Pretty sad and pretty good

The Willow Sketchie DT got some pretty sad news this week.Sharon Armstrong,the owner of Willow Designs,had to make the difficult decision to close her online shop.But there is some good news to follow….Those who may be familiar with Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine will know Sharon appears regularly as a designer.She will be continuing to work with this magazine and will be continuing to design one way or another.And the shop won’t be closing immediately so you can still drop by and pick up some crafty goodies – especially as all clear stamps and CD-roms are half price.

Which brings it back to the challenge blog…Well,Kelly our lovely DT Coordinator has decided to keep the challenges going.The basic sketch/theme format will remain the same but there will be lots of exciting changes made.The first being the name.As from Monday we will be known as Digi Sketch Challenge . I hope our regulars from the old challenges will continue to support the new venture and that we will get some lovely new players too 🙂 So please join us to find out all the info!

So onto my card.As there is no challenge this week this a Thank You to Sharon and to our dedicated followers at Willow Sketchie Challenges.I’ve used Butterfly & Daisy Digital Stamp by Willow Designs   and coloured it with some pearlescent watercolour paints.The papers are First Edition Family Ties and the shimmery card is Trimcraft 12 x 12 pearlescent Textured card.I’ve used a large corner rounder on the right hand corners and an extra small one on the sentiment tab.The With Thanks stamp is a past freebie from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine and has been stamped in Dandelion Memento Dew Drop Ink.Some gems have been used to embellish.

Please stop by the challenge blog to see some of the other DT’s farewell creations and I,and the rest of the team,would love you to join us on Monday.

Some challenges this is for :

Creative Craft Challenges : Bling It Up

Party Time Tuesdays : Anything Goes

Tuesday Alchemy : Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown : Bling It On

Twisted Tuesday : No twist! Anything Goes

Crafty Boots : New (bought these gorgeous papers last Saturday!)

Love to Create : Anything Goes with a Sentiment

One Stitch At A Time : Use a Digi

Opus Gluei : Glitz, Glamour, Bring on the Bling

Sentimental Sundays : Thank You 

My Time to Craft : Things with Wings

One Stop Craft :  Sparkle and Bling

Totally Gorjuss : Flowers 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

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Hexa-going,going-gon!

The challenge this week at Craft Your Passion is Hexagons.We have the fabulous Simon Says Stamp,The Paper Shelter and Stamp Fairy as our sponsors.Head on over to check how to play and win.Don’t forget to take a look at the DT and GDT inspiration,they’ve done a wonderful job!

For my card I’ve used Cockatoo Rules! from The Paper Shelter and coloured him with Copic Ciao Markers.I found an old quilting template amongst my Mum’s old sewing stuff  (that I inherited) and cut different patterns from one of my fave collections.So favourite are they that I try not to use them!This card will be for my son’s birthday so they’ll be staying within my house at least!!:D I created a patchwork effect background with them.The embossing folder I’d been umming and ahhhing about for a while but knowing I had to make something for this challenge it quickly became a must-have!I used a paper photo anchor and bracket for the same paper collection.I pierced a hole in the photo anchor and added a brad.The ‘Go’ sign is from a bag iron on patches my SIL gave me.I stuck it onto the backing piece of card using ultra adhesive tape.Yeah,I know it’s really an octagon but it went well with the image ,I thought 😉

Supplies :

Image : Cockatoo Rules! from The Paper Shelter 

Colouring Medium : Copic Ciao Markers

Papers & Card : DP Ooh La La for Him My Minds Eye 12 x 12 Paper Kit,Cardstock Bazzill Basics

Tools : X-Cut guillotine,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Craft Concept Hexagon Illusion Embossing Folder,Big Shot,Quilting template,X-Cut Craft knife

To Embellish : Photo anchor and bracket from paper kit,Brad and Iron patch from stash

Some challenges this is for :

Here Come the Boys : Die Cuts/Punches

One Stitch At A Time : Anything Goes 

Robyn`s Fetish : Cards for a Man

Scrapper`s Delights Paper Crafts : Anything Goes

The Crafty Pad : Anything Goes 

Allsorts : For Men Only

Catch The Bug : Anything Goes

Crafty Catz : Add texture 

Delicious Doodles : Embossing

Stamp Man : Emboss it

Do You Stack Up? : Brads

Forever Friends : Anything Goes

Southern Girls : Animal crackers

Mema’s Crafts : Anything goes (winter/holiday optional)

PapercraftJunkies Challenge : Things with wings

Digistamps 4 Joy : Bingo…But with a Difference – No Glitter,No Ribbon,One image (one that will make you smile – hopefully!),No Apples,No Buttons.Hope I’ve got this right!!

The Paper Shelter Challenge : Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp :No Square Cards

Stamp n Doodle : Fabric (hope the iron patch counts!)

Anything Goes Challenge :  Anything Goes at Anything Goes

Jackson’s Digital Expressions : Anything Goes

 

Today is Bonfire Night in the UK.Altho’ I say ‘Night’ we have had fireworks going off most nights since the end of the Summer 😦 My poor doggy is beside herself  – she’s a baby at the best of times!Have to admit some of them make me jump out of my skin,they sound like bombs going off!

Here’s a pic to show what a real baby she is :

 

Might keep the blanket wrapped around her ears tonight.At least it could muffle the noises for her.The pic quality’s not great as it was taken on Hubby’s iPhone.

Don’t forget to keep your pets safe tonight – altho’ Im sure you won’t 🙂

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

 

 

 

 

Life is like a box of chocolates…

The challenge at Just Some Lines is Reduce,Reuse,Recycle this time.There are some changes to the challenge too.From now on only projects made with Just Some Lines images can be entered.But the good news is there will be a freebie image posted on the blog for the duration of the challenge for you to use!Just pop on over to Just Some Lines to find out all the details.While you’re  there don’t forget to get inspired by the DT’s creations.

For my card I’ve used Fairy Kyra Watching n Waiting from Just Some Lines.She’s been coloured with Copic Ciao Markers,using paler colours on her wings to give them a see-through appearance ,before coating them in Glamour Dust.All the coloured and patterned card is from a chocolate box,including the tag that I fashioned from the menu and some other pieces of card from the box.I placed a flower punched from the border,just turned over to show the flip side.Here’s the box in all it’s original glory :

So after scoffing all the scrummy chocs I was left with this delicious delight!The ribbon was wrapped around a recently purchased towel bale and the hairy string (one of my all time faves!) is from a clothing price tag.The flat backed pearls and eyelet I’ve had in my stash for quite some time so I got to use up some surplus stock too!!I have too much stuff kicking around,mostly ‘junk’ I’ve collected so it was great to put some of this into good use.One thing that amazed me was how I’ve stored this eclectic and totally mixed bag of  items and yet it’s all come together perfectly colour coordinated!How many times do we buy things we think will go with what we already have and they really don’t?!

Supplies :

Image : Fairy Kyra Watching n Waiting  from Just Some Lines

Sentiment : Personal Impressions  Mixed Sentiments clear set

Mediums : Copic Ciao Markers, Crystal Glamour Dust,Jet Black Archival Ink

Coloured and Patterned Card : Chocolate box

Tools : X-Cut guillotine,Decoupage scissors,Tonic Studios  Daisy Border Simplicity Geared Punch,Tonic Studios Butterfly Multi-Detail Punch,Tonic Studios Edger 5 Edger Punch,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Crop-A-Dile,Joy!Crafts Bow Maker  

To Embellish : Ribbon from a towel bale,Hairy string from a clothing price tag,Flat backed pearls from stash,We R Memory Keepers eyelet

Some challenges this is for :

Alphabet Challenge : T for Tags

ATCs & Cards With Attitude : Add a sentiment/Anything Goes

Card Makin’ Mamas : Anything Goes

Fat Pages & Cards with Attitude : Add a sentiment/Anything Goes

Fussy and Fancy : Pearls and Flowers

Raise The Bar : Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday : Fairies & Angels

Forever Friends : Anything Goes

My Heart Pieces Digital Stamps Challenge : Use Ribbon

Paper Crafting Journey  : Ribbon or Twine

Simply Create : Always Anything Goes

Ladybug Crafts : Monochrome/Tonal

 PapercraftJunkies Challenge : Things withWings

Flutterby Wednesdays : Open

Inky Impressions : Lots of Layers

Paper Shelter Challenge : Anything Goes

Anything Goes Challenge : Anything Goes at Anything Goes

Bearly Mine : Flowers Galore

Jackson’s Digital Expressions :  Anything Goes

LEJ Designs : Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesdays : Anything Goes

The Stamping Boutique : Thinking Of You

Love to Create  : Lots of Layers

Whoopsi Daisy : Punches 

The Squirrel & the Fox : Use a Ribbon

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

Just ‘Fur’ You!

This week at Craft Your Passion the challenge is Buttons and Bows.We have the fabulous Stamp Fairy as our sponsor.Head on over to check how to play and win.Don’t forget to take a look at the DT and GDT inspiration,they’ve done a wonderful job!

For my card I’ve used the totally adorable Hugo from Stamp Fairy.He’s been coloured with Copic Ciao Markers.I’ve gone for a fairly neutral colour scheme with a splash of red thrown in to liven things up a little.I threaded some cute mini spotty buttons before adding them to the ribbon.I also added some stitching to the sentiment.I was rummaging for a greeting stamp when I came across this one.Just perfect wouldn’t you say?!

Ooops!Just noticed I meant to give him a healthy ‘wet’ nose with some 3D Crystal Lacquer but I forgot!Ah,well.Not to worry as it’s for my son’s birthday I’ve got a few days to add some 😉

Supplies :

Image : Hugo from Stamp Fairy

Sentiment : Part of a set from Willow Designs now sadly discontinued

Mediums : Copic Ciao Markers,Cocoa Memento Dew Drop Ink Pad

Papers & Card : DP Papermania Lincoln Linen Capsule Collection,Papermania Kraftstax 8×8

Tools :X-Cut guillotine,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch

To embellish : Papermania Lincoln Linen Capsule Collection Polka Mini Buttons thread with We R Memory Keepers Brown Sew Easy Floss,Red grosgrain ribbon from stash

Some challenges this is for :

Corrosive Challenges : Animal Companions

Crafty Calendar : Colour Browns & Creams (Hope this still counts as I’ve added red accents)

ATCs & Cards With Attitude : Anything Goes

Brown Sugar : Anything Goes

Crafty Catz : Buttons 

Fat Pages & Cards with Attitude : Anything Goes

Pattie’s Creations : Anything Goes

Simply Create Too : Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts : For a Child

C.R.A.F.T.  : Children

Digi Doodle Shop’s Best : Anything Goes

Forever Friends : Ribbon

Paper Crafting Journey : Use a sentiment on your card

Divas by Design : Lots of Layers

Inky Impressions : For a child

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

Heaven Scent

At Craft Your Passion this week were looking for your cards/projects using kraft paper with lace/ribbon.We have the fabulous Simon Says Stamp and A Day For Daisies as our sponsors.Head on over to check how to play and win.Don’t forget to take a look at the DT and GDT inspiration,they’ve done a wonderful job!

For my card I’ve used the divine  Scent Of A Vintage Rose.As this is such a gorgeous image I thought I’d try and make an effort with my colouring.I’ve used Polychromos Pencils and took inspiration from this tutorial at Dorcas Designs as a guide.I took a fair time to add all the details as I wanted them but I have to say I’m quite pleased with the result 🙂 Mind you I think I need so much more practice to match the talents of this lady!I think I need to more adventurous on which colours to use for shading.I’m a bit of a colour coordination freak!

Here’s a closer look :

Have to admit I was worried about making a card to go with this once it was coloured up. I hope I’ve managed to make a card worthy of it!

Supplies :

Image : Scent Of A Vintage Rose from A Day For Daisies

Medium : Faber Castell PolyChromos Pencils

Papers & Card : DP Papermania Chelsea Green Capsule Collection 12 x12,Papermania,Papermania Kraftstax 8×8,Trimcraft Textured Pearlescent  12 x 12 Card

Tools : X-cut guillotine,Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Rectangles and Classic Rectangles Large,Marianne Design Rectangle Frame Set and Ribbon Flower 3,Big Shot,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch 

To embellish : Lace ,grossgrain ribbon and green thread   from stash,Pare Cellar Raffia Lace Ribbon,Papermania Buttons Greens

Some challenges this is for :

Dream Valley Challenges :   Anything but Square

Great Impressions :  “Show us your best stay in the lines coloring”

One Stitch At A Time :  Anything Goes  

 Cupcake Inspirations : 

Alphabet Challenge :  L … Lace

ATCs & Cards With Attitude : Anything Goes

Fat Pages and Cards With Attitude :  Anything Goes

C.R.A.F.T.  :Summer

Digi Doodle Shop’s Best :  Summertime

Paper Crafting Journey :  Summer

Crafty Creations :  Free For All

Everybody-Art-Challenge : Summer

Jackson’s Digital Expressions : Anything Goes + Optional Colour Inspiration

Party Time Tuesdays : Let’s Get Punchy

{Pin}spirational : 

 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

O(w)l’ Blues Eyes Is Back

This week over at Willow Sketchie Challenge Kelly has set a fabby sketch :

The chosen theme is Bright and Bold.You can choose either the sketch,theme or even both.You could be the lucky winner of a voucher to spend at Willow Designs too!As well as a winner (chosen randomly) there will be a hand picked Top 3 and they will receive a super cute badge for their blog.Don’t forget to stop by the challenge site and check out my fellow DT’s beautiful creations.A truly inspirational bunch.

For my card I’ve used some stamps from the Polly & Walter A6 Clear Stamp Set by Willow Designs and for added dimension I’ve decoupaged Walter.I’ve coloured with ProMarkers including some of the yummy Limited Edition Summer colours.Here’s a closer view of the layered up Walter :

Yes,I like to colour each layer.You never know who’s gonna tip it up to take a peek!

These gorgeous papers are a freebie from the latest issue of Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine.You even get a set of ribbons to match.You can just see some of the zingy orange one poking thru’ the punched strip.I’ve had this punch so long and I believe this is the first time I’ve used it!!I’ve only used every other hole of the punch and just added small pieces of ribbon behind those.That way I still have a load left for another day!No wastage!!I’ve adhered a wooden butterfly button which I’ve given a coat of acrylic paint to then threaded with some of my fave paper twine.

Now for some exciting news!!

There is a DT Call going on at Willow Sketchie Challenge!You too could be part of a wonderful team and create using the adorable Willow Designs images.For full details on how to apply visit here.

Supplies :

Images : Polly & Walter A6 Clear Stamp Set from Willow Designs 

Colouring mediums : ProMarkers,Acrylic paint (on butterfly button),Impress Jet Black Dye Ink Pad

Papers & Card : Freebie paper from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine,Pink card Bazzill Basics

Tools : X-cut guillotine,Siesta Large and Extra Small Corner Rounder Punches,Decoupage scissors

To embellish : Wooden butterfly button,Paper twine,Freebie ribbon from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine

Some challenges this is for :

Crafty Sentiments : Bright Colours

Deep Ocean Challenge : Welcome Summer

Creative Mondays :  Summer

Forever Friends : Anything Goes

Stamp and Create : Bold and Bright

Corrosive Challenges : Feeling Punchy 

PanPastel UK Challenge : Summertime

Robyn`s Fetish :  Anything Goes

ATCs & Cards With Attitude :  Anything Goes

Crafts and Me : Anything Goes

Paper Shelter Challenge : The Great Outdoors

 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

Countrystyle chic(kens!)

This week at Willow Sketchie Challenge we have  a fabby sketch by Anne-Marie :

Plus the theme of Spots & Stripes.Don’t forget you can choose either the sketch or theme to follow.Or even both!You could be the lucky winner of a voucher to spend at Willow Designs too!Don’t forget to stop by the challenge site and check out my fellow DT’s beautiful creations.A truly inspirational  bunch.

I’ve used a rather sweet image from the Polly Pickleberry CD-rom from Willow Designs and watercoloured it using Whispers Brush Markers.Thes eimages are a joy to colour!The spotty paper is from the CD-rom as well.Keeping with the countrystyle feel I embossed the stripes and roughed all the edges up.To complete the look I added some wooden flower button with paper thread.

Supplies : 

Image & papers : From Polly Pickleberry CD-rom by Willow Designs

Colouring medium : Whispers Brush Markers

Card : White and Kraft from stash

Tools : X-cut guillotine,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Tim Holtz Paper Distresser,Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder,Big Shot

To embellish : Wooden Flower Buttons from eBay,Paper Thread from The Works

Here are some challenges this is for :

Creative Card Crew :  Kraft

Sassy Cheryl’s : Anything Goes

The Stamping Boutique  : Distress

Top Tip Tuesday : Spotty, Dotty 

Make it Monday with Kraft Outlet :  April Showers Bring May Flowers

Tammy Scrapin Corner : Anything Goes (twist Embossing)

The Pink Elephant : Flowers

One Stitch At A Time : Use a Digi

Opus Gluei : Picking up one of your old favorites  – watercolouring with the Brush Markers (hope it’s OK to join you for a 2nd time this week)

Robyn`s Fetish : Anything Goes

The Squirrel & the Fox :  Things with Wings

Allsorts : Colour Bingo (Kraft,Stripes,Yellow)

Catch The Bug : April Anything goes

Crafty Calendar :  Egg-stra Special with optional choice more than one fold  

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle : Things with Wings

Cupcake Craftroom : Bugs n Birds n Wings n Things

Crafty Sentiments :  Spring! Spring Creations Using Pastel Colours

Going Grey With Scrap-Creations : Spring

Critter Sketch : Critters

Cupcake Craft : Spring is in the Air

Scrapbook Sisters : Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp : April Showers Bring Spring Flowers

 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

Forty win(g)ks

It’s Kelly’s turn to host and provide the sketch this week at Willow Sketchie Challenge :

There’s also a recipe to use two different papers.

You could be the lucky winner of a voucher to spend at Willow Designs too!Don’t forget to stop by the challenge site and check out my fellow DT’s beautiful creations.A truly inspirational  bunch.

For my card I’ve used one of the pre-coloured  toppers,which already has a sentiment on it,and two papers from the Polly Pickleberry CD-rom by Willow Designs.To add some extra interest I just had to this wavy corrugated kraft card I found.All corners were rounded,to match the topper as it comes that shape,and the edges distressed.To finish the card I’ve used some lovely gingham ribbon and decorative staples.You are supposed to buy a special stapler to go with them but when I came across them in a bargain bucket I took the chance and just use a pokey tool to make the holes then fold them over at the back with my finger.Love it when a plan comes together!

Supplies :

Image and papers : Polly Pickleberry CD-rom by Willow Designs

Card : Core’dinations Roy G. Biv cardstock pad,Wavy corrugated kraft card

Tools : X-cut guillotine,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Tim Holtz Paper Distresser,Pokey tool for adding staples

To embellish : Gingham ribbon,Creative Expressions Butterfly Craft Stapler 

Some challenges this is for :

Flutterby Wednesdays :  Open – must include butterfly, fairy or angel 

Penny’s Paper-Crafty : Anything goes 

Pixie Cottage : Sketch and/or anything goes

Simon Says Stamp : Anything goes

Partytime Tuesdays : Anything goes

Creative Mondays :  Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge  : Anything Goes

2 Sisters : Anything goes

Poodles Parlour :  Mothers’ Day / Female Card

Polkadoodle :  Summer Fever

 

This is how I’d love to spend my Summer.Except in our house you have to compete with the dog if you want the sunbed :

 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

 

 

Willing and (g)able!

We have a different challenge for everyone at Willow Sketchie Challenge – it’s Anything Goes!A favourite I’m sure.You could be the lucky winner of a voucher to spend at Willow Designs too!Don’t forget to stop by the challenge site and check out my fellow DT’s beautiful creations.A truly inspirational  bunch.

Don’t forget the clear stamp Sale continues.Only £1,such a bargain.

I wanted to try something new this time and found the instructions for this rather cute Gable Box on Splitcoaststampers.The topper image,flower paper and sweet sentiment are all from the Polly Pickleberry CD-rom by Willow Designs.I added a drizzle of Frosted Lace Stickles to the icing on the cake.The paper has been adhered to a strip of card with a punched border and  I punched out the sentiment and allowed it to hang over the edge.The top of the box is held together with some sisal string.Originally the was two ply but I unraveled it because I like the hairy,unkempt look. I threaded the blue paper twine through the bow before tying the button on.

Supplies :

Image,patterned paper and sentiment : From the Polly Pickleberry CD-rom  from Willow Designs

Medium : Frosted Lace Stickles

Card : Kraft and white from my stash,pink card Core’dinations Roy G. Biv cardstock pad 

Tools : Fiskars 30cm  Euro Personal Paper Trimmer,Martha Stewart Score Board,Fiskars Scallop Sentiment Border Punch,Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Woodware 1½” Circle Punch,Woodware 1″ Circle Punch

To embellish : Sisal string,paper twine,Papermania button

Some challenges this is for :

My Time To Craft : Bring On the Cake 

Paper Take Weekly : Get Krafty (Use Kraft)

Sassy Cheryl’s : NO Embossing

Crafty Boots :  “Food Glorious Food”

Kaboodle Doodles : Let`s Get Cooking

Lollipop Crafts : Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge : Use a Die or Punch

One Stitch At A Time : Use a Digi OR No image

Digital Tuesday : Make It Sparkle

Creative Mondays : Anything Goes

Make it Monday with Kraft Outlet :  “Fantastic Finds” (mine are the sisal string and paper twine)

Paper Pretties : Punches/diecuts

Paper Shelter Challenge : Add a sentiment

Penny’s Paper-Crafty :  Anything goes

Pixie Cottage :  Sketch and/or buttons and bows (just buttons and bows)

Sisterhood of Crafters :  Use a digi

 

Thanks for looking

Lisa x

 

 

Take time to smell the roses

There’s a recipe to follow at Craft Your Passion this week.1 Ribbon or Twine,2 Design Papers and 3 Buttons.We’re sponsored by the fab Delicious Doodles and Simon Says Stamp.Head on over to check how to play and win.Don’t forget to take a look at DT and GDT inspiration,they’ve done a wonderful job!

I’ve tried a new fold,well for me!It’s called a Double Dutch Fold and instructions can be found here.My measurements are slightly different as they were ones given to me by a demonstrator at my local craft warehouse.Here’s the card open :

The image I’ve used is the divine Rosalee by Delicious Doodles and she’s been coloured with FlexMarkers.The papers are by K & Co and I thought they’d be perfect for her.I’ve used the rose one inside too :

I printed out the sentiment on my computer.

I looped the ribbon on the front one end to make it look like leaves and pleated it the other.I adhered a kraft card rose,which I colour tinted on the edges using pearlescent paint and added a button to,on top.I glued the other buttons to the bottom flaps to act as handles.

Supplies :

Image : Rosalee by Delicious Doodles

Colouring mediums : FlexMarkers,Pearlescent watercolour paint

Sentiment : Made by me!

Papers & card : DP K & Co,kraft  and pearlised textured card from my stash

Tools : Fiskars Euro Personal Paper Trimmer 30cm (for cutting and scoring),Siesta Large Corner Rounder Punch,Nestabilities Standard Oval and Classic Scallop Oval (both large and small),Marianne Designs Flower Fantasy,Big Shot

To embellish : Grossgrain ribbon and flower buttons from my stash

Some challenges this is for :

One Stitch At A Time :  Anything Goes

Scrappy Frogs : Die Cuts

Allsorts : Free and Easy February

Catch The Bug : Photo Inspiration 

Craft Us Crazy : Anything goes

Little Darlings Challenges : Favorite Embellishments (buttons,ribbon and hand made flowers)

Scrapbook Sisters :  Anything Goes

Paper Take Weekly : Anything Goes

Ribbon Carousel Challenge : Anything Goes (must include spooled item)

Crafters Companion : Anything Goes

Sew Many Cards : Buttons

Thanks for looking

Lisa x