Oops!

My Sister sent me this last night.  Kinda how I feel right now after my little mishap on the drive! 

I am ok, just with a little patchwork to my left leg and a little bruised and battered.  Resting up in the Playground Treehouse for a few days.  Just had to share this picture as it is so darned cute!  I am going to share it with Annie as it made me smile, through the tears!

Be careful you don't fall off your broomsticks tonight!

Hugs

Hettie

Friday Funny

Female Medical

During a lady's medical examination, the doctor says:-

"Your heart, lungs, pulse and blood pressure are all fine.

Now let me see the bit that gets you ladies into all kinds of trouble."
The lady starts taking off her underwear but is interrupted by the doctor.
"No! No! Don't remove your clothes... Just stick out your tongue!"

Damson Jelly Anyone...

Hello there

A few weeks ago I was given some damsons by a friend of mine so I set to and made some jelly ready for roasts and toast!  

Of course I needed some labels so I raided the Snippets drawer and die cut some tags with my TH die.   Well the damsons themselves are kinda Snippets aren't they?

A little bit of stamping and hey presto, some jelly in the cupboard and I know what flavour they are!  Believe me I have had to sniff and taste test before now!

Off to the Playground to share like a good girl!

Hettie

Rudolph Day Playing with New Toys...

Hello there!!

Happy Rudolph Day to y'all!  I do hope you have a great weekend in store.  The weather outside Hettie Towers looks set to be a lovely Autumn Day.

As you my lovely followers will know, the 25th of every month is known as Rudolph Day on which I share two or more Christmas Cards with you and join in with my Buddy Sandra's challenge.  Yes, you may have noticed that I have said the full C word...CHRISTMAS!!  As far as creating things is concerned I now think it is ok to use the Christmas word.  As for shops and things I still think it is a little too early to have started in August and that maybe mid November is ample soon enough.  

OK!  I have stepped down from my soap box now.  Here are some cards on which I have used some new toys NBUS which I bought on my recent trip over the Pond...

I just fell in love with the Penny Black die, though I must say that if you are using anything less than cardstock it is a little trying to get it to cut.  This mirri card works like a dream though.  I took a cream card, stamped it with Archival ink with a TH text stamp.  Then attached the PB die cut.  Out of two Snippets I cut the red X Cut shape and also a cream.  The MC is another new TH stamp which I rather like, again stamped with Archival and embossed with clear embossing powder.  

I had a little rummage in the Christmas basket and found the very last K&Co rosette (had them so long I know I won't find again, though it doesn't stop me looking), the ribbon was in the Ribbon Snippets basket and the pine leaves were from the Tin of Shame.  

Next...

This time I stamped the background with some versamark using a snowflake stamp from the same new TH set and embossed with some sparkling snow WOW embossing powder.  I then stamped the pine needles with Pine Needles DI and touched it up with my Wink of Stella pen.  Now I didn't know that you could get coloured Wink pens.  I have only ever seen them clear.  So when in Absolutely Everything I gayly picked up a pen not realising until we were back at our accomodation that it was green.   However, now that I have tried it I LOVE IT.  See!  You can really have "happy accidents".  I adhered a small piece of the PB die cut to one side and found some more ribbon to go down the centre.  Then I stamped another of the TH set with Archival and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Last one for today...

This was the third attempt at cutting a thinner card using the PD die.  It was not very nice trying to cut it.  I used a red card and stamped it with my favourite TH swirl stamp and embossed with gold.  I then took a piece of cream cardstock cut to the same size as the PB die cut and stamped with the TH text stamp.  I adhered the die cut over the top and stickled each interlocking section.  I cut out a TH Poinsettie with cream card and stamped with the text stamp.  On another piece of cream card I stamped the Merry Christmas and die cut with my X Cut die as well as a piece of vellum which I tucked behind.  With a piece of ribbon laid across the bottom I then layered the poinsettie and stickled the centre.  

Hey presto three cards made in one afternoon, all of which I am pleased with and  I hope you like them too!  Just sorry about the photographs having sunshine and shade.  It is getting harder to take photos in the morning now being so dark.

Right, off to take this over to Sandra and the Snippets Playground, before the gates are shut.  Why not join in and make a minimum of two Christmas cards by the end of the month and you may win a prize.  I am also entering these into the CHNC as they are a little bit Christmas themed!

If you are ever anywhere near Topsfield, do go along to Absolutely Everything.  The shop is amazing.  I walked around it three times before I could put anything in the basket as I just did not know where to start and the staff are lovely.  They haven't asked me to promote them, this is just me telling ya!  It is no wonder it is my Buddy Kim's favourite shop.

Thanks for calling by.  Have a great weekend.

Hugs

Hettie

Friday Funny - Lesson in politeness

During one of her daily classes, a teacher trying to teach good manners, asked her students the following question:

 'Michael, if you were on a date having dinner with a nice young lady,   how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?'

Michael said: 'Just a minute I have to go pee.'

The teacher responded by saying: 'That would be rude and impolite.'
 

What about you, Sherman, how would you say it?'

Sherman said: 'I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back.'

'That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word bathroom at the dinner table.

And you, little Johnny, can you use your brain for once and show us your good manners?'

Johnny said: 'I would say: Darling, may I please be excused for a moment?  I have to shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope to introduce you to after dinner.'

The teacher fainted 

Tea on Tuesday...T Bag Anyone?

Hello there

Happy Tuesday to one and all!  I have missed sharing my tea (other beverages are available) with you and Elizabeth on a regular basis.  I must remedy this.

Today I thought I would share some tongue in cheek t-bags with you....

I was given some lavender by a friend of mine and not wanting to waste it I made some lavender t-bags that I had seen on Pinterest - gotta love Pinterest for ideas!!

I happened to have some Snippets of fabric on my desk as I was in the middle of making a quilt which I need to share with you too, now that the Challenge is finished.

I used a tag and drew round it to get the shape.  cut out fabric with some calico for the backs.  I used some paper string for the string with tiny tabs on the tops with a bow stitched on.   Those bows must be nigh on 30 years old.  I had them long before I was married!  

The T Bags smell divine.  I took them over the water to Kim as she was wanting some goodies to sell at her Mum's craft fayre next month.  

And now for the picture of my cuppa...

Fergus drinking my Snapple at Quincy's Market a couple of weeks ago.  I cannot believe that on Saturday it will be a month since we flew out there.  It still feels like last week.  

Now off to share this with Elizabeth and Bleubeard for the T on Tuesday and the Snippets Playground   Why not join in with us - just share your drink of choice for the Tea on Tuesday and your Snippets for the Playground.

Thanks for calling by.

Hettie

I am Dreaming of a Pink Cancer Free Christmas!

Hello there

A few days ago I happened across a Challenge that was looking for pink Christmas cards by Jingle Bells.  For each card that is entered into this challenge a $4 donation will be made to the Susan G Komen cancer organisation.  Also the Sisterhood of Crafters are also looking for Pink Christmas cards for Breast Cancer.  Having a few friends that have unfortunately been through this awful disease, it is a very worthwhile cause close to my heart.

So here is my entry...

That is not a grey line down the right hand side...the sun was shining at the same time as it was pouring with rain whilst I took the photo which left a shadow down the side.

I have used some NBUS in the form of Tonic dies and embossing folder.  I used a Snippet of white card to emboss and brushed over some Versamark and sparkly embossing powder.  Unfortunately you cannot see the sparkle but believe me it is very sparkly.  The pink cardstock is Bazzill and the black is Papermania.  The baubles are cut from Spellbinders and stamped with matching Creative Expressions stamps.  I added a further swirl of Memory Box holly which was stickled with some bright pink Stickles, which I used again on the right hand side.  A little bit of clear sparkly thread and hey presto, another card in the tin ready for posting!

If you wish to join in the Jingle Bells Challenge you have until Wednesday 22nd.  The Sisterhood of Crafters challenge ends very soon.  Just getting in by the skin of my teeth!  The cause is all worthwhile no matter which country the donation is made.  

I am taking this over to the Snippets Playground too as there are Snippets involved.  Better throw my hat in first as I didn't join in the frolics and fun last week...oops - not intentionally of course!

Thanks for calling by.

Hettie

Friday Funny

Womens' way of thinking...

Husband’s Message (by cell phone):

  

 Honey, I got hit by a car outside of the office. Paula brought me to the Hospital. They have been making tests and taking X-rays. The blow to my head though very strong, will not have any serious or lasting injury. But, I have three broken ribs, a broken arm, a compound fracture in the left leg, and they may have to amputate the right foot.

Wife’s Response:

Who the hell is Paula?

WOYWW 280 or What's New On Your Workdesk Sam?

Hello there Peeps

It has been a while since I joined in on this weekly blog hop with our Hostess Princess Julia.  For anyone who has been missing from the blogging world for a while this is where you show your desk in all it's glory or mess and link up with Princess Julia so that other nosey crafters can come and compare your mess with theirs.  Obviously there are a few divas who have neat and tidy desks but we don't all have fairies who clear away after us now do we?

So here is my desk...

 Can you see what is new on there? Can you? Can you?  No I don't mean the knitwear stencil or the stamp you can see - both of which are new.  Yep it is this little beauty....

Ever since I started following Kim due to PIF 2011 I have been fancying one of them twirly -whirly - craft - tool - thingemyjigwotsitss and then when Kim got a second one I thought that was just plain greedy unfair.  So whilst we were out in the States I had two choices....pinch one of Kim's and lose a great friendship or see if I could (a) find one and (b) get one in my suitcase.  Guess I did right?  Here is how it was when I got it out of the case...

I just know you nosey people will want to see what was inside....

I had to lose a lot of the packaging to save weight and space but boy it was worth it.  I still had a half kilo spare too but really I don't think I could have wheeled the case let alone pick edit up!!  

Right, now you have had a good rummage on my desk time to link up with Princess Julia and show yours.  Now I may be a little late as I have my dance class tonight but I WILL call round if you leave me a calling card!

Whilst I was on holibobs I also gained a new Follower so Hello to Lesley and thank you for following me.  I hope to be back to my usual flow very shortly.  Unfortunately MIL is in hospital so most evenings I am being a good DIL and visiting.

TTFN

Hettie

PS Before you ask...I had a few things in Hubster's case too and a stamp, some leaves  and teeny tiny pumpkins in my handbag!  They were the last things I bought.  Well it would have been rude not to have bought stuff from a Paper Source shop which was only 1 1/2 blocks from where we were staying now wouldn't it?

Friday Funny

CHEWING GUM!

An Australian man was having a coffee and croissants with butter and jam in a cafe when an
American tourist, chewing gum, sat down next to him.

The Australian politely ignored the American, who, nevertheless started up a conversation.

The American snapped his gum and said, 'You Australian folk eat the whole bread?'

The Australian frowned, annoyed with being bothered during his breakfast, and replied, 'of course.'

The American blew a huge bubble. 'We don't. In the States, we only eat what's inside. The crusts we collect in a container, recycle them, transform them into croissants and sell them to Australia ..'

The American had a smirk on his face.  The Australian listened in silence.

The American persisted, 'D'ya eat jam with your bread?'

Sighing, the Australian replied, 'of course.'

Cracking his gum between his teeth, the American said, 'we don't. In the States, we eat fresh fruit for breakfast, then we put all the peels, seeds and the leftovers in containers, recycle them, transform them into jam and sell it to Australia ..

The Australian then asked, 'Do you have sex in the States?'

The American smiled and said 'Why of course we do.'

The Australian leaned closer to him and asked, 'And what do you do with the condoms once you've used them?'

'We throw them away, of course!'

Now it was the Australians turn to smile.

'We don't. In Australia, we put them in a container, recycle them, melt them down into chewing gum and sell them to the United States.

Why do you think it's called Wrigley's?'?

Au Revoir Steph...

Hello there

Lovely weather isn't it...NOT!  I took Dobby out for a walk last night.  It didn't rain on us, it just poured with water!  Both of us looked like drowned rats when we got in!!

Never mind, perhaps my colourful lickle book will cheer you up?

Whilst on leave from work, one of my colleagues left the company to join another firm a lot closer to home and nearer to her small children's schools.  So, as has now become a tradition here, I made her a lickle book for everyone to sign...

Our company colours are orange and purple so I chose the orange as one of the main colours and mixed it with black. Perfect colours for this time of the year me thinks. The covers were made using MME paper.  The large flower to the bottom right is the last one of a pack a friend of mine brought back from France for me.  The others are a mix of Papermania, Prima, Kaisercraft and die cuts.  

The two leafey fronds are cut using a TH die.

I fancied making some windmills to compliment the design on the paper, no idea why, and just fiddled with a square of paper until I was happy.  I attached them with the glue gun (which I managed to burn my fingies with - should have had adult supervision me thinks) and poked them into a TH birdcage diecut.

Now on to some inside pages...Now Steph is French, so I used some of my 7 Gypsies stamps which I won some time ago to add a little je ne sais quo (don't expect moi to spell French correctly now will you?).   What is embarrasing is that when using these I realised that some have never been used - eek!

My favourite stamp on the inside cover...

Some of the saying stamps were borrowed,from my matey.  I have also used some TH stamps, TPC Studios and others.

Some of the little strips are Snippets from my London album I made earlier this year.  Waste not want not!

 

The whole book was sprayed with some TH Heirloom gold glimmer spray.  Very shimmery which you cannot see from the photos.

I understand from the Girls in work that Steph loved her book and was a little emotional to read it in public.  That is nice to know.

I am joining in with Shopping our Stash as they are looking for Fall colours.  After seeing all the lovely oranges of trees last week then I think this is very autumny.

Right, as there are many Snippets in here I am taking this over to the Playground.  Hopefully the smell of damp souwesters will have died down now and there is some hot chocolate on the hob!

Thanks for calling by.

Hettie

Latest Journal...T stands for AdvenTure Journal!

Hello there.  I', baaaaaaaaaack!  What do you mean you hadn't noticed I was away?  Hubster and I took a little holiday over the large pond to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary.   May I just say a huge Thank You to those kind folks who sent us a card to celebrate.  They were very well received and appreciated.  

Those who follow me will know that when I am going on a journey I like to make a journal in order that I can make notes as we go along, and put in photos off my phone, using a Pogo Printer.  Well, this trip was no exception. This time however, not only were we to celebrate a special Anniversary we were also going to meet up and stay with my Blogging Buddy who visited last year.  Gotta love WOYWW and Blogging!

So I thought you might like to see my journal, pre holiday....Before you start reading, I would go and grab a cuppa as this is a photo heavy post.

The spine was pretty devoid of charms as I didn't want to to be clunking around and also, I was hoping to pick some more up whilst we were there.

Here are the inside pages....Doesn't that pen clip well on there?  A design feature (cough) of course!!

This is one I wanted to show Debs. What I am holding is a square of paper, folded in such a way that it has two outside flap pockets and as I have stitched through the centre, I have joined it to add another journalling spot inside.  Tricky to explain this one!

This one on the left was made using a TH trellis die cut, adding embossing paste through it and pulling the trellis away.  It has a really lovely shimmer to it.

This is a giant TH tag turned on it's side, the rest of it forms a pocket.

Lots of tags and pockets!!

This took me quite some time to make but I thoroughly enjoyed making it.  I used a tonne of hints and inspirations from Pinterest, Laura Denison, Ashmita Roy (you tube) as well as ideas of my own.  The papers used are a plethora of papers I have collected including Papermania, Tim Holtz Destinations (been stroking the paper pad for quite some time so time to use it), Stampin Up, K&Co, Cosmo Cricket, as well as others with no name on it.  I also used some printouts and cuts from Silhouette, and the paper clips came from Ikea!

If you enlarge this one you can see where we went during our trip.  The pocket on the left also had the paste treatment but this time with Ferro.  After it had dried I popped another die cut out in there to give the contrast.

There are multitudes of Snippets used and I had a ball making this.   We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and over the next few weeks I will no doubt share some photos through scrapbook layouts and journal.  This journal did weigh a bit but and it was carried in my hand luggage so hey ho!  It measures 5" x 9" x 4".

As it is nearly Tuesday, I am going to share a cuppa with you while you read my post, after all I drunk a fair few during it's construction and link on up to my friend Elizabeth and Bleubeard, who I know likes books!

Thanks for calling by.  Please let me know if it was worth the visit.  I have some blogs to catch up with now so please bear with me.

Hettie

Friday Funny

An Irishman was walking home late at night and sees a woman lurking in the shadows.

"Twenty Euros," she whispers"
 
Paddy had never had a hooker before, but decides -- what the hell, it's only twenty Euros.  

He takes up her offer and they hide in the bushes..!

They're going at it for a couple of minutes, when, all of a sudden, a light flashes on them, 

It's a police officer..!

"What's going on here, people?" asks the officer, 

"I'm making love to me wife", the Irishman answers sounding annoyed...!

"Oh, I'm so sorry," says the cop, "I didn't know!"

"Well, neither did I", said Paddy, "til ya shined dat  foockin light in her face!!!