Sparkly Space

Its been a while

2010-10-03T19:39:00.000+01:00

Well hello there :)
I am aware its been an absolute age since I was last on here and lots of things have been going on (and unfortunately I don't have time to tell today) But on viewing my blog theres a photobox picture missing box floating behind my blog that I cannot get rid of (as I do not know where it has come from)
Does anybody have any knowledge of what that might be please??

Cheers,
Kate xxx

Altered Primark bag

2009-12-23T16:54:00.003Z

I needed a bag to put some Christmas gifts in and being very short of spare cash but owning a brown paper primark bag, plenty of papers and some imagination I decided to alter the bag.

Here is the bag in its original state

Here is the back of the bag (papermania papers used along with gold coloured card - the edges have been rounded off using my corner shaping punch)

Heres a close up of the image used on the front (yet another Pink petticoat image)
heres the front of the finished bag.
Is there anything I would change about the bag? yes, I would have checked the sides of the bag before I'd started because it has 'primark' down both sides and now I have put the gift in the logo can be seen grrrrrr

A few birthday cards I have made

2009-12-23T16:36:00.004Z

First is a card I made for Cheryls birthday. Pink Petticoat image again with glittery bits and glossy accents. Finished off with a dotty ribbon tied into a knot with a handbag shaped charm.

My Dads birthday is on Christmas Day and I always have problems with inspiration for cards for men so I though why not make a Christmas card but amend the greeting. I printed 'Merry Birthday dad onto the card front along with a tree (another from Pink Petticoat). I addded some sparkly stuff and some spangles stars which I secured with mini brads (purchased from Bears Den in Rotherham)

some stuff I have done

2009-12-23T16:00:00.002Z

Wow the title of this post makes me sound like a teenager (I wish I was still a teenager) Well, as usual I've left it a while since I last posted on here and therefore have quite a bit to post.

First up is a Christmas card I was asked to make - papers are Papermania traditional Christmas colossal (that I have a load of left over from last year)

Next up is a forever friends Christmas card with a tag that I printed and die cut - the text is gold because I went over the printed text with a gold gel pen (when I managed to find one that would work - I don't know what it is with the signo ones but if left for a few weeks without being used they don't want to work anymore - very frustrating really I throw loads of them away because they refuse to work anymore even though I can see there is loads left in them, WHSmiths ones work better and are much less expensive)

A birthday card for my Cousin. The image is a Pink Petticoat image and I have covered the bow with loads of glossy accents.

Another Forever Friends Christmas card.

Baby card and gift

2009-12-23T15:50:00.005Z

In my last post I mentioned that my friend had gone into hospital to have a baby. She had a boy who has been named Cameron and both Mum and baby are doing well.

Here is the card, tag and gift I made for them.

Firstly the card - the image is a Pink Petticoat image which I coloured using the paint program on the pc. The gold coloured card frame was cut using my nestabilities.

Next up is the tag that matches the card - this was printed and then cut with my sizzix die.

And finally the gift - a nappy cake. I used huggies nappies and inside there are some baby wipes, cotton wool balls, scratch mitts and a teensy vest.

Busy busy busy

2009-12-10T22:45:00.003Z

This time of year is always so busy and I blame Christmas :) along with myself because every year I tell myself I must be more organised and yet I never am - I have a card ready to post that has to go to Canada (well I've missed that postal deadline haven't I?) and I have quite a few cards that need mailing (and those ones still need making before I can even think of posting them!!)

I have been busy making some cards for Christmas today and trying to keep myself busy.

A close friend went into hospital to have her baby yesterday so I have made a card and a nappy cake - photos to come later.

It's her birthday this weekend too and I have yet to make the birthday card - not last minute with that one either :S

I am looking forwards to putting my tree up and with the cash flow problems that come with being unemployed ( and not entitled to any job seekers allowance ) I am very glad we bought a new tree last year. The house needs a clean and bloody good tidy up first though and thats inbetween applying for jobs. And I need to finish the Christmas shopping - thankfully everybody knows the situation so they are aware they are token gifts this year (mainly chocolates of the malteser variety cos they were on offer) I feel quite awful not being able to buy nice stuff for our friends and family but maybe next year things will be better. Here's hoping!!

Another wedding card

2009-12-10T22:39:00.005Z

Heres another wedding card that I made. This is on mauve card, the image is another pink petticoat download and once again cut with nesties :) The ribbon is from Josey Rose and the buckle is from The Mulberry bush. Sparkly and glossy accents have been added (just to make a change)

Wedding card

2009-12-10T22:31:00.004Z

Hi,

I know I've not blogged for a while (and lets face it my last post was quite depressing - just how I felt) anyway heres a wedding card I made for a friend. The cake image is a pink petticoat image and I've put some sparkly stickles on it. The frame was cut with my nesties. I'd really like some other shapes (perhaps round - both scalloped edges and smooth edges and some smooth edge ovals) but those are at the bottom of my list of necessities at the moment.

Below is a close up of my perfect bow that I tied myself - I hate doing bows because I can never get them even, but over the years (and all the ones I've had to tie on some wedding orders) I've perfected my technique (Oh goodness, I bet I have just jinxed myself there)

Yet more bad news

2009-11-06T16:07:00.003Z

OK, so in the last few months my beautiful Jasper (cat) died.

A couple of weeks later my Aunty died.

This week both my Husband and myself were made redundant because the company we both worked for has gone into liquidation. I'm wondering how much more bad luck is going to be coming our way.

Still on the bright side I will have time for crafting once again ... and maybe get chance to catch up with Carolyns forum .... and of course, there is my facebook addiction to take into consideration, so it's not all bad ... lol. And Hubby has managed to get temp xmas work at toys r us - a whole 20 hours a week (evenings) on minimum wage (better make sure we dont spend it all at once hadn't we - it won't even cover the mortgage payments, which of course we didn't take redundancy protection on - don't you lurve hindsight?)

anyway I will be posting next week I'm sure .... after our appointment at the jobcentre when we find out all we are entitled to (as a family of 3) is £70 a week (or thereabouts) hmmmm our outgoings are in the region of £1400 a month before food and petrol and clothes and entertainment stuff .... it's not looking good is it? still I can cancel sky and that will save us a whole £22.50 a month and give us 1 less thing to spend our oodles of time on. (I know, I know, sarcasm won't help us ... but I cannot help it)

LOTS!!!!

2009-11-01T17:00:00.012Z

OK, Here's what I have made (cards mainly) since I last properly blogged.

First is a card I made for Paulas birthday. Image is a pink petticoat download.

This (below) is the front of the envelope.

Here is the gift box decorated with a lucky chinese coin and red ribbon.

and this (below) is the bracelet I made.

Below is Lindas birthday card - another Pink Petticoat download.

Next is Laras birthday card ... yes, another Pink Petticoat download and yes more sparkly and shiny stuff all over to accent the design.

Next is a card I made for a colleague who has now left to work elsewhere - you might be surprised to see its not Pink Petticoat this time :) I did use some more of the lovely lace I got much earlier this year though. Glossy accents have been added to the text on the tag.

Next is the card I made for my Grandmothers birthday - it's a pyramid card and I'm really pleased with how it turned out - the time it took to make was well worth it.

The butterflies and bird are stamped with stitchels and cut out.

Next is Gemmas birthday card. Image is a Holly and Maddison download.

Ovals were cut with my scalloped nestabilities.

Next is Emmas birthday card. The flowers were cut by hand and the stitching drawn on.

Quick to make but quite effective I think.

And below is Christines card ... same design but a different coloured card and flowers

Here is a necklace I made after finding out at the last minute that I needed a gift. Unfortunately I didnt have the findings for the leather so had to improvise with silver coloured wire which I put through a hole in the leather cord so it wouldn't slip off the ends.

Here is the gift box that I put the necklace in, with a lovely red bow that I tied myself :)

This is the card I made to go with the necklace. Holly and Maddison download with glossy accents and sparkly bits have been added.

And finally another Holly and Maddison download this time on Beckys birthday card.

I'm Back!!!! Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T16:48:00.004Z

Sorry I haven't blogged for so long - it's been a bit hectic. Working full time is really taking it out of me, I'm sooooooooo tired and my mojo seems to have gone for a verrrry long walk :(

Still it was Halloween yesterday and Callam wanted to do the usual. So heres the pumpkin: first is the evil side (that I didn't take a proper picture with the lights on - I'm such a numpty at times) - the teeth were cut out properly - I did the pumpkin double sided adn its the bits on the other side of that can be seen.

Next (below) is the not so scary pumpkin face (done on the other side to the one above)

And below with the lights on is the 'friendly' pumpkin face.

And here is Count Dracula (scuse the grey body warmer but it gets cold outside at the end of October)

Goodbye Jasper

2009-07-29T17:13:00.002+01:00

I love you Jasper.

RIP

Last one for now

2009-06-25T21:43:00.002+01:00

Wow, its like waiting for a bus ... you wait ages and then you get 5 all at once :)

Its a work friends birthday this weekend and heres the card I have made for her.

I have used a Holly and Maddison download from Charmed crafts (which I coloured in using the pc) - I have added glossy accents and I am not certain why but the black hair has gone a bluey colour, which I wasn't sure about but it looks quite nice now its dry.

I printed onto sparkly card and cut it to a tag shape and secured it onto a flower.

Below you can see the glossy bits on the hair, boots, eyes, lips and the ipod cable

The finished card - I am quite pleased with it (which is surprising as I am not always happy with my finished cards)

I'll be back soon - no more birthdays that I'm making cards for in the immediate future ... although I now have 2 baby cards to make (just need some time)

another corny card

2009-06-25T21:38:00.002+01:00

It was also my Grandads birthday a couple of days ago, and using the same Pink Petticoat download (and the same glossy accents and sparky stuff) I made his card - very similar to my Nans but more masculine.

Corny birthday card

2009-06-25T21:32:00.002+01:00

On Fathers Day it was also my Nans birthday. I normally cover / alter a notebook for part of her present (she uses notebooks like they are going out of fashion), but time was not on my side so this year there was not a notebook (or anything else altered)

I did make sure I made her a card though and here it is (and for once I didnt use my nesties .. but I did buy a new pink petticoat download - which I also used for the Fathers day cards)

Fathers day cards

2009-06-25T21:04:00.002+01:00

Here are the cards I made for Fathers day this year ... not as many as last year because with working almost full time hours I haven't got enought time for any orders so I only made my own ..... maybe I'd better bear that in mind in the run up to Christmas (OMG!! I cannot believe I said the 'c' word in June!!!)

Images are Pink Petticoat and cut out with the nesties (how original am I?)

Birthday card for Callams school friend

2009-06-25T20:58:00.002+01:00

Last week Callam went to a girls birthday party and along with some jewellery I had made, he also took this card.

The sparklies are swarovski diamantes and the font is 'font diner sparkly'

The image is from a Pink Petticoat download that I bought last year (and have only used twice previously) - diamond sparkles (psx) were added, along with glossy accents then the image was cut with the scalloped nestability die and 2 nestie frames were added.

The finished card is below.

Kerrys birthday card

2009-06-11T20:29:00.003+01:00

On the 13th it is my friend Kerrys birthday.

Here is the card I have made for her -I have used one of the Holly and Maddison images that is already coloured and I have printed it straight onto the card. Glossy accents have been added.

Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-01T14:08:00.006+01:00

Well today its 13 years since I married my wonderful Hubby and as per usual I left the card till the very last minute (it was finished at ten oclock last night) I had been wondering for a few days what to put on it and spent some time on the web late yesterday afternoon looking for inspiration and I finally found exactly what I was looking for on Charmed cards and Crafts - a Holly and Maddison download. It was more than I wanted to pay because I only wanted the one image but I am sure that the others will get used over time (like for one of my friends birthdays in a couple of weeks) As I had left it so late I ended up using the coloured version of the image rather than colouring it myself.

Below is the front of the card (I really hope it's not too girly) - the aperture is cut using a nestability die in the cuttlebug

Below is the inside (It took me a few minutes to line up the image with the aperture but it was worth it)

Below is the image at a different angle so you can see the glossy accents I have added - on the hair and on the straps - its also on the shoes but that piccie looked awful so its not on here.

Happy Anniversary Cliff. xxx

Thought I would edit this post and show you my outfit that I wore (we went to Akbars on Meadowbank Road, Rotherham - top Indian restaurant in my opinion)

Here are my lovely strappy sandals (and no we don't have some dodgy bizarre looking skirting boards or panelling, it is a chest of drawers behind them)

And heres my dress - it's a 'Star by Julien Macdonald' from debenhams (and the thing hanging off the bottom is the tag)

and finally my beautiful bouquet of flowers from Cliff - glad to see he's finally getting the hang of this florist malarky - its only taken almost 18 years (yes, this summer we have been together for half of my life...gulp)

Dianes birthday card

2009-06-01T13:53:00.004+01:00

Here is the card I made for my Sisters birthday which is on Wednesday. The image is a Pink Petticoat image which was digitally coloured (using 'paint') and sparkly and glossy bits were added.

Below is the inside of the card (and after taking thses photos I turned the brads so they were all facing the same way)

Here is the cute handbag charm from carolyns although I have had it tucked away for a couple of years waiting for something to use it on

And finally (below) this is the box with the bracelet inside - I used the same ribbon and felt flowers as I used on the card.

Leannes leaving card

2009-05-28T20:42:00.004+01:00

Well Leannes leaving card is finished and I am really pleased with it. I used some more of the lace I got in the 'group purchase' on
CBC

The silver oval was cut with the nestabilities in the cuttlebug and the holes around the edge were done with my crop a dile.

On the backing paper (making memories boho chic) I have used glossy accents to do the shiny dots.

2 of the cards on my list

2009-05-27T14:13:00.004+01:00

Heres the start of 2 of the cards I have to make - printed and I have used the cuttlebug to cut them out and have used stickles and glossy accents on them.

Whilst they are drying I am going to have some lunch then hopefully get them finished.

I have looked at my blog and noticed there is a big gap here with nothing on and I cannot get rid of it grrrrrr on the preview (and the compose bit) it looks great without a big gap and then when I publish, bam, there it is, empty space .. . apologies.

Dianes bracelet

2009-05-27T13:21:00.004+01:00

Well as mentioned in my previous post, my little jewellery package arrived ...and it was little - you don't get much for your money.

Here are the contents of my parcel (not including my chain)

and here they are out of the plastic packaging.

And the final product - it was so easy to assemble, and fast, wow its the quickest thing I have made .... well if you don't count all the coffees I make myself.

The photos don't do the bracelet justice, it is really pretty and very shiny, I just hope Diane likes it.

Now my next task is to make some cards: Dianes birthday, Leannes leaving, Kerrys birthday, Peter and Celinas new baby card and I was wondering about doing a photo album for Peter and Celina too ... or something with a teddy, but whatever I make has to be mailed to Germany so it doesnt really want to be too heavy (or too big) ... anyway its not gonna get done if I am sat here waffling on about it is it?

Oh it is our Wedding Anniversary on Monday too so that another card I need to make.

broken Tiffany

2009-05-27T13:10:00.002+01:00

On Sunday night I broke my chain that holds my Tiffany heart and as it is a snake chain I woudn't even know where to start to repair it (or even if it can be done)

So on Monday whe nI was ordering the components to make Dianes bracelet I popped a new sterling silver chain into my basket too. The postie has just been and my tiffany is as good as new (well almost, if only the sterling silver jump rings didn't keep going a funny yellow colour ... but I suppose thats what you get if you don't take your jewellery off when you spray perfume)

spending ... just a little though

2009-05-25T17:13:00.002+01:00

Well today I have ordered a couple of things off the web. It is my Sisters birthday at the beginning of June and have decided to make a charm bracelet as part of her present, so those goods have been ordered and paid for (hope they get here in time)
I have also been onto pink petticoat and ordered a new lola download to make her card (currently downloading as I am typing this) and the girl who is leaving (and who's job I am having) will also be getting a card made from this download - I will be making these either tomorrow or Wednesday .. so photos will be on really soon .. .well hopefully

wow, its been a bit hectic but here's my story

2009-05-23T14:45:00.006+01:00

I can't beleive how long it is since I last posted - the time has flown by so quickly and Ive been exhausted - this could be a long one whilst I explain everything so I suggest if you are considering reading it all that a strong coffee might be in order (firstly so you have your 'cuppa' and secondly to probably keep you awake whilst I waffle on)

OK, I will start at the beginning:
When I had Callam I suffered with post natal depresison and had I gone to the docs sooner I probably could have saved myself a lot of trauma (Oh don't you just love hindsight?) but did I go to the docs as soon as I realised what it was? Of course I didnt, I did my ostritch impression and put my head in the sand hoping it would go away (all the while doing a bloody good job of hiding it from everybody - not the wisest thing to do)
When callam got to 6 months old I was really struggling to hide the depression and went onto seroxat, which worked for me (well kind of, at least I didn't sommit suicide which many on that particular drug have been known to do) for a while, then it stopped working and I changed medication - this happened quite a few times over the years.
When Callam started nursery I went back downhill and was a mess and didn't want to go out of the house, answering the telephone sent me into a panic and I spent the whole summer (pretty much) in the house and the anxiety set in (Oh fun times!!)
I eventually (with the help from my wonderful health visitor) got a CPN who has worked with me for the last few years (Callam is 10 now) and have slowly (Oh so very slowly) progressed - the mild agorophobia is almost (I did say almost because it is still lurking in the back of my mind) gone and I still suffer with anxiety and panic attacks but am completely off all my medication (at my very worst I was on diazepam alongside my antidepressant, reboxetine)
The wedding stationery has been a bit of a diversion, something to do, but meeting with brides was difficult because of the way my anxiety is I have no confidence with people I don't know when I am face to face (or on the telephone) - this obstacle has caused a few problems to the extent that I am unsure if I will do any more wedding stationery (I am keeping my website for the time being until I decided one way or the other)

Anyway my Husband (who has been wonderful throughout my illness) got me a voluntary position at his place of employment and after notifying the benefits agency (yes I have been on incapacity - but everything has been declared - I don't sleep particularly well most nights and if I was to do anything that is not allowed I would have even more anxiety) I have been doing a couple of short days in the office - admin work (filing, checking forms, etc - no telephone answering as I'm still not comfortable on the phone) for the last few weeks.

I have been offered a proper job with the company and I didn't have to have an interview (which was the only thing stopping me from applying for anything. The best way to explain it is to get you to think about how nervous you are for a job interview ... you got that feeling?? well that is how I feel on a trip to the supermarket - so unless you have anxiety you won't have experienced the shock to the system that an interview would do - everything is exhausting and the fact that I sleep so badly doesnt help - thats the short explanation.) .... anyway, back to the good news. I have been offered a proper job with good pay (more than I had dared to hope for) and I am starting properly in a couple of weeks time. I am expecting to be even more tired than I am just doing a few hours two or three times a week but I can't wait to come off the benefits.

You still reading this?? wow, well done to you and thanks for 'listening'

spooky

2009-04-26T23:22:00.004+01:00

We are looking at getting our ensuite refitted and went to the local bathroom shop. The guy in there showed us some photos for ideas and some of the photos had 'orbs' on them and the man in the shop explained that they are spirits.

I came away and thinking about it remembered that when we were having some (lots) work done on our house I took some photos that had orbs on them when I had put them onto the pc (at the time I hadn't known what they were, right until the man in the bathroom shop told me).

Here they are ... make your own opinions (I have made mine and a quite freaked out about it - I do not rest easy when supernatural thoughts are in my head)

The first photo has them, very faintly on the fridge door and also (much more visible) on the cupboard door under the sink and on the drawer unit

Next they are on the cupboard door (under the microwave)
And next they are all around my beautiful boy (there are loads on this photo)

matching cards for my Nephews 1st Birthdays

2009-04-26T23:17:00.002+01:00

My nephews were born within weeks of each other so I made matching cards with only a couple of differences - my mojo has taken a short (well I hope its short) holiday it seems and I'm really struggling with cards and stuff at the moment.

Easter cards

2009-04-10T16:29:00.002+01:00

I only had to make 2 easter cards this year and luckily I got a free Pink Petticoat download which was perfect. I added sparkly bits and glossy accents were used too. I cut out with nesties (once again)

Bag Charms

2009-04-10T16:20:00.007+01:00

A friend asked if I could make 3 bag charms (she loved the one I made for her so much).

I made the chains myself too.

30th Birthday card

2009-04-10T16:15:00.003+01:00

This week saw the 30th Birthday of my Sister in Law and this is the card I made for her. Image is Pink Petticoat. I have used sparkles (diamond) and glossy accents on it. The numbers are sizzix pigeon toed charms and I have used scalloped oval nestabilities, then embossed with a cuttlebug folder. I rubbed a pink and then a gold coloured ink pad around the edges.

Anniversary card

2009-03-26T21:03:00.002Z

Earlier this week it was my Grandparents Wedding Anniversary and once again I left the card until the very last minute (I was feeling very uninspired...perhaps I need to tidy my messy craft room instead of spending time on facebook)

Anyway my Grandparents love birds so out came the stitchels stamps. I stamped 2 birds and a heart then watercoloured them. The birds have got swarovski crystals for their eyes.

I used some more of the gorgeous lace and some flowers that I punched out.

Overall I am pleased with the way the card has turned out (but not sure about the ribbon on the tag...too late now though)

Mother in Laws birthday

2009-03-26T20:50:00.003Z

Well on Monday it will be my Mother in Laws birthday, so here is the card I have made for her:

First the inside - to hide the join of the narrow satin ribbon (that wasn't a long enough piece to tie together) I made a tag that I was going to put on the front (but looked out of place) and stuck it down so the join can't be seen (pity I han't thought to do the same with the velvety ribbon)

On the front I used a Pink Petticoat image that I coloured using the paint programme on the pc. Sparkly and glossy bits were added after cutting with scalloped oval nestabilities.

Hasbro toys and their fantastic customer services team

2009-03-25T15:32:00.004Z

My Son had his birthday at the end of October last year and as he is slightly obsessed with Star Wars he received a 'voice changing clone trooper helmet'. We unpacked it and he was gutted to discover that his voice didnt change at all. The packaging was completely no good so we were unable to even consider returning the item to Woolworths, so I telephoned Hasbro toys (who manufacture the helmet) and explained the problem. The lovely lady gave me a reference number along with a freepost address and told me to get my Son to choose items from their website to the value of the helmet (£29.99) along with a couple of extra items just incase they didnt have the first choices in stock.

Well, I kept forgetting and seemed to remember at the most bizarre times that Callam needed to look at their website. I finally got round to it a few weeks ago and he came up with a huge list, so the helmet was packed up and returned, along with Callams wish list and a week later a parcel arrived containing his replacement toys (looking at the toys r us website there is in the region of £50 worth of items there). Callam is now a happy bunny and I feel I have to say Hasbro really do care about their customers - their customer services are fantastic and I am certain we will be buying Hasbro toys over other brands in future.

This is a long post today

2009-03-25T14:39:00.011Z

Well Sunday (just gone) was Mothering Sunday and I had quite a few cards to make - 5 of them are what I sent out cos I do my Gran (who brought me up), my Mother in Law, my Dads Girlfriend (who he has been with for almost 20 years), my Mum and my Nan....quite a list.

The first is the one I made for my Mother in Law using some more of the beautiful lace.

Next are the cards I made for my Grandma and my Nan. I embossed using the cuttlebug, the gold card oval with scalloped edges is a nestie and the bird is a stitchels stamp that I watercolour painted.

The next 2 are the ones I made for my Mum and my Dads Girlfriend. The purple cards are embossed using the cuttlebug and the images are Pink Petticoat.

Next is one I made for a friends Mum. I did the card as a favour because he mended a chip in one of the alloy wheels on the mini and would not take payment, so one good turn deserves another. I used the stitchels again

I took the photograph of the card and then later took another look and decided something was missing so the bird got a lovely swarovski crystal for an eye (only I didnt have chance to take a photo of the change)

The next 2 cards were for an order...the only specification was that they had to have tabby cats on them, so the images are clip art, the diamantes are swarovski and the flowers are stitchels...there is also some of the beautiful lace once again.

The next ones are for some friends of mine.

Image is Pink Petticoat, crystals are swarovski

More Pink Petticoat images

And me....well I had a lovely card from Callam that he drew himself.

Altered Chocolate bars

2009-03-24T15:22:00.004Z

I recently had some small bars of Green and Black's chocolate and thought they were an ideal size to decorate (and quick before I decided to eat them)

First is the undecorated choccy bar

Next is one I decorated using an image I stamped using a stitchels stamp.

and one I did using one part of a flower that was bought from dunelm mill with some ribbon to match the coloured band accross the top of the chocolate wrapper.

They look very sweet - excuse the pun :)

Christening card

2009-03-24T15:14:00.003Z

Well its been ages since I last posted on here - I have been taking piccies of everything I have done, just not had time to post on here (and I'm cutting it fine today cos its almost time to go and do the school run)

The item I am showing today is the card I made for my Nephews Christening which was on Sunday 22nd March (Mothers day).

Last time I ordered my card blanks I forgot to order some C5 envelopes - I was ordering so many different things I thought I had got everything and when it comes to put the cards I have made into envelopes there are none, so I have had to improvise. I have some C5 office style envelopes and here is the one I used for Max's card. I have printed a pink petticoat patterned paper onto it and it looks really nice.

Card for baby 1st birthday using lace

2009-03-02T11:29:00.004Z

Yesterday was the 1st birthday of my cousins Daughter and although I wasn't sure what layout I wanted to achieve I did know I wasnted to use pink and some of the lace I recently bought. I had a play with various bits and pieces and this is what I ended up with and I am really pleased with it.

Birthday card for a man

2009-03-02T11:18:00.003Z

Friday saw the birthday of my Step Father and I kinda left the card to the very last minute (as I often do...not sure why, its not as though if I put off doing the card that its not going to be needed is it?) Anyway I was really stuck for inspiration so I had a look through the stuff I have accumulated and came accross the dark blue 'Happy Birthday' embossed piece of card and though I would start with that. I rubbed over the embossing with a gold pigment ink cats eye pad.

I did the corners of the card so they aren't square and did the same with the blue panel.

I found the circle embellishment for the front that I had made towards the end of last year (which had the embossed greeting watercolour painted by myself) I rubbed this over with the gold ink pad too and placed some blue grossgrain ribbon behind (this was stapled onto the blue card panel)

The circle embellishment was secured using foam pads, then the blue panel was mounted onto the card using foam tape with a couple of pads under for extra support (to stop the front collapsing)

Finally, here is the full completed item.

New shoes and a bag to alter

2009-03-02T11:04:00.004Z

Not many of you will realise how much I love shoes...I don't just like them, I love them (not quite as much as bags, but its close) and when my Wonderful Husband offered to buy me a pair of pumps as the shops have them in now ready for summer, who am I to deny him that pleasure? ;)

We went and looked round a few shops and nothing was really catching my eye until we went into faith and I came accross this lush pair, that were relatively inexpnsive, they are not plain and they do feel quite comfy.

As an added extra the bag they came in is just right for altering. It is made from sturdy pale coloured card, has neutral coloured handles and not a lot of stuff on the front.

The only thing that may pose a problem is the bright yellow supporting piece thats just inside the top...although that could work in my favour...Oh dear I just dont seem to have any paper that will go with that yellow so I will just have to go and buy some ;)

Funny piccies

2009-03-01T19:59:00.004Z

On Friday I came accross a website that enables you to put your face onto a famous persons body and had some fun (mainly at my Husbands expense...Mwahahahahahaha)

Above is puss in boots and below is Coolio

Below is Alvin and the chipmonks

I thought it was a little unfair to only do my Husband so I did one of me and 2 of my cousins (I am on the left of 'The Hendrix Experience')

Something different coming soon

2009-03-01T19:33:00.003Z

Well you will all be amazed, but I have made not one, but two cards and I have not used a single stitchel on them and one of them even has some of the beautiful lace on that I got recently.

I will be posting photos soon (once I have downloaded them off my camera and cropped them)

another Stitchels card

2009-02-25T20:04:00.004Z

Its my Sister-in-Laws birthday on Saturday so once again I got out the stitchels stamps (seriously, how predictable am I becoming though??)

Amandas birthday card

2009-02-24T20:49:00.003Z

First there is the label, which started life as a tag on an item of clothing from George at asda. I have put a rub on greeting over some puple paper (papermania). The ribbon was a free gift with a Christmas craft magazine.

Next are the stitchels flowers, once again painted with 'the works' own brand twinkling H2O's and they have gold stickles dotted around the brad in the centre.

The butterfly.

And finally, the completed item.

Auntie Sues Birthday card

2009-02-24T20:44:00.004Z

Well this card was made back in January and I thought I had deleted the photo off my memory card, so imagine how pleased I was to come accross this piccie.

Once again I have used the stitchels stamps, but the card this time is a gatefold.

Snow!!

2009-02-15T18:13:00.003Z

Well we had loads of snow (over the last couple of weeks) and I took a few photos of it.

Here (below) is the view to the rear of our house

and below is the view from the front of the house

and here (below) is the back again, but at night.

and lastly this is the roof of the conservatory with some melting snow / ice that is very slowly sliding down and dropping off (took 3 days after I took this photo for it to happen)

Retirement cards

2009-02-15T17:48:00.014Z

I had to make 2 retirement cards and as I have never (honestly) had to make a retirement card before for a man I was completely stumped and therefore I took the easy way out and made them both the same.

Valentines day (again)

2009-02-15T17:40:00.003Z

This is the Valentines card I made for my Husband using the Forever Friends stamp I bought a while ago (and blogged about)

Valentines day

2009-02-15T16:58:00.002Z

Ok, first things first - I am sorry that I have not blogged for ages.

I have been busy and will try my best to update you.

Firstly thank you to my wonderful Husband for my beautiful Valentines bouquet.

more car stuff

2009-01-28T10:58:00.005Z

Here is Cliff with the range rover sport SE the day before we traded it in (it was ready for a wash but as it was going, Cliff decided not to wash it)

And here, in daylight is the mini.

We haven't yet taken out the paper floor mat on the drivers side (although it will be moved to the passenger side when Callam will be getting into the car 'cos hes a mud magnet)

The big speedo in the middle is taking some getting used to (oh the hardship, its terrible...lol)

Well, I promise there will be some crafty stuff on here really soon (thanks for not falling to sleep whilst I go on and on (and on and on and on and on) about the new car.

It's here!!!!

2009-01-26T19:32:00.005Z

Due to my Husbands insistence I have had to remove the photographs of the car (apparrantly there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there who like to steal minis)

The mini is here and sitting on the drive.

I have put some photographs on but as it is dark they are not great (infact they make the car look yellow - it is pepper white)

First we have the 17 inch flame spoke alloy wheels

Next the rear view

and finally the front view

All we need now is the personalised plate that will be going on once we have all the relevant paperwork.

Isn't he lovely (he is called Rodney after my Father in Law - long story)

Another Stitchels card

2009-01-26T12:32:00.003Z

Last week I found out one of my Dads uncles had a stroke and was in hospital. I struggle for ideas with mens 'get well soon' cards and this time was no exception. I decided to do something cheerful and once again got out my stitchels stamps and got to work.

First I stamped the parts would be cutting out and mounting onto the rest of the card.

Next I stamped leaves in 3 shades of green onto the bottom corner of the card

After stamping the leaves I started painting everything - I used matt paints first then went over with my pearl paints

Then I cut out the additional components and secured them to the card, adding a feather to the birds tail and a yellow brad for the flower centre, finally I mounted the whole thing onto bright yellow card.

New addition to the family

2009-01-23T10:15:00.003Z

Ok fellow bloggers / blogettes, we are going to be having a new addition to the family in a few looooooooooooooooooooong days time and I am so excited that I wanted to share with you all.

Don't get too excited though, it isn't a baby, or a kitten or puppy it is a Mini Cooper D in pepper white and here is the first photograph of it (along with my gorgeous Son)

We are having the stripes moved to the middle as everybody has the regular bonnet stripes and once the paperwork comes through from the dvla we are having the private plate on it.

Very excited!!!! Normally I can't wait for the weekend but this time I want the weekend to speed through so we can get to Monday evening.

Finally

2009-01-20T13:42:00.004Z

well on 4th January I ordered some stuff from arty miss and it's finally here!!! YAY!!

I got this pack to start on some Mothers Day cards

These stickers will be brilliant with a couple of photos I took (years ago)

These (below) are for in the album I am doing for our visit to Lapland UK

and this forever friends stamp is for the valentines card I will be making for my wonderful Hubby

The panduro catalogue arrived a few minutes ago so I have some reading material to look at whilst I have my lunch (which is very boring salad) - I went through the new argos catalogue yesterday - and there isn't a great deal of new stuff that I like in that one - should save me a bit of money though if I don't like anything in it ;)

Dads Birthday card

2009-01-20T13:16:00.005Z

I only just realised I didn't put these photos on here (must be the blonde in me kicking in) Here is the card I made for my Dads birthday (which was on Christmas day)

I used cuttlebug embossing folders for the background and the 'gift' and a Pink Petticoat download cake.

Pink watch

2009-01-20T13:02:00.004Z

I was asked to make a watch in pink and blue shades. Here are the parts before I started.

And here is the finished watch.

Not really the colours I would have gone for but it looks really nice 'in the flesh' at it were.

Sympathy card

2009-01-14T18:52:00.003Z

I recently had to make a sympathy card. A neighbours Father passed away and I didn't have long at all to make the card (a few minutes - literally) and as I had the flowers and butterfly ready to go (extras that I had made before Christmas), I thought this was the way to go.

The stamps are from The artistic stamper

My first award!!!

2009-01-05T16:01:00.007Z

I am so excited - I have received my first ever blog award from Sarah (thank you so very much) and am amazed that people even read / look through my blog so to get an award is such a lovely surprise.

The rules are that I have to list 5 addictions and 5 favourite blogs.

So, my addictions (in no particular order) are:

1. Minis...preferrably pink, as sold by Symes but any colour turns myhead (unless it is yellow..sorry to all those who own yellow minis, but that colour on such a great car is so wrong)

2. Coffee...but not nescafe cos it tastes funny and it has to have full fat milk in (not that I am fussy or anything)

3. Carolyns forum which I visit almost every day

4. Facebook which I go on almost as often as Carolyns forum

5. Desperate housewives...yes very sad I know but very addictive all the same.

My favourite blogs. This is a difficult one cos there are so many very inspirational blogs out there.

1. Maddy Her work is fantastic and there is a lot of attention to detail

1. Calv Yes I know I already did number one but I cannot choose between the two. Calvs blog always makes me laugh and he makes some great items (including fairy doors and my favourite 'inked fruit')

3. Claire has some lovely work on her blog (and I have just gone on to let her know about this award and discovered it is her 30th Birthday today, so Happy Birthday Claire, hope your day is wonderful xx)

4. Inspirational who could leave out this fantastic blog?

5. Net Who makes divine cakes and has a passion for crafts and caiques

apologies

2009-01-03T17:55:00.002Z

Sorry that nothing has been posted on here for a couple of weeks - It has been a hectic Christmas and New Year and my cat is quite poorly at the moment and we don't know what is wrong so he has to go for an xray on Monday evening.

I am quite upset because he is really old (14 and half years which is cat years that is over 101 years) and am thinking the worst and my mojo seems to be on vacation.

Still Once Callam is back at school I will be working on the scrapbook for the Lapland photos.

Golden anniversary card

2008-12-19T19:03:00.007Z

My Gran asked me a few weeks ago if I could make a card for her close friends as it is their Golden anniversary. This is what I came up with.

The embellishments are all stamped onto card with stitchels stamps and hand painted with my cheap h2o's

Below is a close up of the bird with a lilac feather for its tail.

All photos were taken this evening so the colours are not true due to bad lighting. The card is my favourite one EVER - I am really pleased with how it has turned out.

The flowers, hearts, butterfly and bird are stamped using one of the stitchels sets from The artistic stamper

Teacher Christmas cards

2008-12-19T18:58:00.006Z

These are the Christmas cards I did for the teachers at school. I made 2 of the pale coloured card for the 2 teachers and the black one is for the teaching assistant.

This is a close up so you can see the glossy accents on the word 'hoot' and the sparkles on the holly berries

The printed image is from Pink Petticoat

special card

2008-12-19T18:56:00.002Z

I was asked by a friend to make a card for her bosses 70th Birthday to include golf and this is what I came up with.

Inside it says 'a birdie told us it was your 70th Birthday'

Homebaked Cookies

2008-12-19T18:53:00.002Z

Here are the cookies we baked for the teachers presents (to go inside the altered paint cans and gift bag that I blogged earlier)

Teachers assistant Christmas gift

2008-12-19T18:43:00.011Z

Here is the gift bag - it was a plain white paper carrier bag and I added some 6x6" paper to the front and 3 embossed sizzix snowflakes - once they were cut and embossed I rubbed over the pattern with an emery board to distress them and stuck them on with foam pads.

I cut a large tag (sizzix) and embossed it diagonally with cuttlebug embossing folder then rubbed the raised pattern with a blue ink pad.

I then cut out and did clothes for a sizzix person (which is supposed to look like the teachers assistant, Mr Robertson - I think it is quite a good likeness...well, as good as I can do anyway)

I cut out the letters and edged with the same blue ink as for the tag

and stuck it all together

Here is the tag attached to the completed bag.

This is the second paint tin I have altered for Callams other teacher

2008-12-19T18:34:00.010Z

Here is the second paint tin I have altered - this on is for Mrs I (the name is Polish and off the top of my head I cannot remember how to spell it)

It is very similar to the other paint tin I did earlier in the week and there were some home baked cookies to go in it.

The stamps for the flowers, bird and butterflies are available to buy from The Artistic Stamper

busy again.

2008-12-19T09:20:00.002Z

Well I sort of had a day off yesterday...well Christmas shopping with Amanda (on of my many cousins) but I was shopping for goodies to put in the stockings (not as easy as you might think unless you have unlimited funds, which I certainly don't).... then had a lovely lunch at pizza hut. As soon as Callam finished school we had a mad dash to Doncaster vue as I had managed to get free cinema tickets for the new animated film (despereux - about a mouse) Personally I wasn't bothered about seeing the film but thought it would be a nice treat for Callam. Well the film was great and the 3 of us really enjoyed it.

Now I have to crack on though. Todays 'job' list goes like this:

1. I have an anniversary card to make - as requested by my Grandparents.

2. A Christmas card for Tina and Steve (Tina does my ironing at the moment until my neck is better and Steve is her husband who collects it and delivers it once it is done - they are a really lovely couple)

3. was going to be a Christmas card for Cliff (my Husband) and I have the stuff prepared, but he has said 'we aren't sending cards to each other this year are we?? I can think of better things to spend £2.50 on'....so I guess that has saved me 10 minutes (I already have the stuff prepped ready to go on, which took me around an hour - typical male!!)

4. a birthday card for my Dad whos birthday is on Christmas day.

5. A christmas card for Callam (have to do it today or he will be here watching me make it - last school day today)

6. I have a watch to make - Amanda has asked me to make one for her Mum for Christmas so I need to get a move on.

7. Order a gift voucher off amazon (using the link on cbc)

8. A card for Simon and Cheryl (friends)

And Cliff has given me a short list of 16 Christmas cards he needs to send to people at his new job....not many there then, eh??

Wow, you made it this far!! Well done, bet you are struggling to keep your eyes open aren't you?? Sorry for such a boring post. I will be putting some more piccies on soon - I have done another altered paint can (although it is very similar to the other one), a gift bag and a tag with a sizzix person on it and some cookies.

First teachers Christmas gift tin

2008-12-16T14:53:00.015Z

I have decided to do some altered paint tins for part of the teachers gifts in (inside the tins they will be getting cookies that Callam will be making)..there are 3 teachers this year so LOADS still to do.

First I cut the paper (core dinations in white) - nearly long enough to go all the way around. I stamped with stitchels stamps and watercoloured them (with h2os)

Then I did extra butterflies and an extra bird and cut them out

this (below) is one of the butterflies (finished)

Below is the lid embellishment

and finally the finished tin

Here I am

2008-12-15T11:34:00.003Z

Well on Saturday it was our night out and I was really nervous so I had my baileys (that went straight to my head..well I was starvin' so I suppose it would've) Felt a bit chunky round the middle in my dress but Cliff and Amanda (my cousin -well one of them) said I looked nice and there wasn't time to change (not that I had anything as nice to change into anyway)

Michelles birthday card

2008-12-14T16:10:00.007Z

It is my cousin Michelles birthday at the weekend and after doing Cheryls card which looked so pretty I thought I would have another go but make my method slightly different to make the paints a bit more vibrant.

First I stamped the images (stitchels stamps) with silver ink (leaving space in the middle for the greeting)

Then I painted the images with 2 coats of white paint (normal water colour paints)

I have painted the images with my cheap h2os and added sparkles from the butterfly.

I placed this embellishment on the front

Below is a close up of the detail on the flowers

and finally the finished card (I am wishing the butterfly and the flower embellshment were the opposite way round though - still too late now it cannot be changed)

More Christmas cards

2008-12-14T15:59:00.004Z

Here are some more of the Christmas cards I made last week (and didn't have time to put on here). The top 2 were done in multiples as I have so many to do.

This card (below) was one that friend asked me to make.

Cheryls card

2008-12-13T16:51:00.005Z

Here is Cheryls card. I did the main card (front) for a CBC challenge (that I was late for, but thats just typical of me). When Ic am to write in the card I decided that if I wrote on the central panel my awful handwriting would be on view for all to see so I decorated the centre panel and wrote on the back.

I stamped with the stitchels stamps then painted with my cheapo H2O's and am very pleased with how pretty it looks.

This is the butterfly and a sparkly trail

Below are the flowers I stamped

The centre panel (below)

and finally the complete card

Cheryls tin...contents

2008-12-13T16:45:00.005Z

You have seen the tin I decorated for Cheryls birthday, well here is a picture of some of the contents...a shower scrunchie, some exfoliating gloves, some emery boards and a vanilla candle.

There was also a couple of post its that I covered:

2008-12-13T16:40:00.003Z

This is the note book I decorated for part of Cheryls birthday gift.

This is the text

and here is a close up of the text (so you can see it is raised)

The embossing die is cuttlebug.
The text is the Olivia cuttlebug set.

2008-12-11T14:33:00.003Z

Well I am busy busy busy and am taking loads of piccies of what I am doing...just not enough time to download them to pc, edit them and then upload to the web. As soon as the next couple of weeks are over I will be able to relax a bit and maybe show you all what goodies I have been creating.

2008-12-09T14:44:00.004Z

Last week I made this Christmas card (below) and I wasn't too happy with it because it looked really bland, it hadn't turned out how I imagined it would

So I have changed it, by rubbing a gold ink pad over it to make the card metallic gold, once that was done I went over the stamped image with some tissue paper to remove the gold ink - it looks a lot better now.
Below is a close up of the gold card with white embossed image.

My outfit for the Christmas party

2008-12-09T13:15:00.013Z

Well I am sorted for the Christmas party on Saturday...I think. Quite nervous though and hoping I don't have a huge panic attack because that will be sooooo embarrassing.

First, here is my gorgeous 'Star by Julien MacDonald' bag that Cliff bought for me (looks a bit odd in the photo but the feathers do hang properly when the bag isn't laid on its side) the strap is quite short - the sort you hold or put over your wrist, not to put over your shoulder

This (below) is a snapshot of my dress from Next- not all of it just the waist to give an idea of what it is like (although it is completely black - the pink is from my top that I was wearing when I took the photo)

I went shopping last night as I was not happy with the jewellery I have made to wear for Cliffs Christmas party this coming weekend. I really love the set that I have made but when I tried it all on with my dress it doesn't really stand out ( having seen a close up of my dress I am sure you can imagine why it doesn't really stand out) and here are the originals and what I have replaced it all with:

This is a headband I bought (only £2.94 from La Senza) I am not sure whether I will wear it on Saturday but if Idon't then I haven't spent a lot on it so it won't matter...don't want to get to Saturday afternoon and think 'I wish I had got that headband'

I replaced these green earrings (below) that I made with green swarovski and Czech firepolished crystals.......

....with these sparkly dangly earrings which only cost 98p from primark

I replaced this green bracelet that I had made using green swarovski and Czech firepolished crystals........

...with this sparkly pair of bracelets which cost the huge amount of £2.94 from Primark

I replaced this green swarovski and firepolished crystal choker (below) that I had made........

......with this gorgeous necklace (below) from Jane Norman (a bargain at £10.00, although once the vat had been adjusted it was a very odd total of £ 9.78)

Cheryls Birthday Tin

2008-12-09T11:37:00.007Z

OK, so Cheryls tin is finished and here are the photos of the finished item.

First we have the bow that I tied around the handle: lilac dotty grossgrain ribbon.

Close up of the felt flower in the bottom corner with a square jewelled brad that JulieS sent to me as a RAK (thank you very much Julie)

Close up of the text along the bottom (sizzix 'pigeon toed charms' die set)

Finally the finished item. (Hope she likes it)

Jennys Christmas card

2008-12-09T11:29:00.005Z

Here is the Christmas card I made for my Mother in Law which looks really pretty done on black pearl card.

It is also appropriate for a challenge on CBC.

Below is a close up of the central embellishment

Below is a close up of the text panel (with gold metallic text)

Swaorvski AB jewellery

2008-12-09T11:25:00.003Z

I made these jewellery items to go onto my website (www.handmadebykate.co.uk) not sure of the pricing just yet. The butterflies are swarovski AB crystals.

Violet swarovski set for on my website

2008-12-09T11:20:00.007Z

I made these items to put on my website (after making some as Christmas gifts I thought they were nice enough) there are earrings (although I am not sure if they are sterling silver or silver plated), a lilac microfibre thong and a silver plated chain - the photos don't do them justice.

Veronicas Choker

2008-12-09T11:14:00.005Z

Above is the choker that I have made for my Mum for Christmas - she asked for a black choker - hope this is OK.

To the right is a close up photo of the swarovski 'Avant garde' 40mm jet crystal.

2008-12-07T21:26:00.003Z

Well I have been away for the weekend - to visit my Mother in Law in Colchester, but on Friday (whilst packing to go) I made my Mother in Laws Christmas card and finished Cheryls tin (although the goodies for inside are not yet finished)
Tonight once we were home (and after I watched Home Alone) I made my Mums choker, which looks OK, not really my style but she wanted a black choker - all the black beads I have looked at (on the web) have looked awful, so I decided on one big swarovski avante garde jet crystal on a silver choker wire.

Piccies soon of all the items mentioned (I just need to take them first)

2008-12-03T15:03:00.010Z

These are some of the cards I have made today.

Embossing folders are 'cuttlebug'

Not really that keen on this with the white embossing - I thought it would look classy but that went quite wrong..lol - glad I only did one before I heated the embossing powder.

I cant really say I like 'the miracle of Christmas' (below) looks a bit like one that a certain person would send to me (this person sends some awful cards that they have made..that is all I am going to say)

I have made a few more than shown but they need something else as they are lacking somewhat.

2008-12-03T14:47:00.002Z

Today I have also made a few Christmas cards - just to see what I can come up with - these will be posted to the distant relatives and friends that we don't see anymore (for various reasons)

I will post some piccies later.

2008-12-03T14:39:00.004Z

I have finished Gill Christmas card order and as she always orders quite a few each year, last year I thought it would be nice to always give a small extra as thanks. This year I have altered a reporters notebook. It looks really pretty.

This is a close up of the text on the front - I have used glossy accents on the text.

Papers are pink petticoat - one in a melon

Embossing done with cuttlebug embossing folders

2008-12-03T14:23:00.007Z

I bought this pack of gift tags last week (£2.00 from matalan) but although they are silver and glittery they are somewhat lacking so today I set about making them more appealing.

3 wise men (otherwise known as the three kings)

The miracle of Christmas with baubles (at least these baubles look nice, not like some that you get on Christmas cards - usually from somebody who doesnt really like you)

This was a single tree that I stamped 3 times and then embossed.

This is one of my Favourite Christmas stamps and I use it a lot.

This is 2 seperate stamps that I bought last year and didn't use (thought it was about time I took them off the sheet)

Another stamp that I use a lot ' just for you'

I did several of each and have realised I probably have more tags than gifts to wrap (as I have done most of my wrapping - yes Imay be organised with the gifts but the cards..Yikes!! I started on those today - I have 60 to make not to mention the ones for the people that Cliff works with - better get my skates on)

2008-12-02T11:16:00.004Z

Been a bit busy over the last few days (weekend stuff) but I have found time to take a photo of my first ever canvas.

I have also made this necklace and earring set as a Christmas gift:

The flowers are swarovski crystals and the photograph really doesn't do the jewellery any justice.

I am so pleased with the set that I am going to make one as a gift for the Sister of the person this on is for and maybe make some for on my website or perhaps ebay.

2008-11-29T17:42:00.000Z

This is the tin I bought for Cheryls birthday

and here are the card panels cut out, corners rounded and edges sanded.

The glossy accents are added (the shiny dots that you can see)

and here is a close up of the cut out and the clasp

Just need to decide what else I am going to adorn the panels with before I attatch them.

I bought some goodies to go inside earlier today when we went to Rotherham and I will take some piccies of them at some point in the next couple of days.

2008-11-29T17:30:00.000Z

OK, the battery tub is completed - I am not 100% happy with it because there was so much more I could have done but the sensible side of me kicked in and thought about how annoyed I will be when my Hubby and 10 year old Son wreck it within a fortnight (probably) so I didn't spend too long on it.

It is nice though and the piccies don't really do it justice.

2008-11-28T15:13:00.000Z

Well I haven't any piccies to put on here today yet but I have been busy. I am well on the way to finishing the tub so the batteries dont do another vanishing act (sorry that was lame but I couldn't help myself) - I am waiting for the glossy accents to dry on the label and on the paper.

I have also found the installation disc for the scanner and got that installed but I need to clean the glass because the photo I printed today (after scanning) had some very odd marks on it and I can only imagine that as the glass looks a bit 'odd' underneath that I will have to take the bloomen thing apart and clean it...and soon because I need to do some photo gifts for Christmas but the piccies need scanning properly first - they are the 2 that were taken with Father Christmas at Lapland UK last Friday...I cannot believe it is already a whole week since we went.

I have also started covering the tin that I bought for Cheryls birthday (luckily for me she doesnt even know I have this blog otherwise I wouldn't be able to say anything) It is a plain white lunch tin that I bought from crafts u love website. I have cut the paper and sanded the edges then put the glossy accents on (OMG I have spent more time using glossy accents today you wouldn't believe) and it is almost time to go and collect Callam from school.

2008-11-27T19:18:00.001Z

2 posts in 1 day..get me!!

Ok After spending what seemed like an eternity looking for batteries... (my slendertone belt stopped mid-cycle and I can only assume it was the batteries because they were really low on the power level indicator).... I gave up and asked Cliff when he got home. He had put them 'away' whilst he was off work...by away I mean 'away' in this:

Small wonder I couldn't find them (rolls eyes) anyway I am going to tart the tub up and make sure we know what the contents are in future.

2008-11-27T18:35:00.000Z

I am doing well with this new blog of mine so far....I am wondering if it could be something to do with the funky background I have for it.

Anyway, today I had a lovely parcel arrive - it was some K&co 12x12" glitter papers (to use in the album that arrived yesterday), a DCWV card kit in a stack and a do crafts magazine. I ordered from Arty Miss and usually they takes to send stuff out (well my orders usually take ages) so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived today. (I took the papers out of the shiny cellophane wrapper as they would not photograph properly)

And here are the papers spread out - they are double sided and quite sparkly...not that you would believe it looking at these photos

2008-11-26T14:10:00.001Z

Wow. Today in the post I received the scrapbook album I ordered (the day before yesterday) to put the Lapland UK photos in...not quite a bargain once I had paid postage but it is such a lovely book to start off with - hope I can do it justice.

I ordered it from ebay seller: 'my-magic-moments'

It is nice to buy something where they DON'T rip you off with postage, where they DO send items out really quickly and where it seems they are genuinely nice people (and to top it off my stuff doesn't smell of cigarette smoke, which lots of stuff on ebay does)

I thought it was perfect, mainly because of the closure on the front.

It looks quite pinky in the photos but it is a really nice red colour canvassy / linen fabric.

2008-11-26T13:20:00.001Z

OK, I have done the first item for on my blog. It is an anniversary card for Diane and Neil and their anniversary is tomorrow so I have had to get my skates on with this one as I forgot it was so soon (I haven't been checking my diary as regularly as usual)

I will post the photos later today as I am going to have some lunch and then it is off to the post office with the card otherwise they wont get it tomorrow.

OK here are the photos of the card:

I used Pink Petticoat prints and the names were computer generated.

Welcome

2008-11-25T20:13:00.000Z

Hello and welcome to my blog. I hope to post regularly on here and will do my very best not to send you to sleep.