Ladybird Ladybird

Polly Dolly Long Legs

2012-02-03T23:11:00.000Z

A few weeks back I found these great crochet dolls on where????? Pinterest of course!!! The pattern for them was posted on a crafting forum and availble for free. Which is really great! We all love free things don't we.

I had a little trouble understanding the hair part of the pattern but I think I did an ok (ish) job of her afro. I'm really pleased with how she all came together in the end. I was rather worried about the length of her legs (getting them to match) as I lost count quite a few times on those skinny things ;)

NOw I don't seem to be able to get my long legged dolly to stand up like the one on the pattern but I'm thinking maybe she used pipecleaners in the legs? I want mine to be safe for a little girl so I forwent the temptaion to add pipecleaners and will just have her as a floppy doll.

TFL

Darkhart the tiny pocket Dragon

2012-02-02T07:16:00.000Z

Meet Darkhart, he is a miniture pocket Dragon,

Don't be caught off guard by his size! The flames he breaths can still cause a mighty amount of damage and the rules that apply to larger Dragons still apply to him!

On staurday he will be moving out of our house and going to live with a whole collection of Dragons, I know he will be expertly looked after by my friend the "Dragon Keeper"

He is made using "The Best Bunny" pattern from Lion Brand Patterns.

TFL

Rodent Infestation

2012-01-31T07:08:00.000Z

My craft room has been infested by litle wooly rodents!!!!

Thankfully most of them are heading off today to their new homes.

Kelianna and Lola the dancing rats are going to live in East Anglian.

Betty and Barney the Bloodstone Mice are moving out to set up home in Jenni (the campervan).

Little Flora Rat is also moving away from home to go and live with friends,

so that just leaves Nigel Rat to stay with me and keep me company while I craft.

The pattern for these lovely little rodents came from Jill at grietjekarwietje.blogspot here's a link to the Translated Pattern

TFL

Her name was Lola she was a . . . . ShowRat

2012-01-26T22:54:00.000Z

I made Nigel Rat a friend today,

Her name is Lola and she is a ShowRat;)

As you can see she is a little larger than Nigel simply because I favour a 4.5mm hook and Nigel was made using a 3.5mm. Lola also has a bag filled with lentils in her bottom, to help her with her balance. So unlike Nigel she doesn't fall over all the time. He almost drowned in my coffee cup this afternoon, whilst taking a nose dive out of the basket he was sat in.

I'm not sure yet where she will be going to live? I have a choice of allowing Nigel to have her as a full time girl friend and they set up home together in Jenni the Van or I could send her away to live on the mainland, while I think about making Nigel a smaller friend. I also have plans to make a Bloodstone Rat. The pattern for these little fellows can be found here already translated from Dutch into English.

There's a Rat in the Craftroom!!!

2012-01-26T07:10:00.000Z

I was having a quick scout about on Pinterest yesterday morning while drinking my coffee when I came across this. I followed the link that was happily already translated through Google Translate and found not only a very sweet little mouse but a pattern to go with him :) Now because this pattern has been written in Dutch and then translated it does lose some info but it wasn't too hard to understand what I needed to do. So as soon as I had sorted the dogs and got the tea on last night I sat down with a few balls of yarn and began to hook myself a little being.

He has however turned out a little more like a rat than a mouse, I'm happy with that (I used to keep fancy rats as a child). I gave him a curly tail (just because I could) and am in the process of making him a scarf and a little jumper, afterall it gets cold in the camper at night and he is going to live there once his clothes are done. I'm hoping he doesn't invite any friends in there to party and nest.

I'm going to have to watch him as, he has already had a good nose about in my craft room!

Hooky Closure and Jenni Adventures

2012-01-23T20:02:00.001Z

Last night I finished my Ripple seat cover for the back of the passenger seat in Jenni. I made it a little too big and have had to tuck some in beside the door frame but it's not too noticeable and I'm happy with the finished look. I still have to make a big cushion and cover for the seat part, that's been added to my ever growing list of hooky jobs for 2012, along with both for the drivers chair.

The photo above if the back of the chair, you can see the cover is like a pillow case it slides over the chair back and hopefully won't move about too much. Once the cushions are all in place this is my cosy little nook. For reading and hooking when out and about in my beloved little Jenni. Trav sits opposite me, with a matching blanket and set of hooky cushions.

This evening I finished another project. this one is also for Jenni. I'm not sure if this is for my side or Trav's? I might have to move one of my cushions over to his seat so I get this feather bolster. I haven't seen the trim I'm using on any other projects so I'm naming it a "Triple-Ripple" that name is of course purely for my use as I'm sure someone else, somewhere else has already named it and claimed the fame of thinking this pretty trim up.

It looks like I might have a job stealing it away from my beautiful model Suki-Su. ;)

We had a mini adventure yesterday in Jenni van-Ladybug, nothing amazing ;)

Just a trip up to Culver Downs, to take the muttleys for a walk have a coffee eat some biscuits and relax.

There was of course plenty of time for some much needed hooking ;)

Diggory really liked being squooshed in between my leg and the seat back.

The dogs do like to be cheeky and make themselves comfy on our seats however they do have a basket in the van and find that most of the time they have to sleep there not on our seats.

Hope you had as good a weekend as we did

Wight Craft Circle Monthly Crop

2012-01-21T08:58:00.000Z

Last Saturday was the first crop of the year for the Wight Craft Circle. we gathered as normal at 9.30am at our community hut to drink coffee, eat cakes and craft away to our hearts content! I haven't been doing much scrapbooking lately, I find crocheting takes up most of my spare time and although I have a pile of photos waiting to use I've not really been into the paper side of crafts. I don't count my JOY book as scrapping (although it is really) I'm talking 12x12 and 11x8.5 scrapping when I say I haven't done much lately. So Saturday I planned to get my mojo into gear and get some done. And here's what I did.........

REMEMBER WHEN HUNNI MONSTER ATE THE RAINBOW CAKE

I will need to cut the page protector for this layout as it has a photo flap that moves to show two more 4x6 photos. I the papers I used are; Sassafrass, October Afternoon and some scraps from my paper bin. I used a mixture of stamps, stickers and dye cuts for my title and journalled on the OA card, that is tucked behind the title card.

ORIGINAL ART BY JACK PICASSO

I then got a little messy with my Mr Huey's white spray ink and made this LO of little Jack (who by the way is three now!)The papers are all OA with a little Kraft and Bazzill thrown in for good measure. I used the same mix of produces for the title on this page as the on above.

LITTLE TIKES 1ST BIRTHDAY

I loved these photos of Liam and KP opening his first birthday presents when my sister sent them to me back in August last year. They had been printed off and waiting for a scrapping burst of energy all this time. I mirrored the yellow and red of the "LittleTikes" car for my colour choices, using OA, Crate paper and MME papers I used a whole sheet of patterned Kraft as a background.

So they are my three makes for the day, I'm feeling a little more like a scrapbooker again, but am saving up any ideas I might have in the next few weeks as I'm off on retreat with the WCC early in February and plan to get a whole load more done there! I received a belated Christmas pressie in the post this week :) Some more new ~~yummy~~ scary crochet projects to sink my teeth into ;)

My last piece of ~~waffle~~ information for this post is an update on Tee's blanket, I think I'm about half way there with making the squares,

although I didn't get many done last night as Gracie was hogging the wool!

TLF

Granny Wheel Blanket Progress

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000Z

The blanket I'm making for my friend is coming on quite nicely. I haven't been spending as many evenings as I might normally curled up in my chair watching TV/DVDs while I hook away, but still I have managed to make 25 squares which is a quarter of the final total (although if I find that 100 squares is too small a blanket I might add too it later).I'm using a set of six colours, chosen from a large bag she sent me down just before Yule; Purple, Lilac, Violet, Navy, Grey and Green, it's more of a mossy green than the lime it looks in two of these photos (that's my iPhone camera for you)

I like to work a few squares at once, starting out with about six circles in the same colour but completing a different amount of rows for each circle I will then chose another colour and do the same and complete one or two of the circles (into squares) from the first colour choice. I find this way I'm not constantly changing my ball of yarn or sharing for the next one in my work bag.

My lovely ripple seat cover is on hold at the moment I needed a break from it for a while. I'm really enjoying it but wanted something different so I will mix between Teresa's blankie and my ripple. I have completed one side of the cover, it's just a case now of working the "blanket" until it's long enough to cover both the front and the back of my seat in Jenni and then hooking it together to form a sleeve to slid over the back rest of the seat. I will make a matching cushion cover for the seat part.

A New Hooky Project

2012-01-15T12:21:00.002Z

At the beginning of December my very good friend Tee emailed me and asked if I would make her one of my lovely African flower bags if she sent me down the wool? Little did she know that the first bag had been made for her for Christmas gift.

Of course I didn't want to give this secret away so I told her yes, but not til after Christmas as I have loads of project queued up (hoping that she wouldn't spend her money on wool that she didn't really need). She was however keen for me to have the wool so I could start as soon as I could and just before Christmas a big bag of wool in mixed colours arrived at the post office for me. She adored the bag when it arrived (after Christmas), I am now set to use up all these lovely colours she sent me down. So first "To make for Tee list" is a grey and purple blanket like this one she found on my Pinterest board.

I had a look through my crochet books but couldn't find a pattern that looked like this one so searched through the flikr album that this photo belongs to and found a photo that showed clearly what stitches were needed. from this I drew up a pattern and made a start. It's quite simple really, the pattern works triple stitches in groups of 3 (clusters) in four sets. so for the base row you need 16 stitches into a magic loop. You then make 16 triples each with a chain stitch between them. The next row is 16 clusters (1 cluster in each chain stitch from the row below). next you add a row of loops, these are just three chain stitches and a slip stitch, you make three like this and the fourth needs to be larger (to make the corner) this one is five chain stitches. You repeat this set four times (a set = 3x three chain loops and 1x five chain loop). the final row is to hook a triple cluster "over" each of the loops, when you get the to larger (corner) loops you need to hook four triples one chain four triples. hopefully you will have a finished square. Not sure that this will make any sense to anyone other than myself ;) I'm no good at reading patterns and I doubt that I can write them either ;)

so far I have two squares made, with "just" 98 to go ;)

It's a lovely pattern to work nice and simple and really quick so hopefully it won't take me took long as my crochet plans for 2012 just keep growing!!!

TLF

Hooky Happiness

2012-01-11T18:50:00.000Z

I have been working on a few crochet projects lately., some are for me and others are gifts for friends. The first thing ihave to show you is a handful of flower brooches for one of my bestest friends. I made her a poppy brooch for our handfasting and she wears it all the time so i thought she might like a few more in different colours.

Then I have my snuggly shawl (I'm not sure if i ever posted the finished item on here?) I wear this to work most days it works well at keeping me warm in our older drafty classrooms and is quick and easy to take off in the new warmer teachign spaces.

I have also made two pairs of wrist warmers. This first pair are for myself. I plan to wear them at morris outtings.

Just look at these beautiful wooden buttons!

and this pair are for a friend, they were inspired by this beautiful pair (without a pattern) I found on pinterest.

I used a pretty range of acrylic wools and some mis-matched buttons from my stash.

I have a whole list of yummy hookiness I want to get stuck into this year just check out my pinterest board if your intersted.

TFL

Joyful to have finished.

2012-01-05T14:30:00.000Z

New Years Eve

spent with lovely friends curled up in the comfort of our own home enjoying a board game or two and a few drinkies poo's once the wee one had gone to bed. I still have to add a photo the back of the journal tag of Trav playing tea party with Carys.

The last two pages in my book are envelopes, one will hold a letter with a more detailed account of things that happened in 2011and the other one will hold a letter about my plans and aspirations for 2012

On the front side of both envelopes I have pasted a couple of journal spots for a quick 2011 round up

So there we have it! Another JOY minibook done and dusted! Again I have made a doorstop instead of a book. But I love it and am happy to say that I plan to take part again next year. I hope you had a great time playing along with whatever style of December Daily/Holiday Journal you made and If you didn't play along I hope you are feeling a little insipered to join in during December 2012??

This is my favourite view of the book. I just love all those little tabs with their (mostly) four letter words.

I have now cleared away all my festive papers and embelishments for another 11 months, ready to start on a few new paper craft projects. I really ought get a move on with an ABC book for Peyton!!!

TFL

JOY 29th & 30th

2012-01-04T14:30:00.000Z

Two more pages from my JOY 2011 these are also diary days as we still had visitors and I had done plenty to write about

December 29th

In the morning we took a quick drive out to St Helens and walked around the Duver, beach and Harbour, even though the weather was awful we had a lovely time out in the fresh air and Liam had a blast running about on the grass and getting his wellies filled with sea water from the incoming waves.

In the afternoon I had asked Trav to do a photo shoot at work of the kids and Liam. So while Kirsten and Rob had some photos done I ran about the corridors of Rowridge Transmitter site with the little man.

Trav and I even managed to get one photo of both of us with Liam and I am pleased to say I have a lovely photo of me (not looking too bad) with Liam as well :)

December 30th

The kids went home this morning, and as sad as I am to see them go it was lovely have the house back to ourselves. I was able to put all my decorations back on the Yule tree and light my scented candles again ;) I had three dogs in for haircuts this morning and friends came over for drinks in the evening.

TFL

JOY days 27 & 28

2012-01-03T17:32:00.000Z

Due to a houseful of family and friends over the week between Christmas and New Year I got behind on my JOY book. I have almost finished it now just a few finishing touches and a letter or two to add.

December 27th

My youngest niece, her partner and their toddler Liam came to stay with us on Tuesday. The girls (my nieces) have always called me Auntie Pea. My friends little girl Carys knows me as Nanny Dog and I got myself in a right state with Liam as to what my name was..... especially when Liam thought I was my sister and called me nanny a few times.

I was a little worried as at one point I was being called "Nanny Auntie Dog Pea!!!!!!" WTH???????

December 28th

Today we did a speed tour of the Island. Rob used to holiday here as a child with his family and wanted to go and see all the places that he could remember from these trips. Kirsten and I were just happy to be able to spend time together as it's been a whole year since we last saw each other. It seemed amazing to think that Liam was a babe in arms the last (and first time) I saw him. Now he is a non-stop toddler, into everything and chattering away to us and following the dogs all about the house.

TFL

Project Giant Blanket - COMPLETED!

2012-01-02T17:48:00.002Z

You may (if you often read my blog) remember this post from some months back where I posted a piccy of a giant Granny Stripe bed spread I was losing patience with. I had made the first chain row far too long and instead of undoing the blanket as soon as I noticed I carried on with the plan that maybe one day we might have a room big enough to put a kingsize bed in and thus would need such a massive bedspread. However not long after that post I lost the will to complete even one more 1hour long row, bundled it up into a box and forgot about it.

That is until just before Christmas when Trav mentioned the magic words "Camper Van" to me. I knew that I would need to make pretty throws for Jenni and why start at the beginning of two blankets when I have one perfectly huge blanket waiting to have something done to it. So bravely I machine sewed two rows straight up the middle of the blanket (about an inch apart from each other) and then in a very scary moment I took the scissors to it. I cut the blanket right in half!!!!!

SO SO SCARY!!!!!

But it worked and once I had added three rows of edging and a frill I have two beautiful blankets all ready to lay over the fleece covered seats in my Jenni.

Each blanket is roughly 150cmx200cm so they are plenty big enough and can double as nighttime blankets when we are in our sleeping bags. The bright colours are the same ones that I used to make all Jenni's cushions so they match beautifully! (can you see sneaky Bella)

I had rather a lot of frayed ends that I really didn't want to sit and sew into the blanket so as I hooked the three rows of single crochet that forms the base of the blankets edging I just hooked in the ends I know they won't come undone as they are all held in with the stitches from my sewing machine. I has caused the trim at the cut ends to be slightly more bulky than the rest of the trim but it looks ok and unless someone is going to inspect it they won't notice my make do and mend effort.

I made the pink trimmed edging first it's a pretty easy method of 4 chain and a slip stitch all the way around and then on the second round you single crochet 5 times over each of your loops. It forms this pretty lacy scallop.

A close up of the pink trim

For Trav's blanket I was aiming for something although pretty not quite so girlie and surprisingly this is my favourite one of the pair. The long edges are just straight triple stitch, but on the short ends I did triple triples in every SC from the row below. It took ages to do and a ton of wool but I love the effect and will most certainly be repeating this trim somewhere else in Jenni.

A close up of the blue trim

I am slightly obsessed with these frills!!!!!

Since finishing the Blue trimmed blanket on Christmas day (while out in Jenni) I have started on two other projects. one is a cover for a bolster cushion, made in all the same bright colours as the two blankets.

This one is a little boring as the rows are just straight single crochet, so at the same time I'm working on, one of two pretty ripple blankets to cover the driver and passengers seats. I'm back to work tomorrow so my crochet and crafting time will be drastically cut down, but I hope to have both of these projects finished quite soon as I'm buzzing with new hooky projects that I want to start.

TFL

JOY: Chirstmas and Boxing Day's

2012-01-01T13:28:00.000Z

We have had such a busy week with family and friends visiting and staying over, my craft room became a spare room (it's secondary use) meaning my JOY book had to go on hold for a while. We now have the house back and I'm raring to get my book completed, photos done and images all posted. I will then clear away all my festive papers and embellishments for another year and set myself a new challenge (I am thinking ripple blanket?????)

So here are Days 25 and 26

Christmas Day

Trav and I took Jenni out for her first beach visit on Christmas day, Gracie and Suki-Su joined us. It was great fun rumbling along the country lanes, waving at the campers coming towards us. when we got to our favourite beach we were surprised to see how many other people had had a similar idea, and headed out for a coffee at the seaside for Christmas morning.

After bacon sandwiches and a few cups of coffee, a visit from neighbouring campers we took a walk along the beach with the girls. then headed back home for an afternoon of films and a bottle of fizz.

Almost everything used on these pages is October afternoon.

Boxing Day

Boxing day couldn't have been more different if we had tried! We got made up and dressed up nice and early and headed out (again in Jenni) to Arreton Barns, to meet up with all the Bloodstone team for a little Morris dancing. There we about five other Morris teams at the pub and the atmosphere was fantastic!

Our team danced a new dance called Seasick you can see it here (if you fancy having a look) It's one that our team wrote themselves.

we also met up with friends for a meal afterwards and of course I got to show off Jenni to everyone who wanted (and those who didn't) to see her.

Not so much with the OA products today. I tucked into the leftovers from my handfasting book to make these pages.

TFL

JOY days 23 and 24

2011-12-27T10:00:00.000Z

December 23rd

Today was another early start, this time not as nice as yesterdays reason. Today's 5am wake up call was so we could hit Tesco before all the manic "the shops are closed for one day" type shoppers! The place was a totally tip!!!!! the lorries had been held up on the ferry and had arrived over three hours late it looks like a bomb had gone off in there. While there we bumped into Zoe and her man and Sam and her family. I ashamed to say we enjoyed blocking the way and chatting for a few minutes ;)

Later on that day I met up with Sam and Sarah for coffee and a cake a Thorntons (next year we are going somewhere warmer!!) and to look through each others JYC and JOY books. We started doing this last year and it is becoming a new festive tradition for us :)

I'm not leaving the Island this Christmas to see folks, as my youngest niece and her family are coming down to see us. So this would have been my first JOY book without a Starbucks Christmas cup. Sarah is always over on the mainland so she picked one up for me coz she is nice like that ;)

I cut off the base and rim, fold the cup flat and then glued it together. I find the best way to make them stick flat is to leave them under a heavy book overnight. once it was stuck I gave it a good coating of gesso and journaled on it. The flower is the gift tag that came with the chocolates that arrived by post today :) YUM YUM!!!! Thanks Clara ;) The envelope below holds the Christmas shopping lists, receipts and other bits and bobs from today.

December 24th - Christmas Eve

After a few hours housework I sat down in my favourite arm chair with a continuous supply of lattes and hooked the day away whilst watching films, with my cocker spaniels for company.I really wanted to get these two blankets completed and in Jenni ready for Boxing day when we will be taking her to her first Bloodstone outing. A lot of our fellow Bloodstoners have vans and I want her to look her best for this first meeting. Suki-su didn't really help me very much, she just took up too much room on my chair and tried to steal my cookies!!

JOY days 21 and 22

2011-12-26T14:57:00.000Z

21st December

We collected Jenni today! and the postie delivered some parcels.

22nd December

Had an early start today. I was up at 5am and had collected the ladies by 6am. we drove over to Moltistone and walked the short 15 minutes walk up to the long stone in totally darkness so we could watch the sun come up on the Winter Solstice. Thankfully it was dry and bright and to be truthful not that cold, although by the time we got back to the car my wellied feet were frozen.

as well as being the winter solstice the 22nd is my best friends birthday. so after our dawn ritual we had breakfast at spoons with all our friends and Sam's family.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning Jenni and getting her ready for our first trip out on Christmas day.

On Christmas Day in the Morning

2011-12-26T03:55:00.000Z

Christmas Eve and some of Christmas morning I spent in my chair curled up with Suki happily hooking away at my matching granny strip blankets for Jenni (our campervan) I was determined to complete them both by our Bloodstone outting on Boxing day and am pleased to report both blankets have a fancy trim and are now in place on our bench seats. Suki wasn't really much help to me as she keep patting the balls of wool as they turned and trying to run off with them each time my attention was elsewhere! She also took up far too much room on my chair!!!

Diggory was a little unsure of his present and was far too interested in seeing what the girls had rather than opening his own parcel. He got there in the end and enjoyed his treats.

After pressies, cards and coffee, I made bacon sarnies, packed up some dog towels and my crocheting (of course) and we headed out to Compton Bay in Jenni -Our first outing!

I'm so so happy with her. She may be an old beat up banger of a van, but she is my old beat up banger and I love her!!! She runs beautifully (if a little noisily) and has enough space for us and a couple of dogs to happily spend time away from the world together! I think the best part of her is the pop up roof :) It makes moving around inside so much easier as you aren't watching out to bash your head all the time. I have already made loads of brightly crocheted blankets and cushions for her and I have a few more things I want to make once Sam and I have sorted the curtains out.

Gracie enjoying a cup of coffee and a pre-beach cuddle with her Daddads. I can see that Gracie is going to get quite used to coming out with us in Jenni.

We took Suki-Su and Gracie with us today the beach. I think they mostly enjoyed sitting in the driving seats staring out at the all the Christmas beach goers, of whom there were more than I expected. I will have to make sure that all the other dogs all get a fair chance to sit in the drivers seat as well. Although I doubt they will be as well behaved as these two were today.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are keeping up to date with your December Journals ;)

JOY days 19 and 20

2011-12-24T08:30:00.000Z

December 19th

I spent today finishing off jobs about the house and then in the afternoon Sam, her kids and myself drove into town to buy some more bits for Jenni. I wrote a downloadable letter to Santa tucking it inside this stamped airmail envelope.

December 20th

I spent most of the day giving cocker spaniels their Christmas haircut. I had three booked in and thought I would clip four of my five at the same time, My friends little girl Shelby came over to help me. In the evening I spent time with my wiccan family celebrating Yule. We held a ritual and then had gift giving and a lovely dinner.

Behind this page is another with photos and journaling of the evening.

TFL

JOY days 17 and 18

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000Z

Here's a couple more days worth of JOY pages in my plan to catch up on my posting.

December 17th

Today we were dancing in Newport town centre with another Morris team called "The Men o Wight". It was a really good afternoon a few more teams turned up as well, so the folk out shopping had plenty of dancing to watch.

My perfect present this year would be a little red caravan or campervan :)

I used a mix of papers left over from our handfasting minibook and some of the new OA papers.

December 18th

This morning Trav and I took a drive out to Totland, I didn't know it but we were going to look at a campervan :) she is red with big black spots!!! Could she be anymore perfect????? We decided to buy her and will collect her on Wednesday.She is to be called Jenni Van-Ladybug.

In the afternoon and evening we danced with the Bloodstone team again before removing ourselves to the pub for our Yule/Christmas dinner. I used the same papers today as as on yesterdays pages.

JOY Days 15 & 16

2011-12-22T13:34:00.002Z

I seem to have got really far behind with my posting of this years JOY book. I'm right up to date with making the pages as I've been putting time aside everyday to spend in my craft room, although over the last two days I have been spending much of my crafting time outside in Jenni cleaning and tidying her ready for our Christmas day trip to the beach.

December 15th

using my lovely new OA 8x8 paper pad, some old sparkly alphas and the tag from my new dress.

I like to collect the crappy gifts and bits from my crackers each year.

This was the works Christmas party night. Our school has been joined by three local middle schools this year we are now an academy rather than a high school. It was a little odd going out with so many members of staff and most that we didn't know very well. The team I work with have all known each other for years and we are quite a tight knit little group.

December 16th

My list of things I am thankful for is stamped using loads of different stamps on a kraft card. i have journaled a letter to Trav on the reverse of the card. It fits snuggly inside the pink envelope. I also signed up for a new iPhone today I just can't waiting until my upgrade in July 2012, I miss my old one so much (I promise not to put this one in the washing machine). I popped into my favourite shop today and spend some of my Xmas money on a pretty new purse.

Introducing Jenni the Campervan

2011-12-18T14:34:00.004Z

Look what my lovely Hubby bought me today as a joint Chrimbo Pressie!

She is a 1980's Bedford Sleeper I have named her "Jenni" and yes as you can see she has been painted to look like a ladybird! I adore her and can not wait until Wednesday when we go and collect her so I can start work making her all pretty and cosy inside.

She can sleep four, there's a short double bed where the seats are and two hammock like bunks in the lift up roof (that we probably won't use very often. a smart little gas stove and fridge with a fair amount of storage space. There is enough room so we can take the dogs with us as well :)

We spent yesterday dancing in Newport town centre and are off again in an hour or so to dance the sun down at up on Culver Downs to celebrate the winter solstice. It's then off to the pub for our Christmas dinner..... poor landlord what has he let himself in for????? 30 bloodstoners getting rowdy in his pub ;)

Plenty to add to my December journal for this weekend :)

TFL

Loads of JOY

2011-12-14T20:55:00.001Z

I've been keeping up with my JOY book, I just haven't been keeping up with blogging about it.

So here's a photo heavy post of the last few days.

December 8th

The sights of our festive home.

December 9th

Our family Traditions (bears and stars)

December 10th

WCC crop the last one of the year.

There are two tags in between today's pages noting info about my new star that Trav bought in Newport while I was at the crop, and a quote that Sam and I teased Bea about all day.

I love this SC stamp :)

December 11th

So much happened on Sunday, so as well as my JYC entry about our festive tree's I added a photo tag to show what else happened. If you are of a delicate nature please don't look at the second photo as it contains some very VERY rude words!!!!

This next one is the rude one!!!!!

Sam and I spelling out rude words on my fridge with magnet letters.

Trav teaching Beabea a Morris dance.

December 12th

Just a normal rainy Monday at work today, but I did get to wear my newly finished shawl and pretty poppies.

December 13th

Today i taught my student how to crochet, completed two crochet hats and started another shawl. I made a little record tag to journal about one of my favourite Christmas songs.

December 14th

Todays post is about presents and my "Mission to Handmake Christmas". I'm really proud of myself for sticking with this plan and not giving in to the temptations of shops and Ebay.

TFL and staying with all these photos if you were able to ;)

I also had some lovely news about a Christmas pressie that Trav and I were planning on buying for each other in the New Year. Looks like we might have it before Xmas now :) But I won't spill the beans until i know for sure ;)

Lastest Crochet project completed

2011-12-12T16:29:00.001Z

I saw this beautiful shawl on Pinterest a while back (with a link to Raverlry) and just knew it was something I had to make.

I started it at the end of last month and completed it last night. My measurements in the length are slightly out and it's a little longer than I really wanted it to be. But I love it and wore it today to work. it kept me snuggly warm but free enough not to feel bundled up and unable to move about.

I added this grouping of beaded poppies, to finish it off.

This is my next project a hat to match my shawl.

I also want to say a great BIG thank you to all the lovely people out there who post free patterns on the Internet for everyone and anyone to use. Without lovely people who are willing to share their work I wouldn't be able to make anywhere near as many beautiful crochet projects.

THANK YOU!!!!

JOY days 6 & 7

2011-12-08T06:41:00.001Z

December 6th

Today's JYC prompt was to journal about your christmas' past. I made two pockets out of kraft cardstock, I machine stitched around the edges (but not on to the page as this would have gone through to the day before's entry) I then attached them before inking and stamping them in a similar style to day 5. The journal cards are just a little smaller than the pockets and are held in quite tightly so they don't fall out when the book is handled. I used my favourite SU punch to make the tabs. The robin is art work I have downloaded from pinterest and printed on off white CS. My washi tape addiction continues.

December 7th

Nothing really exciting happening today so I followed another JYC prompt. "Christmas lists" I am a little over organised this year (possibly due to being out of work through November) so my list is very small. the large journalling tab is homemade on an excel spread sheet and the smaller kraft one is from a free download that can be found on my JYC pinterest board. I used some of the lush BG papers that Santa sent me on this page.

TFL

All about the Giving

2011-12-06T20:12:00.001Z

December is a very busy month for us in the gift department. It's not just all about Yule and Christmas, we have quite a few birthdays to celebrate We have a couple at the start of the month and from the 22nd it gets a little crazy for a few days. With birthdays on the 22nd, 23rd and the 25th. Then more on the 30th, and 1st Jan. Sometimes I think Christmas is in the wrong month for our family ;)

I'm trying to be super organised and get everyones gifts made and wrapped in plenty of time so It's just a case of reaching into the pressie box on my spare bed and finding the right brightly wrapped gift and matching card.

cards above are inspired by Kristina Werner

TFL

JOY; days 3,4 & 5

2011-12-06T07:22:00.001Z

December 3rd

The photos shows some of the many handmade gifts I'm sending out to my loved ones this Christmas. I used October Afternoon papers and stickers, some Washi tape and finished off with some stamping and inking. I used my first Christmas card which was the perfect size to fit inside my album to hold a journal about explaining why I'm not sending Christmas cards this year.

December 4th

I was really busy with dog grooming today. I didn't get any crafting done at all. I did however de-spider the Yule Tree without any help from Travis!!! The journal tag fits inside the envelope behind the date tag, and is sealed with a magnetic clip to keep it from flapping open and catching on the previous page.

December 5th

Even though I know the monster spider is gone I'm still freaking out a little when in the lounge. I keep checking about me just in case there is another one!!!!! No pretty papers today, just loads of lovely washi tape and a large journal page.

The next page folds out to show my schedule for December.

The main part of the calender was printed on my computer I then added all the stamping and inking after writing in my shedule. The two folded flaps stay closed with hidden magnets.

I really enjoyed making up the stamped layers on this page. normally this type of stamping defeats me, but I have found if I keep the colours muted and limited to just tones it works better for me.

TFL

Busted By Santa

2011-12-05T07:01:00.001Z

Ok so after Saturdays JOY post I was busted by my secret Santa. I of course had to open my secret Santa swap.......... I have to open everything the moment it arrives! I was never able to wait for anything as a child and I'm even worse now as an adult.

My Santa sent me the most thought parcel of goodies. She really did her homework, everything was just so lovely and perfect for me :) I received a 2012 diary (something I had yet to even think about buying) that had been altered with a copy of my new tattoo, the mask Santa made of my tattoo so that I am able to reuse it over and over again (and I so will) a packet of lovely Ladybird Poppies perfect to brighten up my front garden, some little ladybirds (after all I'm always sticking them everywhere) a pack of yummy basic grey in lovely earthy reds, pinks and greens and to finish off a box of Twiglets all for ME ;) I also have to add that every parcel was tied with the prettiest of blue and purple lacy like ribbon that I know I will be reusing on crafting projects.

What a Super Santa I have!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

Hope to find out who you are in the New Year?

I had no chance to do any crafting yesterday as I was busy with this little bunch who all came over for haircuts. There's Fin, Beebee, Digby and Vinnie. the sharp eyed of you ;) will notice that Vinnie isn't a Cocker, He was my first non-cocker (Mogwai) clip and I was scared as ever that I would mess him up, but thankfully i did ok and his Mamma has booked him in again in 8 weeks :)

I'm hoping to be able to spend some time at my craft desk this afternoon after work

TFL

I've been Joyfully busy all day!

2011-12-03T17:52:00.001Z

I've been keeping busy today by completing days 1&2 of my JOY book

-0-

December 1st

December 2nd

I have also been making some festive gifts.

Both are inspired by crafts that I have found and re-pinned onto my Pinterest Boards.

The first is a crochet pin cushion and Jar for pretty pins. I have (hopefully) made it look like a toadstool as I thought it would be cute.

The second gift I made today is a mug cosy. it's made from two layers of felt sewn together with felt bunting and buttons attached. I used a ribbon loop over a big button as a fastening. I also put a bag of Reindeer Balls (Malteasers) in a pretty crafted bag inside.

I'm off now to do a little more of my crochet shawl in front of the TV

TFL

JOY starts here!!!!!

2011-12-01T16:20:00.001Z

Today is the 1st of December!!!! (as if you didn't know) but you may not know, that means it's the first day of my JOY book. I mix between Shimelle's JYC and Ali Edward's December Daily adding a little more Yule than Christmas, but staying nice and festive all the same. I haven't completed any of today's pages yet I tend to work a day behind so that I know I have added every little nugget of information I can, to each days page. However this morning as I drank my (first of many) coffee I printed and filled out the first Christmas prompt sent to us JYC'ers by Shimelle.

I also wanted to say a great big THANK YOU to whom ever my secret Santa is. I stopped by the post office last night and collected a parcel filled with lovely gifts all for me :)

TFL

JOY pre-prepared pages

2011-11-23T11:02:00.001Z

I'm so ready to start my JOY book for this year, and December just doesn't seem to want to get here quick enough ;) I couldn't wait any longer so made a start on prep'ing some of my pages.

These are my first three pages. They just explain what I'm doing and why I do it.

I've been searching through pinterest for inspiration from journals that other brilliant crafters have made in past years, I've come up with so much stuff I'm a little swamped and could probably make two journals ;)

Some of these pages are originals I have made from my brain ;) and others are lifted from images on pinterest.

I loved this idea so much I made mini ones to go on parcel tags.

Sequin waste!!! I lOve it!!!!!

A home made envelope with a magnetic closing. sprayed, inked and treated with a little washi tape.

A medium parcel tag embellished with a mixture of stamps punches and a Starbucks cup wrapper.

A number stamp from Studio Calico (inked up with paint) and a home made journal sheet.

My little robin will feature heavily in this years book.

I'm not precious if you like any of these pages please feel free to lift them for your own album :)

My (not so much) little JOY book is already starting to fill out.

I think I'll be making another doorstop this year :)

TFL

Monsters are packed and ready for shipping to Santa

2011-11-20T18:30:00.001Z

All 16 monsters are finished now (2 are hiding inside their new home),

I have selected which ones are to go to each child and grouped them into families of four.

Each family will arrive packed in a crate that is clearly marked up with "Monster Care" instructions.

I also added a few monsters cut on my cricut and a "Live Animals" label to jazz them up a little.

I downloaded a few Monster fonts from daFont for the labels.

I have really enjoyed this project and am sure that over the next few years I will add to each of the families as birthdays and Christmas come around.

Ideal breeding Conditions

2011-11-16T21:14:00.001Z

I now have thirteen little monsters living in my house. I have to keep a really strict eye on them as they have a tendany to keep running off and hiding in the dog basket!

Invaded by little monsters

2011-11-15T20:03:00.001Z

My house has been invaded today!!!!

Invaded by these cute little monsters!

Aren't they just the sweetest little things! I'm planning on making four families of monsters for the four little people in my life. I managed these six today and am planning on making at least another six tomorrow.

Here they are close up.

Lime

Pink

Red

Purple

Yellow

Turquoise

Here's the whole gang posing again.

The pattern for these little dears can be found here it's a free pattern by Allison Hoffman, really easy to follow and lovely a quick to make up.

making a JOYful start

2011-11-14T08:53:00.001Z

On Saturday at our Monthly crafting crop, I made a start on preping my JOY book for this years mix between Shimelles JYC and Ali Edwards December Daily. As a Pagan I celebrate Yule rather than Christmas so JOY stands for Journal Our Yule (Although as Trav isn't Pagan we do also have pressies on the 25th and normally have friends over for dinner and make a day of it). This year will be the fourth year that I have taken part in a December journal of some kind and each year I enjoy the project a little more. I have chosen to go for a home made album again as 2009 and 2010 are my favorites by far of the three I have completed.

The covers are made from mount board that I have covered with OA papers.

I have used 2" book rings and am hopeful that these will be large enough.

This is the inside of the front cover.

I tend to not prep pages before each day but I was "in the Zone" on Saturday so made a few envelope and journalling pages, to help out on busy days.

My blank print outs for a the yearly round up that I always have at the end of each book.

The pages that I cut to size are mostly kraft cardstock mixed in with some patterned paper

TFL

African Flower Pattern Bag; Assembly post

2011-11-07T16:40:00.000Z

This post is primarily for my lovely sister Tanya.

Tanya and I sadly live to far away from each other to have the coffee and crochet afternoons that we would both love to have. So in place of these we crochet over Skype, which is a good substitute but still leaves a lot to be desired. Tanya is at the stage now with her African flower bag where she is ready to assemble it, but sharing the hows and whys of this online is beyond us both. So I have put this post together for her to follow. If it is also useful to anyone else making this bag then that makes even happier :)

Please note I didn't design this bag it's and don't claim any ownership of the design of the bag or the African Flower Motif. I saw the bag on Pinterest and fell in love with it, so made one for myself, then another. I have plans to make a few more as gifts for friends. You can find more photos of the original on Ravelry by following the link above.

Click on any of the photos in this post to enlarge them.

Assemble the Bag.

Once you have all your African Flower motifs completed, crochet or sew them together as follows (I single crocheted mine).

You should have 19 six sided shapes and 6 five sided shapes.

Here's my bag all hooked together.

Of the whole process I found levelling out the top of the bag the hardest.

I have mixed up the colours on the diagram (opps) but the whole idea is to just build up the valleys to meet the peaks. The only row than should have anything other than single stitch is the Brown (yellow in the drawing) row.

If you want to add a fastening to the bag, you need to make it part of the trim (not added afterwards) as this will be stronger. While crocheting the top row of the bag trim you get to where you want the button hole tag to be and chain 17 stitches, turn and single crochet into the back of this chain, single crochet into the bag trim. The tag needs to be six rows wide. When you get to the button hole; just chain for four rather than crochet. then carry on crocheting into the rest of the tag.

The whole of the Bag trim has been hooked using two strands of yarn, just like the handle. This will give the bag extra strength and minimise any stretching. If you plan on having a tassel add it now.

now it's time for the lining.

Cut your lining so it is double the length of the length of your bag + 5" (this is for the hem and the base)The width of the bag is the more important thing in making the lining. My bag was 14" across so I cut my lining 15" (1" spare is for the hem). first hem the two top seams. Then fold the lining in half (right side in) and sew up the sides. (I always double stitch for extra strength).

with the bag still inside out flatten the bottom of the bag to form a square. from the points of two of the corners measure in 3" draw a line (do this on both sides as in the photo).

Stitch along the lines.

Cut off the pointy bits and throw them away.

You should have this. Leave you bag inside out.

If you want to add a pocket, this should be done before you sew the lining together (not like I did as it's really difficult to add the pocket once the lining bag has been formed).

Pin your lining inside your bag and machine stitch around the top. It's a tight squeeze to get the bag and the lining in your sewing machine but it should be ok to stitch once you get it lined up.

Hand sew the bags handle on using either matching wool or cotton.

And add a pretty button.

Tanya if you need anything clarifying skype me ;) Love you Sis xxx

Ta Daaaaa!

My finished bag!

This one is for me :)

I'm going to make a matching phone sock and a water bottle coat now.

TFL

African Flower Bag # 2

2011-11-05T12:11:00.000Z

I started this project yesterday (I'm out of work again at the moment so have the luxury of being able to sit and hook all day). I really enjoyed making the first bag and this one has been just as much fun.I chose the wool (except the yellow) from a range at the Red Cross Shop, each double knit 100gr ball was just £1.75 and so far I haven't even used half a ball of each. So even with some pretty material to make the linings I can make two of these bags for less than £10. How great if that!!!! (I'm using a 4mm crochet hookfor this project)

I sat yesterday and made all the five (6) and six (19) point flowers, I still need to edge them all in the cream wool before I hook them altogether.

I also made the tassel using the same tutorial as before from Mia's blog. I need to make a plated cord to hang the tassel on and think I might add a bead to this one for a little more weight.

I am working on the handle at the moment. Like the last one I have hooked this with two strands of yarn, for extra strength and to stop the yarn in the handle stretching too much. The brown centre is made up from a row of chain which I then stitched a row of single crochet into the backside of. this gives you a thicker chain which is double sided. I was then able to hook all the way around the chain so there are no ends to the handle. When I add a colour for each new layer I start in a different place each time. this way the bulges, from the starting knot and sewn in ends are spread out along the handle not all in the same place. I also hook the ends in as I go as I find this quicker than then sewing them in later on. The next three rows are all just single crochet (still using the two strands). The blue layer is simply one crochet all the way around.

But on the yellow row I added three increases stitches at each end of the handle and I added two increase stitches on the green layer. When I made the first handle, I made my base stitches on the first two rows at my normal tension. It was really hard to hook into these stitches using two strands of yarn, so this handle I have made sure my base stitches are not so tight, it was mush easier working into these stitches, and the handle has been quicker to make.

TFL

Pinterest Bag Completed

2011-11-04T13:57:00.000Z

Well I have just put the last stitches to my African Flower Bag. I'm over the moon with how it looks. It's all pretty and bright ready to cheer up someones winter day.

I added a tassel at the bottom using this tutorial on MIA's blog. I hooked the trim around the top of the bag using two strands of yarn, this was to give the bag some strength, I tried to make the top of the bag as even as possible and although I'm not sure it's totally what I was aiming for it works.

The handle is also hooked with two strands of yarn and then hand sewn to the bag after I added the lining. I added a few little flowers on each side to make the bag even prettier. the buttons on the handles are just for show. I'm hoping my hand stitching will be strong enough to hold the bag and any weight put in it.

I chose a pretty red flowery material for the lining and made my first ever bag lining. It's not amazing and I'm sure there are crafters out there who are wizzy with a sewing machine. I'm not one of them! But I do think I've made quite a good job of it. I even managed to add a little pocket inside for a mobile phone. My hem lines are straight (ish) and I hope they will hold together once the bag is in use.

I really enjoyed making this bag and have decided to give it to a friend as her christmas gift, I hope she likes it :) I'm going to have a break at making slippers ;) and make at least one more of these bags, I have already chosen the colours i want to use, so i'm off the make a coffee, change the DVD and get started on my first African flower. .

TFL

The pinterest bag cont.....

2011-11-02T13:15:00.000Z

Progress update on my African Flower bag. After hooking 19 of these lovely motifs yesterday and the day before i sat down yesterday afternoon with a coffee and a packet of bic's to stitch them altogther. However...... I couldn't seem to get the motifs to lay properly and form the shape of the bag.

I laid out the centre motif and places six around it (one on each side) and then found I needed a further 12 to create the next layer??????? I must have done something wrong?????

I went back the picture and studied it (for what seemed like ages!!!!!)

No! I still couldn't see what i had done wrong. Then all of a sudden I noticed that the bottom row of motifs in the picture only have five sides each not six! now it all made sense...... I quickly hooked another six motifs, this time with just five sides (at the same time I was teaching my sister how to make the same flowers via the phone and on Skype)

I found that trying to hook the motifs together quite akward and found that if I attached them together with a little yarn at the corners, the job became much easier.

This is the main body of the bag sewn crocheted together. Without the five point motifs added at the base. For me the easiest method was to attach three rows of six motifs end to end, then fix the rows together. Form the rows into a tube shape and the hook them all together.

This is where I am at the moment. the main body of the bag is completed. I have sewn in all the ends (my least favourite part of hooking) and added the first row of trim to the top of the bag.

The trim I'm hooking by eye. The plan is to try and level out the top of the bag before attatching the lining (which I have still to make) and the handle.

This first row in UK terms; start at the dip where two motifs join. 3 treble stitch , 3 double stitch, 4 single stitch , 3 double stitch , 3 treble stitch - repeat. (This should take you "up the dip -over the peak- back down the dip" just repeat it the whole way around, there are places here and there that I have added an extra TS just to even the row out but again that's just something I'm doing by eye as I work my way around the bags edge). I'll add more as I figure it out.

If anyone know's where I can find the original designer of this bag I would love to give them the credit due, but after another search in vain yesterday I still don't seem to be able to find the designer :(

EDITED; Silly me all I needed to do was to sign into ravelry and I managed to locate the maker of the orignal bag in seconds IDreamofJeanne.

TFL

Inspired by Pinterest again!

2011-11-01T16:36:00.002Z

I saw a blanket, last year (I think) crocheted using a really pretty motif and thought how lovely it looked, and how I really must learn how to hook African Flowers. Sadly it was something I never got around to learning, until that is I saw this bag on pinterest last week.

I thought it was just amazing. The only link I could find was to this motif pattern on ravelry.com. I found a photo of the bag here with the copyright to IdreamofJeanne but can't find anymore info about the bag itself or the clever person that made it. However I knew I had to have a go at making my own so I printed out the free pattern, I also found a diagram version of the same pattern (as I'm better with visual than written patterns).

I sat down last night with a selection of pretty colours to work with, unrolled my growing collection of hooks and got to work.

This is what I have to show for my labours :)

19 little flowers of loveliness all waiting to be joined together in just the right order.

I also completed another pair of hooky slippers yesterday to add to my Chrimbo gift box.

TFL

More Christmas Makings

2011-10-31T09:10:00.000Z

First finished "Christmas make" this week is a "twist" scarf. it's long enough to wrap around the neck three times. Nice to wear with a jumper or a coat and there's no ends to try and tuck inside the front of your coat and get caught in the zip. Made in bright girlie colours to match the lovely bright girlie it's going to live with.

Second I have made a "Daddy's little Angel" minibook, this is for carys' daddy to keep in his desk draw at work and remind what he's missing everyday when he's not with her.

I made the minibook in a wrap around style (new to me) using more than a few sheets of Bazzill to make the cover and pages. The book measures just over 6x4.5", and stays closed with two magnets, hidden beneath the journal spot on the cover.

Each page measures 6x4.5". I scored and glued each page at .5" on the width and stuck them firmly on top of each other, to form a side spine, so that the pages open with a fixed hinge effect.

The pages are held in the book with two large Stampin' Up brads, with a panel of CS on the back to cover the brad backs and add extra support.

I used a new 6x6 pad of papers from Jillibean Soup, stickers and Journal spots from Jillibean Soup & October Afternoon

I also used some Journal spots and tags that I have made myself on the computer, embelishing them using a mix of stamps, punches and the sewing machine.

This stitched heart was inspired by something I had seen in Pinterest

TFL

Carys Ann's Birthday Trip

2011-10-30T21:53:00.000Z

I wanted to add a few photos of our 1st Birthday trip to Seaview Bird World(Flamingo park or whatever they are calling it this week)

Here's the little lady in question on the morning of her birthday looking a little over whelmed with all the early morning photo taking and excitement from Daddy.

Neither Trav or I had been to Bird world before and really didn't know what to expect. I have to say I was amazingly impressed! It's a very well thought out animal park with plenty for little (and not so little, as you will see later) kiddies to do. There are human friendly birds wandering about all over the place, who enjoy being hand fed (by the brave) or will just happily follow you about as you scatter bird seed on the floor for them. There is a nice coffee shop but two large pic-nic areas, which we used both were under cover. The only part I wasn't too happy with was the size (or lack of) of the Grey Owls flight pen. Otherwise it was a brilliant day out!

Friendly Ducks and Geese running about all over the place.

We stopped in the activity centre to give Carys a chance to get out of her buggy and crawl about.

She enjoyed the rocking green things

as did Trina and Myself!

Lunch was of the packed type, eaten under one of the large covered picnic area's

we were joined by a large flock of Guinea fowl

and a small cockerel that of course Trav just had to pick up!!!

They have successful breeding programmes for 3 different types of Flamigo

a large area for rescued pet parrots (many of whom sang or spoke to us)

and my favourite of all three beautiful Otters who were extremely entertaining!

There was so much more than just this, if you are planning a trip to the island do make sure you plan a day at the Bird park in Seaview. it's well worth it!

Happy First Birthday Carys Ann

2011-10-25T08:08:00.000+01:00

I can hardly believe it but Carys is one today!!!!!

She is just so adorable and such a huge part of our lives, Every time we see her she has changed in some small way, standing most of the time now, it seems strange to see her upright ;) I think it won't be long before we see her walking about the house followed by a band of loving dogs (all waiting to see what she might drop for them to eat). We are off to the Zoo today to celebrate her birthday and then joining the rest of her family for a tea party this afternoon.

Part of Carys' present from us is this cozy I made a few weeks back.

It's a simple repeated granny square blanket, small enough to use for a little one, but big enough to curl up under on the sofa for an afternoon nap with Mummy or Daddy as she grows.

I edged it with my favourite trim it's a quick and easy two stage stitch but I like it as it looks really effective.

TFL

A Mission to Handmake Christmas cont....

2011-10-23T11:20:00.002+01:00

I have managed to complete two more pressies for my Christmas gift box.

A purple "twist" scarf and a pair of VERY pink slippers :)

I have already started another two projects so my little gift box is quickly filling up. I'm also wrapping as I go as one of my least favourite Christmas tasks is wrapping all the gifts, it's the one I always leave until the last minute.

Have a great Sunday, we are off to Appley Beach with all the dogs later this afternoon to meet up with loads of our puppies for our ninth "Cockers on the Beach" walk.

Newest Tattoo

2011-10-12T17:32:00.001+01:00

I'm just back from the tattooist. Here's my latest piece of body art. I'm really happy with how it's turned, out I took my inspiration for it from a one similar one on pinterest but the lines of infinity were broken and I wanted my infinity lines unbroken so I had the original image changed slightly.

While there Sam found a beautiful Dragonfly in their art book and decided to add to her collection as well

It's so pretty, and so Sami.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Mission to Handmake Christmas

2011-10-12T11:12:00.000+01:00

So sorry to mention the C word, I know we are only just into October but I think if I am to succeed at my mission then i really need to get a move on.I have written out my "To Make" list and sourced all the patterns I think I will need (some bought from Etsy others downloaded free from Ravelry). I have a mix of slippers, scarfs, gloves and a pretty hat or two. My wool basket is brimming and ready for use and I just need to get a move on now with the actual "making" of things. I started with my pink slippers last week and was really happy with how they turned out so made two more pairs this week. the first is for Sam for her Birthday (just before Christmas) she has seen them as I needed her to try them on (they look freakishly small in the photo, but she has very nice normal feet I promise.

this pair are for her daughter Bea, if you look closely you can just see I have sewn a bee on one of the flowers. These slippers take about an evening for each one, but if I really focused (and ignored the other jobs about the house) I think I could complete a pair in one sitting. only seven more pairs to make!!!!!

I have also been thinking about my Christmas/Yule Journal, I ordered some papers the other day, not too many as I still have some left over from the last three years worth of JYC and JOY's. I'm still waiting for OA's new holiday range to be in the UK shops as I am buying the whole range!!!! i made a start on designing how I want the book to look as I am trying a different format this year and I also made up some dates to use on each page.

I just worked out how big the outer black circle needed to be, to fit outside my SU scallop punch and added a plain circle and a dotted circle inside along with a text box (grouping the whole lot together for ease of copying and moving). then I added numbers or words to each text box. Once I was happy with them I printed them out on red and kraft CS punched them out and bagged them ready to use. If you would like a copy of this file to use yourself drop me a comment (or an email) and I'll happily email it over to you.

I'm off to town now to get my new tattoo! Have a great Wednesday

Making pretty slippers

2011-10-06T21:19:00.001+01:00

So after Tuesdays ugly slipper episode a have had another try at making my own slippers (with the view to make a few pairs for my handmade mission to Christmas) So rather than trying to sight make slippers from pictures on pinterest and ending up dissatisfied again. I found a lovely little shop on etsy and ordered three different patterns. They were emailed through to me within a few hours and last night, and this evening I have been happily hooking away to a very clear pattern for "sorrento ladies home slippers"

and here they are

Excuse the dark photo please. I took it with my iPhone.

I'm over the moon with how these have turned out and also very surprised at how easy the pattern was to follow. I added a ribbon tie purely because the first slipper I made is slightly too large but I can see where I made my mistake and made a much better job of the second slipper. I thought the flowers just helped make them pretty :)

These are very comfy
Lovely and warm
Not a bit ugly!
Defiantly not for the dogs to play with :)

So now I have about 7 pairs to make before Christmas is here!

TFL

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Never buy UGLY Slippers again!

2011-10-05T10:03:00.000+01:00

Make them instead ;)

Ok all joking aside they really are very ugly! Now whether that's due to my crocheting skills (or lack there of) or the colours of chunky wool I had available in my wool basket yesterday I don't know?

What I do know is:

they are slightly too large (even after a hot wash and a go in the tumble dryer)
It really hurts to walk on all those little knots
they are UGLY ( Oh I said that didn't I?)

I also know:

I stayed up til 01.45 last night to finish them
They are warm (that is their ONLY redeeming quality)
I made them..... so I will wear them! Dammit!!!!
I secretly want Bella to steal them and eat them ;)

They are another find from Pinterest, and while I was really looking to make a pair of pretty ballet type slippers I don't think my pattern reading skills are that advanced yet. Although they had better get that advanced and quick as I have just ordered a few patterns from Etsy as I really can't wear these slippers for long....... they hurt!!!!

Each slipper is made up from 6 granny squares (like you would ever want to know to make these yourself). I know that they aren't the same and that was done on purpose you see to make sure I always put the on the correct feet (as they are both the same) the one with the pink square "isn't RIGHT" get it?????

Well now I have blinded you all with my Horridly UGLY slippers I thought a little puppy lOVe was required.......... Here's the Gang.

Bella-Donna

(please chew my slippers)

Gracie-Lou

Diggory

and last but by no means the least my lovely baby girls (who are scarily now both 6!!!!)

Suki-Su and Maggie-Mae

Have a great Wednesday!

TFL

Crafting from Pinterest again. Happy Halloween

2011-10-03T23:46:00.002+01:00

Last year at Halloween I dressed up my back garden all spooky like and invited all the local kiddies in for a pretty handmade bag of treats and a scare :) I feel this year I will get just as many little dressed up callers as last so I thought I would make a start on the goodies I plan to handout.

Last years bags were time and stash consuming I can't really afford a big spend out on Halloween papers this year, so I spend a good few hours looking at tons of pins on Pinterest and found these little darlings. I haven't got a clue who made these originally as the Pinterest link is to a passworded website that I am not a member of.

I sorted through my scraps box and found all the colours of cardstock I needed along with six sheets of A4 brown card.

Digging out my trusty Bigshot (the first ever real tool I bought way back in 2004) and the wonderful Top Note dye from Stampin' UP (gifted to me by a beautiful friend)

I cut 24 Top Notes out of the brown CS

and scored them all width ways, down the centre point. The black line you can see on my score board was so I could easily lines up the Top Note points to the same score line.

I then selected a range of punches

and punched out 50 of each size circle and just a whole ton of hearts.

My first Owl face......... I was a little heavy handed with the glue, but it drys clear so no probs.

I had made a whole stack of them in no time at all.

Stuffed Owl

Here they all are waiting for the end of the month. I do think I might have to make a few more as I have a feeling 25 won't last me very long. But as the only thing I have had to spend out for so far is the tin of chocolates (and they are half price at the moment) I think I can manage to make another batch.

TFL

Handfasting Minibook part 4

2011-09-24T10:30:00.000+01:00

These last few pages in our Handfasting minibook show my lovely friends and family gathered around our (rather fierce) fire. Again I'm using that lovely East of Indian tape and some punched SU hearts with titles using OA minimarket stickers or cut on my cricut.

We had a local group Beachcomber come and play in the evening for us. They are an amazing group of musicians and we go and see them as often as we can. We were very lucky, as they stayed till well after dark and we had a bit of a fireside gig especially for those of us who camped at the plot over night.

They are; Kerry and Vince, Jay and Becky

and the lovely Didge Joe came along and played as well.

This is the last page at the moment but I am still hoping that someone took some photos of our guest book tree as I would like to add those to the book. So far though none have appeared on any disks I have been given :( Trav and I have both written letters about the day to store in the Maya Road envelope on the back cover of the folder.

I hope that you have enjoyed looking through the pages of our handfasting album. I now just need to make two smaller versions of this one for each of our mums.

TFL

Handfasting Minibook part 3

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000+01:00

Installment three of our Handfasting minibook.

I forgot to mention that a very good friend of mine (who happens to work at one of my favourite crafting shops - CTM) came to our handfasting and bought with her a roll of yummy East of Indian tape.

I just adore it!!!!

I must admit to being a little unsure about using it to start with ..... all that ripping and those un-straight edges - not my bag man! But I can't get enough of it and have used almost the entire roll on this book alone. I love how it helps pull all the pages together and I have used it some many places to cover page joins or to frame a photo.

Amazing stuff and I want more more more!!!! in all different designs!!!

Here i have repeated the layered heart embellishment again and added a ton of the tape to frame the photo of us kissing. On the right hand page I have used a page protector that is made to hold two 4x6 photos, as you can see they work really well for mini LO's and journal blocks.

Some friends, family and dog (we took Gracie-Lou, Suki-Su and Bella-Donna with us for the weekend) photos for these two pages, again with the repeating hearts (using my favourite SU punch), i made a small pocket out of kraft paper and added a little journal note, the title is made with October after stickers and my DonJuan cartridge.

photos of my man and his eldest son and a beer refil :)

a few more Jillibean Soup journal sprouts and some OA alphas. White photo corners inked with SU crumb cake became my second favourite supply during the making of this album.

I made a red velvet sponge cake covered in vanilla frosting for our handfasting cake and ordered some poppies from a local sugar craft shop (they looked amazing!)

Again these two pages are fold out ones to help tell the story of how I made Trav eat cake!! He's not got a big sweet tooth but I was adamant that he was eating some of this cake and ended up rubbing a load of it into his beard ;)

Tomorrow I will post the last few pages of this book.

TFL

Handfasting Minibook part 2

2011-09-22T10:30:00.000+01:00

So here are a few more pages from our handfasting book.

We held our handfasting (for those who don't know) - to celebrate ten years together and so that we could be married in my faith.

The right hand page in this photo opens out to show more photos (see below).

I used my cricut to cut the titles, another of Sam's handmade stamps and some jilli bean soup journal sprouts made up the base of a repeating layered embellishment.

these pages where the first that I made for the book, the heart drawn on a page ripped from a book was take directly from something I had seen on pinterest a while back.

I just loved this photo of my boots and had to do a multi photo page using it.

The right hand page is another page that folds out.

On the front two pages are our vows to each other, inside are photos of us reading our vows and some journaling about all the crying that happened at this point.

TFL

Handfasting Minibook

2011-09-21T10:30:00.000+01:00

I'm almost finished with the mini book I'm making of our handfasting. I decided that rather than using a 12x12 album and tons and tons of PP and CS i wanted something smaller, something I could leave on the lounge coffee table that wouldn't take up too much room and something that wouldn't cost the earth to make. I have had a couple of paperchases A5 kraft folders in my stash since January this year and thought one of those would be the perfect size. I have used a mix of pages; plastic A5 pockets, plastic pockets that hold two 6x4 photos or pages, plain A5 pages and pages that fold out to reveal hidden photos or journaling. I have taken photos of all the pages that I have completed so far, but some of them I won't be able to post as they contain words or photos that I'm not happy sharing with the www.

So here is the album I hope you enjoy looking through it. There is some reflection here and there but I wasn't able to remove the pages and photograph them (sorry).

-0-

Sam made this stamp for the handfasting card she made us. She stamped me a few images so I could also use them in my book. I adore this stamp but still need to add some colour to areas of it.

I used a wide range of papers to make this book (but not a single picec of OA paper..... shock horror!!!!) I have tried to keep mainly to the red and black theme of the day but have added cream and kraft, with a little jade to help the pages flow. most of the tittles have been cut with my cricut.

These two pages both fold out, I also used a theme of poppies and heart throughout the book.

hiden within are some of the verses said during the ritual, photos of our coven members and the kraft envelope holds a copy of the whole ritual. I used two sheets of A4 kraft copier paper to make the envolpe and them drew a scalloped circle to make the flap a little more interesting. it's decorated using more stamps made by Sam.

Jumping the broom to seal the deal, and photos of me sorting out Trav's shirt before the posed photos were taken.

Look out for more handfasting book photos tomorrow.

TFL

Hen Night minibook

2011-09-20T12:12:00.002+01:00

My youngest niece went on a hen night a few weeks back and asked me to make a minibook for her to give to the bride as part of a wedding gift. The theme for the night was pink and black.

I have left journal spots throughout the book for the bride to write down her memories of the night.

some of the pages fold out, there are spaces where more photos can be added

I added punched flowers, butterflies and tags as embellishments.

I added a pocket to this page and put a few journal tags inside.

I also made a journal tag for her to list any hen tasks she was given.

It's all boxed up now ready for me to take to the post office. I do hope they both like it :)

TFL

Bought to you by the letter C

2011-09-14T10:15:00.001+01:00

Happily I have a new job, it's hopefully just a filler until the school remember how good I am with the naughty kids and they advertise my old job. The idea that just because a school has changed from a state school to an academy so all of a sudden all the kids will start to behave and compile is a joke but I'm happy to let the school management believe that for a little while ;) anyway back to the reason for posting. I know work weekends so my days off are during the week.... Sweet! I get the house to my self, once the dogs and house work are done I can sit and craft for a food few hours! And today is one of those days I'm drinking Coffee, eating Custard Creams

and Crocheting a Cozy for Carys.

I might even manage to cook a Curry for tea tonight ;)

have a Cool Wednesday.

TFL

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Crafting from Pinterest

2011-09-11T11:22:00.001+01:00

I saw this neat little Christmas ornament tutorial on Pinterest the other day.

I've been looking to make some apples to hang on my Wicca tree, for Mabon. I wanted them to be 3D apples not flat stamped ones and I thought that this ornament would serve my purpose perfectly. I gathered the tools that I thought I might need

And cut out as many circles from three sheets of 12x12 cardstock as I could on my cricut. My circles are roughly 1.5" I think it might have been easier if I had cut them slightly larger.

Taking 12 circles as the tut told me I stapled the 12 together. My stapler only just went through the pile, but it did hold. I added glue dots top to one circle, bottom to the next.

And stuck them together as I went around the globe. I'm not overly impressed with the finished ornament. #1 because the ball looks too cramped

#2 because out of three sheets if CS I will only be able to make 9 apples.

-0-

So I changed the pattern slightly and only used 8 circles for the next ornament.

I'm much happier with this one. The stapler went through the layers much better. The layers aren't so cramped so the colours and patterned paper shows up better also I will get a few more apples for my CS. If I was to make them again I wouldn't use Bazzill, it is too thick for this task coloured paper would work much better and I would cut the circles about 1/4" larger just to make each ornament a little less fiddly.

Another great find on my favourite website Pinterest!

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A Truly Magickal Weekend!

2011-08-30T06:17:00.011+01:00

My Trav and I were handfasted on Sunday. It was done in celebration of us being together 10 years, and so that we could be married in my faith, which is Wicca. Ten long and lovely years ago when I met Trav and moved him in with me within the week, many of our loved ones could be heard whispering "that will never last"........ Well how wrong could they have been!!! We are so suited to each other, such a perfect fit that I don't think our relationship could do anything but last!!! So with six months full on planning, making and stressing we pulled off the perfect handfasting to make our marriage even stronger! I haven't see many of the photos yet but here are a few I have pinched from a friends FB page. I will post more as I find them and once the photographer sends us our copies. So in no particular order;

The Broom and Table my dad made for us, it is tradition that the handfasted couple jump the broom on leaving the ritual circle, couples attending are also invited to jump together to reaffirm the love for each other.

Some of the crafting bits and bobs I did to make the woods even prettier

The band, Beachcomber were brilliant!!!!

I love this photo

The Altar

Waiting to be smudged with white sage before entering the circle

Cutting the cake (I made a red velvet with vanilla frosting)

Heart!

Another fab photos that I love!

Trav had a good few tears during the ritual (as did I)

Gracie watching us and the bubbles

So great to see one of Trav's sons there! This is his eldest Mike.

No!!!! nothing norty!!!! I'm sorting his shirt out before we pose for photos!!

My lovely Carys!!! modelling a Nanny Dog hair creation.

We had the most amazing weekend, with some of the most wonderful people!!!

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU!!!!!! to all the members of my closet circle of friends, you know who you are; S, Tee, M, G. (and two extra members of this circle for the day) C and B you guys ROCK!!!!!. My wonderful friends the Coltmans for all their support, Cuddles (most important!!) the loan of camping equipment and of course dogsitting Maggie, Digg and Bella. To all the members of our family and friends who were able to travel from near and far to join us celebrate this very magickal day.
And most of all THANK YOU to my lovely scrummy husband Trav for being so supportive of me in every way! Love you always!!!!!
I would like to NOT thank all the Bastard woodland bugs that have biten me to pieces, so that I'm scratching now like I have fleas!!!!!!

If you have managed to9 stay with me this long, I thank you all for reading :)

A very happy Mrs Lumpkin
Pxx

Hooking Rainbows on Rainy days

2011-08-17T09:01:00.006+01:00

Here are a couple more cushions for Jenni (the caravan I don't own yet). I finished them both off yesterday, but they have taken my just over a week to hook. I have really enjoyed making these, they are quick and simple but very satisfying to look at once completed. I have already started on another patchwork style cushion in different colours.

The stripy one was the easiest to make but all those ends to weave in nearly drove me insane!!!!! I'm so pleased I finally figured out how to make the rose like flowers, I had been struggling with this pattern for a while now and just couldn't get it right but thanks to Pinterest I found a really clear tutorial and was able to whip these up in about 20 minutes.

I loved every thing about this patchwork one even hooking the squares together was ok. Although I think with the next one I'll hook the squares into rows first and then hook the rows together. I was quite pleased with myself on this one as I made the leaves myself without a pattern (I know they are just leaves, but it's the first thing I've "just" hooked that has turned out how I wanted it too).

and a couple of photos of my girls enjoying my hooking after their morning run.

Bella-Donna
Maggie-Mae
Suki-Su (Bella's mummy)TFL
have a great day!

Handfasting plans are coming along.

2011-08-15T11:10:00.004+01:00

Well we have just under two weeks to go now until our big day, on Sunday 28th August. Trav and I have been together ten years this year and we wanted to do something special to celebrate. As I am Wiccan we have chosen to hold a Handfasting (Pagan Wedding) on local private woodland, attended by a party of our family and friends. The phrase "tying the knot" originates from Handfastings, as during the ritual the couples hands are bound together in union. I have made our cords using red, gold, cream cord, black ribbon and a re-purposed necklace.
I'm praying that the weather will remain dry for us, as we plan to spend the whole day outside in the woods. I have made piles of decorations to hang in the trees (already posted) these are my latest creations. I plan to hang them separately under the gazebo and put fairy lights inside them for when it starts to get dark.
I've also been trying to think of little things that the children can do (when they get bored of charging about the woods). So have completed a colouring in and quiz book ( I need to get some crayon packs) there will be plenty of bubbles about, as we don't want any confetti thrown. I also have a bubble machine that will be on most of the day.

We have a ton of bug spray, 200 red glow sticks so the little ones (and big ones) can have some glowing the dark silliness.
I really wanted to do a guest book tree like the one here but my lovely friend correctly pointed out the if so much as one finger print was out of place or smudged or messy It would ruin the whole thing for me (I'm so OCD about things) so I had a re-think and decided that I would have a four step guest book. #1 chose a tag #2 stamp your finger print #3 sign your name #4 hang the tag on our tree (we will have a branch tree in the vase). I will then take all the tags and use them in the scrapbook I plan to make on our September retreat.

I've still got a huge list of jobs I need to work through, but I'm really pleased with how everything is coming together.

TFL

A much needed crafty day with friends

2011-08-11T18:08:00.002+01:00

We held the Wight Craft Circle Crop today instead of this coming Saturday (we are all so busy this summer, it's madness trying to get together on the same day). Sadly Sarah was missing, although we are all pleased for her as she has a lovely new job :) which was why she couldn't go us. I wasn't feeling very inspired at the start of the morning but sitting back now and looking at my LO's I'm really quite pleased with them and the fact that I managed to complete three. The first two are both about my eldest step-son Michael who Graduated Manchester University last month. Although they will sit opposite each other in my album they weren't scrapped as a DLO, they are just meant to match.

Bachelor of Arts
Graduate

I think the PP is from Studio Calico? I don't know where the little owls come from I punched them from a scrap of paper I've had for ages. The CS is all Bazzill (I chose the three colours gold, purple and black. to match Mikes robes). I cut the title and ink stencils using the design suite for my cricut.

Perfect Love, Perfect Trust

My third LO is of a photo Trav took of Carys and Myself, on her Christening day. I love this picture!! I used a couple of older MME papers (Deena's Penny Lane- Tiny Dancer) for this page, I love how the pretty pastels work so well with the photo, without drowning it out. I again used 3 sheets of Bazzill CS and this time a few OA alpha stickers and journal spots. I hand cut the bunting and then attached each flag with embroidery silk to the page.I have another selection of photos that I will make a DLO in matching papers and colours as this LO. The I might print them all out again and make a mini book for Carys and her Parents.

TFL

Rainy days spent hooking

2011-08-07T11:57:00.004+01:00

You know I don't mind rainy summer holidays. Yes I know the dogs get soaked through when out for walks and then the floor needs a good clean when they come home, but rainy days give me the excuse to curl up in front of the Telly watching a few old films while hooking some yummy wooliness. Pinterest has been an amazing source of inspiration for me and I have found myself hooking cushion covers. I've never really enjoyed the thought of sewing tons of granny squares together so have always made huge grannys and used them just for blankets. but this week found me not only making small grannys and hooking them together but actually making the fleece backed cushion cover and blanket stitching my hooks creation onto it. I'm amazed at how well I have done for my first real sewing project and now have three other fleecey cushions ready for a pretty front cover.

I have also spent a little time on my giant granny stripe blanket (that will replace the bed throw I made last year, the older throw is moving into the caravan when we get her at the end of the year. As after a much needed go in the washing machine it is now a little too small for the bed, but will look perfect in the van). As you can see I'm just under half way there with the granny stripe. Friday I started on a new cushion cover this one will be made up of 24 small square. I couldn't find a pattern anywhere that i liked so mixed a couple together and removed a few stitches here and there to make the squares small enough and this is what I came up with. Nothing amazing but a sweet little square that is quickly hooked. I have just six yellow squares to hook and then I can assemble to cushion cover. Here you can see my plan for how it will look once I have finished. I am going to hook each square together with cream wool and them add a cream scalloped boarder so that it matches the cream fleece I have used for the cushion backing.

Hope you all have a great Sunday, We are off to a BBQ later if the rain holds off.

TFL

Christening Cake and a Monster

2011-08-01T08:03:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we spent the day with Carys and her family, to celebrate her christening.

Here we are with the little lady in Brightstone Church yard.

I had the honour of making her christening cake.
I'm so pleased that the icing lasted the heat of the day.
I made a three layered pink cake, with vanilla flavoured frosting. Carys loved her monster, although he still remains nameless.

TFL
-x-

Amigurumi owl and monster

2011-07-30T21:52:00.002+01:00

As well as baking a pink layer christening cake for Carys big day tomorrow I've made another two amigurumi beasties today.

First is Owlelle

She is tiny no more than 2 1/2" high I used double knit and a size 4.5 hook.

My second beastie is another monster, these are my favourite by far to make as they can't be wrong. This one I made using some seriously chunky wool and a size 5 hook. He has turned out a lot bigger than I expected but I was making things up as I went along with this one.
He hasn't got a name yet.

He looks a bit off centre in this photo but thats just because I've had to stand him on the arm of the sofa to get a photo with my iPhone. I've made him baby safe and am going to give him to Carys tomorrow. I'm sure her Daddy will be able to think of a great name for him.

As he doesn't have sleeves he is wearing his heart on his foot

TFL

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Monster Onwards

2011-07-29T07:45:00.005+01:00

Already just two days after my first attempt at making amigurumi creatures, my collection is growing at a alarming rate. I have three new monsters to join my Zombie.

Monster Love, Squidlee and Bee Happy Monster
Bee-Happy has been made as a gift and will be leaving me soon. He started out life as something all together different and developed into a monster as he grew.
Monster Love, like Bee Happy she was meant to be something else (a rabbit's body), but I feel she is happier as a monster!
Squidlee, is my first amigurumi that has turned out exactly as I pictured right from the start.
I'm still not having any lucky following any patterns, so instead I'm looking at other amigurumi on pinterest and crocheting by eye.
TFL

Amigurumi take two | Fluffy Zombie

2011-07-27T14:16:00.003+01:00

This morning after watching several YouTube videos on whether my hooking is right side out or wrong side out? How to make my decreases invisible and attaching limbs and Scanning through tons of wonderful projects on pintrest. I've completed my second little being.

Meet Fluffy Zombie.

Learning the art of amigurumi

2011-07-26T18:23:00.003+01:00

I can't say it but I'm learning to crochet in the style of amigurumi here's my first effort. It's the head of a bunny

Update on bunny makings, she now has a body and two ears I'm really happy with how this is coming together as it is my first 3D crochet project.

I'm half way through her first leg and am thinking it's far too big for this bunny!!!!! I know there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making amigurumi but I think I've gone a little mad with the size of her foot!!! So for tonight at least I'm leaving her legless at least she has a pretty bow to off set her new wonky button eyes

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Seeing circles before my eyes.........

2011-07-25T19:51:00.004+01:00

Circles circles and more circles!!!

All I can say is I'm pleased I have circle punches and don't have to cut them all by hand. Over the last few days I have been making decorations to hang in the trees for our Handfasting. I'm making strings of 3D circles at the moment. They don't look much piled on the table but draped over the branches of a tree they will look very pretty.

I have also made a selection of paper globes in mostly red, black and cream (our themed colours for the day) The smaller ones were made using 2.5" circles and for the larger globe I used 6" circles cut on my cricut.

I have also given them a good misting with some red glimmer mists. and finally I made about 10 strings of wind spinners,
also to hang in the trees and hopefully look pretty :) These are made with a mix of folded rosettes, 3D circles, punched out butterflies and some beads to keep them hanging straight so they spin rather than blow in the wind.

I still have loads of ideas and plenty of things I want to make, so I should be quite busy over the next four weeks leading up to the Handfasting. Lets hope my scrap paper box lasts out otherwise I can see a big paper order coming on ;)

My Craft Room

2011-07-14T10:07:00.001+01:00

I moved into my craft room just before Christmas last year. Although my craft room it is also used as a spare room and a space to store our vast collection of DVD's and CD's. I do have most of the space and I have been able to try the desk in a few different positions. I have finally settled on having it against the back wall, this way I get plenty of light from the window but not so much as to blind me when the sun comes around each evening. I'm the kind of crafter that likes everything within arms length. I can't stand having to get up to reach something, so because of that I tend to have things I use often either out in sight or in the storage cubbys closest to my desk.

Left hand side of my desk;

My trimmer is a permanent fixture here along with my ideas book, my tool bag, my journals and 6 small RUB's (Really Useful Boxes) that hold; ribbons, mixed butons, little pieces, chipboard pieces and SU stamps.

On the middle and the right hand side of my desk;

My IKEA desk organiser, currant nail polish, ink pot, computer and Ipod dock, colouring pencils, my paper scraps box and my desk bin ( I can't even bear to have to stretch out for the bin so I have a mini bin on my desk).

The shelves above my desk hold my cricuit carts, more RUB's all clearly labelled, Buttons sorted by colour into mason jars, Maya Road tins that hold journaling blocks and chipboard pieces, my MOJO fairy and some of my collection of ladybirds, some family photos, my sidekick and my BIA. I also hand loads of minibooks, tags and pretty bits from the hooks underneath the shelf unit. I have hung some ribbon spools on a painted wooden spoon at the side of the unit.

To the right of my desk on a 8 pod Expedit unit I have mini chest of draws that I found at a craft fair last year. My punches are in the tiered fruit basket. My A4 cardstock and printer paper, my printer and my cricut (under the red spotty cover).

The green chest of draws is the perfect place to store all my inks.

Behind my desk is another 4 pod Expedit unit on this stands two A4 paper stores that hold all my card bases and envelopes, my photo printer (under another red spotty cover), some more ladybirds and an easel where i always display my latest LO In the pods of these Expedit units I have all my scrapbooking albums, boxes that hold a selection of projects to start, spare glues and tape spools, BIA wires and other bits and bobs. Two larger RUB's that hold my BigShot dyes, crafting and wicca books, more as yet unstarted mini albums and folders, both my sewing machines, project boxes that hold works in progress and my beloved ATG gun. Moving back around to beside my desk, I have my MS scoreboard next to my sewing machines I store most used items in the box right next to my chair, a tray above this box holds more punches, my sprays and ranger paint dabbers. Underneath my desk I keep a dog ;) she makes a nice warm foot rest ;) My 12x12 cardstock and paper is all stored her in RUB's and paper carriers. Red baskets hold ATG refils, string paint and tons of other bits and pieces that us crafters use on a daily basis.

So that's my craft room which by the way I didn't tidy before taking these pictures. Those who know me know I like to scrap tidy and clear away between layouts. My craft room is my place of peace and creativity, my hide-away from a busy lifestyle and a always on and sometimes rather loud TV!!

TFL

Waaayhey and Sweet Dreams

2011-07-12T18:48:00.003+01:00

Waaayhey, scrapbooking just for the sake of scrapbooking ;) and enjoying it!!!!!

I made this LO with some papers bought to use for one of the babies in the family, but thought it was a perfect background for these photos. I cut the circles with my cricut, as well as the title. The stickers and journal block are both October afternoon.

This LO Sweet Dreams, I made using MME papers and pieces from my "little pieces" pot a few tickets some butterflies, buttons and a dab or two of glossy accents. I also got a bit happy with a pack of rub on's. I'm not normally a big rub-on's user, as I worry about messing up a completed LO with half a rub-on (that I didn't want to use). With the little bear, I rubbed him onto some journaling CS and then painted him with SU inks. Don't forget to look at our Wight Craft Blog if you fancy a weekend of full on scrapbooking in September when we hold our Bi-annual Retreat.

Scrapbooking again .....finally!!!

2011-07-10T12:33:00.005+01:00

I spend yesterday with some of the WCC ladies at our July crop. I haven't done any real scrapping for a few weeks (because; a, lack of mojo b, lack of printer ink c, lack of scrapbooking interest). I quite enjoyed creating yesterday, although I feel I'm still lacking some mojo and all of the LO's I did are from sketches. The first two LO's are part of 4x6 photo love from Shimelle.

CHAV'S DAY OUT. (May LO)
My ASDAN class on our last trip out before they all left school.

FIRST DANCE (June LO)
Trav has joined the Bloodstone Boarder Morris Dancers.

I then did these two LO's from Shimelle's Sketch of the week.
Ready to STOMP, DANCE & SING
Trav posing in his new dance outfit.

DAY TRIPPERS
(I spelt the title wrong I know)
I went to Glastonbury in May with Sam and her children.

I have a few more photos left that I feel I want to scrap (that's a good sign) so I might have a go at them later on tonight.
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I also wanted to mention that If you fancy a scrapbooking break there are still a few places left available on the next WCC retreat in Totland Bay on the 23rd September. more info here

TFL

Oh no!!! Dog + cake = disaster

2011-07-02T17:40:00.004+01:00

No Cake O'Clock for us today!!!!!We popped out this morning, after walking the dogs and making sure the birthday cake was safely out of reach on the dinning room table. We returned home to a broken down baby gate, a half eaten birthday cake and a very fat rather poorly looking Hunni Monster!!! Bad puppy dog!!! no dinner for you tonight!!!