Finally :-)

I have had to find alternative projects to occupy myself with of late (am desperate to get on the sewing machine) so I have finally managed to work through this crocheted flower tutorial from 'Little Birdie Secrets'. It is just about the bestest one I've seen so thanks LBS.

I found a link to this video tutorial and ear marked it for a later date - you know, you tag it with every intention of doing it but you almost NEVER do it. Well I thought since I could sit and could work with just my hands that I'd have a go. Look what I made! Aren't I clever! Ok, ok and I'm full of myself too - I know. It is MY blog you know! LOL (shame on me). Sorry.

But doesn't this just look so pretty and delicate? It is maybe an inch across. Now I am not into crochet and besides maybe a couple of projects like mom's potholders (love those things) and maybe a cushion donkey's years ago that's it. I can't follow a pattern, don't knit (except dish cloths), don't crochet - nadda. BUT this tutorial makes it sooooooo easy that even I managed to follow it and believe me I used a pretty tiny hook and very fine cotton for my first attempt - nothing like makin it harder for yourself huh?

If you don't believe me jusy take a look!

(I'm lovin this softer look photo by the way)

Good ol' mum had the hook and the cotton so I borrowed rather than shell out in case I couldn't do it. I have been busy enough this morning so I'm off to get lunch and then relax with a movie while I maybe make a few more of these delicate flowers. I think I'm gonna have to go buy mum new cotton and maybe another colour or two for myself as well.

Oh yeah 'Little Birdie Secrets' also shares 'how to crochet hearts' (I'm tryin that one next) AND 'how to frost cupcakes' - just in case you wanted to check out those video tutorials too and don't forget girls - YOU CAN PAUSE OR REWIND THE VIDEO! How else d'ya think I did it!!!

Baby Boy Flip Album

I have finally managed to finish a further flip album. This one is as a sample for YTOC and uses some really cute baby boy papers by Making Memories from a range called 'pitter patter'. Amanda has these in both pink and blue versions and they're super cute - I seldom do 'baby' themed things these days so this was fun.

Do you like how I made this photo look? I have been getting to grips with 'Gimp'.

I am obviously getting really bored being at home on my own now cos I'm starting to play around at the computer! I have company coming tomorrow tho. Still I am really glad cos it gives this project a 'baby soft' look which I really like AND now I know how to do this too (can you see me beaming inside?). I know, I know, pride goeth before a fall so I'll quit. Kinda hard not to remember something like that when you're sittin here listening to some lovely gospel music as you type.

I didn't take shots of the whole thing open like the last one but I did do a couple other snapshots for ya. On this one I dragged out yet more old Sizzix dies and created 'swinging' die-cut baby shapes hanging from the inserts in the pockets. I thought it would be a nice decoration, add some movement and even more interaction to the whole project.

This is the left side with a diaper pin tag (the bottle is on the right side). I just love the cream, blue and peachey colour scheme for a little boy. The other embellishments were created by cutting circles from the paper and covering up the holes with photo mats and borders. Not only is this frugal but it makes it more cost effect sometimes for a class so over the years I've learnt to do this routinely. Crafters appreciate knowing how to get more from their supplies too. This project takes just 4 sheets of card stock and 4 sheets of double sided paper - oh and a velcro dot.

This entire project took about a week to get done. It should've taken maybe a day tops but do you realise just what muscle groups are involved in crafting? I didn't - but over the past few weeks I sure have! I'm not a wimp honest. I have a pretty good pain thresh-hold I think but repetitive pain - you know the niggling kind that just won't let up drives me to despair so I have wimped out rather than persevere. Rose would be proud of me!

Thankfully things are much easier than they have been up to now. I had soooooo many projects I couldn't get done and stamps I couldn't play with that I was beginning to get really frustrated. Maybe I have finally turned a corner - sure hope so - it's about time!

Project Tuesday 29 June

That time has come around again and I am so pleased with this week's PT project. Once you print off the template (here), lay it on your cardstock - which looks better if it's double sided - sturdier too - cut it out, add just TWO strips adhesive (love that) and assemble that's it! It really couldn't be any easier than that - honest! OK so maybe you have to decorate it up as well but if you use pre-made embellsihments (or spend an afternoon making yhour own first) it's still pretty quick - trust me on this!

Best of all there is enough room for a treat without too much room so you can fill it easily with just ONE small bag of candy - just a couple of cookies - I have even seen money rolled up in one!

Here are the finished dimensions to give you some idea of it's size - height 4", width at top 3", width at bottom 2 1/4" and depth 1 1/4". It's small enough to be cute and large enough to fit a nice treat. The template fits 2 to a page but I also managed to find a template for a larger version that fits 1 to an A4 size sheet here. I haven't tried it yet so I can't vouch for it personally but it looks the same and would work for a larger gift.

As you can see I haven't filled mine yet. I needed a small thank you gift for my sister Sherilee who is hopefully gonna stop by for coffee this week. I am week 7 recovery and wanted to send in a treat for my work colleagues and she kindly made up some of her yummy viennese whirls for me (must get her recipe one day). I think the deal was that I make the frosting to fill them with (easiest part) and she make the whirls but she even did that bit for me too and then wouldn't take any money for them - how sweet is she?

I plan to print off the template for her and give her this box filled with some pretty flower embellishments inside as a thank you.

I used several sizes of deep red silk flowers layered up with a pretty brad in the middle and then hand cut and inked leaves. I'm sure she would love some of these flowers for her own projects.

One of the things that impressed me about this little 'fry box' is that the ribbon goes perfectly around it even with the different angles. So often you make something like this and the ribbon won't sit nicely once you turn the corner (so to speak) but that's not a problem with this project.

Best of all it is a use 'again and again' type project. In fact I think I might cut a few with paper from my scrap box to have on hand. I'm also thinking they would be nice little table gifts for friends who are coming to our 4th July BBQ - see Cindy's version over at PT. I like the idea of replacing the flower with stars, the 'thank you' with 'happy 4th!' and maybe even tucking a little flag inside so it sticks out the top! How cute would that be? Now where can I get mini US flags from I wonder? I promise if I get one done I will post a picture!

Now get on over to Project Tuesday and check it out - you could have one made in less than a few minutes honest!

Elderflower Pickins

I spent a short time down at our little plot with Dave this afternoon. Mostly I was pretending to be his assistant but not the glamourous kind! He has had to work super hard this year since I've been very little help except to keep him company.

We picked a whole bunch of the flowers on our Elderberry bush since we thought we'd have a go at making 'elderflower champagne this year. It was a case of now or never as you can see that many of these blossoms will be gone in another week (all the better for the berries that come later).

We had such great success with the elderberry cordial last year that we plan to make twice as much this year. Dave loved it cold in the summer and I got a taste for it hot during the winter. It meant that after giving some away we then ran short so we were looking for a way to share something with family and friends but still keep most of the cordial for ourselves. Heck I was even taking it to work for a hot drink rather than tea! Apparently a glass a day is meant to be very good for you.

We thought since there are more than enough blooms for our berry yield with plenty left over we might give the champagne thingy a try. I don't drink myself but we're planning a party for our daughter later in the year and it might be real nice to toast with our own handmade bubbly - assuming it turns out ok that is.

We decided to make a double batch so we needed 30 flower heads in full bloom. We picked a few extra for good measure as well.

I didn't do some of the work which involved filling and lifting heavy pans with water but I managed to help with the lemons.

I wanted to share the recipe in case anyone else might like to have a go. There seem to be elderberry blossoms just about everywhere at the moment. Here's the recipe:

Elderflower Champagne

4 litres hot water

700g sugar

juice and zest of 4 lemons

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

15 elderflower heads in full bloom

pinch of dried yeast (only if needed)

Dissolve sugar in hot water mixing in a clean bucket

Add cold water to top up to 6 litres

Add lemon juice & zest plus flower heads and stir gently

Cover with clean muslin and leave in a cool, airy place.

Check after a couple of days for signs of fermentation (becoming foamy)

If it's not - then you will need to add a pinch of yeast to help it along

Leave to ferment covered for 4 more days

Strain through a sieve lined with muslin

Pour into strong sterilised bottles - the kind with the Grolsch style toppers - and seal

Leave to ferment in bottles a further week before trying - serve chilled

Champagne should keep for several months

That's it! Doesn't that just sound way too simple? We even managed to get a great deal on our bottles. We got ours at Butterworth's Health Foods in the Traverse - 12 bottles for just £15. I know there is an initial outlay but we can use these bottles again and again so if all goes well and the champagne works it's a very small price to pay for the pleasure of home made bubbly to share with family and friends and they don't mind returning the bottles for a refill next year. All we have to do now is wait 6 days to bottle up plus a further week and it'll be ready to have a try!

One for Mom - Zach's Footy Awards

I wanted to share a quick photo of our eldest grandson Zacheriah so Mom could see him. We went to the awards evening for his football team today which was quite the bash. They had even hired a disco which we hadn't expected and Madyson loves to dance so she was thrilled. We bought a few raffle tickets and won 4 prizes including the coveted prize of tickets to see Ipswich play at Portman Road Stadium - how cool was that?







Zach has Captain'd the team for the best part of the season (they take it in turns) but he has done so well with it he seems to have had the job the longest so far. All the team got trophies and then a few extra special ones. Zach missed out on 'most scored goals' this season by just a few but they have such a great 'sportsmanship' attitude among the team that he was only too happy for his team mate that won with a whopping 26 goals tallied up this season.

Mom - I wanted to share this photo with you cos he is letting his hair grow so long! He was always so particular about having it short and then spiking it on top but these days he's really into long hair and straighteners would you believe! Who'd have thought it? It makes me smile every time I watch him 'flicking' his hair across his face which I think he does even without recognising it now.

You should also know he only posed for this picture cos I told him I wanted a shot to share with 'Great Grandma' in America. It get's him every time Mom!

Design Team Announcement!!!

I just want to share some cool news with you all. I made it onto a new design team called 'Lasting Memories Layouts' which is a scrap booking challenge blog. This is a totally new challenge site set up by Karen Wilson so if you're into scrap booking you might want to CHECK IT OUT over the coming weeks. Karen is a rep for 'Close to my Heart' (or CTMH) which is a US stamp company. I'm sorry to say I don't think we have CTMH here in the UK (someone correct me if I'm wrong!) but that's ok cos the challenges will be using lots of different things so we can all play along.



I have been working with Karen over at Project Tuesday for a few months now so it's great to be working with someone I feel I know a little bit and I'm sure I'm going to get to know her even better as we work on her challenges.



I don't get near as much time to scrap book pages as I'd like to so I'm hoping this DT will encourage me to do more PLUS I'm looking forward to being challenged and inspired by all the lovely crafter's out there that join us for each challenge. I love to see what everyone comes up with and have really learnt to appreciate the diverse styles of fellow crafters. Thank goodness for 'variety' - it would be sooooo boring if we were all the same huh?



I hope you'll join me (and the rest of the team) along the journey. I have added a 'linky' button to my blog to make it easier for you to check out the challenges. And can I just say I wish Karen and all my new DT buddies all the best - hope you have a blast with this! We will be having a blog hop real soon - my first ever - so be sure NOT to miss it!










And finally this was my entry page submitted with my DT application - hope you like it. I used some simple strips of pretty DP which I stitched and distressed, some flourishes stamped into two corners using grey ink, with a smattering of paper piercing here and there for interest and a few diamantes to mimick my mother's necklace. I finished it off with a scrap of lace and ribbon, a few prima flowers and some strips of text to tell my story. Although the photo is black and white (well kinda grey looking) mum was wearing a pink cardigan which you wouldn't otherwise know so I chose pink as my feature colour to remind me in years to come.

This is my scrap booking style and it's taken me several years to perfect it. I don't do 'clean & simple or minimalist', don't like 'busy or OTT' just somewhere nicely balanced in between the two suits me just fine.

Well I have my first challenge to create and post for the blog hop so watch this space!

Some more Waltzing Mouse For Ya!

OK so this time I decided NOT to sneak peek! I am still playin with WM stamps and still tryin to decide on the final projects for the workshop - there are just sooooo many lovely possibilities with these stamps that I am finding it hard to choose - seriously!

I am supposed to be doin other things today but I couldn't resist finishing off a card and sharing it (plus one I did a week back). Hope you likey.

I always confess to struggling with C&S but it is surprisingly easy to do using this particular set of stamps. All you need are a few of the cute images plus a sentiment and a black pen for some lines and dots. You know I love dots!

I needed samples to share for the workshop and I'm gettin down to scraps plus I was also spurred on by an invite to a garden tea party for charity from our neighbours. I can't make it as it's on 4th July and hubby and I decided it would be nice to host a BBQ to celebrate - less work for me as he cooks and I can relax outdoors and enjoy company. We don't always do much for Independance Day but he wants to this year so I plan to send a few handmade cards along instead of myself to help raise funds. I can't do this unless they are quick, clean and simple - hence my efforts. I know I can sit and relax while I cut out the various elements to this card and it assembles in minutes - plus I have a megga stash of 5" square cards, liners and envelopes to make it even easier.

I think Sheila is gonna love these and will probably want them for herself but she'll just have to put in her request later. I could sure use selling a few of these for myself to make some dosh for Claire's new release. If you haven't been following go check it out! As soon as I saw the sneak peek of the 'baked goods' one I knew I would be hooked and I can't wait!!!

For now I can't seem to put these ones down for long. Not even to play with some of the others and I am determined to do a scrapbook page at some point. I think these little flowers would make the cutest embellishments.

I was gonna attempt to clean house a bit today as I invited my mother and sisters for lunch tomorrow. I could use the company and I think my mum could use an outing and having us all together. Poor ol' mum has been having a tough time. Between a pace maker being fitted, then major heart surgery for valve repair & replacement, then a further pace maker just recently (to replace the one that was causing more harm than good) and now a further hospital visit on Saturday cos the second one is resting on a nerve and causing problems (catch my breath!) she is still waiting to be well. It has been hard for me not to be able to just walk on over and spend more time with her.

A couple of weeks ago one of my sisters collected me and we had lunch with her. Despite her being very tired I couldn't help but notice how much she was enjoying having her 'girls' visit and all chatting and gettin along. It was a nice moment so I'm hoping it will be repeated tomorrow and that her being here will help take her mind off things for a while. Since I have 4 sisters there are always plenty of hands to 'pitch in' so I won't over do and I'm hoping one of them will take a walk with me too. I really need to build on this over the coming weeks. Since I work in town I will need to be able to walk in and back at a fair pace and without discomfort before I return to work so that's the plan.

Sneak Peek Two!

I thought since I was at my computer this morning that I'd take a couple more minutes and post a second sneak peek for the upcoming Waltzing Mouse workshop.

This is a completely different project from the last sneak peek. I have a much simpler design coming in the third sneak peek so you will want to check back for that plus I still have some papers left over and a few more ideas in mind. I plan to keep at it until I think I have enough for projects AND samples for the day. It's not enough to teach a few projects - I want to send you all home with lots of lovely inspiration too!

Project Tuesday 22 June

Well better late than never huh? I completely lost a day yesterday so I am late gettin my PT project posted but better late than never!

This week's project was a 'swing top card'. You may notice that it's pretty much the same process as another project earlier this year but it never hurts to revisit a cool idea. You can find the details here.

I went to my scrap box for this project and simply grabbed a few papers that I thought would work nicely together. I somehow managed to have almost the exact same colour scheme as the last one but then red is my absolutely favourite colour and this pretty floral paper was my inspiration.

I used a block from Cosmo Cricket that says 'hi' because it was at hand and chose to use WM stamps for accents. These just happen to be out on the table right now as I work through workshop projects when I feel up to it.

Once you swing open the top part of the card you see my text underneath. I thought this WM stamp fit my project perfectly and of course that mean't that I had to add those 'oh so cute' WM stamped flowers too.

I just love cutting these out and piecing them back together again. They make such simple but pretty embellishments.

If you're wondering where my hinge is - it's hidden underneath the ribbon. I decided I didn't want it to show so I used an ordinary brad and made sure it sat underneath the ribbon so it didn't show.

Between my mother's b'day and the funeral of our young youth leader Kezia who was killed in a car accident recently Monday was a busy day. It was all too easy to overdo and not get a bit of rest in when I needed it so I was suffering for it Tuesday and couldn't get my post done. I know I am well on the mend now but just when I think I'm all ok my body reminds me it's still healing!

Today I have a walk planned with my BFF Jilly and a bit more walking over the next couple of weeks should help. I will do better next time around I promise!

WM Sneak Peek 1

Since getting the 'go ahead' for a series of Waltzing Mouse workshops I have been busy getting organised, getting paperwork done like class details and advertising as well as trying to get in a bit of crafting to create projects for the first workshop. It hasn't all been easy since even sitting at the computer was a bit tough going for a while. Thankfully it's getting easier with every week that goes by.

I am pleased to say I can finally share my first sneak peek (and hopefully there'll be a couple more over the next couple of weeks). Here it is.

OK so does it make you curious? I sure hope so. Do you know how hard it is to narrow down a shot so you don't give too much away? Well I can vouch that it's not that easy! I'm not tryin to be mean by not sharing the entire project. I'm just tryin to 'wet your appetite' and share my excitement at the same time. If I don't at least share a sneak peek I think I will just burst!!!

I wish I could show you a whole lot more but I simply can't so you'll just have to trust me that this is really pretty. Amanda and I chose some cool papers so we would have a real mixture to play with - lots of patterns, lots of colours so plenty of choice and all double sided too.

I think I have a couple of projects finalised for definate but because they're more involved I also want to do a few 'clean & simple' (CAS) projects too. I plan to have even more samples on the day and even though we can't make them all they'll be available for people to take snapshots of for more lovely inspiration so don't forget to pack your cameras girls!

I know a few places have already been booked and we haven't actually advertised yet so you will need to be quick if you want on there. You can check in store for the finer details. We are limiting class size to just 8 to make sure everyone has plenty of room to work on projects. I'm soooooo excited to have Caroline on the workshop - she's just a super sweet gal who already has a couple of earlier WM sets and really likes them so I hope I do her proud. If you're checkin my blog Caroline - it was so nice seeing you yesterday - it's been way too long.

Well guess you'll have to check back for a further sneak peek. If you haven't signed up for email updates to my blog nows a good time - that way you won't miss a single post!

Back on Track

Well a couple days rest does wonders! I am back on track and managed to get a bit of crafting in today. I still can't use the sewing machine but as long as I don't over do it I can do some paper crafting until I can - just as well as I have a few ideas running around in my head for when I can finally get back to teaching classes - although this is not likely to be before end of July.

I wanted to do a variation on the flip album that was a Project Tuesday challenge and I was keen to make it a square shape. I loved the one I made with photos of Maddy but it left little room for embellishments so I wanted to make decent sized square pages with plenty of room for a photo and something else besides.

And just to be different I chose these cute 'boy' papers with a 'motion' theme - just perfect for photos of a plane ride, or special trip or even play time with cars, trucks and boats. The colour scheme was simple - red, white, blue and golden yellow so I chose black as the base colour to make everything jump out.

As with my last PT flip album it's hard to get a good shot once you start opening up the entire album but this is pretty much how it starts with a left side and a right side as soon as you open it. Then the fun really begins!

Once the entire thing is open you can see just what fun and interaction you get with this kind of project. I still kept the flaps top and bottom but instead of putting pockets on the lower flaps as before I chose to add one nice big pocket to each side.

Then after I had added my DP on every available surface I made sure I decorated the back panel too. I added a piece of strap and used a black velcro dot to keep it closed on the front. I added the button for effect.

I love anything square and I think I actually like this album in this shape much better than my last one. The measurements were much easier too since every side was the same size.

I think this will make a cute class so I just hope there are enough gals with boys, nephews, brothers or 'new baby's to come and book on it. Granted it's rare to cancel a class but if minimum numbers aren't reached it's always a very real possibility. In the past we've played safe and chosen very 'open' themes covering a range of events so I'm hoping a few people have been wishing for 'one for the boys' so I can teach it. I just love it and can't wait to make another one!

A Lovely Outing

I don't have any crafts to share just yet. I have had to lay off a few things of late. I tried sewing yesterday but it just feels like I've pulled a muscle or something and I'm sore today because of it - so I am taking the hint my body is giving me and not doing anything much right now. It's either that or I start popping pain pills (and I'm trying not to do that).

I needed something fairly gentle to do today and Jilly came up with an outing to a place called Harveys. It's an outdoor garden centre on the outskirts of Thurston village that has a quaint little restaurant called the Orchard Room that serves traditional afternoon teas. We went in the morning so we didn't get the pretty cake stands and full afternoon tea treatment but it didn't stop us having tea and cake for elevenses!

One of the waitresses kindly took our photo. Admittedly we may not like the way we look but this is Jilly and I and if I don't preserve some of these fun memories with photos we wont have them to look back on when we're old and grey. One of the nicest things about Jilly and I is that we were at school together so we are the same age. That means we can compare all the same aches and pains, grey hairs (yes we both are starting to show grey) and changes to our bodies. Doesn't that just sound wonderful?!

On looking at this shot (which we took for fun) we couldn't believe neither of us had our 'pinky' out! Shame on us.

There was a little corner dedicated to handcrafts so we stopped and had a good look before we took a gentle turn in the beautiful grounds. There were free range chickens that lay eggs for the restaurant. They even detailed all the garden crops they were currently serving in meals on the menu so they take their gardening seriously. So much so they have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show 4 years in a row.

Just outside the french doors were fruit trees and pretty garden tables. Couldn't you just imagine dressing up in a summery dress and hat and 'taking afternoon tea' sitting here in the garden with all your girlfriends?

After a turn around the garden it was time to head back home but not before I visited the smallest room in the house. There were so many interesting (and different) details to take in here at Harvey's - not least of which was the array of old time garden magazines that covered the walls in you know where! Such an interesting place and well worth a visit.

Well tomorrow is another weekend and I have hubby for company. I am trying to get a bit of walking in to help strengthen my muscles but I forget week 5 is only just coming to an end and I still have a ways to go yet. Jilly is doing a grand job helping me to walk. Now I'm actually headed off for a lie down to let those muscles relax some!

Second Chances

OK so I felt kinda bad for not lovin glitter more! I decided to give it a second chance - and besides those cute glittered flowers were just screaming for attention (I couldn't resist). I created something completely different to this week's challenge mind.

I decided to grab some scraps. I have had my scrap box out on the kitchen counter - looking a real eye-sore granted - but I have actually been using up loads lately. I bring it out when friends come to craft so they get lots of choice and I don't mind how much they use - they're just leftovers from other projects!

I created two more die-cut flowers for a second card too. The sewing machine was already out so I did a little bit of stitching - this makes me surprisingly sore on one side so I have to be careful not to OD on this right now. And I even took my glitter one step further by diggin out a sheet of silver glitter card and makin leaves. I wonder does putting glitter through your machine sharpen your needle? Anyhow I did it so I could add stitched veins to the leaves.

I had intended to just create embellishments and add them to cards later but I got a bit carried away with the 'round theme' and before I knew it I had added a round onto a round, onto a round, onto a round, onto....... I DID say I got carried away! I'd like to see these on square cards or something else though.

My embellishment piece was just the flower added to a patterned circle that was mounted onto a plain white one and then a black scalloped one. Everything else is extra. They were really pretty on their own - before I busy'd them up that is!

This is the one on the right side. I got a bit carried away with the glitter too and even added it to the pearly button in the centre but then didn't like it so I only glittered up one. These are old buttons that have never quite looked right on anything until now and thankfully I have plenty more where they came from. I was surprisingly pleased with this flower layered up. Why have I never done this before - especially since flowers are so popular right now.

I tried real hard to get a sense of depth in this shot but not too sure it worked. Since I 3D layered a few elements the finished card has a lovely depth to it.

Well I guess glitter CAN be fun - it just depends on what you're doing with it. I might make up a bunch of embellishments WITHOUT the cards ready to play with another day. They'd make cute 'just because' gifts to crafting friends. Gee I could actually put my newest PTI stamps to good use with a crafty gift - that might be novel! Who knows - maybe one day I'll teach a class in embellishments. Now that would be fun!

A Fresh New Look

If you've landed here thinkin you have got the wrong blog - DON'T - unless of course you actually DO have the wrong blog LOL!

I was mid post when the new blogger template box thingy popped up. Between you and me I was sick of my background but try as I might I just couldn't get rid of it. I'd try but it wouldn't accept the changes so I thought I was stuck with it.

Well I have finally managed to get a 'fresh new look' so I think I'll run with it for a while. Things were feeling a bit cluttered up anyhow.

Call it a 'new and improved blog'

Project Tuesday 15 May

I managed to make another project for Project Tuesday this week. I must confess I have been a bit sore after last Sunday so maybe I over did things a tad. Anyhow I struggled some but got there eventually tho it was a bit like pullin teeth!

I knew I was gonna struggle with this week's project anyhow cos I am not a fan of glitter - don't know why - just never have been and can't quite explain it. I have very few glittery craft items like maybe only 2 glitter embossing powders and 1 or 2 glitter glues in small squeezy bottles - that type of stuff but I only have 1 colour loose glitter - white. Well white it was then!

Next I decided to use silver as an accent colour but wouldn't ya know it - I couldn't find my silver ink pad anywhere??? I decided I had to settle for grey instead. I would've preferred a silver ribbon rather than grey but oh well. By now it was crystal clear I was havin one of those days - know the kind I mean?

Onward and upward! Since I was using white EVERYTHING (pretty much) I added texture and layered up with dimension to try to pretty up my card a bit (it didn't work) and then finally added some bling.

I think it's safe to say I flopped miserably on this one. Are you allowed to say that when you're part of a design team? Or is this somehow against the rules? I'm just keepin it real people. I even debated with myself about adding in a bright colour so maybe this is where I went wrong - I dunno? I just feel it needed something - like starting all over again!

But it's NOT all bad. One good thing to come out of this week's challenge were these pretty glittery accents. I glittered up the die-cut pieces for a further project at some point. This is a VERY old die that comes out every now and then - you could say 'an oldy but a goody'. I was lookin at these flowers again this morning and started thinkin of a few cute Maddycakes projects - hhmmmmm?

Well I guess if I've learned anything this week it's that it's the taking part that's important NOT being the best and also that you have to at least TRY something new every now and then even if you don't want to! Isn't that why it's called a 'challenge'? I am soooooo looking forward to seeing what the other DT girls came up with and I want to see the creations of everyone who plays along too. It's highly likely my efforts will be further put to shame by many of you but I still can't wait to see them. Who knows? Maybe I'll even warm to glitter!

No Crafts - Just Happy Ramblings

Today I wanted to share a post with NO crafts at all. You may or may not be interested then but I'm sharing anyways. I know Mom will be.

I have been looking forward to this Sunday for a long time. It's the annual car boot sale event in a local village just 4 miles from us. People in the village sign up to have a car boot/garage sale (yard sale) and the village produces a map of all the homes involved which they then sell to raise funds. There were 42 houses taking part so there were plenty to choose from and we get to wander around the entire village looking at all the houses. We also know several people who live in this village so we tend to bump into some of them. We both saw a few work colleagues which was a nice surprise - especially as I'm off work recovering right now.

I am supposed to be trying to get out and walk a bit more and this was just the slow, gentle kind of walking I needed right now - plus I love a bargain hunt! We also had Maddycakes with us for the day and she was hunting for clothes for her babydoll. We were on a mission then!

I don't have photos of the carboot sales to share as I could hardly take photos of people's homes now could I? I still want to share a couple of photos I took today though. Scroll on if you're interested. If not then I promise I will try and post a craft real soon.

I love to walk a bit behind sometimes so I can take a few photos of my view. As it happens I was slower even than Maddycakes! I took this shot because Papa was holding her hand and keeping her safe - he always puts me (or in this case Maddy) on the inside - even if we cross the road he swaps sides and I love that. Plus there is the scale with a shot like this and then of course she has her babydoll in her arms (remember she was shopping for clothes to fit her babydoll) and he has our trusty car boot sale bag that folds up and the map in hand too. If you look to the right of the shot you can just make out one of the carboot sales we're headed for.

OK so maybe it doesn't mean much to anyone but me - I love this simple shot of the two of them together.

This shot makes me smile cos he's doing what he does best when we're out doing carboot sales - carrying our bargain finds. He's a good lad! In this shot Dave is loaded up with a child's garden table, umbrella and folding chairs that will be perfect outside Madyson's wooden playhouse for the summer. She and dolly tested out the chairs for size and it was perfect. She may outgrow it for next year but for only £3 I know she will get lots of fun and enjoyment from it this year so I consider it money well spent.

When we were finished (actually Maddy's 'potty dash' called a halt to the trekking) we stopped in at my BFF Jilly's house for a picnic lunch in her back yard.

My super sweet god-daughter (Jilly's daughter) presented us with a jar of her home made jam. It was her first attempt at jam making and she only made 5 jars. I was very honoured that she thought to part with one to us. I just loved how she'd taken the time to 'pretty' up the jar for me. That's a shot of her in the background.

She used a square of pretty fabric, twine and even a handmade label - how cute.

And finally I had to share this shot of the back of the label as it made me laugh - not that she's asking us to return the jar but the thought of us 'jamming it' as she puts it. The proof will be in the tasting for sure but if appearances are anything to go by I think she did a great job for her first time. I was planning on havin Jilly come help me make pickles and elderberry cordial this year - maybe I should ask Natasha instead - she seems to have gotten the bug!

After all this we headed home for a rest. I had probably done just a bit more walking than I should've and I knew it. I am not a good patient so I easily overdo but I get a very distinctive kind of pain that I am learning to listen to - it just gets progressively worse otherwise.

I had a great day out in the fresh air and sunshine which made a lovely change from being couped up indoors all the time. We didn't find everything we were looking for - Madyson got dolly clothes - a whole bag for just £1 and I'm a bit tired from it all but happy we were able to make it this year.

Proto-type

Today my hubby dropped me off at YTOC so I could visit with the girlies while he went to the allotment. There is still so much work that needs doing there and I haven't been able to help him much this year. He is doing a grand job.

While I was visiting, Marilyn showed me her latest sewing project - a crafters 'catch all' for putting all your craft rubbish (trash) into like scraps of paper and cut-offs plus adhesive tape backing - that kind of thing. I don't know about you but I can create a HUGE pile of that all on it's own. I usually roll down the edges of a plastic bag and start out clean and tidy but somehow my bag gets a bit full, flops over and then I give up working tidy.

Well I was very impressed with her creation so I decided to make one myself. I made Dave take me to our local garden store so I could grab a few supplies for the inner workings. Here's my effort. You simply place the weighted end onto your work surface and the bag hangs down.

I didn't have a pattern so I had to make one and since I plan to make mine in Cath Kidston fabric I didn't want to waste it if I got it wrong. This one is just a proto-type to see if I got the pattern, sizes and techniques right so I used fabric I had on hand. I had a choice of pink, green or brown plain fabrics for the liner and I chose brown. I think if I did it again I'd put pink with this fabric so the liner doesn't stand out so much and maybe the stitching isn't so visable. I also think if I could get a bit of rubber or non-slip matting that I would add it to the back of the weight for added grip.

I changed up the piece that joins the weighted end to the bag slightly from Marilyn's and I think for my next one I want a bit more gathering on the casing but overall I'm pleased with how it turned out. It was super easy. I am already referring to it as a Crafting Buddy 'catch all'.

This is a shot looking down inside so you can see there's plenty of roomin there. The idea is that it's portable which means I can use it in my craft room OR at the kitchen table OR take it along to a craft class or workshop. Actually since I made it I can just make two or three and have them in different rooms of the house. Marilyn mentioned that she lines hers with a plastic bag so she can just lift the bag out and throw it away.

What's especially nice is that this can go into the washing machine. I would probably pop it into a pillow case and knot it down and then put it on a gentle wash. If it gets a lot of use then it's bound to get grubby and I think one of these would get a LOT of use in my house!

These would also make super cute handmade gifts for crafting friends for Christmas. In fact I've already decided I'm giving my sister one. They'd be great with a matching bag to hold just enough bits for a class.

I'm very glad I stopped in to see the girlies today or I might've missed this little gem of an idea. I always have to work clean when I'm demonstrating and tis will come in VERY handy!

Project Tuesday 8 June

This week's project was super quick and super easy. It actually took longer to decorate up the box lid than it did to make the entire box - honest!

This little exploding box takes a simple bit of scoring, folding and voila! The lid is based on the same process but then cut to create 4 tabs which are secured in place and there you have it. One very neat, super quick little package. The basic principal is that you need to divide your card stock equally into thirds so you can create a noughts & crosses (tic, tac, toe) pattern.

You can check out the rest of the Project Tuesday DT samples and follow the link to make one of your own here. I have a friend coming over this week to look at wedding ideas and I think these would make great wedding favours. You can make them any size, add details of the day/couple inside, fill em up with mints or almonds then simply tie them up with pretty ribbons and a tag. How cute would they be? Hhhmmmmmm ? Maybe I should make up a wedding sample to show her.

Once the lid is removed the box 'explodes' open to reveal what's inside. I chose to put a message in my box but I also wanted to fill it with a small gift item. We have some good friends and neighbours who own a guest house just over the road and Sheila was turning 60. We had been invited along to her b'day BBQ which was a very grand affair with a band and everything and definately NOT to be missed! I had purchased a pretty necklace that worked perfectly with this little box. I wrapped it in tissue paper so that when she lifted it out she would see the message underneath.

Since I wanted my box to be the entire packaging and I had already made a card for her (WMSC1 challenge) I used the same cardstock, papers and WM stamps to co-ordinate my gift and card. Although it takes time to stamp, cut and piece these flowers back together I never tire of working with them. I often craft either in my craft room or the kitchen so when I reach the point where I've stamped all my flowers I usually take them and a pair of scissors into the sitting room and join my hubby for a while. I like to enjoy his company and craft at the same time when I can.

I also love stamping them onto pattern papers for added interest. I had made my card for the first WMS challenge but I had to change the sentiment to something more simple. I removed the buttons and added a small black gem instead. These little gems were perfect for the centres of the flowers too.

Sheila had a lovely b'day party and we had a fab time. It is always like a reunion when we get invited to their house since we have so many mutual friends and it's lovely to catch up with them all. It was also my first 'social' event since my op and it was nice that it was just across the road so I could easily come home when I'd had enough excitement. Funny how that wasn't until after the desserts huh?

Well I hope you'll be inspired to play along with us this week. I could think of sooooo many uses for this little box - baby shower favours, kids party favours, women's retreat - even cupcakes! If you start with a 12" x 12" sheet you get a pretty good sized box and you can always use brads or snaps to secure the sides too. ENDLESS possibilities so ENJOY!

Waltzing Mouse News!

I have two very exciting things to share today regarding my favourite Waltzing Mouse Stamps.

First is the new sketch challenge blog! Ladies there are prizes to be won plus lots of inspration and sketch ideas to get you crafting. I have added the cute little mouse 'blinkie' linkie (sorry couldn't resist the rhyme!) to the right hand side of my blog. You will need to scroll down a fair ways until you get to the area that has challenges listed. As I add more and more things to my blog everything gets pushed further down but don't forget you can always save these as a favourite or subscribe to these sites to make it even easier.

Here is the first ever WM sketch!

Here is my effort for the first ever challenge - well actually two. I just couldn't decide which one to enter?

The one on the left uses the sketch with a layered (3D) mounted 'cut out' like the featured samples on the blog but I'm not convinced the buttons work. I couldn't find just the right ones - maybe I should've used a bow? The one on the right uses a flat mounted circle take on the sketch but I'm not convinced it works either - it feels a bit cramped to me. Anyhow they both use WM stamps so I'm just gonna go for it!

There are elements on each card that I do really like. I was desperate to use these 'oh so cute' little bees so I spent ages paper piecing a hand made hive just to showcase them.

I like the vibrant colours of these flowers and cutting them out is very therapeutic. Everything is layered 3D which looks really effective up close and for real. I think maybe I rushed the sentiment to get it finished but I desperately need a card for my neighbours b'day BBQ tomorrow. She will love it so that's all that matters and besides it is my first time. I can only get better (hopefully).

My second exciting news is that both Amanda (YTOC) and Claire Brennan (WM Stamps) have given my Waltzing Mouse Workshops idea their blessing. Claire designs several sets to co-ordinate beautifully with Nestabilities and I know like me many of you are collecting Nesties. I am so excited to be able to share these fab stamps with you and equally excited to be able to design some fab projects to teach using them. My love of teaching, crafting, nesties and my favourite stamps all combined - could it get any better?

I still have the finer details to work out as yet and dates to set but I am on it and I will update my blog just as soon as I can plus there will be details in store at YTOC. I can tell you that these workshops will be much longer than the classes I teach and best of all they will include at least one set of Nestabilities dies and WM stamp sets for everyone attending. I CAN also tell you I plan to use my all time favourite set for the first session which will be an 'introduction to Waltzing Mouse' but I'm not tellin ya which one that is.

I know Kay knows which one it is - Kay are you gettin excited yet? I hope many of you will be excited at the prospect of these workshops and join us cos there are so many lovely possibilities that we will need more workshops just to explore them all - and besides I can't do it without you!