My Creative Life

Carrot cake

2011-08-05T20:23:00.001+01:00

I had never tried Carrot cake before, to me carrots were meant to be with meat and potatoes, not in a cake. But after a very good friend of mine brought one round and force feed it to me. WOW I have been missing out all this time, Carrot cake is now a new found fave for me now.

Made this earlier today, Carrot sponge with orange filling and topping, the carrots are sugar crafted.
I will be enjoying a slice of this tomorrow, if not before then lol.

S'omething new from me

2011-08-04T22:19:00.001+01:00

Last Christmas I decided that I would make my own Christmas cake and make them as gifts for family members too. I've never made a Christmas cake before, and I certainly have never decorated a cake other than pouring on some icing or melted chocolate with some butter cream filling. So a little risky to say the least.

However, I found a new talent, and something I greatly enjoyed doing, and since then Ive taken off with making cakes and decorating them using various different techniques.

I started doing this just for family and friends and have since had a few orders for cakes too, so who knows where this may lead. I would love to make this a business, but that's just a pipe dream at the moment, but never say never.

I wont add lots of pictures at once, I will just add the first one I made for now, and gradually show you others.

Not bad for a first attempt hey?
Traditional Christmas cake, covered in marzipan then royal icing.
I made this for my parents for Christmas.

Ok so one more for you to see.
I think I had improved greatly by the time I did this one, everything and I mean everything on this cake is edible.

I very much enjoyed doing these, just as much as I enjoy making every other cake I have done since.
I will show you more soon of the other cakes, and I am sure you will agree that they are way better as they go along, Not that I am singing my own trumpet lol.

scrap a day - day 3

2011-08-04T22:08:00.002+01:00

scrap a day - day 2

2011-08-04T09:05:00.001+01:00

A scrap a day! - Day 1

2011-08-02T23:08:00.002+01:00

Well I am going to attempt to do a digital scrapbook page a day, not sure I will manage every day, but will be nice to try anyway. Each day will be an image from that day (were possible, technology permitting).

So here is the first one.

Digital scrapbooking,

2011-08-02T21:31:00.002+01:00

Well its been a little longer than I said till I started posting again. Been busy with decorating recently, slowly working through the whole house. Each room has had the base done at least. Just the final touches to do now. My son's room is my current project, I have to say its looking great, and its had the thumbs up approval from my son, so cant be too bad!

Heres some of my digital scrapbooking that I have done over the last year or so. Miss doing propper crafting scrapbooking but oh well its better than nothing, for now.

I will post again soon with some more of what I have been up to recently. Hopefully soon I will be as active on here as I was before, but this time with a much wider selection for crafts/hobbies that I currently do. Including some photos of my new deco in my house.

It has been wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to long!

2011-07-17T00:40:00.000+01:00

Well its been well over a year since I was last on here. Haven't really done too much crafting over the time. As I said in my last post there has been a lot going on around here, but it seams to all be in order now. Huge change around, I'm a single mummy and loving it, My son is well hes still my precious son, even with his ADHD to contend with. I wouldn't want it too much different.

I have not done any paper crafting at all since god knows when, I do miss it very much so, but I simply have no space for it all to go, not where I can comfortably craft, I refuse to part with it tho, as I know I will get back into it again, maybe not in the next year or even next few years, but certainly once one of the kids have left home lol. I will be able to take back the bedroom and use it as a bedroom and a craft room. Well that will be a few years from now still.

I still do bits of painting (including decorating throughout since things had a big shake up here), and my latest hobby is cake decorating and sugar craft, something that dose not take over the place too much lol. Ive only got a large welsh dresser filled with the things I need for this hobby, not a full loft space lol. I do still dabble in a bit of jewellery making and bead making. I'm also right into revamping old things. Today for instance I bought two pieces of furniture from the local dove house furniture shop, and I'm completely altering them at the moment, to match my new decor (that is when the dogs are not walking all over the wet gloss and walking it all over the carpet, never mind I do plan on replacing the carpet in here anyway).

I will pop some pictures up over the next day or two of some of the things I have been doing lately, I hope you all are well, I have missed posting on here, and looking through other peoples blogs. I have lost my blog list of friends, but Ill go through my past comments and I'm sure I will find you all again. Looking forward to having a good catch up on what you have all been doing over the last year or more.

xx Shirley xx

Stranger

2010-01-07T15:02:00.003Z

Well I cant belive its been nearly 8 months since I've posted on here and even longer since I've done any crafting. Im really shocked. I am desprate to get into my paper crafting again. And now I've looked on here and other peoples blogs at there crafts I'm even more so wanting to get back into it. Problem is, I moved it all into the loft, and I cant actualy craft up there anymore as I get so dizzy and feel so ill up there. and I simply havent the space to bring it all back down again, or even some of it. I still do the odd bit of jewellery and painting, and I have also started doing acrylic nails and nail art, but mostly only for my self, although I do do a few friends to.

Home life has been far from fine here. My son (9 years old) has sevear ADHD and it has worsened beyond control, so im constantly battling with his outbursts which is very draining, especialy as he is like it a good 22 hours out of 24. There has also been some very serious happenings going on at home, I cant actualy talk about them at the moment, but as soon as it is all sorted im free to say what I please, but there is going to be one major shake up here and one less person around, which should hopefully help with my sons ADHD in the long run too (its not my son who will be leaving).

As soon as everything is sorted out, and hopefully we move to a bigger house, I will be able to get back into my paper crafting and other crafts like I was, And I cant wait, im desprate to get playing again.

I hope everyone who passes by here is well and had a great Christmas and New Year.

.....I've decided.....

2009-05-21T19:41:00.004+01:00

After around a year without doing any paper crafting. It's about time that I got back into it. I did originaly move all my craft stuff up into the loft to work up there, but in doing this and becomeing very anxious up there I lost all interest in paper crafting. That and due to other personal issues.

Well it is down to my sister-in-law for nagging and nagging me to start back up again as she was missing my cards and she insists she can sell some at her place of work. That I have decided to start again.

So during next week I will be going up in the loft and attempting to sort out all my craft stuff (In the dark as the electrics have gone in there, and there is no window!) There is no way that I will fit everything I've got downstairs. So I will need to filter it out into what I will use the most, and only bring down what will actualy fit. The last time I had it all down stairs, I only had about half the stuff I have now, and I had more room for it to go as didnt have a dinning table. Well im not removing the dinning table, so I some how need to work out how to fit twice as much stuff in less space than I had.... that will be fun. Saying that im sure I will have plenty of stuff that I know I wont ever use. I think that will be passed on to someone who will get use of it all.

So all been well in a week or so's time I will be adding cards and other paper crafts back on my blog. Im hoping that getting back into crafting will also help aid my recovery with mental health. I have become very agrophobic and social phobic the last year and a half, as well as other mental health issues, So it may be a good thing getting back into crafting. Will at least help me occupy my mind more.

So please do pop by soon and hopefully I will have some new stuff to show you

xx Shirley xx

New hobby, Face painting.

2009-04-11T17:18:00.002+01:00

I got into face painting around 6 months ago now. I love doing it, especialy with my daughter as she is the perfect model.

Sorry to scare you with my ugly mug, but think it is improved with the paint lol.
Was not so easy painting myself.

My little girl, Not been very girly lol. But she is spiderman crazy.

And my son who is anything to do with the army barmy. He needed a haircut badly that day lol.

Thomas the Tank

2009-04-11T17:15:00.002+01:00

I did this last week for a very good friends little boy, who is mental on Thomas.

Well his mum showed him a photo of it when it was just in the sketched stage, and he knew exsactly who it was. So it has passed the Harry test lol.

More Jewellery & Bookmark

2009-04-11T17:10:00.001+01:00

Some of my Jewellery

2009-04-11T17:04:00.002+01:00

Ok so it has been a while since I posted anything on here. A lot of private stuff going on, keeping me away from here and from any kind of crafting.

But here is some of my recent Jewellery I have made.

Long time no post

2009-01-15T23:06:00.002Z

Sorry everyone, I just dissapeared for a very long time, Things not to grand around here lately, many things been put by the way side lately...

I havent been totaly idol tho. However I have stopped paper crafting, and I am getting rid of everything related to it now. Hard dessision to make, but im sure of it now...

This is what I have been upto the last 3 months (when I have been able to fit it in and/or been bothered to make anything)

432 beads later

2008-10-29T00:15:00.003Z

Yes I did actually count the amount of beads. And that's just on the choker not the earrings.

It has taken me around five hours to make this up, but I think it is worth is.

Thank you for looking

Yet more jewellery

2008-10-28T17:40:00.004Z

Here is some more jewellery I made last night and today.

Thank you for looking.

More jewellery

2008-10-27T00:24:00.003Z

I've been playing again with my Jewellery bits tonight.
All the big beads on these pieces of jewellery are my own handmade beads.

This first set, is a repeat (ish) of one I made a few weeks back. I didn't like it at all then, But a friend of a friend did, so much so she asked if I could make her another set.

So here it is, I actually like this one much more, the other one had really big plastic beads to accompany it. I think this one is not so in your face. Well other than the colours of course.

This one I made the beads months ago, and its taken me this long to turn it into jewellery. I love the beads I made and didn't want to add to much to it, as could have takes the focus away from the beads.

This one again, the beads were made months back. These beads were made to go with the butterfly cane beads I attempted to made, but went way wrong on. But these blended beads worked out OK I think.

Thanks for looking.

New Jewellery

2008-10-24T22:11:00.002+01:00

This is the jewellery set that my son made. again he did this all on his own, other than me helping with the pliers, he had a good go himself, but he found them a bit to hard to work with. but the design is all his.

He has given these to his Nana as a gift from him, and Nana loves them.

I am very impressed and proud of him, and I think I need to be careful he is ruddy good already.

And below are what Ive made.

This first blue set (which is actually turquoise and white pearl) Is made using my own handmade beads.

Close up of the above.

I love this bracelet, I have since restrung it as the jump ring came undone when I caught it on the cupboard door. This time I have restrung it using stretchy nylon, so it should not snap and it has some give to put it on easier.

I need to have a go at making some beads like these as I love them very much, However these are glass beads, so wont be able to create the same effect as easily with Polymer clay, but I can try.

This set I made a few weeks back but only just got around to taking a photo of it. I love this also, looks much better in real life.

Oh and if you can remember back to my first set of beads the horrid orange, yellow and green mixed beads, then I turned it into a horrid set of jewellery. Well I was going to give it to my daughter as costume jewellery, that was till a friend of a friend seen at and feel in love with it, so much so she has ordered some more. Hence why I have made some more of the same beads (on the previous post). Just goes to show you, even if you don't like it someone will.

Handmade beads

2008-10-24T22:05:00.002+01:00

Sorry I've not been around lately, a lot has been going on around me and its hard keeping up with anything at the moment. But I have Finally got around to doing some form of crafting.

Here are some beads I've made recently. Also a set that my son made all on his own.

The above set of beads are the beads my son made, I think they are fab to say he is only 8 and this was his first attempt, and he did it all on his own with no help from me at all.

More Wedding cards

2008-10-04T21:48:00.002+01:00

Three more Wedding cards. Not up to my usual standard. I got them all ready as far as putting toppers onto the cards. Then something else happened so I had to finish them off fast.I did not intend them to have the toppers the have on them, but that's just the way it went. They were needed for tomorrow and I knew I wouldn't get more time to finish them, so made do with a quick fix.

Wedding card

2008-10-03T18:41:00.003+01:00

Firstly sorry for not posting in a while. Things have been all over the place here lately, I just have not got around to crafting at all.

I promised a friend I would make her a wedding card months ago, thankfully she reminded me last week, So finally gave myself that kick up the backside and got it made up.

The couple are not having flowers for there wedding, its is going to be very fairytale. All bridesmaids are in princess dresses (all little ones) and her bouquet is made of white feathers and gems. So that was what I had to work with.

This is the box for the card.

A photo of the card inside the box (photos not very good sorry)

A better photo of the card, still not a good photo, and it does not do it justice.

Hopefully now both kids are at school full time, I may get myself back in order and get crafting again. I have so many projects on the go, I just don't want to start them up again. At the moment my heart is really not into crafting. But I'm sure once I get going again I will be back on top form. I am currently sorting out all my Jewellery making stuff, so that is all over the place (has been for 2 weeks now). As soon as I get that sorted Ill give myself one big kick up the backside.

FANTASTIC NEWS

2008-09-09T12:25:00.002+01:00

Some of you may have read on here a while ago about my Brother being so ill. He has been fighting Kidney failure for a while now.

Well last night we got some very hopeful news. He was on his way to Nottingham hospital, only with 3 other people, as they had a kidney match. The 4 people where to go through tests to see who was most suitable for the Kidney.

We were all hoping and praying that my brother would be chosen.

Well earlier this morning I got a phone call to say he was and that he was in the theater having the transplant.

Just after 11am had another call to say he was out of the theater, and doing well. The operation when smoothly and the kidney is working well.

Today is such a good day. We are all just praying not that it does not get rejected.

My brother is only 38 so very young still, to have had to struggle with this horrible illness....

We are also very aware that sadly someone has had to lose there life to same my brothers, to this we will always be very grateful to who ever that person was. and may he or she always live on in my brother....

I've had a little play around,

2008-09-06T17:37:00.004+01:00

I got feed up of seeing the other layout of my blog, so I've had a little play. Plus its helped keep my mind away from other things whilst I've been playing...

I'm not normally one for greens, but I really liked this style. Ive had fun making up the banner also. So much so I've also made a new Sig to use on my images when I upload them...

I've added my last creation below to show you how they use to be, and below that is the new style... What do you think. I much prefer the newer one, although future images don't actually get hidden behind the top and bottom, but I had already cropped this image before doing it. I will leave more space next time to allow room for the Sig. (if that makes sense).

Old style of photos.......

New style.....
Maybe I will keep these theme for a while, as I do tend to get bored often and change it lol.....

Hopefully tomorrow I will have more to add to here. It will be jewellery & or beads tho. Should be some cards added soon tho, as I have a few I need to make this week. I'm much preferring making jewellery and beads lately, but I think that is mostly because my stuff for that is downstairs. and my card making stuff is all in the loft. I cant really get in the loft during the day as the kids are about, and on an evening if I'm up there they don't sleep. So I am very limited on time I can do my paper craft. However now the kids are back to school, and my daughter has started. After next week Daughter can stay school dinners, So I will have all the day time to craft whilst they are both at school. So hopefully will be more paper craft added soon...

More time to play, but I bet I still rush the housework lol.

Green & Aqua jewellery set.

2008-09-03T23:37:00.004+01:00

I have a baby doll top that I love in shades of green and aqua, and I thought these beads worked really well with the top. I so wanted to make a set of jewellery for me, that I would wear. I normally always wear the same jewellery all the time, so it will be nice to have matching set to one of my fave items of clothing. I'm very pleased with how these turned out. (I should have taken a couple more photos from different angles to show them off better. I may take a couple more tomorrow.

I dernt go to my mothers wearing this set, as I just know she will love it and want it. and knowing me I will end up giving it to her. Well once my top is past its best, I'm sure mam will be thankful then lol.

Thank you for looking.

Black and Silver beads

2008-09-03T23:32:00.002+01:00

I wanted to play again making beads (night before last). I originally attempted to make another cane (like the butterfly's on the last post on here). This time I attempted to do a silver flower with black edges. However it did not go right at all. I really do need to practice much more at cane's. So instead I twisted and squished the failed cane until it created the black and silver pattern on these beads. I love the effect, especially as they have a sparkle to them also. which really brings out the silver I feel.

I made a pendant also. Its not perfect by any means, but I am still a novice and still learning. I have sunken some crystal gems into the pendant. I really need to scrape (carefully) the glaze off them tho as they have gone a little mat, Not to sure on the gems to be honest.

Thanks for looking

More beads

2008-09-01T12:14:00.002+01:00

Had another play last night making these up.

The butterfly's are more abstract that anything. Oh well was my first attempt at making this style... I think I tried above my ability at the moment, but hay practice makes perfect. and I will use them lol.

The beads without the butterfly's are made using the same colours with a little cold added to add a bit of glitz.

I plan on turning these into jewellery tonight. See if the actually jewellery looks better than the beads lol.

I had fun all the same and that's the main I guess...

Need more practice me thinks.

Thank you for looking

Jewellery Sets made with my own handmade beads

2008-08-31T12:29:00.007+01:00

Well I finally sat down and made my beads into jewellery (after finding something I could use safely to gloss them up a bit.

This is the first set I made. I loved the colours of these beads, but wasn't sure how they would look as jewellery, as they are very bright and very loud. However I absolutely love this set. I think there very summery, if not more for spring.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

This is the second set. I loved these beads. I'm not sure tho on the silver. I don't think it really does them justice, They would have been much better on black findings I think, with accents of green added. I may take this one apart and redo it another time. Not sure yet.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I love this one very much, Its not overpowering at all (I don't think), Maybe would have been better on gold findings tho.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

This is the last set I made up last night, or should that be early this morning, as I didn't finish them until nearly 2am. I really an not keen on this set, The blues are to much, and they arnt the right shade of blue, They defo need to be on black findings I think. This set will most likely be taken apart and remade another time.

Thanks for looking.

Anniversary cards

2008-08-24T21:59:00.002+01:00

Had to make a couple of anniversary cards. So here they are. I have to admit to seeing something very similar on someone esles blog, and wanted to make quick yet tasteful cards, so I admit to copying. Sorry I forgot who's blog it was. But I hope you don't mind.

They are both for the same person. I don't like to do to similar cards to one person, but hay ho. I was not in the mood to do paper craft so they will have to do.

Thanks for looking

Handmade my own beads.

2008-08-24T11:34:00.004+01:00

Well I was given some oven dry clay a while back from a friend. I had it lying around wondering what to do with it, then last night I thought I know lets have a go at making some beads.

Sadly the colours were very limiting, half were very dark and the other half very bright. So was limited with colours. But I had great fun playing and even though I need a lot more practice, I could get into this.

I know most people who make beads, have all the proper equipment, rollers to enable them to make perfect beads in several sizes and shapes for one. Although I would love these, they are not cheep, and I personal like the rough look, in my opinion they look much more handmade when they are not perfect.

They should really be sanded and polished to at least get rid of the texture from my hands. I did try doing that this morning, but they just went white. But I think that is because its not the proper clay to use. So these will have to stay as they are. but I still like them (some of the colours are a bit dark and the photos not good, no real sunlight here lately). But I can see them made into jewellery and they may not be so bad. We will see once I get playing making them up.

I had so much fun playing that I have more clay coming my way (fimo/polymer clay) so I can play more. (Thanks to my friend Lorna for this, your a gem).

Thank you for looking.

New jewellery

2008-08-21T23:54:00.003+01:00

When I gave Mum her green set of jewellery (which she was thrilled with), My Aunty spotted her wearing it another day. My Aunty liked it so much and said to Mum and Dad that she wouldn't mind having some like Mums, but in black and gold.

Well Wednesday coming my Aunty is going to be babysitting my son for me whilst I take my Daughter to hospital to have her eyes tested. So I thought seeing as she is doing me a favour, and a big one at that, as my Aunty lives miles away and is going to drive through to collect my son at 7:30am for me (she is a life saver, as I did not want to have to take my son with me to hospital as well). I thought I would make her some as a thank you.

What do you think. I do like this very much, much more than the green set, I don't know if my Aunty wanted the same or not, but if she does not like it them Ill keep it (assuming my Mother does not nick it first lol).

I think I should have put a few gold beads in the middle at the bottom tho (near the heart pendant. But there is NO WAY I'm undoing half of it so that I can add them lol. And in some way it draws your eyes into the heart pendant more (well I think it does anyway).

Thanks for looking

The rest of the paper bag scrapbook

2008-08-18T21:24:00.003+01:00

Well I've finally finished my mums scrapbook from the kids.
Talk about leaving it till the last minute. We need to take it to her tomorrow as her Birthday is on Wednesday, but we cant get there on Wednesday cause of other commitments.

And this is the box. I should have taken a photo of it from the side view also, as Ive decorated that with ribbon and lace flowers also.

It was meant to have been 12 pages in total, but with it being last minute, and things have not been very good lately here, I've not known if I am coming or going, and my head has not been into crafting at all. But I HAD to get this done tonight, or would have been in big trouble from the kids.

I can put my feet up for now and not do my crafting, whilst I try and get things sorted around here. Although I may get some jewellery made in the mean time, as that is all downstairs. May even finish off the painting I started a month or so ago. I really should not start a new task until finishing another one.

I do have a couple of other cards needed to be done for family to give out, but I think I will be letting them down for the next few weeks, I just cant focus enough at the moment. And I'm sure you all know what I mean. Trying to craft when your head is not clear enough or in the zone just does not work at all.

Thank you for looking.

Bargain and better picture (ish)

2008-08-16T13:58:00.002+01:00

First of all here is a slightly (not much) better picture of my first bits of jewellery, I really do need to learn the best way to take a photo of jewellery, I'm better with cards lol.

Popped over to the market this morning, It was very busy which was not good at all for my social phobia/agoraphobia and anxiety, but I managed it. Mostly to have a look at the car boot, don't often pick anything up tho. The last time we went to market was about 3 years ago, stopped going as it was rubbish lol. Well the first to stalls on the car boot bit had a fair bit of jewellery, I picked out about 20 pieces (to hack of course, for the beads & findings) and asked how much would they be. She said well I sell them at 50p each. To which I said, oh ill leave them. They were nice, but not that nice lol. With that she said, but as you have picked so many how about £4 the lot.... Cool. so I took them. The next table there was a jewellery box filled with some very nice bits, some lovely big bits to use as pendants. very unusual as well some of them, He shouted over 50p each item. I then asked do I get a discount if I buy a lot. To which he said stop looking now, and you can have the whole lot including the jewellery box for £4.... I snapped his hand off. When I got home I had a proper look, and there is some very nice stuff. Ive already hacked them and got loads of findings, beads, pendants and chain to use. I should have taken a photo of it all sorry.

If I had bought them from shop or ebay as beads/findings etc, It will have ended up costing me around £40-£50 I recon. Well £8 sounds much better to me lol. So I've been very happy playing away taking it all apart and sorting it out. I think I need to have a rethink on storage tho lol.

My first attempts at Jewellery making

2008-08-16T09:55:00.002+01:00

My jewellery making stuff came a couple of days ago, I did promise myself I wouldn't touch it until I finished the scrapbook for my Mam (which is needed for Wednesday). Well yesterday my husband nagged me to make him a shoelace pendant. So that's how it started lol.

After doing that both my kids were nagging for one also. They are only simple, but hay they are only for my husband and kids hehehe. They wont last 2 minutes before they get broken.

The black one is my husbands, The pink one my daughters and green my sons.

The heart pendant on the middle one is actually pink and silver, but I didn't get a very good photo sorry.

And well I started and didn't want to stop. So decided to have a go at another set. These are also for my Mam for Wednesday (her birthday) She loves green, and passed comment how she doesn't have any green jewellery. Now bear in mind this is my 1st attempts at making jewellery I don't think I did to bad. I don't know the first thing about making jewellery, and Ive not read any books or anything. So I'm impressed.

Can only get better right?

Sorry about the bad photos, I will try and take better later.

Paper Bag Scrapbook

2008-08-12T23:15:00.004+01:00

I first seen paper bag scrapbooks about a year ago, I liked the look of them ever since. Well I have Finlay bitten the bullet and started making one. I'm intending on making this for my Mam from my kids, for Mam's Birthday on the 20th of this month. The kids have done letters and pictures for there Nana which will be going inside the pockets with in the book.

This is the front of the book. Don't know if I have gone OTT with the ribbon, but I like the effect. The flowers were also not originally planned there, but I slipped with the gold marker, so the flowers where a happy accident.

This is the first two pages of the book. I want to try and carry the natural colour theme through the book, but adding hints of colour. I chose the blue for this to match my sons blue outfit. I think it works, Not perfectly but enough.

I do think the rings need more ribbon on the inside as it looks SOOOOOOOOOOO boring without. But wondering it it will be tooooo bulky if I add to every inside bit.... Will have to think about this a bit more. It definitely needs something else.

Unfortunately I am limited with photographs to scrapbook, as my mother has always hated her photo taken, I have literally found eight photos and that is it, six with my kids and two of Mam on her own. Ok I hate my photo taken also, but now I'm into scrap booking I see how important photos are.

Hopefully will have some more pages to show tomorrow, maybe even finished it off.

Thanks for looking.

Dottie's world & Papertake Weekly Challenges

2008-08-12T12:08:00.002+01:00

Papertake Weekly's Challenge this week is to use this sketch on your projects.

This is the card I came up with, It is made using Freestyle Dufex, and papers. Ive added the broach as a gift as well (I bought this broach about a year ago on Ebay for only 39p. Total Bargain)

This weeks challenge On Dottie's World is to use one of there downloads along with another challenge in blog land. So I have used the sketch again from Papertake Weekly to combine with the Cats Dottie image.

I coloured the cats in using Whispers pens.

Chirstmas cards I made when at my parents

2008-08-12T12:02:00.003+01:00

As promised, here are the cards I made whilst I was visiting my parents for the week, I had planned to make many many more, but it didn't happen that way.

They all still need inserts/backs, but I will do these as and when I know who they are going to, as then they can be personalised also.

This last one is the one my Dad wants me to make more off. Well the style, each one will still be different. And they wont have the white on the inside.

Yayyyyyyyyy.... Ive been featured

2008-08-08T15:45:00.004+01:00

I only joined TalentDatabase about a week ago, and I have already been featured, WOW how good does that make me feel.

Also like to add apologies for being a bad blogger lately, A lot has been going on lately, and I've just not known if I've been coming or going and had very little time to craft. Especially as its the summer holidays and the kids around more often.

I did go to my parents a couple weeks ago, and it was fantastic to have a week away from normal everyday stresses. I did miss my kids, but it was still lovely not to have to listen to there bickering, there tantrums there outbursts. It also showed my husband that its not as easy as he always thought looking after a house and 2 wild children. I came home to a different husband, and I am still in shock as Ive been back a week tomorrow, and he is still helping much more. Still not as much as I would like, but it better than nothing. I'm not expecting it to last tho. Especially as he is back at work after next week. But it is nice whilst it lasts.

I did make some Christmas cards (about a dozen) when at my parents, I haven't photographed them yet, will do when I get everything all sorted. When I got back all my craft stuff got dumped in the airing cupboard, where it still is now. This weekend my husband is going to help me hoy it all back into the loft, then I can start crafting again.

I bought some bits to make some paper bag scrapbooks, which I am itching to play with, and I've also bought some jewellery making bits (well a lot lol). I've always fancied having a go at making jewellery, but been put off by the expense when starting with it. Well I've bitten the bulled and been on ebay and got some right bargains for starting me off. There should be enough stuff to make a fair bit. Just hope I enjoy it as much as I am hoping I will. I'm hoping it all arrives soon, as its my mothers Birthday on the 20th, and she loves her earrings. So they can be my first project. Whilst I was at hers she dragged me around 3 different Clair's shops on earring hunts, found loads she liked, but they were the wrong type of earrings, she only likes the hooks, but now I can make her them in the right style of earrings, to her taste, in the colours she wants etc....

Well I best get off and sort out tea before the kids (including hubby) eat me cause there grumbling at me cause there starving lol. Hopefully over the next week I will get back up to speed and be adding more to here again.

Oh one last thing. Why did I decide to make a special Christmas card when at my parents, my Dad liked it so much that he has ordered ALL of his Christmas cards made the same way. It took me around 4 hours to make just one of them (plus it took 3 days for the glue to dry on it). mind will keep me busy for a while. Will show you the style when I eventually get my craft stuff back in the loft and sorted out again. As the cards I made whilst at my parents are mixed up in it all somewhere and I haven't photographed them yet.

WOW........ Thank you Dotties world

2008-07-17T11:07:00.004+01:00

Well its not been a good time for me lately at all. with one thing or another.

Well I'm feeling very honoured this morning.

Dotties world has picked me as Customer Thursday

WOW thank you very much Dotties world.

Green Fatbook pages

2008-07-17T10:56:00.003+01:00

I forgot to add these yesterday. I made these a couple of weeks ago, they are for the rainbow fatbook swap joined on another group. My colour was pink if you can remember that far back. Sadly the person who had green, the postman ate most of her pages, so I stepped in at the last minute to make up some quick replacements.

My parenst Ruby Anniverssary Card (ish)

2008-07-16T18:36:00.004+01:00

I have been planning this for months. A lot of effort and thought has gone into this.

I did originally commissioned someone to make me some fancy corner flowers for all 3 tears, and a cake topper modeled on my parents. But sadly she has a personal tragedy which took up a lot of her time, and she was unable to complete the order. But she did still send me what she had time to make. The flowers, and sent me the foll age the leaves and some gems on stems to make up the topper myself.

It is not what I had planned, but I think it is still good enough. And I hope my Parents like it.

I originally planned on making it as the Tilly cake, but that was far to small for my liking, So I used the template as a guide and made it much bigger. The box was a challenge but I pulled it off I think.

The Tilly cake is lovely to work with, but in my opinion far to small

This is it in the box

This is a close up of the detail on the the top of the box.
It is glued onto the box and the red organza ribbon is left in long tails to allow the box to be tied at the back.

This is the back of the box, where I have added the sentiment, My handwriting is terrible, but I always think it is better done in your own writing than printed, it means more (in my opinion)

This is the cake out of the box.

A close up of the detail at the bottom two layers.

And Finlay a close up of the top of the cake. I was very nervous of doing this part as I stuck everything on peace by peace with supper glue, so if it did not go right I wouldn't have been able to change it. But I think it came together very nicely in the end.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

This is the card my children made together for there Nana & Grandad.
Yes I did say they made together. I was shocked also, they worked very well together in fact, shame they cant the rest of the time lol.

But I think there card is even more special than my cake any day, They are very talented 4 & 8 year old's

New painting project

2008-07-16T18:31:00.002+01:00

This is my latest painting project.

I have just started counseling (2nd session today) and I have decided as the counseling room is moving soon to a bigger brighter room, that I would do a painting for them, The canvases are bigger than what I usually work with. I have decided to do 3 canvases as one image (as you can see from the picture). Its far from finished yet, but you can get the idea of what it is.

On the middle canvas is a feather falling and the two outside canvases each have a dove in flight.

I still have a lot of work to do on the clouds and to do the birds and feathers.

The counselor has not said if she wants these or not, but I'm finding painting relaxing, which I really do need at the moment. Life is not easy at the moment, But Ill get right again, soon bounce back I'm sure.... Have to don't we. If the counselor does not want the paintings they wont go to waist I will keep them myself or sell them.

I will add another picture when I have finished the painting.

Some quick Christmas cards

2008-07-16T18:28:00.001+01:00

Here are some more Christmas cards I've made over the last few weeks

Dottie Christmas cards

2008-07-16T18:27:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of Dottie Christmas cards I made a few weeks ago.

Birthday Cards

2008-07-16T18:25:00.002+01:00

Sorry for not posting for a while, had a lot going on in my personal life lately, Ive not known if I've been coming or going lately. I'd like to say its all over with, but I fear It has only just began.

Anyway here are some Birthday cards I have made over the last few weeks

No crafting

2008-06-29T18:34:00.003+01:00

Well I was on a roll again with my crafting. With the diary and the 6 Christmas cards. But nothing else since. I do want to craft I just don't want to go up in my loft. There is no natural light and No window up there so its not fun.

However In August I'm going to stay with my parents for a while, To give me a break from everything, no kids, no husband, no of the usual day to day. It may help me a lot. I know I need it. May only be a week, but could be longer and I want to take my craft stuff with me (well some of it).

Well my husband bought a new bag for work a few weeks back, but it was to big, well I just discovered it has a lot of pockets and has a built in handle, wheels, solid base and back, and is very similar to a large wheeled tote. It will even hold 12 by 12 papers. So I've claimed it.

So once my daughter is asleep tonight, I'm going to go up in the loft and get all my Christmas crafting things and put them in the Tote (as I am now calling it). Then I can bring that down and do my Christmas cards down here then in comfort, also means I will have more time to craft also.

So it will also already be packed for when I go to my parents in August.

Well my Dad phoned me today and said they wanted to book a five day holiday for me and them when I'm at theirs, hopefully somewhere quiet and not to far away. Both me and Mam have anxiety issues so this has to be taken into account and me with my social phobia/agoraphobia. well if I can get it all in this tote that can go with me also, as I can see me spending most of the time in the hotel.

I'm very anxious about going away (if they can book something so late) had a few panic attacks over it since Dad told me about it and that's just thinking about it. So it will be interesting. Although it may do me the world of good as well.

Hope everyone who pops by my blog is well and having fun crafting.

Sketch This challenge

2008-06-27T21:29:00.003+01:00

I used the sketch on Sketch This challenge site to create this one.

I used the Dottie Holly and Berry's from the Xmas range as the embellishments.

This card is defiantly a favourite of mine and I think I will be using this style more often.

CCT Challenge

2008-06-27T21:24:00.004+01:00

I made this card for this weeks CCT challenge.

Challenge 16

No Patterned Paper

Now, if this fills you with horror, as it did me, you are allowed to make your own patterned paper or card by stamping, inking, doodling etc. on plain paper or cardstock. You can emboss, tear and add anything else you like. The only restriction is no 'bought' patterned paper!

I used four of the Dottie Christmas collection to create these. I used matt accent on the bows on the garland, and crackly accent on the babbles. 3D layered up the images to give dimension

CPS & Dotties Word Challenges

2008-06-27T21:16:00.005+01:00

This card was made for the sketch challenge on CPS, I tried to follow the sketch as best as I could.

After I finished this card I also realised that it also goes with the current challenge on Dotties world. So if I am allowed I'm going to enter it in both challenges. If not then Just the CPS, as I did do one for Dotties world yesterday.

I'm not overly keen in this one much, I do like the layout of it but I think if I redid it I would make the square much bigger and line the punching better

I trimmed Dottie & George so that they fitted into the oval just right, and they are layered up. I added detail to the backing oval buy gently using a green ink pad on the edges then doing doodle likes.

Christmas Cards

2008-06-26T20:47:00.006+01:00

Well I have made a start on doing Christmas Cards. The last two weeks I have been colouring images to use on cards (Not just Christmas, but mostly Christmas). I have Finlay started turning them into cards.

These three are from the new Dottie Xmas range. Some lovely images in that kit to play around with.

All the cards have been matted and layered up using mixture of backing papers, mirror card, card put through my cuttlebug using the Swiss dots folder.

All the images have been coloured using Whispers pens, and accented using Glossy accent, Mat accent, Crackly accent, Glitter glue sakura glaze pens, Sakura stardust, Sakura souffle or a combination of them. Some I have cut out and layered up. Others I have turned into toppers, edging with washed whisper pens and doodle lines.

I have layered up the nativity using foam pads then layered deeper still the Holly and berry's.
They sky on this one Ive used my silent setter to punch holes in different sizes to act as stars. Ok I know its copying from on of the DT on Dotties world, but I liked the effect so much so I had to use it. You can see the silver mirror card through the holes, although the photo does not show it up to well at all.

Here is a close up of the holly, Ive used sakura stardust to add the glitter to these, and glossy accents on the berry's.

I love this image so much, and out of the 3 cards this one is my favourite.
I used Swiss dots embossing folder for the backing. I had to trim my folder do that there was not much of a border on the edges so that I could match up the dots easier without the border flattening the previous row of dots.

This image screamed out to have glossy accents on, I think it works very well, especially on the custard.

Holly done the same as on the previous card.

I like this card a lot also. To be honest its a tough call on if its a fave between this one and the budding Dottie.

I used Glitter glue on Santa's beared and fir, then when that dried when over the top of that with glossy accents to raise it up even more.

I also edged the roof tiles with glitter glue to act as frost on the tiles. I would have added snow, but we don't see much snow now a days.

Thanks for looking

Altered book - Diary

2008-06-26T15:01:00.002+01:00

Ok firstly, sorry for not posting for a while. I've had a bit of a bad time of things lately not knowing if I'm coming or going and other things.

I have been colouring some stamped/printed images ready to make into cards. mostly Dottie's (from the Christmas range). I just need to get up in my loft and turn them into cards now.

I should have started counseling this week, but there was some confusion so it will hopefully start next week now. But I have been advised to keep a diary of my feelings which I take with me to each counseling session. Well I thought I need a kick up the bottom to do some crafting. So this morning I went up into my loft and altered this book to use as a diary.

It is still a little damp still, should have taken the photo when it was completely dry, but well I'm eager to show it off.

I covered both the front and back with this paper and the inside with a similar not as fussy paper.

I printed off some words onto paper with an aged paper behind the writing (cant see it properly on the pictures). The words are....

"The very essence of literature
is the war between emotion and intellect"

"Feelings"

"Emotions"

"Happier times on the horizon"

I think they are fitting.

The Diary is Die cut using my cuttlebug, I mounted silver mirror card onto some think box board then used this to make my own chipboard word.

I used some beaded ribbon and some silver ribbon to make a tassel on the side of the book.

The Die cut in the bottom corner is one I bought not so long back, I coloured it using two different shades of ink pads giving a mottles look. Then I added the gems and flowers. Then used crackle accents all over the chipboard. I like the effect of this a lot.

I also used my glossy accents on the words/sayings to make them like dome stickers. I then mounted them on silver card to highlight them a little more.

Once it is totally dry I can start using it. I need to get a nice pen to which I can decorate up to match. I do like matching books & Pens. May even do a bookmark also.

Thanks for looking.

I know, I know...I said I wouldnt....

2008-06-13T13:16:00.002+01:00

...spend any more money this month....ohhhhhh well... when its gone its gone lol. And I blame someone from another group, showing some nice cards and the link to where she got the bits from. Its all Kie's fault lol.

This is from two places, the chipboard I bought from Charmed crafts (along with the Christmas bumper digital Dottie download...Which is FANTASTIC I have to say). The rest is all from someone on eBay.

I had hoped they wouldn't turn up today, as my husband is off from work (they just gone to four day weeks at his work). But hay ho... I had to be honest with this purchase... I did tell him it was my last treat, now that we lost a days pay. And there is talk of more cut backs (he SHOULD be safe...or at least I hope he will be). But I really must stop spending, I've gone a little bit mad this last four or five weeks after all. Essentials only. Of which I shouldn't need anything for a good few months, and then it will only be card & envos at the most.

I haven't added no crafted items in a few days, but I am crafting still. When I downloaded Dotties Xmas bumper pack, I HAD to print them off. So I have been colouring away the last couple of evenings, ready to make into Christmas cards, hopefully this weekend. I don't normally start making my Christmas cards for another month or two. But as soon as I seen the new Dottie downloads I had to get starting, they are so inspirational.

Fat book Swap - Ready to swap

2008-06-09T10:29:00.003+01:00

I managed to get in the loft last night and finish off my pages ready for the swap on 'Crafts Chatter'

Here is another look at the cover (front and back). Ribbon will be added to fasten all the pages together once I have all the other pages back after the swap.

Here is the inside of the cover.

Here are my nine pages, all in the colour pink which was my given colour.

Some of these (if you had seen the earlier post) where on the purple side but I managed to tone them down. I think there all pink now... I hope.

More baking

2008-06-08T17:03:00.002+01:00

Another baking day decided for today. Callum was a little more enthusiastic this time tho, which was good.

Here Jenna is showing off her buns (which didn't rise very well). With all them chocolate strands and 100's & 1000's can you imagine the state of my table lol.

Here is Callum with his choc-chip cookies.
They are very yummy....

And I did some this time also. The kids insisted that I have my photo taken. I hate my photo, and I apologise for scaring you all with my ugly mug on here...

Mine believe it or not are cherry scones, although they look more like rock cakes.

Thank you for looking.

Fat book swap - a work in progress

2008-06-08T16:45:00.005+01:00

On a MSN craft group I belong, they are running a Fat Book swap. I've never done one before, but fancied joining in with this one. Its themed on colours 'Rainbow' ish effect. I was given the colour pink to work as. Need to make 8 pages, 9 if I wish to make one up for myself. Well if I'm going to fasten them all together I really need to add a pink one also don't I.

These are all stamped images, From the Lilly & Milo range mainly there is also two of them from some woodwear collections I have (the fairy and the girl with ball). I coloured them in using whispers pens & Sakura stardust pens.

Now I realise some of these are probably not pink, although the image makes them look more purple than they are. Something I didn't think of was, I'm actually colour blind, so don't see the shades of colours properly. Which obviously proves a problem when it comes to doing colour themes. Well I've asked my kids lol. And they have pointed out which ones are more purple, so I will be toning them down a little to make them more pink. Then of course using pink papers will bring out the pink also.

So far all I have done is a collection of toppers, and the cover to the book ready for the completion of the book (receiving my swapped pages). I intend on going up into my loft this evening, to at least make a start on the pages for the swap. There are a few weeks until they have to be done still, so no immediate rush, But I like to try and work on only one project at a time, or I get lost under several at once.

This is the front cover to my book, obviously it will have ribbon on it to tie it all together when I make it all up.

The 'rainbow' word and the circle with 'Crafts Chatter' written on are chip board which I did myself. Using thick card (from the backs of notebooks Ive been saving up and out of packaging) I first stuck the paper/card I wanted to use then using my cuttlebug, Die-cut them. They are just as good as shop bought chip board, but much much cheaper and the design choice are as far as your imagination will let you go.

I did decide I wanted to wording more prominent so I coloured it with gold marker, which I do think looks much better.

The picture doesn't show it well, but the ball between the little girls feet (which is from a woodwear stamp set I have) is glossy, using glossy accents.

I will add more pictures of my pages as soon as I get around to doing them.

Kids baking

2008-06-06T12:05:00.002+01:00

The kids are off school today, Blumming teacher training day. Well after an appointment with my support worker this morning. As both kids were well behaved (for them) I said they could do some baking.

Jenna wanted to make biscuits & Callum wanted to make buns.

Here's Callum proudly showing off his muffins, which he made all on his own.

And here is Jenna proudly showing off her biscuits which she made almost completely on her own

And here is a better picture of there finished baking. They wanted to make many more, but I figured they will eat them fast so 6 each was enough.

Callum was not pleased when I said its 3 buns 3 biscuits each, he thought he could eat all the buns... Nice try son lol.

Ruby Anniversary

2008-06-04T21:41:00.005+01:00

I'm a little eager with these cards, My parents Anniversary is not until the 20th July. But as I'm all done for this months cards, I though I may as well make a start on theres. That way if it did not go as I hoped I also had time to remake (plenty of times lol).

This is actually two cards that make one. One from My Dad to my Mam and visa versa. But put them together (interlocking the hearts) it makes one bigger gate fold effect card. The greetings are a mixture of Peel-offs and rub-ons.

In the above image the interlocking is wrong, you will see how the hearts interlock properly on the close up image. I didn't realise until I took the photos. Silly me.

This is the close up of the hearts, interlocked how they should be. The deep red is velvet paper. So is a very touchy feally card.

This is the half that is from my Mam to my dad. I lined the inside with deep red rose vellum paper.

And this one is from my Dad to my Mam. I arranged some metal flowers and red gems/hearts and tied with red and gold ribbon. I'm sure my Dad is going to think I've lost the plot on his card, as it opens the wrong way (to allow the linking of both cards).

This is the verse (which is on the back) to the card to my Dad.

And this is the verse (again on the back) of the card to my Mam.

I decided on the linking hearts when I all of a sudden thought two hearts as one. I have also wanted to attempt a linking card before, but never came across the appropriate occasion. But I have now. I love the look of this.

Thank you for looking.

Stamped cards

2008-06-03T20:43:00.008+01:00

I couldn't wait to get playing with my new goodies I went up in the loft as soon as my daughter was in bed.

The background paper, well it is actually card. Is DCWV Luxury stack, The stamp is Lilly & Milo Picking flowers, I used Prima flowers to add some dimension to the stamped image, topped them with some gems and used more gems on the sentiment and ribbon. The sentiment is hand stamped. I really don't like sentiment stamps, I think they always look tacky. The ribbon is from Ribbon Oasis.

Here is a close up of the stamp to show the colouring better, I used whispers pens to colour her in, using the blending brush. I for the first time for me stamped onto watercolour paper. I WILL be doing this much more often the results are fantastic, the colours blended so well, I couldn't believe my eyes.

This one is from my kids to my Dad for fathers day (obviously). I chose the stamps (Tilda with hat & Tough Edwin) as I think they have a resemblance to my kids, especially Tilds. It in my first time using magnolia stamps, they are nice to work with. I again coloured them in using Whispers pens and a blending pen, also stamped onto watercolour paper, My new favourite thing. The greeting is printed off, and I used the same colours (whisper pens) to put a hint of colour to the edges of the sentiment. The ribbon is again from Ribbon Oasis (fantastic on line shop for 100's of ribbons). The backing papers are K and Company Hopscotch & Classic. and Finlay the brad is from the craft works range.

Again a close up of the stamped image to show the colouring.

Why did I not think to stamp onto watercolour paper when colouring in before, I can not get over what a difference it makes when using water colour paper. I will defiantly be placing another order in a few weeks for some more water colour paper.

Thanks for looking

Kids Piggy money boxes

2008-06-03T16:27:00.003+01:00

My kids, Callum & Jenna did eventually make up there piggy money boxes during half term. But I've only just got around to taking the photos, Bad Mammy arnt I.

Here they are happily painting away. Callum finished his off in 15 minutes. But that for Callum was very good, he would normally have given up in 5 minutes, he has no attention span with anything usually (his ADHD). Jenna however spent a couple of hours painting hers, the amount of paint she used her pig should have been twice the size it is now lol.

Here they are holding there finished pigs, very proud of them they are indeed. (sorry the picture is blured, the kids would not sit still)

This one is Callums, He started good by colouring in the eyes, noes ears mouth and coloured in the flowers and fruit on the side so nicely, but then when he started getting feed up he just covered the whole thing with paint. Its a shame really as it was looking very impressive. But then He likes it and wont stop touching it now, so that's all that matters.

This one is Jenna's. It should be huge for all the paint she used. She loves her pig, and doesn't stop cuddling/kissing it.

They are the strangest Piggy's I've ever seen, but then again so are my kids lol... Got to love them.

The kids are off school on Friday (teacher blumming training day). We plan a good baking session. Unless we get around to it before then, So keep a look out for my kids appearing on here again soon.

Last bit of craft shopping

2008-06-03T14:34:00.002+01:00

For now anyway.

This is the stuff I've been waiting for from The Glitter Pot and Ebay. What with my other bits I've bought recently I think I'd best not spend anymore.

I did manage almost three months without buying anything other than essentials, so I did well. and Most of the latest shopping is from money I've put away when anyone has bought anything from me. So I'm only replacing stock lol...

If I'm honest with myself I don't need anymore, but hay the addiction is not only crafting but shopping also. I couldn't go around the shops spending hours looking for clothes, shoes, bags etc. but when it comes to craft stuff that is a totally different matter.

I'm not having a good day today, feeling pretty low and miserable to be honest. Although this lot has cheered me up a bit, its not as much as it would normally. But hay as they say tomorrow is another day.

WOW I won something

2008-06-02T18:35:00.002+01:00

I never win anything as a rule. But I've just popped over to Trim Craft and found out I won one of the prizes on there monthly draw. I'm so excited. Ok not one of the top prizes, but a win is a win and well I won something. WOW lol...

Look here.

Nikki's Card Creations Competition

2008-06-02T18:31:00.002+01:00

Nikki is running a little fun competition on her blog, look HERE to read more about it. There is some lovely blog candy up for grabs also.

Cancer

2008-06-02T09:49:00.003+01:00

This could turn into a long post, so I will apologise now.

Last night just before 9pm a very good friend of my Mother-in-laws, and a friend of ours passed away. Sadly three or four weeks ago she was diagnosed with cancer and it had spread to far. She was told that she had 6-12 months.

It is obviously a sad time, especially for her family, but it is also in a strange kind of way a happy time also. As she is no longer waisting away. She was always a very happy active person, full of life. It was horrible to see her go so down hill so fast.

Thankfully she passed in her sleep peacefully with her sister by her side in her own bed, She hated the thought of going into hospital. We are also thankful that she was not in to much pain these last few weeks.

She is the second person in just over a year that I know taken with cancer, and so suddenly. With both people that I know, the cancer was left to late. Mealy (in my opinion) because of incompetence. Both friends had been back and forth to the Dr for months and months, and each time they were passed off as something else, something minor. Now with my friend just over a year ago, if they had not blamed irritable bowel maybe, just maybe she wouldn't have been to ill to be operated on. Dr's need to be more alert to Cancer. It is tragic enough, but when they simply ignore the possibility of the illness it makes it worse.

What is also disgusting Ive found, with both of my friends the care after the diagnosis was unbelievable. my friend who passed away early last year, they had very little support other than a nurse calling out a couple of times, Her husband had to pay to get a wheelchair, commode etc. He didn't have money and he totally skint himself to be able to do it. Why where they not supplied for him.

My friend who passed away last night, Lived totally on her own. Her sister lived to far to be there all the time, although did call most days. Her care was left to my Mother-in-law mostly, who herself is not a well woman, and certainly is in no state to physically do the things she was doing for her friend. All she had was a nurse call twice a day for half an hour. No other support what so ever. Yesterday morning, after my mother-in-law found her friend so very frail. She laced (politely) into the nurse when she came out. All they said was, we will come 2 nurses together 3 times a day. There was no night care what so ever. She could no longer maneuver herself and was left bed bound. It was like no one cared. Ok she could have gone into a hospice, but she didn't want to do that.

I am just greatfull (if that makes sense) that she passed peacefully in her own bed with her sister by her side, as she wanted.

Another Award

2008-06-02T09:43:00.003+01:00

Chrissy gave me this award, thank you hun.

I would like to pass it on to.
Wendy
Leo
Anna

Golden Anniversary

2008-06-01T22:35:00.003+01:00

I made this for my Aunt, she phoned me a couple of days ago asking for a special Golden Anniversary card, with butterfly's.

This is the box, it is made from gold pearl card, decorated using decorated paper, mirror card and peel offs.

This is a close up of the box, showing the peel offs more. They are glitter embossed peel offs.

This is the card, I used the Tall stories board from the Glitter Girls, I have used Gold mirror card, gold pearl card and a cream and gold pearl patterned paper.

Close up of one of the butterfly's, I added gems to finish it, it is also decoupaged a little (the wings)

Close up of the other side of the card. so show they layers in more detail. You cant see the patten on the pearl card on this picture, which is a shame as it is so lush.

I'm not a lover of peel offs anymore, but there are a lot of peel offs on this card, but I think it works.

The card did not go to how I planned but it will do. I hope my Aunt likes it, she has never ordered cards from me before.

More shopping

2008-06-01T22:30:00.002+01:00

Ok, so I think I have a problem with shopping. But hay I did spend three months without buying (other than essentials), so I've made up for it this last week lol.

And I have another order in at the Glitter Pot which should come in the next couple of days. But shushhhhhhhh, my husband doesn't know about the order in at the Glitter Pot, but he is back at work tomorrow so I can get to sneak it into the loft without him knowing about it. He has no interest in the Internet (other than it letting him onto Xbox live lol), and he has no interest in my crafting either, so, as long as the order comes before Friday afternoon he wont need to know lol.

Award

2008-05-30T12:28:00.004+01:00

Thank you very much to Jilly for sending me this reward.

I now have to pass it onto three other people. There are so many to chose from this is not going to be easy.

Lorraine

Chrissy

Lou

Fire Truck

2008-05-28T22:38:00.002+01:00

Its my friends sons second Birthday very soon and I wanted to make something different to the usual second Birthday card.

My Friend is always mentioning about her sons favourite toy, his fire truck, so that was my inspiration.

I first printed off a colouring image as a template, but it printed all funny and did not look right at all. So I freehand drew this one (from the colouring page). I traced the red bits onto red card which I pieced on top of the gray. The rest of the colours are done using whispers pens and Sakura Pens. The hose is decoupaged using foam pads. I then added the number two, which is a Worden topper, the balloons and hats. Used silver mirror peel offs wording for the sentiment.

As I was making this I did not like it at all. It just did not seam to go right what so ever. However, I think it has all come together nicely. Maybe I should have done it more cartoonie for a two year old tho.

Thanks for looking

Good luck

2008-05-26T23:12:00.002+01:00

I made this card using my new Lily & Milo - Springtime stamp. These stamps are so easy to use and print a lovely crisp image. I coloured the image in using my new whispers pens, even managed to work the blending pen at last. I had been trying using this for long enough and all it did was fray the paper, still need more practice but I'm getting there with it. I again used DCWV fairytale papers. I added doodle lines around the stamped image and then used hand doodled scollop's to the mount to the image. I even hand wrote the sentiment, I hate my handwriting, so avoid doing this where ever possible. Finished with some Prima flowers, a few gems and some glossy accents on the clover leaves and butterfly (I'm not sure if they are leaves or flowers on the stamp, but I thought they worked well as four leaf clovers in this instance).

Also I would like to add that I'm so pleased with the whispers pens. I had one set of them already, but was very limited on colours, but there is a perfect skin tone pen in the whispers range. No more having to mix colours to get the right shade.

Thanks for looking.

Note book & Bookmark

2008-05-26T22:58:00.002+01:00

After making the bookmarks last night, a friend of mine commented on how nice they where and how she would LOVE one of them herself. I said I would make her one. Well I started making it tonight and at the same time I thought, it would be much better if it had a matching book to go with it. Well last week I got some notebooks from Home Bargain's for 19p each and they are quite thick books also. I would love a bind it all, so that I could make them myself, but then I wouldn't be able to make a blank book for 19p with it would I!

My 19p bargain, they are around 100 sheets of lined paper inside these and they are A5 in size.

And here it is (this is the front view) once I had altered it. Along with the bookmark.

I covered the frond and back covers in a purple mirror card, then used some DCWV fairytale papers. I edged them with fine gold peel-offs, added the I believe! chipboard tag (which I really don't think goes with it). I then used my new fairy and embellish (from dovecraft) stamps using stayzon black ink. I then found four contrasting ribbons (all shades from within the paper/mirror card) and tied them to the rings of the book.

The tag is made using the same mirror card as on the book, the same paper range. I cut the paper into sections and edged with peel offs again, then used the fairy stamps once again. I used the same four ribbons as on the book to tie on the top and made a bow using all four ribbons.

This is a back view of the book and bookmark.

Baking

2008-05-26T18:05:00.003+01:00

Today we had my sons friend round all day, which really pleased Callum. It is not often that he has friends here. Only as there arnt many parents will let there kids play with Callum, because of Callums naughtiness (which he cant help to a certain extent because of his ADHD). So although it was extra noise and more tantrums than normal it was nice all the same.

I am relived he has gone home now tho. Its been a long/loud seven hours.

It was not one of the best things for Jenna tho, as well two eight year olds don't always want to play with a four year old. So she was feeling a little left out. So I decided Mammy and Daughter would do some baking. I managed to get a picture before they scoffed them all (there were a few more than on the photo, till they were eaten lol)

Jenna has already put claims on the ones with the two decorations on lol. Well she did make them after all.

Jenna did all of the mixing and measuring for these. Did take a little while spooning back the excess flour that made it into the scales lol. She did not want Mammy to do any of it. Although I obviously stood my ground and insisted on putting them in and out of the oven on my own. Oh and I cracked the eggs open (otherwise they would have been crispy buns) but other that that, Jenna did everything else on them, with me simply overseeing her. Isn't she a cleaver girl.

Anyone think she may be pleased of her handy work. If she smiled any bigger it would lift her off the floor.

We will be doing this more often I feel. In the past Jenna has not been interested in doing any baking, so I am now very pleased, as I love to bake.

Tonights crafts

2008-05-25T23:56:00.004+01:00

By the time the kids were in bed I was ready for my bed, but at 9pm its too early to go to bed. So eventually I kicked myself up the backside, and went in the loft.

A friend had asked me to make her a Fathers day card using a photo of her son, so that was my task for the night.

It was only made simply. Seeing little harry in his outfit, and knowing he loves "in the night garden" I just had to find a photo of makka pakka. So here they are Harry & Makka Pakka showing off there favorite things.

I decoupaged Harry up a little bit to add a little dimension. The paper behind with the hand doodling on is actually patterned, but because of the pour lighting when I took the photo you cant see it. It is only a subtle patterned paper mind but it is much more noticeable in the flesh. The photo really does not do the card justice. It is not one of my best but it is much better than the photo shows in real life.

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I then felt like playing some more, especially using some of my new goodies.

On an online group I belong they are running a bookmark swap. I thought I would have a go, so I set to making these. being a bookmark the bulk of it needs to be flat, and I like to add dimension. but it would not be practical for a bookmark. I played with my new Dovecraft fantasy (fairy and embellish). They are lovely stamps to work with.

I make the bookmarks out of a pinkie/purple mirror card (back to back), then mounted some papers. DCWV Fairytale paper. I added fine peel off borders to add a little bit of gilts to them. Finally finished them off using the stamps with black stayson ink.

I used more of the stamps on the backs of them. I actually prefer the backs to the fronts. The stamps are so nice to work with. And I love the effect of them on the mirror card. I think they will be getting used more on mirror card. I finished off the bookmarks with a tassel and a bow.

Thanks for looking

Fell good day today & Shopping

2008-05-25T16:13:00.005+01:00

On Thursday evening I decided I wanted to get some new stamps. So popped over to the Glitter pot (online shop) and had a good look around. I didn't order these until late Thursday evening. They turned up yesterday morning. Happy bunny I was. So I am now the proud owner of four magnolia and four Lily & Milo stamps. I love the Lily & Milo stamps wanted to buy them all. But throught four would do for now lol. The Glitter pot was one of the cheapest places I've seen them at, and there service was second to none.

Then last night my husband got a phone call from his friend to tell him he had won on the Irish lottery (they do it together), Well it was on my numbers, which isn't there numbers (if that makes sense. however, we still gave him a good chunk of it as he puts it on every week. Then my husband told me, that he puts the same numbers on for himself, so we had actually won it twice. Just over £500, very nice. especially as the kids and husband are off this coming week.

We have been out spending some of it today. My husband bought some clothes for himself (boring), Gave me some money to get the kids some new clothes (which will get next week), bought himself some Xbox games and a web cam for it. and got me some Thornton's chocolates (yummmmmmmmm, they are sitting in the fridge crying to be eaten at the moment lol).

Although I felt a little bit left out, and felt brave enough for a shopping trip, so asked my husband to take me to the range. Where I made up for felling left out. I did get some bits for the kids also mind.

I can see a messy week ahead of us. should be fun.

And this is my goodies, which I cant wait to have a play with later this evening, if I don't fall asleep before then, I feel totally done in now. lol.

Envo Card

2008-05-22T22:07:00.003+01:00

Well I have been saying for long enough that I would have a go at an envo card, but never got around to actually making it. Well tonight I did, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute it took, and believe me it took me about 2 hours making it, especially with trying to find the right bits for it.

Here it is in its stand up position. Them flowers were from HUGE fake flowers which cost me 50p and there were between 10 and 20 layers to them once took apart (diff flowers diff number of layers). I actually cut the bottom flat of the envo out again and stuck it on top to give it a more realistic look. I then slightly chalked with yellow around the edges (hard to see on the photo). I added gold doodle lines. The flowers on the envo I cut in quarters, and cut another of the chipboard toppers (which I made myself) into a quarter to go in the centre of the flower.

Inside the envo has been lined as I would with a special card. The card is stuck on on an angle as if hanging out the envo. I tilted it to the left so that it didn't want to naturally open.

The card is decorated with dovecraft black and white papers. I didn't have black and yellow papers, so I again used the yellow chalk to colour over the white, so they are now black and yellow (the yellows don't really show up they are a brighter yellow in real life). I matted and layered the papers on black card. added some more of the same flowers witch I hacked at earlier to separate all the layers for using. The cat is from the Dottie, cats collection, which I just love. I coloured the cat using sakura souffle pens.

I even made the card up as if it where a real card, opening up complete with an insert

Here is the topper which I made up myself...quite proud of myself for this I am to. I made up the circle text on Card factory deluxe added the name in the middle. I them coloured the centre with chalks. Then I stuck it onto black chipboard and cut out the circle properly. went around the edge with gold, and added gold to the front. I then triple embossed it with clear embossing powder. and Finlay added the gems. I'm well happy with this. and I can see me making more of these. Both this style of card and the chipboard toppers.

The whole card is bright yellow and black, although it looks black and cream on the photos.

Thanks for looking

Smashin' Birthday

2008-05-21T22:16:00.004+01:00

This card did not turn out how I had planned at all. I had hoped to do just an acetate card, but have the acetate as broken glass. But no matter what I tried, I could not get it looking right, so back to the drawing board.

The card is still an acetate card, but the acetate is as a wrap instead. I printed on the back of the insert so that the stripy paper showed.

The person who the card is for, always has a hammer or something like in his hand, he is always doing DIY of some sort. So although this card didn't turn out to plan, and I'm not at all happy with it. It is suitable for the receiver. and as they say its the thought that counts.

I printed the wording onto dotty paper and cut them out by hand. After I finished I remembered I have alphabet dies for the cuttlebug. Stupid me.

Thanks for looking

TrimCraft Challenge

2008-05-21T12:06:00.004+01:00

I was not intending on taking part in the TrimCraft Challenge, but when I seen the image, I knew I just had to. I love the image, and had so many ideas running through my head.

This week’s challenge is:Create a project based upon the following photo and words:
Words: Summer, Hot Pink, Floral, Bloom

You can use the image in your project if you wish

Well I had so many Ideas going through my head with the image, I could have been up till a silly o'clock last night crafting away, but I managed to stop myself after making five

All together

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Card one & close up's

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Card two & close up

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Card three & close up

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Card four & close up

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Card five & close up

I used Prima flowers, Hot off the press papers and vellum, gems, ric-rac ribbon, satin ribbon and peel offs to make up the cards

Dottie's World Challenge #2

2008-05-20T23:09:00.004+01:00

Dottie's World opened the second challenge On Sunday....

'DOUBLE UP'The Challenge is to make a card or item incorperating two images from the downloads,it could be two Dotties,Dottie'n' George,Cats, there are soo many different combinations to choose from.

I decided I would do a 'Triple up'

I tore the water paper, I thought the white tears looked like crashing waves, I decided it needed a little more, so added a little glitter .

Dottie on the beach I layered on 3D foam pads, the other 2 are stuck flush.

Images are coloured using whispers pens (I need to buy more as only have one set, and need move colours).

Thank you for looking

My craft space

2008-05-20T22:38:00.004+01:00

On one of the forums I belong (trimcraft) there is a thread asking where everyone crafts and to show your area. Well it was an excuse to get up in the loft this afternoon, whilst my daughter was asleep and tidy it up a little, then snap some photos.

The photos were not easy to take. My craft area is in my loft, which as you will see from the photos is still in a rather raw state. I was planning on finishing it off, and carpeting/painting it to make it more homely up there. But the plan is to move to a bigger house, so I decided to just make do for now. After all I'm hardly looking at the walls when crafting. and I don't fancy moving it all out whilst getting it plastered and painted etc. However it could still be a couple of years till I get moved, so I may do a little tidy up after doing a few other rooms int he house first.

This is at the far end of the loft, It holds much of my papers (12" x 12", A4, A5), Vellum's, mirror, embossed etc.
In the blue boxes on top is fabric, hessian, buttons, broaches (which I bought for using on cards from a jumble sale...total bargain)

This is where all my dies, paints, punches, stencils, glitter, embossing powders, shrink plastic, acetate and some of my pens live.

The green box is stuff which I still need to sort, The gray box is my scraps, behind them are chalks, ink stamps, watercolours, mozake tiles, glass paints .

This is were I work. I great big area, which ends up very small work space by the time I have everything out scattered all over.
Behind the computer there are stickles, liquid pearls and other brands the same, glossy ascents, brads, eyelets, gems, some fabric toppers make up, my collection of ATCs, in the basket just hanging off the end on the left is things Ive been collecting the last couple of months to use on a special project which I need to start work on soon, (my parents Ruby Anniversary). I have a utensil drainer which holds all my tapes, glues foam pads, tools that I use often, all at easy reach.

The files on the left are all full of peel offs, why I bought so many is beyond me, Ill never use them, and I'm not not keen on peel offs at all, other than corners and borders. and the very occasional words. I have small storage cases hanging under the peel offs full of gems. in the big plastic draws are all my embellishments, stamps, handmade papers, small patterned papers, envelopes, cellos. In the black box on the top of the draws are all my flowers, in the box next to that is half of my ribbon (on reels). To the right of the draws are my keepsake boards and border bars. In the little draws next to them are my sakura and whisper pens.and next to them in the black files (far right) are dufex stickers, and postcards.

This is again at the back of the loft, it holds all my spare tape, glues, blades, duplicate glitters, embossing powders, ink pads. In all the small clear boxes (2nd from top shelf) are all my fancy embellished bows, more beads, mini mirrors, and other small embellishments I don't use often, on the top shelf is all my flower soft bits and pieces.

This is under the work area, the big box in front is all my lose ribbons (well there all bagged individually but the bags are just lose, its a good rummage to find anything. I need to find a better way to store my ribbons that will make it easier to find what i want, but something which can hold loads of different ribbons. The boxes behind are full of different plane and embossed card.

Well that you seen my craft area. It wont be like that for long trust me. The downside, or could be a plus side to being in the loft, is as no one else sees up there once the loft hatch is closed, I don't have to keep it spotless, unlike when I was in the kitchen. I do miss been in the kitchen tho, as I could craft at anytime, as could keep my eyes on the kids still. plus it was much easier for the kids to join in also.

Its hard to imagine I started off with just a shoebox full of bits back in November 2004. I don't know what more addictive, buying craft items or actually crafting.

No crafting for a couple of days

2008-05-17T21:31:00.005+01:00

Well it looks like my something every day has gone out the window yet again. Not had a good few days, kids been really playing up. Going through a bad time with my son, he has these times with his ADHD, well my daughter is as bad as him, I'm still hoping its learned behaviour and not that she is to like he is. It has been suggested by various support networks I have involved that she could have ADD, as it does run in families. And unofficially my husband probably had/has ADHD. He had/has all the common ways about him for an ADHD adult, and he very much was like our son is at his age. Now obviously if our daughter does have it we wont love her none the less, but cant help hoping all the same that she does not. She is to young to actually have assessed at the moment, have been told they cant do any assessments really until she is 6 or 7 (like with my son). But I to know with going through the system with my son that they waist a very long time before doing anything that I'm not going to wait till she is 6 or 7 to start the process. I'm going to give her another year (when she will be 5), she will have been at school a good 6 months also then, if there is no improvement then I will start the process. Benefit of going through the system already, I wont be fobbed off with all the rubbish they fobbed us off with our son.

I also think the kids behaviours are magnified by other factors also. For instance I'm struggling myself with my mental health at the moment. I wont go into great detail, but back in January I had a breakdown, and I'm still recovering from that. Hit a bit of a set back at the moment. Which means at the moment the kids arnt getting the mammy they need/deserve. I'm finding myself screaming at them most of the time lately. And well as they say, negative attention is better than no attention.

So I am at the moment trying to think of a huge list of things to do with them during half term, things that they can get very messy with (all kids love getting messed up, well not just kids hehehe) and things that wont cost the earth. I can see the balloons, newspapers, flour glue and paints coming out lol. Need to work out a list of activities, so that I can see what we need to buy for them to be done. I've already promised my kids they can do a canvas each. although they are not using my paints lol. kids paints far cheaper.

So if anyone has any idea's for messy yet fun activities, please shout them out.

So all been well, during whit week there will be a few posts on here with my kids activities on. I know they will love to see themselves on mammy's blog.

I must take loads of pictures. Just think of the scrapbook pages that can come out of it also.

Oh and I hope you like my new layout on here, I had enough of the pink, wanted something not so bright. I will have all the links back on soon. downside of changing the template with these custom templates.

Cats (Dottie) - Fathers day

2008-05-15T13:06:00.003+01:00

Arnt I doing well, four cards in three days. I am trying to do the one craft project a day rule I tried earlier, lets hope it continues. I have to say tho, I am not enjoying myself as much as I use to, but I'm getting there.

Anyway enough rambling on, onto last nights project.

I had already decided that I was going to do my Step Father-in-laws Fathers day card from the kids as a frame with the poem, but didn't know how to finish it off. Well that was until I spied the new Dottie collection, Cats. Well my Step Father-in-law LOVES cats so it just had to be. Then I seen Lou's sample on Dottie's World and well my decision was made on how to make the card.

I coloured the cats using Sakura Souffle pens, the first time I have used these other than the white pen. I then decoupaged the cats faces and the two half's of the heart. The heart is coloured using Sakura Stardust. The frame is also decoupaged, well that is its mounted on foam pads. I then mounted the cats and the framed poem onto black embossed card and then cut it to frame them all. I added doodle lines, photo mounts (on the background paper) and a few gems to finish the card off.

I think the kids Grandad will like this, It did turn out a little paler than I had originally planned, but as its from the kids I think I can get away with it.

Thanks for looking.

George & Crafty Templets combined

2008-05-13T22:06:00.002+01:00

Well for the first time in a long while, I've actually made a card I had fun making, and actually like the finished card. And surprisingly its a men's card. I don't normally like any of my men's cards.

I used golfing George, and made him up like the previous Dotty I added earlier today.

Printed him out five times, two plan which I coloured using felt tip pens (as watercolours) and Sakura glaze pens. I then printed him three more times (well parts of him, masking off the bits I didn't need to save paper and ink) onto patterned papers. His tank top is printed on a wool effect paper, trousers on a denim paper and the golf back printed onto a green stripy paper. I then cut him and his various bit out and layered him up. This time I did not use form pads, only stuck the various patterned parts flush onto the various areas. I used even did the belt on top of the tank top (coloured using sakura glaze pens).

The DAD was printed onto the denim and green stripe papers and cut out then mounted onto gold mirror card and cut out again leaving a fine border around the letters.

I decided to cut off the gold club in Georges hand from the image, and added a miniature club I had instead, then stuck Georges hand on top of the club to give the effect he is actually holding it.

The HUGE golf ball on which George is stuck to, I got the idea for from this months Crafty templates, there is a template for a round ball in this months template pack, however I didn't use there template as I wanted it the perfect size for the envelope I had so I cut a circle to fit. I then cut another circle a couple of mm's bigger for the golf ball and using the cuttlebug and Tiny bubbles embossing folder to give it the golf ball look. Which I mounted upside down onto the card blank so the bubbles are debossed not embossed. I used an ink pad to add some colour to the edges of the ball... when do you ever see a pure white golf ball, other than brand new, and well George has already played the 18 holes and is on his way to the 19th now I think. I thin using some woven bright green card cut out some grass, then used a dark green ink pad to add more texture to the grass and take the brightness off (I didn't have a suitable green for grass in embossed card lol).

I finished the card off with a couple of other golfing embellishments and the 'Happy Fathers Day' is gold peel offs, I don't often use them anymore, prefer to print direct now, but they still come in handy from time to time.

I am very pleased with this card, I hope my Dad likes it to. He use to be into golf in a big way before he became ill some years back, now its crazy golf with with my son, or the very occasional golf game on the Wii lol.

Thank you for looking.

Dottie's World 'Bits N' Peices' challenge

2008-05-13T11:54:00.005+01:00

Over on Dottie's brand new home 'Dottie's World' there is a weekly challenge, here is there first challenge details

Right the first challenge is set by me (Louise). I want you to make a card or layout using paper piecing on any Dottie or George image, but that's not all! I want you then to use the same paper as part of your card's background. Have a look at yesterday's tutorial for some paper piecing tips.

Here is what I came up with.

I printed Dottie out on a green and a yellow/cream dotty paper and then twice onto plane card stock. I peiced the clothes out of the paper onto dotty and water coloured the rest of her using my kids felt tip pens. Added glitter using clear Sakura stardust pen as accents.

I then mounted Dottie onto some cream card to which again using the kids felt tip pens as watercolours added the grass. I then mounted that on to the same green dotty paper and cut out as scollop's. I covered the whole of the base card with the yellow/cream dotty paper.

I have decoupaged Dottie's face and leg warmers, but before I stuck her head on I added petals, which I got from cutting up a couple of prima flowers. I then added two smaller prima flowers to her hands.

Finally finished her off with doodle lines, a few gems and some more prima flowers.

The insert of the card is also made using the same to papers and doodle lines, I didn't take a photo of that tho sorry, and I cant now as it is in the post already.

Brother Birthday card

2008-05-13T11:44:00.002+01:00

Well it has been a while since I've done actual crafting, feels much longer than it has been too.

I made this card for my parents to send out. I'm useless at making men's cards. and it was hard trying to think of something suitable that I haven't already done. I even looked at all the Georges and none were suitable for this one. I hope Mam & Dad like. I'm far from up to standard in my crafting, and to have to make a mans card don't help.

I was asked to make a box of cards for someone to sell for me. Of course I was pleased, but I think I will be turning her down for now, Its taken me weeks to get the want to make this card never mind making a box full up. She did say there was no hurry, so I guess will just see. But having none made as spares means making them all.

I think where I went wrong was moving all my craft stuff up in the loft, it is not very inviting up there, no natural light, basic plaster board walls.and very cluttered (its not very big up there at all) and I have to climb a ladder to get up there, with no window it is very warm also this time of year and will only get warmer still. But I'm also not going to bring it all back down, I now have a kitchen come dinning room, not a craft room with a kitchen squashed in. We are hoping to move sometime in the next year or so, so hopefully then I will have room to craft somewhere much better. I may even have a bedroom...Will I miss the living room floor I wonder.

Fairy Canvas - Finished

2008-05-08T19:38:00.003+01:00

Finally she is finished. I am not completely happy with her. Fer face and hair have not gone right at all, but I dernt play around anymore for fear of making it worse. Well I did always say I cant do faces didn't I.

I am toying with the idea of adding some fine glitter in accents the wings, after all all fairy's need some glitter don't they.

I had no idea for what purpose I painted this image, I just fancied having a go at it. But I have now know exactly where she is going. It is my sister-in-law 60th birthday this year, and she is mad on fairy's. So this painting will be carefully put away until then. a good few months away yet. Oh and Bro if you are looking at this, don't show it to Carol please. lol

Thanks for looking.

Fairy Canvas - Stage three

2008-05-07T08:09:00.002+01:00

It doesn't actually look like I've done a lot to this since the last time, but I have spent what feels like a lifetime on the stalks of the toadstools and on the grass. But I am happy with the finished look of it so far.

Only got the fairy to do now, they one thing I'm dreading is the face, Think I had best do that first.

Fairy Canvas - stage two

2008-05-06T10:51:00.003+01:00

Considering I didn't really do very much over the weekend I didn't get as much painting done as I had hoped either. But it has come on since my last post and I am about to do some more very soon, must finish a trifle, and get my nets in the wash first.

Would you believe I spent over four hours doing the sky and moon, getting the colours right and the blending. The moon took much longer than I thought it would, the shading was far to dark originally for my liking, so slowly layer by layer I lightened it until it was to how I was happy with it. I may still change it as I go along tho.

I then went onto doing the toadstools, bear in mind I have never done moonlight shading, and it is totally different to normal shading. I did spend a good few hours looking at moonlight photos to make sure I was doing it right.

I am liking the way it is looking although there is still loads to do on it yet.

Right must get my trifle finished and nets in the wash, so that I can get on and do some more painting.

Thanks for looking.

New canvas

2008-05-04T21:53:00.002+01:00

Well, after spending most of the last few hours trying to decide what to paint next, I decided I would follow in Chrissy's footsteps. She has done some lovely watercolours herself (all on her blog), she has a particular talent for fairies, I too love fairies, but have always been put off by drawing/painting them as the one area I'm not very good at is faces or hands. So I'm hoping that I can pull this one off. As the face is only small however I'm hoping to get away with very little detail to it, then I should (hopefully) be able to pull it off. I really do dislike doing faces.

Here is the sketched out image on the canvas, not sure on what colours to use yet, or if to go for a dark yet magical setting or a bright daylight. I think with the moon it should be dark and magical tho. Will see how it goes when I start painting.

Letting off steam

2008-05-03T21:13:00.003+01:00

Well again I've not done any crafting. Been feeling rather sorry for myself the last few days. You see I have horrible feet, and desperately needed new shoes. I HATE getting new shoes, as no matter what shoes I buy they need breaking in. Well I bought 2 pairs of shoes last weekend. One the exact same ones I was already wearing, wore them on Monday's school run, by the time I got home my right heal and left little toe were covered in blood. Tuesday I put on some trainer shoes, now surly trainer would not do any harm, I covered the sores already to cushion them, only by the time I got home from Tuesdays school run, the other heal and little toe where bleeding. Not having much luck am I. Well I went to my parents on Tuesday afternoon, hobbled my way to another shop and bought some mules, at least my heals will be safe. Wore them Wednesday school run, I ended up walking home in my hear feet. the strap over the toes had cut rather deep into three of my toes on the right foot and two on the left foot, and I had two water blisters on the left foot to boot. I can tell you I just sat and cried when I got home, wondering how the heck I was going to get to school to pick my daughter up at dinner. By this point both heals, the sides of my little toes the tops of the big toes and 3 other toes and the outside on both feet where cut and sore. Well A box full of plasters, two pairs of my husbands thick woolly socks and my trainer shoes (which were rather tight fitting with the socks I can tell you) And a 20 minute hobble to school and then half an hour back home. I really wanted to throw all my shoes away at this point. No shoes to wear that wont hurt, even my slippers were sore to wear (because of all the sores). I'm going to go natural with feet and go barefooted I think. would get less sores walking over broken glass in bare feet than wearing these blumming new shoes.

I got my husband to get me some dressings for my toes on his way home from work on Wednesday. Since then I've been changing the dressings on my toes daily (heals have healed at last, and blisters burst) and wearing his socks with my trainers when I have HAD to go out. My toes (ones cut into by mules) are still raw and still bleeding. Have left them undressed today to let them breath, boy do they hurt, I'm itching to dress them as they were not as painful pressed, but they need air to dry up, they are still weeping three days on.

Well My husband went to shops today and thought of me, He came home with some really wide, really soft leather flip flops. I put them on (before taking the dressings off) and other than slight pain (much less than have had) they are great. So all been well come Tuesdays school run I should be able to walk without looking like I've messed myself, and hopefully pain free...

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If that was not enough. Last weekend my washing machine blew up, would have cost as much to repair it as it would to buy a new one. So a new washer was called for. It was meant to have been delivered yesterday (Friday) between 8am and 6pm. After waiting in all day (not that I was going anywhere with my feet in the mess they are) at 4pm the delivery men phoned to say they would be at mine in an hour, traffic permitting. I wasn't feeling to grand yesterday, So I went for a lay down after they phones. My husband was in so he would sort the washer out.

Well at 7pm he woke me up. I asked if the washer had come, he said yea they delivered it just after 5, go look. So off I went to the kitchen to look at my washing machine, see if it looked less scary in my kitchen then it did in the shop (I like the old simple styles, this one is all buttons and lights, very scary looking...lol). Went to where the washer should have been and it was not there... Just my blumming look. I asked husband why it was not there if they delivered it. Apparently after they got it into the kitchen then unpacked it, it was crushed. Husband said it have a lovely hourglass shape to it. He did get onto the place we got it from, they said they couldn't get another to us while Tuesday earliest. Not good enough, I have loads of washing to do, Husbands work clothes Children's uniforms, NEEDED for Tuesday. After an argument they were going to see if they could get one delivered today (Saturday) from there town shop, but we had to phone back in the morning to know for sure. So at bang on 9am My husband phoned them back, yes they have one in there town shop and it would be with us with in the hour. But they were just delivery men on a Saturday so they couldn't install or test it. Sod that so long as it works I don't care. So by 11am I was doing my washing. One stress out of the way at least. However I don't think the washing machine is worth what we've paid for it, but hay its better than hand washing I guess, and comes with a 3 year new for old protection. Which I don't have a good record for washing machines this is number 5 in 4 and a half years, and the last one the drum fell out of after just 6 weeks. I'm jinxed with them I swear.

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Yesterday morning I woke up feeling great, all excited about getting the washing machine (sad I know). But come dinner time I started feeling really ill. god knows what caused it. In the space of half an hour i went from feeling 100% (other than my feet) to feeling half head. I was dizzy, weak aching all over, felt sick, wanted to sleep. struggled to stay awake. ended up laying on the sofa hoping the room would stop spinning. By the time my husband got home I went to bed (just after 4pm) came down again at 7pm, still feeling terrible, was back in bed by 7:30pm, I didn't wake till 8am this morning. still felt weak and my back sore but no were near as bad as yesterday. Just which I knew why I was so ill. But fingers crossed its passed now at least.

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Other than that everything is great lol. May get some crafting done over the weekend, If I can be bothered to go up in my loft, if not I may do some more painting, although have no inspiration for what to paint next yet. But hopefully will add something more positive on my next blog posting

Finished Elephant canvas

2008-04-30T21:04:00.004+01:00

Well I finally finished my canvas. It could have been much better, and I don't feel is up to my usual standard (don't you just hate perfectionists), But I think I'm still happy with it.

Elephant Canvas, update.

2008-04-29T09:50:00.002+01:00

Well it has been a while since I did some painting. The last thing I was working on was my Elephant canvas.

Here is where I was up to with it four weeks ago.

I set to and did some more to it, the elephants are starting to come to life now I think. Strange how it has made the background seam darker, but I think looks even better than four weeks ago.

The elephants are still only in draft stage, I plan on doing more to them tonight once my kids are in bed. maybe even finish them off. Need to tone it all together and give them the correct dimension now. Blend the detail in more.

Thanks for looking.

Papertake Weekly & George

2008-04-29T09:38:00.002+01:00

OK, so I am a little late for the Papertake Weekly challenge, as this is last weeks, but I thought the sketch would work so well with this George image, so I went with it anyway.

The papers are all from a CD I bought a very long time ago, I think they all blend together. I didn't have a ribbon that would go with the papers, well not and be masculine anyway. So I decided to use copper mirror card instead. Not 100% happy with it but it will have to do.

I again printed George onto the same papers so that I could layer him up matching, I used felt tip pens as watercolours to do Georges face and hair. I used Sakura pens to highlight elements on the clothes, shoes and the darts. I decoupaged George up a little bit also, as you can see in the close up picture.

I don't like making men's cards, I find them one of the worst to make. But with George they are easier to make. Thank you Lou for making George available to us all.

Been a long time & Cute Card Thursday

2008-04-26T21:42:00.006+01:00

It feels like its been months since I last crafted, not only two weeks. I spent an hour sorting out my craft area, as last time I crafted I just left everything over the work area. good job I don't craft in the kitchen/living room anymore lol.

Well after spending the hour sorting out, I spend a further hour trying to think what to do. No inspiration what so ever. I looked what cards I needed doing, all but one where for men, now I had no inspiration for doing anything, least along a mans. In the end I decided to look at random at my Pink Petticoat collection, and make using which ever I first looked at.

Everything (image and papers) are from Pink Petticoat. I printed the image three times, the clothes and bag were printed onto more Pink Petticoat, and the image is decoupages up. I should have taken a side view image to show it more, oh well never mind. I used Sakura Stardust pens to colour the hair, shoes and cupcake.

I added some Prima flowers and gems to finish off the card. Oh the sentiment was printed off also.

I have been thinking about buying some nestabilities for a while now, but I don't think I will be doing. The ovals were hand cut and doodled on this, saving me £60 ish on the collection of nestabilities. Then again you never know I may buy them later one lol.

The insert I made using the same Pink Petticoat papers and finished with more doodles.

Hopefully there will be more crafting getting done soon. Still not 100% with my health yet and have other personal issues getting in the way at the moment. But it was nice to set down and make a card. Even If it did take me nearly four hours to make a card that would normally take me 45 minutes or so.

I have decided as Cute Card Thursdays challenge this week is 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' That I would enter this card to there Challenge

Thanks for looking

For CJ - who left coment on my Ebay rant Post

2008-04-21T08:15:00.002+01:00

I don't know if CJ will see this or not, But as CJ did not leave me anyway of contacting her (or him) I have decided to do another post here.

Sorry to hear you to have been hit on Ebay. Its terrible, when I asked Ebay how I was hacked, they first blamed me for replying to emails and clicking links. Now I know for a fact I did not, I NEVER do, I ALWAYS returned to my ebay and replied to messages in there. So I asked how it was possible, they could not give me an answerer other than. We can not tell you as it would be against our policy. Well I would still like to know how I was hacked when I know I followed all the commonsense and more security with my ebay and Paypal account.

I was lucky, as unlike with your account, my ebay account was only used by the hacker to try and do private sales (asking sellers to cancel there sales and sell privately). I don't think anyone agreed to this, and if they did, OK I'm sorry for them, but anyone with half an ounce of common sense would know you don't do that as you lose all the so called security you have by going through Ebay. Nothing was advertised and sold on my account and nothing was bought on my account.

I hope you get sorted out, and surly Ebay can confirm that the sale of the JDs were during the time you where hacked. Have you phoned Ebay ? 020 8080 2105 this is the number I used to get onto Ebay with, it is an invitation only number, but I got the invite, they did not ask me if I had been or not. Failing that go onto Ebay live chat and talk to them there. in fact that will be a better way, as you can keep a copy of the conversation then and print it off to show Jamelle Ltd Solicitors.

I hope you get it sorted out. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with Ebay, I am just seeing how it goes at the moment. I mostly only buy on there and there are other places I can buy from if needed.

Good luck to you CJ

Ebay rant

2008-04-17T21:29:00.003+01:00

Ok first of all I will apologise before I start as I may go a little over the top here. I am sooooooooooo mad.

I have used ebay for years and never any problems, I am always so careful when it comes to replying to ebay messages (as in always sign into my ebay and read/reply through there), I never click on any links in email, and I never give out my ebay details to anyone.

However I went to leave some feedback on my ebay account last weekend and it would not let me sign in. Insisting details where wrong. So I did the lost password stuff. never got an email back. I forgot about it till Monday thinking maybe Ebay having problems. tried again Monday still no access, did the rest password again, again no email back.

So I then searched for my name in ebay, nothing been bought or sold etc, ok so maybe Ebay just having a glitch. spent all day Monday trying to find a way of contacting Ebay. everywhere online took me to sign in. well If I could sign in i wouldn't need there help. It was a friend who found me a couple of phone numbers.

Been trying all week to get through on the phone to them, finally got a person to talk to this morning.

And Yep she confirmed I had been hacked. They had changed my email address and passwords, so no wonder was not getting emails. I thought it strange not to get Ebay junk mails to be honest. Anyway she rest my email address gave me a temporary password to sign in on, then I had to change my password. Ok went to do that, the temp password don't work. Argggggggggggggggg.

Phone them back (thankfully I had the London phone number and no the £1.50 a minute number). The person this time said that it had to be sorted in there live chat. She directed me to where to find it. I must say Ebay on line is NOT easy to navigate when you need help.

Over an hour on live chat in ebay to be told oh yes you have been hacked. ermmmmmmm did i not tell you that at the very beginning. We have reset your email and password. I have also emailed you with how to reset you password. good by, screen closed down, didn't get time to save the convo (I was fuming at this point).

Anyway went to change password. Now to wait for an email. which some 8 hours later still had not turned up. back into Live chat again. eventually. yes you have been hacked... I lost it told the woman, I know that, your the 4th person to tell me that. I know my email has been reset so as the password but im not getting the email to allow me to get in and reset my password. Oh i will send you another email with the password in. she then cuts me off. and the email never turns up.

Back into live chat once again, this time I was not polite. had enough at this point. especially as I fell like the walking dead (still ill). But why is it when your polite there useless at there job, but when you go in for the kill attitude there so nice and you feel guilty.

Eventually she helped me get back in to my ebay. I have changed all my details back, but through reading the messages in my ebay inbox. who ever hacked me has had some fun, and had a go at robbing many new to ebay members. Ebay assured me that they will email everyone that has had involvement since my account has been hacked to put them in the picture.

Ebay wouldn't tell me how i was hacked other than I must have clicked on some link in an email. Which I know I have not. But I do know 2 months ago, i received and email saying i had bought something which I didn't, when went into my ebay to check it was not there either, so I forwarded that email to ebay spoof. they said they would deal with it. then a month later bang I get hacked. strange???

From reading the messages in my ebay from the hacker to the Innocent ebayers, he has been telling new ebayers (with zero feedback) offering them double if they close there sale. for eg one of them was a phone listed for £200 buy it now. he/she offered them £500 if they closed the sale to him. He sent the paypal payment (thankfully my paypal has not been hacked). but he was somehow sending fake paypal payments. and he sent the payment of £1000 then contacted them saying sorry its sent to much please refund the difference. so they did. following day they found out it was a fake paypal payment, and they have actually been fiddled out of money.... Cleaver... If I knew who it was god how i would love to get my hands around there necks.

Ebay have assured me that they are contacting everyone who has been hit by my ebay account, and that they will put everything right. I really feel for these new ebayers, not a nice way to start your experience with ebay.

I am really conceding closing down my ebay now. I have always been so carefully with the Internet and I was still hacked. I am thank full that it was only my ebay and not my paypal account as well.

Sick house

2008-04-16T12:02:00.005+01:00

Oh how much am I missing my crafting at the moment.

Over the last weekend I was busy consoling my 4 year old daughter who was ill all weekend, then Sunday afternoon I pulled my back out, not completely gone, but blumming painful, and very sore when I move, so defo no climbing the ladders to get into the loft (my craft area).

Monday my son was complaining of feeling unwell, but I just put it as he was feeling left out as his sister was ill, he didn't look ill, he complained of his tummy being sore, yet still ate his breakfast and wanted more. I did tell him if he was ill he could stay off school, but he would not be allowed on his Xbox all day, he then decided he was not ill and would go to school.

However later on Monday school phoned asking if Callum had been complaining of his leg hurting him. No was his tummy this morning, apparently he was crying before playtime because his leg hurt, but during playtime he was running around fine on his leg. Both school and I agreed it was just him feeling left out so he stayed at school. However Monday evening he really did look ill. and got worse during the night.

He has been off school yesterday and today, hardly eaten, and been complaining of aches and pains all over. Jenna (daughter) is right as rain now, running around wild as usual. However, I think what ever she had she has passed onto Callum, and now I'm coming down with it, felt like death since mid afternoon yesterday.

So Callum and I are sat on the sofa aching and feeling very sorry for ourselves, meanwhile Jenna is running riot. not good for our heads lol. Hopefully we will feel better tomorrow. Just wish my back would sort itself out.

I cant see Callum being well enough for school tomorrow, so can see both kids been off all week. I know Callum is not playing on it now, as he is sleeping very well (normally only has a couple of hours a night) and he has no interest in going on the Xbox.

There is one plus side to the illness tho. Callum is nice and quiet (he is losing his voice) pour love. Obviously I don't like my kids being ill. Would rather be ill for them all the time. But it really is quiet (well other than Jenna running around). I'm trying my best to keep her entertained but not easy with bad back and feeling generally cr@p.

My pour husband don't want to come home he said, as he don't want to get what ever it is we all got/had. And no I really don't want him to get it either. You know what Men are like when they are ill.

Present for Karen

2008-04-14T08:33:00.003+01:00

Karen - My Beautiful Place left me a comment on my last post about my new layout. She mentioned she liked my banner and would like to do the same with hers. So I've had a little play.

If these are any good to you Karen feel free to use them, they are smaller on here, but you should be able to click on them and save the image that way at full size. I have sized them to fit my banner, so should (all been well) fit right on your blog. If you want them and can not save them full size email me (my email address is top right of my blog) and I will email them to you.

New Layout

2008-04-13T14:12:00.003+01:00

I have decided it is time to revamp my blogger.
I found a great site with loads of templates for Blogger.
www.pyzam.com

Please not tho if you decide to use there templates, you lose every add on you have on your blog already (leaves you with only your profile, your blog posts and archives, everything else has to be deleted), You have to add them all back on again. So well worth backing them up first.

It does feel good to have a clear out every now and again, however I don't think I will be changing it very often.

Hope you like my new look and my new banner.

Fairy Dottie

2008-04-12T22:22:00.004+01:00

Who can not love Dottie, I think shes fab, I coloured in several Dotties and a fair few Georges today, sadly only managed to make the one card up. Maybe more tomorrow.

I coloured Dottie with felt tip pens scribbled onto an acrylic block then using my water brush, and also used Sakura glaze pens, I used clear Sakura stardust as a wash on her wings and a yellow stardust for her crown and wand. I chalked up the edge of her image (does not show up very well on the photo). I them mounted her onto some papers I have of a disk I bought a long time ago. using the same paper and a similar paper I layered up the card. Finally finished off the card with some adhesive gems and prima flowers.

Thank you for looking

Cute Card Thursday - 'Things With Wings'

2008-04-12T22:11:00.006+01:00

Challenge 5
The challenge for this week is 'Things With Wings'
Anything with wings which is cute is fine for the challenge!
Cute Card Thursday

Well in my opinion you can not get much cuter than owls. I made this card using one of the new templates from Crafty Templates, I think he is really cute. The papers are also from Crafty Templates, from there monthly craft kit.

Thank you for looking

Caardvarks 'Flight of Fancy' challenge

2008-04-12T21:53:00.005+01:00

It's challenge time yet again! Create a card, think winged-things! Have your card linked to us the comments section of this post by April 17th at Midnight
Caardvarks 'Flight of Fancy' challenge

I didn't want to do the obvious here and do birds, I decided to get my pencil out and get drawing. I decided on a fairy, but as I am not very good at drawing faces I thought lets do a view from the back.

The image is all hand drawn, I shaded it in in pencil first. But I thought it looked rather dull just as a pencil drawing, so I decided to add a little chalk to add a hint of colour, nothing to bold. I think it worked out well.

I added a pail (slight patterned) paper behind and on the card, finished with peel offs. Added ribbon at the top and bottom and a few gems.

The butterfly I stuck onto acetate then cut it out and bended the wings and stuck it on the out reached hand of the fairs (the hand did not turn out very well so the butterfly disguises that).

I also washed over the wings with clear Sakura stardust pen. I love the light hint of glitter, and all fairy's need some glitter right.

Thank you for looking

Make a wish

2008-04-10T08:38:00.005+01:00

Well so much for my one project a day, was good whilst it lasted. Hopefully I will get back into my once a day.

Anyway here is one card I did make last night. I used a template from Crafty templates. However the star was just a star on the template, but I turned it into a shaker card, which is filled with blue and green glitter. I used doodle lines to highlight the elements

A simple ish template slightly adapted, but I like the way this one has come together.

Thanks for looking