Last Hurrah!

I'm counting down the days to the Autumn Term starting and going back to school:(  A new class teacher, classroom and year group for me.  A new college campus and modules for Rob.

  So with a few days to go I thought I would try and get some crafting projects that have been popping up and filling my head started.  Starting with some handmade cardboard buttons.  Very easy and they don't cost anything to make.

Ooh, lots of lovely buttons...

Using a die cutting machine, cut out the smallest three circles of a circle Nestabilities die from any old cardboard.  If it's quite thick you may have to hand cut the bottom layer of cardboard with scissors.  Then die cut the same size circles out of any scraps of patterned paper.  Stick on, punch two holes beside each other so it now resembles a button.  Coat with either Crackle Glaze or Glossy Accents.  I used crackle glaze and I may swipe some ink over them to highlight the cracks depending on the project I'm using them for.

A close up view and an excuse to show off my new nail polish....It came out more blue than the lilac I thought it would be.

I like them:)

I have also started knitting an autumnal coloured scarf, started a patchwork cushion and plan to make Blackberry and Apple Jam.

Nigel and I took a walk to check on our secret blackberry bushes (I could tell you where they are but then I would have to kill you, sorry!) Lucky for us Nigel had the foresight to take blackberrying Tupperware containers...just in case.  Wowza! Blackberries galore and loads to ripen too.  We may of *cough* scrumped an apple or two to go with them.  The apple trees are on a public footpath so I think we were safe from the farmers gun.

So much to do before Monday, I'd better get started on trying to finish a project or two.

P.S. I was tinkering with the blog backgrounds and layouts and I seem to have all the info stuck at the bottom of the blog.  So please ignore this until I can work out how to get it back to normal:)

Summers nearly over...

The summer holidays are drawing to a close and I feel that I need to catch up on a few bloggy things...

The craft room is sorted...

Look! It's tidy!

I have actually scrapped today...shock...horror...but the printer ink has run out:(

Never mind, I worked around it without the photos and hopefully will be able to share them with you soon.

In other news, Rob passed his long awaited Maths GCSE...what a relief, I was beginning to think he would be drawing his pension before he passed it.  Onward and upward to other things for him now...Behind him is his college grounds, beautiful isn't it?  His course is moving from the town centre location to the main more rural campus shown here.  It's a fantastic new block that the art and design department is moving to but I think he will miss his fast food and town centre lunchtime jaunts.

Ok, that's all for now, a few crafty things to show you next time hopefully.

Dreaming...

It's been a busy week again. We have taken advantage of the good weather by taking a few walks and trips out. We walked along one of our favourite spots along the canal at Ware. A beautiful walk where Nigel and I plan our retirement living on a Narrow Boat (although we have never had a boating holiday) Or dream of owning one of the canal side houses....sigh! We can but dream. Talking of dreams, the teen has been making plans and decisions regarding his future career....needless to say he has a plan A, B and C this time. I hope he can live his dreams too...

...and there's more.

As you may be able to tell I'm really loving making these mini canvases at the moment.

Creating the backgrounds alone fill me with glee.

More butterflies but accompanied with birds this time.

Coloured with watercolour pencils and a little Stickles to add a touch of sparkle.

Here they are altogether.  In case your wondering they measure 3 x 3 inch square and are sold in a set of four in Poundland.

Do you remember me telling you about having the home office to myself now to use as a craft room?  I still haven't re-organised it but I have certainly spread myself about already.  I'm trying not to use both desks! I do intend on only having one as it will give me so much more space.

NB. The Electronic music CD and Real Ale Guide is NOT mine...

I may try and have a sort out today in there but it is going to be a big job, bookcases, books and desks need to be moved....

I'm not sure Nigel can cope with coming home from work to find his precious aircraft paraphernalia moved.

Second thoughts, maybe I should wait until the weekend... 

Mini marvels

Four finished mini canvases, another four slightly different ones on the go....

Twittering Smurfs...

Ooh, what a lovely week I have had. Not only has the sun been shining but I have spent time with my two best buddies too. A nice country walk and pub lunch with Jackie (and I only got us lost once). Then a lovely tea party with Victoria Sponge Cake and berry fruits with Kelie-Marie. I have managed a little power walking and cycling this week but was astonished to find our local park almost empty, I realised why later that at 10 am all the teens would still of been in bed. The BMX park is normally a hive of activity during school holidays. Of course I have been glued to twitter and the TV for Olympic updates. It's been so exciting that even the Smurfs have been joining in...

Hey! Doll Face...

Remember this canvas?...

I have been slowly working on it...

By adding, gesso, paint pencils and sprays...

Some bits and bobs...

...a dolls face,badges and labels...

A quote...

and ended up with this...

We all need a dream...

Summer Lovin with Storytelling Sunday.

A short and sweet post today linked to Sian's Storytelling Sunday and it's all about 'summer lovin'. Some things I have been loving this summer are:


• The Olympics
• London visits
• Tea and cake
• Relaxing in the garden
• Healthy eating (oops about the cake)
• My boys
• Thrifting
• Days out with friends


Whatever you are doing this summer I hope you find time for some summer loving too.

Being led astray...

Hello there!

Well my crafty plans went astray last week.


We took a couple of trips down to London to soak up the Olympic atmosphere.  Although we must of travelled on the hottest days last week it was a very pleasurable experience.  Yes, it was busy but not more than it usually is in the school holidays, we could get seats on the trains and tube and the atmosphere was fantastic.

The Olympic Rings, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

Our family of three

We watched the Men's Road Race...well all 5 seconds of it.

A blur of cyclists.

...and generally just enjoyed ourselves mooching around.

Waiting for the cyclists.

I'm hoping to finish off a canvas today that I have been working on.  From now on I'm going to spread myself around in the craft room as it's all mine now....

Yes really!

Nigel started his new job today and left all suited and booted this morning to walk to his new office...GOOD LUCK NIGE! You deserve it.  Especially putting up with me invading your home office space with my crafty equipment. Or popping in for a 'chat' or a 'rant' if I have had a bad day.

Patience of a saint that man:)