tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303367952024-03-07T05:25:44.278+00:00Lisa SaysOblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-62627030424524164872010-03-13T11:27:00.002+00:002010-03-13T11:29:29.621+00:00I've Moved..<span style="font-family: verdana;">I've decided to move my blog </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://oblibby.wordpress.com/">here</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">. No reason, other than I felt like a change. Will still be following all my bloggy friends' antics.</span>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-22739815986136181892010-02-04T17:59:00.003+00:002010-02-04T18:07:59.780+00:00Caribbean Queen<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I've got 2 of my favourite people coming for dinner, my friend Fiona and her other half Lee. I've decided to do Caribbean, so here's my menu:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Mojitos & party popcorn</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">--------------------------</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Corn on the cob</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">--------------------------</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Jamaican pork</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Rice & peas</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Pineapple, mint & chilli salsa</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">-------------------------</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Pineapple in rum</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Coconut ice cream</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">(or possibly coconut creme brulee - not decided yet - will let Fee choose if she reads this)</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">------------------------</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Any alternatives gratefully welcome, especially starters</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-57262106866104710292010-01-30T15:36:00.006+00:002010-01-30T20:10:55.470+00:00I Promise...<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">... I haven't been as unproductive as this blog would imply, although most of the things I have to show today aren't quite finished.<br /><br />Firstly, this is a ribbon necklace I've done, using some polymer clay beads I made over the Christmas holidays. I've always loved ribbons with jewellery, yet strangely this is the first piece I've made myself. The lentil shape beads are decorated with 2 sizes of a cane I made. I made the stripy spacers at the same time (and was a bit worried they would work together, but I think I like the look). I need to get some clear nail polish to seal the ends of the ribbon before I can wear it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8puuqR4Nzhl1L82rDe8Og6yTrbxRPmSsJ3PBWiXZ0kc5ymnijFlzLgwaTtuHWDP5eqUyYQ-7BhkT68SvDdNu4VPyQ669AVVnQRj1t4ZE441PgJaTsBAWgDG4-97l1syHC29ZM/s1600-h/Polymer+Clay+Circles+%26+Stripes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8puuqR4Nzhl1L82rDe8Og6yTrbxRPmSsJ3PBWiXZ0kc5ymnijFlzLgwaTtuHWDP5eqUyYQ-7BhkT68SvDdNu4VPyQ669AVVnQRj1t4ZE441PgJaTsBAWgDG4-97l1syHC29ZM/s320/Polymer+Clay+Circles+%26+Stripes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559042219257058" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately the photo's a bit blurred (I didn't realise until after I had packed my portable studio away).<br /><br />Here's a little close-up of the beads:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC-0tVnMuj7-X_7aIt5Q16ypz-S7aLToQJJdqV5WYdkBZD-foCvveEYM8oCJyQcn7S5rnoOB-1a91ox5ZZtby_TC9Ed8QUjUk8DUNPHwytbsk4_WTgf3O-cL3xVLP41_vCR6Z/s1600-h/Polymer+Clay+Circles+%26+Stripes+Closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC-0tVnMuj7-X_7aIt5Q16ypz-S7aLToQJJdqV5WYdkBZD-foCvveEYM8oCJyQcn7S5rnoOB-1a91ox5ZZtby_TC9Ed8QUjUk8DUNPHwytbsk4_WTgf3O-cL3xVLP41_vCR6Z/s320/Polymer+Clay+Circles+%26+Stripes+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559051609932722" border="0" /></a><br />I'm also working on this berry bracelet, from a kit Mum bought me for Christmas. I have another self-coloured strand to do (the strands are different colours, although I'm not sure that really shows in the photo), then onto the berries and leaves and twist and stitch the whole thing together. Would love to have this finished before I go on holiday. although also want to make a bracelet to go with the <a href="http://lisababebeads.blogspot.com/2009/09/crystal-pearls.html">red and gold Crystal & Pearls necklace</a> I've previously posted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFiTf_Bthsu1aFIceU-EMXhxAB6XfIXrN9BCEefynUMJPqQATmep5WPCakq3OvKJVVDKGZ5ZroKY-rc2N5LsAY6RFc0OQSOvfpxoeWVgyTaQzG4cKKIPoGykw2mJul6J17N_q/s1600-h/Berry+Bracelet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFiTf_Bthsu1aFIceU-EMXhxAB6XfIXrN9BCEefynUMJPqQATmep5WPCakq3OvKJVVDKGZ5ZroKY-rc2N5LsAY6RFc0OQSOvfpxoeWVgyTaQzG4cKKIPoGykw2mJul6J17N_q/s320/Berry+Bracelet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559055191758882" border="0" /></a>One of the things I had on my list to do this year was learn to crochet. My Mum used to do really lovely things, but I never seemed to quite grasp it (and I think she found it tricky trying to teach a lefty!!). Anyway, I have finally mastered it (thanks to some lefty instructions I found on Internet). It took my 3 nights to learn, which is a bit of a record for me, as normally I'm able to pick things up quickly - was extremely frusturating. Anyway thought I'd start with something simple and make a bag to keep my wool and hooks in. First couple of squares (unfortunately our local shop didn't have a good selection of cotton yarn, so this was the best colour combo I could get).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wr2UMVNR7gehGloNgwpgdrusfmvy7X6Rhu1JozcxVNOetIwkPMZh2CiQPiSpx1vmutms4qIjBZ02uVh6_wzA80lwCZVpYj_wvXVRCHqeuMelnG2MAPd_VTmjEd6Ej5n4WbQL/s1600-h/Crochet+Squares.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wr2UMVNR7gehGloNgwpgdrusfmvy7X6Rhu1JozcxVNOetIwkPMZh2CiQPiSpx1vmutms4qIjBZ02uVh6_wzA80lwCZVpYj_wvXVRCHqeuMelnG2MAPd_VTmjEd6Ej5n4WbQL/s320/Crochet+Squares.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559065390393234" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, made this rye and white seeded loaf - I've done a couple of ones before using all rye flour, but they've come out really gluey and quite inedible. This one has a good feel, so hopefully it will taste nice too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvit0FHU-kvlJ3k3DmgUosdyoYxl4SPmj-wil40TZ_ApLG0NLX27Dh_FlHhIAenwzl7GdGNx51VqWMuvIouVHRnpIPlObrsS6pGjnSM63pb8nGSNn8n7YmDPL_Rx0iAaow1rqr/s1600-h/Rye+%26+White+Seeded+Loaf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvit0FHU-kvlJ3k3DmgUosdyoYxl4SPmj-wil40TZ_ApLG0NLX27Dh_FlHhIAenwzl7GdGNx51VqWMuvIouVHRnpIPlObrsS6pGjnSM63pb8nGSNn8n7YmDPL_Rx0iAaow1rqr/s320/Rye+%26+White+Seeded+Loaf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559069759063826" border="0" /></a>Thanks for looking.<br /><br />Lisa xoxo</span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-85214540254583689262010-01-01T10:00:00.002+00:002010-01-01T10:10:01.983+00:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Can't believe 2010 has come around already - where does the time go?<br /><br />Hope it's a good year for all (if there are any left) my blog readers.<br /><br />I don't really believe in New Year's Resolutions, but here are my aims for 2010:<br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Lose some weight - I have been trying during December and want to do it slowly, as like living my life the way I do.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Spend more time on crafty stuff - I know I probably said this last year as well, but I really miss making lots of stuff - just wish my craft room would repaint itself.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Blog more often - see point above!<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Spend an hour or 2 a week decluttering - I realise I should have done this a couple of years ago, prior to Stu moving in, but that didn't happen. Would like to move house at the end of this year or during next year, and would love for it to be a smoother process.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Stop keeping things I don't need/use/wear - see point above!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Enjoy life and appreciate how lucky I am to have great friends, a roof over my head, food on the table and a job I love - I do mostly do this anyway, but it's nice to have a little reminder of this now and again.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Pay off my debts - this one should only take 10 weeks to do :D</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: verdana;">Let me know your aims/resolutions if you want to.<br /><br />Lisa xoxo<br /></span></span>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-51501378498781334012009-12-14T19:13:00.007+00:002009-12-14T19:41:12.467+00:00Tree Time<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Thought I'd take a break from trying to fix the stupid washing machine, which is leaking through the drawer and whilst reading up on washing machine problems, discovered that liquid instead of powder, along with washing at low temperatures seems to contribute to a lot of the problems, as the bleach in powder (along with really hot water) seems to stop them from gunking up.</span> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />.. anyways, onto the real reason for this post (as I am sure no one really wants to hear my laundry woes)...<br /><br />We got the Christmas tree on Saturday. It's a real cracker and almost hits the ceiling. Here's a little piccie:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjQ2Fl1Sf9octQeuqLDeHDKJNDmJSAr0YGI28NSFvmGWDLtPObcqsw3Yb3JCvspkzy4Yc8NGC6A7YKtc31EsP4aw-1vBKI6cXPWGFyaoKrnaeGkIfzlXGM9602kzR9bN82yYH/s1600-h/Tree2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjQ2Fl1Sf9octQeuqLDeHDKJNDmJSAr0YGI28NSFvmGWDLtPObcqsw3Yb3JCvspkzy4Yc8NGC6A7YKtc31EsP4aw-1vBKI6cXPWGFyaoKrnaeGkIfzlXGM9602kzR9bN82yYH/s320/Tree2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415173431348360626" border="0" /></a>It's a lot brighter in real life - 300 lights on it.<br /><br />Here's a little arty dot photo...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sUtpIPwdEBKJvfGhLazNPyZqpjcU7MiFd3NwQFoXWmOc9Kg2xQ80pVtLZ_u2hYmqgDiJfqh8xfkQoxqOZ6Pz7MJHiK_CX-XfEolKSLU_h9GZB4k9pVWL3tTm8NaowjIqXqMA/s1600-h/Tree20093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sUtpIPwdEBKJvfGhLazNPyZqpjcU7MiFd3NwQFoXWmOc9Kg2xQ80pVtLZ_u2hYmqgDiJfqh8xfkQoxqOZ6Pz7MJHiK_CX-XfEolKSLU_h9GZB4k9pVWL3tTm8NaowjIqXqMA/s200/Tree20093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415176764019845650" border="0" /></a><br />...and little close-up too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDM9PIGLkYuC9PDONvjI2Bc-XQtyBPgP35AqUrUcbsbQFF1fQre6TA0-qED9nRkTXoljZsA0AvWYzUGflsGB1whbecZxz5iMpr8_RhHvwFe328oWMVJ15Nv56k9Nx4RDkBEmU/s1600-h/Tree20092.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDM9PIGLkYuC9PDONvjI2Bc-XQtyBPgP35AqUrUcbsbQFF1fQre6TA0-qED9nRkTXoljZsA0AvWYzUGflsGB1whbecZxz5iMpr8_RhHvwFe328oWMVJ15Nv56k9Nx4RDkBEmU/s200/Tree20092.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415176757696032658" border="0" /></a>Still got Christmas cards to do as well. Must, must, must do them tomorrow.<br /><br />Started reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Not my normal read, but I always used to make a point of reading the Booker Prize winner, along with most of the shortlist and thought it would be a good habit to revisit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyGecMjXBSvzK957Q_TfzPMLSihOgTV_riRJGKks8zHZujRVSbqwLui3czkTTJM31J0bSpKTAsweu12jwwy_G8ZhkFrotIepQ-AYP7pPE93PKmeCpq5m1iRV26DDmHQaNyCvY/s1600-h/WolfHall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyGecMjXBSvzK957Q_TfzPMLSihOgTV_riRJGKks8zHZujRVSbqwLui3czkTTJM31J0bSpKTAsweu12jwwy_G8ZhkFrotIepQ-AYP7pPE93PKmeCpq5m1iRV26DDmHQaNyCvY/s200/WolfHall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415177861075019314" border="0" /></a><br />Although it's not my normal genre (rarely read historical fiction), it's good so far and the author has a good writing style. Might join Good Reads to keep track of what I think of the books I read.<br /><br />Sure I'll have more to update soon.<br /><br />Toodles<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-56065162859049577402009-12-08T21:01:00.004+00:002009-12-08T21:13:41.475+00:00Don't Faint<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">But I've actually got around to making some Christmas cards this year!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird2FtWUT4y_AGIhavf7LSVEZySpjaOCaA3OwunROJDhY4riykR5zeQMzOAFo5591jiLUHsXloVpQBN6qr_xTanDgLW2y_XYfz-ghqIe0ZXTag8Mku6fNv7NmLCjUyVgDG21CS/s1600-h/Christmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird2FtWUT4y_AGIhavf7LSVEZySpjaOCaA3OwunROJDhY4riykR5zeQMzOAFo5591jiLUHsXloVpQBN6qr_xTanDgLW2y_XYfz-ghqIe0ZXTag8Mku6fNv7NmLCjUyVgDG21CS/s320/Christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412975022258130882" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_JustifyFull" title="Justify Full" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 13);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Justify Full" class="gl_align_full" border="0" /></span></span></a><br />In the interests of recycling, I've done a design with a re-usable gift tag (ok, the person may have to change the ribbon, but they can definitely use the tag again, and if they glue it on, they can cover the glue on the back of the ribbon {hope that makes sense}). The last one in line looks a bit wonky, but I think that is due to squishing them together in my little portable studio thing, combined with my pretty crappy (lazy) photography skills.<br /><br />Here's a little close-up some of the tags.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEgbgZGVCL9Qi7n4muId2Z593LiiNxJDvm3piiqnO-gs0cwtQbaTU5qQmoerYgjCCt_9KmxDVdXzH99hncJXmsQGpilvVV3oyRYbREFlDt2zmCNr8H_iSI8Bxi1jL4bUVvxDH/s1600-h/Christmas+Detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEgbgZGVCL9Qi7n4muId2Z593LiiNxJDvm3piiqnO-gs0cwtQbaTU5qQmoerYgjCCt_9KmxDVdXzH99hncJXmsQGpilvVV3oyRYbREFlDt2zmCNr8H_iSI8Bxi1jL4bUVvxDH/s320/Christmas+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412975025993138434" border="0" /></a>I'm going to do the design in other colourways as well - already have made some blue tags, with snowmen, penguins and snowflakes and have some lovely pink, black and grey Christmas papers I would like to use as well and quite a few other Christmas dies I haven't yet used this year (actually probably never used if I'm being honest).<br /><br />I also made another batch of Christmas chutney when I got home tonight, and a batch of chilli jam last night - need to label the jam and take a pic tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-56232706107376107172009-12-05T10:18:00.004+00:002009-12-05T10:34:23.789+00:00Box of Tricks<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YVqZlMtqlJDkEaKp1SofA8k7gw4EyTBDCDgUKXmgXGW8YmeMUzq9pubt0l1kNKwgxlaKTyVmWAtnBJHeqnj2ymEYMKRsIvKPCGdJL0-UTRlM8v_p-Nme-5az3BrNz6GQWBc2/s1600-h/Flower+Box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YVqZlMtqlJDkEaKp1SofA8k7gw4EyTBDCDgUKXmgXGW8YmeMUzq9pubt0l1kNKwgxlaKTyVmWAtnBJHeqnj2ymEYMKRsIvKPCGdJL0-UTRlM8v_p-Nme-5az3BrNz6GQWBc2/s320/Flower+Box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411695830566893186" border="0" /></a>My long-time readers may remember me posting this as a work in progress a few months ago. It sat almost finished for ages (just needed the feet put on) and I finally finished it last night.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9w9t85VJkVUUyxzZYnjctCVUQY0tKBYXsFg5L0k6OgyxQ9MbyyEA2E3Tb7pFLFASQioBgcY_GNhWci3yij18upUF8JXoqqWwGuiL4UOT9vnb1YKKXWTjBSxc7y-aKCSVrpf_/s1600-h/Flower+Box+Lid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9w9t85VJkVUUyxzZYnjctCVUQY0tKBYXsFg5L0k6OgyxQ9MbyyEA2E3Tb7pFLFASQioBgcY_GNhWci3yij18upUF8JXoqqWwGuiL4UOT9vnb1YKKXWTjBSxc7y-aKCSVrpf_/s320/Flower+Box+Lid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411695833926507138" border="0" /></a>We're going to give it to Stewart's Nan as part of her Christmas present (in fact Stu is right now heading over to his folks' to deliver presents for people we won't see on Christmas Day).<br /><br />Finally, a couple of little detail pics.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hmDFhcp8Q-6ut36JfnRAhio_45h2zynhER6Gx7I9q-s3v1W3ol19-dQAx_dPoM8CanLXOfOPomKMxU48lBUR7wzCtPWzIOu2R75PYLAviCyM0DHHnEV7N8LeDCmT8cQ7Gj67/s1600-h/Flower+Box+Lid+Closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hmDFhcp8Q-6ut36JfnRAhio_45h2zynhER6Gx7I9q-s3v1W3ol19-dQAx_dPoM8CanLXOfOPomKMxU48lBUR7wzCtPWzIOu2R75PYLAviCyM0DHHnEV7N8LeDCmT8cQ7Gj67/s200/Flower+Box+Lid+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411696136956403042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAtqaudTbKkcFn4eqUi7LhPL8DRCBC_HymW2HrP4n4N_pUuupbPX4vq8tU3cUFGtW-ZGBoUrROcy7cGIkKQoAdDbdGIZEpdC5KxrPRwpYxqPm8ub1c96rxYckNqDIIQSmOdBb/s1600-h/Flower+Box+Detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAtqaudTbKkcFn4eqUi7LhPL8DRCBC_HymW2HrP4n4N_pUuupbPX4vq8tU3cUFGtW-ZGBoUrROcy7cGIkKQoAdDbdGIZEpdC5KxrPRwpYxqPm8ub1c96rxYckNqDIIQSmOdBb/s200/Flower+Box+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411696127326823058" border="0" /></a><br />I am also almost finished a different design for Stewart's sis. I relally love making things to put in with people's presents.<br /><br />Thanks for looking. Off to start making some Christmas cards shortly.<br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-85882716680110682822009-12-02T19:00:00.003+00:002009-12-02T19:14:45.417+00:00Christmas is Coming<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gosh, I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated - I have been doing stuff (honestly!!).<br /><br />Trying to get into the Christmas spirit, as I felt it was lacking a bit last year after all the wedding excitement. Think I'll get my tree on Saturday, let it settle overnight and decorate it on Sunday. Off out on Saturday with a ton of friends to <a href="http://www.arisaigrestaurant.co.uk/">Arisaig</a> in Glasgow -because there's 26 of us, I think we are going to get the whole of the balcony level to ourselves. After dinner, we're off to <a href="http://www.maggiemays.info/">Maggie May's.</a><br /><br />Made Christmas chutney last night - my first attempt at doing anything like this. Had a little teaspoon taste to see if it was nice; it was yummy scrummy. Made plenty for the family, but will probably end up making more for friends as well. Didn't have jars, so ended up buying half a dozen Asda value lemon curds (not exactly a Nigella moment, spooning lemon curd down the toilet dressed in jammies with eyelliner rubbed over my face - so definitely no pic of that).<br /><br />Here's the finished article - need to go to a fabric shop to get something Christmassy to put over the lid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdxfoK6Cnpi1sZL4lQHOuDmd1o9AgXK4Xr3e_7sXa7HuuzblR5CHw77nYq_pVg3Fyns9x-eV3aKuhK_6Pty_RiPz-XqnJZLZx0JKPVGW-wSCvfYaPPOMiCINMQ0kiqIlYWS0Y/s1600-h/Christmas+Chutney.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdxfoK6Cnpi1sZL4lQHOuDmd1o9AgXK4Xr3e_7sXa7HuuzblR5CHw77nYq_pVg3Fyns9x-eV3aKuhK_6Pty_RiPz-XqnJZLZx0JKPVGW-wSCvfYaPPOMiCINMQ0kiqIlYWS0Y/s320/Christmas+Chutney.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410718722197306770" border="0" /></a>It contains cranberries, apples, dates, ground cloves, ginger & cinnamon, with some cayenne pepper for kick.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /><br /><br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-43390768508704874882009-10-20T17:52:00.002+00:002009-10-20T17:56:43.743+00:00Hello Strangers<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">OMG where does the time go. Can't believe it's been about 6 weeks until I updated.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">I haven't fallen off the face of the earth (or even been struck down with H1N1), but I also haven't made much (apart from a mess).</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">I'm working on some polymer clay beads, which I hope will work out ok. Have a head full of ideas and don't seem to get a chance to bring them to fruition - perhaps they're rubbish ideas and that's why!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">Promise will update with stuff soon.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">Toodles</span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-52732667425611105862009-09-07T17:04:00.004+00:002009-09-07T19:41:28.128+00:00Crystal & Pearls<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I made this from a pattern in Laura McCabe's book. The pattern was amazingly easy to follow (much less complicated than it looks). I changed a couple of the sizes/styles in the and shortened the drops quite a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk_QSl1-AsU0e7kHOUHHvG9RAL138ZOK95UzgeKTt94MSZlTaDVE9AVo4mlm1Cm2MY-1bY_-CAJJBHHKutwlUNoMpXJyWx8hoAusLN0kZ6qw2zG7auZmWiL0wlXwAtncOhKVV/s1600-h/Crystal+%26+Pearls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk_QSl1-AsU0e7kHOUHHvG9RAL138ZOK95UzgeKTt94MSZlTaDVE9AVo4mlm1Cm2MY-1bY_-CAJJBHHKutwlUNoMpXJyWx8hoAusLN0kZ6qw2zG7auZmWiL0wlXwAtncOhKVV/s320/Crystal+%26+Pearls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378773844050049266" border="0" /></a>I used 20mm Swarovski rivolis in siam, pearls in powder almond and delicas in apricot gold. I also used siam and sand opal bicones, size 15 seed beads in gold & bronze and size 11 seed beads in gold and red. I also used crystal fireline to keep the whole thing together.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-81008836265861516752009-08-31T18:20:00.002+00:002009-08-31T18:30:21.272+00:00Inky Fingers<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">After a couple of weeks of doing nothing but working and trying to find my mojo, I'm back in the land of blogging - sometimes I really don't know where the time goes, although it has to be said I can be a bit of a faffer even at the best of times.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Anyway, I have a few projects on the go at the moment. Still loving using polymer clay and made these beads.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEOXFpU-w27tk2slbL-zXDLI8UAVke4nTAUUwEgFfBNCuoDOA1xgb7WkDs8ngDWqynrOCTKguu92TlxhStMbdnRApkC8UYhivwuL-UnvdwndK5MBvysfO3Z0riAGPyQ6Gs6Oa/s1600-h/Clay+%26+Ink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEOXFpU-w27tk2slbL-zXDLI8UAVke4nTAUUwEgFfBNCuoDOA1xgb7WkDs8ngDWqynrOCTKguu92TlxhStMbdnRApkC8UYhivwuL-UnvdwndK5MBvysfO3Z0riAGPyQ6Gs6Oa/s320/Clay+%26+Ink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376196738146531858" border="0" /></a><br />I used gold foil and alcohol inks in pesto, wild plum, lettuce and stream (and maybe eggplant too - can't remember) on black Fimo Classic. I then used this to cover beads made from scrap clay. Next time I'm going to try wearing gloves with the ink, as my fingers looked really mucky afterwards, especially around the sides of my nails.<br /><br />The beads are strung with 3mm Swarovski bicones in fuschia, with 4mm ones next to the big bead in the middle.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-25070025117999647182009-08-06T17:46:00.003+00:002009-08-06T18:01:33.910+00:00Breakfast at Tiffany's<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In line with my new polymer clay addiction, I made these beads on Sunday. Made a little cane and covered beads that were just made from scrap clay. Wish I had some more colours of Fimo Classic (apart from black and white), but have to use up my stock of Fimo Soft before I buy more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wjQzxhJ-HvQLE1uk0yLyu51Lni6bjzGwNt5gB8fb4tQMd_eRDQrro1jjmXeKaxa4PTsRCCOGLl3Ts-IyFHE-KmAYV8kA7G6KxOhCv8WAPHvywCrpSRcKT_BkF6Qo3mDaLUF7/s1600-h/Fimo+Cane+Beads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wjQzxhJ-HvQLE1uk0yLyu51Lni6bjzGwNt5gB8fb4tQMd_eRDQrro1jjmXeKaxa4PTsRCCOGLl3Ts-IyFHE-KmAYV8kA7G6KxOhCv8WAPHvywCrpSRcKT_BkF6Qo3mDaLUF7/s320/Fimo+Cane+Beads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366911883573043938" border="0" /></a><br />I dusted the beads with Red/Blue Pearlex Powder then coated with Klear floor polish.<br /><br />I decided to call them "Breakfast at Tiffany's" as the reminded me slightly of a Tiffany lamp.<br /><br />Got this Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski book, and desperate to try some of the designs. Pity the 18mm rivolis available in the UK are only clear or AB coated. I always try to source stuff from UK suppliers where I can, but looks like I'll have to order from overseas in this instance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqILhu1RGhxnZQwQs8hq9yEoo0SV-ThTw9QzyhV1YXVCsqDUbe5KyiorQBxiOn9o1qfihBrY2LEubCQuMwcNSzOze2LPFbGhLDXXkERrug3XcwgfTj1EGwxeQabqw5ptEvNPJX/s1600-h/book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqILhu1RGhxnZQwQs8hq9yEoo0SV-ThTw9QzyhV1YXVCsqDUbe5KyiorQBxiOn9o1qfihBrY2LEubCQuMwcNSzOze2LPFbGhLDXXkERrug3XcwgfTj1EGwxeQabqw5ptEvNPJX/s320/book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366911885738825922" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span class="postbody" style="font-size:85%;">Comments/tips for improving my jewellery/beaded work always are always welcome and appreciated.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span class="postbody" style="font-size:85%;">Thanks for looking.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-2483817409122756752009-08-02T07:35:00.006+00:002009-08-02T10:57:36.137+00:00Hot Spots<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I made this polymer clay pendant and bead using the kit I recently purchased from <a href="http://www.ejrbeads.co.uk/">EJR Beads</a>. I wore it to pc class yesterday and at first even one of the instructors thought it was metal, so I was well chuffed. I strung them onto copper tigertail, with copper filligree-style beads and Swarovski bicones in purple velvet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XBzg6nVG-pw3f1PTKMkPZVJVTsTeg6YhkOPs8K4egVbJ_HTyujLQu0ZahFw0WmZvdiCDsq_U9_rrbAwLVS0F0K4RVy2dIjdJU4Yq6upJRVLJhmRqrtGep8_t8K762UpKtAms/s1600-h/Hot+Copper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XBzg6nVG-pw3f1PTKMkPZVJVTsTeg6YhkOPs8K4egVbJ_HTyujLQu0ZahFw0WmZvdiCDsq_U9_rrbAwLVS0F0K4RVy2dIjdJU4Yq6upJRVLJhmRqrtGep8_t8K762UpKtAms/s320/Hot+Copper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365316510624948226" border="0" /></a>Went to Manchester for the first time last week and absolutely loved it. Stayed in the <a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/manchester/index.htm?">Macdonald Manchester</a> which was really nice, as well as only being a short walk from the city centre. On the Saturday we ate at Michael Caines at Abode which was really lovely. We went for the tasting menu and got a really good bottle of wine with it (can also confirm their mojitos are pretty tasty). On the Sunday we went to <a href="http://www.chaophraya.co.uk/">Chaophraya</a>, a Thai restaurant which was really nice (although Stu ordered the hottest thing on the menu and it was too hot for him - surprise surprise). We travelled down by train which is definitely more relaxing than driving (and probably didn't cost any more than driving as we booked the tickets early).<br /><br />On the Sunday morning we were walking into town in the rain and saw <a href="http://www.nme.com/artists/ian-brown">Ian Brown</a> filming his new video - the things you see when you don't have your camera with you!!!!<br /><br />The only thing that put a slight downer on the weekend was the killer toothache I had. Luckily managed to get a cancellation when I got home, so started root canal treatment and have another session on Tuesday. I was a bit nervous about it has I've heard a lot of bad things about root canal, but it didn't hurt a bit.<br /><br />Bead wise, I don't have much to show apart from the necklace earlier in the post. I haven't been doing nothing, but just don't have anything finished. I have started one of the Moroccan-style beads from the Diane Fitzgerald book, have run out of one colour for my beaded box (but almost finished that one - just don't want to pay postage on one tube of beads, so it can wait until I am next placing an order - was going to give it to Stu's nan for crimbo anyway).<br /><br />I am so lucky to have such a fabby husband - on Friday Stu bought me some new GHD straighteners since I've been wearing my hair really short lately and my thick straightners are too bulky for it and my thin ones were rubbish. He also managed to get a couple of tickets for <a href="http://www.4ad.com/pixies/news/%7Edoolittle-tour-a/">The Pixies</a> in October (I love love love love love The Pixies and was gutted I didn't get them when they were first released.... well Stewart was checking out Ticketmaster and some seated ones have now been released - might even get to wear my high heels to a gig for a change :D:D)<br /><br />Don't have much planned for today - footie is on the telly later, so think I will do some clay stuff when that is on. Will also make some yummy cupcakes for hubs.<br /><br />Oh I almost forgot (how could I!!), anyone familiar with our home will have a huge surprise next time they're round - the kitchen lights now work again!!!!! It's only been a squillion years! Came home yesterday and Stewart's dad had fixed them. They had been wired incorrectly - the people who lived here before must've been trying to create a deathtrap as so many things were wrong, but worked if you know what I mean.<br /></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-20283613293860508952009-07-20T16:23:00.003+00:002009-07-20T16:39:14.624+00:00This Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">This weekend I started working on one the the little boxes in the book "Little Bead Boxes" by Julia S Pretl (one of the books I posted on Thursday). I decided to do the "Flower" one and give it to Stewart's Nan for Christmas. According to the book the difficulty in shapes (from easiest) is triangle, hexagon, pentagon and square. I decided to jump in at almost the deep end (ha, ha - how unlike me!!) and try one of the penatgon ones. It really wasn't difficult at all, once I read the instructions on how to interpret the word maps (there's no way I'd manage it using the graphical charts).<br /><br />Anyway, this is what I have done so far (quite a few hours).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2r-mJRb5FvKsbJvYtRXHhsnFH-0mso0d9c5Xk50OhEQ32EDN8f5J3VkmTAA_Wbum0rghMJiQSvAncK89_KIis46iCfexaEBpjzo4OwoWnaIbmT5oiUv9z5PRySxADuf00uo/s1600-h/Flower+Bead+Box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2r-mJRb5FvKsbJvYtRXHhsnFH-0mso0d9c5Xk50OhEQ32EDN8f5J3VkmTAA_Wbum0rghMJiQSvAncK89_KIis46iCfexaEBpjzo4OwoWnaIbmT5oiUv9z5PRySxADuf00uo/s320/Flower+Bead+Box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360582419253542626" border="0" /></a><br />I also ordered some Hot Copper glitter powders for polymer clay from <a href="http://www.ejrbeads.co.uk/">EJR Beads</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBl_QHPbw9m_CccfkRP0rWc821P2naeUPjgJho64t_0QY-av4WfxHGDHFNBYFnwbrFGps6NBsqOKQZUufbUZFDZuTtzkVG3zfdGC34YjN218ECVw1PsdxG5zftA7x7eUOiSid/s1600-h/Hot+Copper+Glitters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBl_QHPbw9m_CccfkRP0rWc821P2naeUPjgJho64t_0QY-av4WfxHGDHFNBYFnwbrFGps6NBsqOKQZUufbUZFDZuTtzkVG3zfdGC34YjN218ECVw1PsdxG5zftA7x7eUOiSid/s320/Hot+Copper+Glitters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360582415662035906" border="0" /></a><br />Not had a chance to try this out yet, but hope to in the next week or so.<br /><br />Off to Manchester at the weekend. Staying at the <a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/manchester/index.htm?">MacDonald Manchester</a> and going for dinner at <a href="http://www.michaelcaines.com/restaurants/manchester/a-la-carte-menu">Michael Caines restaurant</a> on the Saturday night. Going to try and book <a href="http://www.chaophraya.co.uk/">Chaophraya </a>for the Sunday night as well.<br /><br />Murder mystery night went really well on Saturday (although I screwed up the main course a bit). Cooked the chicken to too long and it sort of disintegrated (no wonder I hate doing chicken). Everyone really joined in and only one person (my sis) guessed correctly.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-85555727611845896392009-07-16T19:06:00.005+00:002009-07-16T20:50:25.905+00:00Bookworm<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >I've always been a bit of a bookworm, as well as a recently reborn bead addict, so today I treated myself to a couple of new books:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >I really like these little boxes, and although they'll probably take ages, I thought they would make lovely presents for people. I seem to know so many people who are lucky enough not to really "need" anything and find it difficult sometimes choosing presents, so hopefully these will go down well. Should be easy enough to incorporate different patterns into the shapes as well.<br /></span> <a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5FSRTPwZsPDgepmZphsXdkLKpJofuEknf49JsbeQ9IK3NMKYWfMs-1Ptu_tYt2ewoMl_OX8Fx6mhdEzUIhSMfw00T_KB-IzutI61HAdH493g5zF-ig5-xUDIolMfLK1Po-TK/s1600-h/Book2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5FSRTPwZsPDgepmZphsXdkLKpJofuEknf49JsbeQ9IK3NMKYWfMs-1Ptu_tYt2ewoMl_OX8Fx6mhdEzUIhSMfw00T_KB-IzutI61HAdH493g5zF-ig5-xUDIolMfLK1Po-TK/s200/Book2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359158887252232146" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >I have a fascination for beaded beads, and hope to make some of the Moroccan-style ones from Diane Fitgerald's book soon - just need to get some of those (pricey) galvanised delicas. This book on beaded beads gets pretty good reviews over on Amazon (the main one seeming to be don't pick a book by it's cover, as the ones on the front are pretty ugly).</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MQLYdOeVOVglz5o3D1Krx5PbU_XQPjfHTEtmXmUBOOQSf89Brk2GCTCy0Kgb0nwG3Zl4hn1ioIkOr5PbXqMB0pYoRXqAJSSg8fcsgRiosq3kNSNoeeIkCP2mxfdK-7mnD-3r/s1600-h/book1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MQLYdOeVOVglz5o3D1Krx5PbU_XQPjfHTEtmXmUBOOQSf89Brk2GCTCy0Kgb0nwG3Zl4hn1ioIkOr5PbXqMB0pYoRXqAJSSg8fcsgRiosq3kNSNoeeIkCP2mxfdK-7mnD-3r/s200/book1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359159697792763858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Everything seems to be in order for my murder party on Saturday.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgSqFeaP2i73oyNbu3bys1oddsD5rAGB22UWTu5BjK-6alpCIlveXIpKSAq0yRtcgjoJv-fOvXjlykBQ_CFf1kF3iemFHOTLWOFLdKad6WSNUBYxesEdBD6aCOXTUBbnSJQZ2/s1600-h/game.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgSqFeaP2i73oyNbu3bys1oddsD5rAGB22UWTu5BjK-6alpCIlveXIpKSAq0yRtcgjoJv-fOvXjlykBQ_CFf1kF3iemFHOTLWOFLdKad6WSNUBYxesEdBD6aCOXTUBbnSJQZ2/s200/game.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359159699734830882" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I am playing a french lady (my vocabulary may become a bit repetitive, as I don't have many French phrases in my head!!)Have decided on meze type starters, followed by djaje belimoune (chicken with orange and saffron) from my Medina Kitchen book. This is actually the only recipe I have made from this book - must make more.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKJhwGQvVV73v2YkGUMYewo755gEGwp4Ig23QAMF4O89E7RgvP-Yhf_jQfkrydoe7eWpw4CETi7uLbQoUj4VEq1E-OYjONlBUm7GlAenJCIbFv6bUNAZ48PHMUx1EDFlW4hw-/s1600-h/book3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKJhwGQvVV73v2YkGUMYewo755gEGwp4Ig23QAMF4O89E7RgvP-Yhf_jQfkrydoe7eWpw4CETi7uLbQoUj4VEq1E-OYjONlBUm7GlAenJCIbFv6bUNAZ48PHMUx1EDFlW4hw-/s200/book3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359159694601311602" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Will do the New York cheesecake from how to be a Domestic Goddess for sweet again, as it was a great success the last time (and can make it tomorrow night, leaving less work to do on Saturday - always a bonus if you can grab a siesta before having visitors).</span><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksvu2ejex_QHtnNpP1O3z_QeIrldO5hS0EYuZQ0K6iUl04mPQz0hqWn_jvCN937_xqJDi1a72ue8CO2dbwtUccAm4JJ3y7muN3o31030pNLMLDdKu5MHOVHo3AFVjrjc7gC0t/s1600-h/book4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksvu2ejex_QHtnNpP1O3z_QeIrldO5hS0EYuZQ0K6iUl04mPQz0hqWn_jvCN937_xqJDi1a72ue8CO2dbwtUccAm4JJ3y7muN3o31030pNLMLDdKu5MHOVHo3AFVjrjc7gC0t/s200/book4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359159707009724018" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Seems I'll have a fiar bit on my hands over the next couple of days, but I am sure it won't be that bad. </span><br /></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-29296982066963150112009-07-13T17:28:00.007+00:002009-08-02T21:04:32.639+00:00ChocoMint Cupcakes<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I made these cupcakes for a friend's birthday. As it was my own recipe (butchered and added to from a few others), I'll post it here. I think these would work with any other chocolate cake, but as I'm not keen on chocolate cake I made mine with cocoa instead of real chocolate. Measurements seem a bit higgledy piggledy, but I try to use cups & spoons instead of weights where possible as it is much quicker (don't know why we don't use them more in the UK).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D5slVEN4__bGgNhVbp_WYzQgSmLGcj36ipFxsDNuSFHGph8hKv7JeywpCxOA2zX3UJARTU-A5p53en5H_LO_p16tTLLDDviE-QWu1_cl4gqqMITLNt6K6Lux25NvIEcr8eI3/s1600-h/ChocoMint+Cupcakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D5slVEN4__bGgNhVbp_WYzQgSmLGcj36ipFxsDNuSFHGph8hKv7JeywpCxOA2zX3UJARTU-A5p53en5H_LO_p16tTLLDDviE-QWu1_cl4gqqMITLNt6K6Lux25NvIEcr8eI3/s320/ChocoMint+Cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358034194506248994" border="0" /></a><br />ChocoMint Cupcakes (makes 16)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Cupcake</span><br />1.5 cups plain flour<br />1 cup cocoa powder (not hot choc mix)<br />2 cups caster sugar<br />1.25 tsps baking powder<br />1.25 tsps bicarb of soda<br />1 tsp salt<br />0.75 cup hot water<br />0.75 cup milk<br />2 large eggs<br />0.5 cup veg oil<br />1.5 tsps vanilla extract<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ChocoMint Frosting</span><br />1 x 150g bar white chocolate<br />half a small tub of soft cheese (I used light, but full fat or extra light would prob work too)<br />4 x tbsps butter (unsalted)<br />Icing sugar (approx 3 cups)<br />1.5 tsps peppermint extract<br />Green food colouring (I used a tiny bit of holly green paste)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make the Cakes</span><br />Sieve the flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking powder and bicarb into food processor/mixer bowl.<br />Turn on and whilst processing add water, milk eggs, oil and vanilla. Mix until mixture is smooth (it will be runny).<br />Half fill paper cases in muffin tray and bake at 165 degrees for 15-20 minutes (I use a fan oven, so times/temps may have to be slightly increased).<br />Leave to cool once done.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make the Frosting</span><br />Melt the chocolate in the microwave until just melted then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.<br />Mix the butter and cheese together (I use a food processer). Once combined add the chocolate and peppermint essence and mix again.<br />Add the icing sugar (I do this half a cup at a time until almost the right consistency, then quarter of a cup at a time until it is just right).<br />Once the frosting is the right consistency add the food colouring and mix well.<br />Spoon a generous desertspoonful onto each cake and use the back of the spoon to swirl.<br /><br />Store and serve from the fridge - adds to the mint choc chip icecream taste if they are cold.<br /><br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-35031345251837642492009-07-13T17:06:00.007+00:002009-07-14T16:53:14.145+00:00Another Polymer Clay Necklace<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Went to the polymer clay class again on Sat, and made this necklace. We were shown the big bead as a pendant and the smaller beads strung with other beads, and I thought neither of them were really my style, but once I made them and put them together in the one necklace I was really pleased with the result.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbTMIDrjIveWIuDP-pEXQHJzXpsx6XmxmxwsutAOkkhQBgBZSiKmYONLzRRaAoLBBmu7IltWXQjMK0rwkG4gL4rx04ovCsgO-wpjuovrsYm4YyEEndPARaCrMjIRXFAyGWdvr/s1600-h/LeatherLook+Necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbTMIDrjIveWIuDP-pEXQHJzXpsx6XmxmxwsutAOkkhQBgBZSiKmYONLzRRaAoLBBmu7IltWXQjMK0rwkG4gL4rx04ovCsgO-wpjuovrsYm4YyEEndPARaCrMjIRXFAyGWdvr/s320/LeatherLook+Necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358033489463213986" border="0" /></a><br />I used 2 colours of brownish clay, a Sculpey texture sheet in Sticks and Stones. and black acrylic paint, which was brushed on then wiped off. I also used ceramic spaces and Tibental silver beads.<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-87037816088071482812009-07-06T17:25:00.004+00:002009-07-06T17:37:02.897+00:00Another First from Me<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I went to my first ever polymer clay bead class on Saturday and it was absolutely fab. Such a friendly group and so welcoming - I went home feeling like I had known everyone for years. It was great value for money as well. This is what we made.</span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HM_P3kPcaIIGZ346wInEbQ6ewmJ2QAZcQlrqcj5RF7DiOviKsp5WISbwvQAATES6Lth_R5Wsv246pHz-YBb05ftAOk9qK81Ps6lTZi41-KTgW8-RZIvfaJh8UuRh4xCQHrRs/s1600-h/Lunar+Necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HM_P3kPcaIIGZ346wInEbQ6ewmJ2QAZcQlrqcj5RF7DiOviKsp5WISbwvQAATES6Lth_R5Wsv246pHz-YBb05ftAOk9qK81Ps6lTZi41-KTgW8-RZIvfaJh8UuRh4xCQHrRs/s320/Lunar+Necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355400251721521954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">We used white, turquoise and green clay, varioys pokey-things and some acrylic paints. I'm really happy with the finished product (although there are a few imperfections) and wore it to work today - go a couple of compliments on it.<br /><br />Thanks for looking<br /></span></span></div></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-82657448295514657582009-06-30T18:49:00.003+00:002009-06-30T19:15:47.829+00:00My First Attempt at Glass Beadmaking<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I made these beads at the class I went to on Sunday -the other people in the class seemed to make more than me, but I didn't care because they had all worked with glass before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC6XUr-6W0G-lZrCWLTUEPgCSQfKU_ELXNmJiQOKH6Ok7s0KT24kdKG06MEYklzVo9SuNEtXpMOnB6zH3Feg9a_d8R6LU_yKchNfDH5jGD5HwHadmm66FFd72xUPfkq3JQLvP/s1600-h/Lisa+Beads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC6XUr-6W0G-lZrCWLTUEPgCSQfKU_ELXNmJiQOKH6Ok7s0KT24kdKG06MEYklzVo9SuNEtXpMOnB6zH3Feg9a_d8R6LU_yKchNfDH5jGD5HwHadmm66FFd72xUPfkq3JQLvP/s320/Lisa+Beads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353200754497783378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The yellow, light amber and last amber were my last 3 and I really think I was beginning to get a hang of it by then. These ones seem much rounder etc and I felt I was more in control when I was doing them. You might see some bead release, because I didn't have time to clean them and my file is too big, and I also can't use them as wanted to take them home straight away instead of having them annealed (I knew they weren't up to a high enough standard to use in any jewellery. That said, I am inordinately proud of them and hoping to do another class in August.<br /><br />I'd love to get a kit for making them, but realistically I don't have much spare time on my hands at the moment, so can't really justify the outlay for something I wouldn't utilise very often - hopefully at some point in the future, once I've had a bit more practice, I will be able to do it. Also meant to ask at the studio where the class was if it's possible to hire out kiln space etc.<br /><br />Off to a polymer clay bead making class this Saturday, although this one only lasts a couple of hours and isn't expensive - I have most of the stuff I'd need for clay beads, but just thought it would be nice to get a little bit of tuition instead of trying to learn from a book all the time - sometimes it's nice to see someone actually making things to learn techniques etc.<br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-50360406275783839822009-06-28T08:22:00.003+00:002009-06-28T08:31:18.168+00:00Piece of Cake<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Had Stu's parents and my Mum round for dinner last weekend, so decided to attempt a baked cheesecake. Used a recipe from Nigella's Domestic Goddess book and it was very yummy indeed. One word of advice though - if you're ever making this cake, the cooling/setting time after cooking is 3 hours (cooking time another 1.5 hours on top of that), which doesn't leave a lot of time to chill the thing if you don't start making it until 3pm. Had to try and chill it in the freezer and resorted to mutter at it chill you damn thing. Anyway's here's a slice fo the end result:</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri9utL1aKlhttWf6IIW5pK1s5fnycNa-BgJFBVxCWNwV4wVe_4Tn4U-OPxUTOcKyTgRhNU8iAQdmctRNmCDs4cAFwP6tuF4jq9OxzrUDlA7rOCU-QS7BmYQpOqDFkzmH_2FMC/s1600-h/New+York+Cheesecake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri9utL1aKlhttWf6IIW5pK1s5fnycNa-BgJFBVxCWNwV4wVe_4Tn4U-OPxUTOcKyTgRhNU8iAQdmctRNmCDs4cAFwP6tuF4jq9OxzrUDlA7rOCU-QS7BmYQpOqDFkzmH_2FMC/s320/New+York+Cheesecake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352292045966477762" border="0" /></a>Was at Paul & Kirsty's summer party last night - had a great time, even though I was driving and it was dry (not like last year!!) so we managed to sit outside.<br /><br />Going to a glass bead making class taught by <a href="http://www.rachel-elliott.com/">Rachel Elliott</a> today - just off to get dressed shortly - really excited about it, although as it's my first time the beads I make prob won't be particularly pretty.<br /></span></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-30939675460966711952009-06-22T18:07:00.006+00:002009-06-22T18:22:55.086+00:00Lotus Bangle<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Remember the lovely pink and purple beads I posted last week, well this is what I made with them. The pattern is by the ultra-talented <a href="http://www.jdjewellery.co.uk/">Jennifer Airs</a></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zYu3fbtqIQhDVDk28lnRH2lFg-AWQgBnFmNEnko0T2A-4gEXaa4ieWHTgqoKZb0UizTTGWkIRhNFianZPP9MGyAg_ptAbqjKIKS1GQTa6kqWD3dznQQYhTOc3nquLnqOBGap/s1600-h/Lotus+Bangle2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zYu3fbtqIQhDVDk28lnRH2lFg-AWQgBnFmNEnko0T2A-4gEXaa4ieWHTgqoKZb0UizTTGWkIRhNFianZPP9MGyAg_ptAbqjKIKS1GQTa6kqWD3dznQQYhTOc3nquLnqOBGap/s320/Lotus+Bangle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350216538884154402" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bNwDDSMsTcHSWxfeqb_BMBX-wufBZClgisHjjXxJKApwXxm8ueoP7TTvtbdp2pP5nui5_e0eX3PtUTVHw3ysoJZw3DS461jyftZxwwoPDXbpZs_8laPKfQ5mmJFOTEZifNXW/s1600-h/Lotus+Bangle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bNwDDSMsTcHSWxfeqb_BMBX-wufBZClgisHjjXxJKApwXxm8ueoP7TTvtbdp2pP5nui5_e0eX3PtUTVHw3ysoJZw3DS461jyftZxwwoPDXbpZs_8laPKfQ5mmJFOTEZifNXW/s320/Lotus+Bangle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350216529147474466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Also got this book last week, so have started learning shapes because I want to make almost everthing in it - the Moroccan lanterns (shown on the cover) are absolutely stunning, but probably way beyond my skill level at the moment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0S6hu16_i1tEcSkdAV63H_sZEwLA9B-q3DqO9BmYzk53flAqKQEfIneGDLlfT5y5xR2EXB0PbaJYHIH26XOvLXCDE6jt6UJbC7wJBchNHRxVwGn_Zsh_oRQqxgTrz4cpoOWGJ/s1600-h/Beadwork.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0S6hu16_i1tEcSkdAV63H_sZEwLA9B-q3DqO9BmYzk53flAqKQEfIneGDLlfT5y5xR2EXB0PbaJYHIH26XOvLXCDE6jt6UJbC7wJBchNHRxVwGn_Zsh_oRQqxgTrz4cpoOWGJ/s320/Beadwork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350218684840192498" border="0" /></a><br />Went to the Take That gig at Hampden on Saturday - only knew on Thursday I was going, as G called to say she knew someone who knew someone who could get 2 people in if Stu and I wanted to go. Never ones to turn down a freebie we jumped at the chance. Was a really really good show; obviously a lot of time and money had gone into designing the set and show. The mechanical elephant was fab and Stu and I were singing along to quite a few numbers. One of the support acts, Gary Go, was also really good. The other support was James Morrison, of whom least said the better!<br /><br />Thanks for looking.<br /></span></span></span></span></div></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-62426870890439064062009-06-18T17:57:00.003+00:002009-06-18T18:16:51.407+00:00Pinks & Purples<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ordered this delicious section of beads on Monday and they arrived on Tuesday.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0BzgUt44c4umf1t6zslqBZj5IRendbsTrWFzTdZ-pq2rrcSPaQ6xBWfP-78hxYrzNRMuJQf2sKdz_hw46jFxHJs_R4-zaPtp_DuGJXBu5oolEi9lKhaqEBxMRoaLbEDQ25fK/s1600-h/Pinks+%26+Purples+-+Jun+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0BzgUt44c4umf1t6zslqBZj5IRendbsTrWFzTdZ-pq2rrcSPaQ6xBWfP-78hxYrzNRMuJQf2sKdz_hw46jFxHJs_R4-zaPtp_DuGJXBu5oolEi9lKhaqEBxMRoaLbEDQ25fK/s320/Pinks+%26+Purples+-+Jun+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348731061451526882" border="0" /></a>The bright pinks are a colour called orchid and I think it just may be my new favourite colour in the world.<br /><br />I put them to use straight away, starting on this bangle:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi429DNp_HKDmh469c2d4DXjUvi-o7_kJLdJ8dG_pD0mbEhx9a9OKnFXQZxWHHx4Tqyli6kerNpOtF1OBn_DZykCF9V_rnt8xyzCJI6ppqBftzKz8R1GenQDX5IHCcgE6y3O57m/s1600-h/Pink+%26+Purple+Lotus+Bangle+-+18+Jun+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi429DNp_HKDmh469c2d4DXjUvi-o7_kJLdJ8dG_pD0mbEhx9a9OKnFXQZxWHHx4Tqyli6kerNpOtF1OBn_DZykCF9V_rnt8xyzCJI6ppqBftzKz8R1GenQDX5IHCcgE6y3O57m/s320/Pink+%26+Purple+Lotus+Bangle+-+18+Jun+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348731064860024834" border="0" /></a>It's done in peyote, the same technique I learned for my spiral bangle. Was a little bit tricky at first, but once I had the first "V" done, it go much easier.<br /><br />At the weekend I went to little Samuel's first birthday party, held at the Boilerhouse in the Hidden Gardens at Tramway in Glasgow. Great venue, really really interesting garden and a glorious day. The birthday boy had a great time playing in the dirt and it was good to catch up with my cousins again.<br /><br />Think I am going to Take That on Saturday - looks like I managed to wrangle a couple of freebies - still waiting for it to be confirmed though.<br /><br />Til the next post, bloggy-types.<br /></span></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-38388036972653571622009-06-14T07:57:00.005+00:002009-06-14T08:26:17.461+00:00Finally Finished<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I finally finished the beaded bangle I was making. I'ts taken me 2 weeks to day, and if I'm being perfectly honest, I'm not even sure I like it that much. I don't know if it was because I changed the beads slightly or bause of my tension, but my spirals don't seem as sharp or tight as the ones in the pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_gL3SGibeuaHZ9SimMG7xYXjIZXWb-InHhf6MINAeT6wCBStOEF5Rr-elA6N9QhJrbpnrfsISJ9Pc8CapOmXa8bl1DUOijSgP_NHCUl6uzoTDt12YaSSnAAH8cHonap3juEH/s1600-h/Spiral+Citrus+Bangle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_gL3SGibeuaHZ9SimMG7xYXjIZXWb-InHhf6MINAeT6wCBStOEF5Rr-elA6N9QhJrbpnrfsISJ9Pc8CapOmXa8bl1DUOijSgP_NHCUl6uzoTDt12YaSSnAAH8cHonap3juEH/s320/Spiral+Citrus+Bangle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347093959437993874" border="0" /></a>Despite the apparent negativity above, I would love to do another of these bangles, maybe in fuschia and purple next time.<br /><br />I made these utterly decadent red velvet cupcakes last weekend for Phil's BBQ. They seemed to go down a treat, altough I only had a small bite of one as wasn't that hungry (think that was the start of me not feeling well).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4CPyN3gpyiWXa-C9Shn9DrpMP7IG5WLtQnmP4iz2Wgv9zgBK2HHO4q_Tuvm_-OZZxNLcuVjaUGzhiP4U8ZVRnTD2XpVbrDuPVGOhm07JboLuOX1H4UmWBVDuIVe7dCI0innm/s1600-h/Red+Velvet+Cupcakes+-+Jun+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4CPyN3gpyiWXa-C9Shn9DrpMP7IG5WLtQnmP4iz2Wgv9zgBK2HHO4q_Tuvm_-OZZxNLcuVjaUGzhiP4U8ZVRnTD2XpVbrDuPVGOhm07JboLuOX1H4UmWBVDuIVe7dCI0innm/s320/Red+Velvet+Cupcakes+-+Jun+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347093964931594210" border="0" /></a>I still have a couple of them left, so may treat myself to one later.<br /><br />Off to a first birthday party armed with pirate ship and cove later, Yarr. Then when I get home I'm going to try to get the last of the sie 15 seed beeds I dropped out of the keyboard - damn you sticky keys.<br /></span></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-11634392701930187862009-06-10T14:14:00.002+00:002009-06-10T14:17:34.854+00:00Poorly Sick<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I seem to have some sort of bug and have been off work for the past 3 days. I really really hate being off sick and thought yesterday afternoon I would be able to go back today, but last night and this morning I wasn't as good again. Definitely feel a bit better today, but playing it by ear and going to get up for an hour or 2 shortly. Means I have got nothing at all done all week, even though I had lots of things I wanted to get done.<br /><br />On a good note, I signed up for my first glass beadmaking course today - it takes place a week on Sunday (21/06) and I am really excited about it.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30336795.post-63320938055452329052009-06-02T18:57:00.003+00:002009-06-02T19:05:13.859+00:00Another Work in Progress<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;" >I've still not done the polymer clay beads for my necklace, weather has been so nice and sunny and haven't wanted to be stuck in the spare room (which really needs decorated as it's quite dark). So, whilst my necklace awaits its finishing pieces, I decided to have a go at peyote stitch (which I had always been a bit chicken to try). I used a pattern from one of my Carol Wilcox Wells books (but changed some of the sizes to fit the beads I had).<br /><br />Here's a sneaky peak of the bangle I decided to do. Not quite halfway yet and has taken a fair few hours so far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub9ahvn9KNeufYqAdPwAguXLzM7sJ89H6nag64ICK0ytD5pt_76m5BAn1bdS2e2ivJv3BxedXhHAoZmSdvaQ430lD8A4dM_JWmbtiVmvQ6c4dGltpUqtkzKUpI8KGw1Ec6vkU/s1600-h/Citrus+Spiral+Bangle+-+02+Jun+2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub9ahvn9KNeufYqAdPwAguXLzM7sJ89H6nag64ICK0ytD5pt_76m5BAn1bdS2e2ivJv3BxedXhHAoZmSdvaQ430lD8A4dM_JWmbtiVmvQ6c4dGltpUqtkzKUpI8KGw1Ec6vkU/s320/Citrus+Spiral+Bangle+-+02+Jun+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342807729003871250" border="0" /></a>I'm hoping it'll go well with the necklace, even though one is peyote and the other herringbone. Hopefully I have mixed sizes in both pieces and all the beads in the bangle are used in the necklace.<br /><br />.....fingers crossed.<br /><br />Thanks for looking<br /></span></span></div>Oblibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09254190060042256006noreply@blogger.com0