Scrap my mid life crisis

What snow?

2012-02-07T07:43:00.001Z

I know alot of you have snow at the moment but we have nothing!! It was freezing last week but the last few days the temp has raised slightly and we've actually had sunshine!

In fact it was so nice that I took daisy down to the beach twice, but whilst we were down there the mist started rolling in.

Those peaks in the distance are Goat Fell on the Isle of Arran

Looking the other way I could see the mist rolling in

Also creeping up the clyde between Little Cumbrae and the mainland

Come on Mum stop taking pictures and walk me before it gets dark!!

Just a few

2012-02-06T09:02:00.001Z

I have spent the last week frantically sewing for my next fair which is this saturday. Thought I would share what I've been doing...

Heart keyrings

More crochet hook cases

Kindle covers (I have made a stack but this was the only one to hand when I took the pics, okay so I couldn't be bothered to walk upstairs and get the others!!)

And guess what these are??

No not egg cosys they are keyring covers!!

Cute hey and a great way to use up scarps of fabric etc.

So that's me what have you been making?

Goals for Febuary

2012-02-01T08:19:00.005Z

Remember at the begining of Jan I set myself 3 goals for the month

1. Thrifty makes - for the month of January I will not buy any craft materials but make using the material I already have (which is alot lol).

Okay so I didn't quite manage this, first there was the rice incident craft or food although someone did suggest that it was in fact medical!! Next Jackie was having Craftroom clearout something I should maybe consider myself! Oh then I needed a couple of zips but as my local craft shop charges anything upwards of 79p for one zip I had a look on ebay and bingo 100 zips 4-10 inches for £3.50 + £2.99 p+p so only 6.5p each bargain

Okay so there have been a few other little items, alright more than a few so I have totally failed on this one this month. Lets forget this and go onto the next...

2. For the month of January I will make something every other day (every day would be pushing it!)

I have made loads this month, this was my first kindle case and I'm now working on different ones for my upcoming fair.

I seem to be permanently making crochet hook cases at the moment these all sold when I took then along to my crochet class so I made another six and have already sold half of those as well!!

My Crochet bag that I made from the handles Annie sent me (might have to think of another use for bags as crochet is definately not me)

The dinky little ouch pouches I made for fair filled with medicinal rice!!

As well as these I've made 9 more teacup pincushions, a couple of dozen keyrings, some larger rice bags, and I've been beading although not managed to finish anything yet.
So I think on that one I passed!!
Onto the last one
3. For the month of January I will post on my blog at least 3 times a week (would love to say every day but lets not set unreasonable goals!).

All was going well with this until last week when I was totally overwhelmed by the run up and day of the funeral. Apart from that I managed 12 posts in a month so what do you say did I pass?

So for Febuary I am going to try to use the same or similar goals.

1. Thrifty makes - for the month of Febuary I will not spend any money on craft materials but make using the material I already have. However if I have money in my paypal account from items I have sold I can use this to buy supplies!(no that's not a cop out!!)

2. For the month of Febuary I will craft for a couple of hours at least 5 days a week

3. For the month of Febuary I will post on my blog at least 3 times a week , 14 times for the whole month? (doing well cos this is number two already haha)

4. Okay and if I can achieve all of those next month I'll set some different ones.

Now off to my craftroom to finish more keyrings.

Will post photos of new stuff soon.

Nope Daisy says we're off to the beach for her walk?

Anyone for teatowels!!

2012-02-01T07:25:00.001Z

A few days ago I received an email from Al at All teatowels asking if I would be interested in reviewing a couple of teatowels on my blog!

Well I was thrilled if slightly surprised as I've never been asked to do a review on anything before. I spent ages looking at all their lovely teatowels before I finally whittled down to which ones I wanted. Emailed Al with my request and yesterday my towels arrived.

Have to say I am very impressed with the service I recieved and the quality of the towels.

The first one I chose is very apt for me

I am so pleased with the quality of the fabric and the print and it's even better in the flesh so to speak. Would you think me mad if I framed it to go in my seaside bedroom or maybe my downstairs loo?

The second one I chose was just calling to me and made me giggle as I'm not a "born cook", in fact baking etc is definately not me ( when I had to make a tray bake for the WRI coffee morning last year I used the packet brownie mixes from asda, you know the ones just add water!!)

The printing is great and colours are brilliant! This would make a great Mothers day pressie for someone with a mum like me!!

So please pop over to All Tea Towels website or you can visit them on Facebook I defy you to not find something you like and they are great pressies.

Oh and thanks Al for asking me to do this it's been fun.

2012-01-29T12:41:00.000Z

At last this week is over!!

It has been very stressful but I am determined to put it behind me and move on.

Good news, the plumber finally came and fixed the burst pipe in the garden, so things are drying out now and we can start reinstating the garden. Who knows maybe well get the new fence up as well. I've stopped worrying about it and Daisy hasn't made any attempt to escape so it'll be fixed when it's fixed!!

Didn't get much crafting done last week as was busy making arrangments and preoccupied up till Thursday and then Friday I was completely wiped out. But Saturday I sat down at my machine and sewed!! Am making more crochet cases for my next craft fair which is less than 2 wks away argh!!

Also have a list of other bits to make for it so that'll keep me busy.

I will no longer be blue but find my happy place again..

It never rains but it pours

2012-01-23T07:09:00.000Z

January definately hasn't been a good month for me. First the damage from the winds with the fence being wiped out. Then G bursting a pipe whilst digging holes for the new fence posts. Then yesterday I received news that my mother in law had passed away saturday night in Northern Ireland. I should say that this isn't G's mum it's my first MIL. So I spent most of yesterday trying to arrange for children to travel from the midlands up to me so that we could then all go across to Ireland together. If I'm honest she wasn't my favourite person but she looked after my son for awhile and for that I'll always be grateful. I think I'm going mainly as a support for my FIL who is a lovely sweet man but am dreading seeing my ex as it's been about 12yrs since the last time.

Needless to say I am slightly stressed so will be taking a break from blogging till this is all behind us.

Take care.

All gone

2012-01-21T07:04:00.001Z

Took the crochet cases to my class yesterday and sold them all!

As for my feeble atempt at crocheting I am now doing Tunisian crochet!! It's abit like a cross between crochet and knitting as when you work one way along your putting the stitches onto the needle and then when you work back your taking then off. So I'm going to keep on praticing that till next week as it's helping me with my "tension" problems, then maybe I can try normal crochet again?

The garden is still abit of a disaster zone at the moment as all that water flooding through has revealed a water pipe!! Of course you phone scottish water and they know nothing about it but hopefully come Monday things will start to return to normal as the plumber is coming(with his wetsuit!) to fix it.

In the meantime Daisy is limited as to were she can go as now we have no fence and loads of big holes! So she's taken to just sitting in the middle.

All cosy in her new jumper.

A case or two!

2012-01-19T16:02:00.000Z

A week ago I gave you a sneeky peek of what I was working on, Well I finished it the next day but of course was then slightly distracted by the water in the garden problem! so forgot to add it to my post. Here is the finished item..

It's a kindle case! I know I don't have one but G does and I'm sure he'll get fed up of it and so it'll end up with me, I'm all prepared!!

A few weeks ago I showed you the crochet hook case I'd made for my new hooks in anticipation of the classes I was starting last Friday. I can stick my hands up and say I have finally found something I can't do. After an hour I had pain in my neck and arm and a splitting headache? and it was a two hour class! Anyway all is not lost as lots of the ladies admired my hook case, in fact I got two definate orders. So this week I have been making more cases to take along.

I ended up making 6 whilst I was at it, any I don't sell will go on my etsy shop for the time being and I can always take them to my next fair.

Oh what a night (after what a day!!)

2012-01-15T09:43:00.000Z

Well have to say have had a pretty stressful couple of days, do you remember I told you a couple of weeks ago that our fence came down in those winds? Well I finally managed to get some replacement posts ordered and G was off this weekend so he decided to dig the holes ready for their arrival. All was going well until the last hole when he hit water!!! And by this I mean he's either hit the water table or a spring because boy did it start pouring out the ground!!

Never fear a few years ago we put land drainage in our back garden so we'd just dig a trench from the new water feature to join up with the drains.

G worked really hard digging new trenches and I bailed water out of the trenchs as we weren't sure how deep they'd fill. But it now seems to have found a level and hasn't got any deeper for the last 18 hrs so we'll just leave it like that until we can put the new drains in next weekend!

But what about Abba night I can hear you all say, well after our adventures of the day we needed it and boy did we have fun, although unfortunately I couldn't dance as I'd hurt my back bailing water.

It's ABBA!! well no but the girls were very good!

Me with my best pal Jane

Janes hubby Colin with "his girls"

Colin, Kevin and G all slightly well lubricated

Dad dancing!

Kevin with his lovely girlfreind Donna

What can I say!!

I have actually been crying with laughter looking at the pics from last night all 130 of them! But at the end of the day we all had a Great time and collapsed into bed in the wee small hours.

Have handles, make bag

2012-01-12T16:24:00.000Z

On Tuesday I received a lovely surprise, it was the handle that I'd won from Annie our lovely felt fairy. So I couldn't wait to make a bag to use for my crochet bits (I'm staring crochet classes tomorrow so of course have to have a special bag and none of the dozens of bags I have will do!)

After careful deliberation I decided to use some of my favourite Laura Ashley fabric. I worked for LA years ago when I became "single" and spent a whole months salary on bedding and fabric for my bedroom in this pattern. I still love it 17 years later!

I've been trying to do as much sewing as possible and have made more ouch pouches

I'm also working on another project although all is not going to plan, but I will keep going and hopefully with a few tweeks it'll work out. Here's a little peek..

Well amazingly the sun is shining today so think I'll give Daisy a treat and take her for a walk in her favourite place, the beach.

Hope the sun is shining on all of you!

Abba daba doo!

2012-01-09T07:41:00.001Z

Am struggling this morning, we are going to an Abba night on saturday and I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR ARGH!!

Have spent the last two hours surfing the net trying to get inspiration but really don't want to end up wearing a fake abba polyester fancy dress costume with a wig that'll make my scalp itch.

OMG can you see me and G going like this haha, extra strong turkey foil please lol

Oh yes this is perfect for G!!!!

LMAO!!!!!

Okay but seriously any ideas??

Rice - grocery or craft?

2012-01-07T17:47:00.000Z

Well I said that I would just use up what craft supplies I had so whilst delving through drawers I found some left of charm squares. So I decided I'd make some child size wheat bags! I got the idea from a friend who'd bought some whilst in the states last year, hers were filled with rice? So after abit of research I found that rice does actually work as well and it's alot easier to get hold of so here are my ouch pouches!!

I made about 15 but found I only had enough rice to fill 7. So is rice a grocery item or would you class it as a craft item in which case I wouldn't be able to buy any as that would break my first resolution/goal for Jan!

Whislt pondering this I decided I would make some big rice bags (well the cases until the rice issue is resolved)

And of course it's doggie fabric! I am in the midst of making others but have put them on hold till after the weekend as it's free listing on ebay and I have heaps and heaps of clothes to shift. I did really well last time so hopefully I can sell a few things then I'll have some craft cash for when I can buy more supplies lol.

Have a great weekend the iron and a tape measure are calling..

Daisy too!

2012-01-05T10:57:00.001Z

Okay so I couldn't resist I made one for Daisy as well!

Complete with fringing

She just looks so cute, a real poser!!

If the wind blows

2012-01-04T17:05:00.000Z

Okay so the weather outside is pants, didn't get round to posting yesterday as the wind wiped out our fence! So I spent 2hrs with G and our neighbours trying to save what was left. Oh did I mention not only was it blowing a gale (windspeeds over 90mph!) it was bloody haleing!! I apologise for my language but it was so painful!! Anyway we now have what I suppose an estate agent would call an "open plan" garden which is a right pain as it means I can't let Daisy out on her own. Not too much of a problem today as she doesn't seem to want to leave the sofa but!!

So apart from demolition work I have been being crafty.

I bought this lovely multi coloured wool before christmas (so prior my resolution) and although I'm only a very basic knitter decided to knit a scarf to go with the gorgeous olive green suede coat I bought at the BHF a few weeks ago. I don't normally go for green but couldn't resist the coat as it was cheap and still had all the labels on so brand new!! It also has lovely fur trim around the hood so an extra gorgeous point. But I digress, so I knitted the scarf and added fringes!!

How do I break it to Daisy that it's not for her? Maybe I'll just have to knit her a little one as well?

G went back to work today so I was able to get in my craftroom for abit, he's been monopolising it recently as he has an exam in two weeks and is frantically revising. By frantic I mean he's known that this has been coming for ages but as usual left it to the last minute to swot up huh men!!

So this afternoon I did a little bit of sewing and made a case for my new crochet needles (probably a good idea as the reason I had to get new needles was I've lost my old ones, erh by lost of course I mean put them somewhere safe??)

So I'm still on track with my resolutions, now what shall I make tomorrow?

Resolutions or goals?

2012-01-02T07:43:00.000Z

So true most of us make resolutions and then break them within days, have you ever made a resolution and managed to stick to it for the whole year? Not me, I normally steer clear but this year I have decided to make a couple maybe not resolutions but goals with a difference.

1. Thrifty makes - for the month of January I will not buy any craft materials but make using the material I already have (which is alot lol).

2. For the month of January I will make something every other day (every day would be pushing it!)

3. For the month of January I will post on my blog at least 3 times a week (would love to say every day but lets not set unreasonable goals!).

4. If I can achieve these then I will set a few for February.

Apparently these are the top 10, sound familiar?

Hello 2012 !!

2012-01-01T18:45:00.001Z

If I'd been organised I'd have had this set so it posted at midnight however was slightly busy partying! Everyone finally left just after 3 and crawled into bed and hour later. Have had a very quiet day today (ok so I had a headache, but it wasn't a hangover!). Haven't even thought about new year resolutions, what about you, what are you resolving to do or not??

Hope you all had a great time and I'd like to wish you all the best for this new year

Our christmas

2011-12-26T10:22:00.000Z

So how was your christmas?

Ours started christmas eve with Daisy spending the whole day camped out beside the tree "guarding" her presents

When G got home she was so excited that we relented and let her open one (honestly she's was just like a small child!)

She dug one of the presents out from her bag and proceeded to shred the paper

Until she got to the goodies inside

A winalot stocking with treats and a rope ball

Which she played with till she fell asleep

Christmas day was lovely and quiet, we got up and opened our stockings and Daisy opened all her pressies which included a cute little reindeer suit, her lovely fairisle jumper and leg warmers, a new bowl and collar and heaps of treats.

We had breakfast and opened all our pressies from the family then settled down to catch up on heaps of films, G force, Kung fu panda and Monsters v Aliens. All films that we'd missed until now. I cooked a lovely christmas dinner (G said it was the best ever!), not too much just enough and then collapsed on the sofa for more telly and chocs.

All in all we had a lovely relaxed day which all 3 of us enjoyed and G outdid himself the christmas pressies he bought me were great loads of CK and I'm returning NOTHING!

Hope your day was as successful..

It's here!!

2011-12-25T06:35:00.000Z

Hope you all have a wonderful day

xXx

Drive in the dark!

2011-12-24T10:32:00.000Z

Okay so seven o'clock this morning I'm in Tescos buying a last minute pressie for G. He's umed and ared about a kindle for months so I'd sort of been reluctant to get one in case. But then went to bed last night and the more I thought about it the more I thought what the heck if he decides he doesn't like it I'll just have it myself!!

So as soon as he'd left for work this morning I jumped into the shower and headed straight to tesco (which I have to say is a big deal for me as I HATE driving in the dark). Bang on 7.00 I walk through the door and head to the display, oh no NO Kindles well when I say none they did have the more expensive ones but I was stretching my budget to get the basic one and theres no way I could afford another £50! Okay so there are none on display and that little card dispenser thing says sold out but I'll ask some one. Well that was easier said than done, massive shop and could I find anyone to help. In the end went and asked one of the check out girls and she tannoyed for a manager who then had to track down the keys for the electrical locked cupbard where they keep all the cool stuff (ie stuff people nick). At this stage I'm thinking that I've just got up early, had a white nuckle drive in the dark and all for nothing!

But no she found the keys and then after alot of routing about found the very last one yey I could have kissed her.

So now I have an extra special pressie for my extra special guy and I was back home by 7.45

I did notice as I left the car park that there was actually a traffic jam going in and it had been almost deserted when I was in there, just show it pays to get up that little bit earlier.

Came home had a mince pie and coffee for breakfast, made a last minute present sack for G's pressies as god know where he's put his stocking and that's it all done!

Now sitting feet up in front of the telly watching bad santa (sky+ the other night)

Merry christmas to you all

Big Hugs

Pene

xXx

Surely not!

2011-12-23T20:39:00.000Z

Found this on the internet and just thought I'd share as it made me giggle!!

Needless to say it wasn't me lol

And then he had to wrap them!

2011-12-22T06:27:00.000Z

So now he'd bought the presents he just had to wrap them another excercise that causes excessive moaning and groaning. I armed him with a roll of wrapping paper (it's easier to buy him a roll of his own or he just helps himself to anything in my craft room which a few years ago meant some lovely hand printed paper that had cost me a fortune and I was intending on framing!!), sellotape and a pair of PAPER scissors (rather than my best fabric scissors that I caught him using last year!).

I then left him to it and headed off to Tesco's to do my last minute food shop. Needless to say the shops were mobbed! It always amazes me how much food people buy at this time of year, you see them loading their trolleys like demons, anyone would think that the shops would be shut for a month not just one day! But maybe I'm being harsh and they all have massive families visiting for weeks?

As there is only going to be me and G this year my shop was no bigger than normal although it did include a couple of item for the new years eve party we're having. But it had still taken me nearly 3hrs by the time I got home.

I'm begining to think he must have bought me hundreds of pressies cos sure enough he was still up there wrapping? I could hear him cursing through the door!

And apparently I'm never to want anything round again as they're hard to wrap lol like we didn't know that, that's why they invented gift bags!!

Man Shopping?

2011-12-21T08:25:00.002Z

Am I the only person who's husband spends weeks moaning about doing his christmas shopping and then finally gets round to it a couple of days before christmas!!! hmmm

Let me explain, G has to buy presents for one person!! I can hear all the gasps yes girls just one and that's me. I buy for absolutely everyone else, his family, my family and ours (I bet it's the same in your house?).

So yesterday after weeks of endless moaning about doing his shopping he decided that we (yes I did say we) would go into Glasgow to buy presents for me. What he wanted was for me to go round the shops and point out things I liked then I would come home and he'd purchase a random selection! (I have been dropping hints for months but obviously on deaf ears) Sounds so easy BUT I been here before, by the time we've visited half a dozen or so shops then had lunch he can't remember what I pointed out where! So this year I armed him with a note book and pen so he could write himself a list as we went round, organised hey. I even put all my sizes, colour preferences, fav shops and brands in the front just to be extra helpful.

So we arrive in Glasgow, visit the Cath Kidston shop, I drop heaps of hints. Then onto the continental market which was dismal and a complete disappointment. Next Monsoon and Accesorize again loads of hints and onto starbucks for coffee and a yummy sticky ginger muffin (it's okay I'm allowed I was at the docs to be weighed first thing yesterday morning and as I've now lost the grand total of 25kg I'm giving myself a breather over the festive period). Anyway whilst devouring my half of the yummy muffin (lol you didn't think I'd eat a whole one?) I realised that I hadn't seen him write anything, his response "oh I thought you'd do it!!" G then received a stern talking to which I won't go into details about but included "I'm not your mother", "your 55"," if you loved me" oh yes and "for gods sake"!

Anyway more shops were visited more hints given and I did see him write something in John Lewis but can't garauntee it wasn't something for himself.

So we had a lovely lunch in John Lewis (their food is always great although service is slow) and then I left him to get on with it. As I had nearly an hour to wait for my train I decided I'd have a little mooch around the shops myself not that I needed to buy anything as I've had all my presents for ages.So I ended up in accessorize again and there I found the most gorgeous little jumper and leg warmers for Daisy of course, they're navy with a lovely fairisle pattern just so so cute how could I resist. So no photos yet as I wrapped them as soon as I got home but will put loads on at christmas.

Well between leaving G at the shops and getting home I had 4 phone calls the ultimate being "you know that thing you said you really liked what shop was it in? oh and what was it?"

I GIVE UP

Just a quickie

2011-12-17T19:16:00.000Z

Okay this is a real quickie as Strictly is just starting and it's the final!!

Go Harry!!

Have been busy this week popping down south to visit the family and drop off pressies (ooh collected a few as well!). So thought I'd better do a quick update on my advent swap

Lovely teatowel and a mystery item, I keep looking at this and can't work out if its a bird, a butterfly, a dog? Sorry Sarah!

Some lovely peel offs, always useful

My absolute favourite the little black scottie tree dec

Here he is camping out on my tree with one of the white westies

Beauty treatments always good at this time of year as the weather crucifies my skin and hair

Yay chocolate yipee (okay so I have demolished them already bu they were yummy!) By the way anyone know how many caloreis in a ferrero rocher? lmao

And lovely seeds for me to look forward to. Thanks again Sarah

Okay Harry is about to dance so I'm off

Take care

White dog?

2011-12-12T06:48:00.001Z

Anyone who has a westie will understand that they need regular trips to the groomers, not just because they're white but because unlike most dogs they don't malt and their hair just keeps growing. Luckily we have a lovely lady called Melissa who grooms Daisy, and Daisy loves going to see her

Unfortunately the whiteness didn't last long as within half an hour of getting home Daisy had snuck out into the garden to bury that chew!!

Mmm................

Finally got round to photoing the tree, this year we(I) have just put up the small one as there is just going to be the two of us and I wanted to keep things simple. However since then everyday I seem to be adding more decs around the house so maybe it'll end up being not quiet so simple? Maybe tasteful and tacky?

Advent swap is now nearly half way through and this is what i've received day 3 to 10 more lovely goodies

Now I'm away the next couple of days doing the christmas pressie run down south but have made sure to pack my advent gifts for those days so I don't miss out.

Hope everyones christmas preperations are going well and your not getting too stressed, it is only one day. I am actually ready although when I get back I do need to start planning a party for new years eve so something for me to stress over!!

Give a girl a balloon

2011-12-07T11:39:00.000Z

And hours of fun is ensured!!

The balloon is now slowly deflating but doesn't stop daisy from having a bit more fun!

And the masses descended

2011-12-04T09:14:00.000Z

Well yesterday was a long but very rewarding day. It started early heading off to the craft fair, G kindly drove me so that I would have help unloading everything and then came back for me later. It took me a bit longer than usual to set up I don't know if this was due to me still being under the weather or just because I had extra stock? Just managed to get all done when the masses descended on us and I do mean masses. One of my neighbouring stallees had been at last weeks fair with me and we decided we had more visitors in the first 15 mins yesterday than the whole day last week!

So unfortunately no time to take pics to show you, by the time things calmed down I was too tired and all I wanted was coffee to soothe my throat. Luckily my friend Gillian came to the rescue as she'd popped in to see how it was going and to pick up some christmas goodies.

G turned up about an hour later with more coffee and the birthday girl to help me pack up and drive us home, via the chinese as I really didn't have the energy to cook.

Of course still had Daisys birthday to celebrate so out with the cakes I'd baked friday night, I'm sure there were more than this?

A bit of ribbon and a candle

Oh and of course a card and present

this is daisy furiously shaking it lol

before she ripped into the packet

Ah a seagull and it sqwarks although that only lasted about 10 mins

Still she played with it right up until bedtime so maybe the fact she'd silenced it was a blessing?

So happy Daisy, happy me as I now have enough money for G's christmas pressie AND I'm feeling alot better. Last night I didn't even wake myself up coughing so thing are improving.

Okay off to tidy stock away and see what needs listing on Etsy, then time to put up the tree and get all festive yay

Carana and Antibiotics

2011-12-02T22:45:00.001Z

Well this week hasn't been so great, the cold I'd had last weekend got worse and Tuesday night I ended up in the hospital. As I'm asthmatic I am prone to chest infections . After six hours of constant coughing I was having trouble breathing so G decided enough was enough and phoned the emergency doc who told him to take me into the hospital. They put me on a nebuliser to help my breathing and diagnosed that I did indeed have a chest infection and laryngitis. So am now taking antibiotics and steroids. G enjoyed a couple of days peace and quiet as my voice had completely gone but today it's started recovering although it's still hit and miss but hopefully tomorrow will be better, well it better be as I have the Troon Craft Fair and I'm going even if I sound like a mouse or someone using helium!!

So for the fair today I've made something different. I really want my "business" to be more canine orientated and as I regularly make treats for Darling Daisy I thought I'd make some to take to the fair to see how they'd go.

So these are Carana Oaty Treats made from all natural ingedients

I knew those Doewe Egbert coffee jars would come in handy

And all packaged up ready to go

I then made a dozen doggie cupcakes as it's Daisys and her best pal Floras birthdays tomorrow and everyone deserves a cake. Although they are for dogs I did try one and was amazed at how yummy they are!! Didn't get round to photoing them but will tomorrow.

I suddenly realised mid morning that it's December and that means advent pressies yippee. Don't ask me why it took me two days to realise but I'm blaming the drugs and excessive blackcurrant Lemsip.

So I had two pressies to open...

First up was a cute notebook, I have a weakness for notebooks as I'm a list maker by habit. First thing I do every morning is write a list of what I need to do today it goes back to when I had a "proper job".

Then pressie number two was this lovely set of fibres, can't wait to see tomorrows

Okay off to bed tomorrow will be a long day

Hope you all have a great weekend

Hugs

Pene

Waiting for Mummy

2011-11-28T07:47:00.000Z

Saturday I had a craft fair at Prestwick, but lets not talk about it!! We've all attended fairs at one time or another that have been less than successful and this was one of those. It was a new fair, the weather was torrential and she was charging £2 per adult on the door, which considering there were only 18 stalls was fairly steep! I did better than alot of people and at least covered all my costs but role on this Saturday as it's the Ayrshire Arts and Crafts fair at Troon which not only has between 70/80 stalls, it's free and last month the footfall was 1800!! So anyone in the area on Sat 3rd Dec pop on down to the Concert Hall between 11 and 4.30 it's always a goodun.

G always tells me that when I'm out Daisy just sits in the window watching for my return,

so now I guess I have to beleive him! She's even got a beloved teddy beside her!

Not long now till advent swap opening begins I'm getting so excited!

Right I'm going back to bed as am suffering with a horrendous cold which has now gone onto my chest!! Just what I need at the moment, tissues, lemsip, paracetomols, hottie, bed!!

Swaps and Pics

2011-11-23T08:00:00.001Z

This week I have been lucky enough to receive both my swap parcels so I have photos yay

First up the advent swap, I was paired with Sarah and this year decided I'd make and decorate boxes for each day and then fill them. Obviously I can't show you what's in the boxes but here they are..

Made really easy but gorgeous flowers to decorate them

And these are my advent gifts from Sarah sat ready for me to start opening, roll on Dec 1st

Then my Christmas Dec swap, I was paired with Rosalily (Pen) and made her this garland

and then off course included a selection of lovely bits

When I got home yesterday on the doorstep I found a parcel (don't you just love the way you pay for special delivery etc and the postman just abandons the parcel on your step for anyone to help themselves to or to be ruined by the weather!! sorry I'm ranting)

Anyway back to the parcel it was my swap from Pen

Lots of lovely little packages

Card decorations

Cute pastel felt decorations

More felt decorations (sorry fuzzy photo)

Painted wooden decorations, I love the doves

And a fuzzy one (dec not pic hey)

Some lovely papers

A fat qtr, ribbon and little fuzzy balls

Thank you so much to both of you.

Anyway yesterday was a glorious day so I took my camera with me when we headed to the beach

As soon as we got out of the car Daisy heard another dog bark on the beach and took off

It was her pal Gertie (an enormous Newfoundland who lives two doors along from us)

The next hour was spent wallowing in the water with gertie

And charging around the beach with Cindy (gertie sister?)

Days like these I really appreciate where I live.

Unfortunately today is blowing a gale and G has very kindly given me his manflu so I'm not feeling great but have too much to do for Saturdays craft fair so up and at it..

Oooh forgot to mention pop over toThat Crafty Fish for a chance to win the new Pip Lincolne book Make Hey!!

Happy Crafting

On top

2011-11-17T18:03:00.000Z

Gosh I'm finally feeling like I'm getting on top of everything. All my parcels are posted so Sarah and Pen you should receive your pressies in the next couple of days, and then this morning I finished my christmas pressie shopping for my family yay and it's not even the end of November.

I think I have everything for G but no doubt will spot a couple of extras in the next few weeks not that I'm planning on going near any shops in December (well only food shops). If anything gives me panic attacks it's high streets and shopping centers in december grrrr.

So now I can just concerntrate on crafty stuff, 27 stocking decs to finish and bunting to make.

I think hot chocolate is called for (low cal with no marshmallows of course!)

How are you all getting on with christmas?

Update on panic

2011-11-16T18:55:00.001Z

I can't believe it's a month since I threw my panic over the list of things I had to get done. I haven't been blogging much as I have been ploughing through it so this is how I'm doing!

Make birthday present for oldest daughter

Done and ready to post

Make christmas dec for decoration swap

Done and ready to post

Make/find 24 pressies for advent swap

Done and ready to post

Make 160 christmas cards

All ready for the craft fairs

Finish 15 dog coats (order due in two weeks!!)

Delivered and most sold

Make 6 bracelets for christmas

Done in fact think I've made at least 15?

Make aprons for grand daughters

Done and a couple more while I was at it

Make bunting for neighbours baby

Done and now adorning his room

Create impulse buys for christmas craft fair!

Am working on this still as my next fair is in 10 days

So I think I'm doing alright but no doubt will go into panic mode next week as the craft fair looms!!

Sorry don't have any photos at the moment as the light has been so bad I'm having trouble taking anything decent, probably more my fault than the camera (maybe one day I'll read the instruction book so that I know what I'm doing lol).

On a different topic " my diet" I'm still ploughing on and am actually not doing bad. I've been at it for 6 months now and have lost over 3 1/2 stone!! I had a weigh in at the docs on monday and he is thrilled at my progress as I've now reached the target he set me at the start. Am planning on keeping going I'd like to loose another 9lbs but no hurry. Can't wait till the sales after christmas as I can honestly say I have nothing to wear, although on a plus side now my coats are so big I can wear extra layers underneath when I venture out in the cold (speaking of cold I am permanently freezing, lack of insulation maybe?)

Okay better dash off as have Rural tonight (WRI) and someones doing a baking demo!! Well at least now I've reached my target I can have a cake (or two)..

Who the hells Oscar?

2011-10-20T22:13:00.000+01:00

Okay so I found a job advertised in the paper and couldn't believe how perfect it was for me. They were asking for someone with experience in finance,retail and hospitality ...tick.

They wanted someone with a strong interest in craft... tick.

It's 3 mins walk from my house and it's part time!!

So I phoned up for details, spent hours rewriting my CV and a suitably impressive covering letter. Then Tuesday evening received an email inviting me for an interview. Spent the next 36hrs swotting up on every aspect of the long list of essential knowledge, skills and experience to make sure I was prepared for every possible question.

Then this morning had my interview. It was a panel of 3 and I was doing okay then bang, the grumpy gentleman on the panel asked me about OSCAR? Who the hell is Oscar? Apparently it's some regulatory body to do with charities that applicants were supposed to know about!!

Okay so where in the list of requirements did it mention this?? NOWHERE!!

Am feeling completely pissed about the whole thing as I received a phone call this evening saying surprise surprise I hadn't got the job because they needed someone with OSCAR experience.

If they'd mentioned it in the job description I probably wouldn't have applied or at least would have looked it up on the internet instead of being made to look like a complete twat..

Okay sorry about that but just needed to vent.

It's official the dry spell is over!!

2011-10-16T20:42:00.000+01:00

Oh and I'm not talking about the weather!!

Have been busy crafting the last few days and attacking my "Panic List".

Started with making some bracelets

If you can see strands of fireline sticking out it because I'm waiting for some more catches to arrive to finish the two bracelets on the left

Also made this lovely crystal stetchy one, It's actually very sparkly but just couldn't get it to shine for the camera.

I then made 3 more stretchy bracelets as they make great little standby pressies

Well that was friday and since then I have been tackling the christmas cards. Then after spending an hour sorting my sewing machine this evening (tension issues grrr) made one of the aprons for my grand daughters, unfortunately I haven't photo'd them yet but keep watching.

Anyway am now catching up on strictly and x factor before my weekly addiction "Downton Abbey"!!

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend

TTFN

xxXxx

Maybe a To Do List?

2011-10-12T23:27:00.000+01:00

Okay I can't let this get the better of me, maybe if I write a list it won't seem quite so bad..

Make birthday present for oldest daughter

Make christmas dec for decoration swap

Make/find 24 pressies for advent swap

Make 160 christmas cards

Finish 15 dog coats (order due in two weeks!!)

Make 6 bracelets for christmas

Make aprons for grand daughters

Make bunting for neighbours baby

Create impulse buys for christmas craft fair!!

Hell now need to lie down as

MAJOR PANIC IS OCCURING!!!

OMG

2011-10-11T21:03:00.002+01:00

Have just been catching up on some blog and realised

ITS LESS THAN 10 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS!!!

Now I don't want to start panicking but arghhhhh.............

Okay stay calm it's 69 days???????

How about 1656hrs????

No it's no use I'm starting to panic

A 5k funrun Me??

2011-08-28T19:49:00.002+01:00

Well to say I ran might be pushing it but this is me at the start

we didn't even notice the 1k and 2k markers but here's 3k

and 4k

and this is me at the end with "my medal"!! If I'm looking abit over excited it's because I'd found a chocolate bar in the goodie bag they handed out at the end lmao!! Gosh I think I got more and more windswept as I went round?

And this is my lovely friend Jane who's fault it was that I was out there in the freezing cold to start with.. thanks sweetie it was fun but can you make sure the sunshines next time.

okay enough excitement for one day..

Rattle pram get the picture?

2011-08-23T21:14:00.000+01:00

I knew there was something I forgot to mention yesterday, the Ayr flower show and the babies quilt I had to make for the team competition. I drew the short straw and was elected with my friend Gillian to go and start setting up on the thursday..

See quilt, all my own work, I worked out the design, cut out all the bl**dy squares then sewed them back together

and what did I get for my hard work ...we came 6th or to put it another way LAST!! I was not impressed especially as I got a lower mark for the quilt this year than for the patchwork bag last year (and beleive me the quilt was better and alot more work!!) So I won't be taking part next year I have decided to throw my rattle out the pram, but just incase I forget could someone please remind me?

Well the judges might not have been impressed but Daisy is and now it doesn't matter where I leave it she'll curl up and sleep either on or under it.

This is why I love making thing for dogs they have great taste!!

Hello remember me?

2011-08-22T21:44:00.004+01:00

I can not believe how long it's been since I've been able to blog, it feels like a lifetime and although I am trying to catch up with what you've all been up to you've all been so busy!!

Anyway I (sorry G we) now have a lovely new laptop so normality can resume. I'm sure lots of people manage with a netbook or blackberry but not me, I need a proper keyboard for my chubby little fingers.

So what have I been up to whilst I've been laptopless?

Well talking of chubby little fingers mine aren't actually as bad as they were! I have now lost 35lbs and although my weight loss is now slowing down to 1lb+ a week I'm still going down. I still have a daunting 15lbs to loose to reach my original target but hopefully by christmas?

I've been away a couple of times in the last month, nowhere extravagent just down south to visit the children, grandchildren and parents.

This one thinks she's Audrey Hepburn!

This one knocked his front tooth out 5 mins later!!

And this one just always makes me smile, those dimples are infectious!!

We had a lovely time visiting everyone even if the weather was "random".

And had a great day out on a little steam train

Daisy and G hungout the window trying to scare me witless as we were travelling at 10 miles an hour!!

Cheeky...

Unfortunately when we got home we received a call, our youngest daughter has been ill for the last few weeks and it looks like it's quite serious. I'm trying to be really brave but even though she's 22 she's still my baby and every now and then I have a little wobble. I think I'm going to be a frequent traveller over the next few months travelling up and down, so if I disappear suddenly bear with me I'll be back.

Okay brave face what else? Well you might notice that I have a new logo for my goodies. I never really thought about what I'd call myself or the goodies I'd made, I suppose because I never really thought I'd sell anything and as I already bought off etsy I just used the name I had there, maybe not the best idea. But having seen the lovely logos etc that Kandipandi now has I decided it was time to take the plunge!!
I've been mulling over the name Koochie Poochie for awhile so contacted Angie over at Artwork by Angie and she did the rest!! I am absolutely thrilled with what she's done and can't wait for all my business cards, stickers, postcards etc to arrive.

Well that's me updated I think? I'm sure I've loads more to tell you all but my mind is temporarily blank so I'll save it for another day.
Be back soon ...

Oooh forgot to say, I've missed you all and am so glad to be back.

xXx

RIP...

2011-08-07T21:36:00.002+01:00

Hi guys sorry I haven't been about for awhile but whilst I was away visiting the kids and grankids the other week my laptop died!! G says it was quiet quick and painless, one minute he was gaily surfing the net and the next it was gone!!

Needless to say I was far from impressed and whilst trying not to voice blame, he killed it!!

When I got home he offered me the use of his netbook until we could agree on a replacement. How the hell do people manage with these things? There isn't a numerical keyboard and someone has put a bloody shift key where it doesn't belong so I keep deleting everything I've just written GRRR!! You probably guess that I'm not keen on micro technology, the buttons are too small and don't get me started on the screen size!

Okay sorry I'm moaning on but it is driving me INSANE... I'm off to see my parents on Tuesday but hopefully when I get back I'll have a lovely new laptop and normal service will resume..

Sorry haven't been able to keep up with all your blogs (so I hope your all well and enjoying the summer) I promise I'll have a massive blogging session once it's all sorted.

Short and sweet thank you

2011-07-19T06:48:00.001+01:00

Hi I really need to buy a new camera, mine has been playing up for awhile making a funny grinding noise and now nothing!! Maybe I wore it out at the weekend photoing things to list on Ebay and maybe it's just old and nedds replacing. I have had it 4 years which isn't really anytime but I've taken over 30,000 pics in that time and I take it everywhere with me so it's abit battered..

So no pics today which is a shame because I received my Faith Hope and Charity shopping swap from Angela and wanted to share it. So I'll have to try and describe as best I can.

I received a collection of embroidery and tapestry threads which are always useful, lots of ribbon, a little fabric basket with some soap in,a tissue case, buttons yeah I love buttons and a lovely necklace which I'm dying to share with you. It's made of white and amethyst quartz chips and haematite cubes, I didn't know haematite was magnetic?? So it's a lovely long strand that I can wear as a necklace or a bracelet brilliant thanks so much Angela I love it and will inc pics as soon as the camera situation is sorted.

Oh Angela and Sharon I posted your parcels out Friday so you should get them mid week, Kandi your went Thursday 1st class recorded and once again royal mail seems to have let us down as you should have had it by the weekend!!

I really wish the mail would get their act together as it's not exactly cheap!!

Okay moan over.................

Couldn't wait..

2011-07-17T07:33:00.001+01:00

I know I said I wouldn't unravel my magic ball until Kandi received the one I'd sent her but curiosity got the better of me yesterday afternoon and I needed a break as had spent hours photoing and listing "big" clothes on Ebay.

Well I'm glad I did because I'm thrilled with what I received..

knitting needles

lovely mini pegs

divine smelly bath bomb

handmade needle case

oh mini stamps i love those

chocies yum yum now in my tum tum

2 of Kandis lovely melts no wonder my parcel smelt so yummy

and CK tissues

and thats only half of it!!

I am resisting unraveling the rest for now (especially as I have a red wine headache at the moment, not good - the headache not the wine which was too good!)

Okay need lots of coffee and then back to ebay listings.

A solution for every problem

2011-07-15T19:46:00.001+01:00

We had a lovely fish pie and as usual Daisy got the tin to clean out.

And after chasing the tin

round

and round

the kitchen, she finally worked out the solution

STAND IN IT!!

Clever girl.........

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-14T15:13:00.004+01:00

So today was the day Daisy got a bath and a haircut. I try not to wash her too often as westies are prone to skin conditions BUT as she goes in the sea most days after awhile she stinks of eau de seaweed!!

So we trotted off to Largs this morning to see Melissa. Daisy loves Melissa mainly due to the fact that she's mummy to Daisy( a bichon) and Harry (a yorkie) plus the fact that she owns a pet shop which is filled with doggie treats!!

And the result is...

I would say a lovely clean girl but she's already got a dirty face on the way home.

And she's wearing her favourite collar

with a lovely big pink bow!

I actually made it out of the ribbon that was wrapped around the PJs I got for christmas, you know us crafter never waste anything hehe..

Oh can I just say that I'm having yet another problem with blogger and don't seem to be able to leave comments(again)? Just so you don't think I'm ignoring you all...

And the winner is......

2011-07-13T20:53:00.001+01:00

Okay the deadline was midnight and to honour the occasion I have got out my National Trust Hidcote pot

Filled it with the names of the 143 comments

And the winner is

Sharon at Filler Creations

Congratulations

Please email me with your address and I'll get your goodies in the post.

It's really nice cos Sharon is a new follower so just proves everyone has a chance.

Okay so now that's out of the way I'm catching up on other things including swaps. I signed up for two recently the first being Lala's magic ball swap, which I was paired up with the gorgeous Kandi.

Today I received my parcel from her

these balls came up bigger than expected so I was waiting for Kandi to send me mine so I could use the box to send her back hers lol. I know but I couldn't find a box big enough!!

Anyway I'm not unraveling mine until I know hers has arrived so I'll be popping it in the post tomorrow as I'm already itching to see what I have, it smell wonderful!!

The second swap I'm signed up for is the Faith, Hope and Charity Shopping swap and I'm paired with Angela, everything is ready to go, all wrapped and packed so that's another one for the post tomorrow.

Gosh I'm getting organised here!!

Next up Daisy desperately needs a haircut as she's suffering with the warm weather

So Daisy that means tomorrow is bath day

No point shaking your head!!

Oh before I go can I say a massive big thank you to you all for entering my little (?) giveaway, I've loved reading all your comments. Special thanks to Gill who was actually able to tell me the calorie content of a large glass of wine, I managed to wangle one into my calorie allowance last night thanks.

Maybe now I can start the patchwork quilt that needs to be finished for the Ayr Flower Show in three weeks!! No pressure!!

Last chance for the Giveaway!!

2011-07-12T16:49:00.000+01:00

Gosh it seems like ages since I started this but today is the final day. It's been very interesting as I've found heaps of stuff I'd forgotten about. Some I'm passing on to the lucky winner and some I'm keeping for me (or maybe the next giveaway who knows!).

So are you ready for the final items to add to the pile?

Here we go

3 packs of stitched rubons

a sheet of embossed peeloffs?

2 sheets of things for cards, sorry my mind is going completely blank as to what you call these? God I need a large glass of wine.. anyone know how many calories are in a glass of red wine? Oh yes haven't mentioned my diet recently, it's all going really well .Was at the Dr today and have now lost 12 kilos which I beleive is about 25/26lbs! Have to update my tracker at the bottom of my blog.

Am I rambling? yes!!

So what next...

Oh this is from Jolly nation a sheet of "domestic goddess" decoupage and co-ordinating backing paper. I bought a jolly nation set from QVC years ago and obviously had this left for some reason?

These are lovely chipboard letters from O'scrap

And finally tada 10 cards although I can't seem to find the envelopes, I will keep looking and hopefully they will turn up otherwise I'm afraid you'll have to provide your own.. I know shocking!!!

Oh yeah and a pack of coloured photo corners, does anyone use them anymore? I don't but I'm sure someone out there will do something really clever with them!!

And that's it... I'd run through everything included but life too short. If you can't remember and I know I can't (good job I've been packing the box as I go along hey!) then have a look at my posts for the last eight days.

Oh and don't expect me to gift wrap each item that's just pushing your luck lmao..

So you know what to do

You need to be a follower and leave a comment on this or one of the other giveawy posts, the more comments the more chances of winning.

Closing is midnight tonight

Oh and if anyone could let me know re the wine calorie thing ASAP would be great

Thanks

Giveaway update day 7

2011-07-11T18:45:00.000+01:00

Ooh the end is nigh!!

The end of this giveaway at least, wouldn't dream on predicting on anything else (except the lottery of course as it's my turn to win the Euro tomorrow night, £166 million anyone?).

Right well no doubt you've dropped by to see what I'm adding to the giveaway pile today.

Have decided to add something for the scrapbooker, card makers amongst us. So to start with how about a dozen 12x12 papers?

Oh and I'll add in a pack of perspectives from making memories, great for novice scrapbookers

Oh and found these as well, a pack of Anna Griffin Embossed Alphabet letters

These are brill, and enormous. The letters are actually 4 inches tall and GOLD.

Okay well that's your lot for tonight lol

I'll be back torrow with the final additions, remember to enter you must be a follower and just leave a comment.

Closing is tomorrow Tuesday at 12.00pm

Good luck

Giveaway update day 6

2011-07-10T17:53:00.000+01:00

Well we're up to day 6 now with just a couple more days before the giveaway closes.

I've been busy today out in the garden so haven't spent anytime in my craft room to look for more goodies but I did find these yesterday so am adding them to the growing pile!!

2 packs of brads!!

I know not everyone sews so think it's only fair to add supplies for other crafts.

I will have a hunt around tomorrow and see what else I've got stashed away for you.

On a different note I've just broken the 100 follower mark yay!! So thank you all for joining me and reading the drivel I write.

Yesterday I actually managed to get round to putting some more items onto my ETSY shop, mainly cushions and some teacup pincushions.

I have loads still to add but think I'll just do a few bits at a time but I'll keep you posted.

Giveaway update day 5

2011-07-09T19:19:00.000+01:00

What a lovely day it is today, the sun is shining and the sky is blue and I've just finished spreading ten large bags of bark chippings onto my flower bed (a vague attempt at steming the weeds!!). I then cleaned my front windows but it's so hot they were drying before I could wipe off the water grr..

But mustn't grumble after all the sun is shining

What else shall I put into the giveaway?
How about 20m of satin ribbon?

Actually it's 20 different colour and there's an armlength plus of each

Tempted? Well you know what to do!!

Right I'm off to start loading stuff onto etsy, I have been very remiss not doing it sooner but was waiting till I'd done my craft fair. Well that was a week ago and it's about time I pulled my finger out and got on with it (that's me told!!)

So till tomorrow so long..

Giveaway day 4

2011-07-08T17:07:00.000+01:00

First can I say thanks for all the messages of support after the unsuccessful interview yesterday! I took voluntary redundancy 27 months ago (so I guess it's my fault I don't have a job!) but at the time jobs were still around. Now the job market is ridiculous, I'm a qualified account technician, part qualified accountant and have 20 years hospitality management behind me but find myself competing with legal secretaries, engineers, teachers, highly qualified ( and often my younger!) people for the most basic of jobs. I 'm lucky that G has a good job but am getting the feeling he doesn't think I'm trying, it can be very depressing!!

However I have my crafting to keep me sane and of course your lovely company.

So what do we have today?

As I'm feeling abit grey I have decided to add some

***BLING ***

Over 2m of gorgeous red sequins, perfect for jazzing up some lovely make!!

Do you know I keep finding stuff in my craft room, and I have no idea when or where I got it? Sound familiar to anyone?

So you know the rules, must be a follower and leave a comment, and you get an extra chance to win every time you comment on a giveaway post.

Closing is Tuesday 12th July at midnight

So theres plenty of time left to enter.

See you all tomorrow

Giveaway update day 3

2011-07-07T21:05:00.000+01:00

So how is everyone today? I've had a very unsuccessful day, had a job interview which I'm not holding out any hope for. I'd applied for 9 jobs with the council in the last month and the one I got an interview for was a part time maternity cover for 3 months grrr.. Oh forgot to mention minimum wage grrrr.

Anyway have decided not to think about it or the twelve year old in long trousers who "interviewed" me!

Right back to the job at hand and the reason your all dropping by

"the Giveaway"

And today I'm adding TEN mini rolls of deco tape to the pile!

Okay off to drown my sorrows with cold coffee (don't ask)

See you tomorrow and remember every time you comment on any of the giveaway posts you get an extra chance to win.

Clossing is Tuesday 12th July at midnight.

Giveaway update day 2

2011-07-06T19:17:00.000+01:00

Well here we are again and I'm topping up the giveaway as promised. I asked for suggestions as to what you'd like added to the giveaway and no you can't have Daisy lol.

But for all you doggie lovers out there I am adding a FQ of this lovely fabric

Okay remember to enter you need to be a follower, leave a comment on this post and tell me your favourite colour. But you can also get extra chances by commenting on any new posts between now and closing!! Oh and remember to let me know if there's anything you'd like me to inc (if I have it!).

And closing is

Tuesday 12th July at midnight.

Good luck and keep watching!!

Yay it's giveaway time and it's a biggie

2011-07-05T16:40:00.001+01:00

Well this has been a long time coming but finally I am having another giveaway. In the past I've always given away things I've made but this time I have decided to giveaway supplies!! So you can make lovely things for yourselves

So to start off with it'll include

Jewelry supplies

Beads

More beads

Charms

A dozen toggles, 3 brooch bars and 10 bead caps

4 lots of fun wire, some bead sting, crystals and pandora style beads

Hows that for starters?

Then of course there'll be some sewing supplies

I'll tempt you with these gorgeous off cuts of Harris tweed, they're about 6cm x 15cm each great for applique, brooches etc!!

Oh and buttons of course

Right I'm stopping there for today but I will add more everyday until closing so keep watching and if there are any type of supplies you'd like added let me know and I just might oblidge!!

So what do you need to do? It's simple just be a follower and leave a comment on this post and tell me your favourite colour, but you can also get extra chances by commenting on any new posts between now and closing!!

And closing will be a week today

Tuesday 12th July at midnight.

Good luck sweeties (oh might add some of them as well)

Bobbing along

2011-07-04T21:19:00.000+01:00

Gosh hasn't this weekend been stunning, we've actually had gorgeous weather here for the last week. Anyway this weekend was quite busy with my craft fair on saturday. It was really good as the hall is right next to the beach so we got loads of passing trade and I had a better than average day!

I had planned on taking pics but unfortunately forgot to pick up my camera.

When I got home I had a lovely surprise,

I recently won Becky at Dots and Spots giveaway and won 12 yes that's a dozen sheets of her gorgeous new double sided wrapping paper!! To say I was thrilled is a gross understatement

Then sunday we had a lovely trip out on the Waveley which is the last sea going paddlesteamer.

The trip was from Largs down the coast and around Ailsa Craig (which we can see from our house on a clear day).

leaving Largs

Oh look I can see our house

Last stop/ pickup Girvan

Then round Ailsa Craig

The white is actually thousand of birds!!

Everyone was impressed

It was the perfect day for a boat trip as the sea was lovely and calm and the weather was gorgeous. We were also lucky enough to have the company of a couple of our neighbours which made it even better.

Colin and Jane

Me and G

And then back to Ayr to catch a coach home!!

A special day!!

Okay now one parcel from spots and dots was great but today I received another packet? Wow gift tags to go with my gorgeous wrap and two copies of Beckys latest catalogue!! I keep picking it up for a peek and am trying to work out if I really need everything on my list!! Silly question of course I do!!

Okay talking of Giveaways!! Tomorrow I will sort out my latest giveaway, I'm still finalising details but will put it on my blog tomorrow so watch out....

I also need to update my etsy shop, so come back soon and in the meantime enjoy the sun!!

Button Swap

2011-06-23T17:45:00.000+01:00

This morning when I got home from shopping I had a lovely surprise, my button swap had arrived. Unfortunately the first parcel Jackie sent me getting lost in that big black hole known as the Royal Mail, so she very kindly sent me another. So many little pink parcels!!

And look what was inside

A feast of goodies

A lovely tin with a pic of Daisy on and filled with goreous buttons

More Buttons

Even more buttons this time chocolate!!

A lovely lavender bag

Gorgeous little cushion that's now hanging in my bedroom

Yay a daisy note pad to stick on my fridge

And finally

A stunning fabric frame with a button heart picture.

Thank you so much Jackie I feel very spoilt and extremely lucky.

Right I've also signed up for a couple more swaps, the next being the Faith, Hope and Charity swap I'm just not sure when that's due by?? Think it's the end of July or was it June?? One of these days I'll get organised..

Anyway the craft fair calls so better get back to my very quiet craft room, am so missing the company of my telly!!

Oh god we've gone digital!!

2011-06-22T12:06:00.000+01:00

Am seriously depressed, just went up to my craft room to work. Switched on my little telly to watch Cash in the attic then Wimbledon and all I got was fuzz!!

It was okay last night but obviously digital has finally hit.

I know it's progress but the telly in my craft room and come to that all the ones in the bedrooms are old (at least 10yrs!) so now the only one I can watch is the massive sky one in the lounge.

How am I going to work? I could drag everything downstairs but don't think G would be too impressed with that. But more to the point how am I going to sleep? As someone who suffers from tinitus the only way I can get to sleep is to have background noise till I nod off..

Not A Happy Bunny

Diet update

2011-06-21T22:01:00.000+01:00

Sorry have been so busy working away for my next craft fair I haven't had time to blog. That doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up to date with what you've all been doing, I just haven't had the energy to write anything.

Anyway apart from being busy sewing away I have also been a good girl and been sticking to my diet. The result so far is that I've now lost 16lbs in the last 6 weeks..Actually according to the doctor I've lost 20lb as he had my starting weight as heavier(although that was 2 wks earlier), so I obviously lost weight between being weighed and starting my diet.

I know I still have a way to go but am pretty chuffed with myself.

As far as the craft fairs go I have decided that after my next one I am going to concerntrate on mainly doggie things all under a new brand name. But it's still a work in progress and I don't want to jinx it so will tell more once things are sorted.

Have loads of stuff to show but will have to wait till I have time to photo them.

Oooh yes have noticed that I'm approaching 100 followers so that's a good excuse for a giveaway. I'll announce details after the 3 Jul and am sure I can round up plenty of goodies to make it worthwhile!!

That's all for now but I'll be back soon.

Thank you Rosie

2011-06-08T07:42:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I received my gorgeous glasses case that I was lucky enough to win in Rosiehearts giveaway. I am thrilled with it especially as last week I received my new Radley glasses!!

Thay are a perfect colour match

Thanks again Rosie

xxx

Today I feel lucky

2011-06-04T21:06:00.000+01:00

Gosh doesn't time fly!!

I meant to do this post last saturday but what with one thing and another never quiet got there. So here we are a week later.

First I want to say a massive thanks to Annie the felt fairy. I was lucky enough to win one of the prizes in her giveaway a couple of weeks ago and last saturday this arrived

Annie knows that in my book you can never have too much ribbon, so I was thrilled with the mountain she sent me and have already earmarked some to make more dog collars.

Annie is a very special bloggy friend as she was my very first follower a year ago and is hysterically funny. Anyone who hasn't read her blog should pop over here and read her post about spoons!! G thought I was mad as I was laughing so much I was crying when I read it.

I would just like to say thank you Annie you make life a bit brighter x x

Well for the last few days we have actually had gorgeous sunshine up north here. As you all know I normally take Daisy to the beach for her walks and I've shown loads of pics of it, but we also walk up the hill behind our house. So the other day I took these

From the hill looking across to Huterston and Cumbrae

Looking across to Ailsa Craig (dot on the horizon)

Looking towards Arran

Daisy hiding in the long grass

Another shot towards Arran

Oh and took this one this morning, this is Law Castle which is actually right behind my house (Arran in the distance)!

As if I wasn't lucky enough winning Annies giveaway today I found out I've also won Rosies
giveaway which was for one of her lovely glasses cases!! Perfect for my new Radley glasses that I collected this week. And no I didn't just pick the Radley frames because they have a little westie shape dog on them!! Okay okay yes I did!!

So all in all I feel so lucky living where I do and having such lovely bloggy friends x

Hope your all having a lovely weekend and the sun is shining on you all
xXx

I would like to apologise!!

2011-05-27T23:55:00.000+01:00

To everyone who's blogs I follow I am trying really hard to post comments but blogger is not playing ball!!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and I love everything you've made, bought, done over the last couple of days!

Happy weekend!!

Oooh we're famous

2011-05-25T16:10:00.000+01:00

A week or so ago I was asked by Marshal over at Coffee with a canine if we'd like to appear.. well I asked Daisy and she said yes as it could mean she got even more admirers!!

So today is the day and we're very excited. Anyone who knows me will no doubt already know all about us but just incase heres the link

Coffee with a Canine

It's a lovely site for anyone who is a dog lover as they interview a different Mummy/Daddy and their dog/s nearly everyday and well worth a visit if only to admire the dogs..

In the meantime Daisy is hybernating on the sofa as it's cold, windy and very wet!!

A chance of rain?

2011-05-22T16:32:00.000+01:00

Up here in the north it's not uncommon for us to have completely different weather than the rest of the country (down south) and for the past 10 days we have had " a spot of rain"! Spot my ar** we have had buckets full and after such a lovely start to May. Today we improved and it change to " a chance of rain" and the result has been very blinky changing rapidly from bright sun to down pour in a split second and then back again. Still mustn't grumble I guess it could be worse LOL!

Anyway it takes severe weather to keep us of the beach

Well the man on telly at the mo is predicting a heatwave is coming so I'd better stock up on soup and rock salt and dig out the sledge!!

Okay off to the beach again before it starts to.. to late it's raining!!

Faith hope and charity shopping swap

2011-05-20T07:22:00.002+01:00

Have just come across this brill swap and thought I would share it with all you CS shoppers.

It's a charity swap here

and the rules are as follows

At least 3 items, with a maximum of 5.

At least one item must be sourced from a charity shop/boot sale/garage sale/jumble or similar

At least one item should be handmade - it doesn't have to be handmade by you if you're not crafty!

One item should be jewellery of some description

Try and get a sense of what your swap partner likes from their blog posts, pictures etc - and it's not cheating to ask them questions before hand!

There is no minimum spend. If you are thrifting genius who sources art deco jewellery from jumble sales for 25p, all the better! Absolute maximum spend is £12 but there is no need to spend this amount if not necessary - remember you will need to post things too.

Sounds like fun so anyone else what to join?

I am having problems downloading the pic but link is HERE
problem now solved but can't remember how to add link to pic so you'll have to use the link above sorry..

The machines are all out to get me

2011-05-16T16:04:00.000+01:00

Now I don't want to sound paranoid but I'm beginning to worry..

First my camera stopped automatically downloading new photos when I plugged it into my laptop, dispite G driving me insane trying to sort the problem I now can only download them manually.

Then the printer decided it has a paper jam dispite there being NO PAPER!! I've spent ages trying to sort it but again it still thinks it's jammed..

Next the kettle decided it can no longer be bothered to switch itself off. So you literally have to stand and watch it as it boils, and heaven help anyone who happens to leave the room as you come back to a sauna!!

And now the final straw is my sewing machine. I bought a basic Brother sewing machine a couple of years ago after my very expensive Toyota gave me nothing but problems. But I have obviously overworked my faithful Bro and it is now doing silly things. I phoned the nice repair man and he say it sounds like the "timing"? I thought that was cars but I suppose it's an engine like any other. So tomorrow I will take Bro to visit the nice man and hope he can fix it.

It's particuarly annoying as I am in the middle of something and have 2 fancy dress costumes and three birthday pressies to make in the next 3 weeks!!

In the mean time I am now on a diet!! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not keen on diets having done just about every one ever invented.. and I invariably end up regaining the weight. But needs must and the doctor suggested that it might help if I could loose 2 stone before I go in for my op. So I am now on the slimfast diet. I chose this because I don't have to think about food all the time as it's 2 shakes, 1 main meal (600cal) and then 3 snacks (100 cal ea) easy. I now have a tub full of 100 cal snacks and a full fruit bowl to keep me going.

And having just finished my first week I've lost 4lbs so am thrilled.

Okay off to have a coffee before my laptop decides to go on strike too

---x---

Gosh I am shattered

2011-05-08T07:52:00.019+01:00

Most days I don't think about how old I am, I'm just me at an eternal age of here and now, no definate number just young at heart if abit wrinkly and flabby on the outside. Then there are other days like yesterday and today when I feel old, in fact older than I probably am. My body aches in strange places and I wonder what on earth I'll be like when I'm even older. When I'm fifty will I still be able to bend down and tie my shoe laces? Not that I have shoelaces not since I left school which was ? decades ago!

I got home from the craft fair yesterday absolutely shattered, in fact so tired that I just curled up on the sofa with Daisy and had an hours sleep, (when your young you'd call it a power nap lol). Then an early night, slept for 10 hours straight and woke up STILL SHATTERED! Explain how does that work?

We were supposed to be going for awalk round Greater Cumbrae (a small island) and then a picnic with a group of friends today but at least the weather has taken pity on me. We had a horrendous thunder storm during the night and it's been pouring with rain since before I woke, so yipee I get to curl up in front of the telly instead of un neccessary exercise!!!

Right that's quite enough of me rambling on, yesterday was the craft fair at Troon. I tend to get abit anxious before hand as I'm never certain whether people will like what I make. I think I actually care more what other crafters think than the visitors/customers to the fair. Well I got lots of lovely comments and sold a reasonable amount inc 2 bags and a cushion (loads of little bits). I even got an order for a customised bag from one of the other crafters which was lovely.
Couple of pics of my stall...

Will be updating my etsy later today with extras I'd made for the fair inc the teacup pincushions.
Right off to stick feet up in front of telly with big mug of coffee and maybe have one of those power nap thingies!!

Happy Sunday!!

We have photos

2011-05-01T08:11:00.000+01:00

Well I finally managed to transfer the photos from my camera to the computer. Not the way I normally do it which is automatic as soon as I plug in the camera, but a slightly more long winded version. Still mustn't grumble (especially not when G's around as he's now taking the "I suppose you think it's my fault" attitude!! well yes I do!!) at least I can get at my photos. I was begining to think I'd need a new camera or computer or both! But major expense has been averted.

So I can now share what I've been doing the last week (or so).

Remember I was saying about my Vista bargains

Well add those to the paper takeaway bags I ordered for the last craft fair but arrived late (and only cost 99p plus 2.99 p+p) from ebay

And voila you have personalised bags at a bargain price

I'm quite impressed for next to no effort and now have 50 (ever the optomist) ready for next weeks fair.

Okay what else, oh yes Daisy! As most of you will know she loves dressing up and has a vast collection of coats and collars (made by me). In the summer she wears alot of bandanas and always gets excited when I pull one out of the drawer. Well some of them are getting a little worn and faded so I decided to make her a few more.

This is definately her favourite although I think we'll keep it for best, after all us girls all love a bit of CK. I also made her a stack of primary colour ones for everyday wear but forgot to photo them.

I used to do alot of cross stitch but then got side tracked onto other things, but when I saw last months cross stitcher mag could not resist doing this

It is adorable and there is also a vw camper, a beetle, a bicycle and a caravan but I decided just to do the mini to start. I'm now dithering wether to just frame it in a white square ikea box frame or to make it into a cushion? Think the cushion is winning but still dithering..

Next up teacup pincushions. I bought heaps of tea cups etc awhile back and although I have used a few for candles I can't sell candles at the craft fair (the organiser have a candle stall!) so decided to make some pincushions. Having asked Vicki for some advise this is the results..

If I said I was pleased with them it would be an understatement, I really enjoyed making them especially all the little flower embellishments etc and hope they sell well so I can make some more.. only problem I'm not sure what to charge for them, any ideas?

Have also enjoyed making cushions but think I'm getting abit carried away

I have another 6 covers ready to finish too........

Okay and last but definately not least my latest bag

Yes more CK

Right thats all folks, now need a serious cup of coffee then try and squeeze in a couple of hours sewing before G and Daisy get up then it will be into the garden for yet more weeding/digging etc yipee.....not

Sorry

2011-04-27T08:28:00.000+01:00

Hi I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while but am busy making for my next craft fair. I have loads to show you all BUT now seem to have a problem with my camera as when I try to download photos from it onto my computer IT WON'T WORK!!

Personally I don't think it's the camera I think G has done something to the computer as he was downloading heaps of up grades etc the other day and I've had a few probs since. Not that I'll say anything to him as you know how sensitive men can be!!

Anyway I will persevere and hopefully get it sorted soon so I can share what I've been up to.

Before I go can I just mention Vista... the printing people. A while ago I ordered something from them (can't remember what!). Well ever since then I receive regular emails with great offers. A few weeks ago I received one offering loads of items FREE. So I ordered 500 business cards, 100 postcards and a mug (for craft fairs) all with my new business card design on, and the cost of all these goodies !! Well although they were FREE I did have to pay a one off charge for using my downloaded design and of course postage but it all came in at less than £10 so I still think a real bargain. When I get my photo situation sorted I'll show you what I've done with half the postcards!!

Okay the sun is shining so off to raise Daisy from my bed and take her to the beach before tucking myself back in my craft room for a few hours.

Enjoy the sunshine..

---x---

Easter swap goodies

2011-04-19T18:29:00.000+01:00

On saturday I received my easter swap parcel from Chloe over here. But as I hadn't yet finished wrapping her parcel I was very good and didn't open it.

This morning I nipped into my local (post office not pub!) and popped her parcel in the post then dashed home to open mine.

ooh lots of parcels

3 little chicks each hiding a cream egg

some lovely fat quaters

a beautiful button necklace and an egg shape tin with a rabbit on and containing an egg shape soap smelling of lily of the valley (one of my fav smells!)

lovely embroidered cushion

a little embroidery kit and an easter bunny tin full of chocolate eggs!!

This shawl is adorable I absolutely love it!

How lucky am I!!

Anyway Chloe you should get yours tomorrow or the next day and I hope your even half as happy as I am with mine!!

The weather here has been stonking the last week or so, Daisy has been have a ball everyday down on the beach and is becoming quite brave going into the sea to retreive her stick or ball.

Everyday I am so grateful that I live somewhere so beautiful (although it's not quite so much fun when it's peeing with rain and blowing a gale!).

I have been crafting this week but haven't taken any photos yet so will have to wait till tomorrow to show all.

Okay off to cook tea and then stick my feet up in front of the telly (and maybe do some stitching)..

---x---

It's horrid so I play

2011-04-05T17:54:00.003+01:00

The weather has been so grotty the last couple of days I have had no excuse not to craft. Finally put the finishing touches to the crossbody bags and have listed two today and will list other two tomorrow. I read somewhere that you shouldn't list everything all at once but if possible put on one or two items everyday to reach maximum "viewers". Well thats fine by me as I find it hard going but maybe I'm just lazy lol...

So here are todays listings

And then whilst it's been horrible I've been playing with felt and buttons and making some brooches for upcoming craft fair!!

They are not finished yet but I'm quiet pleased so far.
I was inspired by a brooch Vicki sent me in the last swap

It fair brightend my normal black outfit ..

Right G is working late tonight so I'm off to stick my feet up in front of the telly and finish the box of chocs I got for mothers day!!

Have a nice night ..

More Etsy

2011-04-02T17:48:00.000+01:00

Am still loading stuff on etsy.. I'm having to break it up into small bits as there is so much otherwise I'll just give up. So today I've put on some jewelry, some pincushions, more westie notelets/cards, some coffee cozi's and something else but can't remember what??

The photo tent I bought a couple of weeks ago is making things alot easier as I can put it on the kitchen table under the spot lights and it works a treat (saves my poor back bending over). My photo's are definately improving although I still think I really need a new camera.

Anyway this is what I put on etsy today

Gold and pearl offset RAW bracelet

Nepal chain bracelet

Murano glass disc necklace

Pincushions

And more westie cards/notelets as Kandi bought the last ones before the ink dried lol..

Remeber if you buy anything from my shop you can get

15% Discount

by using the following code

EASTER 2011

This is valid until Easter Monday

I have 8 more cushions cut and ready to sew tomorrow if it's raining, otherwise I have to cut the grass!!

Okay that's my bit of self promotion over

Now I think I deserve a bit of blog browsing so off to see what you've all been up to, hope your having a lovely weekend....

Etsy Discount

2011-03-31T07:25:00.005+01:00

Well as I mentioned yesterday I have been busy loading stuff onto my etsy shop. I had been planning to keep this till the weekend but as I have already sold a cushion that I hadn't even had time to list I thought I would do it now. Especially for all my blogger friends from now till easter if you buy anything from my shop you can get

15% Discount

by using the following code

EASTER 2011

This is valid until Easter Monday.

I have loads more stuff to list including some jewellry pieces and bags so please keep looking

Thanks

Cushion update

2011-03-30T18:13:00.000+01:00

The other day when I finally managed to post the photos I'd promised, I mentioned that I'd made 3 more cushions but hadn't got round to photoing them. So here you are

Mans Best friend (again, I have this fabric in 6 different colour ways so expect to see more!!)

Vintage Cath Kidston

Another colourway!!

with the lovely spotting lining

I haven't done any more sewing since then as I am now trying to load as much as possible onto my etsy and am going bogeyed in the process.

Ooops think I can smell tea burning

TTFN x

Photos at last

2011-03-28T10:25:00.000+01:00

After hours of trying to download photos yesterday, today blogger has decided to play nice. So here they are

Lovely scottie cushion

Mans best friend cushion

I think this is Cath Kidston, it is so pretty..

Bag no 1

Inside bag 1

Bag no 2

Inside bag 2

And my fav so far bag 3

Inside bag 3

Now all I need to do is sort vintage buttons to decorate front oh and put on the magnetic catches.

Since taking the photos I have actually finished another 3 cushions but haven't got round to photoing yet.

Right now thats done the sun has come out and I'm off to the beach with Daisy..

Have a lovely day

---x---

Blogger photo hiccup

2011-03-27T09:59:00.000+01:00

Can you see the steam coming out of my ears??

No well you should do!

I have just spent an hour photographing my makes from the last couple of days, downloading them onto my computer then putting them onto my blog!

And Blogger is not playing fair today as after three attempt

NOTHING!!

Am now going to go and walk Daisy on the beach before the weather declines and will try again later.

Sorry for the delay

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........

So sew

2011-03-26T18:16:00.000Z

And I'm back sewing!!!

Finally after months of not acheiving much I have spent the last couple of days sewing. I made a cross body bag a couple of months ago and was so pleased with it decided to make half a dozen for etsy/ up coming craft fairs. I cut out the bags but when I'd made the original one decided that it would be better if they had adjustable straps. Well found some beautiful nickel sliders and buckles on etsy..

The only problem was they came from china and the first lot got "lost in the post" so it took 7 weeks in the end for them to arrive, by which time I'd lost the incentive..

But I have now completed 3 more bags (okay I still need to sew on vintage buttons but apart from that they're done!!) and they look gorgeous. So maybe it was worth the wait.

And that's not all I've also made up 3 lovely cushion cover and a little zip purse made from scraps.

Unfortunately I haven't taken photos as my camera has a flat battery but will do first thing tomorrow, well after the grand prix!!

Daisy has been to the groomers this week for her first proper cut of the year, and is looking all lovely and clean, not that it'll last long.

She has taken to lying on top of the cushions along the back of the sofa, I'm not sure what she'll do when the new sofa arrives next week..

Anyway G has just got home from work so better go and make him a cuppa and put the dinner on..

Have a nice weekend

---x---

Back from the North

2011-03-22T20:15:00.000Z

Well this weekend was a long one spent "up North" in Aberdeen visiting G's family. We were so lucky as the weather was fabulous the whole time, so Daisy got plenty of lovely walks in Duthie Park. The only trouble with going away is when you get back there is so much to do!! So today I have spent the day washing and tumbling and ironing and putting away, not to mention food shopping and trying to sort out why G's accounts didn't balance. But all done now so I can quickly show you what from the lovely Vicki in my spring swap..

Don't you love parcels and there were so many...

Lots of lovely spring gifts

Chocolate bunnies, hand knitted chick and rabbit, lovely handmade brooch, ribbons, daffodil pin

Lovely little daffodil tin with a soap in it, westie buttons, beads and sweet pea seeds!!

Oh did I mention the cute little china westie!!

Thank you so much Vicki they are gorgeous, and I laughed when I saw the similarities, you know what they say "Great minds think alike!!"

Right off to catch up with the 19hrs of tv I sky plussed whilst I was away.

Tomorrow G's back to work after his hols so maybe I'll get some crafting done??

---X---

40 bags for 40 days

2011-03-14T07:52:00.000Z

I have just been catching up with some blogging and came across this idea from Corrie over at Retromummy. Some of you might know that I'm not a religous person but this seemed like a brilliant idea.The idea being you rid your home of a bag a day for the 40 days of Lent. It's up to you what you do with the stuff, give it to charity, to friends or family, ebay it or throw it away it doesn't matter.

I guess this is a new twist on spring clean. I know I'm late as Lent started on Ash Wednesday which was last week (9th Mar 11) but I'll give it a go now where did I put those bin bags.

Shopping Success !!

2011-03-10T20:03:00.001Z

Some days you go shopping and you might as well have stayed in bed, then others are filled with wonderful finds.

Find 1, a cake stand from homebase of all places £5.99 bargain

Find 2, a lovely "wish you were here" cushion from Primark £1 !! How could I not buy it

Then when I got to the till Find 3, a roll of lovely UJ wrapping paper, 6m for £1. So pretty I couldn't resist..

Find 4, I have been looking for hair clips to decorate for my grandaughters for easter and in poundland I found this pack of 30 for.. you guessed it a pound!! They actually do a coloured pack as well but as I'm going to cover then I thought I'd just go for these.

Then we went to Tesco for the weekly shop and I picked up a couple of christmas pressies to go in the cupboard. Find 5, a "santa comes once a year tie" (can't think why they have any of these left lol) £1 and Find 6, 2prs of christmas soxs £1. Think they fall in the under a fiver rule.

Don't you just love a successful day shopping!!

Well this week G is on holiday so apart from taking Daisy for long walks on the beach it has been quiet. I have managed to do some beading (surprise, surprise)

This is the necklace I made at beading on Monday night..

Then I made a bracelet, same pattern but looks totally different..

And now I'm just finishing off another bracelet, this photo doesn't do it justice as it has gorgeous bright red glass beads in the centre of each stich.

Okay off to try and fold my new popup photo tent which arrived after I'd taken these pics, I popped it out but haven't got a clue how to unpop it??

A litter of westies!!

2011-03-06T16:08:00.000Z

The other day I ventured to our local garden centre to buy fabric glue! Come on, people are more likely to venture into a garden centre for a light bulb or book than a plant these days. My local one actualy has lots of little shops in it selling clothing, gift, books, food, furniture and craft supplies! Well I didn't get fabric glue but did buy some beads, a lovely bead storage case (for the multiplying amount of beads I seem to be collecting) and a lovely little westie die that I can use in my cuttlebug. Well having tried it out I am totaly besotted..

It looks just like Daisy! So I made some more

Then I made up a couple of simple cards

Then a set of notecards as a little birthday gift for G's mum from Daisy

Speaking of mums, mothers day is quickly approaching so have also been making mothers day cards

Have made two of these and also nearly finished the bracelets I was making for them (just need crystal buttons)..

The top one is the one I made at the workshop last month but I have decided to keep it for myself as I love it soooo much.

So thats what I've been up to, what about you??

---x---

Little Monkies

2011-03-01T19:29:00.000Z

Sorry I have been away visiting my little monkies..

And now I'm back home with Daisy and G.

It's nice to go away but lovely to come home..

---x---

The Odd Westie...

2011-02-22T20:13:00.000Z

My camera has a flat battery today so can't show what I made in beading last night, maybe tomorrow.

So instead will show you a few things I'm lusting after at the moment

Cute westie cushion on Ebay very patriotic

And another on ebay ! I can't decide which I prefer but maybe I'll buy both?

Adore this canvas from Geministudio on etsy I'd love it in my kitchen when/if it gets redone!!

And this is oh so cute, I dropped hits to G for christmas but it's still on my favourite list it's by crystalbouquet on etsy

There seems to be a theme here?

I have to be honest if you looked at what I'd saved on Etsy and Ebay (and there are hundreds) it's mainly fabric, buttons and beads with the odd westie thrown in here and there. Speaking of odd westies mine is curled up next to me with her head buried under a cushion trying to sleep (think the tellies too load!!).

Wee cupboard under the stairs

2011-02-21T18:35:00.000Z

Last week I shared some storage solutions in my craft room and lots of people pointed out they are not so lucky, then today I came across this blog.

Visit thecupboardunderthestairs

Sorry this is breif am dashing out to Beading, more tomorrow

---x---

Quick Post

2011-02-19T21:05:00.000Z

I meant to do this yesterday but as usual got sidetracked.

Big thank you to Dazie

she sent me this gorgeous westie bag she made, a lovely card and chocolate ladybirds!! And it's not even my birthday!! Aren't I lucky...

CS bargains

2011-02-17T08:23:00.002Z

The other day when I went into Largs I decided to have a mooch around the charity shops after all you never know what you'll uncover. Well I think I hit gold, I've been looking for some teacups to make candles....

6 place Duchess teaset £6

Another 6 place set £4.99

Lovely gold and white set £4.99

And finally 3 more lovely cups and saucers £1

Think I'll sell some of it as china trios but definately plan to make at least 8-10 candles ready for Mothers day. Now just need to order some wax..

Bloggy friends amaze me

2011-02-15T17:30:00.000Z

The last couple of days have been lovely. I have received some inspiring emails from bloggy friends, lovely valentines from my beloved G and then today a surprise parcel from Emma at Land of Emma

Lovely card from Emma and adorable bag with a Daisy on it, I plan to use it for my beading stuff as I have outgrown my small CK bag..

Thank you so much Emma your an Angel.

Gorgeous flowers and a BIG box of choc from G, thought it was a 1lb box but have just noticed in the pic that is actually nearly 1 1/2lbs!! Mmm as I'm already on the second layer feel slightly piggy lol

Everyone has been lovely and I feel totally unworthy as I haven't done much for anyone recently.!!

So have decided to give myself major kick up the arse, I have noticed that I'm up to 67 followers so have decided once I reach 70 to have another giveaway to say thank you to you all. Not sure what the giveaway will be but think it will definately inc one of my bracelets. I'll give it more thought over next couple of days and let you all know.

Ooops got to dash just realised Put your money where you mouth is has started!!

---x---

Storage is the answer!!

2011-02-14T15:52:00.000Z

A few people commented on the pics of my craft room yesterday so I thought I would share more. When you craft being organised is essential but you don't have to spend a fortune on fancy storage solutions.

I collect ribbon and fabric fanatically and in order not to become completely snowed under by it I have solutions!

Ribbons..............

This is an ikea christmas decoration stand, cost 1.99 and holds my latest and fav ribbons.

It sits on top of my new "shelves"..

Then there is the drawer of satin ribbon rolls they were a bulk by off ebay a few years ago. I think they came from china and cost about £8 inc postage! I had no choice in colours but they come in handy for all sorts of things, and never seem to run out!!

Then this is my new storage solution, I buy loads of ribbon by the metre and ended up with a drawer crammed full but could never find what I wanted. So large sheet of card cut into 3" squares (I used some corraged card that was packaging from an ikead lampshade!) and a mountain of elastic bands, one evening sat in front of telly and ta da....

I can now see exactly what I have and find things easily..

So thats the ribbons under control at no great expense so what about fabric??

Well the fat quaters live on my new shelves. Unless its for something specific I try not to buy fabric in small pieces as it works out alot more expensive. But sometimes I relent if its something I love.

My metres of fabric are stored here..

This is two fabric boxes from Ikea £3.05 ea, on their sides (they come in black or pink)

Each fabric is put into a press and seal bag, that way when I use part of it I can put the remainder AND any offcuts back in the bag, no more bags of odd scraps!!

And these wonderful bags cost £1 from poundland.

Of course I still have two large plastic tubs under my worksurface filled with larger pieces and heavier fabrics but thats for another day.

So you see being organised doesn't need to cost a fortune.

Now if you want to see some serious craft rooms become a follower here, some of these women have spent mega bucks on their crafts. We don't all have their purses or space but you can get some great ideas and if you don't have alot of space look at Poppit's cupboard

Okay off to buy more fabric now to fill those spare bags ..

---x---

I think I'm a Bear!!

2011-02-13T19:41:00.000Z

At the moment all I want to do is hibernate!! I suffer from S.A.D and this year seems to be particularly bad, some days I have trouble even getting out of bed and really can't be bothered to do anything.

But a couple of days ago I go a lovely email from Dazie just checking I was alright as I'd not blogged for awhile so here I am.

I'd love to say I've been really busy crafting away but no..

However the other day the sun shone and I decided to do something about the worksurface in my craft room, you couldn't see it for "stuff". So dragged in from the garage a couple of pine dvd shelf unit that I'd scrounged at the tip last year. I cleaned them all up but then the next day was grey again so it's taken me a few days to motivate to finish it.

I'm actually really pleased with the extra space it's given me and look clear worksurface!!!

Don't look under the surface though as I'll sort that the next sunny day that comes along.

In the corner is the little pile of pressies and hand made card for my valentine (G I'm sure there's a 24hr garage open somewhere!!!)

Well apart from mumping round the house the last few weeks I have done a bit of beading, mainly in class but finishing off at home

A little simple necklace

A right angle weave bracelet

Single St Petersburg Bracelet

Double St Petersburg Bracelet

A week past Saturday I attended a beading workshop run by the lovely lady who teaches our classes Mairi, and made this gorgeous bracelet!!! To say I was thrilled is an understatement, it did take me about 4 1/2 hrs but was so worth the time and effort.

It has a gorgeous crystal button on the end but I forgot to take a close up of it to show..

So that's what I've been up to, what about you??

---x---

Worthwhile trip to the dentist

2011-02-01T19:20:00.001Z

I know I talk about Daisy alot but this morning I got up at 7 and 10 mins later Daisy came charging down the stairs barking at the invisible man outside ( there might well have been "something" there but I couldn't see it).

She settled down on the sofa long enough to steal my biscuit and then wandered off. I assumed she'd gone into the downstairs bedroom to sit in her favourite spot in the window. Well after I'd spent a short time on the internet (okay so I got engrosed on etsy again and before I knew it it was 9.00) I thought I'd better get washed and dressed.

This is what I found.......................

Talk about making yourself at home!!

Non Daisy subject...I never got round to showing what I'd done at beading last week, I think this is definately my favourite so far..

The picture doesn't actually do it justice as it sparkles.

I also made this whilst I was away..

Then at last nights class I started on this necklace, I'm hoping to finish it tomorrow and maybe do a matching bracelet..

Today I had to pop into Largs for a check up at my new dentist. I am not a big dentist fan and my last dentist (a lady) was lovely but 40miles away, and with petrol prices the way their going I can't afford two gallons every trip to the dentist. So when this new dentist opened and he was taking NHS patients I had to change. Well he was very nice and I got the all clear so I can breathe easy for the next 6 months..

Whilst in Largs I thought I'd "do the charity shops" and had a few success's

Little wicker basket with hinged lid £1

Dear fatty by Dawn French (in case you couldn't read the title hehe) 99p

Cute polar bear mug with lid (put away for xmas pressie) 99p

I also bought a lovely cream jug with little blue flowers which I have filled with flowers and now resides on a shelf in my downstairs loo for £2.

So that made a trip to the dentist worthwhile!!!

On a final note have a look at Andrea Wills Designs she has a lovely giveaway of 12 of her lovely cards at the moment....