Inky Paws!

Pages and planning

2011-11-30T12:12:00.001Z

Though it was about time I popped back in (and after checking my last post, it would appear I was right!)
Sooo much going on! So heres a quick update:

Paper Geekyness:
Yes, still scrapping! Heres a few of my (not so) recent creations...

Yup, I did a tag, my first EVER! Lots of distressing and great fun. No idea what I'm going to do with it mind... answers on a postcard!

This was made in January would you believe! While The Boy was out in Afghanistan. I'm dreadful for storing LO's in boxes, recently I remedied this and sorted out my albums, but thats another story. I discovered this in one of said boxes... I love the papers, the misting, the buttons, the photo... the list goes on!

And finally, a rather random LO. Lots of scraps were used and yes, I know, the marigolds aren't in focus, but that's kinda the point. Movement was a big part of this. Oh, and the bright yellow Cosmo Cricket Letters!

The Big Day:

I've had lots of questions about this, so just to update

At the moment I'm working on the stationary side of things, as we've people coming from the US and New Zealand and a few military types, we need to get our 'save the date' cards sorted ASAP. Also, since I want to make my invites, I'm cracking on with them. Ideas welcome!!!

I've also developed an obsession with Pintrest, which has been a great resource and meant I've kicked the magazine habit! Pretty much.

Next up, boquets, buttonholes and table decoration -type-stuff!

Anyone else still wondering where 2011 has gone to? It's almost Christmas!

Errm... Yeah!

2011-11-20T20:14:00.001Z

I have no idea what happened to the last week and a half! It has disappeared into oblivion!

In among the madness I have managed a little scrapping... When I say a little, I mean quite a bit. Last weekend, Cocoa Daisy held their Autumn (Fall) crop. Now, the challenge deadline is pretty much over, but I love how inspirational the challenges and classes were. And yes, of course I had a go! As you might have guessed, I am a bit of a class/crop/challenge addict.

Drum roll please!

Yes, I know, I used white!! I never use white. This was inspired by a quilt.

And I even lugged out my sewing machine for good measure.

And next we have....

Inspired by crochet... and as an added bonus, used up a good chunk of my smaller scraps.

Finally... Would you believe it?? I MADE A CARD!

Now for some people, this may not seem like a big deal, however, I haven't made a card for over 10 years. So for me this is kinda a big deal.

I'm off to visit the world of blogs and catch up. Back soon with a few more LO's I have to share :)

Meet the family

2011-11-09T20:38:00.000Z

I'm very much a 'current' scrapbooker, I don't feel the need to scrap chronologicaly and 'catch up' as it were. However, that doesn't mean I don't scrap my older photos (they are mainly of family as I discovered scrapbooking in it's current form quite early as it were)

Recently I was looking through photos to work with September's Scrap a Go Go kit and would up in my 'family' box. I hit the ground running!

This LO is of my dad, this was a typical sight during my childhood, dad sitting, eating toast and marmalade.

This next LO is my sister, demolishing the last of the ice cream, I did have an alternative title, but I'd run out of letters making the previous LO!

I did alot of fussy cutting for this, and it was a sketch inspired LO but I can't remember what! If I figure it out, I'll link it up. (or if you know, drop me a line.)

After these, the family photos have been put back in the box and await the next nostalic kit. Which leads me onto my question, how do you scrap older family photos?

2011-11-05T22:19:00.000Z

This is the last completed LO from the getaway. I've two other classes to finish, hoping to do them this weekend, but we'll see.

Here is Mr. Sarcasm himself. Aka, The Boy.

I GOT TO PLAY WITH BUBBLE WRAP AND PAINT!!! Can you tell this makes me silly excited??

*deep breath* I love the colours on this LO. The photos was stolen from FB and is, true to form, cr*p quality. But it works.

I've spent the evening hidden upstairs with the cat, neither of us like fireworks! But hope everyone's had a good night whatever you're doing.

On a rather random note, I don't know about you, but I'm seeing so many sites and people focusing on their albums, creating a story so to speak. Do you use your albums to tell a story or are you like me, throw in the LO in the next available space?

Go, See, Do

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000Z

also known as a mini book created by Nicola for Scrap-a-Go-Go. I avoid making mini books like the plague! But I try to sign up for mini book classes, see if one day I get my head round them, and they are a real challenge for me.

Nicola used hers as a travel album and no surprises, I used my New Zealand trip for the subject and tried to cover some of the places we visited.

I really love this one, using envelopes as the base and check out the little taxi on each page! I've two more pages from the weekend that are complete so they will be up next, the final two I'm hoping to finish at the weekend.

P.s I'm shamelessly scrounging title help for these two LO's. Any suggestion welcome.

Titles, tiles, titles.

2011-11-01T22:04:00.001Z

Well, I'm back safe, unpacked and want to go back! For those of you wondering, I spent my weekend at the Go-Go Getaway. I had an amazing time and can't thank the ladies of Team Go-go enough.

Gushing over, I'm after some help. I've two LO's from the classes that I need a title for. I've hummed and ahhed for a few days, and it just isn't coming to me. So, I'd appreciate some assistance.

If you've any ideas, any at all, PLEASE leave a comment! I don't tend to add journalling to class LO's like these, I use them for inspiration and techniques so don't worry about the 'story' behind the photos.

I have some awesome LO's to add to my albums and another round of happy memories (along with a lighter purse and much heavier bag!) And since I do have some more projects from the weekend, this blog will be a go-go dedicated area for a few posts, hope you don't mind!

Scrapfest continued

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000+01:00

By the time you read this, I will be in Cheshunt at the Go-Go getaway. I'm looking forward to a weekend of scrapping and I may have to squeeze in some study this weekend too. I suppose I have to have something to keep me grounded while I'm having fun.

I'll share it in the near future. However, rewinding to the weekend; I joined in with the Jennie Bowlin online crop. It wasn't the only thing I did, but since all challenges have deadlines, I didn't want you to miss out!

This particular challenge was the second from this crop. I know, I know, journalling! However,, I have a few more photos from this day and I'm putting a photo page protector on the next page along with some journalling blocks. Or at least that's the plan. When I get around to organising my albums!

The grid was made by using scraps of papers and a temporary adhesive stuck to the cardstock. I then sprayed my mist. Once it was dry I removed the paper squares and stitched the grid.

Note: when using your sewing machine, check you're using the stitch you want. I still had mine on zig-zag from a previous project... oops!

And those things in the corners are magnets, to try and keep the paper flat after the misting.

Don't forget: there are prizes up for grabs with these and the deadline is 30th Oct 2011 @ 3pm CST. Which I *believe* is 9pm GMT. Have a look ----> HERE if you fancy a go or just some inspiration.

Scapfest - with Jennie Bowlin

2011-10-26T23:30:00.000+01:00

So, I was on about my little weekend scrapfest. I have another LO to show you and a challenge to share - not my challenge I must add, although I might set one... one day. Jennie Bowlin had an online crop this weekend and there were several challenges included.

As you might now, I tend to avoid journalling. It's something I'm trying to remedy, so I went for the journalling challenge - journal on at least 1/3 of your page

I truly love this page. I've used both the paper and photo on a LO which I dismantled because I didn't like it at all. The paper was in my 'use it or loose it' pile so I decided to give it one last try. I'm so thrilled with the results.

Funny story - when making your title, write it out first, it would have saved me spelling and sticking down 'squaddie' as 'squddie' and prevented some careful peeling too!

Just a quick note on challenges:
I found the secret to online crops & challenges is to CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE and don't try to do them all. Every time I go for them all, I hate the pages, ALL of them. So I urge you to choose something that is a challenge (that said, if you can rattle out a page an hour, by all means go for them all!) and to create a LO you are happy with rather than 10 you don't like.

There are prizes up for grabs with this and the deadline is 30th Oct 2011 @ 3pm CST. Which I *believe* is 9pm GMT... Please don't shoot me if I'm wrong!

So, I hope you take a look and get some inspiration. Or failing that, get a chuckle from my journalling!

My Pretty Purple Shoes

2011-10-23T22:10:00.000+01:00

Wow, October is flying by!

I've been wanting to join in with Julie's purple phase over at Notes on Paper, but I don't own any purple paper would you believe, in over 300 sheets of paper not one in purple!

However, I do own a pair of purple shoes and some purple paint. And I had fortuitously ordered some of the KI Memories calender papers which included a purple one! So this weekend, I've had my own little scrapfest which included creating this.

The tag was made with distress inks and water and the paper is Crate Paper from the portrait collection. The purple letter stickers are by Jillibean Soup and a lick of purple paint followed by a coat of Glossy Accents and the other alphas are AC thickers.

I have blogged these shoes as a LO before, in July 2010 -----> HERE for said LO. I've never been all that keen on it if I'm honest, great experiment, not so great LO. So, I guess this is the remake!

I'll be back later in the week with more details of my Scrapfest!

When life gets busy

2011-10-02T10:59:00.001+01:00

Or, when it decides to rain, it pours!

Everything is silly busy here at the moment, lots going on and not enough time! I'm sure I'm not the only one in this predicament. I was hoping to follow up my last post with one about sketches, but, thus far, it hasn't transpired. So, with time at a premium, I wanted to show you one of Shimelle's Starting Point challenges.

Sadly, I forgot to photograph my starting point, but I'm sure you'll all cope :) And funnily, it's useful to use up a few scraps too!

Hope everyones had a great weekend and how do you use up your scraps? I'd love to hear from you.

Scrap kits

2011-09-13T21:07:00.000+01:00

Ok, I'm on a mission, to use up some stash. Seriously, I've got paper that I've had since I started scrapping that I adore, but just haven't used. And it needs to be used, paper isn't only for stroking, no, really it isn't. If it's in my album, I can gaze on the prettiness forever. If it's in my stash, after a period of time, it becomes rather uninspiring, but still pretty. So today, I'm prattling about kits.

I'm a proper sucker for kits, I don't know about you. Currently, I subscribe to Scrap-a-Go-Go, but if that's not your cup of tea, there are tonnes to choose from, Sarah's Cards, The Craftz Boutique, Studio Calico, Cocoa Daisy to name just a few. (Seriously, there are loads!) It's a great way to scrap, all the matching has been done for you.

Before you berate me for buying yet more stash while rattling about using things up, there is method to my madness. It makes me try papers and combinations I wouldn't have, which broaden my horizens and kits aren't the only way I scrap, I wind up with scraps from making pages, I've got papers I bought because I love them. But they all need to be used.

With that in mind, rather than buying a kit, I started making my own. The kits came about because I got withdrawal symptoms at the thought of being away for a weekend without being able to scrapbook. This inspired me to make some page kits to take with me on said weekend away. I did absolutely no scrapping that weekend, but putting the kits together was fun (as has been using them!)

So, this is one I came up with. It contains 6 full sheets of paper/cardstock, some embelishments a few scraps and a some photos. I wanted them to be page kits rather than all out kits as they were intended to be a 'quick fix' for me. These are the two LO's from the kit. I could have done more, but I didn't.

I've had this background paper for 2 years and the same goes for the woodgrain brown, which was in one of my first go-go kits (think 3 years +). For me, that's too long. It felt so good to finally use it.

This LO used some Pebbles chipboard elements (I've no idea when or how I got these, mystery box springs to mind though).

I'm pretty chuffed with the finished LO's, I've used up paper I love that I didn't know what to do with, some scraps and some embellies I've had forever! Added bonus, I no longer feel guilty about keeping those papers for so long, or buying the pretty ones but not using them straight away.

If you've not yet tried a kit club, have a look at this article on Paperclipping. It doesn't really cover any UK kit clubs, but it's informative and check out the comments too. Also, check out UKS here for UK based kit clubs.

If you fancy having a go yourself and DIY-ing it, have a look at this article by Tami Taylor which *really* covers DIY in a nutshell IMO. Just a quick note - I found for page kits, 2-3 'solids' or cardstock and 2-3 patterned papers worked well (along with some scraps). For all out kits, I've found 4-6 'solids' or cardstock and 8-10 sheets of patterned paper seems to be a good ratio. Oh! and don't forget some alphas! Yes, voice of experiance!

And finally, if you're struggling with colours and things that work, check out Shimelle's Explore class, specifically week three. It has lots of valuble information that seemed to reinvent page kits for me.

So, there's my tupenny worth on making your own kits (and using stash and scraps). Hope it's inspired you to use your stash!

Stairway to sand dune...

2011-09-07T22:10:00.002+01:00

Evening all, just poped in to show you a LO I did recently and to tell you all I haven't disappeared!

I've been busy ~~Spring~~ Autumn cleaning in preperation for my next year of study, so full of busy. This has also extended into my scrapping, so I'll have a few things to share with you over the coming weeks.

Oh, and I also hope to have some shiny stuff from the GNPE show this weekend. As ever, The Boy is earing brownie points by taxi driving to and from the venue and I hope I can pursuade him to 'pop' into Art from the Heart nearby for their 10th birthday celebrations. I'm going to bake brownies this weekend to, in the hope of sweetening him up *ALOT* so fingers crossed.

Anyhow, I digress. This is 'Stairway to Sand Dune' an awesome activity involving a sledge and a sand dune... It is immense amounts of fun, but getting to the top of the dunes are hard work.

Have a great weekend!

HOOPLA!!!

2011-08-19T22:27:00.001+01:00

Ok, not really. I loved the idea of scrapping on a 7x7 square on a 12x12. So, here's the challenge and here's the page:

Mum and I went in this photo booth at a wedding fair. No surprises only one photo was any good. I love this paper, it's the most awesome colour combo EVER! I've been saving it as I wanted to use it in a page where you can see most of it. Yup, I'm happy with it.

Half a page

2011-08-19T22:22:00.001+01:00

The Boy took this while we were in New Zealand, I think it looks awesome! Some of the others show the feather shafts as UV, they really are amazing. There will be more to come. However, here's the challenge... I don't know how this LO came together, it was driving me mental! But I love it.

Cherubicly Retro

2011-08-19T22:17:00.001+01:00

Another challenge. This photo was taken in 1988, not long after my sister was born. Ok, this one is a copy, but I love the photo, we look soooo innocent! Here's the challenge.

I {heart}...

2011-08-19T22:08:00.001+01:00

Yup, from Shimelle's crafty weekend of goodness. Check out the challenge here. They're generic beach piccies, I can't remember the exact location somewhere between Cape Reinga and Auckland (yup, New Zealand)

And I have more to come (been a busy girlie this weekend)

A Starting Point

2011-08-16T15:00:00.000+01:00

I did a few of Shimelle's challenges this weekend and I'll probably spend the week posting them randomly as I finish them. The challenges will be on the blog forever (or until the interweb dies) but you can join in for prize opportunities until Sunday 21st Aug.

First for the week.... A starting point. I wanted to walk through my process for this too... just out of interest.

So this was my starting point:

From there, I chose my photo's to complement the colours I'd used

I used a piece of patterned paper to mat my photo so they didn't fade into the background...

Then started playing around with embellies, papers scraps, borders and journalling cards...

And this is what it became.

It's quite a bit lighter and airy than my usual style, but I'm chuffed to bits with the result :)

I'm Proud

2011-08-14T13:58:00.002+01:00

Proud to Scrapbook.

Yup, I've been over at Shimelle.com there's lots of scrap challenges this weekend which have me running for the paper trimmer and glue dots. Nothing like a lazy Sunday :) But it was this post that got me thinking about the way I conduct my hobby.

Have a think, when was the last time you discussed your hobby, not with fellow crafter, but somone who gave you that puzzled look when you told them 'I scrapbook'? The last time was to a work colleague who wondered what I was surfing during my lunch hour. The discussion ended with me saying "google it". In my defence, said work collegue was male and anyone who has tried to explain scrapping to their better half will probably know *exactly* what I mean.

But that doesn't mean I'm not proud of what I do. I ordered my wedding dress yesterday and asked for a sketch. I did get a bit of a puzzled look and I told them I wanted it to scrapbook. I didn't get 'that' look. But I did get a non commital 'aah'. But maybe that's why we're so quiet about it, it's kinda the paperworld equivilent of being a geek. I hide away in a room surrounded by 'equipment' and 'play'. But I don't care. I scrap and I'm proud of it. So my new resolution, to share my work on more than just my blog. I'm going to put my LO's on FB too and be truley proud to scrapbook. Anyone fancy joining me?

ETA: If you want to see my FB scrapbook album, it's here :) I will add to it and put some descriptions in when I have a little more time :)

Right as rain

2011-08-06T10:48:00.001+01:00

Yup, we have rain. So I'm tucked up indoors, no plans to go out. Going to crack on with some wedding planning - invitations, bouquet, dress and cake are at the top of the list at the moment and hide out in the scrap den (aka conservatory). While I have had a gap in my blogging I've still done some scrapping and I realised I've not put any of it up!

I'm not too happy with the journalling on this LO, it doesn't work. But, you can't win everything! It's another engagement page and I used July's Go-Go kit (which is taking some SERIOUS abuse!) and a couple of Making Memories tag/jouralling card things.I ADORE The map papers and the grey dots.

To finish off this mornings post, a LO of kitty (who else). My sister has started vocalising the cat's wishes, starting with 'Dear Upright' (It was something included in one of Shimelle's True Stories prompts which has stuck) and signing off 'Regards, Four Paws'

The journalling includes a few of the 'kittyisms' she uses which make me and mum howl! But that's another page.

Have an awesome weekend whatever you do and don't get too wet!

A week in the Life

2011-08-02T21:51:00.000+01:00

Yes, I did join in... I couldn't get in to blogger, caught a virus and spent the week shattered. It was certainly an interesting week. But I did it! The photo's have been uploaded and ordered and I'm now putting things together. I'll show you the finished project when it's done. Here are my 'picks' from the week.

Monday: HRH Metro, skewering a chicken treat

Tuesday: Yup, I caught a virus...

Wednesday: Mum battling the new pilates machine

Thursday: Clarins evening event haul

Friday: Catching up with e-mails and stuff.

Saturday: Cat sitting the stubborn little sod!

Sunday: A day in the craft room... yes, it's usually like this when I'm doing...

Actually, it was really interesting as a project and I'm really looking forward to putting it together. I was a little narked with the boy who refused to let me take photos of him and just looked grouchy when I did. Bloody men!

So, did you document your week? Leave me a link, I'd love to see!

Finally!

2011-08-01T22:22:00.002+01:00

I can sign in to blogger! *woop*
Just to let you know I am still here and will update asap!

Week In The Life

2011-07-20T16:30:00.000+01:00

I've never really hunted out projects. I just mill around sites and blogs looking for inspiration. However, while milling a few weeks ago, I came across Ali Edward's blog. Yes, this was the first time I'd ever visited... *GAWK* Yes, I know, don't ask, I have no idea how I haven't been there before.

So apart from the HUGE scrappy inspirational resource bucket I uncovered, something else caught my eye. Ali's Week in the Life project. Honestly, I think it's a fantastic idea. Documenting everyday 'stuff' is something I rather enjoy and who says scrapbooking has to be for special memories only? Your daily memories ARE special, right? Trust me on this.

From the kitty lounging in the sun...

To The Boy putting my Go-go kit on top of the door (I'm 5ft, the door is about 6 1/2 ft)...

...which I spent 5 minutes trying to knock down and failing causing much hilarity for him and grouchiness for me.

I actually loved this idea so much I've been documenting this last week, also because I've been wedding dress shopping and as irritating as I've found it, I know I'll want to remember it. So I'm documenting my wedding planning ^_^ (How snowed under will I be at this rate! *lol*) It was really interesting, even more so as I work in a secure office and I think taking photo's of personal data or having a camera out would have me sacked! So the camera was away for a big part of my day, yet I still got alot of photos. This really was quite a surprise for me, I expected it to be much harder than it was.

I also found my photography skills improved too, I played with the settings more and more and have some photo's that are fabulous and fun. Be brave, it's worth it.

Anyhow, Ali does this every year and this year, she's chosen 25th July to 31st July. So, I'll be giving it a go, it's free and should be alot of fun. Camera battery charged, memory card cleared, essential chocolate supplies, CHECK!

So it is with renewed vigour I approach this project and quite alot off enthusiasm. All that remains is for me to get The Boy on board!

Funnily enough, Shimelle, of errrmmm, Shimelle.com fame had a guest spot there yesterday. Guess what the subject is... Have a click, take a peek HERE. *watch the video*

Oh and I meant to mention, I've cleared my work desk too!

*chuckles* Hope some of you will join me :)

Overwhelmed.

2011-07-18T09:44:00.000+01:00

Yup, very. I mean how often do you organise an event for a large number of people that's the most important day of your life... really? *sigh* Like I said, it's just so overwhelming, there's stuff to decide upon and book, money to 'find' for want of a better word. Anyhow, I know I keep whinging. There's only so much offloading mum and The Boy can take. I suspect there'll be quite alot more over the next year or so.

In crafty news, for those of you that don't know, Shimelle has a new class, Explore. I'm rather looking forward to it.

I have no idea quite what to expect, however, if it takes my mind off the W word, it can only be a good thing. And I apologise in advance as you might be seeing quite alot of this photo!

We've been out at a friends hose most of the weekend, unplanned, but great catch up. I had a clearout of Metro's toys, she has some she has no interest in whatsoever, so I gave them to Sid, said friend's cat...

He thought they were awesome and spent about 30 mins trying to destroy them before having a quick nibble and passing out on the top of a box... he was still out cold when we left about 2 hours later! This provided about 40 mins worth of entertainment for four adults. Highly recommended.

Anyhow, off to check out Explore.

Crafty time!

2011-07-14T21:24:00.001+01:00

I'm beginning to loath wedding dress shopping! Drooling over photos in magazines is fine, but trying on dress after dress after dress "arms up" It's starting to blend into a barrage of white and ivory!!! Anyhow, rant over. I've had a good day scrapping today and figured it was time to show you a couple of pages I've done. Both were for UKS Scrap Factor play along challenges. And what challenges they have been!

So, without further ado: Week 7

It was a sketch challenge and I had fun with it! The car was our hire car for New Zealand, we did around 2000km (thats around 1243 miles for those who prefer old money!) From Cape Reinga to Queenstown. And the letters were hybrids (I was sooo proud of myself for the printing and cutting) they're from Two Peas 'Strawberry Iced Kisses' Not sure about the name, but love the letters!

The other challenge was week 10 no patterned paper. Which I found was much easer than it sounded!

I played with mists (the nozzle on it sprays in the most random direction, and it sprays backwards!), crackle paint, embossing powder and my sewing machine. ^_^ I also had a moment of weakness in Hobbycraft and purchased a MS butterfly punch, you know, the one with the dinky butterflies and got a little carried away!

I'm off to continue a bit of net trawling for some project ideas. If you've got any ideas/links, feel free to share!

Testing... testing... Anybody there??

2011-07-11T08:47:00.001+01:00

I've been told my comments link isn't working. Guess what... it wasn't. So, I've had a look, not really done anything and it now appears to be working... Blogger is sometimes a tempremental beast! Anyone care to comment, see if we can get anywhere?

ETA: It's let me post one this time... Let's see how we get on! *lol* Let me know if there is a problem : email me - pixi.jkb@gmail.com

Wedding waffle and naptime.

2011-07-09T21:57:00.000+01:00

If you'd told me before I would NEVER have believed you! Today, I've been dress shopping, just to get some idea of what I want, what suits etc. It's now 9:30 and I'm in bed!

Anyway, I wanted to show you a LO... Yup, told you I'd done some scrapping! It was for a Colour Combo's challenge, quite a recent one. I would link it directly, but the page hasn't been moved to the archives yet!

The flourish punch is a recent aquisition and I appear to have an obsession punching things with it. I've not used much on any LO's, it's just the punching I seem to enjoy!

I'm hoping to get back in the scraproom tomorrow, but we shall see. But for now, it is bedtime!

OMG!!! I have a new (look) blog!

2011-07-07T22:06:00.000+01:00

I love it, I love it, I love it! And it's all thanks to Emily @ Polkadot Pixles, who is without doubt, simply awesome! Seriously, I cannot recommend her services enough. And while we're about it, check out her digital scrapping stuff @ Two Peas.

Feel free to take a look round, my links and gallery are stil kinda under construction, so keep checking back!

I've not actually been all that crafty, but I do have a few LO's to share. It's all been about study, wedding planning and working. Oh and getting addicted to Pintrest... For those who aren't already fellow obsessives, seriously, take a look.

Anyhow, I don't have piccies to share right now, my camera has done a runner! That is an I've put it somewhere 'safe'. And we all know what that means... You can guess what I'm doing this weekend! Roll on Friday @ 4!

P.s it's good to be back :)

Regular service will resume shortly...

2011-07-05T22:31:00.000+01:00

Hello Blogland! Well, I'm back, at least that's the plan. I was struck down in April with missing mojoitis followed closely by the dreaded attack of End of Year Exam's. I took a step back during all this to figure out if I still wanted to blog, look at my reasons for starting a blog in the first place etc. etc. As you might have guessed, yes, I do want to keep on blogging!

As you may have spotted, undergoing a bit of an overhaul here at Inky Paws, more about that later. Off for a mooch around everyone's blogs.

My day in pictures

2011-04-27T22:16:00.001+01:00

Hope you had an awesomely sunny day!

And it's nearly May

2011-04-26T22:40:00.001+01:00

A double bank holiday too nevertheless! Ok, so the weather isn't as good as New Zealand, but it was just as changeable and nearly as toasty! (And my neighbours BBQ got washed out much to my amusement!)

And the sun sets were pretty awesome too!

So who did what with their Easter? (and who made themselves sick eating too much chocolate??) I've spent most of it sitting aimlessly in my scrap room. Typical really, 4 days off and the mojo has an extended holiday! Kinda glad I held back a couple of LO's the other weekend, that way I have some scrap related stuff for you. I also took some time out think, yup think. Just a little space from Facebook, Forums and blogging....

This first LO I wanted to share is my sister at a very early age, it really is the sweetest picci ever!

And one of me...

But like I say, these are from the other weekend.

Therefore, I have a question to pose. What do you do when your mojo does a runner? Do you, like me, sit and mope about, or do you lap up every blog/class/magazine to find some inspiration? Perhaps you have a favourite site? Can't wait to see where you go.

Two essays and an exam

2011-04-17T21:47:00.000+01:00

and I'll have finished another year with the OU. I've spent this weekend writing one which is due in on Wednesday. I'd rather have spent it out in the sun or in the conservatory crafting my little heart out. Hoping for awesome weather next weekend too.

Despite not getting anything crafty done, I did manage to photograph the LO's I did the other week. They were all made with February's Scrap-a-go-go kit. I'm trying to use up my kits as I've now got a 5 month backlog and a very packed paper box with no room for expansion so I need to keep scrapping!

It looks better IRL, but since I used crackle paint, the paper has buckled and I haven't got aroung to straightening it. Also haven't got around to fiddling with the colours, it's not as insipid as it looks! Honest! *lol*

This is a friend of mine, Becca, at a BBQ a few years ago. It was one of those shots that just happened and well... you can guess the rest from the title! And if not, don't worry about it!

I'll leave you with a couple more holiday snaps, yes, I AM trying for holiday slideshow death! *mwahahahahahah*

Orewa beach, a 5 min drive from where we stayed on our first night. This was what we did on our first morning, breakfast then beach! Awesomeness ^_^

Is it really nearly Monday???

2011-04-10T22:30:00.001+01:00

Sadyl, it would appear so. Much to my disappointment. I've been *uber* busy this weekend, Friday was study day, with a crafty interlude between 3-7 pm. I did four LO's but haven't photographed them. Saturday, work followed by a wedding fair (we have our venue! (pending confirmation)) and alot of discussion. Sunday, car hunting and another wedding fair. I'm consoling myself with having the Church and Venue sorted by Tuesday I don't have to do anything until after my exams.

So since I've no LO piccies, I'm going to continue holibob snaps. Today: River Surfing. Note to others; this is a really physically draining activity, silly awesome fun, but I was knackered!!! You basically go down a grade 2 white water rapid on a body board. If you want to know more, click here. If you'd rather watch me and the boy going through it, keep reading!!!
Heres our group at the beginning:

And the compulsary silly shot

The guides for this venture were really rather cute and sadly not phtographed enough, but this photo of me crashing (yup, they're a bugger to steer) has the rather cute Bjorn in the background, complete with sexy Swedish accent! ^_^

Here's me looking super attentive, although I'm surprised I'm not drooling!!!

And some action shots:

And, super cool video, there is more, but I'm not sure how it will effect the loading time of my blog!

Although, seriously, if you get the chance, try it!

On an odd not, I'm thinking of moving Inky Paws over to Wordpress... I would value ANY input/opinions please!!!

Addiction and Birthday Zorbing

2011-04-06T21:47:00.002+01:00

Sooo... The scrapping of the other day never actually happened, wedding planning took over. Seriously, I think it should be classed as a psychological illness!!!

We've actually discussed pretty much everything, have three venue's in mind and been to speak to the church for dates. We've not even been engaged a month! An I appear to be hooked on wedding mags. Is it just me? Or has anyone else been through this? Please tell me it passes! *lol*

Anyway, to force myself off weddings, I'm still sorting prints of the billon photos we appar to have taken! Order to be made by the weekend. And I'm back to the world of study, two essays and an exam to go.

Since I've done nothing crafty, I'm going to continue some of my holiday snaps, specifically Zorbing. We did this on my birthday in Rotorua. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!

This is me in my zorb, rolling down the hill...

See the grin, that's what happens when you put me near water. INSTA-GRIN

Me exiting my zorb, classy bird...

And me grinning, ignore the photo hog zorb bloke!!!!

See you next time!

Silly stuff in New Zeland

2011-04-03T09:53:00.001+01:00

And a little scrapping. I only did a coule of LO's in Feb, and I've only photographed one! *oops*

But here it is

In honour of my sister's love of pears. And believe it or not, I'm in the scrap room now!!! For the first time in two whole months!!!!! XD

I'm slowly getting photos uploaded for a massive print order, really looking forward to them. But I can share a few stories before they all go on LO's.

In Waitomo we went black water rafting through the glow worm caves. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
First a 30-something-foot absail into the caves

A splash into an underwater river on a rubber tube

Face first down an underwater slide

We climbd up waterfalls, but sadly no photos from that bit as the guide were busy... Crawled through holes

And climbed out of the cave

It was ALOT of fun! Would love to do it again too.

Anyhow, off to the crafting for me, oh glue dots, how I've missed you! XD

The big news

2011-03-30T20:05:00.002+01:00

For those of you not on the Go-go forums or my Facebook, I have some rather amazing news, amazing for me that is.

While we were in New Zealand, The Boy proposed, and I said yes! It all took place at Lake Tekapo on the south island in a little restaurant lakeside (which was packed!)

So, I'm now engaged! And since I'm super chuffed with the ring (I always said I wanted something like a pendant, but The Boy is a traditionalist and I actually love the ring in a way I never thought I would) here's a picci.

No date set as yet, we're thinking Summer 2013 the way finances are looking. But I have stocked up on bridal mags as I had no idea where to start!

I'm currently uploading our holiday snaps (over 500 of them!) to be printed and hoping to be back in the scrap room soon!

Home safe and sound

2011-03-29T21:28:00.000+01:00

So, two months since I last blogged! Can't quite believe it. I've soo much catching up to do and so many stories to tell.

Firstly, New Zeland was awesome! I'm currently going throught the oodles of photos I took and will be ordering/scrapping/blogging them over the next few ~~days~~... ~~months~~... years.

Yes, the Boy returned mid Feb, all limbs still attached, all organs fully functional and most imponrtantly, conscious!

So now I'm off to look at everyone elses blogs and catch up a bit. Promise the next gap won't be two months!!!

JYC 2010 the finale (AKA pages 26-37)

2011-02-02T20:58:00.000Z

Ok, so this is the last JYC post, I promise (well, until December). So without further ado, here's pages 26 - 37

Ok, so there's a couple of pages where I'm waiting photos. But it's done and I'm well chuffed with myself!

So, without further ado, I'm off to bed! Toodles :)

Another week over

2011-01-30T21:36:00.000Z

Another deadline looms! Yup, it's again, essay time :) I've not had time to photograph the LO's I did this weekend (inbetween studying of course!!) so I will continue to bore you with JYC 2010/11. Did I mention I finished this one???

Next step: Photograph the next 10 pages! (And figure out what to have for lunch tomorrow!!)

Tempus Fugit and JYC 11-18

2011-01-23T10:49:00.000Z

Where do the weeks keep going too?? Seriously, The Boy being away was meant to leave me a tonne of time to myself, a few leisurly visits here and there. and I haven't stopped!!!

So, without further ado, I'll continue showing you my JYC (Which I have somehow managed to actually finish!)

JYC 2010 Part 2 and the tash...

2011-01-12T21:33:00.000Z

I started it, and haven't done too badly. Just 9 pages to finish it!

The photos ain't all that good, but I'm sure you'll all cope! *lol* Here's pages 4-10 (for 1-3, click here)

I'll apologise now as I cannot be bothered to crop and edit them!! *lol*

And just so you can see what I mean about the tash (if The Boy spots this he will lynch me!)

Ok, so I just want sympathy, but for some obscure reason, he's determined to keep it!!! *cry*

2011 Here we go!

2011-01-08T22:24:00.000Z

Ok, who stole December?! I appear to have lost a month!

I've almost kept up with JYC, just need to photograph the pages with the shiny new Panasonic TZ-8 camera, a Christmas Pressie from The Boy, who is, for those who wish to know, doing well in the Brownie Points stakes!!!

I hope everyone had a fab Christmas and a great New Year. For me, New Zealand seems alot closer this side of the season, can't wait to go! Got a pile of clothes and a roller case in the sales and I'm pretty much sorted.

Anyway, I'm back, for now. And I have this to show you.

It's a Christmas Pressie for MIL, but I dare not mail it! It's either arrive broken or worse still, not at all!
It started life as a Maya Road trinket shadow box. I figured the pooch was a fabbi way to use it. Here's a couple more views of it.

In other news, The Boy has grown a tash... I can't stand the thing!! So, are you pro or against the tash?? Off to continue holiday planning :D

Journal Your Christmas take 3

2010-12-11T20:41:00.000Z

At long last! There is a bit of thaw! Walking in over a foot of snow is bl**dy hard work!

Caught up on my study, pressies pretty much sorted, New Zealand tickets purchased, hotel sorted for The Boy's return. Quite a productive December so far. Sorry I've not been about. :)

So, who's doing Shimelle's JYC??
This is the third year I've joined in, although it's the first time I've actually made my pages at the time rather than creating it later. So far so good. (Actually, I've just caught up from being away last weekend)
So, I wanted to share it with you.

This is my album (stitching chipboard, the dot on the j was a right pain!)

I'm only going to show you the first three pages, as that's all I've photographed!!!

It reads:
Remember, remember the first of December
The start of Christmas each year.
With presents to make and cookies to bake,
Why not record the cheer?

I'm quite proud of it TBH!
Page two:

One of my collegues said this to me, I thought it made a good title, especially given the snow we've been having.

And finally page 3. This one's two pages since I {heart} this year's Christmas stamps! Seriously, take a look here. I simply had to include them. I've used the miniture set.

And since I've had a good catch up I should be back tomorrow to show you the others :)

Let it snow... Again!

2010-11-28T16:19:00.000Z

So far, we've had about a foot of snow since Wednesday night. And there's no sign of it stopping. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow, but getting the cat to the V E T takes some planning! Getting to be work will be good fun too now the snow comes over my boots!

Anyhow, I have a LO to show you

Marti the *uber* sticky gekho. I had great fun with this one!

We're now sorting out my scrapping space as the conservatory is needed for the Christmas tree. So I'm shifting everything about!

Who say's the good die young?!

2010-11-26T12:12:00.000Z

Today is a bit of a sad day for me, it's my paternal grandma's funeral.
She passed away in her sleep last month and we're now going to say goodbye. She was 94 and a marvellous woman.

I did this LO just after she died. It's one of the few photos we have of her in recent years.
She will be missed greatly.

It's the season...

2010-11-21T15:42:00.002Z

for illness! Yup, I have lurgy! woohoo. However, I have finished that blasted essay. I'd forgotton how difficult concentrating while having a cold is.

Anyway onto other things. I've a couple of LO's to share and something for Beki...

This is Metro, she decided the chair was an appropriatebed and my sister put a cushion on top of her! I used Septemebr's Go-go kit and some of Dyan's mica sprays. I'll link them when her site is back up!

This next one is one I did just after the getaway. The photo isn't all that good (sorry)

I even used some sassafrass!

And for Beki... The Boy in uniform :)

Right, off to continue my busy day!

Due to popular demand!

2010-11-05T12:00:00.000Z

I'm going to keep this a bit short as I have been told I've got either RSI or Carpal Tunnel. Either way, my wrist is sore, so want to give it time to heal (and I have an essay to write!)

Today, I wanted to share my last couple of getaway classes with you.

First up, Lorraine's class.

See those dimples around the side of the photo? They were made with a dressmakers wheel. Very funky.

And another of Helen's classes (she gives you chocolate you see!)

There is a little story from this class, Helen reckons The Boy has a bit of George Clooney in him. Now since I'm always being told by said Boy I have crap taste, I thought I'd leave it to others to decide. The Go-go verdict was "dishy/hot/cute..." What do you gals think?

With that, I'm of to rest my wrist. And somehow write an essay!

A little more sharing

2010-11-03T08:59:00.001Z

I swear I have an RSI developing in my wrist after all that distressing at the weekend!

Thought I'd show you a few more LO's
This first one was a Getaway class, one of Helen's. The photo is my sister (at a much younger age)

The background, with the red, blue and yellow borders painted on is actually a veneer! It was great to work with and it looks SO much better IRL. You can see the vibrancy of the colours and the shimmer in the paint.

This is the second of Nicola's classes that I did over the weekend: Worn me down

As you can see, lots of distressing and I'm blaming it for the RSI. (Or as I originally and crudely put it: Wankers Cramp; an unfortunate side effect of paper distressing. (methinks I've been dating a squaddie too long!))

I have to add that I love all the class LO's so much. Each time I go to a retreat, I learn so much more about my scrapping style. I've got four more getaway LO's to show you, but they can wait a little while.

This next LO was made with September's go-go kit

I have scrapped these photo's before, but they just amuse me so.

Finally, I wanted to share this, another Go-go LO

I'm really chuffed with this one, it's had a little ink and glimmer mist and the circles have been embossed with UTEE. I really do love the way it's worked :)

Thanks for reading!

A little more get up and Go-go!

2010-11-01T21:58:00.000Z

I'm home, ok, so I have been for about 24 hours. But that's not the point!

The weekend was truly amazing, Team Go-go have surpassed themselves. The shop was filled with such goodies, I overspent (no surprises there mind!) I've actually got quite alot of stuff to show you, not just the class LO's. I can't share them all with you today, you'd be here forever!!! But I can make a start. You've seen a couple of the LO's I did (here)

This first one was the last class I did with Kirsty W It was a hybrid class and great fun to do

And this was one of Nicola's classes: Bloomin' Ribbon

I love this, we made the ribbon across the bottom. It was originally stitched onto a strip of the same blue organza but it wasn't ridgid enough so I restitched it onto some black ribbon.

It was great to put names to faces and meet some old friends. Here's a picci of Me, Chloe and Nat which I have rather shamelessly nicked from Beki since I didn't take many photo's myself (BTW, was great to finally meet you Beki!)

I had my photo taken by the fabbi Kirsty Wiseman

I really love them, it was so hard to choose only three though.

Thank you so very much to Lorraine, Janice and Team Go-go For a fabbi weekend. Beki, Clare, Sam, Nat, Natalie and Chloe (to name a few) for keeping me sane! I'll be back soon with some more.

Shattered!

2010-10-30T22:55:00.001+01:00

It is the end of day two at the Getaway Hotel. The delegates have attended five classes and only two remain.

Ok, p!*s take over. Sorry, didn't sleep well last night and I'm shattered. Just waiting for my bath to cool and winding down a little. Turned on the TV and he first thing that confronted me was the news, solider shot dead in Afghanistan. Just what I wanted to hear! *sigh* so a little bit het up now (have switched it off, nothing on anyhow!)

It also means I get to show you a little of what I've been up to here. I missed rush hour on Friday *woop* and arrived in the crop room to this beauty.

Opened it up to discover...

Well impressed! Sugar = Scrap/study energy boost!

I'm not going to show you everything tonight, it's too late for that. But I will share a class LO and one of my own. The first class I did was Tree Top Tales by the wonderful Sheena. The cutting out at 21:30 after a loong day traveling was bloody difficult! The Lo isn't quite finished, but I need to have a good think first. Here it is so far:

I then flopped into this lovely bed

And true to form, didn't sleep!

So, before I leave you all to have a go at sleeping round two, here's the other LO I promised you.

Made with the October Go-go kit and some cardstock from my stash.

Operation Paper packages

2010-10-26T18:13:00.002+01:00

I'm sure the hardest part about retreats is the packing, not of clothes, photo's and stash! It's taken pretty much the entire weekend! However, I am now sorted. I've a sore back from taking my stash downstairs then up again.

So what am I taking I hear you cry. Well, October's Go-go kit, as it's a ready made one and a few extra bits of cardstock and this

A few pretty papers and cardstock and bits. I'm actually quite proud of myself, it's the first 'kit' I've put together for me to use. I've also got my tools down to one dinky box too. How good am I!!!

Before I go pack, I wanted to show you another of the LO's I've done over the last month. It showcases one of Metro's summer wonders in the garden (she never normally leaves it, except for today when she disappeared for 30 mins, which is a loooong time for her, rascle!)

The flower in the corner is part of some Jillibean Soup packaging with the embroidery thread wrapped around. It looks effective but was such a pain!!! I can't take credit for it though, Nicola's LO that started it and I know the wrapped thread came from somewhere but I can't remember where!! If it's you, let me know and I'll link it up!

Operation Snap and Nearly November?!

2010-10-23T23:03:00.001+01:00

Seriously?! Where did October go?! It's been absolute chaos! Visiting family, travelling, organising, stressing you know, the usual 'life in the way' kinda thing. Then, about a fortnight ago, I couldn't access blogger, it just kept redirecting me. However, this appears to be sorted... On the plus side, I do have stuff to show you!!

Since I'm away next weekend (Go-go Getaway *bounce*) I wanted to show you some stash. My mum kindly found space in her suitcase for an order from Two Peas in a Bucket.

Plenty of goodies. I'm planning on joining along with Shimelle's JYC again (never know, I might finish), hence the red and peppermint theme! Can't wait to use some of these.

I've also done some scrapping (I know!) So I do have a few LO's to show you and now need a new album! Most of theme were made using the September Go-go kit.

You can't see the dimension so well in the main photo, but it can't go in my album, it'll get too sqwished!

Speaking of the Getaway, Operation Snap has been completed successfully (from my end at any rate!). My pics for the classes (along with a few extra's) have been ordered. Next up, Operation Paper Packages (aka: additional stash to take)!

I shall bid you all a good night and if I can still get on blogger tomorrow, try and catch up with you all!!!

Etsy Friday: Pocket Money Embelishments

2010-10-01T19:36:00.001+01:00

Question: What happened to last week?! Who nicked it! It's Friday again :D I like Fridays. Last day of the working week (or sometimes my day off if I have to work Saturday) and I get to share what I've been eying up during the week!

So, since it's payday (for me at any rate) I decided not to tempt you all with pretty shoes, tiaras, expensive things. I had a look round at things for scrapping... So, in the words of a well known shopping channel, "It's time for today's Hot Picks!"

Ephemera Inspiration

Bitty Kit is a little kit of ephemera, 20 pieces infact all for the princley sum of £3.00. It's all vintage bits and lets face it, vintage ephemera isn't all that easy to get your hands on in smaller quantities and prices!

Pastel Fabric Tape

I love this stuff! It's quite hardy and looks like fabric! (possible because it is, it's just easier to stick down!) Good on mini books and LO's and for thing where a bit of grip is required (think glass jars!)

Bakers Twine

I've seen how much some places charge for this stuff! But it is amazing on projects. Tags, wrapping and even baked goodies! This particular link is for the lime green and white variety. But if that's not your flavour, Check out SupplyOwl's shop. She's got red and white and blue and white too.

Seam binding

For all you dressmakers out there, put your binding to good use in scrapping. It's super cheap and durable. Try edging your paper for a really unusual look. or use it as ribbon if you like. You can also use it to bind minibooks, but you need MAJOR amounts of patience!

Digital designs

Before you screech "I don't do digi!!!" and move on, bear with me, promise it's worth it. You can use digital designs as part of your page (like you didn't already know) Not only that, you can get almost any design and any colour. I've found maps, cards, papers the lot! Just try searching, see what you find. These are intended as ATC's. But I have LO plans for these and some Stampoutiqe stamps if no-one gets in first!

Embossed paper buttons

I've been gagging for a Martha Stewart embossed button punch since I first saw it about 9 months ago! However, punches are expensive and I want to be sure I'll use it before I buy. When I first saw these (and others) on Etsy, I thought "what's the point, I could make my own" The point is, they're cheap, cheaper than real buttons. You can get pretty much any colour you want and you have a tonne to play with before committing to the expense!

I hope they inspire you to do something! Happy scrapping!

Etsy Finds: SHOES!!!

2010-09-24T18:57:00.003+01:00

*Holds up hands, takes deep breath* My name is Jenny and I'm a shoe-a-holic.

Even if you don't like these Tinkerbelle Ballet Flats take a look at some of the others in Spirocreations. There are a couple of other flats that are really pretty too.

Seriously though I love shoes and boots. Especially the ones with a pointy heel. I never thought of Etsy as a place to buy shoes but there are some damn pretty ones which are testing my willpower! I have a sneaking suspicion The Boy is looking over at my screen and rolling his eyes as I drool over the shoes... And the cat is in cahoots too! She's sitting on my purse and won't budge! BAH!

Bootie-licious. I have *no* idea how the name links to them. But I ADORE these soo much!

To be honest, after 5 days, I think my willpower is holding out well. Just make sure you hide any payment devices before you look round the rest of the shop!!!

Now, I {heart} spikey stiletto heels. I have a pair of 8" heels (stop wincing, they aren't that bad) which have a 4" platform and are the most comfy pair of boots I own! However, for those of you now suffering from vertigo, try these ladies.

Eco-Chic Ballerina Flats

Lots of colours available too.

Or, if you prefer a more casual look to your heels, why not try wedges. Like these Purple Floral Wedges.

Or these Teal Polka-dots!

I actually think these are rather classy. I know my love of heels has overtaken this post a little so I was looking for something with *that* style but not the kind you need a ladder to climb into.

I found these babies by Jellyfish. The heel is 2 1/2" so *just* over kitten but not vertigo stylee! They look awesome too!

So, to that end, I'm off to spend time with The Boy who is indeed rolling his eyes at the shoes on screen! Have a great weekend (and check out what I did with my Hambly transparacy here. (shameless self promotion is a wonderful thing!))

P.S If you do order anything shoewise form anywhere, check the sizing!!! If you're not sure e-mail the seller!!!

P.P.S If you struggle to walk in high heels, here's a couple of tips... (*dances about cheering* I managed to embed it all by myself!!!)

Courtesy of Sasha {loves}

TADAAAAA!

2010-09-22T09:00:00.001+01:00

Sooooo about two weeks ago, I told you I'd done 5 LO's, only showed you 4 though.

Without further ado, here is Cake!

Sadly, my photographic skills lack a certain something. But nevermind. It was for a challenge on The Studio's blog and gave me an excuse to play with my MS cupcake border punch. :D Not that I need excuses mind you...

I used a Hambly transparancy for the background. When I'm awake enough to figure out a link for those that want to know, I'll edit! *lol* It was a bit of a pain I must admit, especially getting a photo! I didn't want the back to look like a storm of glue dots had hit it either. Which is partly why the yellow card is behind the transparancy, that and it looked better and added depth. (Ooh! get me, all technical! *lol*)

Now, breakfast and waking up...

Stash shopping and blowing The Boy's trumpet

2010-09-19T09:50:00.001+01:00

Stop sniggering at the back there! I don't mean that kinda trumpet! As some of you might know, I happen to think I have the world's most amazing boyfriend.

I came back from work yesterday to these beauties

and a cute little note ^_^ I not only love the suprise, but also, he doesn't buy me flowers to 'apologise' he does it because he can.

Now, he may not 'get' my crafty obsession, I might get heavy *sighs* whenever I start discussing 'scrap' related stuff.

Well, I'll start at the proper beginning, The Boy and I went to York last weekend. See some friends etc etc. It was only supposed to be a day trip and he was driving. Then we got the suggestion of a beer festival... and a bed for the night (one of our own may I add (wait's for sniggering to die down again)) And with me knowing the GNEP Papercraft Extravaganza was on in Harrogate... Shy bairns get nowt! Besides, how could I resist, if he'd said no I would have got the train anyway!

OMG! I had soooooooooooo much fun. And wasn't nearly as naughty as I thought!
To that end, here's my stash purchases

In one lovely package :D Glimmer chips, grungeboard (been dying to try), some tags, stamps, primas and distress inks :D There are some little copper pins at the bottom too.
My fave finds however were

Dylusions Mica spray ink - how gorgeous is that blue?!

And some pots of buttons! I love that they're in different sizes and colours. Sorry, I'm not sure where these were from.

Now you guys may be sitting there thinking "sure, my man takes me to these things too, what's so special?" You see, I was there for about two hours. The Boy got a cuppa, sat down and didn't complain at all, not once, not even on the way home! (Although he promise's he'll hold it against me later!)

So, suggestions as to what to do with my stash are appreciated! Off to look at my flowers.

*much loves*

Etsy Finds: Tiaras

2010-09-17T11:09:00.001+01:00

My best friend from school (all those many years ago) is getting married in a month and on Facebook, there have been numerous posts about her hunt for a tiara! So, this is for Lauren! (And me, since I've been obsessed with sparkly headpieces since I was a kid!)

Now, Because I'm a little indecisive, I've got 6 items for you today, they aren't all strictly tiara's, but they are all wedding headpieces, so here we go!

This Garden Headpiece is a real beauty.

I really love the delicate flower work with Swarovski and pearl sprays.

This next one, I saw and thought of Carmen. Lover of all things Alice! (sorry if I'm *way* off the mark hun)

Horned Death Head-Punk Princess Spiked Rhinestone Tiara. Hows that for a handle! Ok, so I wouldn't wear it as a bride, but I'd wear it as a guest!

This Wedding Vine

While not strictly a tiara, is a great alternative. And you can do so much with them, they're really versatile!

Floral Heirloom Tiara

You would not believe how difficult it is to find a tiara with colour! REAL colour, not the odd smattering. Although this isn't my cuppa, I know so many people who would love wearing it.

20 Strand Swarovski Pearl and crystal headband

This is probably as traditional as I'm ever going to get. It's simple, it's pretty and, if you click that link then go through the pictures, it's stunning against hair!

Stempunk Tiara

I've saved my favourite until last. I absolutely adore this one. So unusual but still *uber* pretty. But since I'm not getting married, or going to a prom, it will have to wait *sigh*

Don't forget, a tiara isn't just for a wedding, proms, balls, nights out. they're great for any occasion. Have a look around, you might just be surprised.

A little less conversation...

2010-09-12T12:00:00.000+01:00

A little more action! I've got the world's busiest month ahead of me! The Boy jets off to Afghanistan in 6 weeks so that's 5 weekends to visit friends, family, spend some quality time together and sort out our holiday to New Zealand for when he returns. Not forgetting working and studying (which begins in 4 weeks!) The problem is there just aren't enough hours in the day! So I can't promise I'll be a good blogger this next month, well, not much crafty methinks. May be a good whinge! *lol*

On another note, I said I'd done 5 (yes, blowing my very own trumpet, that was five) LO's last weekend. But I didn't show you them all, only two infact. How mean am I?!

Sooo, my fave Irregular Choice shoes and the 'catchphrase of my life' as it were. "What does *need* have to do with it?!" ^_^ It was all going so well until The Boy started using it in relation to computer geekery stuff! *sigh*

For those of you who disapprove of swearing/seeing rude gestures, I reccomend looking away about now...

This was one of two photo's I snapped of The Boy on Christmas Day 09. Since the other one is him in the snow looking *uber* grumpy and is slightly blurred. I decided to take my revenge by scrapping this one! >.<

I'm slowly talking myself around to a camera as I currently use the family 'point and shoot' which is crap. As you might be able to tell from the slightly bleached out blues!

And on that note, I will bid you good people bye for now since I'm only going to show you these two today :P But that's because I'm rather proud of the fianl LO and what to showcase it in it's very own post! (Hint: I used a transparancy instead of cardstock, how brave of me!!)

Etsy Friday: Fluffies!

2010-09-10T18:58:00.000+01:00

Okay, here's to another Friday of goodies. Can you tell I spend far too much time on Etsy? *lol*

Without further ado, here are this week's picks :)

Deviant Cat

For those of you who haven't guessed. I'm a bit of a cat obsessive, actually, anything fluffy if I'm honest. But cats are my fave. I love this little fellow, I think he looks so inquisitive I even have a spot on a table for him!

Isabella the Bat

I'm also a fan of slightly unusual things. Like bats! Actually, it was the blurb that got me here. "... Often mistaken for a flying pompom..." I was in stitches! Also, to make this 'flying pompom' even sweeter, theres wire in the wings so she can fold up!

Bitty Hootie Hoo

Ok, I know, it's an owl, not a 'Bitty Hootie Hoo' but it's very sweet. This is in aid of The Boy's mum, she collects owls and it was her birthday yesterday. I haven't got her one, yet. But they are available in sooooooo many colours...

Next, please welcome Herb, the Garden Bunny

It's green! How could I resist. But if she's not your thing, check out Zygopsych's shop. She has not only other bunnies (one is hot pink!) she has Guinea Pigs too!

Finally, I'd like to introduce Inkus the Diminutive

I love the attitude this funky cephalopod oozes! If you want him, grab him quick before I find my credit card! This guy may well become my new scrapping buddy!

That's me done for the day, I'm off to York for a day out with the girls, it's been *far* too long! Got a pressie to wrap first though. And to make it better, I get The Boy back too, he's been away a month now! >.<

My crafty weekend and prizes

2010-09-08T18:00:00.003+01:00

And I intend to string it out, 5 LO's and a CJ entry. Yup, proud of myself.

So, now my camera battery has charge...

*drum roll please*

This was inspired by this weeks Pencil Lines sketch and I used a chunk of my Dec 09 Go-Go kit. *Kudos* to me!

Next up, another kitty related LO...

I got these shots on one of the nicest day's this year. Sometime in May. There are a few more in the series, including one of her nuzzling the camera! But that's for another LO me thinks. The paper I got from the March Go-Go getaway, because I loved it but had no idea how to use it...Oh, and I indulged my fine art side. Don't know if you can see it, but there are grass stalks growing out of the bottom photo which I drew with a dip-pen. I edged the photo's with yellow paint to stop the paper absorbing them.

You remember me blogging about my win from Shimelle's Cyber Crop?? It arrived Monday morning, and I have had a little play.

Thank you Shimelle!

And on a totally different note, how's this for a fabbi wedding idea... A Photobooth! Have a look on Laura's blog, Lazy Dynamics if you want to know more. I may not be planning a wedding at the moment, but this will feature on my list of wants if/when I do!

Right, I've rattled enough for now. Off to put music on my MP3 player. BTW, I know I'm not the only person who's shown etsy stuff, I can't remember where I first saw the idea, Shimelle's 'Blogging for Scrapbookers' rings a bell. However, I'm thinking of making 'Etsy Friday' a regular thing. What do you guys think?

Camera found, battery dead!

2010-09-07T11:50:00.000+01:00

Like the title doesn't say it all, so I'm now waiting for the battery to charge! Sod's law really. I'm off work today so hoping for a bit of scrapping time :) We shall see.

On a brighter note, The Boy has returned from Kenya and the lucky so and so went on safari. I wanted to share a few of his piccies with you, just cuz they're so fab! I'm hoping he doesn't object!

I feel a minibook coming on!

Now, if you're anything like me, you're possibly doing your nut that the Rhino's horn has been filed. However, Baraka is blind and his horn has been filed for his own safety. He's a beautiful animal and the lads got to feed/pet him too. I am *sooooo* jealous!

I'm off to check my camera battery and to sort out some more cards. Yes, the Card Hospital saga is ongoing!

Needs a camera!

2010-09-06T21:42:00.000+01:00

I have been scrapping this weekend! I promise! But I can't find my camera so I can show you all!! My goodies from Shimelle arrived this morning :D Can't wait to show them to you!

Etsy Friday

2010-09-03T20:37:00.002+01:00

And why not, I've spend alot of the evening looking for birthday and (dare I say it) Christmas pressies. So I wanted to share some finds with you. They've got a bit of a goth theme but I like them.

Little Red Riding Hood

I wish I had space for this on my wall!

Red Raven Tie

The Boy would look GREAT in this!

Wolf beanie!

Ok, so I doubt I'll ever wear it, but it's fantastic!

Starlet Dress

Just *drool*

And finally, One FUNKY pair of Vampire Shoes

They're no Iron Fist's or Irregular Choice, but very cool design!

In the wonderful world of crafting, have a look at The Chicken Soup challenge. Also, Gauche Alchemy and Sketchy Thursday's have teamed up with a challenge. Needless to say, thats my plans for the weekend.

Welcome to...

2010-08-29T19:58:00.001+01:00

The card hospital!

Seriously! My sister has a history of card making, she's FAR better than me. Since 2006 she's managed over 1000 cards, which when you factor in studying and illness is quite a feat! The problem is, we still have the majority of these cards, so we're sorting them to be sold at Dean's Marine open day. It's a great family day out, something for the boys and a few toys. and the girls enjoy it too. Plus plenty of gossip for us women.

Plug over, back to the point. There are about 30 'unfinished' cards where the basis is there, but she lack's the inspiration. That's where I've come in. I'm now running the Card Hospital for all those 'unfinished' or 'not quite right' cards. So, this is what my room looks like at the moment!

*sigh* 13 down, 23 to go...

What are you doing with your Bank Holiday?

Challenges and sleep.

2010-08-22T19:47:00.001+01:00

So, a quiet weekend for me. I've spent it scrapping and have a couple of finished pages to show you all.

So first up, it's my Colour Combo Challenge 156.

The photo is just that awful on screen, well, once uploaded. It doesn't look so over exposed in PSP. Anyhow, this photo was taken at The Boy's best friend's wedding last year. The Boy went from guest, to witness and finally, in the car on the way, Rob (said best friend) turned around and told him he was his Best Man. To make it even better, the Bride turned around halfway through the reception and announced the Best Man's speech! Talk about stitched!

Secondly, another Kitty LO. This one was inspired by a Pencil Lines sketch, pg 22 in the book. I never used to get sketches, but they've started to work for me, once I let go and figures they're only a starting point.

I've also been playing with some of the challenges from The Studio's cyber crop. They're not there just yet! Now I'm off to get ready for bed. I'm shattered!

Oh, and have a peek at Linda's blog for some candy!

SQUEEEEEE!

2010-08-20T21:32:00.000+01:00

Yes, that's a good squee. I'm bouncing around because I won a prize in Shimelle's crop! WOO!

It's a selection of aqua and red paints/inks and stuff. For this:

And yes, I'm well chuffed!!!

The Studio is having a crop tomorrow if anyone fancies joining me..?

Candy Alert!

2010-08-18T18:00:00.000+01:00

Just a quick one! Tracie H has some really fabbi candy.

Take a look here for the full details!

Shimelle's Summer Crop: the Final Photo Challenge

2010-08-16T18:00:00.001+01:00

The last photo challenge from Shimelle's summer crop was home. So, at the end of a long and busy weekend, what better way to end it than a nice warm bed, complete with Teddy! The Bear has been with me since I was 6 weeks old and, although well loved (a little threadbare) he's still a comfort whenever I'm down. Here's my little bit of home!

More scrapping stuff to do during the hols!

2010-08-16T15:16:00.005+01:00

Twin Trouble left me the link for this on a comment the other day!

Take a peek here! Just check it out before the 24th!

Shimelle's Summer Crop: Photo Challenge - Books!

2010-08-16T09:14:00.000+01:00

Just a quick one before I go to work, Books.

This is The Boy's stack. Although we don't live together, there's a pile of clothes not far from here and I keep finding 'stuff' of his kicking about! *sigh* Right, work!

Shimelle's Summer Crop: Photo Challenge(s)

2010-08-15T18:31:00.002+01:00

Hmmm... This may be the last one today unless I can manage another LO and photo while it's still light! So, the photo challenges... I've not done them all, but there's a couple that took my fancy :)

Firstly, my crafting space:

It's not that bad as I've only got enough space for one 12x12 at a time and with it being such I small space, I actually tidy up... sometimes.

Secondly, Smiles

Ok, so this one doesn't qualify for prize entry as it was taken last weekend. I was a little bit tipsy at this stage. But it lead to a great convo with The Boy!

Me: Are you going to go and dance? You've been practising for long enough!
The Boy: P*ss off!
Me: (expecting a similar reply) Buy me a drink then!
The Boy: (chucks his money clip at me) Mine's a Southern Comfort and Coke (turns to Jo) Whatcha drinking?

The actual aim wasn't to scrounge a drink! I promise!

And finally, Below the knee and Reflections

A trip to Alnwick Gardens provided this fabulous shot, rather fortuitous really. It was taken in the water gardens, where everything is stainless steel and water. Shiny and reflective!

Right, that's it, I need food and the cat is clamouring by my side for kibbles! I might be back later, but then again, I might save it for tomorrow! Hope you've all had fun and if you don't get a chance to play this weekend, Have a look at Shimelle's site anyway. She's got TONNES of inspirational things on there!

Shimelle's Summer Crop: Colour Challenge

2010-08-15T18:06:00.000+01:00

Yup, me again. Twice in one day! I'm making up for the lack of posts over the last couple of months. :P

So, Shimelle's Colour Challenge. I've been dying to try this since I saw it in the Scrapbook Inspirations Ideas Book back in April!

The photo is from mum's graduation, I think it was 1995/6 with my grandparents either side.

Shimelle's Summer Crop: Scrapping with Circles

2010-08-15T17:58:00.000+01:00

A weekend of scrapping for me with an interlude to spend time with The Boy before he goes away for a few weeks. Sooo to business, I was on about Summer Scrapping, classes, crops etc. I'm here to share a few results. Firstly, a challenge from Friday, Scrapping with Circles. Ironically, I've been working on this for over a week, rather fortuitous.

As you can see, I'm still cr*p at photography! But I'm blaming the rubbish point and shoot I have to work with as The Boy is taking his shiny allk singing and dancing camera away!

Drumroll please!

2010-08-13T21:20:00.000+01:00

And my news is....

I passed!

My first year at the OU. My results came through at the weekend, Pass at 68%.

Although I'd like it to be higher, passing is not to be sniffed at! *lol*

More crafting has been going on this week (end) so whe I get some light and a camera, I can show you what I've been up to.

If you're not sure what to do this weeked, Shimelle is running a Cyber Crop check out this post for an explaination and here for the latest project.

And Elle's Studio are running a journalling workshop for the next two weeks! Catch up here.

As if that wasn't enough, The Studio are preparing for their very own Cyber crop next weekend and the prep for that is on their blog. Take a peek here.

So, what will you be doing with your weekend?

Meep meep ^_^

2010-08-11T21:37:00.000+01:00

Ok, so no actual crafting has been going on of late. I've been busy, with life.I can't believe we're almost halfway through August! Soooo....

I went to see this a few weeks ago. It was fabulous! I'd thoroughly reccomend it and The Boy WILL be going to see it. Have a look here to see where they're touring... Then get tickets! *lol* Oh, and check out they're youtube. I would put the video's up but they don't have embedding codes...

We've been to a friends wedding in Sidmouth... Where? Yup, that's what I said when trying to sort hotels! Right on the sout coast, between Exmouth and Weymouth. Here's a piccie of me and The Boy. Theres actually quite a few of him :D and some of the two of us! But now you know why I complain about no photo's of him!

I'm currently uploading and sorting all the photos from it, I've three photobooks to sort out! I was glad to get home though, spent most of the weekend being asked when we were getting married! *EEK* Oh, and while I'm at it, you need to check out *these* little beauties.

They can be found at liliswan, a gorgeous Etsy shop with some stunning jewellery. I thought they'd be a little overpowering on me, but they weren't. Absolutely stunning and pretty packaging too. :D

I do have some other news for you guys, but that can wait for another post, or this will get silly long. That and while I'm recovering from an ear infection early nights are on the cards.

Gardening and sun.

2010-07-26T14:11:00.000+01:00

Right, silly loooong shifts over for now. I've been enjoying a few days off, just relaxing and such like. My sister has been nurturing her vegetables and is rather proud of the results

The carrots taste great and the spring onions! NOM ^_^ Really quite proud of her to tell the truth.

In my world of papers, glitter and inky paws I've been doing this:

As ever it's the cat, it was the first sunny day this year and I went out snapping. She looks so regal lounging in the shade.

Off to see Toy Story 3D with The Boy. He is such a kid! *lol*

11 hour shifts...

2010-07-16T20:14:00.000+01:00

*REALLY* suck! I'll keep thinking of the flexi.

I've had a day off today :) Relaxing, watching Midsomer Murders and playing with June's Go-go kit while stroking Julys!

Here's the result.

I'm not sure if I like it... I'll come back to it in a week or so. See what I think then.

Has it really been that long?!

2010-07-10T16:12:00.000+01:00

Nearly two and a half weeks! Where did they go?? I've no idea. Anyway, here's what I've been up to. Tis Scrap-A-Gogo's 6th birthday this month and they put up a little challenge sketch. Here's my take

I've had the Jenni Bowlin paper for ages, and I love it! Must hunt down some more... I decided on 5 photo's rather than 6, they fit on the paper better! *lol*

So, what else have I been up to? Well, not much scrapping wise, have sent off my latest CJ, but forgot to take photo's! oops!

And there's this one of The Boy who's currently away on excersise and driving me loopy!

Off to take a look at what you guys have been up to. :)

Roll up! Roll up!

2010-06-23T21:01:00.000+01:00

C'mon! You know you want it... All it costs £1 per entry to Julie's Raffle. Have a peek at It's a Scrappy Life for all the info and how to donate.

You know it'll look so pretty on your wall... That and my mum will KILL me if I win it! *lol*

The great tidy-up!

2010-06-22T21:00:00.000+01:00

Well, no scrapping for me of late. I do have June's go-go kit to play with, but between tidying and building flexi, there hasn't been much time! I've also been sorting my digi photo's and *really* need to re-photograph my LO's, most of them need to be in better lighting. I'm about halfway through and wondering just how much my style's developed. Might stick a few up for you!

In other news: while browsing Two Peas I discovered something a little special...

Yup, Hallowe'en in Wonderland by Graphic 45. I don't know why, but I LOVE these. I'm not sure I'll ever use them, but I NEED them!

Right, bath time, then Today @ Wimbledon on i-player is my plan for the night, what's everyone else up to?

A chance to sleep

2010-06-16T21:34:00.000+01:00

Been catching up on sleep and recouperating this week. I fell up (yes, up) the stairs on Monday and gave myself a good ding. Was rather dazed, but all fine now, except for a bruised ego!

I was going to put these up on Monday, but now will do.

This was inspired by DP who rarely has problems eating any dessert! Guess who couldn't finish this chocolate torte (That might have been me getting the camera out mind, but he should be used to this (or have a begrudging acceptance! *lol*))

And this was my moment of confusion after sending my essay. I loved doing the course and want to continue, but the long term plan seems to have escaped me along with my career options. Like life, not all scrapping is fluffy and nice. I've since sorted out a careers advice meeting and looked at ways to improve my study skills. We'll see how things go :)

It's all over!

2010-06-12T20:29:00.000+01:00

My essay has gone, I've pressed the submit button and it's gone :)

I feel so much better now, I might take another look this evening, I can also resubmit if I need to. So I have time to blog again! WOOP! I can't say it's all been study, have done a little scrapping too...

This is Metro, furbaby extrodinaire in the garden. The bunting is flocked (I had a play!)

Next on the agenda...

This is about my sister's 22nd birthday, it seems no time at all it was her 21st! Coninuing my obsession with flock, see those flowers on the left?

Yup, flock.
And just to show it really is an obsession...

Another page about my sister, you can just see the swirls, they have a layer of lime green flock. Actually, the papers has been glimmer misted, painted and flocked, hence the curling edges!

I'm off to indulge in Queen's on i-player (tennis fan, tennis month for moi!) But I'll leave you with this, my sister has developed these cute curls of new growth in her hair.

Ironic really, Grandad called her 'Curly' from a very early age.

Lack of sleep and complimentry polo's

2010-06-08T20:49:00.000+01:00

I apologise if this post makes no sense at all (and for any spelling issues)! I've been up since 5:30 this morning, had to travel from Newcastle to Sheffield for a two day workshop. So needless to say I'm shattered! To make it worse, I had to finish my essay. But it's all done, just proofing and editing to do now, I suspect some bits need to be rejigged. Although not tonight.
The meeting was at the Hilton. It's not as glamourous as it sounds, a normal meeting room, flourescent lights and air con! Urgh! But we did get complemetry polos!

What can I say, it amused me!

The hotel isn't what I expected, however, so long as I sleep, I won't care. My only gripe is the lack of a bath! The shower didn't manage to make up for this oversight... Oh, and my room is along a shortcut alley that's randomly noisy. Hmm.. not sure I'll stay here again. But I digress.

Had a play on Big Huge Labs the other day and created this

with the 'photobooth' option. I've got it printed and as I've been meaning to document my studies, it will be appearing on a LO near you soon!!!

Finally I rediscovered some photo's from last year when The Boy had keyhole on his knee having tried to put a ski through it (sideways rather than point ways) some 18 months earlier!

Think they go into the 'must scrap' pile! It'll give me a chance to play with my Banananananana Frog 'It's all about... Arrows' stamps too :D

Right, I'm off to look through the Scrapbook Inspirations Idea's book that I picked up this morning, watch something, anything, on i-player and keel out!

A very quick post

2010-05-27T20:38:00.000+01:00

before I head back to my studies...
Soooo, a couple of Go-go LO's. Can't believe they took so long to finish, almost two weeks!
Both are of my furbaby

I've also decided I'm going to try some digi scrapping, I've got some kits so I may aswell have a play (and learn to use paintshop!)
I mentioned yesterday I'd been shoe shopping at Boundry Mill and purchased these beauties

And some fairly funky work shoes (but not as fab as the purple!)

Right, back to the grindstone!

Blog award!

2010-05-26T21:42:00.000+01:00

Suzy, a fantastic woman who I've not seen for ages gave me this award... *shiny* Took me a while to figure out where she fitted in, but I squealed when I did! You can find her at Blogging in Bulgaria which I've really enjoyed reading... except the poor kitty. :(

Along with the award comes a set of rules that I'm supposed to follow... Well, we'll have a go!
They are as follows:

Express gratitude to the blogger who bestowed the award unto you. -Grovel's at the fantabulous Susy's feet. (check)
Display the picture on your blog proudly. It didn't fit on the page in extr large! (check)
Be nice and provide a link to the person who gave it to you. Just in case you missed it, Blogging in Bulgaria (check)
Tell up to six outrageous lies about yourself, and at least one outrageous truth, or switch it around and tell six outrageous truths and one outrageous lie. No, I'm not offering prizes for correct guesses! ;) (check)
Nominate seven creative writers who might be into doing this. They might not be 'into' it, but I'll award them as I think they're all fab and add some sunshine to my day. (check)
Post links to the seven blogs you nominate and let the owners of those blogs know. See below (check)

So here are my lies and/or truths, take a guess if you like (or not!!)

I've never cheated... ever.

I do not have an obsession with crafty things.

I used to have my nipples pierced.

I own five pairs of shoes.

I'm allergic to cats

My boyfriend owns (and wears) a man-kini! (shudders)

I'm 6 foot tall in real life.
Good luck!

I'm nominating the following ladies (as I'm blatantly sexist!) for the Creative Writer Blogger Award, they all brighten up my day in some little way (not to say no-one else does, but I can only pick 7 apparently, and I'm being good and playing by the rules and everything!) I hope they see it as the compliment it's intended as.

Helen at It's All Fiddle Fart! (the greatest name for a blog EVER!)
Carmen at Whoopidoo...ings (Alice Cooper fan being one of her many good points)
Leigh at Leigh's little Blog (I'm not a card maker, but I love her work)
Myzdamena at Subversive Myz (I adore this blog, totally appeals to my humor, nuff said!)
Claire at Claire's {Very Messy} Craft Room (I always feel better after seeing her craft space ;))
Helen at Loving the Traditional (she always has something fabulous on the go)
and finally...
Linda at A Crafting Journey (Still totally jealous she's off to Ranger U!)

And I also need to apologise to Claire for taunting her about her lack of willpower when it comes to scrapping stuff! *blushes* SORRY! You see, I'm no better! *lol*

Back to ~~writhing~~... oops! Writing!

Not much to say

2010-05-24T22:37:00.000+01:00

Well, nothing crafty at any rate! Did everyone enjoy the first weekend of summer? I thought it was fab, but distracted my essay writing a little! *lol* My May Go-Go kit turned up last week, so I's having muchos fun and have two half completed LO's. I'll share them when they're done, promise!

It was my sister's birthday this weekend, we had a BBQ and since The Boy left his camera, I have piccies to share! *WOOP*

So, the first BBQ of the year...

My sister's Birthday cake

Kitty (she had fun lazing in the shade)

Flowers

And a few more of kitty, eating grass, nuzzling the camera and generally posing!

I WILL scrap these! *lol*

Four weeks to go...

2010-05-16T23:35:00.000+01:00

Until my first year of study is over! Hence the lack of blogging, it's all go. One final essay and I'm done until October :D

However, I did scrap that photo of my sister...

She was 3 3/4 and wanted to be a raindeer. To quote her "All you need is... A pair of leggings, a t-shirt and a pair of antlers on a hairband!" Complete with hand gestures! Anyways, must dash, it's bedtime :)

Glorious Go-go CJ!

2010-05-08T15:11:00.000+01:00

My Go-go CJ is home! I love it. It's called 'Inspire me' the idea was a CJ I could pick up and kick start my mojo with. So, here it is in all it's glory :)

Many thanks to all you amazing ladies who took part. It's given me tonnes of ideas and I can't wait to try them out!

A distinct lack of crafting!

2010-05-06T17:42:00.000+01:00

Today, it's all busy. This morning I've taken this sweet little fur baby

To the V-E-T. Where her tail became a bottle brush and she made herself as heavy as possible. Jabs and check up over, she's now curled up in her basket, scowling at the flea/worming drops I've not long put on her!

One cup of coffee later, I was off to town. New shoes were needed. Not an 'I fancy...', need. Lots of trapsing round shops trying on evey shoe, none of which fit as I'm a size 2 1/2 which doesn't exist! BAH!

But I struck a double today. My new work shoes, courtesy of TUK

And shamefully, a pair of New Rocks I've had my eyes on for about 6 months reduces to £33 :D SCORE!

After the shoe shopping escapade, I went to see the History Boys

Not a bad play :) Go see!

And after all that, I'm settling down to further studies While figuring out how to scrap this photo!

My little sister at about 4 being a Raindeer for red nose day. "All you need, mummy, is..." All together now, "Awwww"

My Brain Hurts! Needlework extrodinaire and Candy!

2010-05-05T19:51:00.000+01:00

Yup, another essay! But I'm so close to the end. I actually can't wait for it to be over for the year! Anyhow, on to scrapping ^_^

I *finally* got around to the post getaway sketch challenge... late of course, but who cares!

As you can probably tell, I love this photo of my mum. It just "calls" to me. And the April go-go kit WORKS with them ^_^ *SMUGNESS* I've also developed and obsession with UTEE and chipboard elements. Anyway, mum is a trained seamstress and although she's never used it as a career, she can make ANYTHING!

I also found some candy:D

Charmed Cards & Crafts have put this yummy array up for us. Have a go!

And finally, speaking of winning things, during Rebekah's birthday blog hop I won a copy of the Pencil Line's Sketch book! You NEED one of these!

I must admit, I LOVE it. I don't tend to consider sketches, but this is so inspirational

Layers and Pins

2010-05-03T19:59:00.000+01:00

I've been doing this LO over the weekend, the papers are from my April Go-go kit as are the buttons and pearl pins. It's not my fave photo of me, but the colours worked so well. I had great fun inking, ripping and distressing.

The needle and cotton reel are maya road chipboard, inked and embossed with UTEE and I used some embroidery thread from my hoard to stitch on the button's. The quote I found on a random site, not sure where, it says:
"Whatever you can do,
Or dream you can do,
Begin it.
Boldness has magic,
Power and genius in it."
- Goethe

Thanks for taking a peek :)

Around the Houses: Round One

2010-05-01T17:44:00.000+01:00

STEPH! LOOK AWAY NOW!!!

I've been working on your CJ, and since it's National Scrapbooking day, I thought I'd unveil it! For those of you who want a peek, click 'read more' (Ok, if you really want to Steph, you can ;))

Has she gone?? Good. Steph's theme is 'Life's Lesson's Learnt' and a tough theme it was too. I love the way she's created the book, and the metal page edges are so cool!

Even now I love BG's 'Almond Toffee' paper, it's kinda become a staple and I'll be so devestated when it goes. I had a play with my Rock Candy crackle paint on the chipboard. I'm chuffed with it and I hope Steph will like it too.

After all that bragging

2010-05-01T15:58:00.000+01:00

It's time for the great unveiling! I've been on about my Agent Provocature purchases most of the week, and have been good and patient waiting for DP to arrive with his shiny camera so I could take photos! So here they are...

Ok, so they don't look much in the box, but I'm chuffed to bits. The black silk teddy is gorgeous and the bra set is sooo cute! I figured I may as well show you the site photo's, just because the teddy is so stunning! (this is the woman who said she would *never* wear a teddy!)

Thank you for putting up with my lingerie related ramblings! (Oh, and The Boy has promised me a purple set, so there'll be more to com *lol*)

So much to do... Again!

2010-04-28T18:44:00.000+01:00

In between studying and scrapping I appear to find the time to blog, spend time with The Boy, get distracted by FB and eat! He's tipped up with my lovely Agent Provocateur lingerie which I've spent the last hour stroking and photographing and unwrapping. I'll show you at some point during the week, but not on me, obviously :P Moving on from my lingerie obsession... I completed the last of my Go-go getaway kits the other day and wanted to share it with you. It's a Mini book designed by the lovely Nicola (check out the fabbi blog of hers!) I loved the canvas pages soo much I've purchased two more!

The mini book showcases the some of the water features at Alnwick Gardens, I had fun playing whith The Boy's camera *giggles*

Eight weeks to go

2010-04-26T21:48:00.000+01:00

until the end of my first OU year and I'm four weeks behind *sighs* On the plus side I got one essay out of the way so I can move onto the next. I've had a productive day, one essay, several scrappy projects and other bits and bobs :D
As some of you will know, I've been away this weekend, in Manchester, so a quick recount for you. Jeff Dunham... FANTASTIC, that man is a genius and *so* damn funny! I got to visit Agent Provocateur and got some of the CUTEST lingerie (pics to follow later in the week) No scrapping though, hence today's activities. I've been planning my mini canvas for a while now, and here it is :D

The photo is of my mum taken not long after Dad and she got engaged. Dad's work collegues had been bugging him for quite a while and one Saturday she was dragged into town and into a passport photo booth.

I've used the April Go-go kit:
Canvas co mini canvas, edges inked in tea dye distressed ink
Maya road chipboard painted brown, then rock candy crackle paint and finished with Tim holtz tea dye distressed ink
Button and pin Jennie Bowlin
Photo inked with tea dye distressed ink painted with Tim Holtz Rock Candy Crackle paint then peeled off in places
Ribbon from stash

I also had a look at the Monopoly CC on UKS and had a play with Angie's class, The Angel, Islington. I had great fun!

Used MME glitter paper (from the Penny Lane stack I think) Edges inked in Tea dye and Old paper distressed inks
Green Bazzil, edges inked as above and Olive Vine glimmer mist, stitching effect in brown journalling pen
Top frame: MME paper, but I can't remember which one! Inked with Old Paper distressed ink.
Pink paper is Crate, but don't know which one (again)
White chit chat thickers
MLS mini alphas in cream
random ribbons and bling from stash

Yes, fun was had along with inky fingers :D

WOYWW, Metro and distressed stickles...

2010-04-21T21:30:00.000+01:00

I'm back, a little tired, but home :) Remember my 'accidents' last week? 12 distressed stickles for £18! Ebay rocks! And a few too many Distressed inks and some Rock Candy crackle paint. Have a peek a little lower down. I've got a Metro on the desk, she's decided she has to 'approve' all merchendise!

So, my WOYWW contribution is, yet again, her ladyship! Anyway, this is what I've puchased.

Pretty, shiny distsressed stickles :D And my distressed inks.

Finally, my Rock Candy, which I have big plans for involving a photo of my mum and April's Go-go kit!

Have fun everyone :D

Stuffing!

2010-04-19T10:29:00.000+01:00

Well, it's the name of my CJ! For those of you who don't want a sneak peek, look away NOW!

The idea is I get a recipe 'book' back with a collection of stuffing or stuffed recipes.

I've not included my DLO, I need to keep something to suprise everyone! *lol* Anyway, I'm off to Blackpool so I'll let you know what I get up to when I get home (tomorrow night!)

Just a little something.

2010-04-15T20:06:00.000+01:00

Had a play with some of ther remenants of my March Go-Go kit on Tuesday.

The Boy kindly pointed out that I didn't mention who was the bad influence!
Off to play with my April Go-Go kit now! Turned up yesterday.

To fill in time

2010-04-13T22:31:00.000+01:00

The Boy and I are off to a friends wedding at the end of July. There's four of us going and I'm booking the tickets. So while I await exact names from photo ID's, I thought I'd share with you a small haul I got through.

The scissors were all over at the getaway with many rave reviews. So I treat myself. the BIA boards are for a CJ, UTEE and Ink Applicatior for me to play with (I've got four distressed inks heading my way) and brown staz on. I'll let you know when I've had a play :D

More getaway goodies!

2010-04-10T21:28:00.000+01:00

I won a few kits while I was at the Go-go getaway. Three were for my sister, self contained projects she can enjoy. The other two were for MOI! I got an LO and a mini book. Haven't done the mini book, but the LO is complete!

The papers are fab! But they are by Dream Street who are sadly victims of the recession. *sulk* So, to business, this LO was great fun, painting and embossing (These were done at the getaway while the materials were available) This is The Boy. I love this photo, he looks so friendly and relaxed. He put the cat in the deep snow five mins after this was taken though! Hence the 'Beware of Mr. Spoon' (the 'Mr spoon' coming from his nickname, Spoony (don't ask... please))

March Go-go and Jeff Dunham

2010-04-09T20:52:00.000+01:00

Some of you may recognise the photo. It's ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham. I got The Boy two tickets to see him in Manchester on 23rd of April as part of his Christmas pressie. Just to be clear, thats TWO tickets, one for him and one for whoever he wants to take with him (i.e not me!) Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go see him, but thats not the point. So when the UKS CC came up that weekend, I was all set for a relaxing weekend scrapping. Then he tells me, no-one else can go and I'll have to. @£$%%*&@@****!!! After a (not so) small paddy (looking forward to the CC) I discovered a craft and hobby exhibition is on in Liverpool that weekend. *YAY* I mention this to said man and get scowled at! So my current thinking is to pack my scrap kit, pilfer his laptop and swear at the hotel if theres no wi-fi in the rooms! Whinge over (for now).

I finally did a little something with my March go-go kit. I WANT THE APRIL ONE SO I CAN DECORATE MY ALBUM!!!! *Breaths* I am calm. The first one is a photo of me last August at a friends BBQ, 'twas good fun that one.

The squares are embossed with UTEE (current obsession) and used a white gel pen to create 'stitches'

The second LO is me at about 10 months or so, having great fun in a wicker bin (yup, I was a wanted child *lol*) I love this photo, and the kit worked so well. The alphas are the hybrids and they are so lush!

Right, thats me done for the day. Have one of the getaway kits to share with you tomorrow. Happy scrapping :D