MY BLOG FOLLOWERS CANDY GIVEAWAY

See previous post for details.

'Peg Leg' is sooo busy installing the new door oh! and blowing up his chop saw!!!! whilst cutting mitres for the door surround, that I decided to write everyone's name in my note book and ask my step-daughter to pick 2 numbers.

She chose numbers:

17  -  She

2    -  Ruthie

I know Sheila's address but  not yours Ruthie. If you would like the candy, please contact me (e-mail available in my profile) and let me know where to send the candy.

Well done ladies. I hope you can find use for the bits I send.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE............

You know how sometimes you get an idea for a card, or something similar, and just have to make it even though it's seasonal and not that time of year? Well, I just had to make this Halloween tag yesterday.

I was looking through my Tim stamps and found the saying and that just set me off. Can you imagine a skeleton wanting to be a ballet dancer. I think his little tutu is lovely!!

I've just been onto the Something Completely Different challenge blog and found that my tag satisfies todays challenge - ORANGE, BLUE and BROWN, so I am entering it.

I really had fun with this one. I scrunched up the tag, then added walnut stain ink before spritzing it with water. I have a new/old iron, if that makes sense, which I then used to iron the tag dry. The rest is obvious I think.

I then just had to have a go with my new cover stamp kindly sent to me from Traplet. So this is what I made. I think it needs a word or something yet and backing onto mountboard, but it's nearly done. Another ATC inspired by the amazing Heather

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I used a 'spun' background that was a freebie from Heather on one of her ATC swaps. I stamped the face image on acetate using lime brilliance ink then I matted it onto green miri card which I had coloured myself using stazon ink. All I did then was to add fibres, glitter, bugle beads and some sticky gems all over. I love the colours on this.

Just wondered if you may like to see my sunflowers. The tallest are over 13'!!!!!! The bees are loving them and I hope they go to seed for the birds through the winter.

I would just also like to thank all my followers for taking the time to look at my blog. There are 33 of you now. I feel very honoured. Infact, I am going to put all your names into a box and get 'peg leg' to pick a couple out for some blog candy giveaway.
He's just busy installing a new bi-fold door on the front room, so I'll get him to do it later today.
Watch this space then. xx

A LITTLE CHARM

How I am longing for those new facetted fragments from Mr Tim. Oh! and most of the rest of his summer releases - well, a girl has to have what a girl has to have, don't you agree?

Anyway, back down to earth. For one of his classes at the CHA show, Tim and his students made a gorgeous charm embellishment and the photo of this is  now on his web site. Obviously I couldn't make one the same, so I got going with what I had and voila, this is what I came up with. Once I decide on the colour scheme of the card it will go on , I'll add some net or ribbon or something.

The fragments cover some Paper Artsy, Rum and Raisin paper I bought last year - too late for Xmas cards!!
I used the little angel I made the other day, a pearl drop I made yesterday and several metal charms. Sorry the photo isn't better, but we have another rotten, dull day here and taking piccies is difficult.
Well 'peg leg' has just gone out to sort out his mobile phone contract, They are charging different amounts each month which isn't right, and also for a look round the flag market car boot in Preston. He's on a mission to find something for a friend. Suppose I better clean up some more sawdust from yesterday when he started to fit a new bi-fold door on the front room. Notice I said started? not sure if I'll ever get to say finish!!

WOYWW #60

#60 already. I haven't been joining in for that long, but look forward to Wednesdays so much now, mainly 'cos I'm nosey and love to see what all you crafters out there are up to. I always enjoy those house programmes on the tele, where you get to see inside people's houses!
Anyway, as you know it's also the summer CHA show this week and some of the new releases are going to upset a lot of people - me for one. I've been keeping up with all Tim's new designs and am crying already at the thought of buying them (the cost) or not buying them (the disappointment).
Last night I had a look at Twitter and found 2 photos that Mario had put on of a dangling charm Tim was holding. It looks like he has released some new shaped fragments to go with his new vintage Xmas papers.

So out came my box of tricks ready to make something similar today maybe.

I've been trying to make some big, multi-layered flowers. There are remnants of one on my craft sheet together with a little angel charm I made. Also, I've been die cutting some grunge paper using some of Tim's new dies. However, I was fed up of having to go into the kitchen to retrieve my machine and dies (yes, my craft stash has taken over a couple of kitchen cupboards too) so I had a little sort around and managed to get my machine and Tim's dies on shelves above my low down work desk.

At last I can just reach out and actually use the thing. Just need to find space for the new releases now ooops!!

One last photo, I bought the QVC TSV this week, the Christmas Martha Stewart punches. Well, I needed them. You understand.

Just to finish off, 'peg leg' went to the hospital yesterday to see the specialist about his knee. After waiting all this time, they wanted to treat the good knee!!! All their records stated the wrong knee, so now he has to start from the beginning by having another MRI scan just because they have made a mistake. In the meantime, he is swallowing pills like there is no tomorrow just to keep the pain at bay. We give up!!

MASKED FAIRY

I managed to buy 4 stamps by Ching Chou Kuik after finding them in a sale. This lady's work is fabulous. Her colouring is second to none.
Anyway, I stamped them with a dye ink and took them on holiday with me with the full intention of colouring them with my Copics. However, I completed only one and used watercolour pencils instead.
She has the title 'Masked Fairy'. Isn't she lovely?

I kept to the red and black theme with everything, except the little silver flower pin.
I made the flower using Tim's tattered flower die on some red net, 2 Prima flowers, a Sizzix flower cut from material, some black fibres and a lovely old button. The rest is simple matting and layering.
Enjoyed this one.

DRAGONFLY INVASION

I got on with this backlog of jobs I have to do since coming back from our travels, and made a couple of dragonflies - instructions taken from Heather's book, page 48 - so that I could complete a couple of special projects.

These 2 were a bit easier to make than the first one I tried, but I think the dagger beads should be bigger. They were all I could find from the 5 craft shops I went round the other day! Anyway, I've now found some larger ones on Ebay and they will be 'winging' their way to me this week.

'Peg Leg' has his first hospital appointment tomorrow, thank goodness. Just hope it won't be too long before they actually do the operation. He is taking pills like there's no tomorrow and for him, that is a one off. Hopefully, we can get back to a normal life once he is fit again because things have slowed so much these past 2 years.

Right, today is cle....., that's ....ing, sorry I just can't say that word. It has something to do with dust which always makes me cringe 'cos it means 'work'. Now I have to go wash my mouth out for saying that last 4-letter word.

BABY WIPE BUTTERFLY

One of the amazing techniques I learnt from Lindsay last week, was making a multi coloured background 'paper' using baby wipes.
You simply run a Big and Juicy multi coloured ink pad onto your craft sheet and then lay a baby wipe onto it to pick up the ink - a plastic glove is a must for this.
The end result is quite lovely and being a bit textured, adds to the appeal.
I used my piece to make a Tim butterfly to go on  a birthday card for a friend's little girl. (don't tell Emily if you are reading this Sharon).

I used bundled sage and shabby shutters distress ink to shade the card before stamping a swirl with shabby shutters ink. I then cut out the butterfly by putting 2 layers of black card through my Big Shot. I stuck the baby wipe onto the plain pieces of the butterfly and then overlaid the cut out layers. I then stuck each bit to the card using both extra sticky double-sided tape and 2 sizes of black 3D foam. I put a small purple brad through a green plastic flower then a purple Prima flower after which I wrapped the end of some purple wire round the stem of the brad which I had threaded through some seed beads and 2 metal charms.
I finished off with some gorgeous stickles on the butterfly body and a few sticky gems on the bottom of the card.
The butterfly die is really beautiful and cuts so cleanly and easily. I can see me using this a lot.

THANK YOU TRAPLET

I have tried in vain to buy the March 2010 edition of Craft Stamper, just to get hold of the free stamp.
I completed the back issue order form and sent my money, only to be told they had sold out of that particilar one. Tears and sobs.
Not one to be put off, I managed to swap an ATC with Heather for the amazing one she had created using this stamp - see the earlier post detailing this. So I was happy again.
However, I had been beaten and had given up in my quest. That was no good, so I went on the Traplet web site again and found they were still advertising that particular issue, so I emailed them with my story. I had a lovely reply telling me they had actually sold out of the magazine but were happy to copy me another from their archives. What a wonderful service but not really what I wanted.
I replied thanking them so much but saying that it really was the stamp I am after.
Another email flashed back to me saying they had found a stamp in their warehouse and would send it to me.
OH JOY AND JUBULATIONS!

Look what has just arrived.

PESKY PARROT AND FRIEND

For those of you who have followed my musings over the last year or so, you will know about the beautiful parrot card that Heather made which I was so inspired by that I photocopied it and stuck it on the inside of one of my wall cupboards. Now, anything to do with parrots obviously leads back to that - just a bit of fun really.

Well here is another inspired one, plus his kingfisher friend.

I updated my blog yesterday to the new version which lets you move your pictures anywhere within your post. I hope this turns out ok as it may take a bit of practice. I am also hoping that I can now link with other blogs more easily and add widgets etc without pulling most of my hair out each time I have a go and fail.

Watch this space folk. You may still see a baldy running around - and I don't mean 'Peg Leg'!!!

WOYWW #59

Well, this week I have been waiting anxiously for Wednesday so that I could get back in my little room, make a mess and hopefully, some nice looking crafty things.
Yesterday was one of those ' it's all that bloomin' Heather's fault' days. Not only did she drive me mad with her 'parrot' card - so much so that I just had to make a big photocopy of it and stick it on the inside of my cupboard door - she is now driving me potty with her dragonflies. (have a look at page 48 in her book to find out what the lure is).


'Peg Leg' and I drove all round Preston and Thornton yesterday looking for beads and wire so I could make some special ones for a couple of extra special cards I need to make, and not only did we clock up around 70miles, but I came back over £30 poorer!!!


I did however, come home to a lovely surprise. There is a sneak peek at it above, but here it is in full glory together with some more pesky parrots.


A massive and very grateful thanks to our woyww leader, Julia, and her DH, for letting me have this lovely keepsake. I will treasure it always - although in time I may just 'alter' it!

Anyway, my little workdesk is unusually messy for me. Generally I have to keep tidy 'cos I don't have room to do anything if I don't, but this week is a 'let your hair down and go for it' week after having spent the last 5 Wednesdays away. The shelves above it are in a mess too 'cos they are full of my recent Tim and Martha Stewart stash buys.



I have been playing with gesso and then putting alcohol inks over the top, to make some ATC backgrounds. It seems to work so I'll keep on with this little trick.


The wonderful Tim Holtz has been tempting us once again with sneaky peeks at his new summer CHA releases. His new Sizzix dies are amazing, especially the tree, which is going to be another necessity, but he is also bringing out new distress stickles to match his last set of 12 ink pads. My stickles storage is full, so I now have another job on - finding some more crafty space................
Have a wonderful day folk.

YES!

Because the ironing is done. Yippee thrise!!!

Also, I have been to the dentist and no probs. Next appointment is next April!! My goodness, I'm looking at next year already.

Anyway, apart from the last 2 awful things today, I actually had time for a bit of crafting - actually, I was up 'til after midnight making ATCs as my mojo was in overdrive following Lindsay's wonderful workshop on Saturday, I managed to make my neck
ache like mad whilst creating a Heather FE beaded dragonfly.

I am really chuffed with the little critter despite not having the correct size of beads. Not sure whether I can stick him to a card and let him fly away or whether I should offer him a home with me forever.

I had a 'parroty' thing going on last night too. May have to let you into that tomorrow though, as taking photos in artificial light is for the professionals - not me.

INKY FINGERS

I've been asked how inky are my fingers from the workshop on Saturday.

They were this inky!!!!!!!!!!

A FANTASTIC DAY

That's just what yesterday was, fantastic.
Lindsay's Ranger technique workshop was amazing. I thought I knew a lot of techniques with distress inks, alcohol inks etc. until yesterday when I learnt umpteen ways of using these products that I really had no idea about.
I arrived a bit early so I could have a good look around before the workshop began, and managed to pick up a few more items that I wanted, sorry, needed. Then the lovely Heather arrived so a quick catch up there before both Lindsay and David appeared. Another quick catch up before they both set up the goodies we were going to play with.


Just look at all the ways we learnt of how to use Ranger products, and we had to leave some out because we ran out of time despite running over by an hour. Roll on the next class so we can practice the bits we missed, and more.
A great big thank you to Lindsay for giving us her knowledge and another big thank you to the ever lovely David for setting up the class. xx

I was really, really excited about going because I also knew that 2 other very talented crafters would be there, Gez and She. I hope the 4 of us didn't get over excited and make too much noise and laughter. Lindsay kept us under control nicely.
Gez had made me an ATC which was a lovely thought so we exchanged.


I also swapped with Lindsay and Heather, taking from Heather a card I have admired for some weeks now. The other card I swapped with her included a bead dragonfly, details in her book, which I hope to have a go at making.



I didn't get home 'til 7pm so that's what I call a good day out.
I just have to catch up now after 4 weeks away and the pile of ironing beckons - yak!!!

However, before I go off and have a think about starting it, I just want to mention a little tease from Finishing Touches in Totnes, Devon.
Check out www.decocraft.co.uk where you will find a brand new web site for the shop and mention of FREE SHIPPING on all UK orders 'til midnight 31 July 2010. Simply enter 'freeship' at the checkout.

PS. I've thought about the ironing and decided it's too late in the day to start!!!!

TRY, TRY AGAIN

I tried umpteen times to upload a little video this week, but it just wouldn't happen. Let's see if being back on broadband will do it.


Well, it says done but it won't preview so I don't know whether it's on or not. I'll publish the post and have a look that way.

WOYWW #58

I know all you WOYWWers out there wonder where the days since last Wednesday have gone and I am no exception. The only difference is, I don't know where the last 28 days have gone. It's incredible that we have been on our hols for that length of time and even more incredible when I tell you that it has only rained twice!!

Anyway, today is our last day away and we make the trek back up north tomorrow.



This has been our view over the last 6 days. It's a lovely site within a water activity park and one for another visit in the future. However, if you consider coming here, even just for a meal in the restaurant, remember to bring lots of loaves for the ducks and swans. We have had to go out each day for at least 2!!
Yesterday we did a little round trip to Evesham, Pershore and back. You would never guess what we saw on the Abbey tower in Pershore - no not Toya Wilcox who lives in the town - but a peregrine falcon Just sitting there watching us watching him, or her. How lucky was that? A young couple came talking to us and told us all about it.
Added to the little vole we saw at the Hillhead site in Brixham, they were the 2 most amazing bits to remember from this holiday.

Well, there's no craft on my table today, just my orchids.


We didn't put the awning up when we came here so my plants have been inside taking up my crafting space. I doubt I shall get the chance to 'play' today either as I want to give the van a really good clean.
Now it's come to an end, I just want to get home and am looking forward to my Ranger workshop on Saturday with Lindsay. I need to get my mojo back and that will certainly do the trick.



So my craft cupboards are packed.


I will go off to link this and have a nosey at some of the other WOYWWers and hopefully leave a few comments. Funny how I can do that but can't reply to my emails. Anyway, back on broadband from tomorrow. TTFN.

SONG SUNG BLUE

Over on Hels Sheridan's blog - http://pinkleart.blogspot.com - aka Ink on My Fingers, this week's challenge theme is 'song sung blue'.
I may have a go at this tomorrow inbetween packing up to go home.
If you read her latest post, which includes a gorgeous metal creation, Hels tells us of her evening watching a horror movie and how Alfie, her cat, sat on her feet keeping her 'protected'.
Well, I reckon this is Alfie!!!!!! Sorry Hels.

WOYWW #57a

Made the trip to Finishing Touches in Totnes only to end up with this lot!!!!!

WOYWW #57

Been searching for goodies again!
I decided that as I don't have the time to craft - being on my hols and all that - I would add to my stash, as you do.


This is what I found yesterday (well today actually as I am writing this on Tuesday evening). We are on the move again Wednesday, but only 10miles down the road to Totnes just for 2 nights before setting off for another site near Tewksbury.
Now Totnes is the home of Finishing Touches, a lovely little craft shop. I have known one of the owners, David, for about 18years now and love to nosey around his stock every time we come this way.
I may just have to add some more goodies to my stash won't I??

WHAT A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON

I have just spent this afternoon in the company of someone I have admired for some time now, ArtyJen.

We arranged to meet up because I am in Brixham for a few days and this amazing crafter lives in the area. How lucky am I? However, am I jealous of her address? - no, because I can visit the area, am I jealous of her amazing crafting talent? - no, because I am now the proud owner of 5 of her incredible ATCs. See what I mean!!

I now have to try and make 5 cards to swap back. I was told it didn't matter, but for those of you who know me will also know that doesn't work with me, so I will make 5 asap (which may be Aug!!) to send in return.

Have a look at her blog and her incredible art. Another lady who loves paper crafting but is not art trained. I find this so amazing. (check the link in my sidebar)

SEA SHELLS BY THE SEASHORE

Hi folk.
Another beautiful day on the south coast. Beautiful 'til I decided to catch up on the washing (there's a laundry on this site) peg it all out on the whirligig, the plastic peg thingy, the awning straps, over the loungers and finally, over the dropped down awning front. Then....... it poured down!!!!!!!!! It's now all over the inside of the awning and the sun is shining once more!!!

We spent a few hours around the harbour and marina in Brixham today. I found some tiny shells in a gift shop which specialises in shell tourist gifts.


Also, I found these wooden ducks outside an amazing shop selling carved wooden art. If you are reading this, Hels, this picture is for you.


'Peg Leg' sampled some chips and managed to keep them to himself instead of sharing them with the seagulls! Actually, I had the crispy ones. The harbour was lovely, better than we have ever seen it. The tide was in, there were fish jumping, the water was crystal clear and the gardens leading up to the marina were spectacular. All so special. I do love this place.

Well my web connection is soooo slow today, despite having 2G and 5 bars, so I will try and upload a picture of my shells and sit back for an hour while it appears.