Cally's Bits & Pieces

Crafty Bloggers Link-up

2012-01-08T19:44:00.001Z

Welcome to the Crafty Bloggers Link-Up.

This is (hopefully) going to be the biggest list of Crafty Bloggers out there,
it will be a Universal Craft Blog Directory!

It's easy to join....

All you have to do is add your blog to the link below
and then invite all your blog readers to join as well,
and they will invite their blog readers etc etc
and hopefully it will keep being sent forward
& all the crafty bloggers will come back here to the directory & add their name!
Cool huh!

For now it's just under one category: Craft and as the directory list grows,
so will the categories and it will then have it's own blog site!

And to make it easy to remember where the Universal Craft Blog Directory is...
here is a button to add to your blog:

Sorry not blogged..

2011-12-16T22:33:00.004Z

Didn't realise that I hadn't blogged for a few days but been quite busy and didn't feel like blogging. I have been trying to get into the Christmas spirit and today I was writing Christmas cards and I put my tree up so am feeling a little more christmassy.

Here are a few of the cards that I have made over the last week or so. I can't seem to stop making them at the moment.

This one was made from a decoupage sheet that I got from La Pashe. I love the snowmen and will be making some more. Just added some backing paper and some punched snowflakes and gems.

On Tuesday this week we had a playday at Greta's. There was supposed to be 8 of us but it only ended up with 6. We all had a lovely day but more of that in a later post when I show you what we made. Here is the project that I took for everyone to do. Simple card where the idea came from a workshop done at the Glitterpot. It's a small square card with simple matting. The tree is a sizzlit die. Added some ribbon and gems. The large piece of white card was run through the snow embossing folder in the Cuttlebug.

These cards were made using pre made toppers of the 'Me to You' bear. I love that little bear!! The base card was run through the cuttlebug using the 'snow' embossing folder. The images were stuck onto silver mirri card that was cut using nesties. Very simple but effective cards.

Thanks for reading

Final Instalment of holiday photos

2011-12-08T15:48:00.003Z

Ok, here it is the last instalment :-). When we came back from Naples, the next few days were relaxing. Boys played golf (yep more golf!!) an Cyd and I just relaxed by the pool and sunbathed. Well someone had to do it!!!

Here's Gaz, Cyd and Fel by the pool!

We also did a bit of shopping in-between the sunbathing :-)

On our last Wednesday we went to Hollywood Studios, one of the Disney Parks. Even though I have been to all the Disney parks, going to one of them still gets me all excited. It is just magic!!

Going into the park we came across this tree of poinsettias. Isn't it lovely!

One of the reasons I was excited about being at Hollywood Studios was because this was the home of one of my heros, Sully, from Monsters Inc!. I was so excited queuing for my picture being taken that I had tears on my eyes! I'm 45 and getting excited over having my picture taken with a 6ft hairy monster! Well here is one of the pictures I had taken.

One of my favourite rides at the park is Terror Towers. Foe anyone that hasn't been there, the ride is based on The Twilight Zone. You are in a lift and the lift drops and goes up at speed. It is such a great ride but you need a strong stomach!!

We had a great day and look forward to going back next year.

We came home on the Friday and landed back on Saturday morning. Boy it's cold!!!

Thanks for reading.

Next installment.

2011-12-06T21:21:00.007Z

Friday 18th November

Had a lazy, lazy day today to get over the late night/early morning cinema trip. Spent by the pool!! Weather was a bit overcast!

Saturday 19th November

Another lazy day today. Sun wasn’t out today but still very warm. In the afternoon we went shopping down to Davenport. Bought 2 dresses!!!!

Sunday 20th November

Up early this morning as Fel and Gary were off playing golf for the day and we were dropping them off. After we did this, Cyd and I went off to Golden Corral for breakfast. MMMM!!! Then we went back to the house and sunbathed, swam and read. Had a lovely peaceful day without the boys. We then went and picked them up later in the day. Quiet evening as we are off on a mini road trip tomorrow down to Naples on the West Coast. Really looking forward to that.

Monday 21st - Wednesday 23rd November

We set off about 9.am this morning on our way down to Naples. A journey of about 300 miles. We stopped of at The Golden Coral for breakfast. (Only way to start the day :-) ). Then we started on our journey. We decided to go via Clearwater which is a beautiful seaside town. Unfortunately we got lost going round Tampa ( these American roads are crazy - 7 -8 lanes of traffic) and a SAT NAV with a mind of it's own!! We eventually got there a

nd spent an hour on the beach. We saw some wild dolphins just off shore, took some photos but as the sun was shining in my face and I couldn't see what I was taking so ended up with pics of the sky!!!

Gaz and I paddling at Clearwater

We left there and went on down to Naples via the sky bridge, a fantastic sight - makes the Queen Elizabeth bridge over the Thames look like a little foot bridge! :-).

By the time we got down to Naples the heavens had opened. You couldn't see a hand in front of you!. We booked into the hotel and later went for dinner at The Cracker Barrel. Had a lovely steak dinner there with salad and jacket potato!

The next day the sun was shining and it was warm. We decided to drive down into the Everglades and ended up at Everglade City.

We went on another boat trip - this time round the 10,000 islands. Absolutely beautiful. This also goes into the Everglades National Park. We didn't get to see any manatees but did get to see the wild dolphins again but as before they were too quick to get a picture but we did get a video!

Once we finished the cruise we drove further into the Everglades and went up a lane with a creek running along side and saw some alligators merrily swimming along. This is how they should be seen - in the wild.

We then drove back to Naples and spent some time on the beach and had a swim. (well a paddle!!!)

The next day we went back home. A lovely couple of days away.

Thanks for reading

Second Installment

2011-12-04T09:00:00.003Z

Thursday 17^th November

Today was a very busy day. We were driving off down to Cocoa Beach which on the Atlantic coast, the east of Florida. We had an eco boat ride out to see the wild life around the waterways of Cocoa Beach Merritt Island. Our ‘cruise’ was at 2pm so we set off early so that we could have a look around Cocoa Beach itself as we had heard that it was quite nice. It wasn't…well we weren't impressed!!! We did have a paddle though and it was blooming cold…

Gaz in the sea

My feet paddling!

Gaz & I on the beach!

Gaz's feet, never gets his feet brown!!!!

The boat trip was with Island Boat Lines and the captain was Captain Mike. We set off round the islands in search of the dolphins and manatee’s. The afternoon was great. We traveled round the waterways looking at peoples fabulous waterfront houses. We also got to see some manatees – well their noses anyway. J Only managed one photo as they were very shy! lol. We also saw a few dolphins also. The whole trip lasted about 2 hours and was very worthwhile.

Pelicans in the trees around the waterways.

You can just see the backs of the manatees in the distance.

Group photo on the boat.

When we got back home we had some dinner and then settled down for a quiet evening as we were off to the pictures at 12.05am to see ‘Breaking Dawn pt 1’. I was very excited. Off we set at about 11pm.

First time I had ever been to the cinema in the US. The cinema is in a shopping complex called The Loop. I couldn't believe the number of people that were there to see the film. The cinema was showing the film on 8 separate screens and they were all packed.

The film was great as expected – different from the others – had a lot more comedy bits!!. Can’t believe I have to wait a whole year now for pt2 to come out. Still I can now read the book as I wouldn’t read it until I had seen the first part!

Thanks for reading

Back from my holiday.

2011-12-03T22:23:00.006Z

Well I am back from my hols and here is the start of my diary. Don't worry I'm not doing a day by day blow of what I did but just a general background of what I got up to with a few pics thrown in. If you want to see the villa where I stay then please visit the website -www.kissimmeesunshinevilla.com

Friday 11^th November

Arrived at the airport at about 8.30am and went straight through the new security system with no problem – much quicker than the old way. Then the holiday started as we had breakfast in Frankie & Benny’s. Flight was delayed by hour & half (due to take off at 11.15 – actual take off is 12.45 (we actually took off at 1pm.)

Our plane 'Jersey Girl'

Had quiet a few good films on the flight but I ended up watching Bridesmaids. If you haven’t seen it then you need to!. It was so funny in parts that I was laughing out loud. I forgot that I was on a plane full of other people and had headphones on!! Opps. Even the air stewards were laughing at me….

We landed at about 5ish – Floridian time- went through immigration – I hate that part- then got the hired car and drove to the house.

Unpacked a little and then went up to Walmart for essentials (milk, bread, eggs & bacon etc), had something to eat in McDonalds which is in Walmart and then came home. We all had flagged by 9.30 local time (2.30am English time!) and all went to bed. We would be awake early as we always are!

Saturday 12^th November

Awoke early as normal. Gary & Fel went off to play golf and Cyd and I stayed in by the pool. Boys came home at about 12ish and we had some lunch then spent the afternoon by the pool again until the sun disappeared. Later on in the day we went to Walmart to do a big shop and have a look around the store. We spent a good 2 hours in there. We then had take - away Chinese which was yummy.

Sunday13th November

Another lazy day doing nothing apart from reading and relaxing by the pool

Monday 14^th November.

Gary & Fel played golf again this morning. Cyd and I relaxed by the pool. We stayed in all afternoon then later that day Gaz & I went up to ‘The Loop’ a shopping complex with a big MichaelsJ. I went and booked our tickets for ‘Breaking Dawn part 1’. We are going to the midnight showing on Thursday night. Can’t wait!!!!

Tuesday 15^th November.

Overcast mainly today but still very, very warm. Laid by the pool reading and sleeping mostly J. Then later we went and did a bit of shopping and then went and had something to eat at Golden Corral. They do the greatest mash potato!!!

Gaz and I at the Golden Corral

Wednesday 16^th November

Another lazy day by the pool. Then went shopping up to Kmart.

Thanks for reading

I have made some cards!

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000Z

It was a friend of mine's birthday on Monday. I met Kim through the Crafters Reunited forum and we have been away a couple of times. A couple of months ago she pointed out a typo on one of my blog posts regarding ducks where I got my 'i's' & 'u's' mixed up!! Opps! and Kim being Kim couldn't let it pass without the odd comment here and there. So when it came to her birthday card there was only one thing I could put on it....The image is one I stamped at a meet sometime, coloured with promarkers. The greeting has been computer generated and layered onto yellow card from my stash cut with a nestie on the cuttlebug. A few gems and flowers added and there you go!

I have had a message from her and she liked it and thought it very funny :-)

This next card was a request from my hubby. His boss is retiring so he asked me if I could do him a card. Hubby works for the British Transport Police so he said 'Oh something with trains and police on'! So this is what I came up with!.

The images are from google layered onto blue pearlescent card cut with nesties. The greeting is computer generated, the buttons and cord come from my stash.
Well hopefully my next post will be across the pond from sunny Florida.

Thanks for reading

Quick Catch Up

2011-11-09T22:36:00.004Z

Quick catch up time as not been blogging much recently. I am on my hols as of Friday and I am going to try and update my blog during my holiday as we are doing a few different things this time.

So what's been happening - last Thursday I went down to Southampton for a couple of days. We went down there to see a show at the Mayflower. We saw Ramin Krimlow. A fantastic singer who was in The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies. He is taking over the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misarables at the end of this month. (One of my favourite shows) - Trying to persuade hubby that we need to go see it! :-)

Monday evening we went to Eastbourne to see Buddy the Musical - about the life of Buddy Holly - Fantastic show again ..... ooooo I do love musical theatre.

Because of going to Eastbourne on Monday , I had to go for a weigh in on Tuesday. I was a bit worried what with going away at the end of the week and eating out but I am happy to say that I lost another lb which brings my grand total to 2stone and 1/2lb lost :-), Just need to go careful on hols (but not too careful!!!!!!)

Also yesterday I had Leon for the afternoon as we won't be seeing him for 3 weeks. Again he was a delight to have. We went shopping in Tescos and he sat in the trolley and loved it. He is bery nosey though !!!!

Here are a few pics that of the many I took.

Here is is attacking his toy snake!

Falling asleep while Grandad gave him his last bottle of the evening

Fast asleep while having a cuddle with Grandad.

Thanks for reading

Weigh in Today - and last weeks!!

2011-10-31T19:20:00.003Z

Well I was naughty last week and never blogged my weigh in results. Well last week I lost a lb which left me with 4and 1/2lb to loose on 2 weeks (I wanted to get under the next stone by the time I go to Florida). I set myself a target of 2lb this week and 2lb next.

This week I weighed in and I had lost 3lb ( whoo hoo!!!!!!!) I was shocked but very pleased!

I now have 1 and 1/2lbs to loose to get under the next stone and only 1/2lb to reach my 2stone mark!!!!

Wish me luck!!!!

Thanks for reading

Our day with Leon

2011-10-30T14:28:00.003Z

We had Leon for the day on Saturday. He was a joy to have again and very very good. I can't believe that he is nearly 6months old. After he had his lunch we took him out for a walk and we stopped off at the park. Here he is having his first ever go on a swing.

On the way back home we called into my friends house and she gave him a tiny rusk. (He loves rusks and wolfs them down for his lunch but normally they are mixed with some of his milk. He he is trying and almost succeeding in eating it (well as much as you can with no teeth!!). He made it all soggy so my friend ended up giving him little pieces and he ate it all!!

After his afternoon nap he had a little play and here he is watching Ice Age. He was mesmerised by it!
Another lovely day with him.

Thanks for reading

My First Trinitage Card

2011-10-30T13:26:00.004Z

Last year I bought some trinitage sheets for Christmas from La Pashe. I decided to give them a go a couple of days ago and here is my first card.

I used card, gems and ribbon from my stash. The gold paper was from a Dawn Bibby kit I got a few years ago from QVC. Once you have made the tubes the concept is very easy and very effective.

This is the front of the card.

This is the inside.

Thanks for reading

Some Christmas Cards

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

Over the last few days I have been making some Christmas cards for my box. Here are some of them that I have done. The style came from a shoebox card that JanR did on our first meet to Appleby Magna.

The images are digi images that I got from somewhere and coloured them in promarkers last year sometime.

The white backgrounds are embossed with lines criss cross. The greetings are from Craftwork cards. The lotus pendent from spellbinders was used for the backing to the images.Backing card and gems are from my stash.

Thanks for reading

Anniversary Card

2011-10-27T21:23:00.002+01:00

Today I suddenly remembered that I had had a text last week from a work colleague of my hubby's asking if I can make an anniversary card for his wife which is on 1st November. Don't know why I didn't do it at the time but I had completely forgot.

The remit was 15th anniversary which is crystal and flowers and hearts. This is what I came up with.

The backing paper is embossed and is gorgeous just wish I can remember where I got it from :-). The ribbon I actually got from a new top that I have recently bought and I cut the ribbon out! The flowers and bow are from my stash. For the gems (well they look like crystals!!) The greeting is computer generated and cut using a nestie.

This is the box that I made to go with it.

Thanks for reading

Opps!!!

2011-10-26T19:48:00.003+01:00

Yesterday my husband had a little accident at work. He is a police inspector and has been waiting for for his new work phone. Well it arrived yesterday and as with most new phones you have to charge them up. So hubby lent over the shredder - yes I said shredder - to plug the charger on and guess what.......yep his tie got caught in the shredder... luckily all police officers have to wear clip on ties so he was able to pull it off before he did any damage to himself...although the same can't be said about the tie.....

I had to ring him up at work yesterday to break the news that I have to have a cap fitted on my dodgy tooth that had had root canal treatment a couple of months ago and it's gonna cost £350!!!!

He told me that my friend (who works with him) wanted to tell me something and he put her on the phone and she told me what had happened. Well to say I laughed, was an understatement. The only problem was I was standing in the middle of a shopping street and people were walking passed me as if I was a loony! hahahahahaha!!

My only regret was that I wasn't there to see it & they don't have CCTV in their office!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Another Christmas Card

2011-10-22T15:28:00.003+01:00

Good afternoon from a very sunny but chilly South Coast here..brrrr - had to succumb on Thursday and put my heating on!! Was determined not to have it on until November but can't stand being cold! Love this weather though - cold and crisp!

Yesterday I was up in my craft room and was feeling in a Christmassy mood so started going through my Christmas boxes ( I have a few!! didn't realise how much stuff I had) So I have decided this year to use what I already have and not buy anything new!! (well apart from the 3 new embossing folders I bought from e-bay :-) )

Here's the first one...it is a kit I bought in Doncaster last year from Kraftyhands . The kit comes complete with decoupage image, A5 card & enevelope and other co ordinating tags and seal etc.

I do have a coiple more so watch this space.

Thanks for reading

Made some Christmas cards

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

When I went to Appleby Magna back in June, Debs had some Snowman decoupage sheets that she was giving away and I took a few of the sheets. When I was away in the New Forest a few weeks ago I made some of these decoupage up and yesterday afternoon I made a few into cards. (I had a bit of a card marathon!!! :-) ) Here are the cards I made.

This is a square card. The snowflake is a sizzlit die which I have put stickles on (I don't do glitter!) Have stuck a gem in the middle. 4 gems in the corners of the cards. The greeting I found in my Christmas box and this has been layered on silver mirri card.

This is a 5x7 card. Image just stuck on blank card. Snowflake as before except this time have put a snowflake brad in the middle of it. The greeting again I found in my Christmas box.

5x7 landscape card, image just stuck onto card and Christmas greeting from Craftwork cards used.

Quick, easy cards. I have a couple more sheets to make up so hopefully will be showing you soon.

Thanks for reading

Have been finishing some shoebox cards

2011-10-15T15:51:00.002+01:00

This afternoon I have been making up some of the shoebox cards form some of the crafty meets that I have been on. I didn't realise how many I have outstanding - naughty Cally!!! - Here are the ones that I have made.

This is Trace's card from our Guildford meet in August. It's an 8x8 Christmas card.

This is Trace's card from Appleby Magna in June 2011. Beautiful A5 card. She even provided us with a card box.

This is Jennie's card from the Christmas meet 2010. I didn't actually attend this meet as I was on holiday but I did provide a shoebox card. This is a padded card. The image is a material square. I do have some of these and they are really effective and easy cards. Just need to get round to making some!!!

This is Chris's card from Appleby Magna this year. A beautiful simple and easy Christmas card. Very effective.

Thanks for reading

Catching up with my birthday cards

2011-10-15T09:00:00.000+01:00

Well have been trying to finish off all my birthday & anniversary cards for the rest of the year as I need to start on my Christmas cards as I'm going away for 3 weeks in November. Well here are 2 that I made yesterday afternoon

The first one is for my brother in law. I have used a 'flippin men' decoupage image from La Pashe. The decoupage image has been stuck on acetate. The backing image also comes with the decoupage sheet. Just added some card candi from my stash.

The second card I have done is for my mother in law. I have used stickers and I can't remember for the life of me where they came from. I know bought them from the Craft Barn years ago but do not know who they were from. The greeting is computer generated and the backing card and gems are from my stash.

Thanks for reading

Another beautiful day in October

2011-10-14T20:27:00.004+01:00

It's been another beautiful day today although it has got a bit chilly now. This afternoon I have been making cards.

I had a message from an old friend the other day, on that I had not seen in a very long time and she mentioned that it was her 25th wedding anniversary this year.. Well to say that my flabber was gasted is an understatement. I know time goes quickly but i was bridesmaid at her wedding along with her two daughters.

It was her second marriage and she got married in pink and our bridesmaid dresses were a pale green, quite heavy and done in the style of 1920's, drop waisted, beautiful dress. I must see if I can dig out a photo.

Anyway thought I had better get a card done for her and Barry - her husband and here is what I came up with.

I used a square card, silver mirri card, corners inverted cut and stuck to the card blank. Ribbon tied round the the base and a separate bow made (I'm useless at making bows but this one was ok). The image is from an embossing folder ran under the cuttlebug and then layered onto some more mirri card and white card. Gems from my stash were used to finish it off. The wording and number 25 were peel offs.

Thanks for reading

A belated birthday card

2011-10-12T16:26:00.003+01:00

On Monday I received a belated birthday card from Toni.

Such a beautiful card. Thank you Toni.

Thanks for reading

Grandad, Can I have your job please?

2011-10-11T21:50:00.004+01:00

I had Leon today as his Mummy had an emergency op on Saturday night and only came out of hospital yesterday. So Mummy & Daddy needed a rest.

I walked him into town again to go visit my hubby at work. (Just to stop him moaning that I get to see Leon more than him!!)

When we arrived Leon decided that Grandad wasn't doing a good enough job so decided to take over!!

Trying out Grandad's desk for size!

Hat's a little too big but it will do!!

Thanks for reading

Weight Update

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000+01:00

Last night was weigh in night. I lost 1.5lbs which I was pleased about. That's a total of 7lb in 2 weeks and I received my 1/2stone award.

Target is to loose another 6lb before Nov 11th - this is when I go to Florida!!!

Thanks for reading

My Wedding Anniversary

2011-10-10T22:00:00.004+01:00

Yesterday was my wedding anniversary - 18 years - wow where has that time gone?? Not bad when some people said it would never last!!!!!

Here is the card that I made my darling hubby. Someone had posted the image on Facebook and I had to have it. I thought it was ideal for my hubby!!. The card is a pre - scored easel card from Craftwork cards. Image cut out with nesties. Backing paper from my stash as was the ribbon and card. The greeting was computer generated and I finished it off with some card candy.

He loved it!!!

Thanks for reading

What a smile!!!

2011-10-08T17:48:00.003+01:00

Had to share this with you today. Leon this morning when we popped in to see him. Who can resist him?????

Thank you for reading

My Birthday Cards

2011-10-08T17:31:00.003+01:00

As you are all aware it was my birthday last week and I received some lovely pressies including a Kindle from my darling hubby - (it did have to get sent back as it didn't work properly but now have a new one and loving it!!). I also received some lovely cards. I know a lot of people think cards are a waste of time or just a commercial rouse to get you to spend more money but to me a card is everything (maybe that's why i love making them :-) ). As I say to my husband, as long as I receive a card I'm not worried about a pressie! There is nothing better than a home crafted card either and here are a few that I received from my friends!

This is from an old work colleague of mine, Mary. She doesn't make the cards herself but she nearly always sends me a handmade one.

I love this card and if you saw my earlier post about Appleby Magna back in June you would know how apt this card is. This is from Trace whom I met through the Crafters reunited forum I belong to. Thank you Trace.

This is from another friend from the Forum, Kim. Again a very beautiful card. Thank you Kim.

This is from my mate Pam. Another beautiful card. We did a similar card in a card class using peeloffs and vellum. The effect is gorgeous. Thank you Pam.

Thank you for reading

Weigh in

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

As followers will know I have been following Weight Watcher since March and in total lost 20lbs in total with them but I didn't get on with the diet very well. I wasn't loosing anymore so a couple of weeks ago I decided to quit WW and after my holiday to the New Forest I decided to join Slimming world.

I have done slimming world before and did quite well, so last week off I trotted to get weighed and I had put 5lbs since I had last been weighed which was 3 weeks ago.

I love the new extra easy plan and last night I went for my first weigh in and guess what.....

I lost 5 and half pounds!!!

I am so happy, I couldn't believe it and I never felt hungry at all.. I did have Kentucky to celebrate but will be back on plan today...

Thanks for reading

My Birthday Weekend

2011-10-03T21:33:00.002+01:00

It was my birthday on Sunday and what a beautiful day but my birthday actually started on Saturday when hubby and I looked after Leon for the day.

Everyday we see him he has changed slightly. It won't be long now before he starts to crawl!!

As I said Sunday was my birthday. I reached the grand old age of 45. This will be a birthday to remember as it was really hot, like a summer's day and although it has been nice before. never this nice where you could sunbathe!

We went out for lunch to a country pub and it was beautiful..... Here's me sunning myself in the beer garden.

Here's hubby and me at the dinner table..

Thanks for reading

Summer Afternoon Stroll..

2011-09-29T22:44:00.002+01:00

Well it definitely seemed like Summer today.

I looked after Leon today, son texted me last night to see if I was free. Silly question really! I picked him up at about 11 this morning. Brought him home, then got his stuff together, nappies, bottles, banana and off we went for a stroll into town.

Now town is about 5 miles away but you can walk most of the way along the prom which we did. It was warm but there was a breeze coming off the sea so that kept me cool. We walked to hubby's work so that Leon could see Grandad. Timing was perfect as we arrived just in time for lunch :-)...mmmm mashed banana. Well Leon enjoyed it. After spending about an hour with Grandad we jumped on the train home.

It was a lovely afternoon. Here's a picture of Leon taken this afternoon.

Thanks for reading.

My big sister is 60 soon

2011-09-29T10:00:00.000+01:00

Well big sister in only age cause she is smaller than me. In fact I am the youngest and the tallest.

Anyway sue will be 60 in October and I have been very good in getting her card done in advance :-).

The card is an 8x8 card. The image is from La Pashe 'Labeled With Love' sets. These are done so that they are compatible with the Spellbinders Nesties. This is labels 10. The image os decoupaged and layered onto card from my stash. The two backing papers are from the Papermania range. Ribbon and gems are from my stash.

The greeting is computer generated, cut with labels 10 and then I coloured it using chalk to blend with the colour.

Thanks for reading.

New baby

2011-09-28T21:08:00.004+01:00

While we were away last week, one of hubby's work colleagues wife gave birth to a baby boy. It was a home birth - not intended but baby decided he was going to come very quickly and a week early!! They have called him Ethan John.

Hubby asked if I could make him a card. This is what I have done. The backing paper is vellum printed with ducks. I am not sure where I got the image from because I found it while searching for another image. I just added a bow and some gems from my stash.

Thanks for reading

Week Down in the New Forest

2011-09-27T23:38:00.003+01:00

Last week we went down to the New Forest for a weeks stay at Bashley Park in New Milton. I love the New Forest, so peaceful. We stayed in a very nice caravan. The weather was lovely apart from the Sunday when it rained. Even had a go at archery.. not very good though as out of 12 arrows, only got 5 on the target. lol! but it was fun.

We went into Christchurch one day and into Bournemouth where we got lost!! Hubby decided to park the car just outside the town and took us on a route march to try and find the shops - we went in completely the wrong direction. Eventually having found the town we had a mooch around. We only had 30 mins left on the parking so we started back to the car..and you've guessed it, we hgot lost again... we eventually got back to the car after walking every single street in Bournemouth with 2 minutes to spare!!!!! It was good fun though although my feet hurt a bit.

The other days we just went out into the Forest and parked up, read and went for walks. It's so lovely to drive through the villages and see the horses and donkeys roaming free. A lovely relaxing time we had. Here are a few pictures.

These horses were in Brockenhurst, just outside the Fish and Chip shop (and yes the fish and chips were lovely!!!!)

On one of the days hubby and I went on a 2 mile walk through the Forest and here is a picture of the path. So beautiful.

Hubby and me

We went down there with our friends and Fel doesn't like the cold, even though he is a roofer and works outside in all weather. Here are hubby, Cyd and Fel having lunch near Barton on Sea.

This is the little donkey that gave Cyd a fright. Hubby and I had gone for a walk and she had stayed in the car reading (she doesn't like walking much!!!) Quietly reading her Kindle when all of a sudden she looked up and the donkey had put his head through the window. Hubby and I heard her scream as we were walking back. It was so funny... hehehehehe!

Would definitely go back down there.

Thanks for reading

She likes pandas and Robert Patterson.....

2011-09-16T17:42:00.003+01:00

.....that was the brief for a card my friend asked me to make for her niece who is 18 later this month.

This is what I came up with. The panda and picture of RPatz were from the internet (what did we do before Google???) The greetings were computer generated. Backing paper were from my stash as is the ribbon and gems. The black card is also from my stash cut with nesties and they stuck on the card with foam tape.

Think I got the remit covered!!!

Thanks for reading

My Nephew's is 21

2011-09-15T10:00:00.000+01:00

My nephew, Alex is 21 on 24th September and here is the card that I have made him.

The image is decoupage from La Pashe. The backing paper is from my stash. The card candy and greeting comes from Craftwork Cards. The '21' is a silver peel offs coloured with peel off pens.

Thanks for reading

30 years ago I was bridesmaid to my sister...

2011-09-14T20:52:00.004+01:00

...when she got married to Chris at the Holy Cross church in Woodingdean Brighton in 1981 on 19th September. I was 14. Where have all those years gone???????

Here is the card that I have made her and I must say that the picture doesn't do it any justice at all even if I do say so myself..

The card is an 8" x 8" card. The backing paper I found in my stash. It's slightly embossed and is lovely. I wish I can remember where I got it cause I would love to get some more. I think it may have been at some craft show....

I have used thin white ribbon wrapped round the strips. I have used pearl gems (as 30th wedding anniversary is pearl!) and a bow from my stash! Just hope they like it!

Thanks for reading

Sister's Birthday & Sketch N Stash Challenge 70

2011-09-13T18:04:00.005+01:00

Monday is my sister's birthday and here is the card that I have made for her. The image is from Kanban. All other items on the card have come from my stash. the greeting is from Craftwork Cards.

I have entered this into the Sketch N Stash Challenge 70 which free choice sketch from their catalogue. I have chosen sketch no. 68.
I have also put it into the September Inspirational's for Crafters Reunited forum.

Thanks for reading

Leon's Christening

2011-09-12T17:07:00.004+01:00

Yesterday my little grandson, Leon got christened. The weather forecast was dreadful but the sun shone and we had a lovely day. As for Leon he was as good as gold.

Here is the card that I made him together with the box to put it in. The picture was one I took a couple of weeks ago. The top paper is vellum printed with ducks. The teddies are fabric ones that I found in my stash.

Here are some pictures from the day.

Nanny & Leon

Dad, Grandad holding Leon and Uncle (who is also one of the god parents)

Grandad and Leon

Leon with Mum & Dad

Leon

Thanks for reading

A busy time since I last blogged

2011-09-09T22:06:00.003+01:00

....but I am not going to bore you all with it, only to say that last weekend I had a lovely time up in Yorkshire staying with my big sister. We had a great time, just the 2 of us.

Right yesterday an old friend of mine and my hubby's eventually :-) got married and we were invited to the wedding. We have known Becky for just over 17 years and her now new husband Graeme for the last 8 years.

They got married at a beautiful country estate, Horsted Place Country House Hotel which was out of this world. The wedding was beautiful and there was lots of free flowing champagne. I don't normally like champers but this was really nice and I may have had a little too much!!!

Here are Becky and Graeme cutting their cake.

Here are the cards that I made for them. The first card was one I made at a craft class at the Glitterpot which I thought was ideal for them. I didn't add anything more to the card, just an insert.

Here is the box that I made for the card. Just decorated with a ribbon and a pull ribbon bow.

My friend, who was also attending the wedding, called me yesterday morning to say that she had forgotten to get a card and could I make her one. This is what I came up with. Not bad at short notice!

Here's the box I made for it.

As they had been living together for some time they didn't want or need anything but did ask that if we wanted to give them a gift then they would like vouchers or money to go towards their honeymoon which they are taking next year to India. (they are having a 'minimoon' to Madrid on Saturday :-) ) Here is the gift card I made to put the cheque in we gave them. I put a triangle inside the car to secure the cheque in the same paper as on the front.

Thanks for reading

A sad occasion & the last cards (so far) from Guildford.

2011-08-30T22:21:00.002+01:00

Here are the last cards that I have made so far from those we had from Guildford. I do have a couple more to do and hope to get them done over the next couple of days.

Toni's Card

Nic's Card (Greta's dil)

Kim's Card (very cute)

A couple of days ago along term friend of mine called me to say that her mum had passed away at the weekend. Heather is an only child so she is having to look after her dad who is in his early 80's as well as trying to sort things out. Here is the card that I made her. The image is decoupaged and had been saved from a workshop card I had done years ago at a 'Make It' show.

Thank you for reading.

Some more from Guildford

2011-08-28T14:55:00.003+01:00

It's Sunday today and a chilling day. :-)

Here are a few more cards from the Guildford meet last Saturday.

This is my card I did. I wasn't happy with it at first but it grew on me.

Jan M's Card - I have added some gems to the flowers which have added some sparkle.

Greta's card - The fairy is decoupaged.

This is Elaine's card. I made another fopar here. I thought I was being good and stamped what I thought was the base card with the 'To Ewe' and the dots on the card at Guildford, only to find out that when I got home it ws actually the insert I had stamped. Opps!!! So I have done the stamping using a black pen. Not bad I think!!

Thanks for reading

What I've been doing since I last blogged...

2011-08-27T18:13:00.002+01:00

Goodness me! Nearly another week has gone by..so what has been happening in my week? Well didn't go to slimming this week as didn't feel too good so gave it a miss. I know, very naughty but I am back on the plan now....

Wednesday was my youngest son's birthday. Here was 23. He is mad on Superman and anything to do with Marvel. Here he is with his Superman dressing gown we got a part of his pressie and the cake his girlfriend got him. Sometimes they never grow up do they?

On Thursday I had to go for my final appointment at the dentist for my root canal. The injection was really painful and deep. the treatment didn't hurt at all but boy when the injection wore off, I had a terrible night on Thursday. I was in a lot of pain. My jaw is still aching now. I'm just glad that it is over.

Today I did a bit of babysitting for my 3 month old grandson, Leon. It was him and me on our own so we had good fun. It won't be long before he is crawling all over the place. :-)

Now to some cardmaking. Last Saturday we had a crafty day at Guildford and a great day was had by all. As most of our meets we did shoebox cards and here are a few that I have finished. We had 14 cards to make and again they were all so different.

Dawn's card

Chris's Card

Cathy's card

A couple of them I made fopars on. Cathy's was one.. See the inking :-(

Thanks for reading

A last minute order

2011-08-22T21:04:00.003+01:00

There I was this morning all set to make a start on the unfinished shoebox cards from Saturday - my Guildford meet - when I got a call from my friend...'Stop what you are doing. We have an emergency!!!' One of the men that she works for had left it to the last minute to get his wife a 25th Wedding anniversary card and couldn't get a wife one - the anniversary is today!!!!! so she wanted to know if I could make one for him. Yes of course I can I said!! Not too lovey dovey. Ok I'll think of something!.

So while finishing off my housework I put my thinking cap on. Couldn't think of anything. After the housework I trolled through my files on tinternet to get inspiration!! Nope nothing! So I thought I would go sit at my table to see if anything would come...well I had an idea but wasn't too sure how it would pan out.

Here is the outcome and I must say I am very pleased with how it turned out!

I cut 4 squares with silver mirri card and then 4 smaller squares in white bazzill bling card. The white squares were then run through the cuttlebug using the hearts embossing folder. I did a greeting in grey on the computer onto bazzill bling and cut it out using labels 2 nesties, also cutting a matt in silver mirri card. The flowers were from my stash as was the bow, both I have had for a very long time. I then added some silver gems. Now I know I have seen similar cards somewhere so I can't take all the credit for the design but I will be using it again. :-)

I also made a box to put it on and just wrapped some silver grey ribbon round the lid and tied a bow and added a tag .

Thanks for reading

The week and Cyd's Birthday

2011-08-19T17:17:00.003+01:00

Well the week is nearly over again - where does this time go.....

Since last blog I have been to weigh in and was a very naughty girl as I put on 2lb :-( .... have now tried to get back on form as I need to reach my next target and putting weight on is not on the agenda.

The rest of the week I have been doing a bit of this and that. I did get chance to make a couple of cards. I used the Tatty Ted stamp that I got free on a magazine and coloured it with promarkers. I stamped 2 images and made 2 cards.

This card is for Cyd's birthday. Cut the image out using nestie as is the greeting. The greeting stamp I got last year at Doncaster. I know I got it from Bramwell Crafts but don't know if they actually make it. Paper, card, ribbon, flowers and pearls have all come from my stash.

For the second card I followed a sketch from Sketch and Stash blog using stuff from my stash. The greeting is from Craftwork Cards (I need to get some more of them!!)

Today I have been out for a nice lunch with Cyd for her birthday and we will be round there tonight for dinner.

Tomorrow I am off to Guildford for a craft day and will have some shoebox cards to make so watch this space.

Thanks for reading.

Naughty Blogger

2011-08-16T21:06:00.003+01:00

Not been blogging much over the last few days, not that I have been busy cause I haven't :-) but I just haven't felt like blogging, but have now decided it is time to start again'

I have been updating my site (www.ubeautycrafts.com) with more stuff. I have also been making a few cards. This is the card that I have made for my baby who will be 23 next week! I have used another topper from The Haynes Collection from Kanban. I have made it into an easel card.

Had a bit of a strange one yesterday. Whilst changing my bed and hoovering the bedroom, I thought it was really getting warm in the bedroom so I went to the window to open it a bit and found that the radiator was on in the bedroom. Went and checked the rest in the house and they were all on even though the central heating was switched off at the timer, the boiler was on hot water only and the thermostat was switched down low!!! A quick call to the gas people and they came out this morning which was pretty quick. It would appear that I had a 'runaway ' boiler and the three way valve had gone!!! All mended now so the house no longer resembles a sauna.

Thanks for reading

Last Couple of Days

2011-08-11T20:41:00.003+01:00

Well it's been a funny couple of days and it's set to continue until at least Sunday/ Hubby is doing stupid shifts at work at the moment due to the riots and Pride that we have in Brighton over the weekend. He's working 3pm to 3am and it is really confusing me.... so I all out of sinc!!!

Anyway this morning I went for a lovely back massage at our local Champney's no less. My friends son bought me and his mum a Spa gift card so that's what I used. I used to have regular massages but haven't been having them for ages as I thought it was a bit of an indulgence. I have to say though I have missed them and this morning was sheer bliss!

Yesterday my friend came and asked if I had any nephew cards. Due to her working stupid hours (she works with my hubby!) she had forgotten to get him a card. I only have a few and they are all related to football and Jordan isn't into football. He is a bit of a computer geek so I said to her that i would make her one. Guess what - my mojo decided to disappear for the day. All day I kept trying to think of what I could do and what I had in my stash. Then last night about 10o'clock I had a light bulb moment. I remembered that I had the Making Cards Men's Special and I was sure I had seen some computer stuff in there. I was right. Here is the card that I made using the papers from the magazine.

I would like to say that I came up with the design - but I cannot lie - I copied it from the magazine. My friend was pleased with it.

Thanks for reading

Fishy Feet

2011-08-10T09:46:00.002+01:00

Well it's Wednesday already. Where do these days go?? Yesterday I had a very busy day - no card making -. In the morning I had booked via Groupon to go and have a Fish pedicure. So off I went to the salon. Bit apprehensive as I have very ticklish feet. Got in the salon and they washed my feet, then they told me to put my feet in the tank which I did and all of a sudden my feet were covered in the little fish.

It wasn't ticklish at all, you just knew that they were there!! The only ticklish bit was when they nibbled my big toe at the top of the nail! I sat there for half an hour reading a magazine and it was very enjoyable. I then finished it off with a pedicure. I will definitely be having it done again.

Tuesday also means weigh in day, so off I trotted to be weighed. Thought I may have put on after the fab weight loss last week but luckily I stayed the same. Still only 1/2lb to my stone and half so fingers crossed I can do that this week.

Last night I went out with my mate Pam and some other old work colleagues for our normal 5-6 weekly meet at Frankie & Bennys at the Marina in Brighton. Had a great meal and good conversation even if it was mainly about the riots that are happening but I am not going there as it makes me very angry!!

Just on that note though I won't be seeing much of hubby over the next few days cause he has got to work 12 hour shifts (he's a police inspector) and he's got the 3pm - 3am shift!!!! until at least Sunday!! Still I suppose the upside of that is I can watch what I want on the TV :-)

Thanks for reading

Leon came to visit today

2011-08-07T21:50:00.004+01:00

Well it's Sunday evening again and you wonder where the weekend has gone again! Didn't do much yesterday, just sorted some stuff out and updated my web site.

Today I looked after Leon, my grandson for a couple of hours giving my son and his girlfriend a bit of a rest. He is really growing now..he's nearly 3 months old now and really alert. He does give you lovely smiles although he wouldn't for the camera today.

Here's a couple of pics of him though. he had just done an enormous burp seconds before this pic was taken.

I then changed his nappy and he decided to christen the floor and himself whilst nappiless! He had to have a complete change of clothes.

And here he is fast asleep afterwards.

Thanks for reading

London Again

2011-08-04T21:10:00.003+01:00

I was up in good old London town again today. My friend's son had to go and see a specialist consultant today and she wanted to go with him. She didn't want to travel to London on her own (her son lives in Croydon) so I said I would go with her.

The difference between today and Saturday was that today it was chucking it down.

We had to go to High Holborn which meant a 2 underground train ride. It was so hot, how people do it on a daily basis I do not know!

The weather eased off at about lunchtime and when they had been for the appointment we walked back to Leicester Square for lunch. Now whenever I go to London I am always on celebrity watch, lol. Well today I saw Cameron Mackintosh. Now some of you probably don't know who he is but he is a famous producer of most of the top west end musicals. I was very excited about seeing him!! Sad I know but I do love my musicals.

Right now back to my crafting. Not cards today but memory bracelets. Here are a couple of bracelets that I made the other evening. I was supposed to be sorting out my beads but got waylaid by making these.

I will be making more of these to sell on my site :-). They are very therapeutic.

Thanks for reading

Another card...

2011-08-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

Firstly I went to weigh in tonight and I lost 3lbs :-). I am really pleased with that. I'd hit a standstill but now feel as if I'm on a roll again!!!! All I can put it down to is me starting walking again. I don't go far but I think that a walk everyday is helping!

Anyway back to the cards. As you all know I have many male birthday's this month so here is the latest card that I made. The image is from Kanban from their Haynes collection. One of my buy's from Doncaster.

I matted and layered it on gold mirri card and plain black card. The greeting is from Craftwork cards which has been place on the ticket punch from Stampin Up.

It is for one of my niece's husband who is mad on camper vans.

Thanks for reading

London & Les Mis

2011-08-02T21:19:00.002+01:00

On Saturday I went up to London primarily to see the stage show Les Misarables.
We drove up to Gatwick and parked there and then got the Gatwick Express to London. Now I know there are a lot of people that don't like London, but me I love it. I love the hustle and bustle of it. We walked from Victoria to Buck House and walked through St James Park - first time I have done that.

We then went to Leicester Square via China Town (wasn't impressed with there!). We stopped at Leicester Square for something to eat and then we went to the Haagan Dazs shop! OMG!!! The ice cream desserts are to die for!!!!

The show is one of my favourites a\nd this was the 4th time I have seen it - the last being 4th August 2000. It had Alfie Boe in it and Matt Lucas from Little Britain fame. They both were fantastic and I wanted to rewind it and watch it all again.

If you get the chance to go and see it but are put off by the title..don't be!! It is one of my favourite shows (and I have been to see a few) it was just fantastic!!!!!

After the show we walked back to Victoria and got the train back to Gatwick.

It was a fantastic day and evening even if I did get blisters on my toes from all the walking!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

So Proud of my Niece

2011-07-29T22:22:00.004+01:00

My youngest niece, Samantha is off to the USA next week to start a 4 year college course in Soccer. She is 18 and football mad just like my sister. She plays football for York Ladies and decided a couple of years ago that she would like to go and study in the States. She applied for a scholarship and passed the exams.

She is really looking forward to it but obviously nervous. She is quite close to my sister as she is the only daughter with 2 older brothers. My sister is very proud of her as we all are but she is going to miss her.

My sister and brother in law are going over with her next week for a fortnights holiday and then coming home, leaving Sam there as the academic year starts in August. She will be home for Christmas.

Here is the card that I have made her. The image was a sticker which was matted onto a nestie. The papers, ribbon and gems are all from my stash. The greeting is from craftwork cards.

Thanks for reading

Nice Surprise

2011-07-29T10:34:00.003+01:00

There I was last night getting dinner ready and hubby came in the kitchen and said 'There is something that you need to see in the lounge'. 'I'm busy' I replied. 'You need to see it' he said. So throwing the tea towel down I go into the lounge and there in the middle of the floor in his bouncy chair was Leon!!

What a great surprise it was as I haven't seen him for a few weeks and was missing him.

So nanny and Leon had lots of hugs and kisses. He has grown so much and I can't believe he is 1o weeks old now.

Here are a few pictures that I took. He's gorgeous but then I am a little bias!!!! :-)

Here's Nanny & Leon

Granddad and Leon

My Little man (he looks so much like his Daddy here)

This is Uncle Dan changing hos first nappy!! It was a clean one too so goodness knows what he would have been like if it had been a messy one!!!

Thanks for reading

Ordered Cards

2011-07-27T21:26:00.002+01:00

Went to weight watchers last night for my weigh in. I stayed the same which I was pleased with as it was my friends son's birthday and they had a BBQ. Although I didn't each much of the BBQ stuff I did have a couple of sausages and a whole bowl of chipsticks!! mmmmmm!! I also had a couple of small bits of chocolate cake.....so staying the same was good!!!

A work colleague of hubby's asked me a few weeks ago if I would make him a birthday card for his dad. He sent me a couple of pictures of his dad as a child and asked if I could use them on the card. Well this is what I came up with. The papers are all from my stash. I have matted the picture and greeting on Spellbinders nesties. The greeting is computer generated and I have inked it using and ink pad. Buttons I found in my stash and just used some cord through them.

I sent him a picture of it and he was so pleased with it he asked me to do him a card for hos wife's birthday. Remit was flowers, roses and diamonds!! This is the finished result.

The image is a 3d Forever Friends bear which has been matted on nesties labels. Papers are from the Forever Friends Summertime double sided pad. Flowers are from stash as is the gems.

The greeting is computer generated. He loved this one too!! So success all round!

Thanks for reading.

Last Card from Doncaster & New Bathroom

2011-07-26T16:34:00.002+01:00

Well today so far has been a bit manic.

Decided that my conservatory needed a good clean. The roof has been leaking and we are waiting for it to be fixed so have been neglecting it a bit. Took me a bit longer than anticipated but now all the dead spiders, flies, dust and dirt has all gone!!!

Then had a pile of ironing to do so that was done and then I was able to finish off a couple of cards that I had started but they will be shown in another post.

Right here is the last card made in at the Workshop at Doncaster and I have to say my favourite. It's a twisted easel card. The flowers were die cut and are double sided and I just had to go and my them. They are from My Craft Studio and are lovely. I will definitely be making this one again.

As you I have been having my shower room done and it is all but finished now. I had to go a week without a shower, had baths instead but I do love my shower in the morning. Well here are the pics of the finished room. I thought I had some pics of the old one but I can't find them. The old shower room had blue tiles, a square shower cubicle, loo and a tiny corner sink. The flooring was vinyl.

The shower cubicle is curved and the shower head is one of the raindrop ones and has a handheld attachment with it.

The sink is bigger than the old one and has a vanity unit underneath with cool self closing doors

My lovely new shiny shower cubicle doors

My new toilet and my new heated towel rail.

You can just see the floor which is laminated flooring and my beautiful tiles. Most of the bathroom apart from the flooring and the loo roll holder all came from e-bay! All I need to get now is the blind for the window.

Thanks for reading

Thanks

100 Followers Giveaway - Scrappin for Kenzie.

2011-07-25T17:14:00.003+01:00

Michelle here on Scrappin for Kenzie is giving away loads of stuff on her site if she can get 100 followers.

Pop over to her blog to have a look.

Thanks for reading

Sunday Sunday

2011-07-24T21:35:00.003+01:00

Well today wasn't as strange as yesterday but still not normal, lol. I definitely think that it is because we have been having the work done. I glad to say that it is all completed now apart from a bit of dressing up. Still need to get a new door and blind, but it looks lovely and I am really pleased with it. Once i have downloaded the pics I will post them on here. Whilst the work was being done I was up in my craft room. I was doing a card for my niece as she is going away to study in the US at the beginning of August. There is a tale to the card but I will enlighten you on that in another post.

Right onto the first card done in the afternoon session of the Summer Crafting workshop. Here it is and I really like it... When we were shown it, I gasp as it looked quite complicated but in the end I really enjoyed making it.

It was done in sections with the wrap being done first. The pin wheel was made and secured with another home made button.

A pocket was made inside, which you can't really see in the picture. I think this card would make an ideal wedding card or gift card to put vouchers or money in.

Thanks for reading

Strange Saturday!

2011-07-24T09:45:00.003+01:00

Well it felt like it. Can't put my finger on it but just strange. Maybe it's the work we are having done... Oh well never mind. Had a good day though, finished a card for an order and the gent was very pleased with it and asked if I could make his wife a birthday card.

In the afternoon I sat and watched the 25th Anniversary performance of Les Misarables. It is one of my favourite shows, the music is amazing and I am off to see it in London next Saturday. The last time I saw it was back in 2000 so long overdue for another visit!

Late afternoon I went round my friends as her son was having a barbie for his birthday. Luckily the weather stayed dry.

Right back to the cards. Here is the second card we made on the morning of the workshop at Doncaster. Lots of elements to this one and paper folding. We also got to use the button maker that we had in our goody bags. May use some of the elements again but probably not all together.

Thanks for reading

Lazy day

2011-07-22T23:39:00.004+01:00

Hubby surprised me this morning by telling me that he had the day off. I had to go into town to the bank so he came with me and we had a nice couple of hours shopping, getting some stuff for the new bathroom and for the garden.

This afternoon I had a bit of ironing to do and unpack my food shopping when it arrived! Some of it was missing though, my fault not Tescos! I have a tendency to click on items but forget to add to basket...opps! Still after it had been put away I sat down and chilled. Should have really been finishing a card for an order but hey ho!!!!

Right lets get to the cards I made at the workshop last weekend at the Summer Crafting Show. This card was the first of the day and my least favourite. We received all the bits that we needed for the card in our goody bags. The backing paper is from the big pad that we were given. The birdcage image is on acetate and dangles if you know what I mean. I'm not into the birdcages but I enjoyed doing the decoration on the side.

Thanks for reading

Another male card

2011-07-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Here is another card that I have made for my male collection. The papers and image I borrowed from a blog that I follow here who got the papers from here.

I had all the stuff in front of me but found it very difficult to put it together... Eventually I cam up with this. Backing card is from my stash, greeting is from Craftwork cards again ( I do love those greetings). I have used the Stampin Up scalloped edge punch to the bottom of the card and the backing paper. All other elements are from the download kit.

Thanks for reading

My new drive, path and patio

2011-07-21T22:10:00.004+01:00

A couple of weeks ago we had our drive, path and back patio done as the old one was pretty horrible as you can see from the before pics.

The guy who did it did a leaflet drop and we weren't really interested but then he did next doors and it looked really nice. While he was doing next door I asked him for a quote and it was quite reasonable quote so we went ahead with it. I am really pleased with it and it looks so much better.

Before pics.

The back patio

The side path

The driveway (with Nellie )

The side path out front

After pics

The side path

The side path at the front

The driveway (minus Nellie)

The back patio

There still needs to be a little more work to be done to the front garden but as you can see it looks so much better.

We are having our shower room redone at the moment so I will show you pics when that is finished.

Thanks for reading

Where's the Summer??

2011-07-20T15:54:00.004+01:00

Well?? Does anyone know who has stolen the Summer. Hope it get's found quick cause I hate this rainy weather.

Yesterday was weigh in day. I wasn't holding out much hope of loosing anything due to what I had eaten over the weekend at Doncaster but off I went and I am pleased to announce that I lost a 1lb. That's 17lbs I have lost in total now and am really pleased.

Due to me being away since Thursday and then having the shower room done I haven't been making any cards recently (well at home anyway). So here is a card that I made last week. One of the many male ones I have to do. I found these 3d stickers in a drawer in my craft room when I was looking for something else. The backing paper I have used was from my stash. The greeting is from Craftwork cards. I chalked it to go with the colours of the stickers.

Have been to the dentist this afternoon to have the 2nd lot of treatment for my root canal. I must say that although it didn't hurt, my teeth are now aching. They are still numb but are aching. My next appointment isn't until 24th August as the dentist is away on holiday!!

Thanks for reading

Summer Crafting - Doncaster July 2011

2011-07-19T09:01:00.006+01:00

Last weekend Pam and I took a trip up to Doncaster to the Summer Crafting show. We left on Thursday and had a leisurely drive up there. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express that is just off the M18 and it was great. Very good value also.

On the Friday we were booked in for the workshop day with Stephanie and Nancy from Create & Craft. The day was manic and very busy (220 people there including a couple of men!!) but we still managed to complete 8 projects (4 embellishments and 4 cards). I will put these on the blog once I have photographed them. We got a goody bag that was supposed to be worth over £100 and it was. We had the craft equipment in there that we would need for the day. We were all given a 360 page 12 x 12 paper book from K & Co worth probably between £20 - £30 with some beautiful papers in. We used a few for the projects during the day but there was still plenty left over.

On the Saturday we had a lazy morning (after last year there was no way we were going to the show at the start!! It was just too busy). We had a late breakfast and then we went to the Lakeside Outlet for a bit of retail therapy. Well it would have been rude not to as it was on our way! They have a M & S outlet store that has some lovely stuff in it at huge reduced prices. We don't have anything like that down our way here. It was here that I bagged (excuse the pun!) my bargain. I was looking for another navy blue handbag as the one I have was broken. Well we went into Domo and had a look around as they were having a sale. Well the whole outlet had a sale on. Having a look around I found this stunner. Real leather. Original Price was £80 (OMG!!!!!) reduced to £56. I didn't pay that though......I got it for £25 :-).

We then went into a couple of clothes stores and came out. Had some lovely stuff in them but not what we were looking for at the time. They have a Next Outlet which we walked into and then out again as it resembled a bit of a jumble Sale.

We had a cuppa and then made our way to the show. It was about 1ish now. We saw lots of people leaving so we hoped it would have been less busy. It wasn't at the at that time but by about 3ish it had calmed down and we were able to get round to all the stalls. We saw a few people that we knew from the Crafters reunited forum. We went and found Toni who was demonstrating on the Imag-e-nation stand and rescued her for an hour to have a wonder around and then a drink.

Now my purchases! Well I have to say that I am ashamed of myself. Seeing as this is the first craft show Pam and I have been too since Doncaster next year, the picture below is all that I bought! Very poor show and when I added up how much I had spent I was gob smacked. I have never spent so little at a show.

Although we did go back to the show on Sunday Morning for about 1/2 hour and I did purchase a scor pal mat and another set of stamps that are not on the picture, it's still a poor show for me.

Still have to have a troll through the internet now :-)

We did have some nice meals out over the weekend as well. Especially at the pub that was just across the car park from the hotel. It's called the Woodfield Farm. The food was excellent and the desserts are to die for. Excellent value also. The other 2 nights we ate at the Beefeater at Lakeside. Both excellent meals.

A very enjoyable weekend had.

Thanks for reading

Superman

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

It's my friend's son's birthday next week. He has been going through a bad time at the moment due to being beaten up and left for dead a few years ago and suffered a fractured skull. Anyway he is a big fan of Superman (he'll be 27 next week!!). I went onto the website 'face in a hole' and mocked up this picture with Dean's face on it. Then printed it off, matted onto card from my stash. The backing paper is also from my stash. Added some buttons with thin ribbon, the greeting from Craftwork cards again layered on to card cut with Stampin Up scalloped oval punch. I hope that he likes it!

Well I said goodbye to my house guest this evening. Due to me going away Nellie had to go back today. She has been so good and I will really miss her. This is the pose that she used to give when you first got in. She normally has her paws up like she was under arrest :-). Thought I would share it with you.

I have scheduled this post so by the time you read this I will be on my way with Pam up to Doncaster for the Summer Crafting 2011 event. We are having a lazy drive up there tomorrow in Pam's new car, workshops all day Friday then the craft show on Saturday and then home on Sunday.

I will let you know how it goes when I get back.

Thanks for reading

Another day goes by...

2011-07-13T23:27:00.003+01:00

and another weigh in last night. I lost 1.5lbs which I am really pleased about. Just got to keep it up. Need more walking...

Made another card to show you. This one is for my brother in law. It is the first of many male cards I have to make for July and August. The image is decoupage and I think it comes fro La Pashe. The backing paper comes from 'Men rule the World' paper pack. card and gems are from stash. Greeting from Craftwork Cards. I have done faux stitching round the backing card using a fine nib pen.

As you are aware I am having treatment on my tooth, well root canal treatment. 'Ouch!!' Well I've had one appointment and need at least another 2. Well yesterday it decided to play up. Not been too bad today but am away for the weekend so I'm hoping ot will be ok. Next appointment is Wednesday. I will be taking plenty of painkillers with me..

Thanks for reading

Time flies..

2011-07-12T16:20:00.003+01:00

Where has the time gone since I last posted. It's going so quickly. Haven't been up to much. Nellie has been keeping me busy. She goes back tomorrow and I am really going to miss her. I have another video of her having a funny 5 minutes in the garden which I will post later.

Yesterday my friend asked me if I had a baby boy card in my stash. The answer was no! So I have made a quickie today. The paper and card are from my stash. The decoupage image I have had for years and it has been made up for years too. I just added some gems and a bow. The sentiment, which you can't really see is a Paula Pascale one. It reads 'a sweet baby had arrived'

Thanks for reading

Dog Sitting - Nellie

2011-07-09T20:44:00.006+01:00

For the past 2 weeks I have been dog sitting Nellie, my friends dog. She is a lovely dog. Regular readers of my blog will remember I had her for a trial day a few weeks ago.

She is a lovely dog and loves attention. She is a very licky dog which can be annoying sometimes. She is always there with me wherever I go (even to the loo!!)

She goes back next Wednesday and I am pleased that I am going away to Doncaster for the weekend cause I know I am going to miss her.

I have also included a couple of quick videos that I took of her having a funny 5 mins.

Thanks for reading

First cards from Appleby Magna

2011-07-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

Here are the first of the cards that I made on my weekend away to Appleby Magna. See I did do some crafting. All these were made at the weekend.

This was my shoebox card.

Susan's card.

Cathy's card

Kim's card

Kim's secret squirrel card. (Pam, Greta and I had already made Kim's fish card at a play day at Greta's)

Deb's card

Greta's card and memory bracelet

As you can see all of the cards are so different. there were 15 of us and every card was different.

The next lot will be posted once I have made them...lol.

Thanks for reading

Congratulations to Dan

2011-07-07T15:25:00.003+01:00

My son came to us in March 2010 saying that he wanted to go to college to become a car mechanic. He was 22 and had a good full time job at the time with the railway. His father and I said that if that's what he wanted to do then we would stand behind him as long a s he found a part time job and paid his way. he left his job in August last year and started college in September 2010. Needless to say he never looked for a job for the first few months and no rent was paid.

Anyway he went around looking for a job at a garage whilst at college but no one would take him as he would have been more expensive than a school leaver. However a garage just down the road asked him to go in to do some voluntary work for a few days a week unpaid. We told him to do it as you never know what it may lead to. He has been going there for a couple of days a week for the last 6 weeks thoroughly enjoying himself. He went in yesterday and they offered him a full time job. He will continue to go to college for 1 day a week but will be working there doing what he wanted to. He is over the moon!

So congratulations Dan. Of course I am over the moon for him cause it means I will have the

house to myself during the day !!!!!!!

Here is the card that I have made him. The image was from clipart. Card and backing papers were from my stash.

Thanks for reading

Weigh in update

2011-07-06T22:09:00.003+01:00

Well as you are away I was away last weekend and I ate and more to the point drank rather a lot so I was fully aware that the scales would not be kind to me last Tuesday.

However it wasn't as bad as I thought! I had only put on 1.5lbs which I was quite chuffed with.

Had a fairly good week this week, although not a lot of exercise so was hoping for a good result. Lost a 1lb last night when went for weigh on so quite pleased with that. Need to loose another 1.5lbs then I'm back to what I was before I went away.

I have now booked another holiday to the New Forest on September so that's my next goal to loose weight.

Thanks for reading

Catch Up time

2011-07-05T15:18:00.002+01:00

Last weekend - June 23rd - June 27th - a group of us (15 in total) met up at Appleby Magna for a weekend of eating, drinking, laughing, even a bit of crafting, but most of all chillaxing.

This is the 3rd year we have done this and it was just as enjoyable.

The cottages are wonderful as is the surrounding countryside. The weather was kind to us so i even managed to get out and have a walk which was very enjoyable.

Each person that went made a shoebox card packs (a pack to include all the things to make a card together with the instructions.) This so that we can make the cards there or can take them home to make them at a later date. I did manage to make a few and I will show them later when I have photographed them.

On the Saturday evening we went out for a meal at a local pub. I say pub but the food is out of this world. So beautifully presented.

Plenty of drinking was partaking in and we had a nice little sing song!

The cottages from afar.

This is half of us at the pub.

The end of the cottages. this is being refurbished at the moment.

The road up to the cottages.

The cottages that we had.

I'm looking forward to next year.

Thanks for reading

Not been blogging..

2011-07-03T14:56:00.004+01:00

Can't believe it is over a week since I last blogged and more to the point no cards have been made, well not at home!!! I will be catching you up on all that has been happening over the last week, my weekend away, dog sitting and Race for Life!

I'm gonna start with what I have been up to today. I have just completed the Race for Life at Stanmer Park in Brighton. This is the 3rd year that I have done it, like most people I have lost people from this horrible disease and this is my way of doing something. I run (or walk as I don';t do running) for my Mum & Dad who both died from lung cancer and my husband's Granddad who I loved very dearly, who dies of leukaemia. This year I was also doing it for the husband of a good friend of mine. Luckily he is surviving it at the moment and will continue to do so. So Paul - this one was for you.

Here is my friend Cyd and I before the race.

It was a hot day but we finished it. We took a bit longer than last year but this was due to the volume of people doing the Race.

Thank you to everyone that has sponsored me or has given money to any Cancer research charity in the past.

Thanks for reading

Opps missed a couple of days

2011-06-22T09:49:00.004+01:00

Where have the last couple of days gone. Been busy but not sure doing what!!

Had a plan on Monday, I have a lot of male birthdays coming up in July and August so wanted to make a dent in them! Well here is what I managed... ONE. The image is an embossed rub on (I don't like using them!) I had bought these ages ago and thought they were stickers. Didn't read the packaging properly! But I persevered with it and came up with this. Backing papers are all from the Forever Friends Springtime pack ( I love these double sided papers!). Gems are from my stash as is the ribbon. The greeting is from Craftwork cards. Not sure which of my male relatives it will be going to but at least I have made a start.

I went to weigh in last night. Was a naughty girl as I put on 1lb. Have got to get back into the mind set again, seems to have gone astray since got back from hols. This week though has been a very hungry week! Wanted to eat all the time... I'll get there again..

Off on a crafting weekend tomorrow which I am really looking forward to. A weekend of good company , chillaxing and having a laugh, and maybe a little bit of crafting.

Right got to go and get my stuff together now.

Thanks for reading.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:35:00.003+01:00

Today as you are aware is Father's Day and I would like to wish my dad a happy one. He is no longer with us as he died in 1976 but is never forgotten.

My dad was of old school. He was 44 when I was born in 1966 and I was the youngest of 9 kids. (My dad had 4 from a previous marriage, my mum had 2 from a previous marriage and then there were 2 (now 3 with me) together.

I can remember him being a strict father, he believed kids should be seen and not heard and we always had to be ready for bed when he came in from work. He had many jobs but the one I most remember is him being an Ice Cream man!

I idolised my daddy and when he got ill I always remember coming home from school and sitting on the bed with him and sharing a glass of Lucazade and telling him what I had done at school that day.

I can only ever remember him telling me off once when I had sworn at my sister. I was about 7. He hit me across the back of the legs. I was mortified!!

The picture I have above is from a caravan holiday we had at Weymouth. I was about 3. That's me on his knee with my two sisters, Linda and Mandy.

Happy Father's day Dad and to all the dad's that are no longer with us.

Thanks for reading

Card for today

2011-06-18T23:03:00.002+01:00

2nd post for today but thought I would show you a card I made the other day.

The image was designed by Jak Heath and can be found here. She has done the topper and some backing paper. I have just used the topper her and have placed it onto some blue card that has been put through the cuttlebug using the script embossing folder. The greeting is from the same sheet and I have just added some gems.

Thanks for reading

A visit from Leon

2011-06-18T22:53:00.006+01:00

This morning we got a visit from my son and his girlfriend and of course Leon. He is 5 weeks old today and here are just a couple of photo's to show you how well he is getting on. He is so much more alert now.

He also christened me today whilst I changed his nappy!! :-)

Thanks for reading

What a grotty day...

2011-06-17T21:06:00.004+01:00

.........it's been today, Rain, rain , rain and more rain. What's happened to our Summer!. It had better blooming cheer up for next weekend for the Crafty House Party.

Started my penicillin today so hopefully the tooth pain will subside soon.

Right on to today's card. The image is from Pink Gem here. She's called 'Carrie Caterpillar'. Isn't she cute. I used the pre coloured version The backing papers are from Forever Friends Spring time. Ribbon and pearls are from my stash. Greeting from Craftwork Cards put on scalloped circle from Stampin Up.

I love this image and will be using it again.

Thanks for reading

Raging toothache

2011-06-16T21:46:00.003+01:00

Yep, that's what I have had for the past couple of days. It's a tooth that I have had problems with over the last year or so but the pain went away but this time it ain't going no where so off I trotted to the dentist this morning and asked for an emergency appointment. After getting past the 'bitch' on reception 20 questions, I had to go back at 4 this afternoon.

Just as I was about to leave for the dentist the heavens opened so I had to take the car. I explained to the dentist that the tooth was hurting again and she confirmed that I needed a root canal treatment!!! She put me on 5 days course of penicillin and then told me to come back. When was the earliest they could fit me in????? 5th July!!!! So, yep got to put up with pain until then....

I think me and Mr Painkiller may be getting very acquainted over the next couple of weeks!

This afternoon to take my mind off the pain I made a few cards. Here's the first one to show you. It's a card for my great niece who is 4 in July. The card is a large 8x8 square card. the image is a decoupage from the big and beautiful range. Not sure who makes them. The backing paper came from then too. I used pink bazzill bling for the backing mat cut with the curved rectangle nestie. The letters spelling Emily's name were cut from Sizzix letters again in bazzill bling again. Added some ribbon and gems to finish it off.

Thanks for reading

My toy car....

2011-06-16T09:51:00.003+01:00

Yesterday my car, a Kia Sportage 4x4, had to go in for it's MOT and service. I took it along to the garage yesterday morning and I was given a courtesy car - a Renault clio!! The mechanic laughed when he gave me the key and said 'Oh it's a bit smaller than what you are used to'. Well I got in it and it was manual, although I have always driven a manual, the Kia is automatic and they make you very lazy drivers! :-) I had to reverse it out of the space and could I get it into reverse?? Not blooming likely. So I got out and went back into the garage and told the guy that I was being a bit f a numpty and couldn't get it into reverse. He smiled that smile. You know the one 'Stupid woman' smile. He showed me what to do, you had to pull the button up to get it into reverse. I should have thought of that cause that's what we had to do with the old car.

Anyway I started driving and kept having to tell myself, 'change gear, change gear'. But I coped and the card survived. It was like driving in a noddy car but I coped. It did make my driveway seem very big though.

My car passed the MOT and service with flying colours although it still cost over £200. Majority being labour, but at least I know it's ok for next week when I take it up to Appleby Magna for the house party.

Didn't do much the rest of the day, have got a bad toothache and am trying to get the courage to ring the dentists cause I know I am going to have to have root canal treatment and that will hurt.

Thanks for reading.

Sunny Tuesday

2011-06-14T21:20:00.002+01:00

Well today has been absolutely beautiful, the sun has been shining and it's been very warm although not planned to last.... Today I had the lovely ironing to do this morning and while doing it I watched Camelot which I recorded over the weekend. It was slow to start with but I shall continue to watch it!

This afternoon I had a walk to the Post Office to post some parcels. Then this evening I had my weigh in. I was convinced that I had put on this week as I felt heavy but glad to report that I lost a 1lb! I do need to try and get back into it again.

No cards made today but hopefully will do tomorrow.

Thanks for reading

The start of another week!

2011-06-13T21:14:00.004+01:00

Well that's another weekend over with and what did I do? Nothing!!! Well I took my oldest son to Iceland so he can do some shopping as he doesn't have a car and then went back to his place so i could have a quick cuddle with Leon my grandson. I forgot to take my camera but here is a picture I took last week when they came down. Here's Leon with his big sister Alysia (she is my son's girlfriend's daughter).

The Weather on Saturday was nice and sunny. A bit windy but lovely. A complete contrast to yesterday (Sunday), when it rained all day and was like a winter's day. It was horrible.

And today? Started off raining but then turned out really nice and sunny. This morning I did some of the dreaded h*******k and then had to pack up some parcels from e-bay, clothes and stuff that I had sold. I had 21 parcels to wrap and then take to the post office. Normally I would walk but this time I had to take the car!

Got back and then decided that I needed to make a cards. On Saturday afternoon I went to The Range and some 'Me to You' bear stickers jumped into my basket as they do. I love these bears and this afternoon I used them.

Both cards used the stickers and the backing paper is from 'Forever Friends - Springtime'. This is double sided paper and I have fallen in love with it. Nesties Label 12 were used on the first card. The greeting is from Craftwork cards matted onto the scalloped oval punch by Stampin Up.

This card I have used the curved rectangle nesties. Again the greeting is from Craftwork cards matted onto the Stampin Up scalloped oval. The flower, ribbon and gems are all from my stash.

Thanks for reading

Nellie

2011-06-10T22:36:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was a funny old day. We had torrential rain in the morning and a mini tornado at Brighton Seaside. Then it turned out quite nice and sunny in the afternoon.

In the afternoon my friend bought her dog round for a stop over. She is going on holiday in a couple of weeks and I have agreed to look after Nellie for her. So yesterday was a trial to see how she settled.

She is a staffie and so friendly. She settled in really well and was very good. She loved crawling under my bed!!!! Why I don't know lol. Here are some photos of her.

This one was taken in the garden this morning. She was having a funny five minutes, charging round the garden playing with a bit of wood that you can just see by her feet.

This is her trying to blend into the carpets.. She loves her belly being rubbed.

She has different coloured eyes, one blue and one brown.

Thanks for reading

Bad News - Good News..sort of

2011-06-08T20:48:00.002+01:00

Well yesterday I went into town (somewhere I don't go often!!) because I wanted to get some theatre tickets to see Joseph and his Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat. I first saw this show when I was 7 and have seen it many times before here in London and local. I'm looking forward to it.

When I got home I had an e-mail from the job I applied for. I didn't get it!. Mixed emotions really, but never mind. I am away for a couple of l;ong weekends coming up and I am also dog sitting for 3 weeks for a friend so working would really get in the way.

Tuesday was weigh in day. I didn't feel as if I had lost anything but I had, only 1/2lb but it was better that putting it on. Although I do think I may have put it back on and more as we went out for a meal last night to The Plough in Henfield. Lovely old pub hat does great food and fairly cheap. You have to wait a bit for your main course but we didn't have starters, but the meal is worth waiting for. I was naughty cause I have Sticky Toffee pudding and it wasn't the normal stick in the microwave jobby either, all home-made and it was lovely.

So back on the diet today!!

Today I have been making my shoebox cards for my weekend away. I made the example card and did the packs. Just printing the instructions off and my printer ran completely out of black ink so it's a trip out tomorrow.

Thanks for reading

Glitterpot Class - 2nd June 2011

2011-06-07T08:53:00.002+01:00

What a horrible yucky day it was yesterday. Rain all day! I hate the rain. Mind you I was doing housework all morning (sorry I swore!!!) and then in the afternoon I was packing up stuff that I had sold on e-bay and taking it to the post-office.

Didn't hear anything about my job yet! I got fed up with my hubby phoning/texting me every hour 'have you heard yet?' lol

Right let's get to the cards. On Friday I went to the Glitterpot and did a class with , Alexandra Kamann. As mentioned before, this was the first class Pam and I had done with Alex but it will not be the last. Not knowing Alex we had no idea what we would be doing. The morning's class was to show how you can use the same stamp for both male and female cards. The stamp that was used was a Tatty Ted stamp that I fell in love with and jumped into my basket.

For both cards, the image was stamped out and then coloured with pencils and the oil that I can't for the life of me remember what it's called. It's the first time that I have liked my colouring with pencils. The matt was cut using a labels die (again can't remember the number - I should write these things down!!). Backing paper and ribbon that was originally white but coloured using copic pens ( will work with promarkers). The rose on the first card was made using a coil of paper. I found this quite difficult and didn't like mine at first but once it got stuck on the card it grew on me, so to speak. The leaves were cut free hand. The greeting was stamped using one of Paula Pascale's greeting stamps.

The male version was coloured in black's and greys. Added a button to some cord. The card was originally portrait with the image underneath the button, but Pam had done hers landscape and I liked it that way so I asked her if I could copy her..she said no but I did it anyway!! (well I did ask first!!!! lol). That bear is so sweet!

The afternoon class we were doing white on white cards. On this one we embossed the card blank first. Stamped the greeting on a thin piece of card. the flower is handmade, made from tissue paper. You cut lots of layers using a flower nestie (scalloped circle would work just the same). Hold all the layers together with a brad in the middle (doesn't matter what colour as it doesn't get seen), then you just scrunch each layer into the middle until it produces a flower. really easy and effective! The matt was cut using the same nestie label from the morning. Leaves were cut from a punch.

The second card was a bit larger. The backing was embossed again using the big shot. The flower was made exactly the same except it was a bigger circle this time and you can't really see it in the photo but the edges of the flower were tinted with an ink pad, as was the embossed matt and the greeting label. A piece of white ribbon was added to the card to cover up the join on the embossing as the card was a bit too big for the embossing folder. The sentiment was from a lady's in the class who wanted her's to be a wedding card. Butterflies were cut from a punch in vellum that had been stamped using stazon. I then added gems to bring them out.The leaves were cut in vellum freehand.
I have never done white on white before but I will definitely be trying this again, especially for wedding cards. The idea is to have lots of texture.

What a great day.

Thanks for reading

Beautiful hot day

2011-06-05T21:30:00.005+01:00

It was a lovely hot day yesterday (Saturday) and what was I doing? Listing stuff on e-bay as it was a free listing day!! Still never mind had to be done and all for saving for a cruise.

Here are a couple of cards I made during the week. I have a few anniversaries this month so thought would make some nice simple cards along the same theme. The printed greetings were done on the computer. Matts cut out on cuttlebug with nesties. Card, ribbon, gems and flowers all from my stash. Quick and simple.

I just thought I haven't caught up on all my news this week. On Thursday I had my first job interview in 18 years. The funny thing was that I wasn't nervous. It all went ok and I hear tomorrow (Monday). So fingers crossed.

In the evening we went to the theatre to see Blood Brothers. It is about the 8th or 9th time I have seen it but it is such a fantastic show. Normally it has one of the Nolens playing the lead but this time it was Nikki Evans who was a semi finalist in the X factor. She was very good. If you haven't been to see it then you need to try.

Thanks for reading

Yesterday was Friday

2011-06-04T12:49:00.002+01:00

....and I had a lovely day at the Glitterpot with Pam. We had a great day and made some lovely cards with a new Tutor, Alexandra Kamann. I will show you these in a later post.

Anyway here is a card I made on Thursday for this months Inspirational on Crafters Reunited Forum. The theme this month was 'girly' and you had to use ribbon. So here is my entry.

The rose is a decoupaged one that I had in my topper box. I used nesties labels 10 to matt the rose after running it through the cuttlebug using swiss dots embossing folder. The card and backing paper are from my stash as is the ribbon and gems. The edging was done using the new cutting system. Can't remember what the system is called but it is very very easy to use. The sentiment is from Craftwork cards.

Thanks for looking.

Here they are...eventually

2011-06-03T21:14:00.008+01:00

My pictures of my holiday to Florida. We go at least twice a year as my friends have a villa over there that we stay on. The weather this time was very very hot - in the 90's most days. There are quite a few piccies but hope you enjoy them.

This is a picture of Cyd and Fel (our friends) relaxing in the pool. Yes Cyd is reading. It was the only way to stay cool!

And this is my darling hubby relaxing!!! Bless

While we were over there it was Mother's day ( the US celebrate it on a different day to us) This was a picture of an orchid. The colour caught my eye. I thought it was beautiful!

One of hubby's work colleagues were out there on holiday the same time as us so we met up and on one of the days we went to Sea World.

This is hubby and I outside.

Here are the boys, Steve, Adam, Fel and Gary (hubby)

Hubby doesn't like roller coasters etc so this is the nearest he will get!!

This picture is of the killer whales from Sea World. I love this show or should say loved it. The trainers used to go in the water with the whales and it was beautiful, but since the accident when one of the trainers got killed they no longer do this and the show has lost some of the magic. I know there are a lot of people that think this is cruel, but SeaWorld is a conservation park and they save a lot of animals.

This is the boys on the water ride Atlantis.

Here's Steve and Cyd feeding the Dolphins - although just after this pic was taken the dolphin almost head butted Steve. hehehehe!!

These are a family of ducks that we saw at SeaWorld. The babies were in the water and the mother was the other side of the fence and she was trying desperately to get to them. Hubby got hold of the duck and put her over the fence. So Mummy and babies were reunited.

Cyd and Gaz on the golf course doing their Kate and Leo guise. (Well the golf was called Pirates Island - well they both have boats!!!!!!)

This is Adam & Steve leaving to drive back to Miami where they were catching their flight home.

Gaz with a new sun hat!!!

Gaz and me in Perkins on Gaz's birthday.

Beautiful sunset following a rainy day.

Butty Pants found in Walmark!! To enhance your booty!!

In all the 5 years I have been going to Florida I have never seen a train, (I know I'm sad!!) but you hear them often - so off to the station we went and luckily a train was due in. The platforms and flat on the ground - not like ours and the trains are huge!!!!

This is the boys showing how big they are!!

& Me

This is Fel showing off his new underpants...Camouflage ones!!!!!!!!

Gaz & Fel just looking at the first tee on the Crazy Golf!!

Our favourite eatery!! $12 for all you can eat!! Greatest mash potato in the world!!

This is one of the crazy golf courses we played on. Pirates Island. (Puts our ones in the UK to shame)

Well thats it. Sorry it's a bit picture overload!

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Well it's Tuesday

2011-06-01T21:16:00.003+01:00

and what did I get up to...not much to be honest, but I did manage to make a card!

I was sorting through some stuff as you do and found these stamps 'It's a Man's World' and stamped the footballer. I coloured it with promarkers. I cut it out using the curved rectangles nesties. The red card and football paper were from my stash. The card candy is from Craftwork Cards as is the sentiment. The sentiment is layered onto card cut with the Stampin Up scalloped oval.

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Weigh in Tonight

2011-05-31T22:00:00.002+01:00

Well as you know I lost a stone before I went away, then I had 2 weeks in the sun (must put some piccies on blog!!!). Well last week I went to weight watchers and I had put on 1.5lbs over the 2 weeks which I was really pleased with!

Well tonight I had my weigh in and.....I lost 2.5lbs!!!! Whoo hoo!!! That was the 1.5lbs I put on over the holiday and and extra 1lb. That's a total of 15lbs now... My next target is to loose a further 2stone by November 11th when I go on holiday again.

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Less is More Challenge week 17

2011-05-30T15:23:00.002+01:00

Well have been home from holiday for more than a week now and I have now made my first card. I have quite a few anniversaries in June so I thought I would make one and enter it into the 'Less is More' Challenge this week.

The greeting is computer generated and I have cut it out using a square nestie. (I did try to print it straight onto the card but I couldn't get it centralised!) I have added a flower from my stash to finish it off.

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Well he kept us waiting...

2011-05-25T09:57:00.003+01:00

As you are aware from my previous post I have been away the last two weeks on holiday (more of that to come soon) and we were waiting for the birth of our first grandson. He was due to be born on 7th May, the day we went away but he didn't make a show. As I hadn't heard anything by the Tuesday I texted my son to see if any news and he told me no. Laura his girlfriend had had a few pains but no baby. On the Saturday it was my hubby's birthday and I joked to him that the babe would wait til then. Which is what he did.

I'd like to introduce you to my grandson. Leon James Ancell. Born 1.40am on 14th May 2011 weighing in at 8lb 11.5oz.

I love him to bits!!!!

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Where has the last 19 years gone...

2011-05-06T17:44:00.003+01:00

It is the anniversary of my Mum's death today and I wonder where the last 19 years have gone. But then I think of my dear niece who never knew her nan although my sister was able to tell Mum that she was going to have another grandchild. Samantha will be 19 this year and her nan would be very proud of her. I love you mum always.xx

Now for a bit of happier news, I am off on holiday tomorrow to Florida and am so looking forward to it. We go twice a year but i still love it.

My last card I have made before my holiday is a card for my oldest step son whose girlfriend is due to give birth to a baby boy any day. Hubby and I were not impressed when we found out but what can you do!! The baby is coming so we will welcome him into our hearts.

The backing papers are from my stash and to be honest I had forgotten I had them but now that I have used them, I love them. I have used bazzill bling card to layer the bp on. The bears were cut from a sizzix die and I have had these for ages. I added some ribbon and some blue bows and gems from my stash. The greeting is stamped from 2 different stamps, stamped onto bazzill bling and cut using a Stampin Up scallopped oval punch.

The card is coming with me to Florida and will be sent when the little man has arrived.

I will see you all on my return in 2 weeks time.

Thanks for reading

One more day to go...

2011-05-05T22:42:00.002+01:00

...before my holiday and I am getting very excited. Today has been quite busy but I still managed to make this card this morning whilst waiting for my shopping to be delivered.

The images are stickers and I can't remember for the life of me where they cam from. They have been stuck onto bazzill bling card and stuck on the base card using sticky pads. The greeting ia from craftwork cards matted on bazzill bling cut with the Stampin Up scalloped oval. The gems are from my stash.

This card was a very easy and quick card to make. I have some more of these stickers so will be making more cards like this.....but not until I come back from my hols......

I have one more card to show you tomorrow.

Thanks for reading

Today's card

2011-05-04T22:08:00.003+01:00

I'm on a bit of a role at the moment with my cards. It must be the sunny weather...:-)

The latest one is an image I coloured last year and decided it was about time I made it into a card. The image is another Karendoodles one and can be bought here. The backing paper is from my stash and has been put through the cuttlebug embossing folders, swirls and swiss dots. Nesties were used to cut the image and I then added some buttons from my stash. The greeting is from Craftwork Cards and the matt for it was made using a Stampin Up oval scalloped punch.

Thanks for reading

Final weigh on before holiday

2011-05-04T10:06:00.003+01:00

Well had my final weigh in last night before my holiday and I ........... stayed the same, but that's ok. I set my target 7 weeks ago to loose a stone before my holiday and I have achieved that so Whoo hoo to me :-)

Off to Florida on Saturday for 2 weeks so will have a good time and than start again when I get back..hopefully will be doing plenty of walking so won't put too much weight on.

Thanks for reading

Some more 'Build a Blossom' Cards

2011-05-02T16:16:00.005+01:00

Here are some more cards that I made using the 'Build a Blossom' flowers from La Pashe.

The greeting on the above card was done using a Stampin Up set and the one below was a greeting set from Paula Pascale.

Thanks for reading

Less is More Challenge week 13

2011-05-02T16:05:00.004+01:00

Over the weekend I made some more 'build a blossom' flowers. I really like these. I thought they would be ideal for the Less is More challenge week 13 Lucky Dip Thank you or Congratulations

The flower is a gardenia and I have fixed it to the card blank with sticky pads. The greeting has been stamped with versafine ink using a set of stamps from Paula Pascale.

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Congratulations to my son

2011-04-30T12:41:00.003+01:00

My son Dan took his test driving test yesterday for the 3rd time and passed!

He's the card that I made him this afternoon. The image is from Karendoodles. This has been coloured using Promarkers. The backing paper is from Stampin Up. The red card, nailheads and greeting are from my stash.

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Another couple of 'Peekaboo' cards

2011-04-29T15:23:00.003+01:00

Here are another couple of cards made with the 'Peekaboo' image from karendoodles.

Both images were coloured with Promarkers (colours unknown). The orange card on the first card was from Gemstones Canvas Texture and pearlescent finish, backing paper is from Stampin Up. Ribbon and gems are from my stash. Scalloped circle nestie used. Greetings from Craftwork cards and scalloped oval punch from stampin up.

The backing paper on this card was from Daisy & Dandelion. Green card and flowers from my stash. All other details as above.

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Dog Sitting

2011-04-28T17:34:00.002+01:00

This morning I was asked by my friend if I would mind looking after her Mum's dog while they went shopping, her Mum is visiting for the weekend. Here he is..BUDDY. He's huge!! Doesn't look it in the pics but he has really grown since the last time I saw him.

He is a labradoodle (Dad was labrador and Mum was a miniature poodle.... supposedly..).

He is a very spoilt pooch but he's a cutie though.

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Another Sketch n Stash entry

2011-04-28T11:36:00.003+01:00

Here is another card I made yesterday that I am entering into the Sketch n Stash challenge 60

The image is from Karendoodles. I coloured it using promarkers but can't remember which colours as it was some time ago. The backing paper is from Dandelion and Daisy range. The card, flowers, ribbon and gems all come from my stash. The boarder was punched using a Martha Stewart edger. Large circle and scalloped circle nesties were used to matt the image on.

The sketch I used was number 11.

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I'm entering a card into 2 challenges.

2011-04-27T19:28:00.004+01:00

Well today the weather took a turn for the worse. Still sunny but windy and cold so I did some creating this afternoon. I found a folder of coloured images so I have made a couple of cards. Here is one of them.

The image is a Kenny K. (The image can be bought here) I have coloured it with promarkers, not sure which colours as I coloured it a long time ago. The backing paper is from Daisy & Dandelion, the flowers and gems are from my stash. Greeting is from Craftwork Cards and can be bought here. I have used square nesties to cut the image and stampin up scalloped oval punch.

I am entering this card into 2 challenges. The first is the 'Sketch n Stash' challenge 60 - Free choice sketch. This is the sketch that I used.

I am also entering it into the 'Kenny K Krafty Girlz Challenge 42' - Springtime.

Thanks for reading