Wednesday 29 February 2012

Saw this

On facebook yesterday so thought I would share here too.
Little things mean a lot. Those little things make my day.
Hope they do for you too xx

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Try it on Tuesday - Alter it with Mosaic


Over on Try it on Tuesday its time for a change. We needed a revamp! So next week will be the start of everything new. This week however is alter it week and we have been playing with mosaic.
Here are my 2 main ingredients a cheap ikea frame and a paperbag from Cath Kidston!
a touch of mosaic edged with tumbled glass ink and added with gloss multi medium and the altered frame was born.
It needed a touch in the corner so I went for big and bold- a punched scallop circle flower, crumpled and a "found" button for the centre piece.
Fiddly it was but I love the result which also gives you a peep at our Megsy 4 years ago!!
She was a 70s disco dancer in the school production Night Fever!
As always my awesome team mates have done me proud - check out their fabulous work over at Try it on Tuesday

Friday 24 February 2012

Rocking my world Friday

Im away from the computer at home so have not been able to upload my usual Rocking My World picture. This week has been a bit pants to be truly honest so I am digging deep for the grateful feelings. My first is this picture of yesterdays lunch


Trying to be healthier sure has had its compensations - the humble boiled egg has made a massive resurrection in this year - what can be nicer than a runny yolk egg? This one was made Heston style by my hubby and was utterly delicious with some granary toast.



My Molly Bloom stamps have given me much pleasure this week with a whole lot of colouring going on. I began this on Sunday. Coloured the pictures on Tuesday then finished it off on Wednesday. Yes I have definately needed to de stress!
Need something above the hen - the space is not quite right - any suggestions?
Isn't George cheeky here?
This back page is yet to finish.


Am thrilled to hear from No 1 son that he has been accepted to annalize some data for a piece of research - my idea of torture but he is very happy!


Megsy had a lovely evening with some exchange students last night and has really enjoyed their company and input into her language skills.


No 2 son has now got 7 pupils to teach which is very exciting for him - his perseverance at the teaching website is paying off which is brilliant.


Hubby has at last got his prescription - chemist have to order it in but it should be here by Monday - I am very grateful for that one!!!


And me - well I'm glad to have got to the end of the week without actually tearing my hair out!


Hope your week has been full of special things xx


Stop by The Celtic house and find out how my fellow Rockettes have got on with their grateful lists this week.

Thursday 23 February 2012

New Molly Blooms on the way.......


This picture is from Clare Rowlands own blog which you can find here
I am thrilled to see Clare has used an idea of mine to pop them into a bauble as a keepsake!
If like me you love Molly Blooms stamps here is the sneaky peek at what will be available soon.
I cant wait to get my inky paws on them!

Wednesday 22 February 2012

What I get up to when im home alone :0)

Yesterday saw me having a crafty day at a local shop with local crafty ladies (after I had done the early shift at work!). It really put me in the mood so I set to and made a few cards last night.
I love these little shaped cards by craftwork cards which were a perfect size for the gorgeous baking Tilda.
Papers by stampin up.
I have an unexpected day off tomorrow - me thinks after I've done the ironing I will be crafting again :0)
Hope you are managing some crafty time too xx
Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Playing with acetate TIOT

Over at Try it on Tuesday today we want to see any project using acetate. This is one of my favourite ways of using it and even better this bit was recycled stamp packaging after I re-homed the stamps into DVD storage. I ran the acetate through an embossing folder with my big shot it then gives fabulous texture to my atc. Acetate can be tricky to adhere too but I used glossy accents under the button and flower image to ensure it stays put!
As well as recycling the other elements were left overs from recent projects so its fab to have something made of oddments and bits and pieces.
So papers, cardstock, ink (yes all the edges have been inked), linen thread and lace by Stampin up
Cuttlebug embossing folder - script
Button and blue ribbon from stash

Exciting things afoot at TIOT - do stop by and see what my team mates have been up to playing with this weeks fab theme x

Monday 20 February 2012

Here is what we made

When i met up with Georgy, Jo, Emma, Andy and Michelle on Saturday we all made a version of this using Molly and George stamps. The theme was seaside or the farm. The papers I chose are the ones with the Sale-a-bration promotion from Stampin Up - contact Emma if you want to know more
all the images are coloured with promarkers
fab to use up scraps too!
George is sooo cheeky!
and this is the back.
The whole thing reminds me of seaside holidays at Filey when I was young - we always had a chalet on the front a little like the beach huts and had picnics and played on the beach all day.
I'm entering this in to Allsorts challenge which is anything goes
The crafty pad which is red blue and green
Back to work for me today and what a week - only one day off!
Hope your week is looking Rosy!
Janet

Saturday 18 February 2012

Rockin my world and 2 more pages

I am writing this on Friday honestly but have scheduled the post for Saturday whilst I am busy.
Here goes with my list of gratefuls.

1) as always my wonderful family - for a loving hubby and 3 wonderful people I am proud to call my children - no specific reasons this week - just a heart filled with love for them. (Hubby has had a better week too)
2) My SIL Linda who spent the day with me today (Friday) shopping in Leeds for a prom dress. I am not a lover of shopping (craft shopping is an exception you understand) but it was lovely to share time with the girlies in the family and get an idea of what our Megsy would like. We didn't come back with a dress (for the prom but did buy another for her- woohoo our Megsy now owns a dress!) but I got a cute little tin from Cath Kidston full of pins and a lush toilet bag from primark for my sleepover essentials!
3) Friendship - Our Megsy brought her friend Emily with her to look too. They have been friends since babies but after primary school went to different secondary schools. Its amazing seeing the easy way they are with each other - excited inane chatter, deep meaningful conversations and companiable silence. I do not remember having something so special at her age and think its a mighty fine blessing that she has such a friend. They are such different people, although both with a love of art , animals and horses but come together with such respect for each other. Whilst in Leeds we met one of Megsys other friends - she is a Jehovahs Witness not that that has anything to do with anything except she is not going to the prom as she is not allowed to - she is not upset or resentful just matter of fact that its not for her and her beliefs. Despite this she was excited to hear what Megsy was interested in and looked excitedly at her new dress. My reason for telling you this is that both Emily and Megsy accept she is not going to the prom too, and quite rightly, but unquestioningly they fully respect her beliefs which I have to say makes me feel hugely proud of them. I think they are growing into very considerate and wonderful young ladies with well rounded thoughtfulness for those around them - I so wish that was a GCSE - they would both get an A* from me! Teenagers get such bad press at times but the ones I know are wonderful people and make me proud to know them.
4) My friends - as this posts today (Saturday - hope I'm not confusing you LOL) I am with some of my dearest friends. Together we are celebrating Georginas birthday which is on the 26th - we are crafting together at a gorgeous little shop in Northallerton called The paperlane - fab name for a fab shop! I just know we will have fun and laughter all day.
So here is the crafty pages missing from my last post - saved till today until Georgy has seen them.

My final grateful is about my Sis Amy who was involved in a car crash on Thursday night - Thankfully both she and her support worker are both fine. having lost one family member to a road traffic accident I am extremely grateful they are both ok - even if the car is a total write-off!
Hope you have found lots of reasons to feel grateful this week - for more positives hop on over to the Queen of the Rockettes at the Celtic House1

Thursday 16 February 2012

Spreading the word........

My cyber pal Anne emailed me earlier this week spreading the word about a new Magnolia challenge blog called Mid-week magnolias. They are looking for DT members and I just know lots of you out there just love your Magnolias.
So in a bid to help the search go far and wide I had a little play with a project I am doing with some pals at the weekend. We will be using Molly Blooms stamps but I thought I would practice with my nautical Tilda and Edwin stamps who do get sadly neglected but are such a delight to colour in.
Papers are by basic grey - a very old set from 3 years ago. Punch is by Martha Stewart Thanks so much Christine - I love it!
A little glossy accents and ribbon and buttons from stash.
Now there are more things to share about this project but I will wait until Sunday to give you them all - I need to keep them a surprise until after Saturday!
So where do you find the info re the New Magnolia Challenge? Do stop by Annes blog here click to be a follower and I promise her projects will delight and inspire you.
I would like to enter this in The pretty little ribbon shop challenge which is anything goes
Totally Tilda where Tilda must be wearing a hat
the Magnolialicious challenge which is blue and brown
and the paperlane challenge which has to be inspired by a book - mine is Enid Blytons
The secret of Spiggy Holes! A book about the adventures of the fab 4 on holiday at a little seaside town. The Paperlane is incidently the rendezvous for my crafty pals meet up!
Have a great day xx

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Its all hearts and flowers at try it on tuesday!

Last Friday our Stamping class was a Stampin up party. One of the projects the ladies could choose from was a pillow box or a milk carton box.
Here is my pillow box and as you can see from the scraps left over from all our cards I have also made a tag for this weeks Try it on Tuesday which is hearts and flowers tags.
Here is a little closer look - no stamping at all on the tag just some fab papers and punches.
and here is the cute pillow box die - Its perfect! This one is filled with cherry lips - Kisses for a true love!! all products are Stampin up.
Today is my 26th Wedding Anniversary. We are not the romantic sort of folks but think we are popping out for a bar meal later with the lovely Megsy.
Hope your Valentines day is full of hearts and flowers - join in with the Try it on Tuesday theme this week stop by and see what folks have done here

Sunday 12 February 2012

So a little Movie review

Water For Elephants
Megsy has wanted to see this film like forever! I suspect its Robert Pattinson as well as the elephant that's the driving force - even though she is a loyal Taylor Lautner - Jacob - fan in Twilight it has to be said Mr Pattinson is very easy on the eye.


My first thoughts were ( after the beginning which is not so happy) at least he gets to flash a realistic smile and look a reasonable colour in the film. Whilst a pale skin and brooding eyes are great for a vampire look this natural colour and smiling eyes suits him much better!


These 3 characters are central to the whole plot (I'm not going to spoil it for folks who have not seen the film yet) and all do a great job - even if the plot is a little predictable.


I loved the scenes for the Circus, although the whole train thing did remind me of Dumbo, and thought the Elephant, Rosie, played an excellent part!

So thumbs up?
Ticked the eye candy box quite definitely.
A good chick flick sort of movie.
I would watch it again.

So Susie my dear - as I have not read the book I cant say if the film will spoil your ideas from the book - however if you want to watch it I can pop it in the post for you to drool over R Pats.

have a great Sunday folks xx

Friday 10 February 2012

Rockin my world Friday!



It doesn't seem like 2 minutes since I was posting this last week but whilst I have going through the week it has seemed rather long.
I'm going to try not to moan at all this week and trust me that will be hard - so positives.

No 1 son says he is feeling on top of his heavy assignment schedule with his Masters and is even fitting in a visit to see his Bro in London - lovely that they are becoming mates now they are men. (Mummy- proud moment)
No 2 son tells me he has been meditating and finding it is having a positive effect on his studying. I would never have thought he would go in for meditation - just shows how much the influence of his peers has had on him. Apparently one of his lecturers has been giving meditation classes after lectures to those who wanted to try it. I am all for anything that helps calm the mind and give you strength to face the hurdles life throws up. Its something I have never done but would like to try - so anyone with any tips for me?
Yay its half term! Our Megsy needs some home time to have time to herself again. Like the rest of us she needs time to play with her drawing/ sketching and writing without the distraction of her GCSE work. We begin the half term celebrations watching Water for Elephants together tonight - snuggled on the sofa together under the fleecy throw with popcorn - how indulgent are we!!!
After a dismal week on the exercise front this week has been much better. Food wise I am continuing to keep off the chocolate and away from sweet stuff on the whole. That's all I can ask of myself really. I have no idea about weight loss but now my clothes are looser, I am moving around more and generally I am feeling the need to binge much less. I have also tried harder to have breakfast this week and that has made a huge difference.
Yesterday I had a playdate with friends Barbara, Debbie and Michelle. We used to meet up regularly to craft together but time has passed by so quickly since the last one. Debbie and Barb have birthdays coming up and wanted to play with the sewing box project from the retreat last year. Its a long time since we have crafted together in this way but it was such a wonderful day - I felt really relaxed and very much cared about if that makes sense at all? (after the day I had on Wed I know they do) I do have a project almost ready to share - just a finishing touch or two to make. Thanks Ladies I really needed that xx

on a crafty note - the workshop at Embsay went really really well. All the ladies left much more confident at stamping which of course was the aim of the whole session and most booked into March or Aprils classes too - so they want to play with us again - Hurrah!
Our Craft Range session is tomorrow I just know it will be the same there too.
More ink Lovers for Lovin Ink!!!

Today was stamping Club - Alas Michelle could not make it due to the weather but 7 ladies braved the snow and ice and we had fun with Stampin up products.
here is one of the cards

Not the best photo as the lighting is bad - where on earth do you find those little pop up things to place projects in to photograph them I need one badly!
We had a lovely time playing with papers and stamps from the sale-a-bration promotion - they really are lush - contact Emma for more details here.
Thanks for a lovely day ladies and helping me clear up afterwards - you are all fabulous!

I think that could be it folks - as always I am surprised what there is to be thankful for even in a rotten week - Do stop by the Queen of the Rockettes at the Celtic House where being positive is what rocks the world on Fridays xx

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Card for a true love - over at Try it on Tuesday

Last minute as usual for Try it on Tuesday I played with what was to hand - this gorgeous stamp set by Kaisercraft called Bonjour.
If you have read my last post you will understand the sentiment more as this is for my hubby. He tells me the translation for the sentiment is love life and that really is my hope for him this year. I have used wild honey and rusty hinge distress inks and promarkers for the colouring. I bought the set as I love the frame and its also has a beautiful butterfly as well as this fab bird.

Do stop by and see the inspiration from my collegaues who have as ever produced such variety over at Try it on Tuesday

Friday 3 February 2012

Rockin my world Friday



Friday again?? how can this be? the month of January has flashed by and here we are in the magic month (my boss describes February as a magic month when we notice the longer days).
I am going to moan first!
Work has been really difficult this week - the changes are beginning to take its toll and we are all feeling the pressure.
Hubby has been really bad this week. he has been off work with depression for the last 2 and a half months. this is his 3rd week of no medication - another week to go before he can start new meds and boy is it hard watching him suffer.
My Cousin has undergone a difficult operation following an awful time with crohns disease. Its a nasty nasty illness - i hope she recovers speedily.
But I am here to celebrate the positives of the last week - so negatives out of the way lets move on!

At the beginning of the week my sons bands new website went live you can see and hear them here
Proud Mummy does not describe how I feel!
I did a little LO for his life scrapbook
The respect title is firstly because I respect the way he is making his dreams reality and also the demo song on the website is Respect and I love listening to the vocalist, Christina's fabulous voice!

My second grateful is that my eldest Tom is still very much enjoying Uni doing his masters degree - he seems on task with all his assignments and has a clear path sorted for what he plans to do in the future - Moms are always happy when the kids are settled don't you think?

Our Megs is delighted to be over the recent bout of exams - half term is our goal to begin the prom dress search - I have called in re- enforcements in the form of auntie Linda Hubbys sister. Linda has lots of taste and is always on trend so I will bow to her knowledge and just hold the chequebook!

So after saying that my cousin has just had surgery - we have another teenager amongst us. Mainly staying next door with Mum during the day- My little cousin Georgia - Stephs daughter is staying at our house in James' room. Stephs own Mum, My auntie Julia died in 1989 so Steph looks at my mum as her Mum figure. Lovely to spend more time with Georgia and find out more about her dreams and aspirations - quite different from my own children she would like to have her own tattoo parlour!
I was about to type that I have an unexpected day off today however I have just received a phone call to go into work anyway due to staff sickness - whoops have slipped away from the positives!

Last night it was craft club again as always fab to be with likeminded folks. I set up a facebook page last week for the group and its lovely watching the banter and tips develop. Facebook can be a great tool for bringing folks together.

Michelle and I have our first workshop tomorrow at Samuel Taylors, Embsay. We are delighted that its also FULL!

So all in all I suppose the positives do actually win - that's the thing about RYWF it can really help you focus on what's important. Do stop by the Queen of the rockettes and see what's happening over there.

have a wonderful weekend folks and thank you as always for stopping by
xxJanetxx