WOYWW 253 & Pirate Party Plans

Hah, Haaarrrh, Me 'Arties!  Splice the Mainbrace!
Yo, Ho, Ho and a Bottle of Rum! Shiver Me Timbers!
For the first time in months and months I have had inky fingers so I thought I'd better get it on record and join in with WOYWW No 253 to record this phenomenon.

 For a full explanation of WOYWW and why so many crafters, from all around the world, join in with this weekly event then a visit to Julia's Stamping Ground will provide all you need to know and lots more besides.

Here on my sunlit desk I was stamping, (yes! I did say stamping) little tags to go on the fabric bags which is my DD2's idea and an unusual way to invite all the little children to my little grand daughter's birthday party. It's still a few months away but I need to plan ahead so I can take them with me to Germany when I visit in a few weeks time.
Got a great idea from LLJ to set up a "Walk the Plank" game with blue fabric for the sea! Thanks Jan.

You may guess it's going to be a Pirate Party

These little swag bags will have a tiny bottle inside bearing a message with the invitation details.

I have a reel of skulls and cross bone adhesive tape which may come in handy to wrap up a "pass the parcel" game.

I've also made bigger booty bags, with appliquéd skulls and cross bones, to hold the take home goodies for all the children and inside, amongst other things, will be golden dubloons....ie., chocolate coins.

Here's the Lady Pirate outfit for the birthday girl...... and No! I didn't make it this time as it was a bargain buy in Sainsbury's supermarket, where they now stock some excellent fancy dress costumes.

I've  continued with my hand stitched patchwork project during spare minutes travelling etc., and I have made 63 Japanese Folded patchwork squares. They soon mount up and my total so far took around 3 weeks.

My finishing touch is to share one of my favourite plants in our garden, this beautiful camellia.  My DD2 bought it for me in Woolworths about 20 years ago, when it was about 10 inches high, for just £1.99. It is worth it's weight in gold for all the pleasure it brings each year and I think of DD2 and all my far off family whenever it blooms.

It also reminds me fondly of a lovely, talented, friend who sadly died suddenly around that time, far too early. She also had one in her garden in the just the same position where it could be seen from the living room window.

I leave the carpet of blossoms when they drop on the floor as the birds love to peck the kernels from the centres.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment lately and apologies if I didn't reply due to all my time out visiting my friends in and out of hospital.  I think I might manage to do better this week!