Scrapaholics Anonymous

Have you heard?

2012-01-27T18:53:00.005Z

It's the scrummy new format kit from ScrapaGoGo, featuring loads of goodies and stash, including embellishments, stamp and even a bespoke card designed by little old me...

And what's more it's all within one kit for the super dooper spiffing price of £14.99!

Nope, you didn't read it wrong... £14.99.

Can you believe it?

Starting with the February kit 'Eclectic Me' this box of lushness features stash from no less than six different manufacturers!

Hop on over to ScrapaGoGo find out more xxx

Pencillines latest layout

2012-01-21T16:23:00.004Z

Okay so I'm a bit late to the party but hey ho..

This weeks sketch was bought to us by the lovely Morag Cutts

It was a great sketch to work with, especially as it took me away from my usual comfort zone - (I'm sure we all have these?)

So my take on the sketch featured a couple of photos taken of Harvey and I with some of our best friends at V Festival...

It was our second year in succession of going and boy did we have a blast!

Last year Hilary and I were left on our own for a while, while the boys were in a beer tent. Little did we know that they had discovered the Strongbow tent...

TBH I could have stayed there all day - with a live DJ and fantastic music, it really rocked. However we had to remember that we were at a live music festival and to stay listening to vinyls being played may not be the best intended use of our ticket!

The strongbow scarves were distributed amongst the crowd very quickly and were highly sought after, so much so that they became a bartering tool later in the day...

We're not sure whether we are going again this year as Paul and Hilary have recently invited us to spend Easter with them in their villa in Majorca - of course we are obliging!

Going green!!!

2012-01-02T07:27:00.000Z

To say New Years' Eve was a hoot would be the understatement of the year (and that could count for both 2011 and 2012!)

It was fancy dress at our local and so in true spirit we participated.

Harvey came up the idea that Shrek would be kind of cool and so our disguise was hatched!

Green face paint (even after a trial run) isn't that easy to apply...

At one point I got some in my eye...

And then there was the fiasco of having to do one's hands - Shrek came to my rescue at this point!

And so we were out and starting to enjoy, only for me to realise that I had forgotten my ears!!!

Still I could still pull Shreks's....

And then by about 11.30pm the cross dressing started, so we now have Shrek as Princess Fiona and I'm wearing an outfit from one of the Adams family...

Need I say more?

Chinese Whispers 2012

2012-01-01T13:21:00.004Z

After the success of last years' ScrapaGoGo Chinese Whispers CJ, Rebekah Day has started three new groups - this time I got in early enough to get a place - hooray!

So the way it goes is you scraplift a layout, take a photo and pass it on to the next in your CJ. This way there is no postage involved and no risk of anything getting lost, thumbs up all round!

I chose a layout by Iris Babao Uy - she designs for Crate and her work is lovely xxx

My lift uses certain elements within her layout, so although not a like for like lift, it incorporates butterflies, the circular framing, the detail at the top of the layout and a single photo.

I can't wait to lift layout number two - definitely a maybe for New Years' Day afternoon, although a hair of the dog might be in order!

Find out why later!!!

This hobby unites us....

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000Z

To all my scrapbooking buddies Merry Christmas for tomorrow and to my dear friend Jackie Happy Birthday today - for Jackie is a Christmas Eve baby xxx

I've made some amazing friends with this hobby, a hobby that if you get it, it gets you and you're well and truly hooked....

I thought I would share a layout that I did recently at my local crop, using a photo montage that Jackie constructed for all the Toad Hall ladies.

I'd taken my instax camera with me and everyone had a photo taken of them holding their polaroid photo.

So thank you Jackie for being you, I'm honoured to be your friend xxx

I've won!

2011-12-22T20:25:00.003Z

Last night, my day got zillions better.

For those of you who don't know, over on Shimelle's blog she has a weekly giveaway. I only tend to leave a comment if I'm interested in the goodies (on the basis that I'm reducing someone else's chances who wants it more!)

So this week it was a giveaway for either a printable paper craft file or a custom pdf silhouette from Silhouette Gifts, which I thought were totally stunning.

So I left a comment and guess what, I've only gone and won!

Sam Says:
18 December 2011, 08:34

From notebooks when I was little to big girl scrapbooking papers – what’s not to love…

PS those silhouettes are AMAZING xxx

So watch this scrapping space!

PS - I was so excited I had to wake Harvey - he wasn't as impressed!

I've got the crochet bug!

2011-12-17T17:54:00.004Z

With crochet having a mahosive revival, I recently decided it was about time I learn't.

So with a few basic stitches in tow (taught to me by my Mum) I set about having a couple of more in-depth lessons from my fab friend Sheena!

So I mastered Sheena's pointed flower, and having decided that chunky wool wasn't for me and that I wanted to use the finer embroidery floss type crochet thread!

After making numerous delicate flowers, I realised enough was enough and that I should have a go with a four ply (I may sound like I know what I'm going on about, but it was only because the pattern said that's what to use LOL)

Following a simple pattern from Mollie Makes, I made mug cosies - so cute and personal xxx

Hopefully the new homes they are destined for love them as much as I loved making them!

The results are in...

2011-12-13T20:32:00.003Z

The little munchie, aka Teddy Edwards had a heart scan yesterday (at the same time as being castrated poor thing).

A heart murmur was detected on his first vaccination and although it was hoped it would get better, sadly it got a bit worse! The vet wanted to castrate him early so that the heart scan could be done asap under anaesthetic...

The results are in - he has a thickening of his heart muscles and there is no cure, nor drugs available. He will deteriorate over time, until one day sadly, when his heart will have had enough!

On the positive side, although he won't see double figures, he should lead a fairly normal life for at least the next three to four years!

Teddy was our surprise - his Mum, Lulu had Toulouse and Toupee (also in the photo) earlier in the year.

Then before I could get her spayed, we came home from work one night in July to find a tiny bundle of white fluff!

Teddy is one amazing kitten, so full of life and energy. It's hard to believe that his little heart is pumping away too fast, like it's as if he's been on red bull!

It's amazing how these little beings take a piece of heart and give so much back unconditionally.

Blimey, two weeks have passed already!

2011-12-12T11:09:00.005Z

And isn't it always when you need more time that it passes us by so quickly...

I simply cannot believe that it's two weeks ago since my first layout as a member of the DT for Pencillines! We're now on sketch 263, designed by the lovely Sue Mylde.

Here's my take on the sketch, which I really enjoyed working with.

Although I don't get to London very often, Harvey and I were there a couple of weeks ago and spied these lovelies in John Lewis, made by Cavallini & Co.

Check out their website for some gorgeous stash!

Have you popped over...

2011-12-11T18:05:00.005Z

To the ScrapaGoGo blog recently? Cause if you haven't then it's high time you did!

It's been getting all Christmassy over there... Each day there's a new and inspirational idea to create a little something, be it a decoration, a Christmas card or box for a present, pop and over and see if you're inspired!

Yesterday saw my little bird appearing... a perfect little friend to have on your Christmas tree and easy to make too! And today you can follow Eileen's step by step guide to creating a gift box, perfect for all those little presents!

So what are you waiting for!

Flora and Fauna

2011-12-09T17:34:00.003Z

I got all Christmassy recently when I got the lovely Flora and Fauna December kit from ScrapaGoGo.

It's a stunner featuring Websters Pages, Bo Bunny, Authentique and Lily Bee and a gorgeous Hambly overlay... and that's just the papers!

With all the full on, busy, busy lives we lead and especially in the run up to Christmas, I suddenly realised that I had forgotten to blog any of my December designs...

So without further ado, my first layout was Grow.

This kit with all its intricate papers allows for my obsession of cutting out the tiniest of elements...

The Websters resin cameo took centre stage in this layout, well who can blame me!

Anyway off to my local crop, Harvey is out and so I thought why not? I've been off work today and had a throughly relaxed time so right in the mood for some scrapping. And even better I leave my stuff overnight and I'm back there tomorrow... bonus!

I got all Christmassy recently when I got the lovely Flora and Fauna December kit from ScrapaGoGo.

It's a stunner featuring

First Pencillines layout

2011-11-28T19:31:00.003Z

This weeks Pencillines sketch was designed by the lovely Karen Shady. It was a really sweet sketch to work with... I seem to have a bit of a thing for bunting at the moment.... I know, late to the party!

My layout features a cute photo of Liv on our yurting holiday this Summer - we stayed near Ambleside and was recommended of a tea rooms that was to die for... as was the price, so sadly we only went the once!

I'm having a bit of a thing with October Afternoon at the moment and picked up some pieces from the Sidewalks collection at the ScrapaGoGo getaway. Unlike my usual trait, I actually don't have that many bits left from it... still any excuse for more stash shopping!

I've got some news...

2011-11-11T18:58:00.004Z

And no it isn't that I'm eating for two or anything like that...!!!

I've been asked to join the lovely Pencillines DT team, hooray...

This was my DT submission based on the sketch

I am really pleased to have been asked, and being on Pencillines will be so different to being on the fabulous ScrapaGoGo DT team...

Being on these two DT teams, I reckon I've got the best of both worlds!

And my final ScrapaGoGo classes....

2011-11-10T18:58:00.004Z

My last class on Saturday was called 'Layered Lovelies' and boy was there some layering!

Using traditional decoupage as a starting point, we created a set of unique hybrids to create 3D blooms and butterflies. After a serious amount of cutting, the end result was well worth it and the ladies layouts were stunning...

I love to see the finished results, especially if I get chance to have a mosey at the photos each lady is using on her layout - they are always such different images, each working equally as well!

'Set Sail" was my final class at the ScrapaGoGo retreat. Remember vellum, I'm sure you'll have some in your stash.... well with this class you'd love it again!

The photos were taken on Crosby beach, where the famous 100 Andrew Gormley statues reside... what an amazing place. I twisted Harvey's arm to visit it this Summer, having read about it on Kirsty Wiseman's blog... and it didn't disappoint!

Note to self... must visit the Angel of the North!

Over a week ago!!!

2011-11-06T18:32:00.004Z

I can't believe it was only a week ago that our fantastic ScrapaGoGo retreat was over... I really miss you ladies, we have such a giggle and this retreat was no exception...

So on Saturday morning I taught 'Branching Out' using some gorgeous Websters Pages papers, along with floristry bits and bobs to create the floral cluster embellishment. I adore intricate cutting and Websters makes this task so simple with their many elements to choose from...

The photo was taken on our yurting holiday... Nina took some time out to sketch and draw on one of the two days when we had great weather! She needed red wellies and thank goodness she did as they were perfect for both our many wet days and to tonally work with this layout!

On Saturday after lunch I taught 'An Open Book', using watercolours to paint a beautiful image and incorporate onto a piece of bookplate paper. The class kit contents consisted of a selection of 6" x 6" papers which when cut into smaller squares create a fabulous patchwork effect.

This class just goes to show it's worth saving all those leftover pieces of paper to create your own patchwork background.

I'm off now to watch Strictly and X Factor results and continue with my first crochet mug cosy courtesy of Mollie Makes...

How time flies....

2011-11-02T19:46:00.004Z

It's less than a week since we were at the ScrapaGoGo getaway, but somehow it seems so much longer!

I had an amazing time, met some lovely new ladies, caught up with some old friends and had a good old fashioned giggle... not to mention teaching five classes, all of which I throughly enjoyed.

The first was Snippet, which used a mix of fabrics, papers, ribbons and cool random embellishments such as ladybirds and the cutest coca cola bean can!

Check back over the next few days for class number two "Branching Out".

And in all its glory....

2011-10-23T15:44:00.003+01:00

The stunning ScrapaGoGo kit for November... 'Chic Boutique'

How gorgeous is that? mmmmmm x x x x x

And who could resist the stamp, so versatile isn't it? Perfect as a journalling base or to create a fancy edge for your layout... yummy

Saving the best till last, G2P is amazing this month, scrummy, scrummy, scrummy

Can't stay around, I'm off to play!

Chic Boutique

2011-10-16T11:59:00.004+01:00

Not long left until the reveal of ScrapaGoGo's stunning November kit 'Chic Boutique' Pink Paislee, Glitz, MME, Jillibean Soup and Coredinations... - and that's just the papers!

Step into the GoGo dress shop and get kitted out in taffeta and lace - all tailor made for you. Give memories and loved ones a new look within your designs using our chic mix that unites catwalk fashion and vintage trends, bows, pearls and all!

And ScrapaGoGo has some rather exciting news... each month your Create kit will now include a bespoke card... (as always, made by little old me.... bonus!)

10 things on the 10th

2011-10-10T12:40:00.006+01:00

I haven't joined in with 10 things on the 10th in a while, so after a few minutes pondering what my 10 things could be, I wondered if I could focus on hobbies, past and present...

At the moment I'm big into crochet, of course it goes without saying that scrapbooking is still my 'thing' but crochet has really got under my skin... And along with a bit of teaching from my Mum, my friend and fellow DT scrapbooker Sheena is largely to blame for this new found addiction!

Initially, I assumed that I wouldn't have participated in anything like 10 hobbies, but when I put pen to paper, I had more than enough to fill 10!

1. Crochet... basic flowers, certainly not at this standard (yet anyway)... Sheena where are you?

2. Knitting, scarves are my limit.... the whole dropping stitches doobery really gets to me, so been there, worn the scarf, the end of my knitting career!

3. Scrapbooking... need I say more?

4. Embroidery... this would have been my preferred specialist subject at Uni, but my Mum guided me into print, as this "was a more commercially viable route!"

5. Card making.... will make, not a total fan!

6. Jewellery... again not really got under my skin. However Olivia (my eldest step-daughter) really has got the bug and currently has a side line of making jewellery charms which are sold across the UK - go girlie xxx

7. Painting... I find it so therapeutic but slightly frustrating as the end result can be a long time coming. However I adore art and am an avid collector of Caroline Shotton!

8. Weave... again a favourite of mine at Uni but not commercially viable... ok Mum I get the picture!

9. Pottery... god it's hard to do, gave that up for a tube of smarties!

10. Stained glass.... totally love creating pieces, especially copper foil panels. Think Olivia has most of our supplies currently, so I guess we won't see them in a hurry!

Enjoy your 10th of the month and belated Happy Birthday Shimelle xxx

The past week has been a whirlwind...

2011-09-25T16:47:00.003+01:00

As usual my week passes me by in a whirl... this time last week I was packing my overnight bag as I was staying at my Mum's on Monday night....

She was in hospital on Tuesday having her 2nd hip replaced, 12 weeks to the day since the 1st one was done. She hadn't realised until she had the 1st one done just how bad the other was! Having had a fairly bad time last time, she was apprehensive to say the least....

It was all going swimmingly well until Thursday morning after her first shower - she fainted, came round on her bedroom floor, was promptly sick which caused a nurse to heave and have to rush to the toilet... apparently there was lots of hysterical laughing and the scenario of vomit everywhere and my Mum on the floor in a scantily clad modesty towel. Suffice to say she came home yesterday and is doing really well xxx

So I arrived on Monday night with a mission to learn how to crochet, having bought issue 4 of Mollie Makes... it was those veggies that did it for me!

I thought that it would keep my Mum's mind occupied if she carried on teaching me whilst we waited for her to go down to theatre...!

I'm not quite at this stage yet... or tbh far from it. I've mastered a five petal flower, if no-one interrupts me so that I forget where I am..

Can anyone recommend sites for easy to follow crochet lessons?

The other monumental occasion this weekend has been the taking of Olivia, my eldest step-daughter to Bournemouth, where she is studying Textiles....

She's in a shared house with four other 3rd year students and so looking forward to it, possibly because it's freshers week...???

She knew her small room has yellow walls and she wanted to paint them, so I suggested that her and her Dad read the contract to see if they could as along with no fixings, no painting seems to be the norm! Anyway, after a quick glance, and I mean glance the decision was to paint and worse case the newly painted white walls would have to go back to yellow.

So curtains are up, room is finished and looks lovely, Olivia has to sign the contract and about the 4th point down relates to NO PAINTING without prior written consent.

After a sleepless night, an email was sent to the landlord first thing. A reply telling us not to worry came about an hour later, so alls well that ends well.

Olivia enrolls tomorrow, I'm sure after some sort of night which will involve alcohol!

Good luck Liv xxx

Been a bit lapsidasical....

2011-09-15T20:00:00.004+01:00

So is lapsidasical an actual word? Either way, that's what I've been!

I suddenly realised that I hadn't blogged in ages, and hadn't blogged any of my layouts using the September kit...

So without further ado, here's my first layout....

It's based on this month's Blueprint to Go sketch, which I loved following! thanks to Jackie Haddock for the inspirational original layout xxx

With such beautiful elements in this kit, it was so easy to create lovely embellished areas... And when you love the Glitz ranges as much as I do, creating with this kit was like butter off a knife!

I love using text on my layouts but I'm never one for journalling, so using phrases from one of the Glitz book pages was ideal for me!

So I will try to not leave it as long before my next post....

I'm off to swoon over my October kit.... at the moment I can leave you with this taster.... a little something created by yours truly xxx

A kit to lust over....

2011-08-24T19:00:00.003+01:00

I don't think you'll need me to say many words to explain what ScrapaGoGo's September kit is all about!

'Curiosity Shop' is a stunning kit and I can't wait to get my mitts on it!

The totally cute stamp, moustaches and bicycles, what better combination for all that "oh, la, la"

And the cutest little keys and lockets in G2P....

V Fest 2011

2011-08-22T18:14:00.003+01:00

Festivals are not only about the music, whose playing, whose head-lining and of course, alcohol... they're about meeting complete strangers and having a laugh....

One such fella is the man in the cacti hat - home-made I might add!

Cool huh?

Couldn't miss a photo opportunity!

Early on we headed for the Strongbow tent - it tuns out Harvey and Paul had discovered it last year but had decided not to share.

There was a DJ playing and the music was fantastic... we did think it slightly ironic that we were at a music festival listening to records being played!

Table-top footie ensued along with copious amounts of Strongbow and a "get creative with your strongbow scarf" challenge...

Later on Paul convinced Harvey to go on the inverted bungee - he lost his bandana which ended up on the roof of the ride!

New Joules wellies.... actually bought for our week spent in the Lakes in a yurt....

Watching Rhianna, who was amazing, along with all the other acts we saw!

Back to work tomorrow, still it'll be a short week!

A little giveaway xxx

2011-08-15T20:13:00.003+01:00

Anyone wanna win some goodies?

If so, pop on over to the ScrapaGoGo blog, leave a comment either on the blog post or on FB and you could be the lucky winner of a set of these little beauties... (even if I do say so myself!)

It's that simple.... GoGoGo xxx

Curiosity Shop

2011-08-14T11:25:00.003+01:00

ScrapaGoGo has surpassed itself this month with Curiosity Shop, the scrumptious kit for September...

Vintage and stationary of old icons are combined with the vibrant tones of red, yellow, green and ink black to make a truly stunning kit.

Who could resist these Hambly moustaches!....

And as ever, the hybrids, designed by Kirsty Wiseman look fantastic!

And with no fewer than five different manufacturers for the papers alone, this is simply a must have item for your September scrapping!

Some more with August's kit

2011-07-28T19:09:00.005+01:00

So I know it's a cliche, but we are very nearly at the end of July - where does the time go?

One minute we're all shivery and cold in January, the next minute we're all shivery and cold in July! I'm just hoping for some sunny weather in early August because we're glamping in the Lake District and I've been told it always rains there! It's not that I mind the rain, in fact I adore that musty smell of the rain after a dry spell!

But what will be, will be, so to stay on a positive, cheery note I though that I would share a couple of my August layouts with you...

One of the ScrapaGoGo Add-ons 'Strawberry Laces' is stunning, I had to resist very hard from incorporating it into every layout that I created!

'Pretty' uses the gorgeous SC veneer hearts, which being of a wooden finish means they can be used for both romantic and non romantic focused layouts - perfect hey?

I love this simplicity of this photo, a captured reflection by Caitlin of her sister getting ready for a night on the tiles!

'Mr Hill' is another one for the album!

As one of the many Mad Hatters we had at Olivia's party, this one, who under the disguise was my husband's brother-in-law, had me doubled over with laughing!

The fabulous hybrids, designed each month for us by Kirsty Wiseman were stunning this month and I have to admit to being a bit daisytastic on this layout! Along with other random elements, they were a perfect complement to the eccentric looking photo!

Exciting stuff xxx

2011-07-23T09:07:00.006+01:00

Over on the ScrapaGoGo blog the next six months kits have been announced and boy are we in for a treat!

'Home Comforts' (October Kit) featuring Crate Paper Farmhouse; Studio Calico Memoir; My Minds Eye Lost & Found 2; Jillibean Soup Apple Chedder Soup and Bella Blvd Finally Fall.

Snuggle down with a cosy blanket for a little taste of Autumn warmth GoGo style.
Rekindle those memories and relight those feelings of log fires, homemade apple pie and walks in the woods as you document your homestead tales using products with the feelgood factor.

'Chic Boutique' (November Kit) featuring Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue; Glitz Beautiful Dreamer; My Minds Eye Lost & Found 2 Blush; Jillibean Soup Sweet & Sour Soup and Coredinations Tillie Dot Spotted.

Step into the GoGo dress shop and get kitted out in taffeta and lace - all tailor made for you. Give memories and loved ones a new look within your designs using our chic mix that unites catwalk fashion with vintage trends; bows, pearls and all!

'Fauna & Flora' (December Kit) featuring Websters Botanical Christmas; Authentique Paper Blissful and Journey; Bo Bunny Welcome Home; Hambly Lattice Paper; Lily Bee Jingle and Jillibean Soup Corrugated Sheets.

December Kit is the welcome door to our seasonal collection of festive florals, feathered friends and botanical delights. Subtle in its delivery of celebrations and all wrapped up with natures Winter gifts make Fauna & Flora a kit for all.

'Bare Essentials' (January Kit) featuring Studio Calico Classic Calico; My Minds Eye Lost & Found 2 Rosey; Jillibean Soup Apple Chedder Soup; Fancy Pants Off To School and Lilybee Memorandom

Simply 'classic' just about sums up our January Kit, full of core colours and neutral tones all brought together to create a calm crafting abundance. Mixed with splashes of soft red, gentle green and delicate patterns to add a little pizazz to the event and soul to your designs.

'Eclectic Me' (February Kit) featuring Crate Paper Random; Lilybee Stationary; Studio Calico Memoir Die Cut; Hambly Banner Screen Print; My Minds Eye Lost & Found 2 Breeze; Lilybee Head Over Heels.

Strive to be a little unqiue and get set to scrap the randomness around you as you fall head over heels in love with this quirky collaboration. Express yourself with our mix of crazy colour and tempting texture patterns and remember to mix it up and be somewhat random!

'Jolly Good Fun' (March Kit) featuring October Afternoon Sidewalks; Lilybee Memorandom; Basic Grey Picadily; Pink Paislee Nantucket and Glitz Beautiful Dreamer.

Springtime is just around the corner and playful times approaching, so what better way to celebrate than to raise a ice cream soda to the new Season! With retro pastel shades of candyfloss pink, bubblegum blue, whipped cream white and Granny Smith green this is a mix for memories old and new.

So you see, sometimes it is good to wish your life away!

A perfect name for a perfect kit xxx

2011-07-21T18:15:00.002+01:00

'Sweetie Jars and Skipping Ropes' - that's the name of the August ScrapaGoGo kit.... what a totally cute name xxx

And totally cute it is too!

What's not to love about it?

Brimming with GoGo lushness, it features papers from four manufacturers, including a personal favourite of mine - Girls Paperie, along with Crate Paper, MME and a yummy sunshine yellow Core Dinations paper.

My first layout 'Shine' depicts photos of Caitlin taken on the way to her prom. Scary how old she looks....

Off to create layout number 2, sorry to bore you but it may well be another Alice themed photo... but I promise you, it's a good one!

Can you guess where I've been?

2011-07-17T18:53:00.002+01:00

So I was sitting here writing yesterdays' blog post, when I was told to get a wiggle on! Whilst I knew we were going to a party last night in Yorkshire, I assumed I was driving back! Harvey, on the other hand decided to book us into a hotel for the night so surprised me with a night away...

This was the view from our room, can you guess where we stayed?

There's a clue in the cafe on the right had side of the image... it's featured in a long running TV series, the theme of which goes "da da dah, da da da dah, da da dah, da da da dah"... okay so I don't have sound!

The TV series was "Last of the Summer Wine"

Sid's cafe?....

We stayed in Holmfirth, what a cute place that is! There was a fantastic farmers market there this morning, so we had to buy... and came away with a few edibles, including the most amazing mushrooms!

Then a stop by at Harvey's Dads for lunch, OMG he is a truly talented cook... our second course was lobster gratin. We discussed his potential for entering Masterchef, but I think he's worried he wouldn't do too well!

Off to relax now, and eagerly await the results of The Apprentice - I'm team Helen!

More from July

2011-07-16T12:02:00.004+01:00

Whilst at a crop last weekend, I made a couple of layouts to add the 18th party album, so I thought that I'd share them with you!

'Being Alice' was inspired by a sketch that Kirsty Wiseman had on her blog the other day. The layout mainly uses the main kit "Fun of the Fair" along with the add-on "Show Time". I did add a few extras, including some beads which I double threaded through wire to secure them.

I'm quite into circular beads at the moment - they are relatively inexpensive and add depth to a layout. I'm also into mists (aren't we all?) but the mist failed miserably, so I embraced the drip with dignity and roughly edged round my ledger paper as if the mist was a paint. I was really pleased with the effect so it just goes to show, accidents can have happy endings!

'Mad Hatters' was just fun! Inspired by the Daily Junque paper, the quirkiness of all the elements featured on it seem perfectly apt for the photo!

Two Mad Hatters, Tweedle Dum and a pair of pink flamingoes, who I whole heartedly have to give credit to my fantastic sister-in-law for creating - I don't think you can get more random than that!

I'm almost a bit sad now the party's over - these things take so much planning, and then they're over so quick - still with 500 photos, I'm not stuck for looking back at the memories!

Oh, and I've middle step-daughter's 18th to plan for in about 16 months!

She's home!

2011-07-06T19:22:00.003+01:00

Our life is so consumed by our emotions isn't it?

When we're happy, the worlds' our oyster... when we're sad, upset or have things on our minds then I for one find it hard to act as normal!

This last week has been a bag of mixed emotions, as my Mum has had her hip replaced. It's been on the cards for years and after a six month spell where she had no 'good' days she decided to take the plunge.

I took the day off work so that I could be with her. After theatre she felt fantastic, but sadly this wasn't to last! She became quite poorly, but the good news is...

She's home!

The medical staff have been brilliant, thank you to all involved!

So it goes without saying....

Grab it day tomorrow!

2011-06-30T18:59:00.007+01:00

You would have to be seriously strong willed to resist some of the July ScrapaGoGo add-on's....

The project kit this month is aptly named 'Travelling Circus' and features the most glorious chipboard album by Glitz, along with "to die for" co-ordinating transparencies and the prettiest gold alpha by GCD.

I always prefer to keep to a theme when making a mini-book as I think it tends to flow better, so this one is based around, yes you guessed it, Olivia's surprise 18th party!

The images are taken on my belated birthday present to me, using my new Instax mini 50 camera which produces credit card size images. I have to say that they are 100% better than the old instant polaroid quality and each image has a slightly lomographic (bit like hipstamatic) feel to them.

Another add-on favourite of mine this month (and not because I designed them!) are the bespoke cards.

So what will you grab this month?

1st for the album!

2011-06-28T19:00:00.003+01:00

Following on from an earlier post, which featured the surprised faces of Liv, my first layout using the new STUNNING July kit from ScrapaGoGo, features the same photos!

Although I haven't counted, there must be at least 500 images to choose from, so an album dedicated to the celebrations might just be in order!

I think the layout is fairly self explanatory and uses both the main kit 'Create', G2P and items from the add-on 'Show Time' which has the loveliest wooden alpha from Pink Paislee.... seriously this is one delicious add-on!

And we're off!

2011-06-22T22:11:00.003+01:00

Probably (or definitely) the best kit in the world... and it's here!

Fun of the Fair features a stunning selection of co-ordinating papers from no less than six manufacturers including GCD, SC, Pink Paislee, Sassfrass, Echo Park and Fancy Pants!

So if your appetite is whet, hop over to the ScrapaGoGo site and grab one quick before they're gone!

Surprise, surprise...

2011-06-22T19:38:00.006+01:00

A few more piccy's to share with you... Liv just arriving and realising that she knows these random people dressed in odd costumes....

And then, bless, some of my favourites.. the realisation is setting in!

And then suitably attired!

The pink flamingo is my sister-in-law... cool costume!

And then we have one of our four "tweedle-dums" or were they "tweedle-dees" - it's so hard to tell LOL, along with two of our Mad Hatters, aka Ella, Caitlin and Bethan xxx

The stunning flamingo's were courtesy of my sister-in-law who is a theatre designer - can you tell. One sadly flopped in the rain, but the other survived and is happily gracing our dining room!

Think I have enough photos to grace at least four albums!

Can you guess what the theme was?

2011-06-20T19:34:00.004+01:00

So although Saturday seemed to take forever to arrive, once 2.15pm struck and Liv appeared, the weekend flew by - and what a weekend it was!

The weather didn't totally hold off, but to be fair, after a massive downpour at about 3pm, we then had sunshine and no more showers - yippee!!!

We don't usually walk around Rushton dressed like this, but when a monumental birthday like an 18th comes along, you've gotta do something a bit special!

Notice the cat, aka Grub (bit of a Camberwick Green theme going on - Cuthbert, Dibble (now departed) and Grub) who happily follows you everywhere.... 'a dog in drag'

In the words of Rolf Harris "can you tell what it is yet?" - I mean the theme of the party....

Hopefully this photo may well give it away if you're struggling to identify from the odd ball characters in the photo above!

I have rook loads of the tags still, so if anyone can find a use for them, leave me a comment or PM me over on the ScrapaGoGo CH, and I'll send you a quantity (string not included!)

Someone has just turned 18

2011-06-20T19:29:00.005+01:00

Last Wednesday a certainly young lady turned 18... hence why I have been a bit absent from blogging...

She had a surprise birthday party this weekend, more about this later in the week!

So, I thought I would share the card I made for her 18th with you!

It was something I rustled up a couple of weekends ago... "rustle" is not normally something I do, but it was finished in about 45mins!

I always think I have a rather boring life... but maybe not?

2011-06-10T20:10:00.006+01:00

Over on Shimelle's blog today she's suggesting that on the 10th of each month you blog about ten things.....

I read it at the un-godly hour of 6.10am today and haven't re-sitied until just now!

Once I sat down and thought about it, I realised that my oh so boring life really isn't...

One - I'm still on my first glass of Rose... need I say more?

Two - The number of cutest kittens currently running around my house... no need to bore you with more photos!

Three - Those three little words that Harvey and I tell each other every day xxx (sorry for the sloppy sentiment - he's away sailing in Minorca!)

Four - The time I was first woken up this morning as a frantic Lulu searched for her kittens, who were happily sleeping in my craft room there is a small gap in the door that only they can get through!)

Five - The number of DVD's I have purchased in Morrison's tonight to watch over the weekend - I was after chick flicks but ended up buying 127 hours to watch tonight!

Six - The time I aim to get home from work each day, rarely does this happen, but when it does BOUNS xxx

Seven - The time I have to leave home in a morning to beat the rush hour traffic and get into work without feeling flustered!

Eight - Eight weeks today and we will be "glamping" in the Lake District in a yurt - I can't wait!

Nine - The number of lives that Toupee is going to need - so far apart from being completely deaf, he has had a gamy eye, run over the hob, not long after it had been on to boil the kettle and last night I found him tangled in the strap of one of my suit carriers by his neck!

Ten - It's only because today is 10th of June that I'm writing this blog post!

PS - glass of Rose now drank!

Due to arrive any day now....

2011-06-09T05:21:00.001+01:00

Although I'm not one for gadgets, I am eagerly awaiting a camera that I decided to treat myself to with some of my birthday spending money!

The Fuji Instax 50 gives you instant images in a polaroid style mount but in a funky skinny size.... What could be better? Polaroid images the size of a moo card.

WARNING: There may be some serious overuse of this camera and its pictures in the foreseeable future!

Cheery layouts for a sad day!

2011-06-08T19:04:00.002+01:00

There is a bit of a standing joke at work about me always keeping a couple of days holiday back in case I have to go to a funeral - morbid you might think, but it's something that's important to me!

Anyway, today was sadly one such funeral! A lovely local ex jockey sadly died last week, so today I have paid my respects and shared in the memories... he had the most infectious raspy laugh and for that I shall remember, along with his green round necked sweatshirt!

RIP Mr Paul Russell xxx

I wonder how I'll be remembered?

So to leave me smiling instead of sad, I thought I'd share some of my recent ScrapaGoGo layouts...

'Warning Love Bug' uses the gorgeous wood grained paper from Crate and although there is no red in the photo, the cutest ladybird pieces were perfect with the woodland themed image and so the introduction of red as an accent colour.

My second cheery layout has a predominant red theme and remembers our trip to Florida last year.

On the day we went to the Magic Kingdom, we all wore spotty red dresses and myself, Nina and Caitlin all co-ordinated our underwear too!

Before we left our villa, we flashed our pants at the camera... need I say more!

With a plethora of alphas in the June kit, I used a combination of them, along with the hybrids and rub-ons to create the longest title I think I've ever done on a layout!

7 weeks and 5 days

2011-05-29T18:24:00.004+01:00

It's been a while since I showed any kitty photos, so as Harvey had his camera with him (he's been shooting the Aston Villa FC pitch today) I begged him to take a few snaps...

The first two were not taken by the professional, but by me - can you tell? LOL

I cannot believe that these two were still tucked inside only eight weeks ago - now look at the size of them.

Toupee (the white boy with the grey spot on his head - hence the name) is completely deaf - bless him xxx

Apparently about 65% of white cats with blue eyes are deaf?

And yes, he does have different coloured eyes! One has stayed brilliant blue and the other has turned greeny yellow.

Earlier today, after his long morning nap which they routinely have after their breakfast, he woke to find one eye completely stuck together.

So I took him upstairs to bathe it and remembered that we had some ointment in the cupboard for one of our other cats.

I popped him on the kitchen worksurface, and before I could blink he'd scampered off, across the hob, which had just been on! He leapt off the worksurface - I felt terrible and checked his feet - doused his paws in cold water and then looked to see the damage.

As I couldn't see anything, I let him down and he ran off to play, so I think it was more shock than burn. I don't think we'll have a problem with him jumping on the worksurface and I was worried how we'd teach a deaf cat! A bit too drastic action for my liking!

And here is Toulouse!

No photoshop played any part in this photo which Harvey took yesterday!

Toulouse was a perfect model - a bit of a poseur to be honest!

I think Harvey is going to take them to the studio to do a photoshoot with them!

Bonus, more photos to scrap! xxx

"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose" Author unknown

2011-05-25T18:59:00.008+01:00

Those of you who remember the Wonder Years on TV may remember this beautiful saying? It is a sentiment that we all relate to, especially being scrapbookers!

The story of Harvey Horse holds close to me one of those lovely memories, that up until now I've never really got round to scrapping... that is until the ScrapaGoGo June kit 'Things to make and do' came along! With its vintage quirkiness, older photographs, as well as new images are simply perfect to use with it!

It was taken on the same holiday as my previous post titled "my favourite ever photograph".

Browsing through a shop in Bridlington, probably on yet another rainy day, we came across a book called Harvey Horse, so it was an inevitable purchase!

Nina wanted that story read every night, luckily it was only a few pages long with a large cut out centre for a squeaky toy horse that was fixed to the back cover, so to read back to back really only took five minutes!

So I'm delving deep into my archive photo library, and by printing in black and white the grainy almost soft focus imagery becomes a bit more 21st century!

Tootsie treatment

2011-05-23T21:01:00.003+01:00

What could be better than dipping your toes into a tank full of Garra Rufa (aka dead skin eating fish!)...

This was my treat last Saturday as I've had to work a couple of Sundays. I'm not moaning, but six day weeks working 7.30am until 6pm is taking its toll on my feet, especially in heels!

So you put your feet into the trough and then the fish swarm... a real funny sensation to begin with, almost like I'd expect acupuncture to feel. And although I don't have ticklish feet really, they certainly tickled me!

So once I was used to the sensation, these fish just carry on and exfoliate your skin. As well as feet you can have your hands done.

Like me, a few people thought that they'd focus more on your heels being the driest part, but perhaps our skin was a bit too tough to tackle as they tended to do the tops and soles of my feet.

Would I go again - you bet! The recommended sessions are every two weeks for 15mins and I can't wait to see these little fellas again soon!

The cutest picture ever!

2011-05-16T19:16:00.004+01:00

Thought I'd share with you a recent layout that I created, using one of my all time favourite photos!

It was taken in Whitby when Nina was about two; she was a stocky little thing then and could have the most amazing strops! Apparently she has the Grandma Ball gene! She simply plonked herself on this step and pulled the most solemn little face.

Poor little thing, made to wear jelly sandals and socks - one for the 18th photo library!

Because it was taken a few years ago, it prints much better in black and white. I kept the colours in the layout muted to reflect both the black and white photo and the mood of the image.

I'm normally more a "tight" cluster of embellishments type of scrapper, but I do really like the way these are scattered and lead your eye around the page.

Right off to watch a bit of telly!

And the winner of the ScrapaGoGo blog hop....

2011-05-10T19:34:00.006+01:00

.... which took place on National Scrapbooking Day is Julia.

The random number generator chose no 17.

Congratulations Julia.

Thank you to all who took part and left comments.

Please email mail@scrapagogo.co.uk so that they can get your prize to you.

National Scrapbooking Day BLOG HOP

2011-05-07T09:00:00.004+01:00

Today we celebrate National Scrapbooking Day, and what better way to start this special Saturday than with a ScrapaGoGo blog hop!

There's goodies up for grabs along the way, what more could you ask for!

You'll have been sent here by Nic, having just collected your sixth word? And I guess you want a word from me!

So without further ado my word is sister, which I felt was very apt in light of the fact that we all share this addictive hobby and are 'sisters' in a kind of way!

So take your seventh word and I'll send you on your way in the direction of Eileen.

Please leave a comment. They'll be a gift for one person who leaves a comment on each blog and an overall prize when you've solved the anagram. But you have to have left a comment to be in with a chance to win the overall prize!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day, whatever you're up to!

A right Royal wedding!

2011-04-28T19:03:00.003+01:00

I am so excited for tomorrow! I am possibly more excited than even Kate herself!

I'm a real royalist and think that we are very lucky as a nation to have all the pomp and ceremony that comes with this great country of ours!

I was lucky enough to be eight when the wedding of Charles and Di took place. We had the most amazing street party and although it is nearly 30 years ago, I still remember bits of it like it was yesterday!

So when it came to celebrating this one, I put the idea into a friends head that we should have a party at her parents pub! So guess what, we are!

7am tomorrow Harvey and I will be setting up the portrait sitting area, back home for around 9am, being picked up at 9.45am and the fun starts.

Us ladies are going in posh frocks and the men are in DJ's... Guests arrive from 10am. Champagne and canapes on arrival!

Harvey is taking portraits for charity, service at 11am, back at Buckingham Palace for 12.30pm, kiss on the balcony at 1.30pm, buffet lunch is served.

Fun and games in the afternoon, someone did suggest "It's a knockout!" We are also having a charity auction... lots include a voucher for Tootsies... your feet are immersed in a tank of Garra Rufa fish and they nibble away your dead skin - I'm after bidding on this lot!

All proceeds to Help for Heros....

So without further ado, it goes without saying 'CONGRATULATIONS WILL and KATE"

I know these aren't Royal cupcakes, but it was Nina's birthday on Good Friday and my Mum always makes stunning cakes, so as some of the other images are edible, I thought I should show you her creations...

Pretty huh?

Enjoy tomorrow whatever you do xxx

OMG it was manic!

2011-04-17T12:26:00.004+01:00

For those of you who attended the recent GoGoGetaway, you'll remember the stampede for the shop when it opened its doors at 22.45 on the Friday night.

Having been lucky enough to set up the shop, I had spied so many lovely things, even if my bank balance wasn't going to like it!

So at my local crop last weekend I 'broke' into some of my new stash, including some delicious Websters Pages button gems, to create this layout.

I used a photo taken by Cheryl Johnson at a previous GoGoGetaway, that I had printed to use with my stunning April ScrapaGoGo kit. I had ended up using a version of the same image but in more bluey grey tones, so this was 'spare'.

One of the items I had spied at the retreat was the gorgeous KI Memories scribble words, but I was sadly not quick enough then! I have since managed to get hold of a set and rather than just keep them for 'best' I am actually using them!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend xxx

A paper challenge....

2011-04-10T17:52:00.003+01:00

Yesterday myself and Nina attended my local crop, to spend the day crafting together. Nina has really taken to scrapbooking, unlike the elder two who I forced into coming with me to my first crop as I was too nervous to go on my own!

Nina and I arrived and I was really keen to delve into my recent purchases from the GoGoGetaway. There was an odd amount of paper left over from one class that Lorraine took, so I had a couple of sheets. I decided to suggest Nina and I scrap the same piece of paper, a really pretty design from October Afternoon.

I love to cut into my papers so after a certain amount of patience to cut around numerous trees and a stream, not to mention an owl, this was my finished layout 'wise bird'.

I added numerous embellishments, including some gorgeous Websters Pages buttons, which I succumbed to at the Getaway.

So Nina created 'Princess in the wood' using photos of her older sister Caitlin in an outfit the eldest sister Olivia had made for her creative media course.

It's lovely to see Nina's own style developing and she rarely asks for any help, usually more for stash!

Yesterday I became a feline granny xxx

2011-04-06T21:05:00.004+01:00

It seems like an age that I have been waiting for LuLu to have her kitties.... each day I say "she's acting differently, today's the day!"

Well I thought that again yesterday and she proved me right!

Two little bundles of kitty cuties and Lulu is such a great mum, she can't stop purring, licking and loving them. She isn't even taking time out to feed, so I am holding her plate of food for her so she can nurse and eat at the same time!

I'll warn you now... these little cuties may well have to feature in a layout or two... xxx

Thanks for stopping by!

I had to share really, didn't I?

2011-04-03T17:10:00.002+01:00

And so the kit continues. Along with the super scrummy kit, the hybrids, designed by the ever so talented Kirsty Wiseman were gorgeous too.

I used a fair few of them in this layout, along with one of the bespoke cards that I design for each kit. If you're tempted to a set, hop on over to the ScrapaGoGo shop as I think there may still be a couple left?

The photos were taken when Nina was on her first holiday abroad, she was only three at the time, bless her... she could have some serious strops!!!

My other layout uses loads of the G2P, sadly they have all gone... I wonder why!

I have to admit that this was a staged photo, honestly Nina wasn't in the slightest bit upset! You can see why she'll be good on the stage!

Enjoy the rest of Mothers Day

xxx

The Mary Poppins of all kits....

2011-04-02T15:40:00.003+01:00

I can honestly say that the April ScrapaGoGo kit has to be possibly the nicest kit I've ever had.

I am seriously jealous of all you lucky ladies whose kit will be winging their way to you in the not too distant future, whereas mine is getting rather low. Still you have to use this kits to make way for the next scrummy GoGo kit.

Anyway, I realised that I hadn't blogged any of my layouts with this gorgeous kit, so here goes....

'Soon to be Mrs' uses a photo of me on my wedding day. I'm beginning to get past the basics of photoshop so I decided to put into practise what I had learn't and change the colour in this photo to a kind of lilac / sepia type tone to match perfectly with the papers.

The next layout 'Swish' uses a mix of five different manufacturers. I'm big into lots of hand cutting and so these papers were a perfect anecdote to my obsession!

The photo was taken of Caitlin and her friend for their 16th birthday invites and the "real" image is a combination of black and hot pink - this manipulation didn't put my photoshop skills to the test, only the kodak instant machine in Boots!

Check out other DT layouts in the gallery for more inspiration.

March GoGoGetaway

2011-03-29T20:06:00.004+01:00

I simply cannot believe how fast a this weekend has gone - they do say time flies when you're having fun and there's no disputing there was lots of that!

The weather couldn't have been better and was just perfect for our GoGoGetaway group photo taken on Sunday...

Spot anyone you know?

So with every downside (the weekend is over) there is always a positive! Along with great memories I can now reveal the four classes I designed and taught...

Facets and Fancies was my 1st class taught on Friday night... I loved the intricacies of this class and think that everyone shared in the love for it!

My 2nd class and the first class on Saturday was A Touch of Glass, funnily enough I loved this one too!

SWALK was on Saturday night... Bless, such a lovely class to teach... everyone had to make their own postcard - totally cute xxx

Sunday afternoon was The Stationary Cupboard, and although everyone was starting to feel a bit weary, most completed this class.

Big, big thanks to Lorraine, Janice and the DT team for making this weekend such a joy to be part of, and especially big thanks to all you guys who came to the Getaway. I cannot believe how many of you have already booked for next year!

Each and everyone of you has made my weekend FANTASTIC xxx

SWALK

2011-03-17T17:48:00.002Z

OMG, by the time I teach this class on Saturday night, the GoGoGetaway will be over halfway through (boo-hoo xxx) but hey ladies, on the bright side you still have two more classes to do on Sunday (HOORAY xxx)

So here is a sneaky peek of SWALK, which is simply adorable... I love the "tweetness" about it...

'Put pen to postcard for expressing the state of the heart with an old fashioned 'tweet'. No need to be coy as Sam makes it a lovingly easy thing to do with this adorable 12x12 LO concept that will send your love meter soaring!'

So if you're not lucky enough to be GoGoGetawaying this year, get your skates on and grab one of the last few places on next years' retreats...

What did you get up to at the weekend?

2011-03-15T18:56:00.002Z

I know, I know... the weekend has well and truly been and gone! It's Wednesday tomorrow, halfway through the week and I'm already ready for next weekend!

Harvey is away on a sailing course, doing his day skipper practical in Minorca, so although I'll really miss him, I do love the occasional weekend when I'm on my own.

And as he comes back on the following Friday, like ships in the night we'll miss each other, as I'll be at the GoGoGetaway!

So I went to my local crop last Saturday and it didn't take me long for me to be persuaded into buying these BoBunny papers... and although I'd taken loads of stash, very little even came of of my box, let alone made it onto a layout!

I gutted the central area of the frame and mounted my photo behind the paper. I used washi tape as a striped detail (never really got my head round that stuff, but I'm really pleased with the results when used in a strip) and I threaded beads onto wire to add to the striped detail.

I finished the layout by clustering around the photo, and included a gem type button that I recently cut-off a cardigan! It was too good to throw away!

I managed to start a second layout, but didn't get very far. My youngest step-daughter Nina has been coming with me to crops recently and I'm conscious when she's struggling with a layout and may need guidance, so my productivity has taken a nose dive! Still I wouldn't change it for the world xxx

I did a bit of distressing on some of the papers and included a mirrored bird by Heidi Swapp that Nina found in my spare stash. I felt a tad guilty as I'm sure she was after it for herself... I told her that she was wonderful for finding it and that I'd been hunting for it for ages!

I shouldn't feel too bad should I?

Are you postie stalking?

2011-03-13T17:42:00.007Z

So March ScrapaGoGo kits have left HQ and are winging their way to your doorsteps. And are you in for a treat!

'What a Picture' is a stunning kit featuring a multitude of manufacturers including Jillbean, KI Memories and Basic Grey. Check out the DT gallery for ideas and inspiration.

The add-ons are always lovely and Slideshow was no exception! I ended up using elements from it over all three designs below!

My first layout"You make me..." focuses on the KI Memories pocket, which I cut down to suit the size of my photo and used a smooch brown mist to bring in the chocolate cardstock.

The second layout gave me the opportunity to scrap photos of our trip last year to Florida and our day at Discovery Cove. I cannot stress enough to anyone going that you have to visit... it's one of the most special experiences that I've ever encountered.

My third layout uses some 'blast from the past' photos.

Some of you may be aware that my other half is a photographer and so trying to get great photos of my step-daughters without him knowing isn't always simple.

I ended up getting one of his colleagues to take a photoshoot at our old house. The striking branches of the Robinia tree were perfect with the limes and ochres in this kit. I used a punch to give me a channel for lacing some Jillibean twill around the Journalling Sprouts, embellishments and photo.

So sit tight and wait for that "knock, knock, ring, ring" and who knows what might appear xxx

A touch of glass

2011-03-10T20:06:00.003Z

So my second class for the GoGoGetaway is 'A touch of glass' and it is so pretty.

'Encapsulate and protect your precious memories in this pretty and delicate 12x12 LO class. The pressing nature of this lesson will certainly get your attention however don't be foiled by how hard it appears just enjoy preserving your mementoes, lost and found.'

I adore using non traditional scrapbooking supplies on layouts and I can't wait to teach this class.

So without giving anything further away, I'll say bye for now!

GoGoGetaway classes

2011-03-08T19:10:00.009Z

So the GoGoGetaway is now only just over a fortnight away... and OMG do you have some gorgeous classes to get your mitts on!

Sixteen lovely ladies have opted to take 'Facets and Fancies' my class
which takes place on Friday evening from 9pm until 10.30pm. I am so pleased to be opening with this class... it is simply divine, so pretty, I loved creating it and am certain that you will love it too!

I mean, even before you see the close up image, the description gets your creative juices flowing...

'Fancy swinging from the chandeliers then this elegant 12x12 LO class is for you! Clear a surface ready for a some eclectic alteration whilst designing your very own bespoke adornments. Cut gems, filigree and colours that represent the iconic little blue box all make for a diamond of a class!'

I simply cannot wait to see your finished layouts, from this class and Lorraine's and Eileen's, both of which are happening at the same time as mine...

Roll on March 25th xxx

Cameos and roses...

2011-03-06T10:56:00.005Z

Hot on the trend for silhouettes, sneak peeks of Aprils' ScrapaGoGo kit are emerging...

Check out these stunning stamps, I simply cannot wait to get my hands on these pretties xxx

And keeping on this theme, the bespoke cards this month echo the lushness of both the stunning designs and the adorable colour palette of aqua, soft ochre and regency cream.

And if you needed more convincing about this divine kit, how about these vintage trinkets... I think they speak for themselves!

Chinese whispers...

2011-03-05T14:18:00.006Z

By now I'm sure your heard of the Chinese Whispers CJ going on over at the ScrapaGoGo CH...?

Anyway, I didn't put myself forward to join (much to my dismay!), and if like me you're wishing you had, you don't need to feel left out!

I was especially taken by the gorgeous layout Rebekah did of her son Connor, so decided to scraplift it.

So here's my take on the layout, which itself was a scraplift of a layout by Larissa Albanez.

Nina, my youngest step-daughter, whose 11 made the beautiful flower for me. She's just started coming to crops with me and did her first class which was a canvas. She learn't how to create these pretties, so I asked her if she'd make me one.

Now I just need to learn how to make it myself!

So, I'll sign off now and wish you all a happy Saturday. I've been out shopping, I needed some hair dye, but ended up visiting Asda and coming away with two pairs of jeans, two tops and a cardigan style wrap, not to mention my new PJ's, ready for the GoGoGetaway xxx

If you're going and haven't heard, we're having a pyjama party on the Saturday night 11pm till midnight... yippee! And we get an extra hour in bed so no excuses for anyone to def out LOL xxx

Apart from chatting I was productive...!

2011-02-27T20:26:00.005Z

I think I must be easily distracted as I'm certainly not very good at scrapping in volume when in company!

And last weekend was no exception! Saturday was a real team building day, so after copious amounts of chatting in the evening, my productivity was minimal. I finished a layout that I had started the week before. I was determined to use a postcard from Paperchase that I had bought recently. There are three in the series and I had already used the other two.

I collect keys and wherever possible I tend to include one, along with book print. I don't know what it is that I love about it, but text really floats my boat!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening!

Where has the last two weeks gone?

2011-02-25T19:12:00.005Z

Oh my how time flies.....

My last post was nearly two weeks ago and I seem to have done so much since then!

Firstly, we ventured down to London for the BRITS, a kind of belated by a day anniversary celebration.... What an amazing event, what an amazing venue, one amazing experience! From the opening performance of Take That, through to hairs standing up on the back of your neck Adele, the whole night was seamless.

So we got back on Wednesday morning, I unpacked Wednesday night, then re-packed Thursday night for our ScrapaGoGo DT weekend... What a hoot!

It was lovely to meet up with my fellow team mates and just spend good quality girlie time together.

So after a lovely day on Saturday, starting with a swim in the gorgeous pool, we introduced Kirsty to Take Me Out! I think it was a bit of an eye opener to her, but I bet she'll be watching to find out if JoJo got a date or will Lucy get picked this week?

Monday morning came round all too quickly, and it was up and out to get back to work. Still only four weeks today and the GoGoGetaway will have already started! I can't wait to catch up with you guys, and swoon over all your gorgeous creations xxx

You might be thinking that it ended there, but oh no!

Tuesday evening, we drove 40 miles from Wolverhampton to pick up Nina, to take her back to Wolverhampton for us all to watch James Blunt at the Civic, only then to repeat the journey and take her back home. Luckily my Mum lives close by, so although it was only a fleeting visit, it did mean that bedtime was just a bit earlier than it could have been had we travelled all the way back to Shropshire!

By the way, James Blunt was also amazing. I would thoroughly recommend seeing him. I wasn't his biggest fan, but having seen him live, I'm a bit of a convert! Hats off to him, he has a real connection with his audience, coupled with a stunning voice.

So in answer to my question, that's where the last two weeks have gone LOL xxx

7 years ago today!

2011-02-14T21:10:00.005Z

This is what I was up to seven years ago today....

How time flies... the eldest of these little ladies is earning how to drive and going to Uni later this year! The middle one will be learning to drive and starting A levels!!

And Nina is already at secondary school, heading for a life of acting!!!

Here's to the next seven xxx

More of March!

2011-02-13T18:56:00.004Z

Oh my... you would have to be seriously mad not to love the ScrapaGoGo March hybrids, designed by the lovely Kirsty Wiseman. They are so cute xxx

I'm especially loving the film strip and the cheesy "say cheese" spots! This kit is gonna be good....

And if you're a fan of the bespoke cards, they are looking lush too (did I really say that?)

The one with the two little clouds on a polaroid frame has the line from the song "shake it like a polaroid picture" on it... now who was that by?

I used to think it said "shake it like a polar bear ninja"... as if there is even such a thing LOL!

Only two more sleeps to the BRITS! Perhaps, just perhaps I might not only see a celeb, but actually get to take their photo!

Picture perfect!

2011-02-10T18:53:00.005Z

Oh wow, sneaky peeks have just started for the divine March kit "What a picture" from ScrapaGoGo!

You might think me slightly biased, but OMG it really is fantastic. Not only does it feature jazzy colours, perfect for this dreary time of the year, it focuses (pardon the pun!) on a camera theme.... perfect if your husband is a photographer!

A real mix of vintage meets retro, it is so cool. Take a look at this stamp,... it's picture perfect! I know if I didn't sub to the stamp, March 1st would be earmarked in my diary already!

How super cute is this paper? See I told you it was totally snap happy!

February's Blueprint to Go!

2011-02-07T18:49:00.008Z

This month's Blueprint to Go has just gone live over on the ScrapaGoGo CH.

It's a fantastic sketch based on Alison Done's beautiful layout below. It was a perfect layout to Blueprint this month, as we had the especially yummy cloud stamp, designed by the very talented Nicola Kerridge. (If you're tempted, there is limited availability, so you better be quick!)

After spending a bit of time paper shuffling! I decided to reach for the Blueprint to Go - hey presto and voila, one layout!

It seems even more apt that I should have scrapped this photo, after my recent luck with Heart FM, as Caitlin and her Mum were very lucky to have won tickets to see Michael Buble in NY, just before Christmas, also on Heart FM.

Being the festive season, all the shop windows were full of amazing displays. One such shop was Victoria's Secrets. Each window had a different set of wings, which Caitlin promptly stood in front of to have her photo taken!

So, if your mojo is waining, why not give this sketch a go xxx

Done it again!

2011-02-04T19:14:00.003Z

All this week Heart FM have been giving away a pair of tickets to the brit awards... and today was my lucky day, cause they picked me to play and I got the answers right!

Son on Tuesday 15th February I shall be heading down to the O2 in London, along with Mr B and some spending money (also part of the prize) to be part of the BRITS.

It's not the first time I've won on the radio, so it's definitely worth calling xxx

And honoured again!

2011-02-03T20:00:00.005Z

So with this Chinese Whispers CJ really taking off over on the ScrapGoGo CH, I was really chuffed when Liz Lowe asked me if she could use one of my layouts as her scrap lift!

Liz was really keen to take part and so joined each one, and bless her, she wanted to lift another of my layouts for the other team.

She chose this layout that I designed using the gorgeous December kit from ScrapGoGo. I loved this kit, especially as it wasn't your usual red and holly green mix of papers. In fact the photo is of my husband on our honeymoon in Egypt! Our anniversary is Valentines Day 2004, so in just over a week, it will be our 7th anniversary xxx

Love you Mr B xxx

I think Liz's take on the sketch is great, the slant of the border and her mix of textures to add a tactile element to her page really works well.

Thanks again Liz. Can't wait to see both yours and the teams creations!

(We heart Mickey)

2011-02-02T20:03:00.004Z

Sometimes you just have to hold onto an image and wait for the right ScrapaGoGo kit to arrive!

This photo was one such image! Having been on holiday to Florida in the Summer of 2010, you can imagine that we took our fair share of photos, including a vast amount on the day we went to Magic Kingdom.

The photo on this layout is one of these images and I have been waiting for so long to scrap at least one from this truly memorable day!

My three step-daughters are all really cute, not to mention very pretty! My sister-in-law does theatre design and with a few measurements, she managed to create Nina's Minnie costume as a complete surprise for her for Christmas 2009.

You might ask how I managed to get Nina's measurements? I basically said that I had to do a bit of market research on the average sizes of children... I work for a fitted bathroom manufacturer, so goodness only knows why she believed me!

Then, not long before our trip, we were out shopping and spied a top, AKA a dress in a well known v. cheap shop and so the idea was born that we could go matching... it seemed too adorable an idea, so three tops later, we were ready!

I used the AC felt flowers from the G2P in the ScrapaGoGo February kit, along with other embellishments to create the row of flowers, adding the floss for both texture and detail, and used acrylic paint to re-colour the alpha.

So, if seeing this makes you need the G2P, I think their may be a few, but only a few left!

Highly honoured!

2011-01-31T18:47:00.007Z

I was thrilled the other day when the very lovely and talented Liz Lowe contacted me to ask if she could scrap lift one of my layouts for her entry into the new Chinese Whispers CJ, set up by Rebekah Montague on the ScrapaGoGo CH.

For those of you unaware how this works, you scrap lift a layout you like, upload and pass your take on the layout to the next person, who in turn interprets the layout and passes it on..... Unlike a regular CJ, it saves on postage and there's no chance that your layout will be lost..... such a fab idea xxx

This is the layout that Liz has created, such a great colour combination of lilac and aqua.

Here's my original layout, I love the fact that not only do the layouts look similar, but some of the same ScrapaGoGo hybrid elements have been used in both!

So thank you Liz for selecting my layout to scrap lift, I just wish I'd taken part now... maybe I'll just have to wait for Chinese Whispers CJ no. 3 to start!

Want some more freebies?

2011-01-30T11:01:00.004Z

Know who makes this stunning product?

And as equally adorable, this one?

To be in with a chance of winning some of the MME new Lush range, pop on over to the ScrapaGoGo blog and post a comment, saying which manufacturer makes these and some others. It's that simple!

If your six numbers weren't draw last night, I think winning some MME stash would come a close 2nd!

Now we all love a freebie... (don't we?)

2011-01-29T08:55:00.009Z

Have you seen the latest scoop over on the new ScrapaGoGo blog

To be in with a chance to get one of February's delicious add-on's completely FREE, yes I did say for FREE, all you have you do is post a comment saying which is your FAVOURITE!

So what are you waiting for?

Hop on over now, cause there is some seriously lush stash!

Double figure followers!

2011-01-27T18:42:00.006Z

So, by now, any of you reading my blog will have seen I have become a tiny bit pre-occupied with blogging and in particular, my own!Yesterday was monumental, in that I reached double figures in my "followers"... Yes, I now have 10 followers !!!

It might not seem like much to some, but as someone who simply couldn't get their head around why anyone would want to read up about another persons' life, I am well and truly 100% hooked!

So what better way to celebrate than with a glass of wine and 'Not Going Out'... enjoy if you watch it, if not tune in, 9.30pm, BBC1 tonight!

February's kit is way too cute xxx

2011-01-25T19:09:00.005Z

When I got home last Friday, my ScrapaGoGo box was waiting for me and totally scrumptious it was too!

I finally got to sit and play with it on Saturday afternoon and this was my 1st creation from the most adorable box of goodies!

The colours in this kit are so bright and cheery and such a fantastic alternative to the "roses are red" typical February kit.

I focused on using the stunning hybrids, designed by the very clever Kirsty Wiseman, adding both embellishments from Go 2 Pieces, along with a couple of the Jenni Bowlin Valentine chipboard buttons.

The stamp, designed by Nicola Kerridge, is also so adorable. I stamped onto cardstock and then punched out the small circles to add interest.

Inspired by others....

2011-01-23T17:14:00.007Z

Sometimes something on a layout really grabs your attention... it might not be that you want to scraplift it in its entirety, but maybe "borrow" an idea or a way in which a product has been used.

This was exactly the case on the fabulous layout below by Kirsty Smith, one of the new DT members for ScrapaGoGo. Using the January kit, I loved that quirky way that she had used loads of the Maya Road Bingo markers in a row and so decided to incorporate this into one of my own layouts.

My Mum recently lent me some original photos of her and my Dad. He sadly died when I was four, so I remember very little about him. (Don't feel too sorry for me though as I gained a fantastic step-dad called Derek when I was 11, who has helped to bring me up, seen me through university, relationship up's and down's, given me away when I got married and always been there x)

Anyway, I digress. The photo is before I was on the scene and my parents were in Olympia, having done a coach trip to Greece. My Mum still has the original advert for the holiday, along with some fabric that she made her trouser suit from - I fully intend to scrap another photo of them along with a piece of the material, however it isn't easy to co-ordinate any papers with, being a mixture of burgundy and purple!

Perhaps I'll photograph it and ask for suggestions!

I used a cluster of embellishments including a wooden toggle, which were very 70's!

You can also see from the cameo below what style guru's they were... notice the scholls and socks... you didn't get much cooler than that!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend xxx

New ScrapaGoGo blog!

2011-01-22T16:30:00.002Z

ScrapaGoGo has a new blog and it's super cute too xxx

Hop on over to the CH for a mosey.

And we now have our own blinkie (just look left), so if you want to download it for your own blog (and why wouldn't you?) pay this thread a little visit too.

Second helpings?

2011-01-21T21:08:00.004Z

If you're anything like me then sometimes you'll be torn between which side of a paper to use. I usually gut the paper, but to be honest this is only ever a 2nd best option.

So ScrapaGoGo have come up with a solution, and as from February you can 'Double Up!'

How cool is that? And if you don't subscribe, this co-ordinated selection of papers is a must!

Don't forget the free hybrids to download and all the other goodies available to purchase including the super cute (even if I do say so myself) bespoke cards designed by yours truly!

Oh, and did I mention the postman had been to my door today? With a parcel, but not just any parcel, with my February ScrapaGoGo kit.

So I can say hand on heart, this kit is GORGEOUS xxx

Such February lush xxx

2011-01-20T19:20:00.003Z

Just take a look at the ever so pretty ad on's, chosen specifically to co-ordinate with ScrapaGoGo's February kit "Happiness is...."

Firstly, there's 'On a whim' featuring a selection of Cosmo Cricket papers, along with My Minds Eye buttons and a very sweet Sassafras alpha

Feeling the lurve? Well what about 'Fancy Free', perfect for any singletons out there who do not want to be bombarded with red roses everywhere!

This ad on features an array of beauties from manufacturers such as October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislee, My Minds Eye and Little Yellow Bicycle.

So make a date in your diary - 1st February 2011 (online shopping at ScrapaGoGo xxx)

Tonight belongs to....

2011-01-19T20:48:00.003Z

After an interview yesterday down in Bournemouth, Liv has found out today that she has been offered a place to study Textile design xxx

Big, big congratulations.... you really do deserve it xxx

Happiness is....

2011-01-18T19:22:00.004Z

Happiness is.... having the delicious February kit from ScrapaGoGo!

My, oh my, are we in for such a treat this month ladies xxx

The exclusive hybrids, designed by Kirsty Wiseman are simply stunning. And best of all they're free! You cannot call these anything other than adorable!

Which leads me on to another little beauty... how totally cute are these chipboard buttons, featuring Valentine's Day images of a bygone era?

So, as I say February's kit will send your love meter soaring xxx

Super cute ScrapaGoGo stamp

2011-01-17T19:29:00.005Z

I simply cannot wait to use this totally cute stamp, designed by Nicola Kerridge for the February ScrapaGoGo kit "Happiness is..."

How cool is it?

The sheer fact that it is a clouds stamp is brilliant, but it is made even more divine with the patterned background to each!

I'm itching to get my hands on this little fella (can stamps have a gender?)

So if like me you're 'in love', why not email ScrapaGoGo for your chance to be featured on the ScrapaGoGo blog

Just maybe I'm getting the hang of this...!

2011-01-16T17:16:00.007Z

This blogging thing really gets under your skin doesn't it?

I set myself a New Years challenge to blog every day, well that has gone to pot, and probably before statistics said it would! Anyway, there's nothing I can do about it.. it's broken! I can't help it, but it seems to be slightly taking over my existence... I'm even lying awake in bed at night working out how to do this and trying to remember how I did that!

And after a bit of blog hopping and a whole afternoon of fiddling, I might finally have a blog, in it's infancy that I think looks 'quite nice' and is me!

Not sure where the weekend has gone to be honest... I went to a crop yesterday and created this layout. I'm always a slow scrapper, but recently I've been taking my youngest step-daughter Nina with me. To be fair she really needs very little help, and y

esterday I'd taken some vellum with me to see if she wanted to experiment with some. Anyway, that led me to stamping onto a creamy vellum as a basis for the background of my layout... perhaps I should dig out old stash more often!

I recycled a tag from a Christmas present, using both the pink ribbon and the scroll at the top of the photo.

The Christmas present concerned was a rather gorgeous bag from the Dandy range by Disaster Designs (I did have to treat myself to the matching purse... well it would be rude not to!)

And if anyone likes scrapbooking (he, he) then there's always the option of this rather delicious little album... how sweet is that!

Dummy out the pram!

2011-01-11T19:49:00.004Z

Ok, so some of you may have noticed that I missed blogging on Sunday....

Officially I did, only I deleted the post as I couldn't understand why the images I'd uploaded of my fellow DT's work were so small, compared to the size default I'd set!

Anyway, as they say practise makes perfect and guess what, I can only put it down to human error... (my human error) cause last night I worked out what I'd done wrong!

So without further ado, may I present to you the super layout created by Janice Warren for Blueprint To Go! It's great to see Janice's work, I just love the way the B&W photos jump off the kraft and ochre background!

Hipstamatic and January ScrapaGoGo kit

2011-01-10T19:23:00.004Z

My other layout using the delicious January ScrapaGoGo kit was Dog + Cat = Trouble

I'm so in love with the papers and embellishments in this kit, which were perfect with the hipstamatic photo that our friend had recently taken of our cat 'Cuthbert'. I used six patterned papers in this layout, from a number of different manufacturers, and although I love using a mix of papers, a mix of as many as six is never normally my style!

Just goes to show that you should sometime step out of your comfort zone!

There is still the odd kit available on the ScrapaGoGo site, why not go and treat yourself!

Was it a tick day?

2011-01-08T20:31:00.004Z

Someone I know benchmarks their days as a tick day - if all has gone well, or something good has happened then it's a tick day!!!

So todays post is nothing scrapbook related, but for those of you who have either renovated or who are doing up a house, then you'll appreciate my post today!

We've been working on our en-suite (for some time now!) and over the last 3 to 4 months, it is suddenly taking priority. It is by no means finished, but each day that sees another thing done means it's that bit closer!

So today has been a monumental day for two reasons... we've had a friend working on the room who is a plumber, so today he worked with Harvey to plumb in the bath! Everything was hunky dory until Harvey accidentally dropped the overflow in the bath which has permanently chipped it! I was very tame, considering:

1) The bath has been at the end of our bed for at least two years

2) We used the bath on a photoshoot approximately six years ago

3) Two hours before it is plumbed in, it gets a chip!

Anyway, all said and done we have a bath and are loving it xxx

So I promised you some more....

2011-01-07T22:24:00.007Z

Even though it's late, I like to keep a promise, so much as I want to go to bed (and I will be very shortly!), here's my take on the Blueprint To Go sketch by Kirsty Wiseman, over on the ScrapaGoGo CH

So, if you have spare time over the weekend, why not give it a go or hop onto the ScrapaGoGo CH to see more inspiring layouts!

Sweet dreams xxx

Three new additions for ScrapaGoGo

2011-01-06T19:19:00.006Z

So some of you may be aware of the latest new initiatives over on the GoGo CH?

If not, let me introduce to you Blueprint To Go, Month in Review and Details Delivered, guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing!

Blueprint To Go

Each month Kirsty Wiseman will design a sketch exclusively for ScrapaGoGo, and along with a selection of colour swatches, representing the colour palette of the kit that month, I challenge you 'not' to be inspired!

Check back tomorrow for my take on the sketch... and don't forget to upload your layouts to the CH xxx

Has anyone else discovered SONOS?

2011-01-05T22:03:00.004Z

After being stuck for a birthday present for Mr B, we decided to go "window shopping" for a new stereo, with all intentions to purchase another brand of sound system.

It was at this point we were introduced to SONOS, a revolution in music! It will both play your music library via your computer and for a small monthly subscription, you can download from Napster or Spotify unlimited music. You do not own this music, but with 10,000,000 songs to choose from, why would you want to?

Anyway, the free Napster trial had expired and I finally got round to subbing to it, so we are with music again... hooray xxx And even better, if you have an iphone or an ipad (lucky me got one for Christmas!) you can download a free app and you can control the stereo via this app... how cool!

So I challenge you to leave me a comment detailing an obscure track or artist and I'll let you know if they had it!

1st day back at work!

2011-01-04T20:30:00.002Z

So the Christmas break had to finish at some time and today was the day!

Had all good intentions of coming home tonight and taking down the tree and other decorations, but instead decided to go to the pub! Was even contemplating suggesting we had our dinner at our local, only to discover that they had run out of cal or gas! We also have the same dilemma, if we are going to run out of oil before our delivery..... Being in the sticks has its downsides and at the moment the cost of oil is one major one!

So our house is erring on warmish, due to the fire not having lit this morning and the under-blanket is on, heating up in preparation for Silent Witness - any other fans out there...

So, goodbye tree, until we meet again next year!

My fave LO with January's ScrapaGoGo kit xxx

2011-01-03T18:26:00.006Z

Elementary My Dear is the name of January's ScrapaGoGo kit. With so many diverse 'bits' in this kit, you can let the schoolgirl in you run wild and make some fantastic layouts.
I loved creating this layout using a photo of Olivia as a toddler.

So for those lucky ladies who will shortly be getting their hands on this kit, all I can say is "don't get into detention!"

Piccy's as promised x

2011-01-02T18:26:00.004Z

We're back now from our friends, having spent a lovely time down in Salisbury.
Before we left, I made Harvey do a mini photoshoot of the cats, they're so funny, as they love to drink from the kitchen tap - it must be running too (not the first time I've heard of cats doing this!)
They are so cute, but considering they are younger than Lulu, they are massive and still growing... see for yourself!

xxx Introducing Bailey's Cream and Bumble Bee xxx

Grab it's are live....

2011-01-01T09:58:00.001Z

So pop over to see the fantastic goodies including a great selection of paint dabbers and ink pads by JB xxx

Notice the time?

2011-01-01T01:37:00.001Z

So here goes... My first post of 2011!
Happy New Year to you all, off to bed to dream of alphas

Away with friends...

2010-12-31T19:52:00.003Z

As promised, another blog post on its way....
Today we have travelled to Salisbury to spend New Year with our dear friends Pete and Michelle, their two girls Jasmine and Poppy and two adorable cattens (half way to becoming adult cats) Bumble Bee and Baileys Cream - will post a photo if I can ever work out this posting lark xxx
Anyway, can't stop as dinner is ready, so all I can say is if 2011 is as good as 2010 was then BRING IT ON xxx

Why do we do it?

2010-12-30T16:52:00.007Z

They say the best cure for a hangover is a "hare of the dog" (is it the animal kind or the hairs on your head?)

Anyway, I digress! The best cure for a hangover is discovering that two people have already left comments on my post of yesterday, so hurray, my average life may indeed be interesting to others LOL x

So back to the authors. Great to hear from you Erica, the last time I saw you was at the GoGo retreat. My other comment was made by the lovely Dinah, one of GoGo's latest DT members, can't wait to see your creations xxx

So after nursing a slight hangover my day has been slightly dull. I hate not to accomplish anything constructive, especially as I feel on countdown back to work already!

On another note, must get this gorgeous skin ordered for my new ipad - big thanks to Zoe Ablett for pointing me in its direction xxx

An early New Years resolution!

2010-12-29T09:05:00.000Z

Ok so I have decided that it's about time that I make my next blog post! It's only taken two years (LOL)

You might ask what's spurred me on... it's two things really!

Jackie, one of my bestest scrapping buds asked recently why I didn't blog? That

got me thinking people might like to read about my slightly boring life, or maybe not, we shall see!

Also, my lovely husband bought me an ipad for Christmas, so rather than just spend my whole time playing 'Angry Birds' I now have no excuse to sit on the sofa and do a daily blog.

Let's see how many days into January I make!

Craft room in the making!

2008-09-23T18:57:00.001+01:00

Doesn't DIY seem to take forever?

We are in the midst of decorating our study / craft room, so that all my scrapbooking clutter will be in one place. The floor is laid, the skirting needs to be painted but the walls have been painted, the wallpapering has yet to be done... the list just goes on!

We did have some fab office furniture in our old house, but sadly, whilst it would all fit width wise, the furniture is too tall for the room (we now live in a farmhouse full of beams!) Can I find office furniture that...

Doesn't cost the earth
Looks good
He likes
Is practical
Offers storage within the desk
Has matching shelving
We can have "his 'n' hers" desks

At the moment, with all that I have recently committed too, the last thing I feel like doing is DIY, but hey-ho needs must!

So I'm sitting here thinking.....

Shall I continue with the cushion making - oh, I can't because my tape measure is somewhere, Scrap - oh, I can't because I did promise myself that I would concentrate on finishing the cushions

Clean, cause let's face it, it needs doing

Cook, it is 7.15pm

Clock watch - Mr Tesco is due between 7.00pm and 9.00pm

Blog write - need I say which one I've opted for....... anyway it's good practise, as Mr B has just managed to get out G5 working, so I suppose I could justify it and say practise makes perfect X

I've gone and done it!

2008-09-04T20:34:00.000+01:00

Today is a landmark day! I have just successfully created my blog site..... a bit scary initially, but I'm finding my feet! To be honest, the hardest part has been coming up with an original name, as so many are taken!

Does anyone know just how many blog sites there are?

I'm not a buff who needs to absorb info 24/7, just a bit curious..... a bit like why I've started a blog.

I never really did the girly diary thing.... I always had a diary on 1st January and by 3rd January, I was already fed up writing a daily entry! I think my record was about nine days - let's see how well I keep this up? I kinda think I could get rather into this, just as I have done with scrapbooking..... As a avid scrapbooker, I think it's one of those hobbies that either gets you completely or passes you by in the dead of night. For those of you who turn your heads now and see a mass of paper, card, ribbons and stamps, I guess it's got you too!