JoZart

WOYWW 139 & G-ART-en

2012-01-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

My DD in Germany made this novel piece of ice art for her garden, from an idea she saw in pinterest. Simple to make, it is so effective. Greenery, berries, leaves and a string (for hanging it) were added to water in a large plant pot saucer. It was then just left to freeze. No doubt it will last a long time as the temperature is consistently much colder than it is has been here in England.

Mind you from all reports it looks like we'll soon be having a spell cold enough for me to try this out!

WOYWW 139

Congratulations to, (and I'm first in line for an autograph from) our lovely, famous Julia, founder and instigator of What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday over at the Stamping Ground. Julia created this weekly Wednesday blog hop around the world's crafty desks, otherwise known as the Big Global Snoop, and she has been featured in this month's Craft Stamper magazine. I agree with, and quote from the article that her blog "is generally a mixed bag of craft loveliness, craft irreverence and day to day opinion"

Rock on Julia, we love you!

So here's my contribution for this week and there are so many more if you pop over to visit Julia and see for your self, just click RIGHT HERE!

Despite a full crafting week my main desk is staying tidy, which I am sure will bring gasps of utter amazement from so many who asked just how long it would last after my big New Year purge.

Ner, ner, ner ner ner!!!!

The sink area has been transformed ......

so now the taps are accessible and I can use the draining board for messy matters.

Just look below at how Eeeeek! it was last week....

Still not completely there so I've got confessions to make in the form of a file box overflowing with UMs waiting to be cleaned and filed.

These red files hold my cardstock and ribbon stash but I've still to move the stuff "filed" on the floor.

Quite a flow of crafting has been achieved in my place this week, some to be revealed soon and some in my previous post and I also managed to make another 3 scarf/shawlettes using time which would otherwise have been wasted. It is so satisfying to produce some gifts whilst TV watching or as a car passenger. My easy knitting goes everywhere with me!

My DH is having a gallstones operation so apologies incase I don't get around to visiting too many desks this week.

Have a good week and stay warm!

Tiny Tin

2012-01-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

Our lovely Chairwoman of Vicky Stampers, Neet, wants to make sure that we aren't idle, whilst she is lapping up all the creative ideas at CHA in America, so she set the group a challenge.

We were all given one of these tiny mint tins, empty of course, which Neet challenged us to alter.

I coloured mine with Alcohol inks then added a coat of Glossy Accents to stop it wearing off.

I decided to add a mini book inside so I coloured light card with Distress Inks and stamped over with a script detail.

Crafty Individual's range of little face stamps were just right.

A few smudges of watercolour linked the images to the background,

and some accent beads and bling inside the lid (rather than on the outside where it might come off) gave some added interest.

Watch out anyone buying those mints as they contain Sorbitol so don't eat to many. You probably already know what that makes you do and I hope Neet knew!

WOYWW 138 & Flag Tag Book

2012-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

The hyacinth is growing and I'm quite proud of myself that my desk is staying reasonably tidy as, despite a few messy crafting sessions, I have tidied up.

I've made the February pages of my diary. It's not a journal, just a diary to use for dates and notes but I'm adding a "word of the month". Last month as it was January, I chose J for Joy in a positive effort to think of lovely things and instil some Joy into this bleak period after Christmas.

This next one for February is F for Family, especially as I will soon be with my, much loved and missed, far off family members.

Here's a reminder of the nightmare

that was the window side of my craft room

LAST WEEK....

and can you believe it, here it is now and it's amazing what crafty treasures I found within the above dump.

Don't think all is sorted..... confession time comes below as I still have the window in front of the sink to clear, but I'm almost there, and the stack of boxes to the left are full of all my card offcuts, all colour coded ready to go on a shelf.

This week my lovely DD2 had her birthday and I made a special card for her holding lots of family photos, which I printed with my Pogo mini printer. It's such a great little piece of equipment which would be so handy for scrapbooking and journalling. It connects with your camera or mobile phone to print credit card size photos so quickly, fits in a pocket or handbag and is only a bit bigger than a mobile phone. "Zinc" Zero ink required as it works by heat and I absolutely love it!

With so many tags in the Flag Tag book

I had lots of surfaces to cover but with

all my mini prints it was a doddle.

I'm so pleased that DD was really touched to receive it.

WOYWW is our weekly time to share our crafty workspaces, courtesy of Julia, our Honorable Guardian of the desks of the world.... If you want to see so many more, then you can, at her HQ Stamping-Ground. All good fun!

Kung Hei Fat Choy

2012-01-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choy

Happy Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year of the Dragon starts on Tuesday and at the weekend here in Liverpool there will be fireworks, dancing, music and dragons. In fact great celebrations in Chinatown.

We have the oldest settlement of Chinese people in this city and this has really enhanced the culture of the city. Our Chinese Gate is beautiful and the largest outside mainland China.

If you want to know more and even find out which is the animal of your birth year click here on Chinese Zodiac.

I'm a monkey... enough said!

A day long deluge of rain kept me in today so, as I continued the big clean up in my workroom, I found various stamped images and part finished projects from the dark ages so I've made a few into cards.... influenced by the Chinese New Year here are the first cards I have made in a long time.

The Japanese geishas, below, are stamped in Versamark and embossed in white to create a resist. I then sponged ink over to give quite a subtle colour to the characters.

This piece is a small waxed collage I made at a Katy's Corner Stamp Camp quite some years ago and never finished.... till now!

I found this pendant I had made and left to dry before Christmas. It's well dry now and I love the effect of the alcohol inks and a tiny touch of superfine holographic glitter under the Glossy Accents glaze. I'm pleased I found it.

You couldn't imagine that it's just a bit of tin underneath!?!

Here are my two finished Angelina Ballerinas, especially for Carol who asked to see them before they go off to their little owners. It was such a fiddly job making them and I think I'll stick to my scarves for a while!

Have a great weekend and a good New Year!

he Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in

WOYWW 137 & Didn't I do Well?

2012-01-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

WOYWW 137

The morass was a monster out of control. I couldn't face it and thus couldn't get to craft on my table, so I've just been knitting instead. I finished Angelina Ballerina and almost another and made this shawlette/scarf for Donna.

Somehow knitting is a cosy occupation this cold weather but the state of my craft room has given me nightmares. Today was blitz day.

This was the start of something BIG and scary! Look under the table at the top too... Eeek! I'm sure I get the coconut for the messiest desk this week... any competition? Any contenders? I doubt it!!

If you'd like to check out lots more crafty desks there will be over 100 this and every Wednesday, all joining in one of the biggest blog hops in the crafting world. Just visit Julia's Stamping Ground to join in the fun!

Half way there and I'd also started to clear out those cupboards to free up extra space for storage.

Even under the table is now amazingly clear..

Hurray!!! Didn't I do well to get to this stage?..

It was my late Mum's 100th birthday on Monday...so I bought an Amaryllis (one of her favourites) as a memento and also a hyacinth for my table (one of my favourites). You can spot it below.

Such a relief.....

My reward was to take a break and I enjoyed the clear space to make an inky mess and two pages of my 2012 diary.

This shelving looks neater and is far better organised with the Ikea boxes now installed to hold ink pads, reinkers, dyes, Stickles etc., instead of them all being out on show.

Don't be mislead as I'm not completely tidy. It really is confession time as I have not yet fully cracked it and I now have to own up to this work surface, in front of one of the windows, which is a Tsunami ready to surge! Guess it will wait until tomorrow as I've done enough for today!

This time I really have to stay tidier and better organised. I know I've said it before, but there is no option now as I want to get back into silversmithing and jewellery making, so my craft room needs to be safe. I have retrieved all my tools and equipment from DD1, who had borrowed them for a course, and the area needs to be clear and tidy before I set to with a butane torch.

Thanks to all you lovely folk who visited last week and I managed to reply to all who left comments and quite a number of others too via Mr Linky.

WOYWW 136 & Angelina Ballerina

2012-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

All 4 of my my Blog Candy prizes have been claimed and were posted off yesterday, to Elizabeth and Shozzy in Scotland, Rosalee in Canada and one to the Midlands of England to Crafty Womble... Congratulations and I hope the winners enjoy their gifts.

WOYWW 136?? Yes REALLY! Say no more!

Here's evidence of what's on my various work areas this week as my main desk is piled high with so much ~~stash~~ MESS. (Prepare for the shock exposure near the end of my post)

I've decamped to the spare bedroom to sew Angelina Ballerina's tutu.

I'll make two, one for a tiny Brighton Belle and one for my little German Gem, two of my grandees who both adore Angelina.

Angelina looks so funny before she is stuffed!

Here, wearing her tutu, awaiting the important finishing touch of a face!

I really never thought that in my life I would ever knit thumbs for mice and I've still got two long skinny tails to knit!!!!!

My friend was going to throw out this little retro Colour TV, but I fell in love with it, and it is now rescued and in my craft room. It has a perfect picture and is so very cute. Thanks Viv!

My travel journal case from Vicky Stampers Saturday's workshop is still awaiting it's final touches. I covered it with pages from an old Atlas.

This great storage carousel,below, with 24 pull out containers, was in the Hobbycraft sale... originally around £20, it was a snip at only £3 to me! They may still have some in stores around the country but the Warrington branch has sold out.

I'm hoping it may just help get all my tiny beads organised.

You've seen the organised tidy side of life.....well, here's what you really came to snoop on... it's own up time to my real mess which is waiting for the big clear up, hopefully tomorrow. No space there in which to create and Nathalie's Creative Jump Start is really getting my mojo active. Check it out as it could be just what you need to get you creative for 2012.

Lots more desks to spy on over at The Queen of WOYWWers blog, that's Julia's over at Stamping Ground. Join us and make it your guilty passion, just for fun!

Blog Candy Winners

2012-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Apologies that I'm a day late announcing the winners of my Blog Candy draw but I was out all day yesterday at Vicky Stampers having fun at my first workshop of the year. It was a great day, as ever, and we made suitcase boxes with Jayne as our fab tutor. I never quite finished mine as I, (as always) gabbed too much, so nothing yet to show. I sat next to Jane's daughter, Alicia, who joined us for her first ever craft class and she did so well. I often sit next to Paul who was poorly sick and thus was sadly missed yesterday, so I hope you are better soon Paul. We were also joined by Debra and Sarah, two of Neet's blogging buddies (Sarah P of WOYWW), who both fitted in really well and seemed to enjoy their day with us. They said they'd come again and I do hope they do!

Drum roll..... fanfare, distant jingle bells etc., here are the

Winners of the Blog Candy Draw

in celebration of my two years of blogging.

1st Prize drawn ...Elizabeth (Silver Scrapper) who wins craft goodies and a choice of one of my pendants.

The following prizes are my choice as I asked for traditions or funny stories connected with your Christmas.

2nd prize Angie (Shozzy) ... For her funny story. Angie wins a small pack of craft goodies and choice of a pendant. Angie says....
"Fav carol was one from school days...'Adan lay y bounden'
Traditions of old ...when the kids were at home they still had a stocking and a cuddly toy left out side their room, well into their 20's.
The Christmas story connected with this is that when my 'head banging' 18 year old son stumbled home in the early hours he obviously found his stocking and opened it... because when I went in to wake him he was still dressed ... surrounded in choccy coins ...tangerine skins ...and was cuddling his Xmas teddy ....how I wish I had had a camera ...I could have blackmailed him lol."

3rd prize Craftywomble wins a pendant just for her Spice Cake recipe which I made and adore! Thanks so much Wendy, it will now be one of my traditions!

4th Prize Rosalee wins a pendant. Rosalee told of her Christmas tradition which remembers the true meaning of Christmas. She says....

"A Christmas Tradition in our family is one we do ever year. We all gather together on Christmas eve and relive out the manger scene. The kids dress as the shepherds and wisemen and the couple with the youngest acts as Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus. The rest of us gather around then and sing Christmas

Carols and read the Christmas story."

Will the winners please email me with your snail mail addresses and let me know your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of pendant so I, hopefully, can send one you will like.

Some of the prizes

Thanks so much to all who entered to celebrate my two years of fun blogging.

I appreciate every visit and comment and it's lovely to be able to say a big thank you to everyone in return.

Our House & Betws Y Coed

2012-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas I won a Blog Candy Prize from Twiglet of sisterscraftycreations and it is quite an amazing prize to win. I was thrilled that she made it so quickly! I had to send some photos to Twiglet who then collaged and embroidered a picture of my little house! As it's Winter, and the front garden is decidedly sparse, she took artist's license and brought it into bloom for me. The lovely thing about it is that she magically managed to get the Spring daffodils, forget-me-nots and cushions of geraniums in exactly the right places just as they will be in a few months time. Roll on Spring!

I also received one of her lovely dumfed felt cards in my favourite colour and now I'm thinking hard how I can put it to good use as a box lid or a book cover.....I'll come up with something as it's too good to be stored away.

Thanks so much to Jo, aka Twiglet, for such a lovely prize....our new family treasures!

Jump Start

Here's the first card I've made in simply ages and it was spurred on by Jump Start (see last post) when I was inspired to mess with colour as a warm up. The tags and papers I coloured were useful to make into a birthday card for a friend.

Betws Y Coed

We have a great way to start the New Year, in fact it has almost become a tradition that we drive into Wales to Betws Y Coed. The entire place is always open as it is a favourite haunt for walkers and climbers, but we just take a leisurely stroll these days. Afterwards we always visit the Royal Oak Hotel for an excellent 3 course luncheon.

These two pictures were taken at the bridge in the centre of the little town and here we are.... two old dudes all wrapped up for our day out!!

Further down river there are the spectacular Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls.

We cancelled our planned New Year's Day trip as the weather was torrential rain all day but decided to go on Monday and were so lucky to enjoy sunshine all the day.

It looks a very dour place but inside is lovely and has recently been refurbished and the main thing... the food is excellent!

People were even sitting outside the Saddle bar at the side of the Royal Oak

WOYWW 135 Happy New Year

2012-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone and the first WOYWW of 2012! Despite being away last week I tried to visit as many of you as possible to send my best wishes.

Back home from a great family visit in Brighton, I have given my mojo a, much needed, kick start by subscribing to the FREE inspirational site designed and planned to boost our creativity after the holidays.

Summit 2012 Creative Jump Start

A daily boost with techniques, hints and tips by a selection of talented artists from around the world and the ones I've looked at have done just that. Below on my desk I'm following Dina Wakley's warm up advice and I'm loving it.

I came across Creative Jump Start via http://jencushman.wordpress.com and it led me to the co-ordinator and instigator www.nathaliesstudio.com

Here's my desk with my first art start of the year just by experimenting freestyle with colour as my warm up.

On my desk is some of my silversmithing equipment which my DD1 has returned to me so I can seriously start to make jewellery again. I can hear Donna shouting Hurray!!

You may notice two chunky cobblers tools which I bought in Holsworthy Market in Devon during my holiday down there, which will be ideal to texture metal. They smell wonderful.

DD was going to throw out the blue and white Polish mug (as it has a tiny chip) so I dived in and saved it as a paint brush/pencil pot.

Ready to be stamped and embellished or just saved!

I wonder what all the other WOYWWers around the globe are doing to start 2012 with a creative burst. If you too are curious pop over to see more at Julia's blog... Stamping-Ground and join in the world wide snoop on the desks of the world.

Whilst I was down on the South Coast of England our friends kindly took us to Bexhill-on-Sea to the Warhol FREE exhibition at the De la Warr pavilion. It was so interesting and really opened my eyes and mind to the full span of work by this wacky artist. I really enjoyed seeing the iconic faces of Mao Tse Tung, Blondie and Marilyn Monroe, in so many colour variations and all his other pictures, from tiny detailed ones right up to the huge wall to wall installation and video room. Quite an extensive exhibition well worth seeing if you can get there.

No photographs allowed (which I expected inside) but tut tut! I was caught and reprimanded just for getting this pic and that was only outside in the foyer!!!!

The De la Warr pavilion is a spectacular Art Deco Arts Centre which is well worth a visit in it's own right. It has been beautifully renovated and stands alongside the seafront in Bexhill.

Here's DH and our friends on one of the fabulous staircases overlooking the sea.

I managed to make another scarf/shawlette as a gift for my friend on the journey down and finished it off before we visited them. The patterns are still on offer, free from me via an email request.

My first flowers of 2012, beautiful HUGE cerise roses (plus a bottle of wine)... a New Year gift from our lovely next door neighbour. Thanks Betty!!

Blog Candy

My Blog Candy draw is still open until 6th Jan

Full details and sign up on my 20th Dec post!

WOYWW 134 & Brighton Belles

2011-12-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

WOYWW 134

It's the last WOYWW of the year and I'm happy to be here in Brighton spending a few days visiting the Southern branch of my family. Here's my alternative work desk and the only crafting I have brought with me is on there......my knitting..... yet another scarf, shawlette style. Also on the desk is a good bottle of Port which DD1 is very generously sharing after the lovely meal she cooked.

Don't you just love the retro kitchen unit and the old refectory table... just like my Mum used to have in the 1950s when I was a child and I'm sure it will bring back memories to many of you.

I really had fun watching the Brighton Belles open the Christmas gifts ~~we brought~~ Father Christmas sent for them.

Look how fast the little hands below manage to tear those wrappings!

We all went down to the seafront today for a healthy walk along the beach then a rather unhealthy but delish lunch of fish and chips! Amazingly we bumped into my next door neighbour from 250 miles away who was also visiting her family down here!

Tear along to the desk of the Queen of WOYWW aka Julia of stamping ground as it's the last chance this year to spy on the craft desks of the world. Service as usual all next year too!

Don't miss a chance of winning my blog candy... still a few days to enter so check out my sidebar for full details or last week's 20th Dec. post.

Have a Wonderful New Year

Ein frohes Weinhnachtfest

2011-12-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

Ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und alles Gute zum neuen Jahr

I didn't think I'd be posting again so soon but today I received some beautiful pictures of my little 2 year old grandee in Germany, which I want to share. I think it looks just like a Christmas card and it really is so special to see her joy this year in all the magic of the season as last year was spent in hospital.

I thank my blessings and spare thoughts and prayers for some special people I know who are in hospital and struggling through difficult times.

May all be well.

Christmas Greetings, Tree & Cake

2011-12-23T11:47:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone who pops by a very

Merry Christmas

and a Wonderful Healthy, Happy New Year

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I am feeling more festive than I have in years, the tree is trimmed and I even baked a special cake.

So many memories in these vintage decorations from my childhood and that of my, now adult, daughters. The tree is looking a bit worse for wear so I bought a snip of a bargain, a 6 foot one from B&Q ready for next year. At £5, how could I leave it in the store!! Outside they were selling big real trees reduced from £35 to £4!!!! DH drew the line at the idea of me taking down the old artificial tree to replace it with a real one but he did buy me one of the fake ones knowing it would be an investment and saving.

Thanks so much to Crafty Womble who so kindly shared her special spicy cake recipe and here it is in all it's delicious glory. I took the liberty of icing it with icing made with the juice of fresh orange and lemon juice and it is just delicious. As there are only the two of us here for Christmas I have shared some of it with friends. This is one that I will definitely make again as I adore spices such as Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger etc.

Like most of us I doubt if I will blog at all over the holiday so if I don't.... see you all next year!

WOYWW 133, Blog Candy & Happy Christmas!

2011-12-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

It's nearly Christmas and I thought I had better show some signs of festivity in the house and for WOYWW 133.

The friend of all the tidy (and messy) elves, who is called Julia and dwells at the Stamping Ground deep in the Dark Arty Wood, coerces us to own up to some of our crafting idiosyncrasies each week.

If you too would like to join the fun of this giant world snoop, then pop over to Julia's to spy on over 100 more.

A few days ago my clicker reached an amazing 66,666 hits over the 2 years I have been blogging. During that time I have come in contact with so many lovely people, shared some wonderful inspiration, and made some very special friends. Some blogging buddies I have met and some I know for sure that one day we will meet. My thanks to you all.

I decided that when it reached this strikingly memorable number I would give a gift to the next follower... .which has now gone out to the lovely Sylvia, however, I am also going to give away some......

Ho, Ho, Ho! Blog Candy

You'll see a mystery parcel hiding the loot, below on my desk, along with my greeting to you all for Christmas.

To enter for my Blog Candy I'd prefer you to be a follower as I would like to give a thank you treat to someone who calls in now and then.

Please don't join just to get the candy as it would be unfair for all those lovely people who really are interested in my posts.

It would be kind if you'd add the candy pic to your side bar too.

Also, please leave a comment telling me something special you always do at Christmas, maybe your own special family tradition, or maybe what you like best about Christmas, your favourite carol or song, or something funny that has happened to you one Christmas.

There'll be a lucky dip prize and another for the best comment about a Christmas tale.

It will be drawn on 6th January 2012

I love to get out the box of decorations to see all the old ones we have put on the tree for so many years. No designer tree with co-ordinated colour scheme for me! So many memories in my box, from the ones my daughters loved and the ones my late mother gave us and the ancient dilapidated old ones from my own childhood, still there.

There is one really special one that my younger daughter sent to us, around 18 years ago, when she was away studying in Moscow, her first Christmas away from home, and my elder daughter had flown out to join her over the holiday. My husband had stated that we wouldn't need to put up a tree that year as the girls were away but I argued that we should and that day a lovely, blue, hand painted Russian lady arrived with a note from DD2 instructing me to hang this lovely lady on our tree. Well we did, and now every year it's the first decoration we hang up. I don't even store her in the box, she stays on display in the dining room to be admired all year round and you can see why!

At last, I've started to add a little festive cheer to our home, first with a makeover for this pebble gas fire. It was never used as, it's so expensive to run, it gives very little heat and, our central heating is so efficient we don't need it anyway, so we removed the gas fire and now just use it for burning candles in the well. Now I've added some giant baubles, leaves, cones, berries etc., and it looks so pretty for Christmas.

This week I will do my best to visit as many of you as possible but if I don't manage to get to you then I wish you every good wish for a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful 2012.

Scarves, Gifts & Piggies!

2011-12-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

With all the time indoors due to the bad weather in Devon and also with the long journey home there was still something good came of it all. I knitted and sewed and crocheted and didn't waste a minute of what would have been such wasted time. I completely made this knitted scarf from some beautiful, silk and wool, Noro yarn.

I had already finished off this one, which was crocheted, and wanted to see if it would work if I knitted another as it is always easier to knit without looking so I can easily do it whilst a car passenger or watching TV.

Pattern available!

These scarves (or shawlettes as they are called in printed patterns) are just triangles but I have added tassels and beads which work wonderfully well to weight the ends making the scarf stay in place and really easy to wear in a variety of styles. I worked a plain pattern out for myself and they are very easy to make. I have already passed details on to a few people so if anyone else is interested please let me know and I'll give you the simple instructions.

Thanks to Bridget

I did a Christmas Decoration swap with Bridget of Stamping up a Storm and I was so thrilled to receive mine today. Not only did I get this fabulous decoration below, in time for Christmas, but Bridget also very kindly sent all the lovely handmade goodies above. There is a music themed mini book, a candy treat, a card and two lovely very novel bookmarks, which I might just have to have a go at making! Thanks so much Bridget for being so generous and so clever too!

On our way to Devon we stopped for a break at South Molton only to discover the local faming community in the midst of their Christmas Show. Lots to see, and all so interesting to me, a city girl, to land in the heart of the livestock and all the country goings on....

I fell in love with this new litter of piglets... they had a beautiful velvet sheen.

Really lovely, friendly, ladies demonstrated their weaving skills whilst behind them the dealings of the cattle progressed.

Wonderful hand carved crooks and walking sticks...

Rare breeds

I loved these special long haired (bunny rabbit!) sheep

The Bric a Brac was fascinating to mooch through....

We were so thankful to find the show in the Pannier Market as it was raining like stair rods outside! It was a sign of days to come for sure!!

Blog Candy to come soon!

My hit counter passed a crucial point at which I had promised myself to give away some blog candy. My plan was to have an open offer but to also give a gift to the person who added their name to my followers after the counter reached 66,666 and so Sylvia will receive a little gift.

We've already made contact but thanks for becoming a follower Sylvia!

I'm in the process of organising my open offer of Blog Candy so

WATCH THIS SPACE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS to take part.

Escape from Devon & Special Anniversary.

2011-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

We drove home yesterday, Thursday, (should have been there until Sunday) from our holiday in Devon, to escape the bad weather and it's so lucky we did with the snow and ice today blanketing most areas of the country. Got home last night and this is part of our garden mid-day today.... So lovely to be home and not going out and getting wet or sitting in the country club wishing we could get out. It really was a mistake to go so far at this time of year and so we decided to cut our losses and head home. I'm sooooo glad we did!

An unusual anniversary!

Today I had a lovely Skype with this little lady, (who is wearing the cardigan I recently made for her). Her hair is growing back again so beautifully and she has grown and developed so well during this difficult year.

Many of you already know about my little grandee in Germany but I don't post regular updates about her, however, today it is exactly one year since she first went into hospital and began her difficult journey, at first through septicaemia then leukaemia. It has been such a hard time for her, her parents, and for the rest of our family, but we are all so very happy and grateful to see her now at this stage doing so well. There are around 20 months of management still to get through but she has come through the intensive phase bravely to magically become this happy, chatty, beautiful 2 year old, full of personality and a special little character who brings so much joy. We all love her so much.

We hope they enjoy a wonderful Christmas to compensate for the one they completely missed last year.

*******

Mystery Gift???

This lovely calendar was waiting for me when I arrived home ... a gem from amongst all the bills etc., but I don't have a clue who kindly sent it to me!! Nothing on the envelope, nothing on the calendar to tell me who is the very kind person I should thank.... any owner??? Very handily, it has a fridge magnet on the back.

Our last day in Devon we visited Bideford and stumbled across the Pannier Market and it's Butcher's Row which has been converted to quirky arty shops, some with the artists making their wares on site. It was a good place to mooch around and was handy for us to keep dry out of the rain.

There's DH below... just incase you thought it was Father Christmas in disguise before his big job!!!

Spot the seamstress below in her gallery on high!!

WOYWW in Devon & Christmas Stockings

2011-12-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hello again to a nearly, but not quite, festive WOYWW

I'm posting early with a partly prepped post as I only have limited internet access at the moment and have to hurry in the 20 minutes time allowed here.
My desk this week is the dining table of the appartment where we are staying in Devon as, anticipating bad weather, I brought penty of crafting with me to keep me occupied. The days are short and it is difficult to travel far in such extreme weather.
First evening I made two stocking for the Teeny Brighton Belles and posted them yesterday and this one below I made last week for my tiny German Gem.
Hopefully, tomorrow we will get to the nearby, lovely little town, of Holsworthy to visit their Christmas Farmers Market and Craft Market.

Here are the spotty ones for the Brighton Belles which I made here in Devon and I bet I'm the only person staying here who brought a sewing machine!

I brought plenty of yarn with me to knit.

and I finished off this scarf

So all in all despite the most awful weather of rain, gales and a good bit of non-stick snow we are enjoying the lovely country club where we are staying and the fabulous Devon food.

However, every shop sells Cornish pasties and they are delicious! These below are gigantic.

It has been a long journey to get here and not be able to do too much due to the weather but it's a chance to chill out before Christmas.

The nearby river is in full spate and has swollen so much that it flooded over into the adjoining fields.

Here's the thatched reception building of the country club where we are staying.

The view from our window and the stream runs along the other side of the fence.

some of the neighbours wandering around the grounds!!

Each week we open our desks for public view after the idea by Julia of stamping ground took off into a major opportunity for the world to have a massive snoop around the crafting spaces of over 100 crafting spaces. Pop over and join the fun!

Don't know if I'll get to visit anyone this week as the internet connection is off and on and I have to pay for limited time so have fun and I'll have a catch up when I get home in a couple of days.

Gifts Galore!

2011-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have been so lucky through blogland to make such lovely blogging buddies and also occasionally to enjoy their generosity.

Earlier this year I joined in a pif, Pass It Forward, idea where each person involved committed to make a small gift, within the year, for 5 others when they signed up to receive a gift.
Ever increasing circles of friendship and kindness and such a lovely way to start the New Year.

I linked up with Tuire in Finland who despite having a really difficult year has still managed to meet her commitment, which I had completely forgotten about, and this lovely journal is my pif gift and such a surprise as a result.
Thank you so much Tuire.

The front cover

Some of the inserts, between the blank pages included for my use, and handy envelope pockets too.

I love the Finnish postage stamps and dictionary pages

I wonder who this handsome fellow could be?

Recently I sent a couple of "very quickly crocheted" hats, as a surprise, to Lee in Devon to keep her ears warm whilst walking her dogs on the beach. I told her not to send me anything but thanks in return and this pile of lovely treats came with my postie today... Thanks so much Lee and I hope your forthcoming operation goes easy for you and you'll still be on turkey basting duty by Christmas!!!.

Besides all this I won some fabulous fabric bunting from Lunch Lady Jan's blog. Aren't I the lucky one? This is so beautifully made and the best thing is that it will be used all year round as there aren't any Christmas images on it!! Thank you sooooo much Jan!!

.... there are certainly some beautiful people out there in blogland who I am so grateful to know. Thank you one and all!

For a nice bit of musical fun popover to http://sam21ski.blogspot.com who has such a fun spoof video on her post all about Steampunk. Thanks Sam for a good laugh.

What trend can we come up with next?????

WOYWW 131/ Reindeer & Sleigh

2011-12-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

First I must post my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sarah Lawrence who regularly contributed to WOYWW and who has very sadly died, suddenly and unexpectedly. I only met Sarah at some of the shows and through our comments on WOYWW and have only good things to remember her by, but I also know that people who are her friends have the highest regard for her and her creative abilities.

WOYWW 131

Where lots of the world's crafters give open access to snoop on their creative spaces and all that's going on. The Control Desk to the whole works is engineered by Julia at the Stamping Ground. Pop over if you're nosey, join in if you dare!

I am pleased to tell you that at last the gnomes have emigrated to Brighton and some to Germany, apart from the odd one or two who are on sleigh steering duty.

I'm in the middle of creating a scene with the reindeers but it looks a bit like a crash at the moment. I've added gifts and still need to add reins.

I'm adding to the scene with snowflakes cut with one of my "just arrived" new Memory Box dies. As you'll probably spot, I tried a reindeer in brown suede type card but I really prefer them all white.

Here's the last of my Free Templates.....

but remember to place the top edge of the sleigh template on a fold as I forgot to mark it on the drawing.

A good tip ... It is easier to punch out the hearts on the sides instead of cutting out the fiddly shapes! It doesn't have to be hearts ... could be something more filigree if you've a punch or die to suit! My heart punch is small so you will see that I punched it out 4 times instead of 3.

Cut out two shapes for each reindeer (use double card) then stick them together just along the spine and the head but do not glue the legs or the antlers. The legs will then pull astride to enable them to stand and the antlers will open up to create one set each side.

Don't forget to make one with a red nose for Rudolph!!!

I made tiny gifts and a sack to go on the sleigh but I have realised that maybe they should have tiny gifts inside so the grandees aren't disappointed. Back to the drawing board but I'll have a job finding gifts so small... maybe chocolates?!?

Hangabouts & Vicky Stampers Party

2011-12-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

I made a few more Hangabouts, in fact more than I can show here as a couple are for gifts. At last I have used the "Faces" fabric I bought in Germany last August as DH wanted one for ~~HIS~~ the zappers so he chose Marilyn with Charlie Chaplin on the other side. The middle one is Clarice Cliff Art Deco style. I have so many panels of fabric that it takes me so long to choose which ones to sew up to suit the recipient.

Charlie on the other side of Marilyn

If you'd like to make some of these for yourself nip back and see the photo instructions I posted last 28th December.

Yesterday we had a day full of fun at Vicky Stampers Christmas Party and those who couldn't attend really missed a great time.

We had a craft challenge, set by Neet, to make 10 cards in an hour and some managed to complete all 10. I gabbed so much I only managed 6 but it was worthwhile fun.

After an excellent lunch of M&S buffet food we had some seasonal quizzes then Neet provided "Pass the Parcel" with gifts and forfeits. We all agreed that we haven't laughed so much for ages BUT I must admit I will have to settle with Neet next time we meet for making me have to get down on my hands and knees for my forfeit and bark "Jingle Bells" like a dog!!!! The photographic evidence is thankfully only on Vicky Stampers Group so I am pleased it is just for members viewing! At least I won a lovely set of brads for doing it!

Lorraine's cards and I think those gnomes are still after me!

Jaqui's

Mandy's

Secret Santa

Lynn came with a selection of more than a dozen Christmas Hats which she kept changing to suit each tune on the CD......Frosty, Rudolph, etc., ....

It was a really good day to set us all up in the mood for Christmas. Vicky Stampers is a wonderful group of crafters who get along so well and have so much fun.

This photo was taken late on so some of the group, who travel from far and wide, had already headed home.

My friend Mo, (wearing lilac in the front row) gave me permission to show this beautiful beaded angel which she painstakingly made recently. It took her a couple of days to complete!

The angel is a real keepsake treasure and I hope she has powers to watch over you and your family Mo!

Just a reminder that Rudolph and his sleigh will be arriving in a day or two... the last of my paper cut freebie templates! So keep popping in!

Paper Cut Trees & Baubles

2011-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Here's another paper cut, as promised, and there are still a couple more to come over the next few days. There are two sizes of the tree and this below is the smaller of them. I've been experimenting with the idea and here it's cut out of old dictionary paper. Multi layers in fact. I cut out 3 sets of 10 sheets machined together then when completed I stuck them with a thin line of Glossy Accents along the stitch line.

They also look lovely (and I think I prefer them) cut from white copy paper and glitter can be added for a bit of bling.

It took about 15 minutes to cut out one set of tree pages and I find it gets easier and quicker with each set as you find short cuts to manoeuvre the scissors round the shapes.

Here's yesterday's bauble cut out of old dictionary pages.

Opened out

Free Template

ready to print off and the template scan for the baubles is in on yesterday's post.

Showing the pages machined together with a strong needle and a big stitch.

The plain white page is carefully torn away from the stitching once the cutting is complete.

It was easier to punch holes with my cropodile so I could get my scissors in to cut out the small shapes

I met up with my lovely crafting friend Olive yesterday and we went into Liverpool to visit the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at the Tate. First we popped in so Olive could see the Lily Savage costumes, the Peter Blake litho prints and the Magritte Exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, which I visited last week but it was all certainly worth another look.

Here's Olive blending in nicely!

Looks like Olive is wearing the feathers which are on the model at the back! She reckons she would wear either of these two outfits, mini skirts, leopard print and all!

Some of the Magritte illustrations. We especially loved seeing the cabinet full of his art equipment.

We walked over to the Tate down by the river and whilst we enjoyed the Alice exhibition, neither of us could say we were bowled over by it. Lots of little things captivated our interest but generally it was all too surreal the way so many artists had been influenced by the story and resultantly produced such extreme and often disturbing contemporary art so far removed from the original story by Lewis Caroll and the illustrations by Tenniel.
Still we had such good day out until we came out of the Tate to black skies, gale force wind and driving rain which completely soaked us on the way back to the town centre. The rain went through all my clothes and ran down my back and I certainly didn't enjoy the bus trip home to a welcome hot bath.

WOYWW 130

2011-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

Still the gnomes are breeding on my table but they don't do a thing for their keep. In fact they spell trouble!

Donna came to visit me on Sunday for a flying visit with her DS and we had a hectic but lovely time cramming as much crafting in as time allowed but I forgot to take photos so the only evidence I have is the pendant I made. I also completed another pendant and an angel when my lovely visitors had departed but I cannot find where on earth I put them. I seriously think the gnomes had something to do with it.

If you are coping with all this, and can manage more, then go over to Stamping Ground, the blog of our leader Julia and race around the globe bloghopping the desks and creations of over 100 crafters.

This pendant is the piece of my jewellery I made from tin.

Another freebie pattern

Some paper cuts to share.....I originally made these quite some years ago but I think they are worth revisiting.

To make them..... machine stitch together "as many sheets of copy paper as can be cut through" (up to abut 10 layers if the paper isn't too heavy). With a heavy machine needle and a large stitch setting, sew down the centre of the decoration and the stitching will form the hinge when the design is cut out. Remember to leave a tail end of cotton long enough to form a hanging loop.

Open out all the layers of paper and below are my battered old original samples. Plain and simple here but they can be sprinkled with a little glitter or sequins if preferred. I am going to make some fresh ones from old dictionary pages just as soon as those dratted gnomes have moved on. I love the effect of the stars I made from dictionary pages a few days ago so I think I'll see if these paper cuts look good in print!

Be sure to pop by from time to time this week as I have a few more lovely templates to share. I have a sledge, a reindeer and a couple of Christmas trees yet to come! Don't miss them!

Paper Star

2011-11-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Before I tell you about the fabulous woven vintage paper stars, below, I just want to mention a comment I received today. In almost two years of blogging I have had so many lovely comments but never any direct criticism, although I have had lots of constructive suggestions. I'm no prima donna and can accept criticism where founded but the comment, which I deleted without publishing, was a simple but direct, unnecessary, and unfounded criticism of my choice of colour with blunt advice.

I must inform the writer that, in art, birds can be ANY colour, it's called artistic licence and on this blog I can choose to do as I wish as long as it harms no one. I am sure that in Nature you will find birds in any colour too but I accept that they won't have sequins on their heads, but in art they CAN!!

I mention this because another blogger friend of mine has also received unnecessary criticism to one of her posts so I am wary that this may be some sort of ploy so, bloggers beware, and let me know if you have had anything similar.

Woven Vintage Paper Stars

These are the creation of Amanda of houserevivals blog and, if you pop over to visit, she has a fabulous easy to follow tutorial. Be sure to go to her blog and only her blog because someone has been poaching her great designs.

These are the ones I made from an old wrecked dictionary but I have not yet decided what I'm going to add in the way of bling and sparkle. I just love them so HUGE thanks to Amanda... I'm certainly going to make some more!

Amazing Craft Barn Candy

2011-11-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a real "DON'T MISS" opportunity which I think is one of the best offers of Blog Candy I've ever seen. Be sure to check it out .....Lots of lovely goodies and all the type of stash I love too!

Congratulations to the Craft Barn, it's a great place and well worth the detour I make to visit them when I'm travelling to the South Coast.

WOYWW 129 & the Invasion of the Gnomes.

2011-11-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Forget those strawberries! I'm loving my stainless steel surface on my desk. I have been asked if it is cold to work on?.... No!

Does it get to hot when using a heat gun,? No, but I'm sure it would if I used the heat gun in one spot for a prolonged period. Is it really "stainless"? So far Yes! It cleans very easily, as do the stainless steel surfaces in professional kitchens!

The giant roll of heavy paper on there is proving very useful for the invasion of the gnomes..... I sit cutting them out whilst watching TV and the roll is so long that I can make longer strings of the little fellas.

If you don't already think I'm barmy, pop over to Stamping-Ground where our lovely Julia is the "Hostess with the Mostest" every Wednesday leading WOYWW, undoubtedly the biggest extravaganza of craft desks in the blogging world.

They're coming to take me away, ha, ha, hee, hee! The march of the gnomes is on! Snip, snip, snip! They'll stand in line or round in circles or hang on your tree quite alone. They can be coloured red or green with angel hair added for their beards.

In reality these below are all white... it was the evening sun glowing when I took my pic that makes them look alternately orange. Yes! That's correct I said SUN!! You needn't go to Specsavers!

I added a border of blue and some snowflakes to this gang and last week I added a red background with some spiky green leaves, but they do look fine standing alone.

A Little Christmas Gift

If you'd like to have a go making some, here's a scan of my template along with an ice skate and an angel. Just enlarge it and copy it to your files then print it off onto card before you cut out the shapes as templates.

Remember to alternate the template so the joining points meet on the folds.

The gnome is inspired by something I spied on pinterest.com but it is now quite modified. The ice skate is inspired by a tin decoration that I bought in Germany last year and I also modified that design considerably as I don't like to copy anything exactly, especially if I cannot give credit to the original designer. The angel is completely my own idea.

Cheap, Cheap!

Here are the birds I bought very cheaply last week from a very well known Swedish shop.

I opened out the wings and punched snowflakes into each double fold/ They were then spritzed with purple Glimmer Mist.

The body of the bird was stamped and clear embossed before colouring with Distress Inks. A few dangly bits and bobs of beady bling plus micro sequins made the finishing touches.

Hope you are all getting along with your preparations for Christmas without getting stressed. I am only playing around and having fun making things for my family. No pressure, no stress, it's great!

Last but not least...

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American visitors.

I hope as many of you as possible share it with those you love wherever you are in the world.

Cards galore!

2011-11-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday afternoon cardmaking enjoying the new stainless steel surface on my desk, making them for my DDs Art & Craft sale. The cards are all angels and whilst they will do well for Christmas , most of them will be suitable for other occasions.

I used some of the stock of background cards that I had made during dems at shows and I stamped and embossed the angels, most of which were from Lost Coast Designs.

All in all with last week's makes I sent around 50 cards to DD1 today! Amazing as I don't bother making any for my own use!

Thought I'd show you the super pack of 4 white mountboard birds, all with pleated wings, which I bought for less than a couple of pounds at a certain Swedish shop we all know. I'm going to decorate them and add some beads as decorations.

I also made yet another warm, pure wool hat with earflaps for my little grandee to wear in the cold German Winter. Still have to knit more for the Brighton Belles. This one looks a bit lumpy but I photographed it in a hurry over a cardboard box!

Enjoy your weekend!

WOYWW 128 & Walker Art Gallery Wonders!

2011-11-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, my fantastically kind neighbour, Colin, fitted my stainless steel top to my table, FREE, yes! amazingly and so kindly FREE.

I must say that I'm overwhelmed and I just love it.
It was suggested that I should stick it to the table but I found some handy clips which will keep it removable.

Feast your eyes as it may never be so clear ever again and for the last time, there's my folded strawberry cloth on my table just for old times sake. Sorry folks but it was too stiff to drape over me but, who knows, I may well make it into aprons or shopping bags one day!!

Now I must confess, our lovely mentor Julia, of the Stamping Ground blog, brain washes us into sharing our workplace every Wednesday for the whole wide World to share so hop over to visit her and you can spin around the treasures and travesties of global crafting.

I soon set to, making my new, pristine surface look and feel like home, by prepping some images for a forthcoming workshop. Many of the ladies aren't crafters so I'm keeping it simple and doing some of the stages in advance to speed up the class as there will be around 30 attending.

Now that my family visitors have returned to Germany, I was feeling rock bottom low, miserable, missing them so much, and I didn't want to stay home rattling round in the, now quiet, empty house so I went down town to the Walker Art Gallery to fill my mind with other lovely things. Happily there was far more to see than I expected.

Liverpool currently has so many excellent exhibitions and, apart from The Liverpool Tate Gallery where there is the (chargeable) exhibition of art influenced by Alice in Wonderland, all the other galleries and museums are FREE, no charge, gratis.... just walk in and enjoy!!!

As part of Liverpool's homotopia festival there is a fantastic, fun, exhibition of Paul O'Grady's costumes, "Savage Style". He wore many of the OTT, beautifully made, Lily Savage gowns in his pantomime appearances as well as on his TV shows.

It always amused me when Paul's alter ego, Lily Savage, would state vehemently that the dark patch in "her" hair wasn't the roots showing through.... it was just because she parked her fag end there overnight ready for a quick puff in the morning!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed scrutinising all the detail of the Peter Blake exhibiton in his screen printed alphabet and, don't tell anyone, I took photos of every letter! Peter Blake is especially famous for designing the cover of the Beatle's Sergeant Pepper Album and over the last few years I have seen three exhibitions of his amazing art.

This exhibition runs until 4th Dec 2011

Here's my very own letter J

There is also an exhibition of "The Art Books of Henri Matisse" which runs until 15th April 2012.

Sorry I didn't get round too many of you last week but family took priority so I'm sure you'll understand.

We really enjoyed seeing my DD, her DH and our lovely little 2 year old grandee. She is a little darling, such fun and so good, with a lovely character and personality, who breezed happily into our home as though it was only a week and not over a year since their last visit to England.

I finished off a collection of Winter hats for her whilst they were here and one evening, whilst she was in bed, I made these warm mittens all ready for the morning. My DD said that it was like the elves and the shoemaker!!

I just wish those elves would whisk them back here overnight!

WOYWW 127 and a Host of Angels

2011-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Agnes Angel

Still waiting for the metal surface for my desk to be cut and fitted so no strawberries to be seen and it's still naked and messy. That's the desk ... not ME! Ooooh, er! It's amazing how this bothered some of you last week. We thought we'd just take the diameter but I didn't realise my table isn't round, it's oval, so a template had to made to be accurate.

This post is part of WOYWW so get over to Julia's Stamping-Ground and spend some amazing time snooping on over 100 desks from around the globe.
A popular weekly phenomena in the world of blogging.

I'm making more Christmas decorations after making Dotty Angel last week which inspired me to experiment and see what else I can come up with. As before, I'm playing around with the quirky angels from Lost Coast designs.

Be sure to take a peek at my last post so you don't miss the info about the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at the Tate Liverpool and also the Woman's Weekly Vintage special edition to celebrate the magazine's 100th birthday.

This mess is gradually transforming into.....

Mildred Moon Angel

and Sally the half cut snowflake (for our overseas readers "half cut" means almost drunk!) well look at those legs!!

I've also made quite a few angel cards, all with gilding flakes on them.

Apologies in advance, as I may not be able to visit many of you this week as Wooo Hoo!!! my family will be visiting from Germany. Can't wait! My little grandee is allowed to travel at last and although I visited them in August, my DH has not seen them since our really short visit, when she went into hospital in March.

Here's the teddy bears picnic with the Polish tea set that I took out for her 2nd birthday in August and just look at her beautiful hair growing again! Life is getting back to a little like normal for them, but with a few restrictions and less hospital visits, but there's still a good way to go on her 2 year management programme. At least, and best of all for us, we will be able to see them all at long last.

Makes & Takes, Woman's Weekly, & Alice.

2011-11-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the AGM of Vicky Stampers and after we had dealt with the business side, so efficiently organised by the committee and chaired by Neet, we had some crafting to do.

Neet set us up with us a series of make and take tables and we moved from topic to topic making some lovely useful craft quickies.

These corner bookmarks are an ideal quick thank you gift or perfect useful topper for a card. As you can see, from the top right hand one, they fit over the corner of the book page. There were other options which I didn't complete but we had a great afternoon, thanks to Neet.

We also made Tea Bag cards, another handy standby for mini thank you gifts.

The little pockets hold tea bags but could easily hold After 8 mints or a money gift, etc.

Don't Miss This!

Lynn gave us the shout out about this fabulous Woman's Weekly celebration magazine, which has a 38 page vintage copy insert of the first edition of the magazine from 100 years ago. It is fabulous for using in altered art so if you are interested rush out and buy one for only £1.25 .... it's a bargain!

A couple of pages from the inside.......

You'd pay so much to buy these as background papers!

Curiouser and Curiouser!

The Tate Liverpool has just opened a new exhibition of Alice in Wonderland which highlights the story's influence on artists through the years. The exhibition also includes the scrap books of Lewis Carol which are on display for the first time ever. For all Alice fans it is a "must see". It runs until 29th January, 2012.

For full details check out the Tate Liverpool's web site.

Dotty Angel & WOYWW 126

2011-11-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

A huge Hippy Birthday to my elder daughter who is 41.... she took her time coming into this world and hung out until All Saints Day so I made her an angel instead of a card. Sadly, this week her gorgeous cat died and when my angel arrived in the post, my 4 year old grandee named her Dotty, the name of the cat. Aaaah!

WOYWW

My table looks so sad as it is cleared and bare down to all the old paint from when my DD1 used it 20 years ago as an art student. No! I'm not going to scrub and clean it but it has been cleared ready for a metal top to be fitted by my lovely neighbour, who has a sheet metal business. I want to make more jewellery and the metal top will be an ideal surface for that and all my other crafts.

The little house is a thimble display box which I acquired for £1 in a charity shop and it might just get altered one day!

I've had a busy day making so many things..... these guest or kitchen towel hangers that my younger DD asked me to make....

Close up ... for Wipso and Twiglet ... might be useful for you two to make.

Just finished a hat for my grandee who will be visiting from Germany next week! So excited they're coming!! Nice warm earflaps for Winter.

I made three HangAbouts

I tried out a new style one with a round top and a flat seamed bottom which is so much quicker to make than setting in a round base but I must make it a bit deeper next time. Another close up pic for Wipso and Twiglet.... good idea ?

Lots more faces moulded from paper clay to make quirky angels.

Sandy Denny wrote one of my favourite songs in 1967, just one year after DH and I married and it was sung by, amongst others, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy (who changed the words somewhat), and Fairport Convention. It was voted the most favourite folk track of all time. Very poignant words and so many songs ask the same question......

Across the evening sky all the birds are leaving

But how can they know it's time for them to go?

Before the Winter fire, I will still be dreaming

I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?

Who knows where the time goes?

(For the rest of the words and to listen to Sandy singing there are lots of versions on YouTube)

Well I know!!! WOYWW sucked the time into the ether and brought us to another episode of Julia's saga which has rolled into 126 episodes, so for the full story... visit Julia's Stamping Ground.

However I've made up for lost time with all I've managed to produce today and my knitting was completed in what would have been waste time... as a car passenger or TV watching, so I'm satisfied with myself and today I feel good and that's not bad.

Stars, Halloween & Pink Card

2011-10-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been making up for lost time and getting a few loose ends tied up but I've also found some time to play around with Christmas decorations... well it is November tomorrow!

This star is made from mount board, coloured with Distress Stains,stamped with PaperArtsy Christmas script, clear embossed and before the embossing set I threw on some mini star sequins and accent beads. A tassel of beads finishes it off, all so easy and so simple.

Halloween and the Trick or Treaters will be round later and after last year's greedy grabbing from my basket, when one little ghoul tried to grab the lot for himself and his brothers soon tried to join in, I decided to make individual goodie bags to give out. Morrisons Supermarket provided a bag full of crawlies and skeletons for just £1.

Vicky Stampers decided, well our lovely Neet thought up the idea, to have a swap and as it's Breast Cancer Awareness month the theme was "Pink" and here's the fun card I received from Jeannie. You may just note the Breast Cancer ribbon symbol on the cup cake maid's apron! Thanks so much Jeannie.

I forgot to photograph mine after it had waited in the hall for a week to be posted but I made a card with pink cowboy boots with the quote "Give Cancer the Boot"

I've just finished and posted this red cardigan off to a special little new schoolgirl in Brighton... hope it fits and hope she likes it. She asked for a replacement in red of her favourite blue one that she had grown out of so now that one has been passed on to her little sister. The needles are sparking again as there is so much to make to keep the three of them cosy for Winter. Funny how I've been "off" knitting for months and now I pick it up every spare moment. It can be a frustration or relaxation!

Still waiting for Carola Bartz to get in touch and also Cardarian. Please email me ladies so I can get parcels off to each of you soon.

WOYWW 125 & STASH for Winter Woollies

2011-10-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here's the state of play on my work desk for WOYWW.... I need to tidy away those tools and beads etc., the residue of finishing off my jewellery after Saturday's workshop (pics in previous post) but I haven't been home to do it. With the wonderful weather hanging in we have been making the most of it, hanging out......going places.

To spy on more workdesks call in on stamping ground, the blog of our lovely illustrious leader Julia who, once upon a time, came up with the crazy idea that folk around the World might enjoy snooping on our workdesks every week..... WOYWW.... and guess what...amazingly THEY DO!!!

Addendum...After reading Julia's post I feel that the rest of my post may fall into the category of a mahoosive advert but I have no affiliation with the following places, I just wanted to share the chance of the experience of visiting, if it benefited others, as we had such a great time yesterday and I would have blogged about it anyway.

You certainly have the choice to visit, or not to visit, the places if you desire, or to stop here and call it end of WOYWW, or read on! Next week I'll be good and try to do a shorter WOYWW.

Today we visited STASH Fine Yarns, near Chester, and it is a must for any knitter close enough to get there. It is an Aladdin's Cave for superb yarns but be prepared to spend ages browsing as the choice and range is simply fantastic. The staff are so helpful and friendly, far above and beyond good service... ..giving extraordinary help, lovely coffee (and biccies) and there's even a rest area for all the long suffering non knitters and chauffeurs! I chatted to another customer there, a lovely lady who had driven from Shropshire even further than the 40 miles we had travelled from Liverpool, so it certainly is a magnet to knitters.

Thanks so much to Lottie who was patient beyond belief and helped me with pattern info, choice of yarns, needle sizes etc., etc.

They do have an online shop so if you can't pay a personal visit, check out Stash Fine Yarns. They also run courses and have open days.

Two corners of the showroom.

Here's my STASH from STASH... some beautiful new skeins of yarns to kit out my three little grandees in Winter hats etc. I also bought some more beautiful Knit Pro needles to knit the thicker wool. I just cannot use any other needles now since I bought 3 pairs of Knit Pro finer ones. They are so fluent in use as well as lovely coloured beech wood.

First I must finish all the knitteds in hand and I made good progress in the car on our two days out. I'll be able to start on my new STASH soon!

Afterwards we went on to Wales for the afternoon stopping in Mold at the Glasfryn restaurant/ pub for an excellent lunch. The first time I went there was when I was going to the nearby Theatre Clwydd, and I was so impressed with the food and the setting that I had to return to take DH and now we visit whenever we can.

There's a superb view over the gentle North Wales hills from the lovely terraced garden.

A beautiful sunny October day, good food in a picturesque environment after a crafty visit.. so special!

To top it off perfectly I arrived home in good time to Skype with my DD and grandee in Germany!!

Tin Jewels

2011-10-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

I gave a small workshop yesterday for making my tin jewels. You'll have seen some in earlier post along with details of how to make them from up cycled tinplate... old tins in other words.

I forgot to take photos of the results of the day but these are the ones I partially made, whilst demonstrating the stages, and I finished them today.

Here's what they look like before painting with alcohol inks and adding a glaze, gold leaf, beads etc.

If anyone wants to try this out please email if you want more information but I must give a warning that you need to take special care cutting and sanding the tinplate as the edges are really sharp at first.

I am going to experiment with the same technique to see if I can make some interesting Ch*****as decorations. See I'm getting sucked in already!!

I had a lovely surprise when I got home last night to receive this special treat in the post from Wipso and (all together now AAAaaaaahhh!!!) the new twins Sam & Lexi. I will treasure my cute little grandparent bear (such patience to make it so tiny) and the photo of the twins is adorable. The little bear will keep my other tiny bear company, the one that one has helped care and support my little grandee through her journey to health.Thanks so much Annie and I'm so pleased all the new wing of the family is now on the right track!

WOYWW 124, Angels, Gnomes & Iron Men

2011-10-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Last week's post came via the windmills of my mind... this week Joni Mitchell's song from 1972 epitomises how WOYWW 124 has arrived.....

And the seasons they go 'round and 'round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on a carousel of time

We can't return, we can only look behind

From where we came

And go round and round and round in the circle game

So.... if you dare to jump on the carousel go over to stamping ground and Julia will reveal all and, who knows, you might meet me coming back round!

I know there are signs of Ch*****as, despite all my protestations but OK, OK, OK! it had to happen eventually but it would have been much later in this household if I hadn't offered to help my DD prepare for the craft event she will be doing next month! I have been up to my eyes in gilding flakes and angels are everywhere but the it's the gnomes... they are making a take over bid.

Shame they won't tidy up for me overnight!

Here's what it looks like without the results of my endeavours. I've just recently been invited to submit 4 items, fairly short notice, for a magazine article (from that there box of stamps) and the deadline is looming. I made 3 items today but can't reveal the results... as much as I'd love a few opinions!

I have prepped some quirky angel cards, a set of gilded wooden wings and lots and lots of gnomes too! See what I mean? The idea for those little fellas came from a great inspirational site I was given by my DDs http://pinterest.com/. I couldn't find the pattern for the gnomes so I modified the idea and added quite a bit more detail than shown on the site.

I've also started a couple of sewing projects including an idea my DD2 has asked me to make for her. I bought these lovely fabrics from Abakhan in Mostyn, North Wales, on the way home from a gorgeous, hot, hot, hot, sunny day out in Llandudno, Wales, last Saturday.

I couldn't waste the following photos, found on file, from Donna (Doone) and Niall's late, great, August visit and our trip to the beach (at Crosby Liverpool) to see Anthony Gormley's 100 iron men, officially titled "Another Place".

Donna close up and friendly with No 76

Niall's new best mate ... two cool dudes!

Checking the ID of Number 80

Mr Modesty!

I loved to see the erosion which is so different with each one.

WOYWW 123 & Wrap Books

2011-10-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Like a circle in a spiral

Like a wheel within a wheel

Never ending or beginning

On an ever-spinning reel

As the images unwind

Like the circles that you find

In the windmills of your mind

Sounds familiar? The words from the theme music to the film "The Thomas Crown Affair" perfectly describe how life has been and here we are full circle for another WOYWW123. See what you've done to me Julia!!?? Intrigued or confused? All will be revealed at Stamping Ground.

Here's the state of play on my temporary work desk... my dining table has been taken over because my work room is still heaving with stash from my demmoing last Saturday, all waiting to be decanted back into cupboards and boxes. I just don't feel like tidying, I feel like making... even if it is another MESS!

I've just taken the first step to make a memory book for one of my DDs using jottings taken from my diary of her first year.... 1974! I really don't know where it is going but it will evolve.

Well alright, I'll fess up and show my regular spot.... so this is my heaving, real, work desk with only a couple of strawberries exposed.

Here's a couple of mini books from my box of samples on the desk. I was given a great, fantastic, thank you very much!!! idea, by Donna (Doone) who suggested making and giving away these easy mini books at the show. For want of a better name I call them "Wrap books". I was demonstrating Distress Stains and could quickly fold the decorated strips of card into one of these great little books.

There is a video tutorial on Donna's blog which I can't manage to find but will get the link from her asap.

I do get fed up of tags when demmoing, no matter how effective they may be, and I always prefer to give an idea as well as a technique to visitors, so, thanks to Donna, this was the perfect answer and worked so well. I made so soooo many but enjoyed every minute of the day.

I must admit that I only decorated the covers of the books I gave away but here is one of my samples, with 12 sides on 6 pages, inked, stamped and decorated.

Thought I'd be seasonal so I used the "Leaves" plate from Stampattack

Huge apologies that I didn't get round to very many of you last week but it has been manic.

Mini Houses & Pavement Art

2011-10-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

What a hectic week! The main focus was Port Sunlight show on Saturday where I demonstrated for Stampattack but unfortunately Carol, alias "the Boss", was ill and couldn't make it so her DH Fred, my DH Dave and I soldiered on, set up on Friday and ran the stand on Saturday. All good fun and rather hectic but we pulled through even though Carole was really missed by us and many regular customers too. Carole is getting wrapped in cotton wool before the next show.

We received great feedback from all of the lovely people who stopped by and I must say a big thanks to Paul of Artsiders for his kind offer of help... but that's our lovely Paul!

This is the sample I made of the new range of Mini House Printers trays we had only just got in stock. They are quite deceptive and much smaller than the wooden one I made at Neet's workshop last week.

They are also quite flat in comparison so can be made as a special card and I think they'd work well with a card front fitted. A really lovely handy little project which proved popular.

Carol has since made a great Steam Punk version which is on her website along with details to buy the various mini printer trays... click here for stampattack.

Here's the new little one being a little next door neighbour to my bigger one from last week and above is a side view.

Here's Carole's Steam Punk House

Each packet has 3 houses, one stand and one back piece so the 3 houses can be used separately or layered to add more 3D depth to the project.

There are also round trays and teeny weeny towns in the range but we were unable to make samples from them with all that happened. I can't wait to do house makeovers on them!

Mad dash rubber stash!!

I ran around the show just 5 minutes before closing and it's amazing how much rubber I managed to buy! First a visit to Linda at Lost Coast then Mary Kay at Stamp Camp, and Crafty Individuals couldn't be missed. I had already sent a friend to get a couple of stamps earlier from Jennie of the Stamp Connection and there are also some here which Carole gave me to make a future project but I missed visiting Indigo Blue.

Too many stamps too little time!!!

It has been a real chore to mount them all ready for action but I am so lucky and can't wait to get all this new inspiration in use!

Pavement Art

I was fascinated by this special event in the centre of Liverpool recently. A special project by Urban Canvas to commemorate 50 years of the Beatles first starting their pop music careers. Pavement artists came from Holland and England to create a 3D scene, (also known as anamorphic art) which really tricks the eye. One end depicted the Beatles playing in the Cavern, the other end was a collage of the many subjects featured in their songs. When it was complete, the marquee was to be removed and the artwork was then open to the elements and the wear of passing feet.

The photographs above, despite the artists still working, gives a taste of how it will look finished and it was amazing how the figures really appeared to be standing and the walls rose up from the pavement. Above amongst other songs depicted, Lovely Rita Meter Maid, Baby You Can Drive my Car and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds can easily be spotted above the Liverpool skyline.

WOYWW 122, Mariposa & Gaia

2011-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here's another WOYWW.... What's On your Workdesk Wednesday or that is to say....the 122nd Snoop of the week via our lovely leader Julia's blog Stamping Ground where there will be over 100 desks to spy on, a share of wit and wisdom and of course deskloads full of wonderful artwork too.

So happy to hear the good news that Wipso's new twin grandees and her DD are now home from hospital after all their challenges. Good luck and continuing health and happiness to you all.

Mariposa

This 4 winged multi coloured butterfly, called Mariposa, was blatantly purloined from me by Donna whilst she was here at the weekend, just because she loved it, but I was so happy it has gone to a good home and now I'm making more as you'll see further down my post.

Here's my desk with the proof. The desk is amazingly tidy after all the lovely messing Donna and I did whilst crafting over the weekend but I had to clear space today in readiness for my friend Carole's visit tomorrow. I am so lucky to have another crafting friend here in the same week to continue all the fun!

We are planning and prepping for the Port Sunlight show this coming Saturday and generally having fun and crafting.

Let me know if you are going to Port Sunny and don't forget to pop by the STAMPATTACK stand and say hello. There will be some new plates including a new larger version of my Sleepy Heads designs..... two little girls tucked up in a quilted bed and extra images of all their toys plus some words.

Here's my WOYWW 122

Strawberries will never be out of season here!

Here's Spooky Dolly still lazing around and we decided that she has such a peculiar face that we must take a mould of it before I start altering her.

The white lamp holder fitting is eventually going to be a doll.

WIP.... my acetate butterflies (below) will end up very similar to the one at the top. I drew the butterfly images with a Sharpie pen on one side of an sheet of acetate. They were not too neatly drawn, just scribbled and could be traced over a printed scan, if you cannot manage it freehand. I also stamped with a few texture images then applied alcohol inks to the other side, colouring the inks in with a paint brush. AIs tend to smudge or take off the Sharpie ink, which is the reason I coloured the opposite side.

I have already cut out the left hand butterfly but not the other one so you can see how freely they have been drawn and painted.

When the two layers are stitched together, beaded, and a face added, it all comes together so well. A few micro sequins were stuck to the wings and beaded legs. This one has wonky legs but Miss D told me not to fix them as it was preferred that way!!

Now to introduce the special new addition to my family... GAIA (which means EARTH).... made be Donna's fair hand from a doll she kidnapped from me on her last visit. She is definitely in a fantasy world of her own (that's Gaia, well maybe Donna too!) and I adore her and will treasure her for ever.

There is wax and paints, lace and flowers, charms and bling.

An amazingly deep crackle effect....

Here are a couple of close ups of my butterfly that has flown off with Doone...

I bought a new pink ATG crafters version to use with narrow tape at such a bargain price thanks to my friend Lynne Wilky who ordered them for a group of us. I don't like the colour at all...in fact I don't like the yellow colour of the original model!

It's now called "Advanced Tape Glider" instead of "Automatic Tape Gun" and is supposed to be better than the original... As good as, maybe but better NAH! I love both and both work so well.

So this new model came out of the box and had an instant makeover thanks to Alcohol Inks and a bit of bling. Now it's mine all mine and very "ME" and now I won't go home with anyone else's at workshops!!!

I'll do my best to visit as many of you as I can this week but it's going to be a busy few days until after the weekend, so please bear with me.

Victoria Street

2011-10-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed an exceptional weekend crafting with such great people. Donna (Doone) came to stay and we had such fun crafting in my Making Room until after 1 am each night and I'm really lost for motivation now my muse has gone home!

We went to Vicky Stampers on Saturday where Neet gave us a fabulous workshop and the 25 of us made between us a whole Victoria Street of House Boxes.

Yesterday we went to the Oyster Crafts Stamp Show at Leigh for a little retail therapy to round off a great weekend.

Here's my house box......full of stuff and a bit untidy just like my own place always is!

There's a light upstairs (a battery tea candle) so someone must be at home! I've draped a piece of vintage lace over the tea light to make it quite subtle.

I couldn't get ALL my vintage sewing bits and bobs in but I tried!

Here are 15 of the 25 houses in Victoria Street and Donna's (on the right) even has an extension!

It was fascinating to see how everyone's was so different and whilst most chose "Sewing" as a theme, there were houses depicting Childhood, The Mad Hatter, Toys & Games, Japan, Nature, Birds, Seaside and Russia amongst the others.

If you'd like to go house hunting pop over to the blogs of some of the other residences in Victoria Street......

Neet.... Hickydorums (workshop tutor) who is posting lots of the houses

Donna ....The Doings of Doone

Ann B....at Ann's Stamp Pad

Alison.... At CB'S Craft Zone

Paul....at the Artsiders

Lots more artwork to be shared when I have the time over this week, including the gift Donna made for me, the butterfly I gave to her, plus some jewellery we made.

Doona and Jo crafting till the wee small hours with a glass or two of wine...

Don't we just look so terribly English (below)? Well it was so hot! We needed our sun hats to lunch in the garden, is it really OCTOBER!!!???

I'm definitely up for a part in Miss Marples and, once she takes her apron off, Donna will be in a remake of "Out of Africa"!!!

Neet & Donna at the Leigh Show where Neet was demoing for Oyster Crafts

To top off the weekend I have been lucky to receive two lovely cards from blogging friends Lisa and Kathy and the blog candy I won from Jennie at the Artistic Stamper

Thanks so much to you all!

From Lisa who so kindly sent me some stamped images of this gorgeous little girl in a huge hat.

Kathy wrote such a lovely message inside which I really appreciate.

WOYWW 121 & Vintage Sewing Box

2011-09-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! I've just heard that I've won a pack of goodies in Jenny's 4th Blogaversary Blog Candy draw. Thanks Jenny and I am so thrilled I'm a winner!
WOYWW 121
This is a lovely mess, it is my mess, I made it and I love it!

It's a right mish mash of crafting and vintage sewing items, collected on my desk today in preparation for a workshop next Saturday at Vicky Stampers. It's going to be a great time as Neet is our tutor for the day and woo hoo! Doone(Donna) is coming over to join us and also my friend Pat, yeah!

We are going to decorate and fill the House Box which you can see part prepped on the right. The box to the left contains items to go in it and I KNOW they won't all fit but a gal needs choices. I was lucky today to find the orange card of beautiful mixed vintage pearl buttons in an antique shop at Lady Hayes Craft Centre in Frodsham. Perfick!

Now see next pic below! I've packed up the collection of bits and bobs for the workshop and it's not toooooo bad there, you've got to agree. Plenty of strawberries exposed so there, go on, just take back what you thought at first!!! Got to make a bit of space for Donna and I to mess up again!

These signs of insanity arise every Wednesday when at the word from Julia of Stamping Ground crafters around the globe show what's up and what isn't on our desks. Take a peek HERE for more, and more, and more! Plus Julia's witty words and great crafting too.
Can you spot freaky dolly with her arm on her nose?... still awaiting her fate!

As I looked through my cupboards for items to include in my House Box I remembered this lovely vintage velvet lined sewing case from around 100 years ago. I wonder who used it and what they made?

There is a little love token embroidered on punched card and attached to a little length of silk... In Love Remember me.

Tucked in the lid at the back there is a letter advising the owner of the case on how to obtain work in the sewing pattern trade in New York, so I wonder, has the case crossed the Atlantic and returned or did it never leave England with this hopeful or hopeless seamstress?

Here's the letter (in high definition) and if you'd like to print it as background card you are welcome!

Here are closer views of two halves to make it easier if you'd like to read it....

If you ever do a vintage sewing theme you are welcome to print my collages of these old cards and packets.

I wonder which ones will end up encapsulated in my House Box?

Hope to pop in on more of you this week and thanks to everyone who visited me last week.

Our Day Out at Croxteth Hall

2011-09-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great day earlier in the week when some of my special crafty friends came to visit....

Here I am with Neet and Lorraine in my "Making Room".

After lunch Lorraine (who surprised Neet when she sneaked in) had to leave us, but Neet and I went to nearby Croxteth Hall with our fellas and had a lovely afternoon.

We toured the hall where all the rooms have scenes set exactly as they would have been about 100 years ago. Wouldn't you love a maid to run around for you? Ooh, and warm the towels and clean the bath too...

Her she is helping Her Ladyship prepare and dress in her robes for a Coronation.

Her ladyship relaxing in her study before dinner.

Neet in one of the elegant corridors

Here are the Below Stairs Rules... strict times for sure!

The top of the beautiful main staircase.

There is a wonderful walled garden which has a very rare feature. The high walls have inner fire chambers which can be stoked to heat up the walls, thus protecting the espalier fruits from the frosts.

We were rather naughty as we sneaked into the back of the flower beds to snap this pic below!

This arched tree in the walled garden used to be the entrance to a greenhouse containing grapevines. I could easily have sidled through it but Neet would certainly bump her head!

There are lots more different pics of the place here on Neets Blog if you'd like to see them. If you ever visit Liverpool area and would like to visit the hall the link is at the beginning of my post and the entrance fee is really reasonable. There is also a home farm there, a lovely children's playground and a courtyard cafe in the old stables. Through the year there is a programme of big events held there including Sunday craft fairs in the run up to Christmas.

We always have fun together and this below is a pic from our last day out!!!

I know... "Grow up" you might say but we're not afraid of a bit of fun and we hope you too can have a laugh, even if it is at our expense!!

I already know where we'll go next time.... but Neet doesn't!! Heh, heh!

WOYWW 120 & Home is Where the Heart is.

2011-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news this week that Wipso's DD, has safely delivered her twins (Lexi and Sam) and Tuire's DD has named her beautiful new baby girl Olivia Alexis Isabella. (Beautiful though I did like her temporary name of Walnut! Congratulations to them all and do pop over to their blogs to share their joy.

We are here again creating a mass exposé of our crafting desks as we all belong to Julia's gang and she ~~makes~~, ~~persuades~~,~~inveigles~~, nay! invites us to show and tell every Wednesday. It is just for fun and there's lots more snooping to be had over at her place the Stamping Ground. Do drop in and prepare to be amazed.

I've been busy sewing this week and plan soon to make shopping bags using this fantastic fabric, with iconic faces, as outer pockets, which I think will look really effective. I bought it in Germany and forgot all about it until I found it today... I'm losing a lot of things of late... my mind included methinks. Lots of glue sticks there on my table, all because I misplaced my stock. I searched my workroom so decided I'd have to buy more so I searched the shops but could only find the big sticks of glue at B&Q who charged £6 for 6 sticks. £1 per stick....No way! Even with my Wednesday Senior Citizens discount that's not my kind of price but I eventually found them at Wickes at about a third of that. Today I opened the drawer where I store my spare rolls of double sided tape and found a big box full of the dratted things... the box I thought I'd lost!

Here's a close up of the freaky little dolly that so many of you were concerned about and she is still lazing around, amidst the strawberries, completely oblivious of her future fate.

All say "Hi!" ... she's waving!

I haven't started her transformation and may now wait until Doone is here again, which is getting closer and closer... .

Below are the cushion panels that I've made for DD, one of the United Kingdom (sorry no N. Ireland yet!)

The red heart, of course, sentimentally signifies our family home. The panels are velvet with white felt appliquéd and I just traced off the maps from an old large Road Atlas.

This next one has the heart in the location of her own family home in Germany.

I came across this picture in my files but don't know where or when I put it there but I do think that the words are so emotive, especially for crafters, so I wanted to share them. The file is titled the Holstee Manifesto. Don't know who took this photo or where it was taken but I love it.

Still Seeing Stars & Magritte

2011-09-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

I've just found this post as a draft and I had never posted it ... so here you are... why waste anything!!! I also wouldn't want anyone to miss the chance of seeing such a major exhibition as Magritte if there is a chance of getting to Liverpool.

I hope I'm not into overkill with these star cards but I couldn't post these until I had given them to the birthday girls, my friends Enid who was 70 recently and Gill (who wasn't!) I just love making these star cards.

For an excellent video tutorial go over to Valerie's blog bellamios

These were made using scrapbook papers.

If you can get to Liverpool, before October 16th, be sure not to miss the Magritte Exhibition at the Liverpool TATE

All over the city centre pavements there are adverts painted so maybe no visitor will miss the chance to see it.

For full info go to TATE site

I have not yet been to the exhibition so I cannot guarantee which of his paintings will be displayed but I'm hoping some of these well known ones will be there.

In the Garden & the Leaving of Liverpool

2011-09-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

I made this yesterday and posted it off today to my daughter. She wanted a sign to hang on her front door as she spends so much time in the garden with the little one who loves to be out there on her "wing" (swing!) or in her sandpit. It is a bargain welcome sign which I stripped and painted with acrylics. The letters and pennants are painted chipboard then I added clear crackle glaze overall.

Queen Mary 2

Last night we went to the Pierhead to watch the biggest of the Cunard Fleet, the Queen Mary 2, as she departed in a blaze of glory. The occasion was extra special because it launched our city's River Festival.

There was a fantastic light show projected on the Cunard Building, which stands next to the famous Liver Building on the river front. The Liver Birds perch there looking out to sea, on the top, above the clock.

The wonderful, changing, images depicted memories of vintage Cunard voyages.

Here the images are draughtsmen's drawings of the liners.

A spectacular firework finale just prior to The Queen Mary 2 leaving Liverpool helped send her on her voyage...

The decks were lined with cheering, waving, passengers! What a sight for them and for the thousands of sightseers below on the quayside as they departed, with the loudest, deepest, burst of the ship's hooters.

Passengers are always amazed at the warm welcome the public gives to cruise liners in the port and Liverpool is campaigning for a bigger, superior, terminal to enable many more international liners to come to the city.

I wished we were on board, cruising off to tropical climes, instead of heading home through the crowds on a chill evening, but I think it will take a lottery win to fund a trip on this lady of the seas!

WOYWW 119 & More Tin Jewels

2011-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Another week amazingly has zapped into nothing (but everything) and here I am showing my desk, as part of the biggest "own up" in the World, courtesy of our instigator Julia who invites us each week to spy on her desk and own up to what is going on in our creative work place. You can join in this mayhem, madness, craziness if you pop over to Stamping Ground to see over 100 more.

That sad daffy doll is still relaxing on my strawberries waiting to be altered with a loose limb on top of her. Little does she know that the rest may be cut off before she is painted, sewn, embossed etc.,...please don't warn her, will you?

I still haven't tidied away some of the stash I brought home last week and yet I have added to it. Those gorgeous retractable jungle print pencils were only around £1 for the lot in Wilkinsons and the adhesive paper lace is from Clas Ohlson... a shop well worth visiting. It is a Scandinavian hardware and household shop.... fairly new to us in Liverpool... and it also stocks a range of art materials. Not too much but it seems to increase and change each time I visit. On the back middle edge of my black messy mat you may spy some hooks. they also are from Clas Ohlson and are so handy. They are little spring clip hooks with a loop, intended as a device for hanging kitchen cloths but methinks they could be used far more artistically. I'm thinking and cogitating.

This pendant below is the result of my recent experiments making jewellery from recycled tin plate and this so far is my favourite item.

My previous post shows how to treat the tin and as I've progressed I've modified my method.

This piece was easily cut (with scissors), filed smooth, beaten, sanded, alcohol inked then glazed to seal with Glossy Accents. There is a little dot of gold leaf front bottom. I trapped a bead in the neck, one of the beautiful glass beads Donna gave me.

Here are my earlier experiments with, first, my charm from Roni's swap on the left and the larger pendant I made whilst Donna was visiting, on the right.

some handbag bling....

and more....

The following two pendants don't show up in the photo very well and look much better IRL.

Charms Swap

2011-09-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Recently I participated in a charms swap which was hosted so efficiently by Roni, of inkstainswithroni blog. It was a popular swap and over 300 charms were whizzing to and fro around the World! Take a look at Roni's posts for all the entrants.

This is one of the charms I made and further down this post you'll find details of how I made them from scrap tin.

I couldn't post details until everyone in the swap had their charms and I am thrilled with the fabulous collection I received. Here they are fastened to the pin that Roni kindly sent along with a vintage key.

Special thanks go to Roni and (left to right) to Lori Williams, key from Roni, Helen Cleary, Olga Brock, and Cassie Larson.

This is one of the old Star decorations I used to make mine... just a bit of old tinplate but a bit heavier than a tin can.

It cut easily into shape with old scissors, then I battered the shapes on my late Dad's old shoe last to texture them a bit. I created the required holes by (over a piece of wood) hammering in nails, then filing down the rough side where the nails had pierced through.

Throughout the stages until filed be sure to beware of any sharp rough edges!

They then were painted with white acrylic dabber

After a light sanding to expose some of the metal I coloured the shapes randomly with alcohol inks and when dry I stamped over with script images using Stazon ink.

I coated them with Glossy Accents and when that was tacky I added some tiny bits if gilding flakes. They can also be sealed by clear embossing or just dip them UTEE in the melt pot, if you have one! I really don't know why I didn't choose this option.

Here's the full set of charms I made ... .all slightly different. The design came from necklaces I had made many years ago in pure silver and making these has given me an itch to start making jewellery once again. This is certainly a cheap and effective way to experiment with the prices of precious metals being at an all time high. They would make great pendant necklaces and could be sized up very easily.

If you fancy having a go and need more information just ask and I'll try to help. They look complex but are quite easy to do. I'm in the middle of making some other designs so watch this space........

Hair Bands & Mediaeval Market

2011-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

My 4 year old grandee in Brighton starts "big school" on Monday so I sent her a card, (which I forgot to photograph), and a little parcel of treats including some some wacky hairbands I made, which she loves to wear.

I love the cherry buttons!

3 little sparkly butterflies

A really jazzy rosette.

Whilst I was away there was a mediaeval market in the town and in all the years I have visited Germany this was the first time I've been there at the same time so I relished the chance to browse.

It was so interesting to see all the artisans wearing costumes and demonstrating many traditional crafts. Even the street signs had sacks over them to give an authentic atmosphere.

My daughter's friend demonstrated her skills and her basketry is beautiful.

I couldn't resist buying this cute rattle from her, which is so well made, and I was given a very kind discount too!

I've never caught a knight in shining armour ~~clanking~~ passing by before and I wonder where he left his white stallion?!

Mediaeval colour co-ordination

I wonder if this is a mediaeval car? It amused me that it was secured by a chain lock yet inside there was a crash helmet left on the seat and easy access to a petrol container... all more far desirable and valuable to thieves, I'm sure, than the "car"!!!

WOYWW 118 Just Back from Germany

2011-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

A quicky post as I'm only just back home within the last few hours from Germany and I really miss my lovely family so much. I've spent quality time with them all but it was especially good to see my little grandee looking so well after so long without seeing her whilst she had her intensive treatment. She really is a star and spreads sunshine wherever she is. All credit to her lovely parents too. I had a wonderful time.

This morning we went to see the ducks and also visited a craft store and a Rossman store where all the ribbons were reduced. I came back with all this bargain stash. Well I couldn't leave it all there in Germany, could I?

I also bought a few lovely fabrics which I have plans to use very soon. Otherwise my desk is just the same since Donna's departure. I just left it as it was as I didn't craft again before I left for Germany. You can go and nosey around lots of other work spaces via our illustrious leader Julia's blog if you are that way inclined...why not!?! Stamping Ground will take you there.

Here's what I've been doing since last Wednesday and it has been wonderful!

Feeding the ducks.......

Playing hide and seek.....

Visiting all the animals at the local allotments......

Painting on the new easel gifted by Vicky Stampers

Making daisy chains, all simple pleasures but such treasures.

Back now but I already miss them soooo much!

Follow up from last week......

A big shout out for Ally Fiddy who has won a small prize for guessing correctly my Mystery Item! Well done Ally and please leave me your contact details so I can post it on to you.

Mystery Item!

2011-09-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here's the Mystery Item that took almost two weeks to be identified.

It's a hat block/former/mould and here it is below poised over my head.

All of a sudden there was a flood of correct comments so I have put them into the hat and picked out.....

Ally Fiddy to receive a small prize which will be posted when I return from Germany. I don't know Ally so hope she will email me her details so I can send a nice treat in the post.

Thanks to everyone who made a guess as it gave me such a good laugh at the amazing and astounding suggestions as to what it could be.

I've arrived here safe and sound, everyone is in bed bar me due to the time difference and the early start for them so I thought I'd put you all out of your misery.

I participated in Neil Walker's matchbox swap and received my swap from Mickie. I don't know Mickie, who doesn't have a blog, but I have emailed my thanks. Having had no return contact I was hesitant to post pictures without permission but realise that Mickie has not been directly identified and it would be rude not to show what was made and the thoughts behind it. It is quite apt that I should be posting it from Germany too!

Mickie's father was in the army and married a German woman who went on to have Mickie.

Mickie as a result has become a pacifist and symbolises this by the dove of peace inside the tiny box in contrast to the strong image of the British soldier, the Red Rose of England and the German flag. All really poignant. The frame is crackle glazed really effectively adding to the story.

When we had our Brighton Belles staying last week they had great fun romping in the garden and picking apples for me. The trouble was that the little one took a taste of one in four but soon threw them into the basket when she realised they weren't sweet.

This is the new canal basin at the Pierhead right by the new museum and we couldn't pull the 4 year old away as she was fascinated that people actually lived on those long colourful boats.

WOYWW 117 Doone Woz Here!

2011-08-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

A great, no! not just great....but an amazing time was had over the Bank holiday weekend when Doone and her OH, Niall, stayed with us. We shared so much ... good food, wine, chocky, laughs, trips out but most of all the guys were left to their own resources (read their books and snoozed) whilst Donna and I crafted as much as possible. Here she is helping to make the round table of the Making Room as ~~creative~~ messy as she can.

We shared ideas, skills and inspiration and Donna gave us so many generous gifts including a fabulous journal which she had made specially for me.

We played inky messes with shaving foam, spray starch and compressed air to make some amazing backgrounds which were turned into books.

That messy, messy mat is Donna's......well I told her she'd leave something behind from the huge suitcase of stash she brought.

All things considered my desk still has some strawberries exposed and you will see my new sign from "you know who" which quotes from the lyric "I get by with a little help from my friends". It was the Beatle Festival here and that's the closest we got to one of their songs!

We bravely, brazenly, honestly and openly share our crafty spaces each week courtesy of Julia at the Stamping Ground and if you pay her a visit any Wednesday you can nosey in on over 100 more from all over the globe.

We made wacky people recycled, alcohol inky, glazed, metal pendants. Mine has a half face, beads and dyed silk knots.

Here's Donna's Beautiful Dreamer with movable arms and legs.

Close up of mine with it's spooky face

Some of the papers and books.....

Below is the fabulous journal I was so thrilled to receive and inside are lots of pockets and envelopes filled with beautiful treasures of charms, papers, tags and fabrics.

The Mystery Object

...still hasn't been correctly identified so here's a close up photo with a ruler next to the penguin because so many guesses completely mistook the scale. I thought the Ikea drawers would be a clue??!!

Guesses range from bangles and bowls to chamber pots and even a UFO!! Come on now, surely someone knows what it is?? The prize is still on offer and I'll draw for it if there are lots of correct answers.LOL! (BTW Donna is barred from entering!!)

I can't wait to hear the suggestions!!

This next photo is especially for you Liverpool Lou.... It is a dish I spotted it in an art shop and I do wish I could have afforded to buy it for you!

WOYWW 116 & Mystery Object

2011-08-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm fearful of showing just how clear and empty my desk is this week, as Donna, aka Doone, will be doing her doings when she visits me at the weekend and I am sure it won't look anything like this by the time she arrives, or when she leaves. I don't want her to get a shock when she arrives expecting the same view as here.

Wondering why I'm showing it at all? If you pop over to the blog of the amazing Mrs Dunnit you'll find out more about the madness of craft desks exposed around the globe, to the globe.

It has been a hive of activity here in my newly named "Making Room". The title given to it by my 4 year old grandee as she rushed in there each day to make things (and a mess too) so I had to keep it reasonably clear for her to create. I showed in previous posts some of what she had made and here below on my clear desk, with plenty of strawberries exposed, is her last project.... a peg dolly. The big doll was just joining us for company.

Sadly the Brighton Belles are going home tomorrow and I will miss them so much so it is great that I can look forward to Donna's visit which will keep me from getting sad as I usually do when they go home.

I'm in the process of filing my UMs into A5 plastic pockets into two drawers. Still a way to go but I'm making good progress and very soon I should be able to find anything I need. The plastic pockets are from Tesco, cost less than £1 for 5 and sometimes they are on offer even cheaper. I started off using Paperchase zip pockets which worked out quite expensive at £1 each. Staples have some for 35p each which means it's almost 3 for £1... not too bad... so there are the options for those who expressed an interest in using this method of storage.

Be sure to look at my previous posts to see if you can win a small blog candy prize. Just a bit of fun... can you identify the MYSTERY OBJECT??? It has been amazing seeing what has been suggested so far but as yet no one is correct.

A Closer Peek in the Making Room!

2011-08-23T04:04:00.000-07:00

After the guesses to my question on my previous post I have had suggestions that the mystery item could be a bangle, a bowl or even (thanks for the laugh Paul) a CHEESE !!!Even a chamber pot thinks Alison CB!!! Nah!! All WRONG!

Here's a closer pic of the area including the item I want you to spot and identify. A small blog candy prize is waiting for someone lucky.

Now that I've given you a close up pic, if more than one person gets it correctly I will draw from the names.

This is the cheeky chappie that many couldn't even spot!

During the Winter of 2009/2010 we had a penguin trail in Liverpool with big decorated penguins around the city centre streets. I bought a couple of little ones to paint and this little fella is a reject having been painted over 3 times and I still want to do him over again so he gets pushed around my craft room whilst he waits for a new top coat. Aaaah!

I've been enjoying a visit from the Brighton Belles... DD1 plus two of my three little grandees. Each morning the 4 year old want to go in to my craft room to play, as she calls it the Making Room so we made a sign to go on the door. My writing and her painting, stamping messing etc.

The major project of the week.... a treasure box to contain special items that she can look at when she starts school soon. She decorated it entirely unaided other than my spoken assistance to suggest things she could do, each time offering choices such as the hand print.

We have already started adding items inside from places she has visited. She walked down Penny Lane and wanted to learn the song after her Mummy sang it to her. We stuck photos of our visit to Dinosaur World in Chester Zoo. She also learned the Worm song so the words are there and there is a blank album to add photos of family and friends when she goes home.

Altered Matchbox Swap

2011-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made an altered matchbox for a swap organised by Neil Walker and it was suggested that it contained something about yourself. I think Sarah, who should by now have received mine, has been away on holiday so I'm posting it in the hope that she will open the packet before she sees my post! I hope she likes it!

I really wasn't sure how to approach this swap and so I just made what I wanted to and the only other matchbox I have seen is so different but really exquisitely made by Neet of Hickydorums Blog. Take a look...it's on Neet's post last Wednesday, 17th August.

I also added lots of tiny embellishments for Sarah to use as she wishes.

Inside are little matchstick flags with words that are so important to me and my family.

I was thrilled to be featured by Debbie and Paula on their 2gypsygirls blog on Friday when their topic was inspiration boards. (Debbie is the chief designer for 7gypsies.)

They included my cupboards in my ~~MAD HOUSE~~ craft room, which many of you will already have seen via WOYWW, and if you take a look at their blog you'll see lots of other stylish, amazing display systems, all so much prettier and tidier than mine. Some look like a works of art in their own right! Anyhow....I can honestly say that I didn't tidy a thing before I took my pic and it is a well used work area! So that's my excuse!

There are so many treasures to be spied there......that lovely face painted by Donna, my dressform with the metal boobs by Liverpool Lou (Annie), a henna painted hand, a black and white pic of me aged 16 (when I was around a quarter of my present age and probably half the weight!)...

What can you spy?

There's a small blog candy prize for the first to tell me what is the item behind the penguin, just to the right of him in the picture?