Snaggle Lane

NEW BLOG

2009-11-29T13:11:00.002Z

Hi I have a new blog under construction at www.snagglelane.co.uk - looking forward to seeing you there

pipsx

Concept/3D cards

2009-05-31T12:10:00.005+01:00

Hi

I have very little time to craft lately due to all the hours I have been doing at work but to avoid withdrawel symptoms I decided to make a few concept cards and 3D cards up that were in my stash.

Quick and easy to make and very effective. Ideal for those last minute birthdays.

Top pic - Jolly Nation 3D cards part of my QVC winnings
Nextthree pics are concept cards from my stash

pipsx

Recent bits and pieces

2009-05-31T12:08:00.003+01:00

I have got some gorgeous Murano glass pendants that I love and finally got round to making them into a necklace I can wear. Cut right back on my jewellery making for now as not sure if I want to progress further at the moment in time.

Because they are for me, I wanted them simple so that the pendants stood out as much as possible. The black pendant is on black velvet cord with black organza ribbon and the green pendant I put on black velvet cord.

As I said very simple but how I wanted them to be.
Pipsx

Biker Chic

2009-05-20T13:15:00.002+01:00

My mission was to make a birthday card for my mum to give to her friend. My theme: A Motorbike themed card for a girly girl!! After a lot of deliberation and even more cutting out this is the card I eventually came up with. A tad out of my comfort zone and deffinately a challenge but I and my mum were both happy with it so just hoping the recipient likes it.

April/May Birthdays

2009-05-10T18:08:00.005+01:00

I had a few birthdays in April/May

Mums was on the 18th and I made her a bagpuss decoupage I had just got as I know she loved the programme when I was a child.

Then came my sisters (she was 26 on the 26th) and adores Eeyore so this was a no brainer as soon as I found this image in my stash

Then came Dads on 2nd May - For him I tried iris decoupage for the first time after I saw this wild cat design in a local shop. Strange result as it's suppoed to be as if you were looking through a camera and wasn't too sure about it. Jury still out but Dad seemed to like it.

Then last but not least on the 3rd was my husbands birthday - for him I chose Sylvester as he joked one day about me doing him one for his birthday as he loved the sheets when I got them. He thought this was great.

Swaps

2009-05-10T18:01:00.007+01:00

I've entered a couple of swaps and here are my takes:

Bunny Atc - This is going to BigbunniesUk for the May ATC draw. Didn't have a clue what to do for this one and was really struggling until my prize came through the door and on one of the stamp sets was a bunny. It was soo cute I was chuffed to use it so soon. Hope she likes.

1-1 Swap - She said she liked purple and I had this gorgeous piece of card in a RAK, just hope she likes it.

Teddy Bears swap - Struggled a little with this one but was happy with the results especially the stamped one.

Sheep ATC and handbag charm - This was just an experiment that I decided to put in with my jewellery swap item with it being a sheep handbag charm

Thanks Pinkpuppy

2009-05-10T17:59:00.004+01:00

Thankyou Louise for the lovely RAK I received the other day. Its really lovely and thoughtful of you

pipsxx

Swaps

2009-05-10T17:38:00.007+01:00

I ahve done a couple of swaps lately including the Jewellery swaps which I hosted and have receoved some wonderful things from the ladies off the forum.

Dog card and ATC were from a 1-1 swap with Katie.

The Easter themed ATC's were from Pinkpuppy and Kathleen K

The "Snaggles" ATC was from Heather1981

The brooch and handbag charm were from RachelSian19

Thankyou very much ladies they are absolutely wonderful. pipsxxx

Back with Good News

2009-05-10T17:20:00.008+01:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in ages but to be honest there hasn't been that much to blog as I haven't done much other than work.

However I did have some very good news. I won £100 worth of QVC goodies that were offered in a competition at the recent Crafts Beautiful launch party.

I recevied the prize last week and WOW! as you can see from the pics above it was a very generous and wonderful prize. I was chuffed to little pieces

Handbag Charms

2009-04-13T19:21:00.004+01:00

I have had these wonderful charms/beads for a while and wanted to use them a number of times but wasn't quite sure how. Anyway after a Bank Holiday at work I decided to sit down and have a play and these little beauties are what I came up with.

A sheep, a frog and a flying pig!!!

I kept thr colours plain and simple so as not to detract from the main charm/bead. I am very happy with how these turned out and am already planning some more.

pipsx

PARTY PARTY!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-31T11:42:00.004+01:00

It's nearly part time at Crafts Beautiful so press on the link and join in the fun!

Bracelets

2009-03-22T17:51:00.004Z

These are the two bracelets I made today and gave to my mum for mothers day

The green one is lovely and chunky, i was inspired by a lovely chunky green jumper I know she weara, and the beads came from a CB rak.

The other is dainty and on memory wire and thought she could wear in the summer without it being too much/too heavy. Also knows she wears quite a bit of blue.

Mothers day cards

2009-03-22T17:48:00.005Z

Here are the cards I made for:

My mum - Purple decoupage (favourite colour)
MIL - Laura Asley paper with decoupage rose (loves Laura Ashley, flowers etc)
Nan - Flower fairies card (Loves flower fairies)

Sassy's Blog Candy

2009-03-19T10:25:00.008Z

Susie has a lovely blog candy giveaway, please check out her blog - you won't be dispointed, her makes are gorgeous

Little girl card

2009-03-16T14:22:00.003Z

I made this card yesterday for a special littles girls birthday but don't want to say more until the recipient receives it. Just hope she likes

More jewellery makes

2009-03-16T14:07:00.008Z

Last night and this morning I have been playing and recycling some old makes that I either didn't like or changed my mind about.

1st pic is a pair of earring I made from a handbag charm I received in a CB swap. I had the handbag charm on my bag for ages when I noticed one day part of it had gone. I was gutted as I adore the charm and the beads are beautiful. However I did notice that the bits left would make fab earrings so happily made them up this morning. Just hope the prson who originally made it approves.

2nd pic The black star fish pendant (which glows in the dark) I adore but hated the original chain it was on because it irritated my skin so I have kept in plain by threading on a black ribbon and black plush cord.

3rd/4th pic is a haematite bracelet and earring set which I recycled from an earlir make I only owre once. Again siplicity is they key here as I adore haematite and wanted some pieces I could wear anytime. Very very happy with these.

Easter ATC

2009-03-15T20:37:00.003Z

Whilst I was waiting for OH to get off the computer so I could upload my challenge makes I had a play and made an easter ATC with some ribbon I bought today, and an egg image from a CB swap from last year.

Challenge #5

2009-03-15T20:31:00.004Z

I nearly forgot oabout this challenge until about 7pm this evening when I started on these two makes. Cant't make up my mind which to enter so am showing them both.

The bracelet is for a friend (hope she likes) and the earrings are for me. I wanted some nice and simple drop earrings and ave wanted to use these beads for a little while as love the colour ('fraid pic doesn't do it justice).

EDIT: New and better pics added

Blog Candy Giveaway

2009-03-02T19:47:00.000Z

The lovely Karen has hit 1000 page views on her blog and is giving away some blog candy here to celebrate.

Congratulations Karen

Latest Card

2009-02-27T23:43:00.002Z

I made this card today after a bit of jewellery making.

The wire flower was in a fab Rak from Natalie (from CB forum).
The card was a blank I bought the other day and I used white felt behind the appeture and then mounted the wire flower onto that. The little “For you” was also from a Rak.

Jewellery Makes

2009-02-27T23:29:00.008Z

I have got the Jewellery bug at the moment and have made several necklace for my Nan. She loves her beads and after receiving her birthday prezzie asked me to make a couple more necklaces for her.

The purple necklace was part of her recent 80th birthday prezzie which was the first of my makes and was what prompted her to ask me to make more for her as she adored this one.

The Pearl necklace was designed for "everyday" use and the green necklace was desinged to go with the outfit she is wearing to my little sisters wedding in April and the bracelet was an added extra that she wasn't expecting but loved. The style of the green necklace was based on a pair of earrings that I made for myself as part of a jewellery challenge (see further down my blog)which she thought were lovely.

I gave her them today and she was thrilled with them which made my day. She then gave me a bracelet that she can't wear as its too big and asked me to make either into a necklace or a smaller bracelet! Will post the results when I've had a play!

Mondays Makes

2009-02-23T23:12:00.007Z

I discovered from the dietician this morning that I had lost weight at long last 1.4kg/3lb), and this along with the fact that the Crafts Beautiful forum was undergoing a server change, I decided was the perfect time to treat myself to some crafting time.

I made 2 ATCs from the remaining two koi sticker I had left (which are now winging their way to 2 special friends) and them made up some cards from the latest sets of decoupage that I cut out. I had great fun and nearly missed out on getting lunch before work because I was enjoying myself that much!

CB Cupcake Challenge

2009-02-21T22:46:00.003Z

Crafts Beautiful forum have a cupcake challenge whereby you have to create a cupcake make using the booklet that came free with this months mag

This is my take on the card from page41 of the cupcake booklet.

It’s my first attempt of making a gatefold card and the patterned paper used is from the perfect paper collection which was free with CB a few issues ago, the Nestabilities scalloped circles are from a swap with Maggie50. I didn’t have a cupcake stamp so I made my own using corrugated card, purple foam and a button.

Really really enjoyed making this card as I love the bright colours.
Hope you like

First proper scrapbook page

2009-02-19T23:30:00.007Z

Used:
8x8 colour paper (as 6x6 was way to small for 3 photos but 12x12 seemed an awfully big page and a bit too daunting to start.)
Photos are printed on Tesco Premium 120gms paper
Spots paper from a RAK
Fish, lilly pads and flowers are mounted peel offs.
Title done on computer and printed off on premium paper as above

I came up with the layout myself in the end but I will definately be using the links suggested to me on the CB forum as I feel I will need the help and ispiration they give. However, I wanted this one to be all my own work though to start to see what I could do more/was capable of more than anything. Knew it would either work or it wouldn’t.

I'm so glad the koi peel offs came accross well. I'm not a big fan of peel offs myself anymore after seeing what other options there is but I saw these and fell in love with them. I will only use peel offs now if I can make them look more unique and not just as sticker for the sake of it.

I can’t wait to have another go and I’m already looking at pictures to use.

Jewellery Callenge

2009-02-14T13:11:00.005Z

I thought I would join the latest challenge over on Tiggertastics challenge blog here

The theme of this challenge is Hearts or Red. I'm not a massive red person, with being a red head so took the hearts bit and went with that. Green is my favourite colour and I love these heart beads that I had in my stash. The best bit is I have just remembered that ages ago I made a memory wire bracelet and they would make a great set. What do you think??

Hope you like

Pin Display

2009-02-12T17:48:00.007Z

Ages ago I asked the lovely ladies on the CB forum for advise on how to display the charity pins I have bought over the years. Well they were fantastic and came up with loads of ideas to try. In the end I chose Carolyn's idea of putting material over a frame and pinning them on.

I found some left over yellow gingham material (i love gingham) and bought a pine picture frame from the charity shop and removed the backing and the glass and voila.

Really happy with it and have also put some redundant brooches I have on there aswell and theres even space left over so I can add to it. I'm going to hang it up in my craft area.

February Swaps

2009-02-11T23:21:00.004Z

I decided to cut down on the amount of swaps I do on the CB forum as I found I was more and more swaps and spending less and less time doing what I wanted to do crafting wise. (That and alot kept getting lost in the post!) Doing no more than two swaps a month means I can concentrate on my personal projects and cards.

However I love ATCs and could'nt resist February's Valentine themed swap.

Above I my entries, the top photo of the hedgehogs I got ages ago and this was the perfect time to finally use them. The 2nd photo, I got the stamp free on the cover of a craft mag, the edges have also been inked in red and black to give more depth but doesn't show up that good on the photos.

Valetines

2009-02-11T23:18:00.002Z

I managed to make this for my OH without him noticing whilst he was working in the same room!!

He’s not a big fan of valentines day as prefers to be romantic when he wants rather than being told to be!! so thought I would do a more understated card rather than big hearts and lovey dovey as I know he wouldn’t be impressed by it.

The dog and the words are both embossed, which isn't obvious from the photo but makes it look less flat.

Just hope he likes this.

Paws for thought

2009-02-11T23:15:00.002Z

I made this for someone on the CB forum, I love dogs and loved making this card

Super Sunday cont...

2009-02-11T23:12:00.003Z

Also on Sunday's crafting session:

The necklace is for my Nan who is 80 on the 13th - she loves beads

The others is a brooch that I did just for fun and some shrink plastic bits that I just had to play with.

Super Sunday

2009-02-11T23:05:00.011Z

Had a fab time on Sunday mounting all the decoupage designs that I have done over the last few days and playing with some of the designs from my goodie bag - my favourite has to be the Badger from Patchwork Kingdom though - soo cute!

Hope you like

Fantastic Surprise

2009-02-11T23:00:00.008Z

The other day my OH mentioned that someone he was dealing with business wise was also involved with two craft websites. When my OH mentioned I adored his sites and products he kindly said I could order whatever I wanted and he would only charge me trade price. As you can imagine I was over the moon.

Anyway put this to one side until this weekend as busy working and OH was arranging business stuff with him.

To cut a long story short (and to stop my waffling ) I got up this morning and OH handed me a package. When I saw what was inside my jaw hit the floor!! The guy he was dealing with had sent me a goody bag and in it were loads and loads of decoupage sheets, backing paper, some shrink plastic things (sorry not sure of proper name), some die cut decoupage and some clear stamps.

I was so overwelmed my this persons amazing generosity, I haven’t quite recovered and certainly not stopped smiling since.

I’ll post some picks of my makes as and when I do them.

Snowy Picture

2009-02-03T23:46:00.003Z

Adore my garden in the snow so though I would share a couple of pics with you

Latest Makes

2009-02-03T23:31:00.005Z

Not been crafting much lately so took great pleasure at the weekend sitting down and having a crafty play.

The teacup card was me having a play with a template that I saw and loved.

The 80th card is for my Nans birthday next week. I love shaped cards and hope to try out some more very soon.

Tagged!!

2009-01-31T21:37:00.003Z

I have been taggedd by Jackie to a photo challenge and this is what I have to do:

1) Go to the 6th photo folder saved on my PC (or not if you file them in a different way)

2) Choose the 6th photo stored and upload to to your blog

3) Write something about the picture.

4) Then tag 6 new people to join this challenge....

My picture is of my very happy husband Sam and the 12pound cod that he caught off the North East coast last year - a personal best for him (that earned him a voucher and a reputation on his fishing forum) and an extremely tasty meal for me and some other family members!!

I am going to tag!

Karen (Copse)
Sarah (Tiggertastic)
Karryn (Pinkbubble)
Aimee (Aims)
Natalie (Sequin)
Jane (Draytonlady)

January Swaps Received

2009-01-29T23:52:00.003Z

I played host this month to both the Bookmark swap and the tag swap over on CB (see my entries below) and I am proud to show off the swaps that I got.

The bookmark theme was "monochrome" and this very pretty bookmark was from Littleme.

The tag swap theme was "butterflies" and the two gorgeous tags I received were from Tiggertastic (left) and clara cluck (right)

Thanks ladies - they are fab.

First Bind it all make

2009-01-29T23:49:00.002Z

I got my wonderful little machine for christmas and have been dying to play. I finally got round to making something last week. I started plain and simple but can't wait to make many more projects in the months to come including a bound scrapbook or two.

Thank you Maggie

2009-01-26T23:34:00.006Z

I received this today and am chuffed to bits, just what I needed, thanks Maggie, hugs to you hun.

I love giving and receiving hugs and would like to send hugs to the following 10 people as they have been such wonderful and friendly ladies over on the CB forum and I would be lost with out the friendship I have received from them and the others at CB (gooey but true):

Sarah,

Natalie

Louise

Aims

Janice

Karen

Chris

Jackie

Pinkbubble

Liz

BLOG CANDY

2009-01-24T11:33:00.004Z

A lovely CB friend Aims is offering some blog candy in celebration of reaching 1000 views on her blog.

Please see her blog here for more information and to see her fabulous makes (very talented lady).

Luv Pipsxx

MY CRAFT SPACE!!!!

2009-01-21T23:40:00.003Z

Thanks to my wonderful OH I now have my very own craft space. We only have two bedrooms so space is at a premium for us but despite this my OH still managed to make me my own little area to craft in so I no longer have to manage on the dining table or use his desk. His time, patience and DIY skills and my bargain £3.99 charity find chair (not shown)makes for a fab little craft station that I adore. Yipeeeeeee!!!

Since this photo was taken I have managed to squeeze all my crafty bits on around my work station area, bought the above mentioned chair and filled the notice board shown with gorgeous makes received from the lovely ladies off CB.

Bookmark and Tag Swaps

2009-01-21T23:31:00.004Z

These are my entries for the two swaps I am hosting this month. Tags are "Butterfly" themed and the bookmark theme chosen was "monochrome". I loved using my new fiskars cutter for the butterfly shaped tag, I had got it free when I subscirbed to CB and couldn't wait to try it out. Not too sure about my bookmark though. Might do another before I hae to send the swaps.

RAKS

2009-01-21T23:13:00.020Z

The ladies over on CB are such wonderful people and I have been amazed by the generosity I have been shown whilst hosting swaps this month.

Thank you so very much:

Janice, Jackie, Rachel, Susie, Carolyn, Laverne, Karen, Heather, Niki, Sarah, Natalie and Louise

Jewellery Challenge Entry

2009-01-05T23:49:00.004Z

I have decided to enter my first blog challenge! Tiggertastic from the CB forum has just started her very own jewellery challenge blog and above is my entry. It could be any piece of jewellery in my favourite colours. Well my favourite colours have to be Green and Black. I decided to enter the above piece becuase I made it especially for me using black seed beads and haematite (my favourite stones).

Please see here for Sarah's challenge blog.

3rd Wedding Anniversary cont......

2009-01-02T21:32:00.005Z

We always exchange cards on our anniversary despite it being christmas eve. Above are the cards that my husband and I made for each other.

My OH is not a naturally gooey person so I kept his card plain and to the point for him and he loved it.

The top picture is the card my husband made me and the picture below is the inspiration behind it - the cross stitch picture my mum gave to me as a momento of my wedding day. I adore this card and was so pleased with it, especially since he made it himself. (He'll be raiding my crafty stash next, lol)

3rd Wedding Anniversary

2009-01-02T21:25:00.003Z

As of 24th December 2008 I have been married for three years. Yippee.

I received many gorgeous cards and here is one of the crafty ones.

This is the most beautiful card I received from a lovley CB friend pinkpuppy. Thank you so much, it's really pretty.

Husbands Christmas Card

2009-01-02T21:24:00.002Z

Both my husband and I adore Robins so when I saw this decoupage I couldn't resist. He loved it as well I'm glad to report.

Christmas prezzies

2009-01-02T21:17:00.003Z

As well as a Bind it all, a Big Bite and lots of other crafty goodies for chistmas from my wonderful Husband and our families I also received some fantastic gifts from my CB friends.

The first pic is the die cut shapes from Tiggertastic.

The second picture is the Secret Santa prezzie I received. It's a mini scrapbook album in green (my favourite colour). I later found out that this was from Hellybelly (Helen). I have always wanted to try my hand at scrapbooking.

Thank you so much ladies, I love them.

December swaps

2009-01-02T21:06:00.004Z

The first picture is of the beautiful earrings I received in the Jewellery swap from Copse. The theme was black, white and silver. Karen - thankyou soo much I adore them and have already worn them several times including on christmas day.

The next picture are the fabulous ATCs I received from Pinkpuppy and Freehartz. The them was "Pink Christmas". Thanks ladies

And last but no means least the fab bookmark I received from Beckyp87. The theme was "Christmas". Thanks hunny.

More gorgeous christmas makes received

2009-01-02T20:59:00.006Z

Here are the rest of the gorgeous christmas cards that I received over the last couple of weeks. Thank you very much.

Blog Candy

2008-12-14T23:22:00.001Z

A lovely CB friend Eve is offering Blog Candy in aid of her 50th Birthday/hitting over 4000 hits. Please visit her lovely blog here for more info.

Award

2008-12-14T23:00:00.006Z

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!
These blogs are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement.
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.
Please give more attention to these writers!
Deliver this award to eight bloggers who then must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.
I am passing it on to these lovely people for their wonderful blogs and the hand of friendship they have held out to me :
Natalie, Jackie, Sarah, Aims, Eve, Louise, Karen, and Beverley

Hand crafted christmas cards received

2008-12-14T22:38:00.010Z

I really enjoyed making my own christmas cards this year (see my makes for pics) but I have enjoyed receiving hand crafted cards from others even more.

Bottom to top: Thank you Maritrez (card and ATC), lozabeth, Freehartz, littleme, partygirl and last but not least Barbara19 (card and adorable reindeer charm)

Thank you ladies they are fab.

Christmas is Coming!!!

2008-12-14T22:32:00.003Z

I love this time of year and as usual couldn't wait to put up our christmas tree.

Here's a pic of our lovely tree - work has been manic lately and I have been working loads of extra hours (hence why I haven't updated on here in ages1) so it's great when all the christmas lights are on and i'm snuggled up in my chair watching TV!

It's even better now (after 16months of waiting) to have my gas back on and have a lovely warm house and the ability to use my oven and hob!!

CB Secret Santa

2008-12-14T22:30:00.002Z

Following the marvelous christmas party held by the CB team I found I had been nominated by another member to received a Secret Santa prezzie and the above is what I received.

Thank you CB and to my mystery secret santa.

Snowman ATC swap

2008-12-14T22:28:00.003Z

These are the gorgeous makes I received from the CB "Snowman" themed ATC swap.

Thanks

Tag Swap

2008-12-14T22:24:00.003Z

The above are the tags I kept from hosting the CB Tag swap.

Thanks to Aims and Littleme for your gorgeous makes.

Treats from Golden Hippie

2008-12-14T22:18:00.002Z

Thank you so much Laverne for the stunning package of goodies I received along with you tag swap. I love them Mwah!

RAK & ATC from Tiggertastic

2008-12-14T22:16:00.002Z

I received the above RAK and stunning ATC from my friend Sarah for hosting the tag swap.

Thanks hun, you are very kind.

RAKs

2008-12-14T22:09:00.005Z

These RAKs were received for hosting a Tag swap over on the CB forum.

Thank you very much ladies, you are very kind.

Swap/RAK from Sequin

2008-12-14T22:05:00.005Z

This lovely lady has not only sent me the most amzing RAKS below but has done a swap with me after she bought a magazine twice in error. The pics above is the mag and the way too kind added extras! The ATC is stunning!

Amazing Raks from Sequin

2008-12-14T21:59:00.008Z

These are the RAKs I have received in November/December from my dear friend Natalie.

Thanks doesn't even cover hunny - you're such a kind and generous lady. Mwahh!

RAK from Pinkpuppy

2008-12-14T21:53:00.002Z

This amazing wall hanging came from my lovely CB friend.

Thanks Louise, I love it.

October/November Swap

2008-12-14T21:50:00.003Z

This is the beautiful bracelet I received from Laura26 as part of the swap and the gorgeous earrings came as a RAK from rachielsian19.

Thank you soo much ladies.

I love memory wire

2008-11-08T21:46:00.001Z

I'm addicted to it at the moment and love using it in my projects as you can see above. Already looking to some rings and necklaces with some.

1st and so far only..

2008-11-08T21:45:00.003Z

Christmas card. So need to get a move on with the rest!

Bookmark swap

2008-11-07T23:51:00.002Z

Got another fab swap in the post this week and this time it was a gorgeous bookmark. Octobers bookmark swap theme was Halloween (further down the thread is my entry)and this is the one I received from Jintz. Thanks hun I love it.

Image swap & RAK

2008-11-07T23:44:00.003Z

I love taking part in the swaps over on CB and here is what I received in the October image swap. I can't wait to have a play.

Big thankyou to 2belle, clara cluck, Sequin, Rachelsian19, littleme & debbieD for the images.

And a big thank you to Tiggertastic for hosting and for the gorgeous card and RAK

thanks ladies

In Loving Memory to Pete Hellen

2008-10-31T00:02:00.003Z

I would like to deidicate my blog to my cousin Pete Hellen who should be celebrating his 24th birthday today. Unfortunately Pete passed away in February 2008. He went to sleep and never woke up.

We found out later that he had a massive rare brain tumour in the very base of his skull and that had he known he had it could never have survived it.

Rest in Peace Pete. Never will you be forgotten.

Love Pip xx

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T23:59:00.004Z

Happy Halloween everyone.

Today i will be wearing my vampire bat earings from Whitby (where Brams Stoker came to when he came to England and supposedly got his inspiration for his Dracular novel) and I will finally be able to eat the gorgeous biscuit I bought from my local cake shop. mmmmmmm.

Halloween card

2008-10-30T23:56:00.003Z

Beverley who hosted and arranged the Halloween blog hop has sent me a card to say thank you for taking part. I adore the card, and you are most welcome hun, I have loved doing the hop since 17th October, it's fab to do something different. Thanks so much for organising.

From Sequin

2008-10-30T23:54:00.003Z

My lovely friend sequin was wanting a good home for some tweezers that were surplus and i was chuffed to bits when she said she could send a pair to - no more loosing sequins or getting attached to peel offs! And the lovely lady that she is also included a gorgeous RAK for me to play with.

Thank you so very much hunny, you are too kind. mmwah

October ATC sawp on CB

2008-10-30T23:51:00.004Z

The theme this month was decoupage and here are the wonderful ATCs I received from Squeak and Cambiel, I also got a thank you ATC from Copse who hosted this months swap.

Gorgeous ATCs, thank you very much ladies, I love them

Pollycrafts Challenge

2008-10-23T22:05:00.002+01:00

I am speechless, I found out the other day that I have won the Christmas challenge on the Poolycrafts website (see friends list). I won a fantastic papercraft projects book which I received today and can be seen above for some cross stitch christmas decorations I made. See "Latest makes" dated 1st October so see them for yourself.

Thank Chris, I love it.

Nestabilities Swap

2008-10-23T21:58:00.006+01:00

I really really want a cuttlebug and have wanted to try nestabilities scalloped circles etc for ages so the other day whilst on CB I decided to be really cheeky and see if someone would swap some for some crafty items. Well not one but two lovely ladies said they would swap and above is what they sent. The two big packs of pale colours are from Maggie and the christmas ones plus the ATC and papers are from Aims

Thank you sooo much Maggie and Aims you are soo kind, I am chuffed to bits with them and can't wait to play.

More Halloween Makes

2008-10-23T21:51:00.005+01:00

I made some simple ATC's with some of the pumkin peel offs I got and loved. I kept them simple to make the most of the pumpkins. I know some people hate them but I love them for ATC's, sentiments etc.

The bookmark is for the October bookmark swap on CB and I also entered it into the Halloween challenge. The close up picture of the witch shows the moon better which I did in glow in the dark thread. No excuse for loosing your bookmark now!!

Welcome Halloween Blog hoppers!!!!

2008-10-17T18:55:00.003+01:00

Hello and welcome all Halloween Blog hoppers.

Over the next two weeks I will be uploading my halloween makes for all to see and comment on if you wish so watch this space!

Here is my first ever halloween card to get it started.

Latest handbag charm

2008-10-17T18:52:00.002+01:00

I enjoyed making the one for the swap on CB so much that I made another the other day. Then when I heard one of the other members of the swap hadn't received hers due to RM I sent it to her, hopefully this time recieved safe and sound. I was in charge of the swap and hate the thought that someone spent time on it and didn't get anything in return.

Crafty Stash buys

2008-10-17T18:44:00.004+01:00

Not been chatting much lately but since getting a monster migrane last wednesday I have seem to have had a constant headache since and my sleeping pattern is totally shot as been sleeping as and when the pain allows. This on top of a busy time at work and home has left me totally out of it and I'm struggling to maintain everything and not let my depression flare up.

Doctor gave me some better painkillers than what I had the other day and something to help me sleep so I am slowly starting to get back to normal although home especially is manic with business stuff and trying to maintain the house (such a loosing battle on that one). Bathroom looks like someones emptied half mine & OH clothes on the floor, the other half being my current ironing pile. I joke not!

On the plus side my OH gave me some money towards a crafty shop yesterday to cheer me up, which it certainly did. Above is what I bought. Tomorrow will be my 13th day in a row at work due to covering holidays so I can't wait to have a craft only day on sunday and play with my new buys.

Fab RAK from ann-b

2008-10-17T18:33:00.004+01:00

I received the above yesterday from the lovely anna-b from the CB forum.

I love the card and papers, thank you so much hunny you made my day.

A couple of ATCs

2008-10-14T22:37:00.004+01:00

I worked seven days last week as was covering holiday so didn't get chance to do much crafting, however with the little time I had I managed to make these two ATC's. The winnie the pooh ATC is for an ATC decoupage swap on CB and the other was just me playing around.

Hopefully I'll have chance this weekend to have a better play.

Another 3lb gone Yipee!!!

2008-10-14T22:33:00.002+01:00

Yep second week and another 3lb lost. Not really sure how I managed to loose 3lb when I didn't go swimming due to a migrane and headaches but still I'm not arguing. I did however join the local leisure centre swimming membership on Sunday as part of their open weekend and saved myself a heft joining fee. I love getting a bargain! Just need to make sure I go swimming three times a week now!

Hope to have more good news next monday when I get weighed again.

Blog Candy Available

2008-10-11T21:08:00.001+01:00

Please go over to The craft table as she has a fantastic blog candy prize to offer! This is to celebrate hitting the big 10000! Big congrats Martine.

Award

2008-10-11T20:24:00.009+01:00

Thrilled to little pieces. I have just found out that I have been given this award from the adorable Pinkpuppy and Draytonlady!

Thank you so much ladies, I am over the moon!

There are a few rules to having this award:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog
2. Link the person you received the award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours

Here are my nominations...

Aims
Cambiel
Freehartz
Martine
Pinkbubble
Sequin

My first Handbag charm

2008-10-09T23:40:00.002+01:00

I am hosting this months swap which is for Handbag charms with an "Autumn Inspiration". I was thrilled when Autumn won because this is my favourite time of the year and I adore autumn colours both to wear as well as to look at.

Here is my contribution.

Flowers

2008-10-09T23:37:00.002+01:00

The card from Wiggley reminded me how much I adore poppies and roses, they are by far my favoutite flowers. Poppies because they are so pretty and because they are a "June" flower and I was born in June. I love roses (especially red ones) because I love their elegance, I also had these decorating my bag at my Christmas Eve wedding.

I also find yellow roses and daisies particularly pretty as these are my grandad and nan's favourite flowers. I like to have yellow roses around me on his birthday in rememberence. And if I want to cheer up my Nan I know a simple boquet of daisies are the way to go.

FAB RAKs

2008-10-09T23:28:00.005+01:00

I received two more fantastic RAKs this week.

The first the ATC, card, ribbon etc is from Tiggertastic - thanks hun, can't wait to have a play with the RAK especially the yummy looking cupcake paper.

The second came from Wiggley - thank you very much, I had admired the card on CB and was gobsmacked to receive it in the post with the gorgeous earrings aswell, you are too kind.

Thank you both very much.

I've lost my first 3lbs!!!!!

2008-10-06T23:44:00.002+01:00

I am over the moon today becuase I have lost my first three pounds. This is despite having a bad head cold and only going swimming once and then last night letting my OH buy KFC and a big bag of buttons each! Oh dear.

Going to try and go swimming three times this week as I'm supposed to and not eating the KFC and buttons and hopefully this time next week will have more good news (fingers crossed). So far so good.

Phillipa x

Crafting Time

2008-10-06T23:35:00.006+01:00

I don't usually find I have the time and the inspiration at the same time but the other day I did so I made the most of it and had a play.

The card is for a friends birthday next week - I have been wanting to use this feather dress for a while now as I love it.

The ATC's were a bit of fun. I have quite a bit of off cut paper/small pieces received in Raks that I wanted to use and loads off peel offs that I had never used for various reasons. I don't use peel offs loads and decided I wanted to see what effects I could get from them to make them look interesting and above are the results. I adore the seahorse one, simple and yet effective. The decoupage Eeyore was going to go on a card but I have entered an ATC swap over on CB and thought he would be ideal. Can't wait to have time to play some more, especially more ATCs.

Card and RAK from Sequin

2008-10-02T20:42:00.002+01:00

I woke up feeling yuck this morning and think I am coming down with cold. So imagine my surprise when I received not one but three raks!

The first two from Draytonlady and Metaltedgrrl and this from my lovely friend Sequin.

You made my day. Thank you

And some more

2008-10-02T20:35:00.004+01:00

The above are some gorgeous ATCs that I have received from the CB ladies

The top one is from Torpenhow07
The middle is from Hellybelly
The bottom from Heather1981

Thankyou very much ladies, your work is lovely.

Some more thankyous

2008-10-02T20:22:00.004+01:00

The ladies over on the CB forum are so very generous and above are some more of their soo very generous RAKs

The papers, images and beads are from Aims

The stenil and glitter were in the swap and are from Draytonlady.

The mobile phone charm, stamps and embellishment are from Metaltedgrrl.

Thankyou so very much ladies.

CB Swaps

2008-10-02T20:09:00.005+01:00

I love entering the swaps on CB as they can really make me think and I can try things that I wouldn't usually try.

The lovely house card is from Courtneys mum for the "New House" swap

The gorgeous earrings are from Renata in the first ever Jewellery swap, she also very kindle sent me the lovely notelet and fish charm, very me! Cant wait to use it in a special piece of jewellery.

Bookmark Mystery

2008-10-01T23:45:00.003+01:00

I received the above bookmark from the September swap on CB but as yet noone has owned up to making it. Such a shame as it's a gorgeous bookmark and I would love to say thankyou personally.

Thank you mystery person
Phillipa x

CB Thank yous

2008-10-01T23:33:00.006+01:00

I am hosting a handbag charm swap on CB titled "Autumn" and the girls have been so very kind and added in a thank yo for hosting. It was so unexpected but I am over the moon and very grateful. Above are a few of the pics of what they have so kindly sent.

The bag charm and decoupage are from Copse, the earring and beads from Mrs Aardvark, the beads are from RachelSian19, the embellishments etc are from Shellyhope there are also a couple of ATC's and a RAK from Bigbunnies UK that I received too which I will add tomorrow when I have downloaded the pics.

Thank you ladies, it is so very very kind of you.

Phillipa xx

Latest makes

2008-10-01T20:37:00.006+01:00

The sweet little card is for my niece's birthday on the 16th October. I loved making something so girly and pink for a change, I also entered it into challenge on CB.

The second pic is my entry for the bookmark swap over on CB titled Autumn Leaves. Autumn is my favourite time of the year and I really enjoyed making this one. Tempted to make another for myself.

Last pic is the christmas tree decorations that I have entered into not one but two challenges over on CB. Deffinately going to make more before christmas, think they're cute.

For all my makes please see "my makes" slideshow

Big win

2008-10-01T20:26:00.003+01:00

There is a 2week angling festival on in Scarborough and OH entered the first ever Kayaking competition at the weekend and much to his amazement and delight WON. His prize was a new Kayak, which he has said I can use so I can go fishing on the river and at the lakes with him. Can't wait.

Good week

2008-10-01T20:22:00.003+01:00

Been off for the last 2weeks and not had chance to come on here much and update but wow what a week last week was.

I took my lures (see below) and OH took me pike fishing for the first time and here are the results. A 5lb pike. Yipeeeeee

Girl Power

2008-09-11T23:44:00.004+01:00

My OH and I run our own business selling lures and accessories and today I saw the best lure ever. He gets in so many nice lures (i know i know it's sad for a girl to think lures are "nice") but I am catching the bug, plus the colour etc are amazing and the range well, I thought crafting could be an expanding hobby!. So much so that today I actually asked him to take me pike fishing. I have fished for carp, tench and perch etc in the past with my biggest carp being 14lb (rather decent)but for some reason want to try for a pike to see what all the fuss is about. Also whats the point of me being part of the business if I have never tried it myself???So above is a pic of my lure and hopefully I will soon be blogging about what I have caught - not just a cold lol. Wish me luck

Phillipa x

Really Excited

2008-09-11T23:30:00.003+01:00

I am over the moon this week because last week at work I got a massive surprise when I was told I had won the july monthly award beacause of all the extra work I had taken on for another department. They gave me a £50 voucher for Handyhippo! Wow - spent nearly three days looking at what I could buy before finally deciding, this was on top of some money my OH had found in my ebay account that he said I could use for my crafts. WHOOP WHOOP. Well I have been dying to try heat embossing so decided this was the best possible time. My stuff started to arrive yesterday with the remainder today, well it felt like it was my birthday! I'm off next week and the week after and can't wait to play with my new toys. Will blog what I make, I say with my fingers crossed lol.

Latest cards

2008-09-11T23:29:00.002+01:00

Been really busy lately so not had much chance to blog, plus two days ago I fell over and badly grazed my knee. Limping a bit now and very painfull, remind me not to do that again in a hurry lol.

Anyway had to do two cards this week. One for my manager who is 40 on Sunday and the other for my friends anniversary today. The 40th card was the hardest to do becuase I have only worked with my manager for 6weeks and don't know what her tastes are so kept in plain and simple.