
xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...the "12 tags of christmas 2011" is over for another year so a final look at my tag collage...memories of lots of fun and quite a few "adapt and overcome" moments...

but hey it's Wednesday already and that means it's time to play along at Julia's place...aka WOYWW. Christmas is coming whether we are ready or not so my thoughts have turned to some serious Christmas prep...kicking off with a bit of a cookathon yesterday...

lots of yummy Scotch Broth destined for the freezer

the Christmas Cake is made and needs to be marzipaned and iced before I am tempted to have a big slice with my elevenses...

the tree's been decorated and the halls duly decked with holly and such like

and my crafty workdesk has now become the present wrapping department

so after our chilly morning stroll and a "heat me up" cuppa...perhaps I should put the cake out of sight...hopefully this will be one more job ticked off the Christmas list and I might just even manage to steal a day to play with my brand new Hero Arts which should be arriving today.

Oops nearly forgot...The Furry Boy will be joining you tomorrow to announce the winner of his "Santa Baby" Give-Away.

Hugs Kath xxx

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 11 & 12

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...I'm doubling up for the very last time...

"12 tags of christmas" tag...11

the cubbyhole's version

and
"12 tags of christmas" tag 12

woohooo...I made it....all 12 tags...

it's been great fun playing along with "12 Tags" and I can't quite believe it's over for another year...big thank you to Tim for being so generous in sharing his fabulous talent and inspiration with us all...to Mario for his fun BTS shots...these guys truly ROCK...the fact that they lost their Internet connection on numerous occasions didn't phase the Dream Team...they set off driving on snowy roads late at night to hunt down the nearest available WiFi....just to get the posts out on time...that's dedication indeed. See you all tomorrow over at WOYWW and I wonder what will be on my workdesk...no tags that's for sure.

Hugs Kath xxx

Edited to add: remember you have until 8pm tonight to enter Buddy's Give-Away

The Joys of Christmas...

2011-12-12T00:30:00.000Z

Hi folks....the Christmas shopper has returned slightly battered...bruised and absolutely cream crackered after the annual ritual that we all know as Christmas shopping...you'd think we would learn from experience and at my age I have a wealth of the darned stuff...so why do I always decide to leave it until the rest of the population decides to turn out en masse to hit the shops. It won't come as a surprise then that I have no Timmie tag to share today...by the time I limped home I was a wreck...only fit for a feet-up evening with a take-away and my Sunday night helping of Strictly but it's not all doom and gloom...the snow has gone...my boy Harry is through to the final and the parcel list has been well and truly decimated...only the food shopping to go...another nervous breakdown experience to look forward to next week...THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS.
But before I can turn the cubbyhole into the parcel wrapping station...there is the small problem of tags lying everywhere so I've made a start on the canvasses to get them up on the wall out of the way.

And even more good news...the latest stamps from the Hero Arts 2012 launch have landed in the UK...if you're a Hero Arts addict like me and feel that you deserve a little festive treat...you can get them HERE and welcome to the "I HAVE NO WILLPOWER CLUB".

And my lovely buddies over at THE RIBBON GIRL have a fabulous give-away...

so pop on over and get your names in the hat...

Catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

"12 tags of christmas"...tags 9 & 10

2011-12-11T00:30:00.000Z

Morning folks...the first snow of the winter has arrived in my neck of the woods...a mini winter wonderland...just the thing to put me in the mood for a Christmas Festive Shopping day...list at the ready I'll be setting off bright and early to beat the rush and not returning home until each and every item is ticked off so if I'm missing tomorrow you'll know that the intended plan of action didn't quite work out.
But it's time to share more "12 tags of christmas"...can hardly believe there are only 2 more to go and I'm determined that I'm not going to fall at the last hurdle but as soon as they're done I'll be throwing myself into serious Christmas prep...oodles and oodles of things still to do...

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 9

now we're talking...Mr Holtz and Hero Arts are a match made in heaven..right up my street

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 10

I had an overwhelming desire to go all glam with this one...couldn't help myself adding loads of gold glittery sparkly stuff...sorry Tim !!

Wish me luck with today's shopping spree and I'll catch up with you all tomorrow
Hugs Kath xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 181

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000Z

Morning everyone...no tag today...it's Saturday and time for the crafty cubbyhole crew to go all cute and cuddly...yes it's time for another challenge over at Penny Black Saturday with my lovely teamie LIZ at the helm and a little birdie tells me that Liz is celebrating her birthday tomorrow...yes 21 again and I'm sure you will want to join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday...pop on over and share some birthday hugs.
Big thank you to all who joined in last week's "Total White-Out" challenge....fabulous creations and we know that you are all rushing around madly trying to organise Christmas so we really do appreciate you taking the time to join in.

The challenge this week is a fab sketch from our lovely teamie DOMI...

InLinkz.com

and the prize this week is from our lovely friends over at 1-2-3 Stitch

$20 voucher to spend in their online store

Well folks we've had the first snow of the winter here in Bonny but oh so chilly Scotland and I'm off to check out what Tim's been up to...I'll be popping by during the week to check out what you make with Domi's sketch...in the meantime...stay warm and safe and I'll see you tomorrow with my version of Tags 9 and 10.

Hugs Kath xxx

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 8

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...crikey the weather sure has been wild and woolly in my neck of the woods...I spent a restless night wondering if the roof was about to take off so I'm a tad bleary eyed this morning and as we speak I'm parked at the computer right next to the radiator in the cubbyhole all snug and cosy waiting for the big reveal over at "12 tags of christmas". And I have some mega exciting news to share...guess who was one of the lucky comment winners yesterday...YES ME....how cool...I can't wait to receive my yummy Timmie parcel...what a lovely Christmas surprise.
So here we go...time to share Tag 8 another "adapt and overcome" day...I am so not into Steampunk...

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 8

"the watered-down cubbyhole version"

but I rather like it...

and from one crafty extreme to the other...a sneaky peek of something cute and cuddly...

It's going to be a busy day in the cubbyhole...a tag to make and then join in the fun over at THE HERO ARTS CLUB BLOG...they are having a blog hop today to celebrate the release of their 2012 Catalogue....pen paper and wish list at the ready. Catch up with you all tomorrow for another fabby challenge over at Penny Black Saturday.

Hugs Kath xxx

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 7

2011-12-08T00:30:00.000Z

Morning everyone...wow I can hardly believe we are now past the halfway mark in the frenzy that is "12 tags of christmas"....what am I going to do in the crafty department when it's finished...perhaps turn my attention to the Christmas preparations...yes the parcel wrapping...decorating the tree and the bit I love best...the cooking...the Furry Boy and His Mum are looking forward to lots of tasty nibbles...well the cook has to sample the festive grub just to make sure it's fit for serving...not sure that The Furry Boy qualifies for the quality control department...he will eat anything and he's a dog...the food doesn't even touch the sides.
But let's cut to the chase...it's time to share tag 7...and I think this may just be "my pipped at the post" favourite...

"12 tags of christmas"...Tag 7

and what the cubbyhole crew came up with...

BUT I'm not too happy with the holly leaves...I don't have the kraft glassine paper so it was a bit of faffing around with Co-redinations Cardstock...Glimmer Mist and a bit of scrunching and to be honest it didn't turn out the way I would have liked...but hey ho it was a morning of mucky inky fun.

I am thinking of mounting all the tags onto some canvasses...a nice little job for the Christmas holidays and a great demo aide for showcasing all the fabulous products and techniques from The Lord of All Things Holtziness.

Wonder what tag 8 will be and will it be another "adapt and overcome" job.
Catch up with you all tomorrow with a sneaky peek of something cute and cuddy just for a change.
Hugs Kath xxx

What's on my Workdesk Wednesday

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Wednesday or for all us Timmie fans Day 7 of "12 Tags for Christmas"...I've been up since crack of dawn waiting not very patiently I hasten to add for the big reveal at 8.01am precisely of what I have no doubt will be another masterpiece according to Mario and his fun BTS. But it's also time to play along with all the lovely crafters who join in another of the world's fabulous phenomenons...yes it's the party each and every Wednesday at Julia's place...aka WOYWW.
So what's on my workdesk today...let's just say that no prizes will be awarded for guessing correctly...yes it was bound to be tags and a few Lord Of All Things Holtziness bits and pieces...

As you were reliably informed by The Furry Boy aka Big Mouth...I have fallen behind with the post-a-tag-a day routine so I'm afraid it's going to be another tag photo bonanza....cuppa and comfy sofa recommended...

"12 Tags for Christmas"...Tag 5

and the cubbyhole version...which was another adapt and overcome job...

and the bonus tag....

"12 Tags for Christmas"...Tag 6

and yes I know what you're thinking...this is so not my style...the cubbyhole crew had a mega huge "out of my comfort zone" meltdown moment but hey I was the one who opened my big mouth committing to do all 12 tags so it was time to look out those big girl knickers again...have a group huggle to rally the troops and have a go...

and believe it or not...same technique...different embossing folder and colours

Off to make another cuppa and await Tag No 7...catch up with you all tomorrow

Hugs Kath xxx

Buddy's "Santa Baby" Give-Away

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000Z

GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED
A very good morning to all my lovely bloggy buds...yes it's your bundle of golden deliciousness back in charge of this old blog and you know what that usually means....yes I've got my Santa hat on and it's pressie time but more about that in a mo. Yet again I find myself making excuses and covering up for the crafty girl who's been slacking on the job. If you popped over expecting one of Timmie's tags today...you are going to be disappointed...the tag is made but she never got round to doing the old camera bit before she took off on one of her gallivanting days. Hairdresser in the morning for a tidy-up for Christmas trim...well we'll let her off with that one because no doubt she will be doing her usual headless chicken impression on Christmas morning and we don't need any tantrums or faffing around with the old barnet spoiling the day but did she really need to take off again to meet up with my bestest buddy Debz for lunch/afternoon tea ...

a little "tea for two" treat included with Mum's birthday card from M&S and what I want to know is...tea for two...hey what about me...I'm mightily miffed that I wasn't invited to tag along and by the time she decided to grace us with her presence in the cubbyhole it was far too dark for the photoshoot...so as productive days go...a bit of a disaster all round. But enough about the logicistical woes of being on the cubbyhole crew...the good news is...if you didn't manage to grab some mega bargain goody bags from my buddies at Craftwork Cards....fear not

I just happen to have ONE to give-away

and it's the ever so cute bunny rabbit called....WARREN
over £20 of fabulous Craftwork Cards products

along with 8 Spectrum Noir Pens for you to play with

All you have to do is leave me a sympathetic hug here before 8pm on Tuesday 13th and this bumper bundle of goodies could be arriving through your letterbox in time for Christmas

Toodle-oo for now...we'll see you all tomorrow over at Julia's place...WOYWW

Big Furry Hugs & Snuggles
BUDDY xxx

Daring Cardmakers and....tag 4

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000Z

Morning all...I sure am getting to like this playing at making tags every day...definitely beats workshop deadlines and the like...doing my own thing without anybody to say what doest thou...well apart from The Furry Boy and his built-in "time for a stroll" clock and the palaver of dressing like Michelin Man to go out in the wintry weather and fighting with myself to get it all off again when we return home.
But it's time to ditch the moany groany hat because I'm feeling a bit pleased with myself this morning...I've actually managed to make a challenge card...the first for months and for one of my favourite challenges too. I just happened to have some spare bits and pieces left over from the cubbyhole tag fest which fit perfectly for the challenge this week over at Daring Cardmakers...

DECEMBER FLOWERS

HOLLY & NARCISSUS

InLinkz.com

and without anymore ado...time to share...

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 4

the cubbyhole crew's version

apologies for the peely-wally pic....it is much more vibrant IRL...why do I find it so difficult to take a pic of anything blue and it might have been an idea to wait a little longer for the glossy accents to dry properly.

Tim will be posting Tag 5 shortly but I have chores to do before the big reveal...the old dishwasher decided he didn't want to play any more the other day and I'm waiting for the replacement to arrive on Wednesday so after breakfast I'll be puddling around in the sink with warm soapy suds and you know what...I am rather enjoying it and it's a great way to clean those inky tag fingers.

And guess who will be popping by tomorrow with another of his give-aways....

Hugs Kath xxx

"12 tags of christmas" and give-away winners....

2011-12-04T06:22:00.000Z

Morning folks...the cubbyhole crew are battening down the hatches because the weather has turned decidedly wintry in my neck of the woods..a flittering of snow overnight so I don't feel in the least bit guilty about having another snuggly warm day in the cubbyhole...hubby is off out today so The Furry Boy and his Mum will be getting stuck into Tag 4 for Timmie's "12 Tags of Christmas".

But first let's cut to the chase and announce the winners of the Stamp Give-Aways...

Give-Away 1

will be winging it's way to....

MARIANNE

and Give-Away 2

will be popping through this person's letterbox

ANNE

just as soon as you e-mail me with your addresses girls.

Be warned this is one of those lots of pic posts...so it may be an idea to pop the kettle on and get comfy...OK we are well and truly settled into Timmie tag mode now and having loads of fun but before I fall way behind with the posting...it's time to catch up with tags 2 and 3...could The Maestro top his stunning Tag on day one...oh yeah he's pulled even more fantastic techniques out of the bag. I've been up since silly o'clock uploading the pics and writing this post so I take my hat off to The King of All Things Holtziness for his mammoth blog posts along with that most onerous of chores...linking up all the products and all to be done once the tag's in the bag. The tags are not made in advance but just a few hours before it all goes live...in his own words "it helps his creativity"...crikey no pressure then...blind cubbyhole panic are the words that spring to mind.

"12 tags of christmas"...tag 2

the cubbyhole version...

"12 tags of christmas"....tag 3

and the cubbyhole version...

I haven't linked up the products I've used because I've tried where possible to use the same stuff but with different colourways and even if you haven't got time to join in the fun this year...it's well worth popping over each and every day to check out all the different techniques used on each tag. Think about it folks...it's like having 12 days of Timmie technique packed workshops and it's absolutely free...he is so generous with his time and talent.

But I have a hot date with Tag 4 so it's time to wrap up cosy and warm for our early morning sprint and I'll be keeping The Furry Boy on his toes...it's far too cold for dithering about sniffing every blade of grass within a 5 mile radius...see you all tomorrow and hang onto your galluses folks...I have managed to sneak in a challenge card too.

Hugs Kath xxx

Penny Black Saturday Challenge...Week 180

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...it's Saturday and I'm in the driving seat this week over at Penny Black Saturday. You all seemed to enjoy our month of Christmas Challenges and I hope that it helped you crack on with those Christmas cards...fabulous entries last week for the Red + Embossing challenge...you totally rocked it....well done everybody.

The challenge this week is....

TOTAL WHITE-OUT
basically we only want to see colour on your image...everything else should be WHITE

I hope we're not tempting fate on the weather front with this challenge...we don't want snow just yet but in my neck of the woods it's certainly cold enough so I don't think it's very far away...please stay away until the end of next week when I hope to have finished the Christmas Pressie shopping.

and we have a super duper prize this week for one lucky winner who will be chosen at random and announced next Saturday
from

and

5M of beautiful Cotton and Cluny Lace

Can I just end by sending HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my lovely teamies HELEN and NAT who were placed in their categories in the CARDMAKER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION in Cardmaking and Papercraft Magazine....well done girls...I'm very proud of you.

So it's your turn now to get creative...you will find some gorgeous inspiration over at Penny Black Saturday from my lovely teamies and I'll be popping by to pay you all a visit during the week. It's blowing a hooley out there and looking decidedly wintry so I'm planning on a snuggly warm cubbyhole day making today's "12 Tags of Christmas" Tag...now there's a surprise and I'll see you all tomorrow to share a double dose of Tags 2 and 3.

Happy Crafting

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES...

InLinkz.com

12 tags of christmas...tag 1

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...well what can I say...Tim excelled himself with the first tag for "12 Tags Of Christmas"....I absolutely love it and woohoo GLITTER...I'm mega excited already about what he has in store for us all this morning...

The Furry Boy had a super duper lightning stroll yesterday...in fact he was having a hard time keeping up...I couldn't wait to get home and get cracking BUT I don't have the "Noel Die" believe or not so it was time for some thinking out of the box and a bit of adapt and overcome or in Tim's words "just use what you've got".

So here's my take on Tag 1...

For the sentiment I used the "Elegant Flourishes" Die and Grungeboard Alphabets

How could making something as small as a tag cause such havoc in the cubbyhole...itty bitty pieces of paper everywhere and boy oh boy The Furry Boy...The Cubbyhole and Yours Truly were well and truly glittered and all Christmas sparkly...if truth be told it took me longer to deglitter and tidy up than it did to make the tag. But hey ho it was great fun and I just have time to shower...dress...have breakfast before the creative madness takes over again...yes after our sprint around the forest I'll be all set for TAG 2.

And can the day getting any more exciting...go check out the latest collection from Craftwork Cards...I'm in love...you all know how much I adore Kraft Paper...

See you all tomorrow over at Penny Black Saturday.

Hugs Kath xxx

It's Time for Tags and A Give-Away...

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000Z

GIVE-AWAY IS CLOSED....Morning everyone...it's just like Christmas morning in the cubbyhole and woohoo it's time to make some tags...Tim has just posted the first tag of "12 TAGS FOR CHRISTMAS" HERE and I've been sitting at the computer in my jammies drinking the umpteenth cuppa since jumping out of bed at silly o'clock and wondering how I can convince my furry bundle of golden deliciousness that he doesn't really want to go for a stroll this morning because it's dark and chilly out there and his Mum has other things on her mind.

But by the look on his face I don't think it's going to wash...he's giving me strange looks wondering why I'm jumping up and down and squealing like a banshee...pathetic isn't it that a woman of my mature years can get so excited about a tag...perhaps I need to get out more. But the quicker I get suited and booted...the quicker I'll get home and put all that creative excitement to good use. But before I go it's time for the cubbyhole stamp clear out give-away...

GIVE-AWAY 1

GIVE-AWAY 2

all you have to do is leave a comment here...if you would prefer 1 or 2 let me know in your comment but if you're not fussed which one pops through your letterbox that's fine...I'll be back on Sunday to announce the winner. Have you noticed that today's post is rather short...sweet and to the point..I wonder why...bye for now folks..see you all tomorrow with "fingers crossed" my version of Day 1's tag.

Hugs Kath xxx
Edited to add: Tag 1 is finished....yahoo

Tick Tock....

2011-11-30T22:06:00.001Z

Hi folks...for all you Timmie fans who are mega excited right now...Mario has posted his first BTS....

and will be posting throughout the night while Timmie works on the tag for Day 1....am I staying up...am I heck as like...the wind is howling outside and the rain is lashing against the window so The Furry Boy and I are off up the wooden hill to bed...him to snore his head off no doubt whilst I snuggle down with my nose in a new book. It's just like Christmas...I don't want to see any more sneaky peeks...the magic is all about the surprise.

Night Night Sweet Dreams

Hugs Kath xxx

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks....Happy St Andrews Day to all my fellow Scots wherever you are in the world...the last day of November...crikey can you believe tomorrow is the first day of December...but more about that in a mo...it's Wednesday of course and time for all us crafty folks to meet up at Julia's place for another rummage into each other's crafty spaces....aka WOYWW.
No prizes for guessing what's on my workdesk today....

in fact the whole cubbyhole has gone into mad Timmie mode...getting ready for "12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS"...Year 5 of this fabulous world wide phenomenon that has had all us Timmie fans whipped into a frenzy of anticipation for weeks...can't you tell I'm ever so slightly excited...BRING IT ON TIM...and hey MARIO looking forward to your usual BTS snoops...

so the Timmie stash is lined up and raring to go....

not forgetting the all important tags...

I'm going to have a mad crafting day finishing off all the DT stuff right up until the end of December...because as from tomorrow I will have only one thing on my crafty mind...wooohooo only one more sleep...catch up with you all bright and early tomorrow for a STAMP GIVE-AWAY.

Hugs Kath xxx

A Fun Painty Day....

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...oh boy did I have a fun day on Sunday courtesy of the lovely Andy Skinner...it was great to just sit and play...chat...have fun and get mega messy with lots of crafty buddies. In the morning class we decorated a tag using Martha Stewart paints and drybrushing...a technique I haven't used since my ceramic days...creating metal effects and cool rivets...check out that messy painty craft mat...

The Maestro in action...

time for lunch and lots of chat with my lovely buddies Erika...Alison...Anne and Andy...

back to messy fun in the afternoon....a fabulous gesso technique...more dry brushing and a bit of stamping...

the finished tag after raiding the cubbyhole hardware box...

and a lightbulb moment for this tag...

another notebook for the cubbyhole collection

So what's on today's agenda....well if you don't yet know all us Timmie fans are counting down to the big day....yes "12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS" goes live on Thursday December 1st at 7.01am in the UK...so I'm off to get my Penny Black Saturday DT card for this week out of the way....clearing the decks so to speak and then I'll be looking out the Timmie stash so that I am ready and waiting for the off.
But I have a little surprise for 2 of my lovely bloggy buddies who are regular visitors to the cubbyhole...these will be winging their way to you girls as soon as you e-mail me with your addresses....

PAULA

SUZIE Q

I'll be having more give-aways with the rest of the cubbyhole stamp clear outs on Thursday...see you all tomorrow over at WOYWW.

Hugs Kath xxx

Ssshhh...it's the Big 50

2011-11-28T06:14:00.000Z

Morning folks....Virginia...one of my Flickr Hero Arts buddies is celebrating her 50th birthday...yes the BIG FIVE-0 on December 9th and she has very kindly invited us all to the big celebration birthday party....pop over to Virginia's Blog to find out how you can join in the fun too.
Here's the card I made for Virginia...who is just one of sweetest folks ever...always ready to welcome newbies to the group...to help out with questions and queries and always there with words of encouragement for everyone.

Sending huge birthday hugs Virginia and woohoo YOU DID IT girl...well done on your first published card.

if you don't know Virginia you can find her blog HERE....well worth a visit.
And would you like to win this....

a flat pack Christmas Reindeer which you could decorate just like Andrea did...

included in the give-away will be...

2 metres of Berisford red microdot ribbon

10 metres of Cherry Red Divine Twine

10 silver jingle bells

So why don't you pop over to The Ribbon Girls get your name in the hat and this cutie could be joining you in plenty of time for Christmas.
I'll be back tomorrow to tell you all about my day getting mega messy with Andy Skinner.

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com

Jingle All The Way To Christmas

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000Z

Morning folks...talk about the coo's tail...oh yes I had one of my spectacular senior moments this week and completely forgot about this month's....

over at The Ribbon Girls...that's what happens when you have too much time on your hands and have no idea what date it is or even worse the day of the week but better late than never I suppose...so it was all hands to the pump to make a quickie cracker gift box...

perfect for holding some delicious Christmas treats...

and as always there's a fabulous prize up for grabs...a gorgeous Ribbon Girl Christmas Ribbon Kit for the lucky winner...

but the last minute crafting frenzy means the workdesk is now an absolute midden...

and I'll be leaving shortly for my hot date with the lovely Mr Andy Skinner....hoop-de-doo excited...so the tidy up will have to wait until tomorrow. And can life get anymore exciting OH YES INDEEDY...HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS....Timmie's "12 Tags of Christmas" kicks off on December 1st...I've got my Timmie stash sitting ready to make some Christmas Magic and barring a cubbyhole disaster of mega proportions I'm determined to make all 12 this year...will I manage the magic hat trick or this will sweeping statement jump up and bite me big time on the bum.

Hugs Kath xxx

LINKS TO SUPPLIES:

InLinkz.com