Friday 5 December 2008

Baby babbling

Last night Angelo began babbling da da. How cute. He is making fab progress. He sits up unaided, can traverse the living and dining room with ease in his walker. He has two bottom teeth and is now babbling. Whoopee Angelo. Well done son.

Monday 17 November 2008

Return of the Mojo



Angelo has been really ill. He had bronchilitis. Thank God he is much better now and this weekend we have all had great fun.

My me time was spent creatively and look what I did.

Friday 7 November 2008


Angelo is now 6 months old. Time does indeed fly. He is doing really well and looks just like this. He can sit up, eat, and so content and happy. I am really proud of my baby boy.

Monday 11 August 2008

Why do things go missing???????????

I have a really important meeting today. It is a meeting I have been dreading for a while now. I had prepared most of the paperwork for it in advance, but left a little bit of sorting for this morning. Well, I cannot find what I am looking for. The letter with the time of the meeting has disappeared. Grrr! I am going nutty looking around the house and thought a bit of chill out (which is why I am doing this) might help me to relax and therefore get sorted. I mean the letter has simply been misplaced. It is not lost. It better blooming hadn't be.

Over the weekend I have been working on my submission for my August UK Art Lottery entry.

Sneaky peek.



I have also completed my bunting for a swap on UKS hosted by me.



The swap is near its end and I have to go away, unexpectedly. Oh my! This should cause only a small delay to the swap out date. I hope that swap ends on a high note. I am sure it will, the work I have received for it this far has been stunning.

Thursday 7 August 2008




Angelo is now 12 weeks old. How time flies!

He blows raspberries, has developed one curl at the front of his head. Very swet-pea-sque. He has found his hands and stares at them for ags. He is tthing too nd dribbles for England.

Over the last few weeks he has begun to come into his own. I really enjoy being his mum. He is a wonderful son.

Wednesday 6 August 2008

I've been

busy. I wish I could say with craft, but no. Little man takes such a lot of time to deal with, play with, cuddle with. You get the picture. Tomorrow he will be twelve weeks old and in that time I have truly grown to love him. I really want to enjoy every minute of him as I know how baby time flies.

August has to be one of the busiest times of the year with appointment after appointment here there and everywhere scattered through the month. My birthday is close to the end of the month. I will be 37. Nuff said on that one. I feel fifteen so I am not complaining.

Sarah/Flo works too hard, but some of that hard work is really going to be fruitful in an artistic sense as she has created an on-line raffle which I am participating in. I am loving it and I love her for having the imagination and creativity to get this thing off the ground. Whoop, whoop for Sarah.

Right off to catch the end of tonight's episode of BB. I know it is sad, but true. :)

Thursday 31 July 2008

Get flowers (Tutorial)




To make flowers like these you will need:
5 different sized circular templates that you can draw around.
black cardstock
white cardstock
cream cardstock
distress inks (various colours)
blending blocks and blending tool/cut and dry fom
stamps
stazon or other waterproof ink
embossing ink
embossing powder
heat proof sheet
heat tool
water in a spritzer
kitchen paper

I created backgrounds using distress inks working on white/cream cardstock. I used weathered wood, spiced marmalade and worn lipstick. The colours were smudged onto the heat proof sheet individually, then spritzed with water. I worked on several A6 sized sheets of card during this stage as the pigments are very strong so go a long way. After applying each colour I wiped the heat proof sheet with kitchen paper. I did this to avoid muddy colours.

I chose parts of the background that I liked and using the circular templates I cut out the shapes. N.B. save the second to last sized circle for your petals. When cutting out work on the inside of the line and do not try to achieve perfect circles. To me, the charm of theses flowers is in their random nature.

Using black waterproof ink stamp images onto three of the shapes. Heat set. Use the blending blocks and blending tool or cut and dry foam to highlight the edges of your circles.

Working on black card, stamp a bold design/image onto the surface of the cardstock. Use clear embossing ink and clear embossing powder. Heat the embossing powder until it melts. When this is cool, use another template to cut a medium sized shape. Layer all of your circles thus far until, you get the effect that you desire. Stick. You might wish to use 3D foam to lift one layer. I did this under the black layer only. This is your flower center.

Using the smallest shape, cut a number of circles from black cardstock. Arrange them under your flower center. This will form a ring shape. When you are happy carefully lift your flower center and on the reverse of your flower center apply wet glue to the edge of your flower center. Position your glue line so that it will touch each petal. Re-place your flower center. The head of you flower is complete.

Monday 28 July 2008

Lollystick Challenge



I made this flower for our weekly challenge in the altered forum social group on uks. The challenge was to use lolly stick. Here mine appears as a stem for a flower.

Saturday 26 July 2008

Something for the weekend




I spotted this little cage in a local shop(instore at £1.59). I think it is something I could play with.

Tuesday 22 July 2008

A new street.

I have finally managed to upload the images of my houses from Flo's great swap.

I love them all and thank everyone for their hard work. The houses are just gorgeous.





Sunday 29 June 2008

Bunting


Here's how to make the template to create uniform sized bunting.

Use card or paper to create the template.

Step one (see image 1)
Cut one rectangle shape from the card or paper to the following dimensions, 6"X5".



Step two (See image 1)
To find the mid point of your shape fold your paper or measure and mark the mid point of the shortest edge.



Step three (See image 1)
Draw a line from the centre point to the outer edge at the base of the rectangle. This will be your cutting line.



Step 4 (See image 1)
cut along the line, this can be done with a steady hand and sharp scissors or with a cutting machine.



Now your template is complete. you can now use it to create uniform bunting flags. (See image 2)

Remember when you have traced around the shape of your template to cut inside the lines so that the shape is not distorted.

Image 1


Image 2


Have fun decorating.

Friday 27 June 2008

15

Today is my best friend's daughter's birthday. She is fifteen. Happy Birthday Lauren. :) I made this card for her. She is an alternative chick and therefore likes things that are a bit different.



Wednesday 25 June 2008

Blogging without obligation.

I am going to attach the BWO image to my blog so then I won't feel bad when I don't get round to blogging often. Angelo keeps me very busy, but I am not complaining. I am enjoying every minute of him.




I have managed to get creative for a swap called little boxes on the hillside run by Flo on UKS
despite having so much to keep me occupied of late. The swap was inspired by the book In this house by Angela Cartwright and Sarah Fishburn.

Making these places of residence has kept my finger on the mixed media pulse.




I have not had time to make 21 individual pieces and did not want to replicate a design 21 times so I decided to make 3 designs and work with groups of 7. They look better in real life and are either a house, a castle or an apartment block. The details of what I did and what I used are on the reverse of each design so if you are lucky enough to get one you will know exactly what I did.

Friday 6 June 2008

Serenely dreaming!

What on earth is Colic and how come a breast fed baby has it?

Poor Angelo. He has had stomach ache forever and a really bad problem with wind; from both ends, and for what seems like his entire life (all three weeks of it LOL). He grunts, groans and draws his legs up like no other.(child of mine that is) I knew there was something not quite right.

I invested in bottle of INFACOL last night and while it made no difference then, it has today. My little man has been asleep now for a couple of hours. What a joy. I should be tidying up or doing something constructive but I am enjoying the time without him needing me; to feed or cuddle him because he is in pain.

Neither of my other two had Colic.

I have never known a child cry, break wind and go red, so much. Poor wee thing. He is settled and happy now . I hope this lasts (for my sake as much as his). :)

I am loving him serenely dreaming.


Monday 2 June 2008

Finding a name - O -




It took a week to name my second, while my first had a name before birth. Well baby number three has a name and it only took two weeks. He is called



ANGELO

Monday 26 May 2008

Late Arrival.

My number three baby, as yet without a name, arrived at 5.58 on Thursday May 15th. It was a difficult birth best forgotten. He weighed a tiny 6lb 15 0z. He is gorgeous and healthy so I have nothing to complain about on that score.

I have had high blood pressure and been given medication. I was kept in hospital for a while I seem to be on the mend now.

Here's a picture of his royal highness:




This is not the best picture in the world. Haven't taken that many. I must take some more.

Sunday 11 May 2008

And so tomorrow is D day. You would have thought that I would have spent last night resting as labour will probably start today if the little man decides that he will arrive on time. Not me. No logic here. I stayed up with OH chatting about fights we had at school until 4. Yes 4 am. Then I woke up at half past every hour until 11.30 this morning for a tinkle. I have had disrupted sleep which is not conducive.

I am not complaining. Being able to talk and laugh with my other half in this way makes me know that I am really lucky to have him.

Saturday 3 May 2008

In pain in the comfort of my own home

Well yesterday evening was eventful. I'd been having contractions since about 2.30 but they were week and very sparodic so I rested and thought they'd quit of their own accord. Not so. By 3.30 am I was leaving my house to go to the local maternity hospital. Needless to say my little bundle of joy did not arrive. I stayed in hospital overnight and had my contractions grow less and less frequent and less and less strong. I could have stayed in hospital, but to be fair I would much rather be in pain in the comfort of my own home so I left.

I have purchased a box of co-codamol and intend to stay at home, when things start up again, until at least 5 min elapse between each contraction. Last night I went when they were eight minutes apart. They increased to every four minutes but by the time I left the hospital they were really weak and approx 10min apart. I have been advised that because of the position of my little man; face forward, my labour will be long and intense. Lucky ol' me.

Wednesday 30 April 2008

Another visit to the Midwife

Today I had my final appointment with the midwife (pre baby that is). My next visit to her office is scheduled for 14th May. I hope I don't have to attend.

I did not see the midwife that normally sees me. I saw someone else. I have no relationship with her and it kind of took me back when we got there. I wanted to ask lots of questions but it felt really rushed today and I have come away feeling very flat.

I was advised to ring the Midwife Tirage when I go into labour. I was then told that at that time I could be told that the dept is full. How much of a nightmare is that? I know our Maternity service is in crisis but I did not expect this. I would not be so stressed about it if my pregnancy was straightforward. Little man is presenting face first (OP) for those in the know which means labour could be longer and more painful I was told. Being informed that the dept is full (I know,, this might not happen) is just another stress.

On a positive note I did find out about Baby Massage classes; where and when they are etc. I cannot wait and will be participating as soon as I can.

:)

Monday 21 April 2008

Getting out and about

Isn't it wonderful what the sun can do. Well it changes my mood, makes me want to be active and gives me a general boost. Guess what kind of weather we have been having?

I did manage to get out and about today. I took care of some business, the Dr's and visited my close friend who is a new mum then boring food shopping. I seem to be surrounded by babies or pregnant women, or women who want to be pregnant. And so the world grows.

Baby is a boy and is called Cassius. He weighed in at 91b 10 oz so not so small then. Mum is doing fine but there were complications with the birth. Thankfully her little man is doing fine now. He did have breathing problems and was a very deep shade of purple due to this when he was born. His little face and eyes are still really bloodshot and he is very sleepy, but he is well. Thank God.

I know for some it is difficult to conceive, others have problems with babies for a number of reasons when they are born. I know I have been really lucky and I am thankful for the experiences that I have had. My eldest was early, severely jaundiced and the labour was intense, but my second was a breeze. What lies in store this time I really do not know. I pray things will go smoothly for both me and my unborn child.

I don't plan to have any more children (I know that every mother says this at this point), but I feel I have done my bit for Mankind and my family.

For the moment I am trying to enjoy my pregnancy and the idea of being mum again.

Friday 18 April 2008

How many wees can one do in a night?

I did 6 last night. I am obviously very tired this morning because of this but I will be taking a nap this afternoon to compensate.

Just thought I'd share. :)

Tuesday 15 April 2008

36 Week Check up, other hostpital appts. and an interview

What a scare that was to start off with. When the Dr examined me to see what the position of the baby was he couldn't tell whether he was breech or not! Alarm bells began to ring. Caesarian nightmares flashed through my head. Off we went for a positioning scan which revealed that whilst the baby is in an odd position, his head is down. His back is facing mine which means he is facing upwards. This unexpected event has its merits as we were given the opportunity of yet another photograph.

I had hoped it would be third time lucky with this one, but my diamond geezer does not do still very well and despite a very crisp image of his face appearing on screen the one we were given in print is blurry indicating once again that my little man is just a little camera shy.

He looks very like Marcus to me and John. My LEVI's don't seem to be as strong as John's. Oh well at least there can be no denying on his part.

It is hospital day in our family. I have been, my dad ist there also re cataracts and John's dad has been re kidney stones. I need to make some phone calls later to find out what has occurred. I just hope they haven't had any scares.

Josh is attending a college interview for next year too. I hope he gets the news he wants to hear.

Its all going on. Life at least is not dull. I am grateful. :)

Monday 14 April 2008

With Just 4 WEEKS to go

I seem to have developed a renewed mojo. About blinking time I would say. I have been creating lots of bits and bobs. I have photos too.

Here we go:

This is my BIA interactive book made for a swap on UKS. I used K and Co Roam papers primarily and Bazzill cardstock. I am really happy with the way that it turned out and hope that the recipient enjoys it too.






I used the same papers to make a wall hanging name banner for one of my close friend's daughters. I used coasters for the backgrounds which were primed painted and papered. I embellished some of the papers with crystal glitter to add a bit of oomph. I cut letters from coordinating Bazzill and embellished them. Some were sewn, others were glazed, some were left plain, the others had buttons attached or prima flowers. YES Prima Flowers. The original ones. I have a small jar of mixed colours obtained from RAKs and swaps. They came in really handy for this project. I have kept myself busy as you can see.





TFL :)

Saturday 22 March 2008

Stressed

I am having one of those, I wish I hadn't bothered to get out of bed days today. The day started with bright sunshine and has now deteriorated into complete madness. My hormones are raging and I think I need to be left in a padded cell to be completely safe.

I am ranting. I am hoping that I can dump some of my stressy hissy stuff here so that I don't completely alienate my family. I think if I keep quiet and stay out of the way they will be better off.

Need to get on with some craft projects. That could be the distraction that I need. Might have to do some stash shopping just get the old juices flowing. Hmm that sounds like a plan.

Monday 17 March 2008

Music is something I couldn't live without.

I love listening to music. As I get older I listen to more and more which seems to be something to do with having more time on my hands because I am at my most efficient. (Whatever!)

I have more time on my hands now. I can afford to luxuriate in this aural pastime.
Music is something I couldn't live without.

I have a very eclectic taste. My song for this week is by Audioslave some will recognise the voice from Sound Garden.

Just thought I'd share.

Tuesday 26 February 2008

Is this ME?

Apparently this is what my name means.

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

Monday 25 February 2008

Pleased to meet you Izabelle

Jayne and Carl's daughter, Izabelle is so gorgeous. I am so pleased to have met her last night. She is just 9 days old and already she has a little personality of her own and strength to match. She lifts her head and wriggles like no other. Still Marcus the un-initiated baby holder, managed very well. The photo speaks for itself. I am so proud of him. He really took and interest. I hope he will be as good when his little sibling arrives in around 11 weeks time.



Jayne and Carl are relaxed first time parents. It is so strange but wonderful to see them as a family unit. Congratulations and welcome baby Izabelle.

Sunday 24 February 2008

ButtonDollz

Another great swap on UKS hosted by Dotty Dotty. I have finally finished mine and I love the way that they have turned out.

I have named them. Sad I know. From left to right we have;

Freya, Pheobe, Flossie, Pippa, Prudence and Fleur.

I made them using TH distress inked backgrounds that were cut into button shapes using sizzix sizzlet button collection. The buttons were strung like beads using a light gauge wire. I used a stamp for the face (Stella)The dolls were made in sets of three. One set was finished by adding beading and for the other three I brushed a layer of 3D gloss over the entire design after glittering.



I need to make space on my memory card. A very dear friend is calling by with her week old daughter. I feel honoured. I cannot wait VEXCITED :)

Friday 22 February 2008

The TH Impression



Meeting TH has left an inky impression on me. I have been playing with my inks ever since I saw the technique performed before my eyes.

Last night I made some mail art using the inks and the blending block. Cut and Dry foam is good, but the blending block is so much better. I ordered a new pack from Scrap Revolution last night and hope they wont take too long to arrive.

Here's my mail art.

Thursday 21 February 2008

3-2-1 GO!




Using some of TH techniques today I have created 6x6 backgrounds for a swap I am in on UKS.

This is based on the tag that Tim made for me.



I used his blending tool and a variety of inks to create the initial background, then I used water to distress and finally I stamped with a new stamp from his 'Componets collection (COmOO3SKULLS)'.

I love the look and I am sure the technique will be everywhere in my creations over the next week or so.

Wednesday 20 February 2008

The Tim Holtz experience.



I had the fortune of being one of the lucky people who got to meet Tim Holtz at Dawn Bibby's design Studio in Oswaldtwistle today. I did not know what to expect. It was quite an intimate experience. A few crafters huddled around a table to be inspired by Tim, his inks and his sense of colour adventure. He shared a good number of techniques. I wish I had taken a note pad to record some of what he was doing. He demonstrated grungeboard and adirondak crackle paints amongst other things. Unfortunately there were none of his new products for sale today, (design ruler, grungeboard or his new texture hammer) but that was down to shipping. I have placed a preorder and will be notified when the goodies arrive. Something lovely to look forward to. :)

I made a piece of coaster art art as a gift for him wand I did buck up the courage to give to him. He was very receptive to my simple gift and even made me sign my work. How cool is that. Tim Holtz has artwork that I made and it is signed. He made me a lovely tag and signed it for me too.

I also had my picture taken with him and my best friend Cheryl.



I did have a chat with Dawn Bibby. She is so sweet and slim. TV piles the pounds on her. I had my picture taken with her too.



Overall the day was so much more than I could have anticipated. I really enjoyed myself. I was in great company. I met Paul (olbas) on UKS and a few other great people too.

So did meeting Tim Holtz live up to my expectations? In short it exceed them. I am totally in awe of anyone who can do what he does with paper.

Thanks to today, I think I will be an improved crafter.


Here are some images from the day.

Look what I got!

I love taking part in swaps. UKS is a great site for that. I get to take part in all manner of crazy art projects (crazy in the most creative way). I recently took part in an altered coaster box swap.

I mailed my box to my swapee (pictures of the actual box will only appear after she has received it, but the spoilers reveal my colour scheme (see two posts back).

My swapee sent me a fabby boxed stuffed full of delicious chocolate (needless to say that it is now empty) Her theme is Easter and it is so appropriate. I love it and now intend to make these for my boys to fill with little choccy eggs.

I am devasted as the images I had have now disappeared. :(

Monday 18 February 2008

Music

seems to play a large part in my life and always has done. I have recently found out how to link videos from YouTube to my blog. Yes I know I am behind the times but hey, better late than never. This week I have decided to share a few of my favourites. They are by no means my exclusive; this is the soundtrack to my life, or even my very preferred top ten. They are random songs that I just love and need to hear every once in a while. Today's madness is by Daft Punk and is called Too Long. I hope I can find a link. Why do I like it? It has that Euro-cheese factor a bit of Cheddar mixed with Brie.

SPOILERS!

Okay I made my box for the swap on UKS and here it is, well partially I don't want to give too much away.



Tis Monday the start of a new week. Whoopee. The sun is shining too.

Sunday 17 February 2008

Just Fine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwliC-kK-W4

Friday 8 February 2008

Playing with my BIA

I have had my bind it all for a while now and I have made some fabby things but not many. Well a very close friend and me both have one and have decided to make bump books. I have prepared two books and now just need to get going with the decoration for the outside. The book is going to be called; 'LUMPY BUMPY ME'

Thursday 7 February 2008

Blobbing on

I am so fat, I look like an a diss on a rap track 'You're Momma's so fat...' but I am pregnant and so this is my excuse.

This is me at 6 months

Wednesday 6 February 2008

blog on

I have been neglecting my creative side for a while now. Not blogging, not crafting very much and filling each day with much sleep. That is to be expected given that I am 6 months pregnant, but it is not an excuse. Note to self: Blog often and revamp the darned thing.

I don't find blogging hard, I can rant on about any old rubbish LOL

Saturday 2 February 2008

Found my charger






















I had a brainwave yesterday. Well actually it was quite obvious when you think about it. I had plugged the darned thing into the surge protected adapter that the computer is on and forgotten all about it. So my charger was never lost but just moved. I blame the hormones.

The last few weeks have seen us as a family really settle into our new home. I have started to craft again. Did go through a bit of a dry spot there for a little while but everything seems to be coming full circle.

I am so glad to be blogging again. Really missed it. Didn't feel the same without pictures so here I am. I have lots to share, but first things first.

Last year on UKS I took part in a fabby altered project called Just a Stamp. Basically this was a CJ with a difference. I then moved house and caused massive delays to everyone one the group. They were very understanding about my predicament. As they say, all's well that ends well and so I sent the CJs to the next person and eventually mine came to me. Here in pictures is the thing itself. Well worth the wait in my opinion. There are some fantastic interpretations of the stamp that was sent with my CJ.

I want to thank everyone for taking part so
PIP, Julie, Cara, Tree, Jean, Hannah, Efemera, Flo and Culpepper massive thanks and mucho gracias. I love my book and will treasure it forever. XXXXX