SNOW QUEENS random jottings

Needle felted styro foam head

2012-01-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

I worked hard yesterday on my "Nefertiti" and she is almost finished.....yay!

I have really enjoyed this project even though at times I thought I was mad and the felting got a bit of a chore, but the worst is over and she is almost finished!

Why I set myself this task I dont know, perhaps it was the challenge that tempted me!

Whatever it was, I have enjoyed it!

I get quite a mixed response............WTF to WOW!!!!! lol :)

How did your 2012 start?

2012-01-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

I had a bad end to 2011, my father in law died on the 14th Dec but the funeral wasn't until the 5th Jan, so Christmas was a bit of a blur. My laptop got a virus that completely gobbled everything up so I was left with nothing, it was like an empty box, all I was doing on it was making the order of service for the funeral!

Then....as soon as the new year was in at work we were all told that up to six people needed to be made redundant, voluntery redundancy was offered but of course no one came forwards for it, so the next step was to tell us that in effect our jobs as they were, no longer existed and we would now have to go to points and apply for our jobs. This has been a very difficult time and basicly it's a dog eat dog world and your work mates change towards you.

Interviews started on wed and finished sat, I had mine on friday afternoon. All morning I was fine but ten minutes before I went in, my heart was almost coming out of my chest. I felt quite comfortable in the interview apart from the heat and my heart pounding, it was so hot in there I wish I had taken in a glass of water now. Once the questions started my voice quivered and my mouth went dry, I almost went blank at one stage, so I didn't do too good as far as I am concerned. When I came out I was redder than red, but I felt quite happy, maybe relieved that it was over! Now I have a week to wait for the result and I cannot sleep properly, it's going to be a long week waiting. If I lose my job it will be very hard working my four weeks notice along side those that haven't, people I have known for years that have become more than a work colleague.

On a happier note (I am trying to keep my chin up!) I have been making resin filled hearts, you can find these in my Etsy shop here http://www.etsy.com/shop/SNOWQUEENTRINKETS

I have hand painted them and finished with a layer of resin and co-ordinating ribbon.

They could be turned into pieces of jewellery, given as a token keepsake or wrapped around the neck of a wine bottle to make an unusual gift!

And................ as usual I still have lots of other crafts on the go at once too!

Been poorly!

2011-10-27T02:57:00.000-07:00

I am now almost recovered from my two weeks of laryngitis, but still suffering from the vertigo caused through an ear infection in my right ear, got lots of bright red anti-biotics to take, wish they would hurry up and start working!
Wed I was due to fly to the Channel Isles for my annual visit to my Mumsy, (I always go in October for her Birthday), but the vertigo was bad and my doctor advised against going on the plane and signed me off work until November. I have been looking forwards to my visit all year so am rather disapppointed at not going, will just have to be happy with phone calls instead!

So, inbetween dizzy spells I am doing what I can craft wise.

My Folksy shop is now completely empty and I have been filling the Etsy one, was really pleased as I was featured in two treasuries, both lovely autumn colours.
This one is called Falling Leaves: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI3NDA1NzV8ODk0OTQ0NTAx/falling-leaves and this one is called Homage to the leaf.......Autumn:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODk1Mjc1Nnw5MDMyMTM3OTY/homage-to-the-leaf-autumn

I am working on some box canvas painting collage projects at the moment, even though I still have others (felted stryofoam head, felted tree collage the list goes on.....) that I really should finish but just can't help but start a new one!

I will post pics soon of my latest items but not just yet as they look a bit bare and blue and lumpy, can't wait to finish them!

Up to date ramblings on..

2011-10-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

I have been listing things on Etsy lately, wish I didn't close my first shop there that I had a few years ago now, but never mind!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SNOWQUEENTRINKETS

My Folksy shop will be closing at the end of the month, I could keep it open but I am not allowed to add handstamped notecards anymore or beaded jewellery, they e-mailed me and said that my glass jewellery and needle/wet felted items are fine but if they don't want the rest there is no point.

I am full of cold/flu lurgies at mo and have had a few days off work but have just laid about feeling crap to be perfectly honest.

I still have lots of unfinished projects, so nothing has changed there! lol

My daughters wedding in August was wondeful and everything went so well, Her chosen theme was sunflowers and butterflies, So pleased she loved the cake which I decorated (bought it from M&S) and just tarted it up basicly with sugar paste butterflies,ribbons and bling!

The long cake in the second pic is a M&S cutting bar, my daughter had the figures made but I didn't want them on the wedding cake as I had already made my plans for that with lots of bling etc. and felt they would look out of place, so suggested the cutting bar as a sort of wall that they could sit on, I put two of my sugarpaste butterflies either side and some sparkly silver ribbon and to finish used gorgeous cake miniature bunting that I found on Etsy, the seller (Jooles) was absolutely wonderful and made the bunting to my colour requirements and finished it off with the lovely label, I think it works so well with the little figures! You can see more cake bunting here http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewSweetViolet?ref:=seller_info along with all the other goodies that Jooles makes.

The cars were great, the bride had the Beauford and the bridesmaides and me went in the midnight blue Citroen Traction!

I found this wishing well on eBay and was able to rent it for £25.00 plus decorate it myself, the lady didn't mind at all!

So, I arranged purple butterflies around it and added colour co-ordinating ribbon to the bucket and a big white organza bow, The sunflowers were from my daughters garden.

The brides maides looked gorgeous and the bride was stunning.

This is my youngest daughter on the right and the grooms sister on the left!

The beautiful bride (my eldest daughter)

Infact I think everyone looked fab (I didn't scrub up too badly either!)

(Here I am with hubby!)

and all had a great time even though it rained all day, the the rain didn't spoil a thing, infact I don't think anyone really noticed!

Moving on!

2011-09-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have opened a new shop on Groovy Cart as I will soon be closing my Folksy shop :( due to recent happenings, although I haven't had my reply yet from Folksy about my shop items, I am sure there are a few that do not qualify by their rules. You can see the Groovy Cart items here http://www.groovycart.co.uk/snow_queen_trinkets UK postage and packaging are FREE!

Latest makes

2011-06-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

I bought some fab findings on Folksy recently and this is what I have turned them into!

I have listed them in my Misi shop, please take a look!

Butterflies

2011-06-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was pottering about on Misi the other day when I spotted these gorgeous butterflies, ideal for decorating my daughters hen night goody bags and the wedding wishing well.

They came today (superfast rocket propelled post) wrapped up safely and are brilliant, just perfect for what I need.

If you want to see them plus more with embellishments on and ready made wedding invites too, just click on the link http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/pinkunicorncards.html

Something old.......Something new...

2011-05-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter was saying that she hasn't got anything old or borrowed for her wedding day, so I suggested my garter, but did warn her that at 28 years old it might have fallen to pieces buy now.

I dug it out from the deep dark bottom of my wardrobe and was pleased to find that the elastic still works and apart from smelling a bit musty (from it's few years in the loft) it really was use-able.

I cut off the horrible brown ribbon and flower thing (28 years ago, I thought it was lovely!) and sewed on some blue ribbon and a lovely diamante heart, and I rather like it!

That should tick a few boxes for tradition!

I have my outfit sorted too, at last!

It's great that things are falling into place, just deciding on favours at the moment and then we are done...whoop!

Mini Me!

2011-05-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

I won a fun competition a few weeks ago, the prize was to have a doll made to look like me and today my mini me arrived!

Isn't she great fun, very beautifully made by the fab and very talented Karen of Reddskinbags, if you click on the above title you will be taken to Karens shop on Folksy, if not try here! www.folksy.com/shops/reddskinbags You will find a lovely selection of bags made from re-purposed materials and sumptious ethnic print fabrics in wonderful colours.

I think mini me is very happy to meet her big me!

Thankyou Karen! :)

Bling sandals

2011-04-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

My daughter is going to be brides maid for her sister and the accessories need to be silver with a touch of bling.

We have looked everywhere and many a pair of bling shoes have been tried on with no luck!

Some were very expensive and way too over the top and the cheaper ones really were cheap with yellowing glue and diamante's hanging off!

So... we ended up getting some plain silver sandals and I have put the bling on myself, was very easy to do and my daughter is extremely pleased.....yay!

A little bit of double sided sticky tape holds them in place and they are sewn on with strong nylon thread.

I still need to get myself sorted though! ......eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Needle felted styrofoam head

2011-04-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have bought some lovely vibrant sari yarn as an embellishment for my project, using it around the dress area. This is a bit fiddly but once I have needle felted blue inbetween it should look ok.

The head wear is really awkward, most things were too heavy and Geraldine kept toppling over backwards.

So....I bought some funky foam, couldn't get it in the colour that I wanted, had to buy pink!.but with a few ready made felt squares this won't be a problem.

She looks abit like she is doing a Tommy Cooper impression at the moment, but hopefully this will change the more I work on her, although I do wish that I had gone for navy felt, not to worry though as I want this to be bright and very colourful.

Needle felted styrofoam head

2011-04-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have done a bit more to Geraldine and covered her head for the time being because she was embarrassed by the state of the back view!

Her mouth is almost finished, I just add abit of felt her and there as in certain light I can see where I need to put more colour.

I need to embellish her clothes and sort out her head gear, it's the head gear that is going to be the real challenge, so I will do that last, when I am happy with her face.

She is much happier now that her head is covered and her identity is starting to form!

Needle Felted Styrofoam

2011-04-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

I am so addicted to needle felting and wet felting that I had to start up a huge project involving a styrofoam head.

I have felted styrofoam balls and egg shapes before and am also working on a foam ring that is almost finished, but I just can't put this head down!

I have covered it in light skin coloured felting wool and used black wool for the eyes, deep red for the mouth and will embellish the front dress area with blue/green/red and gold.

She has been nick named "Geraldine" by friends, but as she progresses her name will be changed, perhaps abit more regal!

It is very easy and extremely theraputic, just pull off a small amount of wool and lay it on the foam and push the needle into the foam moving across the area until smooth.

She looks really freaky, but is slowly developing into a woolly beauty in a needle felted sort of way!

I am quite happy with her eyes, but they're not finished yet!

I need to get together some more supplies and I think she is going to become quite difficult on certain parts but I am looking forwards to the challenge!

I will put more pics up as I progress, which hopefully will be very soon! :)

Wedding Guest Book

2011-03-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for quite sometime for a Guest Book for the wedding and haven't really seen anything that I liked, the shops don't seem to do a really nice selection and they all seemed a bit too plastic as I wanted something more handmade looking.

I checked out Folksy and discovered Dottie Designs, there were beautiful hand decorated books with butterflies just perfect for the wedding theme, plus lots of others for birthdays etc., So, I requested my colour theme, wording and style and in no time at all I have recieved a beautiful guest book which is just perfect, I can't tell you how pleased I am!

I won't show you the exact one as I want it to be a surprise for my daughter, but here is a pic of the one that made me decide on it.

I checked with my daughter first about the design and she liked it, so that settled that and here we are, another item ticked on the list.

Now I need to book the florist for a consultation, sort the balloons for the venue, get the brides maid's accessories and .........oh yeah! there's me too think about too!

What shall I wear? dress, trousers, dress, trousers.....eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Please check out www.folksy.com/shops/dottiedesigns and http://www.dottiedesigns.co.uk/ as I am sure you will be delighted with the beautiful items that you will find.

"Help the Heroes" fund raising

2011-03-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

My lovely super dooper hubby is at it again!

Please donate and help him raise money for this very worthy cause by clicking on the link above.

Thankyou!

Wedding cake?

2011-03-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

I could make one but I am not going to take the risk of it all going wrong, so I have decided to buy one in plain white but decorate it myself.

I have always liked Marks and Spencer cakes and so I will buy three of their wedding cakes in different sizes and stack it myself. I was going to buy one of their ready decorated ones which are very reasonably priced, but because I like to be creative I am going for a plain one and will put my own ribbons and bling on it.

My daughters theme is butterfly, incase you haven't seen the invites that I made, so you won't already know this! :)

I bought some mexican paste and pretty cutters and made some butterflies, they have turned out really nice and look even better dusted with edible pearl dusting, even though I know people won't really eat them because the mexican paste sets like porcelain!

Club green sells gorgeous "bling"cake decorating items, so when I saw them recently at the NEC, I was filled with all sorts of ideas for the cake. I had already wanted a bling theme but seeing all their items really decided it for me.

I searched the web and found http://www.thehandcraftedcardcompany.co.uk/ and bought a sparkly cake brooch which I plan to pin over a nice bow and I also found http://www.thelittlecakeshop.co.uk/ and bought some gorgeous diamante letters which I can push into the cake, plus diamante trim to sit with the ribbon.

I ordered a small tier and brought it home to have a practice, I needed to know what width ribbon I prefered too, as I wasn't sure if I would like deep edge ribbon or narrow!

I like the thicker ribbon effect better so that is now sorted and the top layer will have some of my butterflies around it.

The diamante lettering is going on the middle tier, but I just wanted to see what they looked like so had to play with them too!

So, this is the look I am going for, can't wait for wedding week now, so I can do the real thing!

I will be saving myself lots of money doing it this way too!

Wedding Invitations are ready!

2011-03-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

After a slight colour change with the ribbon I managed to find a free day to get on with making the invites, it took a good part of the day and I had arm ache from using the butterfly punch too!

I punched out all the butterflies first and slightly lifted the wings on each one, then I put a tiny diamante in the centre of the body, I measured the ribbon that I would need to tie all the way around the card allowing for a little bow.

The bow was quite fiddly to tie in a neat way but I got there in the end, I then finished each card with a small diamante just above the "W".

The Evening invites just have a ribbon strip running down each card finished with diamantes, the ribbon is held in place with double sided sticky tape, once the inserts are in place this will hide the ends.

My daughter will see them next week, she is very excited so I hope she's not disappointed!

Wedding invitations!

2011-01-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

After making quite a few cards in different shapes and sizes as samples, we finaly decided on these with the fancy peel off font, but I really don't like peel off's very much and the thought of peeling and sticking so many was putting me right off.

So, I ordered some foiled cards and have decorated them in the same way and I really like the results.

The butterfly punch is lovely and the wings raise up just a little bit for a nice 3D effect, the diamante's are a little bit fiddely but thats not a problem at all.

I have chosen pearl card again with copperplate in silver ready printed onto the card and also similar on plain white textured, I just need the final decision from my DD now!

They are much neater looking and so simple, I can't wait to get started on the real thing!

Planning a wedding

2011-01-09T00:35:00.000-08:00

This year will fly by as my eldest daughter is getting married in August and already we have only eight months left to do so much!
The meringue is almost paid for, the venue is sorted, the church is booked, now is time to knuckle down and get the invites made, the cake sorted and everything else that makes the day special.

I will be making the invitations, but have already decided against peel offs as they are a bit fiddly, I had found some really pretty swirly font that looked great, but then I pictured myself peeling and sticking a hundred plus times and went completely off them! So... I am going for foil printed cards that I can just decorate and add inserts to.

The favours are going to be homemade butter cookies, heart shaped little ones popped into gusseted clear bags and tied with co-ordinating ribbon.

I think my mother of the bride outfit will be the hardest thing to decide on as I am not really a dressy up person, so my daughters are going to have to help me choose, plus hat or fascinator? I'm thinking the latter but I guess that will be decided by the girls later!

Parklands Leisure Centre

2010-12-02T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy for for a while preparing for this craft fayre and as it got closer I began to think that I didn't have enough selection and so I started to panic!

But.......sunday the 28th Nov came, along with lots of snow and off I went.

Considering the weather, I was pleased at how many stall holders came and very pleased at the amount of visitors that we had.

Here is my stall,I have just set up. I am dancing around trying to keep warm as the hall was absolutely freezing!

Made some nice sales, so "Thankyou" to all the people that visited my stall!

Free UK postage!

2010-11-06T01:17:00.001-07:00

This weekend I am offering free UK postage and packaging on all items in my Misi store.
Pop over and have a browse, but hurry as this offer finishes at 9pm sun 7th Nov!
Click on the title to be taken to the shop! :)

Secret Swap!

2010-10-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I joined the Secret swap on Misi this month and my victim was Mo! lol
Click on the link to see some of Mo's lovely jewellery http://morniegjewellery.misi.co.uk/

I decorated a blank chipboard album with papers in different shades of brown, I also used

brads and stickers,diamante's, paper flowers and finished it off with ribbons.

I used a metallic dark brown ink pad to buff the edges for a sort of aged look, this worked really well, I used to finish off my ATC cards this way, it gives a really nice effect.

This is the first album I have done like this and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I have done two others a little while ago for family members, but not the same style as this, each page has a secret pocket so photo's or little notes etc.. can be tucked away.

I tied co-ordinating ribbons around the rings for a finishing touch.

I really like the pics on the back too, I think they finish the book nicely, I hope Mo likes it!

I also made a needle felted brooch in lovely aqua colors finished with glass pearls, but forgot to taked piccies in my rush to get everything packed up and posted on time!

AND NOW MY GIFT................wrapped in this lovely leafy tissue paper was.....

this stunning bag!

I have been given this gorgeous bag, made from mostly recycled fabric.

Lovely green velvet decorated with fabric leaves (I love leaves incase you are wondering!)

The lining is new fabric and it's gorgeous, really complements the bag.

I have already used my bag twice, it's so comfy on my shoulder and sits perfectly!

Thankyou!

I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

My secret swapper was Tracy of http://madaboutbags.misi.co.uk/

Click on the link to visit her shop, where you will find more lovely bags,bag supplies and craft supplies.

While you are on Misi take a look at all of the other lovely handmade items that are on sale, lots of pretties which would make great Christmas prezzies :)

Must rush off......I've got a forum party to attend! :)

Leaves

2010-10-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

This morning I have been making leafy earrings and necklaces.
I got some plain metal leaves in different sizes and thought they would look great in natural colours.

I painted the leaves about two days ago and last night I oven baked them so that the paint would be sealed onto the metal.

I have now assembled them all into earrings and necklaces and I think they look lovely.

They are now listed in my Folksy shop!

FREE UK POSTAGE!

2010-10-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I am going to be stuck indoors today waiting for the leccyman.....again, I am offering free UK p+p in my Folksy shop.

I am also feeling a tad poorly with the sniffles, haven't had a cold in ages but jinxed myself the other day by anouncing that it had been awhile, me and my big mouth...d'oh!

Pop along and have a browse, you might find something you like! :D

FREE POSTAGE

2010-09-28T23:59:00.001-07:00

My MISI Special offer today is Free UK postage on all items until 9pm tonight!,
pop along now and take advantage!

Success!

2010-09-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the rings have turned out quite nice!,
I knew I wouldn't wait until wed though before I would look, but I did well not to prod until now and it has paid off.

They are nickel free adjustable rings, the square ones measure approx 17 mm square and the flower shaped ones measure approx 16 mm at the widest part.
The resin is nice shiny and smooth. Look out for them in my Misi and Folksy shops!

Rings

2010-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

As usual I have been busy creating and not finishing other things as I should be...d'oh!

This time I have been making rings, well.. not making but filling bezels, cutting paper, glueing and sticking inside the rings and adding little beads to finish.

I left these to dry for a few days and today I filled each one with clear resin, not sure if they have turned out ok as I have them covered and am being very good by not poking and looking at them like I usually do! (which I know through experience causes, sticky messes and finger prints..not good!

When they are dry I will put on some piccies, but that is only if they dry as I'm not too good with resin and just as I think something is done I go and ruin it, so if I can restrain myself I will not be looking at the rings until wed!!!

I went and had my eyes tested, and I'm glad I did as it was reassuring for me that my eyes are still ok, I only need a small prescription and it has only changed a little since my last check three years ago, I know.. I'm naughty but the time has flown and I honestly didn't realise it had been that long.

So, I have sorted myself out with new glasses, all I need now is for the lighting to be sorted at work.

Does anyone know what to do with old pairs of glasses? I now have three pairs that are useless to me, is there a recycle thing for redundant glasses like there is for mobile phones?

Secret Swap

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been here for a while, I just never seem to find the time!

Anyway....I have joined the secret swap over on http://www.misi.co.uk/ and have made my victim a .............., I spent all day wednesday on it as I like to be organised, it's not due in until the end of October, but I am off to see my Mum in Jersey CI for a few days and was worried that if I left it closer to the time I would mess up and then be pushed for time and panic blah..blah...

I will upload piccies around the time as I can't do it before because it's a secret!

I never seem to feel well these days, and have decided it's either the new tills at work or my eyes need testing, I have a feeling it's the new till as I was fine until recently, but I am going to book myself an eye test too. I filled out a health and safety form at work stating that the lighting above the till seems to reflect and glare to much on me all day, so until they get the electrician in I am basicly doomed to feel ill., so I may just start avoiding till work at every opportunity!!

My grandson is four this weekend, FOUR! gosh how time flies, he amuses me all the time, he has a lovely little character, is very boisterous and I am quite used to removing my favorite ornaments minutes before he arrives! lol

Here he is trying on his Dad's and Grandudes biker gear, he loves it and can sit and play with the helmets for ages.

Cheeky chunk!

OMG! Somebody stop me!

2010-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot that I had started on some glass clock faces last year (I think....ummmm!!!)

I hand painted some dragonflies onto clock faces with Pebeo oven bake paints in golds and irredescents, oven baked them and then packed them away!!!!

Today they saw daylight again as I decided to finish them, blimey...what came over me?

I "mod podged" handmade papers onto the back of the glass, trimmed the edges and then finished them with the clock mechanism's.

The colours of the dragonflies are lovely and I have tried to capture that lovely turquoise colour and added the irridescent colour too.

I also forgot that I had bought some lovely glass Ladybugs/birds, so I used these as "numerals", placing them in pairs, looking across the clock face, eyeing each other up.

Then I put the mechanism on and arranged the back so that the two black ladybirds would be 12 and six.

The hands are in place and now I just need batteries for them!

The next one will be lots of red ladybirds, but I haven't got time right now so look out for that one....probably about this time next year!!! lol :D

No, seriously, I do intend to do it very soon!

Watch this space! :)

Felt Brooches

2010-08-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

I am just finishing off another brooch made of felt, buttons and charms.

What started me off was a book I bought called "wild women" by Sarah Lawrence (search press)

It contains lots of unusual stitched art with faces, using threads, charms,buttons, braids, well.. the list goes on!

The centre padding is wet felted wool that a friend gave me, she had a go at felting but didn't really know what to use it for, so I'm using it as a filling.

I bought lots of lovely beads and charms with faces, legs, arms, bags etc.. and used ready made felt as a background.

I have sewn beads and buttons and charms all over the felt building up a girly character, this one is called "Party Girl"!

The first one I made though, was "Snow Queen", she is encrusted with ice coloured glass beads, sequins, angelina fibres, charms and blue felt and has a brooch pin on the back.

I then made "Lost in the garden", she has green sequins, glass beads, buttons, glitter and metal dragonflies. Black felt on the back with a brooch pin.

When "Party Girl" is finished I will take more piccies, so you can see her in all her glory!

Free UK p+p at Snow Queen Trinkets

2010-07-31T03:14:00.000-07:00

Seeing as it's birthdays alround in my household this week I thought I would do another special offer.

This time, I am offering free UK p+p in my Folksy shop this weekend, please pop along and take advantage.

Fused dichroic glass jewellery, beaded necklaces, glass cufflinks and earrings, greetings cards and notelets.

Offer ends 01/08/10 at 9pm.

Free p+p today at Panic Tuesday!

2010-07-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

Please pop over to my Misi shop "Panic Tuesday" as I am offering free p+p just for today for UK customers.

Brooches, notelets,pendants and more, please take a look at my handmade items.

Offer ends 28/07/10 at 9pm.

Dragonflies!

2010-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love dragonflies and thought it would be nice to show off some of the beautiful handmade dargonfly themed items over on Misi, take a look at some of the talent you will find on this lovely site.

I have chosen this gorgeous bookmark by the extremely talented Julia Guthrie at..
The Folded Corner.

http://thefoldedcorner.misi.co.uk/

Gorgeous original artwork!

These embroidered dragonfly calico baskets are great to keep all your things tidy.. by Minxtures.

http://minxtures.misi.co.uk/

You will also find cute and fluffy things and bags in all shapes and sizes.

This necklace really caught my eye,
Dragonfly blue lace agate fairy necklace.. by Punkfaery.

http://punkfaery.misi.co.uk/

Click the link to find more stunning jewellery!

Glass Dragonfly.. by Gorgeous Glass.

http://gorgeousglass.misi.co.uk/

Go and check out all the lovely stained glass work!

I love the cards in this shop!
Woodland Card-Dragonfly..... by CraftyMama.

http://craftymama.misi.co.uk/

Beautiful handmade greetings cards.

Finaly...Smocked summer print dress..... by Lavender Blue.
This is so pretty!

http://lavenderblue.misi.co.uk/

Please take a look at all the other cute little clothes and accessories too!

I hope you have enjoyed my selection and that you also enjoy browsing around all the other wonderful shops that Misi has, there are loads of very talented people there!

Ghost Hunting and Paranormal activity

2010-07-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

I recently went to the Station Hotel in Dudley with my daughter for a paranormal nights investigation.

We used dousers,noise box and ouija boards.
The dousers were funny things, we had to order them once comfortable in our hands to "show me my yes!" This is for a ghost hunter to know what area of a room a ghost is, mine kept swinging to the left, felt like a magnet pulling, then we had to order them to "show me my No!", they would swing in the opposite direction, some people couldn't get them to move at all, was all good fun.

The noise box didn't do anything, just sounded like an old radio trying to tune in.

The ouija boards were very interesting, we followed the rules and always said "Goodbye", I didn't feel scared at all.

After midnight we went into the cellar, it's very big and has a long corridor and lots of rooms leading off, at one stage my daughter got the fright of her life and dropped her phone on the floor, it was only a lady in our group walking back around the corner, it was so funny!

At about 1.30am we went into the big hall to experience table tilting.
This was very energetic, lots of running around in circles and up and down the hall, was very funny indeed.

We went back to the coach and finaly got home and to bed at 4.30 am.

The only wierd thing to us is that my phone's screen is broken and yet it was my daughters phone that was dropped, so I have a souviner of the evenings events anyway.

I enjoyed the whole experience, my daughter did to, and we both would do another one should the opportunity turn up.

In the photo's you can see "orbs", are they spirits or dust particals, I will leave that up to you!

Raising Money

2010-06-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am very proud of my husband, he's a bit of a fund raiser.

A couple of years ago he went to Africa to build schools (you can read this earlier post, strangely enough it's called Africa!), last year he did the Yorkshire three peaks for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and this year my son joined him in doing the Three peaks again, this time for Leicester/Derby Air Ambulance http://justgiving.com/Christopher-Elliman.

They called their team Three and a half pints, as there are four of them, but one is smaller than the tall ones! (My husband and son are the book ends in the above photo)

(the book ends again!)

It's a very tough walk, but they managed it in 10 hours 45 minutes, My son was in pure agony with shoulder and hip pains so although he started the final peak he just couldn't do it, so unfotunately had to turn back ~(He is really pissed at himself for having to do so, poor thing!)

They ache all over and are walking a bit stiff with bouts of cramp, but are very cheery about it.

The weather was lovely and the team work great as always. The bloke on the lefts team all dropped out so he continued with the Three and a half pints, (well by now the Two and a half pints).

I am very proud of them all and especially my son for trying so hard even though he was in such agony.

Well done lads, here's to next year! xxxxxx

I JUST MADE A MEMORY ALBUM

2010-06-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter will be 21 this year, so I thought I would do her a little book of memories. When my eldest daughter was 21 I made her a big photo album and she absolutely loves it, her and her friends all have a good giggle at all the little pics through the years.

So, while my daughter was in Florida I took advantage of making a little album for her.

This time I have used an mdf style book cd size and have had some fun glueing and sticking, digging out appropriate photo's and arranging everything prettily.

I used co-ordinating embellishments,buttons, pretty papers, diamante's and paper flowers.
The papers were cut to shape, punched and glued to the mdf, very quick and enjoyable project, it's great fun seeing something come together especialy as it's a gift!

I didn't put anything too embarrassing, but definately pictures that I know she will giggle at! lol

I finished it with a 21st page ready for the photo of her choice.

And then tied little pink ribbons everywhere.

The edges have pearly paint and are left quite scruffy, I like this as it gives it a nice character.

The front page is loaded with embellishments and I even re-cycled a handmade beaded ribbon from a wedding invitation.

The back page is kept simple as it is the underneath.

I can't wait to give this to her, I know she will love it!

My latest makes!

2010-05-29T03:10:00.000-07:00

I am managing to control my chocolate urges and in between them I have been busy beading and gluing!

Here are my latest makes!

The notelets have lovely felt butterflies and colour co-ordinating diamante's, really pretty!

This lovely twiggy necklace is beaded up with glass leaves, daggers and nuggets, copper wire and bronze and pearl coloured seed beads. I matched up a pair of earrings with this necklace, they have the cute little metal bird charm that is dangling fom the branch of blossom.

Finaly, I found some nice dominoes and put brooch pin backs on them, they look great and are made from a nice resin or plastic, a bit vintage looking too!

All these items are available in my Folksy shop :D

http://www.folksy.com/shops/snowqueentrinkets

I'm getting too BIG!

2010-05-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Need to watch what I eat even more now! I seem to have a huge and I mean HUGE urge for chocolate lately and I have never been like it before, why is it when you want to be slimmer and you have good reason to diet you suddenly want everything thats naughty?

Ok, I was good all day, but now I am eating chocolate and I do nearly everynight!!! what the hells wrong with me?

I lost about nine pound earlier this year and was really getting into the "not dieting thing but just eating really sensible" and now all of a sudden the weight is all back and I feel like a pig!!

I was starting afresh today and I did really well all day, so I suppose it was a start, just need to make myself be good in the evening too now!

50th Birthday Party

2010-05-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to say that I managed to keep my hubby's party a complete secret, even if he did get suspicious near the end he couldn't prove it enough to himself. He knew something would be done for his birthday as he knows me too well, but just couldn't pin point what it would be!

On saturday morning he went off for the day fishing with our son, he said he thought this was a bit odd as my son has never insisted before on a good days out and as he sat there miles away in thought, he was thinking to himself that if anything was happening at home, like cooking party food he would be sure to smell it as soon as he walked in!

I, in the mean time was whizzing off to the supermarket with my daughter buying up half the deli counter and what ever else we had on the long shopping list.

At home we cooked up chicken, spring rolls etc..etc.. and while they cooked sat and worked as a team at the cheese and pineapple on sticks,(almost 200) and all the sandwiches, gala pie, quishes etc..

We kept the windows wide open and were finaly finished at 2.30pm where my other daughter and her boyfriend took over packing up their car with banners, balloons, food, birthday cake.

We were all done at 3.30pm, relaxing was hard as we were so hyped up and there was a sudden void in our lives, we had done it with time to spare!

My daughter went home and I potted about, washed everything up and put away, sprayed airfreshener about and closed the windows, got out a few craft items to spred across the table, trying to make the place look casual, I felt headachy and was very red faced from the rushing.

They arrived home from a good days fishing, I secretly asked my son if he could smell food, nope was just the answer I was looking for!

I made out I hadn't felt very good all day and that I had a killer headache, this seemed to go down well lol :)

Later in the evening, I was all dressed ready but he was taking ages to decide what to wear, after all it was only a quiz night, why did he have to dress up?

I decided it was too difficult to persuad him to wear a shirt, so let him wear a t shirt and jumper as I had got this far and didn't want to get him suspicious at the last minute!

We arrived at the hall and my son went on in ahead as I pretended my clothes were twisted and straightened myself up, delay tactics while my son alerted everyone that we had arrived!

As we walked up the stairs to the hall he remarked that it was very quiet and that the place seemed empty, I walked through the door and everyone was stood in a group, he followed and was greeted with a loud "SURPRISE...!!"

He was gob smacked and still at 10 oclock in the evening couldn't take it all in!

Here he is with some of his gifts from his work mates, hat, stick and the football shirt has fifty on the back, it's not even in his fave team colour! my 3 yr old grandson is rolling around on the floor as they do!

Other presents were "old man" related too including Tena for men.

He must be known as a whisky drinker though as all his presents were bottles of whisky!

He had a great time as did everyone and the food must have been fab because I had so many compliments during the evening, people thought I had had the caterers in! :)

Filidae Swap

2010-05-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! I recieved my cat swap items from http://kittyballisticscreations.blogspot.com , look at what I got!

A wonderful selection of goodies, cute little clogs, little cat charm and very pretty glass beads

Choc *yum* gorgeous paper and cute little cat pins!

Thanks so much Helen!

Felidae Swap Makes

2010-04-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have posted my items but I guess with all the volcano stuff it might take a while to arrive!

I made a sock kitty, the first sock item I have ever had a go at! I was a bit eeeeek! at first but just stuffed away and sewed and stuffed and sewed and my little kitty was made.

If you think she looks a bit odd, it's because she hasn't got a nose, this is because I sewed one on and it looked crap, so I cut if all off and tried again, still crap, I decided this meant that it wasn't meant to be, thats why she has NO nose.

I also hand stamped some cute tabby cat faces onto some blank cards, If you like them, they can be found here http://www.folksy.com/shops/snowqueentrinkets or here http://panic_tuesday.misi.co.uk

They are nice and simple and blank for your own message.

I really enjoyed the cat swap and just hope my parcel doesn't take too long to arrive. =)
I added some stickers and cat treats and posted it all off totaly forgetting to take piccies..d'oh!

"Secret" surprise party

2010-04-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

I must really knuckle down now and get this party sorted.

My hubby will be 50 in May and I thought it would be nice to have a bit of a family get together come re-union for him, so I've invited family, friends, old and new apprentices from his work, work colleagues and Africa colleagues (you can see his Africa adventure in an older post).

It's a real struggle not blurting out something, I keep nearly saying stuff that is to do with it all, we have had a few near misses when he has walked in the room while we have been in full blown conversation about it.
I have lied and told him that my works are having a quiz night and it would be good to go, a great start to his Birthday weekend.
I have been shopping for an outfit to wear and he's telling me that I am going to an aweful lot of trouble to find something to wear to a works do!

I have a hall booked, the cake is ordered and the DJ is all set to go woo..hoo!
Balloons, balloon weights, banners, table clothes, plates, serviettes etc... are all stored away in my suitcase.

All I need to do now is get the food sorted, I am having a real job trying to work out much to do!

If every one turns up there could be 50+ but I know some are already cancelling, so there could be only 30!
Thats three sausage rolls each, a couple of sandwiches, a vol-vant....and so on, so it looks like I need to cook or make at least 150 of each item to make sure there is enough for every one.

This is where the stress is going to set in and I think I will be a wreck by the evening and far too knackered to enjoy myself!

My Son has got to get hubby off out for the day without it looking suspicious, the smell of hot sausage rolls will be a complete give away when he gets back home!

My daughter thinks we should tell him, but I really want it to be a surprise!

It's my Birthday!

2010-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's my Birthday tomorrow 6th April,
to celebrate I am offering free UK p+p on all items,
pop on over to http://panic_tuesday.misi.co.uk/ and take a look, happy browsing!

Resin paper weight and jewellery

2010-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

I posted my resin swap paperweight and jewellery off to Kate http://www.labourofloveonline.co.uk/ my swap partner.

I was pleased that the paperweight turned out ok as I had made it in case my main item didn't work, well it didn't so thankfully I had the paperweight to fall back on...phew! The only real problem with the paperweight is a small air bubble at the surface, I have covered it with a clear diamante to protect it, it doesn't look too bad either!

I thought I would do a seaside/beach theme as Kate had said that was one of her likes.

I did three layers starting with tiny beads, flat shells and pearls, the second layer had a larger shell and the third layer I coloured in a watery sea blue.

The jewellery was a lot easier, I cut a couple of circles of nice papers, painted over them with mod podge and when they were dry glued them into the base of the bottle top and topped with tiny accessories and then poured the resin into the bottle top.

I mounted a bail onto the back of the necklace, but drilled a hole into the keyring, I haven't done this before and was surprised at how easy it was.

I learnt a few things during this swap, so I have really enjoyed it, I just hope that Kate likes her things, especially as they are not quite the jewellery pieces that I had planned, sorry Kate! =)

Felidae Cat Swap

2010-03-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have finished my cat swap makes, wooohooooooooooooooooo!
I decided to make a sock creature type cat thing! I spent all morning sewing, undoing sewing undoing, but have now finished.

The stuffing was quite difficult, lumpy bumpy and all that but I have managed to make it quite smooth. I used safety stuffing and safety eyes.

I don't want to show too much, but basicly it's just a feline type shapey thingy!, I hand sewed it because I'm not that good with my machine yet and this had really fiddely bits like ears and a tail!

I couldn't even get the safety eyes on straight, but it adds to the character. The sock was very soft and stretchy, so the feline type shapey thingy just got bigger and bigger, she wasn't meant to be so big, I was only making a little one, but I am pleased at her size and I think she is cute, hope my swapee likes her!

I won't show my other feline items that I am sending because I don't want my swapee to have her surprise ruined, so this is just a little taster.

I am really pleased that I have finished because I have never made anything like this before and was feeling a bit worried about how I would go about doing it, all I could find on the web was how to's on sock monkeys, so I just stuffed away at a sock and it really was quite easy in the end, the other sock was cut into ears and a very long tail that I ended up shortening.

I will show proper piccies later in April.

Bye the way...

I haven't copied anyone, just incase I get accused!

This is a brand new pair of socks from a well loved cheapy highstreet store, it's stuffed with safety filling and has plastic cats eyes (safety) and handcut, hand sewn ears, that are tatty-ish!

A cat is a cat, unmistakeable in shape and this one is my version, tatty whiskers n all!

In the mean time, ready for next weekend...

HAPPY EASTER everyone!

Woo Hoooooooooooooooooooo!

2010-03-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

My resin swap items are finished, can't show you yet though!

I am so relieved after my little disaster the other day, thought I would have to start over but things have come along nicely, well.. to my best ability anyway! lol =)

Now I can get started on my Cat swap, off to the shops today to buy some bits towards it, think I know what I am doing, it's all in my head at the moment so watch this space! :-)

RESIN!

2010-03-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

My latest resin project is a complete failure, I can't get them out of the mould ( I even put them in the freezer as I know that works) the mould is broken, the resin has shattered in my attempts to release it, What a waste! I spent a day doing that project and now I know that I should have put mould release in the mould, but past experience has left marks, so I thought I would try it without...WRONG!!

Now I have to start again, I wasted pearls, buttons and vintage papers etc.. AAAAAARRRRRGGHHHH!!! am so annoyed :( and disappointed :(

I just hope that my other items come out ok, otherwise I am totaly buggered and will have to start completely over..d'oh!

Felidae Craft Swap

2010-03-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

I am going to be sooooooo busy as I have joined Chrissy's http://www.ilovespoiltpig.com/ swap now, meow meow! lol

I am already busy with my resin swap, but just couldn't resist this one too!

Will find out who my victim er..partner is very soon, can't wait!
Don't know what I will make yet, but I am sure it won't take me long to decide.

Resin bottle top pendants

2010-03-14T00:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I was busy cutting bits of paper and choosing nice pictures for my resin swap jewellery, I also managed to decorate some bottle tops.

I will turn them into pendants, they are dry but I am being extra careful and not touching them for a few days, don't want horrible fingerprints spoiling them!

I can't show too much as my swap partner might take a peek at my blog unaware of my latest blogging and then her surprise will be spoilt =) I will add piccies of my swap later!

I have used buttons, glitter and origami paper, all I need to do now is fix bails, I could drill through but I don't have a little drill, (that is on my birthday prez list!) not unless I raid hubby's shed? might just do that as I don't really want to glue bails on, oh decisions..decisions :-/

Resin Swap

2010-03-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

I am doing another swap, this time it's a resin swap and I can't wait to play.
It's been organised by Kerry, here is her super shop where you can buy ready made resin jewellery plus household items and moulds if you wish to make your own! http://www.pennydog.com/

My swap partner is Kate, this is her lovely website! http://www.labourofloveonline.co.uk/ You will find gorgeous jewellery!

I might do an item of jewellery, not sure yet but I do have a few ideas.

Watch this space, although if I do a surprise, you will have to wait and see what I finaly decided on!

Lino Cutting is not for me!

2010-02-27T02:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I have been having a play with lino and have come to the conclusion that I am absolutely crap at it!
Yes, I'm very good at getting sliced fingers even though I have been cutting away from the body as instructed and any one with common sense would know to do that, except my left hand seems to be in the way however gently I try.
Warm it up first! yes...but I still can't do it!
Hubby comes along and takes over, memories of being at school and lino cutting designs in class come flooding back to him!

I'll leave it to him, he can carve away til his heart is content, I will nurse my bleeding wound and look forwards to inking up and printing later!
Watch this space for our team effort! :0)

Panic Tuesday Special Offer

2010-02-25T23:54:00.000-08:00

Well, my hospital stint is over, I am recovering nicely and to celebrate I am offering free UK P+P on all items in my Panic Tuesday shop.

Everything from kiln fused glass jewellery, jute bags to greetings cards are Free UK postage until midnight 28th Feb, pop along and take advantage!

Just click on the special offer link above to take you to the shop. :0)

Uterine fibroids

2010-02-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

Next week I am going into hospital for a hysteroscopy, this is a technique that allows the surgeon to look directly into the womb with a thin telescope.

I have large fibroids inside and outside my womb that cause very heavy periods, so heavy that some days I can't leave the house, a blimin nuisance when you have a job to go to!
I have suffered for many years and been fobbed off by my doctor, but, finaly...after seeing a female doctor, I am getting somewhere with treatment.

I might have a D&C (scrape) at the same time, depends on what the surgeon thinks.
My womb has fallen backwards and folded itself in half, not sure how long it has been like this but I am guessing years!

Finaly, I will have a Merina coil fitted, this will supposedly stop or lessen the heavy loss that I have suffered for so long and possibly reduce the size of the fibroids.
I won't know until six months from now if it has worked or not, but I am willing to give it a go.

I have friends and relatives with the merina coil and all say it's brill, so I am hoping it works for me too!

I will be in and out in one day, and resting at home for a few days after.
I have stocked up with buttons and fabrics so that I can do something crafty while recovering, hubby has taken a few days off work and I know he will be strict and not allow me to do a thing lol! Can't wait! 8-)

Watch this space and if you have had the same experience please share it with me if you feel you can.

Fleechaven Sheep Sanctuary

2010-02-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

Fleecehaven is a wonderful sanctuary for sheep that are abandoned, sick or injured, the sanctuary promotes humane behaviour towards the animals by giving them treatment, security and protection.
Each sheep is given a name and they all have their own little characters and their favourite munchies are digestive biscuits!

Jayne, Emma and the rest of the crew work long hard days keeping the sheep well looked after!
They never have much time for a rest as there is always mucking out, feeding, watering and general care to be done.

Why not surprise a sheep fanatical friend or relative with an unusual gift!
**ADOPT A SHEEP**

You can click on the above title to go directly to the Fleecehaven website where you can read more information and see lots of photo's of the sheep, plus apply for adoption.

You will recieve an adoption pack with a certificate of adoption plus photo's of your sheep, it's great fun and something different to give!

My shop "Panic Tuesday" helps donate to Fleecehaven as from each sale I donate £1.00 and hopefully raise enough to send Jayne and Emma a cheque once or twice a year.

Please visit http://panic_tuesday.misi.co.uk/ where you will find jute bags hand decorated with felt designs, jewellery plus more! (£1.00 from any item sold is donated to Fleecehaven)

Fleecehaven have a FaceBook fan page, if you would like to become a fan please click the link below!
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26425257739

I also have a fan page on FaceBook for my Panic Tuesday Shop, but I can't get the link to work at the moment...d'oh!

Thankyou for your support! 8-)

*Please note that the Fleecehaven website has my old shop web addresses, my *Panic Tuesday* shop on Misi is the shop to go to if you want your purchase to involve a donation to Fleecehaven.

Blank greetings cards/notelets

2010-02-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have been doing something different lately, seeing as I have so much card making stuff in my studio, I decided to dig it out and do some notelets.

My studio is too cold and damp to do glass work at this time of year, so I have enjoyed sitting at my kitchen table making these.

The owls are stamped in black ink and then carefully decorated with copper glitter.

The butterflies are great fun and when punched out the wings can be carefully lifted so you get a nice 3D effect.

All these cards/notelet sets are available in my Folksy shop http://snowqueentrinkets.folksy.com

Oh dear, my resin!

2010-01-30T02:53:00.000-08:00

The easy cast resin has set and as predicted the glass pieces all sank to the bottom.

I am very disappointed with my siligum mould, as it just tore apart as I got the bracelet out, I wasn't even that forcefull! never mind though eh....we live and learn!

The resin looks very yellow and I have alot of grinding to do now, so that will have to wait until my day off, I will work on it though, see what I end up with, piccies later! :0)

Well, here are my piccies as promised, the small items just need sanding down and drilling or glued bails attached, not sure which yet!
They have paper and beads in, the paper was coated with pva glue to protect it.

The large bangle with glass frit has alot of work, loads of sanding down as it is basicly alot of nothing!
I will rub it down and see if I can come up with a smaller bangle, not yet though, need to get myself sorted out with the hospital stuff first 8-)

Resin Bracelets

2010-01-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

I have been having a play with resin today, I bought a lovely chunky resin bracelet last year and a couple of weeks ago I took a mould of it with siligum moulding putty, it was great fun squiging it around the bangle but I had to work quick as it sets so fast.

Finally today, after GS went I actually started work on it. I have used "easy cast resin" but it takes ages to dry so I won't now for a day or so how it has turned out.
I have embedded glass pieces and am sure they will all sink to one side with todays "easy pour resin" but I don't mind, it's all good fun.

The good thing about the siligum mould is that I can re-use it quite a few times as it is so flexible.

Next time I will make the bangle with two layers of resin so that my glass pieces sit more in the middle, will post my catastophe's later so watch this space!

Here are a couple of bangles that I have did last year, the clear one has tiny watch parts in and I love the way the layer looks thin at the edge but from the top it looks all magnified.

The green one has glitter and tiny star sprinkles and is coloured with glass paint, I didn't stir it into the resin as I didn't want full colour, so I just dipped a cocktail stick into the colour and swirled it about at the edges.

Craft Fair

2009-11-23T23:46:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed the craft fair even though I think the turn out was a bit dissapointing,probably the miserable weather! the experience was great fun and I would definately do more.

I made a few sales, (one was before the doors opened) especialy my jute bags, they were popular and I came home to an on-line sale too =)

I'm so glad I went and so was my daughter, she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Here I am at my table just before the doors opened.

Button jewellery swap

2009-10-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

I recently took part in a button jewellery swap organised by Sam http://tinyurl.com/yzk64l2

Incy's shop: http://tinyurl.com/yzvlrcq

My swappee was Amy of Kat and Toad http://tinyurl.com/yg2cqon

The theme was pieces of jewellery that incorporated buttons of any shape and kind.

I made a ring with two buttons stacked and a piece of felt under just to add a finishing touch.

I used wire and real copper findings to make copper dangly earrings and a pendant and I hand stamped cards to present the jewellery on.

And then I made a wet felted clutch purse in purple/blue and pinks with lilac wednesleydale locks, lined it with purple fabric and finished it with glass beads, metal dragonflies and a really pretty polymer clay button made by Gill...http://www.folksy.com/shops/HollingdaleDesigns

I also sent some cute fabric, extra buttons and finished the parcel with some Cadbury's chocolate at Amy's request.

Then I wrapped everything up in mulberry paper and yellow tissue and found the perfect sized box for posting.

I really enjoyed the jewellery making swap and Amy was a really fab partener to have.

Here are the gorgeous items that Amy sent me, I was totaly spoilt...Thanks Amy!

Gorgeous fabric, cute button posy, scrummy sweets and..........

all this fab jewellery! =)

Meet the OH's new missus!

2009-10-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Hubby has himself a new gal!

She is a bit of an old lady but........ he's in lurve!

She is keeping him very busy, I hardly see him now!

She keeps in out of my way.......which is GREAT as I can get on with all my crafty stuff lol!

Wet felting tutorial

2009-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Today I have been wet felting a little bag, purse, pencil case? Don't know what it is really but it has turned out just as planned, which is good!

I chose chocolate and blues mixed and cut or pulled them into the lengths I would need.

Firstly, I put a mat down with a piece of bubble wrap over and then layered my wool over the bubble wrap, pulling it apart gently.

Then I did the same in the opposite direction, I repeated this four times making sure I went in the opposite way each time.

I then popped it into the bath and poured some soap flakes on and added some warm water.

I put another layer of bubble wrap over the top and massaged and rubbed in circular movements to get the soap and felt all lathered up.

Firmly but carefully I massaged and rolled the felt until I was sure it had shrunk away from the edges and knitted itself together.

Pull it gently to check that it is strong, if it is still pulling apart carry on with the process for a while longer.

Then rinse the felt carefully in luke warm water until soap has gone, squeeze gently not wringing, do a final rinse in water and white vinegar, just to make sure soap is completely rinsed away.

You now have to scrunch the felt into a ball shape and sling it hard at the sink (I love this bit!), do this several times until all nicely shrunk and firm, then you can roll in a towell to remove excess water, stretch out gently to get the shape back and leave to dry flat.

While this was drying I made some small felt balls to embellish the finished project, you do all the same thing really but in the palm of your hand.

Take a piece of wool, add soap and massage in a circular movement in the palm of your hand, dunk the ball in hot water and carry on rolling in the palm of your hand.

You will feel the ball get firmer and when you are happy with the size, rinse the soap away and press onto a towell to remove water, leave to dry.

When everything is dry it is ready for your project.

I made a pouch bag lined with gorgeous cute owl fabric and embellished with felt balls and beads, this is for my friends birthday, I will stuff it with chocolate and then she can use it for anything she likes, make-up, pencils whatever.

Resin Dog Tag!

2009-08-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

I needed a new dog tag for "Woody" and decided he should have something totally different from the usual metal stamped type, which he had just lost!

I thought a lovely resin one would really suit him, something that you don't see doggies usually wearing.

So... I looked here http://www.ilovespoiltpig.com/

I really liked Chrissy's style and asked her if she could do a tag for me, after a few e-mails discussing what I needed, Chrissy came up with a design and I love it!

It has his name on the front with studs and blue leopard print and on the back it has our phone number and the message *I am chipped *

Doesn't he look pleased with it?

Here is woody posing, he's not smiling I'm afraid, he only does that when you show him his favourite sqeaky toy, then he grins like a cheshire cat!

I think he was wondering what the hell I was doing when I got him out of his warm bed, thats why he looks so serious lol!

Anyway, Chrissy made a fab job of the tag, she also does gorgeous resin heart shaped pendants and lots of others too!

Thanks Chrissy!

More resin attempts!

2009-08-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

This week I have done two more paper weights, a trinket dish and some extra's, not sure what to do with them, I can only see them as fridge magnets. The large items were made with poly resin and the small items with easy cast, very simple to mix, but doesn't seem to get a nice result like the poly resin.

The trinket dish was quite difficult with the piece of fabric, I pushed out all the bubbles but some escaped me, I don't really mind though. I had to put it in the airing cupboard as it seemed to be taking ages to set and then I had to put it in the freezer for 10 minutes to assist with getting it out of the mould, I completely forgot about it! three hours later I remembered, doesn't seem to have done it any harm!

I finished it with pink felt on the bottom for protection and embellished the sides with buttons.

The domed paper weight was great to do, and....I remembered to coat my papers with pva glue a couple of days earlier, so they were ready for the project.

I have used seed beads, watch parts, an old chain and a vintage button, there is also a little red ribbon rose at the side. I put black felt under for protection.

The flat round one has watch parts, beads and some nice news paper print style paper and fake stamps, these were all coated with pva first as well. Preparing for a project a few days in advance really is the best thing, I am normaly really impatient with projects, but I took my time with these and am happy with the results.

I finished this paper weight by sprinkling lime green/gold fine glitter on the base and then putting black felt on top for protection.

These last few bits have had glitter and glass paints added for a bit of colour.

Like I said earlier, they will probably end up as fridge magnets.

I have also done another bangle, but it needs sanding at the moment and finishing off so I didn't bother showing you that one! :0)

Fused glass decals

2009-08-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

Well....here are my decal pendants, the daisies look very nice against the green dichroic and I think the plums and white flowers look nice against the shimmery light green/shimmery white and silver dichroic.

I was very patient and didn't touch them until they were cold, I have buffed them up and I am pleased with how they turned out, I think I will do more!

I have only listed the acorns so far in my Folksy shop, I like the subtleness against the shimmery crackle dichroic and I have put it on cream/white thonging so that they all blend together.

This is a pretty glass heart topped with glass frit and small chunks of dichroic, I love the way a shimmery piece has rested just off centre, this is a very dainty summery pendant.

Frit hearts and decal pendants

2009-08-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have had the week off work and for the first time in ages, I must have stood out in my studio almost everyday either cutting, grinding or checking on the kiln.

Yesterday, I made frit pendants and they have come out quite nice, so today I have ground down the edges ready to fire polish. I can't put them in yet as the kiln is cooling from my second attempt in ages at glass decals.

I like the hearts, they have a kind of mosiac-ish look to them, and the textured ones are quite nice too, so I shall leave them as they are.

Quite a while ago, I tried out 22k butterfly decals, some worked and some burnt away as it's all trial and error with me!, I think I have reached a setting that I am happy with now and so I thought I would have another go, they look ok in the kiln but I'm not touching them yet!

Just a little while yet before I get them out, almost cold.

I'm not touching them yet because if decals are anything like oven bake glass paints, they are not ready until properly cold.

The suspence is killing me, if these work then I shall do more, just for a bit of variety in my shops.

More piccies soon of them all completed, findings and all! =)

Fused glass cufflinks

2009-08-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

Had a good weekend, kiln firing cufflinks, pendants, rings etc... will be busy today grinding and then fire polishing later.

Here are some cufflinks that are the result of this weekends craftyness.

I will be listing these in my shops, not sure which shops yet though!

Mini Fairy Cakes

2009-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend it was my daughters 20th birthday, seeing as she has been quite ill recently I thought I would cheer her up with a pretty "mini" party.

I bought mini jam tarts, mini lemon meringues, mini chocolate rolls etc...but I made my own mini fairy cakes and pink marshmellow rice crispies, plus there was vol-au-vants, sausage rolls and meringues with fresh cream and strawberries.

I also bought colourful candles, each flame is different which gives a nice effect and I sprinkled edible fairy dust on the little cakes and marshmellows.

The table looked really nice once I had put all the food on and finished it with balloons.

It was a great afternoon and my daughter loved it!

ps. I have sneeked in one of my daughters modeling piccies xx LUL DD xx

Purple picks on Coriandr

2009-08-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

I have chosen nine items all purple and available to buy on Coriandr http://www.coriandr.com/

I love purple, so I thought I would have a look around and see what I could come up with, this proved very difficult as there are so many gorgeous items on Coriandr to choose from.

These are some of my favourites, please take a look and pop over to Coriandr for lots more.

Purple glass ear plug.

This is a stunning lampwork glass piece by SteamPunk Glass.

http://steampunkglass.coriandr.com/

Original print post card by Artywaxworks

Beautiful and affordable art.

http://artywaxworks.coriandr.com/

Lavender natural soap.

Cold pressed soap by Saffronbarr.

http://saffronbarr.coriandr.com/

Childs shoulder bag.

Crocheted by Pirate Pixie Crew

http://piratepixiecrew.coriandr.com/

Amethyst bracelet by Alibalijewellery.

Real silver wire crocheted bracelet

http://alibalijewellery.coriandr.com/

Violent violet yarn by Tomatotea.

Beautiful handspun yarn.

http://tomatotea.coriandr.com/

Hand felted flower corsage by Tamsym Amber.

Made from merino wool and silky fibres.

http://tamsynamber,.coriandr.com/

Large purple leather bag by The Leather Store.

soft leather handbag.

http://theleatherstore.coriandr.com/

In a heart by The Chown Jewels.

Handfelted brooch with beads and taffeta.

http://thechownjewels.coriandr.com/

Copper, watch parts and beads

2009-07-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today I have sore fingers and thumbs as I decided to do some more steampunk stylie items.

This time, I wire wrapped some silverplate bangles with copper wire and glass beads, metal beads and watch parts etc... here is the result!

I used some more of the clock parts as used in the paper weight in an earlier post. They are so small and fiddly that I was going bossed eyed trying to pick them up.

The one with the gold and green centre is finished (this is my daughters favourite), the other one needs a bit more doing to the centre.

The third one, with the chunky green bead, I filled the centre with a 3D clear glaze., not sure if I should have or not?

More resin attempts

2009-07-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have had another go at resin and I am becoming quite addicted, my friend is laughing at me cos she thinks that very soon there won't be a single item in my house that isn't set in resin! my hubby asking for his car keys and me passing him a resin paper weight is one off her most amusing giggles at the mo!

Any way...I am not going to get that bad I promise, but I do have lots of plans so maybe there is some truth in what she sees lol!

I have done a bangle, my first ever and I am quite pleased. I put tiny watch parts and very fine glitter in, I just haven't sanded it down as much as I should have on one side, but it's smooth so who cares, I'll be wearing it, next time I will try harder..promise!

I also did a paper weight which I am totaly in love with, it has turned out really nice even though it has over heating errors in it, but I think they add to the character. I used watch parts and more fine glitter. I have only sanded the very edge finely as I didn't want to take away the lovely clearness and I have put clear rubber bump on's on the bottom.

I have also done some more leaves, I love leaves as most people probably know, these have got quite chunky glitter in and I added glass paint to get that nice green.

Watch this space for more, but I promise not to touch the car keys! :0)

Pencil Sketches

2009-07-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

My hubby (Chris Elliman) has been doing kind of quirky sketches recently, so I thought I would have them made into greetings cards and I am really pleased at how they have turned out.
He has used quality artists pencils and cartridge paper and the drawings really have a lovely depth and smoothness to them.

Hubby is quite impressed to see his artwork in the form of a greeting card and has allowed me to put them for sale in my Etsy shop http://chaoticfusions.etsy.com/ WHOOP!

The cards are blank inside, so are suitable for most occasions and would be great for any animal lover young or old.

Bake Swap

2009-07-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

I recently had some fun with a Bake Swap organised by Vonnie http://www.blottedcopybook.co.uk/

I made marshmellow rice crispies and butter biscuits, plus I added some buttons in the parcel that I thought might come in useful for my nominated person "Charlotte" and hand dyed decorated tote bag, only thing is............I forgot to take piccies of everything!

So....I will have to just show you what I recieved from Kirsty http://felinedream.craftyblogs.net/ take a look at this yummy ginger cake and caramel shortbread, both absolute favourites of mine!

I also recieved two recipe cards and some flavoured waters for adding to cooking/recipes etc..

Thankyou very much Kirsty! I was over the moon with it all. :0)

Candle in a tea cup

2009-07-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

I had a go at tea cup candles today and they seem to have turned out quite nice, I think they look really pretty and brighten up any room.

I have wanted to have a go for ages and became quite picky about the style and size of tea cup that I wanted.

I have so far done these two, the white set is very delicate and pretty, the full set is actually yellow but this doesn't show in the picture.

I used soy wax and scented them with a gentle "sea breeze" fragrance, thought it would make a change from vanilla's and lemon's.

Find them in my Dawanda shop http://Debbschaoticfusions.dawanda.com/

Gem stone donut pendants

2009-07-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

Have put together some more gem stone donuts today, picture jasper,turquoise and black agate...I love the picture jasper!

The heart is turquoise too.

You can find these in my folksy and Etsy stores.

Hot Dog!

2009-07-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

Poor Woody is not enjoying this hot weather, plus he is poorly and on anti-biotics.

He was having his usual walk, run, go crazy in the field bit of fun, when he decided to be nosey down a rabbit hole, I don't think that rabbit was very happy and must have shoved something up Woody's nose! He keeps having very bad sneezing fits which are making his nose bleed.

The vet said it could be a seed or even rabbit poo!

Anyway, he now has a bad build up of mucus and isn't allowed out for a run, just a slow stroll.

Slowly does it then Woody for a whole week! You poor thing!

Anyway, here he is with his head under the table, stands there for ages like that, silly doggy!

Woody

2009-06-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my dog "Woody", caught on the arm chair having a sneaky comfy five minutes, naughty boy!

Don't give me that sad eyed look either, it won't work! Well......not all the time :0)

My latest makes

2009-06-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I used gem stone donuts, (rose quartz and turquoise howlite), I especialy like the turquoise one.

The bails are silver plated, and the rose quartz is on a silk choker and the turquoise is on rattail.

Available in my Misi and Folksy shops.

Lavender/wheat bag

2009-06-10T08:51:00.001-07:00

I finaly got around to making a lavender and wheat bag today, I have been meaning to for ages, but have so many other crafty things going on, that I kept putting it off.

I used a thick fabric and sewed a pretty piece of bird fabric and ribbon to finish. I then hand sewed the end after filling with lots of lavender, possibly too much, but I'll learn!

I am not clever enough yet to be doing inner bags and button closures, but I am quite pleased with my first go, even if all my stitching is wonky! :0)

Make over!

2009-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

My grandson had his hair cut, he looks so cute!

Before and after!

Fleecehaven

2009-06-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

Please check out my Panic Tuesday shop http://panic_tuesday.misi.co.uk/

All items are either made or hand decorated by myself (Debbs Elliman)

Each item sold donates to Fleecehaven Sheep Sanctuary http://www.fleecehaven.org.uk/ a lovely charity run place that looks after sick and abandoned sheep, you can even adopt a sheep! This is great fun and makes a great gift for all those sheepy fans out there.

If you love sheep, click on the link above and check out the lovely website or visit my shop and buy yourself something nice and help me raise money.

Here is a selection of the items that I made, key rings, funky cards and buttons.

Donuts

2009-05-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Look at this scrummy donut pin cushion!

I recently bought it from Spans Stitchin over on Folksy, there is one left

http://tinyurl.com/rbfhxz

It's lovely and the proceeds from the sale go to the Childrens Trust, how can you resist the last one, go on...you know you want it!

Buttons

2009-05-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have been making buttons lately using a lovely cute sheep fabric.

I have made quite a lot in plastic and these will be sent to http://www.fleecehaven.org.uk/ to sell on there stall that they will be holding at the LLama in June www.llama.org.uk

The others are metal based and I have taken step by step photo's just to show how easy they are to make, I was dreading it as I thought they would be really fiddly and that there was a "knack" to it.

Once you have chosen your fabric and decided what size buttons to make, the rest is fairly straight forward.

Cut a card circle larger than the size button you are making, alot of button packs have the sizing on the reverse so just cut to the size recommended. Then use this as your template and cut around the card to get your fabric circles.

Sew a running stitch close to the edge of the fabric but not right on the edge, this helps to pull the fabric neatly around the button dome.

Put a dab of glue on the fabric pattern face down and then place the dome on the centre and pull the thread so that it gathers neatly up and over the edge.

Tie a knot and cut excess thread, then place on rubber button press tool and place shank centraly, push down with tool part using thumb pressure and the shank will easily slot in place.

There we are, fabric buttons.

You can get your tools and button blanks from http://www.incywincystitches.com/ with full instructions, as well as ready made buttons and you can get fabrics from http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/ (this is where I got some extra tips on button making too!)

Making buttons is great fun!

Tote Bags

2009-04-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

I been having ago at decorating calico bags, haven't done much though, as I just haven't had the time with my Mum being ill and having to pop over to the Channel Isles to see her (Double Pnuemonia), I am very pleased to say that by the end of my visit she was like a little flower blossoming away..awww bless! Another week and she may be able to go home, everything crossed! :0)
Here she is in 1963 pictured with Ringo Starr, she made the news paper a few years ago, you can see her holding up her photo of Ringo pretending to strangle her, she had great fun with him and she is extra happy as he was very taken with me (4 months old) bounced me on his knee whoop!
You didn't know I was famous did you? lol :0)

Anyway, back to my bags.

I have hand painted on calico before and it is very nice to work on, so I can't wait to have another go, these that I have done are iron on shapes that I have punched out from a special sheet of fabric, I used a paper punch, but it got jammed so I won't be doing that again!

Watch this space for more designs, but don't hold your breath, I will be a while!

Well, May Day came in very handy, especially as it was raining, so I managed to do more bags!

These two are done using fabric stamp pads and a pretty butterfly stamp, you will find it in my Etsy store.

I have hand dyed these, stamped with acrylic and a fabric medium and used 3D paints.

They are more the colour of the second picture though, I just couldn't get a good pic!

Copper Earrings

2009-04-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this morning making copper earrings, I just love copper, and I am really pleased at how nice these look.

I have listed them in my Folksy and Misi shops and I am now going to start on the copper toggle bracelets That I have planned, so....watch this space ;0)

Well....here I am again, the bracelet is just a simple design, I have used glass beads, some are copper coated, but the colours show through, so there is a nice hint of purple, It looks nice and isn't bulky, I really must do some housework now.

I have just made a cheesecake, so I've not been sat here all day! Cheese cake is too boring to show you as it's naked at the mo, will be dressed tonight with raspberries and strawberries..OMG! I can't wait..yummy!

Custom order

2009-03-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have been busy surfing the net looking for inspiration on George Sampson.

I have a custom order to do a GS inspired jute bag.

This is what I have come up with, but I am not too sure about it, it seems to be lacking oomph!

Should I add more musical notes or hearts? I could add buttons but they don't really go with the theme though.

I also have some nice black marabou feather trim, it looks quite good when I sit it across the top of the bag, just under the handle, but I still don't quite know.

The young lady recieving the bag is 13 yrs old and adores George Sampson.

What do you think?

Felted Flower

2009-03-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

I have finished my needle felted flower now, I have been making it as part of the combined crafts challenge on Crafter..oo.

I added beads and a shell button and put a pin fastener on the back.

I tidied the felt up abit using a finer needle and trimming with small scissors.

It is nice and bright, I chose these colours as the theme for the challenge was vibrant.

Woody

2009-03-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well, Woody is settling in really well, he seems right at home and it feels like we have had him for years.

He is a great dog, very loving and playful, but.........................he has terrible wind! pooh!

And they are not silent but deadly, but very loud and deadly!

He likes to watch us through the kitchen door, as he stands there, he sticks his face against the glass and slides his nose upwards revealing his teeth, it's very funny!

If you have a good tip on "doggy wind", please leave me details. I have been told to give him a spoonful of natural yogurt everyday, so that is something I will try. We feed him complete dog food and don't spoil him with leftovers!

He's gaining the name "farting ninky nonk"!

Busy Bee!

2009-03-02T02:14:00.000-08:00

I was really good yesterday and got loads done!

Firstly I finished a Bunny for my Easter bunny jute bags, I have one on Coriandr and one will go on MISI later today.

Then I finished off all my latest dichroic glass pendants, cufflinks and earrings, and spent a fairly long time listing in my shops, my laptop was very slow or there was an internet problem? But..it is all done now.

I have shared them amongst my shops, so each one now has new items.

Just finishing off a couple of hearts and my glass listings for this week will be complete.

JUST GIVING

2009-02-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

DH is in training again, not for Africa this time but for The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
Chris will be taking part in this event with a team of four British Telecom apprentices, their target is £600.00

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge includes hiking up Yorkshire's three proudest mountains, Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, covering a total distance of 24 miles, with 5000 feet of ascent.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity
Yorkshire air ambulance relies solely on the generosity of individuals and sponsorsto help save lives across the region. It needs to raise £7200 per day to keep its two helicopters and highly trained paramedics in the air. Since the service was launched in October 2000, it has flown over 2200 patients to hospitals across the region.

Charity Registration no: 1084305

If you would like to support Chris and his team in raising money for this charity, please click on the link below.

http://www.justgiving.com/btapprenticey3p

Chris (Elliman) is in team 1. "Three non blondes", his team members are Lee Hodgson, Dan Manley and Laura Bates, the only blonde in the group!.

Many Thanks for your support.

Needle Felting

2009-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today I have been busy needle felting, haven't had a go for a while, but here are a few details of what I have been up to.

Firstly I chose the colour marino wool that would look good for my project, Then I set up my work area with a cutting mat, thick sponge, assorted needles and needle holder.

You need a good selection of needles to help with getting the right texture for the finished item.

I have three very thick needles to start with and then finer needles for each stage of my project.

The thick needles are used first to start the fibres knitting together and as the felt gets tighter you move on to the next finer needle and finish on the finest needle, this creates a smooth finish.

Check the felt at different stages by gently pulling apart, if it still has give in it and starts to part, carry on a bit longer with the needles or go back to the thick needles until you are happy.

You must have a good thick piece of foam and a cutting mat or large old book under the foam, as the needles are extremely sharp, and the dense foam takes the impact of the pricking/stabbing motion.

As you get the shapes done, they can be felted onto other shapes to get one solid piece, I hope you can see that I am building up to a flower in these piccies!

As you can see the pieces all felt together nicely and become one item. This is now ready for me to finish, but I will show you the finished item in a few days.

Marino wool is lovely to work with and it's great experimenting with different fibres, I have combined dyed Wednesleydale locks and some angelina fibres in this project.

I usualy do wet felting which I really enjoy, but needle felting can be quite addictive too!

Apple wood buttons

2009-02-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

DH is very busy this weekend making buttons that I have been asking for.

He is using apple wood, we have lots of lovely branches from our tree.

I want them left quite natural, but he is smoothing them down so they are soft to the touch.

Here are a few samples of the type of thing he is working on, they look quite nice and smell lovely too. (I like the toggles)

I will leave some totaly natural and varnish others for a bit of choice.

They will be available in my Folksy, MISI and shops.

Grinding

2009-02-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I have had a nice morning grinding my glass, ready for the final firing. There were so many pieces that I wasn't sure if it would all fit on the kiln shelf, but it all did..phew!!Some of the colours are new ones that I haven't tried before so I can't wait to see the finished results, although I already can see that most of them are really nice, they always look better once they are finished with their findings attached.

I will sort out the findings for them all over the next few days and then hopefully the weather will be nice ready for the shop photo's....I hate dull days!

Been fusing

2009-02-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

I bought some more supplies and some new colours in dichroic glass and they have turned out quite nicely, most of them, a couple I might not get again as I don't like the finished texture.

I will grind some down so that the edges are neater, and then fire polish them.

Even though I hold the layered stacks in place with glue, they sometimes slide off, during the firing process.

I think as well, that if I shut the kiln door to hard, the shelf jolts and so they have already slid out of place before the firing starts.

I can look through the peep hole to see if this has happened but I don't get a view of the whole shelf so I can't always tell.

I put folded strips of shelf fibre paper around the stacks that I think will definately slide and this really does help hold them in place.

Over all, I am pleased with the new colours and will be buying them again.

Now, to get grinding and turn this little lot into some nice wearable glass art :0)

Our new dog!

2009-02-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

It was a great day today, we picked up our rescue dog from the RSPCA, he is a dalmatian/Harlequin great dane cross they think? eeeeek! how big will he get?

He is a bit ignorant and runs around like a loonatic, but he is very loving and we are very optimistic that we will get on, forever.....awwww, bless him!
Well, today is a fortnight since we got Woody, and he is a lovely friendly, big soppy dog who has settled in with us so well.
The only thing he has done is ripped a load of plastic bags to pieces that he managed to get hold of, silly boy!
Oh yeah... he is scared stiff of a whoopy cushion, so much that he hid behind the armchair and peeped out, looking so worried.
He had to be coaxed out with a treat, I didn't mean to scare him, I promise! (was hilarious though, poor doggy)

Completed wet/dry felt bag

2009-01-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

Hurray!!!! My bag is finally finished, all lined and buttoned.

Can't believe it actually looks like a bag as well, my first attempt hasn't turned out too bad has it? Even though I did it back to front! lol

Finishing my bag

2009-01-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am getting closer to finishing my felt bag,
Right now, I am in the middle of doing the lining with some gorgeous purple fabric that I bought from
http://www.gonetoearth.co.uk/

They do loads of beautiful fabrics (you will be spoilt for choice), linings and buttons too!
Delivery was prompt and the items well packaged.
Julia was really helpful to me and gave loads off advice on how to finish my bag.
Thanks julia!

I know I did it all the wrong way round, bag first! lining last! but I am impatient and despite this back to frontness of mine, the bag is coming along ok.

I am also enjoying my new sewing machine, as you can see it has come in very handy with my bag making, I just need to learn about the stitches and get a bit straighter! lol

The bag will be mine, so don't worry about it being put on Etsy!!!!

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have finished it, will upload piccies later, when there is day light, its too dull at the mo and I should really be getting ready for work lol!!

Wet felted bag!

2008-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Quite awhile ago I made a wet felted panel and decorated it with beads and large diamante's, I said I would probably turn it into a bag????????

Well.......guess what?? I did!!!!!

Here it is.

I ironed a fabric stabilzer onto the back of the felt first and then I hand sewed the edges, doing everything by eye and guess work rather than measuring and marking.

I used plastic canvas as a base to help give shape.

Then I sewed some huge black buttons on my folded corners and sewed abit further up the edges.

I know all you bag makers are probably splitting your sides with laughter, but this has kept me free from boredom, so I am sure you will let me off!!!!

When I was happy with the sides, I then hand sewed the handles into place, checking every so often that they where going to line up. I nipped and tucked and have ended up with a bag!!!

I removed the big black buttons as I didn't like them and replaced them with some gorgeous vintage sparkly diamante metal buttons that I bought from an auction site. I think they compliment the bag quite nicely.

What do you think????

I am so proud of my DH!

2008-12-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Last year (Dec 07) my OH was offered the chance to do "Challenge Africa", he would help build a school in Tanzania and spend time with the Masai tribe, then he would get the chance to climb Mount Meru.
We thought it would be July this year and started to prepare him with all the jabs and tablets, kitting out with clothes, hot summer clothes and wintery mountain clothes. We spent lots of money and saved hard for all the dollars he would need as well as organising his sponsor forms, raffles and collecting from shops. He needed to raise several thousand as the target set for him and his BT colleages was £40,000.

Just before Christmas he got his e-mail telling him that the trip was to take place in March 08!!! We had barely anytime to prepare and worst of all our Silver Wedding Anniversary was at the beginning of March?????

He was gutted that we would be the furthest apart we had ever been on such a special day, I supported him fully as he had to go, he may never be offered this type of adventure again.

Anyway, to cut a very long story short, He did the challenge and I am extremely proud, he saw stuff that was a real eye opener to him and he found the whole experience a roller coaster of emotions, he didn't quite conquer Meru but he came pretty damn close.

He has over 600 photo's and a lovely DVD that really captures the team effort that was put in by everyone, they all supported each other through all their emotions and he came home with more friends than ever, he has so much to tell and he learnt so much, AND....they all raised £50,000!!

Now in June 09 he is doing the "Three peeks"(England), this only lasts a weekend but all money he raises will go towards buying an Air Ambulance. So its more trekking clothes and fund raising, and I am proud once again!

Watch this space ;0)

Terry

2008-11-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

Last wednesday a work colleague died, I think he had a heart attack.

He was only just 65, and seemed fine on the Monday when I last saw him, his usual jolly cheerful self.

Everyone tried hard to save him and all are very shocked, I am shocked too and extra sad that Terry died at work in the office and not at home with his wife by his side, but death doesn't give you a choice does it?

Every Christmas, Terry was our Santa and when my daughter worked with us, she was Santa's little helper. She has fond memories of those days, especially as Santa's stuck on eye brows kept sliding down his face and she had to keep pushing them into place for him!

Terry's funeral is this friday.

Rest in peace Terry, my thoughts are with your wife and family.x