Stamp Galaxy

Closing down the SG blog and going to my other one

2010-07-29T08:25:00.003Z

Hi everyone,

It has been so very difficult to maintain several blogs, that I have decided to transfer everything onto the Toodles and Binks one. Please check out the other blog, as I am getting to post more regularly on that one with lots more interesting content it is here.

vBlog #27 - WOYWW 58

2010-07-14T08:50:00.000Z

Hellosies,

Well, it's Wednesday again .... doesn't it just wizz around quicker and quicker each time!

Here is what I currently have on my desk

I have decided that I only have time to update one blog .... so there is more crafting time .... so the stampgalaxy.blogspot one will go dormant .... and I will use this one from now on.

Julia, no nail polish yet - I am just about to re-pain them, I am trying to get in the habit of having nice nails now I don't have to do mega typing each day. I have promised my set of acrylic nails, but not sure if I will actually like them!

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #26 - Stop Press ... It's haul time

2010-07-07T11:39:00.002Z

I got a package ..... I got a package ...... embarrassingly though I still can't open the box !!!

vBlog #25 - WOYWW 57

2010-07-07T11:20:00.000Z

Hellosies,

Yay, I finally found time to play .... but this week I have broken the habit of a lifetime and stopped pushing stash backwards and done a tidy up.

Here's my short vBlog showing you what is going on:

I will be crafting this afternoon, but this evening I will be visiting all the links at Julia's Blog to see what the other WOYWWers are up to.

Happy Crafting

Hugs

Kay

First day of the rest of my life ....

2010-07-05T12:00:00.000Z

I broke up from work officially last week, and had a few days mooching around (although still busy), but today is officially the first day of the rest of my life - it was a wonderful feeling last night when I did not have the Sunday Evening dread that used to spread over me!!!

I have been far from idle though ..... one conservatory washed inside and out, bedroom cleaned from head to toe and the en suite also done thoroughly ..... the packing room organisation has been started, some orders packed, even a bit more of the WOYWW project done, beds changed and lunch eaten .... now down to some actual work .... I am about to do the big accounts catch up.

I am also eagerly awiting a delivery of some Gilding Flakes, paper stumps and Liquitex Gel Bead Medium from a new supplier. Plus a delivery is expected for me ..... I caved and bought a Kandy Kane Rhinestone Wand and a collection of Rhinestones .... which will be used on the WOYWW project when they arrive.

Happy Crafting Chicas.

Kay
xx

WOYWW #54 - Gas Masks and Projects mostly

2010-06-16T07:13:00.001Z

Yet another Homework project is sitting on my desk - I got 2 house points for the last scroll-what-looked-like-a-rolling-pin one - and the WOYWW #52 project has progressed a bit further.

The Gas Mask seems to have lost the word "Raid" yesterday at school, but I might be able to fix that ... apparently it goes back and forth every Tuesday now for the World War II history project a la a the real war when they had to walk around with them all the time ... not that I remember I am far too young .... although disturbingly I am now apparently "vintage" and nearly not too far off "antique".

The project has now been painted in a shabby chic fashion - you see, I have to do that, 'cos I can't paint very well! It just needs a dry brush coat of gold and tissue paper modge podged on to be finished.

Thank you so much for linking for me last week it was very much appreciated. I managed to visit everyone, but sadly didn't get a chance to leave comments, I will try harder this week I promise.

If you would like to snoop around crafty spaces *some of the spookily tidy I have to say* pop over to the lovely Mrs Dunnit's blog and check out the WOYWWs'.

Hugs
Kay

New Copics have Landed

2010-06-15T20:59:00.000Z

and blimey they have already started flying out ......

http://www.stampgalaxy.co.uk/catalog/

We have re-stocked all but 2 colours of he Ciao markers, and mega re-stock of Sketch plus lots of new Sketch colours, a re-stock of re-fills and some more popular colours added to the re-fills.

I still have to re-order more now, which will be an urgent task, but our range is growing rapidly.

Thank you all so much for your comments left for WOYWW last week, I will write a nice WOYWW post for tomorrow shortly and update you all on my project. I think I visited everyone eventually last week, but sadly had no time to leave comments (which I hate!) so I will make a special effort this week.

Hugs

WOYWW # 53 - Stash Pushing clearly must stop

2010-06-09T05:43:00.004Z

Hellosies,

I think I have surpassed even myself this week with WOYWW, with this picture - I am a Stash Pusher!

I am really pushed for time, so had to rely on taking a Blackberry photo and then Twitpic'ng it up for you. Although looking at this it looks like a rolling pin in a jar ... read on ....

At this point I am not sure if Julia will have uploaded WOYWW, so I may just have to leave a begging comment on her blog and hope somebody will be kind enough to link to me.

Well, on to business .... what is on here .... not much the main object is a piece of Toodles homework that I helped (99.9%) with (she wrote the letter on plain copier paper and I did the rest of the antiquing) to create an historical letter written by some chap at sea! Then you can also see the glue gun and heat gun .... as for the rest of it I am truly STASH PUSHING at the moment as I am really short of time before I stop work on 30th June.

I still haven't got any further with my #52 project, it is now lurking under my desk.

Hop over to Julia's blog to see what everyone else has been up to - I am sure it is more productive than me!

Hugs

Kay

Been crafting, but forgot to take piccies

2010-06-07T17:34:00.001Z

after snagging the Tattered Florals Die I've been making faux Primas, great fun ..... also been cutting out mega amounts of the die cuts for Fiona's package.

Back soon to show you one, but I just need to make some more as the ones I made have gone off in purchases at Stamp Galaxy.

Butter wouln't melt now .......

2010-06-04T14:48:00.003Z

Schluppy Puppy peacefully sleeping, but don't be fooled for one moment, I have been dragged through bushes, up hills, after bikes and kids (not that he would ever hurt anything, but just has a great time) - all the while the "who let them dogs out" theme tune playing in my head!!!!

I do feel the need to explain to everyone who watches his antics that he was six months old on 1st of June, so is really only a baby, the problem is that the monster is HUGE .....

In answer to a recent comment I am a "Stash Pusher" and need to get the button.

I've just burnt myself on the glue gun

2010-06-03T15:16:00.000Z

Hellosies,

I haven't used it for ages, and all was going so well, until I got distracted talking to Toodles and put my middle pinky down on the hot glue .... ouch, ouch, bloody ouch!!!

Still, flowers look good, if a little large, I might have to do a few less layers I think. I have to admit that the first one turned out fine, and I had done as Fiona showed in her tutorial video and stiched it a couple of times, and then turned it each time. The second one I was a bit lazier and hot glued the layers and then might have forgot to turn it properly for each layer, so it was a bit one sided until the last layer went on.

They are drying at the moment but will pop up a quick piccie of them later.

Hugs

Kay

In the beginning there was the idea of a Packing Station

2010-06-02T18:36:00.000Z

Hellosies again,

So a trip to Ikea was undertaken, and goodies bought .... Toodles and I have just moved this lot into the workshop ready to be put up by the Rubbah Elf and I have decided that I need my Crafting Trolley in the upstairs workshop.

It was fine when we had just a few orders, but now we are so busy, a dedicated packing station is required, it makes my back ache packing on the bed .... so fingers crossed that Guy can get this put together for me soon.

Damn and blast I forgot my paint, and I wish I had got myself a third one of the units.

Hugs
Kay

WOYWW #52 Project - I've started doing a bit more to it more to it

2010-06-02T13:26:00.000Z

Hellosies again,

thank goodness for twitpic as Toodles is hogging the PC which is the only one in the house with a card reader (ridiculous situation, I need a new lop top and it will have to have one).

I bought the small tray from my favourite shop (Kitty's, which is a shabby chic junk shop in Seal) and have so far given it a rough paint over in off white. I now have to pop over to workshop no. 2 and get myself some Jo Sonja's Acrylic Paint, pink I think.

Next to it you can see some chipboard Thickers, which will be Cosmic Shimmered and stuck on.

This next picutre is just to the left hand side of the desk, and is a bunch of Stamp Galaxy address labels that go on the packages, yet another re-print, I keep running out.

Soz about the quality, my Blackberry has a rubbish camera.

Don't forget to hop over to Julia's blog to find the links to all the WOYWWers workdesks.

Hugs

Kay

At this very moment there is nothing much done for WOYWW #52

2010-06-02T12:55:00.000Z

Hellosies,

After weeding the stable yard (or most of it before it got too hot) we deciced to head off to Hadlow Garden Centre for a spot of lunch.

I only had my phone with me, but even so managed some not too bad piccies. The remainder of them are over at twitpic, but the one above is a sweet piccie of Toodles enjoying the sunshine.

I have to admit that it is so very lovely not having to venture to the Kindom of Blahh, the week is going very quickly though. Still when I go back next week, I will only have something like 20 working days until I leave.....then party on through the Summer - I have to admit that it will probably feel like playing hookey for a good long time!

Right, I need to pack this morning's orders and then do a bit towards my WOYWW project, and get a post up.

Hugs

Kay

A card come tag for a beautiful little lady

2010-05-31T20:20:00.001Z

Hellosies,

For a change I thought I would do a card*come*tag for my God Daughter's Birthday, which was last Thursday.

I used the Sir Timmie Baroque die, and covered with some Papermania paper (I can't rememeber the name of the collection).

Then covered some Thickers Chipboard letters with Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours, and covered with Ranger's Crackle Accents, and added some pearls.

Added some white Prima eline flowers painted with Cosmic Shimmers and brown ones, and then dusted with Diamond Dust. The Petaloo leaves were also painted with Cosmic Shimmers.

I just popped it in a clear cello bag, and wrapped in tissue paper and tied with Raffia.....she loved it, and I think is going to hang it on her door. Next time they come down I will just pop a couple of holes each side and add either ribbon or tulle for her to hang it with.

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #24 - WOYWW 51 - What's on your Work Desk Wednesday

2010-05-26T09:59:00.002Z

Hellosies,

just a really super quick vid of what is on my desk this week for WOYWW - it hasn't changed much from last week soz about that :)

** A receipt from theartisticstamper.com for a Sir Timmie Bird Cage and Hardware Findings ...a litte treatsie for moi for having to go to Bromley this week.

** More thank you packages ready to go for the orders

** A pile of stuff in the making that I am putting together for Fiona (Jennings 644) waiting for the new dies to arrive.

** The insert piece from Sizzix UK for the Sir Timmie Baroque Die to stop it getting wedged in. (It's essentially a small piece of the same foam as the rest of the die, with a little magnetic piece on the bottom so it sticks to the metal at the bottom and stops the chipboard/paper getting completely wedged in ..... works fantastically too).

XX**XX What you do not see is a Cinch - week 3 of my pre-order and no sign as yet ....boo hooo.

This week I have a game plan to finish off my WOYWW Week 52 project ... it seemed like I had plenty of time and now .... none, zipadeedoodah time left to get it done.

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments last week, and hop over to Julia's blog to check out all of this week's entrants.

Ta ta for now lovely crafty girlies.

Hugs

Kay

Harry & Alfie Hudson's Song

2010-05-24T17:09:00.000Z

I interrupt this crafty blog with a public service announcement .....seriously though , check 'em out and subscribe to their YouTube channel, they have a seriously awesome talent. Toodles things they are really sweet.

I love this one, which was written by them ....

Please take the time to visit their channel and subscribe ... they had a target of 2,000 subscribers but really deserve to get many, many more.

Hugs
Kay

WOYWW 50 - This is what is on mine .....

2010-05-19T05:16:00.000Z

I can't believe it, I completely missed last week out, I realised what day it was on Thursday .... own up, who stole my week!!!

So I am well prepared for WOYWW this week and have taken my pictures very last thing yesterday .... this is what is currently on my desk then:

A dictionary flower which I have just finished, drying off in readiness to be sprayed with Cosmic Shimmer Gold.

The last in what was a BIG pile of Thank You cards for Stamp Galaxy orders - I need to print out and cut more.

An overview of the the mess left behind after creating dictionary flowers all weekend.

To the far right hand side now sits a 1lb bag of bling and large glass marbles, and a big space where Rita's stuff used to reside on the right hand side of the desk, but no piccie of that.

A picture of my top left hand draw that sits underneath the desk - this houses my Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours, Mica Powerds, Perfect Pearls and most used ink pads - the Cosmic Shimmers/Mica/PP's will so hve their own specific home on top of the desk.

I can't wait to see what you all have on your desks.

Hugs

Kay

I missed WOYWW this week .....

2010-05-15T13:24:00.000Z

I can't believe it, really I can't some pesky person has swipped a whole week and a bit of my life!!!! Where did they put it?

I missed WOYWW this week, have done precious little crafting and been cream crackered, due to spending vast proportions of my last weeks at the Kingdom of Blah packing crates on my lonesome. Nobody else in the office at all, I even ended talking to myself yesterday.

The only thing I can really say I acheived this week is to get out loads of orders for Stamp Galaxy and finally finish off Rita's package.

I've just emailed Sizzix UK as I have the new Sir Tim Alterations Baroque die and after cutting some chipboard have it firmly rammed up in there .... it will take the Rubbah Elf to get it out I fear .... somebody mentioned the other day that they are aware of the problem, and can despatch a foam insert - so fingers crossed.

I managed to grab a one pound bag of Bling in Hobby Craft this morning, and also some flat backed marbles, unfortunately they didn't have the elusive WR Memory Keepers Tag Corner punch .... I just can't find it anywhere.

Happy Crafting Chicas

Hugs
Kay

New Copic Order has arrived at Stamp Galaxy

2010-05-11T17:48:00.000Z

Yay, got home to a lovely new Copic Order sitting in the hall .... thank goodness.

I've just finished updating the shop, with colours that were running low or out of stock, plus we have added the following new colours:

Sketch YG21 - Anise
Sketch YR18 - Sanguine
Sketch YR82 - Mellow Peach
Re-fill YR21 - Cream

Some of the other colours we ordered were not in stock, and unfortunately the Clear Spica's seem to have been missed off .... I will chase Copic tomorrow and chase it up, and also put in yet another order for some more new colours.

We've also now got some Cosmic Shimmer sets in stock, and I have been having great fun playing with them, so check out the store.

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #23 - Quick Haul and something nice for me!

2010-05-09T11:35:00.002Z

Hi all,

Just a really quick Haul Video, a sneak peak at my Monthly Mini Journal (not sure about this though, it might get canned) and something nice for moi!!!

I saw the Monthly Journal on Kathryn Wheel's Blog, and as I am obviously starting this late in the year I thought that I could do it rolling from now til next May. I am not loving my page at the moment, but it might change when I get going on it, and cover a bit of the blank space.

I would love to know what you think .... tell me honestly if it's rubbish.

Hugs

Kay

Sid Silvertail Rides again - vBlog #22 - WOYWW48

2010-05-05T04:56:00.004Z

Wow, another WOYWW, don't they roll around quickly?

Like a Mother, I am not really supposed to have favourites ..... but I have to admit to having a very, very soft spot for this stamp - Sid Silvertrail - which is one of Sally-Ann Hancock's designs.

List of ingredients:

Sid Silvertrail Stamp from Toodles and Binks (Stamp Galaxy)
Cosmic Shimmer Irridescent Watercolours in: Winter Chestnut, Copper Sheen, Golden Shine, Olympic Gold, Golden Mint, Antique Green, Lime Twist, Christmas Red (Mostly Sets 7 and 5 plus some from Green collection).
Versamark Ink
Galactic Gold Embossing Powder
Copic Marker C1
Crackle Accents (Ranger)
Momento Ink in Bamboo Leaves
Distress Ink in Walnut Strain (Ranger)
Blending Tool from Ranger
Brown and Gray cardstock (Prism)
Zig 2 way glue of Sakura Quickie Glue Pen
Petaloo Colour Me Crazy White leaves
Small leave stamp from 7G clear stamp set
Purple Glitter (Art Institute)
Flower Soft (Summer mix) and Flower Soft Glue
Pattern Paper (Papermania)
Lime Green cardstock (Papermania)
Prima e-line flowers
Glitterati floral centre in lime green
Shimmerz Paints in Key Lime and Chocolate
Tiny cream mulberry paper rose
Tim Holtz clear ruler
Ranger Heat-it Tool
Scor-pal
Anti-Static Embossing pouch

How to:-

Cut a piece of gray cardstock 3.5" x 3.5" and wipe over the with Anti-Static embossing pouch. With Versamark ink stamp out Sid Silvertrail towards the bottom centre of the image. Sprinkle on Galactic Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.

(In hindsight, which is a marvellous thing, I wish that I had cut the cardstock slightly larger than this and used a Nesties to cut out when coloured ... so you could learn from my mistake and do this).

Colour in the embossed image using the Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours.

In Bamboo Leaves Moment Ink stamp the small leaf image to each side of Sid and at the bottom to give the illusion that he is wending his way through the graden on his mail round. Then using Christmas Red Cosmic Shimmer Watercolour painted straight onto the leaf image stamp again slightly off centre of the original stamping to create depth. Zap lightly with the heat tool to dry. Add small dots here and there over these stamped leaf images with the Zig 2 Way (or Quickie Glue Pen) and sprinkle on Purple Glitter.

Also outline Sid with the C1 Copic marker to add further depth.

Whilst the glitter is drying, also add Crackle Accents to the letters in Sid's Mail bag, his cap and shell and put aside for the whole thing to dry, and crack.

I also went back and added small amounts of Flower Soft here and there later on, but it wasn't strictly necessary. Additionall, I then added to the bottom left a flower using Dictionary paper (cut with Flower Nestie) coloured with the Cosmic Shimmer paints in Winter Chestnut, Olympic Gold and Antqiue Green with green gems in the centre, and two Prima e-line flowers with green gem centres. The Petaloo leaves were painted with Shimmerz paint (Key Lime and Chocolate) and added to the group together with a small mulberry rose. At top right another Prima e-line with one of my favourite Glitterati green flower centre embellishments.

When dry edge with Walnut Strain Distress Ink (I use a blending tool) and matt on Brown cardstock.

Cut a piece of brown cardstock 6" x 12" and score along the long edge at 3" and 6", fold in half using the 6" score and then back on itself at the 3" score - making a Z folded card.

Add pattern paper on the 6x6" panel and on the 3" panel, and then mount the stamped piece so it overlaps both panels....make sure you only put adhesive on 1 side!!

If the power is back on later I will probably stream from my workdesk for a shortwhile, but will start a bit later on .... say 9.00 for half an hour or so. You can get to my Ustream channel by going to www.toodlesandbinks.com then selecting "broadcasts" from the choices at the bottom of the screen.

Hugs

Kay

What is Ustream?

2010-04-28T18:14:00.001Z

Hi all,

Just thought I would clarify what Ustream is....basically live from my work desk you just hop over there and watch what I am up to!!!

The title of this blog is a clickable link to it.

It also means that I can do vids of more than 10 minutes long.

Just about to start streaming .... grab a coffee and head on over.

Also check out blimp.fm a lovely fun music site, where you can generate a playlist.

Kay

vBlog #21 - WOYWW 47 - Close up on Ribbon Cage

2010-04-27T18:39:00.011Z

Wow, you lot weren't joking ..... Wednesday has flown around again, and it is What is on Your Workdesk Wednesday again.

For me, yet another vBlog .... I just find it easier - with a close up of my Ribbon Bird Cage (although not that exciting I love it) and a sneak peak of what else I have going on.

New Cosmic Shimmers that have come in - a plan I have to keep track of my colours
Some die cutting for Jennings664
Still trying to get Rita's bits and pieces ready

So I fully comply with WOYWW to the letter, I will do a live stream over on Toodles and Binks Channel at UStream at around 7.30 tomorrow (GMT) for anyone who what to wander over and see me mess around for a little bit.

Thank you for joining me, and I can't wait to have a look around the other blogs.

Hugs
Kay

vBlog #20 - New Corporate Wear

2010-04-24T12:37:00.000Z

I ordered our new aprons back in the Great Snow, and they finally arrived after being out of stock for ages!

Can I just say, many apologies for just how bloody annoying I sound ..... feel sorry for my family they put up with me like that all of the time! I will work on it.

I will be back later with a Ustream video as we have some fabbie Cosmic Shimmer Watercolours and Mists that have arrived, and I want to share their lushness with you.

Hugs

Kay

ATC technique

2010-04-22T20:36:00.000Z

Re the comments about the ATC in a nutshell:

Actually, it is dye ink on photo paper, with mica powders (Cosmic Shimmer) and then butterflies stamped in Staz-on and then quickie glue pen round outline and glitter, coloured in with Sakura and Diamond Glaze over the top.

You literally cannot heat emboss photo paper .... ask me how I know!

I will do a quickie vid on it this weekend hopefully .... sorry brief and to the point reply, but watching Outnumbered.

Hugs

Kay

Cinch, cinch, cinch ..... cinch ........

2010-04-22T17:29:00.001Z

sorry can't stop thinking about it.....I would sell a child, kidney (not my soul that has already been taken) or even swap a night of passion with the Richo to get my chubby little hands on one. I don't just want it ..... I NEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD it!!!!!

I have a on off hate/love/hate relationship with my BIA and therefore the Cinch in all it's metal and pink loveliness seems to answer quite a few of my prayers .... except of course that cake and chocs are free all day and contain no calorific content.

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments about WOYWW, I love doing my vids and just find it easier/quicker/more fun than doing a straight post. I also Ustream at odd moments in the day/night. I had a blast hip hopping around all of your blogs too, such fabulous (and spookily tidy workdesks out there!)

I did answer some of the queries in the comments on yesterday's post, but to save you the trouble of having to look at it, see quote below (plus a bit I forgot):

"Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments....I shamed myself into a bit of a tidy up session on my desk, shame of it was that was only about a week's crafting!!

The bird cage is sweet, and I will do a WOYWW on it next week for a bit of a closer view.

The gorgeous chap on my sidebar is the wonderful Jon Richardson, comedy genius, former DJ on 6Music and one of the voices on the BBC Walk on the Wild Side show ... I adore him (but don't tell David Tennant or my DH!)."

now for the bit I forgot .... Yes, I use my Cricut but had just pushed it back further to accommodate the growing mound of cradstock and pretty paper that I hadn't put away. Lurking under the desk is my Gypsy too.

The shameful desk is actually my old craft room, then I located downstairs into the main family room .... for some unknown reason they complained that I was messy (I have no idea why darlings) and then they threw me outside in the cold snowy Kentish wastelands .... I scratched at the door with my frozen chubby hands (see above) and howled a lot til they let me back in the warm upstairs - so at the moment I have one craft studio outside nicely organised with most of my stuff and a temporary home upstairs. I can't stream outside so keep the desk up here for streaming/working from - I just need to sell a kid (or give one away) and then I can get my hands on a nice big craft room ...... any takers?

Actually, anyone who knows my kids is probably having a Tena Lady moment right about now ..... just kidding I know that I couldn't give them away even, but I love 'em anyway! I was told today that I should be certified, so that statement probably confirms it.

Right, I am off to lounge on my desk in a seductive manner in my new Toodles and Binks pink tabbard just in case there is likely to be any passing trade to net me some dosh towards the Cinch....should be good for 5p if they shut off the light and put on a blindfold.

I might do a quick stream on Wednesday next week as well as a vid, but will let you all now the details and post a link.

Laters Chicas.

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #19 - WOYWW 46

2010-04-21T18:56:00.002Z

I have been blog hopping and noticed that a few of our UK STampers members are joining in with WOYWW ..... so now I have a bit of time I thought I would play too if they will have me...... but, I should feel ashamed VERY ASHAMED ... the mess has reached an all time high!!!!

It is literally impossible to see the craft for the paper, glue, glitter, ribbon, card and paper .... just how much mess is it acceptable to make?

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #17 - Haul time

2010-03-18T20:39:00.001Z

my fabbie new collection of fibres (bought unusually from ebay) from Devine Decoupage .... pretty, pretty, pretty.

Also a sneak for Rita of some of the things going in her package (I am sooooo late sending it off). Sorry Rita.

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #16 - Haul time

2010-03-14T09:37:00.002Z

a really quick haul video ..... it was early in the morning so I am not quite awake.....

Unlucky 13

2010-03-09T19:01:00.004Z

It really isn't called unlucky 13 for nothing you know ..... I have taken about 7 or 8 takes to get the latest vBlog #13 entry done since I got home - what with errant children and dogs, people insisting on shouting dinner right in the middle of a record, etc.

Then after dinner, more badly behaved kids, husband and dog!!!

I guess it goes with the whole tone of my day though ho hum.......

You can get the Spider's Webb from Stamp Galaxy later on today .... this particular colour is called Ivy Hatch, but we have more colours a'comin.

Hugs

Kay

vBlog #12 - Finished Mini Journal

2010-03-01T22:01:00.003Z

make up details are over on Toodles and Binks Blog.

Not the best quality video, but I was short of time, and needed to film it .... note to self: leave more time!!!!

vBlog #11 - Finishing off a page in Mini Journal

2010-02-28T13:39:00.003Z

Just done a quick vblog on the last page in the Mini Journal I've been working on for a friend .... it needs to be finished off and sent off with my Boss early next week to deliver it.

Check it out on Ustream, and don't forget to leave a comment and I will pick somebody next month who does and send them some blog candy.

Hugs

Kay

I'm back over on blogger ......

2010-02-23T18:59:00.002Z

as it seems that the thing that drove me away (the lack of a decent paragraph)has now been fixed ...... plus Wordpress is now doing my head in because I can't upload youtube videos, get Mr Linky to work or customise it.

Just done a quick response to the queries I had about the Magnetic Canvass.

Hugs

Kay

Mister Linky

2009-03-29T21:17:00.002Z

Just testing out my Mister Linky form, and also trying to decide if I might not just defect back to blogger if they will have me!

As long as paragraphs problems are a thing of the past, and apparently my Mister Linky has a box round it, just can't get that on WP....which is mega annoying.

I'm on the move

2007-11-19T16:39:00.000Z

my new blog can be found here.

Please bear with my whilst I move things across.

Yawn, yawn, rowing stats

2007-11-18T20:16:00.000Z

boring, but I need to write them down, and this is the easiest method:

16th November - AM - rest period

16th November - PM - 518 reps/32.11 cals/13:55 time/(1) 2626 TTR

17th November - AM - 550 reps/34.10 cals/15:09 time/(1) 3176 TTR

17th November - PM - 383 reps/23.74 cals/10:08 time/(1) 3539 TTR **what a pussy, I could't do any better for some reason.

18th November - AM - 505 reps/31.31 cals/13:06 time/(1) 4064 TTR

18th November - PM - 551 reps/34.16 cals/ 14:04 time/(1) 4615 TTR

Hello Card

2007-11-18T15:14:00.001Z

this seem to be a bit of a favourite colour combo at the moment, orange, blue, gred and limeish green - I think it might be the time of the year.

Quick card one of my friends ordered. She's having a baby any day, and this is a card to accompany the present that the new baby is sending to her big sister. Inside the card it just says in lime green rub-ons "big sister".

Supplies: Orange Bazzill, SEI frame & tab, WR Memory Keepers flower paper, Stamp: Magnolia, COPICS, gold perlidoodles, orange check ribbon (SG-me! spring release) and green stickles.

I love this Magnolia image, I ordered it last week with my Sugar Nellies. Talking of which, I can't mount them as we're out of stock on EZ Mount, so can't play with them until later in the week when it comes back in stock (shame really as I can't wait to have a go).

I've also ordered a few more Magnolia new release stamps today - had to check with Guy that they weren't ones he'd ordered, which thankfully they weren't - so more lovely Magnolia should be on their way to me soon. I'm also working on my SU order for Caz.

Guy was questioning me today about how long Mangolia take to deliver, so I guess that he has put in his order for the rest of my birthday and Christmas gifts. This is very good news, as I will have a craft embargo after Xmas in readiness, 'cos we need to pay for Tobago. He did mention today (when he caught me Magnolia shopping) that the idea is NOT to simply have a huge spend now in the hopes that I can get through it..........seems like a plan to me though.

Whoops, put the wrong card in the envelope

2007-11-18T14:14:00.000Z

stupid mare that I am! I got so carried away listening to Jon & Russell, that before I knew what I was about I'd written the one with Tilda and flowers - sorry Burn, I know that you're not keen.

Just going to have to put the real one in the post as well.

Very uninspring photo, but this is my new bike

2007-11-17T12:56:00.001Z

it's a lovely ice blue colour.

Guy took me off this morning to choose one, and after much debate - this'll be coming home later on this afternoon. Finger crossed it will fit in the car, or that we can get they cycle rack sorted, otherwise I will have a long ride home.

Apparentely though, I am not even allowed near it until my birthday in early December.

I've dropped a dress size

2007-11-17T08:52:00.001Z

it would seem in the last month since I started rowing. It dawned on me yesterday lunchtime for the first time.

I went to the local sports shop (somewhere I do not feel comfortable going generally), to get a sports shirt to row in when I venture outside (which won't be long), and had a tiny panic attack, all the labels only went to 16. Still, I ventured to actually try something on, and the 16 swamped me..........I put it down very much to the fact that probably sporty type sizes are different to real life...........and bought the lovely white with pale pink detail long sleeved top, which is breathable no less, and made a run for it.

After the success of the lunchtime foray, and with Toodles going away last night to the outlaws, I decided I would pop to M&S and try to compound on my retail therapy and buy a sports bra. So Parental Control and I rushed off through Friday evening traffic to Tunbridge Wells.

No only did I come away with 2 sports bras, but several white vest tops, a lovely pale pink cloche hat, but also.....................tahhhhhdaaah size 16, and very tight fitting I might add, tracksuit bottoms and roll neck jumper in black with white detail down the sides. It's looks really quite nice on, and I can't see any huge rolls of flab either. That with the fact that our cleaner at work said I looked very pretty yesterday morning, and one of the girls commented on how toned and full of energy I am recently, made it a very nice Friday. Clearly the cleaner is blind or desperate, but it's very nice to get a compliment anyway!

So you see, I might bore you to death with my rowing stats, but it's working - and I'm seriously considering venturing out on open water (hence all the sports clothes buying). There is a rowing club at Ardingly Resevoir in Sussex which has club days on every second Sunday, and they welcome newbies to go along for a trial row to see if they like it. I've also sourced a rowing club in Maidstone (which is not too far away from here), and once I know that I can actually be in a real boat and not panic, I will join. Apparently, you have to have changes of clothes with you before they even let you in the water (I'm assuming they fall in a lot), and also wear layers to peel off whilst you row. I also need to swim 100m in light clothing, so now I need to hit the swimming pool with Toodles on a Wednesday again to practice. I also need to do this for me Scuba trail dive next year, so two birds with one pool!

Anyway, back to craft, this is the card that I made for Angel, who's just had an op. I particularly love this Bella stamp. Paper is by WR Memory Keepers.

Blog Candy Bags stuffed and ready to go

2007-11-17T08:46:00.000Z

finally, I hear you all cry.

Supplies: Chloe's Closet & Basic Grey Paper; Pink Pearlidoodles, Stamp: Teddy by Magnolia and Circle Sentiment by Aud; COPIC markers (there's a surprise); Prima Crazy Daisy "Aylssa" & "Jasmine" packs.

They are 2-5-7-10 bags, which are super easy to make, with the image coloured and cut out, and then added to the front.

I want this T-shirt - brace yourself more stats

2007-11-15T19:20:00.001Z

14th November - AM - 445 reps/27.39 cals/12:26 time ** / (1) 713 TTR (** take off at least 30 seconds to un-strap myself, run across the other side of the room, turn off my alarm, run back and strap myself in again)

14th November - PM - 460 reps/28.52 cals/12:34 time/(1) 1173 TTR

15th November - AM - 467 reps/28.95 cals/12:53 time/(1) 1640 TTR

15th November - PM - 466 reps/28.29 cals/12:19 time/(1) 2107 TTR

I was enlivened on this morning's row by my recorded version of the Jon Richardson and Russell Howard Sunday show - especially hearing about purple boxers and rowing machines and organising drawers - did me no good at all I can tell you!

Hint to my Darling Hubby or random family and friend, I would love this T-shirt in white (unfortunately no purple option) ........pretty please!

By the way, you can't believe what a challenge a rowing session can be, especially when you are trying to direct the oldest child to his lunch and out the door, help the youngest do her homework, and send off your darling hubby with a nice warming snog - all of this without breaking your stroke on the machine, and trying to knock half a minute off your personal best - it's achievable, but only with supreme timing.

SU day arrived

2007-11-15T18:33:00.000Z

I spoke to Caz today, and she is a Demonstrator for them. So anyone in need of an Enabler tell her I sent you. I'm currently working on a rather large list for her myself.

It's going to be a non-crafty post again, sorry 'bout that - I have been crafting, but it's currently drying. This time a quick card for poor Bernie who had an operation yesterday. Spoke to her snuggled up in her sick bed this morning, and she's bearing up well considering what a nasty op it was.

As she can't really struggle to the computer yet, I can post a picture of the card tomorrow, before it goes in the post, and she won't see it. Anyhow, sending her loads and loads of cyber hugs and get well wishes (even though she can't see them).

I need to row my little boat now, and then have a snuggle with Toodles - she's still poorly, but on the mend, and may go to School tomorrow, we'll make the decision in the morning.

Night, night all, sleep tight.

Woooopeeeeeedooooooooooooo

2007-11-14T15:38:00.000Z

my Sugar Nellies have arrived..........and another Magnolia - why, oh why, oh why does new rubber make me feel so dang good?

Can't wait to have a play, I've just got to pop to the Post Office to send off some orders, and then on to Toodles parent/teacher meeting - and I'm then free to have a bit of a play. Can't wait.

Just by way of a moan, what is it with blogger and it's loathing of paragraphs - bloomin' thing just like to squish it all up together, and I hate that. I need to try and work on a tiny image that I can upload to separate the paras - damn the OCD yet again.

Sorry if you don't love Magnolia, another one

2007-11-14T15:12:00.000Z

this is the card I made with yesterday's uploaded image. I won't go into a huge long supplies list, as I don't know what colour the case cardstock is - just generic kraft'ish, and the matting is Razzleberry Dark Prism and a bottle green cardstock. Pattern Paper by by AMM.

Image, as usual, coloured with COPICs, and a sprinkle of Sakura on the flowers and the hearts on the small stamp image.

I've also discovered Karen Foster's Loopy Brads - had them forever....but never got them out the packet........they are fabbie things, and great for threading with thread or ribbon, and then hanging images from - a la this card.

Little stamp image is from Aud's Circle Sentiment Sheet (I need to get some more of them in stock).

Actually, I think that I'll just add some of the jade self-adhesvie pearls to the other three corners of this.

I'm just about to start working on a project with my Bind it All - had it for ages, and not even used it in anger - so watch this space.

SU is coming - 1 day to go - whoooohoooo and

2007-11-13T18:31:00.000Z

from a brief conversation I had with Guy on the phone today, when he was enquiring what I'd done with my Magnolia Wish List (it's a big 'un too), I do believe that he may have ordered me some more of the precious things.

I coloured this last night, just need to pop it on a card. As usual life's thrown a spanner in the works and my Toodles is really poorly, so I doubt it will be tonight. I have bag stuffing to do though (that must be done).

It's been another hellish day at the Kingdom of Blahhhh, but I just about meandered through the whole ghastly experience. Now, stifle a yawn, here are my rowing stats for the last couple of sessions (just remember I have borderline OCD!):

11th November - PM - 418 reps/25.91 cals/11:48 time/8983 TTR

12th November - AM - 425 reps/26.35 cals/12:25 time/9388 TTR

12th November - PM - rest

13th November - AM - 440 reps/27.28 cals/12:40 time/9828 TTR

and I am particularly proud of the next one, as the total trip went right to 10,000 and re-set.

13th November - PM - 440 reps/27.28 cals/12:22 time/10,000 (1) + 268 on the re-set = 10,268 TTR

see.........getting, quicker and fitter all the time.........the whole thing really is not a task at all (I secretly love the rhythm and mindless nature of it) and just look at all the lovely calories I'm burning. BIG PLUS, not putting them in the top end too much either - not bad for a fat lass.

I am now also harbouring a secret longing to have a go in a real boat - you know, skull down the Thames on a misty summer morning...........mmmmmmmmm, one day perhaps.

So, my blog candy bags are finished

2007-11-12T18:12:00.000Z

just waiting for the last one to dry, then I can stuff and photograph them, fingers crossed that I can get them off to their homes on Wednesday.

Think it might then be time to start thing about more blog candy as I around the 15k mark now. This time though I've learnt my lesson, and I will get it ready before I offer it up, that way I won't have to make somebody wait (the schedule just is not easing off at the moment).

Got some rowing stats to put on, but as they are upstairs, and I'm not, they can wait. It's a rest period tonight, which is good as I don't feel so great - just stress and tirdness I think, but I need an early night.

All I have to do is making No. 1 son's lunch, and I can seek out my bed.

By the way, have you noticed the cool tumbs up/down widget that I found - cute ain't it!

Been a bit crafty today

2007-11-11T18:00:00.000Z

but, unfortunately, I haven't quite finished....so no picture as yet.

I've been working on my blog candy winners little bag of goodies, and now have 2 of the 3 completed...........so if you were wondering girls where your candy was, truly it is on its way.

It's been another productive day, on the decorating front, and we now have a lot of the preparation done for No. 1 Son's room.

Right, I off to row my little static boat, shower and prepare for the Prince of Ruffledom.............ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, yes David Tenant is back in "Learners" tonight. On a scale of 1 to 10.........guess just how exicted I am!

Fa-la-la-la

2007-11-11T13:55:00.001Z

Supplies:

97% Complete "Celebration" tag (7g's)
Black Prism Cardstock
White Prism Cardstock
Dark Green Prism Cardstock
Red Bazzill Cardstock
Chloe's Closet Xmas paper
Stamp: "Fa la la" (Hero Arts)
Crazy Daisy "Alyssa"
Rudolph's Nose Zoomz (SG-me!)
Chiaro Zoomz (SG-me!)
Green Metallic Marker (Marvy)
Square silver frame brad

Using black cardstock, make the usual Z-card with the Score-it board, then stamp "fa-la-la" onto small piece of white cardstock. Edge with metallic marker, then matt onto red, and then green cardstock.

Cover the lefthand side with the Chloe's Closet Xmas paper, and run the green metallic marker aroundt the edge.

Add Zoomz to the fold back section of the righthand side, also add a green daisy with a Zoomz in the middle.

On the farleft portion, matt the Celebration tag onto red cardstock and stick slightly towards the top. Add three Chiaro Zoomz to the bottom. Add a silver frame square brad over the 25.

2-6-7-10 Thank you Box

2007-11-11T09:30:00.001Z

A quick 2-5-7-10 box I did the other day for a work colleage in our Admin Centre, who'd put in a lot of effort to resolve some crusty problems with some of our stuff at work. So I sent up the card (posted earlier) and the box - it was going to be filled with old fashioned sweeties, but the shop was closed, so I had to make do with a bag of mixed bits.

Close up of the box, which is made from WR Memory Keeps papers. The tag was made by cutting out one of the stitched squares from the paper and then stamping the "thanks a bunch" stamp from Aud's Circles and Sentiments Sheet. The tiny flower in the middle was just coloured in with my Art Quest watercolour Iridescent Wheel mixed with a tiny bit of green Sugarloaf marker.

The flower is from SG-me! spring release flowers (coming soon). Button in the centre of it is from the BG Obscure button pack, which has just arrived at the Galaxy.

Very quiet on the crafting front yesterday, as we had decorating to do, plus loads of personal running organising stuff, and then School fireworks and a takeaway last night.

Just found out Toodles made it into the local paper this week (as well as being on TV - little media star). Her School won Gold and Silver trophies for a sports initiative.

Now for my latest rowing stats:

10th November - AM - 420 reps/25.21 cals/11:44 time/7716 TTR

10th November - PM - 416 reps/25.79 cals/12:02 time/8132 TTR

11th November - AM - 412 reps/25.54 cals/12:33 time/8544 TTR

Quick Colouring Exercise

2007-11-09T19:03:00.001Z

it's for another Christmas tag, not sure if I'm completely happy with the gold Sakura pen I used to give some definition to the snowmen....but it might grow on me when it's made into a tag.

Coloured with COPICS (Chinese Orange (YR09); Deep Magenta (RV17); Lime Green (G21); Yellow Green (YG03) & Olive (G99). As I mentioned, I coloured just down the edges of their bodies with a Gold Sakura Mettalic pen, and washed inwards.

Stamp is by Magenta.

I really do love the Deep Magenta and Lime Green together though - fabulous combo.

Row, row, row my boat

2007-11-09T18:54:00.000Z

8th November - AM - no rowing for me, Darling Husband was poorly, and I didn't want to distrub him.

8th November - PM - 426 reps/26.61 cals/12:36 time/7296 TTR

I've done a little bit of crafting tonight, but it's for Papertake!, so can't share it till the end of the month.

Currently feeling just a little guilty about my splurge on Sugar Nellies yesterday, especially as Guy reminded me that I'd promised to cut down (bearing in mind that we are hoping to be off to Togego next year for Lydia to dive) .....bad, bad, bad me!

Walk...DON'T RUN.........Sugar Nellies are available

2007-11-08T19:47:00.000Z

actually, you can run now, I've just ordered all of them from here, and a Magnolia too.

Honestly, I have no willpower whatsoever, where luverly new rubber is concerned.

It is a ridiculous feeling (that only dear crafting friends can relate to), just what a warm and happy, happy feeling it gives a girl.

Pretty much the same with COPIC's too - my Mother has just tried to suggest that perhaps I would not just like Magnolias' and COPICs for my birthday and Christmas ...............I put her straight rightaway in respect of that misapprehension - silly woman!

Row, row, row my boat...quicker down the stream

2007-11-08T19:03:00.001Z

7th November - PM - 355 reps/22.01 cals/10:29 time/6045 TTR

8th November - AM - 416 reps/25.79 cals/11:45 time/6461 TTR

8th November - PM - 408 reps/25.29 cals/11:52 time/6861 TTR

and a whole 1" off my waist size in a week and a half - you can't know how much that pleased me. Already slightly tighter and firmer and more agile too boot.

I can't wait to get my shiny purple bike for my birthday too.

HELP - I'm turning into a fitness freak.

Actually, not been over to Mark Olver's site for a bit....I wonder how his walking training is going.

Toodles was on TV tonight

2007-11-08T18:27:00.001Z

they featured her School on Meridian Tonight. Luckily I had been warned, so managed to record it for her other Grandparents - she was soo excited to see herself and her friends.

Teddy Xmas Tag

2007-11-08T17:50:00.000Z

It's just started to dawn on me that no matter how much I deny it to myself, I really cannot stem the tide of Christmas - I don't think I could really express just how much I hate it!

So this is my first real effort towards it - a Teddy Tag.

Supplies:

Stamp: Teddy by Magnolia
Razzleberry Dark Prism Cardstock
White Bazzill Cardstock
Pink Pattern Paper (English Paper Company)
Pink Pearlidoodles (for centre of Prima)
Lyra Watercolours
Aquaflo Brush
Star Corner Punch
Small Yellow Prima
Small buttons from BG Obscure Pack
DMC Thread in yellow, green & pink
Coffee Ribbon
Golden Gel Medium
PM Silent Setter
Pink Eyelet

I made my Magnolia Wishlist and a card

2007-11-07T17:59:00.001Z

and it was a very, very long list. I think that's why my mojo is off recently, as I feel I have very few colouring opportunities at the mo.

It's Wednesday, which means I get off work early, and pick up Toodles from School. As she wasn't feeling too grand (and took to her bed with a hot bottle and the Witches film I recorded for her the other day), I got a bit of me time...and coloured one of my favourite Tilda's.

Supplies:-

Stamp: Tilda with Flowers (Magnolia)
Dark Pink Prism Cardstock
Iced Yellow Prism Cardstock
Dark Green Pattern Paper (PM Vintage Christmas pack)
Brown and Cream Floral Pattern Paper (7g's Shusi Journey 6x6 pack)
Old Paper Distress Ink
Green paper ribbon (SG-me! Spring release - coming soon)
Pink Angel Kisses Hydrangea
Dark Pink Crazy Daisy from the "Alyssa" tube
Lime Green Prima
Gun Metal Brad
Star Corner Punch (to make Ticket Corner)
Scor-it Board
COPIC Markers (Cool Gray (C1); Veronose Green (G09); Blush (R20); Deep Magenta (RV17); Brick Beige (E31); Skin White (E00); Warm Grey No 5 (WG05); Amethyst (V17); Yellow Green (YG03)
Marvey Mettalic Marker in Green
Sakura Mettalic Marker in Grey
Scrapbook Adhesive
3d foam pads

Row, row, row my boat

2007-11-06T19:05:00.000Z

4th November - PM - 202 reps/12.52 cals/7:40 time/4514 TTR
5th November - AM - 327 reps/20.27 cals/12:20 time/4841 TTR
6th November - AM - 352 reps/21.82 cals/12:39 time/5295 TTR
6th November - PM - 253 reps/15.68 cals/7:38 time/5565 TTR - I am so bummed, I just couldn't do anymore tonight as I feel so under tired, never mind, I live to row another day.

No crafting bits or pieces at all today - might go to bed and colour some images in, but that will be it. It's been so horrendously busy at the Kingdome of Blah, it has left me worse than useless come evening time.

Plus, I'm really short on mojo at the moment - I need Stampin' Up launched so that I can purchase some more inspiration.

Right, I'm off to compile by birthday list of Magnolias that Guy has been asking me about. I've already given him a large list of COPIC Sketch colours I need, plus asked for a bike. Would you believe that I NEVER had a new bike as a kid, always had to make do with a secondhand one - so a purple bike for me please!

Toodles passed and is a Master Seal

2007-11-04T20:44:00.000Z

we are so very proud of all her efforts, and her Buddy also passed. They were taken below the water on the pretext of having to do another exercise, whilst the other kids that were training with them were sent round them in a circle and let off their purge buttons to cover them in a hale of bubbles as they ascended. They then got a big cheer and more purge bubbles to celebrate - I nearly cried.

She is now having to wait until February next year before she can do her adult open water training, and hopefully we will be off to Tobego for her to dive with her instructor next year.

This is the card I mentioned earlier, which is for my Godmother's birthday. It's from the Non-Seq Japanese Garden sheet, and is coloured with COPICs'.

In-laws have just gone after a lovely supper (it's the first time that they've seen her dive), and now I'm off to row and then get Toodles ready for bed.

Good Luck to Toodles this afternoon

2007-11-04T12:20:00.001Z

she's doing her dive to become a Master Seal. We've just been going through all the coursework for it.

I've actually decided to do a trial dive after Christmas, so hopefully I can keep her company for at least some of the time on her first open water trip at some point next year - we've been looking into going to Tobego with her Diving Club.

I've done well with the rowing and my recent totals are:

2nd November - day off
3rd November - AM - 410 reps/25.42 calories/12:56 time/3815 TTR
3rd November - PM - 340 reps/21.80 calories/11.18 time/4161 TTR

Once we've been diving, I need to make a birthday card, so fingers crossed I can upload it later on.

Love to your Mothers'

Sneaky Peak at the Papertake (Group 4) kit

2007-11-03T17:16:00.000Z

It's my turn this month to provide the kit for Papertake (Group 4), so this is a peak of the kit that I'll be sending out on Monday.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to post my contribution made with the kit until the end of the month, until it's been uploaded on the site.

I hope the girls like it, and can't wait to see what they do with it.

Lydia had a great time at her Friend's

2007-11-03T17:03:00.001Z

Halloween Tea last night, and Molly loved the Boo bag full of sweeties.

Guy picked her up covered in flour.

Whilst she went to Molly's, Mum and I tootled off to see Tosca at Tonbridge School - and had an equally great time. The music and performances were stunning all the way through, just the ending left a little to be desired - I was expecting a bit more drama and perhaps a fabulous Aria or Grand Chorus - rather it just Tosca flinging herself quietly off the castle rampart with no fuss!

You've gotta think that if you'd been arrested by the villain, forced to hear your beloved tortured. Ravaged by said villain, whom you then killed, and after that watched your one true love be shot by the firing squad, you might make a bit more fuss than that - or is it just me?

BOO - 2-5-7-10 Bag

2007-11-01T18:48:00.001Z

a day late I know, but Toodles has been invited to a Halloween Party on Friday by one of her friends. So this is a quick 2-5-7-10 bag to take some sweeties in.

Supplies:

Stitched paper (double-sided paper) by WrMemoryKeepers
Scrap of reverse side of matching striped paper by WRMemoryKeepers
White Prism cardstock
Button from BG Obsucre button pack
Bright Green & Orange DMC embroidery thread
Corner rounder punch (to make scallop)
COPIC Markers - Skin White (E00); Chinese Orange (YR09); Cadmium Yellow (Y15); Olive (G99); Honey (Y39); Amethyst (V17); Verenose Green (G09) & Africano (E27)
Glossy Accents (not shown on picture added after)
Black Perlidoodles (not shown on picture added after)
Stamp: Halloween Sheet (Tanda)
Stamp: Vintage Alphabet (Scrapgoods)
Versafine Black Ink
Hot Cocoa Vintage Ink (Ranger)
Hook & loop sticky pad
Score-it board
Hot Cocoa Vintage Dye Ink by Ranger

How to:

With stitched paper make up a 2-5-7-10 bag using the Scor-it board.
Stamp Witch image on to white cardstock with the Versafine ink, and colour in with COPIC markers. Matt onto orange side of co-ordinating WRMK paper.
Using the corner rounder make a scallop edge to this matted image - I start in the middle and work out both sides. Run round all the edges with the Hot Cocoa Ink (ohhhh, and it smells so yummy as it's scented). Afix to the bag towards the bottom.
Stamp out "BOO" on white cardstock with the Hot Cocoa ink and matt with blue WRMK paper, affix to the flap.
Make two holes centrally on the flap and tie on the BG button with green and orange DMC thread.
On the underside of the flap affix the hook & loop fastening.
Fill with child friendly sweeties - and eat a few whilst you do it.

After I'd taken the photo, I added some glossy accents to the pumpkin, and also some black dots on the flap with Perlidoodles.

Row yourself to Edinburgh - totals

2007-11-01T18:42:00.001Z

31st October - AM - off
31st October - PM - 350 reps/21.70 cals/10:10 time/2434 TTR

1st November - AM - 329/reps/20.39 cals/10:09/2943 TTR
1st November - PM - 328 reps/20.33 cals/10:41 time/3390 TTR

Back with a bit of craft related stuff in a mo

Papertake Kit - October

2007-10-31T18:53:00.000Z

I can finally post my effort for Papertake Group 4, as it's now been published.

This is a criss-cross card I made from the lovely kit. I will update with the details of what it contained, etc., later.

Halloween early morning session

2007-10-31T18:51:00.000Z

300 reps/18.60 cals/10.10 time/2084 total trip

Boring, but I need to make a note of it - my OCD coming to the fore.

Tally for 30th Session

2007-10-31T18:50:00.001Z

231 reps/7.24 time/14.32 cals/1781 total trip

Guy got the amount of calories wrong....so I got excited about nothing.

Will be back to craft related subjects, just workign on a project for Blog Candy winners from a while ago.........so if you are waiting for something from me.......it won't be wrong!

Oh well, that has not definitely cheered me up

2007-10-29T19:17:00.001Z

Isa sent me a link to Snowball grooving on down to the Back Street Boys - ohhh, how funny.

A huge winge and a moan....so sorry, but go with me

2007-10-29T18:31:00.000Z

I really couldn't believe my eyes this morning, when I popped over to Squidoo to see what the Jon Richardson site was coming up with on the blog links.....and there was my post but from a blog called Stempel Galaxy (a german one), but with my post in English and then links to very unsavoury items such as non-prescription drugs.............which incidentally, I most definitely to not agree with and would never publicise.

I am really at a complete loss to know what to do about the whole thing. First step has been to add copyright details to the sidebar - it never occured to me that I would write anything of note, let alone that somebody would take the time to copy though - they clearly must be such sad cases that they result to theft (even on this minor scale).

If anyone has any helpful comments on a way forward please can you let me know.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

On a brighter note, I had a lovely day at the Races in Kempton. Yummy food, and great company.

Then got home and managed a rowing sessions. Guy's just pointed out to me that the calories I thought I had been burning are actually KCalories.........so I've been burning way more than I'd thought. I really don't feel quite so guilty about the Blueberry Charlotte I scoffed earlier now!

This morning's sessions details were: 202 reps / 6.29 minutes / 12.52 Kcalories and total trip of 1280

This evening's session details are: 225 reps / 6.25 minutes / 13.95 Kcals and total trip of 1544.

Mice Time

2007-10-28T18:14:00.001Z

Supplies:

Twilight Light cardstock (Prism)
White cardstock(Prism)
Wizard Light cardstock (Prism)
Pearlescent Purple Brilliance Dewdrop
Cream Ribbon
Cream Ric Rac (two small pieces coloured with a Baby Blue Copic)
Cream Silk Hydrangea (SG-me! spring release)
Blue gingham brad
Stamp: "With love" Hero Arts Phrase set
Stamp: Dahlia (449C Savvy Stamps)
Scor-it Board
Mice image (kindly donated to me by StampingCaz - cheers girl) coloured in with coloured pencils and ArtQuest Interference Watercolour Wheel

We had a wonderful time watching Stardust

2007-10-28T17:27:00.000Z

I can heartily recommend it. All three kids (1 nearly 10, 1 just 9 and the other nearly 9) were on the edges of their seats, or completely entranced by it.

The acting is brilliant, the costumes beguiling and the story perfect. It works on so many levels - go and see it!

Rowed before dinner tonight (which might have been a mistake in hindsight as it was a bit too near to dinner time, and I couldn't then eat anything). Racked up 201 reps/12.46 calories in 5.53 minutes and total overall trip of 1078.........I now ache in muscles I didn't even know I had. Indeed, every step downstairs is prefaced by ouch, ouch, ouch.

I have solved the leaving card dilemma that I was in, and come up with an old project that will work just fine and dandy for my friend's card. Very much doubt that I will get around to doing a bit of crafting, but I might colour.

Sunday row before the Cinema

2007-10-28T09:50:00.001Z

netted me 195 reps/12.09 calories/with total trip to date of 872 (I'm presuming that's metres).

I now ache in places I didn't know I had, or least had forgotten since my riding/competing days.

We're off to see Stardust, much to Lydia's disgust, she wanted to see the Ratouille film - but it has had terrible reviews - so I persuaded her that Stardust would be more the thing for George and Henry to see. I've also promised to shell out for the Rat DVD when it comes out.

It really is not a cheap do going to the cinema anymore - over £40 for 2 adults and 3 kids, plus all the popcorn, drinks, etc. on top of that.

Crafting will be very light today as I have the kidlets to entertain, and when I get back home quite a few orders to pack..........anyhoo, waiting for my Magnolia Stamp Club which is due to be released any day..........so that will kick start my mojo (which seems to be bumming around Europe at the mo with at least half of my friends mojos').

Second trip out on SS Galaxy

2007-10-28T07:53:00.000Z

netted me 250 reps - crikey, would you believe that only equates to 15 odd calories burnt off.

From now on, I will clearly not be so ready to shovel in calories, knowing just how much rowing (about 5 minutes) it takes to burn off those 15 calories.

Whilst I was sailing along the bedroom floor, Guy was reclining watching Most Haunted, and I marked in a miffed way that I thought it would have some effect on my stomach muscles, but didn't think it was doing a thing. I woke up at about 3 this morning to feel exactly what effect it had started to have on them then! Also the inside of my thighs are quite tight.

Still push (or rather row on). If Mark Olver (another wonderfully funny comedian) can walk from Bristol to Edinburgh in readiness for his show next year, and do all the training beforehand, I can keep up with him in a spiritual way by rowing myself thin and fit. It's my personal challenge to justify the trip to Edinburgh to see his show, as well as the funny and gorgeous Jon Richardson, plus a few more random acts that I would like see.....oh and some that Guy likes too. It'll be expensive, it always is when I travel, as I do not do cheap, so I will feel much better about the whole thing if I've put some "E" for effort in.

Mr Olver is keeping his Review of Life, (it's news page rather than a blog apparently) up to date with how he's getting on.........so check it out from time to time. It should be quite entertaining, especially to see if he actually makes it through training, let alone for the actual walk. Actually, when he does give up I can throw in the rowing towel too, eat an unfeasibly large cream cake, and go to Edinburgh anyway without any feelings of guilt. So let's see how long we both last.

Row, row, row your boat gently through the bedroom

2007-10-27T18:55:00.000Z

ohhhhhhh yes, my lovely new toy has arrived - a rowing machine.

I'm going to keep check on how I do with it. First try today I did 160 reps - not knowing that my Darling Hubby had changed it to the hardest setting as I put on my trainers.

Got to do another trip this evening before beddiebyes, and make sure that it's set at the right setting and I do more than 160.

It's fun, but such hard work.

Artygirlz Challenge - Round

2007-10-27T14:08:00.001Z

Supplies:

Birchtone Light Cardstock (Prism)
White Cardstock (Prism)
Black Cardstock (Prism)
Stripey paper WrMK
Stamp: Circle from Aud's Circle Sentiments Sheet
Stamp: "Have a Great Birthday!" (Hero Arts)
Stamp: Boy with Football (Magnolia)
Red Magic Versamagic Dewdrop
Black Memories Ink Pad
Scor-it Board
"All Boy Button" (Doodlebug)
COPIC Markers (but I can't remember which ones)
Sakura Gelly Roll in Orange for wings of boy

18th Card for my cousin's daughter

2007-10-26T18:03:00.000Z

Supplies:

Wizard Light Cardstock(Prism)

Herbal Garden Light (Prism)

White Cardstock (Prism)

AMM pattern paper

Bella (courtesy of Petra)

"wishing you a birthday that is just your style" by Stamping Bella (for inside of card)

Black Memories Permanent Dye Ink

Green jewel brad (PM)

Flower (PM embellishment kit)

Hero Arts 3mm gems

Lime Green Stickles

Cricut Machine

Mini Monograms Cartridge

Scor-it Board

A5 Purple Cow Cutter (using flutted blade)

Green spotty ribbon (SG-me!) **new spring colour**

COPIC Markers in Skin White (E00), Cool Grey (G1), Brick Beige (E31), Honey (Y38), Caramel (YR14), Amethyst (V17), Blush (R20), Lime Green (G21), Blue Berry (BV04)

Sakura pens - Clear Gelly Roll and Purple Metallic and Quickie Glue Pen

Tombow Mono Adhesive

Double-sided tape

How to:

Cut the Celedon (12x12) cardstock in half to measure 6x12").

With the Scor-it Board score at 6" and 4" to make the fold back card blank.

Cover what then becomes the inside (but exposed side) of the card with the AMM dotty paper, and add some Hero Arts Gems and Lime Green Stickles to some of the dots (see the picture).

Stamp the Bella image in Memories ink and heat set. Colour in with the COPIC markers and Sakura pens. Trim to size using the A5 Purple Cow cutter (with flutted blade fitted). Matt onto Wizard cardstock.

Add gems to three of the corners, and a flower to the bottom lefthandside (which I secured with a jewel brad).

Apply to the fold back section of the card (see the picture).

Using the Mini Monogram Cartridge cut out "18" from Wizard cardstock and secure to the Bella Image.

Finally found time to share this lovely card

2007-10-25T19:09:00.001Z

I was lucky enough to get when I toddled off to Brighton earlier this month - it's from Caz - isn't it georgeous.

Caz, thanks so much, and so sorry that it's taken me so long to get my act into gear to say thank you for it.

I've been creating tonight, but can't share anything at the moment, 'cos it's all drying. I will upload tomorrow when I get home.

Ohhhh, I forgot to mention what a fabbie time we had in Brighton the other day. We met Angel (Burnice) for a lovely Italian lunch, and then indulged in some shopping for beads and a walk quick walk by the sea.

It was so great to finally meet Burnice face to face - she was such marvellous company - thanks and big hugs Burn.

My excitement is building at the moment only 20 days left til SU launches!

Fantastic Drunken Lunch was had by all today

2007-10-24T18:21:00.000Z

I got taken to the Guinea Grill in Mayfair, for a fabulous and very drunken luncheon today. I now feel completely stuffed to the gunnells, and very, very merry. I drank far more than is necessary, but it was rude to turn such good booze down. The red Bordeaux in particularly slipped down very nicely. The trouble with a good restaurant is that they fill up your glass without you even noticing!

After several glasses of Kir Royale, I had pumpkin and red pepper soup, then Steak & Kidney Pie (it's award winning apparently) and gingerbread ice-cream........... YUM.

Also managed to pop into the London Graphic Centre, but was disappointed to find that they only did the original COPIC markers, and not the Sketch (my preferred weapon of choice for colouring). Still I did buy a couple more colours, Africano (E27), Honey (Y38), Mint Green (BG13) and Lipstick Orange (R17). I did, however, forget the Warm Grey (G7) for which I have a refill but no pen.

I turned into one of the people I can't stand on the train on the way home tonight.......my flippin' phone went off about 5 times in the space of a 40 minute train journey (4 of them were business calls).........but even so, it was all inconsequential nonsense that could well have waited until I got back to the office tomorrow - for goodness sake what is wrong with these people? "if it's really, really urgent then ring my mobile" is what I said on the voicemail message..............not, if you are an engineer wanting to clarify a fault with a colour printer that a member of staff could have discussed with you, but has apparently slopped off early 'cos we are not there; a customer who hasn't paid for well over 4 months, but this afternoon felt the need for me to discuss her account in with her in front of a packed train of commuters from Charing Cross; another colleague just phoning to "touch base" (I hate that phrase) on a stupidly trivial matter; yet another colleague phoning to query a figure for the auditor, knowing full well that I'm on a train and can't check the computer system, and then decides that it could perhaps wait until I can actually see the info anyway. The only decent call was the 5th one from Lydia to tell me that they were on the way to soak me up from Sevenoaks station.

Back to the realms of reality tomorrow with a full day at the Kingdom of Blah.......so that's something to look forward to.

Quick Magnolia card for Sammie Jo

2007-10-23T07:46:00.000Z

very quick card for Guy's God Daughter Sammie, who will be 17. I decided on this Magnolia image because she's horse made (always has been).

Used a small piece of stripe paper left over from the Papertake kit this month, on a blue cardbase. Piece of dark pink cardstock embossed with my cuttlebug folder, blue angel kisses, stickles and a Sky zoomz. Image coloured with distress inks (not the most successful colouring I've done) and improved a bit with COPICS and ArtQuest watercolour tablets.

Off to Brighton now to meet Angel for lunch, and go bead shopping.

Daily Grind

2007-10-22T11:34:00.000Z

I've got the day off today, for pretty mundane reasons really. The carpenter has been here fitting the boy's fitted wardrobes, and I had to pop over to the kitchen company to finalise some design issues, choose worktops and get some idea for lead times/schedule of works. The piccie isn't the type of kitchen we are having (it's a bit too country for my liking), but is made by the local company we have decided on, Rencraft. They make fabulous handmade wood kitchens, and the kitchens they've done in the past regularly feature in glossy home mags - so it should look really wonderful when it's done.

This afternoon Lydia and I are having our hair cut, then popping to the country park to feed the swans and have a quick walk around the lake. She moans quite a bit of the way........I just tell her that she'll be grateful when she is not a fat teenager that can only just waddle to the kitchen and back.......but then gets into the stride and has a good time.

Tomorrow is less mundane, Gary the carpenter is returning to finish off, fit handles etc., and we are off to (hopefully sunny) Brighton to lunch with Angel and stalk the bead shop.

2007-10-21T13:20:00.000Z

So sorry that I'm having to post the images one after the other, blogger still is not being very helpful.

This is just the overall image of the cake - not the most brilliant photo - I really need to get myself a photo studio set up.

Bitten by the Bug - Mini Monograms Challenge

2007-10-21T13:03:00.001Z

Blogger still playing up, and I can only seem to upload the occassional image at the moment. So here is a close up view of the wedding cake "card" that I made last week for my friend to give to the happy couple, bottom layer contains choccies, middle one the foling notes, the top one a little book on love.

After I'd made it I noticed that Bitten by the Bug had put up a challenge for us to use the Mini Monograms cartridge (which is my absolute favourite), and this cake uses that cartridge to make the scallopped squares on top of each box.............so this is my entry therefore!

Supplies:

2 x Bon Bon 12x12 Paper by Basic Grey (Lily Kate collection)
Pink and Pearl Perlidoodles
3 square boxes (stacked and varying in size)
Cricut
Cricut Mini Monograms Cartridge (cut scallop squares at 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5")
Pink Angel Kisses Hydrangea and Daisies
Silver cake board
Peony Limited Edition Zoomz

urrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhh Blogger

2007-10-18T17:03:00.001Z

how frustrating it really is still not lett uploads of photos.

Get it sorted for goodness sake.

Just started to plan our trip to Lake Garda

2007-10-17T15:52:00.000Z

as we are planning to go there at Easter, but have decided that we really can't be fussed to fly, so it looks like the Eurostar to Paris and then the Sleeper TGV to Verona. From there we can get collected by the Hotel and taken to Malcesine on Lake Garda.

Seems like a plan, as Ebsfleet Eurostar terminal is opening around March time - and even if it doesn't it's still only a 40 minute drive to Ashford for the Eurostar connection. Paris is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Ashford, then a quick stop at Cafe Gare du Nord for scrummy cafe au lait and toasted sandwich. Then a short taxi drive to Gare de Bercy for the sleeper, and a leisurely meal watching the French countryside roll by.

By the time we've snuggled down for a goodnight's sleep, we'll wake up to the red rooves of Sunny Italy and breakfast just in time to arrive in Verona.

That's preferable, and more civilised, compared to 2 hour checkin, hanging around in a crowded departure lounge with sub-standard food. Then a plane that normally lands miles from anywhere decent.

Nothing to upload at the moment

2007-10-16T16:52:00.000Z

I'm currently working on another one of the box wedding cake gifts, this time it's for Linda at work, as she's off to a wedding at the weekend who wanted money (she'd seen mine and thought it was a good idea).

It's amazing just how long they take to make when the drying time of glue and Pearlidoodles is taken into account. Still nearly there (just as well as it has to be done by Thursday).

Just layered on all the flowers, and put Pearlidoodles in the centre, then when that's dry need to add the zoomz on bits of it, secure the whole thing down, put the sweets in the bottom, shred tissue for the middle (ready for them to put in the money), and do the folding section for the top.

It's been super, super busy at the Kingdom of Blah today - really we have no time to even draw breath, but I actually prefer it like that.

Managed to get a couple of days off next week, so Monday and Tuesday I can be at home with Lydia on half-term. Wednesday, I just have to pop into the office, then I'm off to a business lunch just off Berkley Square - hopefully I can manage to get to Art & Graphic Centre in Covent Garden when I get off the train to pick up some more COPICS. Won't be able to manage afterwards because I should by that time be marinated in various wines and brandy.

Finally managed to catch up with Sunday's 6Music Russel Howard and Jon Richardson show - I heard them read out my text at the time, but was only half listening from the other room doing a stock take.

Just your style

2007-10-13T15:32:00.001Z

Just a quickie card using Parisbella and Wishing you a birthday that is just your style. Also had a quick go at doing a frame and white noise edge around the photo thanks to Beate's tutorial recently (see Fresh & Fun link in the side bar, then scroll down a bit). I quite like it, and might have a play in a bit with different effects.

Image is coloured with the usual, COPICS, with "Sky" Special Edition Zoomz, Prima flowers in orange and blue and Pearl Pearlidoodles.

Papertake Group 4 Kit

2007-10-13T14:00:00.000Z

Whoopieeeeeeeeeeeeeee, my kit arrived this morning, and it's lovely. Can't wait to get creating. It has a lovely polar bear image, snowflakes, pattern paper in stripes and pink snowflakes, tiny silver and white punched snowflakes, pink cardstock and dark blue cardstock.

I'm pondering a crisscross project, so need to find the tutorial for it.

Stampin' Up is coming....oh, Stampin' Up is coming

2007-10-13T13:57:00.000Z

and I am so excited. I really can't wait to get my hands on some of their fabulous stamps, plus a proper ticket corner punch (rather than having to make do with my star corner punch), ohhh and the fabbie round index tab punch that they do.

I just need to get my hands on a cattie, and make a hugmungous list for Guy, as I've said I demand a Stampin' Up fest by for birthday, which is rapidly coming up.

Funny & Georgeous Jon has had to schooch over a bit to make room for the lovely Widget that Caz made (but that will only be temporary - until the big day arrives).

Merry & Bright Trio

2007-10-13T13:37:00.000Z

Supplies:

Lime Green Bazzil cardstock
Dark Green AMM printed paper
White Prism Cardstock
Piece of AMM 12x12 pattern paper (brilliant as it already has the ribbon embellishment printed on it)
Jet Black Memories Permanent Dye Ink
Gingerbread Versamagic Dew Drop
"Merry & Bright" stamp by Stamping Bella
Trio of Angels by Magnolia
Scrapbook Adhesive
COPIC Markers (RV17 Deep Magenta; G09 Vernose Green; W5 Warm Grey No. 5; C1 Cool Grey No. 1; R27 Cadmium Red; YR14 Caramel)
Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic in Gold
Aquaflo Brush
Scor-it Board
Purple Cow A5 cutter
Corner Star Punch

How to:

Cut piece of Lime Green cardstock in half to measure 12 x 6, and score using Scor-it Board (making a 6x6 square cardblank).
Cut out the square of AMM pattern paper with the ribbon embellishment printed on it, and cut to approx 5.5x5.5. Punch each corner with the star punch and stamp all over with the Merry & Bright stamp using Gingerbread Dew Drop. Run the same ink around the edges, and then mount on the cardblank.
Using Memories Black, stamp the Trio of Angels onto white cardstock, and colour in with the COPIC's and Sakura pens.
Trim with the Purple Cow A5 cutter (with flutted blade fitted).
Matt this image onto dark green cardstock and mount on the card.

Autumn Challenge

2007-10-11T18:03:00.000Z

UK STampers have got a new challenge on their Cyberblog. Here's my entry, which is a password book for Lydia - I was truly fed up with finding tiny bits of paper with passwords all over the place, or her moaning that she'd mislaid them.

Big thanks to Caz for the lovely Mouse image, which I coloured with Lyra Watercolour crayons. The other stamps were: Leaf from Aud's Flowers & Swirls sheet, and the alphabet was was a Scrap Goods kits in 2006.

Papertake!

2007-10-09T17:23:00.000Z

I managed to get on the list, and am eagerly waiting for the first kit to come out. To be honest, I can't remember if I am Group 4 or 5, but both kits look lovely.

I am so glad that the postal strike has come to an end for a brief time, and fingers crossed that my kit will arrive by Saturday.

I'm also waiting to get my Magnolia order, which is also held up by our useless postal system.

Artygirlz Challenge

2007-10-09T17:15:00.000Z

The Galaxy have sent the Artygirlz some Zoomz for the prize in their Glueless Challenge - it's on their site at the moment.

Swoosh off here, and have a look, and take part.

Craft Related

2007-10-09T17:02:00.000Z

sorry, I scanned this rather than a photo, as I've got to make another one of the Wedding Cake contraptions for a friend (which I'd forgotten about, and it has to be done by next week).

For this the supplies were:

Latte cardstock (PM)
Snowmen Stamp (Magenta)
Fa-la-la (Inkadinkado)
Celebration Tag (7gs)
Rudolph's Nose Zoomz
Aquaflo Brush
Dark Blue Whispers Dye Ink
Versafine in Black
COPIC markers, Lyra watercolours and Sakura
Dark Blue cardstock (River Deep Collection by PM)
Red spotty paper (Wild Asparagus)
Photo turn and square brad

Girls on the loose in Brighton (not at all crafty)

2007-10-08T17:31:00.000Z

had the most marvellous day on Sunday. Settle down with coffee, or preferably something stronger, this is a looooong post...............by the way, you may want to skip it completely (actually, skip it really there is nothing of interest, it's just pointless waffle, it just saves me having to write it the old fashioned way in a longhand diary, also you won't then find out any of my alleged misdoings of the past!)

Having picked up Pepei Panda on Saturday, I drove him home and gingerly introduced him to the other light of my life (the present Mr Galaxy). It went reasonably well, all things considered, after he'd got over the shock of actually finding out that I'd got two cars, and spent a considerable amount of dosh. I have to say that he really is a sweetie at heart and clearly adores me, so I can pretty much get away with murder!!!

I suggested a ride in Pepei, and he seemed to be quite impressed, but was particularly amused to play with the Sport button. Bearing in mind we live Rural, and there are quite a few tight bends, he thought it was amusing to hit said Sport button as I rounded the snaking bends before the house. Mmmmm, little things amuse little minds.

Sunday dawned, and a very excited me waved off Hubby and the St Trinian's Wild Child, who were off to some pointless countryside show, for a bit of Father/Daughter bonding.

Then I set off in the general direction of Redhill, and played with my other new toy, the SatNav - which incidentally has a lovely purple road and blue car - perfect for me. I really was impressed, as I really wouldn't have found my ultimate destination half so quickly without it - admittedly, I went wrong a couple of times (but I swear the thing just throws in a random "turn left/right" when it doesn't exist. Potentially, I could have been driving round the streets of Mertsham for flippin' ages trying to find that close.

Having delivered my wares to Caz, had a quick chat and admired her lovely kids, I set off for White Bushes (sorry, that name always amuses me - back to my comment above about little things pleasing little minds).

Yeah, I know, blah, blah, blah...........get on with it.

Again, praise the SatNav, no matter how many times I have to navigate my way round Redhill, I always go wrong, and traverse the one way system about 20 times. Strangely, I can manage to navigate from the key landmark near her place (MacDonalds) - I wonder why.

I got a "what the bloody hell has happened to you text" just as I hit MacDonalds, but managed to resist the temptation to nip through the Drive thur' on the pretext of reading said text whilst I waited for a brekkie for us both - no I thought, you will just have to row more next week when the other new toy arrives, so just say no love, you are bigger than a pancake and maple syrup (quite a bit as it happens, but then the rowing machine will sort that out hopefully).

Seconds later I arrived to pick up madam, had powder room stop (not a quick one unfortunately in that Obsessive Compulsive's house), not because I needed any more than a wee, hand wash, lip gloss application and hair brushing (3.5 minutes tops), but I feel the need to make sure there are no drips, soap residue left, there is not a mark on the towel, and it is ruthlessly clean and ordered - this necessitates cleaning/straightening and drying as I back out of the door. CSI teams in both Vegas and Miami would be proud, and I think I left no discernable trace of any of my activities. After a quick Hello to Katie (the childminder), and a veto of my darling friends musical choices for the journey (really she needs 6Music in her life, not radio 1), I received the throw away line that "oh I just need you to nip me up the road to pick up the car from the party location of last night, left it there and got a taxi home. Would you be a love, have we time?". In reality we had plenty, but I did the "oh well, it'll put us behind schedule, but .......".

Lazy moo, even I could've walked there in the first place, and she took the car!

That small matter being taken care of, we ventured to Brighton. Vicki kept herself amused by reading the manual, and then playing with all the buttons. Like Guy, she found the Sport button, and had much fun. The traffic into Brighton was a nightmare, and we seemed to coincide with a biker convention of some kind, that having been said, it give us cause for quite of bit of fun, diversion and hilarity eyeing up bikes and blokes (have to say the loud throbbing things won, hairy bikers are not my thang). Several abortive attempts at multi-storey car parks later, we eventually got parked in the Churchill Square. Vicki assuring my panic ridden sole, that whilst the sign said it closed at 6.30, that was the shopping centre, and I would not have to sleep on a bench to get my car out the next morning.

Brighton Council, here follow a couple of comments on your ability to organise car parks/shopping centres:

(a) what the F%^! How difficult would it be for you to provide clear signage for navigation from car park, through Churchill Place Shopping Centre to the daylight. Eventually (after hauling my magpie friend away from the many and varied bright shiny objects in that place), we managed to find fresh air and sunshine - I'm guessing the whole passage from car to daylight, took us an hour.
(b) again, what F%^&%!, when people arrive back late, how difficult would it be to sign post the back way in to collect your car, and also CLEAR signs on which ways up (probably you are at this point wondering if either of us actually know that/have ever know that, but go with me). 15 minutes to locate the door to level 4. I'm guessing that the Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy managed to find the back of the wardrobe and the entrance into Narnia in less time that it took us to get to level 4 later in the evening.

We headed for a sortie to the Lanes, again, not quick with Vicki's love of bling, and my love of handcrafted - I'm guessing about 2 hours were killed, and I came away with amongst other things a lovely pink card of a Zebra dressed in pink from head to hoof, sporting killer stillies, lace stockings and a feathery hat and jewellery - fabulous!

Lunched at La Strada - scrummy garlic bead, fillet steak with layered potato and peppercorn sauce as the headline. It really would have been rude to turn down the chocolate pudding and cream that the chef had slaved over. I existed on diet coke, and Vik's progressed her way through the red wines. Both of us love to people watch, and this provided huge amusement. Girls being girls, there was also quite a lot of relationships stuff (not mine, I'm fine see paragraph at the top, my Hubby can put up with me buying cars, etc. etc. etc.), Viki on the other hand really is a whole different truck load of fish, and has really rotten luck/terrible judgment where the other sex are concerned.

I was assured, even after I had been dissing the on, off, on, off, on again, off again boyfriend that she has, that she was having a fabbie time, and it was good to get it all of our chests. She confessed to being a little intrigued to see that night's show, and see why I liked that Jon what'isface (she was reminded Richardson, for the umpteenth time). She enquired if I was sure it was the rightr one, as normally I go for nice public school boys (and she sighted several occasions when this had indeed been so in the past). She did, at this point, say that she had just one tiny worry, that I would (bearing in mind my Spanish genes) get a bit over-excited, and consequently turn into my usual embarrassing self. My assurances were proferred that nothing even vaguely related to an alcoholic beverage had passed my lips, which meant that probably (well, hopefully) it would all be fine, and anyway when had I been that embarrassing?

At this point at least 10/15 incidents of just how outrageous I can/have been were placed before me. Surely not, I queried them, really I don't remember there being that many. She then felt, as only a true friend does, that she should now list them.

Admittedly, I was in a roundabout (and I would say minor fashion) involved in some of that evidence being submitted, but surely:

(a) the remote control Parrot - really not my fault, I was just being friendly, how was I know it would end like that?

(b) the hunky cowboy at the Murder Mystery event - again, not my fault....that should be put down to pure friendliness on my part.........and anyway he had a whip and rope - case most definitely closed on that one.

(c) the Antique Hunt and foam fight - again, none of that really was my fault, I am most definitely not responsible for quite that quantity of foam, being stuck on a bus for 3.5 hours with that person, and needing to remove my clothes to dry them out. I glossed over further events that day, which she had forgotten about/not witnessed - but yay, I did win the champagne (which she helped to drink). The handbag incident, well, yes technically that was my fault.

(d) That racing event was most certainly a misunderstanding with the cute jockey, he had a nice horse, and I love purple - I was shocked that she was even considering bringing that up as it being in any vague way my fault (I was merely Millicent Bystander) - no it was not me dancing on the table (actually, it might of been, but I was going for denying that one).

the next one was a bit more difficult to deny any part in, some of it was my fault, but:

(d) Break for the Border is a lovely Mexican restaurant, I had worked very hard ensuring that they all had a wonderful time, which they did. They do great tequila based drinks with cream that just have a rude name (two words, first starts in B*), that is not my fault.

It is also not my fault that I was jogged as I downed these shots, and got the cream element of it all over my lovely purple frilly (if slightly low cut top).

Once again, it is not my fault that that was brought to my attention in the cab with those people (not my fault we had only just met them, and nobody felt the need to warn them that whilst I am harmless my mouth sometimes runs away with me under the influence (actually sometimes not even under the influence), and I open my mouth without my brain being fully placed in the correct gear)......and any way, should the cabbie ethically have been listening to the conversation of his passengers.........I think I merely pointed out the facts regarding said cream based drink being spilt on me, and everyone (not present at the restaurant) drew their own conclusions.

Apparently not, it is alleged I said............."Oh god, I've got (use your imagination and insert the name of drink) all over me, that was (insert the name of my very hunky public school boy that we worked with)'s fault", and if he had kept his mind on the road, then running over that old man might not have happened. I also tried to deny any involvement in the other events of that particular evening, especially not Leicester Square. I do freely admit to falling asleep on the train and ending up in a Ramsgate siding.

Clearly, by now you've have framed a very poor opinion of me. Please bear in mind, not all of the events were my fault, I've explained there is a large amount of Spanish blood in me, and sometimes circumstances/misunderstandings just happen. Surely, they happen to most people, don't they? All of the above probably sounds more lurid then they actually was (cough......change the subject). I am a perfect and wholesome wife and mother, and she is no angel either.

I digress, the other events I will deny in a Court of law, and then I felt the need to remind her of a few bits and pieces.

I have to admit that I am not sure how much of the above conversation was apportioned in La Strada, or as was as we went on our merry way on a return journey to the shops, watched the impressive dude with the wheelie bin, drum sticks and cow bell (I'm a sucker for a cow bell and a beat), then the Pier and back again. Anyhoo, I did manage to cause an adolescent who'd been following us to dart past, open mouthed, look back and crash into a lamp post (most amusing). Truth to tell, not sure how much he heard, or which portion of the above it was, but again, ethically listening to others conversations........is that right.........the lamp post served as a reminder to him that it might possibly be wrong on a lot of levels.

See, I warned there was no craft in this post. Well done, if you've made it though my waffle this far.

After a swift drinkie we then went to the show, and I was put on oath that I would behave. Just to make sure, if I misbeahved in any way,Pepei would be treated to a shaken bottle of coke and crushed crisps. I also had to stick to a strict exclusion zone, not in the front row or in a central position where I could catch his eye. So we ended up about 4th or 5th row back to the righthand side, in front of a lovely lady with very bright red dyed hair. This apparently was acceptable as I was out of touching distance/comfortable interaction would not be possible. Clearly, she has an hitherto undiscovered mean streak.

Jon (the gorgeous and funny one) opened with enquiries on exciting events of the week people had had, SatNav, what people had done with their day, were they from Brighton etc, where were people from....he's based in Swindon (a town I/we am very familiar we have a large admin centre there, and I/not we any more as she no longer works for the Kingdom of Blah am quite often expected to stay there).

My love of rubber, could so easily at one point have been covered with said comic, but I wasn't taking the risk. She clearly wasn't taking her eye off the ball, and at any point I looked like I might join in, I received a swift kick in the left ankle, or a mime of a shaking coke bottle.

I digress again..............back to Mr Gorgeous and Terrifically Funny's performance - he was witty, charming, and side splittingly funny. Vik's unbended sligthly and laughed a bit.

As we left the venue, I grabbed a comic seabird badge (which she's sloped off with) and her side of our conversation was along the lines of, "ohhhhhhhhhh, that was really very good..........actually, he really is nearly as funny as you'd said............ Yes, I completely see why you think he's so lickable.............well, I suppose those curls as very lovely.............................You want to do what to him?..................I wouldn't go that far...........and, isn't that illegal in quite a few countries?..............You could always try an insanity plea, but not sure how effective it would be though, I could pop several tins of baked beans in you handbag, and we could try and put it down to the menopause......... No, I don't fancy my coke anymore...........no you can't have it.................you will only use it as weapon. Oh, and I may be prepared to come with you again, if you promise to behave as well as you did". Bless her, not sure how much of her tollerance was true, she did at least appear happy and content that I'd remained well behaved throughout, and could partly see the attraction. It seemed Pepei would be safe after all. I was even allowed to listen to the 6Music Podcast Mr Georgous & Funy and Russell Howard on the way back, as long as she could play with the climate control buttons, in particular the Sport mode button.

We meandered back in the general direction of Churchill Square, eventually found our way round the back to the car park, and then took forever to find the door to level 4. Nice quick journey back to Redhill..............I slowed to 30 and pushed her out, and the struggled with SatNav back to A25 and home.

I was tucked up all nice and safe with Mr Galaxy by 11.30, having polished off a nice warming coffee and an egg and onion sandwich and pickle onion (still not forgiven him the Thai, Indian, Thai again, steak and onions and Indian again fumes that he's treated me to in the last fortnight - a taste of his own medicine, which should serve as a reminder.

Apparently, he had by that time forgiven my my expensive sins, as long as I could promise that he wouldn't have to do babysitting duty for the entire day for at least another 4 months.

Well done if you made it to the end, and I promise it will be back to crafting mode tomorrow - oh, and I apologise for spelling mistakes, waffling/rambling and poor grammar.

Kym

Flower Frame - Daring Cardmakers Challenge

2007-10-05T17:32:00.000Z

although I have to say that I am not all happy with this, and it will be a do-over. The frame wasn't that bad, but I've made a complete hash of the rest of it (definitely under par). Probably has something to do with having had a rotten day, and then rushing it.

Still the idea is there now, and I will take off the central frame bit next week. I know that, most certainly the 3 needs to be in chipboard, and the Sophie is should be smaller, as it just swamps the whole thing.

Everything that could go wrong has done today

2007-10-04T18:41:00.001Z

it has been the most amazingly shitty day.

Still on the bright side, only 2 days to go til I get the car, and my Son loves me very much, as he's just been told can have the Kia. Apparently, I am now officially the "well the coolest Mother, and a legend" - praise indeed, don't expect it will last though.

I have another new toy, a Sat Nav.....I am always having to find varying places for work and the Galaxy, so thought it would be a great idea. Couldn't see the point of spending a fortune, but have found a nice, neat and stylish one.

Also cleaned out the Kia when I got home, ready for the boy, and found CD's I forgotten about buried in the boot - amazing really as you can only really get a Haddock in that boot (or two if you stack them neatly).

I have just done a quick card for a friend, but it's still drying, now I need to pop upstairs and organise Lydia for bed.

I am really, really missing my honey, but it's just as well he's not here, as Lydia would have dobbed me in for sure about the cars, and I want it to be a lovely surprise, with a safety zone of about 50 miles!

What do you do when your Husband is unwise enough

2007-10-03T19:15:00.000Z

to leave you to your own devices for a few days as he wines and dines clients'.

You could clean the house, you could make sure the laundry is completely up to date, you could make nourishing dishes for your honey to eat whilst you frolick around the countryside at the weekend...............nah..............buy a couple of cars!

I've been threatening to buy myself a new car for a while, and the Parental Control was also making noises about needing a new car.........so after an uplifting afternoon of being waxed in horrible and uncomfortable places, shaking some of my unruly clients' warmly by the neck, I was most definitely in the mood for a bit of a spend up. We dashed over to pick up Lydia (late and muddy from Tag Rubgy), flung ourselves into Tonbridge for a Dentist's appointment, then went hot foot over to the Wells.

I bagged a bright blue lovely, dishy and super sporty new Panda 1.0 HP with 1 mile on the clock, all the trimmings, six gears and a delightful rum rrummm purr. He also has one of those teeny tiny sport sticks, which are all the rage with the sporty models (at least that's what he's been telling me).

Parental Control conned me into buying her a Hyacinthe Blue Stilo 3 door Demo with just 24 miles on the clock...........and it is in it's own way as staid and laid back as my one is a right little goer.

The salesman's downfall was that he assumed he was dealing with a quiet chubby housewife (the towing around of a St Trinian's Wild Child covered in mud from toe to ear, and an OAP really did go a long way to helping with that) who, most definitely ,wouldn't be able to negotiate her way out of a paper bag.

Now in my day job I am required to hold high net worth businessmen upside down and shake til the money falls out, so his first offer of 300 pounds off, and the inclusion of mats for both cars, wasn't going to wash. A push over, I proved myself most definitely not to be - and we came away with a very, very satisfactory deal that I am truly proud of - sucker!

For the blokes out there, please never under estimate any woman, most especially if she has very dark purple hair, is slightly chubby and has kids and pensioners in her wake.

Now all I need to do is break the news to the darling Husband. Hopefully by the time he finds out, I will be winging my way down to Brighton with Vicky to see the gorgeous and funny Jon Richardson. That's a thought I wonder if he could be lulled into a force sense of security too...mwahhahhahah.

The only good bit of news for Guy is that it could have been far, far, far worse - I did have my eye on an Alfa Romeo Spider.....may be next time!

Caardvarks Micro Challenge entry

2007-10-02T18:51:00.001Z

I'd only got a few minutes to spare before I supervise Lydia getting off to bed, so just banged together an entry for the Caardvarks Micro Challenge (shuts at Midnight tonight).

I'll put supplies up later.

Rock'n'Roll Tilda

2007-10-02T17:14:00.001Z

Rock'n'Roll Tilda (Magnolia)
Aud's Flower & Swirls Stamp Sheet
Dark Red Bazzill
Light Green Bazzill
Twinkling H20s' in Garnet & Golden Jade
6x6 pattern paper from Crafwork Cards
Cerise ribbon

Far too tired to be bothered to type much tonight.

Except to say: new COPICS (RV 17 Deep Magenta, W5 Warm Grey & G09 Veronese Green). The Magenta and Veronese Green are original's rather than Sketch, but I can always get replacement tips for them.

I have to cover a serious faux pas on my behalf when I ordered my re-fill Sky Blue the other day. I ordered re-fills of the Green and Magenta by mistake instead of Sketch, so had to give them a ring and get pens to go with the refills. Only problem is I was ordering the replacements by memory, and got W5 to instead of W7 - but hey ho.

Rats alive, I've just added them to the index sheet, and realised that I also mistakenly got YR16 Apricot re-fill, and didn't get the marker. Of course, that just means more shopping. Yay.

Stamp Galaxy

Closing down the SG blog and going to my other one

vBlog #27 - WOYWW 58

vBlog #26 - Stop Press ... It's haul time

vBlog #25 - WOYWW 57

First day of the rest of my life ....

WOYWW #54 - Gas Masks and Projects mostly

New Copics have Landed

WOYWW # 53 - Stash Pushing clearly must stop

Been crafting, but forgot to take piccies

Butter wouln't melt now .......

I've just burnt myself on the glue gun

In the beginning there was the idea of a Packing Station

WOYWW #52 Project - I've started doing a bit more to it more to it

At this very moment there is nothing much done for WOYWW #52

A card *come* tag for a beautiful little lady

vBlog #24 - WOYWW 51 - What's on your Work Desk Wednesday

Harry & Alfie Hudson's Song

WOYWW 50 - This is what is on mine .....

I missed WOYWW this week .....

New Copic Order has arrived at Stamp Galaxy

vBlog #23 - Quick Haul and something nice for me!

Sid Silvertail Rides again - vBlog #22 - WOYWW48

What is Ustream?

vBlog #21 - WOYWW 47 - Close up on Ribbon Cage

vBlog #20 - New Corporate Wear

ATC technique

Cinch, cinch, cinch ..... cinch ........

vBlog #19 - WOYWW 46

vBlog #17 - Haul time

vBlog #16 - Haul time

Unlucky 13

vBlog #12 - Finished Mini Journal

vBlog #11 - Finishing off a page in Mini Journal

I'm back over on blogger ......

Mister Linky

I'm on the move

Yawn, yawn, rowing stats

Hello Card

Whoops, put the wrong card in the envelope

Very uninspring photo, but this is my new bike

I've dropped a dress size

Blog Candy Bags stuffed and ready to go

I want this T-shirt - brace yourself more stats

SU day arrived

Woooopeeeeeedooooooooooooo

Sorry if you don't love Magnolia, another one

SU is coming - 1 day to go - whoooohoooo and

So, my blog candy bags are finished

Been a bit crafty today

Fa-la-la-la

2-6-7-10 Thank you Box

Quick Colouring Exercise

Row, row, row my boat

Walk...DON'T RUN.........Sugar Nellies are available

Row, row, row my boat...quicker down the stream

Toodles was on TV tonight

Teddy Xmas Tag

I made my Magnolia Wishlist and a card

Row, row, row my boat

Toodles passed and is a Master Seal

Good Luck to Toodles this afternoon

Sneaky Peak at the Papertake (Group 4) kit

Lydia had a great time at her Friend's

BOO - 2-5-7-10 Bag

Row yourself to Edinburgh - totals

Papertake Kit - October

Halloween early morning session

Tally for 30th Session

Oh well, that has not definitely cheered me up

A huge winge and a moan....so sorry, but go with me

Mice Time

We had a wonderful time watching Stardust

Sunday row before the Cinema

Second trip out on SS Galaxy

Row, row, row your boat gently through the bedroom

Artygirlz Challenge - Round

18th Card for my cousin's daughter

Finally found time to share this lovely card

Fantastic Drunken Lunch was had by all today

A card come tag for a beautiful little lady