Monday 24 August 2015

Some news I've been bursting to share and holiday photos



Good morning Peeps, as requested here are a few photos from the holiday which was great and I have returned feeling much better. I also have some exciting news to share which I have been keeping under wraps for ages..................I have been invited to join the new Guest Design Team at Chocolate Baroque.

I have been a fan of their stamps for many years right back to the days when Glenda used to appear on C&C doing all things inky.................I think it was her that started my inky obsession. Glenda and Adrian have recently moved on and started an exciting new art venture and Lesley who has been part of the company for some time is now the owner and running things. The new team's work will be displayed on the Chocolate Baroque Blog and I am looking forward to the new challenge of creating with their stamps.

My card above is one I created using the lovely Indian Elephants, Indian Textiles and Decorative Edges stamp sets, along with Dylusions, bleaching, gold foiling plus a bit of colouring using the same Dylusions.

And here are a few of the holiday photos...................

Montenegro - one of the pretty lakeside villages

St Marco Venice taken from our balcony on the ship as we sailed down the Grand Canal

Bridge of Sighs Venice taken from a gondola

Il Colossoe Rome, always so atmospheric

Trevi Fountain Rome

Dubrovnik Croatia - one of the pretty side streets in the old town

Dubrovnik Old Town taken from the cable car

Pompeii steeped in history

Pisa - I didn't take this one, it's actually a postcard

And a few of the ship.............

The main atrium which stretches upwards for eight decks - not sure what the balloons were for

The Solarium pool, one of three on the ship

The main dining room which covers three levels

Have a good week all.

71 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

Fabulous photos, gorgeous card and brilliant news, congrats.xxx Oh and a gorgeous card.xx
 {The Journey Is The Start  aNNie  my personal blog}

Kath said...

Fab holiday photos and congratulations on your design team appointment.
Kath x

Shylaashree said...

Welcome back dear brenda. happy news to hear about your GDT in CB. Well deserved. a lovely stamp set depicting our country. beautiful card. Congrats once again

Kelly Lloyd said...

Congratulations on your new DT Brenda
And what wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing
Hugs Kelly

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

That's absolutely wonderful news Brenda and so well deserved. Your cards are fabulous and I couldn't think of anyone better for the job so many, many congratulations. Thank you for sharing your holiday photographs with us, they're wonderful. Take care and have a lovely day x

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

That's absolutely wonderful news Brenda and so well deserved. Your cards are fabulous and I couldn't think of anyone better for the job so many, many congratulations. Thank you for sharing your holiday photographs with us, they're wonderful. Take care and have a lovely day x

AnyOldCraft said...

Yay Brenda good for you honey congratulations on your new DT spot.
Your holiday photos are spectacular and that ship looks amazing lucky old you.
Your card is beautiful and I love the colours :)

Dr Sonia S V said...

A Big Congrats Brenda and such gorgeous holiday snaps
Cheers
Dr Sonia
Cards Crafts Kids Projects

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

What wonderful news Brenda and so very well deserved. I can't think of anyone better for the job as your cards are fabulous and you work so hard in blog land, so many congratulations. Thank you for sharing your holiday photographs with us all, no need to ask if you enjoyed it. They've definitely brightened up my Monday morning! Take care and have a lovely day. Forgive me if my message has been duplicated as my phone is playing up this morning x

KandA said...

Congratulations on your well deserved DT spot Brenda.
Love the fabulous holiday photos and that ship is amazing, so glad to hear you had a good relaxing holiday xx

Glennis F said...

How lovely to have you back again, and congratulations on your new role. Your ship looks amazing - we are looking forward to a cruise at the end of the month, through the Panama Canal and up to New York

Marianne said...

I'm so happy your holidays were relaxing and you are feeling much better now. Congrats on your new GDT spot. Judging from your card, I'm not surprised they asked you. This seems to be right up your alley. Love the warm colours.
Marianne x

rachel said...

congratulations brenda - so well done on making the design team - thats brilliant news - I adore CB and look forward to seeing your inspiration. Gorgeous holida shots - the boat looks amazing - never seen a cruise liner from the inside - wow! Hugs rachel x

Unknown said...

Congrats Brebda that's fab!! And what a wonderful card you made!!
Oh your hol pics are beautiful!! What wonderful places you visited
Hope you're well
Lucy x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow Brenda, your card is stunning with this indian look!! Fab background!
Congrats for your GD!!
I have looked all your photos, you have made a fabulous travel on this luxurious ship!! How many beautiful place of Italy you have seen!! I looked also to the photo of the street in the Croazia's old town: it's very similar to some place in many Italy's village, I don't knew it.
I hope you now feel well and have had a good chilling!
Hugs

jackiescrafts said...

Congratulations on your GDT position, I too am a lover of CB.
Your holiday photos are gorgeous, I'm glad you had a lovely time and have returned feeling better
Jackie x

Di said...

First of all - such a gloriously rich card Brenda! It totally epitomises the vibrancy of India, Love the bow too .

And great news about Chocolate Baroque's GD work too, you'll be in your element. I can't think why I was sure they had closed down - I just spent ages looking through all the lovely goodies over there :)

Love the holiday piccies, a few are of my fave places and the others are on my wish list! Next time I'll make sure am available to carry your bags :) So good to read that the holiday has helped you to feel a lot better. Nothing like a change of scenery, plenty of pampering and sunshine!

Hugs

Di xx

Sharon said...

Such a beautiful card Brenda. Love the image and the colours are stunning.
Your holiday photos are fabulous and so pleased the holiday has done you good.

Thank you for your lovely comments on my latest post Brenda. The fabulous surgeon (think I am slightly in love with him, lol) has his own practice but the work he does for St James hospital is for the NHS. There is certainly a lack of proper care in hospitals. Chris Young was quite taken aback that they had never done a stress test for Russ and told to him never over exert himself.
Enjoy the rest of your week..
Hugs Sharon. x

Robin said...

Your card is stunning! Congrats on the new GDT position...I'm not familiar with this company but I will be checking it out. Your photos are amazing! Looks like you had a great time. The ship looks wonderful. I plan a cruise to see the whale migration one day. Hopefully not too long from now. Hugs, Robin

Rainey's Craft Room said...

Congratulations on your new and well deserved DT post Brenda, how fabulous to be getting to use their lovely products. Your card today is very luxuriously coloured and designed.
Your holiday photo's look fabulous and I'm glad you had a great time and was able to relax and recharge your batteries - hope you are feeling much better than before you left?
take care,
Lorraine

Fikreta said...

your card is very pretty
Oh I love your photos
Im from Croatia and I never had opportunity to go in Dubrovnik.
Can you imagine that? But I will go one day.
have a nice day
hugs

Stamping Bubbles said...

Hello Brenda
Congratulations on your new DT appointment. I look forward to seeing your DT projects.
So pleased to hear you had a fabulous holiday, your photos are amazing and the ship looks very impressive.
Take care
Lesley

Jane said...

Well done Brenda what an asset you will be to the team. I loved seeing you holiday photos...many favourite places on mine. And the ship....wow!! x

Claire said...

Beautiful card and lovely pics Brenda. Great to see you're beautiful work showcasing CB stamps too
Claire xx

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wow, I love looking at your vacation photos! What a fantastic trip you had, and you saw so many beautiful locations! No wonder you came back feeling better! So glad to hear it! Congratulations on your exciting news - I'm not familiar with that company so I look forward to seeing your designs! I know you will "wow" us with them! Your card today is gorgeous and I just love the hot colours you used!

SYLVIA-ANNE said...

Your card is fabulous, as always Brenda. Huge Congrats on your Chocolate Baroque news - you will be a great asset to the DT. Love the holiday pics too!
Sylvia xx

ALI said...

Great Card Brenda....glad your having fab time.

ionabunny said...

Lovely card. Congrats on your GDT. Love your holiday photos. It looks dreamy. Hugz

walchowDesign said...

WOOHOO! Congrats on your DT appointment and looking forward to seeing more of your creations, Brenda! Lovely warm card. Beautiful pictures and it seems like we have been to the same places - mine was 3 years ago.

Marianne said...

Great photo's from your holiday. So nice to hear you are feeling better now and congrats with the new "job". Hugs,
Marianne

Mervi said...

Congrats B, beautiful card and fab photos, dreamy holiday;-))m

Lau W said...

Wow Brenda, so nice shots ! Superb holidays !
Congrats on your DT place !
Love your card, warm colors !
xxx

Babs said...

Beautiful photos Brenda, and that ship looks amazing, you wouldn't think something that big could float thank you for sharing your photos....Congratulation on your new DT member hope all turns out good for you..
Gorgeous card too...x

Sarah said...

Fantastic news Brenda and fantastic photographs...whatever did you come back for!!? So glad to hear that you are feeling better and I look forward to seeing your Choclatey creations!! xx

Jacee said...

Brenda, so glad you are back and feeling better in yourself, that is good news, your photos are lovely, thanks for showing us those, and your card, I love the rich colours and that lovely bow, big congrats too on the DT post, happy days!
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

mags said...

Wow Brenda. Amazing ship and looks like you had a fab time. Congrats on the new DT position. Look forward to seeing your lovely creations.
Mags
x

Helen said...

congratulations! look forward to seeing your new work. The photos are fantastic, glad you had such a good time. just settling down to the match. come on boys!!

Ellibelle said...

Your card is gorgeous! Congratulations on your Guest DT spot!
LOVE your vacation photos! Seeing them makes me miss Europe so much!! So many places I wanted to visit, now they are too far away! The ship looks huge! I have never been on a cruise before, must be so much fun! I posted a few of my vacation photos in this post http://livelaughstamp.blogspot.com/2015/08/its-been-while.html if you'd like to see.

Sue said...

Congrats on your GDT place Brenda, I am really pleased for you.
Your card is stunning, I love the image and wonderful colours.
Such beautiful photos, thank you for sharing.
Sue xx

Kathleen said...

Gorgeous card, love the colours.
Fabulous photo's, wish I was there now.
Huge congratulations on the DT, well deserved.

Kath x

Donna Ellis said...

The BEST news is that you are feeling better, Brenda! Thanks for sharing your holiday photos and fabulous news about CB! Your card is gorgeous! XO

Berina RGA said...

Congratulations Brenda!! Beautiful card!! The photos are awesome!!

Shirley said...

Huge congrats Brenda what a fabulous addition you will make to the DT. After seeing your fabulous card I can't wait to see all that you come up with on the design team.

Holiday snaps are amazing and the ship must have been huge. Sooooo jealous.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Craftdee said...

Congrats on the DT position... they're lucky to have you :-)) Glad your cruise holiday has left you feeling better, you sure are due for some of that. Lovely card, as always, Donna xx

hellerlittle said...

it looks like you've had a great European vacation. Saw many wonderful places. the time spent on a huge beautiful ship --- around a successful time. I am pleased that the journey did you well and you feel better
Huge congratulations on the DT, well deserved.
CU hellerlittle

Jackie said...

Congratulations on your new DT post Brenda...hugs
Wonderful card.
Stunning photographs, what a wonderful holiday that must have been. How could anyone fail to be uplifted at such amazing places :o)
jackie xx

Linby said...

Congrats on Your new DT role. Lovely photos, glad you've had a good time and a rest.
Lynn x

Craftyfield said...

Going by the photos it's been a fabulous holiday! Congrats on your new DT position, I'm excited for you and can't wait to see your use of Chocolate Baroque stamps.
xx

debby4000 said...

What fabulous photos and congrats on your DT place.
luv
Debby

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Brenda ! Fantastic news, glad that you will be on the GDT for CB, looking forward to seeing your designs :) Your card above is gorgeous and so are your holiday photos. Looks like a wonderful vacation. Take good care, Shirley xx

Gerrina said...

Congrats on your Guest Designteamship! Great to be in the same team after all!!
Your card looks so sunny; it is a beauty!
And the pics are great; you have se en a lot! Glad you enjoyed the hols!
Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Many congrats Brenda and very well deserved....thank you for sharing you lovely holiday photos with us

Anne

Carole Pollard said...

Well done on your DT post and a stunning card It is just superb. Looks like a wonderful holiday some beautiful photos of amazing places you will have some lovely memories. Just found your blog and I am your newest follower Love and hugs Carole x

Nannieflash said...

Morning Brenda, oh wow lots of beautiful photos, I would love a fabulous holiday there to, your card is just stunning I love the effect in the background. And congratulations on being chosen for the new DT you are very qualified to work with their stunning stamps. I hope you are keeping fit and well. love Shirleyxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

gorgeous card and lovely photos and postcard! looks like they're straight out of a travel brochure and sounds like a fabulous trip. glad you had a well deserved rest. congratulations on your new guest DT spot!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Oooh B. How wonderful the new on GDT, I love their stamps but not easy to get here like a lot of things.
So VERY glad your holiday agreed with you immensely and you are feeling a little better, nothing like a break away...amazing shots. Struggle to believe amenities that hug float on a ship on the ocean!!! God bless and keep you dear dear friend,
Shaz in Oz.x

susiestacey said...

Where do l start ??? congrats on the guest DT spot Brenda you will be a real asset to them with all your inkyness, Your card is stunning and love the warm exotic colours.
Fantastic pictures looks like you had so amazing weather as well as stunning destinations, great pics of the ship too. x Susan x

nnalorac said...

Congrats on your GDT Brenda, such a lovely card for it, love the colours. Holiday pics look like a great place to visit and pleased for you it's given you a boost. Carol xx

Judith said...

What wonderful DT news Brenda - it's always extra special when one of your absolute favourites asks you to join them - you must be delighted. and what fabulous clear photographs - your photography talents clearly exceed anything I can do! I've been to sevral of those places- Pompeii just earlier this year - really impressive, but aren't they all! - your 'accommodation looks fabulous! hugs Judith x

ps almost forgot - love the card - wonderfulcolours x

McCrafty's Cards said...

I am so late getting here Brenda to congratulate you on the new GDT spot they are lucky to have you, your card is beautiful and the pictures look wonderful I am pleased you are feeling better after your holiday
Kevin xx

McCrafty's Cards said...

I am so late getting here Brenda to congratulate you on the new GDT spot they are lucky to have you, your card is beautiful and the pictures look wonderful I am pleased you are feeling better after your holiday
Kevin xx

Karen Petitt said...

Oooo!!! Wonderful news Brenda, I love there stamps and have a few old sets plus one new and one current! You trip looked awesome too, I hope it did you so much good and you are much better now. Love, love, love this! Thank you for adding the Candy for me too huni - I really appreciate it Karen x

MaryH said...

Congratulations on your new assignment, and they made a fantastic choice to select you. I love CB stamps, although I don't have many. The one you've done is just so lovely & very interesting with all the colors, textures, and wonderful techniques. Very stunning. Also enjoyed the gorgeous photos...what intriguing places you got to visit, and I'm so glad you felt well enough to enjoy your trip. Hope all the health issues are in the past, and you are on the way to feeling tip-top again. I'm doing catchup tonight, as I've been scrambling since we were away. Just can't seem to get back in the groove. TFS & Hugs.

Crafting Queen said...

Congratulations on your new DT. So glad you are feeling better and love the photos.

Paper Profusion said...

Welcome back, so glad you are feeling recharged. Congrats on your new design team - they are lucky to have you. Thanks for sharing your (v nice) photos. You sure packed in some tremendous sights. Did someone not tell you the balloons were to celebrate your being on board?!!! Nicola x

ALI said...

Lovely card, congrats for the design team. Your holiday looked fabulous, hope you found time to relax. I hae been trying to get hubby on a cruise for years but he's not keen...will keep trying though...lol

coldwaters2 said...

WOW congratulations on the new DT spot Brenda and I love the fabulous Eastern delight colours and images on your card the holiday pictures are fantastic glad you had a lovely holiday
hugs
Lorraine x

Joan said...

Congratulations Brenda, lovely card and beautiful holiday photos

Joan x

Michelle J M said...

I have so enjoyed looking through your holiday photos, what a time you must have had! Love your card, those spicy colours are wonderful. Michelle x

Tracy said...

OMG I'm hiding in your suitcase next year, everywhere looks so beautiful and interesting. It must have been a really fabulous holiday.
Gorgeous creation and congratulations on your new position, I know how you love their stamps, they will be so lucky to have you.
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Mrs.B said...

A belated congrats on the DT news Brenda. Looking forward to seeing lots of stunning creations with their gorgeous stamps.
Holiday pics look wonderful, looks like you had a fabulous time.
Avril xx