Esellek's Playground

Sleepover!

2012-02-18T20:27:00.000Z

I'm amazed that I am actually still awake! I spent Friday night at The Dragon Hall in Norwich on a Brownie/Guide sleepover. Genny was the only Guide from my unit who was able to go so we joined the Sheringham and Suffield Park Guides. It was a super event, we arrived in the afternoon and after the H&S brief Queen Elizabeth I paid a visit, lots of curtsies! Then before the festivities began, everyone had hot dogs downstairs.

First stop for us was meeting Queenie up close and she gave us an insight into her clothing, gradually taking everything off down to the shift. Of course, back in those days Queenie would have been knickerless but our Queenie assured us that she was properly dressed! The girls had a chance to see the clothing up close and also to try some on. They also got other snippets of the life in Queenie's time and she even had bad teeth (not real ones but they looked 'good'!)

Then it was upstairs for some dancing, Elizabethan style. The girls joined in with a few dances, while they were dancing around the room I took a snap of the view across the water.

Next stop, making sweeties - making marzipan shaped sweets and then colouring with edible gold. Once that session was over, back downstairs where the order of the evening was making ruffs. Craft heaven for some! Lots of glue and bling. A face mask was also made, not sure where that is in the pile of things that came home!

Getting towards the end of the evening, around 11:30pm and it was time for hot chocolate and marshmallows then it would be off to hear the yarnsmiths and their tales. Oh and had to find the dragon.

All in all, a good time was had. Despite getting not a lot of sleep, some of the girls were still having chatterbox issues at 2.30am, although they did good considering some of the noise that was coming from where some other Guides were sleeping! Was awake at 6.30-7am! The girls mind you, they had trouble getting out of their sleeping bags at 8am where bacon rolls were on the menu for breakfast.

I did have an afternoon nap, still awake at 8.30pm but then I am making a list for the Stampin' Up! order that is nearly ready to go in, just got a couple of customers sending a cheque which didn't arrive today. I fear that I may need a bigger basket for the punches although I have my eye on some of the Sizzix dies, sigh, too much choice! I've been asked if I can do a ribbon club, so I need to sort that out but couldn't get my brain into gear today.

Finally, I have made a start on my first TMA for my Open University course - I've got two paragraphs now, whoo hoo!

Playtime

2012-02-10T21:39:00.000Z

It's been a funny old week, I have had a headache for most of it, following on from a headcold last week (which lasted a day, get that!). A full heavy metal band was playing on Tuesday, it was so bad that I had to come home from work, it's still lurking but now more of a string quartet that has loud parts now and then, guess it is something to do with the sinuses playing up a bit and hopefully, it will all tootle off into oblivion over the next couple of days.

My planned playtime with paper and glue didn't quite come off during the week and it's taken me a couple of days to get anywhere. I'm playing with some designer paper and stamps. Me and MIL have a craft fair in a few weeks (which will no doubt come upon us really quickly) and, even though I have a heap of cards, you can never have too many. I thought I'd make some simple birthday cards, using some of the green papers from the paper stack and the cupcake stamp from the easy events set. I've stamped lots of cupcakes and will get those coloured in when the light is better, ie in the morning as it's gone 9pm.

I really like the I {heart} hearts set, just need to mount up and will, all being well in the household tomorrow, get to play with them. I've already chosen the paper! I've also got a shopping list going for my next SU order, the top note die is included, I have also been drooling over the fabric, not sure why really as I don't sew!

I don't think I will be venturing outside tomorrow apart from checking on the chickens, it's minus 6 out there tonight. Brian took Genny and Ben down to the end of term school disco and the brakes were freezing up on the way home.

I've also made a start on my first TMA for my Open University course. A thousand words required: "To what extent is modern-day English the same language as that introduced to the British Isles one and a half millennia ago?" The start being that I am on chapter 2 of the text book!! I know it's only the beginning and there are a few months left, but so far so good and enjoying it - hope that the pleasure continues and I'm not cursing and wondering why I started this when I am at TMA6.

Snowtime

2012-02-05T10:24:00.001Z

It's here, February and we have snow. I don't mind the stuff, I just don't like going out in it using anything other than foot power!

Brian went out in it first this morning to open up the egglu so the girls could come out and play, not that they were that impressed with what they saw.

I've been out to see them, checked for the daily delivery and one of the orpingtons had actually laid an egg in the egglu (big clap for her, this is a first!)

One of the bluebelles had a wander whilst I was in the polytunnel to the area where they lay eggs by the bikes. But it seemed she didn't want to do her job whilst she was being overseen so I wandered back indoors, which means me having to wait for breakfast, I need two eggs for my pancakes (carb free I may add).

Egg check number two and success, another egg so I'll be indulging in breakfast. Took some pictures of the girls, this is the first time the new girls have seen snow. I guess if I was a chicken I would be wishing for some wellies, they were not impressed with cold white stuff around their feet.

MC & Clover

Coralie

Belle

Clover and MC with Sheila

Speckles

Speckles was not sure whether she wanted to come out and play or stay indoors!

Plans for the day include moping around, got a headcold, in between finishing off colouring in some digi images, then I will, all being well, get them really finished and turned into cards that I can take to a craft fair in a few weeks. I must also get my head down into my Open University course books, although with the way the head is feeling, what I read may not go into the appropriate brain cells.

Getting ready....

2012-02-04T11:02:00.000Z

It's a bit nippy outside, been out to check on the chickens (two eggs), check their water and their pellets and will go out again later with their treats, we want them to lay eggs in the morning not scoff kitchen treats!! The new girls are settling in, one of the bluebelles is asserting her authority on one of the cuckoo marans but Speckles is giving some back now, good for her! We're getting an egg from the bluebelles and the orpingtons are laying, they are smaller eggs at the moment as they are only pullets at the moment. Just waiting on the marans as they lay a nice chocolate coloured egg.

The change in our eating habits is going well. So far I have said goodbye to 8lbs of weight that I never want to see again. My trousers are loose and I may well find myself wearing a pair of size 12s, depending on the cut as I have hips! According to my measurements (!), I have lost 2 inches off my waist since we started at the beginning of January. As we are not eating bread, pasta etc (starchy/high carb) products, I have got some flex flaxseed to play with - I have a recipe for a muffin in a mug and flex flaxseed is carb free = result.

The UPS delivery is on it's way with my Stampin' Up! supplies, yay. I've had an enquiry for a workshop already, yay again. If you haven't yet looked at the mini catalogue, you should! SU have a jewellery line called Simply Adorned. This new product line has some great new products, chains, baubles and charms - you can wear them as well as use them in craft projects. On thing to remember though, these are in the mini catalogue so we don't know if they are going to end up in the main catalogue.

For those that like bling we have chains in the form of a neckchain and bracelet.

To add to the chains, we have baubles. These have lobster clasps, perfect to add to your chain and why not add them both to a project to create a lovely gift. The baubles come in four designs, three crystal and one pearl.

Finally, charms, these have tempered glass on the front and back along with a lobster clasp. With a locket style charm hinge you can insert art and photos to make them personalised.

And there is more, trinket crowns and trinket keys. These come with jump rings and the lobster clips. There are three crowns in a pack and the keys come in a pack of 4.

So you don't have to move far and go looking for the mini catalogue, just click here to be redirected. Enjoy.

Finished it!

2012-02-01T22:23:00.000Z

I've finished it, the book that I started back in November is now finished. Spent some of the day doing it and have used the photos that I took from when my aunt, uncle and cousin visited from Canada last April!!

It's made using a 7gypsies journal and I made a start when I went to A Trip Down Memory Lane's retreat in November, so not too bad, just under three months to get it finished eh!

When my family came visiting they had just a short time here in Norfolk so we crammed in a trip to Norwich on one day. Took them to the cathedral and shopping. Day 2, I took them into Cromer, so we went to the pier and right to the end so they could get a look at a lifeboat. A jaunt around the town and then into Mary Jane's for some good old English fish and chips. On the way back home, we stopped in Aylsham at Blickling Hall - much of the album is of the Hall.

The pages can be split and when you do that you can open them up - and get more photos in!

All in all, it was fun putting it together and I had to open up some of the pages to get all the photos in :)

Stampin' Up

2012-01-29T14:38:00.001Z

Stampin' Up is coming back! Now that the household is more settled, some will know what I mean, I feel it is time to relight my SU fire! Having had the new catalogues and seen where SU has been going these past few months in terms of existing and a wider range of new products, there is something for everyone (and me!). I love the new colours, find myself keep going back to the punches page (116) and can't wait to get my hands on the kit. Needless to say, if you need anything, let me know. I'm going to be adding some pages so keep an eye on the blog :) The first one is here, which includes the current catalogues and it is also sale-a-bration time.

As for the mojo that has gone walkies, SU coming back should get me back on track and as we have moved the downstairs around, I have had a declutter and can actually see my craft desk, I now just have to swivel my chair and I am there. I have a book from the ATDML retreat in November looking at me that I can finally finish!

Morgan brought home his Autumn term certificates, his school gives commendations to recognise their behaviour and work. Morgan missed a lot of school before he started Eaton Hall last January. If he didn't get a place at EH we didn't know what would happen to him or even where he would end up, both short term and long term. Needless to say, I feel proud to show off one of his commendations. We did not think that he would ever get something like this, not in terms of his abilities to do well, but in terms of being in the environment that would allow him to do so. So, here's to Morgan.

Going on a bear hunt...

2012-01-18T19:43:00.000Z

..in my case think it is a case of going on a mojo hunt. Actually, wondering with all this decluttering going on of the craft stuff, whether I should just bundle it all up and sell it off as a big job lot. But then, you know, I'd get an attack of the mojo and where would I be, without "stuff"! So, just in case I do a big sell off and then live to regret it, I will stay with the go though what I have got often, make use of the free listing days on eBay if I can't bear the thought of selling a load of stuff for 99p, or if there is stuff that I just don't want to see anymore, on it goes for the 99p start. Is this a compromise?! On that note though, I think it will soon be time to do a trawl of the rubber stamps and if I haven't used them in, well, yonks, then it must be time for them to find a new home. The circle of life.

I've also gone through some of the books that lurk in various places, this is where Greenmetropolis comes in handy. Got some books gathering dust, they may not sell straight away but it is nice when they do and again, you can send them off to be loved by someone else (and, shhhhh, accumulate some pennies so you can go buy more).

Our new year, new way of eating, for me and Brian is going well. We are both nearly at the half stone mark in terms of what has been gotten rid of so far (and never to darken our door again). Thankfully, this week, carrots were reintroduced. Boy, I know some people may miss chocolate and all that when they start a new healthy eating regime, but mine has been carrots. Seeing how they are a high carb veg, seems that most of the root veggies are, we had to have a two week period of not going near one. It's also got me looking at food labels, looking at the low fat versions of food it is interesting to see how much sugar they contain compared to the 'high' vat versions. As we are looking at the carb content, the 'high' fat versions of some foods (have to say some as we haven't, of course, done a major study on food labels!) are surprisingly lower than the low fat. We are also knocking back the water, to the point of I am counting it as a form of exercise going on how frequent the visits to the loo are!!! Kinda like have a glass of water and then 10 minutes later have to go for a walk ;) I guess you can say that I am being 'flushed' {sorry}.

Guides... I'm still not really happy that I am the only leader, but am really thankful that I have Katy. Still, it would be nice to have another leader's head to bounce ideas to and fro'. I guess it is the planning bit that I don't really like, trying to keep the 'plan' and keep the girls in the way of Guiding. Anyhoooo, this first part of the term they have planned to do the Wizard of Oz challenge, they have planned it, there is a lot to do, with an interest badge thrown in as well, on the basis that ok so the badge is a challenge badge but just in the terms of they have to complete a certain amount of tasks whereas the interest badge element is for them to extend and challenge themselves. There are three in the challenge and Genny has chosen to undertake the independent living badge. We have a sleepover planned (only 3 girls able to go) and I have booked us to visit our London HQ in July. So, some exciting things to come.

And now, just got my Open University mailing telling me who my tutor is. Eeeek, better start looking through my pile of OU books and things that arrived before Christmas. So U214 Worlds of English here I come. In fact, as the DVDs are sitting here staring at me so there is no excuse to make a start... is there?!

Finally, just want to send some fairy dust to my budettes, Annette & Soo for Steph. From all accounts, she needs some right now.

Operation declutter 2012

2012-01-08T17:51:00.000Z

First happy new year, although a bit late but the wish is there :)

We are decluttering in 2012. Initial stage of decluttering is to declutter our bodies. We (me and Brian) are on operation reduce the BMI. As I had success on Slimming World and we have both had success on Atkins (many moons ago) we are doing a combination of Slimming World original (red) combined with Atkins ie reducing our carbs. I must say that having started last Monday, this week I have felt an improvement in the body in terms of not feeling bloated and also not feeling as hungry between meals. We have been eating meat and fresh veg (that you can have on the initial induction week with Atkins). Don't feel at all deprived, as in not missing bread, potatoes etc. Knocking back the water and not had any real effects of cutting the carbs apart from a headache for a couple of days, not had one since. We stand on the scales tomorrow morning, but I know that I have lost some pounds, I can get my jeans on and off without having to undo them {result}.

This evening I got the Zumba 2 out of the box, then had to have a go, spur of the moment thing, love it, Genny joined in and we did a full class/short class. But, it is not good doing it in jeans, had to go peel them off afterwards so the spur of the moment should have had the brain telling me to go change into my zumba wear. On that note, classes start back on Tuesday (I think), can't wait to get back, who thought that getting some exercise was so much fun.

Guides are back on Thursday, will see what the girls have on their idea list as I am stuck for them at the moment, Guide mojo gone walkies! There are two things on the agenda though, we have our world thinking day event (in February), the district event is being based on the olympics so we are the Philippines and have a 10 minute activity to plan - I was thinking of perhaps making something using sea shells (got to source them to do it) but will see what the girls can come up with. I've also booked a visit to London HQ at ICANDO in July - a badge event, a long day, but should be fun.

I've gone though the craft piles, sorted out books and stuff. Waited for eBay to have one of their free weekends and this happened this weekend so I as part of operation declutter, I have got several things that I hope will go off to a new home at the end of next week. I even managed to get some paper packs listed - I've had several attempts but they always went back in the drawer, but I am being kinda ruthless - there are some things that I'm not ready to part with just yet :)

As to making stuff, nada nada. Just a mess on my craft table sorting out the abundance of prima flowers which are now in one tub and, well, not exactly sure but it is a mess and I haven't even made something, unless you call making a mess a form of art :)

Ciao 2011

2011-12-31T21:35:00.000Z

We are seeing 2011 out with the acquisition of some more girls (aka chickens). Popped out today to Roughton and the intention was to get some Marans and Light Sussex. We came home with two Cuckoo Marans and two Orpingtons! They are in the 'old' coup settling in and we will introduce the older girlies to them over the next few days.

The two cuckoo marans. One is Morgan's - the red head - and he has given her the name of Speckles and mine is Sheila.

And the two orpingtons, MC has been claimed by Ben and Genny has called her girl Clover. You can tell which one is Clover if you see her, she has a toe less on one foot. They are very fluffy and are now tucked up in their new home.

There was some clucking from ours and peering through the chicken run fence at the new girls but I think that they will be fine now they have had a good look at each other. We'll see how they get on tomorrow!

Just a few hours left and we are into 2012. Who knows what it will bring but we have a list of things to do!

Decluttering the house
Destashing - although I have made a start with getting things onto eBay
I have an Open University course that starts Feb - looking forward to it.
Reducing our BMIs... losing a few pounds (about 24 of them for me).
Work on The Scraporium
Enjoy life!

I hope you realise some, if not all, of your dreams for 2012.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars

Nearing the end...

2011-12-30T12:37:00.000Z

..of 2011. And so I have taken down the tree and decorations and we are sliding back to normality - I've got Mr Sheen out and we are getting rid of some dust bunnies together. I managed to move one of the dressers (thankfully we have wooden floors which makes this easier than trying to move stuff on a carpet) and got the cobwebbie things out of the way, although I think it was a case of accumulated dust bunnies rather than cobwebs - there were no 8 legged things hiding behind it!

We're getting our bedroom organised, with the influx of RAF kit, one wardrobe is now not enough so Brian can have his and I will have mine (the new one!), also a new set of drawers for the boys room, they have a wardrobe but it is really a waste of space seeing what is hanging up will quite easily fit into a set of drawers. Also got another little set of drawers, to go under the stairs, this is for my Guide paperwork (didn't realise the "job" came with so much) and for Brian's Air Cadet papers, as at the moment, it is in various parts of the house.

Then we have the craft de-stash. I have sorted through my Sizzix dies and some of these are now in the land of eBay, I've been going through the books as well and have a few of these, put a couple on Amazon and now waiting for a free listing day which is usually around this time after Christmas. I can't yet part with my Chatterbox books, they have gone back on the shelf (as have a couple of other books that aren't going anywhere just yet!).

On the car front, the other side have settled although the poor Lancia came off the worse for wear and so Brian has gone to collect our belongings and William (you have to give your car a name) has gone off to be scrapped. The damage caused by the other driver was too much for repair, not helped by the fact that the Lancia is no longer made. We have got a replacement (thanks to my mum) and have got a 7-seater Zafira. I drove it home after depositing the hire car back to the hire car company and it is a really nice drive, very comfy seats which I need otherwise my back will go off on one. So a thanks to Wootton Motor Company for having one available. We've call the car Pezer (Pizza!), I told you you had to give your car a name :)

Now my coffee break is over, time to get back to getting rid of the remaining dust bunnies and make a start on my 'it is tidy really' craft space. If I can get the craft books rehomed I will have a space that I can refill :) you have to look on the bright side of things.

Afters!

2011-12-26T15:43:00.000Z

We had roast gammon yesterday for Christmas dinner with these green beauties, nothing like a fresh sprout or two, and some yorkshire puddings, freshly made with fresh eggs from the chooks, or rather chook as, despite having four chickens, they are being a bit lax on the laying of eggs, the browns seem to have gone on strike and so the bluebelles are taking it in turns.

We had a late tea, gammon and/or roast pork sandwiches, followed by the Christmas pudding, and then it was time for Dr Who and as there was nowt on after the Dr that we wanted to watch, we cracked open the latest Transformers DVD which those of us that watched it totally enjoyed- not the same without Megan but at least my fave was still in it (Josh!). Caught the end of Michael McIntyre and then watched him (creasing up several times) until staggering up to bed (not full of alcohol just knackered) to fall into zzzzzzz land.

And here are the munchkins with some of their wares, not sure what Ben is holding up I think it is a Ben10 thing and Genny is now quite adept at using her curling tongs.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the season, come tomorrow we embark on a car hunt (thanks to my mum for the super, gratefully received, love you forever help with this) to replace William. May you have a super 2012.

I'll get back to my Tanquery, liquid seems to digest better than solids at the moment and doesn't need to use cutlery ;)

Sunday, Sunday..

2011-12-18T15:43:00.000Z

Panto day today - all being well with the weather - and a thank you to Allison who has kindly offered to act as a personal taxi service back and forth to the Panto at Sheringham tonight for Dick Whittington and his cat. Genny has been ready since I got up asking how long it was before we went!

We had a flurry of white stuff, aka snow, this morning at one point it looked like it was going to stay but at this moment in time there is zilch.

I was just going to pop out and check on the chooks to see if they had headed off to bed, saw the sky and thought, gosh, got to get a picture of that! It is very pretty but also has that air of foreboding but whatever is contained in those clouds can float away somewhere else, or at least until after 8.30pm when we should all be firmly back indoors.

As to the car, the hire car place never phoned back yesterday and when I tried to call them there were shut, so, no car to get to work first thing on Monday morning. But, first thing Monday morning a telephone call will be made! Today though, the 'other side' called, their aim to make things better! Not sure what that means unless a new car turns up on the doorstep!

And, I am making something, on the way to making my first stepper card!

Crunch...

2011-12-17T18:19:00.000Z

This isn't much of a creative post, in that I haven't made anything to show you as yet - got a tag happening but today has been an out of sorts one.

Last night had a great catch up with Allison and Nick, both super peeps and very busy and if you love rock photography I am going to blatantly pimp Nick! I fear that the hazelnut chocolate wafers that came with them are no more ;)

Today is out of sorts as our Lancia Dedra has been smashed in the front. Brian was off on his way to Swaffham when he slowed down due to the road conditions but got smacked in the front and so the car is now at recovery to be taken off to a garage. Repairable, we think not!!! Brian came out ok, albeit with some aches, will see how he is tomorrow. And, so, this means that tomorrow I won't be going to the panto :( but thankfully Genny is able to go, as there is space in a car that is taking some of the other Guides that are off to panto land. And I have to thank my unit helper Katy for taking Genny along.

Some good things for today, doors and windows shut and Genny finds a dragonfly on our windowsill, how cool is that!

And, finally, working at the seaside has its benefits :) went to lunch on Thursday with some of the girls and this is what I have for scenery on the walk back to the office :)

Now, got to wait for the hire car for Monday so I can get to work for the rest of the week and then see what is going to happen to William the Dedra. Ho Hum!

Tagging - day 7

2011-12-14T19:31:00.001Z

I've now finished day 7 of Tim's Tags. Took a while for this one as I had stuff that required drying time - well a lot of it needed to dry! This is Tim's tag......

This is my tag. I have used..... kraft resist cardstock which I have stamped, not sure that can be seen, then used some distress ink and then after that, gave it some glimmer mist. Then had to wait a bit for the tag to dry.

My holly leaves are made of kraft resist cardstock, I hand cut the holly leaves then inked the up using some distress reinker, then had to wait for them to dry! Once dry, coated them in some crackle glaze, guess what, had to let them dry!!

My branch is just hand cut, painted with some gold acrylic paint (had to wait for that to dry!), then once dry gave it a coat with some picket fence crackle glaze, and you've guessed it, had to wait for it to dry! Then I popped some distress stickles on it. I've stuck the lace and holly leaves down using my glue gun (saves waiting for silicone glue to dry eh :) I have some little holly berry sprigs so snipped them off the wire and glue gunned them down as well. I've used a little die-namic die to cut the embellishment (distressed it a bit) and stamped it with one of my favourite little Christmas stamps in Stampin' up chocolate chip. A bit of ribbon, swirl clip and a bauble metal charm finish it off. I'm rather pleased with this one.

Tagging - 2 & 4....

2011-12-11T12:29:00.000Z

Tim's tag #2, my version, I have a grungeboard reindeer but didn't want to use it - it still looks good in the packet!! So, I got my Sizzix snowman out instead! I've used a Tim die for the bottom border and for the 25, found some Mica sheets so sizzix-i-fied that through the cuttlebug and then got the crackle glaze out. For the tag, I've used some Tim kraft resist cardstock, used white acrylic paint which I rubbed off and then went over that with some walbut stain. Found some Making Memories Merry Christmas charmed words, got out the clips and charms tub and here we go, voila!

Looking through the Tim's tags I guess this is a mix up of day 2 and day 4 :)

I've done it!!!

2011-12-09T09:57:00.000Z

Yeah baby, Tim's tag #1 is done!! So it is now day 9, it has taken me this long to get started/finished, but then I had to let things dry .

So, this is Tim's tag...... I have on my list the pinecone die, that is just so neat! Plus, you don't have to just make pinecones with it :)

This is mine...

I used a piece of cardstock, cuttlebug embossed it with my snowflake embossing folder, versamarked it and then embossed with blue embossing powder - rubbing some off before heating it up. Then I finished off with some inking using the broken china distress ink pad.

'Noel' is made using chipboard letters all glittered up. My vine leaves are a sizzix vine die and I dug out my holly quickutz die (forgot I had that!). The 'musical paper' that Tim used, mine is a strip of Graphic45! And can you see that pinecone, as I said I don't have the die, but I did have some pinecones, glittered them up and stuck it down (it seems to be firmly stuck) with some good old silicone glue. My ribbon is a piece of 7gypsies twinkle, twinkle little star twill that I have coloured using some walnut stain. I'm happy :)

And, if you like the Core'dinations cardstock, the My Minds Eye in store is currently at £14.99, until they run out. Just click on the picture to go to the product.

As the car has died - well the alternator has died - the car is in the garage and I can't get into work today - don't fancy the 2hour bus journey! So, taken the day as holiday, which means..... finishing of Christmas cards, wrapping gifts, playing with paper... And tonight is the work's do, we are off to Pinewoods at Bodham for our meal and boogie. Brian is coming too, late night home (taxi picking up at 00:00hrs) hopefully won't have a headache in the morning as I have the Briston Sports & Social Christmas fair in the afternoon - which I also have to finish up a few things for.

stamping... sticking...

2011-12-07T15:28:00.000Z

Today has been a stamping and sticking day. I've had a production line of cards using a new set of stamps, I've gone simple, just stamped straight on to the card (and not necessarily straight, I can't seem to do that!). Raised up the sentiment that is going in the centre of the bauble and voila. Oh, and just drew the hanging bit. I've also used some sakura pens and also glazed some of the baubles, not sure that you can see that bit though.

I may get to finish Tim's tag #1.

A craft desk isn't a craft desk unless it looks like this! I have been making some mini desk calendars getting ready for the Briston Sports & Social Christmas fair on Saturday afternoon. These are going along with the bits that have been made, ranging from snowman poop and reindeer droppings to candy cane mice

Some of the calendars all bagged up and ready to go.

Other bits also all ready to go and I am hoping not to bring any home :)

All in all a good crafting day. Not so happy on the car front, the alternator has packed up, ho hum, just in time for Christmas. The car is in the garage and so it is now a case of waiting to see what the £££s damage is going to be.

Paper time..

2011-12-03T16:25:00.000Z

So, what with Tim and his 12 tags of Christmas, my friend Izzy posted a link for some wonderful trees on the Martha Stewart site. They are quick - mine didn't take too long - and for what they are I think they are quite amazing, all you need is an old magazine, a bone folder if you have one and I have used some glitter spray.

It is a simple case of stage 1, folding the right hand page over into the spine....

Stage 2, fold the page again into the spine, so you end up with a 'tie' shape. I did this for each page rather than doing stage 1 for all the pages and then going back for stage 2.

Stage 3, tuck the ends under so you get a flat bottom to make the base.

Then if you have some glitter spray, give it some glitter (in a well ventilated room if you are using spray).

And there you have it, your magazine tree. Shame you can't see the sparkle so much. I'm not quite finished, the glitter itself is coming out to play :)

For the complete Martha Stewart video, please click here.

Origami....

2011-11-30T15:52:00.000Z

Paper folding! This is one of today's activities. I am in the process of making an origami flower decoration, making these little beauties, I have more to make and found the instructions really easy to make something that looks rather complicated (in my head anyway!).

I found the instructions looking for something completely different, lost my thread and went for the paper :) totally forgot what I was originally looking for :)

As well as making these, had to go out and get some Guide things - 12 swiss rolls and the stuff to make chocolate icing. The lady on the till did look a bit bemused by the number of swiss rolls on the conveyer but when I told her what they were for she thought it was a great idea and wondered if she could come along too. We are also doing baubles, polystyrene ones that we (they) are going to be attaching sequins on. It should be a fun night. We don't have a meeting next week as most of the Guides are at their school play which means our next meeting will be the last before Christmas, party time. The older girls are planning this one for their party planner badge, I've just got to get some pass the parcel bits sorted out for it and other little bits and then it will be another term and planning will begin (not that it hasn't already) for the spring term!!!

Star

2011-11-26T16:00:00.000Z

I've made a Finnish star today, courtesy of Anam and the MME newsletter. Anam says it is really easy and it is, you may find yourself making more than one!!

Anam's blog has a link to the MME newsletter which gives the instructions, but basically all you need are 12 strips of paper - I have used a 12x12 sheet that I have trimmed down to 1" strips to make my star.

Then you do some laying down of the paper and get the glue out to stick some down.

You make two of the bases, and then I have used some foam pads to mount mine up and stick the two together. You do a little bit of folding and some sticking down and voila, one Finnish star.

Have fun :)

A week off...

2011-11-25T19:10:00.002Z

I've had a week off work, Brian has been at RAF Cranwell on his Officer's Initial Course (OIC) for the RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) which has resulted in him now being able to remove his white cadet officer tabs, get blue pilot officer ones and also have a fitting for an officer's uniform. It's not been an easy road, he has had interviews and this week was the week that makes or breaks. Happily, the champers is chilling ready for when he comes home on Sunday.

My week off, I've got a few things done that I wanted to get out of the way, clearing out the outhouse and finding not just a couple of demijohns but twenty of the things. Wine making is no longer on the itinerary and so they are needing a new home (along with some bits and bobs that go with them).

I have been making candy cane mice, the end is in sight! There must be 80 or so of them, some done and as some still in progress. The reason for making these are to sell them at a craft fair in a couple of weeks at the Briston Sports & Social (10th December, 3pm - 6pm) and raise some funds for my Guide unit. I have lots of things I would like to offer the girls but these things need funds. I have other things as well as the mice and if they all get sold on the day, I'll be a happy bunny.

On the subject of Guides, we had two guests this week and look what the girls made (a lot more of them, these are two of Genny's - she ate one!) gingerbread tree decorations. Thanks go to Tina and Mark from The Blakeney Hotel. The Guides were totally impressed and had a whale of a time, hopefully some will last until Christmas.

While I have been home, I have been pondering on whether Etsy is the place to be in respect of my cards, I'm getting the 'views' and cards are going into peoples' favourites but not into their shopping basket, which was the plan for joining Etsy!! So, I am having a rethink and might make a separate page here on my blog. As I will be doing a lot more craft fairs next year, I will tie it in with that (I think!), just need some more time to work on the plan :).

On another crafting front. More products are coming into The Scraporium, I have some products from Crafter's Companion - I love the Core'dinations cardstock. As the shop grows then so will the products - can't really do one without the other :)

Finally, you may see a link over on the right for Stampin' Up. My SU page will be back up and running in the new year :) I'm looking forward to getting some workshops going, have some interest in some stamping clubs and so will get this up and running in a bigger way in 2012.

Oh, and look, Soo has been playing with nesties, I've been, in between everything else I have done today, been cutting out butterflies, will do something with them at the weekend with any luck as I have a plan in my head that needs to work its way out onto paper. Home alone with all three children, I am not sure if I am going to get the chance :)

All in all, a good week, do I have to go back to work on Monday!

RAF & a week's holiday

2011-11-20T22:31:00.000Z

Today, Brian has taken the train to RAF Cranwell, leaving from Norwich station at lunchtime for the 3 changes journey. I took the opportunity to head over the road to Hobbycraft. I cant't say that I was that impressed on with things that I wanted to buy there and then so I came out with just a paper pad for me - one that has die cuts in it for decoupage - and some bits for MIL for Christmas. We've Been here for four years and this was my first trip to the station! I would have meandered longer but had to get back home to relieve MIL of babysitting duties.

Anyway, why has Brian gone to Cranwell, it's the officers course he has to do and all being well at the end of it he gets to take off the white tabs and be all 'proper' he is currently wearing orange ones it seems having spoken to him earlier. Hope it all goes well, he was very nervous!

I have the week off to save mucking around with the school run. Hopefully I can get to do a lot of stuff with paper as I have a craft fair in a couple of weeks. I have candy cane mice to get sorted, bag up reindeer pooh and other stuff. Tuesday is Morgan's 6 monthly review so I have to head into Norwich for that, we got his report which is excellent, I can't imagine him doing so well in mainstream, he does have things to work on but this is why he is where he is. Considering he has had a haphazard few years of schooling, academically he is doing very well. For doing well he gets commendations, I've filed away a few of these tonight.

The kidlets are having a thing for flapjacks at the moment, so another batch has been made. I've made this batch with honey and golden syrup, no complaints have been made by the recipients as there was a look of 'ugh, don't like honey'.

nom nom!!

I'm going to have catch up of Vampire Diaries and then head off to the land of duvet, must remember to set the alarm clock!

What's been going on....

2011-11-16T20:55:00.002Z

It has been a busy few days. We had a table at the Fakenham High School craft fair, it was a slow day but we managed to sell enough to pay for the table, although £18 we felt was a bit much as we had to sell lots to cover it, but thankfully we had some people who liked what me and MIL make! Next year though, we are going to ask to be in the hall rather than the gym as we felt people didn't quite make it to our part of the building.

That was the last fair we are doing for this year, although I have one in a couple of weeks at the Briston Sports & Social, doing some fundraising for the Guide unit, so, hopefully that will do well. I have bags of reindeer pooh and snowman pooh to make as well as candy cane mice. I also have made some little notebooks and have a list of other bits and bobs to make. As Brian is away next week on his officer training week, I've taken the week off work and will be having little production lines, well that is the plan :)

Zumba, well I do believe that last night I managed to get my trainers to coordinate my legs, although the arms are not very well coordinated, I can't as yet do legs and arms. I have Zumba on the Wii so hopefully my plan will come to fruition and I will Zumba every day in the living room. Some of the moves are going to be different to the ones Sara has but it is all fun and I can certainly feel some bits of me toning up. It would be great if she could do a Friday class closer to home, as our weeks are filled with Air Cadets and Guides I only have two days during the week to go to classes, Tuesday and Friday, although I guess during term time I can get out on the Thursday night too.

My Stampin' Up page will be back up and running soon, just doing some bits n bobs and will start a stampers 10 in the new year. If you want to peruse the catalogue in the meantime, just click the picture below.

Guides tomorrow, so off to do some planning, we are having a quiet evening as there is a local election for the Parish Council and we need to be quiet, I am getting the craft stuff out and we will be playing with potatoes (aka potato printing). We can do two things at once, do some craft and what the girls do can count towards the craft badge, we don't want to waste the evening now do we :)

Gobsmacked!!

2011-11-08T21:40:00.000Z

Well, I checked my mail at work at lunchtime today and had an email from Noddle. Had to read it twice and then had a bit of a jumping around moment. I had entered a competition and I had won it! And, the prize, a new iPad2. I have been bubbling all day. I think it sunk in more when they posted my name on their Facebook wall! Golly gosh. I have chosen a white one and they are also getting it engraved. I can't wait and it will sink in even more once I have it in my mitts!

I wonder, should I get a lottery ticket tomorrow?

Egglu

2011-11-07T21:40:00.000Z

The chickens have a new home, they are in possession of a lovely purple Egglu. Their old home is made of wood and is getting a bit 'rustic', drafty and in need of some repair so we made the decision to get them something weather proof and easy to clean and to keep the bugs away.

It's very smart, roomy which means we can also get some more birdies :) and we can have a bonfire of the old one!! All being well, the girls will take to it and get laying some eggs.

Today, I have been...

2011-11-06T16:20:00.000Z

...doing all sorts! I borrowed my lovely friend Sue's sizzix die that makes rosettes last week and today I have been building rosette flowers!

They are all over my desk with various things put on top of some of them to keep them squidged down while the glue dries.

The die makes it much easier than scoring and then folding and is on my shopping list!

I've also been playing with some products that are in the shop. The nested butterfly has been out to play as have the lovely stamps from JustRite (the merry & bright set). Albeit, I have cut and stamped and the results need to be added to cards :)

I managed to get a kit for Jane's class at last week's retreat and had the instructions emailed over so I could get started, so far, I have read the instructions!! I have given the paper a good old stroke as well ;)

And, look, it is much better now after a tidy up, can see some of the desk - I have had a bit of a tidy up between today's crafting delights. I'm back now to finishing off the remaining rosette flowers :)

Somewhere...

2011-11-02T20:27:00.000Z

....I have a craft desk under this lot.

I have been working on it since Monday, working on tidying it up and putting away the class kits etc from ATDML that I came home with from the weekend that is and, as can be seen, I am not getting very far!! I'll keep plodding on though and eventually it will be nice and tidy but then it doesn't take long to make it messy, so, maybe I should just leave it {as if that will happen}.

The chooks are going to be happy. Their current home is not winter proof, is a pain to clean being wooden and so we are treating them to new quarters. We are getting them an Eglu (from omlet.co.uk). I've gone for purple - the come in different colours including pink.

This girly is going through the molt - feathers everywhere and she is looking scruffy, but, once she is back to her usual feathery self, she will look superb again. Then next year, she can have some more feathery friends as the Eglu can house up to 10 and we only have 4 :)

A super weekend {picture heavy}

2011-10-31T21:35:00.000Z

It was my retreat weekend, a weekend from Friday to Sunday afternoon, down in Suffolk. Doing what I like, playing with paper and meeting up with friends, from close and afar.

I travelled 'down' with my budettes {pretend sisters} Annette picking up Sue en route. We arrived and settled in, having a quick catch up with everyone before having something to eat at the bar, in front of the very nice wood fire.

Then it was off, unpacking and settling down at our spot in the cropping room.

And then we were off....

Getting settled in, note the small bowls of munchies! The girls at ATDML know how to keep us happy!

Some layouts from the weekend....

These are a selection from when we went to Great Yarmouth on a Guide trip on Genny's 11th birthday.

From Mel's 7gypsies class. I did two of Mel's classes, although I seem to have not taken pictures of the book that I made!

Hotel room! A bit of a dilemma on which bit of the bed to sleep in, so I went for the middle on Friday ( well Saturday as it was gone xxx o'clock before I fell up to bed) Sorry for those that are in the know, this is the disco floor in the bathroom!!!

This is Izzy and me, Izzy is from Scotland and is just so lovely. She has some wonderful stories that can keep you entertained for hours. I did miss Izzy going home as I was in a class when it was time for her to depart Suffolk for the airport.

Mucky tips of fingers and thumb, Annette did a make and take, I got quite mucky, with glimmer mist everywhere, but it was fun :)

This wasn't one of the classes, I had this Rusty Pickle kit for ages and finally have it done apart from it needing photos, so it is a 50% complete project.

I am loving the Graphic45 papers, I thought there were quite apt for this year's start of school photos.

The super talented Jane Hewitt and her class (using the Graphic45 papers). This is a mini book and it is held together by Japanese book binding and pencils. It looks hard, but well it is so simple and has a great effect. I just have to complete this one (another 50% project) with adding some photos inside. Not sure which ones just yet, but it looks good on the shelf as it is.

Suzanne's Bo Bunny. This was fab. Cutting out bits and thankfully the ribbon and other bits hide my dreadful circle cutting!

One of my fab friends, Ann. Don't you love the t-shirt (I want one!). I didn't get to do Ann's classes this time {sob}, one was before we arrived and her other class was at the time when we were leaving, I think this is a double {sob}. Not sure if you can see her hair, the colour is fab!

The altering project. This year we could have little kraft bags to do with what we would. I turned mine into a little book. I had to get the brain into gear with the cutting but I am pleased with the result. I have made it into a small book of seasonal snaps, the kids in the garden, in the pool and winter time when we had huge icicles.

I have some things left to finish off, my last class on Sunday needs to be completed. I did a load of mini books rather than layouts this time around.

So, all in all a productive weekend.
A clear table, well nearly, before we went on our way home :)

Golly gosh...

2011-10-24T18:55:00.001Z

Here we are, this time next week it will be Halloween and the end of another month. It has been the month of birthday, today being Brian's where he scored half a century! So he doesn't get lost, he now has a sat nav, since he he going out and about with the RAF Air Cadets and will soon be heading up to Cranwell, it will save trying to map read as he goes along.

I've now got my new hougie board, I've been making milk cartons. These are for the Christmas fair, I think they make cool gift boxes, but we'll see if other people think the same way :)

It comes with the instructions to make stepper cards so I will have a go at making some of those as well.

So far, I am finding it easy to use and glad I have one (finally).

Sorry Herma, I've gone and ordered one of these little beauties! I have been getting through so much Herma I am going to use this little device and see how it compares. I can order more Herma but it is a big outlay and seems to be going out of fashion, so for the time being, I am out of stock.

This is, of course, bigger than the Herma tape dispenser but I think it will go into my tool tote ok as at the moment, there is currently a bottle of Bombay gin in it! I am getting ready for my weekend in Suffolk. My annual get away scrapbooking retreat, I'll be with regular budettes and those that I haven't seen in a year.

I have ordered some photos for my classes, been sorting though stuff as I am travelling down with my beautiful friend Annette there is limited space so just the basics, after all if I haven't got it I can get it there ;) We'll (I guess) be going via Soo's place and have a convoy! And, on that note, better go sort out some of the mess I have created in getting ready for the weekend :) which includes a half made card!

Finally, for anyone that can help clear paper etc, I have a 20% discount (before p&p) going on over at the shop :)

It broke!

2011-10-19T19:47:00.000Z

Hmm, well I think I broke my website moving blogger so I have moved it back for a while until I fix it. I think I know the problem, we'll see!! I've just to fix the broken bit first!!!

Day off day, went into Dereham and got some supplies and also managed to pick a couple of presents for you know when in December. Also stocked up on some more 'reindeer poo' for the fair in a few weeks time. Oh, got the bottle of Bombay ready for next weekend too :)

Parents evening for Genny and she is doing well, sadly she is getting picked on by someone in her class (aka bullying) but it is known and she knows what she has to do. For someone that didn't have much imaginative play as she has grown up, she is writing good stories in English and, as usual, her artwork is great so I guess I am still going to find my stuff in her room.

On the walk home from school the sky looked like it was about to give the heave ho, it did wait an hour or so before it dropped its contents, quite heavily as well. I fear it needs to do some more as I have one of those headaches that needs a darkened room.

Brian has gone off to Air Cadets, Morgan has phoned just to say that he has made cakes today and used chocolate spread, we won't be seeing any of those on Friday. Guides tomorrow and as it is the end of this half term, we are off bowling. I'm going to have to crack down on girls that aren't paying their subs on time as I don't think it fair on the girls that do pay promptly, but how to do this - answers on a postcard.

Now off to give my eyeballs a rest before they fall out.

It worked

2011-10-17T20:10:00.000Z

My blog is now in a new home, in that I have moved it to my own domain (esellek.com) playing with DNS settings and all that, it is finally sorted.

With that change, I am back on plan with Slimming World. I have had a stagnant few weeks, got fed up with food in general and now am back in the zone. It is all to do with a pair of trousers that were getting no so comfy as the day wore on! So, Gillian came out to play today, aka known as Shred30. I have started from Level 1, not sure whether level 2 would do me in or not, I am pleased to say that despite a few (quite a few) weeks of zero Shred, Level 1 was not as painful as when I first got the dvd out of the case - still needed a shower after though (sorry TMI!). Also having had 'the op' back in May, there was that trepidation that something would split or hurt, but I guess I have had a long enough break. Zumba tomorrow, with my new pieces of kit, will see how they work and also see how the trainers go and if I need to get a more supportive pair.

I do also continue to use my 'wobbleator' (one of those vibration plate things) and personally, I think that it does work, not so much in the losing pounds but in terms of toning up. I was thinking on having it moved upstairs but it is a bit noisy so not sure how that will work on the floorboards as we have bare floors in the bedroom.

I am hoping to get a Hougie board, I have a bid on one on fleabay, having had a good gander on the www, they range in price and if I win this one it will be a good price under £20 (albeit by a penny). Here's hoping, otherwise I will have to splurge some extra pennies. I want to have a go at making milk cartons!

Until next time....

A brief catch up...

2011-10-16T11:58:00.002Z

1st Oct - my birthday.

Then back to work where I managed to catch up and clear a load of files that needed closing, pruning them of duplicated papers and getting them into storage. I didn't run guides that week as there was an open evening at Reepham which is where Genny will be off to next September. That involved listing to someone speak as couldn't see as was way at the back and also couldn't really hear them! Then Genny went awol, disappearing with a friend and so I wandered about like a lost lemon. Found her eventually, she loves the art room and the cooking room!

Saturday - another birthday and I went with MIL to a craft fair in Holt. Not that successful despite the organiser doing lots of advertising but it was a morning out and there is a bakery that does really lush cakes! Sunday, at home with the kidlets as Brian was with the Air Cadets who where at a swimming gala. Then it was Monday again!!

I did manage to get to zumba on Tuesday night, boy oh boy she works us hard - I don't know now much water I lost but think soggy moggy. Nothing like having fun while getting some exercise, I am still slightly uncoordinated and have also ordered myself some sport bottoms that may be more comfy that my current jogging bottoms. I did have a look at the 'proper' zumba trousers but at over £45 a pop in most places, they can stay where they are and I'll stick with my £17 pair of Nike trousers that are on their way. I'd like to zumba twice a week but other classes don't fall on good days/evenings :(

Guides on the Thursday was smelly! One patrol was making cucumber face masks and bath bombs. there was a slight disaster when the guide doing the liquidising of cucumber unscrewed the jar from the base so it all went everywhere so another cucumber had to be enlisted to help out (as in my two young leaders went for a walk to the shop to get another one). The bath bombs - well thankfully there isn't smelly vision as they were very smelly but the girls all managed to make one. Not sure if any have been used for their intended purpose!

I have stamped a load of images (borrowed some stamps from my lovely friend Soo when we were together at a crop) and also run off some digis. I made a start with doing some colouring ready to transform then into more cards!

I had another craft fair yesterday in Cromer this time. Another rather poor event, with not many coming in. I think if the organiser had advertised more it would have been better as each time I went for a wander outside, there were lots of people out and about. Hey ho though, another day out and I got to do loads more colouring in so all was not lost!

We need a new wardrobe, Pilot Officer Keerie picked up his RAF attire, there is a lot of it including a very nice hat, there were also lots of pairs of socks. An excuse for a trip to Ikea?!

And this little fella, next week on this day he will be six and a day and then the big boy in the house has his big birthday a couple of days later! That will be it then for October, five birthdays done and dusted!

I am counting down to ATDML - not long now and I can get some serious time with paper and glue and exercise the jaw with catching up with buddies from all over the country. Sad thing is, it's only for a couple of days.

Another year...

2011-10-02T11:08:00.000Z

...older. I notched up another number on the tree yesterday. I have overstuffed myself on chocolate, managed to nearly down a bottle of burgundy whilst watching Johnny Depp dressed in a pirate costume! I also managed to get a few cards made for the impending craft fairs, some things may be stuck on a bit wonky, but hey that's art!

I think it was too hot yesterday for the kids to have arguments, or they felt they would have a good day as it was my birthday, or maybe it was just a bit of both. Although, how Morgan can wander around wrapped in his duvet beats me, one of his little quirks. I rooted through some books and put them onto Green Metropolis, someone may be looking for one of them and they are only gathering dust in the bottom of the wardrobe. I have ordered some extended cutting mats for my Cuttlebug (spending birthday £s) so I can use the dies I have got which were a pain to use with the 'normal' sized plates.

Despite looking and trashing the place I haven't found my beadling book, so my friend Suzanne has helped me out. It's another thing to make for the craft fairs and now I can get on making beadling butterflies and things. I did find my beads so that part was successful!

I'm going to dig out the Quickutz dies - do you remember them?! - just cutting out some letters for some cards, an idea that popped into my head this morning. I have heaps of Scrapbook Sally vellums and I think what I want to do will work - we'll see. I will think of things to do with the other 'I have no idea how many sheets of paper' I have sitting in the shop. There is some dinosaur paper that I think will work with some dinosaur stamps I have (another, we'll see!).

Right.... onwards.... (plus Genny wants to use the mac to do her homework, so I am being booted off!!)

We're having a heatwave....

2011-09-30T20:21:00.000Z

So, here we are the last day of September 2011 and it has been hot, like yesterday, and the day before! Sadly, yesterday and today involved being stuck indoors in a room with a big window that doesn't open which means the room is airless and very warm. The 3pm droop came early today, I would say that a walk around the Buttlands was refreshing but that was going from hot to warm! I hope this weather lasts a bit longer though, the impending doom of snow coming early fills me with dread as I hate driving in the stuff for one thing and I don't like getting wet socks!

Yesterday, I went for a walk at lunchtime with a work colleague, we strolled down to the quay and it was rather busy down there. We fell into the Wells Crab House along Freeman Street for some lunch, well we were thirsty for one thing. This is one of the good things of working by the seaside, you can be down to the front in 5 minutes and you can find something to eat, we skipped the fish n chips!

I made cakes on Wednesday to take into work yesterday, it being the 1 October tomorrow = another year older! I borrowed the idea of making orea cupcakes, although my cupcakes are muffin sized. The chooks, despite moulting, are laying quite nicely, we had a basket full. They don't lay oreos by the way, I had to put them somewhere within reach which was away from my mouth!

And these are the 'cupcakes' a work in progress. I should have taken an after shot but they were coated in chocolate frosting with crushed oreos sprinkled on top. They went down well at work, there was silence for a few minutes and sounds of yum!! They liked the surprise oreo as well!

And this little chap, he was stuck on the top of a large silver paper wrapped boxed which is currently in the fridge, I have an inkling on what is inside - I haven't shaken the box too hard. This little fella may be eaten for breakfast! I also have a rather nice bottle of St Emillion that I am going to tuck into {tomorrow}.

Tomorrow, Brian is away somwhere doing something for Air Cadets. I'll be on my ownsome, if the present fairy hasn't got me some extended cutting mats for my cuttlebug, I'll be getting them myself, I'm not getting on with using two normal sized plates with the long dies! I have stuff to finish off as I am off at another craft fair next week so it will be a case of hope the kids amuse themselves and me playing with paper and glue.

Sat 24 September

2011-09-24T19:58:00.000Z

Today, me and MIL went to Sheringham for a craft fair. We took the boxed cards for this one, having been told that there was lots of other tables doing cards! Sadly, that wasn't the case as there were just 8 tables (including ours) in the area, so, we could have taken the usual stock. But, hey ho, we managed to sell some of them and covered the table and petrol.

Our next fair is in two weeks, we can take everything and hope that it will be more successful. I am in sticking mode, so tomorrow I hope I still feel like it!!!

Funny though, sitting most of the day people watching and going for the odd walk in the wonderful sunshine has worn me out!

An 11 year old...

2011-09-19T19:40:00.000Z

So, we now have an 11 year old, that came up fast! Her birthday happened to be on the same day as a Guide trip. 30+ Guides made up of girls from my unit and another two headed out to Great Yarmouth for (1) the Out There festival and (2) the circus at the Hippodrome. We had a great time, it did involve getting absolutely drenched during a torrential downpour, but we soldiered on and got the circus very soggy.

First stop was a trip to the loo, better to get that out of the way before moving on, and to have a bite to eat on the sea front. Ice creams, going for a paddle, sand in shoes and socks was the order of the pit stop. It was also an opportunity for Genny to be given a "happy birthday" and a gift from the other leader, she was a very happy 11 year old.

The Out There festival had loads of things going on, plus some rather strange 'birds' wandering around (which also made noises). We let the Guides have some freedom to roam around to see what was going on and found most of them in a little adventure playground! Then, we sat down to have some lunch and then it chucked it down, we decided that rather than sit in the rain we would walk in it and so headed off to the circus.

We had a great time at the circus, laughed our socks off, watched some of acts with one eye (3 guys from Columbia in a steel ball, each on a motorbike, going round and round, crossing over without any collisions, a juggler from Mexico, trapeze, magic, contortionists, dancers, Jack Kay and Jimmy Mac and not getting too wet (again) when the water fight happened in the second half!

Smiler, she had just been given the happy birthday wishes from Jack Kay! Embarrassed or what!!!

Then, after it was all over, we headed back to the sea front - thankfully a lot drier than when we went in - for a shopping spree and some tea (which meant in most cases, chips) and once we had fed, a quick pit stop where we started and then off to find the coach for the ride home.

(2)

2011-09-07T15:22:00.000Z

Back to school today, three of them ready (and us) for them to return to their new years.

Genny - Year 6 and now in her final year of junior school.

Our little fella, Ben, now in year 1. When asked how good a day he had, his comment was that it was 'boring' at school today. The reason for this, they didn't have lots of play!!

Our big fella, Morgan, he set off back to school earlier than usual, being picked up at 7.30am (taxi came at 8am before the summer hols!). He went off merrily with his three bags (one of which was the 'toy/book' bag. There was me and Brian waving bye from the doorstep and he didn't even look back to wave! I guess he was happy and had started chatting away to the driver! Morgan is now in year 5 and we have a bit of a change from before in that he will now be home on a Tuesday after school, going back Wednesday and home every weekend.

The big girl of the bunch, well she has a few more days before she heads off to Freshers week at Uni. (If she sees this she will probably hate me, but I love this picture, stolen from her album from her trip to Alton Towers!)

For everyone else sending children off for their first days on their education journey, I hope they all had a good day and are going back tomorrow with smiles.

7 September 2011 (1)

2011-09-07T12:20:00.001Z

And, here we are, back to school day today for the three. Before this, however, we went away for a week, staying in a caravan in Clacton-on-Sea. We won't be going back to that particular park however, nothing for the kids to do - the activity clubs that we given in the blurb were non-existent, unless you were 5 and wanted to do colouring in every morning. Bingo, was interesting. We couldn't hear the caller, was it 21 or 29, we couldn't tell so hazard a guess and a pint of Strongbow was £3.60, no cold drinks on taps for kids ie your orangeade/pepsi. The good thing, the swimming pool, we went every day and it was a warm swimming pool, no wading in and having to go for the quick body dip! The caravan had a telly with a dvd player so we had evening 'indoor' entertainment.

We went to Clacton Pier one day, spent some ££s on unlimited ride tickets, this meant me going on the roller coaster more than once! Ben got to enjoy some of the big rides as well, although not the roller coaster and one other ride where he was under the height restriction. We also had fun in the simulator, hanging on to the handrail while the 'roller coaster' went every way possible.

On our last Friday, we headed out further afield and went to Walton. The beach there was fab, two ladies run a very good priced beach cafe, tea at only 90p and a decent sized burger for £2.00.

A fantastic array of beach huts!

In the hopes of winning a competition to somewhere that requires plane travel, I'm entering my post in the www.travelizer.co.uk competion, wishing myself some luck!!

Nearly forgot, I have a stockpile growing of cards. My next craft fair is coming up shortly so I am busy cardmaking! I'm making a lot of Christmas ones at the moment, although I have to pop in a non-Christmas one into the mixing bowl to keep me sane!

Wednesday 24 August 2011 - housey housey

2011-08-24T19:37:00.000Z

I've been 'painting' a few houses today from Mo Manning who created some divine tall houses, I've been painting most of the day! These are some of them, I've made 6x6'ish sized cards for these, the usual 5x7 just didn't seem big enough!

Here are some more, I've been using all sorts of papers in making them. This productivity means that I am using up paper - yay!!

I'm moving on to Christmas trees now....

Tuesday 23 August 2011

2011-08-23T18:24:00.001Z

Rain, that's what it has done most of today. Rain = not being able to get into the garden to give it a clear up but means staying indoors playing, well that's not so bad is it!

I have some digis I purchased from Pink Petticoat, these are great little typewriters, I've coloured them in using promarkers and tombow (for the heart). I didn't succumb to just the typewriters mind you and have some other digis printed off ready for colouring.

This is a little stockpile of my creations using the finished product. I've been using some papers from a 12x12 pad - can't remember which one off the top of my head. Some Stampin' Up ribbon and some some suede cardstock (also SU). Some other patterned papers, with the musical score on, is 7gypsies. You may think it has been a bit of a production line, but the fun is making the cards all different but using the same (or near enough) products.

And these are the houses I mentioned the other day by Mo Manning, just a snap of some of the uncoloured ones, soon to be all coloured and then trimmed etc!

I found some bottles of Prima flowers. I've emptied the glass bottles, which I think I am going to end up filling with buttons etc, and counted the flowers into little packs of 20s which I have popped into my Etsy store. I've found another load, in tins this time, so going to do the same with them but think I'll pop them in the 'big' shop. In the big shop, I have 45% off the papers in the paper/cardstock category, use coupon 45paper to get the discount :)

110822 Monday... Monday..

2011-08-22T16:49:00.000Z

Right, day one of my week off while Brian is over/across the country at RAF Valley. Kids not too bad although Morgan has had a wobble today, we've not had one of those for a l-o-n-g time, but he seems ok now. I guess a culmination of the long holiday (6 weeks is way too long in my book) and Genny being out with her friends, tipped him over the edge. He wants to go to Scouts as Genny goes to Guides. Not sure if we can fix this one. He made some cheese scones, cooking is therapeutic, he makes nice scones - bagged two in one! The scones are gone!!

As I was giving the chooks a clean out of their house today, Morgan wandered around the garden with his feathery friend while I removed chookpoo! He got the better deal of that one!! I don't know what the girlies are up to today, so far there are no eggs, I will go an investigate a bit later on to see if they snuck in to their clean quarters and produced.

And, yesterday, I needed to do some grocery shopping and a tub of ice cream fell in my trolley - parents only you know, this is a big tub! You know when you start something and you feel like finishing it, well I resisted the urge and it has gone back in the freezer.

I've made a card to go on my stockpile for Etsy/craft fair. I have played along with Mo's Challenge #96 - something blue. I've used Mo's Angelina's balloons for this one. Don't you just love the hair. I'm going to have to have a run on these as she is so cute.

I'm currently colouring some houses, some of Mo's latest designs. Will show you these when they are more finished.

I have added a link over on the right for my Etsy shop, if you do go have a look, any feedback will be welcomed, I've not sold my cards before so I am not sure of how much to charge for them - I don't often go to a card shop to buy a ready make card!

110820

2011-08-20T18:13:00.001Z

I am just about keeping awake today, took Brian to get picked up by a coach to go to an RAF camp - coach pick up stupid-early-morning o'clock as in I didn't fall into bed until just after 2am. I'm just about keeping on top of functioning!!

In between sorting out the kids, I have been sorting out my cards. I have taken the plunge and opened an Etsy store and didn't realise I had so many handmade cards floating about! So, a load of them are now on Etsy and I have called my shop SarahsScraporium - I kind of miss that name! Although the name is also being used somewhere else as well but some work is needed to get it finished. I have kept some cards back as I am planning on doing some craft fairs - I have two with my MIL lined up in September and October so I guess I will be making even more, but I don't mind that at all as it isn't as if I don't like making them. Trouble is with card making is that I like the digital stamps and so I have had to get some decent ink cartridges for my printer, having tried the 'cheap' compatible ones, well my printer or it could be the cartridges don't get on so well and so far I have had no luck in finding decent black cartridges!

Good news on the A Level front. Coralie is off to Lincoln Uni and my niece is just waiting to see if she gets into Queens but otherwise she has a place at Jordanstown.

Before I head off back to the craft table, well I think it is there, I can't really see it at the moment as it is a bit 'crowded' on the top bit, can I point you to a lovely friend of mine Annette. Annette's sister Steph has cancer and is having more chemo, Annette is going to run the 10k Mouth Cancer Charity Walk at Hyde Park in London, see it says walk, Annette is training to run it at the moment. As they say, every little helps.

070811 - Frettenham Festival

2011-08-09T15:12:00.000Z

I'm a couple of days belated in posting this but well, was kerpooped by the end of Sunday, went into work yesterday and was kerpooped when I came home. As I am 'phasing' back, I'm posting today which is in fact Tuesday - but so I don't confuse myself I'm dating it Sunday!!!

So, Sunday, Frettenham Festival, I helped out MIL at her stand - she has been a few times and is getting on a bit and needed some help, so that was me, Miss Helper. It was a good Festival, we were going to be outside but after some chat, got into the usual (as before) indoors and set up our spot. Mum makes loads, specialising in boxed cards, well actually she has lots of everything!

I could get into this craft fair thing, but would need to get making stuff! And then there comes the time when you have to figure out how much to charge for each creation, and I guess I will have to start thinking about having inserts as I don't usually do them, oh and then there are the clear bag things....

Anyway, I've put next year's date in the calendar, so I have time to craft (get my act together)!

040811 Playtime

2011-08-04T19:59:00.000Z

Yay, my pens have arrived, well they came yesterday but I was too tired to play straight away, but not too tired to whip them out of their packets and into the pen holder that came with them!

So, today, as not at work, I have used them alongside my usual promarkers and copics.

I used them to colour in a Mo Manning digi stamp. Copics for the skin tones, a mix of promarkers and spectrum noirs for the dress and bench, spectrum noirs for the hair. I've yet to colour in the ice cream cone and finish off around the bench - I got waylaid!!

Back to work tomorrow, I'm getting back slowly, doing Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays then after our hols will be back to my usual four days. Not overly happy about that, but being a conveyancing secretary they like you to a minimum of four days! Maybe tomorrow it won't rain all day!!!

280711 - CAS-ual

2011-07-28T11:13:00.000Z

I've joined in with the CAS-ual Friday challenge, CFC12, this week is to use a rub on or sticker. I have dug out some embellishments and found some jelly labels, so that is what I have used to stick on my card. I've scallop bordered the card and then added more scalloped layers. For the picture, I've used a Mo digi stamp, Bronte Kisses, coloured with Copics and Promarkers, using a nestie to edge the picture. I am waiting for some different pens to come in the post. These are Spectrum Noir pens and I am looking forward to having a play with them. One can never have too many pens!!

270711 - yeah, yeah

2011-07-27T10:19:00.002Z

I know, I've not blogged, not a lot has gone on you see, just meandering along. And now, I find myself at the end of being off after my op and will be back at work on Monday. I'm looking forward to having some different company during the day, not that I haven't liked being at home, but well, I have been kind of confined to quarters as I haven't been up to much! I am back for a couple of weeks and then as Brian is off to RAF Valley rather than muck around trying to sort out the kids, I've used some holiday, so it's kinda two weeks on and two weeks off. I know September seems far away, but in reality I fear it will be coming along and biting us on the bum!

It's also the first week of the school summer holidays. When they go back in September, Genny will be in her last year of juniors, although I have bought some school uniform, she has clothes for a 12-13 year old. She will be 11 in September, she doesn't fit age 11 clothes! Morgan has had a tremendous 7 months at his new school, we are thankful for him being at a school that is attuned to his needs and he has excelled considering he missed a heck of a lot of school these past few years. Ben had such a good school report for his first year, let's hope that he continues in doing so well. He seems keen to go back as a year one.

I do have a list of things to do - or should I say things that involve playing - I keep getting waylaid but I found some time yesterday to do a Mo challenge. This is challenge #92 summer challenge. I've used the lemons digi stamp (one of my chosen stamps from my recent win!). I thought summer = lemonade! I've used some deja-vu papers in a pad that I have had for a while (!) some ribbon and some primas just to finish it off.

So, I am off to meander some more :)

160711 - having a bit of a strut!

2011-07-16T13:55:00.000Z

Some posts down, I entered a contest that Mo had for her new stamp Trudy's party dress. Well, I'm having a little strut as I was one of the winners of the challenge :) I'm looking forward to having a little shop and playing some more :) It certainly adds some sunshine to this rather soggy Saturday.

No chance of going out in the garden for fun stuff today. I have gotten soaked checking on the chooks as I took the opportunity for a brief respite in rain drops to pop out and then it decided to chuck it down whilst I was at the other end of the garden, hey ho! This also means three kids indoors with periods of trying to beat each other up, at the moment {thankfully} they are playing nice - to which if you have ever seen Toy Story, think Woody speaking to the little guy and telling him to 'play nice'.

To entertain myself, I'm off to play with colouring pens and join in Mo's current challenge and also get my mojo tickled by some of the other bloggies that are in my viewing list :)

100711 - Victorian and Steampunk

2011-07-10T14:09:00.000Z

Whilst having an afternoon meander in blog-land I landed in the blog of Tiddly Inks, I thought it would be great to share something that is going to be happening soon, just a few days to go in fact. Make it Crafty (Zoe) and Tiddly Inks (Christy) are joining forces to give digi stamp folk a collection of Victorian and steampunk images. I can't wait to see what they come up with. Of course, there is a sneak peak of what is to come!

Now... back to blog land for a while before I head down to the craft table, I have a work in progress but it needs to dry!

090711 - Cas-ual {Saturday}

2011-07-09T19:59:00.004Z

I've had a play along with the CAS-ual Fridays challenge - CFC10 - this week it is for shaped cards. So here is mine....

I've made this card using the nesties labels 16 biggest die and then used the next size down for the matting, using a sheet of Basic Grey porcelain (from a 6x6 pad). I found a chipboard star in my chipboard tub and painted that with some willow paint dauber., had to add some sparkle with some lemon ice stickles!! The 'a wish for you' is one of my Stampin' Up stamps from the 'in the stars set', punched out with a star punch. I mounted up the chipboard star a bit, just to add a bit more dimension. And so there you have it.

And this, the coming to an end of a cup cake, we had a few raspberries from the allotment, not enough to make anything big, so I shoved them in to the cupcake mix. Quite scrummy, what with the bit of tartness from the raspberry mixed with the sweetness of the cake. Sadly, the cakes are on the decline!!!

It was the school summer fair (Genny & Ben's school) so Genny went down early for the cricket match, I pootled on down at 2pm with a view to not staying too long as not feeling 100% today. Genny is also part of the choir and so she with her choir-mates, opened the fair with some singing, she sings good that girl. My idea of not staying too long didn't happen, caught the final of the cricket match and then 'crawled' home at not long after 4pm. I didn't have enough ooompf to wait for the medal ceremony - but I knew that Genny's team won!! (I ended up with a late afternoon nap!) And, thankfully, the rain held off, it decided to chuck it down later this evening, complete with rumbles and bright lights. It's got that nice fresh look outside now and the grass is looking rather green.

080711 - it's not a card!

2011-07-08T13:41:00.000Z

I'm late with this one, or rather I missed the deadline to post, but I'm posting here anyway! This is (was) for the PaperPlay challenge anything but a card {wk 26}.

Honest, it is not a card! I made this off the top of my head, I haven't had a bump or anything, it is just one of those things, sitting playing with paper and this is what happens. I've made a little mini book for Genny, something she can put some notes in {I was thinking along the lines of for when she goes back to school in September, she can use it for her timetable}.

I've used the leftover bit of cardstock from making a card for Mo's challenge blog. Trimmed some of it down to make a little journal book for inside and used scraps to make the 'covers'. I had a scrap sheet of some Love Elsie paper which has journal lines on it, just the thing. I've used other odds and ends of paper, cropodiled a hole and added some ribbon so it can be tied up.

Well, I hope she likes it {and you too}.

Happy Friday :) I'm going to see what else I can play with before the onslaught of kidlets.

080711 Vintage - Distressing & Lace

2011-07-08T13:33:00.000Z

This is the challenge on Mo's challenge blog - challenge #90. I've used Mo's little Irish dancer digi stamp for this challenge. For the card, it is kraft cardstock trimmed down to 6" x 6". I have used Basic Grey motifica as it has that lovely vintage look. Also got the distress inks out to make it a bit more distressed. I have also layered up some lace, for one of the pieces, I stained it with some walnut stain, added a button and a bit of polka dot ribbon, oh I shoved a couple of brads in the button holes! I hope you like it :)

Another post is coming along on the heels of this one.....

A single layer...

2011-07-07T16:14:00.000Z

...card. This is Cupcake challenge #149. How hard is it to not stick anything else down on a piece of card. Well, I so wanted to stick something on it, a gem, ribbon, anything, but I came through it and here we go. A plain and simple, single layer card! I used a nestie scalloped circle die and some Verve stamps, got out the embossing powder for the balloon stamp, coloured using promarkers and some sakura, to give the bird some glitter :)

I also made another card for Mo Manning's Trudy's Party Dress challenge. This time I have used the Tim Holtz kraft resist papers which I have distressed in various colours. Also edged the scalloped circle with some distress inks. Trudy is coloured using copics and promarkers and I have glazed her dress. Nothing like a bit of shine. I'm going to have to find some different silicone glue, the one I have currently is 'bleeding' through the card, which is making me an unhappy bunny.

I'm in the middle of something else, which is not a card! Hopefully I will have that finished for tomorrow which is also Friday which means that Morgan will be home (yay) he has had an exciting week as this has been his school activity week - going to places like Bewilderwood and the Dinosaur Park {lucky fella!}. But, I am also going to be sad as some crafting buddies are having a weekend get together in Essex and I can't go (getting over the op & kid duties) well I have a bottle of Pimms by Lidl = Jeeves {thanks to Debbie for passing on that info, a word of warning Debbie makes nice stuff which includes food!!} to wash away my sorrow and so I will be there in spirit {sorry about that!}.

Sunny Sunday 3 July 2011

2011-07-03T16:38:00.001Z

Happy birthday to Coralie, 18 today. Here is the card that was sent, with some Euros as she is off to Zante in a few days! I hope she liked it!

I have been crafting today, on my cleared up desk, it does make it easier to find things! I sorted out my die cuts into a new tub, sorted out the stamped images and had a general clear up, although looking at it now you may not believe me :) I've made this card for a Cupcake challenge. This is challenge 148, cooking up a storm. I have used a mix of patterned papers, which is me coming out of my comfort zone. I hope that it works for you, it's papers out of my scrap box - waste not want not and my scrap box is a bit full.

Card number two is for a Mo Manning challenge. Mo has created this wonderful digi image which she has generously created and given away for free for followers of her blog to have a play with - I follow Mo on Facebook (Mo's blog). So this is Trudy's party dress. I have, used them separately, I created the hanger all by myself {woah}. I've made this as a 6x6 card, I have printed Trudy a bit smaller as well, but wanted to make a 'big' card (for me anyway) to begin with. I've got the stickles out and Sakuras to add some glittery effects and 'popped' the dress.

Well, mojo is calling.... a cup of coffee first though methinks :) Happy Sunday y'all.

Saturday 2 July 2011

2011-07-02T12:44:00.000Z

As you see, I have been playing with making paper flowers! I have a little box of them now ready to do something with them! I've also had a pot of bedazzled beads out - which go everywhere so I will finding little beadie things for weeks. The flower at the front is made from just scallop punched circles, I made them smaller - snipping into the middle and then folding them along one scallop, the final one is about 4 scallops in.

And a card, I played with nestabilities and used a digi stamp. I love the little multicoloured gems, they add a lovely bit of colour. Not sure if it can be seen, but I have mounted up the eyelet circle die cut. I've got a couple more cards in progress, they are taking their time coming together, I think that I need to give my craft table another clear up, it is a bit cluttered which is probably the same state as my brain at the moment - cluttered with ideas that need to come out and onto paper!!!

You see what I mean! There is a table under that lot {somewhere}.

And finally, we had a lovely rainbow on Thursday evening. Pointed out by Genny and Ben who should have actually been in bed endeavouring to get some shut eye rather than peering out of Genny's bedroom window.

That's it for now. Gonna see if I can clear that table that is under paper etc :)

Oooopsie - me bad

2011-06-28T18:34:00.000Z

I haven't been blogging, despite still being around! I think my mojo went for a walk after the splurges of creativity I have had (although perhaps all the splurges wore me out!) I am pleased to say though that it is working its way back.

I have been playing with some of the new Tim Holtz kraft resist paper. I got out the cherry red glimmer mist which I promptly managed to decorate my little finger and despite several showers, it is now a delicate shade of pink!

The TH paper is fun to play with. I made some paper flowers using a scallop nestabilitie and then scoring and folding. I guess now that I have a few, I should do something with them but they look pretty on my craft table for now ;)

And here you have the fruits (some of them) from the allotment. Fresh gooseberries. I've frozen them, didn't bother to top and tail as if you freeze them just as they are when you come to want to use them just shake them around in a colander and the tops/tails should just come off. We had some strawberries - didn't last long - raspberries, turned into a crumble and eaten before the day was out and also some blackcurrants. I've turned them into a puree as they are going to become ice cream. The ice cream maker is currently freezing and then will have to get the cream to get that started off. Going by the smell of the pureed blackcurrants it is going to taste divine.

If you head over to the shop, I've got some of the lovely Tatty Button stamps in stock. These are ready to go as they have cushion mount on them already. I've got these on free p&p at the moment along with Spellbinder dies and the Catslife Press stamps (and the remaining kraft resist paper stash).

So for now, Genny has headed out to Guides - painting salt dough creations if the plan is going as planned!! I'm going to be back in leader mode when we return after the school holidays although all being well and I am running on more cylinders that I currently am, I will get to the last meeting of the term. I'm hoping, if we can get the transport sorted, that Ben can start Beavers later this year when he turns 6, he asks about going to Guides, but well, that's not going to happen!! And, talking about turning 6, this wee one turns 18 this week - time flies eh! Coralie has her birthday then is off on a girlie (I think!) trip to hotter climes! Yes, she has a card but it's not going here just yet!!!

Material world with a twist!

2011-06-18T20:03:00.000Z

Still managing to do a bit of ATDML cyber cropping. I've done the material world challenge over at the cyber blog. The challenge to use material! I've tied this in with the Twisted Sketch #64, the twist to use wood. I've used some Crate Paper, I've used some fabric paper from Love Elsie and cut that with the eyelet circle nestabilities, layered it up with the next size down nestabilitie, using the reverse of the crate paper for the layer. For the wooden twist, I've used a die cut wooden tree - painted with paint daubers and glitteryfied with some stickles. A little sentiment and some ric-rac finishes it off.

Saturday 18 June #2

2011-06-18T13:11:00.000Z

I've played along with The Stamp Man challenge as well {so far} and used the Twisted Cards Sketch #63 the twist being to use metal. The Stamp Man challenge theme being butterflies and dragonflies.

I've used some die cut butterflies and got my ticker tape thingie out and used some metal sheet trimmed down to fit the hole. Metal brad, paperclip and shaped clip are the metal bits for this one. I've popped up the butterflies.

Cropping Weekend #1

2011-06-18T13:05:00.001Z

I'm on my own this weekend, his nibs has gone on a camping thing with the ATC to the Peak District - I'm not sure if I am going to survive the weekend as feeling not too great but I am going to think positive and am attempting to make stuff, it is therapeutic and anything 'household', well it can wait. So, onwards to the craft table, I am planning on catching up on challenges and joining in with the ATDML cyber crop. This is going to be a weekend (hopefully) of creating and blogging!

First up for today, I have completed the ATDML tag challenge set last night. I've used a Magnolia and some Basic Grey tags for this one and got out some ribbon scraps. I've turned it into a card for the Cupcake challenge, boy oh boy.

I've got three classes that I hope {plan} to get done. Must give the craft table a clear up as it is a tad messy at the moment!

Two on a Friday

2011-06-17T19:50:00.000Z

It has been a funny old Friday. I fear I have gotten over excited today and done too much, sorry if TMI but the scar area is feeling quite sore today, well all of me is feeling a big saggy around the edges! Anyway, to take my mind off feeling sorry for myself, I've played along with the Paperplay challenge - at the beach. I've used a Magnolia for this one and added in some sand & glitter for the beach effect. I trimmed down a sheet of 8x8 HOTP paper for the background paper. I thnk that I should have put a button on instead of the butterfly but having had a cuttlebug butterfly frenzie earlier today, thought I better use one!!! Oh, it's still raining! In fact, it's now chucking it down here in North Norfolk. The kids are in bed {loose term}, I'm now off to find some caffeine and pop the next True Blood disc in the dvd player - I'm currently watching TB from season one - thanks to my work buddy who has provided me with TB entertainment while I am recuperating. I just have to ensure I have the pause button to hand in case small humans wander downstairs!!!

Friday 17 June 2011 - Bingo!

2011-06-17T14:24:00.001Z

I've had a play along with the Simon Says stamp challenge, let's play bingo, today. My bingo words are flowers, brads and sentiment. I've used a Patchwork Polly stamp set and glazed the watering can and Polly's wellies. A bit of sparkle is added using some Sakura gel pens. Not sure if you can see it but I have 'popped' nestability, watering can and patchwork duck to add a bit of dimension.

It's brightened up the day as it has been raining for most of it (and a bit blustery), but hey ho, at least the garden is looking better for it!

Wednesday 15 June 2011 Part III

2011-06-15T12:47:00.000Z

Last post for today, I've used one of the Tiddly Inks digital stamps, Lilli Claire Make a Wish and the Labels 16 Nestabilities and got out my scallop punch for the border bit. Then just out of the scrap bag for the rest. I'm enjoying getting out the Sakura's to add some glaze and glittery colour.

While I am posting, I've had a bit of a stamp clear out and popped some Stampin' Up! stamps, along with some other bits and bobs, onto eBid. It's nice to have a bit of a clear out now and then, it makes room for new stuff ;)

Wednesday 15 June 2011 Part II

2011-06-15T12:35:00.000Z

Here comes post number 2. I've played along with the Lili of the Valley challenge, #100 Anything Goes. I've used the stamp of the little boy with his computer game and went back into my scraps bag, finding out a mix of Chatterbox papers for this one. It's just one of those things, I just can't throw away remnants, which I know a lot of fellow crafters can't do, although if they are 'small' I get out the punches to punch out what I can before I throw the off cuts it into the recycling bin! Anyway, this little fella is coloured in with the usual (promarkers/copics) and I have also found my Sakura clear gel pen and used that on some of it as well.

As per post one for today, I have been mojo'd so have one more to blog ....

Wednesday 15 June 2011

2011-06-15T12:25:00.001Z

I've been doing an impression of a vegetable these past few days! Today, however, craft mojo back on the go and I have made some cards. I do actually have some photos to scrap but not just yet, I don't know what it is but I think I prefer to scrap with scrapping buddies rather than on my ownsome!!

I've joined in with the Mo's Digital Challenge (#86) using the delightful Bronte hearts Bella digital stamp, coloured with copics/promarkers. I've used the Nestabilities labels 16 and various scraps in my scraps bag, some ribbon and some jumbo ric-rac. Mo has some new stamps out, am I tempted..... {silly question I know!}

Watch out, another post is coming on the heels of this one!!

Thursday 9 June 2011

2011-06-09T18:03:00.000Z

This morning, got out of bed sometime after 8am, felt ugh {must have been the exertion of going into Dereham yesterday} took something for my head which was (and still is) 'fluffy' to say the least and went back to bed, until lunchtime! The sleep didn't cure it so it is well and truly a case of the snots - must be by the declining number of tissues in the tissue box. It's an exciting life I am currently leading!! And, my cut is feeling sore today, don't know why that is but it's not comfy today. Hey ho, it's all still better out than in so mustn't grumble.

Anyway, today's activity is a card for the Bombshell June sketch challenge. I've sorted through my scraps and for the time being have them in once place and I managed to utilise a fair few of them for this card. Miss Bombshell coloured in with the usual copics & promarkers. I also sprayed on some spray and shine, not sure if it can be seen from the pic.

Oh, forgot, I got my haircut on Tuesday. Gee it feels better to have less hair. I had it thinned out as despite being fine, it gets heavy. It certainly feels better being off of my neck.

Friday tomorrow, means a house full of kids again. It's been strange just having the wee man here on his own. Tomorrow evening it will be hustle and bustle of the three kidlets, hopefully enjoying each others' company.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

2011-06-08T14:56:00.000Z

Despite feeling a tad worn out, got stuck into making a card for the Tiddly Inks Challenge - going goth. I have made this into a 6x6 design, cutting down some of the 12x12 Bazzill and 7gypsies paper out and getting out the ribbons to play with this one.

I've used a Tiddly Inks digital stamp, cast your spell, coloured with copics/promarkers. I've used some glitter spray to add a bit of sparkle and a bit of diamond glaze for some gloss. Then just added a prima and sentiment and some little gem thingies.

I seem to be on one a day at the moment. I have got some snaps back from Photobox so I may venture into the realms of scrapbooking, which I haven't done for a while.

Tuesday 7 June 2011

2011-06-07T10:29:00.000Z

Going out today, in the car {not driving though}. Have got to get a haircut before I inflict the scissors onto my hair myself! Been up the garden to the chooks, we have a mouse in the shed so we think that is why they are laying in their sleeping coop. Will have to sort that out!

Managed to do a card this morning, I can't do daytime telly! This is for the Cupcake Craft Challenge blog - the challenge is to do something with tails. So this is another LORi stamp, coloured in with Copics and Promarkers (I totally blame Jane for me ending up in the shopping aisle!).

Annette has done some inspirational soup and so I have something wandering around my head for that one. Will see if I can get it out of my head later :) Now, time to go out for a ride and get shot of some hair.

Monday 6 June 2011

2011-06-06T09:04:00.000Z

Blogging on a Monday! I had a bit of a tidy up {I know, again!} of my little craft area yesterday, albeit it took me all day to sort out two cubes in the expedit! It looks a bit better, desk is still a bit of a mess though, but who wants a tidy desk!

I managed to do a soup, recipe #42. I used a stamp from LORi Designs, cut out extra balloons and diamond glazed them. I did succumb to more of the stamps which are awaiting colouring! Paper is from K&Co, found while having a tidy up.

A few weeks ago, I had coloured in this Lili of the Valley stamp, she has been stuck down on a card now. I didn't know quite what to do with her but Chicken Soup came to the rescue. The papers are from a little 6x6 K&Co pad - yup that was because I had a clear up too!

I feel I may do some more today, sitting up is finally becoming not so much of a pain in the tummy area!! Oh, the house is going to be empty, Morgan is back at resi-school after half term and Genny has gone off on her year 5 trip. Ben is going to be a lonely little fella this week.

Friday 3 June 2011

2011-06-03T20:45:00.000Z

So, it's been two weeks and a day since I went in for my op. Which didn't quite go to plan, ended up with an 8.25" cut due to hemorrhaging and some bags of O Neg {thanks to those that donate blood, especially the O Negs}. I'm left with Olivia the ovary (named by KT!) the other one was part of the problem. Am on the mend, albeit slowly, it sure takes a lot out of you and I lose the ooompf to do anything, not surprising I guess. Anyway, on the road to recovery what has been taken away is better out than in, and slow steps and all that.

Interspersed with the periods of mooching around, I have managed over the course of two days got some creativity out of the system, I've come to the conclusion that sitting is not that comfy and prefer to have the legs stretched out!!

The first is for the Paperplay challenge, which is citrus splash with the challenge to use orange, yellow and green. I played with a Spellbinder shapeabillity, a lovely doily one, some Kim Hodges and Chatterbox papers and other bits lying around.

Then I had a go at the Twisted Card Sketch #61. I feel that it needs something else, but for now this will do. The twist is summer, I thought the strawberry sticker sums that one up. I need a sentiment stamp which says "you are sweet" or something like that. May have to just do it myself in Word and go from there :) not today though!

Before I pootle off, thanks for all the well wishes, I know it is a slow recovery and I will be good and not do anything stupid!

Wednesday 18 May 2011

2011-05-18T16:49:00.000Z

Surprise, posting on a Wednesday as going in for a little op tomorrow and will be out of action for a while. I thought I would get a bit of crafting done today but I seem to have been in a flittering about mode today, not nervous for tomorrow, just hoping the alarm clock goes off at 5am as I have to be at the hospital for 7am and the last time I can put something in my stomach is before 5.30am. Anyway, partial success, between the flittering, I have made this...

Isn't she cute, just think of the Wizard of Oz. I am putting this in for the Ribbon Girl challenge #8. The challenge is to use pinks and lilacs. I've used some old sheets of paper lurking around {in my attempt to clear out my drawers of paper I have had for .... years}. It's a digi stamp from Mo Manning, coloured in with copics and promarkers. I may have a change from 'felt' tips and get my pencils out, I feel they are being neglected!

The colours for this were also inspired from the Chicken Soup recipe #41, sweetie jars but the colours are kinda lush and I do like that big jar in the middle! I could fill one with love hearts :) I'm looking forward to seeing what the girls come up with for the next Mojo kicker, you will see they have had a bit of a tease for the next one!

Currently in progress, I know what she is for and now am off to check that the diamond glaze has 'set'..... {will get a cuppa tea as well I think as she has made me thirsty}.

Til later...

Sunday 15 May 2011

2011-05-15T13:01:00.000Z

Just a couple of cards for today's post. I seem to have spent most of this week perusing digital stamp sites and blogs rather than creating!!

I have cleaned up my tote, although kind of forced upon me as I was looking for some cut and dry, which I duly found, eventually! My tote is now reorganised, but for how long is another matter.

Yesterday I finished up a card which is for Twisted Sketch #101 the twist being curves - I have scalloped the edge of the card to make it curvy! Just using some odd pieces of paper lying around and ran off the stamp (coloured with the usual promarkers/copics) and the flowery circle embellishment is from a digi kit. Just some rub ons for the sentiment and a sticker to finish.

Today I have done a Chicken Soup - recipe #40, inspired by some white porcelain! I've used the little cupcake fairy which is a Mo Manning stamp, I had to glitter the wings, I couldn't help myself!! She is coloured with promarkers and copics. Then just some lace and stick things to finish her off. Obviously she is having a rest before she tackles the second cupcake.

And that is it for today, I think I might investigate the contents of a drawer to see what I have accumulated over the years, might even use some of it {gasp}.

Sunday 8 May 2011

2011-05-08T14:49:00.001Z

I've been pottering around the craft table, today's first piece is using a Mo Manning's stamp, how big is that candy floss!! Having finished it I am using it for challenge #81 - the challenge is monochromatic, I've use promarkers and copics to colour in. I have some work in progress happening at the moment, just need to find 'something' not sure what it is, but I will know when I find it!!!!

We're in mojito weather at the moment, I have a jug in the fridge of sugar syrup marinating with some mint and bacardi! I don't think it will be long before it comes out to be acquainted with the soda and lime :) Despite the lovely weather, a bit of rain will not go amiss, the garden needs a drink as well, a nice little thunderstorm will be fine, I like a bit of thunder n lightening. Well, back to my craft table, I can hear the Herma calling... till later....

Well, it's later! I've done this card in between sorting out kidlets and their tummies. I'm using this one for The Cheerful Stamp Pad challenge #17 - little girls with curls. A Mo Manning digital stamp coloured using promarkers and copics. I'm going to go back to the card and add some diamond glaze on the flowers and butterfly (just decided that while posting this).

Monday 2 May 2011

2011-05-02T20:44:00.000Z

Woah, what a great few days have been had. My Canadian family (well three of them, Rob, Myrna & Cody) came for a visit, the last leg of their 6 week vacation from Canada, they have spent a few weeks in South Africa and now it was our turn. First stop with mum and dad and a trip to Ireland to visit my brother and his family, this was their first meeting and about time too! Then it was my turn (yay!). As always though, the time went way too fast.

We went into Norwich on Wednesday where I took them to the cathedral and then for a mooch around the town, mum and dad as well and we had a rather scrummy lunch in M&S.

This is the best way to get the whole of bell tower in a photo!

Then Thursday into Cromer, had to walk along the pier and then they got a good look at the lifeboat. It was a bit windy, but we survived and it didn't rain. We had a fish and chip lunch at Mary Jane's and then we headed off to Blickling Hall.

We spent a good few hours at Blickling Hall - my first time there as well. House is amazing, I think that they were blown away by the history. The gardens were fab, Myrna and me went and had to go find out what the 'sitooterie' was - a place where you go and sit ooot. Afterwards, we headed back to the fort for a roast lamb dinner.

Then it was a drive down to Heathrow where we stayed over at the Travelodge. On the way down though, well.... you don't see this every day. A pig in the road. Brian took on the role of pig herder and got the sow back in the field.!! The morning came too quickly and we had breakfast, watching the big tv's as they were departing on the 'wedding day'. Being a woose, we said our goodbyes, I can't do these at the airport anymore as I just want to go too!! They are back safe and sound in Canada, roll on the next visit. Cody misses Ben and the feeling is mutual!

After that excitement. Took some of the Guides snow tubing on Sunday to the Norfolk Snowsports Centre. No broken bones and they had a fab time. I was content to watch!

Genny, with her 'tube' on the 'escalator' before going up the slope for another slide down!

Today, a few of the Guides had their belated royal wedding party today at the Sheringham Guide HQ joining in with the Sheringham and Cromer guide units. They decorated cupcakes, wrote in a card that is going to be sent to Clarence House and some other stuff, including a buffet! I also got my leadership badge so I am a fully fledged leader now, or have been committed!!

Finally, I have in between all this excitement, managed to get a Chicken Soup in the bag. Although it has been in my head for a couple of days it finally squeezed its way out. Check out the inspiration and this is what I have got out of my head!!

I'm now back to work tomorrow, just 8 work days left before I head off to the NNUH. I hope the girls at work are still talking to me!!

Sunday 24 April 2011

2011-04-24T19:40:00.001Z

The sun has been out today, although there was bit of a chill to the wind. Despite that, another lovely day in Norfolk. Excited kids, the day of "Spring Spheres", yeah Easter Egg day for those that do the religious thing! Bowls at the ready, they went off into the garden in search of foiled chocolate. It's a surprise they aren't feeling sick the amount they have consumed!

Armed and ready for the hunt. Found!

I think Morgan was going tunnelling! I think this says it all! Devoured!

And interspersed with all this eating of chocolate (by those of school age), a little mouse with his cuppa and a cupcake.

And lastly for today.

Although, I have some finished coloured in images, for the 'topper' box ready to be stuck down.

I have had the sakuras out as well, so there is some glittery colours on these.

Saturday 23 April 2011

2011-04-23T16:21:00.000Z

Happy St Georges's Day!

We have had some really non-April weather, to the point of it being quite hot outside. Although that means loads of washing! We went over to the park the other day, played 'tennis' with Genny whilst the boys had a game of pooh sticks and just generally ran around.

Yesterday I had a spring clean of some cupboards, it's amazing how much toot you accumulate, but it seemed to be more of a rejig and sorting out school papers for the kidlets into their respective folders (from just shoving it in the cupboard!). Also had a sort out (again) of the craft desk, I will get it to the point of stuff is where I need it to be! Today, made use of the clear up and got down to some colouring in and making 'stuff'. Here are a couple of things from the production line...

This one has been mojo'd from Chicken Soup, recipe #38. The digi stamp is from Mo Manning and coloured with copics and promarkers, I love the little bingo cards (downloaded from Peppermint Creative).

Don't you just love this one, I do! Another Mo Manning stamp, again coloured with copics and promarkers.

Going back to finish colouring in a mouse and cupcake! And, I think it may be time for G&T with a twist of lemon, or maybe lime. If we had the bacardi it would be mojito's :)

Monday 18 April 2011

2011-04-18T18:37:00.000Z

I've had some inspirational soup yesterday, which I finished off this evening. It's interesting to see what people come up with from a picture, this is what my mojo came up with when I went and checked out what was up at Chicken Soup (recipe #37). It was the circles that did it for me! I have used some papers in my stock pile - Daisy Ds - and I have scrapped Genny's handprints, done when she was just a bit over 3.5, it just shows that you can take your time scrapping!

Sunday 17 April 2011

2011-04-17T08:43:00.002Z

I had a play along with the Papertake Weekly challenge, yesterday, but well it was too late for me to start blogging and uploading photos, so doing it this morning! Plan for the rest of the day is to do some more craftiness, I'm in the mood (at the moment anyway!).

So, my card for the Papertake challenge is a Magnolia coloured stamp (promarkers) and for dimension, the background green paper, I have stamped with white staz-on and the edge is a Tim Holtz sizzix die. I have popped up the Magnolia and added some buttons. I didn't want to do any more to it, if I send it to anyone I will add a sentiment (maybe).

A couple of cards made for some special girlies. Coralie and Jodie will be soon sitting their A levels, then it will be off to Uni. I saw Twisted Sketch #55 and they are based on that, although I am going back for another play as the twist for the sketch is green! Obviously I have no green, I wanted to use pink! I have also cuttlebug embossed one of them! I'm going back to play, this time, I'm going green.

And here we go, I've gone green with the Twisted Sketch. I have this delightful Mo Manning digi stamp, the little Irish dancer, coloured using Copics and Promarkers. I got the organza out as well and just behind the sentiment is a rub on - for the swirly bit - I didn't want a big one.

And finally, for today's posting at least, I may do some more crafting as the day goes on. For this one, I have used papers from a K&Co tulip paper pad, I cut out another butterfly and another tulip to give it a bit of a raised look as it just looked too flat otherwise.

Wednesday 13 April 2011

2011-04-13T13:05:00.000Z

My day off from work, had to pop out first thing to take back some clothes, bought for Genny but too small - she is 10, the clothes were 11/12, they were too small! Then back home, half term, kids not quite at the killing each other stage, there is time! Brian had brought home some parsnips ideal for soup and so they were on the bubble when I got back, I finished them off with just blitzing them, had a bowl (yum yum) did save some.

Finished off a card I started last night, this has been 'mojo'ed' from Chicken Soup 36. I used a Lili of the Valley stamp and coloured it in with copics & promarkers, added some primas to finish it off. Just waiting for the 'yeast cake' to rise, Genny wants to make hot cross buns. So, the oven is beeping......

A Sad Day 11/04/2011

2011-04-11T21:50:00.000Z

This evening, my Aunt Sylvia passed away. Earlier this year, she had the diagnoses of cancer and with deep sadness, she was taken away from her loved ones. I cannot remember when I saw my aunt last, but it has been too long, but despite the years passing, I can still see her face and hear her voice from when I was a youngster. Aunt Sylvia is my mum's youngest sister, she would have been 65 this year. Rest in peace dear aunt.

Sunday 10 April 2011

2011-04-10T19:48:00.000Z

Not done much!! Work, home, work, home, Guides..blah blah you get the story a bit of an uneventful couple of weeks, apart from getting the date for my op, there hasn't been much excitement going on!! We have had some lovely weather, some of it spent at work!! Now it's the spring term holidays so a full house of kidlets - yay - another week of work, a couple of days then I am off and I am solooking forward to some Canadian family stopping for a few days.

Yesterday I started dusting the bedroom, which turned into a mammoth move of the room and now I am suffering from self-inflicted "it didn't hurt at the time" syndrome! Bus and run over by, spring to mind!!! It resulted also in Genny gaining a chest of drawers and me having a bit of a sort out and rediscovering some Bazzill - will be trimming some of that down to 6x6! Today, after spending the morning doing a first aid course - part of my Guiding hat - came home and flicked through my blog list. Stopped by the Chicken Soup, light bulb moment and voila - used using scraps from the November 2010 ATDML retreat (and looking forward to October 2011) and a Magnolia stamp.

Sunday 27 March 2011

2011-03-27T19:26:00.000Z

Managed to get some sticking done this weekend, yay! Plus, the boy is home from school this weekend (which has gone rather quickly) so all in all a good one, nevertheless, could do with the weekend consisting of more than two days (don't we all?!). Anyhooo, the result of today's paper play :)

Playing with the Chicken Soup this weekend. If you head over to the blog, this one is for recipe #32, which is a load of little bird houses, I just saw the colours and here you go, my take on it, plus I found a corner punch in a drawer, first time I have played with it and I have had it...... ooooh there is a question!!

Number 2 of the day, still with the Kim Hodges papers here, I have not been much of a patterned paper person but have had fun with these. Recipe #33 for this one which is of rainbows (as in the colours). Sorry but the KH papers came out again!! The pic is from when we went into Cromer last August and it was a wee bit windy on the pier, if you click on the pic you can see the waves - not a day for paddling!

And finally, for today at least, a Magnolia stamp coloured in with watercolour pencils. Anna Griffin paper for the background, the flowers from Recipe #34 is what jumped out of me for this one. I added some lace and Primas just to finish it off.

Happy Sunday y'all :)

Thursday 24 March 2011

2011-03-24T20:00:00.001Z

Still here! I haven't accomplished much in the way of craftyness, slipped of the path since my crop a couple of weekends ago - which seems way too long ago! I have been cutting things out with the cuttlebug though, the plan is to use what I have cut. Yesterday, my usual day off, I got out into the garden, with just a t-shirt on and it was warm {although the weekend doesn't promise to be as nice}. Took some piccies with my phone, just to while away some time and to remember that we do have sunshine in the UK now and then!

Out in the garden looking up..... looking down

<~~~~ & a daff

the girlies, well three of them!

Now, this one I took at work on Tuesday. I had an email from my aunt out in Canada and they are shovelling snow, a lot of it. Sent this to cheer them up as they will be coming over in a few weeks.

Wednesday 16 March 2011

2011-03-16T19:38:00.000Z

Usual day off work, yipee, went out and about, picked up some mugs that the Guides did last week at Doodlepots in Holt, then off to Dereham for some shopping, and a Costa latte. Trying to find trousers for Genny - unsuccessful - aged 11/12 and they are too small, she is 10 and a half!! Ben got a new pair of shoes and slippers though, which do fit - yay! Managed to get some paper stuck down. Rooting through my stock piles, found some K& Co Kim Hodges and here we go, actually used it (along with some odd stickers and die cuts).

Monday 14 March 2011

2011-03-14T16:57:00.000Z

I finished off a Twisted Sketch (#49) yesterday, but as it was a bit dark took the picture today! The twist for this sketch is 'spring' and I have in my stock piles some daisy paper (K&Co) rediscovered at my crop on Saturday! I thought the paper quite apt for this one. I punched out some of the daisies from a sheet of embossed paper and just edged them with a black ink pad. Used my Tim Holtz die for the green trimming and scallop punched the yellow gingham. Just a rubon for the Birthday sentiment. To finish off, I used some K&Co rubons, little daisy like flowers. So there you go, one twisted sketch.

12 March 2011

2011-03-12T18:41:00.001Z

Saturday, a lovely day spent scrapping, cardmaking and chatting with great friends. Today I was joined by Annette, Mel and Glad and 'aunty' Janet. Missing a few regulars but we still managed to have a good chinwag! Although it was not our usual all day crop, it was a good day and productive, 6 layouts and a card and Mel got some mojo working.

Here are my creations for the day:

And for Chicken Soup #31 - it was the icing on the cakes and I just thought of the Pink Petticoat stamps I had printed off and coloured a while ago :) which today became a card.

What to call it...

2011-03-06T18:36:00.000Z

Half the fun of doing a blog is thinking of a title for the blog post! No idea what to call this one, maybe I will just start and call them something like "Sunday 6 March". Anyway, I have put glue to paper and stuck it down, the result a 12x12 layout and I have a card fuzzing around in my brain but it's not coming out to something more tactile at the moment so I will just let it fester a while longer to see if anything happens!!

I have had a sheet of K&Co Life's Journey paper loitering on my craft table, I've used it, well some of it. It's got tickets on it, Chicken Soup #30 had for inspiration a ticket book. Last August on a trip into Cromer I took a photo of the pier, printed out in black and white, and so here you have photo meets paper!

Soggy Saturday

2011-02-26T16:08:00.000Z

Not sure about this spring showers thing, its been raining most of the day, intemittent periods of lots of stuff falling out of the sky to that drizzly stuff. Whilst it was in drizzling mode, I went and checked up on the chookatitas, a bit soggy in half their enclosure as they are now back in their pen as the spring shoots are coming up and we don't want them thinking they are a delicacy!! Still happy chooks though and enjoyed their scraps!

As to the craftyness stage I am in, my aunt is poorly and the card I started yesterday is now finished. I've used the Catslife Press stamp that I rehomed, stamped with chocolate chip inkpad and a bit of copic colouring. Also having been to visit Annette's blog, then finding myself at PaperPlay Challenges Blog which then led me to Create with TLC blog, having previously been to Chicken Soup, there is inspiration from all these blogs - you can see why going on a blog hop is fun!!

A new home!

2011-02-25T20:18:00.000Z

It's no good, I've had to rehome some.

They have been begging me for weeks!!!

Now, the best bit is, is that I can get them inky!

But now I have a dilemma, which one first, choices... choices.

Although, having perused the Chicken Soup, I think I have something on the boil :)

Feeling twisted!!

2011-02-24T21:16:00.000Z

It started at work today, we have a huge door that most of us have had an injury caused by it, I don't even think about opening it as it has already given my back grief and it's not going to do it again. And, there is the gate, lethal as well in that it has sharp pointy prong things that have caused injury, it is now being decorated with corks!! Albeit, they have been decorated too, I have done my bit and they are now golden with a hint of glitter :) So, this led on to blog hopping at lunch time and wishing I was elsewhere - you know, at home at my craft table!! Finally, though, my wish came true, home and have crafted = happy bunny.

The result of the blog hopping means that I have been and done a twisted sketch, in this case number 89. The twist, pins.

Here is my take on the sketch, the pin is used in the prima flower.

The image is a digital stamp is a Frillie Millie from Pink Petticoat. Coloured in with watercolour pencils/crayons. Probably a promarker/copic but it has been a while since I coloured it in!!

Blogging on a .....

2011-02-13T16:47:00.002Z

...Sunday!

I think I may rename my blog to just that!! This weekend has been 'home weekend' for Morgie, he will probably go back to school with square eyeballs as he has basically been stuck to the computer. He has computers at school, but they aren't connected to the internet. So, he has had his fix (and is still having his fix) this weekend. He has eaten in between being stuck to his chair and his legs do actually work! Tomorrow is back off to school, then home Friday for half term.

Not much else doing really, apart from.... sticking on a Sunday! Caught up with some of the soup recipes and got a bit mucky in the process, but that is also part of the fun. I was toying with some shrink plastic and made some butterfly danglies, which are now hanging on my tool tote, just punched them out using a butterfly punch, stamped them and then shrunk 'em. It is great to watch it shrink down right in front of your eyes. And, I think some of the soup recipe #25 must have been swimming around in my head!

Carrying on with the crafting theme, I have made an ATC. Getting mucky again using the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, the very nice cherry red colour. Dug out some stamps I have not used in ages, Hero Arts I think and a couple of extra bits, Heidi Swapp see through flower and a flower itself - which got a bit mucky when I was spritzing so decided to use it! Added in a bit of extra colour using some promarkers. This one is for Chicken Soup #26.

Finally, for here anyway as I may dig out some more stuff later, Chicken Soup #27, and my take on the recipe. One one of the nice days during the school summer holiday last year, we headed into Cromer and the kids had a whirl on the teacup ride. The sky was a lovely blue and the colours just so bright.

Lurking since who knows when, I found some of the Love Elsie papers, this just went (to my eye anyway) with the photo and I just cut up some of the Love Elsie 'sticky' backed paper to cut some square-ish squares, added a little tab and that was it!

If you are a cardmaker, go take a look at the 'Sketches 4 Cards' app, my budette Annette has designed a card for the release of this new app, which comes from the creativity of Anam, who has also done an app for scrapbooks. I'm going to continue doing some blog-hopping I think, I end up all over the place when I start - and most times with a list of 'needs' {having been to Jane's blog and ending up at Lori's place!}, my list has made a start!!!

Sticking on a Sunday

2011-02-06T16:06:00.001Z

You read that right! I have stuck things down. Perusing the Chicken Soup, then I had that lightbulb moment and hey presto, 10 minutes later and here we have an actual scrapbook layout! From Ben's 5th birthday in the morning when he opened some parcels before he headed off for school. I used one of the Rouge de Garance Fleur de Tiare papers, number 2. Not much else on this one to go with the photos! A flower, brad, stickers, some journaling and that is it.

I'm updating this, as I have done another one!! 12x12 again, kraft cardstock and some Chatterbox papers and I used one of those flowers and a huge brad! Chicken Souped #24 this time, you can just about see that I have stamped some flowers along the bottom of the layout. Pictures were taken during a visit to Pensthorpe last year.

Satuuuurday

2011-02-05T19:05:00.000Z

It is very blustery today! I did brave the gusts and went to check on the chooks, all fine, topped up their grub, between them they had laid 3 eggs (an improvement) and they all looked a bit windswept! I did get a cuddle with one of the Bluebelles although had to put her down quick as she was going for the goodies I had bought them and she was a tad mucky.

I finished a jumper that has taken me two evenings to knit, I did have issues with the sleeves, started to sew them in the wrong way round and had to unpick, but, second time lucky and now Ben's bear has a jumper. Not fabulous but it will do and thanks to those that helped me out with finding a knitting pattern :)

Made a card (wow) for someone who is retiring from work. I just need to get back into this making things with paper again as it seems to have drifted off somewhere, if anyone finds it, throw it back :) I am looking forward to my crop day in March (yay) buddies from all over coming to spend the day in Norfolk and cut, stick, natter, knit and maybe just chat and not do anything else as it is a great time to catch up.

And I succumbed to some more Catslife Press Stamps and also have some on the website. I will be getting some more nestablities as well so if there are any specific that are must haves, drop me a line and I will add them to the list of wants!

Morgan is in school this weekend, I know he has been out today and tomorrow Brian is going over to see him, Morgan gave a shopping list - he is running out of chewies! We have had less phone calls this week so I guess they are keeping them busy in the evening, it's all good :)

{sigh}

2011-01-23T18:00:00.000Z

Oh my, how many days is it into January!! Morgan is now in residential school - golly gosh that was a hard day taking him there - he appears to be settling in ok, this weekend is his first 'in school' weekend, we went over to take him out for the afternoon yesterday which was lovely having not seen him since the Monday morning. They spent a couple of hours running around an activity playground thing, let's just say that thankfully Morgan gets a shower twice a day!!

Crafting wise I haven't done much, my bad. Not felt like it to be honest as seem to be up to ears in sorting out Guides! Planning for the term, on my own as the young leader that helps out is in the midst of exams and the guider in charge, well I have replaced her. Burn night on our next meeting so they are making shortbread as well as doing their Go For Its! Thankfully (I think) Guides do a bit more of their own planning and one of the things they wanted to do is snow tubing {google it if you are not sure} and so I have booked them in for as session.... in May!!!

When popping out to see the chooks today, I have had words with the three browns, took each one into the egg laying accommodation and showed them where they should be sitting. I am envisaging that somewhere in the garden there is a stock pile of eggs which they have laid! Anyway, they have been told and shown where they should be going, once a day ideally, to lay some eggies, I wonder if it has sunk in!

And for now, children that are here require bathing, so as the littlest one seems to get everything wet out side of the bath, need to find my waterproofs!!

All I want for Christmas....

2011-01-03T20:40:00.000Z

Finishing off the Chicken Soup 12 days of Christmas. And, I have had a go at some more digital, I was going to do the tactile way, you know paper and glue but well my printer ink is kerput to say the least and so my photos have a delicate shade of magenta! So, I had a rummage through the digital things I have stored away for future use (!) and came across this one, a kit from CatScrap by creashans.

The boys, all they wanted for Christmas were Nerf guns (and some Armouron), they were happy and have continued to be happy since. On the plus side, adults can play with the Nerfs too .

Card Patterns

2010-12-31T16:58:00.000Z

Headed over to Card Patterns today and have played with their sketch #96. I even got the cricut fired up to play along, cutting out the scallop circle (a hollow one). Used a Lili of the Valley stamp for the image, coloured in with copics and watercolour pencils and then some 7gypsies papers and some gingham to finish off. I have added some crystal glaze and some glittery bits, not sure that you can see them but they are there!!

Bombshell Dec Challenge

2010-12-28T21:10:00.000Z

So, as there is not much on telly, I went for a blog hop and found myself on the Bombshell blog. They have a December challenge, to stamp but not on paper. And so here is my take on it, I have used some staz-on {which smells like almonds, is that just me?!} onto some nice red felt. Got the stapler out, also stamped a sentiment on to some ribbon (with the said almond smelling staz-on). Brads and using up the old Motifica, here we have my Bombshell challenge card. I think I may add some little gems later, not now though, I have an eyeball from hell (sore throat and ear pain, great innit) but that doesn't stop you from playing with paper, you just have to find a spurt of mojo/energy to get going.

LOTV...Challenge...

2010-12-28T17:25:00.000Z

I have been playing with some of my Lili of the Valley stamps (I am waiting for 11 Jan when some new ones are released!) and thought that I would check out the LOTV blog and hey presto, have played along with the challenge sketch 77.

I have used some of the Basic Grey motifica papers from a 6x6 pad I have had lurking (for a while!). Happy Birthday is from a Verve stamp set. The little fella with his toy boat is, you may have guessed, from Lili of the Valley. Coloured in with copics and watercolour pencils. I don't think you can see but he is 'popped' out with foam pads and I have also layered an extra sail for even more of a 'pop'.

'tis the Eve

2010-12-24T18:51:00.000Z

Well, here we are folks, the night before the day of giving and receiving.

The toxic cake is iced, Genny added the decorations - not many it is minimalist approach, it does have a sprinkling of edible glitter on it too - seems to be a bit of a theme this December!!

I am in the process of finishing off a scrapping layout - yes with a pint glass of bombay g&t!

And on the scrapping note, you need to check out the Ribbon Girl giveaway. You should check it out, it is fab and you know you can never have enough ribbon, nor can you have enough Lili of the Valley stamps (one of my downfalls!).

And, on that note, a Merry Christmas wish to you and thank you for visiting my blog, which isn't much but it makes me happy as do your visits!!

So many...

2010-12-19T21:47:00.000Z

I had a few 2011 calendars left and a pile of twirled paper and then ended up with the calenders and some of the twirled paper stuck on various forms of display!

I have hanging varieties and card varieties. Now though, I have no idea on what to do with them all!!! Maybe I should open a little Etsy shop, not that there will be much in it, apart from these!!! Anyway, it kept me out of mischief for some of the day :)