A warm welcome to all my visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to come and look at my blog, I really do appreciate it. I would love you to leave me a comment, even if it’s just to say Hi. It means I can come visit you!

All my designs are original, so copyrighted to me. If I have been inspired by someone elses work, I have named them in the post, and where able, I have provided a link.

Please feel free to use my designs for inspiration, I just ask you to credit me, and provide a link back to my blog.

Thanks, Shaz XX

Wednesday 23 May 2018

WOYWW #468- The 9th Birthday Edition!

 Indeed, a HUGE Happy Birthday to us all, but especially to our amazing leader, Julia, from The Stamping Ground, whose baby this blog hop was, and who has kept it running for so long.
 Looking back on my blog, it looks like my first join up with WOYWW was back in January 2011, which was week number 84! I was doing terrible posts back then, lol, no info on what I'd made, no labels, nothing. (Hangs head in embarrassment). But, as I blogged I learnt, especially from other blogs, so I grew. I only started my blog as Beloved Hubby kept telling me I should- I saw no reason anyone would be interested in what I did, and tbh, looking back at early posts, I would not have blamed them, lol.
 But here we are, in my case 7 years later and still going strong. And we still get new people joining in, which is lovely, and there are a number here who have been visiting for many years, so whether you are an old friend or a new one I'm always happy to visit everyone  pretty much every week.
 So, onwards then. All my ATC's are in the post Tuesday afternoon, apart from my PIF, of course. I've already received 2, which I'm not opening till Wednesday. What else has been happening? I'm not sure if I've already shown you these, the medallions I die cut and layered.


Managed to get them in a patch of sun so you can see the sparkle from the Foil & Glitter.













Visible Image had some new stamps & stencils released last week, so a couple of each fell into my basket.







In one of my planters I have a Goth Petunia!










At Christmas, one thing Doug & I bought each other was a DNA testing kit. Due to me being on antibiotics for weeks, we waited till I was off them to do the test.
 This week we got the results back,Doug posted the results on FB a few days ago, but for those who haven't seen it, you may be interested. Dougs was exactly as he expected- mainly English with about a quarter Welsh-his Dad came from a Welsh family.
 But mine- WOW! was mine a surprise!
I'm a Viking! And given that the Vikings invaded pretty much everyone else on their World Tour, that explains the others as well๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ˜€ So, go me.๐Ÿ˜ˆ  If you need any invading & pillaging, you know who to call. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜



               And finally...............

















33 comments:

Helen said...

well good morning Viking! Happy WOYWW to you - it has been such a great thing that Julia invented! Hope you have a good week. Your medallions look fabulous. Helen #?

Twiglet said...

Good morning my little Viking friend! Happy 9th WOYWW. You may already have received our joint ATC collection - but I will pop and extra one in the post as you are my PIF too. I love the goth petunia! xxx Jo

Lunch Lady Jan said...

You'll have to change your blog name from Silverwolf to Shieldmaiden or something, now you're a Bona Fide Viking :-D I've seen a t shirt with the tour list on, it made me lol! We've said all this before but I'm so happy our paths crossed through woyww, my life is richer for knowing you two xxxx
Hugs and lots of love, LLJ. 2 xxxx

glitterandglue said...

Morning Shaz - you well travelled Viking, you! Happy 9th anniversary. Good to know you both have Welsh within you - it explains the passion (seriously) you have within yourself. Just love the picture of the raven! I think I'd move house.
Great new stamps - that humming bird is lovely.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #9

Sarah Brennan said...

Happy anniversary Shaz. I'm so glad I found this friendly bunch of crafters (not that most crafters aren't). I can quite see how you are a Viking lol. Your ATC will be winging its way 1st class this afternoon. Sarah #14

Julia Dunnit said...

There’s a problem with your Viking heritage...they bred the MEAN out of you. You’re the softest Viking I could imagine!! Happy 9th to you too, one of the bloggers that deserves a WOYWW longevity medal!

Annie said...

Happy 9th Anniversary to you. I'm hoping to pop round to visit everyone this week....depending what work comes through my door of course.
I'm really hoping you manage to invade Llangollen this year so we can meet in realy life. I love your petunia and your funny made me chuckle.....that bird needs locking up!
Here's hoping we can all enjoy many more happy years of fun and friendship.
Hugs,
Annie x #1

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

You're a viking, how cool! I hate to admit it but all my ancestors are German - my grandparents still spoke German within their community - my husband often jokes that we were the baddies and we were on opposite sides in WW2. I love, love, love your mandala flowers! They are simply exquisite! ATC in the post tomorrow! Happy anniversary! xx zsuzsa #8

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Wow, Shaz. Who knew? I got a DNA test at Christmas, but haven't sent it in yet. I know I'm half British, but nothing on my father's side (he died before I was born). You had me laughing at your Viking World Tour.

Love those medallions. They are fabulous. Hate to admit this, but I've been blogging for 13 years, and I still haven't gotten any better at art. Of course, I'm still making art from things I find in other people's trash and recycle bins.

Happy 9th WOYWW Anniversary from an unlucky # 13, since my PIF partner is the only person I can't contact!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the offer, Shaz, but Neet offered to send me Sarah's information when I send my mailing address to her. If I don't hear something soon, I know I have you as Plan B at least.

Heather M said...

Hi Shaz, happy anniversary! First thing I did when I read your post was look back at your #84 post. Short and sweet! There are a few blogs I look at inbetween Wednesdays, and yours is one! Lots to read and learn, so thank you very much for that. You are the first bona fide Viking I know ... woohoo! I might get a DNA kit. It would come back with Welsh as part, as my dad was Welsh, but who knows what else! I love the new stamps and stencils, looking forward to see what you make. My ATCs will be in the post tonight, I can't wait to open mine. Have a lovely week Heather xx #17

Shoshi said...

Your medallions are stunning, Shaz. What are you going to do with them? Yes, it's amazing WOYWW has gone on for so long, and such lovely friendships have been made, haven't they. I joined in July 2011 for No. 111 - goodness, nearly 7 years ago! I haven't managed to participate every week though. Thank you for your visit, and yes, thanks, I'm really doing fine now and feeling better each day. Thanks for all your congratulations on our various celebrations - it's all happening at once, isn't it!

Happy WOYWW and happy 9th anniversary, and I hope you are well.
Shoshi xx

Kim said...

Happy Anniversary (from one Irish/Viking to another!) I'm so glad WOYWW brought us together. I love your medallions, and I can't wait to get my hands on some of the Visible Image stamps.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
-K #31

Diana Taylor said...

Wow, the medallions are fabulous - I just love that sparkle, it's one of the most tricky things to capture by camera I find, so hats off to you, I can really see that shimmer.
What fun, finding out your ancestry - we've been thinking of doing that for a while but not got round to it - it must be great when something exciting turns up like that.
Have a great week and Happy WOYWW anniversary,
Hugs,Diana x #16

Stacy Sheldon said...

I am totally grinning ear to ear that you are a Viking Shaz :) What a fun thing to learn. Is that going to change your costumes when you go to Ren Faires or something? The medallions are gorgeous they look so lacy and detailed. Happy Anniversary! ~Stacy #36

StampinCarol said...

Happy Anniversary! Your medallions are just stunning! My ancestry on my mother's side is Scandinavian, they're from Sweden. My great great great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. I've not had my DNA tested. And I had a big laugh over the bird photo! Have a fabulous week!
Carol N #31

Monica said...

You will have to play the music a from the Valkyries and get yourself a helmet and shield! I always associate a Peter Sellers movie when Ithink of vikings!
Yes it is a long time to have been sharing blogs. It is a remarkable achievement and such a wonderful way for us to communicate, share and care.
Hugs monica #35

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

To answer your question about Oreo's fur Shaz: it does have a reddish tinge in the sunshine, but I haven't noticed any permanent change in the colour. My guess is, he doesn't spend that much time in the sun. He spent all day sleeping in the cupboard LOL and will probably want to go out in the evening. Ambrose has such a cute expression in that photo. I hope Oreo will live to at least 16 like Ambrose did. Another thing I forgot to say when I visited earlier - I read through my first WOYWW post as well from 3.5 year ago and totally cringed LOL! Funny how our perception changes over time - hopefully in a good way! xx

Lindart said...

Wow! How cool to be a Viking! I am one in spirit, I don't know for real though! Happy 9th anniversary! I've been participating for 7 years now, and this is the first time I've made an ATC. Better late than never I guess! Love your medallions, and the Goth Petunia! Have a great week, Lindart #37

Anne said...

Happy WOYWW 9th Anniversary my Viking Friend !!!!( My bestest friend :-) was a Viking - from Denmark) Thank you for popping by. My Water Infection problems seem nothing in comparison to yours Shaz. Thank you for caring about mine.
I love, love, love the medallions. The blackbird picture/ funny made me chuckle. Take care. Anne x #25

Kyla said...

Happy days, I am your pif! ๐Ÿ˜
Presume you don't need my deets, if you do just message me
Kyla

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Hi ya Shaz, Happy 9th.. I finally made it with a few bob left in my purse hee hee!! I do love those mandalas and those new VI stamps look fab, look forward to seeing what you create with them. Blogging is amazing and you are so right that we do learn from each other.
Thank you for your lovely visit earlier..
Hugs Tracey #18

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

A Viking! Well yes I can see that for sure. Love the bird with the knife, what a great photograph. I have to say the Goth Petunia is brilliant too. Happy woyww anniversary my friend. Angela x20x

Robyn said...

happy anniversary to one of my fav friends I have never met. I always enjoy visiting you!
Blessings, Robyn 11

Marit said...

No surprise you are a viking, I always thought so ;) LOVE the mandala's/die cuts, so happy and colourful! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday and happy anniversary to you too! Love from Holland, Marit #27

Neet said...

Just love your bird poster - had to be the first mention in my comment. Also your Goth flower - I am hoping for some Goth tulips next year (to be bought in Amsterdam next time - wanted to buy them this last time but bought some blue and white ones for son's football team and split them with him. Black next time as I have wanted them for so long - deffo!)
Oh you and Visible Images, bet you have the largest collection of folks in the UK. Looking forward to your stamping with them.
Love your medallions and your mention of the DNA test got me thinking. I'd love to do one. Now to look up where to go for one.
So glad you 'invaded' my blog a long time ago. (The Last Kingdom is coming back soon)
Love to you both
Neet xx 12

Shoshi said...

I meant to say yesterday, Shaz, that I was highly amused to read that you are a Viking!!! Great stuff. You really will have to start wearing that helmet with the horns on it. I look forward to photos. I hope you aren't going to start blogging in runes or I shall have to get a primer and mug up on it and I'm a bit busy since feeling better and haven't much time to learn a new language. I know that I am 3/8 Scots but for the rest I'm probably just English... Proud of my Celtic bits though!

Don't wear yourself out with too much pillaging.
Shoshi xx

Kelly said...

Good morning, Shaz. I have you to thank for introducing me to this fabulous group. See, you don't just pillage ;-) Love that Goth Petunia! I had a few Goth Tulips this year. So velvety-looking. Happy Anniversary and Creative Blessings! Kelly #34

Simone said...

Hello Viking Shaz! Nice to meet you! I found you on the crafty blogs website. You have a lovely informative blog and I will spend time going over your techniques and scenic stamping sections. Beautiful work! I had know idea what WOYWW and had to look it up. My desk is covered in a mountain of stuff at the moment as I am in the midst of a craft room tidy up (again!) :)

Dorlene Durham said...

Happy anniversary! Your post made me laugh. Those genealogy tests are really interesting. I haven't done one yet, but probably will soon. Those medallion dies are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week. Dorlene #40

Aimeslee Winans said...

LOLOL - Robbing and pillaging eh? Seems those pirate stamps Doug bought will come in handy for your biz brochures now! haha We still have not sent ours off. Need to do that, no telling what I think about us both isn't true! xoxo

craftyani said...

Happy Anniversary not taking part this year but trying to visit everyone who's posted. Love the medallions so pretty. Love the bird funny or though really it isn't so funny when you think of the knife crimes in the UK. Ani #3

Cardarian said...

Hi Shaz! Sorry for my late response! I was in Slovenia when I posted and then we traveled back the next day so it has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back on track! I am now so I will send you an ATC asap. Thank you so much for your lovely ATC which arrived yesterday!
Love and hugs
CARDARIAN

An End of an era

An end of an era

I write this with a broken heart, that only time can heal My beautiful, wonderful wifelet Shaz (Silverwolf) passed away peacefully in the ea...