BORDER PUNCHES GALORE

Just couldn't resist buying a couple (well 3 actually!)of Martha Stewarts border punches once I had seen some cards that Lindsay had made using some.

The clear cut and gorgeous patterns achievable with these punches make them a must.

I bought 2 from a web site and the third from the USA. That one came with punched examples of all the available border punches to date. Now which one should I go for next?

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Here we go again. Isn't that a line from a song? Anyway, we are off down the dreaded M6 south then onto the dreaded M5 to Tewksbury and the 3D model helicopter flying show.

Now to me 3D means building up a picture a bit at a time to create a decoupaged image, but to men who fly helicopters it means doing things with them that real helicopters don't do like flying upside down and trying to cut the grass with the rotors!! Now you tell me where the sense is in that.

I've packed loads of craft and hope to make Xmas cards, but it seems I have been allocated the job of making brews for the members of the club that my husband belongs to. Oh dear! Anyway, must go as we are all packed and ready for the off. Back after the weekend.

HOLIDAY CARDS

I managed a bit of crafting whilst away. These are just 3 cards.

SISTER ACT

Sometimes special moments come along and that is just what happened to me yesterday.

Whilst trying to catch up on blogland since I came back from holdiday, I noticed that Lindsay Mason would be demonstrating at a local garden centre. Being near to her family, she mentioned that they would be visiting her also. I had already been onto her sister, Heathers, blog and seen a gorgeous mermaid ATC. I tried to comment on it but for some reason (many strange IT things happening at the moment!) my computer froze and I couldn't tell Heather how fab I thought it was. You can imagine how humble, excited and totally wide-eyed I was to be able to swap ATCs with Heather and actually own this marvelous work of art.

Not only was that so special but Lindsay agreed to swap and I chose another fantastic piece by her which she told me was inspired by one I had done some time ago that made her laugh.

You know, you may think that because these talented artists are often in the media light they may be aloof or similar. Let me tell you that is deffinately not so. I have the greatest honour to know 4 top crafters and they are all the most wonderful people. They have time for you, are happy to impart their knowledge and always offer kind comments about your work whether it is good or not. I learn so much from them and they have all made my hobby even more special to me.

Thank you ladies.

HOME ONCE MORE

We arrived home on Wednesday night after a lovely 3 weeks in Dorset.

The first week was spoilt by the weather but the remaining 2 were gorgeous. We managed to go to some of the places we have missed in the past because we didn't want to or couldn't leave Toby. Our trip this year was to put this part of the country to bed, so to speak.

I think both my hubby and I have walked round half the county and I for one have worn out a pair of sandals! It was such a shame we had to leave early as we are off again next Wednesday to Tewksbury to the 3D model helicopter show - men and their toys! which means another trip down the M6, which I hate.

I did manage a little bit of crafting but not much so I have a lot of catching up to do, especially ATC wise. My swapping buddies will be getting back into the throes of it soon so I had better get cracking too.

I'll put a couple of photos on here and some on my flickr.

I HAVE HAD AN...

I have had an amazing 2 days. The sun shone brightly, the sky has been blue (well on the main land anyway) and my hubby and I have had 2 wonderful adventures.

Yesterday we decided to go to the I.O.W.. We booked online on Tuesday and after getting up at 6am we set off to drive to Lymington where we boarded the 7.45am ferry to Yarmouth. About 14 years ago we had an amazing 2 weeks on the island and have wanted to return ever since. My special moment was my trip to the Liz Earle shop in Rhyde. I love her products as they are the only ones that I don't have an allergic reaction to. However, the island was a big disappointment. It has gone to rack and ruin, the roads are just potholes and the towns are very run down. Such a shame for a gorgeous part of the UK.

Today was even more special. We went to Lulworth and climbed the steep path to Durdle Dur which was a real tear jerker of an experience due to it's utterly amazing sight. I am so glad we managed the trek and have some fantastic photos which I shall share when I get home. Oh! I may try just one.

ANOTHER GO AT BLOGGING

I wrote a piece last week and before it could be saved and published, my web connection failed! I don't think this area of Dorset has very good reception.
Anyway, we have had a lovely day today. Gorgeous sunshine and a nice ride out around the Purbecks to Swanage, where we had a Sunday roast (well I did anyway, my hubby doesn't like meat), then over on the ferry from Studland to Sandbanks (the most desirable place in the land to live) before the few miles back to Lychett Mattravers.
I've been doing a bit of carding and even managed about 4 Xmas cards for the troops again. Another 30 or so to go. Pictures will have to wait 'til I get home because it will take an age to upload them with this mobile link.
Sorry to Lindsay Mason and Sharon Ward because although I have written post cards to you, I've left your addresses at home! Der!!!!