Christmas Is Almost Here!

Well blog friends, not many days now until Santa makes his appearance. LOL! I am not so sure about the fat man but I do know it is a wonderful time of the year to remember the birth of the Saviour. Here is a verse that I have come across which I feel is very appropriate for the occasion.

Oh God...
Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the songs of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children, and I pray that God's presence is especially near to you all this Christmas.

I think the preparations are almost done and I must admit the house smells yummy, what with all the cooking smells. We are going to be having a family gathering down in Dunedin with Jo, Wal and family, who have just returned from overseas and shifted into their new house, so we are all looking forward to that. There is nothing like having family all together over this happy time.

Now, I am going to share some cards with you today and I dare say it will be the last ones before the NewYear as I am planning to go further South for a few days. In our farming days we couldn't leave for holidays as we always had sheep, cattle and dogs etc to attend to, and now, believe it or not, it is the TOMATOES holding one back! Oh well, it doesn't take two of us, to do that duty!

This first card was made for our lovely daughter-in-law who has her birthday three days ahead of mine. It is called a lever card and a tutorial can be found on Splitcoaststampers site, under resources.
I have used the lovely Authentique collection, called Crush.

Another step card using Cherry Lynn Die and the Cherry Blossom collection from Kaisercraft.

John and Ruth celebrated their Golden Wedding a few weekends back and I did enjoy putting this card together for them.The die I have used is Spellbinders Floral Ovals. The photo was on the invitation so I made use of it. Hugh is very fond of his cousin, Ruth and we did have a lovely time with them, at the celebrations.

Must carry on with the good work ladies, here's trusting that your holiday time will be enjoyable and that the weather will be kind to everyone, and you all get spoilt rotten.

Many blessings to you all,

Betsy  xxx

BoBunny "Madeleine" Cards

Hello there blog friends!  It is a beautiful Spring day here in Geraldine, New Zealand, but I must admit it has been in the minority, of late! Anyway we are very thankful for it, washing will get lovely and dry today. Doesn't it make a difference when you wake up to the sun shining - almost makes you want to get out of bed early!! Actually, I did have a practice run this morning, as we are heading up to Christchurch first thing tomorrow, to firstly spend some time with Rachelle then to welcome our family home, who have been overseas travelling for five and a half months. It will be just great to see them again, after all this time. Then tea with our other Christchurch family before heading home. We are really looking forward to it all.

Today I would like to share with you all some cards I have made using the lovely BoBunny collection, Madeleine. I really have had fun playing with this one and I'm sure you will agree it is  so nice, the colours are gorgeous. It is a range that I bought at Artfull Crafts.

This card was made for an order and I have again used the Cherry Lynn, Step Card Die, B348. I have certainly got my moneys worth out of this one!! I love the frames and the birds in the collection.

A birthday card made for my special friend Doreen. We had a lovely day on Saturday celebrating three of our birthdays by travelling down to Oamaru, meeting up with another friend Michelle down there, doing lunch, then visiting Riverstone on the way home. A super day was had by all.

Another one specially for Joanne who has her birthday on the same day as myself. For this one I have dimensioned the frame, after adding acetate, so it looks as though the bird is on the outside of a window, looking in. I think the girls were pleased with both cards! Hope so anyway!

Well, I must go and complete the preparations for the cards I am teaching at Artfull Crafts, on Wednesday morning, which is the final class for 2014.

Happy crafting everyone, don't get too bogged down with all the Christmas preparations and I pray you will all know much blessing over this busy time.

Betsy  xxx

Exciting News!!

WOW ladies!! Today, I just have to share with you my exciting news, although we have to wait until March to actually enjoy working with it. Yes, Kaisercraft have designed a collection called " Betsy's Couture" and it is so BEAUTIFUL. I just absolutely love it -  the colour palette is fabulous. Navy, teal and a gold brown with quite a vintage feel. It is so exciting ( and humbling! ) that Kaisercraft have named this lovely collection after me. Thanks so much to my favourite scrapbook company for this prestigious honour. I will just give you all a little peep on what to expect ladies and I can guarantee, it is well worth waiting on! One can never be too old to get excited, can they?!!

Both feet are now back on the ground!!

Lately I have been working with a Spellbinders Adorning Squares, SKU: S4-389, which a special friend kindly lent me. Thanks Lyn. This die has so many possibilities and would be a great asset to one's collection. What do you reckon ladies?

Now I must admit,that all these cards are ideas that I found on Pinterest - it is a wonderful place to get ideas and although copying to some extent, you can put your own individuality on them. There are some really talented people out there and we appreciate you all and your talents.

I am heading up to Christchurch later to be with Rachelle  as she is having her next treatment tomorrow - it's not that she needs me but it is so nice to be able to be with her. As she progresses with the chemotherapy she is finding she is not recovering as quickly as at first and is feeling more fatigued etc. She's still chirpy though and a joy to be with.

Thanks so much for stopping by - your emails, comments and prayers re Rachelle are so much appreciated and I hope I haven't bored you all, with my news, but you have to admit it is exciting!!

Happy crafting all and God's blessing, especially at this busy time of year.

Betsy  xxx

Cherry Blossom from Kaisercraft

Hello ladies. Today I would like to share with you a couple of cards made with one of the new collections, for the month of December, from Kaisercraft. Again, it has come up to the expectations we now expect from Kaisercraft and is lovely. Would love to know what you think ladies.

A very simple 5 1/4" card and Pinterest is where I have taken the picture from - there is certainly plenty of choice there! I also do like sewing on cards with my sewing machine, and as you can see I have zig-zagged round the edge of the inner square.

For this card I had this picture in my stash and as I thought the colours were just right for the collection, I have recessed it into a window. The frame was part of the image and lent itself to being used as such. The range has almost a Japanese flavour what with the cherry blossom, fans etc and is very pretty.

Now lastly, I thought I would share with you all a box card made for our lovely grand-daughter Heidi, who celebrated her 11th birthday on Friday. These cards are super cute to make and it was made with an older collection from Kaisercraft, called Spring Bloom. There are many tutorial on the web for making these cards at the moment, so do have a go.

Just another angle ladies.

Well, are you all prepared for the big day?! Only three and a half weeks now and I'm sure that it will fly. One of our families have been travelling overseas for the past six months and they are due home in the next week or so, moving into a new house and expecting all of us to be with them for Christmas. It will be so nice to have them home as we have missed them so much. It sounds as though they have had a marvellous time, something the kids will remember as they are eleven and seven years old. Very impressionable ages and no doubt they will have lots to tell.

Our Rachelle is almost halfway through her treatment and is coping really well although is battling with fatigue and finding she is taking longer to recoup from each treatment. Do hope she is up to the travelling, to be with us all over Christmas, as it will be in Dunedin. Thank you all so much for your kind comments etc - we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Well ladies, don't get too stressed out over the next few weeks, happy crafting and may God bless each and every one of you.

Betsy  xxx

Rustic Harmony Cards

Well ladies, Kaisercraft have done it again! Rustic Harmony is such a lovely collection, the colours being so delicate with quite a vintage feel. I did enjoy playing with this range and today I am sharing the kit I made for Artfull Crafts. It can also be purchased from them, if there are any left!! Do hope I'm not speaking out of turn!

The papers I cut into strips for this card, then after zig- zagging with the sewing machine I put them on a slight angle. The roses were made using Marianne Rose Die, Spellbinders Postage Stamp Die for the frame and Cherry Lynn Fanciful Flourish Die. Of course, sepia ink always adds a bit of interest.

One of my all time favourites - Cherry Lynn Step Card Die, B348. I use it so much and it always looks different! Tim Holtz bird cage die and flower die were also used.

A simple gate fold card for this one but I have cut the window out using the Spellbinders Labels 16 Die. Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch and the edging was also Martha Stewart border punch strip, cut in half.

This one is rather simple and self explanatory - Spellbinders Circle Dies also their Les Papillions for the butterfly.

With the pad there is also the fence paper - and what could be better than a fence! The large flowers were cut using the Spellbinders Rose Creation Die and the smaller ones with an old punch I still have. ( after all these years!!)

A plain 5 1/4" card - Martha Stewart Border Punch was used down the side and the vintage bicycle is a Marianne Die LR0262. The image is one I bought at SENZ from Paper Arts ( for serious paper addicts, they say!!) They do have some gorgeous products.

I think you will all agree that it is super collection.

Rachelle goes in for her treatment again tomorrow but as Mike is going to be with her, my presence is not needed this time. I know she will miss her old Mum and Mum will miss being with her, but hope all goes well.

We are enjoying a lovely Spring day here, so better get out while the sun shines - sounds as though it hasn't been so good weatherwise, down at the farm.

 Happy crafting ladies and many blessings to you all.

Betsy  xxx

What Has Been Keeping Me Busy.

Well ladies, another week has flown past which now makes it a week closer to Christmas! Hasn't this year gone so quickly, and I don't know where to. Anyway lots of things have happened, both positive and not so positive this year, but we do know God is still in control and we still have lots to be thankful for.

I have spent this past week up with Rachelle as she had her fourth treatment on Tuesday. She is coping very well although does get reasonably tired and has to have a few rests. It has been so good being with her and we always have a fun time - as Mike was away in Australia and Hami flew over to be with him on Wednesday, us girls, Rachelle, Ella and I kept each other company. Ella had exams so she spent most of the time swatting for them. It was so good being able to to be them and of course Nana could help her with the hard questions!! A big joke that is!

Our oldest grand daughter, Zoe Kate, has her 19th birthday today ( oh dear, they grow up too fast!) so I am going to share the card I made for her.

I have used a Kenny image and made a recessed window card. I was in contact with her this morning and she seemed to be happy with it.

As you all probably realise, I love working with fabric as well as paper, so I am showing you a couple of quilt tops that I have just put together. They have to be sandwiched yet. The first is a double wedding ring quilt and I have made it for our bed - it will look so much better when quilted. The second is for the spare room, one does like a change!!!

That's it today ladies, Thank you all for taking the time to check this out and I hope you card makers don't mind viewing my other hobby.


Happy crafting all and many blessings,

Betsy xxx

Cards for Orders

Hello ladies - a very quick post today before I head up to Christchurch to be with Rachelle for the week. This morning I have been doing my duties at the Patchwork Exhibition and what a lovely display it is. If you are anywhere near Geraldine over the next week, do pop into the Museum and view it - I'm sure you will not be disappointed. There is a influx of people in our little town this weekend, as it is the Arts and Plants, so we do hope the weather holds. Fun is had by all! It's our biggest weekend of the year and there is plenty of hype. Michelle, you should be here for all the fun!! The house next door isn't empty yet, though!


Now today, I am sharing two cards that I have done for orders. What's your thoughts ladies?

To make this card I have used a Marianne Creatables die LR0180 and the lovely collection from Kaisercraft called Storyteller. I was rather pleased with the end result as I hope Margaret was. It is a 5 1/4" square card.

Another Marianne Creatables Die CR1251 ( don't you love it !!) The butterfly is a Spellbinders, Les Papillions Die. It is very delicate and oh so pretty. The front edge is cut using a Fiskars border punch. The picture is one which I printed off, from pinterest.


That's me today ladies - must away and pack my little bag and get prepared for my week with my lovely daughter and grand-daughter. Mike is in Sydney at the moment at a conference and Hami is to fly over to be with him on Wednesday - so it's girls only!

Happy crafting and many blessings to you all.


Betsy  xxx

Three Cards and A Thank you Card

Good morning all and a beautiful day it is too.

Now firstly, my apologize for doubling up on my blog posts - referring back I found that I had posted the Graphic45 cards twice but it does go to prove that I am very fond of their collections!! No, it really goes to prove that old age has begun to take it's toll, as I have already said. Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed the double post! Today we'll try something new!

On a personal note, our Rachelle is doing fine after having had her third treatment. She does have her ups and downs but no vomiting, just very fatigued. She is still very positive which helps a lot. I am going to stay with her as she goes through her fourth session next week which I always enjoy, (not the session but staying with her) She is a real encouragement to be around and I love doing a little retail therapy with her and of course, coffee - she does need some distractions at times!!

In between all the business, I have managed to get some cards made, so will share some with you now but first I must show you a fabulous card I received from the lovely Wilson Street Baptist group of ladies, after I had tutored a class for them. Lyn, my lovely friend made it for me and I know you will all agree it is fabulous, more so being the fact that she has only been card making for a short time. I love it Lyn.

Isn't it super ladies - made with Prima's Secretary Desk collection and at the moment takes pride of place on my dresser.

Now, this card was a special order made for a lovely young lady who was turning 18. I got a photo from her grand mother and them worked round that, deciding black and white with a touch of red. The shape of the card was one I bought and have kept the template, I use it quite a bit and it always makes a statement.

For this card I began with another photo and I have used the lovely Rustic Harmony Collection from Kaisercraft, making a gate fold card. The frame was cut using Spellbinders Labels 16. I am taking a class, with this range of papers on Saturday, so am looking forward to that, just being with you lovely ladies and playing with such a super range. I know you're going to love it.

Here is another Graphic45 card - I have used the Let's Celebrate Collection which is very pretty, with quite a different colour combination. The die is a Marianne Craftables  CR1251.

Christmas is fast looming up now and Artfull Crafts have begun the countdown - do check out their challenges for this month - a lot of fun is to be had with a number of prizes to be won. You have to be in to win!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog, sorry about the bleeps but will try better!! Orders waiting, so better go and find some MOJO.

 Happy crafting, and enjoy whatever you are doing today.
God bless you all,

Betsy  xxx

Graphic 45 Cards

Good morning ladies. Yes, I know I did not get a post up last week and my apologise for that,for those of you who keep a track. The week turned out relatively busy as I headed up to Christchurch on Monday, after teaching a class in Timaru, to be with Rachelle for her second chemotherapy treatment and I stayed until Thursday night. Then of course, it was off to patchwork camp early Friday morning where I worked on my quilt all weekend. I am very pleased with what was achieved - should get it completed today, hopefully!

Rachelle coped well with the second round of treatment, she was not near as sick, thanks to the drugs they had given her for the nausea. Fatigue seems to be the major problem now but she is still bright and happy and a joy to be with. We even managed a little retail therapy while I was with her and that's always fun with your daughters!

Today I would like to share some cards I have made with the super Graphic 45, Raining Cats and Dogs. I really am in love with Graphic 45 collections, well most of them that is!! For those ones who love animals, this is gorgeous range.

That's it today ladies - I think the papers speak for themselves and there is nothing too intricate design -wise on these cards.

Must away and get my quilt completed.
Happy crafting everybody, God bless you all,

Betsy xxx

Card Kit With Yuletide Collection

Good morning to all my special friends in blogworld.

After having a couple of days with Rachelle and family in Christchurch we came home on Friday afternoon and I taught some lovely ladies, in the evening, in Timaru. We actually were working on the kit for September which is Kaisercraft's Yuletide collection. We all love the vintage feel of this range and it was so much fun being with you ladies. I so enjoy you all. Now, I promised to put photos of the cards up on my blog so as you can again view them.

Do hope this helps ladies and that you get the cards all completed if you didn't do so, on Friday evening. Six cards in two hours can be quite a mammoth task! You all did amazing though.

For those of you who are interested, I will update you on Rachelle's progress. We went into the Oncology Dept on Thursday to get the PICC sorted, they decided as she was still vomiting etc that she was dehydrated and needed more fluid, so we sat for four hours while they replenished the supply. The alternative was to be hospitalised again. Anyway it was lovely to be able to be with her and to meet with other patients who are going through similar circumstances. Hopefully with the next chemotherapy they are going to try her with stronger medication, for the nausea. She is also feeling very fatigued but is coping very well.

Maybe I will see some of you ladies again on Wednesday morning, as it appears you will have to put up with me again. I look forward to it, as I hope you do!!!

Do check out the new challenges at Artfull Crafts - Liz always has something exciting up her sleeve - and of course there are prizes to be won.

Thanks for popping by, happy crafting and many blessings to you all,

Betsy xxx

Raining Cats & Dog Cards etc

Good morning ladies. Sorry I didn't manage to get a blog up last week but time just got away on me somehow.

Firstly, I must give you an update on our daughter Rachelle. On the whole she is keeping very positive but as you can imagine she has her moments. The chemotherapy begins on Tuesday, she has two treatments of that, then starts having radiotherapy as well. The chemo is fortnightly for six months but the radiotherapy is daily for around four to five weeks. I am planning on being with her for a while but we will see how it pans out and how she tolerates the treatments. She is an absolute treasure, we love her dearly and pray she will be given the strength to cope with it all, also for Mike, Ella and Hami as a family.

Last weekend five of us "girls" had a crafting weekend at Lake Opuha and what a lovely time we had. I managed to get all my orders done, classes prepared and generally felt I had achieved quite a bit.

This is a photo of the five of us taken at the farm where we stayed. Doreen's brother owns the run and we have the farm  cottage. It certainly is a lovely area up under the snow topped mountains. Now I must share some cards that I have made.

I love Graphic 45 papers and Raining Cats and Dogs is no exception - this is one of their newer ranges.

Lastly, I am sharing the card I made for our Ella who has reached the grand old age of 16 - this does look a bit like her only she has honey blonde hair. Anyway she seemed pleased with it and Nanas can make allowances at times! It is a Kenny image.

Thanks ladies for your interest and taking the time to check out my blog. It is so nice to know you are all there and it sure makes blogging worthwhile. Your messages, emails are prayers are very much appreciated.

Happy crafting all and many blessings,

Betsy xxx

Mix and Match Cards With Box

Good morning ladies and what a lovely morning it is. Doors and windows are all open to let the lovely Spring air blow through.

Our Rachelle got home on Tuesday, from hospital and it was lovely having four days with her - she is really very good and ever so positive. She hasn't started the chemo yet, as the surgery has to heal but hopefully there will be not too many adverse effects. She is still struggling with the stoma but it will not be forever - although six months seems a long time to her, at the moment. The family are coping just fine - being with them all is a real encouragement. They have a very wide network of friends so she hasn't time to get too lonely and does enjoy them around.

Today I would like to share with you the cards and box I have made, for Artfull Crafts, using the Mix and Match Collection from Kaisercraft. I really enjoyed playing with this one and I love the finished result. The colours are gorgeous and I know it will be a good seller. What's your thoughts ladies?

The box was made using the envelope maker - what an invention that is! The four cards fit nicely into it and can be given as a gift which I find people do appreciate.

All today, happy crafting and God bless you all. Thank you all so much for the feedback I have received, since my previous post - it is so lovely to associated with such a caring group of friends.


Betsy  xxx