New Year - Las Vegas ..... I wish!

A random picture of happy times in Las Vegas... where we had our honeymoon albeit 5 months late, in 2005. What a great place to spend New Year, that is on my wish list. I lurve Vegas! Also on my wish list:
be more creative; make more ART; think outside the box; that all my friends have a fun filled year and get all that they wish for...... thanks for being there........ Ciao

Paper Cutting

I love paper cutting... I havent done any for such a long time. I gave these as Christmas presents a few years ago.... this survived the 3,800 miles journey in a crate from USA home to England. Paper is so durable.... no wonder it lasts centuries. Ciao

Somerset Studio - Art Journaling

Heres what dropped through my letterbox the other day..... Somerset Studio's Art Journaling. I really lurve this magazine ( I lurve them all!)
It has such diversity of styles, which is great for us journallers, there is no right or wrong way .... there is just your own style. The lovely Kate Crane otherwise The Kathryn Wheel (her blog) is included... I have been privileged to meet her at Art From the Heart(Harrogate) at a class. I still havent got round to sorting out 'widgets' & 'gadgets' for my blog, so please be kind...... Ciao

Table Decorations

I wanted something for a Christmas Centre piece.. I have been looking for ages & i saw this mannequin made from gold sequin wire, then i found the lights and hey presto..... my centre piece! its something i can use again or seperately. I love different! Ciao

Brrrrrr.... Michigan style...poor ducks nowhere to swim!

Thought I'd share this photo of some poor ducks looking for somewhere to swim. The photo was taken in Ann Arbor, Michigan 2 Winters ago... we had a pond on the bottom of the road where we lived, a great place to watch the wildlife especially the ducks anytime of the year..... it was particularly cold (understatement!!!) 2008/9 & the pond was frozen.... now if you want cold, snow and chill factor Michigan is the place to go!!!!!! Ciao

Christmas Trees .... Olive Style 2009

Well here it is... a recycled, eco-friendly Christmas Tree! We used bamboo canes (from the garden), tied together with wire, wound the lights (2nd hand) round the tree, then hung decorations (many years old) on the wires.. put a star on the top. I think it looks cool and I'm not sure how many carbon footsteps we saved!
there nothing like being different, so it goes well with this household! Ciao

Journalling workshop @ Art from the Heart

This is what I made for Dyan who is Art from the Heart an amazingly creative woman.... as she is into Journalling and loves quotes I found this on Amazon called 'The Poets Notebook. On each page there is a quote or a prompt... its wonderful. So went off to Harrogate for a workshop at AFTH, with a wonderful set of creative souls we had a wonderful, expressive time with lots of laughing. I forget everything except the wonder of drawing, painting and being me! wish i could be there every day............. Dyan may think differently! lots of tea, warm feelings and i made a cake...... & i bought lovely crafting goodies. A great, wonderful, amazing day.
So another journal arrived from Amazon large Moleskine for altering/journalling ..... love paper and books! Ciao

Stampington & Co.... & Jenny Doh

Here are stamps designed by the talented Jenny Doh...... i read on her blog Crescendoh that she is leaving Stampington & Co and going on to ventures new called CrescenDOH.com so i'm spreading the word. Jenny kindly replied to an email i sent her ....... she is so busy, i was thrilled. Off out tonight to a Masonic Christmas dinner so will be able to dress up in heels. yippee. Ciao

Wednesday....

I cant believe that its been a couple of days since my last blog... I have been working on something which i cant post as yet as its a surprise for someone...... been to the hairdressers today, now have purple in my hair as well as pink... it is Christmas! Though the way some people are behaving it seems its an excuse for rudeness not very seasonal. So much for goodwill to all men!
I leave you with something i made earlier. Ciao

Eco Style & its Sunday............

Its Sunday, the sun is shinning, my dog Mollie is lying beside and its quiet... dont have enough quiet moments. Must do some more cards today and then they are finished........... just got the pressies to get now! Looking at having an 'alternative style' Christmas tree.... we are short on space here so thinking of an eco friendly one (my take on eco!) got to wash some bamboo sticks!!!
here's some more Journalling pages. Ciao

Blonde Moments ..... and Robins!

Here are my designs for Christmas cards 2010, using Blonde Moments papers and stamps, used coloured paints to make baubles, stamp for sentiment and table confetti stars stuck on ...... the pictures make them look a bit brighter. Anyway thats what friends and family are getting. Some are already winging their way around the globe to various friends, sent with love. I miss them but they are always in my heart and i laugh at the things we got up to. On to Robins now...when walking back from town yesterday, I was privileged to watch a Robin having a bath in a puddle, having a great time. I felt as though everything had stopped and i was lost in another world...... i didnt even feel cold! I've seen several Robins today which is great, perhaps a good portent for 2010, better times ahead. Ciao

Something to make me feel good.....

Well would you believe it i actually got a photo to upload today....... computers are marvellous when they work....cos i'm feeling cold and tired i thought if i thought of lovely things like handbags i would feel better. Not sure if its working yet. The above is my 1st page in my Journal...
I must catch up on the blogs that i read dont seem to have done much so far, heavens knows why as i dont go out to work... though i do work at home! though hubby might disagree with that (but he doesnt do anything anyway)..... i shall take my sneezes elsewhere. Ciao

Colds & Flu

What a weekend, missed the monthly trip to the Soul Nite as yours truly was poorly in bed with a bad cold..... i dont think these antibiotics are helping me in that i feel so cold since taking them. Anyway took the last one tonight so hopefully i will return to normal (whatever that is) and start with the hot flushes again! Got most of the Christmas cards made, piccys to follow, just seem to be running around like a headless chicken trying to do too much..... will have to go to bed as i'm falling asleep, the docs told me that Co codamol and antibiotics are ok when taken together - i beg to differ, they knock me out! I'm out of luck again.. still cant publish photos .. Marvellous! Ciao

Lost a blog...

Well this my 2nd go tonight... lost the other post somehow!!!! trying to get all my Petit Doll coursework done, journalling and Christmas cards made in between cooking, shopping, housework and socialising.... not enough hours. The antibiotics i'm on are making me feel cold... and i think i have a cold! life is great. Went looking for some (1 item) clothes for a Christmas do but everything seems dull in colour or too blingy!!! good job I havent got a hectic night life!
Cant believe its December next week.... scary. Tonight i dont seem to be able to add photos.... i will try later. Ciao

Christmas..... not ready!

I heard on the radio its only 4 weeks to Christmas.. oh joy! I havent even done my cards yet, let alone made them! Last year i was so prepared, mind you i was living where someone else was doing the cooking, cleaning and shopping... I'm now having to do it all myself..... oh poor me!
Yesterday i had a house full of visitors.. (we live in a 2up, 2 down) so more than 4 and its a house full, but it was great fun and Mollie loved all the attention she got.
Here is last years Christmas card......... this year will be nothing like this! Ciao

Christian Louboutin....... oooh, so divine!

patience is rewarded... here are the SHOES! actually on my feet, i adore red toenails so sophisticated. I read in a magazine to be completely dressed you had to have painted toenails.. so there. The box might read Paris, but my hubby bought them in Las Vegas when we were there on a delayed 'honeymoon'....... a story for another time. Wearing these somehow makes you feel so ...... divine! they are getting in & out of the car shoes, you cant do much in them (mind you depends on what you have in mind!!!)..... love you and leave you for this Sunday. Ciao

Artist Trading Cards.... Be a Voice

Made an ATC for a special project that Dyan mentioned in her blog & in class...... havent made many so thought i'd have a go. Its to help raise awareness of domestic abuse/violence, which goes un-noticed and it would appear unpunished.
Being in any relationship is hard enough, you dont know anyone until you actually live with them, its give and take. Obviously some partners take more than they should........ human beings arent very nice are they? makes you wonder why some great spirit decided we should evolve.
On to happier topics, not done any creating today, except trying to remember how to crochet, which was great fun. A girlfriend was trying to show me (its 30yrs since last i tried), we changed crochet hooks/wool several times for it to work, but we won in the end... so i'm going to practice and then who knows.
Must mention a great website Where Women Create....... named after the book & magazine ( i think) and run by the lovely Jo Packham.... I'm pleased to call her friend. The site has articles about amazing women and their creative lives.... inspirational.
I leave you with my ATC........ Ciao.

PS sorry its the wrong way round ...... havent found out how to do stuff yet, so be kind!!! Its a Tim Holtz stamp, Prima Stamp, Stickles and a charm i found.

Les Petit Dolls.....

Tonight I'm painting another Rock Chic, Les Petit Dolls. I've been neglecting this workshop due to be hooked on Journalling.. its all that Dyan at Art from the Heart's fault!! bless her. I to paint its so calming... got to get this Chic finished and uploaded asap. Oh yes, Dyan has created digital downloads on her website, needless to say i bought them all!! They are fabby dabby wonderful, cant wait to get started with those. I'm another got to have it all girl i'm afraid..... so sad. Beautiful hangings, so colourful, in the Parasol (I think) Wyatt Hotel, Las Vegas.. they serve the most marvellous cocktails!!! AND shopping mall.. pure heaven. Got some Christian Louboutin creations (shoes to those not in the know!) which are sumputous in the extreme (understatement). Have to take a photo and let you drool.... Ciao

Art from the Heart- Workshop

Had a fabby dabby day, in Harrogate at AFTH with Dyan. Great set of girls, i made & brought cake which was devoured with a hot drink, we had plenty of laughs, set the world to rights and moaned about anything and everything (men included). I find it very cathartic and lifts my spirits, especially being with like minded creative souls. I LOVE IT......... wish it could be everyday!!! Poor Dyan......
Here's my very 1st Journalling page, which is now framed and hanging on the wall in the study. I have filled in the missing bits!

Present 4 ?

A present for a friend.... another 'scarf' with handmade polymer clay beads sewn on at the end... i found a plain box, painted it gold with trees pink, dots of different colours as 'lights'... the 'd' is the 1st letter of recipients name. Had great fun making this... going to try crochet necklace next. Watch this space. Ciao

Knit 1... Purl 1... or not!

Just taking to knitting again... made this knit/scarf item. Not sure if its a necklace or what.
Love the rhythm of the clicking needles, so soothing, items grow so fast, its great. Added some beads for a bit of bling...... Ciao

Spectacular Colour - Michigan Style

This is Autumn/Winter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The colour is spectacular, reminds me of jam.... not sure why, but it doesnt matter... it just does. Ciao

Another Saturday night...

Its fireworks for me tonight, off to a party at my son's to be with family and friends. Have a drink and take out, watch the display. I like fireworks, especially the 'oohh, ahh' factor (Open Season) without the sunglasses though.
I've creating these last couple of days.... knitting which is great, forgotten how much i loved it. Dont get excited it isnt a jumper or anything fancy, but i will post a photo tomorrow and then you can see... i love trying new ideas keeps you fresh and alive, connected with everyone. Visiting blogs is so addictive, a great springboard for your brain.... Some new eye candy arrived via the postie today from Amazon.. a book on blogging by Tara Frey 'Blogging for Bliss' (sorry i havent got into the technical part of putting links etc ... yet will do when i read this), absolutely gorgeous piccys. Love books.... Have a good day. Ciao
Oh yes, just thought i'd share these with you.. they were invites to a party... sewing reels, paper & ties.

Its been a Hard Day's Night

Bonfire Night arrived here with a bang.... the local yobs decided to have an illegal bonfire/fireworks display in a residential area beside a hospital and behind an oil depot! obviously brains arent their finest attribute. The Fire Engine arrived eventually .. few hours later... we had the police... that wasnt much help. Our poor dog Mollie wont go out to do her ablutions because she's scared of noises ... so tonight has been really great!! I hate to think what kind of mess will be outside in the morning. Allegedly there have been windows broken at the school just behind us, so tomorrow is going to be an interesting day. I like fireworks and am going to my son's on Saturday for a party, to be with friends and family and enjoy myself. Its a pity that moron's that live around here cant enjoy themselves unless they make others miserable... looking at some of the parents it doesnt surprise me how they behave.
Anyway off the soapbox, got a headache, so i leave you with something i made........... Ciao

Here's one i made earlier....

Well had a busy day, but enjoyed myself. For some reason I have a need to start knitting/crocheting again, havent done any for ages but I'm sure once I get going I will remember (hopeful!?). I hate these dark nights and mornings, makes me feel so tired wanting to stay in bed, but you cant do that, can you?
I havent done any creating for 2 days so I must do some tomorrow, I'm feeling bereft not creating, especially when looking at other blogs.... why does life get in the way? or is that I let it get in the way? probably the latter.
At the moment there seems to be a 'debate' on my Facebook, whether I should go back to pink/blonde hair.
I went to the hairdressers and they had RUN OUT of PINK! so I'm more or less blonde, but I must admit it looks 'flat', so I think its back to the pink locks for Christmas (dreaded word).
Well here's the one I made earlier... I call it a Treasure Chest, I made these for 2 friends who had babies 2008/9 whilst living in USA. It was to hold anything they thought were 'treasures'.. really enjoyed making them. Ciao.

I dont like Monday's.....

I love looking at other creative blogs... i get so many ideas/inspirations, you always think 'why didnt i think of that' ... its always a simple idea. Best ideas always are. I should be doing some creative work instead of typing this, but for some reason i dont have the energy. Probably do something later tonight. Heres my first Journalling page... I've even framed it!

Heres some snow

Heres some snow for you.... Mollie loved jumping around in this stuff. Taken on New Years Eve 2007 going into 2008, Ann Arbor, Michigan State USA. At least this year it was -30! Mollie still loved going out in that as well! Told you she was a cracker jack dog. We had a least 1 + ft of snow in about an hour... it was magical and surreal at the same time. The atmosphere was brilliant, being with friends, baby & 4 dogs! Utter bedlam.... outside our apartment the snow was rather deep, but it was so crisp and dry. When i get the hang of how big the photos should be i will post some more... at least i got one up!

Mollie the wonder dog.......

Here she is, she has travelled 3,800 miles to get here from the state of Michigan, USA.
We got Mollie from a Border Collie rescue society via some English friends we met whilst living in Ann Arbor. I was told by hubby 'no dog' so i got one..... one of the best things about the 3yrs we were there. Mollie kept me from being lonely and through her we made and met some great friends. She loves being in England, seems to prefer it to the States, probably due to the weather... though she does miss jumping up and down in the snow, lovely crisp staying stuff, feet deep! Of course it cost us a goodly sum to bring her with us but she was worth every penny... love her to bits, she is such fun, is a clock watcher and justs wants lots of love 24/7, 365 days a year but who doesnt. Ciao

Engage......

I thought this blogging stuff was supposed to be easy! I dont think so! Anyway I'm here, got a fantastic header which is so theatrical and so me..... I LURVE it. Its from a cool site, if you look on my header you will see the button to the site. Throughly recommend it. I'm so excited, I'm shaking all over (there's a lot to shake)... still cant believe I've done it.

It was a great learning curve helped along by my computer savvy (he says) hubby and my gorgeous Collie dog, Mollie, giving us (me) her help by interrupting every now and then for a stroke! Cant ignore Mollie!

I'm now going to have a cup of hot, earl grey tea (al la Captain Jean Luc Picard) and calm down...which I find impossible when so excited. You can see I dont have much in my life, so sad. Ciao

New Beginnings

Well here we go, off on another adventure. I've been wanting to start a blog for sometime but not had the courage... but if you don't take a leap of faith you will never know. So here we are.
This is the dictionary definition of Paraphernalia:
formerly, property other than dower that remained under a married woman's own control especially articles of jewellery, dress, personal belonging.
I that how very apt.
I hope that my blog will be fun, interesting, informative and anything else that takes my fancy.....