From The Ashes

UNDER REFURBISHMENT!!!!

2011-04-09T22:18:00.000+01:00

Be back soon!!!!

It's official!!

2008-08-19T09:41:00.006+01:00

I have decided that beyond any shadow of a doubt... I AM A CRAP BLOGGER!!! I could never keep a diary and I can't keep my blog updated regularly either!!! BUT I am keeping my blog, cos as much as I don't post as often as I would like I do love it and so back to business!

So here are a couple of my LO's that I have done reasonably recently (well since my last post anyway)!!!!! Both of them were for the CTYD DT and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself doing them!
I am in the middle of two weeks off work but what with everything going on at the moment I have barely had a minute to sit down, let alone get my stash out and play but I am working on it, and I am hoping to get some bits done today, after I have cleaned the kitchen cupboards! Nice! (Oh God I wish blogger had smilies)!!

Silly Pictures!

2008-08-02T16:55:00.009+01:00

Over on CTYD is another challenge...

"For most of us, a big part of our crafting is scrapbooking ... & that means photos. So, for today's 40 Day event we want to see your silliest photos. We all have them, so from the mildly amusing to the downright daft"
Get your entries in by Midnight BST on August 8th & the DT will pick their fave to win a scrappy RAK from us!
Well technically I can't enter but I can still play!!
So here is one from my very large dodgy pics collection...

SPOT THE SEALION!!! Dammit I missed it!

"NOW WHERE DID I LEAVE MY NUTS?"
And one the funniest pics I have seen! I cannot take the credit for this, found it on the internet a long time ago, but everytime I look at it, it makes me laugh!!

Day 22 - 40 Days Events

2008-07-24T16:46:00.001+01:00

Another offering for the more recent 40 day celebration challenges!!
"Today's challenge is for you to do the same: use your scraps & show me your scrappy projects - & as I love the odd multi-challenge attempt, feel free to combine this with as many other challenges as you like"
This one closes midnight BST 28th July (next Monday).

Check out the CTYD blog as well, as there is one up there I have arranged plus NON-celebrity squares! LOL!

2008-07-24T16:39:00.002+01:00

Stars & Stripes

2008-07-09T20:37:00.003+01:00

One of the challenges for the Guv's 40th Birthday Bash was to create something with star and/or stripes. Well me being me, I left it to the last minute (you still have 3 1/2 hours left to enter)!

And here is mine, a digi LO featuring a pic of DH back in the 60's when he used to engrave the FA Cup! There is a rather good story that goes with it but I'm saving that for a paper LO! I used the Shabby Princess Moody Blues digi kit, plus some random stars and staples!

And the winner is.......

2008-07-07T19:34:00.002+01:00

according to the random number generator.....
RIBENARUBY

Not you? Head on over to Crop Til You Drop because.....
THE WEBSHOP HAS A PROMOTION ON FOR '40 DAYS' AS OF JULY 1ST, THE 40TH ORDER RECEIVED WILL BE FREE (THEY WILL BE REFUNDED) & UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (JULY 7TH) EVERY ORDER WILL RECEIVE A FREE GIFT. UK ONLY & YOU GUYS CAN TAKE PART IN THIS ONE IF YOU'D LIKE.

And don't forget to check out Beverley's Blog for a new challenge and chance to win everyday!

The Top 40 Tips!!! (minus 14)

2008-07-07T18:51:00.005+01:00

Firstly, apologies for my absence, I will do the list of tips in a mo, and then I'll figure out the random number generator later to pick a winner! Sound okay?
Secondly, we didn't make 40! :( So this is the top 40 minus 14!! Although if anyone else wants to add anymore, feel free I will add them to the list but you would have missed the chance for the draw! Sorry!

1)When trying cut a photo into a circle, pop a blob of blu-tac on the back, and use it to pop the point of a compass in, you get a perfect circle and no marks on the photo. (Mine)

2)When writing on the back of your photo, write the notes where the subject is. This is to avoid any accidental loss of info when you cut the photo up. (BunnyB)
3)Use wallpaper! You can get free samples from DIY shops, and some of the patterns are absulutely gorgeous! They are great for covering minibooks, ATCs and even layouts!(Jo)

4)I scrap all my layouts using sketches and have my photos printed only after I've decided on the sketch for that layout... do all my cropping before printing... saves time on cropping and money on photo costs. (Cathy)

5)Keep all your scraps seperated by color either in folders or big zippy-type bags. That way ,if you're looking for a particular color, you don't have to rummage through every single piece of scrap. Simply pull out the color you are looking for. (Deanne)

6)Ok, i have to admit that i have been known once or twice to accidently layer up pretty papers slightly wonky :( so my tip is to stick dst to my jeans before i put it on my project. That way i can carefully peel it back if it is not inplace first time. (dont do this if you got a wooly jumper on lol!!!!) (Zoe)

7)If you use a glue stick i find if you breathe over the area (it not yuk honest - it being creative lol) then it warm the glue a bit so you can remove it and restick if necessary. (Zoe)

8)Turn post it notes upside down to hold chipboard letters while you colour/emboss them...it stops them flying all over the room and ending up on the floor!! :) (Alix)

9)Wipe down your craft mat/working area on a regular basis as it picks up an astonishing amount of dirt/glue etc over time that spoils nearly completed crafting!(curlywhiskersandtwitchingnoses)

10)Buy a piece of cork and cut a piece slightly smaller than your metal ruler. Stick it to the back of your metal ruler with double sided tape and voila! Next time you cut anything with craft knife and metal ruler, the ruler will not slip! :) (Bibi)

11)How about using a curling iron to straighten out your ribbon? When I have a lovely ribbon I would like to add to a project and it has a gret big ole crease in it, or it is too wrinkly for the project I just use my curling iron to iron it flat. Just open the iron, and slide the ribbon over. Easy peasy, fast, and works like a charm! No big iron needed. :) (Pamala)

12)When working with alpha stickers use a clear plastic quilters ruler. Align the bottom tips of your stickers at the top edge of the ruler. Now, to get them on your paper use one finger to press the tops of the stickers on the paper and slip them off the ruler. Perfect placement every time! :D (Shirley)

13)Keep it simple. so(card, scrapbook page etc) before going to a friends or a crop make page/card kits and put into plastic sleeves with the picture so you don't have to spend your time searching for things that coordinate, so you can enjoy making and chatting instead. :)(Scrapaddict)

14)In an effort to save money I love to search through dollar stores. They tend to have ribbons, colored pencils, markers, stickers, papers, and everything else a scrapper could possibly need- for the amazing bargain of $1.00! (Annie217)

15)Using all of the plastic pakaging that our supplies come in, plus many other items too (for instance my Big Kick, the packaging from the memory card for my camera, etc.) Use it to create your own ghost shapes!!!! I cut out a big flower shap--ran it through an embossing folder and painted it with acrylics! Voila--I had a ghost shape in the shape I wanted and the colors I needed for the page! I have soo much of that plastic aroung I can't wait to make more shapes! Plus, it helps reduce waste--can it get any better? (KimR)

16)Instead of tossing those clear packaging pieces away, cut them up into shapes... doodle on them and you have a cheap and unique embellishment! (Lois aka Katesmum)

17)Start from the outside edge of the paper and measure down 7". Cut toward the center of the paper 5". Now finish cutting the 5x7 mat back to the edge of the paper. From the same outside edge that you started with cut 5"x7" mat going the other direction. Keep going around the outside of the paper cutting 5"x7" then 7"x5" and when you finish there will be a little square of paper left from the center. (Ginny)

18)Something new that I've gotten into is tearing the edges of photos- you know, just like tearing the edges of papers. Looks great and always unique since the tear will never be the same twice :)Just be careful with the tearing, and don't do it on a photo you really love unless you have a backup version...heehee. (Vcolbourne)

19)To make the most out of my letter stickers, especially the ones that are cut out to the exact shape of the letter, i keep the backing and reuse it in future layouts. also, i am not sure if this is a "safe" tip a.k.a. acid-free but i get these really cheap foam letters in a local store but they're not in the colors i like so what i do is i paint them with nail polish. there are lots of metallic nail polish that look good on the foam letters. (jeanie nieva)

20)when doing anything to do with scrapbookin or cards, dont over crowd the item.... less is more!!! (ruthieb)

21)I like having my ribbons sorted by color. I find I use them more!(carla)

22)One of my most useful tips is to use an old catalog or phone book when you are gluing or painting. When the page gets messy, tear it off and have a clean surface to work on. (Swedie)

23)The plastic covering used for junk mail and catalogues is useful for gluing or for paper mache if you want to keep you work mat free of mess. (ribenaruby)

24)Whenever you need a quick center for a flower on your scrapbook page or card, just drop a lump of hot glue (about the size of a dime) onto some freezer paper. While it's still sticky, sprinkle it with some glitter or add micro beads or rhinestones or sequins to it. After it cools, lift it from the freezer paper and voila! You have a cheap and easy BLING flower center you can adhere with a glue dot...hehehehe...or even another small dot of hot glue! (Colette Bate)

25)My most time-saving tip is organization. I have all my paper, even the scraps, filed by color or type of pattern (stripes, flowers, dots, etc.). Then when I want a striped paper, I just go through that file folder. (sammie)

26)My tip for scrapbooking would be to make sure your photos are backed up. I upload mine to Walgreens.com that way if I need copies, I can just go ahead and print them right from the website. (Heather)

TOP 40 TIPS (-39)! LOL!

2008-07-02T10:00:00.002+01:00

Okay as my challenge for Beverley's 40 day celebration, I want you all to post a comment here with your TOP TIPS for scrapbooking, cardmaking, whatever! Anything that you've done in the past that you consider to be a brainwave, labour saving or just a little bit of useful advice. The idea is that I then add them in here as a post and hopefully we will have the TOP 40 TIPS.

And as it's a birthday bash, there has to be a pressie on offer so everyone who posts a comment is in with the chance of some scrummy stash, there's 12x12 patterned paper, die-cuts, chipboard, blossoms, card blanks and A5ish size patterned paper.I will use the random generator to pick one person and the kit will be on it's way to you!

You have until 5th July at 2pm GMT to enter.

So, I'll start the tips off.....

When trying cut a photo into a circle, pop a blob of blu-tac on the back, and use it to pop the point of a compass in, you get a perfect circle and no marks on the photo.

40 DAYS OF FUN & FREEBIES!

2008-06-30T10:01:00.000+01:00

Full details & kick-off of the event will be posted over on Beverley's Blog anytime now!

Check out all these blogs as well for events coming up in the next 40 days.
Alix Cox
Beverley Todd
Brigitte Grant
Colette Bate
Croppinsville USA
Crop 'Til You Drop DT
Crop 'Til You Drop SHOP
Elliemook
Jay670120
Pam Sandy
Shirley Pando
Sisterhood Of Scrap

Crocs!

2008-06-29T20:17:00.004+01:00

I love these Crocs, they're not real but my God are they comfy! Better than the authentic ones I reckon. And when I saw the little Care Bear Jibbitz I had to have them, I used to LOVE my Care Bears and I know they are tucked away in my Dad's garage somewhere!
And I have to say this.....I know something secret!!! Sssshhhh! Can't say too much yet but if you love reading blogs and competitions and freebies keep your eyes peeled because there's something about to happen over at CTYD, so keep looking it should be going up tomorrow!!!

Chipboard Projects

2008-06-26T23:19:00.000+01:00

A LO using Samantha Walker Day By Day papers, I used the Black Leaf and the Quadrant, plus one of the stickers from the Tags & Accents Sheet. The chipboard butterflies came from the Bare Element Dimension - Wings set, these are fab, you get three sheets of die cut shapes, in this case butterflies and they are so lovely!! I used two of the smaller butterflies and inked them all over and cut some scraps of the Quadrant paper to fit.

Second is a card, the papers and ribbon came from one the HOTP card makers kits, The chipboard heart I coloured with a black pen and glued on, I filled the inside of the heart with glue and a heavy sprinkling of glamour dust.

Third is another card, once again the papers and ribbon are from one of the HOTP card makers kits. The chipboard is actually from We R Memory Keepers Promenade collection, I have used most of the papers but I still had some chipboard tags left, so I painted the centre of the flower with acrylic paint to match my card and stuck the Happy Birthday on top!

Gotta Love These Papers!

2008-06-23T08:07:00.000+01:00

I absolutely adore the Bo Bunny - Teen Chic paper range, it's really, bright, really girly and really fun to work with and the stickers are fab.

I've been working on other projects with the papers including the sweetie tin below and a decorated matchbox to follow and these cards were made with some of the leftovers.

I have one thing to say...

2008-06-21T22:28:00.000+01:00

BL@@DY HELL it worked!!!!! LOL!

CHARMING!

2008-06-21T15:47:00.000+01:00

First is a card I made using a HOTP Personal Shopper Cardmaking Kit, I die cut the title, I punched a circle out and I added an eyelet just above it, then I hung from it a lovely, cute ladybird charm.

Second I used an entire pack of Romantic Heart charms and using a pair of pliers I hung them from an old piece of chain I had knocking around, I added a clasp and voila! One charm bracelet!

Testing!!!! LOL!

2008-06-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

Okay, third pic as promised, I really hope this scheduled posting works, could make things a lot easier for me, maybe I won't forget to blog so much!!!
A pic of a lizard I took in a reptile place, quite a handsome chap really but I was really happy with how clear the picture was!
Not going to rabbit on here, incase this doesn't work!

Holiday Snaps

2008-06-19T21:58:00.008+01:00

Just thought I'd share some of my favourite holiday snaps from when DH and I went away to Norfolk for a week last month! I took loads and I do have one particular favourite, stunning shot, but right now I am hanging on to that as I have plans for that photo! In my opinion it's the best photo I have ever taken and is definately worthy of something more than my blog!! First picture was up at Blakeney Point, while we waiting for the tide to come in so we could go out in a boat to see the seals!

Second picture is one of my favourites from the 40 or so pics I snapped of the seals they are TOO cute! This chap was a particularly large one, shame we missed the pups though, I think we were a little early for them, now that would have been cute!
Third picture is in a scheduled post which I am now about to try and master! Wish me luck, I will see if I can get it to work!

Time to craft!

2008-06-07T22:47:00.005+01:00

I always fancied doing an altered clock and finally got my butt into gear and went out and bought a clock! I love it, I used papers from my DT kit, they are Mod Design Whirligig, I love them and I love the clock as well!! I have given up asking DH to hang it on the wall for me though so I'm going to get the hammer out tomorrow and do it myself!! He moans at me for nagging but is it any wonder really!?

I also have made recently an altered sweetie tin using Bo Bunny - Teen Chic, which I am also very happy with and had great fun doing, I want more sweetie tins now though so there's a good excuse to buy sweets!!

Also I have just set a challenge on the CTYD blog so pop on over and check it out!

TOOT TOOT!!!!! I am so chuffed!

2008-05-30T19:36:00.004+01:00

Remember the fire photo? (Next post down)!!

Well here it is on the FRONT PAGE of the local paper!! How cool is that!? My first published picture!! And God did it look good when I walked in the supermarket and there was a whole rack of them, all lined up with my piccy on the front!!

I have been a very bad blogger! AGAIN!

2008-05-28T19:44:00.011+01:00

Okay, if anyone knows of a good way to keep me blogging regularly, please let me know! Answers on a postcard.... or just leave a comment! LOL!
Anyhoo, some of my more recent creations;

Card holder, I have been making so many cards lately and had nowhere to put them, so I decided it was about time they had their own little storage case. I used a HOTP Personal Shopper kit for this, I do like working with these kits as there is so much in them and always plenty of contrasting papers and embellies for larger projects!

A page featuring myself and my very dear friend Tina, who sadly died in March, I found this page very therapeutic to do, although I have not included any journalling, I'm not ready for that yet. But it is a photo of her, how I remember her, full of fun, joy and smiles! And yes those chocolates we are sucking on are willy shaped, and I look stunning! NOT!

And finally for today, a card I made a while back, which I absolutely love, It is all vellum and I started making those addictive gathered flowers from organza ribbon again!! And the gems in the middle of them set them off perfectly!

One final, non-craft related thing, we had a massive storm last night and a massive fire started at the end of my road in a derelict old school, it was such a lovely, old Victorian building though and it was so sad to see it burning, but at the same time absolutely amazing. The power of the fire is so intense. It took eight fire engines, over 12 hours to put out, I stood in my back garden and watched the roof collapse, an amazing sight to see but one I don't want to see again! The funniest bit though was when the hydrant across from my house lost pressure, the firemen pulled the hoses off and guess what? Sod's law, the pressure came back full force and sent them flying, thankfully they were okay though and took it in good spirits!!!!

OK! Time to get going again!!

2008-05-01T18:07:00.005+01:00

I have had loads on and I have recently celebrated my 30th birthday! And considering some of the poo that has gone on lately, life is great!!! I love it, I look in the mirror and for the first time in my life I like what I see, I feel so confident and able to achieve anything I can set my mind to and it's great! I can't understand why I'm feeling this way but I'm definately not complaining and long may it continue!!
So in relation to that statement here are a couple of LO's I have been doing over the last couple of weeks!
This one is me on my 30th Birthday after a rather drastic haircut!!!

This is the HAIR before and after, can you believe I weighed myself before I had it done and when I got home I had lost 1 1/2lb! I think I may have a skinhead next! LOL!

And the last one of me, (my BoM is full, I never thought that would happen) with new hair and new clothes (birthday pressies) ready for a hen night!! It was a great night and I LOVE that top so much!!!

It's been a while!

2008-04-12T22:17:00.006+01:00

And TBH I haven't even considered updating my blog until now, you would not believe what has gone on recently, and for a while back there my Mojo went completely AWOL, it's back now but it needed a swift kick in the dirt-box first!!! Anyway, not posting any crafty makes today but something instead that is important to me right now.

My dear, wonderful friend Tina, suddenly and tragically died on the 19th March, I will miss you always and never forget the times we shared, you always had that sparkle inside you and the power to reach out to others and make them smile, even though you doubted that yourself sometimes. I hope what I have done since is right by you and is what you would have wanted,
I have acted how I thought best and I hope that it may bring some comfort to your family.
You will always be in my heart and in my mind, and I will miss you so much, you have left a hole in my life and my heart aches for you and what you went through. I love you darling, sweet dreams. xxx. I hope you found what you were looking for.
"If love could build a staircase and memories build a lane, I'd climb right up to heaven and bring you back again."

WOW! Check out the wind damage!!

2008-03-15T19:15:00.003Z

Remember those storms? Well I spent most of the night laying in bed, petrified the roof would blow off or the chimney would come in but thankfully all we lost was the shed window, and then I look out of my window the next morning and see this, apparently a ship had broken free of it's moorings in the wind and smashed into the dock and crane and all that was left was this tangled pile of metal!

And while I'm at it, keep an eye on here because I won some blog candy from Jodi's blog Thanks Jodi!! So now I will be passing it forward, so keep popping back as there will be blog candy coming up soon!!

Catching Up!

2008-03-08T19:41:00.003Z

I decided that it's about time I posted some of my latest makes up here, as what with one thing and another I have kinda neglected my blog! AGAIN!! I have a couple of new CJ's getting ready to go out and a couple of swaps as well, plus the DT stuff and life in general, I've been making loads and posting none of it!!

I've been playing with charms! I have absolutely loads of them at the moment and I love them, especially the ladybird, butterflies and bees set! Too cute! I love the charm bracelet but as soon as I used up all the hearts on that I got another set through!! So I may go for a matching jewellery collection!! LOL!

This is my first ever Tear Bear and I love them they are so cute and easy to do. Basically you use a wet paintbrush to draw your bear shapes on the paper and tear them out while they are wet, then use a firm bristle brush (an old toothbrush works well) and fluff them up round the edges, be careful not to fluff them to much though or you will wear the paper out and he will end up with a bald patch!!!

And here he is again, with a friend!! I also have made an Easter chick hatching from a vellum egg but I haven't photographed him yet!! I just love doing them, I have a fab tear bear pattern but I need to figure out how to upload the file here! There is loads more to upload so I will try and get it done over the next few days!
As for the matchbox drawers I haven't forgotten the requests for instructions just not had the time, as soon as I get some matchboxes I will make another set and create the instructions as I go!!

Thankyou Fab!!

2008-02-23T21:00:00.002Z

The wonderful Fab has nominated Beverley, Looby, Alix, Shary and I for the Excellent Award over on the Crop Til You Drop Blog!! Thanks Fab!!
You just have to check out Fab's blog, it is absolutely amazing and incredibly inspiring!

Check it out!!

2008-02-16T15:39:00.003Z

I am so proud of this, I absolutely love it and it looks stunning on my desk, I am using it for storage for my brads and eyelets. I made all the matchboxes by hand although in hindsight I think I would buy them next time, all the little imperfections become quite big once you start stacking them!! I have left the top blank so I can add another tier later if I want to!

Having fun!!!

2008-02-11T21:07:00.000Z

I am having a fantastic time crafting at the moment, and I am loving every minute, I am still churning out the cards, something I never really did much of until recently, numerous LO's, and loads of other bits and pieces, and the inspiration is still flowing, I have so many ideas and plans right now, and not enough hours in the day!! Also got my new DT kit through and WHOA! There is a serious amount of beautiful stash in there, the box when it arrived was seriously bulging at the seams and stuff inside is absolutely amazing,
it's going to take me a while to plough through all that as well!!
Then theres a couple of new projects I have in mind, I want to an A-Z of products and techniques I love in a journal plus try out some new techniques and use some of the bits that are stuck at the back of the drawer! I want to create some sort of storage for my growing collection of stickles and alcohol inks and on top of all that I want to start a new CJ!
Also today we got a lovely catalogue through the post full of beautiful works of art and photos and that there are some amazing pictures in there plus loads of inspiration to work from, I think I'd better start a list!!

And even more....!

2008-02-03T21:09:00.000Z

I didn't realise how much stuff I have been doing over the last week, it just keeps coming!! This one is for a family birthday I have coming up, used my Craft Robo. It's the first time I used it for a card and I quite like it. I got the template from UKS, so many thanks to Humbug for designing it! I used a HOTP cardmakers kit from and a little charm both from CTYD, and a little piece of leftover ribbon.

This is from a class over at MCC, to make an art journal, I love the results and had a great time making it, it has 64 pages to fill and I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to put in it yet!! All suggestions gratefully recieved! LOL!

And the last one for today is this 18th Birthday card, the birthday is tomorrow so it's going to be a little late, but it's the thought that counts!! This is another one I did with my robo, I have no idea where I got this template from but if you designed it, then thankyou very much! I really need to sit down and have a play with my robo when I have a few hours spare and see if I can design a few of my own!

And there's more...

2008-02-02T14:05:00.000Z

This is one of my favourite LO's at the moment, I loved doing it and the paper was so apt! It's Creative World Drop Dead Red and I got it off Beverley over at CTYD. There was a skull on it which I didn't like much so I covered it with more of those fabulous gathered flowers I did over at MCC. They look great as well if you cut into them after you have sewn them, like petals! My Boy isn't dangerous at all, unless he's hanging off your finger! LOL! But I love him to bits and he is truly beautiful!

This one is my Mojo! We all talk about our mojo's but have you ever tried to imagine what yours would look like in a physical form? Well, on one of sleepless nights I did and this is my mojo!!
I used Renae's House Aubrey papers that I got from CTYD!!! I even posed him for the picture sat on the Aubrey Garden paper!
My journalling reads;
"OK, So why on earth do I have a picture of a blue, fluffy thing in my treasured scrapbook? It's my mojo! Or at least what I picture my mojo to look like in physical form!! My mojo is my inspiration, creativity and motivation to make my pages as good as I can. My inspiration comes from patterned papers, magazines, gallerys, sketches and my imagination. My creativity is (I hope) natural but this is how I choose to use it and my motivation comes because this is what I love to do. So I love my mojo and it's cute representation, it even makes funny noises, like me trying to use a stubborn paper punch!!"

And then there's this one! I can't believe I finally scrapped it but I am so glad I did, it's the pic of me after our car accident back in November. I wanted to remind myself how lucky we were and to laugh at probably my worst self portrait, I never realised how wonky my nostrils were! LOL! Looking good (NOT)!

The Results of my Labours!

2008-01-30T19:47:00.001Z

I have been doing some of the fab free classes over on My Creative Classroom and here's a few of my results, I have loads of stuff to show but here's a few for now and hopefully I will make time to add more in as I go over the next week!

This one was to dye ribbons to match your work, I left some of the original ribbon in the picture on the left and the colour it has picked up is amazing.

This was to use a Becky Fleck sketch.

This was for a class by Beverley (AKA The Guv), to use scraps using a Di Hickman sketch.

This was the same class using another Di Hickman sketch.

This was class on stamping and although I didn't follow it exactly, it was great fun!!

And lastly, this was to make fabric gathered flowers which I can't believe I never tried before and I absolutely love them so will be doing plenty more in the future!!

But most importantly I have been having great fun and I'm going back over there shortly to see what to do next!!
All of the papers came from HOTP cardmaker's kits, which I got at a bargain price over at CTYD!

WOW!! Check out MCC!!!

2008-01-28T21:04:00.000Z

Seriously, this is looking like great fun, I have already been over to My Creative Classroom, and downloaded loads of FREE classes, I have a list as long as my arm of stuff I want to do, and guess who's one of the teachers, Beverley Todd (The Guvnor) of The Crop Til You Drop DT!!! Can't stop, got classes to take, watch this space for the results of my creations!! LOL!

Natural Beauty

2008-01-19T18:26:00.000Z

WOW! I just got a CJ back that has been travelling round the country since April 2007!!! I love it! So a big thankyou to all the lovely, talented ladies that have been good enough to do a page in it for me, I will treasure it!

by Gem (AKA CraftyGem)

by Katy (AKA Katy75)

by Suzy (AKA SuzyB)

by Lisa (AKA Mrs007Bond)

by Amy (AKA Newbielou)

by Alix (AKA AGirlCalledBob)

by Em (AKA SugarAlmond)

by Mell (AKA MellC)

I can't believe I forgot!!

2007-12-11T23:34:00.000Z

But I did!! I should have added into my post that Beverley is offering some RAK's over on her blog!! So get over and check it out, the fun part is the question! "If you had £200 that MUST be spent on craft goodies - what would you buy & why?"
Certainly made me think!! But in the end I said "Can I cheat and say I'd spend £200 on a boys weekend away for my DH so I could scrap in peace!!
Seriously though, I would probably go for that pink crop-a-dile set you are selling!! And whatevers left on whatever catches my eye!"
But you only have til 7am tomorrow morning to get on over there so get a move on!!!

Playing catch up!!

2007-12-11T10:18:00.000Z

I'm a bit behind on the HS:MS prompts, I'm not too worried about the weekend but here's todays and yesterdays.

Todays prompt is MOONLIGHT, and this pic is a bit of a cheat, I took this during October, at a local lake of the moon just starting to come up!!

Yesterdays prompt, was FROST, and try as I might, I could not get the picture I wanted, this was the best of a bad lot, I wanted to show the top of my car (now written off!!) with all those beautiful frost patterns on it, but frost and silver cars do not make for the best photo!!

Better late than never!! CELEBRATE!!!!

2007-12-07T20:04:00.001Z

OK, quick pic, I hate being late and what with one thing and another I haven't been able to get online all day!!! So her's my cause to celebrate, I won £3!! On the downside I paid £3, but hey I didn't lose money!!! I think my best win on these stoopid things was £50, I've had 2 £48's and a few £20's, but I do better on these that the actual lottery! And it's a bit harmless fun!!

Cards in your space today!!

2007-12-06T10:30:00.000Z

I am such a donut!! I completed my LO in the acetate album, packaged it up and posted it without taking one picture!!! DOH!
Anyway, here's card in my space today!I just love all the decorated envelopes, although I have to confess the plain envelope in this pic was actually a bill! GRRR! DH thought I was nuts taking pictures of the post as it stuck in the letterbox!!

And, I had to add this picture in as well, I got it in my advent swap last night, and its gorgeous, it's a piece of cardstock by DCWV "Fairy Print", it is so pretty, only prob is I'm going to be too scared to use it, and I just know it's going to end up in my stroking pile!! But I promise I will try and use it!!

And finally for today, another CJ entry, which this time I have remembered to take pictures of!! This one is "All About You" and belongs to Paddy on UKS, it's lovely and very pretty. I did my LO last night and I love it, for once I am looking at what I've done and I am 100% happy with it! Now that is an achievement!!
Apologies for the dodgy pics, but I just popped them on the floor and snapped them while the light was good, it's miserable and grey outside and pouring with rain!! The perfect day to get some scrapping done but I'll probably end up doing housework!!

It's Christmas in my space!!!

2007-12-05T11:35:00.001Z

Remember "Stash Bear" from Monday?? Well here he is again in his Christmas attire!! Aaaahh! I did consider putting him in for every pic this week but he didn't fancy climbing in the fridge in the name of art!! LOL!
I recieved the most fabulous CJ today it's an acetate album, and its absolutely amazing, already started on my entry so will upload it when I am finished! I now HAVE to make one of these.
Anyhow, got to go, my fridge is looking empty enough to fit a bear in!! And at some point in the day we will need to eat!

Celebrate

2007-12-04T21:24:00.000Z

Back again, and as promised a LO that has taken me hours!! Literally!! Well not the LO but the parchment frame, all the paper piercing and embossing is so time consuming but so worth the effort! This is a pic of my Mum and Dad's wedding back in 1975, so definately a day to celebrate!

I must make a point of uploading more of my parchments onto my blog!

Also a quickie card make, while I was waiting for the glue to dry on another project the other day, very simple!

And lastly, the best joke I have heard in ages!!
Two Indians and an Irishman were walking through the woods. All of a sudden one of the Indians ran up a hill to the mouth of a small cave.

"Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!" he called into the cave and listened closely until he heard an answering, Woooo! Wooooo! Woooooo! He then tore off his clothes and ran into the cave.

The Irishman was puzzled and asked the remaining Indian what it was all about, "Was the other Indian crazy or what?"
The Indian replied "No, It is our custom during mating season when Indian men see cave, they holler 'Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!' into the opening. If they get an answer back, it means there's a beautiful squaw in there waiting for us."

Just then they came upon another cave. The second Indian ran up to the cave, stopped, and hollered, Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!"
Immediately, there was the answer. "Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!" from deep inside. He also tore off his clothes and ran into the opening.

The Irishman wandered around in the woods alone for a while, and then spied a third large cave. As he looked in amazement at the size of the huge opening, he was thinking, "Hoo, man! Look at the size of this cave! It is bigger than those the Indians found. There must be some really big fine women in this cave!"

He stood in front of the opening and hollered with all his might, Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!"
Like the others, he then heard an answering call, WOOOOOOOO, WOOOOOOOO, WOOOOOOOOO!" With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, he raced into the cave, tearing off his clothes as he ran.

The following day, the headline of the local newspaper read.....

Get ready, (its good),
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
"NAKED IRISHMAN RUN OVER BY TRAIN!!!"

Show us CHILLY in your space today!

2007-12-04T12:32:00.000Z

Now this IS chilly, especially when you have sensitive teeth!! But this ice-cream is gorgeous my favourite!! Got some crafty bits to upload later day!!! So watch this space!

Nice and Cosy in my space today!!!

2007-12-03T09:44:00.000Z

Stash Bear (don't know what made me call him that but I did and it stuck!! If I'm snuggled up to him at night I am guaranteed to feel cosy!! Glad I didn't post him up last week, I was going to use him for SOFT!! Keep an eye out for him later in the week, he's going to make another appearance!!
Will pop back later and do a proper post!!

Bless his little heart!!!

2007-12-02T13:18:00.000Z

For showing off today, a picture of an old friend of mine!
This is "Scruff"!! He spent all summer visiting our garden for his raisins every morning, we put up a blackbird box for him in the hope he might move in, he was such a little character, I would love to know why he was so scruffy. Anyway during some cold weather and rain he disappeared. :( BUT there is another blackbird out there now with a couple of feathers sticking up the wrong way, is it son of "Scruff"???

Self-Portrait Saturday

2007-12-01T10:52:00.000Z

Well following last weeks LOVELY (a-hem) self portrait pic, I thought I would put up a nicer one, so here I am, I wish I looked like this everyday but the truth of the matter is, I just can't be bothered, I'm generally a no make-up girl, plain and simple so when I do dress up I feel really special!!
Today I am posting up the next challenge over on the CTYD Blog, so pop on over after 6pm and check it out, and don't forget there's monthly prizes for the best entries to the challenges!!

Todays Prompt Is...

2007-11-30T09:47:00.000Z

SOFT! My husband has the most beautiful hands, and despite all the hardwork he does they stay incredibly smooth and soft! Not like mine which are rough, dry, chewed and bitten!!! I love his hands!

In my space today...

2007-11-29T11:16:00.000Z

...we have bristles!!! I love this hair brush, it feels wonderful on my head when I brush my hair, and I have asked Santa for a new one this Christmas!! In hindsight I wish I'd washed it first instead of just pulling the hair off!! Ah well, I'll take it in the shower with me later!!
Right, well plans for today are relax, maybe some scrapping later, I'm quite tired cos I'm not sleeping properly, so I may even go back to bed for a while!! And later on DH is going to try and syphon the petrol from his car into mine, as it has a full tank and chances are it's a write off so we may as well try and use the petrol!! Plus I haven't got any at the mo!!

I'm gutted!

2007-11-28T19:42:00.000Z

Really upset, the Lipstick Retreat is cancelled, I have been saving hard and it was going to be my 30th birthday pressie and my first retreat, I am in a CJ where we were going to meet up and hand back our books, and now its all cancelled and no reason given, I'm just glad I had only paid the deposit although they are giving money back! I had a bad feeling about this for some reason though but I just dismissed it, I wished I hadn't! I really would love to do Roz's Luxurious Angels but it's in Scotland and DH won't let me go because it's too far and I can see his point and understand his reasons!
Okay, moan over, I've been doing my NVQ all day and want to get a bit more done before bed but that's hardly cheering me up!
On the bright side the painkillers from the doc are fab and work great, I am a bit "wonky" but it's not as painful, so there's something to be happy about!!

Smooth

2007-11-28T10:00:00.000Z

Just a quick post for now will do a proper update later! The HS:MS prompt for today is "SMOOTH". This is Carnelian, a semi-precious stone in my space today.

A BIG thankyou!!

2007-11-27T15:12:00.001Z

Firstly and most importantly, I want to say BIG thankyous to everyone who has been so kind, giving me advice and well wishes since Sunday! It means such a lot and has certainly cheered me up! So THANKYOU!!! I have been laughing about it but in all seriousness it could have been so much worse but someone was looking over us that day and for that I am grateful!

Anyway onto the HS:MS prompt for today, show me "rough" in your space today! I can't be bothered to go creeping around for a stunning shot today so I got a new scouring pad out of my cupboard (well, I couldn't let you see the curled up, stained one on my sink now can I?) and here it is!!

The paper I used on this was the leftovers from the advent calendar I posted up yesterday, it was such a lovely bit of paper I couldn't waste it, and after I cut the numbers out for my advent tree I was left with a sheet of frames, so I popped some Christmas photos that on their own I wouldn't use on a LO but they were perfect for this.

Once again a HUGE thankyou to everyone for their well wishes it really means a lot!!
Ruth. xXx.

Thanking my lucky stars!

2007-11-26T14:44:00.000Z

Am I stiff today!! All across my shoulders and back and I have a pain in my side where the seatbelt was! I keep thinking how lucky we were, if we weren't wearing seatbelts, if we had used my car, if the car in front hadn't moved away, if the handbrake had been on, and how scary it would have been if they had cut me out! So I'm grateful for that and glad that the aches and pains we both have today are nothing compared to what could have happened!!

Anyway the prompt for HS:MS! Show us "WET" in your space today. A piccy of a starling just getting of the bird bath in my back garden! A bit chilly if you ask me, but there's no accounting for taste!!

And here is my advent calendar for this year! I bought in the supermarket cos I liked it, but it was a bit plain and boring, so I tarted up with some paper, miniature cotton reels and ribbon for the candles and of course a star on top!

SPS & SOS!!

2007-11-25T21:15:00.000Z

OK, so not one of my better pictures!!! What more can I say other than I am absolutely fine, and a girls gotta do something to pass the time when she spends 6 hours strapped to a spinal board in A&E!!!! You know you're a scrapper when you think of every eventuality as a possible scrapbook page!!! How did I get like this? A woman hit us from behind at about 40-50mph while we were stationary! OUCH! You think I look bad? You should see her car! Ours only has some damage to the rear bumper but goodness only knows what its like inside!

And to show-off, this picture of a fucshia which had dropped off its bush, it was just such a lovely contrast of colours as it lay on the ground!

Time I started something new!

2007-11-23T20:21:00.000Z

I've been popping onto HS:MS most days and never yet followed the prompt and taken a picture until today! So here it is, the prompt was crystal and here is my first picture! I emptied my pot of crystals onto some metallic red card and put them all back again without spilling one!!! Now that's amazing!!!!A substance with geometric regularity. Find 'crystal' in your space today.
Anyhoo, I can't promise to do this everyday but we will see how I get on!!!

Also going to show off a LO I did for the CTYD DT, for last weeks challenge, so get on over there for more info!!
I loved doing this LO, and I am really happy with the end result! I have been busy today as well, sorting out some stuff for my next post on Sunday and I love it and whats even better is I had a fantastic time doing it! But I can't say anymore for now, so keep an eye out on Sunday on CTYD for it or I will post it on here at some point next week!!

Showing off

2007-11-15T09:39:00.000Z

Just showing off a couple of more bits I have done for the DT. Those BoBunny frost papers are lush, I love working with them and they are so pretty, they sparkle like frost but you can't see it in the picture!

Finally remembered to update my blog!

2007-11-12T22:19:00.000Z

WOW! What a busy few weeks, work has been manic and I have been clocking up the hours, but just in time for Xmas so not too bad! Have been doing loads of scrapping for the BTYD Blog and DT, and these two are my latest entries for the challenges.
Also got my fabby new kit which is enormous and should last well into the new year! Been slowly starting getting my butt moving for Christmas, and I'm pleased to report that I have Christmas Day off this year!!! WooHoo!!
On a bum note though, my back is killing me, ever since last week when I spent 8 hours hunched over my NVQ, it hasn't been right, I feel like I'm leaning to the left and sometimes I look wonky!! Bit worrying but I really don't want to go off work so I am being extra careful and hoping I last til the end of this week when I have holiday booked so hopefully a good rest and it will be fine again!!
Anyway, I've posted my bit on here and will probably be back later on as I have some other bits to show off!! Keep watching!

Life Is Measured In Moments

2007-10-29T20:06:00.000Z

I have to admit when I opened this kit and saw all those papers,I panicked, mine were all grey!! But having spent plenty of time playing with them and stroking them I now really like them, I have realised that the grey allows the pictures to really stand out whilst being a easy, neutral colour to work with, it really is very flexible!! So on that note, this is my latest LO from the kit.
These are pictures of my parents wedding from 1975, those bridesmaids dresses are a bit groovy but were the inspiration behind the whole LO, they really stood out hence the reason I chose to mount them on the blue! My mum looks so beautiful, people do tell me I look like her but I can't see the resemblance, I wish I had the chance to get to know her. And my Dad well he hasn't changed much, he still looks the same, and I love him loads!!

Introducing my new DT kit!

2007-10-25T21:21:00.000+01:00

Just showing off this robin LO I did for the DT with my latest kit, I had great fun adding the border on the computer and working with the colours in the kit was a real challenge, but I'm really happy with the result! I wasn't too sure when I opened it as there is a lot of grey in there but having spent time playing and stroking it, I quite like it as it allows the colours in the pictures to really stand-out!

Secondly I had a go at some birthday cards, now as general rule, I'm not a big fan of peel-offs, but they have their place! And I think these cards are just right for them!!

BIG Ooops!

2007-10-20T22:09:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I took my laptop to work to do some paperwork and it died on me in a big way, and for some strange reason my cursor arrow turned into a duck! Anyhow, after DH spent best part of yesterday afternoon trying to fix it and decided it couldn't be done, we went out today and I got a smart, snazzy new one!! When I got home I got so carried away playing with it I nearly forgot to post my new challenge over on the BTYD page!!! So get on over and check it out! This is the LO I did for the challenge but I won't give away anything else here, so if you want to know about the challenge you know where to look!

Oh WOW!

2007-10-16T18:57:00.000+01:00

Got my 2nd DT kit today from CTYD! It's not something I would have chosen ever but I really like it and there are so many ideas buzzing round my brain with it, I can't wait to get on with it! There are some gorgeous American crafts ribbons and loads of fab brads, so I shall be having great fun playing, can't wait to see what the other guys have got!
The LO is one I did for the blog, using what was left from the last kit but the papers seemed to work perfectly with the fountain, I took the picture while we were driving along! I literally stuck my head out the window, pointed the camera and took it, praying it would come out and it did the picture is far better than I expected!
Work is absolutely manic at the moment, I feel snowed under with paperwork, but I am going to enjoy my 2 days off and face it when I go back!! In the meantime I hope to have a wonderful two days, we have nothing planned so I am hoping to get plenty of time to scrap and maybe get out and about, and take some more pictures!

Nooooo! I've been tagged again!

2007-10-10T19:25:00.001+01:00

So please just read the post below, I haven't got enough little bloggy friends and I think people will get a bit whizzed if I keep tagging them!! Good fun though!
Well, I'm back at work after my holiday, but on the bright side I have more holiday booked next month! WooHoo!!
Thought I would share an altered CD tin, which I bought for 50p (BARGAIN) in a charity shop, I think it was a freebie one from Smash Hits or something, but a bit of patterned paper and a load of ribbon off-cuts later here it is! I really love this, and its in the Blog 'Til You Drop gallery for Challenge #10. I intend to make into a nice cheery, flower album to brighten those winter days, whether or not I actually get round to it or not though is a different matter!

I've been tagged by Charli!!!

2007-10-07T21:06:00.000+01:00

Thanks Charli!

Here are the rules which you must abide by if you are tagged.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

So seven facts about me!?
1) I can still do the splits! As long as I'm wearing loose trousers!!

2) I love raccoons, they are just so cute!

3) I hate going to the hairdressers! Don't know why, just do, but when my hair gets too long I will get it chopped!!

4) I am sitting here typing this wearing DH's slippers! My feet are cold, but if he asks I am just warming them up for him!

5) My favourite ever song is "Nothing Compares to You" by Sinead O'Connor.

6) My favourite jeans at the moment are navy blue with gold threads running through them, they are so pretty!

7) I will be 30 next year!!! AAAAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!

And I have tagged:
KTP,
Roz,,
Toni-Leeann,
Olwen,
Alix,
Wendy,
Shary

I've been a busy girly!

2007-10-07T20:37:00.001+01:00

I managed to do 4 LO's yesterday, three of them for the Crop 'Til You Drop DT, and now I've posted them up on the blog, I can show them off here as well!

The first LO is of The Blue Pond, the water seems to change colour in the sunlight, and being perfectly still it gives perfect reflections. Apparently its because of algae or something but it really is amazing, and so beautiful and peaceful!

The second LO is of a Fly Agaric toadstool that DH pointed out to me while we were at Monkey World, he is getting really good bless him at spotting things that I'd like to photograph!

My third and final LO I used a leaflet from Monkey World and a very cute piccy of a baby orangutan by the name of Kai. Aaaahhh! He was so sweet and quite the little poser, but very cheeky with it although I think this was the best shot I got of him!

And lastly this LO is for breast cancer awareness moth, and I really, REALLY enjoyed doing this, so liberating and I loved going all girly and glitzy and pink! Seriously you just have to try this, its great fun!

Back off Holiday!

2007-10-06T15:09:00.001+01:00

WOW! We had a fantastic time on holiday in Dorset! We visited Bournemouth, the Oceanarium, Monkey World, the Blue Pond, new Forest and countless little chocolate box villages! I took over 250 photos so keep an eye out for new LO's coming up!

This little chap was so sweet, and such a poser for the camera, can't wait to sit down and scrap a LO of him!

I am so rubbish!

2007-09-26T20:25:00.000+01:00

I just can't get into the habit of this posting everyday lark, let alone a photo everyday!!! Must try harder! Anyone heres a couple piccys for today, both LO's for the DT, one was a spectacular piece of driftwood on a beach near me, well worth the effort to get the photo, it was a LONG walk to the deserted, isolated beach! The other is a DLO I did in a CJ, the title was "So..." So basically anything you want! I decided on a LO of raccoons, my favourite animal, so cute, clever and appealing.

A couple of bikes!!!

2007-09-16T16:38:00.000+01:00

I came home from work to be met with motorbikes! Parking was a "bar steward" though!!
There's a massive bike festival today in aid of Essex Air Ambulance and their are THOUSANDS of them, everywhere you look! Now I'm not into bikes in the slightest but some of them are works of art, in every colour imagineable, even one covered in glitter! Can't wait to have a shot at scrapping some of my pics I only took 52 shots!!

My Space

2007-09-14T23:20:00.000+01:00

My poor blog has suffered these last few days, I just don't seem to have the time to get in here and post everyday, let alone take a picture to upload everyday!! Anyhow. I decided it was high-time I uploaded a piccy of my space, where all the action happens, where masterpieces are made and disasters occur all too frequently!! Most recently was a glass of blackcurrant hitting the deck, I still have a large purple stain on my cutting matm although thankfully not too much damage!

Recycle!

2007-09-12T09:49:00.000+01:00

Had great fun doing this jar, it was for the CTYD weekly challenge, and an excellent challenge it is too! It was an old coffee jar, but with a bit of glass paint (I forgot how long that stuff takes to dry! HOURS!) and a candle in the lid, it takes on a whole new lease of life! Not sure what I'm going to do with it now though! The words are Terra, Aer, Ignis & Aqua (Earth, Air, Fire & Water) plus all the signs of the zodiac and the planets.

Today's Picture

2007-09-01T21:54:00.001+01:00

My first LO for my first challenge for the first design team I have ever been on! And that HOTP kit is stunning, got loads of potential and hours of entertainment! Just printed off a couple more pictures for my next LO, have a few other projects done as well, but can't show them off just yet! Watch this space!

DOH!

2007-08-31T22:06:00.000+01:00

Todays pic, is a LO a did a while back after one of my little mishaps, I got to thinking about the LO so for that reason and that alone here it is! The photo was taken after I somehow got dishwasher rinse aid in my eye and it left me with an acid burn, really quite painful but no lasting damage thankfully!

The Moon Rising

2007-08-30T21:58:00.000+01:00

Back to Work!

2007-08-29T10:49:00.000+01:00

Well, in about 3 hours I will be back at work and it feels like that back to school feeling I used to get, a bit nervous and hesitant, dread and sad that the breaks over but I know inside that I will be fine when I get there! Only difference is I hated school whereas work isn't as bad!
Thought I would post todays picture a little early as I am sure I will be exhausted when I get back at 10pm tonight so here it is. A nice clump of ripening blackberries, a sure sign that autumn is just around the corner and very apt for how I am feeling right now!

It's been a nice summer (not the weather)

2007-08-28T19:52:00.000+01:00

Since I started working after I left school I haven't had one summer off! Until this year, I am due back at work tomorrow after six long glorious weeks, which apart from the dismal weather and the slight inconvenience of having an operation has been fantastic, I'd forgotten what it was like to have such a long period away from work and the answer is BLISS! But never mind, I'm sure I will soon get back into the swing of things again!
This is todays pic, I love this one of the swan because he has a little drip of water on the end of his beak! I was feeding a pair of them and they really came up close, they made some very cute noises while they were eating!!

Just a picture tonight!! 18/347

2007-08-27T21:48:00.001+01:00

Sketch Challenge

2007-08-26T23:14:00.001+01:00

Brilliant challenge this week on the Blog 'Til You Drop Blog, Looby designed the sketch, and then this was my offering, Autumn on the Beach, after the holidaymakers have shifted out, look who moved in!!!

2007-08-26T21:44:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie tonight, another of the photos from down the lake where I can quite happily spend hours poking about with a camera! I find dragonflies are a nuisance to photograph cos they don't sit still long enough, so it was nice to get one that hung around long enough to say cheese for me!

WOW!!!

2007-08-25T15:41:00.000+01:00

Well here the photo of the lily as promised yesterday, I finally got round to uploading it!
Today I have been pottering about, doing nothing in particular all my good intentions are yet to materialise! Instead I popped down the lake as DH has gone fishing and forgot half his bait!! And I am so glad I did, I managed some amazing shots, I will upload them slowly over the next few days, so if you want to see them you'll have to come back!!! HEE HEE!!And there's plenty more where that came from and make sure you keep your eyes open as some of these are bound to make an appearance in my up and coming LO's! I am so glad I bought an extra photo ink cartridge the other day now!!

2007-08-24T21:29:00.000+01:00

Well, I took a photo for today but its still on the camera downstairs and I can't be bothered to haul my lazy butt downstairs to get it!!! So imagine this instead, white lilies the size of plates with the most beautiful pink spots and stripes down the centre of each petal and those bright orange stamens and the smell is so intoxicating and after a while quite sickly!! And the best part of all is there are four of these beauties so far and probably and 25 buds!! Will upload tomorrow or sooner if I succumb to the need for something from the fridge before bed!!
I spent this evening making inchies for a swap on UKS and so far so good, they will probably be tomorrows photo if I get them finished, off blog-hopping now!

Looking Good!? LOL!

2007-08-23T20:22:00.000+01:00

Well I have finally started to calm down, its amazing how much there is to see and learn, but its so exciting, here's the piccy I made DH take of me while I was enjoying the moment this morning (YEP in my pyjamas and not even brushed my hair! Embarrassing? Maybe! Do I care? Not in the least!!!) It was a moment I wanted to record and a feeling I wanted to remember so this will definately be getting onto a LO in the not too distant future!!!

OMG!! HOW CHUFFED AM I??!!! WooHoo!!!!!!

2007-08-23T11:08:00.000+01:00

Well WooHoo doesn't quite cover it, I am prancing round the house in my PJ's!!! (Nearly broke my bl@@dy neck when I tripped over a pile of stash though - Ooops!!) I am on the Crop 'til You Drop Design Team!!!!! Off to check out the ILoveHotOffThePress Forum now!!! So exciting!!!

WooHoo!!

Picture 13/352

2007-08-19T23:33:00.000+01:00

OK, this is a tag calendar I made tonight for next year, so I'm bit early but hey!!
Did this for the challenge on the Crop til you Drop Blog, really enjoyed doing it too, not my usual style, nor would I generally choose these papers, so quite a challenge but I enjoyed it and I love the results!!

Picture 12/353

2007-08-19T12:57:00.000+01:00

OK here's a piccy for yesterday (Saturday), spent most of yesterday making a bed with DH and I don't mean changing the sheets, we basically have made our own divan bed from scratch and my hands are so sore from the staple gun, I covered the bed and recovered the headboard, comfy though and well worth the effort!!! Off now to try and get a pic for today, be back later!

Busy Busy!!

2007-08-17T21:44:00.000+01:00

No pics today or yesterday, just have not had the time!!!! But I did find time to make up a banner for the top of this here blog, not quite finished tarting it up but nearly sorted!!! Not sure about the hedgehog though, he's cute and he bounces and you can feed him strawberries but I may have to trade the poor little chap in for something else!!!
Big promise to myself that I will take a photo tomorrow and post it on here!!

Picture 11/354

2007-08-15T16:00:00.000+01:00

And todays image a LO of butterflies in my garden!

Oops Missed a couple of days!!!

2007-08-15T14:14:00.000+01:00

Have been feeling pretty poo lately, got another raging infection and my fourth course of antibiotics and am still off work!!!!! So plenty of time to scrap but just don't feel like it at the moment, anyway heres a pic for yesterday and one for today, missed Monday completely I think but hey real life gets in the way sometimes, it can be annoying like that!
The pic is one I did for a UKS Summer CC class (10/355)!

Picture 9/356

2007-08-12T16:07:00.000+01:00

Just a quick shot today of a LO I've done for the UKS classes, as I have spent three days fishing I am now spending all day catching up and doing as many classes as possible in one go, managed four so far! Can't stop gotta scrap!

Photo 8/357 I BL@@DY got one, well 4 actually!

2007-08-12T10:02:00.000+01:00

I have sat down the lake for three consecutive days, I've photographed wild flowers, water rats and read an incredible amount of Harry Potter!! And yesterday I got one, two, then three and finally four, nothing huge, but some gorgeous fish, and well worth the wait!!

Photo 7/358

2007-08-11T10:12:00.000+01:00

This is yesterday picture, I was so knackered though when I got in I forgot to put it on! Went fishing agin yesterday and whilst sitting there watching the watervoles swim and listening to the birds I decided that this shot really captured the feeling of calm I was enjoying!

Photo 6/359

2007-08-09T20:16:00.000+01:00

Went fishing with DH this afternoon, and didn't catch one, I was doing exactly the same as everyone else but not a bite! Aaah Well! Maybe next time!
Did try and take a picture or two of a friendly water vole who took a liking to trout pellets but they didn't come out too well, did manage to get this one though, from where I was standing it looked like the combine harvester type thing was about to plough straight into the lake!!!

Photo 5/360

2007-08-08T00:40:00.001+01:00

Having a go at the UKS summer CyberCrop classes. This is the first Lo of many I hope to be produced over the next few days! This is from "Love Is..." class by Crafty Pastimes.

Passion Flower

2007-08-07T21:31:00.000+01:00

This is a LO I did for the weekly challenge on UKS and for the Blog 'til You Drop challenge 2, had great fun combining both challenges so they worked together, loved doing this LO, left the Craft Robo switched off and went back to the time-consuming but satisfying hand-cut title! Thanks for taking the time to visit!

A RED FROG??? (Photo 3/362)

2007-08-07T18:05:00.000+01:00

Finally manged to get a piccy of the RED frog in my garden pond, every time I crept out there earlier he scarpered but this evening he wasn't bothered by the fact he had a camera lens shoved up his nose!!!
Loving playing with my camera and I am getting some excellent pics this year.

BLEURGH!!!

2007-08-06T13:24:00.000+01:00

Laying in bed this morning and heard a bird trapped in the chimney, so hubby and I decided it had to come out, now as our chimney is sealed up, the only access is a little ventilation grate or rip the wall out and replaster which is not an option!!! So into the grate with the hoover we go thinking if we clear all the dust and goodness knows what away we may be able to reach the delightful little blighter, only for me to pull the hoover nozzle out with a dead bird head attached to it!!! EEEEUUURRRGHHHH!!!!! Three bird skeletons later and this one is still flapping about in there, we can't get to it until it drops down to the grate, so until then its gonna have to stay in there! Thing is the top of the chimney is pretty much covered to stop this so they must be forcing themselves through the tiny little gap to get in there in the first place!! DUH!

That was so gross, things like that don't normally bother me but when I don't expect it, I get really freaked out!

I'm so tired today, I feel emotionally drained (long story) and physically knackered, went to a car boot yesterday and got a tripod for my camera for £2 and set of alphabet stamps about 30 years old for £1, only thing is, today I'm paying for it!!! I not fit enough yet after my operation, but No Pain No Gain!

Here's todays pic, didn't use the tripod for it but hey it's a great shot! Love these little chaps in my back garden, there is a red one!? but I am yet to catch him on film, but I will put on here when I do get him saying cheese for the camera!

NOTE TO SELF: Hoovering is obviously detrimental to my health so avoid it at all costs from now on!!

362 to go!!!!!

2007-08-05T17:36:00.000+01:00

Not an amazing shot admittedly but an opportune one! I was sitting here on my computer when I heard a ships horn and looked out the window to see this! "The Jewel of the Seas" off on another exotic trip, everytime it docks here I dream that maybe one day I will be on it, sailing away from everything, and then reality kicks in and just sit back and watch! I know I am incredibly lucky to be so near the sea, it near enough is around my street on three sides!! It is a shame in a way though cos as its there I do take it for granted, I may walk along the promenade and I love sitting near the sea wall watching the ships dock but I haven't been to the beach for years!!!!

Photo Number 2!!

2007-08-04T12:08:00.000+01:00

Whilst spending part of my morning lazing about in the garden I decided to take a piccy of my buddleia! And what a fantastic scent it has, its lovely just laying there, occasionally getting a waft of its perfume!

On a not so nice note I have had a count and the grand total of gnat bites on my legs is 15!!! Not impressed, must have got them yesterday, whilst I was down the lake taking pics of dragonflies, but the really annoying thing is I WAS WEARING INSECT REPELLANT!!!!!! Aaarggghh!!!

NOTE TO SELF: Change brands and don't scratch!!

365 photos

2007-08-04T09:16:00.000+01:00

Decided this was a fabulous idea, the idea is to take a photo everyday and upload it to here so here is one I snapped yesterday, a close-up of a dragonfly, They are so delicate and so vibrant!

Will see what today brings!!

I am so gutted!

2007-07-31T10:02:00.000+01:00

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wanted to do Race for Life this year but I had an operation a couple of weeks back and there was no way on this earth it was going to happen, I feel like I let down all my sponsers, and there is nothing I can do about it! I will definately do it next year though, and more than make up for it.

Today I have no plans other than to sit and enjoy the sunshine (at last), this year has been the first time we have been able to sit out in our garden and I love it, in fact I must do a "Now & Then" LO of my garden!

This is the latest LO I completed, it was a challenge on "Blog 'til you Drop", definately worth popping on over and checking it out! And then have a shot at creating a LO using only patterned paper and ribbon!

Cherish Layout

2007-07-28T20:34:00.000+01:00

Me as a baby with my mum and dad, very special photo for me, although it was a hard LO to do as my mum passed away not long after this picture was taken. I am so pleased that I did, and I'm really happy with it.Based on a SI sketch, just used shades from a mat stack on black.

The Squirrel

2007-07-28T20:28:00.000+01:00

Thought I would post up some of my LO's that I have had to remove from my UKS gallery as I am running out of space.

Just a quick digi, using Shabby Princess - Fall kit. Cute little squirrel I managed to snap a piccy of by the back door at work, he was SO close and not at all scared of me!

My Poor Neglected Little Bloggy!!!

2007-07-27T19:08:00.000+01:00

I've left you all on your ownsome, unloved and uncared for for 3 MONTHS!!!!!

What A Day, What A Month!

2007-04-15T16:38:00.000+01:00

Well to start the main reason I am blogging today is to write down what I'm thinking and maybe get something straight in my head. I saw an old friend this morning someone I used to be very close to and we were good friends for a long time, times change and after one or two things she moved house and changed her number and never told me, I was really put out at the time and was under the impression if she cared about our friendship she knew where I was and how to contact me, she never did in four years, this morning she saw me and came running over, hugged me and asked me what happened, I was really off with her and said she was the one who moved and stuff and never told me, she was all up for chatting whereas I felt really awkward and wanted to get away from the situation, she gave me her number and told me where she lived, the thing I am now wondering is do I get over it and make contact, maybe go and see her and see how it goes or do I just say **** it and leave it at that. I feel that as we were such good friends I should give her a chance to explain and that maybe she didn't realise how I felt but I don't know!?

On a brighter not as it is my birthday next week, My hubby and my dad went halves and bought me a ...................CRAFT ROBO! WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!! It is so cool and I love it! Chuffed to bits!

Just testing!

2007-04-03T18:26:00.000+01:00

What a fantastic 2 days!

2007-04-02T20:23:00.000+01:00

Had a marvellous day yesterday, pottering around shops, garden centres and craft shops, beautiful sunshine as well! Bought some bits for our ever developing garden including a water lily that changes colour through the summer! Really enjoyed myself and must do it again, spoke with a friend this evening which was also great so all in all had a great day!
Today, we went for a walk in the woods right down to the beach, took my camera and had a play and some of the shots I got were amazing! Look out LO's here they come!
Saw gynaecologist today and I am now waiting to go in for a laparoscopy, but apparently due to financial budgets I could be waiting for 4 months! GRRR! Not a bad wait but it's hell of a long time when you're in pain every day! Hopefully though when it does happen they will do the laparoscopy, they will deal with anything they find on the spot as long as it isn't too major and hopefully stop this in its tracks, he thinks it is probably my endometriosis come back, but how bad it is or what the best treatment is will have to wait!

How Long??

2007-03-30T19:39:00.000+01:00

Grief! Hasn't time flown, I know I hadn't been in for a while but THREE WEEKS!!! Well what have I been doing for 3 weeks? Truth is I haven't got a clue!
Weight loss is still going very well, I have now lost 36lbs!! WooHoo! Had a bad week where I put on a lb but it didn't stay there for long, I'm thinking of purchasing a bullet proof jacket before going to my next meeting as I have lost an incredible amount in a short time and I think people are going to start throwing things at me soon! There's not normally a week goes by where I don't get my name called out for some sort of achievement, 7lbs, stone, 10%, another 7lbs... and so on!
Saw the gynaecologist about my now most definately ongoing gynae probs, had a scan yesterday and they found virtually nothing, all she told me was there no cysts or growths (phew)! And to expect an extremely heavy bleed in the next few days (great-nothing new then)! She must be psychic, she didn't mention when to expect a windfall of cold, hard £££'s though!
Off work for a while now as I am just not able to manage it art the mo, painkillers knock me out, I'm always tired and I think I have had 2 days pain-free since this started! Can't wait till Monday when I go back and see whats actually going to happen as this is really starting to get on my wick!
On the bright side though, time off work means more to scrap, create and generally make a mess, normally a sticky mess but that's fine.
I have my birthday coming up soon as well and I am seriously considering getting a Craft-Robo, I have seen other models demonstrated and have not been impressed in the slightest but I have only heard good things about the Robo apart from its a little harder to use than other models but I can handle that I think!
Right there's a brief catch-up in the merry ole land of Roo, off for a shower and then back to finishing the parchment birthday card I started earlier!
And in true Blue Peter style, here's one I made earlier! (Well about a fortnight ago actually)!

NOTE TO SELF: Purchase shares in Tampax as they're sales are going to go UP!