Bits

It's been soooo long since I bloged!! Lots to say...... Karen and Carol's mini book class at Hedensford library was excellent. It was a great kit, really well put together. Thanks for a lovely afternoon. Trish, Vickie and I also did a collage class at Stafford library. It was something a bit different for me, and stretched me, and that's always gotta be good:-) I have also booked up for a 50's style monogram class at Stafford library in August- how exciting! Another exciting thing- we have booked our flights to America for september))))))We are going for 3 weeks in September so although it means I will miss the crop, I hope to come back with tons of new ideas and inspiration to share. I have already been on the net and found numerous craft stores within easy reach-(happy). I haven't done much scrapping recently, but the picture is of my interpretation of one of my lovely old postcards. What a story! The postcard is from the Lake District during the Second World War, a young woman called Betty wrote to her friend “Of course, it is quiet here, and the only thing to do is walk. Met an army captain a week ago yesterday, and I see him nearly every night, was out walking with him yesterday, and we went for miles all over the fell.” Well, I have created story in my mind of a war weary army captain, who had gone to the Lakes for a retreat, maybe from battle fatigue. He meets Betty while walking through Mardale (pictured on the front) and a romance begins. I couldn’t wait to make a piece of art telling their story. Enjoy your bank holiday, and don't forget to take photos! (as if you would)

Playing with Masks

After watching Tim Holtz showing how he uses masks (u Tube) I thought I would have a play. I made my own masks by cutting out a 6" bird on my Cricut Expressions. I used a temporary adhesive and stuck it on my 12 x 12 card stock. I stamped a text stamp over the top to leave clear areas where the bird had been. But then, I loved the bird I had used as a mask, and decided to use that on my page too! Nothing wasted here:) Easy and fun!

crop

I won't be at the crop on saturday, I'm away for the weekend. I'm sure you will have a fab time. Carooline from Skrapz is bringing their shop, which we know is brilliant. They have some new stuff to show you too. Enjoy!

Free collage class

There's a free collage class at Stafford Library (01785 27858)on Friday 15th May. I'm going, and I think there are still several places left, so come and join us if you can! I found a nice beeswax collage tutorial on YouTube, and you know how I love that smell! It's worth a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmJaDI6H_Ow
Think I better go and melt some wax!

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!