This & That

Break Time

2011-03-07T11:45:00.006Z

I'm taking a break from blogging for a while. Need to knuckle down to other things that will encourage my creativity. At times, something just has to be forsaken; sadly, this time it's my blog.

But just because I'm not posting doesn't mean that I'm not reading....!

(cartoon downloaded from Google Images, source unknown)

I want to do this!

2011-03-02T14:16:00.008Z

These pix were taken at the end of last summer's school holidays, when my DD came across the Walterwalkerz outside The Oracle shopping mall. Naturally both boys couldn't wait to try them and had I been there I would have been the first one in!

When I need to rely on others to provide the journaling, I try to use their words exactly. These words were taken from a very quick email sent by my busy DD and I also asked the boys what they thought of their experience - they both agreed that is was the best fun and far more exciting than the planned shopping trip for school clothes. Think I'd agree with them :)

I used Kaisercraft pp, BG mini letter stickers (how useful are they!) and the little circles are punched from the centre of some very old acetate flowers. Thanks to my friend and fellow blogger http://www.anotherunfinishedproject.co.uk/

for the use of her aqua blue Promarker to colour the edges.

Thanks for looking :)

On your doorstep

2011-02-25T20:13:00.008Z

How many times do you hear people saying that they never visit places of interest in or near their home town? Thousands of visitors flock to these shores every year in search of historic sites and landmarks, which tend to be forgotten by those of us that live closest.

Whenever we have visitors we take them to famous places here in the South West but we rarely go on our own. So now, on days when we find ourselves with time on our hands, we've decided to take off and look more closely at places such this.

First however - remember to take the camera!

But I was delighted with how well these shots turned out taken with my phone. Worthy of a LO!

Thanks for looking :)

Half Term

2011-02-20T23:28:00.009Z

I will be otherwise occupied by two boisterous, loud, exuberant, messy boys for the next four days during half term. Our house simply blazes into action when they come to stay and normality will not return until they leave :D

When they're this age, a simple dandelion can amuse for quite a while.

But the older two will need something more amusing and engaging, so trips out to Aquariums, cinemas and the like will be on the agenda. If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know I'm either buried under a mountain of Lego or lying exhausted on the sofa.

Thanks for looking :)

(Apologies for the gradation on the LO, the lighting today has been dire, such a dull day)

Living the clean & simple scrapbooking life

2011-02-18T15:21:00.008Z

Ever since I saw and consequently bought Cathy Zielske's 'Clean & Simple' book in 2004, I decided that this was the route for me. It was the scrapbooking comfort zone that I'd been unconsciously looking for and one where I felt it was ok for my layouts to languish. There's something so appealing (to me) about pages that tell a story with just a photo, a few embellishments and a little patterned paper to accompany them.

However, this LO is probably more simple than my usual efforts, added to which I didn't even have to think up the journaling - the words are those of my daughter, seen 2nd from the left in the photo. (Mustn't forget to mention her son, DGS1, the tiniest person in the photo!)

One of my scrapbooking friends did ask what I was going to put in the white space at the top left, whist knowing that I wouldn't put anything there - you know who you are! Luckily we get on well enough that some design style teasing is accepted and laughed over! That said, I do admire and look longingly at her pages which are full to bursting with artistic do-dads, as I just can't do them.

Do you ever hanker after a different scrapbooking style or are you content with what you do?

Thanks for looking :)

On being occupied

2011-02-13T19:28:00.004Z

The week has just raced away; a visit to the cinema, dinner out (twice!) two crops but am I complaining? Oh no, it's been a good week. Give me some photos, paper and sticky stuff and I can be occupied happily for hours. The same goes for little T and a good old fashioned jigsaw puzzle!

Sadly something had to be temporarily abandoned over the last seven days and it was my blog. That said, I have a few new LOs completed now thanks to diligence (and lots of chocolate consumption) at said crops.

For the one above, I used BG's Marjolaine, AC chipboard Thickers and I hand cut the puzzle pieces.

Thanks for looking :)

Into the Future

2011-02-06T17:44:00.008Z

At the risk of sounding like my Grandmother, we only had a house phone when I was this age -

At 10, this guy can ably use a computer, juggle 3 remote controls at the same time, operate a dvd recorder, a Wii, an iPod, an iPod touch, an iPhone, all sorts of video game thingys whose names escape me, a digital camera and cope with all manner of other futuristic gadgets that I probably haven't heard of.

What I am glad about though is that he still enjoys a good book, a run in the park, Karate, swimming, anything to do with history and building Lego. In these photos history and technology happily combine as he makes a mini video of his Roman soldiers! For the moment there is balance; as for the future, who can tell?

I used BG paper and rub-on letters, MM metal brads and a TH sprocket.

Thanks for looking :)

A Little Magic

2011-01-31T16:20:00.007Z

Or I should say Magician because this little chap does indeed have everyone under his spell.

And for someone who emphatically will NOT wear hats, even on the coldest winter days, he was happy enough to keep this one on for photos at Halloween :) Something's making me think that he's already caught on to what fun it is to have an audience, even if it means he has to suffer unwanted headgear.

As for the magic - it tends to work mostly when I head off to the shops to treat myself to something new but get drawn inexplicably to the ELC or under 5's clothing departments. It's not till I'm home again that I realise I haven't bought one little thing for me. How does that happen?!

I used BG's Oliver papers, some (rare, for me that is) bling from Prima and a sparkly alpha from MM.

Thanks for looking :)

Friends

2011-01-24T15:58:00.007Z

One of my scrapping friends is off to sunnier climes later this year and it got me thinking about the part friends play in our lives. The sort of friend worth keeping is one that's there for the bad times as well as the good, know what I mean? I've told her I won't miss her but she knows the truth when she sees it!

Which leads me neatly to this LO.

Meg has been a friend (and protector) to little N since the day he was born. She may not be around for much longer as she's 12 next month, though she does seem to be in very good shape for her age and I don't mean to be the harbinger of bad news. It's good that he has grown up with a faithful friend - though pinching N's biscuits or raisins is fair game as far as the dog is concerned!

A bit like pinching (with permission, of course) a must-have bit of stash from the aforementioned friend!

I used BG's Max and Whiskers paper, cork letters from MM and a grommet from WRMK.

Thanks for looking :)

Captured

2011-01-18T14:50:00.005Z

I have no idea how many photos were taken this past Christmas but, for me, this one sums up the whole festive event. It's Christmas Eve in a nutshell so to speak - big smiles, shining eyes, freshly washed hair, anticipation, matching pjs, a heap of presents in the background, two very happy boys.

This paper is from Prima and I simply hand cut around the flourish and highlighted parts of it with pale green gems. The glittery letters are Sassafras Lass and the smaller ones are AC Mini Marks rub-ons.

Thanks for looking :)

Influences

2011-01-14T17:12:00.009Z

This photograph was posed, I mean how could it not be, with a Father and his two sons dressed like this!? And with G showing off the new boots he got for his birthday.

Whilst I know nothing of football, I show 'some' interest because my eldest DGS is mad for it and unashamedly encouraged by his Father! I have asked said Father for the appropriate journaling on this LO thinking it would be more relevant than some vague ramblings from me. It is slow in coming, though it has been promised. So here's the LO minus the journaling which I'm hoping will be added before the current football season ends...hint, hint!

PS There's some CZ influence in this design, can you tell?

Thanks for looking :)

Striding Out

2011-01-07T00:17:00.006Z

After the excesses of the past few weeks, coupled with rather a lot of lazy behaviour, I think I should take little N's example and stride out more! Whenever he walks it's with a great sense of purpose, as if the need to arrive at his destination is paramount. Or perhaps he's like his parents who have always enjoyed walking over the Welsh hills, near their home, as often as they can.

Either way, to rid myself of those extra Christmas pounds I should be getting out and striding! But perhaps I'll wait for some warmer weather....

Papers, journaling tag and the title letters are from BG's new line Marjolaine, the chipboard beaver is from Crate and the flower is from Prima.

Thanks for looking :)

Looking back, looking forward

2011-01-04T10:19:00.004Z

Looking back on 2010... the ups, the downs, the expected and the unexpected. It was largely an unremarkable year but one in which I was glad to have had time to spend with my family and friends, time to craft and the time we spent on holiday.

As this New Year starts we have no way of telling whether it will be good, bad or (most likely) a mixture of the two. Or the direction it will take.

That said, whatever happens, I wish you all the best of times in 2011 and plenty of sunny days!

Visitors

2010-12-27T14:31:00.005Z

First of all, I hope you've all had a very merry time over the last few days.

We had 11 here on Christmas day, it was chaotic, noisy, messy, wonderful fun and I am still amazed that I managed to serve dinner to everyone with no mishaps! It was a joy to have both DDs and all 3 Grandsons together on such a special day - I have a mountain of scrap-able photos :)

These little visitors have also been fed and have thanked us with even more photo opportunities. It isn't often you see Fieldfares so close to home but the snow drove them into the garden from their usual habitats and we were pleased to provide their Christmas lunch too!

Go Create

2010-12-21T19:49:00.004Z

When I'm time wasting or otherwise occupied with less interesting activities, these two words always niggle at the back of my mind. Sometimes I take notice of them and at other times, simply dropping everything to 'Go Create' is just not possible.

So I'm happy that DD2 is encouraging little N's blossoming talents by allowing all sorts of mess & fun to happen just like this -

Underneath our Christmas tree is a parcel, with his name on it, containing even more creative mess-making goodies!

Thanks for looking :)

A somewhat sentimental day

2010-12-16T14:49:00.008Z

I don't often get maudlin but today is my eldest daughter's 40th birthday and I can't help wondering how and where all the time has gone. My once chubby little baby is now a mature and beautiful woman, a primary school teacher and a patient, loving mummy to her own 2 boys.

A very happy birthday to my girl, you will always be beautiful to me.

"You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give." Eleanor Roosevelt

As Christmas approaches

2010-12-16T00:17:00.005Z

With all the extra things we all need to do during a month that is essentially dominated by one day & one day only, I found time to make a festive door hanger from Bellaboo's December Kit. My inspiration came from somewhere on the net & I apologise for not giving due credit, as I have no idea where I saw it. (So many other festive preparations are crowding my overworked brain at the moment!)

If you'd like a closer look at Bellaboo's kit, see here:

http://www.bellaboo.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3081

It's mostly made up of Jillibeans product but not so Christmassy that you couldn't use it for other LO subjects too. I just added some Prima leaves, a rub-on and a few brads.

Thanks for looking :)

On being economical

2010-12-13T12:16:00.006Z

We're being told it's a new age of austerity and with Christmas just around the corner, expenses are soaring!

I wanted to do a LO about T and his love for constructing anything he can get his hands on and found some old rub-ons, papers, ribbons and a metal word. The only new-ish things here are the Tim Holtz Sprocket Gears, which I had to buy because boyish embellishments are few and far between. Good excuse?

The rest of the money I save by using old stash leaks out of my wallet on new Lego ....!

Thanks for looking :)

Where is he now?

2010-12-07T10:58:00.005Z

...that sweet baby boy who made me a Grandma 10 years ago?

Contrary to the evidence shown here, he's actually still in there somewhere, especially when it comes to bedtime, the need for story telling and his beloved cuddly dog! Not having any sons of my own I quickly had to learn about boy toys, pirates, football, soldiers, light sabers and the like but it's been huge fun and still is. I don't hanker after pink and girly LOs - really I don't!

The pps are Basic Grey's Oliver, the title is AC Thickers & the metal grommet is from We R Memory Keepers.

Thanks for looking :)

Christmas Club

2010-11-30T16:16:00.004Z

Sian over here: http://fromhighinthesky.blogspot.com/ is hosting a Christmas Club, where anyone can join in with a favourite Christmas Story or memory.

Mine dates back to my childhood when Mum would let me have the Nativity figures displayed in my bedroom. They included some farm animals, as well as the main characters, all gathered sweetly in a cardboard 'barn'.

At the time (and since then too) we had a Border Collie dog, called Trixie. Now as probably you all know, Border Collies are famed for their herding capabilities and are supposed to help the farmer look after his sheep. Not mine however - I came home from school one afternoon to find that Trixie had delicately picked out all the little sheep from among the other figures and 'attacked' them, leaving them in pieces on the floor...every other animal remained untouched and still standing!!

This is a photo of the current Border Collie, called Meg, now aged 11, who thankfully has only ever eaten the legs of a kitchen chair (when she was a puppy) and so far has left all animals in peace!

Sketch Challenge

2010-11-27T13:44:00.011Z

Sometimes all it takes to escape the scrapping lethargy that we all (probably) find ourselves in from time to time, is an inspiring sketch! So, my thanks to Nicole for providing this one. You can find lots more sketches over at Nicole's blog, which she generously shares with us all.

http://nicolesscrapsandlife.blogspot.com/

Here's my take on it, I've written a little about my DH's relationship with our Grandsons, which never ceases to amaze me. (or them come to think of it) The paper is called Orchard and is from Paper Loft.

Thanks for looking :)

(For those who spotted the glaring typo on Wednesday's LO, I have corrected it but will leave the posted LO as is, to remind myself to proof read more carefully in future!)

Watch what you say

2010-11-24T16:23:00.006Z

I just love the funny things that small children say they are learning to talk and when they start forming their first little sentences.

N in particular, wants to say EVERYTHING all the time, non-stop! He gabbles away all day repeating all the things that he hears. We are now having to be so aware of what comes out of our mouths, bad words are not allowed!

Click on the LO to read the journaling & excuse the 5th word down in the middle row, whoops! Oh... sugar!

The spotty paper is some old Scenic Route (why did they have to go?), the row of birds is from AC, as are the Rockabye Thickers for the title.

Thanks for looking :)

Sharing

2010-11-21T12:44:00.007Z

I promised ten year old G a layout about his love of football and we made a 'deal' that he would provide the journaling, which he did.

Not by any stretch of the imagination could this be seen as the start of his interest in scrapbooking, not while there are chances to get outside & kick a ball, especially with a willing Grandpa. But he does, at least, 'get it'! And funnily enough, I now send a cursory glance towards the TV when Newcastle United are mentioned, so that G knows I'm beginning to 'get it' too :)

BG papers from their Basics range and AC Thickers (who could manage without them?)

(Excuse the parallax issues, the LO is straight irl!)

Thanks for looking :)

WOYW

2010-11-17T19:51:00.006Z

Prompted (and intrigued) by the above on Alex's blog:

http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/

I glanced across at my workdesk & found .......a mess!

It's not usually a mess, I keep telling myself & everyone else that I'm a clean and simple scrapper. However, today all I managed to create was a mess, clean and simple! So I'm changing WOYW ('What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday') to WAMW - What A Mess Wednesday :D

Pop back in a couple of days if you want to see how that half-baked LO turned out!

Some things don't change...much

2010-11-15T14:02:00.005Z

Having been prompted by a conversation about whether your scrapbooking style changes over the years, I had a little look though some of my old 12 x 12 pages.

What I've noticed is that though I tended to use larger photos back then, my layouts are fairly similar to those I do now...straight lines a plenty! Question is - am I stuck in this design 'box' and ought I to break out?

But if I did, would I be happy about forsaking a lifetime's adherence to the basic rules of design? Ermmm - probably not!

This is by no means a heavy problem to be deeply analysed, it's more like a 'ponder'!

Do you have a style? Has it changed over the years? Are you concerned about being stuck in a design rut or don't you think about it? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts!

What? Christmas already?

2010-11-11T19:15:00.010Z

I can explain!

This LO is to showcase some beautiful new Imaginisce 'Cottage Christmas' pps over at Modscraps - you can find them here:

http://www.modscraps.co.uk/shop/imaginisce-m-114.html?page=4&sort=3a

(and on the following page)

Luckily I had some unscrapped (is that a word?) photos from last year, so I was more than happy to oblige! 'Keeping it simple' - all credit to CZ for the reasoning behind simple scrapping - is definitely working for me at the moment. I've been able to make enough LOs recently to satisfy my creative needs without resorting to an over abundance of ready-made dinners or letting the dust settle too deeply. Long may it continue. All I have to do now is to try & keep my handwriting relatively lined up!

Thanks for looking :)

Frowns to smiles

2010-11-08T23:43:00.005Z

Not satisfied with one photo of T's new 'grown-up' style, I took rather more than he was prepared to 'pose' for. Nevertheless, I like the progression in these pix, from his slightly peeved look to the eventual lovely smile!

This slightly links in with Alexa's post here: http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/ about how you choose which pictures to scrap. In my case it's more a question of which do I leave out but in her words, I 'happily connect' to most of the photos of the boys!

I used some very old pp (the houndstooth pattern), the alpha stickers are Jillibeans & the mini phrase stickers are 7 Gypsies.

Thanks for looking :)

Tis the Season...

2010-11-07T13:38:00.006Z

..for craft fairs! The NEC is host to Hobbycrafts this weekend, which I've often been to but this year I'm more concerned about being on the opposite side of the stall. I'll be taking part in 2 fairs during the next couple of weeks, (hopefully) selling greeting cards.

Here's a sample selection -

Whilst scrapbooking is my first & most enjoyable craft, making cards rates as a close second - they're just like mini scrapbook pages minus the photo!

Do you make your own greeting cards? And do your family appreciate the handmade look? It's a subject that often comes up among my crafting friends, with some saying that their families save all their handmade items but some declaring that, sadly, their families don't appreciate them. I think that could be down to not really knowing how much love & effort goes into the making of such gifts, what do you think?

Thanks for looking :)

On being a bad blogger

2010-11-04T00:03:00.005Z

I haven't posted anything for over a week - does that make me a bad blogger? What exactly is a bad blogger anyway? Should we feel obliged to blog more frequently that we are able, just to keep up with the Blogger-Jones?!

Apologies to anyone who's popped in recently & found me wanting but life got in the way :/

I read this somewhere - " To be a successful blogger you need to be open minded and spend many hours researching, learning, reading, watching videos on how the experts are doing things."

This is all very well but most of us ordinary people in blog land also have many other mundane & everyday things to get through in any given 24 hrs.

I hope to post a few new LOs very soon; meantime sorry for the time you may have wasted checking out this not-very-active-blog! :)

Not quite the truth

2010-10-25T17:35:00.005+01:00

I wanted to make a page with this photo because little N looks so cute (ok I'm a very biased Grandma) but the truth is he was licking his top lip because he had a runny nose! I have journalled that on the back of the page but what was it that stopped me from telling the truth on the front of the page? After all, the people who will see this page the most are his family and as any family knows, small kids do yucky things all the time!

I used BG's Oliver range, AC rub-ons and the 'two' is cut from Cricut's Graphically Speaking cartridge.

Thanks for looking :)

Thanks to PBS TV!

2010-10-23T00:14:00.008+01:00

Whilst searching for something not remotely connected to TV, I came across a website for PSB, an American broadcasting company. On one of their children's programmes I found this song, which I thought was perfect for this picture of our 2 oldest DGS. Ok, let's be honest, most of the time they're arguing & getting on each other's nerves so a photo like this is rare & well worth scrapping.... if only to prove to them when they're grown up that they did hug occasionally!

Of course, the sentiment relates to how I feel about them too!

(Click on the picture to see it larger in a new window)

I used October Afternoon pps & AC fabric Thickers.

Thanks for looking :)

Taking time out

2010-10-20T11:08:00.009+01:00

After the last few weeks, which have passed in a frantic, surreal haze, life seems to be settling back into a normal pattern. Is there a normal pattern to life? Ok, so maybe that question is best left for another day or for those who have a more philosophical or rational approach to such issues than me!

So, I finally got back to my desk & decided that a few, very simple LOs would be fun to do and here's the first - little 'Just William' in his pj's eating breakfast :)

Credit for the photos goes to Grandpa (aka DH) who really 'gets' scrapbooking & took them knowing I'd want to make this page, thanks!)

I used some old Bisous papers, which are difficult to get in the UK, so if anyone knows a stockist please let me know!

Thanks for looking :)

Going back a couple of weeks

2010-10-11T23:34:00.006+01:00

Now my feet are back firmly on the ground and our sad duties have been fulfilled, I can think back on our holiday & try to recapture some of the high points. Whilst dealing with family bereavement, it was difficult to think about the wonderful time we'd had in America and there were moments when I began to wonder did we actually go on holiday at all?!

I haven't yet made any scrapbook pages but have at least got some photos in mind which will be top of the list. This is one of the first, a breakfast which was always a feast & kept us going all day!

Note the maple syrup dripper which I fell in love with & have consequently tracked down one of my own on 'that auction site'. It's on it's way and it's arrival at my house will then necessitate the purchase of some blueberry pancakes - agreed?!

Life Goes On

2010-10-03T19:07:00.011+01:00

My Mother-in-Law, Mary, died last week, after a short but painful battle with cancer. She had a good life, with the usual happiness and sadness that we all experience but at 88 was ready to go. It'll be a sad week as she will be buried on Wednesday and unfortunately there is another family funeral on Tuesday. This poem by Joyce Grenfell pretty much sums up what she would have said to us given the chance, so I'm including it here in her memory :)

Life Goes On

If I should go before the rest of you

Break not a flower

Nor inscribe a stone.

Nor when I am gone

Speak in a Sunday voice

But be the usual selves

That I have known.

Weep if you must

Parting is hell

But life goes on

So .... sing as well

Where to Start?

2010-09-29T15:41:00.010+01:00

I am just not equipped to adequately describe the beauty of New England In Autumn! All I can say is that during our holiday, at every turn, we came face to face with stunning views of mountains densely covered with trees, typical NE white wooden churches, covered bridges, lighthouses & picket fences. All in colours I could never attempt to recreate with any medium. For the time being I'll let a few of my many hundreds of photos do all the talking for me.

Sometime in the next few months I'll attempt to scrap the ones I like best but choosing will not be easy!

What is easy though is saying 'hello again' to everyone after being away :)

I'm going shopping

2010-09-15T23:04:00.004+01:00

I'm off across the pond tomorrow to find some scrapbook shops or should I call them Stores as I'll be in the US of A. In between searching for the latest releases from CHA, stocking up on essentials (aren't all scrapbook supplies essential?) I expect DH & I will do a little sightseeing & a lot of photograph taking!

Joking aside, we're going to Boston, then up to New England. Here are two of the delightful B&Bs we've chosen & judging by the reviews, we are in for a relaxing time & lots of good ol' American home cooking, including stuffed French Toast for brekkie...hmmmm :)

Fingers crossed that we've timed it right to catch the trees changing to the full glory of the autumn colours.

Catch up on our return, till then, happy scrapping!

Keeping Up

2010-09-15T12:04:00.006+01:00

There's lots of debate in scrapping cyberspace about keeping up with the ever growing pile of photos waiting to be turned into lovely pages. I'm of the opinion that it doesn't really matter what pictures you scrap or when. If a sense of duty or obligation overshadows your scrapbooking then this amazing craft it loses it's appeal and the time spent on it stops being enjoyable.

We all need 'me time' and most of my scrapping friends see scrapbooking as their time to do what they want without feeling guilty. We have enough things in our lives that fall under the 'must do' heading. I'd love to hear your opinions, what do you think?

Consequently here's G from last New Years Eve (complete with long time favourite companion Rufus the Dog, aka a tangled mess of over patched & oft repaired plush fabric!!) his specs all askew, fast asleep on the carpet having been adamant that he'd make it past 12 midnight!

Studio Calico & BG paper, Sassafrass Lass sparkly alfa, Hambly acetate overlay & October afternoon mini letter stickers.

Thanks for looking :)

Escaping

2010-09-08T19:24:00.007+01:00

Around this time of year a good friend of mine opens her holiday house in Wales to a group of friends for, what is supposedly, a crafting weekend. In truth, far more in the way of chocolate consumption & chatting goes on but we do attempt to make a start on our Christmas cards (I know, I know, the decorations haven't even appeared in Tescos yet!)

We usually visit New Quay & if we're lucky catch a glimpse of the dolphins in the bay & treat ourselves to a guilt- free fish & chip lunch!

It's so very pretty in the sun but unfortunately rain is forecast this weekend... maybe we'll have to suffer the chocolate factory instead!

Have a great weekend whether you're escaping or not :)

And now for something completely different

2010-09-07T13:07:00.005+01:00

I'm not a great fan of brightly coloured scrapbooking papers but it's good to try something different now and again. I would not have chosen these pps, from Echo Park, had I not been given them by Ellie at Modscraps. Having got over my initial 'horror' (!) I managed to cut them down to size, literally and used them with these fun little pix of N playing in the leaves.

Apart from Echo Park, I used some AC felt flowers & vinyl Thickers and small letters from Adornit. The trim is one of the new BG's embellishments. The wood veneer circle is from a set by Studio Calico...if you ever get this, be careful, the backing is very sticky & allows for no mistakes when you place the shape!

Thanks for looking :)

Keeping it simple

2010-09-06T20:24:00.003+01:00

I have a seemingly endless supply of photos from my talented DD which would take more than a lifetime to scrapbook. My mojo is seriously tested trying to keep up! That said, I treated this particular photo to a simple line of punched butterflies on some gently patterned background paper and as ever, kept it simple.

Thanks to Ruth, my Modscraps teamie, for the butterflies. The paper is Studio calico & the letters are AC foam Thickers.

Thanks for looking :)

Low calorie delights!

2010-09-06T19:31:00.014+01:00

I recently discovered a blog, http://simplyalexa.typepad.com/trimmingthesails/, which I've been enjoying immensely. It's probably something to do with the fact that we are both simple at heart (at least whilst scrapbooking!) but it is also a good place to spend a few relaxing moments :) Today I find that she has been awarded a little accolade, The Cherry On The Top Award.

And to my delight I also read that she has nominated me for the same award, for which, thank you very much Alexa!

Having received the award I am 'required' -not a chore - to do the following:

Thank the person who gave it √
Post it with pride on your blog √
List 3 things about yourself √
Tag 5 other people for the award √
Post a picture you love √

So, without further ado, I'd like to tag these lovely ladies:

3 things about me - I procrastinate; I love straight lines; I'm an even more adoring grandma than I thought I'd be!!

A picture I love...this one!

Recording the little things

2010-09-01T12:17:00.004+01:00

Every so often I make LOs that highlight a few details about the boys, shoe size, likes, dislikes etc. I would love to have this same sort of history to look back on but alas scrapbooking wasn't the 'thing' when I was young. I have a feeling my Mum would have embraced it wholeheartedly though! So here's the latest record of faves for T and another about G will be made later tonight at the Olveston Crop.

I got the idea of cutting a pic in half from a LO I saw whilst browsing scrapbooking sites but sorry I can't give credit for it, as I have no idea where it came from!

I used MME 'Love Me Do' & SR White Lined paper, with some die cuts from Crate & the title letters are MM.

Thanks for looking :)

A glimpse

2010-08-31T16:17:00.004+01:00

I'm finding it hard to believe that G's 10th birthday is fast approaching; was it really 10 years ago that I held my first newly born grandson? I'm sure he'd tell me that he can't wait to grow up but if it was left to me I'd pop down to Ollivander's Wand Shop & then cast a spell that'd keep all 3 boys just as they are right now! There's a glimpse in this photo of what he might look like as a teen...but I don't want to think about that!

A mix of old & new on this LO, including old Scenic Route pps (such a shame about their demise!) AC Thickers, various journaling tags, plus new BG trims & K&Co acetate embellishments which were a birthday present from my teamie, Ruth, over at Modscraps :)

Thanks for looking :)

Inspiration

2010-08-21T12:10:00.004+01:00

The idea for the sun shape on this LO was from a page I found whilst browsing some online galleries. Used with the busy, colourful background paper, I didn't need to add much more to highlight yet another stunning photo from my DD :)

The sun is a wood veneer from Studio Calico & I cut a matching shape from yellow Bazzill to go behind it.

The paper is Sassafras Lass Playtime range, the title letters are AC vinyl & October afternoon stickers.

Thanks for looking :)

Slightly out of season

2010-08-13T00:27:00.007+01:00

Here's N figuring out how to get into his first Easter egg, I've included the Winnie the Pooh image from the box as an aide-mémoire.

I like the format of having one main photo accompanied by a few smaller ones, it helps to 'paint' a bigger picture, don't you think? I also like the way a space is created for the title.

I used BG's new line called Oliver, Jillibeans & Jenni Bowlin's red alfas, some 7 Gypsies mini labels & the butterfly is from Hobbycraft.

Thanks for looking :)

High Spirits!

2010-08-08T18:58:00.006+01:00

I just love the feeling of exuberance in these pix, what it is to be young, full of energy & carefree! This is T on the beach in Broadstairs; Daddy took the boys there as it was one of the places where he spent his holidays when he was a boy. Apparently, not much has changed!

I used some old Granola BG paper & the letters were cut from a sheet of pp whose name I can't find (sorry!) I used an EK Success punch for the blue strip (that looks like cheese holes) a TH sprocket, a Prima Crystal Centre & a Jillibean's journaling card.

Thanks for looking :)

Variation on a Theme

2010-08-04T00:17:00.006+01:00

The LO posted on Saturday, seen below, is just a variation of this one which I designed for the August Modscraps Sketch Challenge. I used a new range of papers from Echo Park & punched all the squares using a 2" square punch.

Details of the sketch challenge are here: http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/

And these new, bright papers can be found here: http://www.modscraps.co.uk/shop/echo-park-paper-m-169.html

A prize is up for grabs for submitting your LO based on the sketch - you can interpret it any way you like & don't have to stick rigidly to the design :)

Bubbles

2010-07-31T15:08:00.003+01:00

As I had so many pix of N trying to blow bubbles it was difficult to choose which I liked best, so I opted for one of my favourite 'grid' LOs to include five small photos. Let's hear it for the 2" square punch!

I used an old piece of American Crafts for the squares, MM chipboard letters & Adornit mini letters for the title. The clouds were cut from Pebbles Inc 'Sunset' and the bubbles are Crafty Notions Rainbow Drops.

Thanks for looking :)

How long till Christmas?

2010-07-27T11:07:00.004+01:00

T asked this, when I told him that the reindeer he was so happily feeding was one that would bring Santa's sleigh at Christmas. Of all the animals he saw, this was THE one that caught his attention, despite the fact that the poor reindeer was not at his peak of fitness & moulting rather untidily!

I used even more of Crate's Brook collection, Making Memories chipboard letters, a Prima felt Devine & tiny alphas from Adornit.

Thanks for looking :)

9 going on 19

2010-07-23T21:55:00.003+01:00

This is what happened when I suggested that G might like to try some hair gel...10 minutes trying to find a new 'style' in front of the mirror. With me & the camera not far away, thinking of a layout :)

These papers are old Bisous scraps, the border sticker is from Pink Paislee and the title was cut using the Cricut Cartridge 'Lyrical Letters'.

Thanks for looking :)

Out of the box

2010-07-22T19:45:00.003+01:00

For those who know me, the paint splashes on this LO might come as a bit of a surprise, I tend toward the clean look usually. I'm not sure I like the effect; it might have been improved by the use of darker paint. But I gave it a go! The use of circles was from Emy's Mid Month Inspiration on the Modscraps Blog, found here:

http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/

Using circles is something I like & do often, they're a naturally easy shape to work with, no nasty angles! Apart from my uncertainty over the paint texture, I quite like the design - what do you think?

Thanks for looking :)

Best Day Ever

2010-07-19T09:58:00.004+01:00

Creative Imaginations have large sheets of die cut circles which I really like, so I used one here to frame this photo. I'd persuaded the boys to stop for a moment for a picture with Grandpa during a hectic day at Old Down Park. The journaling is Tom's favourite saying after any day that he's enjoyed!

I used papers & trim from a Studio Calico kit, plus Maya Road chipboard embellishments and some brads. The title letters are from Making Memories.

More info for Creative Imaginations here: http://www.creativeimaginations.us/index.php

Thanks for looking :)

On 'Our Watch'

2010-07-17T15:36:00.013+01:00

I hate it if one of the boys gets hurt but most especially when it happens on 'our watch', as DH calls it. This shiner was caused by a big brother's foot when they were both playing one of their favourite games - jumping on our bed! After making sure the injury wasn't too bad, I got the camera out...well, I'm a scrapper and it seems, so is T!

I used BG's new range called Oliver, 7 Gypsies mini stickers & AC vinyl Thickers (plus some stamping, which is rare for me!)

Thanks for looking :)

Thank you

2010-07-15T14:14:00.004+01:00

I make no apologies for thinking that all my grandsons are beautiful but this picture takes my breath away. Thank you to my daughter for both the boy & the photograph!

The papers and small letters are from October Afternoon, with lots of Prima flowers, AC foam Thickers and the butterflies are cut from GCD's Flutter pp.

Thanks for looking :)

Don't you just love technology?

2010-07-13T22:05:00.003+01:00

It was difficult to select which layouts to use to create this slideshow but making it was fun & easier than I thought.

I present - my slideshow!!

Kisses are dangerous!

2010-07-12T14:31:00.006+01:00

You know, a boy can have too much affection from his cousins. How about playing with some Lego or trucks or puzzles or even read me a book instead - at least something less scary than hugs & kisses?!

Papers are from BG's Green At Heart, plus a strip of Hambly acetate overlay, a Tim Holtz sprocket gear & AC foam Thickers for the title.

Thanks for looking :)

When all else fails...

2010-07-08T14:53:00.008+01:00

...use a tried & tested design for a layout!

Those who know me know that I am inclined towards the clean & simple when it comes to scrapbooking. (Excuse the uneven ranged left handwriting!) When you want some stress free scrapping it can't be beaten.

The lovely Crate Brook collection & AC felt Thickers feature on this LO.

Thanks for looking :)

Scrapping the small stuff

2010-07-06T19:35:00.005+01:00

And it doesn't come much smaller than the gap left by a baby tooth! Whilst I like making pages that celebrate big events, I also like recording not-so-important things like this. It might not be earth shattering but it was a big deal for T, especially since his first tooth came out on his Daddy's birthday and he pulled it out himself!

I used Basic Grey's Basics paper & small alphas, Creative Impressions rub-ons and AC Thickers. The mini stickers are from 7 Gypsies but I can't find the name of the robot patterned paper - anyone have any idea please?!

*Thanks to Kathi we now know that the robot paper is Bella Blvd, Robot Love

http://www.bellablvd.net/Products.aspx

July Sketch for Modscraps

2010-07-05T19:24:00.005+01:00

Here's Ruth's sketch for Modscraps, where, if you submit your take on it, you can win a prize. Details to be found here:

http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/

And here's my version using pix of George who, for once, was happy to pose as he'd been having fun with Grandpa's hair gel! I chose to use 'low key' as opposed to the word 'extreme' as nothing else was changed apart from his hair at the front.... :)

I used some paper scraps the name of which name escapes me (sorry), the large alpha is Jenni Bowlin and the border sticker is from Creative Imaginations Narratives.

Thanks for looking :)

You make me proud

2010-06-30T13:49:00.003+01:00

At nine years old George has been chosen to be a school ambassador and a peer counsellor. His Mamma was a little concerned that being a counsellor might involve him in thinking about issues that would not have appeared on his young horizon just yet. After considerable thought, they decided to let him try. So far, so good.

Apart from those concerns, we agree that his achievements do make us all very proud and I hope he looks back on this layout and remembers that.

The paper is Prima and the lettering is AC.

Thanks for looking :)

Lost in Translation!

2010-06-29T11:01:00.005+01:00

Tan-Y-Fron is Welsh for 'Under the Breast' but that's a literal translation! We think it's more likely to mean 'Under the Crest' (of a hill) as this garden is built on a hillside. Explaining that you live under the breast can be a bit tricky! However, the beauty of the garden gives me ample opportunities to take pix & make layouts, this one probably won't be the last!

I used papers & the long transparent sticker from Pink Paislee's Queen Bee & 365 Degrees ranges, letters are AC and the flowers are Prima.

Thanks for looking :)

Basically Boys

2010-06-25T16:40:00.005+01:00

The minute I saw BG's new collection called Basics, I knew I'd love it. There are two colourways and I went for the white, which as you can see isn't entirely white. All the patterns work so well as backgrounds to which you can add bright and bold colours. (Thanks George for wearing pink!)

More info re these collections here:

http://www.basicgrey.com/scrapbook/shop/collections/show/current/

basics-1

As well as BG, this LO has AC glossy Thickers, Adornit mini letters and transparent sticker trims from Hambly. The owls are cut from AC paper called Craft Fair.

Thanks for looking :)

One swallow does not make a summer

2010-06-23T14:53:00.009+01:00

Nor does it make the birds in Noah's garden grow fat!

Having gone outside to feed the birds, this little guy's Mamma turned round to find him happily munching the stale bread! I wonder does she feed him enough?!

Papers are Crate & MME, with a chipboard bird that I painted & added rub-ons to, plus AC Thickers and Adornit alphas.

Thanks for looking :)

The sun does shine in Wales sometimes...

2010-06-22T12:34:00.007+01:00

....and here's a LO to prove it! Clare & Ben's garden is indeed like a woodland, with wild flowers cascading down the hillside, they love it there. George and Tom had great fun dashing about and exploring, with little Noah doing his utmost to keep up on his chubby toddler legs!

I used even more of Crate's Brook collection, some Felt Fusion leaves, October Afternoon small letter stickers and AC glossy Thickers. The butterflies were cut from some GCD paper called 'Flutter'.

Thanks for looking :)

Thanks Boys!

2010-06-20T23:59:00.008+01:00

Now and again I like to use dark cardstock for my background, there's something dramatic about it & it lends itself to 'boy' layouts. This one is a very dark brown, not black as it appears here and complemented the olive green papers & felt embellishments. Added to which, as the boys are getting older they are beginning to 'get' what scrapbooking is all about & are more willing to pose - just for a few seconds though, so I need to have the camera always fired & ready to go!

Products used on this LO are Prima pps, Fancy Pants Felt embellishments, a Thickers number & Adornit letter stickers, plus journaling tags from October Afternoon.

Thanks for looking :)

Lucky me!

2010-06-18T14:41:00.009+01:00

My dd keeps me so well supplied with cute photos like this one, it's a wonder I'm not scrapping 24/7! I get between 50 and 100 pix every month (don't you just love memory sticks?) and that's too many for even the most avid scrapper to cope with.

Rather than feel overwhelmed & obliged to scrap them all, I tend to select the photos that tell the best stories, especially ordinary day-to-day events that make up our lives. Case in point in the LO here - Noah fell over, got mud in his mouth & his Mamma was there to capture the moment :)

I used Crate's Little Sprout & BG papers, Paper Mania letter stickers and AC buttons. The wooden embellishment is from Kaisercraft.

(My LO is inspired by Ali Edwards who, I think, believes in scraplifting!)

Thanks for looking :)

Mini Books

2010-06-15T16:29:00.007+01:00

Mini books make great gifts but I'm going to be selfish & keep this one. The day that I recorded here wasn't a special occasion but just a simple family get together which are so worth scrapbooking. A handful of photos, some papers, embellishments & ribbons and you're good to go! Include a few spaces for journaling & it becomes a memory in a pair of book rings :)

However, just because they're smaller doesn't make them any quicker to finish but they do satisfy one's creative needs! And if you can't choose which photos to scrap on a single LO, a mini book is also a great alternative.

I used a Maya Road Chipboard Layer book, Making Memories paint and Crate's Brooke Collection.

Too fast the years do pass

2010-06-09T14:57:00.009+01:00

35 years ago this baby girl came into the world (backside first!) 7 weeks early with all the attendant problems of a premature birth.

Now she is a mother herself, principled, loving, steadfast & living happily in the wilds of Wales with her dear hubby & their beautiful son. Happy Birthday to my girl :)

'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.' - Henry Thoreau

Old Down Park

2010-06-07T00:02:00.008+01:00

Want a great day out for you & the children that doesn't need a bank loan to get in? Try Old Down Park near Thornbury...a great mix of farm animals & adventure playgrounds including one for children under 5 years.

The cafe isn't bad either if you don't want the bother of taking food and there's a farm shop selling local produce. Here's some pix & a link to their website: http://www.olddownpark.co.uk/Default.aspx

Layouts to follow!

Bad blogger!

2010-06-05T11:53:00.008+01:00

Ooops, it's been a while but I have a good excuse...the 2 oldest grandsons were here for most of the half term break & believe me that doesn't leave much time for blogging let alone anything else! However, I'm not complaining as I now have a whole new batch of photos to work with.

Here's the next Modscraps sketch challenge designed by yours truly and a layout to go with it. More details about how you can win a voucher to spend at Modscraps can be found here:

http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/

I used Pink Paislee's new range called Queen Bee, which is a lovely mix of greens, pale browns and greys - just right for boy layouts.

Modscraps Sketch Challenge

2010-05-25T15:09:00.004+01:00

Each month at Modscraps (link on the right) Ellie offers a prize for one lucky person who interprets & submits a LO based on a sketch provided either by Ruth Austin or me. For the chance to win a great scrapping prize every month why don't you check it out? Read more about it on the Modscraps Blog

http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/

Ruth & I agreed that we'd also design our own take on each others sketch - it does help to keep the creativity flowing! Here is Ruth's sketch for May & my LO based on her design:

To Subscribe or not To Subscribe?

2010-05-19T16:13:00.004+01:00

I subscribed to the Studio Calico kit a few months back & tbh have found that the colours and patterns have been rather similar across the months. Which is a shame, as their customer service & value for money is second to none. Obviously one runs a risk when subscribing to a papercrafting kit but I had hoped that some variety would inspire me to scrap out of the box. So far this has not been the case as I have little use for pale yellows, pinks and lacy patterned papers :(

This LO uses only one patterned paper from SC, the rest is from my own stash, including AC Felt Thickers, Pink Paislee Tape and some very ancient MM rub-on letters.

The Little Park

2010-05-15T19:31:00.005+01:00

I'm not embarrassed to say I like having a go on the swings, not that you'd ever find me sneaking onto them without a grandson or two in tow, that'd be taking things a bit too far!

This park, nicknamed 'The Little Park', purely because it is little, is a short walk from home and always a favourite with the 2 older boys. Now we're introducing it to Noah and although he's not ready to go solo on the swings, he's very content to sit on my lap, while I make a fool of myself. What's worse, I've even documented that foolishness on a LO :/

I used stash from Studio Calico's Joyland Kit which included paper from 7 Gypsies, alphas from Cosmo Cricket & Sassafras Lass.

It's a Crate & Prima affair

2010-05-07T17:29:00.007+01:00

I still have some time to get away with using flowers on boys layouts, whilst Noah is still just a tot it's ok! The problem is what to do with the ever increasing collection of beautiful Prima blossoms that keep finding their way into my stash? The rate at which they are used is far slower than the rate at which they're acquired ....and Prima keep producing new flowers to tempt me. Is it too much to hope for a granddaughter so that I can use flowers on my pages for years & years? I think it probably is!

For this LO I used Crate papers, a Cosmo Cricket alpha, an American Crafts rub-on & of course, Prima flowers.

"Time is a circus, always packing up & moving away." (Ben Hetch)

2010-05-05T18:03:00.009+01:00

You would think that having cropped for 8 hours on one day and 6 on another I'd have plenty to show for it...alas, I only did seven layouts. The amount of chatting & chocolate eating was up to the usual standard though.

Here's the first of my pages, a sweet photo of the 3 boys taken during a 30 second break at our local soft play area, that's as long as I'd expect any of them to stay still long enough for a photo!

The paper is October Afternoon and the letters are AC Thickers plus Adornit stickers. I also used some (old) favourite embellishments from 7 Gypsies and a new TH Sprocket Gear.

So expressive

2010-04-29T19:22:00.003+01:00

This boy can speak a thousand words with just one look but also has a child's ability to say exactly what he means & make it sound funny! I've done a few layouts documenting his unique explanations of life's little adventures but this was said with such feeling as he thought he was in trouble for accidentally breaking a vase - awww!

Thanks again to the lovely Brook Collection from Crate, plus some Prima paper & American Crafts Thickers.

Revealed

2010-04-25T19:40:00.005+01:00

These are 3 of the cards I taught at yesterday's workshop. A great day was had by all - at least that is what I was led to believe! Judging by the banter, laughs and comments I think that's the truth. And it was good to catch up with some friends we haven't seen in a while. Once sufficiently 'recovered' Mandy, Lynne & I hope to do it again sometime!

Start 'em young!

2010-04-23T13:24:00.005+01:00

If this little chap takes photos that are half as good as his Mamma's, he'll do very well. Obviously he has no concept of photography yet but he caught on about which button to press and where the viewfinder was. The apple (as yet) hasn't fallen far from the tree!

Counting the days

2010-04-20T12:50:00.003+01:00

...and wishing they didn't fly past so quickly! I liked this photo so much I had to make a layout but a subject for it eluded me as it's one of thousands of pictures of this sweet boy. I have so many it would take more than a lifetime to scrap them but I realise that I have to be selective and know that not all my photos are going to end up in a scrapbook. Believe me, once you're comfortable with that idea, you can concentrate on enjoying the pages you do make!

I used one of Crate Paper's new collections called Brook, which I was lucky enough to win and used a Dr Seuss quote for the journaling which expresses my thoughts about time flying!

This is the last one!

2010-04-18T11:09:00.006+01:00

Here's the 5th of my sneak peeks for the fast approaching Card Workshop. Lynne, Mandy & I got together this week to finalise all the details & to ooh & ahh over each others designs - those who are coming are in for a fun day! For details see the link on the right under 'Events'.

As well as making 15 cards, there will be spot prizes throughout the day and a challenge has been set to design a card using just black & white - the prize for which is being donated by Modscraps: http://www.modscraps.co.uk/shop/

Looking forward to seeing all our victims...Whooops no, I meant students!

One for the scrapbook

2010-04-15T11:34:00.003+01:00

The beauty of scrapbooking is that you get to record the little things in life as well as the big events. This photo popped into my inbox last night with the title 'Noah helps to feed the birds'!

If I don't make a layout with this photo I'll be failing in my duty as the family recorder! A few years down the line, this tiny moment might so easily be forgotten in among the more significant days that every family has.

Two for the price of One

2010-04-13T17:56:00.005+01:00

Some time ago I read an article which suggested that it's ok to use the same LO design more than once, especially if you like it & it 'works' for you. I can't imagine, in years to come, when someone browses through your scrapbooks that they'll criticise you for it! So with that in mind I made these two pages - the photos were both taken on New Years Day, so that's also a good reason for doing 2 similar LOs :)

Card Workshop 4th peek

2010-04-12T16:18:00.002+01:00

Here's another (pink) peek of one of my cards. Not long to go to the workshop now, I'm really looking forward to the day :)

Economic downturn?

2010-04-07T15:16:00.005+01:00

According to Wikipedia 'Recessions are generally believed to be caused by a widespread drop in spending'. Not wanting to be left out of the trend I found some stash I'd bought nearly three years ago & to be honest, had forgotten about. I made this LO featuring 2 very antsy boys who just could NOT wait patiently for Santa no matter what threats were aimed at them! The American Crafts Thickers are the only recent purchase, everything else is rather out-of-date Creative Imaginations...but valuable nonetheless.

3rd Sneak Peek

2010-04-07T15:09:00.003+01:00

As promised, here's the 3rd peek...not giving much away am I?!

Spring is here!

2010-04-06T16:22:00.003+01:00

And to prove it, here are the daffodils and a young admirer!

Hope you had an Easter full of chocolate & sunshine.

Check back tomorrow for sneak peek #3 from the card workshop.

Modscraps

2010-04-03T15:29:00.001+01:00

There's a sketch challenge going on over at the Modscraps blog:

http://modscrapsnews.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-sketch-challenge.html

Check it out for a chance to win a prize from Ellie's lovely shop!

Card Workshop sneak peek #2

2010-04-01T14:59:00.001+01:00

April 1st and only 23 days to go till the Card workshop. Here's another peek!

Kraft trends

2010-03-31T15:56:00.007+01:00

Along with most other things, there are trends in crafting which come into and go out of fashion on a regular basis. A recent trend in papercrafts has been the use of brown Kraft paper, so I jumped on the bandwagon and made some cards. I know from everyone I speak to that greeting cards for men are usually the most tricky to design, so it's good to find a product that lends itself to more masculine projects.

These were made using Jillibean Soup papers named Mushroom Soup and Blackbean - yet another trend - naming paper ranges after food. (I'd be particularly interested in anything named chocolate!)

(Getting) Known Locally

2010-03-29T14:59:00.005+01:00

A contemporary gift shop in Portishead, called 7 DIALS, is having a 'Made Locally' event starting on the 15th April. Some of my cards will be on sale there, along with items from other local crafts people. Whilst I won't be able to retire on the profits, it's great to think that someone likes my ideas enough to sell them in their shop! More info on 7 Dials can be found here:

http://7dials-portishead.co.uk/store/

Card Workshop sneak peek

2010-03-24T14:21:00.004Z

This is a sneaky peek of one of the cards that I'll be teaching at the workshop on April 24th.

We have a few places left, please see here for more details and how to book:

http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/group.php?groupid=466

Great Crate!

2010-03-21T19:30:00.003Z

This is Crate Paper's Brook Collection, my prize from the LO competition on their blog:

http://crate.typepad.com/cratepaper/

...and it has not disappointed! I can see myself using all of this, so once again, thanks to the CP girls for choosing me!

Spring starts tomorrow - officially

2010-03-19T09:02:00.004Z

The daffodils in my garden are still struggling to emerge (they're confused!) so in the meantime I have these, which were given to all Mums last Sunday at the Clevedon Golf Club Mother's Day lunch. They're are my favourite flowers & a sign that Spring is on it's way...hopefully tomorrow?

Can't choose?

2010-03-17T13:21:00.005Z

When there are too many superb photos of one subject how do you choose THE one & how can you possibly demote the others to an ordinary photo album? (Or worse, one of the million files on your computer, buried, never to see the light of day) Simple answer - don't! I made a collage of these photos using Photoshop & printed them as one complete piece.

The pictures tell the story :)

Dad knows best

2010-03-16T14:37:00.003Z

This photo was taken on a very cold New Years Day, when Dad insisted on getting the boys out of the house & into the fresh air for some much needed exercise. Though I'm not sure if it was Dad who needed it more than the boys after the usual Christmas overindulgence!

The paper is Basic Grey's Granola & the chipboard tree is from a great new selection available from http://www.modscraps.co.uk/shop/

We have a theme going on here...

2010-03-13T16:45:00.006Z

Take another card blank, different patterned paper, pearls, more Primas and you get another card - this one's for Mother's day.

To all Mum's out there, have a good day & make sure someone else cooks dinner...better still, go out!

Sam - don't read this!

2010-03-10T23:51:00.002Z

I was asked to make a wedding card by my Aunt, whose grandson Sam is getting married in May. She half jokingly said to me "It will be the best card there, won't it?" - hmmm, no pressure then! I'm most thankful for Prima flowers and self adhesive pearls in this instance!

One finished project

2010-03-08T17:13:00.003Z

Here's my take on one of the classes from last weekend's Inspired retreat, taught by the very lovely Lida de Witte. The class was just not long enough, I could happily have spent twice as long listening to this gently spoken lady share her knowledge & her love of craft with us. I had no idea what about how I would use this until I was reminded that it's Mother's Day on 14th March. Hey presto, a handmade gift for Mum which I'll fill with miniature goodies.

CREATIVE CARD MAKING WORKSHOP

2010-03-05T12:24:00.004Z

The 3rd card making workshop that I am involved with is taking place on 24th April at Olveston School, near Bristol, from 10am to 6pm.

Mandy Gerrard, http://createandgrow.blogspot.com/ Lynne Vowles & I will be teaching classes of 5 cards each, so participants go home with 15 completed cards. We have quite different styles, so there will be plenty of variation in the card designs. All materials & written instructions are included, as are refreshments throughout the day.

Ellie from Modscraps will be there with her shop to tempt everyone with the latest scrapping supplies & will provide the prize for our challenge.

The challenge this time is to make a card using no colours, just black & white.

If you would like to join us check here for details:

http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/group.php?groupid=466

It's a mystery

2010-03-04T16:14:00.004Z

Guess who? We're supposed to be in disguise .....'praps not?!