Tuesday, 16 June 2009

NEW SPACE



Have you been following the new garden space/cabin project this past 6/8 months?


We won a prize. Biggest garden makeover(mess) of the Spring Show!

I love my garden - just you wait until I am well!!!!


Yours
P XXXX

NEW CARDS




Have been replacing the 'MUM' and 'DAD' cards that sold at the week end.

This range is going to be so popular - I can see it


I do baby 'boy' and 'girl' as well.

MUST get around to doing the big ages as well
Yours
P XXXX

Monday, 15 June 2009

DAY OFF

Monday is kitten's day off (?) - -
- yeah, right.
Today went:-
- shower/hair wash (hard work if you are CFS/ME - huge energy used).
- Morning in Morrison's (well, you shop for a teenager AND a stay at home artist/ teenager).
- then - OH JOY - princelet has a physio appointment at the hossie.
Now, I feel guilty if I don't tack my turn with the (on going) hospital trauma when the old goat is busy. Guys - princelet has a stiff, clunky shoulder - sorry world - I am sooo not panicking over all this. The old goat has to get to Keswick again this week and is trying to get ahead with stuff - SO I stood in.
Something ALWAYS happens when I do the hossie run. Trust me - I got stopped by the police - we were a week EARLY for the appointment (don't ask) - they had double booked us, and the list goes on.
TODAY - thunder and lightning and HAILSTONES. Yep, In June. At first I thought I was just the other side of 'normal' (girls - you know that one), but they kept coming, and they got bigger, and the thunder got louder, and louder - we are talking roof shaking stuff here. Luckily (?) the gazebo was still in the car after the weekend, so we grabbed one of the sides to shelter us in the the hospital - don't know what they thought of a tent side in the waiting room - don't care!
Went to Asda on the way home - and bought alcohol - because I am worth it!!
And when I got home poor little fidget knickers - panicking or what? Thunder, lightening, big scary stuff going on and no mummy to snuggle??? The needy one just got the 'I want to live inside your skin' panic on!!
So, there we go, huge panics - Bottle of Rose (+ a few) - snuggled, contented doggie - Day off - um? When was that?
Work tomorrow - can't wait - yippee!!!!!!!!!!
Yours
P XXXX


FUN

You have to join in - huge fun!!!!!!!
Yours
P XXXX


Sunday, 14 June 2009

CUTTLEBUG

One thing that you can't do with calligraphy is to put a strong colour lettering over another strong coloured patterned paper. I have been experimenting with this idea lately.



I just love this dandelion head clock embossing folder and I picked the pair up on Ebay the other day for £6 (really chuffed) and this is my first attempt.

I wanted to use an antique patterned paper - just got these from Scrapz, and sand through the pattern. This is a gorgeous effect - and you can add extra effect by tearing the side up wards. I love the results - you can keep the colours very strong without having to mat the scribed text. I think it will only work on smaller sized cards (this one is 5" x 5") other wise the text will be lost in the space

Yours
P XXXX

Saturday, 13 June 2009

SHOWS

Just back from the church fate - gosh it was chilly out there. Just updating the shop stock
Yours
P XXXX


Friday, 12 June 2009

CHALLENGE

This weeks challenge from

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/2009/06/something-yummy-23.html

is - something yummy!!!!

This a scrapbook page of the chocolate cake that princelet had on his 13th birthday - and how long it lasted

Yours
P XXXX

NEW CARDS



Well done cards - all ready for the exam results!!

WAY over the top colour collage

several colourways



The centre panel is a technique that is on my design and how to pages, text is cut on the cuttlebug - the rest is me, going over the top again



Yours

P XXXX

Thursday, 11 June 2009

THE OLD GOAT

Well the old goat is home - with presents!!

http://www.pencilmuseum.co.uk/ the guys sent me the most georgous wooden box of the new inktense pencils. Oh wow - what a treat - can't wait to get fiddling. I have several stamped images that would work with these as colouring


Yours

P XXXX

NEW CARDS

I re-did that poem this morning - so glad I did, it is way better. They always say you have to do a piece 3 times - 1) to warm up your muscles, 2) to practice your eyes are straight, 3) for the final result. It's funny, but it normally turns out that way.

'Tis the season of 'good luck' cards - exams, new job interviews, apprentice interviews, university places - it's all in full swing now. Princelet had a maths exam this morning, they are doing the first one early to give them a bit of space next year - that will bring him up short!!

I have a lovely cat brass stencil so I have been experimenting with different techniques with it.


This one - the pattern is cut through white card and backed with black pearl card,



Then we have this one, which is drawn through the stencil and coloured in with a black metallic gel ink







This last one is embossing paste (yummie) and coated with a black twinkle glitter.

I also did a mat black glitter which worked well - still drying

I did try glue and flock - but that was not good, will try again with embossing paste and flock

Yours

P XXXX

Wednesday, 10 June 2009

COMISSION


Have been working on my poem commission today. Not really happy with it - I sharpened one of my nibs and it has a burr on it. Almost worked it out - but I think it still shows a bit. I have ruled up another sheet to do it again. Well - it's all practice isn't it?

Yours

P XXXX

Tuesday, 9 June 2009

GUARD DOG

You know my grumpy, bad mouthed, foul tempered, pig headed, OCD, stubborn - - - no, not the old goat - - - the palace guard dog!


Here he is! - yeah: all of the above.

He is pining for the old goat! Bless his little socks.

He spent all last night sitting in his chair, looking out the window waiting for his Evsie to come home. Want to know why? The old goat pampers to all his needs and wants, drops everything as soon as the guard dog barks to play and generally runs around after him. Me - the guard dog does what he is told - ooooooh yes, not spent years working with dogs to end up doing what they want. The grumpy old guard dog does not like that - doing what he is told.

I took him to the Church office today - usually the vicar's dog is about - to cheer him up a bit. But Steffie is still poorly and not about, but he did still see a few folk, so that cheered him up. And he did pester fidget knickers to play with him for a bit, and now he is flopped out on a pillow (a bit like the above!) dozing.

I wish I knew what the weather was going to do - I would get out all his agility play stuff if it was going to stay fine for a bit. Can't really win - he has to do what he is told - but he gets a bit of work.

Me? - I am looking forward to a few slow, peaceful, (tidy) days to just to potter about and catch up. I have a poem to work up to finish, so that's great - and I have a bit to get done in the garden / potting shed.

And I am just going to chill

Yours
P XXXX

LIFE

Have you heard about the new directory for mobile phone numbers? I have no problem with a main directory - might even be useful to some - but I don't want to play.
After a bit of digging about (and it's tucked away a bit) I have found how to take my number off.
Can I be ex-directory with 118 800?
You can become ex-directory by texting the letter ‘E’ to 118800 from the mobile phone you want to be made ex-directory or you can call us on 0800 138 6263. Standard network charges apply. The first time 118 800 contacts you you will be sent an SMS reminding you about how to become ex-directory. Please allow up to 4 weeks for your ex-directory request to take effect.
**** you might want to do this for the kids!
Yours
P XXXX


Monday, 8 June 2009

NEW CARDS










In a 'male' frame of mine.
I bought this stamp in a sale for the old goat - mad about anything si-fi or spacey he is. Borrowed it to have a play with. It looks amazing in black or silver - or bronze embossing


The old goat is here - http://www.pencilmuseum.co.uk/ - all week painting a big wall murial for them. That leaves me HOME ALONE to play. YEAH
Yours
P XXXX

Sunday, 7 June 2009

NEW SITE

I do still miss my mate over at Scrapbooking Castle - even after all this time.
But life moves on and I have picked up a couple of new suppliers - so have great hopes of them
http://www.cuddlybuddly.com/ - needed some new 'B' plates for my Cuttlebug (can't believe just how much I use it just now - had to clear a real, proper space for it so I could just pull it out and work), Anyway Cutting Edge did not have any, and Cuddly Buddly did, so I spent yesterday's takings with them on a few bits and bobs! THAT'S why it's a hobby Mr tax man!!! Luckily he believes me.
Also http://scrapz.co.uk/ - I have had a couple of orders from her now (one of the things I really like about a site is to know the person/people behind it). She has really unusual stuff - not to everyone's taste, but it's so nice to see a totally different approach - cutting edge unique stuff - and a HUGE range of charms
Yours
P XXXX


Saturday, 6 June 2009

SHOWS





NO - THAT'S NOT ME

This is the lady that shared the lounge area with me today.

Today we were at http://www.bendrigg.org.uk/ which is an activity holiday centre for disabled and special needs children. They do abseiling and rock climbing (and canoes) with kids in wheelchairs - it has to be seen to be believed.

I sold a little bit - fairly average day for me - which considering the weather out there today was amazing.

I was so pleased they put me in the warn and dry in the lounge area - I shared the space with a face painter and a lady doing the lucky dip.

Amazing day - huge plaudits to all the folk who not only organise this event every year - but also do such amazing work to support these kids learn, grow and develop day in and day out year after year

Yours
P XXXX

Friday, 5 June 2009

SHOPPING

Goodness what a grotty day - did not see a soul in the office to day, after yesterday I was quite pleased
Treated myself to a few bits over at
she really has got some very unusual stuff there
I have got a commission for a memorial poem to do. I have worked up a rough draft and it's looking good so far. Out all day tomorrow - PLEEEESSSEEE NO RAIN! Don't care if it's cold - just stay dry
Yours
P XXXX


Thursday, 4 June 2009

GIFT TAGS



Time is a bit short on the ground this week - but I still like to think I have work on the go.

So - I have started a new range (yes: again) of GIFT TAGS. Great these are - little bit to pass the time. Cut tag shapes, stamped, painted and decorated with ribbon ties. Should go well on the stall



LIFE

I am covering the church office all this week as Angela is on holiday.
I went in this morning to find the committee room double booked - and it just snowballed after that! I got the small group settled in the Lady Chapel, gentleman turned up to play the organ - that's not a problem. Then one of the local traders popped in for a chat because he was having problems - and the guy he has fallen out with walked in!!! Phone kept ringing - vicar' wife is poorly, and so is his dog, so he's just a bit fragile. Just on my way out and I realised that the flower wreaths that had been delivered earlier on in the week that I thought were too early for today's funeral - had been forgotten by the hearse on Monday (I was really cross - they should have gone with the mourners). Huge panic to get them cleared out of sight!!
I was hugely relieved to go and get my nails done I can tell you
I am in again tomorrow - bet I see no-one!
Yours
P XXXX

Wednesday, 3 June 2009

LIFE

I have discovered the shed equivalent of the washing machine 'sock monster' - you know that one who only ever eats one sock.
We have a show on Saturday at Bendrigg (http://www.bendrigg.org.uk/), so the gazebo has to come out of the shed and the spiders have to be evicted (I don't do that bit). so here is where the monster comes in. Why is it that the gazebo + all last years frame (+ half of the year before's frame), goes into the shed - - and when it all comes out - a leg is missing?
Do you think the washing machine monster - and the shed monster are cousins?? Or just good friends!
Yours
P XXXX


NEW CARDS






'Tis the wedding season - time to get prepared


These cards blanks Ashtondale Crafts (http://www.ashtondale.co.uk/) sent me when they were having a big clear out. They are embossed on the diagonal 'wedding day' and have the softest, silkiest texture I have ever seen/felt - no idea what it is never seen it before - won't take ink of any sort though! The paper used is from a big wedding pack that I got from Mad About Cards (http://www.madaboutcards.com/) for £1.
Have you discovered this amazing bargain site yet - well you should have!

Yours
P XXXX

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

CHALLENGE

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/2009/05/going-dotty-21.html

This week it's circles

So here is really cute little tag book - round pages - with a stamped elephant on velum over elephant stamped inner page. Loads of fluff and bling!



Yours


P XXXX

NEW CARDS

Went to see my ostio today - she says my hamstrings are really tight. For someone that has done yoga for years and can stand on their palms - that's a big worry.

New range of birthday ages. A6 - with the embossed candles (glitter in the flames - well you have too), matted with a really strong pearl colour. The numbers are cut out and set over the same colour as the mat.

Really smart



Yours
P XXXX

Monday, 1 June 2009

DAY OFF

OK - so, I don't usually work on a Monday, but I had so much rough time last week: still tyring to catch up. I did a couple of hours at the bench this afternoon

Just for once the weather is OUTRAGEOUS hot, so I thought a few thoughts and tips on working in this heat would be helpful.

The dry weather is great for drying the washing - it also has weird effects on our crafting.

http://www.princesskitten.co.uk/design_30954.html

Check it out - email me YOUR tips and I will add them

Yours

P XXXX

Saturday, 30 May 2009

FMS

I feel so much better today!

Yesterday I was ready to sit in front of the train - I could barley stand up. This past 10 days have been sooo painful and wasted - even the old goat was beginning to worry. Today - well I could not conquer the world - but I planted out a few trays of seedlings and swept up a bit. Then I sat at my bench - I even got out my PROPER NIBS and ink, real dip nib stuff instead of my trusty parallel pens. Great stuff!!

I picked up this pirate cut and emboss die up for about £2 on ebay - not something I would go out and look for - but, hay - kitten never turns down a bargain! Still working out what I can do with it, but I can see possibilities.







This is brass stencil work (still LOVE brass stencils). Embossed bunnies in brown - simple but so effective when layered




So - I have caught up on loads of things and cleared a tray on my bench - I had forgotten some of the things there!

Yours

P XXXX

Friday, 29 May 2009

CUTTLEBUG

Ok - so I bought myself a new embossing folder at Janet's yesterday. I have always liked this one - and I am going to do a Cripsmouse range with it. The word 'Christmas' is banned until November, so until then it's Crispmouse!


ANY WAY - I love the 'bow frame' - and you can just use inner bit to make a smaller card. It is amazing what you can use for the centre bit. This one is embossed in brown pearl, matted mirri gold, over the same paper as in the centre, matted mirri gold. Did this about 6" square and I am going to work it out to do a small A6 cheepie note card as well

Yours
P XXXX

Thursday, 28 May 2009

FMS

I was to explain my 'Buffy' quip that I made the other day - so here you go.
I am an absolute Buffy The Vampire Slayer nut. I have all of them except season 8 (which is like gold dust - never managed to find it) on video. One (and the only one) advantage of having the brain fog that goes with FMS/ME is that I can gently watch an episode or 2, and when I have worked my way to the last tape - I can start again at the beginning and re-watch them all. It takes me about 6 - 8 months to get through them all, so the most I see one is twice a year and it's like new.
The same works for Taggart - and for Midsomer Murders
Yours
P XXXX


CUTTLEBUG



Went to craft class today - it was a bit of a strain and I am totally wiped out now - but I just had to get out and do something. Cancelled the last one so I have not been for ages.


This effect is neat. Cut the background card into 4 smaller, equal squares (make them a tiny bit smaller so you can mat them and have the mat colour show through. Then emboss each square in a different pattern. I have highlighted the embossing with glitter glue - 'cos that's what I do!

Yours
P XXXX

Wednesday, 27 May 2009

FMS

That's me done - off to catch an hour of Buffy!!
Yours
P XXXX


NEW PROJECT

Went to yoga this morning - over did it - what's new!!!!

Have been making a few wedding favours - it's the wedding season June/July/August.

Really cute photo screens - I class them as albums - anything you can add a photo to is an album as far as I am concerned!




The back is wedding papers






The front has gems and a bow added



It is a fairly simple origami fold square joined with a card hinge to the other squares

Yours

P XXXX