Poor excuse for a blogger!

I know I have not blogged much of late. Forgive me? It's hubby's 50th birthday on saturday and my mind has been busy with that. Not that I've been doing much, just thinking! I feel like the things I have planed for his special day are not all that exciting, but its what he wants. We are going up to our temple in Preston for a peaceful day with the family, then out for dinner. I haven't done much scrapping recently, but am working on an exciting new project. I'm making a story book for my Grandchildren, writing the story, illustrating it (!!!!) and making a propper little book out of it. It's only a few pages, but I will put it on the blog when it's done. I KNOW that, however bad it is, Phoebe will love it! Isn't that wonderful? She loves my made up stories, and remembers all the details. There is something so satisfying about writing a story, and printing and painting on fabulous art paper. Love the texture, the smell, the sharp pencils, the way the paint puddles in different shades of colour. Can you tell I watched Miss Potter (about the life of Beatrix Potter) recently? Its inspired me. Not only do I want to write down the stories, I also want to go to the Lake District again-badly!!! The picture at the top is of Hill Top, Beatrix's home.

spring cleaning

A trip to Wolverhampton retail park the other day found me not spending my money in Hobbycraft (I know!) but Laura Ashley. Love their stuff anyway, but there was a sale! I bought 2 strings of pretty rose and cram bunting and cushions to match all at half price. My conservatory was just too plain and this has made a big difference I think. Did you see the home programme with Kirsty Alsop on channel 4 the other day? Very inspiring- so I blame her for my latest spending spree! I'm not usually a lover of her programmes, but this one is very different. You can watch it on channel 4 catch up. I have all the family coming tomorrow for a barbie after church, so the bunting makes it feel like an event:) Enjoy the good weather.

Craft room

It's done, and here are the pictures to prove it!! My plan is that everything I use frequently is close by. I have all my ink pads, embossing powders, and paper embellishments in the pull out drawer set next to my desk and all my other embellishments in clear plastic boxes on my desk.No more hunting for things:) All my tools are right above my desk in hanging pots, or in my tote which I keep by my feet. It feels good to be organised, and it is definitely freeing up the creative juices! I didn't realise how much all the 'stuff' I had been hanging on to was clouding my thinking! Too many choices, too much guilt for not using stash- now everything I have got I will use. Yes!

Easter, crop

Happy Easter! What a lovely day it's been! Thanks to all the girls who came to the crop today. I came away inspired as always! Kevin and I had a walk along the canal in the sunshine this afternoon. This evening I made a Victoria sponge cake for Easter tomorrow. Note my new pink scales! Love them! I got them from Home Bargains for £7, then I liked it so much I had to go back and get the matching colander. all the family are coming over after church tomorrow- yay!!!! I'm planning an Easter egg hunt in the garden for Phoebe and Sophie, with plenty left over for the adults too. Hope your Easter is wonderful!

good times

My daughter Becky and I went to see James Morrison last night in Birmingham. We had a great night out- she's good fun and James was brill! If you ever get the chance to see him live take it! His voice is amazing:) Really enjoying general conference from our church today too. I'm feeling inspired! All these distractions mean i am no further ahead with my scraproom tho!!!!