Swiss dots

Here is a quick one for today - my friend Marie nonchalantly announced yesterday (whilst standing at the school gates) that she had got engaged on Friday. Well, I say announced...she actually shoved the massive rock on her left ring finger right under my nose! [smiles]


So I knocked up this card today for her - completely 'lifted' from a gallery which is absolutely full of fabulous cards. The Cuttlebug section of the gallery is here, although you can get to the main menu by clicking on home from the top of the page. I even embossed the envelope to match [smug smiley here].

James went on a school trip today - to Eyam village (famous for being the village that contained the plague back in the 1600's) - Eyam is one of the villages that feeds the secondary school I went to - Lady Manners School in Bakewell. I wonder if any of my old friends still live there?

I must trawl through Friends Reunited again one day. Anyway - James seemed to like it (even if he did get ripped off in the museum shop when he bought a pen and pencil, and then didn't have enough money left for an ice cream - (all together now...) awwwwwww!)

Got to dash - not feeling 100% as I have a stinker of a cold and a rather irritating tickly cough to go with it - and a Governors' meeting to sit through later, so lots of minutes of meetings to print out and ponder over before I go.

Quick card

Here's my first proper card made with the Cricut - and one of my new Sugar Nellie stamps (Summer Nellie - complete with crocs). It's A5 in case you're wondering.

Got loads of cards to make for April so hopefully will be posting some more really soon. Got my new embossing folders to try out soon too.

Photo frame

Almost finished the photo frame I've been altering (quite basic though - don't expect Elise Flanagan or anything). Just got to stick the embellishments on (they're all painted now) and then take a photo of the kids to go in it - I will show you the frame as soon as I've done it today though - the photo of the kids may take a little longer.

My niece's concert was good (although the choice of music wasn't exactly mainstream).

Be back later with the picture...et viola - as if by magic...it appeared!

On your marks...

Get set...go........to work that is! Yep - had a phone call from my new boss this afternoon. They've finally traced the reference from my previous employer, and we've agreed a start date of 21st April. That gives me three weeks till lift off...and two of those are the school holidays. I am really quite looking forward to starting work in a large office again. Actually, this one is far larger than anywhere I've EVER worked before - the largest Bank branch was probably no more than 30 people when it was fully staffed, so with up to 500 people in this one, it will be a different kettle of fish altogether.

On a lighter note I've been playing my my new Cricut, but as I've only been 'practicing' I don't really have anything to share just yet. All in good time - I'm sure my first creation isn't far away.

We're off to see my niece tomorrow night - she's playing her final concerts this summer with the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra and we're off to see her at Sheffield City Hall. She's 21 in April so also she will soon be too old to participate. Which makes me feel VERY old (and lord knows how old my BIG sister feels [smiles]).

We've also confirmed that we're off to sunny Blackpool in May with DH's Brass Band just for a short weekend, but at least it won't be here (picture on right is from when they played at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2006 - DH is furthest left - 2nd row up) .

Tardy

I should have made it back on here last night, but alas I was far too tired (and then didn't sleep well at all - what's that all about? I normally sleep very well).

Anyway, the Cricut DID arrive yesterday - at about 5.15pm just as I was getting ready to take James swimming (I couldn't believe it...and the delivery guy wasn't too happy - I wasn't his last drop either). I took the manual to swimming with me and had a little read, and then came home and had a little play on the Design Studio later on (then came the restless sleep bit).

Soooo today I've started having a proper play - and WOW am I impressed! I do wish I could have gone for the expression, but it would have been a few months before I had got the rest of the money together for it, and I really didn't want to wait any longer - isn't 8 months long enough?

I've been on the blogs which have the templates that other (much more competant and preficient) users of Cricuts have made and posted for all to share. I made one of those cards with Happy and Birthday around the edges - only problem is the card is quite small because of the cutting area of the small bug. I will ahve to try to find a way to turn it all sideways and just cut the front out, so I can stick it onto another larger card.

I also got my order from Oh My Crafts - two sets of the cuttlebug combos - the presents and the build a flower one. Haven't had chance to play with those yet - a job for tomorrow. I need to get making cards soon as I have LOADS of bithdays in April, and also one for February that I have forgotten, and now it is so late it deserves something fabulous. Which brings me back around to tardy, which is an appropriate place to end for tonight (have to go and watch Ashes to Ashes anyway - there's something about Philip Glenister that I just can't put my finger on).

Bling!

Quick post for now (but may be back later) because I want to show you a picture of my latest candle with 'bling'.

I am really quite pleased with this one - I used Cosmobella (I think) and wrapped some Papermania ribbon around the bottom (stuck on with DST) and then added some hot fix crystals to the ribbon and the candle itself. There are three Bella images going around the candle too.

Might try some more, but need to go and get some more candles first.

The Cricut which I ordered yesterday from Cutting Edge Crafts hasn't made an appearance today, so fingers crossed for tomorrow. I have, however, received the Design Studio software from Sirstampalot, and the little tiny order which I placed at Craftsulove (would have been rude not to when they had free p&p). I did originally order it from Sirstampalot, but alas they didn't actually have them in stock, so the very nice owner, Janice, gracefully offered me a refund of the machine so I could buy it elsewhere.

I am so into crafting again at the moment that I can't wait for it to appear! I hope it's everything I expect it to be - and more!

Off to take James swimming soon, so I'll try to get back later with the rest of my news.

It's Friday - Good!

Not much to report today - still sorting my dining room, although DH did put my shelves up last night, so getting there little by little.

I *think* I've finially decided that I'll buy a small Cricut and the design studio cartridge from Sir Stampalot. I'm just not sure that I'll need the big one as I don't really scrapbook, so I can't justify buying the Expression. That said, if I find I'm using it a lot, I can always upgrade once we have some funds to do so in a few months.

So I'm off to order it in a mo - I am also going to order a couple of cartridges from a site I've found in the USA as they have most of them on offer this weekend. So for now I'm off to peruse and decide which two to go for (although they haven't got the disney ones on offer so it will just be a couple of the older standard ones for now - got to find my feet after all!).

Didn't tell you that Sophie lost another tooth this week - which now means she has her four top teeth all missing. She looks a right one I can tell you.

Pedantic? Moi?

Oh, and just a quick one - I saw a really posh signwritten expensive sign over a new shop in our village the other day (I must stop the car and photograph it to show you).

It says something like:

A taste sensation
@ DOORSTEP SANDWICH'S

I ask you - you'd think somebody would have pointed it out wouldn't you? Doorstep Sandwich's what?

And there's more...

Well, I'm trying to make the most of the time I have to myself before I start work (no, I haven't got a date yet, but I did ring to chase them up yesterday because as far as I know they now have all the information they need ) so I made a couple more candles last night. When I say made... I don't, of course, mean made - I mean decorated. I really should be careful what I type eh?

Anyway - here they are:



My Bind-It-All which I ordered in a moment of weakness on Tuesday evening has just arrived too - so as well as candle decorating, I now have books to make! Isn't DH going to be pleased this weekend?

We are toying with the idea of going to see my Grandad tomorrow - he is now 104 years old, and realistically isn't going to be around for ever. Once I start work, I'm not sure when we are going to get another chance, but as my Aunty that we normally visit on the same day is away on holiday at the moment, it's a long way to travel just to visit him for 1½ hours (2½ hours in the car each way).

I'll make a decision later on. Sophie is at her friend's house for tea, and James has choir after school, which should have meant that I have some extra time to myself this afternoon, but Sophie's school has decided that they're having a table-top book sale, and also selling off some stationery items which they've been given.

I popped into the office this morning and saw them - they're gorgeous! They have sets of 3 Laura Ashley pens for 50p (rrp £3.99 at WHSmith) and also some Laura Ashley storage boxes also for 50p (which I think would look fab full of blossoms!), so I've agreed to pop in and collect Sophie's school bags and take some pennies to spend. THey have got kids stuff too - lovely girly door hangers and wipe clean weekly planner boards (kids ones), so I better get to the cash machine to draw out some dosh. Pictures to follow once I've bought them!

Wax lyrical

Finally I've got around to trying the candle thing that I've seen so many other people try - the one where you transfer a stamped image onto a plain candle.

Well, here is my effort - this is actually one candle with two images on it, but I've bought 4 of these candles altogether to practice on. I think next time I'll get the larger (taller) candles, as I haven't got many stamps this small (the candle is only approx. 3 inches tall).

What do you think ? Success?







I will post the images of the dining room soon, but I'm waiting for the room to be finished before I do (and DH has some shelves to put up for me - I think he's trying to avoid the job - naughty naughty).

I also got my huge set of Prismacolor pencils yesterday (thanks to everybody on UKS who recommended to get an automatic sharpener - it was a really quick job and no blisters to sharpen them all).

Also, after my successful listings on ebay, I have to go and wrap some parcels up (the rest were posted yesterday). I now have money sitting in my Paypal account and I can't decide what to spend it on (saving isn't in my vocabulary).

A little bit lax

Is what I've been lately. I have much to tell, and so little time.

The main news is that I got myself a job! I went for an interview at Nottinghamshire County Council for a job as assistant administrator in the Finance Department, and I only went and got it. I'm still in shock, and this was last Tuesday!

The offer is subject to references and medical questionnaire, but as far as I know they will be fine. It's 26 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days (which suits me fine), and as long as I work the 'core hours (which I'm assuming are 10-2 ish) I can work flexi time and build up hours to take (eg for inset days). I'm really quite excited, as it should be a nice stable job, and the people I met seemed really nice.

As soon as I know when I start I'll update here.

I've ordered some Prismacolour pencils from the USA too - a sort of congratulations pressie from me to me on my new job. Actually I've got some stuff for sale on ebay which looks like it's going to cover the amount of the pencils, which would be great!

Dining room still isn't quite sorted, and we still have stuff all over the house, but bit by bit it's getting there. My only worry now is that I'm going to be really organised and have no time left to craft once I start my new job. Hmmmm - might have to make a concerted effort to make some time to craft.

Got to go now and I mustn't make the kiddies late for school. I'm also going to have a trial run this morning, to see what time I can get to where my new office is (to see if I can make it there by 9am).

p.s. I still have some pictures of the dining room to post - I will get there in the end!

Ahoy Matey! - ATCs

These Sugar Nellie ATCs are for a swap on UKS - a Sugar Nellie Swap. I don't normally 'do' ATCs, but I really quite enjoyed these. Had to do them all almost the same though, couldn't cope with thinking of 10 different ATCs. There are 5 different ones - identified by the different stamped images in the top right hand corner of the cards.

Pictures of the dining room coming up soon......

Nightmare & stress

Quick update:

Laminate flooring laid.
Radiator leaked.
Laminate flooring taken up.
Plumber enlisted.
Radiator fixed.
Room decorated.
Laminate floor re-laid.
Furniture moved (again and again and again ad infinitum).
DH's eyes zapped.
Various check ups undertaken (at Meadowhall=expensive journey/shopping trip).
Kids now back at school.
DH back at work.
ATCs for swap almost finished (phew).

Manic couple of weeks.

Normal service will be resumed shortly.

Not forgotten

...but life has really got in the way these last few days. The floor is almost laid (I forgot to take a picture of the craft room before, but I've got one of during, and I'll take one soon of it now (in it's floor-finished state, but walls as yet untouched).

I might even have an old photo of the craft room somewhere (probably not quite as full as it ended up in the end, but you'll get an idea).

We have great plans for the new look room (none of which include piling it to the ceiling with stuff), but we need to take the excess flooring supplies back to Ikea in order to buy the storage unit from there too. One of those Expedit thingies - a 4 holes by 4 holes one like the one in the picture - yes a white one! We'll probably start off with two of the plastic boxes for it, and build up the collection later on (they cost a whopping £7.99 per box).

We're also painting the existing wall shelves white and raising them up a little so that you can actually lift the lid of the piano when it's underneath (essential if we're going to have it tuned regularly!).

I also met up with Helen from Craftables yesterday, but I can't tell you much about that or I'd have to kill you :smile:

Quick cards

Had a busy weekend - hence no blogging. I've made a few cards, but mostly I've been assisting my dear husband to lay the laminate flooring in the living room. Sadly, apart from a few square feet in the tiny porch/hall as you come in the house, the next area to be done is the craft room - so we're now past the point of no return.

The only reason I've had a reprieve up till now is that we decided to put threshold strips between the rooms (the original plan was to go straight through).

Anyway - here are my cards (some of which are already on their way as the birthdays are imminent - sorry if I've spoilt the surprise).

£££££££ and a few more £££££££

I've spent a small fortune today. First was £69 for a new back box for the exhaust on the car. Then off to Ikea and spent loads on laminate flooring for the living room and 'dining room'.

The only problem with replacing the floor in the dining room, is it is home to not only the computer, ALL of my craft stuff (not inconsiderable as many of you know), but also a rather large upright piano that I haven't seen for at least 2 years from behind all the craft stuff.

Frightening stuff.

I have to make sure I'm up to date with all the cards I need to send for Feb, then I have to start clearing it all out.

It's going to be a long hard task, but the by-product of all this tidying up, is that I'll probably be selling off plenty of unused stuff (like the set of Prima flowers of the month which I sold to Ruth this afternoon - LOL).

Michael's hoping to start on the laminate at the weekend, but from Monday onwards he has to wear his glasses in preparation for his eye treatment the following Monday.

I'll take a photo of the 'dining/craft' room in the morning in daylight before I start clearing, and I'll post photos along the way. Oooooh it's exciting.

Double whammy

Well, I had a fab day yesterday! Well, evening anyway. LOL

We heard from Ofsted that we are a 'Good School with some Outstanding features. Can't go into more detail as it all has to be verified, but basically we're chuffed to mintballs with their findings.

Second bit of good news is that we had James' parents evening, and he is doing fabulously. He is on the Gifted and Talented Register for Literacy and also for Music, and is heading for some fantastic achievements if he keeps up the good work. He is acheiving level 4b and 4a work now,for literacy, and that's usually the expected grade at the end of year 6, or so I'm told - he's in year 4.

Add that to pancakes for tea all round (one of the few things I'm really good at) and things don't get much better.

Went to the Papermill Shop to get my card, so will get onto stamping those images today for you Donna!

ZZZZZzzzzzZZZZZzzzzz

I finally got some sleep last night, after the nightmare that was Ofsted yesterday. I didn't sleep properly or eat properly on Sunday night, and I spent all Monday morning reading pertinent documents. After all that, the meeting only lasted 1/2 hour, and I think it went OK. We'll find out the outcome at 3.30 this afternoon, so until then, it's fingers crossed.

So today is going to be a craft day methinks. All the cards I made the other week have all been used (cripes I send an awful lot of birthday cards!), so I need to really go for it and build my stock up properly. I also need to stamp some images for one of the girls on UKS who I've discovered only lives 5 minutes away from me. We're going to arrange a meet up soon, so I need to get my bum into gear. First I'll have to visit the Papermill shop at Macarthur Glenn to stock up on some white card. I'm off there in about 10 minutes (they don't open until 10am).

Hope I'm strong and don't slip other things into my basket. LOL

Bling

I've finally got to grips with my Kandi Kane - and lo - there was bling!

Trouble is, I only seem to be able to do the studs (which you press onto the cards) or the 4mm gem stones, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of the others if I keep practicing (don't stand still too long near me as you may get 'diamante'd).

Anyway, here are my latest few cards (I've also been back over a couple of older cards and given them the Kandi Kane treatment, but I wont bore you with the pictures again).

First another Sugar Nellile - the Guitar boy - papers from Dovecrafts new masculine papers, and a peel off greeting:

Then we have Cosmobella (a StampingBella stamp, bought from Funky Kits) used in conjunction with my new nestabilities circles dies (sentiment from Craftwork Cards):

And finally a Paper Nation decoupaged image from the QVC TSV, also with the nestabilities dies, a couple of Primas and a rub on sentiment:

Buried alive

under a mountain of Prima Crazy Daisies - but what a way to go! LOL. I got more Primas from Helen at the wonderful Craftables (see link on the left) - along with some Blonde Moments embossing powders. I'm hoping to get time to have a play tomorrow.

For tomorrow I am again a Brass Band widow, as DH is off to Preston to play in a competition with his band Newstead Welfare Brass. In fact, he's off out of the door right now to a rehearsal. I know that I met him whilst I too played in a band, so I do understand why they have to do all the rehearsals, but it really is silly season - with loads of contests in Feb/March/April May, and all the extra rehearsals really cut into family time.

I made a couple of cards yesterday, but I wasn't really feeling any inspiration, so they aren't particularly noteworthy. However, in the morning I will endeavour to photograph them and get them on here. There was a sprinkling of snow this morning, but there is more forecast, and maybe it will make for good photo taking with all that light reflecting into the house off the crisp white stuff. And maybe not.