Something in the water

I'm on two small blog teams - and there seem to be babies popping out everywhere! I sometimes get a pang for another, but then think about sleep deprivation and nappies and the fact we just couldn't plain afford it and a baby can't do hoovering like tweenagers and I decide I would rather wait for Grandchildren!
The first of the imminent babies has arrived - and I think he should have been the last. Joshua White made a surprise early entrance for Kimberly and is in a special care unit at the moment but is doing well. My prayers are with the family - and huge congratulations too!
One of the nice things about being on international teams (ooh hark at her!) is when you realise that we are many peoples divided by one language - or however the saying goes. Someone in the US couldn't understand what I meant by "fortnightly" and on DCM there was puzzlement from Mel when the Brits were talking about "hoovering" as I did above. Apparently they don't have Hoovers there - they have Luxes in NZ so I suppose you do the Luxing there. I won't find out what Mel thinks til tomorrow because today is over for her and she won't write again until I am in bed. It is strange this time thing...

OK this was supposed to be a quick post before I walk the dog, tend sick(ish) boy and do some prep on my Sunday service before taking a funeral.
It is Salt launch day today and Hazel has chosen the theme

'Encouragement'
I love that verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: 'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.' - in fact, there is so much about encouragement in those letters, and indeed, in other letters from Paul. Encouragement is such a blessing to receive and also to give.

I love the verse that Hazel has highlighted too and wanted to find some photos of the rest of the family to use with it. I found some that I had been saving to scrap about a walk we had a year or so ago. We got so muddy you wouldn't beleive it. The quality of the photos isn't great but the meaning is what counts for me
The papers and stickers are all Scenic Route Newport. It is probably obvious that one of these letters is not like the others due to there being only two of each letter in the sticker pack! Then I added some inking and one bling swirl cut into bits. Can't remember the make but Emma sells them in Imagine That and they are GORGEOUS!

Here are the writing bits in close up. The Biblical text was done in my Kim Hughes font alike handwriting. I love writing like that now!
and the other was done in my normal scrawl!

imitation - the sincerest form of flattery!

Well Sunday passed in a kind of blur. And so did Monday.
We went car and tv and lamp shopping.
We have seen a new (to us) Skoda that is mostly good and sort of affordable (it is sad when you have to start calculating how many years worth of Uni fees that would cover - and it looks like all three will go to Uni - but I don't begrudge them really!) The only downside to said car is that it is a rather Essex girl champagne colour. But we haven't bought it yet.
Then we went to Ikea for some lamps and came out with an Expedit bookcase for me, two new duvets and covers for the boys, some Christmas decorations for £1 and 50p, a new laundry basket for Carys and some other bits and bobs. But no lamps.

Then we went tv shopping. I am trying to control my blood pressure so will not rant about the need for
1: friendly staff
2: the same information on every tv so you can really compare
3: informative staff (not the same as 1 but by the end I would have settled for 1:)
So no tv - just a very big headache.

I now know what to look for and we are going to buy online.

I did squeeze in a tiny amount of crafting time - mostly making my DCM Little Extra for today
I had an idea for a Mid Week Tribute...

Now, as you are probably aware, both Lynne and Gillian sadly stepped down from the Design team recently, and all though the DCM team's door is always open for them, we thought it would be nice to pay a little tribute to them in appreciation for all their wonderful work during their time on the DCM design team. Lythan came up with an idea that we make a card in the 'style' of either Lynne or Gillian's cards. Or maybe pick your favourite of theirs and use an element from their cards on your own card. Everyone has their own style- we thought it might be a little challenge to try out a different style for a change!

I think I am more like Lynne in style than Gillian so went for a Gillian tribute!
Of course it should have been a cream square card but I haven't replaced my stock of those since Christmas so had to use an off white C6 one!
I found the image on my hard drive - I must have collected it from somewhere ages ago. I added a Gillian crown - well it is a Grungeboard one painted with Ranger Dabber in Gold with a few pink gems thrown on. I also gave her a little bouquet of flowers, some painted with distress ink to match the Basic Grey Infuse patterned papers and added more bling!. Gillian does a lot of sewing so I cheated with a hole making wheel and a pencil.
I found a quote which I printed on to plain BG using traveling typewriter font and made tow photo corners. All inked, natch!
We do miss Gillian and Lynne, but know that their talent will still be enjoyed wherever they go - love you girls!

More challenges

I allowed myself some more crafty time today. That is because I have loads and loads on over the next few weeks so need to grab some soul time when I can. Sometimes it all goes wrong and I become Mrs Sulky Pants - but most of the time card making and scrapping is my creative equivalent of Psalm 23 - it restores my soul. I may not make anything particularly spiritual or faith based but if I end up feeling calm and refreshed - well I'm sure God approves! It seems to fit with the MA course work I read this morning about spiritual direction and person centred analysis.

Carys joined me this afternoon - which does slow up what I am doing as I help her. Only she doesn't want helping really. I'm still trying to get the balance right between giving her ideas and taking over. This is what she made
I made two whole cards. I've recently popped my head in on another forum - Scraptitude. It has a really friendly feel. I really shouldn't be part of yet more forums as I don't have time to do much, but I will participate in small ways I think. Any way i have done two of the card challenges today. ONe was to make a card using just one colour. Oh how hard is that.
You wouldn't beleive how long this simple card took me trying to get the greens to go together!
The card stock is all Stamping Up as is the dotty background stamp. The strip of paper with the white dots we won't mention is Scenic Route. The dark green card is the light green covered in Ranger green ink. The parcel stamp is Purple Onion, button Bazzill and flower Sarah's cards. The sentiment is on safmat. Outlining was done with a green Sharpie.

This took a while as well...
The challenge was to do a bright card and I remembered that I downloaded some freebies by Marieke Vermeulen. Printed them up and layered them and wrote "hello peeps" in my new sentiment handwriting (prefer it to my own!)

Right I'm going top sneak back to the conservatory for a little more soul time now!

Me and my shaaaaaaa-dows

taking me so long to do
(long to do, long to do, long to do)

I suppose you have to be a Generation Jones or older to get that really. I only heard that term this week and now I am sulking. Before that I was a Generation X. It sounds cool, mysterious. Now, not only am I too old to be an X, I am given the term Jones. Still I suppose it does remind everyone of the ultimate superiority of the Welsh...

Anyhoo, this is all because I ran out of time until this morning to do my Daring Cardmakers challenge of the week and it just took me for ever! It was fun, but not what I should really have been doing...
Jane came up with a fabby dare (as I said in my last post)

Me and My Shadow !!
I want you to create not just one but TWO cards ! But wait........there's more ! I want both cards to contain the same embellishments and papers, ribbons etc- but arranged in a different way for a different occasion....the only thing being different is the wording....I'll let you have different wording !

Oh Horlicks. Just read the last line and I have used the same working. Sh...ugar. (As I am known around my house as "Mum and her foul mouth" I am doing my best to reduce my swearing - which honestly wasn't that much to begin with)

I gave myself the elements of... 3 pieces of Piggy Tales (double sided) paper - the Baa Baa Black Sheep range (hmmm). White card stock, my NEW nestabilities dies - I cut 5 circles for each card plus a scallop each for the sentiment, black sharpie pen, black soot distress ink, red gems and green spotty ribbon.

hand cut heart extra circle cut with peach circle punch and hand written sentiment
Hand cut some of the circles into rough flower shapes.
theres a wee bit of foam tape action on both cards as well.

They may have daft names but I do love Piggy Tales papers - have I mentioned that before?
Hope you enjoy this dare as much as I have!

New stuff

Yes I actually made a little extra card this week. (Shock)
No time normally but this one came together so quickly.
Just as well as I have been working hard at the day job ever since. Although I did manage a quick visit to Peacocks. The boys are finally growing (yay!) but that does mean they need new clothes. I go to Peacocks cos they do clothes for small skinny teenage boys and student discounts (10%) as well. I am still weaning Emrys off wearing shorts all winter. I figure now he is 13 he is old enough for long trousers!

Anyway here is the card
I used some new presents - my NEW cuttlebug machine which embosses like a dream and is so neat and my NEW wooden scroll courtesy of my Daring Cards Secret Santa - it is just yummy.
and some new not presents - NEW papers and card and ribbon as I finally received the December Self Addressed kit and a NEW cuttlebug square scallop die.
Since then I have also got a NEW ATG gun. It is like an enormous herma applicator. Ever since I discovered this way of applying glue I am hooked as it is so easy. Apparently using one of these is great value for money though the initial outlay for the gun is quite a lot. I bought mine from Directa. I'll have to take a photo of me and me new toy so you can really see the scale of it. At least twice the size of my hand!

No time to play until tomorrow though when I have to make time for my DCM Friday dare. It is a great one this week so I am really looking forward to playing!

Busy bees

Yup Carys and I managed some more crafting today!
She finished off a card she started on Saturday that we had decided to turn into a swing.
The background is done with a cuttlebug embossing folder. They are so much more defined in a real cuttlebug!
I finished a big layout and also a card for the Daring Little Extra tomorrow (may be Wednesday before I can talk about it here - busy day tomorrow) and a simple 8x8 layout for the craft club on Thursday that I couldn't get a good photo of at all tonight so will try again soon. Although it really isn't that great, just a good way of starting off scrapping.
Anyhoo, here is the 12x12 layout for today
I haven't got many Christmas photos after the family asked me not to take them :( but I did take them New Years Eve.
The paper is all Cherry Arte Poolside. I backed the whole sheet with some old Bazzill as it is rather flimsy. The lettering is Vomzom cut on my robo. 2008 is Scenic Route chipboard painted with a Ranger Dabber. The other chipboard shapes are Cherry Arte and the star is extra thick felt bought in Germany.
Grandma made it back ok today. She is very tired and strung out from supporting my sister in law through a shock breakdown of her marriage. The kids have enjoyed a last days holiday so we had a Movie Night watching Oceans Eleven which has so much eye candy as well as an enjoyable story. (its no contest really, I would choose Brad every time).
I'm not looking forward to going back to early starts tomorrow. But I am looking forward to my MA course which is back for a new term.

Crafty Saturday

By being crafty and working hard I managed to finish both my services on Saturday. Which meant that not only did I have time to do the card club at Church but also play time in the evening.
I took my Magnolia and Nellie stamps which people loved colouring in. Stamping Caz did a great how to the other day on how to use watercolour pencils. It has made my efforts look so much better. I didn't make a card using the technique but Carys did. I just love how cool they look in monochrome.It looks like I might have to order some more just for her...

Then after Casualty I got some proper crafty time and finished a layout I have been doing for a few days as there were lots of bits to it.
I bet if you know the song the title alludes to you start singing it...

I have been totally inspired by the awesome talent of Sarah Jane Scrappyfairy.
I am not worthy really but enjoyed the style and will deffo use it again
The papers came together in the first Funky kit but I don't know what they all are now...
Chipboard is Scenic Route coloured with a copper Krylon penThe swirls are grungeboard inked with blue ink, copper ink and a bit of krylon.
great stuff! (but smells like a pet shop...)
This lit is Making Memories Heidi rub ons, Doodlebug rubons, Purple Onion alpha stamps and hand writing.

And then, just to finish the day I opened up my Self Addressed December kit which had just arrived that morning and had to have a play. I had discovered Sketches By Tamara earlier in the day (tea break from services are crafty time too) which are just my style so I used sketch 24 just about as is. the papers are Chatterbox which I used to love for pattern but hate for quality of paper. Now it is lovely card weight stuff. Delish!No time for crafting today but hope to fit some in tomorrow while Phil goes to Heathrow to pick up his mum after her month in Canada

New

Actually feel pretty old today. Carys had a sleepover and although the jinks were not too high I still feel like I could do with another 6 hours sleep.

Still there is work to be done and the reward of some crafty playtime if I can knuckle down today.
I need to get a sample or two done for craft club tomorrow. The group has been a kind of pile in where I take my stuff and everyone uses it. It wasn't meant to be like that but evolved in that way. I only take old papers or freebies but as my card stock is running low and it means there is not a lot that matches we are going to change how it is done. So I will be taking less stuff and being more directive. I have also bought A4 card in both white and pastel colours for people to make their cards with.
And tomorrow we will be playing with my Sugar Nellie and Magnolia stamps and also making tri fold cards.
So still some options - just less of them!

I have been getting huge inspiration from Kristina Werner at present. She does the nost fab little youtube videos every Monday. In fact at the moment she is doing more little films too. You can really see her influence in my Daring card this week.
the theme is...
'New'
So not only New Year, but maybe New Home, New Baby, New Job or maybe a card for someone who is starting a new chapter in their life.
those who notice this sort of thing may see similarities between the card and the layout I posted on Wednesday. Well I made them the same day with some of the same papers and I quite like the translation of card ideas to layouts and back again!
The papers are American Crafts Metropolitan. Really loving AC at the moment. Double sided heavy weight card is my thing baby! That blue is just so lush isn't it?
I love the little letter stickers that I think Making Memories do. I haven't got any and keep trying to reproduce them with letter stamps. Still not there yet but I quite like my "happy" done with Purple Onion stamps from a Self Addressed kit. "New" are AC letter stickers with some Rangers pearls dotted on. Year is a papermania duff rub on that only just rubbed on and so I had to go over it in pen. Boo to you PM! Actually once it was on I realised I would have preferred year to go further down.
Still I don't know who would get a new year card made on Jan 1st - I just really fancied making it!
I look forward to seeing what "new" things you come up with.
Off to look at the latest kwerner vid, sorry, I mean get my service ready...

where is my treasure?

it is Salt day today. Gillian set us an interesting challenge

take Inspiration from the Gospel of MatthewVerse 6, Chapter 21
For where your Treasure is,
there your Heart will also be.

I had to think long and hard about this one. All the things that I wanted to say were my treasure - my family in particular, don't really fit in with what Jesus is saying. That ultimately if your treasure is in the love of God rather than the things of the earth. That to be a person of faith I have to put God before the "stuff" of my life, yes even my stash supplies and even my family. But if I can find the way to put God first - and that can be a struggle at times - then everything else will fit into place and life will have more meaning and purpose both now - and in the life to come.
Actually I think Jesus puts it better than me...

Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them,
and thieves can break in and steal them.
Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.
Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

Which is why I went for the simple option for my layout. Kimberley went for something similar and I love the way she has chosen to express her faith. I cheated and went for the words of the marriage vows. They are a great way of praying and getting close to God I think. If you can't read them (acetate is hard to photograph I think!) it says...
I take you to be Lord and Saviour, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and worship, and not even death shall part us. This is my solemn vow.

The papers are all Scenic Route. The background paper is Laurel, the rest Loveland. I cut out and inked up lots of layers of hearts and covered them with the acetate and a piccy of me looking solemn! It does look better in real life and it was also a very spiritual experience making it. I was watching Midsomer Murders at the same time which lessened the effect slightly. But only just.

My heart and my treasure is Jesus , yesterday, today, tomorrow. But part of that is loving my family and that can mean spending time with them doing crafty stuff rather than sitting on my own. And even in that, to God be the glory.


PS: blogger is mucking around with me fonts and I can't get it all the same. Grrrrrrrrr

Happy (ish) New Year!

Actually I have had a lot of fun since I last blogged. Craft day was spent in a different way from planned. I needed to make some samples for Imagine That and realised it would be better to do them at the shop using their die cut letters rather than at home. So I spent a happy few hours with KI memories pop culture papers including some of the lace paper. Slurp!
Of course I didn't take my camera...
Must remember to next time I go in as you also can't see the other class that I have finished too. Silly me!
I really enjoy making samples for the shop although
1: I get very nervous in case I go wrong or it is horrible
2: I often end up buying some of the stuff that I have used for the class cos it is just so lovely!

On Monday we headed to Birmingham to spend New Years Eve with Auntie Jones. we had lunch and supper there and then went down the road to the M5 to a travelodge - about 10 minutes drive away. It was the grottiest one ever - at least I had a cheapo deal on the rooms. Plus our two rooms were miles apart. There were no pillow cases - we had them warm from the tumble dryer. Still we were comfy and warm and snuggled up to watch some Dr Who series 3 episodes and the fireworks.

Tuesday we went for brekkie at Auntie Joneses (my cunning plan to avoid expensive breakfasts at the Travelodge). But we ended up back at the service station as when we drove out we saw what looked like a dog with a lead on its own, possibly tied up in some woods. Phil, with his big heart, couldn't go home without checking. There was indeed a greyhound on its own. The staff were aware and told the traffic police as it was in between a busy road and the motorway. As it happened the man behind me in the petrol queue also had a retired greyhound pet! Lucky spent 2 nights at kennels and is glad to be home now.

Once home I had fun doing some more crafting. I did my dare work for this week and finished this layout.
I love this picture of me and my choir buddies. I enjoy saying rude things to Alma and making her laugh at practice.
the red of the American crafts papers goes well with our luxury scarves (£15! for a scarf!) I added more AC papers, some Queen and Co felt, lots of black gems, some sparkly black ribbon, some diamente gems, Purple Onion stamps and lots of black pen (of course)

Today I did a funeral and have a other lined up for next week. It is so hard when people die at a festive time of year. And I have Elders tonight. Yup, the holidays (such as I had) are ended!
Although we have Phil's junior church party and sleepover here tomorrow night...

Well it was a nice dream.

the idea of posting on Christmas Day.
Life has been just so, so hectic. But in a good way.

What with the three services on Sunday, two on Monday and one on Tuesday. (The pyjama service went so well with lots of kids there in their pj's listening to the stories of Christmas) I was exhausted by Christmas lunch time! Still I had to wake the kids up at 7:30 so it wasn't too early a start!
I have worked hard to make Christmas a relaxed time. Some people (not the children) get a little over excited and I have had to be quite firm so as to not wind the children up in the past. Now we all take out time opening presents and we all get to enjoy each others pleasure and it is just plain lovely. Some may feel it is boring. I stick to lovely.
At the same time I know of bereavements and strokes and broken hips over Christmas so I know it is not an easy time for everyone.

I don't have many pressies any more. This is because I tend to spoil myself all year! I did open my cuttlebug which has been waiting for me for a few months! And I also had a set of sparkly peel offs from one friend and some lovely wooden scrolls and crochet flowers from another. Fabby!

I made notebooks for many people - and bought some toilets in Africa for them too!
This one uses Piggy Tales papers and American Crafts stickers. I took Dolly dimples idea of laminating the paper which makes it light and sturdy. I did get frustrated with myself as I just can't work out how to punch more holes than this with my Bind it all. I am going to ask Emma at Imagine That for some lessons I think!
And for my sister in law Louise I made an altered canvas. It was a mad idea because I didn't really have time. But then I woke far too early last Sunday morning and boshed it off!

American Crafts Papers cut with Sizzix and QK dies and a star punch, some AC thickers and heaps of outlining. I hope she likes it. May not be her thing at all.

I managed a few minutes crafting to do my DCM card this week. At least it was fairly straightforward to come up with an idea.

4 of the best

Hi All. Today we have decided to revisit your most favourite dares of 2007. The four top dares, decided by the number of comments you made on them are (in no particular order): 'buttons', 'ribbons', ...'and cut' and 'frames'. We would like you to use this week as many of those dares as you like to make your card in any theme and any style.

I used a card from the October Self Addressed kit, paper from there and from a BG mellow pad (same set, different sizes). I hand cut (tick) the frame (tick) and made a button (tick) T with real sewing (gasp but no tick), added a "hankyou" (I like doing thanks cards with a large t for some reason so have loads of these lying around) then added stickles for extra bling after reading about stickles on UKS and remembering I have rather a lot. I should have used rub ons for the "hankyou" I think but not bad for a quick card. I have spent the last few days mixing family time and work. Last night we went to see Tintin in Tibet in London. It was fab, fab, fab, fab, fab. See it if you can. Today I am having a CRAFTY DAY OFF (apart from the Church stuff I have been dealing with while doing this. And you didn't even notice. Clever eh?)
Cuttlebug here I come!

The Phantom Blogger returns

Eeeek!
I hate being so long between posts. Feels a bit rude, so I'm very sorry.
this week has been filled with...
rehearsing a Christmas service production, doing a Christmas service production, preparing orders of service and powerpoint presentations for more Christmas services, a carol service, a funeral, an advent meditation, carol singing, teaching at Imagine That, Christmas food shopping and more service planning. It's beginning to look a lot like....

Plus the Salt challenge and Dare card for this week.
So v. quickly, here they are!

Salt theme was set by Esther The verse John 3:16 'For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believed in him shall not live but have everlasting life'

It is perhaps a well known verse, but it is a real testimony to our Christian faith, the fact that the babe Jesus was born as a SAVIOUR for our sins. So that if YOU believe that he came to die, and ask for forgiveness YOU ALSO will receive the GIFT of eternal life in heaven. John 15:13 reminds us 'Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'

Use this verse to inspire you or to meditate on in the next few weeks

I had ambitious plans of making signs with the verse on for people to hold up. Then I forgot til it was too late and went for something simple instead...

I printed the world on a sheet of acetate then wrote the verse in gold pen, adding some chipboard letters for key words. It was hard to photograph though. You can see the words best on balck
and the world best on white

Then the Dare this week was cool beans.
I'm free!
This week, we the DCM team, would like you to design a card using a magazine 'freebie' .

It was a job finding the freeibes as they had been on my desk but then I tidied up.
NEVER tidy up a craft desk...
The flowers and the "make a wish" are from a free gift with Scrapbook Inspirations. I tend to use up my free papers with the craft groups so didn't have many large bits to use. And they didn't match. Actually neither did these papers until I turned the middle of the flower blue rather than green. Now the extra glitter is truly dry the effect is a tad more subtle than it looks. The papers are SEI ones.

And that is that. I'm sure you are all as busy as me at this time of year. I will try and post before/on Christmas Day - enjoy all your preparations.

Inside and out

Kind of sums up my life just now. Never a dull moment! Although I would love more crafty time the rest is pretty good too.
Actually a lovely thing happened yesterday. I am still trying to get a craft club off the ground at my small church. We usually do card making. One of the two wanted to try scrapbooking so I phoned the other one to bring some photos. I think she was a bit hesitant. But boy did she love it! Actually person 1 then forgot completely to come and so I made up a little kit, including my page so I can't show it to you yet. I did a page with the title Cute as a button. Person 2 suddenly said "no, I don't want a button on mine, I want it to be "cute as a butterfly", so we made a butterfly for her page instead. That little thing made me so happy - that she was already confident enough to do it differently from mine.
I gave her a little 6x6 album I have had for ages. I just can't do that small. SO I did my page 8x8 and scaled down for the class.
And apparently we are doing scrap booking again next time!

I can show you my dare card for this week...
Gillian chose the theme and the different ways we have interpreted it are fabby I think!

Inside and Out

I dare you to take the design of your card to the inside as well as the outside Add a little finishing touch to match the theme on the outside, or Surprise the receiver with a flap, foldout, decorated journal block to write on,or one of those pop-out delights....It really adds so much to a card when there is attention to detail on the inside as well as the outside. I know some of you are finished your Christmas cards already so this week it's Any theme, Christmas or not But make the inside count too :)

My card was inspired by some layouts on UKS. Someone used the same technique on a few layouts - curling paper at the edge. Can't remember who it is but thanks for the inspiration!
I used one sheet of Scenic Route Laurel. I love it all so much that cutting into it is torture - but then you can't keep everything. If anything, the card is a tad brighter in real life. Anyway using double sided cardwieght paper was a joy for making this, although it may need another panel at the back to stop it buckling
I just cut strips to different lenghts, rolled them up and attached them with double sided tape. The flowers are from the Euro shop in Achen, Germany - such a bargain as there were about 20 in a pack.. I spent ages choosing how many button flowers to put on! I added a little watercolour paper to break the stripes up and a safmat greeting.

I have been on a funeral visit this morning - to a family who have chickens! So we had a nice chat as well as the sad one of sorting out details of a funeral. there is never a good time to lose a loved one but Christmas can be especially hard. May all of you who are grieving find some comfort and peace even in your sadness.

PS: Kathy I have no idea how to put it in an envelope. Will need hand delivering methinks

PPS: Forgot to mention a big WOOT to Carys for passing her Grade 1 piano with a merit - and just a gnat's crotchet away from a Distinction. You go girl!

Sparkle time

I love driving at this time of year. When people gradually put up their outside Christmas lights. I don't like a big show. We don't have any as we are concerned about the use of energy - and I do worry about it. But there is something spiritual about seeing all the lights shining in the darkness. If it wasn't for the green issues then I would be for keeping them on until the clocks go forward in the spring.
I have to go out tonight and I would rather be in, with a real fire and some crafty stuff to play with. But I have work to do tonight - nice work though - sharing good news with a local church. And lots of lights to see on the way!

I have had some crafty moments. I haven't shared my Salt layout for this week yet.

Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas

We all love celebrating Christmas because it is a time for us to stop, remember and praise God for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. HE IS the true meaning of Christmas. Not presents, not parties, not decorations, etc. JUST JESUS!!!

It would have been easier if I had got the hang of digital I think. But I haven't...
The words are from Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick. The picture is one I saved to the computer but not where from. I would love to give acknowledgment for this beautiful picture so if anyone recognises it please let me know. For me it sums up the vulnerability of Jesus come amongst us, totally reliant on those around him - as we are totally reliant on Him. The words were printed onto white card, the photo mounted on top and the whole thing matted on red bazzill. The word "God" has been glittered. Three red gems and that is it.

I also made two 8x8 layouts this week.
An old piccy of Carys. She doesn't twiddle as much now but I still have to cut the odd knot from her hair! The papers are from an old SA kit- they are American Crafts. The title is robo'd. I just added some black gems and shisha mirrors - they look pretty but make a layout hard to photograph!

This months Self Addressed kit papers - sassafrass lass. The heart was hand cut and mounted on card. It was distressed with red distress ink. The stamps used on the heart are purple onion. The wings are from Artbase. I coloured them with red distress ink and then used my new dot stamp with the same ink. I wanted some sparkle so added Diamond shimmer paint on the top - which took all the ink off. SO they have ended up very distressed indeed (and so was I). He said and she said are Technique Tuesday stamps, the arrow is from an old SA kit. The chipboard letters are from my QVC box. I thought it would be good to get Phil to write what he said on the layout. He thought it was mad...
No change there, then.

A change of clothing

Well several actually today! Started off in ordinary clothes, then sparkly top for a short concert Phil and I did at his church, now about to put on a clerical collar and do a funeral, then back to ordinary clothes again. That kind of sums up what my life is like at the moment - coupled with not feeling well. My throat glands are still a little tender so I am still not 100% but I am feeling better now than I have done for two weeks. Which kind of leaves an awful lot to do before Christmas...
I have made about 56 Christmas cards though which is a result.

I will share my Salt contribution tomorrow but here is my Daring Cardmaker Dare for the week.
Saffa chose the theme

Candy Stripes

I love the stripey candy sticks that are around at this time of year so inspired by this I challenge you all to create a card featuring stripes of some kind, the occasion is up to you but you must use some form of stripes on your card. Maybe stamps, or paper, or ribbon...
I used one of my Tilda stamps and my all time fave papers - Salem by Scenic Route. The colours are actually a tad brighter in real life but I had to photograph it in the dark! I made the little balloon shape (as if you can't tell) and hand wrote the greeting (ditto) Just added two black brads and some of the felt stars from the Euro Shop in Achen. Phil hates the scary stamp girls (as he calls them) but grudgingly admitted he liked the card "of its kind". Praise gets no better...

Normal service will be resumed shortly

Life is just to busy for crafting right now. I'm hoping that Monday will have some crafty time. I have made a few more Christmas cards - but some of the letters I robo'd have gone missing. Life is pants!
Have a look at Daring cards today - we have two new teamies - Mel and Rachel.
And a new Guest Darer - Ros.
And some amazing birdie cards. If I have a minute I will make at least one of the cards I have had ideas for!
Have a good weekend.

Who are you and what have you done with my children?

Something strange has happened at my house.

Every evening the children come home from school, say hello and then get on with tidying and hoovering their designated area of the house. They also asked last week if they could start trying more different vegetables. It is really quite amazing. They have taken on more chores etc with such equanimity that I wish we had done it earlier.
They also make their own lunches and put their clothes away (eventually)

This has all come from us having family meetings (almost) every Monday. We all get a chance to talk about things that are vexing us and together try and find solutions. We also get to make family decisions together.
Sometimes it is very painful to go through - especially if certain family members are in a silly mood.
But it is amazing the difference it has made for us.

We are by no means a perfect family - ha, ha, ha, ha, ha - at the very thought! But I am so proud of my three amigos and wanted to share.
I promise no more gushing for a while.

You may notice a lack of photos - that is because apart from finally getting round to some Christmas cards that you have seen the design for, there is just nothing to see. Sob! I'll have to see what I can do this week with the tilda and sugar nellie stamps I have coloured in.

Flying visit and family troubles

My dad came to stay overnight. He is on a Church Committee and they have training in London this morning. It was all a bit mad what with children (Hywel's friends) Guides (taxi service) and dog plus trying to fit work in too. But I think he had a good time. We all enjoyed Lead Balloon with Jack Dee. I am not very good with comedy of errors - hated Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em for example. Last weeks Lead Balloon got so painful I had to leave the room. But if I can stick it then it is very, very blackly funny. How the girl playing Magda manages to keep such a sulky straight face I don't know. Thursdays 9:30 BBC2.

My mum arrived home from another URC training - this time in Windermere, after Dad had left to discover water coming down the kitchen wall. Her question to him "Did you know it was leaking?" still has me chuckling - although the situation doesn't. She also decided not to turn the stopcock off as she would be cold without the central heating... I have phoned this morning and got no reply so she might have gone shopping as Friday morning is shopping day.

This morning we have had lost pe kit (Carys as a nice change), forgotten cello and then a call from Phil's mother as there is tough family news from Canada and she has to travel there asap. Which has rather sent life all awry.

And, most importantly of all - it meant an all out rush to try and get a card done for today. Especially as it was my turn for the dare this week. It was a bit tough - and it may look as though the team have turned chicken - but it is simply that there is loads of ill health, pregnancy and business just now!

So here it is

Song without words

I would like you to create a card inspired by a song or a carol - it could be for Christmas or not! (you may have got all your Christmas cards done by now...) BUT there is a twist. the words of the song are NOT to be seen on the front of the card. You could leave it to us to guess! Have fun!

It looked so much better in my head
The card stock is 8x8 Bazzill folded in half.
The paper is nearly all from the Self Addressed September kits, one of my most favouritest ever. I added some gold card . The nativity figures are QK dies. I bought the nativity set a few years ago meaning to use it for Christmas cards. Until I started to cut it out. Now it is saved for special occasions as it is v. fiddly.
Then lots of outlining with gold pen and some pop dots for effect. Then just added a bit of ribbon. Well two actually. Held in place by two gold brads.
Why can't you buy just gold brads on their own anymore?
NOt as serious as some of the above problems but still annoying.

Anyway can you tell what the song is yet?
It was number 1!

OK make that twice.

Looks like there will be a third family member sharing our room (though not I hasten to add, the bed). Lucky is beginning to recognise her name, "no" and "good girl" and to get the timetable of the day. She is also beginning to climb up the stairs on her own and jump on the sofa unasked. Not so good. We need to make sure we don't get too soft or we will end up on one of those dog borstal tv shows. We just need to keep reminding her of her place in the pecking order. Which is just above the chickens ironically. (Don't worry, they can look down on the goldfish. Actually they don't know the goldfish exist but if they did, they would. And the goldfish don't care)
But she is very cute and loving and makes a nice snuggle partner on the sofa (when asked)

Today is Salt challenge launch day and I have had no end of trouble making and showing this one. Ruth chose a great theme

The theme for this week is
LIGHT

It is mentioned so many times in the Bible, and has many facets of meaning and symbolism.

I am the LIGHT of the World... The people walking in darkness have
seen a great LIGHT ...The LIGHT shines in the darkness, but the
darkness has not understood it...In the same way, let your LIGHT shine
before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father
in heaven.

Please create a piece of work using it as inspiration and
leave us a message so we can see and link to your work.

I had a picture in my head of what I wanted to do. It just took a bit more work to make it happen
The candle is made of various pieces of American Crafts Papers which I then embossed. Only I had forgotten that you need to use extra strong Pritt for this and they kept popping up. I kryloned round the edge before uteeing as well. The flame is gold card embossed once, as when it was done I liked the ripple effect. The letter stickers are Basic Grey. They were green or red before the attack of the krylon once more.
Here is a better look at the candle without the flash.
I had huge trouble finding a camera that would work, taking a photo that wasn't out of focus and loading the image onto the computer today. The actual layout is as vivid as the lettering in the first picture but more the shine on the candle of the second one!

My dad is coming to stay overnight tonight (we are the London b&b for the family) so I had better go and make the bed!

Once a week

Can anyone tell me why Miss Lucky chooses one night a week not to sleep? For 5 0r 6 days she lulls us into a false sense of security and then it's werewolf night again. "Awoo, awoo" until she gets to sleep with humans. The last two times Phil has taken her in the guest room so I can sleep but we don't really want her to get use to the comfort of carpet there. Plus she is on heat.
(IF YOU ARE SQUEAMISH DROP TO THE PICTURES)
The only thing that I was worried about with having a girlie dog was the bleeding. "oh no it is hardly anything" says the dog expert airily. I call it enough. She is going to have to have a new quilt cover for her bed. And will be going off to the docs asap.

I did manage some work so I could play yesterday.
And as I printed up the journalling I was able to assemble it in the living room to keep Phil company. If I hadn't hand cut the stars from the Salem papers it would have taken next to no time.
I am going to have to work on my photos of layouts. If I do it on the floor they are wonky. Putting them on a table and they are wonky. Any tips?
Anyway this really very square layout features Scenic Route Salem papers which are just fabby and awesome and some of my favourites ever.
The font is SP you've got mail printed directly onto the paper. Another strip of stripy paper to cover the join and some cut out stars and that is it really.
The letter stickers are 3 Bugs and were originally purple but came up a lovely black using a Sharpie pen. The black and white round the edge of the photo was also done with a black sharpie on the white surround. Just add a few Basic Grey rubons and Bob's yer layout.

I have a few hours to create something for the Salt challenge tomorrow before going to Church meeting. Sigh. Anyone want to chair it for me?