Masculine at Allsorts

 Happy weekend everyone. It's been a bit cooler in the UK this week and oh my, the mornings are darker and the nights are drawing in too. Anyway, weather report over and the real reason for my post today.

We are Masculine at Allsorts Challenge this week, a genre that fills me with dread when the need arises. However LOTV came to the rescue by way of one of their little, once available, Sketch books that you colour in yourself. I coloured this little fellow and his dog with my Lyra pencils.

In my part of the UK lots of properties are built of hamstone which is quarried from Ham Hill about eight miles from where we live. It's honey coloured so I tried a hamstone wall which really hasn't photographed well!! I was,however, very happy with his flat cap!! 

It's been a very long time since I've been happy with a man type card but I am happy with this one. I hope that you will join us and if, like me, you are not keen on cards for the fellas you can always opt for our Anything Goes.

As always, we have some fabulous sponsors and now that my laptop is behaving I can share a little teaser of what's up for grabs for this and the coming challenges and the links to our generous sponsors.

Prizes from Craft Stash, Anna Marie Designs, AALL and Create, Oakwood, WOWVOW 

Many thanks, as always, for sharing your time with me xx

Rose #2

 Hello friends, hope you are all managing to keep well. I managed to grab myself a spare few minutes yesterday so made this so that I can join in at Allsorts Challenge.

You might remember me saying here that I always felt intimidated by the petals on this stamp and have only ever coloured it the once. I decided to dust off my Lyra pencils this time with a bit of blending solution and surprised myself, it was so much easier than with my Promarkers. I still kept the card simple as she really does deserve to be in the spotlight doesn't she?! I found some little cut outs from a Julie Loves kit from way back and used those for the sentiment.

It's been a horsey kind of day today, the ponies had their feet trimmed and then Wills had a visit from the vet for his annual vaccinations so while waiting I took some pictures using my phone. He loves a selfie!! Not sure I am particularly pleased with my chins though!!

I reckon we have the same smile there!!

See you soon xx

Some other challenges

Crafty Calendar February - Anything Goes

Over the Rainbow

It's been a while since I coloured with anything but my Promarkers so in a bid to use my stash I dusted off my Lyra pencils and had an enjoyable time making this as my DT inspiration for

It's always Anything Goes just as long as your image is hand coloured.

 The sweet couple (and their lovely doggy) went perfectly with a lovely muted rainbow pad from Alpaca Pals and I just finished it off with some LOTV cut up words. 

I am feeling a little bit older this week as it was my birthday yesterday, that unfortunate event means more cake...had to be done!!  I have been on Annual Leave this week and have been decorating our Sitting Room. I reckon the whole of Dorset must have had the same idea as the shelves in the DIY stores were quite empty, however we managed to find enough of a colour that we both liked so all is well!! It was probably a sensible project as it hasn't stopped raining. Cold and dry is much better, even -9 degrees is preferable to howling gales and rain!!

Keep well everyone xx

AYLI Favourite animal

It's all about your favourite animals this time at

Such a tough decision, but on this occasion I have chosen a really cute LOTV dog that I coloured with my Lyra pencils.

 Mum and Dad were not dog lovers so until I met Martin I had never really known dogs. At that time his family had four on the farm who I soon got to know and love. When I gave up work to have Declan, 29 years ago, we bought a Springer Spaniel puppy of our own and we have not been without dogs since. I love their companionship, loyalty and the way our two make us laugh every day with their antics and that they help with my 10,000 steps a day!!

Looking forward to seeing your favourite animal.

That's all for now. Thank you for your visits and lovely comments, it is much appreciated xx

Some Challenges

Crafty Calendar - 1 ribbon and 2 or more patterned papers
Crafty Creations #388 - Anything Goes
Digi Choosady Week 15 - Anything Goes

Lunch time

I have a little Easter card to share with you today featuring 

Lunch Time

I coloured her with my Lyra pencils and blending solution for a change as I think the softness suits the sweet bunny.

I can't believe the weekend is nearly upon us again. I am on annual leave this week and have had a shopping trip with a friend, a visit to the cinema to see The Greatest Showman, which I loved, (Connor accompanied me and I think it was the third or fourth time he had seen it!! ) Wednesday was a home day and today we have done a bit of fencing...as you do !! Lunch out tomorrow and then the weekend will be upon us again. Where does the time go !!

Until next time xx

Some challenges

Cute Card Thursday #518 - Cute Critters
Crafty Girls Creations #44 - Anything goes
Crafty Creations #360 - Anything goes 

Knitting Time

Hello crafters. It is my turn to showcase an image from Sasayaki Glitter. I thought I would stay away from the cute girlie images this time and, instead, chose a cute bunny with her knitting...as you do!! 

I used my Lyra Rembrandt pencils to colour her to match the Craftwork cards papers. I was lacking mojo so visited Jules in order to borrow another of her sketches. This one is #7. The sentiments are from a Clearly Besotted Stamp set and I used the coordinating die for the label too, although they must be discontinued as I can't find them on the website.

I chose this image because I have actually been knitting for a change and have just finished a, one ball, pretty shawl. It's purpose is to jazz up a very smart black full length coat that I bought last winter and never actually  got to wear because it was too warm!!

Thought you might like a peep.

It was made using Sirdar Colour Wheel and the pattern came on the ball band.

Thank you for your continued visits and comments xx

Some challenges
MAWTT #52 - Things beginning with B
Bunny, Balls (of yarn!!) and Banners
Craft Rocket Challenges #40 - Animals Kingdom
Kitty Bee #101 - Anything Goes 

A very fancy fold!!

You know yesterday I said I managed a bit of crafty indulgence over the weekend, well it was inspired by the new challenge at Allsorts. I am ashamed to say that it has been a while since I have entered any of their challenges as work commitments meant I only had time for DT pieces, most of which weren't suitable. So when I saw the Fancy Folds challenge this week that was inspiration enough for me to make time to play and here is what I made. 

and a side view...ish

and this rubbish picture shows how it will look when it comes out of the envelope

Like the one I shared last week it looks complicated but in actual fact is very easy. 

The beauty is that it is flat for posting and yet stands centre stage in the mantelpiece!!

I have also been itching to have a go at colouring on kraft again and was inspired by Jules and her lovely work in Quick Cards Made Easy.

Here are the measurements if you fancy having a go!!

 You need card stock 11" long and about 4" wide. Score the long edge at 1",  2.75", 3.75", 5.50", 7.25", 8.25" and 10". Cut a slot along the 5.50" (halfway score) leaving half an inch either side so that your mat can fit through. Score and fold, decorate a 5" x 3" mat, making sure it is one layer only otherwise it won't slide through, poke it through the slot between the flaps inside and secure with wet glue or extra sticky tape. If my instructions are pants  (!!!) I am sure you will find demos on YouTube!! 

If you are still with me, thank you !! See you Thursday xx

Standard or shaped...what's your favourite?

Hello bloggers hope this post finds everyone happy and well.

Its new challenge day at

where we are dying to know what your favourite card shape is...

Standard or shaped? (remember to tell us why too!!)

Easy peasy for me...square...no question.

I love symmetry and order and generally a square card base indulges my need perfectly!!

Shame about the photographer though and I was quite sober when I took this photo too!!

This was a very quick make using a new paper pad from Craftwork Cards called Coastal. The stamp is Wavy Seascape  from Little Claire Designs that I coloured with pencils.

An up to date pup picture

Bowie (the biggest pup) had finally managed to get himself on the garden bench so we had to let Bumble join him!! Don't they look important!!

Before I go and link up at some challenges I want to thank you all for your kind messages about Suzy, they meant a lot.

Until next time xx

I am playing along here

Crafty card makers #171 - By or under the sea
A gem of a challenge #176 - Summer fun
Come and get it - Summertime
Penny Black and more - Anything Goes with a stamp
Crafty Calendar - Summer Fun

Favourite paper?

Hello bloggers. How the devil are you? Well I hope. I am beside myself with excitement as Martin and I are taking ourselves off to Cornwall for a few days later today. But before that I am equally excited to tell you that the new challenge is starting today at

the theme for this coming fortnight is

Favourite Paper

It will come as no great surprise when I tell you that patterned paper is a bit of an obsession with me and asking me to choose a favourite is....well....impossible. However I do tend to use Doodlebug Designs paper pads quite a lot as they are such great quality, vibrant in colour and are so versatile too, as in this case, turned into a background scene.

I coloured this sweet Crafters Companion stamp with my Lyra pencils for a change.

Right, better go get organised before Hubby gets home from work. Connor and Laura are in charge of Surprise, Mo the Cat, Suzy, Bowie and Bumble...not sure they know what they've let themselves in for!!

Thank you for your continued support and lovely comments. I am afraid that time is still very much in short supply due to the new family members, but they are growing by the day and learning really quickly so hopefully I shall soon be able to get into my work room and have something to share with you. I have been checking in on all of your lovely work when time allows!!

See you soon xx

Cute Monkeys

Hello friends thank you for visiting me today. 

I am showcasing an image from

They are Cute Monkeys, by name and by nature!!

I coloured them with my Lyra pencils and teamed them with Doodlebug papers for a bright fresh look.
I'm afraid I'm not really happy with it, I just wasn't in the "zone"...too much puppy brain I think!!
Anyway, don't let that put you off...it was me not the monkeys!!

Better luck next time Sarah!!

See you soon xx