Beautifullily's Ramblings

A Make A Month ...

2012-01-22T10:24:00.003Z

... and a birthday present.

I had been wondering what to make and then remembered the project kit that came free with Cath Kidston Patch book that I got for Christmas.

I've done a different Suffolk Puff to the one suggested and used different backing fabric to the cream cotton that was supplied.

I have done very little patchwork in my life, so it was quite nice to do something different. I think I overdid the amount of stitching required, but it's all a learning process!!

Goodbye Sketchy Thursday ...

2012-01-18T12:41:00.003Z

... like many people I was a bit sad to hear the news that the Sketchy Thursday challenges were going to stop. I never played along as much as I would have liked, but their sketches were always easy to use and adapt. I couldn't not take part in their last challenge.

Challenges ...

2012-01-16T13:46:00.004Z

... first week proper and I'm on track with my goals. It was completely appropriate to play along with this challenge on Sarah's Card - scrap your 2012 creative intentions.
A card sketch challenge for a Scrapbook Circle (may have over done it with the red!)

Take 12: January ...

2012-01-13T13:55:00.002Z

A Make A Month ....

2012-01-10T16:19:00.003Z

.... thank you to Fiona for pointing me in the direction of A Make A Month - so I've signed up!
Hopefully this'll keep me on track.

10 things: Creative Goals 2012 ...

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000Z

1. To make curtains for Lily's bedroom. So this might not be the most creative goal, but I've had the fabric for 6 months now. I started them yesterday.

2. Make this cushion

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Fay on Pinterest

This is the jelly roll I've chosen - the fabrics are so lovely in it.
3. Crochet a blanket. I actually started this before Christmas but progress is quite slow - I don't think I should have tried to make it so wide. Am pleased with how it's going though and it should be ready for next Winter!

4. Weekly photo challenge with my sister as previous post.

5. Take 12 "Take 12 photos on the 12th of each month. Scrapbook 144 memorable moments this year." I try to stay away from these sorts of challenges but I've found myself being drawn in!!! I enjoyed 'Scrap Your Day' that I completed nearly 3 years ago, so it'll be good to have something as comparison.

6. To make more She Art (and mixed media in general) - I've promised some for Mia's bedroom.

7. To do a LO a week for a challenge website. My favourites are:

Sketchy Thursday
Scrapbook Circle
PencilLines
Stuck?

8. To learn to freestyle machine embroidery. I've had a little go, but I think I need to get a proper attachment for my machine. I really like Poppy Treffry's work.

9. Make more cards. I don't know why I always struggle with this, maybe it's the lack of sentiment stamps and stickers.

10. Give more handmade presents. I've got a library of patterns of things I can make now and I especially like the ones from Gingercake - the owl cushion is next on my list.

Happy New Year ...

2012-01-05T15:01:00.006Z

... well it looks like I took an unplanned blog break as seems to happen from time to time.

I had a good Xmas and New Year, the girls were uber excited as expected. It seems like an age ago now. Here's a few presents that I managed to make for Christmas, mainly teacher's presents. I had planned to make much more but I've been doing some supply work for easyfundraising which took any spare time I had (although some much welcome money was earnt!)

Mug cosies

Notepad cover, bookmarks and key ring.
Earwarmers (modelled by their gorgeous receipients!)

I'm hoping to get back to crafting soon, the house still needs some order to be restored to it first.

I've not made any crafting resolutions, the only plans I have is a photography challenge with my sister. After getting a new camera for Xmas she mentioned that she wanted to take more photos, so we've set up a weekly challenge - I'll set it one week and then she'll do the next one. Will be interesting to compare a teenager's photos to a 40-somethings!

10 things: all about me ...

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000Z

... inspired by this post, I thought I would share a bit more about me!

- I am Fay, no middle name and no ‘e’ at the end

- Wife to Steve who works in Renewable Energy (wind and solar) at 3m. We have been married for 10 years, but have been together for 20. We met on our industrial placement from University at IBM in Basingstoke in 1991.

- Mother to Lily, nearly 9 and Mia 7. I love having 2 girls (can’t comment on boys) but they do test my parenting skills to extreme.

- I lost my mum when Lily was two weeks old and I miss her terribly. Even now I struggle to come to terms with it.

- I grew up in Torquay and went to University in Bristol studying Business Studies. With hindsight I would have chosen a far more creative route.

- Before the girls I worked mainly in Telecoms Customer Service/Order Management/Project Management, first for Mercury Communications in Birmingham. Later I went back there when they become Cable & Wireless and was made redundant in 2002. Then I worked for Vodafone for a short time before becoming pregnant with Lily.

- Now I work for easyfundraising on an ad hoc basis after resigning my permanent position in July.

- I chair the Infant School’s PTA which brings me great satisfaction and stress in equal measures!

- Not surprisingly I love making things – I can sew, crochet, cook, bake and paint.

- I love giving gifts and the wrapping paper is as important. I used to change the Christmas tree decorations every year and co-ordinate my wrapping paper with it. I now have other things to do with my time!

Book advent update ...

2011-12-06T13:08:00.004Z

... this has gone down really well with the girls and we are enjoying having a cosy up at the end of the day with a festive book to read. I've made a little book to write the reviews in from index cards and these great journalling cards.

Book advent ...

2011-11-30T13:45:00.000Z

... I think counting down to the big day is one of my favourite parts of the holiday season. In the past I've made and advent calender tree and an advent activity calender.

This year I've been taken with the idea of a book advent - reading a Christmassy book every day. I went through the girls' collection and found about 6 appropriate books, so a quick shop on ebay resulted in a few more and a trip to the library has got me to 23 (still waiting for another from the library).

I'm going to wrap them up and number them (library books first!). I was hoping to find some brown paper bags, but no joy at short notice, I could leave them unwrapped but then discovering which book is half the fun.

I've also got a Playmobil calender for the first time and the obiligatory choccie calenders (I'm sorry but I think they're a must!)

I'm not planning on a Xmas daily album this year, I've still got an uncompleted one from a couple of years ago and my Gratitude journal is untouched. I'm thinking I might get the girls to do a book review and maybe make that into a mini album instead.

A mystery parcel ...

2011-11-29T13:37:00.002Z

... I received a parcel at the weekend, nothing unusual in that - there's plenty arriving at the moment, and when I opened it I found some rather lovely goodies.

The only thing is, I didn't order these and I've no idea who's sent them and why!!! It's come direct from Lily Bee in the US. I thought at first it might be something to do with the Cocoa Daisy Crop, but there's nothing about it on their forum. I can't think who I've given my address to either!

Whilst I solve the mystery I shall enjoy my goodies, I've already made a birthday card.

A few more Cocoa Daisy challenges ...

2011-11-22T12:16:00.009Z

... I got some time last week and at the weekend to do a few more challenges, really loved this online crop!

To scrap in B&W (which is harder than I first thought!)

To use machine stitching - along with the circles on the side, I've outlined some of the backing paper circles.

To be inspired by quilting - I chose the hexagon theme

To use mod podge - I have wanted to make one of these birds for ages and they were recently featured on Kirstie's Handmade Britain. He's a bit lumpy and lopsided, I certainly learnt a lot for the next one!

And finally a recipe challenge - to use pink or red, white, some sparkles, texture and answer various questions.

A cosy cabin ...

2011-11-17T10:45:00.003Z

... a Cocoa Daisy challenge LO based on an autumnal colour scheme.

Grateful Days 5 - 14 ...

2011-11-16T14:38:00.005Z

... I finally got caught up with my pages over the last couple of days. I've been really mindful that if I don't stay on top of this project then it will just be added to the unfinished pile and I really don't want that. So I'm holding myself accountable on my blog!

A couple more...

2011-11-15T15:58:00.002Z

... from the weekend.

A christmas card based on a clothing design.

This challenge was to make a piece of wall art based on some pictures, so I made a 6x4 canvas.

I've a few more challenges that I'd like to do but I'm trying to make my Gratitude Journal a priorty this week so that I don't get behind and have it as another uncompleted project.

It's been a month ...

2011-11-13T11:27:00.008Z

... since I scrapped and there's nothing like a good online crop to give me a boost, especially the ones over at Cocoa Daisy.

I started off on Friday night with the One Hour Challenge which had to include a photo of yourself, 5 facts, 3 pieces of patterned paper and 7 embellishments.

I actually changed my finished LO on Saturday morning as I wasn't so happy with it.

Next a sketch challenge set by Vicky Boutin.

A challenge inspired by quilting, knitting and crochet and to include either holes, yarn or a grid structure. I crocheted the flowers myself!

Saturday's one hour challenge based on lists, stationery supplies, being a bit messy, lines and handwritten journalling.

The challenges are open all week, so plenty of time to join in.

11:11 11/11/11 ...

2011-11-11T12:43:00.003Z

Just me and my dog x

10 things: Pinterest quotes ...

2011-11-10T09:19:00.000Z

Source: blueberrylake.tumblr.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: dailybitsofbeauty.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Fay on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: engravedwithmusic.deviantart.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: inspiredbycharm.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Fay on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Fay on Pinterest

Pincushion ...

2011-11-09T10:07:00.000Z

... can you believe that I didn't have a pin cushion? Something I've wanted to put right for sometime. I love these ones from namolio mine's a bit more basic!!!
I blanket stitched round a circle (not my best stitching and I couldn't find my pink floss) and then basically crocheted a small hat shape which I crocheted onto the blanket stitch (of course the number of stitches weren't the same on each so I had to do a bit of tinkering). The first crochet thing I've made without a pattern so quite pleased with myself.

From Pin to reality ...

2011-11-08T13:13:00.000Z

... I do have a lot of inspiration pinned on Pinterest but I'm doing OK in actually making some of them. Not feeling too great but needing to create I decided to have a go at these coasters.

Source: luvinthemommyhood.com via Fay on Pinterest

Now maybe I need to make more effort in product photography!!

Grateful: Days 2 - 5 ...

2011-11-06T14:47:00.002Z

... I designed these pages to take photos, but I'm not finding I need them so they're taking some filling.

I've been using some journalling blocks from here - there's also some great numbered cards which would be good for Journal Your Christmas/December Daily.

Gratitude ...

2011-11-02T11:00:00.009Z

...so I started my Gratitude Journal yesterday and it feels really good to focus on positives as I'm feeling quite stressed at the moment.

I started the covers back at the end of August for Learn Something New. I wanted to have mixed media covers (I've used 7x5 canvas boards) but didn't really like what I came up with. So then I stenciled on some modelling paste, but still didn't like it, so ended up painting all over the top again and them inking the reliefs (that's the beauty of canvas!!) Note to self: punch holes for bookrings prior to adding layers in future!

This is my first page. I'm going to try and keep it quite simple, firstly so that I can keep up with making pages throughout November but also so that I don't end up with a huge book.

I had a lovely gift in the post this morning. I was thrilled to win this magazine in a giveaway on Bugs and Fishes. This is such a great mag but a shame that it's from the US, may have to put a sub on my Christmas List.

Sorry if you haven't been able to see the pics in this post earlier, not sure what happened there - thanks for pointing it out Lisa.

It's been 4 years ...

2011-10-30T11:07:00.001Z

... recently Emma posted her first LOs and so I thought the timing was apt to share mine - as you can see they are Autumn ones.

I had a single Basic Grey collection pack and buttons, I obviously hadn't cottoned onto proper journalling - using poems I'd found - and none of the pictures are dated! Still I think they're OK!!

Attitude of Gratitude ....

2011-10-21T18:24:00.004+01:00

... well I didn't even get off the ground with Learn Something New Every Day in September. I had started my album covers, cut up lots of paper and started writing a note on a scrap of paper each day, but with my Nanna's illness and passing, I just lost any motivation with it.

So as I have a pile of paper waiting to be made into something I thought I'd join in with this -
a month-long tribute to thankfulness and expressing your gratitude. Hopefully a month of calm reflection but a month of craziness!

Operation Thirteen: Part 3 ....

2011-10-20T16:55:00.001+01:00

...so these are the last of my makes. The bunny creature has rice inside so that you can microwave it and use as a hot water bottle.

a bookmark

and a little bag.

This poster has been designed by the fab SJ, such a great product and price and a completely personal design service. You can find out more here.

Operation Thirteen: Part 2 ....

2011-10-18T11:27:00.002+01:00

... a few stationery items. Making these I realised that I'm not very good at cutting out or sewing straight! So I bought myself a rotary cutter (blunt already from much use!) which is helping a bit!

I've not applique'd before, so why I thought I'd try on these presents I'll never know, but at least the recipient isn't critical of my work!

Just need to buy some rice to finish the last present and then I'm done. Have a real sewing groove on at the moment, have also made the girls a nightie each at the weekend.

Operation Thirteen: Part 1 ...

2011-10-12T11:42:00.003+01:00

... my sister turns 13 at the end of November. Some of you may remember that I made her a scrapbook album when she turned 10. For this milestone I've decided to make her 13 presents.

Here are the first 6. I've another one on order (handmade, not by me, but I'm still counting it!) So just another 6 to go.

The purse clasp and pattern came free with the latest issue of Mollie Makes, very cute, but very fiddly to make.

10 Things: Christmas ...

2011-10-10T09:36:00.008+01:00

.... yes I used the 'C' word, but I have to admit that Christmas is firmly in my sights now so here are my goals relating to the wonderful time of year!

1. Go see The Nutcracker performed by The Birmingham Royal Ballet Company (tickets booked!)

2. Visit the German Christmas market in Birmingham

3. Make each nearest and dearest at least one handmade present each

4. Make an Activity Advent Calender - did this a couple of years ago and the girls loved it, had daily activites like 'Paint each other's toenails', 'Take a drive to see the neighbourhood lights' etc

5. Buy a real tree this year (or at least put the artifical one up, last year we didn't have a tree due to a new puppy.)

6. Go to a Christingle service

7. Listen to live Christmas Concert

8. Plan a get together with friends (in the planning stage)

9. Go ice skating at Somerset House, London

10. Each family member to perfom one Random Act of Kindness at some point in December

New hat ...

2011-10-09T17:54:00.002+01:00

... today is the first day I've felt vaguely human in about 10 days, I've been completely zapped of energy and have even watched daytime TV whilst slumped on the sofa!

However I've still had itchy fingers, so yesterday I decided to get my crochet hooks out - something I've not done in over a year. And this is what I made snuggled under my duvet.

I think it could do with blocking to uniform the shape, however I don't have the equipment for that, so I'll just have to go with it. In my haze I must have got confused with which was the right way out, not sure if I've stitched the bow to the wrong side or not as I've got loose threads that I've tidied up on both the inside and outside of the hat!

Think I'd like some handwarmers to go with it now.

Don't scrap when you're poorly ...

2011-10-04T11:14:00.002+01:00

... I have not feel well for a few days now, the start of a cold and real lack of energy. But having itchy hands yesterday I thought I'd do this week's Starting Point.

It started out OK (haven't followed the exact design this week)

but then I start making silly mistakes - the flower in the corner is covering up a smudged painted butterfly; there's a spot of brown paint in the top middle splattered from were I was trying to correct smudged butterfly; and I also kept creasing the paper as I was scrapping on the edge of my desk.

Hey Ho, think it came out OK in the end!

A quick card for you also - I've used a great printable from SJ, I'm always struggling with how to do sentiments on cards, so these are perfect.

Whilst making it I commented to Mia on how much I loved the corduroy brad in the flower to which she replied 'Why are you giving it away then?'!

Favourite colours ...

2011-09-28T12:53:00.001+01:00

... I've had these photos printed since I did the last Shimelle class and thought that the papers in the Scrapbook Circle The Good Life kit would go well with them.

Each month you also get sent a page of printable of elements that co-ordinate with the kit and I usually forget to use it, but this time I printed out the little banner flags and added some word stickers to them.

I misted the white thickers with purple but they've ended up looking a bit more black - oh well!

Mia @ 7 ...

2011-09-26T16:53:00.003+01:00

... it's been a couple of weeks since I scrapped what with life's highs and lows, so I needed a quick boost. I went for the Scrapbook Circle Number challenge and Shimelle's starting points.

Using Scrapbbok Circle's The Good Life Kit.

Have got the PTA's AGM in a few minutes and I'm really hoping that we're able to elect a new Chair to replace me. I'm happy to continue to support the committee but after 2 years I feel that it's time for someone new to take over - wish me luck!

The Birthday Party Details ...

2011-09-24T18:08:00.001+01:00

... bunting and pom poms

Pink tableware

Party bags to be filled

handmade tutus to wear

Fairy houses to decorate

and another cake - toadstool this time!

A 7th birthday ...

2011-09-22T11:47:00.002+01:00

... yesterday this little one

turned 7! How did that happen??!!

I think it's such a shame to have to go to school on your birthday, I think you should be given the day off!

She had a small tea party after school and on Saturday she's having a Fairy party.

At Mia's request Strawberries and Cream birthday cake.

Then it was off to Brownies, they let her start at the beginning of term (it's not usually till they are 7) so this was her 3rd week and she's settling in well.

My darling Nanna ...

2011-09-16T10:59:00.003+01:00

Jean Matthews

16th May 1920 - 16th September 2011

You leave a hole in our hearts and our lives.

An amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Family meant everything to you and you meant everything to us.

Now with my dear Bampi, your life's companion.

xxxxxxxx

Blog your heart ...

2011-09-14T14:28:00.003+01:00

Stephanie has put out a challenge today which I have decided to take up. When I first started blogging I kept my personal life very much out of it and focused on my craft. More and more I have been using it to capture day to day life. I don't think I could ever put myself completely out there I think a bit of personality is a good thing. So this is what's on my mind at the moment:

- I am worried about my Nanna, she's been in hospital for a few weeks now and plans were being made for her to come home but she has taken a turn for the worse. Arrangements are being made for her to move into a Hospice.

- We have been watching old video tapes of the girls as babies and toddlers - I miss those little ones. Am I broody? I really don't think so but I yearn to recapture some of those moments again.

- Losing weight is becoming such a bore. I've got another 7 or so pounds to go before I feel I can relax with it. But then how do I then maintain it without having to go back on Weightwatchers every so often?

- I don't feel capable of supporting the girls to achieve their potential at school, both say they find it hard, but we don't get much info from school in terms of what they are learning. I think I should be a pushier parent.

- I'm happy not working. The house is slowly coming back to a clean, tidy and organised state. I am much calmer and less stressed which is having a positive effect on the girls.

Not full of positives, but that's life!!!

Enjoy the sunshine ...

2011-09-14T14:13:00.001+01:00

... just a quick one to share with you using bits from a few different Scrapbook Circle kits.

10 Things: Oh I do like to be beside the seaside ...

2011-09-10T18:55:00.002+01:00

... growing up beside the seaside, but now living as far away as possible in the UK from it means that I do like to get to the coast as often as possible. These are my Top 10.

Torquay - my hometown

Burgh Island - where I got married

Beer - a new discovery

Charmouth - for fossil fun

Dartmouth - nautical vibe

Aldeburgh - great fish and chips

Southwold - just love the beach huts

Harlech - for solitude

Aberdyfi - for family fun

Noss Mayo - great pub!

Now I realise that these are clustered in just a few counties and would love to discover Pembrokeshire and Kent - shame about the long drive.

Starting blocks ...

2011-09-07T15:05:00.002+01:00

... this is a new series that Shimelle has started - a bit like a real life sketch. So copying her blocks, this ...

... became this.

I found this preschool picture of the girls on their first day back to achool yesterday and can't believe how time flies. In the photos they were 4 and 3 and now they are 8 and nearly 7. I miss my little babies!

Scrapbook Circle blog ...

2011-09-04T21:27:00.001+01:00

... ooh I've been featured in their Getting To Know You series - check it out here

Jungle parc ...

2011-08-26T09:44:00.001+01:00

.. I'm just back from a lovely week in a cottage in Somerset. Had such a lovely relaxing time and as we were close to East Devon and West Dorset we got to the beach a few times, something I really miss where we live!

I meant to post this whilst we were away but being in the middle of the countryside meant that the internet wasn't that good. Anyway it was for Shimelle's sketch of the week last week.

Learn Something New Every Day started yesterday so I shall start catching up with my pages later or tomorrow. Luckily I got my supplies together before I left so hopefully it won't be long before I get up to date.

Right, the washing machine is calling!

Explore: Closing notes ...

2011-08-25T11:13:00.002+01:00

... the last week of prompts was very much about goal setting, tracking your goals and thinking of the future.

I am currently trying to lose the bit of weight I have put on since getting to my goal weight 2 years ago. I lost 3 stone that year and so am determined not to let it pile back on. However I wish that I could get to the point where weight management was part of my subconscious not a daily grind.

I remember when I realised I needed to lose weight in 2009. My friend had started going to Weight Watchers and I didn't think she looked anymore than a size 12, so I thought I'd better get myself there (I was a size 18). Clothes were getting tighter and I didn't like how I looked in photos. It was one of my best decisions ever to go, I would never have managed it without the support I had.

This is one of the very few photos I have from then. I hadn't realised my face was so chubby!

I have made a few more pages in my playbook noting all of this. There are a few prompts and techniques that I will come back to, but for now I feel pleased that for the first time in a long while I have completed a class!!

Kit stripping

2011-08-23T15:25:00.001+01:00

... I don't usually strip a kit down until I've used at least 50% of it, probably more like 60-70%. And so all the bits and pieces sit together in a clear bag in drawers on my Expedit shelves. However that has meant that I've been missing out on using stuff on other LOs and so today I took to stripping them all out. And this was the resulting pile! All that's left in the bags is the patterned paper which I'll need to also sort out.

Where am I going to put it all? And how to organise it? I have alphas, stickers and ephemera stored in RUBS, but there's not enough space for this lot!

Wish me luck!

And finally ...

2011-08-21T10:56:00.001+01:00

... this is the last of my challenge entries for last weekend's crop- to scrap with a grid of photos. Shimelle also posted some further challenges during the course of week and one of those was to scrap within a 7x7" box. So I've combined the two (hope that was alright!)

The current Scrapbook Circle challenge is to remember Summer (well it does seem to be pretty much over here!!) I've combined various ideas from the LO Gallery for this one.

Scrapping in threes ...

2011-08-19T15:59:00.001+01:00

... I'm still working on the challenges from Shimelle's online crop last weekend. This one was to include a group of three in an embellishment. So I've done three lots of embellishments each with 2 circles and a brad.

It's photographed a bit weird, I think it's because one edge has curled up from the misting.

And speaking of mists I have always struggled with these but bought some non-glimmer ones from Art From the Heart and they work much better for me. So expect to see more misting in the future.

Explore: a goal for the week ...

2011-08-16T11:15:00.001+01:00

... to lose 2 pounds and exercise 3 times.

Not sure what's going on with my boobs here!

Explore: Colour ...

2011-08-16T11:11:00.001+01:00

... I've scooted through the Week 3 prompts to ensure I keep on top of the class, but I'm OK with that, I've got 4 pages in my playbook and the LO I did last week. On to Week 4!

Half page and signature accent ...

2011-08-15T12:56:00.001+01:00

... fortunately challenges don't need to be completed until 21st August so it means that I can carry on with them this week (although I want to get Explore finished before Learn Something New Everyday starts on Sept 1st).

This one was to only fill half the page. I'm quite comfortable with this sort of LO rarely filling a whole page and decided to scraplift Shimelle's page.

I can't remember the last time I used flowers like this on a page, but they reminded me of water lilies!

The next was to scrap with your signature accent - I would say mine was white space, butterflies and a little embellishment cluster at the top of a page. So here's mine, again using a similiar design to the above.

Colour challenge and I love ...

2011-08-14T17:54:00.001+01:00

... here's today's efforts. The first was a red, white and aqua colour challenge and I've used this PencilLines sketch.

The next was to use 'I Love' or 'I Heart' as the title and I decided to do things I love right now. I like doing these LOs every now again to capture a snapshot in time. I was inspired by Diane Payne's LO on the Scrpabook Circle Ideas Gallery.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend and making the most of the tiny bit of sunshine we're having!!

A starting point and chop your paper ...

2011-08-13T15:38:00.002+01:00

... are the next two challenges.

The first to layout your paper in a certain way as a starting point (should have taken a picture of that but you can see Shimelle's here) and then add to it.

The girls had such great fun at this park in Majorca, I'm trying to find one locally in the UK that isn't a minimum age of 10.

The next challenge was to use one or two pieces of paper and cut out elements of it to use as embellishments. This paper was perfect for that:

I think the little list is a good one to life your life by.

Scrapping this weekend ....

2011-08-13T10:30:00.001+01:00

... a new batch of photos from Photobox, a new Scrapbook Cirle kit and an online crop with Shimelle - I plan to make the most of that this weekend!

The crop started yesterday and the first challenge was to include some printables designed by Mary Anne Walters - on my LO these include the journalling block and the circles. She designed them to co-ordinate with the My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose range so as I had a few bits of this I used that as my starting block. I've also used the latest Sketchy Thursday sketch.

The next challenge was to use stickers from more than one range. This is the balcony shot that I always take of Steve and the girls when we go to Majorca. It's such a great way of seeing the changes in them. I've used old an old Scarlet Lime kit that I've used for a lot of my previous Majorca LOs. The stickers are all Making Memories and include Passport, The Great Escape and Circle Ledger.

Explore: The meaning of colour ...

2011-08-12T10:45:00.003+01:00

... the next prompt had several elements to it, firstly what colours meant to us personally. This is what I came up with:

Black - dark and moody
Red - brave
Orange - youthful
Yellow - sunshine and energy
Green - eco/helping the planet
Blue - a happy day/ the sea and sky
Purple - me!
White - only to be worn by slim and tanned people!

Then we were asked how we use colour when we're scrapbooking:

Which do you choose first: colour or pattern? Colour
How many colours would you typically use in a single project? 3 - 4
Would those colours appear in solids, single-colour patterns (like subtle red on red dot or multi-coloured patterns? Multi-coloured
Do you prefer soft, deep, muted or bright tones of your chosen colours? Muted tones
What colour do you avoid if at all possible? Orange
Do you prefer colour of black and white photographs? Colour
When you work with colour would you classify yourself as brace, predictable or something else? Predictable

There was then the suggestion that we could label our days with a colour. Yesterday was grey with a hint of yellow for me. My moods are very much affected by the weather and I'm very much missing the turquoise sea of the med.

I decided to scrapbook this as part of the Scrapbook Circle challenge to use circles on a LO.

(I made a couple of typos on the typewriter but I'm OK with that!)

Colour: Part 1 ...

2011-08-11T20:33:00.001+01:00

... so week 3 is all about colour and the first couple of prompts have already got me thinking about possible LOs.

In the first prompt we were asked what our favourite colour was, that's easy - purple! And here are a few of my most recent acquistions!

I thought I would ask my Facebook friends what colour they associate with me and interestingly a few said turquoise. Now this isn't a colour that appears very often in my life - in clothes or homeware for example but before I asked the question I had already pulled out this photo as when asked to 'recall the colours of a beautiful day you remember in happiness' this is what I think of:

Turquoise sea indeed! I can see a canvas featuring purple and turquoise too!

Explore: Create ...

2011-08-11T11:08:00.001+01:00

... so this is my creation for the end of Week 2 using one of Shimelle's sketches. I shall probably stick a print out of my 24 hours to the back of the LO.

Explore: 24 hours ...

2011-08-10T10:19:00.004+01:00

... yesterday I captured what activities I did and I think I'll do the same when the girls have gone back to school as a contrast. I used Ali Edwards pdf to capture this.

4:00am - 8:30 Sleep
8:30am Wake and get up. Have difficulty deciding on a healthy breakfast.
9:00am Do a few chores
10:00am Crafting on Explore; girls watching Hairspray
11:00am Straighten Mia's hair; Lily drawing; service the girls bikes
Noon Make and eat lunch; put bikes on car and drive to Offchurch Greenway
1:00pm Girls cycled whilst I walked Modbury

2:00pm Stop at the canal to watch the boats go through the lock whilst having a drink and snack

3:00pm Blog hopping
4:00pm Start prepping tea. Drive to Argos to pick up new kitchen scales and to Blockbuster to choose somes videos

5:00pm Home again; finish cooking tea
6:00pm Eat; clean up dishes

7:00pm Wine o'clock; blogging; ordering photos from Photobox
8:00pm Steve home at 8:30pm
9:00pm Put girls to bed; watch TV
10:00pm Go to bed at 10:30pm; read until 11pm
11:00pm - 4:00am Sleep

Breakfast Porridge and Banana
Lunch Soup and toast
Dinner Veggie Chilli and Rice
Other Apple, nectarine, orange, rocky choc bar, glass of Rose wine

Observations
As it's the school holidays and no work there's no structure to the day and I feel at the moment that we're not quite as productive as we could be (although I'm not sure what that should be!!!) We are waking later and the girls are going to bed later. I'm trying to come up with different ways to walk Modbury to interest and include the girls.

The weather is overcast and variable.

Overheard
The usual sister bickering and fighting - sigh!

Favourite Moment
The drawing that Lily made for me.

Gratitude
The freedom to come and go as we please. Safety and security in our enviroment.

10 things - favourite holiday snaps ...

2011-08-10T09:28:00.000+01:00

... a glass of wine at the beach cafe

smiles

more smiles

Lily on the high ropes

Mia on the high ropes

pedalo fun

beach fun

some more smiles

the beautiful balcony view from our apartment

the annual balcony photo

Explore: Photo enhancement ...

2011-08-09T17:50:00.001+01:00

... when I put the playbook together it was suggested that we add some random photos and this prompt included doodling on them, painting, inking, whatever took our fancy.

It's been awhile since I doodled/wrote on photos for a LO and shall definitely try to remember to do this again.

Another part of the prompt suggested using TtV (Through the Viewfinder) on our photos and during today I have been using the Vignette app on my phone to capture my day - more on that tomorrow.

Explore: Memory Sparks ...

2011-08-09T17:49:00.001+01:00

... back from holiday with quite a bit of catching up to do on Explore. This prompt I read the day it arrived and struggled with it for awhile, especially as Shimelle had said to ignore all negative memories. So I left it for a day and it was whilst I was driving down to Dorset for a couple of days camping that the triggers started - firstly as I drove through Hampshire near the first house Steve and I rented together and also of our first camping trips together.

I've started a list in my playbook and will use it to add to as and when.

I've expanded on the house memories and it's definitely worthy of a LO, although I don't think I've got a picture of the house.

Simple and not a pretty page but it serves a purpose!

Scrapbook Circle Challenge ...

2011-07-26T14:43:00.001+01:00

... #12 Sketch Challenge.

Haven't done one of these for a while. All mainly June kit plus a bit of bling and cardstock.

Perfect ...

2011-07-25T16:40:00.002+01:00

... a quick layout from the photo that I took for the perfect prompt last week.

Explore: Observe ...

2011-07-25T14:18:00.002+01:00

... today's prompt could not be more apt and is quite a biggie for me. It called for taking a picture of where you sit, stand and sleep. We were then asked to consider where we spent most of our time, which location was most comfortable and which added value.

As it was my last day at work I decided to focus on where I sit to work and what I will now be trading this with.

The journalling reads:

Today is the last day that I will sit in this chair as a Customer Support Manager. Now I'm trading it for longer walks with the dog, playing in the garden with the girls, sitting and creating, decorating step ladders, making more home cooked meals. The seat no longer adds value to my day, week or life. I'm trading it for a different routine and more sponataneity, a different routine in the week for more sponataneity at the weekend.

Explore: Get Creating ...

2011-07-22T19:21:00.004+01:00

... so today's prompt was to make something drawing on what we had learnt from the week. I decided to go with a She Art girl using the cut up map from a couple of days ago as a background.

This is the 8th girl I've made now but the first that is truely based on me.
Here you can see the map in the background.

I'm also going to make a LO at some point over the weekend with the picture I took yesterday.

Explore: Perfection ...

2011-07-21T20:18:00.003+01:00

... I thought about this prompt for a long time when it first came through. There are so many things in my life that aren't perfect - Steve and the girls may be, but my relationships with them isn't. I'm not a perfectionist at all, sometime I wish I were more so. I could only come up with negative thoughts. So I spent a few hours thinking about this as I went about things this afternoon and then I realised that what I do think is perfect is family time, not just the four of us, but my whole family. And part of leaving work is to make more of this time, this is really important to me. So I made a few notes in my playbook.

The prompt also called for a photo that captured this and I was all set to share a couple I already had until I captured this one on the way to Lily's school disco earlier this evening. This is what I call PERFECT.

Explore: Maps ...

2011-07-21T10:47:00.002+01:00

... yesterday's prompt was all about maps.

I LOVE maps and will pour over them for hours. It's the first thing I do whenever I go anywhere new.

I decided to do a page in my playbook about how I've been discovering new walks since having Modbury and before you cry "how can you cut up a map?" I've got two because Modbury chewed the last one!

Another part of the prompt was to get some circle punches in different sizes and have a play around with them. Well I've only got 2, so I decided to use buttons as my smallest circle and have made these embellishments. Think they're going to form part of a LO when we get tomorrow's prompt.

Don't you just love how the map co-ordinates with my colours!

Explore: Adventure ...

2011-07-19T14:35:00.004+01:00

... do you consider yourself and adventurous person? What does the word adventure mean to you?

These are the questions asked today. We'd already been warned to find a postcard prior to the prompt coming through. I had some leftover from when I had a half hearted attempt at Postcrossing, but decided these weren't personal enough so I grabbed a Cath Kidston card from a birthday present set instead.

The prompt asked us to write on that postcard whatever moment felt the most adventurous. Immediately I thought about my travels to the Far East BC (before children). But when I thought about it some more I think adventurous and adventure actually mean different things to me.

Adventurous is about travelling to somewhere new, trying out different things, experiencing unfamiliar environments. However adventure to me means more about my life as a mum, wife, friend - life being the adventure itself. The first is a short journey, the second a long one.

Anyhow, I stuck with the Far East memories for my postcard and if you click on it you should be able to read the journalling (although a tad messy). I shall post it later when I have a stamp!

This is the first page of my photo album highlighting the journey we took.
This is the last page - that photo of the train carriage is where we slept - cockroaches and all!!!!

Explore: Playbook ...

2011-07-19T12:13:00.004+01:00

... part of yesterday's prompt was to create a 'Playbook' - somewhere to jot notes and reponses to prompts, for when a full 12x12 page isn't needed.

I decided to stick mainly with Scrapbook Circle June kit for the class, so I've added in some salmon and teal cardstock to make this mini book - it's 6x4 - along with the patterned paper. The alphas on the front are from the July kit, the tag has been on my desk for ages waiting to be used!

I've also taken Shimelle's idea of adding random photos along the way to add interest - I've include a sunset, some boats, a train and skyline.

Explore: Note to Self ...

2011-07-18T14:31:00.002+01:00

... having recently resigned, lacking creativity and wondering what to do next Shimelle's new class seemed like perfect timing to me and I was very captivated by the title!

So first prompt today - take a self portrait in the mirror and write a Note to Self:

18th July 2011

So here I am just past my 41st birthday. I'm pretty comfortable having pictures taken of myself (even with the extra wrinkles) and do document myself in my scrapbooks. This is really quite important to me.

However, my creativity is low at the moment, there are so many projects that I wish to tackle but I just don't feel I have the energy.

Now I'm at a crossroads and hoping to take a new path that will lead me to a new, invigorated person, full of life and energy.

'Explore' is most definitely what my life is about at the moment and I'm intrigued as to where it may take me.

Fay

Butterfly Crafts ...

2011-07-18T13:43:00.003+01:00

... doesn't time fly, the new challenge is live here. I took my inspiration from the title 'cherie' and the font.
I didn't have enough 's' though and had to improvise!!

10 things - favourite LOs ...

2011-07-10T09:30:00.000+01:00

... I have a task which has been on my to do list for ages, which is to gets these LOs into albums. I used to do this straight away, but was in need of new albums so over the course of last year my pile just kept growing.

So yesterday I started sorting them out and it reminded that I don't look through my LOs often enough and it inspired today's 10 Things for 10th July, which is my favourites.

In no particular order or reason (they just jumped out at me!)

Nourish ...

2011-07-09T16:10:00.004+01:00

.. my friend has been seeing an acupuncturist who told her that she needs to 'nourish' herself more and I knew straight away what she meant. For a while now I have felt unbalanced in my life and that I wasn't looking after myself as much as others. Hence the lack of creativity.

So a couple of weeks ago I took a major life decision and resigned from my part-time from home work. The reasons are many and varied but I am so looking forward to spending the summer with the girls. My days will then be spent removating and organising the house so that come the weekends we can spend time together as a family. I will of course be allowing myself creative time outs!

I've found myself with some time this weekend as Lily has gone to Brownie Camp. It's her first time away from me and home (apart from having a few Grannie stays), I hope she's coping OK, the house is very quiet with just Mia. So a little bit of crafting was in order.

Firstly I've made a little bird for my stepmum as a post-op present. She's becoming a bit of a bird collector!

This is for Shimelle's Sketch of the Week which I've rotated.

Have a very busy couple of weeks coming up with the end of term approaching, final PTA events to organise and a family wedding. Then there's our summer holiday to look forward to - yipee!

Butterfly Crafts June Challenge ...

2011-06-27T15:02:00.000+01:00

... it's a sketch this month - go and take part!

Mollie Makes ...

2011-06-14T16:30:00.000+01:00

... if you're a crafter in blogosphere you can't have helped seen the launch of this new mag last month.

Always on the look out for a creative read I stumped up the £4.99 for the 1st issue (and then took out the 3 for £5 offer). I have to say that I don't love it as much as I wanted to and as much as everyone else seems to. Yes, it's far better than most out there and I'm pleased to see that it's not trying to cover every craft under the sun (I really don't need to know about soap making or glass painting) but I would like just a bit more on the 'things to make' side.

What does do it for me though are the very cute freebies and I think these make the mag worth the money.
Modbury enjoyed Issue 1, you might be able to see that it's been a bit chewed!

Weekend round up ...

2011-06-13T10:10:00.001+01:00

... so how did I do on the weekend's activities?

1. Watch Lily at the Brownie Sports Day - She came 1st on the flat race, 2nd in the sack race and 4th in the two other events she did. So proud of her.
2. Watch what I eat (the pounds are starting to pile back on again) - 3 pounds lost in Week 1.
3. Force myself to do some gardening (always a chore) - the rain prevented that!!
4. Get the girls' homework done before Sunday - done by 5.30pm on Friday.
5. Enjoy a long dog walk in the countryside - unfortunately the rain put pay to that also.
6. Watch The King's Speech - Colin Firth was absolutely brilliant and I can't help but love Helena B-C.
7. Blog some more - tick.
8. Send lots of loving thoughts to my stepmum who's having a big op today - she's doing well ad coming home today.
9. Tidy, tidy, tidy (I am NOT a domesticated woman!) - yes, I won't panic now if someone drops round unannounced!
10. Scrap - 2 LOs.

Not bad me thinks! I also managed to watch some more She Art videos and bake cakes with the girls (and I didn't eat any!)

Alien Day ...

2011-06-12T14:45:00.000+01:00

... I used a Sketchy Thursday sketch from a week ago which I really liked and saved to do however I'm not so keen on how this turned out. Maybe it's because there's not enough contrast in the colours but I wanted a space-y feel and picked out the purple from the photo. Oh well, it does the job!

It's funny, I spent quite a bit of time on this, misting the background, misting the cardboard circles (not that you'd know) and stickle-ing the alphas, however I think I prefer my LOs that come together more quickly. A lesson learnt!

More She Art ...

2011-06-10T12:25:00.004+01:00

... I should have added to my weekend list to catch up on the She Art Workshop. I think my access runs out soon and I've still got the Week 3 videos to watch plus downloading all the pdfs.

The week 1 girls are still my favourite and I did this one for my little tweenager sis, so I've given her skinny jeans and boots. I had a much bluer canvas in my head when I started out but I love that the canvases take on a life of their own.

10 things ....

2011-06-10T11:10:00.003+01:00

... hello, hello! I've no idea what caused that blogging/creating hiatus - it seems to be my pattern - do loads for a bit and then nothing for ages!

Anyway I was blog hopping this morning and see that Shimelle has started a new feature called '10 things' to be posted on the 10th of each month and I thought that would be a great way to get me at least back online.

So this month is a list of 10 things I plan to do this weekend ...

1. Watch Lily at the Brownie Sports Day
2. Watch what I eat (the pounds are starting to pile back on again)
3. Force myself to do some gardening (always a chore)
4. Get the girls' homework done before Sunday
5. Enjoy a long dog walk in the countryside
6. Watch The King's Speech
7. Blog some more
8. Send lots of loving thoughts to my stepmum who's having a big op today
9. Tidy, tidy, tidy (I am NOT a domesticated woman!)
10. Scrap

So there you go, maybe not the most interesting list, but if I procrastinated I wouldn't have done one at all!

Enjoy your weekend.

Butterfly Crafts May Challenge ...

2011-05-17T13:42:00.000+01:00

... this month's challenge is to use this ad as inspiration and I have to admit when I first looked at it I was quite stumped!

So first off I concentrated on the colours and then the design emerged from the triangular shape made from the model's flowers in her hair and her chin.
If you want a chance to win a guest DT spot you can enter here.

Canvas class ...

2011-05-17T11:45:00.003+01:00

... my lovely and very talented friend Lisa taught a class at the Cocoa Daisy crop and here's my take on it. Looks a bit dull on screen but it is quite bright! It's 8 x 10 and I just need to find a little home for it now!

Cocoa Daisy crop ...

2011-05-16T18:46:00.004+01:00

... was on last weekend and I fully intended to throw myself into it. However it ended up being a weekend of viewing potential kennels to put Modbury into when we go on holiday and so I only managed a couple of LOs.

The girls over there are so welcoming even if you aren't a kit subscriber and I always enjoy their bi-annual event.

This first LO was for the one hour challenge and you had to include an 8x10 photo (or collage), patterned paper, more than one type of alpha and a non-scrapbook related item. I came second and that included chosing and printing my photos after the challenge started!

The next LO was for a sketch challenge. This has actually been sat on my desk since Saturday and I finished it today. I wasn't overly happy with it, I think because I should have started with smaller photos (these were already printed) so that the whole design was tighter and had more white space. Anyhow I changed the alphas around today and added a touch of ribbon and feel better about it!

Once upon a sketch ...

2011-05-11T18:47:00.000+01:00

... this new challenge blog set up recently with the idea of combining sketches with journalling prompts.

I've been meaning to take part for a while and finally managed to squeeze this one in before their deadline of 14th May. Along with the sketch the challenge included to journal on a journalling spot.
Got out the Elle's tags that I won recently!

A Royal Weekend ...

2011-05-11T18:40:00.000+01:00

... now I wouldn't normal scrap a photo of people I don't know, but for some unknown reason (apart from the fact that I forgot to take my camera on an overnight stay in The Peak District) I took absolutely no photos the whole weekend of The Royal Wedding.

However there was lots that I wanted to say about what we did as a family that weekend and have it captured for the girls to look back on. So I decided to use my favourite image of William and Kate from the weekend and the file folder holds a diary journal.

The story behind the photo ...

2011-05-10T11:22:00.003+01:00

... so the other challenge for NSD on Shimelle's blog that caught my eye was to find something that has more story than what you first see, and get explaining!

I take loads of photos of the girls for no other reason than I think they're beautiful. However there are only so many LOs you can make about their beauty! So I took this opportunity to journal about the orthodontic work that Lily is undergoing at the moment to correct her teeth and bite. Not glamorous but a story that needs telling nonetheless!

Happy belated NSD ...

2011-05-09T14:40:00.002+01:00

... I don't tend to pay much attention to National Scrapbooking Day, but there were a couple of challenges on Shimelle's blog that caught my eye. This one was to scrap with a border between photos. I do tend to only scrap with one photo on a LO but at the moment I seem to have more, so this was a good challenge for me!

Layering ...

2011-05-09T13:06:00.002+01:00

… just before Easter the supplies that I wanted to do the canvases for Lily’s room arrived. So between the two bank holidays I got to work and thought I’d document the layering process.

Background, paint and modelling paste:
Stamping:
The girls and blending:

More stamping, rubons and paint:

Working in 6x12 canvases meant that more of the background got covered by the girls than I planned. I also used some ink that bled when I mod podged, so a couple of lessons learnt!

Lily's delighted with them!

Some weekend crafting ...

2011-05-08T11:42:00.004+01:00

… although seasoned campers last summer we decided to try some ‘glamping’ at Featherdown Farms. I was going to make a minibook with the photos I took but decided on a couple of LOs in the end,, the rest of the photos I’ve put into 6x4 page protectors so I can keep them together.

I thought I they would be the last LOs from April’s Scrapbook Circle kit but I managed to do this one as well, can you believe they’re from the same kit.

This was done for for a Scrapbook Circle Anniversary challenge from a Sketchy Thursday sketch.

Using up this kit made me realise that part of the reason I scrapped so little last year was that I was no longer inspired by the kits I was getting. Opening a parcel and wanting to get crafting straight away surely is a good sign.

Lastly some sewing for my niece’s birthday present, which I need to get in the post asap!

A quickie ...

2011-05-05T12:03:00.002+01:00

... oh I do love scrapbooking and especially when a LO comes together quickly. This is a picture of my half-sister, Lily and my niece and I'm so proud of these 3 lovely girls. It makes me laugh when they get together as they have to all dress and style their hair the same!

Am missing having the girls off school, although Lily was home today as her school is used as a Polling Station, so I guess it will be back to a proper routine next week. At least there will then only be 3 weeks to half term!

RAK winner ...

2011-05-03T13:44:00.003+01:00

... sorry for the delay in posting this, we had an inpromptu getaway at the weekend to the Peak District which was glorious!

Anyway the winner according to random.org (couldn't seem to copy the picture) is the number 2 so Jennifer!

25 April 2011 22:26
jennifer said...
very sweet bags indeed, I like the yellow and white one at the bottom best, it's so gorgeously summery. This is the sort of thing I always think I should try and make and never get round to it! x

Email me your details to fmatth4731@aol.com and I'll get busy sewing you a little bag!

Giveaway ...

2011-04-27T14:48:00.003+01:00

... sorry, I've realised re-reading my post below that I wasn't very clear about my RAK. The bags in the photos have already been sent to their new homes and I was planning on making the winner a new bag in their favourite colour (depending on what fabric I have it may be like those below).

So don't worry if you're not keen on the ones in the photo, don't let that put you off entering!!!

Katie - the pattern is from Amy Butler's Style Stitches book.

Facebook Pay It Forward and RAK ...

2011-04-25T19:19:00.000+01:00

... I hope you've all had a glorious weekend.

A little while ago I decided to take part in a pay it forward on Facebook where you offered to make something handmade for whoever commented and in return they had to do the same.

So bit by bit I made and sent off these bags (my troublesome sewing machine meant they took longer than anticipated).

I want to offer a bag as a RAK to my lovely blog readers, so simply leave a comment on this post letting me know your favourite colour by 10pm Thursday 28th April and I will pick a random winner.

A bit of sunshine ...

2011-04-21T15:27:00.004+01:00

... this is the third and last girl from Week 1's class. This one was the most difficult to come together, it's grungier than intended and I deliberated over the paper for her clothes. I also think she's got gorilla arms!

Hope you all have glorious sunshine for the Easter weekend, my brother and family is visiting which I'm really looking forward to.

A couple of sketches ...

2011-04-19T16:01:00.003+01:00

... using the March Scrapbook Circle kit.

Shimelle's sketch of the week. Painting canvases has made me a bit braver with paint on LOs.

(Photo edited for privacy).

Sketchy Thursday - the sketch was a double LO, but I changed it into a single.

Have taken time off work to spend with the girls, which has given me a bit of crafty time - yeah!

Butterfly Crafts April Challenge ...

2011-04-18T14:30:00.005+01:00

... the new challenge is live which is to create a LO using at least 2 of these colours: The journalling is on a tag behind the photo as I had quite a bit to say on this LO. I’m having great trouble leaving Mia at school in the morning, she clings to me like a limpet and sometimes has be velcro’d off me so I can leave the classroom. It’s been going on since the Autumn term and is very distressing for both of us and her teacher. We have been trying all sorts of strategies and I’m hoping that it’s something she will grow out of and not that we are missing a bigger issue. She’s become less confident and lacks self-esteem as she’s got older and she struggles to find the words to tell us what she’s feeling. I so hope it’s a phase.

Yes, they're addictive ...

2011-04-18T09:42:00.002+01:00

... just as you said Steph!

Hannah - the doily on the last canvas was just a paper one I used as a stencil, nothing fancy!

She Art ...

2011-04-15T15:42:00.004+01:00

.. my first girl.

Class started on Monday and I've watched loads of video since then. I wasn't planning on making a canvas yet as I'm waiting for some supplies to arrive - I want to make some for Lily's newly decorated bedroom - but I was just itching to start!

Butterfly Crafts ...

2011-04-07T15:08:00.003+01:00

..remember you've got until the 10th April to take part in this month's challenge and have chance to win a guest DT spot. Here's a sneak peek of the next challenge.

Mothers Day ..

2011-04-05T16:27:00.001+01:00

... a bit late but I hope those who were celebrating had a lovely Mothers Day on Sunday. I had some beautiful flowersand beautiful cards (homemade are the best)

and a place on Christy Tomlinson's She Art Workshop which begins 11th April - woo hoo!

How flattered am I ...

2011-04-04T14:17:00.003+01:00

...??? Not only has this LO been featured on the Scrapbook Circle blog here it also won a prize from Elle's Studio here!

Just now ...

2011-03-30T13:57:00.008+01:00

...inspire by Lisa's LO from yesterday, I really enjoy doing these sorts of LOs every now and again. I got the idea for the flowers from the October Afternoon blog, I've seen a few around but think the machine stitched centres are a great addition. I didn't have an up to date photo of myself so I took this very hurried self portrait (well when there's an urge to create you just have to get on with it!) If you click on the picture you should be able to read the journalling, although it's slightly blurry.

I've mentioned about my handwriting, well I recently bought a manual typewriter which came in very handy for this LO. I don't intend to use it all the time, just when I think the design will be spoilt by my scrawl!!! The girl's have had such fun using it, they think it's great to be able to punch a key and see the printout straight away!

Edit - It helps if I can get my numbers the right way up, thanks Emma!

Back in the saddle ...

2011-03-28T19:52:00.002+01:00

... I save lots of sketches and challenge ideas in my Google Reader thinking that I will come back to them, but more often than not I don't. So when I saw this week's Pencilines sketch I knew I wanted to have a go asap! Just my sort of sketch! I've always been quite comfortable handwriting my journalling, but of late I have been less so. If I had another of those tags I would rip it out and write it again, but I like the tag so I think I'll have to put up with my scrawl.

Stuck Sketches...

2011-03-25T15:10:00.000Z

... due to the timing of my Scrapbook Circle sub I got 2 kits sent at the same time, so I really need to crack on with some scrapping.

One of this month's Stuck? Sketches.
There's far less embellies in the Scrapbook Circle kit compared to Scarlet Lime, but when I look at all the unopened packs I have, that's probably a good thing. It also means you get to make your own and view the papers differently.

Steve brought me this necklace for our 10th Wedding Anniversary to remind me of when we celebrated my 30th Birthday in New York. He had forgotten that I bought myself the exact same necklace on that trip! Nevermind, it means that I have 2 to hand down to the girls at some point (they are like vultures near my jewellery box!)