Thursday 6 September 2012

A late blast of summer (and some exciting news)


Well summer seems to have returned to the South of England and the last few days have been glorious. Billy has been allowing his friend Blackie to play in the garden.





I have enjoyed some studio time with the door open listening to the sound of the garden...bliss.













I have been able to harvest some of my home grown veggies which have been totally delicious.
This year I planted runner beans, tomatoes and a new variety of chillies













Gorgeous fresh beans, from grower to plate in 10 minutes...none of the shops can boast that can they ;0)














Ripe sweet tomatoes, this variety is called Gardener's Delight and they are my favourite. Just delicious








This is my new variety of chilli. My Mum bought me the seeds at Christmas. They are called Friar's Hat and are pretty hot!















They are an heirloom seed from a grower who is trying to keep alive old varieties of plants and vegetables. 









My exciting news part of this post is that I have been asked my blogging buddy and owner of Ladybug Crafts Ink to be a Guest Designer for their upcoming Christmas release blog hop! I am really honoured, this a "first time" for me and I do love challenges in life. 

                                                
I have been given one of the digi images from the upcoming Christmas release to make a card with. There is a slight twist to this as we have also been given an inspiration photo to use for our creation.  You will have to come back on Tuesday to see my work. It was great fun and really took me out of my comfort zone! Thank you for inviting me Kerry.

So my card challenge today just has to be one from Kerry's stamp range...this is the gorgeous Martini Nikki.




I coloured her with my Promarkers and highlighted her with my Prismacolor pencils. The backing papers are Nitwits and I used sentiments from Lili of the Valley. The charm has been stolen from my jewellery making stash ;0) I also added some organza ribbon and gems to the corners.

I would like enter my card into the following challenges;
Make it Monday Linky challenge #105
Papercrafting Journey Anything goes
My Mum's Craft Shop Anything Goes #73
Divas by Design Friendship #51
The Paper Shelter Tag you're it #80
Cupcake Craftroom Pretty pastels
Forever Friends September challenge Use ribbon
4 Crafty Chicks Use metal #106 and a blog hop I have used a metal charm on my card.





I will be back with my GD post on Tuesday which will be my last for a week or so as yes it's September and yes for Hb and I that means we will be on that plane jetting off to ...................................
.................................................................o yes!!...................................
with lots of this.......................

and of course..
Roll on next Wednesday ;0)

See  you all soon, enjoy the sunshine for the next few days, it's due to reach 28c here in sunny Surrey on Sunday..wahoo!

Jane x

53 comments:

  1. Where do I start Jane, so much going on here.

    First of all I suppose is to congratulate you on your guest designer spot.

    Next is all those vegetables, your runner beans look really good and as for the tomatoes well what can I say, my Dad used to grow that variety so am very familiar with the lovely smell and taste of them.

    Afraid our garden has not fared well this year, all the rain from March right through to the end of July really didn't help, then overnight frosts well into June, so all in all the season just wasn't right for much at all.

    The only positive part if the orchard and we got more fruit than we know what to do with.

    Finally it's to wish you a wonderful holiday, have a well earned rest, chill out and come back refreshed.

    B x

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  2. What a lovely garden you have and sweet little helper too I saw. :) A lovely card have you made to. Thanks for joining our tag challenge over at the Paper Shelter.
    Love n hugs
    Marie

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  3. Hi Jane, Enjoy your fresh veggies!! Looks delicious!
    Can't wait to see what you are creating as the guest designer!!
    Enjoy your time on Rodos.....

    See you soon,
    Anne
    PlumCreek22
    etsy

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  4. I have three things to say to you...first, JEALOUS! Oh my, what a VIEW! Second, congrats on your GDT! Awesome news. Third, thank you so much for joining us at MIM with your wonderful creation! Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry and mention you saw them on MIM for a chance at our second prize! Good luck!
    Rene :D

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  5. Brenda it's a shame you don't live nearer I could swop some of my beans and tomatoes for some of your fruit ;0) Good to see you here, hope Buddy is holding on.
    Jane x

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  6. Your garden is looking lovely Jane, nothing like home grown. I grow and love Gardeners Delight tomatoes too!
    Congrats on being a guest designer, how exciting!!!! Look forward to seeing what you come up with!
    Lucky you off on your jollies again!!
    Your temps for Sunday sound good, I think they say we're getting rain on Sunday! :( it has been a good week though!
    V xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  7. Marie, Billy is the sweetest helper and he is so tolerant of the little stray Blackie who visits his garden every day.Thanks for your kind comments,
    Jane x

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  8. Hi Anne, remember to come back on Tuesday and all will be revealed...so exciting!
    Jane x

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  9. LOL Marie, we are so looking forward to our holiday. Thanks for visiting,
    Jane x

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  10. You and I do love our home growns don't we Vivienne. I think I may well try some of your peas next year.The weekend is still looking really good here hope the sun lasts for you too,
    Jane x

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  11. Awesome job on the card, love it, great pictures of everything else...I want to sit on the that beach too. With a yummy drink! Cheers!

    Thanks for playing our Metal challenge at 4 Crafty Chicks!

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  12. It is the most idyllic spot Leanne, I can't wait. Thanks for visiting,
    Jane x

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  13. Jane, life is just wonderful for you right now! Gorgeous garden bounty, lovely weather and a holiday too! Have fun and bring us photos to share!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  14. There is indeed plenty to celebrate Teresa, I shall be packing my camera...
    Jane x

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  15. Fabulous picture and wonderful card! Loving the metal purse charm. Thank you so much for sharing it with us at 4 Crafty Chicks.

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  16. Oh Jane, So much news!! Love your yard and studio looking so inviting and green. So nice of Billy to be so neighborly! Your harvest looks like it has really done well. I love the name of the chilies. ( they look like hats)
    Congratulations on the guest designer offer, that is really flattering and very well deserved!
    Jane have a wonderful holiday and enjoy every Pimms!!!
    xoRobin❤

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  17. Life is full and fun Robin but the holiday will be a welcome relaxing break. Im not sure we will find Pimms there but Mythos is pretty good ;-)
    Jane x

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  18. What a lovely card, Jane. I love the pretty colour combo you've used and that charm is so cute. I saw you on MIM, thanks for leaving me such a lovely comment x

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  19. Thanks for your card, I love it. I realy love your photos of the garden and.......... Your vacation.
    Angelique, The paper Shelter

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  20. Wow Jane, LCI picked the perfect designer to start the holiday season in style! Congratulations! And speaking of "picking," I'm a little envious of your homegrown veggies. I failed to get my summer garden going this year, but I still might be able to sneak a few into the ground if I get busy! Hope those two beauties, Billy and his pal Blackie, will hold down the fort as you jet off to your end of summer getaway. Enjoy! Cheers! :o)

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  21. Hi Steph lovely to see you here, thanks for visiting,
    Jane x

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  22. Hi Angelique, what a super name..my middle name is Angela ;0) Thanks for visiting my corner of blog world,
    Jane x

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  23. You are so kind Michele ;0) I am really honored that Kerry thought my cards good enough.My garden is glowing in the sunshine this afternoon, it is such a lovely day and it's now the weekend!Billy is off to stay with my parents next week and dear little Blackie is fed by many around here so will be fine until our return.
    Jane x

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  24. Hi Jane thanks for visiting my little corner of cyber space and for your kind comment. I have enjoyed my visit to you. Chartwell brought back memories and runner beans Yum. I have had vegies from the garden all my life until now as hubby is no longer able to garden alas.
    Congratulations on you guest spot and I will return to see your card.
    Am now going to join you as a follower.
    Hugs
    Margaret M

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  25. Hi Margaret I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. The garden is burting with veg at the moment but autumn is just around the corner. Thanks for the follow and you are most welcome here,
    Jane x

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  26. much going on in her, lovely garden love gardening myself, love your cats, great sunset all beautiful

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  27. Hi jane I'm a little late getting over here to follow you but in my defence I've been at my Mums for a couple of days. Great to have you with us at LCI its a lot of fun there!
    Beautiful cards and I love your garden!!
    Have a fab holiday
    Hugs Laurie xx

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  28. Thank you Dortesjs, glad you enjoyed your visit,
    Jane x

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  29. Hi Laurie, lovely to see you here. The Ladybug girls have been so welcoming and I am really look forward to my GD spot next week. Enjoy the sunshine, we are off to meet our newlyweds in the next hour.
    Hugs, Jane x

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  30. wow you come here again! Have the most wonderful holidays and we'll change our news when you are back home! xxx Teje

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  31. Lovely photos Jane - can't wait for my holiday in October!

    Love your card - so pretty!

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  32. Lovely produce photos, Jane, and well done on your guest designer spot...looking forward to seeing what you create. Have fun getting ready for your hol, and enjoy thre rest of the weekend.
    Helen x

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  33. I saw your beautiful creation on Make It Monday and had to visit and take a closer look. Gorgeous! TFS!
    My entries are: #13, #53, # 117, #118, #119, #201, # 258 and # 279.
    I would love to have you visit my blog!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  34. We will indeed Teje we will be flying over Crete and will wave!
    Jane x

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  35. Hi Mary J great to see you here, looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday ;0)
    Jane x

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  36. There are more home growns to eat today Helen ;0) Enjoy the sunshine,
    Jane x

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  37. found you at last - sorry for the delay .. life has been hectic ... fab having you on board as a GD
    love your garden pics.. i love gardening and hope to find more time for it next year.
    Love that card .. one of the first LCI images i bought.. always a winner

    Bet you can't wait for your hold
    Lisa x

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  38. Hi Lisa great to see you here and you are most welcome! My garden today is shining in this wonderful weather. Martini Nikki is def one of my fave LCI stamps ;0)
    Looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday!
    Jane x

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  39. Great post Jane. Can't wait to see what you have made for your DT call :) Lou x

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  40. Thanks Lou come back at 9am tomorrow and all will be revealed !
    Jane x

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  41. Your vegetables look lovely, those chillies really are an interesting shape and I'm glad your tomatoes have grown as ours nearly all got blighted this year :( I hope you are having a fabulous time sunning yourself, a well deserved rest :) Beth/thelinencat x

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  42. Wow another jam packed fabby post!!!! loving he card, loving the vegies and what alovely present those chilli seeds were! I really hope you enjoy your what sounds like is gonna be a fabby holiday for you sweetie, take care and thanks for your lovl=ely coment on my little gizmo its so appreciated, big huggies jUNE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  43. Gorgeous card Jane, such a fab image, love the piccys too.Thanks for joining us at MMCS. Joey x

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  44. Hi Beth we fly Wednesday so 2 more sleeps! The chilies are hot hot hot ;-)
    Jane x

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  45. Hi dear June I was so sorry about Gizmo :-( Thanks as always for your kind comments.
    Jane x

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  46. Thanks Joey it's nearly time for my first GD post :-) Jane x

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  47. Fab card Jane! Thanks for sharing with us at Divas! Laura x

    P.S. Where is that statue in the pic at the top of your blog page?? Feel like I have seen it ..

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  48. Hi Laura you will have seen that statue if you have ever taken the euro star...it's called the meeting place and it's at st. Pancras international. It's fab and huge !
    Jane x

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  49. Wonderful post, Jane!!!

    I quickly read it a while ago when I was busy and tired and didn't actually have time to comment, but now I REALLY READ all the great news!!! You lucky lady, enjoy your holidays soon, and then, wow: a guest designing!!! It's well-deserved as your creations are just perfect, but I am still very, very proud of you! And the theme is so you ;) - what would be better for you than C?

    I just sent off the last huge parcel of an enormous order yesterday, and now I will be back to blogging and all as usual. I still have some Octonauts-shots to you too... I'll be back soon!

    Enjoy your sunshine, dear!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  50. Good morning dear Mia, my GD post goes live really soon!! So exciting.Speak soon...
    Jane x

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  51. Me again Jane!! I forgot to say.....
    Thanks for playing along at Diva's this week and good luck with the challenge
    Laurie xx

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