Work in progress...

Hey!

I'm gonna start today's post with a question. What's your idea of a lovely day? Mine would have to be getting creative, enjoying some winter sunshine and getting some fresh air in the countryside with a walk to gather thoughts. And that's exactly what I've done today on my day off. :)

I couldn't resist sharing a work-in-progress shot of some creative fun I've been having on my lovely day today. It's technically a sneak peek of some products. I can't say any more at this stage but I'll be able to say more in early 2019. ;)

I must admit that it makes a change to step away from cardstock and paper, but I'm really enjoying it. Stencils, paint, and items to upcycle from IKEA - this could get addictive...!

Right, I'm gonna keep things short and sweet as it's time for me to sign off and clean up today's creative mess! Thanks so much for continuing to stop by, I know I'm a tad intermitent with my posts at the moment as I take a slight step back from things but fear not, the creative bug has still got me and it's a bug that can stay as long as it likes!

Charity Blog Hop

Hey!

Happy Saturday and happy weekend! I'm here today to take part in a super-fun charity blog hop organised by Sandy Allnock! You should have hopped here from the talented Lisa Spangler, but if you haven't then be sure to start out at Sandy's blog for all the deets!

The idea behind this blog hop is to give to charity in the name of a loved one by purchasing a gift from the charity of our choice and create a project based on it. My charity of choice is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). I fell hook, line, and sinker for this beautiful mug of theirs:

I have a soft spot for wrens (and robins too!) as they remind me of my dear dad; he'd love to see them in the garden, so it's no surprise that this mug jumped into my online shopping basket. I dug out my Meadow Bird Memory Box die, a new Artsy Flower Parts stamp set from Simon Says Stamp and my beloved Label Love stamp set from Altenew to create this project inspired by it:

The bird has been paper-pieced from green and white cardstock as well as some peel and stick wood veneer from Seven Hills Crafts. I love how it adds a touch of texture to the bird and the fact that it's adhesive makes it super-easy to paper-piece with too. Bonus! :)

This mug and card will be popping to a dear crafty friend of mine  – I hope that they'll like it! As you can see, my project is a pretty literal take on the mug in both design and colours.

Getting creative and sending happy mail to a friend while donating to a good cause is a wonderful idea. I hope it inspires you to do the same too! There's even more fun to be had with this charitable blog hop as there's fab prizes up for grabs as well:

Simply leave a comment on the blogs for you chance to win one of these prizes from these generous companies. Comments need to be left by Wednesday 22nd March. The lucky winners will be announced on Sandy's blog on Thursday 23rd March. :)

Right, that's all from me today, but next on your hopping adventure is Jessica Frost-Ballas!

Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Taheerah Atchia

Hey!

Happy Friday! Today I'm joining in the fun of the wonderful Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Taheerah Atchia!

Advent Calendar Extravaganza is –the– festive event of the season! This 'hop with a twist' was dreamed up by Taheerah Atchia and features surprise destinations each day! Joining in the fun with Taheerah are ONE HUNDRED special guests – each serving up some fantastic Christmas inspiration! Just like an advent calendar, you'll never know where you're going to be visiting next until you 'open the door'!

And that's not all! With 25 *amazing* sponsors taking part as guests as well, your crafty wish list is bound to get a boost with a chance to win a prize EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

Join in the fun every day at taheera-atchia.com to see what special surprises await behind the door!

Today is Day 9 of the advent calendar and is sponsored by the wonderful peeps from Simon Says Stamp! I had a dig through my Simon Says Stamp goodies and had fun creating this festive little number featuring the Poinsettia stamp set from the Believe In The Season collection:

The background of the card was created by applying gold glitter paste through the Simon Says Stamp Falling Snow stencil. Who said snow had to be white? I like mine gold! ;)

It's not a party without a prize – and with prizes every day there are several chances to win! Today's prize is generously supplied by Simon Says Stamp so you'll definitely want to win! Simply leave a comment on this post then head back to taheerah-atchia.com and leave a comment there too. You must leave a comment on Taheerah's blog as well as mine to be eligible to win! Don't forget to grab the other surprise destinations from Taheerah's blog and head over to them to leave comments there as well to improve your odds even more! You have until 23:59pm EST on 31st December 2016 to enter.

Don't forget the Advent Calendar Extravaganza runs from 1st-25th December so make sure you visit taheerah-atchia.com every day for fabulous inspiration and amazing prizes every single time!

Happy advent calendar hopping and good luck!