Where does the time go?  I seem to be chasing around doing 2 million jobs at once, but completing none! At least the Olympia exhibition stand was finished today, and it is all cling filmed and sat in the loading bay waiting to be loaded up tomorrow morning - well that is one tick on my never ending list!!!!

Ok, what you really want to know is who won the Friday FREEBIE - was it YOU? That depends on your number - Mollie and Rachie picked the numbers today, Mollie was not keen on letting us see her number, but we finally got a photo.

This weeks Friday FREEBIE winners are.....

Mollie picked number 33 - Noreen

 "Bev's bag....Eyelash. Bev's bag....eyelash. Ummm - If I'm forced to make a decision, it will have to be ..... Bev's bag - what a gorgeous selection they alway are. Thanks for the opportunity"

Rachie picked number 35 - Annie

"Fabulous Bev's Bag, please (if I'm lucky enough to win!) - gorgeous spring colours so fresh and spring-like!  Wilma - love your creations they are wonderful - well done.   annie "

That's settled then, you both have a Bev's Bag as your prize, all we need are your addresses please to craftyribbons@gmail.com  You all left super comments this week and I think it was a Bev's Bag that took the majority vote. Many thanks to you all for taking the time to leave us a comment.

We have had a few entries for our Spring Competition, I will show you all soon.  Just in case you are having a mental block on what you can do for our Spring Competition then let our Ribbon Challenge girls give you a helping hand.  First up we have Beryl, I think Beryl has been in every challenge we have set.

You can not get more "spring like" than this Easter booklet - isn't it wicked.

Oh how sweet, these little guys are so cool.

This card is beautiful Beryl, I can not work out what you have coloured it with. The little chicks on the ribbon are my favorite, I think they are sooo cute!  I have your email Beryl with your Spring Competition photos - thank you.

Next we have Leslie's collection of cards. Leslie really loved the Sydney ribbons but could not decide what to do with them. She will be interested to see what the other challengers achieved.

These polka dot ribbons are just perfect for Easter - Bev loves polka dots all year round! I like crafters that use 4 different ribbons on one card!

Can you believe it we are nearly sold out of this Easter Egg ribbon, I think we only have metre lengths left, all the rolls have gone. Great colouring on the bunny and eggs Leslie - wish I could colour in!

As promised I will share more creations with you everyday this week - as there are lots.

I hope you all had a great day yesterday, the family went to take the little ones to see the new born lambs, but Tony and I struggle with Mother's Day so I cleaned the oven!!!!

Thanks to everyone who emailed, "Easter" Ribbon Challenge is FULL.

Tony told me no one would want to do a Easter Challenge!! He had me worried.

Sorry if you missed out on this challenge but we have another one coming up soon, so check back regularly. 

Easter ribbons will be on the website before we leave for Glasgow on Tuesday.

SORRY THIS CHALLENGE IS FULL.

That's right a NEW ribbon Challenge!

I know we have only just finished the Cherry Pie Challenge, but I HAVE to launch this challenge NOW or else I will run out of time.  Remember the delivery we had in on Friday, well it had been held up in customs for ages.  I do not think I made the matter any better when I told the customs man on the phone,  "I really really need the consignment urgently because it contains chicks and eggs......

.......no, no not real ones, they are printed on ribbon, YES all the boxes have nothing but ribbon in them". Outsiders just do not understand the NEED we have for ribbon!!

So, the NEW Ribbon Challenge # 13 is Easter.  We have never had an Easter challenge before, and the ribbons are fantastic.

We have 10 free bundles of "Easter" ribbons to give away.  All we ask in return for these ribbons are two cards or projects that use the ribbons around an Easter theme.

The ribbons can be used to enhance all forms of crafts - card making, projects, ATC's.  If you are up to the challenge, then send us an email to craftyribbons@gmail.com  marked RIBBON CHALLENGE # 13 

The first TEN to reply will be sent an email requesting address details so we can send your free ribbons!  Your finished cards and projects will be posted onto the blog and taken to Olympia and Hobbycrafts NEC Birmingham exhibtions.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and get clicking those computer keys or should that be clucking!!!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THIS WEEKS FRIDAY FREEBIE, IT IS BELOW THIS POST, SO JUST SCROLL DOWN AND HAVE A LOOK ON THE WAY.

We have received some super goodies for the "Cherry Pie" ribbon challenge, do you want to see them?

Well here goes....

Beryl has made a real glam card with the pink cherry ribbon, the cherry cakes are sat on the plates ready to be eaten. Yum Yum!

This little treasure is an old ribbon roll, Beryl normally makes them so the lid can be removed to use a a jewel box - clever, would make a good project.

Great colour combo on this card Beryl, looks fantastic.  Glad to hear your OH is on the mend.

Carmen tells me she doesn't make cards - it looks good to me. Flower, ribbon and greeting, it even sounds like a card.  As for the glitzy cherries that's another story.....

....this is the back of the glitzy cherry note book - isn't it amazing. I am the "Note Book" Queen and would really, really like to add this to my collection - I promise that it will be at Glasgow for everyone to see next week!

I have fallen in love....honest. This card is a dream Carol, it would be wicked if I could make something like this for Tony.

Oh sorry I should know these stamps by now, Carol used to tell me.  Whoever the girl is she is a home goddess serving up her cherry cookies.

A very clever easel card by Carol using Tilda (got that one!) Ok, ok everyone knows who Tilda is. Stunning card.

Charmaine I would like to hang this on my kitchen door with pride, it's gorgeous.  But Tony said it should read a NO baking zone!

Look at these sweeties, they are adorable and they have come all the way from Southern Ireland!

This made it through international post too.  A set of Cherry Notelets, Charmaine these are delightful.

Oh Chrissy the decoupage gnome is wicked and just perfect for the cherry ribbon. A new ATC to add to my collection - great.

I think our Dorothy liked the cherry ribbons.....

....she had lots of goodies that work so well with the Cherry Ribbons.  This lady has jointed arms and legs.

Sorry Dorothy I could not fit this all in the photo.  It reads Cherry pie and is almost a metre long, it must have taken you ages to make Dorothy.

Naughty little girl, trying to pick the cherries. inside the card is a strip of lilac cherry ribbon and the little girl is holding a cherry pie!

These cherries look good enough to eat Dorothy.

This card arrived inside the box you see towards the back, what a perfect set to receive Dorothy.

Look at these beauties from Jenny, I have a feeling....monkey is about to be naughty!  The little shaker box bag (does that make sense?) is wonderful, I think I know a little girl that would give it a good home!

Hi Leigh great to have you back now the wedding is over. It was a great wedding with lots of ribbons being used!!!!

Simple and elegant Leigh.

Fantastic Leigh, thank you.

This sweetie pie is Toby the son of Leslie, it was taken at an all inclusive holiday resort, where he ate LOTS of puddings!!!  We like!

Leslie likes the challenges as it makes her think out side of the box a bit, rather then doing what she always does.  What ever you do leslie keep doing it, this card is stunning.

We teased your taste buds last night with Lydia's wonderful creations, and yes the basket did make it through the post!

Marjorie has confessed that she has gone stamping mad!!! She says it's like going back to her childhood, she just loves the colouring in!! From a lady that couldn't, you certainly can!

Two more beauties from Marjorie, we can see you are having fun.

Natalie has sent in twins!!  They look amazing, same elements just layered differently.

What a fun combo from Tracey and Paul, would be perfect for Mothers Day too - fantastic.

Wow Wilma this card is different, it's like a shop window with all the goodies inside - guarded by Tilda!

This recipe book is a work of art Wilma, it is stunning. How many hours did it take you?  It will be "nailed" to my demo table in Glasgow!

Every page has a different cherry recipe, that lifts out and is laminated for those messy cooks amongst us.  Wilma used every single piece of ribbon on her two projects, if you are not lucky with todays Friday FREEBIE Wilma, then I will send you some extra ones. Can't have you without ribbons!!!!!

Wow that was a long post, I think there are a few more to arrive, as well as one from Sweden, when they arrive I promise to add them.

Mega thanks to everyone that has joined in on the challenge, your creations are to die for.  I get asked all the time "What do you do with ribbon?"  Where shall I start!

Have a great weekend, keep an eye on the blog, you never know what might pop up this weekend!!!!

Look what I have been doing today..... 

...."Cherry Pie" Ribbon Challenge 12!!!

I had so many packets and parcels (one wrapped in pink rose paper) for the challenge, it has been like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one today, there are some truly wonderful cards, projects and goodies that I will be sharing with you tomorrow. I had planned to show you them all today, but I just do not know where the time disappears too.  This little basket was made by Lydia and was just perfect to hold the cherries - I must stop using food as a prop, I end up eating it!!!! 

Rachie has been off sick all week, she had a bad head cold that resulted in her losing her hearing.  She tried to come in to work on Tuesday, but we just ended up shouting at her - it was the only way she could hear us, so we sent her home.  We wish you well Rachie and come back to work soon - we miss you.

We have had a wonderful day, driving through the French country side, seeing what is going on - not a lot.  To be honest you hardly see a soul in the little villages, they appear to be deserted. Tony insisted on driving for miles to see a Maginot Line Fort. To me it was a large ugly lump of concrete with rusty bits. But he seemed very happy and that is what counts.

The monday we left I received 2 envelopes from the Valentine challenge, I had hoped to share the photo's with you sooner, Carol spotted hers on the Metz stand.  Only a few more days to make those special cards, so here is the last inspiration from our Ribbon Challenge 11 "Valentine"

Carol this is so cute, I adore the picture - oh and the ribbon flower is great too!!

Carol is our first international challenger, all the way from Cyprus.  Great card Carol, the backing paper matches the ribbon perfectly.

I was asked all the time in Metz for the Broderie Anglaise Carol, I was sorry I could not help them, but we did sell the ribbon!

Wendy went for the traditional ribbons and don't they look fab.

I love the ribbon woven effect that Wendy has created here. I am a fan of ribbon weaving it is so easy to do, and makes great cushions.  Sydney has a collection on her bed, all in bright colours.

Thanks to all that took part in the Valentine challenge, your creations are, as always awesome.  We have a larger stand in Paris and I plan on using Tracey's washing line idea.  I have lots of little wooden pegs and I am going to peg them across the open sides of the stand, like a washing line - yes I will take pics!!

This is a delightful Auberge we are staying in, but we didn't realise that we are the only 2 here, until we went to dinner last night.  They had set up a table for two in front of the log fire - oh it was so romantic!!

Off to Paris tomorrow.....

Wooh Whooo!!! I do not believe it "Cherry Pie" Ribbon Challenge is Full!!!!

One hour and 28 minutes to fill the challenge - thank you all for your interest, I am amazed.

Sorry if you missed out on this challenge but we have another one coming up soon, so check back regularly. 

"Cherry Pie" ribbons are not on the website yet, but we plan to put them on soon.

SORRY THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW FULL

I know that we still have 3 sets of goodies from Challenge 11 to arrive back, BUT I have been bursting to set this NEW Challenge......

The ribbon is called "Cherry Pie" and has scrummy cherries on.  This is the collection of ribbons that I had to be in the office for 7am to take delivery of!!!  It was worth getting up early for.  What do you think of my ribbon bookmarks?

We have 10 free bundles of "Cherry Pie" ribbons to give away.  All we ask in return for these ribbons are two cards or projects that use the ribbons around a Cherry theme.

The ribbons can be used to enhance all forms of crafts - card making, projects, ATC's.  If you are up to the challenge, then send us an email to craftyribbons@gmail.com  marked RIBBON CHALLENGE # 12 

The first TEN to reply will be sent an email requesting address details so we can send your free ribbons!  Your finished cards and projects will be posted onto the blog and taken to our 3 UK shows in Glasgow, Olympia and Hobbycrafts NEC Birmingham.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

It's been another day of surprises for me, opening up all these wonderful challenge goodies. No sweeties today - boo hoo!!!

Carol V has sent in this delightful card, using our contemporary range of valentine ribbons.  It looks as if Carol has stuck the ribbons onto card in layers then cut the whole shape out.  The little hearts are done in the same way - I think!

This is the inside of Carol's card, it is just as amazing as the front.  Carol thought she was too late for the Challenge, we had closed it, but she leaves great comments, so we bent the rules slightly!

WOW! I have never had one of these before.  I wasn't sure that it was our ribbon! But according to Carmens blog it is (http://whoopidooings.blogspot.com) as well as quite a bit of glue. It's great and can be worn as a brooch, don't worry Carmen about not making cards I love different projects.

Carmen also sent this Christmas pudding "Duckie" he is made from paper napkins.  This craft is very big in France, so "Duckie" is on his way over there next Monday, I will attach a ribbon lead to him.  Can't have him getting lost.

Dorothy has been doing a bit of ribbon embroidery - my passion! Keep going Dorothy it is an amazing craft.

We had a strange man knocking on our door this morning - bearing gifts.  Liz had sent her husband over with her challenge goodies - shame thought I had an early valentines card!

Oh Liz this card is very elegant and says it all.

No sweeties, but I received a book and a bear - much better for my figure!! Valentine the Bear has had a make over, Jumper removed and a new ribbon to make her a little more glam.  A loving heart and body art has been added, cut from the ribbons - wicked. I love the book Liz and will take it home tonight to have a read, thank you.

This beautiful card was made by Lydia, isn't she gorgeous.

Lydia also made this fun tag card - isn't it great, look at the inside below.

There are still a few more to arrive, one of which is coming from Cyprus.  Fingers crossed they arrive before Monday.

Thanks to everyone who joined in with the challenges, we do hope you get as much enjoyment out of them as we do.

I had an amazing evening last night, I must have been all "inspired up" from all your challenge cards that I went home and designed 4 new embroidery kits.  Four in one evening is a record for me!! We leave for the first of our exhibitions a week tomorrow, so if I am really quick we will be able to put them into production next week and take them to France.  Only problem is that I have to write the instructions - in FRENCH - AARGH!!!

Anyway, here is the second batch of Challenge cards - not all the cards are in yet.  Don't panic if you are running late, as long as they are with me by next weekend, they will be photographed and put on the blog before we leave for France.

This is a delightful Apron card made by kim, what a perfect use of ribbon.

Kim also made a "Double Pocket" bag - Wow Kim, this looks so complicated to make, but great to receive.

Love and romance this card from Janette says to all. The photo has not picked up the added glitter on the angels wings, which make the ribbons glitter.

These two ATC's from Janette are adorable.  The amount of work that goes into such a small item is unreal. Thank you Janette for spreading the word about our fabbby ribbons and website, glad to hear you were delighted with your first order from us.  I should put a WARNING on our ribbons - but most of you already know they are addictive!!!!

I confused Gail, this is her first challenge with us and she asked for traditional ribbons, as you can see I sent contemporary.  So Gail thought I was making her craft "outside" of her craft zone.  Nothing that clever, I just (as usual) got it wrong - Sorry!!  Great card Gail, I love the way the little mini hearts on the ribbon blend with the embossed dots on the card.

Gail said that she was stretched to find papers to tone with the ribbons, as they were colours she would not normally work with.  I see no problems here, its wicked.

Ooooh! Naughty, naughty sending me sweeties Gail - I can not promise not to eat them on the exhibtion stand.  I had been looking for sweetie hearts for this photo shoot - but nothing in Dorset. Great bag, love the idea.

A wonderful selection of romantic cards by Dorothy.

Dorothy has cut some of the hearts from the ribbon and added them to her images.

Dorothy said that she doesn't make Valentine cards, so this was an extra challenge for her - that's what we like to hear.

I have to thank Dorothys husband for trekking through the snow to post these wonderful cards to us.  It was worth it Mr D. This heart card is double sided almost like a mini album each side, great idea.

What a cute couple Carol, great fun the way the heart beads form a star shape. Sorry no note to say who's stamp it is.  Your Christmas stamp you used Carol drove me mad in Paris last year.  I had to remove your cards from the stand, we had so many people coming up to us and saying - "Est que vous avez?" pointing at your card!!!

I might have to "borrow" this card Carol, the bear is a sweetie pie, I amazed at the way you have added so many different layers and textures to the card. I must admit that the red and white ribbon is a stunner, it makes perfect bows.

Beryl these two delicate boxes caused me so much trouble - they did honest.  I just could not capture the detail with the camera, I tried everything.  There are little gems glued between the hearts on the ribbons, they must have taken forever.

Beryl has got her needle and thread out - that is REAL stitching on the card, none of this faux stuff!!!! Great ribbon rosettes.

Arrrrgh how sweet is that! I do like this love ribbon and it comes in so many different colours, great idea to put it on a tag Beryl.

I have a feeling I will have to keep an eye on this card Beryl, it may go walkies in the next few weeks. It is so adorable that I am sure someone will want to take it home with them!!

Before you all squeak at me that crafters would not do something like that - remember it is not only crafters that come to the shows!  We have a lot of samples and items stolen, when I made them all I used to get upset, now that they are made by YOU wonderful guys I get angry.  So much so that we have stopped exhibiting in some places.

Thank you all for such wonderful creations, I hope you all enjoyed working with the ribbons.  Please readers leave a comment and tell these talented ladies how wonderful their work is, without their work we would not have challenges!

Anyway must get on I have instructions to write - eeeerrrr!