May Rudolf Day and Lea Gardens

 The end of the month is approaching fast so it is time for Rudolf Day once again over at Scrappy Mo's. I have created two little scenes using Inkylicious stamps and my ink dusters. The first has a sentiment from Honey Doo Crafts and on the second  I used a Sheena Embossing folder. I might add a sentiment eventually - for now it will do.

Do pop over to Mo's blog and take a look at the fabulous inspiration from her and the DT. Now spring is finally here, we have had a couple of outings recently, one of which was to Lea Gardens in Derbyshire, where there is a fantastic collection of Rhodedendrons, Azalea and Camelia. There is also a lovely tea shop! Here are some photos (I took lots!)

 The colours, scent and variety were a feast for the eyes!

 

By the pond we spotted lots of red damselflies

 and in the pond were lots of newts!

 Finally, take a look at the cakes!

Thanks for looking!

Red Squirrels in Scotland

Meg and I had a lovely time visiting Lynne last week. On our last day we visited Eskrigg Nature reserve, a red squirrel hot spot...

 We had a chuckle at this one...

 who finally emerged from the peanut store.

 Some were a little more refined in their dining habits!

 Some liked to make the other squirrels jump with Jack-in-a-box type moves!

 Some tried to blend in with the trees, keeping a close eye on us humans...

 I think this is my favourite shot of all the ones I took (96!) 

 And finally, this little fellow was eager to pick up the food that others had dropped on the floor. 

 It was so lovely to spend a very quiet couple of hours in the company of these delightful creatures (Meg and Lynne included!)
Thanks for looking! 

Spring in the garden

Spring appears to have arrived, and whilst there was a sunny spell on Saturday I took a few photos around the garden.

The snowbells came with the house. I had never seen any before that. They are like oversized snowdrops with missing petals, and I find them fascinating, lol!

The tête a tête Daffodils are very tasty to something in the garden, but I managed to get a photo of these before they were eaten!

I couldn't get a photo of the robin without the reflection in the glass today - not my best photo

I love unusual primulas - I bought some of these for my Dad's garden too

The colour of this Japonica is so cheerful - shades of abandoned coral

As well as colour we have some lovely scent from the Viburnum.

The Flowering currant is a great source of food for early bees

And this Narcissus had a perfect bloom!

Hope you enjoyed a little peak around my garden!
Thanks for looking!

Rudolf Day for October

I can't believe it is time  for another Rudolf day already, and there will be only one more before the big day itself! Since Justin and Gordon asked me to join the Be Creative design team I have been having lots of fun playing with the Be Creative Winterland paper pad. This weekend, I have been using up some of the snippets left over from other cards and teaming them up with some snowmen I coloured whilst enjoying a short break in Wales with Steve last week.

For my first card I used a Pink Gem stamp that I have had for many years. I coloured it using Be Creative Alcohol based markers, warm grey 2 and 4, mint blue 143 and Frost blue 182. I added Be Creative diamond glitter glue to the snowman, then used the glue wand and fine iridescent glitter to add some sparkle to the snowflake . I accented the nose, eyes and buttons with glossy accents. Finally I used the glue wand to add some Inkylicious crystal snow by the base of the snowman (Shhh! This is wonderful for covering up smudges on snow scenes!!!) The holographic stick on border is also from Be Creative.

My second card features another snowman - this time a Dinkie stamp from Little Claire. The paper pad and the pens used are the same. The border this time is a self adhesive lace one that comes on a roll from Be Creative. The sentiment is a Frantic stampers die. The glitter glue is not as obvious on this one but it is the same as the previous card.
Do pop over to Scrappy Mo's and have a look at hers and Linby's cards for this month. They are both absolutely gorgeous! Rudolf day Challenge comes highly recommended from me as it gets me well organised and  prepared before December arrives! I am also taking this into Miss Di's snippet playground, where there might be an apple bobbing contest going on...that is if Parsnip hasn't used them all for making scrumpy!
I will leave you with a few photos from our holiday. The Autumn colours were absolutely gorgeous!

This is Llanymynech Nature reserve which is part in Wales and part in England,

 

Pystill Rhaeadr Waterfall,

and the bench with the best view in the world! Also at Llanymynech.

And finally, here I am being a bit daft at the top of Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, trying to ignore the fact that there is a very big drop behind me!
Thanks for looking!

With my goodies from Doncaster

One of my purchases from Doncaster was this stamp from Honey Doo Crafts. Now I blame Lesley (Crafty mamma) for introducing me to this company, by sending me a birthday card made with one of their stamps - there are many irresistible ones! I stamped the image and coloured it using my Be creative markers (Blush, Peach, frost Blue, Yellow green, Vivid green). I dusted around the edge of the die cut with Antique Linen Distress Ink. The papers, buttons and border are all Be Creative products too. The border comes in white, but I coloured it to make it match the colouring on the  stamped image.
On our first visit to see Meg we had a lovely walk around the Botanical Gardens. Here are a few photos...

 If you have the chance, do tune in to Hochanda on Saturday as you will see Justin with lots of goodies from Be Creative.  They have three shows scheduled - 11am, 2pm and 6pm.  Thanks for looking