Pottering Around

First of all, here's the card I made with the lovely fishy die I got in a pressie:

I used Basic Grey and Making Memories papers and cut the bowl from acetate using a circle punch. Alphabet is QK Sunshine.

Went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with S last night. It was superb - the best one yet - won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but if you're considering it you MUST go.

So glad Friday's arrived - having a nice chilling weekend this week, although S needs shoes and a shirt, so will chum him into town tomorrow (means I can nip into Asda and get the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which sorts out my Saturday night nicely. We forgot to record Still Game last night, so will need to remember to watch it on Sunday.

Off for a shower then going for dinner, so toodles for a bit bloggy-types xoxo

Shoe Home

Wasn't sure about this die, and the card is by no means perfect, but think I may hang onto it for a bit. Didn't have any reason to make this - just wanted to try the die out (then realised it fitted in perfectly with a challenge on a forum I belong to).

It wasn't as footery as I thought - I did most of the embellishments using water colour pencils (which have been tucked away unused in a drawer for a couple of years) and my imitation H2Os from the Works. papers are Making Memories Cosmopolitan.

I got a lovely treat through the post today from a very very kind person - a great fishy die for my Cuttlebug - if you read this thanks so much - can't wait to try it out later :D:D

Extremely excited cos going to the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix tomorrow. Went round to S's for tea tonight and was trying to persuade him to come with me at midnight on Friday to get the Deathly Hallows, but he was having none of it!!!

No reviews tonight as not finished the new Stephen King yet, so still need to give it a chance, although first impressions are a bit boring - I may have to eat my words though, who knows!

toodles xoxo

Inspirationless

Why is it whenever I have a night planned out for making stuff my mind just seems to go a complete blank? I only ever seem to be able to come up with stuff when I'm on a mega-tight deadline! Left work on time tonight, had early dinner and bath and have now been sitting for almost an hour thinking of what cards/jewellery I could make and I just can't think of a single thing. I should be making a stock of cards/jewellery stuff in my attempt to one day sell a decent amount, but just faffing about on T'internet instead.

I'll do a little book review whilst I'm here though...finished The Sound of Laughter by Peter Kay. It is seriously funny - virtually the whole way through it I could imagine him relating the stories in his stand-up. Gave it to S after I finished it and judging by the laughing last night he'll be giving it the tumbs-up too.

Also started Resident Evil 4 on the PS2, but not very good at shooting games - graphics great thought and I'll hopefully get the hang of the controls soon (actually so restless tonight not in the mood for playing games either. Have sort of given up on Broken Sword III even though I reckon I'm near the end of the game, not because it's difficult or anything - just very boring, which was a big disappointment as I loved the other 2.

Off to hope some ideas spring into my empty head.

toodles xoxo

Wooohooo

Managed to get my holidays booked on Saturday. S and I are off down the Nile for a week in October - can't wait :D:D. Booked the flights down to Gatwick too - having to go BA as Easyjet don't have an early enough one anymore, but tbh the price difference was hardly anything. Luckily I don't need any clothes or anything for going away, as summer stuff from last year hasn't been on yet this summer!!

Also managed to get nice shoes for the weddings coming up this summer and S got a really cool suit.

Didn't go out at the weekend - just chilled and had a nice dinner (and far too much to drink, but spent most of yesterday suffering for that!!!)

On holiday today (for some reason we get the Glasgow Monday not the Falkirk one??) and it is pissing down, but going to get the flat tidied and hopefully will make some stuff this afternoon. Have 2 necklaces I must do for Mum to give to people so will deffo get them done. Pre ordered the new BG 6x6 pads today too.

Off to get the hoover out now, so toodles for a bit. xoxo

Whatever U Quant...

I made this for baby sis G's birthday (yeah I know it was in May but she's only just got her finger out and told me what she would like). Called it Mary Quant because of the little flowers and black and white (clear) colour. I used Swarovski bicone crystals in jet and clear in 4mm and 6mm, along with 8mm jet bicones and 8mm clear flowers, strung on a memory wire coil.

Going to try and do some stuff fore myself for going on holiday (got til Oct so should get something done). Will hopefully get something made later tonight, but must tackle a bit of tidying in this spare room first.

S gave me a Pixies tour DVD on Monday, which is absolutely fantastic - we watched it on Monday night (although S isn't a massive Pixies fan - he'll grow to like em though!!). Was looking for myself at the bonus track from T in the Park in 2004, but couldn't see myself.

Went to see Die Hard 4 last night. I'm not generally a lover of action films, but it was really really good (perhaps 20-30 mins too long towards the end, but I often think that about films). Would definitely recommend it :D:D:D

Since I'm on recommendations now, if you're looking for a hilariously funny book this summer, Chart Throb by Ben Elton is a must read. It's a total piss-take of all those X Factor/Pop Idol type shows and very very witty and clever.

Toodles xoxo

T-riffic

T in the Park was fab this year. Great atmosphere, great bands, great company (and the whole event featured a lot less neds than it did the last time I was there, 3 years ago). We were slightly concerned about the time it would take us to get there, given the 6-10 hour delays on the road up on Friday and advice not to drive etc, so we left a bit earlier (11:45ish). Lucikly we strolled straight up, arriving about 12:30ish and straight into a carpark.

Weather was ok on Saturday, and the site wasn't anywhere near the mudbath I imagined, although wellies were definitely the order of the day (luckily S managed to borrow a pair of hiking boots from A), especially for the 20 minute or so walk from the car park to the site. Got into the site then braced ourselves for the bar token queue. Probably waited about 30 minutes or so, but everyone was in good spirits and it wasn't too bad at all really. The one benefit of the big bar token queue is that you get served at the bar really quickly, so drinks in hand we set off for a stroll.

Managed to catch the very end of The Skids - was disappointed I hadn't seen more of them, cos they are a legend, but c'est la vie. Then headed off towards the NME stage (where we spent most of Saturday). NME was running a bit out of sync owing to Amy Winehouse not turning up, so caught some of Little Man Tate (who were not bad) whilst waiting for The Thrills, who were one of my "must sees" of the weekend and didn't disappoint :D.

Then headed off to the Main Stage to see James who were superb, then back to NME cos the atmosphere was better and the ground drier for sitting on. Lowlight followed with the atrocious performance of Babyshambles (wasn't a fan to begin with and they've gone down even further in my estimation). Then had a bit of a chill and some food, and we split up - S and I went to Pet Sounds to see Rufus Wainwright who was good and C and A went to Klaxons at King Tut's.

The original plan was that C and A were going to see The Killers headline and S and I were going to catch a bit of Brian Wilson at Pet Sounds and head off to The Killers, but Brian Wilson was so great we stayed right to the end and didn't see any of The Killers (I wasn't too fussed as had seen them a few months ago anyway).

After this came the dreaded lost in the carpark scenario. C and A had left before the end and texted to say they'd get us at the car (A had driven up and C was driving home). Only thing is C had moved the car and S and I didn't have a clue where it was to begin with (I hate the country - I lose all sense of direction in it), took us about an hour and a half to find each other, so at least we missed all the traffic getting out of the car parks, but poor S's feet were killing him cos A's hiking boots were a size too small.

Straight to bed when I got home, then back up to do it all again - just me and C this time. Didn't leave until 12:15 on the Sunday, but like the day before we strolled up without any traffic worries. Most of the acts we wanted to see were on the Main Stage, so luckily we brought folding chairs, cos the ground was a bit softer there, but had dried out nicely overnight. Caught the tail end of Avril Lavigne (wasn't interested so didn't pay attention). Then Goo Goo Dolls who were great, Paolo Nutini (played the same set as when I saw him a couple of months ago) and The Fratellis - didn't think the sound setup on this stage favoured either of them. Kings of Leon were up next, but I had already seen them and really wanted to see Ocean Colour Scene, although once again they were playing King Tut's and it was packed out and we couldn't get in, so parked outside for a bit, then grabbed a bite to eat and caught the very end of the Kings of Leon. They were followed by Scissor Sisters who were good but would have been better if there was less talking and more performing.

Headlining on Sunday were Snow Patrol, never been a huge fan of them, but they were great! They also managed to amass an impressive collection of shows/wellies which were thrown on stage (including one pair!) which was a huge crowd pleaser. The guy in the spidey mask climing the sound rigging also got more than one cheer.

Then off to find the car again - even though I had been really paying attention walking in I still didn't have a clue once it got dark, but all credit to C, even though she had had a few drinks she still knew exactly where it was. 20 mins to get out of carparks then straight down the road so not bad travelling time at all.

Highlights of the weekend - Snow Patrol and The Thrills were both superb, but my award has to go to Brian Wilson, who had the aptly-named Pet Sounds Arena absolutely buzzzing.

toodles xoxo

Shiver...

... me timbers!!! When I looked at my new BG Scarlet's Letter pad which arrived on Tuesday it just screamed "vampires or pirates" at me. Then found out it was J's birthday next week, so thought I'd make this for her.

As well as one of the Scarlet's Letter papers, I cut out a flag and chalked the edges with white. I then added a skull & cross bones (cut using a BossKut die) and added lettering in QK Sunshine. I know you can't see the words very well, but I thought that made it sort of blend in wel with the background.

Really want to go away later in the year so picked up some holiday brochures to flick through over the next couple of days.

On a more sunny (or should that be showery) note, the weather forecast for T in the Park at the weekend seems to be changing hour-to-hour. Earlier today forecast was hot and bright sun - now it says it will be colder and pissing down - just need to play it by ear on the day I reckon.

toodles for now xoxo - may not be back for a couple of days if traffic home from TitP is bad.

This is...

... the card I did for B to give to her brother when he gets his MBE tomorrow. The only photo she had was a really poor quality scan, but thought it would be a nice keepsake of the day.

I used Making Memories papers and a Sizzix Texturz plate. The wooden button is from my old livingroom cushions.

Was gutted cos the beads for G's bracelet came when I was at work today but they were sent recorded so I missed them and she has to leave at 04:00 for her flight tomorrow (normally get stuff sent to work, but this time was hoping they'd come on Saturday so got them posted here - sods law).

Got a nice little delivery of the new BG Infuse 6x6 pad, and also Scarlet's Letter, which I wasn't sure if I would like, but do :D:D

Toodles

Squishy Wishy

I have a sad admission to make - tomorrow I'm going to go and buy wellies for T in the Park - ugh ugh ugh me and ugly rubber footwear just don't go. Would like nice skull ones, but too lazy to look far and a bit skint (as per usual). Also managed to get a nice long summer skirt today just in case...(still the eternal optimist even though it's been pissing it down all weekend).

Have only made one card tonight (for B to give her bro for getting an MBE) so will do a scan tomorrow - more of a scrapbook style cos felt it would be good to add a photo.

Went to Linlithgow on Saturday afternoon and it was so nice (normally I just nip into Aldi then jump back in the car). Went for a walk around the loch where there are hundreds of swans (too scared to look them in the eye but I think they're quite used to people), some sort of giant mutant ducks which I really liked, some normal ducks and a sweet little jackdaw. Then walked round to the palace and saw a wedding coming out (I'm going to D's wedding there at the end of the month). Wedding looked nice enough, although it has to be said the bride's massive tattoo on her arm didn't really go with her frock.

Then walked along the High Street which was so nice cos mainly little individual shops instead of the normal M&S/Next/Superdrug/Top Shop etc etc (although I suppose it would drive me nuts if I lived there). Went into a lovely little craft shop, which had a really nice selection at reasonable prices. Also saw the most amazing cake shop called Truly Scrumptious. I wondered if that was where M got her birthday cake, cos it was so cool and looked like the exploding ones. I'd love to try and do a fancy cake - perhaps later in the summer :D:D. Then S spotted a pet shop so we went in and finally managed to get a red tartan collar (which wasn't too pinky) for Charley, G's dog. Deffo going to go back again soon, but next time I'll take my camera so I can get some nice pics of the palace.

toodles xoxo

Flower Power

This is the card I did for O - wasn't really sure what to do for her, but really wanted to try out my new BossKut flower dies. I used DCWV and Making Memories papers for this one and the Alphabet is Curly Girlie.

The weekend starts here for me this week!! Off tomorrow - got C coming round at night so that gives me the day to get some housework done and nip into town for a couple of essentials.

Toodles xoxo

Just Oriental

Nicked the title from a gorgeous bar in London where Sheelagh and I the best bellinis ever (but take your credit card!!!)

This is the card I made last night for M to give to O. I very rarely do A4 folded in half cards as I find them a bit big to fill properly, but just managed to squeeze this little sweetie in. For the second night in a row I hand drew my image, then traced round the individual shapes and made them a bit bigger to have something to stick then cut out in paper (BG Blush again), then drew round the outline in a black cd marker (it was all I could find that wasn't too thick) to give the sleeves and face atc a bit more emphasis). Background is actually Blonde Moments (all my BG pads are 6 x 6 so too small for this one). Writing is a font called Japanese and I printed in English beneath it - kept this to Verdana cos thought the Japanese style needed a very crisp clean western font (plus I sort of have this thing about Verdana).

Got a lovely piece of unexpected mail through the post today, so been hotel hunting for a bit :D:D

Need to do my card for O too as her birthday is on Sunday and I'm off work on Friday.

Oh and before I go, a question - How come every time I get on a half-empty train on my own the guy who is completely pissed by lunchtime and on the wrong train sits next to me? Last time it was some nutter who had just been let out of prison with a bottle of buckie in his pocket!!! I'll leave you to dwell on that one little bloggy-types.

Toodles xoxo

An Apple a Day

This is the final card in the bunch of 4 L asked me to do. I'm so addicted to the new(ish) Basic Grey papers - I used to find them a bit wallpapery/dreary for me, but the newer batch are so nice and colourful. Drew out the apple on bog standard white paper then cut it out and traced round it. Chalked the outline of the apple and backing paper (another thing I'm now addicted to). Alphabet is the ever-versatile QK Sunshine.

Below is what Mr Postie brought me today: CB Embossing folder - Bloom Dots, BossKut Dies - Design a Flower (x4) and Skull & Crossbones, plus a nice free gift :D:D

Off to Spanish shortly then back to do O's card - have totally exhausted all my ballet-related stuff for her over the last couple of years, so found out she likes those little dumpy wooden Japanese dolls (forget what they're called), so will have a bash at one of those.

Toodles xoxo

Sleepyhead

... that's me. Not really slept the last couple of nights (for no reason) so it's catching up on me now especially as still really busy at work. Off on Friday though - can't wait!!! Only booked it today, but it now gives me plenty time to get ready for C coming round. Got D's hen night on Sat too - can't believe how quicily it's all come around.

Made this card for J's birthday last Thursday. If you read this, hope you had a great time at Madam Butterfly :D:D

Off to make a teacher card for L now, then bath and early night with any luck!!!

Toodles xoxo

Slithery

A bit knackered tonight cos had an early start today and another tomorrow, but hopefully not on Friday cos got a retirement dinner on Friday night.

My Texturz starter kit arrived this morning - super speed delivery considering I only ordered it yesterday afternoon. Have now tried out the texture plates in Meany Greeny and they work a treat. Mucho thanks to Jo for giving me a link to plate sizes etc to use.

S invited me down for dinner before he went to practice tonight - I so love getting dinner cooked for me (even though I also love cooking), plus he got me a pressie!!!!! Snakes on a Plane DVD, which I absolutely loved when I saw it - can't wait to try it out on my widescreen and surround sound :D:D Going to try to go to Berwick again for a couple of days next month although will need to be one of the middle weekends cos of T in the Park at the beginning of the month and D & B's wedding at the end.

C and A coming round next Friday so going to throw a belated birthday party for C with a nice dinner and cake and stuff - may even play some Buzz Music Quiz or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on the PS2 or manual Trivial Pursuit - I love games but I'm not the best loser!!

Only downside to stuff is that neck is giving me a bit gyp (sp?) again, but going to keep an eye on it (not literally, obviously) and will go back to Mr Chiro if it doesn't get better by next week.

Toodles for now bloggy-types

Shorn

Got my hair cut today - a bit shorter than I had planned but much better. Met G in the hairdressers as well - she was getting her colour done - looks much better.

Not got much done with my new goodies yet, have a card to do tonight but can't post a pic til the end of the week. Did manage to have a little try-out of them last night and I'm pretty impressed. Have already grown really attached to my mean green cutting machine.

Probably won't have much time tonight to do anything apart from the card, as have brought some work home with me and need to be in early doors tomorrow, which means no burning the candle at both ends tonight.

toodles xoxo

Happy Monday :D:D:D

Was well worth going into work today, cos postie brought me this stash!!

I got: the Cuttlebug (wooohooo), 2 sets of embossing dies (wedding & flowers), Sizzix Texturz plates (not sure if I can use them though cos aparently I need a starter kit - advice welcome :D), Penny Black Licorice alphabet stamps, MM 6 x 6 pads in Avenue, Olivia, Kate & Ethan, BG 6 x 6 pad in Gypsy, and a Sizix Sizzlets Nursery Rhyme Shoe die.

Off to try them out now, but before I go I have a joke for you all...

... Michael Barrymore was asked if he was going to do panto this year...he replied "No, I did Aladin 6 years ago and I've never heard the end of it " :D:D:D:D:D:D

toodles xoxo

First time for everything!

Lythan commented yesterday that I seem to be on a roll and I do!! I think the reason for it is that my neck is now on the mend and I hadn't realised just how sore I had been for the past 6 months apart from the last couple of weeks when it was making me scream - long may the roll continue.

Believe it or not, although I've been making cards for 2 or 3 years now, I've never actually used chalks. But I managed to pick some up for an ok price at the Edinburgh stamp show recently, so thought I'd try them out last night on the 21st card I was making for L.

I used BG Phoebe papers, QK Sunshine alphabet (which I love to bits). The copper flower is made from sculpey using a push mould and dusted with copper Pearlex powder. I used dark brown chalk around the outside of the numbers and background paper.

Toodles xoxo

...and the other

This is the other card I've been asked to do for girls taking part in a Gala Day on Saturday. I'm really pleased with them both and I hope the person who asked for them likes them too (she has similar taste to me, so fingers crossed). Got a 21st birthday one to do tonight for the same person.

I used Making Memories papers and mint green glitter card. Fairies are Eillison, tags are BossKut and alphabet is GAW.

Oh and another jewellery order today. I was wearing a necklace I made yesterday and someone at work admired it and came to see me today to ask if I would make her one. Should really try to wear my own stuff more often, usually I just chuck on my £1 black beads as I'm dashing out the door.

toodles xoxo

First of two...

...cards I've been asked to do for girls in a galaday on Saturday. I did think about getting the DCWV Once Upon a Time papers, but wasn't sure if they would be a bit dark for girly cards (plus extremely strapped for cash until payday on Fri!!).

I used my new Blonde Moments 6x6 Sugar Dumpling papers (really hope they release all the ranges in this size cos I love their stuff), Alphabet is GAW, wand and tiara are QK and crystals attached with a KandiKane.

I finished the second one tonight when I got home from Spanish, so will scan it tomorrow when I get into work. Got another couple of cards to do for the same person who ordered these, so will hopefully get them done tomorrow night. Can't wait to order my Cuttlebug on Friday - got another couple of things I'd like too.

toodles bloggy-types xoxo

I can move my head again!!!!!!!!!!

Wooohooo went to the chiropractor on Thursday and now I can move my head!! Only now realising just how sore it was though, as still a bit stiff. Everyone said I'd be sore after the treatment but to be honest the aftermath was only about 50% as sore as I was before I went.

Got loads of enthusiasm now for stuff, so hopefully I'll start to make a big dent into my to do list (which is now longer than both arms and legs put together).

Had a great weekend - went up to Mum's on Sat cos she was away for the weekend - just chilled in the garden with S and caught some rays. Went to see J & P in their new house on Sat night - was well impressed with it.

Didn't do much apart from chill & watch DVDs on Sun. I love American Gothic :D:D

Back to work today, but really wasn't in the mood - think if it is a warm sunny day we should get sent home!!!!

toodles for a bit xoxo