Aaaaand relax

Boy did I need half term. I am sooooooooo tired. Its not my best time of year really - just loads of work and the slog continues after this oasis but stopping for just a while (and trying not to think of the piles. Of work, the piles of work obviously, fortunately not the other kind) is bliss. Haven't done as much crafting as I would like but I think that is just part of needing to stop.

But I have done some! Firstly, it was a Make and Take Saturday at Imagine That and it would have been rude not to go in. Especially as they had some new stamps. Having just ordered a new American Crafts album and one or two other bits (I have the Dear Lizzy rose ribbon. Is it wrong to be so excited about that? Um, yes it probably is) from Sarahs Cards I couldn't go as mad as I would like to (and March is another month after all and will soon be here!) but couldn't leave the shop without these babies

Oh they are just so fab! My style is (I think) rather unfussy and I don't use that many stamped images (despite owning many stamps) and these stamps mean that the sentiment is the focal point. Just look!
(papers are Basic Grey Lemonade; Martha Stewart punch; Doodlebug button)
(Doodlebug buttons; John Lewis paper string; black pen)
(Cosmo Cricket Get Happy; Papermania gems; black glitter card (looks scrummy in real life) Martha Stewart and EK Success Punches - both available at Imagine That)
(Basic Grey lemonade papers; Nestabilities labels 4; Martha Stewart punch available from Imagine That)

I've also made a few layouts - I'll just share my Salt one today. Julie set a great challenge

My topic today is taken from Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer." I have been thinking a lot lately about prayer and it's importance in the life of God's children. As a busy wife and mother it's often difficult to find time for a meaningful conversation with anyone!! And yet, prayer is most important especially when we are busy! I remember hearing this quote from John Wesley, "I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it."

I knew what I had to scrap - although it seems a bit strange! It might help to read the journaling first
It is odd how a comedy murder mystery should have such an effect on my prayer life - but then they do say that God works in mysterious ways!
And here is the layoutIsn't he lovely? Apparently Dr Johnson probably had Tourettes as he had lots of strange tics and mannerisms but also this huge intellect (see here for some details)
I used a mixture of papers from the bottom of my stash including some 7 Gypsies. The striped paper is pleated and hand stitched. The journaling is on an old clerical diary page (for this week!). The embossed metal circle I made ages ago and the little wooden frame is from a wooden button stall at the Alexandra Palace craft show. Corner stamp is Stamps away and the ribbon roses are from John Lewis. Other bits - from stash.

We are going swimming today - hurray! (NB that was sarcasm) Still it won't take all day!