I think it's Saturday.....

In the holidays, with 2 teachers in the house and 2 school children....all the days are the same...with the exception of Sunday when we have church.  Probably, if it wasn't for this one fixed point in the calender, we wouldn't have a clue what day of the week it was.  I was surprised to see Tesco so full until I realised that it was Saturday. 

So, today started early.  I just had the final bit of my wedding stuff to do - Menus :) I am pleased to report they have been collected and Sarah was very pleased with them...at least that is what she said ;)  This time next week they will be married and we will be dancing to a funk band and cheesey disco - can't wait!!

After that I braved Tesco...it seemed to take forever but I eventally made it home.  Sarah picked up the menus, the boys, along with another neighbour's son,  went out to the park with the neighbours ( I love my neighbours...they are FAB!!!), and I spent several hours sorting out craft party no.2 - Bugs and butterflies. 

And now I am pleased to report that my table looks like this.....

Have coloured a few images but the light is rubbish so I will photograph tomorrow.  I have had pro markers and didn't really get on with them.  They made me feel like I couldn't colour. Then I got a few copics...only a few as they are expensive and so I could never get the right colour gradation...but  THESE are perfect.  Well done Leanne Chivers and well done Crafters Companion

Craft Party!!!!

Last year, all through the summer, I had children round to my house to make things and be gnerally crafty...lots of fun.  This year I decided to team up with my friend Ann (we do a craft club at school together), and hire the school hall and hold craft parties.  We had no idea how popular they would be but we soon booked up spaces and we had the very first one today.  Our theme was holidays and the children did various craft activities based around the theme.  They were all beautifully behaved and it was really calm - I was amazed.  But it was so lovely to see some many young people enjoying themselves doing things that didn't need a screen or batteries or headphones!!!

I asked parent's permission to post some photos in here and they were more than happy - thankyou!! ( I had better check my posts more carefully for typos now as I teach some of the children!!!)

Mr Chops has also been busy sewing again.  He actually wanted to make a felt softie when he could have been playing with Lego!!!  Rather proud of him :D  He made a skunk this time......



Mr  Frogsley is watching in the background to make sure he stitches him up well!



Far too long...

I am shocked at how much time has passed since I last updated this 'ere blog!!!!  Far too long!!  But now it is the summer holidays and we have time a plenty...and I have already taken lots of lovely photos :D  The only thing to get sorted is how to work the camera but it will happen.  Now, as today is our 15th wedding anniversary, Mr C went and got me some lovely flowers :D  They are similar to my wedding flowers (except I didn't have the purple lisyanthas in my bouquet...but it shows that he was most definitely paying attention!!

  

And I also have a new obsession...teeny tiny pipe cleaner people in felt clothes...they are just so completely gorgeous...and utterly inspired by this lady, Salley Mavor.  She is so talented and her nursery rhyme book, Pocketful of Posies, has kept me entertained for hours...really, even if you don't have children you should get this.



Close up of her sleeve.



Have not been brave enough to sort out
their faces and hair yet!



Not sure how I managed to cut their heads off

in this shot!!

And carrying on in the felt theme...I have been making these 2 little critters.....



 

Meet Owlivia




and Mr Frogley





Both are made by me from patterns by Tina Douville on Etsy.  I printed them out half the original size because I wanted to make them from my favourite felt and they would just cost too much otherwise.  I got Mr Frogley's eyes from Ribbon Girl .  I am also hoping to make some with children at the craft parties that my friend, Ann, and I are running in the holidays.  We will use felt from Kirsty though because it is good value and great colours.   And I like Kirsty :D

So other things have happened on the crafty front...some serious amounts of button earrings have been made...I have just ordered another 100 pairs to add to the 150 pairs I have already made...... not for me to wear you understand...there are a lot of people in Cambridge walking round with buttons in their ears :D

Okay..a brief catchup but better than nothing..until next time.......

It's a bit chilly round here.....

think I might need one of these.......

My felt campfire that I made from Jeannette's book...the one mention above.   I finished the African violet at the weekend but am waiting for some sun so I can take pictures...it's turned very cold in Cambridge, especially after hitting 27 degrees last week...I even had the get my socks out! And talking of felt...not all felts are created equal.  I get 3 different sorts of felt and they are all good for different things.  Will write more about that soon.

Hope it gets better tomorrow..we are having a barbeque with the neighbours and watching the wedding.

Right, an unexpected morning off work must not be frittered away...am off to do some tidying before the lovely long weekend.....and wait for my felt to arrive :D

My season tree....

I think I may have made a post about this but I can't remember....I got one of those gorgeously tacky artificial Christmas trees a couple of years ago for the boys to decorate and it say in the Sunshine (back) room.  It was out of the way so it didn't bother me that stuff was put on ......shall we say...less than artfully.  But now the sunshine room is my most favouritest room of all (my sewing has got in there by stealth recently ...which I realised following a conversation with Mr C...'Where is so and so?', 'In my craft room (the utility room!)', 'Which one???!!!' came his eyebrow raised reply!). And this last Christmas the tacky tree was the loveliest decorated of them all and the lovely real one in the lounge had tinsel thrown at it by the boys.  And so this last Christmas I decided that I would not take it down but keep it up all year and call it the 'Season'  tree.  I did suggest to Mr C that if he didn't like it then the box was in the loft :D  But I do love seeing people's faces when they walk in....'Your Christmas tree is still up!'....Really???

And these are some of the things i have put on it.....

The buttons and velvet ribbon are from Ribbon Girl and the felt is from Jeanette here. And then I made these to add for Easter.....

The idea is that by the end of the year it will be covered in lots of things made throughout the year.And then, Mr C has pointed out.....we will have to take them all off to put the Christmas decs up!  Honestly...some people! 

Have also been busy making things from this fantastic book by Jeanette, who I mentioned above.  She is a complete genius!  It is, by far, the best felt book I have seen to date.





You can buy it here

 The boys wanted the campfire straight away so I got on with that and now I am working on the African violet...pictures to follow.

Hope you had a lovely Easter.  The sun is shining here and I am off to sort washing...never mind...I can't always be sewing or making :D

Pics...

 right...let's see what I can find on this ere camera.......

Southwold beach

Mr B just loves animals :D

Grandpa took some cooler ones of them jumping off the prom...action shots :D  Just have to get them from him.......

Hooray, hooray, it's a holi holi day :D

And I spot a pattern of being useless at blogging!

3 weeks ago, on a complete whim, I booked some holiday away...to sunny Southwold :D  We love Southwold.  We have been going there for over 20 years as part of a Scripture Union beach mission but have NEVER been there on holiday.  The boys loved the mission (we haven't been for a couple of years as it is just too completely exhausting) but got very frustrated that we couldn't just spend all our time on the beach playing in the sand (or, in my case, knitting socks!) so it was the perfect place and Holly Cottage was the perfect seaside 'home'. We were there for 5 days and all but one, when we went to Kessingland, was spent on the beach.....or, in the case of MIL and I, in a coffee shop or 2 :D  The boys, all of them, had a fabulous time and a much needed rest. Photos are to follow for family in the US to see.I only finished one sock...think I spent too much time looking round Southwold shops...MIL made me do it!!!!!!

Oh dear...

this blog is being sadly neglected at the moment and I had thought I was on a roll!  We seem to be over our illnesses now and are more than happy to see the sunshine finally appearing...hopefully this will lift our spirits :D

I have been sewing lots of hair clips and keyrings but was waiting for nicer weather to photograph them.
And I can finally show you the wedding invitations that I have made for my lovely friend Sarah's wedding.  As per usual, a rubbish photo but I am really pleased with how they turned out.

The ribbon, cadbury purple...what else, is from The Ribbon Girl

I can now tell you with confidence that it takes a long time to tie 120 bows!!!!!!  And I have another 100 in lilac to do for the Order of Service cards...maybe I should get on with those soon.  I was also beyond delighted to have an excuse to buy the Woodware flower punch that I have been eyeing up for ages...almost years.

And, as an aside and to make you laugh, this is a conversation I had with Mr B the other day.....

Me:  BB you really need to tidy your room if you want some pocket money.

BB: I don't want any pocket money

Me: Why not?

BB: Because I find money on the floor and pick it up.

Honestly..the cheek of some people!!!!!!!!!  Needles to say his room is still a mess :(

PS _ I could not have even attempted to tie all those bows without the help of my trusty CC bow maker!

MIA...

We have all had the lurgy this week...except for Mr C who has escaped. No excuse for being missing this long but there you go.

I have some pictures to upload on my shiny new phone but as yet, I haven't a clue how to do it...this may take some time.........

A cautionary tale for free-range bunny owners.

May I just start this though, by saying that when I say 'free-range' I do not mean, in this case, for the intention of eating!!

This is now the sad state of our garden......

This area used to be full, when we first moved in, of horrible, horrible conifers of varying sizes and varieties..  Eurch!  We (I!) dug a load of them up in the bottom corner and made a small veg patch.  The rodents, for that is what they are referred to as when they have been naughty, decided to eat the rest.  Yes, I kid you not...they ate conifers.  And that is not the half of it.  This used to be a lovely, petite rosemary bush

Striped bare by this naughty monkey....... 

                                                           Look!! There she is caught in the act of eating my pulmonaria!!!  The little madam has no shame.  The herb in question used to be in a large pot and Jessica, when she thought she could get away with it, would plonk her ample, if aging, bottom right in the middle and work her way through it.  A more cynical and unkind person might suggest that it would give her more flavour! Even her beau is in on the act.  We have spent the afternoon temporarily fencing off the space that will now become a bigger veg patch but even then Barley cannot resist a try........

Check out the filth monger...Oscar the cat to many.....even he, a cat of very little brain, knows that this is disgraceful behaviour of the highest order and is trying to stare Barley into stopping.....

Honestly...who'd have pets?!!  And don't even get me started on the cost of blood pressure tablets for cats...

Enough destruction..back soon with some creative things :D

ETA - we do love them though :D

Typical!!!!!

Just did a long post and then the pooter, in it's infinite wisdom (it must be a small boy computer) decided to shut all the windows down!!  And I had lots of links so now I shall have to start again.  I left it saying that Mr C had been charged with taking photos of the things to show but Lord Lichfield informed me that the batteries died and he didn't get that many.  So I shall check what he did get and post accordingly........there's a plan!

So, my post HAD, before I was so rudely interrupted, been entitles 'Breaking the shackles'.  I am a bit OCD craft wise...see exhibit 'a'.  My craft shelves are colour co-ordinated and then labelled just in case I lose the ability to see through my clear storage boxes!!!!!

exhibit a

But I have just been here and felt a challenge coming on.It is time I broke the shackles of my perfectionism and did some....oh my life, I can hardly believe I am saying this...MIXED MEDIA work.  Now, you have to understand that I am a crafter.  I knit, I sew, I make things from paper.  What I am most definitely not is an artist.  Mr C is an artist.  Give him a canvas and some acrylic paint and he will produce, after some time, a painting.  He can sketch things that I want to make so that I can make the pattern pieces...he can draw....I cannot..and have never been able to so this 'proper art' stuff makes me very uncomfortable.  But I shall try.  And so I got some of these goodies.....

As per usual, the photo does not do it justice.  Mainly because the photo is 2D and this stuff is all most definately 3D. 

And the other lovely thing about going to the exhibition was that I got to see this lovely lady who is very talented indeed.  She will be very modest and say she isn't but really...check her stuff out...see...very talented.  Had I known about this in advance I would have signed up for her workshop...maybe next time.  Which will be an interesting turn of event as I used to teach her children, 2 of them anyway, and she would be teaching me :D

So, watch this space for some out-of-my-comfort-zone crafting...sorry, I meant ART.

The other, rathe exciting for me actually, news is that Lucy Made This is now for sale at Daisychain in Histon.  So, if you happen to be in there, and you really should be in there because the stuff is G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S, you might see a few hair accessories made by yours truly and you can say 'I know her'...if that is something you would want to admit to.  Prior to battery outage I got this piccie



A hint of spring with the yellow



More pictures to follow when I make them because Daisychain took all my stock :D  They start off looking like this

and I have to confess that each one, complete with the matching thread, goes in a little box that I sort during the day so that I can sew them up in the evening without worrying if the colours match because the light is rubbish.

Right, enough of this waffle...my aubergine curry (no roast beef for me as the tummy does not like it:( ) is calling.

Shame on me...

I can't believe i haven't posted for so long.  And I have been making loads of things too...but I just cannot be bothered to photo and upload at the moment...I NEED SOME SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you see it....

yes...now you don't!  The hair went today.  The lighting for the pictures is appalling but then I am no oil painting so I guess it does not matter!

 Not the most flattering photos I have ever taken..but you get the idea :D

On a more beautiful note...I have been making a LOT of these for a friend who is getting married in August

Until she sends them out I won't show all but they are gorgeous :D The purple, most fortunately, just happened to match a rather nice chocolate bar .  the ribbon was from The Ribbon Girl and is just so nice to work with.  And believe me, after tying the best part of 125 bows I know it was good. It was helped considerable, in fact I could not have done it without her, by my trusty Crafters Companion Ultimate Pro .I also made a lot of place-cards and now have 100 Order of Services to do........

Talking of The Ribbon Girl, a few weeks ago I got these in the post....

They are just too scummy for words and I used some to make this.....

I have actually finished it now but have yet to photograph it.   I love french knots.

Right, off for some lunch......

Monthly challenge...

If you need an incentive/encouragement to get all your Christmas pressies made for next year, then Annie at The Felt Fairy is doing a monthly challenge...details are in the link.  I'm definitely going to but I will have to exclude all shop makes...that would be cheating!!!

I also had a bit of  card making frenzy yesterday..I will take photos later.  Think I made 7!!!! 

Last day of the holidays today for the little people.  Mr C went back this morning...not the most jolly of occasions but it must be done. 

Lots of people talking of disgracefully taking their Christmas trees down :(  Ours are staying up until AT LEAST  the weekend and I am even planning on keeping the one up in the back room (the Sunshine room we call it) where I do most of my sewing and sitting.  I think I will make it a 'theme' tree...I will see how it goes.  It is 6ft so maybe that is a bit adventurous...maybe the little one would be more achievable...it is tinsel though so I may not get away with that.

3rd already...

it is a good job that I didn't make an resolutions as it is the 3rd already and I would not have kept a single one of them!!!  I have done quite a bit of sewing though...lots of brooches, 2 of them commissions, so all I need to do now is photograph them and get them into my shop...this is the bit I hate doing to be frank.  I find it ridiculously boring, but it is a necessary evil.

As I type, another pre-teen (he's not 10 yet!) sulky type rant is happening from Mr Chops.  A lot of slamming doors (if it doesn't slam loudly enough the first time then it is a matter of honour to open it an try harder!) and 'fine' being shouted.  No idea what it is about this time.  I really should write them all down but then I would probably be horrified.  There was the occasion last week when he was leaving home...something to do with whose turn it was to play on their 'wii save'...it all gets very technical and involves what week's timetable is being used at Daddy's school (it's the holidays Mr Chops...no timetable!!!) and a lot of screaming of 'drop out' and other charming turn of phrase.  I can write this with a clear conscience because I know plenty of other people who go through the same children dramas on a daily basic...so if you think that it is only you...it is not!  Some loud stamping has just been added...always a good one!

Mind you...this is usually an indicator that food is needed. It must surely be snack time...we operate on a 'snack time most if the time' system.  Mr B is not so bad, but, almost since birth, Mr Chops has needed food almost 24 hours a day ( you would not believe it to look at him..he's skinny as anything).  I find this completely wearing but it must be done.  He has got better but it is thinking of different 'healthy' things that drives me nuts. Off to find the fruit bowl...it is usually in a state of pillage.. I am the only mother I know who is desperate for her child (not Mr B...he would happily eat cake all day!) to eat more cake and less fruit...I know...but it is true...I promise.......

2011...

I don't really make resolutions...it sets me up for a fall.  I have carried on my September resolution though to get up at 6 am on a school day.  Well, maybe the last 2 or 3 days it was 6.30, but anyone who knows me well will know that I am most definitely not a morning person!! So I have managed that.  But this year I guess it is...MUST TRY HARDER!  I do far too many things not as well as I should and should be doing fewer things much better.  Checking for typpos is one of those - thankyou Kazbo!

SO, we shall see.....
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Excuse me...I have to go and watch Santa Claus the movie with Mr B........

They do make me laugh!!

They drive me mental sometimes, as my friends will tell you, but Mr Chops and Mr B both make me laugh.  Poor Mr Chops had a bad dream so came into our bed all upset and tearful this morning.  I couldn't really work out what it was all about but it seems something bad happened to his brother and he was very upset.  Mr B joined us later and received a huge hug and affection from Mr Chops.  Now, Mr B is a great lover of all things huggy and kissy and to receive this from his much adored big brother so unexpectedly was just a dream come true for him.  He though he would chance his arm when they had come down for breakfast but this was clearly step to far for Mr Chops who held up his hand and announced...'The moment is over'...poor Mr B :(  He'll have to live off that piece of brotherly affection until the next bad dream!

Giveaway...

I have probably left  this too late but if you look here there is a rather lovely giveaway.  I love both these shops...The Ribbon Girl is run by an online friend and her mum and they could not be more helpful.  These fairy charms are just gorgeous and I have one to have a play with for some new designs :D

Brrr.....

it's chilly - minus 4 when I attempted to de-ice the car this morning.  I gave up...we.walked...we slid...we (well, me) appreciated the frost and the scenery.  I don't think the rabbits do though.  I have hardly seen them for days as they are tucked up in their cosy shed.  Well, cosy for rabbits....can't say it would be my abode of choice.  Bit too draftly. And this weather is too cold for poor Miss Jessica's bones.  She is, after all, an old lady.  I know how she feels!

So for today....envelopes to address, washing to put away, cardigan to continue knitting, and a kitten to look after :D  She fetches apparently.  Maybe we could teach her some new tricks.  Making a cup of tea would be a good one :D

Not seen any of these in my garden this year :(  So I have resorted to making my own :D

Oh my life indeed...

If you knew how long it has taken me to change the background and header on this blog you would tell me not to waste my time - I haven't done it that well!!  But I have done it and it is all a learning curve.

So, yesterday spend wrapping presents and today I MUST get my Christmas cards done.  The ones to the States went, almost, on time, but I hear there are sever delays and it doesn't look like easing so they may well get those in the New Year.

It is absolutely pouring down with rain here so it is hard to find the Christmas spirit...but I must...off to write.......