Scrappers delight

Latch hooking...

2012-02-14T20:51:00.001Z

As you may remember I said I was going to do lots of different crafts but mainly use kits that I've already got or started.

Well here is another old project, I bought this latch hook cushion and the matching rug years ago, for my conservatory.

Well did get the rug made, but then couldn't get any binding for the edges, so it got put at the back of the cupboard and wasn't in any hurry to finish the cushion because of that.

But the other week when mum and I went for a mooch round Chichester we popped into the haberdashery there and managed to get some binding, so hopefully have bought enough to finish all the latch hook projects.

I've also got a Eeyore rug that Sam had started years ago and I've got a Christmas one, so as I say 'it should keep me out of trouble', lol...

So watch this space to see if any of them get finished, hehehe...

Saying of the week...

2012-02-11T17:00:00.000Z

The grass is never green until you've grown it yourself...

100th Birthday card

2012-02-06T21:30:00.001Z

Well have hopefully done one...

But took me ages to get started as I just couldn't get my head round it, lol. I think that was because I was asked for one, for them to give rather than me just making one for me to give. Do you see what I mean?

I started by going on a few crafty sites, but nothing jumped out at me. I even had a nose in a few card shops and only one had a card for 100 and that had the number and a few stars, that was it....

Anyway Steven was in respite on Saturday, so after doing the household chores I went into my Arty Attic around 2pm and came up with this, what do you think?

The number was cut using a sizzix die and was placed on a spellbinder nestie with a bit of stickles round the edge. (The writing was printed on the computer).

For the bottom I use a cuttlebug embossing folder and organza ribbon. The flowers are papermania with brads that were also stickled in the middle and finely the butterfly are 3 peeloffs joined together to add a bit of depth. (and while writing this, I'm thinking about adding more stickles to the swirls).

Also a friends daughter is 21 next week and is off to New York to celebrate it, so came up with this card for her.

The imagine was printed off the PC, writing and number are sizzix dies again.

So have been a bit of a busy bee, well for a few hours anyway, and when I got into it it, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, lol...

Saying of the week...

2012-02-04T17:00:00.002Z

A wise old owl sat in an oak;

the more he heard, the less he spoke,

the less he heard, the more he spoke, the more we heard;

We should all follow the example of a wise old bird.

WANTED 'A 100th Birthday card'

2012-01-29T19:57:00.004Z

On Friday I was asked by a friend to do her Auntie Dot a birthday card for her 100th birthday which is on Valentines day...

YIKES as don't normally make cards for others to give, so wasn't sure, but said I would give it a go. And as we had arranged to meet for lunch in a couple of weeks I said give me till then and I'll see what I can do. As if things don't go to plan or she doesn't like it, then she still has time to get something off moonpig or somewhere else, lol...

So Friday evening after Steven was in bed, I nipped into to my Arty Attic to see if I could start the card. OK things didn't quite go to plan, oh, I did make some cards, but not the special one, as I ended up making these, hehehe...

So Saturday evening, again after Steven was in bed, I went into my Arty Attic with the good intentions on starting the card, but this time I end up making another 7 of the same as the 2 above, inserts and all, lol.

I know they are pretty simple, but the men I send cards too won't care if they are simple and they don't really appreciate if they are hand made or shop bought. And as they are not of the same family, I can get away with some of the same designs, lol...

As for the special card, well that still on my desk looking like this, lol...

HEHEHE, well I did enjoy making the male cards and it's made a dent in the 75+ birthday cards I need to for this years, family and friends AND I got to use card candi for the first time, lol...

I won't be going up into the attic tonight as even though hubby is still home, Sunday evening always consist of the weeks ironing, the weeks menu and shopping list for Asda first thing tomorrow... So will have to keep my thinking cap on for that special card, lol...

Oh by the way, I've had a few emails asking me how the end of the bath pillow were done, so below is a photo of the end. It was 2 circles cut out of one end of the towel.

Saying of the week...

2012-01-28T17:00:00.001Z

A kind word is never lost.

It keeps on and on going from one to another, until it comes back to you again.

Few cards...

2012-01-26T22:46:00.002Z

Have managed a bit of crafting of cards, as were needed for January... this one was for the carers centre and a quick make. Stamped images straight onto card, followed by die cuts using my cuttlebug...

As you can see this one was for my sister... Clear peel off onto acetate and 3d foam onto card, same peel off's down the side and of course MS bubble punch down the side and finished with a lilac insert to show through the bubbles...

This one was for my Brother-in-law... Peel off onto mirror card, matt and layered onto the card with 3d foam. Clear peel off across the middle and happy birthday.

For my niece... Again the MS bubble punch for the strip across the middle and stuck on the card with 3d foam, then a set of clear peel off's....

and my hubbies old school friend...

Yes as you can see it's very similar to my Brother-in-law card. Well to be honest neither of them appreicate hand crafted cards, but I enjoyed doing them and seeing I've got loads of stash thought I had better use some up, lol...

Breaking News....

2012-01-23T10:05:00.000Z

Well, I've managed 2 baths so far this year, YES 2, lol...

with the help of my bath pillow and some of the lovely smellies I received for Christmas.

Yes, I know, I was very spoilt, well either that or they think I needed them through lack of baths, lol...

Oh, do you like me bath pillow?

It started out as a towel from asda

and the filling was from a couple of cushions from the 99p shop (as was cheaper than getting a bag of filling from the sewing shop)...

Well I thought, if I was to actually aim to have baths, then I ought to feel comfy while having them, lol...

So you see, not only have I had 2 baths, but I've also been crafting, OK sewing, but still a form of crafting, lol...

So a good start to my monthly aims of 2012, hehehe

Saying of the week...

2012-01-21T17:00:00.002Z

Only Robinson Crusoe ever got anything done by Friday

Return to the box of deights...

2012-01-17T18:41:00.003Z

Well what did I make it into...

...well I actually made a little photo album to fit inside the box...

The main papers, sayings and bits and pieces came from HOTP Forever Christmas Cards paper stack and BoBunny, Father Christmas Collection... and some snippets from my stash...

I did envelopes with little cards in...

Pockets with tags...

Plain matt and layer pages...

Pockets with little sayings in...

More tag pockets...

and sayings...

In fact, I did about 15 pages in all...

And finally bound it all together with my Bind it All...

For the edges I either inked, chalked or used sandpaper as use some 2 tone card...

I was actually quite chuffed with myself. OK it's not a patch on other peoples work, but it's the first time ever I made something off my own back AND started and finished it all in one afternoon, lol...

And Natalie loved it and cannot stop saying thank you and that her and her mum cannot stop looking at it...

yes I agree she needs to get a life, lol... thanks for looking...

Christmas ATC

2012-01-15T18:34:00.001Z

Again this year I managed to do a few Christmas ATC, OK they were the only ATC, I did in the whole of 2011, lol...

Again they were nearly the same, as were at set of 8, which I posted out all but one, which I kept for myself.

Saying of the week...

2012-01-14T17:00:00.000Z

May the best of your past,

will be the worse of your future...

Thank You...

2012-01-11T21:13:00.003Z

I would like to say thank you for mine and Steven's lovely hand made cards we received this year. They are all stunning, so thank you so much and hope you and your families had a lovely Christmas and New Year and have a FAB 2012...

Saying of the week...

2012-01-07T17:00:00.001Z

You smile, other's smile;

soon there's miles and miles of smiles and life's worthwhile.

Box of Delights

2012-01-05T17:30:00.000Z

Steven's young carer Natalie, who takes him out on Monday and Thursday evenings, not only gave us both a Christmas present each, but also make us some chocolates..

and yes they tasted as good as they looked, they were yummy...

As she handed them to me, she said she had put them in a pretty box as she knew I would find a use for it when we've finished the chocolates.

Can guess what I did with the box?

well you will just have to wait and see, lol...xx

New Year Resolutions

2012-01-02T22:51:00.000Z

Not that I really do them, more like aims which usually include a monthly bath, which I start off with good intentions, but by March is usually out the window.

OK that doesn't sound good, but people that know me will know that Steven cannot be left on his own and he always senses if I try and have a bath after he's in bed, (the little pickle) and with hubby away all week, I don't get the chance to have them. But don't panic I do have daily showers, as they are quick, so I don't smell, honest, lol...

2012 is a little extra special year, as our very handsome son turns 21 and our gorgeous daughter gets married, so hopefully a very Happy but a little more busier than usual one.

So with this in mind, I'm going for monthly aims, rather than over the whole year, (am hoping by breaking things into smaller chucks, I'm more likely to succeed, lol)

OK so what are they...

A bath, (seeing I had loads of lush smellies for Christmas, I really must try harder, hehehe).

some form of crafting... as I've loads of kits not used, including rug making, jewellery, as well as cards, yikes and to finish the wedding invites etc...

Scrapbooking either for myself, family or for presents, even if it's only a page a month.

will blog more and reads other people's blogs

Right, will update you in 3 months to let you know how I'm going, but saying that, you will know if I've failed on the crafting side, as plan to blog my makes, lol...

Does anyone else do resolutions or like me, aims?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.002Z

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year...

and hope 2012 brings you and your love ones, good health and happiness...xxx

All over for another year....

2011-12-27T22:50:00.002Z

But one of the plus things that happened this year though, was that Steven actually for the first time ever pulled the cracker with each of us on his own, (usually he has to have hand over hand with one of us). So it shows him helping out at the little farm day centre is giving him some muscle, lol.

(you can see his dad was a little worried he was going to hurt himself though, also had to smile as Steven had the all the ends with the presents and jokes, lol)

Anyway it's all over for another year, we had a lovely but sort of different Christmas, with my mum staying over for a few nights and my daughter and her fiancé being here both evening, which was lovely we even played a few board games, which we don't get chance to do normally.

Steven was a little confused with his nana being here when he went to bed and woke up, but I think he coped very well to be honest. Think it was more me that had to get used to having someone else saying in the house, I couldn't really relax, silly I know, but I'm so used to it being just the 3 of us or when hubby is working away, just the 2 of us, lol.

Mum went home this afternoon and we had dinner round my daughters which was extra nice, as they waited on us, hehehe. Anyway after Steven went to bed this evening, it was chill out time on the settee, watching what we want, when we want and even putting the lappy on to catch up on blogs etc. lol.

Tomorrow Steven is back to his day centre as the poor animals have to be cleaned out, fed and watered (it's all right, they did have staff there over Christmas to do that). I'm lucky that where hubby is working have decided to close till next Tuesday so have him home till then, yeah. So we can do some of the house things that need both of us to do and catch up on the paperwork for the business, boo, also got Steven's paperwork too. Oh the joys of being busy when Steven is out, oh and if time, I will start sorting out all the presents from under the tree into their new homes (and if I had my way, the decorations would be slowly coming down as I really just want everything to get back to normal, lol).

Then think it will be sausage and fried onions with mash potato, veg and lots of gravy for dinner, yum, as got a little fed up with the buffet type food and roast after the last 2 days, hehehe.

I hope everyone else had a good Christmas and got some lovely pressies, (we did, were all totally spoilt as usual, hehe)...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:36:00.006Z

Just wanted to wish all my readers and their families a Very Merry Christmas and hope you all have a good one, hugs.

Maria xx

PS thought I would share with you, one of hubbies Christmas Presents, a Santa Cacti isn't he cute, lol.

Saying of the week...

2011-12-24T17:00:00.002Z

The only way to get the best of an argument

is best to avoid it.

Saying of the week...

2011-12-17T17:00:00.003Z

One must be nice to strangers,

or however will one meet one's friends.

Out and about...

2011-12-14T23:41:00.000Z

Over the last few weeks, I've also managed to make a trip to Southampton with my daughter for our annual Christmas shopping trip, even though we didn't really need anything as we were already sorted with presents, but still had a lovely time mooching around and having lunch out.

Also mum and I caught a train to London and had a fun day there too, OK we got lost and were intrigued by a wall and gate that had barbed wire on, (to look at the map to find out it was the grounds to Buckingham Palace), just wished I had taken a photo of the Queen's back door, lol. Oh well, maybe next time as think we might do it again and now we have our bearings will aim for somewhere in particular.

Also while Steven was in respite I managed to get another trip to Bath in, as hubby is still working there.

When I got there at 1, I had a walk round the shops and then walked back to Victoria Park, as Sam was asking me if it was the same as she remembers, so went and took some photo's for her.

What I loved about this park and still do, is the disabled swings, as they are few and far between. I suppose if you've never had a special needs child in your family, you don't really think about it, but I was so nice that both my children could have some fun in the same park.

It was lovely and Christmassy, I made sure I had a mooch round Bath Market especially when it was getting dark, as was really pretty. It consisted of more that 130 wooden chalets nestled in the picturesque streets and squares. Yes was very pretty, all lit up and so pleased I was up there when it was on, as only was on for just over 2 weeks.

On the Tuesday I caught a train to Bristol to reminisce as I moved there just before I was married, as that is where hubby comes from. I downloaded a map before I left home and headed straight for Queen Charlotte Street as I worked for BT as head chef in their restaurant there for their offices, it is now student accommodation.

Then headed for Christmas Steps as another place I remember hubby taking me to, after we first met.

Then headed into town, WOW what a lot of shops and different centres, it had changed quite a bit since I moved there nearly 27 years ago. I met up with my sister-in-law Anne and had a lovely lunch and mooch round the shops, (good job she was with me and put me in the right direction fr the train station back to Bath, lol).

In the evening hubby and I had our company Christmas dinner, just the 2 of us, lol at The Boathouse restaurant in Bath. Had a lovely 3 course meal and was so full, that we couldn't even fit in a coffee.

On the Wednesday had another mooch round Bath, before getting the train home at 11.30, in all a lovely break and this time I was actually relaxed and felt as if I had a break, lol...

The wonderer returns, again, lol....

2011-12-11T17:22:00.000Z

Sorry not been around, no real excuses, just not enough hours in a day

One of the things that HAS been taking up a lot of my time is being on the phone to Bank Of Scotland...

...why you ask, well since 30th September I've not been able to log into our business account. It seems their computer has set me up with a personal account, yet they cannot delete me or re-register me as I've already got an account, even though it does not recognise me.

I've been on the phone nearly every day and sometimes for an hour a time, having to explain it all over and over again, to be no further than I was on the 30th September... I've since reported them to the financial ombudsman but they have 7 weeks to act, I DON'T WANT TO WAIT 7 WEEKS... I want to get into my account NOW. I just prey it doesn't lock hubby out of the account as we will be totally in the ****. As how can you say to the TAX man, sorry cannot pay your bills, as I cannot access my account, yes I'm sure they will buy that, (not).

Crafting wise, I did make 2 'hugs & sparkle' cards last month when 2 of my crafty friends were suddenly been rushed into hospital. Thankfully they are both now home and slowly on the mend, but in the rush to get them in the post, I forgot to take a photo of them.

I also managed a card for Gina's birthday...

A couple of Wedding Anniversary cards...

Birth congratulation cards...

Retirement card...

and Christening card...

On the none craft side, I've managed to finish all my Christmas shopping, and is stored in my 'Arty Atiic'

but still need to wrap them and write out the Christmas cards.

Then it's just been the usual, organizing the Yackety Yac coffee morning's, Steven's hospital appointments and chasing up his day centres, wedding bits with Sam (flowers and bridesmaids dresses sorted now) and still plodding along with invites, well like she said it's only 10 months away, lol... housework, shopping etc, etc, etc.

Saying of the week...

2011-12-10T17:00:00.002Z

Don't knock the amateur - after all he built the ark.

Professionals built the Titanic

Saying of the week...

2011-12-03T17:00:00.002Z

Insanity is hereditary...

you get it from your children!

Saying of the week...

2011-11-26T17:00:00.002Z

Any place is nice to be...

as long as we have nice company..

Saying of the week...

2011-11-19T17:00:00.002Z

The secret of long life:

keep breathing....

Update on jury summons

2011-11-15T19:54:00.001Z

It seems Steven does not qualify for jury service, so the summons has been withdrawn, lol..

Saying of the week.

2011-11-12T17:00:00.000Z

The simple questions...

are often the hardness to answer...

Saying of the week...

2011-11-05T17:00:00.001Z

When the going gets tough - I head for Grandma's

Saying of the week...

2011-10-29T17:00:00.002+01:00

A marriage is made in Heaven,

and so is thunder and lightening.

This will make you smile...

2011-10-26T21:20:00.002+01:00

Well it will to everyone that knows my son, or remembers what I say about him...

He's been called for jury service, he got his summons today, lol...

Oh well there is one thing they can count on, and that is him not telling me anything about the case, lol....xx

Saying of the week...

2011-10-22T17:00:00.001+01:00

Maybe age dims our near vision, so we can't see the lines on the faces we love.

Bath photos

2011-10-19T17:15:00.000+01:00

For people that don't know much about Bath, it has been called the World Heritage Site because of the Historic buildings being the best in England including The Roman Baths and pump room, Thermal Bath Spa and the Royal Crescent to name a few, see here

I've enclosed a few photo's here's the hotel we stay at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel the outside spa was to die for lol...

It was only about 20 minutes walk to the centre of Bath, but I tended to take a slow walk along the canal to Bath centre...

Sometimes stopping to watch the narrow boats go through the locks, it was very relaxing watching it (OK maybe not for them doing it, lol)...

The the doors closing behind the narrow boat.

The when the doors were well and truly closed.

Then once they were at the next level would open the gates.

I had a few places that were memories, as when I first met hubby he was working in Bath, so would mooch round while waiting for him to finish work...

The Crescent

Habitat... shame but the shop has since gone, but it was where I bought our first posh tin opener after we had got engaged. I asked the sales assistant to put it in the biggest carrier bag they had, you should have been my future hubbies face when he walked out of work to see the size of the bag I was holding, he panicked to think of how much I had spent in there, lol...

Putney bridge

On the Tuesday I was picked up by hubbies sister and we drove over to Bristol to visit our great nephew Finley for the first time..

and what a little cutie he is, we've got his Christening to look forward to next month.

Saying of the week...

2011-10-15T17:00:00.001+01:00

Grow old with me,

the best is yet to be!

A year today...

2011-10-13T09:30:00.002+01:00

I expect we will be all running around like headless chickens, as our daughter prepares for her wedding day, yikes, must get on with the invites etc...

OK maybe not all, Steven will be his normal happy self, flapping at all the excitement with watching his mum running around, lol...

Saying of the week...

2011-10-08T17:00:00.001+01:00

Your pet loves you unconditionally.

Sorry, been awol again...

2011-10-01T23:37:00.003+01:00

Reason's being, not really done any crafting the last few weeks, I seem to have lost my mojo, not sure if it's because since hubby has been working away, I feel tired most evening... OK I did manage to knock up a quick one for Matt, (my daughters fiancé).

But on the PLUS SIDE I've actually achieved something, I went away for 2 nights to Bath to visit hubby...

You are asking WHY is that such an achievement, well it was the first time I've actually left Portsmouth while Steven was in respite for the 2 nights. As when he's usually there, I don't go anywhere in case I'm needed, but felt I had to try and with hubby being away the thought of staying in the house on my own, I knew I would have sat here worrying about Steven...

When looking into it, I worked it out that going by car it was going to cost me nearly £40 and going by train would be £35 for a return, so still was not sure, but checking online later for trains, I found out if I booked it as 2 singles, it worked out at just £19.50, so that helped me make my mind up.

It was a good job I bought the tickets upfront (the only way you get it at that price is buying them early) as on the Monday as I waved Steven off to his day centre I felt very tearful and would have quite happily stayed at home, Steven was actually happier than usual, waving me goodbye and yawning. (Which is his sign that he was sleeping at Russets, he makes me smile as if he sees any member of staff out, he yawns at them, as to him they mean sleeping at Russets, lol).

Anyway I kept myself busy with doing the last few chores round the house, drove Stevens bag and paperwork to Russets, came home, put the car back in the garage. Then grabbing my handbag with the tickets, phone, MP3, craft mag and kindle headed to the station, (hubby had taken my few bits of clothing and wash bag in the car with him).

It was lovely sitting on the train just chilling, reading and watching the world go by. I had a lovely time in Bath, the weather was fab too, (hopefully photos will follow)... I also visited Bristol to see my great nephew Finley, (as hubby had to work as usual through the day), they loved the hanger I made for his bedroom. In fact it was in his room that night and a photo placed on Facebook, (my daughter told me as I didn't do any emails while away, just a couple of texts to my daughter and mum to say I had arrived safely, OK AND a text to gina, as she told me I had to when I was on the train as she didn't think I would go through with it, lol)..

So in all, a lovely few days away, but when I got back to the station waiting for the train home, I was soon 'bought back down to earth' as I got a phone call from Russets. It seems they had lost Steven's toe spacer and coat, the coat has since been found, but the toe spacer is gone for ever. Slight problem with that is, it's especially made for Steven, luckily when Russets misplace it last time (but found it) I had made an appointment with the podiatrist to have it replaced, so kept the appointment. Which meant I had a spare, but it did make me think was it worth going away, but like Russets said, even if I had been at home, they still lost the items! OK, that would have been true, just wish they didn't.

But I've been very brave this evening and taken the bull by the horns and booked the train up for later this year. Again when Steven is at respite, as this time it's worked out at just £12 return, and at that price I felt I cannot got wrong. OK I wonder what Russets will lose this time, I did say to them 'I suppose I'm lucky you don't loose my son' and yes I did actually say that to the manager. He did say, that's why they like me as I speak my mind, I'm quick enough to moan but also quick enough to show my praise when earned, lol..

Anyway not bad, it's only taken me just 20 years to leave the house, but hopefully this is just the start.

Saying of the week...

2011-10-01T17:00:00.001+01:00

Let's be teddy bears, in our next lifetime!

Everybody loves them;
nobody cares if they are fat;
and the older they get, the more they're worth!

Saying of the week...

2011-09-24T17:00:00.001+01:00

Get even - live long enough to be a problem to your kids.

Crafty time

2011-09-19T20:15:00.001+01:00

It's been a bit hectic these last few weeks as hubby's got a new contract, which is good news for our bank balance, but he's now working away from home Monday to Friday probably till next April... So it's not only me getting used to not having him around but trying to explain to Steven where his dad is and that mummy has to read him his bedtime story, (he still won't let me read him Thomas the Tank, lol).

But I have managed a little bit of crafting since I finished the Christmas cards, I made this hanger for my new great nephew.

The bases are from a cosmo kit, same ones that I used for my Arty Attic hanger, (as I bought 3 kits when it was a one time only).

The papers are from the pastel papermania 8x8 pad, which I inked round the edges of the boards to add some dimension, or at least I think it does.

The letters and numbers is 'BOYS WILL BE BOYS' sizzix and 'Naturally Serif' decorative strip. Then is was finished off with some stars from a cuttlebug snowflake die, teddy pictures are from the range at Toys R Us as that is what Finley's nursery is based on and finely I finished it off with some stickles on the stars and rabbits, I didn't go too mad as for a boy.

As for some of the cards that were needed for this month, I cheated a bit and adapted ones that I had already made earlier in the year, lol...

Saying of the week...

2011-09-17T17:00:00.001+01:00

God learns by his mistakes,

which is why he created man first.

Saying of the week...

2011-09-10T17:00:00.001+01:00

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade!

Update on challenge

2011-09-05T20:00:00.001+01:00

Well have managed to make another 40 Christmas cards...

So have 90 finished, with all their inserts and envelopes...

There was a little bit of cheating, as the kit's decoupage was done back in April, when I was in the mood for doing it. I really enjoyed doing them all, I don't know if it's because I was not under pressure (as it's not December, which is when I'm usually doing them) or what.

Saying that, I'm a little fed up with Christmas looking things now, so will leave the personal cards (hubbies, Steven's, Sam and Matt's and mums) till when I'm back in the festive mood, lol...

I've now started a baby date hanger for Finley, it's a shame as I found a lovely one I could have based mine on, on Pinterest, but had already started the one I'm doing.

Also am thinking of doing a couple of door plaques for Alfie, Charlie and Finley, will let you know how I get on as I've also got 9 cards needed for this month as well, but am hoping I can use some of the ones I've already made...

Saying of the week...

2011-09-03T17:00:00.001+01:00

If today was a fish, I would throw it back...

Set myself a challenge

2011-08-31T17:13:00.001+01:00

OK, not a really a hard one, but more of a common sense one really...

This year I am going to make all my Christmas cards using stash that I already have and not buy anything...

I've got off to a flying start, as so far have managed to make 50 out of an Dawn Bibby Christmas kit I found in the wardrobe, while tidying the Christmas stash up last year, (not bad seeing as it's still only August, lol)...

I've also managed to use up card blanks that I already had, so quite chuffed with myself...

OK I didn't quite keep to the challenge, as needed a corner punch for the corners of my inserts and I had nothing Christmassy, so ended up buying a Martha Stewart 'snowflake furry' punch, as I hold my head down in shame.

But on the upside I also managed to make some curtains for my 'Arty Attic' from a couple of tablecloths...

Why you ask?

Well I bought the tablecloths for our dinning room table, (very cheap from asda) to find that when I washed them, they were very creased and there is nothing more having to iron, let alone iron a very creased tablecloth... yikes, makes me shiver just the thought of it, lol...

OH... and they also shrank, so was a little too small for the table when extended... but the colour and size was just right for some curtains, so at least they weren't wasted and were a lot cheaper than buying some curtains as were only a couple of pounds...

Yet more cards...

2011-08-28T20:24:00.000+01:00

Am still catching up with blogging and showing my crafty makes over the last month or so...

Sam's Birthday card is a little over the top for my liking, not sure why, think it should have been smaller flowers...

I used the cuttlebug embossing folder at the bottom with sizzix 'daisy' dies and added a sizzix 'fern'. Glitter down the side, sizzix decorative strip 'slobbery kiss' writing and finished off with some butterfly stickers.

Steven made up one from his box of Brenda Pinnick cards for her...

For hubbies Anniversary card, I used a die that gina sent me (having found out she had 2, lol) the peel off's were from the forever friends freebies from a docraft magazine, OK last of the big spenders on hubbies card, lol...

Lastly my niece was the BIG 40, but she didn't want to admit it so I sent her a simple card, but had to still remind her she was 'getting old' (not as old as me though, lol)... The bird and sentiment on the front of the card were an old Dawn Bibby kit I forgot I had, until it fell out of a box I was sorting the other day, hehehe, the added words were using a 3d Dymo tape...

As I said in a post last week, Sam and I had popped along to Basingstoke to have a look at centre pieces for her wedding next year. Well she did settle on them, very pretty, but will not describe them to you though, as not sure if she wants people knowing things just yet, also I've now started her wedding invites...

On the way back we stopped off at Port Solent for some lunch and had a mooch is Paver's again, but this time it was me that ended up buying a bag, lol... I loved the brightness of it and the compartments inside, just hope I don't loose things in there, as rather a bigger bag than I usually have, hehehe

(I nearly came home with the colourful zipped one too, but it didn't sit on my shoulders right, well it has to feel comfy, lol)...

Saying of the week...

2011-08-27T17:00:00.001+01:00

Dust is a sign of an active mind.

Christmas is coming...

2011-08-25T19:27:00.003+01:00

the geese is getting fat...

and Steven's Christmas list is getting fat too...

OK that is Steven's Christmas list for others, I think we've done very well over the last few weeks and hopefully it will carry on in that direction.

First of all, I've managed to make another 2 'countdown to Christmas' blackboards, but this time I've put 'sleeps' on the tag and not 'days' as they are for Alfie and Orlando's families and they tend to count sleeps.

Steven has been busy adding his personal touch to some 'post it' books for his Out of Town centre...

The letters used were cut from the sizzix decorative strip 'Neon Mini'

...and his been doing his art work on some more mugs. This time using the pots of paint rather than the paint pens which he used for the mugs for his teachers last year.

I tend to hold the mugs and turn them around while Steven is doing the painting. Slight problem with using paint pots though, is that they get covered in lots of paint, which means I cannot add the names to them like I did to the ones Steven done last year. So have wrote the name under the mug so sort of personalizes it for the person receiving it, lol... I still think they are very unique though...

Few more cards....

2011-08-21T20:33:00.001+01:00

Sorry not been around, have had a busy month with babies being born, birthdays, my wedding anniversary, having hubby home and been out with my daughter looking at wedding centre pieces...

I have tried to catch up on blogs today, so hopefully I've visited yours, even if it was only for a quick nose, (sorry), but on the bright side have done a little crafting in between the running around, mainly cards...

This card was for my great nephew Orlando, (again very simple, lol).

The '2' was hand cut and used Tim Holtz ink to give it some shading, OK you cannot really see it, lol.. Then I printed off a Thomas the tank and 3d it for the corner and peel offs for the stars, name and greeting and finally balloons sticker...

And the other week I got another little great nephew, he's called Finley and was 6lb 6oz and lives in Bristol, so not seen him yet, but have seen lots of photos on face book, he's so dinky and cute.

This card was for one of Steven's carers, he weighed in at 8lb 3oz and is so cute and cuddly as managed to see and get a cuddle with him, a week after he was born. Anyway because of both Caelan and Finley arriving within 24 hours of each other I did the same card, but forgot to take a photo of Finley's card before I popped it into the post...

I put stickles round the edge of the scallop circle and gems on the wheels (thanks sue). The duck is a coloured peel off, as is the wording...

and because we've got another 2 babies due in the next couple of months and a few more friends of Sam about to leave to have babies, I decided to make a quick batch of 'mum to be' and a few extra baby cards in both pink and blue...

So all I have to finish them is personalize them now, like I've already done Kat's (her baby girl is due in October)...

Saying of the week...

2011-08-20T17:00:00.004+01:00

Homework - something teenagers do between phone calls.

Saying of the week...

2011-08-13T17:00:00.002+01:00

Know the true value of time:

snatch, seize and enjoy every minute of it.

Saying of the week...

2011-08-06T17:00:00.001+01:00

True friends are like diamonds - very precious and very rare

Few cards....

2011-08-04T20:45:00.001+01:00

I've been busy decorating the last month or so, it was through necessity not through wanting to, but have managed to do some quick cards that were needed...

With Emma card, I used the cord'nation card with a embossing folder, matt and layered and prima flowers finished off with some stickles... Happy was a peel off, 40th was sizzix 'lollipop' and emma was sizzix 'Alphabars'

The 60th card was using a Dawn Bibby's oil and foil kit, which I must admit is very pretty, with peel offs writing...

Tattered teddy is a decoupage and was matt and layered onto a card that has been embossed. Trouble with that, it didn't emboss right to the fold, so I put some double sided tape and glitter down the side, then to finish it, I used peel off greeting...

The 50 was cut by hand and 3d onto backing paper that has been matt and layered onto the card. The wording is peel offs...

Oh yes and this was the greeting inside the card, lol...

Saying of the week...

2011-07-30T17:00:00.001+01:00

When all is said and done... more is said that done.

Saying of the week...

2011-07-23T17:00:00.000+01:00

Oh isn't it nice, when beginning to tire, to sit down and rest in front of the fire...

Mixed emotions

2011-07-21T23:24:00.001+01:00

Last night was one of mixed emotions, as I went to see the last of Harry Potter films with my daughter Sam, which was a very sad event for us, an end of an era so to speak.

We've been going to see them together since the very first film came out as hubby isn't really into it. He might watch the odd DVD but that's only if there is nothing better on another channel, lol. So has been just the two of us for all the films, OK, apart from last year, as we took my sister, but that caused too many problems with her family. So we didn't bother inviting her this year, shame for her, but I don't go out that often and when I do, I aim it to be stress free as possible. Saying that, I've been out twice already this year, yikes I had better slow down, lol...

I thought the film was FAB, I loved the music, it went so well with the film, very emotional but not too doom and gloom. I find some music is just too heavy for a sad part of a film. But I personally loved everything about the film and cannot wait for it to come out on DVD.

Anyway this time we had an added bonus of dinner afterwards, again just me and Sam, as hubby was working away and Steven was at Respite (otherwise I wouldn't have been able to go). So to save cooking for one, I decided we would make it a girly night and go out afterwards. We decided to go to Chiquito's in Port Solent. it was yummy, but so filling that we couldn't eat it all. We also stop in Pavers Shoes and I saw a FAB handbag, it had loads of coloured zips on it, but was a little too big for my liking, as I'm trying to go smaller with bags. But Sam came out with 2 bags AND 2 pairs of shoes, lol... the shoes were her first ever heels, OK they were wedge types ones, but for Sam NOT to wear flatties it's a miracle in itself, but these had a 2" heel, she tried them on and she said it felt like she was walking on air. That's how I've found all the shoes/boots I've bought from there.

So yes it was sad, it being the last film, but Sam and I had a lovely evening with a lovely meal and shopping afterwards, yes defiantly a evening of mixed emotions, (and yes I did get a little tearful in the film, lol)...

Show Time

2011-07-18T20:40:00.001+01:00

The other weekend we took Steven to Paultons Park, as we had heard that Justin Fletcher would be doing a show there. For those that don't know who Justin is, he is the man behind the show like 'Something Special' and Gigglebiz, OK if you've not got young children or a special child you will still be none the wiser, lol...

As it had been a busy week for Steven, we decided to take him in his wheelchair and so pleased we did as it was packed. Mostly with little ones which means both Steven and the little ones wouldn't have had a chance if Steven was walking, as he doesn't react quick enough. To be honest, we found it hard work with pushing the wheelchair, there were kids running around everywhere.

While we were waiting for show time, we had a quick ride on the train, which Steven loved as usual.

Then it was show time,

Steven and Clive went to a special area for the disabled, but Steven had trouble seeing as the young lad in front was a standing, so Clive ended up getting Steven out his wheelchair to so he could see better. He seems to like it, in fact at times he actually interacted with the clapping and singing, then he spotted me in the crowd, lol...

Then Clive and Steven had a go on the swing boats.

and the teacup ride.

and the balloon ride.

Then they sat on this ride...

and went up, up, up...

and down, down, down, lol...

I don't know if you noticed, but I had my feet firmly on the ground most of the time, lol... Well someone had to take the photo's to scrap...

It was a good few hours, but I'm not in any hurry to return, especially at the weekend, as it was just too busy for my liking, lol... But Steven's face was a picture, especially when Justin sang the 'hallo' song from Something Special, it made all the hard work of walking amongst hundreds of kids running around worth it...

yes, that face made it all worth while...

Saying of the week...

2011-07-16T17:00:00.002+01:00

a HUG

one size fits all!

D Day

2011-07-12T19:16:00.001+01:00

Well today was the day I needed to get the album done for Steven's friend 21st Birthday, in fact it had to be ready for yesterday.

...and YEAH, I did it, I've still got a few pages to fill as hopefully going to put in some holiday and birthday photos of him and his family, (they went to Euro Disney to celebrate his birthday). I used the papermania birthday album.

The mum loves it and so does Nick, the reason it had to be finished by yesterday was because Steven was off out with his carer to pizza hut to meet up with Nick, their friends and carers to celebrate Nicks 21st. Also Steven's and Nicks carers were going on maternity leave and another young lad, who is 21 next week, so a whole table of celebrations.

Also made a couple of cards for both Steven and Nick's carers as they both went on maternity leave yesterday too. So I got Steven to do a mug for each of them, which they both loved and said they would treasure.

I will be doing a slide show of Nick's album, but that will have to wait till I've got some photos to finish the last few pages...

Saying of the week...

2011-07-09T17:00:00.000+01:00

I finally get it together but, I forgot where I put it.

Few cards....

2011-07-06T23:00:00.002+01:00

June is a busy month for me for cards as it's hubbies birthday and of course fathers day and I have a few family birthdays too, so as usual, I ended up making simple cards, lol.

Here is hubbies birthday one... The plane printout was free in making cards magazine which I cut into 3, matt and layered and put on the main card using 3d foam pads. The writing was done using the dymo 3d tape and finished off with 3 black gems...

Hubbies fathers day card... The middle printout was again free, this time it was a download from Charmed cards & crafts, which was placed with 3d foam pads onto a card blank. I used Tim Holtz broken glass round the edges of the card, stickles on the flags and 3d gloss on the sweets. The HUSBAND was done using the sizzix Santa's workshop decorative strip, blue peel off's in the corners and finished off by tying some blue ribbon round the print off.

The last couple of cards are from a Brenda Pinnick kit that you get all the pieces in and are put together. These were made up by Steven for his dad's birthday and father's day...

As for the family cards, I forgot to take pictures of them before putting them in the post, I know, I'm a dozy moo, lol...

Saying of the week...

2011-07-02T17:00:00.000+01:00

one bad day, never spoiled a good week.

I'm a lucky girl...

2011-06-26T15:30:00.006+01:00

As the other week I had a couple of surprises through the post...

The first was a lovely RAK ATC from Alma, thank you Alma, not only a lovely surprise, but a lovely ATC, I love it, thank you so much...

Then I received the book I had won off of Sue blog. Which to be honest, cos life being just a little hectic at the moment, I had forgotten it. So it was another lovely surprise and to top it, she sent some lovely crafty goodies with it...

Also I went to see 'Thriller live' with my daughter and friends Friday evening at the Mayflower Southampton, which was a lovely evening. In fact I was there a few weeks back with the same friends seeing 'We Will Rock You' and to top it all, I now have our Harry Potter seats booked for when it comes out next month, again going with my daughter. So in all quite a good year for spending time with friends.

So I feel a very lucky girl, not only because I was lucky enough to receive such lovely things through the post and go to fab shows but I feel very privilege to have such lovely cyber buddies and friends.

So I want to say a thank you to all my cyber buddies out there that I not only receive emails and jokes from, but also the enjoyment I have while reading their blogs, so a big 'thank you'....xx

Saying of the week...

2011-06-25T17:00:00.000+01:00

Don't worry about middle age - you'll grow out of it!

Big Issue Seller

2011-06-19T19:16:00.000+01:00

Since Christmas, Clive been back to his figure making, he usually does it after Steven is tucked up in bed and has had his bedtime story of Thomas the Tank read to him by his dad, (mum is NOT allowed to read the Thomas the Tank stories, in fact mum is NOT even allowed to touch the Thomas books, lol). Anyway Clive doesn't start till about 9.30pm...

The last one he finished was a Big Issue Seller, he doesn't actually plan what he's going to do, just gets an idea and goes with it.

At the moment the one he is working on and this one weren't copied from a photo or picture, like I said he gets an idea and goes with the flow... Some of the figures he has done in the past he's copied from photos, like when he did my mum and dad on their wedding day.

Also the latest few he's made have been started with florist wire, then used milliput to mould the body and in this case the dog too.

This process can take days, maybe weeks depending on what has to be added and letting the bits dry before adding more...

In this case the head has been used from a kit, as has loads of spares, but he then adds all the finishing touches that he feels brings the figure to life, like with this one a bread and longer hair...

and clothes... The shirt or jackets are usually made out of tissue paper and PVA glue to strengthen it, as you can get the creases and folds...

and when he thinks it's finished it, he then sprays primer on it as not only does it give it a base coat, but also to see if he is happy with the figure before the painting, as it shows up the uneven bits that might need sanding or filling in...

Then it's the painting...

...and followed with a photo shoot outside, with one of our garden railway buildings...

I think I have one clever hubby... but did say to him, how can he be a Big Issue Seller and not have any Big Issues to sell, he said he had just sold the last one, lol..

Saying of the week...

2011-06-18T17:00:00.000+01:00

Anyone who looks like their passport photograph, is too to travel!

Catching up...

2011-06-16T23:01:00.000+01:00

Right what have I been up to...

Well, I'm still plodding along with the photos, am down to the last few hundred undated ones now. But have now placed them into a box, so will just try and sort out a few at a time as and when I get the odd half an hour. As was not only getting a little fed up with doing them, but also having them spread about all over the floor...

I am also sorting out my daughter's wedding invites, she has decided on a design, so now it's getting all the stash needed to start them, but as not needed to be sent out till next February, got a bit of breathing space with them...

Have also started attending the Portsmouth Learning Disability Partnership Board meetings again. I was asked to go on the board last year, but to be honest with Steven's transition, I felt I wouldn't be able to give it my all, as didn't have the time or energy, so I took a back sit... But things are a little better with Steven now and Sam seems to be settled in her house and with the wedding prep. So I thought I would give it ago, OK I forgot about the amount of meetings, especially starting at 8.45 and ending after 4, which of course I have to arrive late or leave early, as Steven still comes first...

Also the Yackety Yac group which I help set up is coming along nicely and we're getting speakers in every couple of months... I've lined up a couple of people coming from Direct Payment and Benefits for the one in July and hopefully have someone from the adult speech therapy coming later in the year. Oh yes and now we are on the official list of being a Support group for parents/carers of young adults in transition, YEAH, not bad, seeing we've not been going a year yet.

BUT to top it that, to CELEBRATE Steven turning 21 and of course Sam and Matt's wedding next year, I've book a family holiday. We're off back to Orlando for 2 weeks, for Steven is to see Mickey Mouse again, OK, and for me and Sam to go to the new Harry Potter World and as Gill reminded me, maybe a few craft shop visits while there. Not that I even thought about THAT idea till Gill mentioned it, hehehe...

(The last time we were there back in 2007, we had to buy another case just to bring my stash back I had bought, but on a downside, this time we are only allowed one case per person, BUT then as Gill has already commented, I'm sure Clive will not need a whole case to himself, lol)...

Crafting wise, well I've actually finished a little maze book I started 18 months ago for a friend who now lives in Scotland... I have also kept a few photos out of the ones I'm boxing up, to scrap, so hope to have them to show you (OK, might be in a month or 2, as you know how quick I craft)...

So it's all go at the moment, oh yes, hubby is back working, YEAH, as got a contract till July, but he is finding the commuting tiring but it's a job and that means some money coming in, lol...

Well that's all my news up to date, a little boring crafting wise, by hey, that's life, I will get some 'me' time soon hopefully....xx

Saying of the week...

2011-06-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

Free your spirit and let the real you, shine through.

The wonderer returns....

2011-06-08T20:14:00.004+01:00

Sorry not been around much, again not enough hours in the day. I've been so busy with meetings that I've not even got into the attic to sort out any more photos for weeks.

But last Wednesday I did get to Southampton to meet up with Carole, which was lovely as not seen each other for a couple of years.... OK not sure about the photo AND we were getting some funny looks while trying to take it, (we were in front of Carole's car in a multi story car park, lol...

After meeting up we had a mooch round a craft shop then popped into TK Maxx where we picked up some WRM packs which were reduced to a pound a pack, so seemed rued not go grab a few packs each, lol... They have 8 sheets of double sided card, grommets, ribbon or stickers in.

We also hit John Lewis where I saw this sheet of wrapping paper and I fell in love with it...

It has jars of my favourite sweets and just had to have it for my A-Z of me, yes before you ask, still not started it, well it does takes a lot of planning you know, lol...

We stopped off in Marks and Spencer's for lunch, then while having a nose round there afterwards, I saw these Rugby style tops for Steven. I had seen and liked them earlier in the year, but felt £29.50 was a little too expensive, but not at £12 felt they were a bargain, so used some of Stevens gift vouchers he had, had for Christmas.

Then it was time to split, but on the way home I stopped off at Whiteley Village, and managed to get this scrapbook with 12 inserts, papers and stickers reduced to £4.49 in the Banana book shop. OK not sure about the colour, but that can change that with paper and inks, (hark at me, who has not really crafted for months, yet buy more projects to do, lol).

It's a shame as I love going to Whiteley, we lost the papermill shop back in March, but I didn't realise then, the whole centre was closing, such a shame...

Saying of the week...

2011-06-04T17:00:00.000+01:00

It's always sunny, but sometimes clouds get in the way.

Saying of the week...

2011-05-28T17:00:00.004+01:00

Count your gardens by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall.
Count your days by the golden days, don't number clouds at all.
Count your nights by the stars not shadows
Count your life by smiles not tears.
And with joy on your birthday, count your age by friends not years.

Still at it...

2011-05-23T20:54:00.001+01:00

Yes still at it...

sorting the photos, that is... as you can see, there IS a empty box, YEAH so must be getting somewhere, but it doesn't feel like it, it seems so never ending...

Can you see the little bit of floor space in the middle to the left of the photo, that is where I sit sorting, lol..

I'm running up and down the stairs whenever I get an odd free 5 minutes through the day, as I'm too tired to concentrate after Steven goes to bed. This photo was taken earlier today, is it looking tidier, isn't it?

(please say it is, lol)...

Saying of the week...

2011-05-21T17:00:00.000+01:00

A faithful friendship is the medicine of life.

Not crafting but....

2011-05-20T21:18:00.000+01:00

been sorting out my photos... which I suppose can be classed as crafting, sort of...

First of all I had to go round the house gathering up packets, albums and boxes of photos and lugged them all up into the attic, (that was tiring in itself, lol)...

Starting off was not too bad as some were dated, so sorted them into years and...

putting them into some boxes I bought from Lidl last year....

But still got loads to do and lots that are not dated, so am aiming on putting them into piles like holiday or schools, then hopefully will be able to work out when and where they were taken...

The reason behind all this is because I want to do make a scrapbook for one of Steven friends for his 21st Birthday in July. So about a month back, I realised it was nearly May and time seemed to be flying by and that I would need to get my finger out in starting the scrapbook. So went looking for some photos of the young lad, to then realise they were spread in boxes and bags all over the house, lol...

So no real crafting for me in the last few weeks and by the looks of it for the foreseeable future...

Just hope I manage to get things sorted in time for the young lads Birthday.

Carole's card and coaster

2011-05-18T19:23:00.000+01:00

Thank you Carole for emailing pictures of the card and coaster I made for her birthday, as the photos I took were on the camera memory card that broke...

I tried to do them with a rustic feel, as I always think of browns, creams, pastel shades when I think of Carole with her lovely country style...

The card was made from pieces from the same magazine that I made Sue's card last month...

The coaster was made with a base of brown then I chalked round the edge and round Carole's name which were peel off letters coloured brown and finished off with Prima flowers. The leaves were made from a cut up green Prima flower...

Saying of the week...

2011-05-17T17:00:00.002+01:00

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy minute of it.

More cards

2011-05-14T16:17:00.001+01:00

Totally confused as lost this post and the comments, but luckily found it as draft and also had the comments made by Val, Carole and Sue in my trash email account, so have copied and pasted them back, sorry ladies, don't know what happened there...

I've actually managed to do the odd bit of crafting these last few weeks with all the Bank Holidays, which I took photos of, but to my horror my camera chip broke. That was upsetting for not only losing the odd family photos that I had not got round to saving on the computer, but also the card and coaster I did for Carole for her birthday and new baby girl card I did. So it meant trying to get a new camera chip to find XD are 'going out' of fashion and I could not buy one locally, but found some on ebay (thanks Sue).

I had a spare Easter card I sent to all my family, I did a batch of 10 all the same and had one left, so at least can show you that. It was a Dawn Biddy stamp, coloured with pro-markers and Tim Holtz ink round the edge and placed into a oval aperture card with a Easter peel off...

This one is for one of Steven's friends, again quite plain as he's autistic and doesn't like things too fussy... Embossed using the cuttlebug 'swiss dots' embossing folder, the presents is a Disney cuttlebug cut and emboss die, the name was using

Oh yes, don't you love birthday seasons (it's a law made by sue, not sure why, but think it's got something to do with her being late with her cards, lol, but we love the idea) ph this time she was on time with the cards, for both me and Steven,but I got a lovely birthday treat from her last week

and I also got this lovely book from Alma, (she had mislaid it when she sent me my present, lol)

so YES I do love the Birthday Season, thanks Sue, lol...

Saying of the week...

2011-05-07T17:00:00.002+01:00

A woman's work is never done - properly by a man!

More Graduation

2011-05-03T22:10:00.000+01:00

Here are the last 2 layouts of my daughter's Graduation.

Again at the moment kept very simple, but if when doing other crafting, I find something in my stash that I feel can be added to the pages I will...

Both were papers from HOTP Paper Pizazz Sheets 'Great Backgrounds' also the papers to make the rosettes were from the same pad, which of course is made using the Tim Holtz 'mini rosette' decorative strip. The blue, matching Sam's stole on her robe and the red, to match my dress.

You might wonder why I've put our names on the pages.

Well, that's because it stops me having to sit over people telling them who is who and for another reason is, if the books get packed away for years and years, then people will be able to know who they are...

As I bet you've got lots of old photos of 'not' know who people are in them.

Saying of the week...

2011-04-30T17:00:00.001+01:00

What you lose on the swing you gain on the roundabout.

(not sure what this one means, but I love swings and roundabouts, lol)

Graduation

2011-04-26T22:25:00.002+01:00

Another simple layout for Sam's book, first of a set of 4, of her graduation taken back in 2009, (where does the time go?)...

Paper is 'Me & My Big ideas', 'scroll' sizzix die with writing off the computer and used Tim Holtz 'pumice stone' ink round the edge of it. The rosebuds are from my stash and finally 'So Proud' is done with HOTP papers and sizzix 'sunset' dies...

...and you thought that one was simple, now look at this one, hehehe...

Paper is 'scrapbooking machine celebration', then of course Sam's photo which taken by the official photographer as was the photo above. The writing was on white card with the edges done again in Tim Holtz 'pumice stone' ink pad.

Yes, again both simple ones, but I really did enjoy doing them and liked what they turned out like.

The other 2 layouts are of photos taken by us, but will spread them out a bit as not really done any crafting for months, apart from the odd card or two...

Saying of the week...

2011-04-23T17:00:00.001+01:00

Grandchildren fill our hearts with pleasure,
each a joy for us to treasure.

Few cards....

2011-04-19T21:16:00.000+01:00

Here are a few cards that I've made...

This one was for my friend Susan, you must visit her blog sometime, she does lovely cards... it was made with paper and ribbon from my stash, the butterflies were made with 3 butterfly peel offs per butterfly finishing off my peel offs dot and stickles over the top to give it bling.

This one was for my mum for Mother's Day... again paper, ribbon and primer flowers from my stash, the embossing folder was a do-crafts one done on coloured core card and the 'sunset' sizzix dies.

and finally this one was for Sue, again another blog worth looking at... I got the bird cage from a making card magazine that my mum gave me, paper, ribbon and black peel offs were all again from my stash.

Saying of the week...

2011-04-16T17:00:00.001+01:00

Good manners getteth much,
Bad manners getteth misery.

Birthday bits....

2011-04-14T17:30:00.003+01:00

Thought I would share a slide show of mine and Steven's home made birthday cards, also a my crafty bits I was lucky to have been made/bought for me, oh and my proper 'E' book, lol...

I wish to thank all the people who sent us cards, pressies and birthday wishes, sorry it's a belated thank you, but I've not been too good since....

but am so pleased you can schedule posts on your blog, as I set a load up when I have the time, as it keeps my blog alive when I'm busy, so has come in handy this last month or so... saying that the last 'saying of the week' went out last Saturday, so need to dig out some more, yikes, lets hope I don't repeat myself with them, lol....

Saying of the week...

2011-04-09T17:00:00.000+01:00

Life may not be all we want, but it's all we have.

Saying of the week...

2011-04-02T17:00:00.000+01:00

Life may be a dull as a cold dinner
but a little laughter makes a tasty sauce

Big KidZ

2011-03-28T20:20:00.000+01:00

These were taken at the Mary Rose BBQ in 2009, where not only you have a lovely feast (supplied by the Marriot Hotel), but you can use all the bikes and trike's...

This one is for Sam's album, as her, Matt and Clive were racing round the wet play area on bikes and scooters.

In fact, I'm not sure who enjoyed it the most, but have a pretty good guess, looking at Sam's face, lol...

The paper is wubie prints, 'New Grass', arrows are sizzix 'arrow #2' and cuttlebug, the writing is from sizzix dies 'boys will be boys' and using the DYMO 3D label maker

As usual Steven page makes me smile as Clive and Matt tried to get Steven to ride his own bike, by putting his feet in the pedal holders...

but he was not having any of it, he preferred being rode around on the front and me doing all the hard work, lol...

Again the paper is wubie prints 'New Grass', arrow's from sizzix 'arrow #2' and cuttlebug and the writing is using DYMO 3D label maker and a sizzix decorative strip 'Slobbery Kiss'....

Saying of the week...

2011-03-26T17:00:00.000Z

Plan your work, then work your plan.

I want cake

2011-03-24T20:03:00.002Z

These photos still make me smile when I look at them, as it reminds me how good Steven can be with his PECS, when he wants to be.

They were taken on Clive Birthday a couple of years back and as no sooner than Clive had blown out the candle of his Birthday cake, Steven was heading over to his PECS folder, and finding the symbols 'I want cake' and was handing the strip to me before you could say 'Who wants cake?'...

The paper is from Carolees creation's 'Happy Birthday to you', the writing is from the 'slobbery kiss' decorative strip, the rosettes are using papermania 'colossal' paper and the Tim Holtz ' mini paper Rosettes' decorative strip...

The arrows are from the sizzix 'arrow #2' and cuttlebug arrows and lastly the journalling was done using the papermania 'colossal' paper that was used for the rosettes and using the 'journal, circle' decorative strip

Which had the date stamped on the front and the journalling inside.

Saying of the week...

2011-03-19T17:00:00.000Z

No-one ever ruined their eyesight by looking on the bright side of life.

That's my style...

2011-03-18T20:47:00.001Z

Have managed to make a card and finish a layout this week, as usual they're both pretty basic, but, think that's my style, lol...

The card is for a friends Anniversary next week, they're going back to Venice for a few days to celebrate, as that is where they had their honeymoon.

And another layout for Steven's album.

The yellow card is from the papermania yellow card stock and the egg paper is from 'Wubie prints' with the rabbits being all from sizzlit dies and lastly the large brads are from We R memory keepers 'spring' gromlets.

The photo's were taken while the Motorbike Action Group were visiting his school again, they came both at Christmas and at Easter bringing for gifts and eggs for all the children of the school.

Looks like Steven found his Christmas present, lol....

'E' book

2011-03-16T19:52:00.001Z

The last month or so I've been hinting to hubby for an 'E' book... (Electronic book)...

so he thought he would be clever and I had this wrapped up for my birthday last week...

YES it's a book of Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee's...

Then to top it all one of my 'so called' friends bought me this...

and another bought me a bottle of wine and some bubble bath, which sounds lovely, but in the card she wrote, 'make sure you don't get the bottles mixed up!!'...

So been thinking, I've a couple of friends and husband going very cheap, any offer considered...

Few cards....

2011-03-14T21:00:00.000Z

Well it's been a busy week or so with birthdays, both Steven and I have had ours, and my mum too, also friends, nephew, nieces and sister-in-law thrown in... here are a 'few cards' that I made for them ...

A plain simple one for steven...

My mum's card, was my first attempt of using Tim Holtz alcohol inks...

These were using up some embossed foiled papers which I didn't know how to use, but am please with the results...

Finished off one of the cards I made the other month...

and lastly using up some decoupage I made yonks ago, but not got round to making into cards....

Saying of the week...

2011-03-12T17:00:00.000Z

A blink, I think is the same as a wink;
a blink is a wink that grew.

For a wink you wink with just one eye,
a blink you wink with two.

Stamp storage

2011-03-09T18:46:00.000Z

Thought I would share with you, my stamp storage that I've just finished sorting. They fit nicely in my Ikea 'expedit' unit.

OK the folders that are from staples on the left, could do with a make over, so when I feel in the mood, might just do that...

The A5 folders hold my clear stamps, different themes in each folder, they fit nicely in front of 5 A4 clear boxes that hold projects still to be done.

I bought some A5 pockets off ebay and have slid in packet of stamps that are A5 size.

But some of my stamps were loose, via ebal buyers, so I have stamped their image on 2 pieces of card, one piece was put in the A5 clear pocket and the other piece of card was laminated, where I could stick the stamps to it, so I know if any are missing, like below where I have left off the truck...

The wooden stamps are again put into themes, but in 12x12 clear boxes, you can fit 10boxes easily in one of the 'expedit' cubes.

And if I end up needing storage for more wooden stamps, I can always take the lids off, turn them upside down and use them as another tray, saves me buying more.

Saying of the week...

2011-03-05T17:00:00.000Z

Happiness is not having what you want...

but wanting what you have.

Cards

2011-03-03T20:48:00.004Z

Had to make a quick card for a friends son who's 25th birthday that I had forgotten last week. I had already had some 'bee's made up, and the letters didn't take me long to cut out using my cuttlebug and 'you're the boss of me' dies. The little bee's and Bzzz are stamps...

Hopefully he will see the funny side of it and forgive me for forgetting him...

Bet you cannot guess who this one is for and how old he is, lol..

The 'C' was from sizzix 'lollipop' uppercase alphabet and the rest of the letters of Charlie were from 'Fun Serif lowercase'... The candle was a yellow sizzix die and the Happy 1st Birthday was a peel off, as was the balloon and little tiny stars.

Trouble is, I'm not a tidy crafter, this was the state of the table after I had finished them, OK might not look too bad, but you should see the rest of my arty attic, lol....

My goodies...

2011-02-28T20:36:00.000Z

Like I promised, a photo of my goodies that I bought at the make-it show in Farnborough last Friday. I aimed on just buying things that I either needed, so I can use stash I already have or things I really wanted but only if it was a lot cheaper than buying them on line...

I bought the big and juicy pad (£8), as have had a brayer for years and never used it, the Martha Stewart punches as loved the look on them as QVC and as these were just £18, I treated myself to 2, all from Oyster stamps ... The 12 x12 pad was another bargain at £4.99 (embossed and glittered) as were the peel off's, glittered not £4.99, lol, they were just 50p each...

As for these stash below, I again loved the Tim Holtz on QVC last week, but didn't want the TSV, but managed to get some shiny card, alcohol inks, blending solution and pads which worked out a lot cheaper. Also fancied trying out the cosmic shimmer, as saw a fab demo using it with the TH inks and the gliding flakes and shrinkles, oh yes and the heat/messy mat was another bargain price, at just £4.99...

On the 'every item a £1' store (or 12 items for £10), I got some lovely templates that I think Stevens day centre will love and some scrapbook templates too (for me)...

and the usual few wooden buttons from button-it, double sided tape and a embossing tool that I saw used in another demo... I really enjoyed watching the demo's this year, as did all the shopping before 3, then after 2 trips to the car (not only of my stuff, but my mum and aunties too, honest), then I walked round chilling watching demo's, oh yes the blue flower on the right was also done at a demo which was given to me, by the man making it, after spraying it with scent, lol...

And finally 7 A4 clear storage boxes as still sorting out my arty attic and 2 large pen pouches to store my promarkers...

Scrappers delight

Latch hooking...

Saying of the week...

100th Birthday card

Saying of the week...

WANTED 'A 100th Birthday card'

Saying of the week...

Few cards...

Breaking News....

Saying of the week...

Return to the box of deights...

Christmas ATC

Saying of the week...

Thank You...

Saying of the week...

Box of Delights

New Year Resolutions

***Happy New Year***

All over for another year....

Merry Christmas

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Out and about...

The wonderer returns, again, lol....

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Update on jury summons

Saying of the week.

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

This will make you smile...

Saying of the week...

Bath photos

Saying of the week...

A year today...

Saying of the week...

Sorry, been awol again...

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Crafty time

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Update on challenge

Saying of the week...

Set myself a challenge

Yet more cards...

Saying of the week...

Christmas is coming...

Few more cards....

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Few cards....

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Mixed emotions

Show Time

Saying of the week...

D Day

Saying of the week...

Few cards....

Saying of the week...

I'm a lucky girl...

Saying of the week...

Big Issue Seller

Saying of the week...

Catching up...

Saying of the week...

The wonderer returns....

Saying of the week...

Saying of the week...

Still at it...

Saying of the week...

Not crafting but....

Carole's card and coaster

Saying of the week...

More cards

Saying of the week...

Happy New Year