Scrapcat

Catching up

2012-01-09T06:36:00.000Z

My challenge for 2011 was to create a layout a month of both of my Grandaughters, unfortunately I slipped behind, so I'm now attempting to catch up, as well as continuing the challenge for this year. Here are 3 of the layouts so far... Hope you like them.

Nature Lover

Bathtime

Sticky Fingers

Oh well

2011-12-28T09:02:00.000Z

Christmas celebration may be over but preparation for the New Year is now taking place. This year I cooked the Christmas dinner and I decided to put the table and chairs into the conservatory to free up space in the living room, I think it worked quite well.

Charis was a little overwhelmed by it all and fell asleep having her dinner, Brad put her into bed where she slept for an hour or so, and woke up just in time for the present unwrapping

Kaity helping Daddy unwrapping his traditional Christmas present..Fred Bassett book and calendar which he has been collecting since he was about 5 years of age.

Kaity surrounded by wrapping paper and this is what she found in one of her presents....

A Fairy castle which I made using instructions purchased from Following the Paper trail. As you can see the drawbridge drops down and inside is a mini album which hold lots of pictures & journalling. The book isn't finished as I thought Kaity and I can do it together.

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-24T08:39:00.000Z

I've been a bad blogger of late. No real reason but I have lost my mojo...it has gone walkabout somewhere..I'm hoping that in 2012 it will come back and I can showcase my layouts and pieces of myself.

Anyway I digress I would like to wish all my followers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I don't have any layouts to show but I do have some photos I have taken recently I hope you like them.

An eventful 2 weeks

2011-08-12T07:53:00.001+01:00

First of all last week Brandycat appeared unwell. At first I thought it was due to the warm weather, but I had this feeling he needed to go to the Vet. I packed him into his basket (without a fuss from him unusual) so I knew he wasn't right.

The first thing the Vet did was to weigh him, (he had lost weight but I'd been putting it down to old age) Mr Vet decided to put Brandycat under tests to check everything out, I thought it may be something terminal but he didn't think it was. I left Brandy there and collected him 5 hours later...Total cost £166... all the test taken had proved ok (although he did have an infection and he was given antibiotics to treat that) apart from the thyroid results that they were waiting for which wouldn't be available until the following day. So the following day I telephoned.. and yes his thyroid is the problem, he needed tablets which will be another £20.. and another blood test in 3 weeks at a cost of £58. Brandy does seem better but the cost of the bills are really expensive I can't have him insured as he is too old...also he was a rescue which I inherited from Mum and although we did have an insurance when Mum first took him on I wasn't able to claim because it was in her name so I didn't renew it more fool me.

Then this week it was my turn...I'd lost a couple of fillings a while a go and put off going to the dentist although occasionally they have given me pain I managed to deal with it...apart from this week when one of the had developed an abscess... I tried the usual pain killers and mouth wash but it wasn't having any of it. In the end I rang the Doctor and asked for some antibiotics but they told me to go to my Dentist, now I haven't been to one for 6 years and wasn't sure if I was still registered but yes I was still on their books. They fitted me in and said oo that's nasty I'll give you some antibiotics for that and xray to see what is going on. She then sent me to the hospital to have a bigger xray taken and when I returned with the xray disc she told me I have alot of decay on the roots of a few of my teeth and will refer me back to the hospital as the one giving me trouble is very near a nerve and if it's removed could cause numbness of that side of my face..nice. Now all I've got to do is wait for an appointment. Anyway to take my mind off of all this I managed to scrap a sketch for Inspired Blueprints hope you like it

So much to do so little time...

2011-07-26T19:53:00.000+01:00

At least that's my excuse anyway. I have now been back at work 3 months and loving it, especially as I'm now on holiday until 1st September. So I plan to catch up with my scrapbooking which has taken a bit of a back seat whilst I get myself back into the work/life balance. It's surprising how much time I actually wasted during the time I was unemployed, but give me employment any time, I enjoy the challenges (plenty of them) the company, and the sense of belonging to a bigger picture. I know that many people (myself included) have berated going to work and can't wait to be home, but believe me after 3 years (especially when my money ran out) I'd rather be employed. Yes I have taken a big reduction in salary, but you know what it has made more aware of how much money I was wasting, I wouldn't say that I'm being particularly frugal, but I'm more cautious of what and how much I spend, a case of do I really need it or can I live without it.

Last week I mad a concerted effort to catch up with my scrapbooking especially as Inspired Blueprints had taken a break (I think my mojo joined them) anyway as I was baby sitting I managed to create 3 layouts two of which were taken from some of Inspired Blueprints past sketches all of which can be taken from their website and blog.

Sketch 3:

Sketch 8:

and finally last weeks sketch No: 76

I have said this many times now, but I really enjoy participating in these sketches challenges and I know that there are many sites that you can join in with, its worthwhile having a go.

This week though I don't think that I will have much time for crafting, as I'm helping to look after Kaity & Charis during the day, as Esther is in Manchester undertaking GCSE marking for AQA, and Brad is working. It is working out quite well as Kaity is at the Church Summer club for 2 hours & Charis is at nursery (apart from yesterday when I had her all day). I went round there at 7 this morning and have just got home.Kaity & I had fun at Capstone Country Park and spent a little time this afternoon crafting after Summer club which was nice. So when Brad came in I helped bath the girls and then handed them over to Daddy for the night shift, so I'm now going to put my feet up and enjoy a few hours of TV before I go to bed and do the daytime shift tomorrow. I have lots of photos to upload and layouts planned so watch this space.

Another week

2011-05-20T06:35:00.000+01:00

nearly over. It's amazing how quickly the weeks have flown by. I'm now at the end of my 4th week work, only one more week then it's half term. I'm now slowly fitting in getting to know the staff and students and the daily routines. It's still early days but I'm getting there.

Even though I'm working full time I'm making sure that I have time for scrapping, luckily this week I've been baby sitting twice, I've managed to complete 3 challenges for Inspired Blueprints now that they have sketch challenges every week it's important for me to make sure I keep up to date with them.
Anyway here is sketch 72, I know I've used the title Sisters before on a layout but this one will be going into Charis's album.

Sketch 73 next just realised that for Charis's layouts I've used green, must have a lot of it in my stash.

Finally Sketch 74

Hope you like them

Busy times ahead

2011-05-05T06:22:00.000+01:00

I've now started my first full time job in 3 years and I'm feeling tired. I didn't realise how tiring getting back into a work routine would be, even though I have had a gentle start... last week 3 days due to the Bank holiday Monday & the Royal Wedding and this week only 4 days due to the May Day bank holiday.

Easter week was a busy one for me. I made a decision to reaffirm my Baptism vows by Full immersion on Easter Sunday at Pip & Jims it was a very emotional service and I knew in my heart that it was the right time for me. I have been struggling with my faith for a number of years but after attending the Alpha Course I really felt myself being put back onto the right path. I also felt that with starting a new job I was at the beginning of a new journey. After the service we had a lovely BBQ at Esther's parents house it was lovely to be altogether as one big family.

I watched the Royal wedding at Church on the big screen along with number of others followed by another BBQ. Brad, Esther & the children went away afterwards camping with the Family Fellowship Group, so I haven't seen them since then, and I do miss seeing the girls hopefully I may see them after school today or tomorrow.

Anyway I've now got to start getting into a new routine with work, Church, seeing Kaity & Charis and of course scrapbooking. Inspired Blueprints are now setting a challenge a week which I will try to keep up with. These are my entries for sketches 70 & 71

Check this out

2011-04-16T16:08:00.000+01:00

the bling theory blog hop and freebies, fantastic!

At last

2011-04-08T09:24:00.000+01:00

I have been successful at an interview, I start my new job on the 26th April . I can't believe that I have been out of work (apart from 7 weeks over Christmas) since July 2008. Its been tough! The first 6 months were fine but the honeymoon period soon wore off and as from the beginning of 2009 I have been actively looking for work. I've lost count of the number of applications I've sent off and interviews I have attended, plus the rejections I have received.
I've had my highs and more recently lows to such an extent that I have decided to put my bungalow up for sale with the plan of going mortgage free, a big decision but one which deep down I know is right. The difficulty is finding a place which is right for me ... with a limited budget. It has to tick a lot of boxes, but like my job search I know something will turn up at the right time.

Even though finances have been tight in the last few months I have been determined to keep on scrapbooking I have participated regularly with the sketch challenges from Inspired Blueprints I submitted this layout for the design team call although I wasn't successful (the talent of the DT selected is outstanding) I will try again when the call comes again.

Recently I have shared my passion with some of the older members of Pip & Jims Church where 12 ladies completed a simple layout depicting a Psalm or Bible verse. It certainly gave them something to talk about and something that I hope to continue.

I have also been busy bringing Kaity's album. Here are some of the most recent ones I apologise for the quality of the pictures the photos were taken after I put them into the album sleeves. I am now working on Charis's album, plenty of catch up to do.

I've been busy

2011-03-14T09:09:00.001Z

For some time now I have been Following the Paper Trail, Laura is one very talented lady, who creates amazing projects to purchase, she also records them so that you can have online instructions as well as pdf copies.
Check out her blog: http://followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/ and online shop: http://www.followthepapertrailwithlaura.com/ for some truly inspirational work.

I have purchased a few of her projects which are protected by copywrite. I decided to have a go and make the clock as a 30th birthday gift for Brad. I incorporated a working clock which I felt was more practical for him ( I bought a reduced clock and dismanteled it from its original case) I also made the mini book which goes with it. I hope you like it.

A milestone Birthday

2011-03-08T07:03:00.000Z

No not mine, but my Son Bradley, who is 30 today. What can I say, he's a son to be proud of, he's married to Esther, the girl of his dreams and has 2 adorable daughters, Kaitlyn & Charis.

Brad is my only child and we have had our fair share of ups & downs over the years, but he has always been there for me. His father& I divorced when Brad was 6 & he didn't see much of him at all during his formative years, in fact he only made contact with him in 2007 and although I found this difficult to accept at first, it was the right thing for Brad & his dad, as sadly he died last year, but in the knowledge that he knew his son had grown into a man to be proud of.

I will take this opportunity to share some of the layouts that I have created of the birthday boy.

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy 30th Birthday Brad, I love you.

As promised

2011-02-10T10:23:00.000Z

Here are a couple more layouts that I have just done for fun.

Family Likeness was created following me finding the picture on the left of myself as a baby, I was immediately struck by the resemblance of Charis, especially when Esther thought it was either Kaity or Charis. This got me thinking about a photo I had of Brad taken at the same age and of course one of Kaity. Once I put them all on the table I could see the likeness of all four of us. What do you think?

Natural Beauty was a chance photo taken of Kaity at Charis's dedication. She was being cuddled by Grandpa (sorry Sid I cut you out of this picture) I was drawn to the natural look of the photo as Kaity was unaware of me taking it.

Wow! Has it really

2011-02-09T18:12:00.000Z

Has it really been that long since I last blogged? Where has the beginning of 2011 gone, are we really into the 2nd week of February? I must be getting old...

Anyway I have been fairly busy I have created 3 layouts for http://inspiredblueprints.ning.com/

Here are my January contributions Both lots of photos were taken on the New Year walk at Broadstairs arranged by Pip & Jim's Church. It was Charis's first visit to the seaside bothe her and Kaity were so good. Kaity had so much fun playing on the beach in the winter and splashing in the sea in her wellies. Oh to be 4 years old again...

For this months contribution I created this layout, The pictures were taken when I had both children staying with me for the weekend. As Kaity put it: "Charis's has had her first sleepover at Granny's". Yes the first of many methinks.. (In fact I have them again this Saturday. Its so much fun being a Granny).

I have some more layouts to show, that I have created adhoc, I will upload these tomorrow... so watch this space.

Enjoy.

Happy New Year and all that

2010-12-31T10:04:00.000Z

I would like to wish all my family, friends and followers a very Happy New Year.

My work contract finishes tomorrow so the prospect of being unemployed again is a bit of a damper, but I now know that I can get back into employment and although I have found it a bit tiring I have enjoyed the job and meeting new people and making new friends.

On reflection although 2010 has had its highs and lows (like most years) I feel that I have become more positive, as a family we have had our shares of joy & sadness but we have supported and gained strength from each other. I have 2 adorable grand-daughters Kailyn & Charis who are such a blessing to me and I look forward to Charis's dedication on the 16th January, I have also rekindled my faith thanks to the Alpha course that I have been attending at Pip & Jims and would like to thank all those involved in helping to make it happen.

I have managed to continue with my scrapbooking and have kept up with the sketch challenges from Inspired Blueprints and I am currently working on sketch 62 so at the moment I don't have a recently layout to show, but I do have some Christmas photos to show, I hope that you enjoy.

Been a few weeks

2010-12-14T09:08:00.000Z

since I last posted, I really can't believe where this year has gone and that we are nearly at the end of it, and only10 days until Christmas Eve he ho, I'll get there I'm sure.

Just found out today that my September layout for Inspired Blueprints has won a prize and my layout for November was a selected favourite please check out they have some great prizes, also if anyone takes part following my recommendation we both stand a chance of winning a prize, have a go you've nothing to lose.

I really must make an effort to get my scrapbooking into order and set aside time for it. Anyway here is my latest contribution to Inspired Blueprints

Beginning of my 3rd week

2010-11-22T19:37:00.000Z

Work isn't going too bad at the moment, taking me a bit longer to master the till but hey, it's getting there at last. The girls I work with are a great bunch really helpful and friendly, they don't mind helping me out when I get stuck. I hope that I can stay on after the 8th Jan, as I don't fancy signing back on again, I'll just have to wait and see. The hours aren't bad either apart from every Saturday, but it's doable and the time goes fairly quickly especially as we are getting very busy at the mo, with it getting even busier the nearer to Christmas we get.

At least I have the mornings to craft and today I have finished my 2nd layout for this month for Inspired Blueprints which you can see here. I took the photo at Capstone Country Park on my Nikon D40 and I am pleased with the result.

I know I keep saying it but I have really enjoyed taking part in the sketch challenges that Inspired Blueprints put up.

Another piece of good news I have started to go back to Church, I used to go regularly but for various reasons I stopped attending, but I truly believe that God has been supporting me during my time out of work and in my return to employment, I am currently attending the Alpha course and it has really helped me to make sense of a lot of questions I have been seeking answers to. I would like to say that I will continue to attend regularly, but I know that I have got to take all the changes in my life slowly and not rush into things like I have in the past, which is one of the reasons why I intend to continue with my scrapbooking as I enjoy the creativity and the 'time out' it gives me. I would like to encourage others to give it a go too.

Great News

2010-11-09T19:40:00.001Z

I have some great news!

After being out of work for 2 years I have finally started work, it's only temporary for Christmas, but its a chance to get back onto the employment ladder. Today is my 2nd day and my feet & back ache, as standing for 4 hours serving in BHS is quite tiring, but I'm enjoying it, there is so much to take in and remember though I'm worried that I may forget something important, although the staff are really helpful & friendly as are most of the customers. Tomorrow is my day off then working the rest of the week except Sunday.

Since I have been home I have been determined to keep my layouts to inspired blueprints up to date so when I saw sketch 59 I thought wow what a challenge. I already had an idea in mind, which didn't quite work out but here is my take on the sketch I hope you like it.

Strange Week

2010-10-31T07:27:00.001Z

Its been a strange week. Brad, Esther & the children had been away for the half term holiday, and as usual I always miss them so much, so I've had to keep myself occupied.

On Monday I had a phone call from BHS asking me to attend an interview for a Christmas temp on Tuesday, so suited and booted I went (another interview... I've had so many...) The interview went well (as usual I'm very experienced in them by now) and was told we'll let you know.

On Wednesday afternoon I had a call asking me to attend an interview for a job at the prison on the 5th Nov now this has come completely out of the blue, its an education post I can't remember applying for, but the strange thing is I also had a call on Monday about a similar post at another prison, (although this one was casual) so I declined, then I felt guilty as maybe I shot myself in the foot, as I know I need to get back into work

Thursday lunchtime I got another call again from the prison asking me to attend another interview on the 9th Nov (I have agreed to attend both). Then Thursday afternoon I had a call from BHS telling me that I have got the temp job with them and I start on the 8th Nov. Its such a relief after being out of work for 2 years. The strangest thing is the way in which the prison jobs have come to light. Hopefully and I'm now getting my head around this it may be where I'm meant to be. But whatever happens I have a last got my foot back on the employment ladder.

Anyway before all this kicked off I managed to complete another layout for Inspired Blueprints

Hope you like it.

As for today, I'm going to Church with Brad, Esther Kaity & Charis and back to them for lunch to celebrate Esther's birthday, along with her Mum & Dad, so a nice family gathering to finish off the week.

Just one more thing to say really, Happy Birthday Esther, I love you. xxx

New Challenge

2010-10-13T10:47:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd have a go at the challenge set by http://lilredwagon.blogspot.com/ as I knew I had a layout which fitted this perfectly.

Life and all that

2010-10-08T17:15:00.000+01:00

Its not been a good week for me emotionally. I have been feeling rather sorry for myself this week, I think all the job hunting and the raising of hopes every time I attend an interview is finally getting to me, as well as the financial stuff.

I can't recall how many interviews I have had, and the strange thing is every feed back I get as to why I've not been successful is more or less the same; you've interviewed very well, you are very positive, confident, a lot of experience, etc, etc, however you didn't quite meet our criteria, or someone else has had a bit more experience in... with... and so on and so on. I'm beginning to feel like the bridesmaid and never the bride.

Anyway whinge over. The weather here as been beautiful. I woke up to quite a thick mist, and some beautiful cobwebs strung around the garden, not the easiest of nature's beauty to photograph, here are a few of my attempts.

Once the mist had lifted the sun shone brilliantly, and certainly made me feel better. Although I have been feeling down this week, I managed to complete a layout for Inspired Blueprints

I must admit though that this is my second attempt at this one, as my original idea didn't turn out as I had planned, still I think this one has.

In memory of Great Aunt Rose

2010-09-25T08:27:00.000+01:00

I just heard yesterday that my Great Aunt Rose passed away aged 100.

She emigrated to Australia when she was in her 60's to be with some of her family who were already there.

She was the 3rd eldest daughter in the family (with my Nanny Kemp being the older daughter) and was followed by: Lillian, Alice, and William (who was only 1 when he died) George was the eldest son.

Rose and my Grandmother were very close and I believe it was through Rose that my Gandparents met each other.

Rose's life wasn't all rosy (excuse the pun) she married at 19 and had 5 children, her husband was a bigamist and had 2 other 'wives'. She married again in 1942 and had another 4 children with this husband leaving her and her children. It was because of all this that I believe that Rose became a strong character.

She doted on her family and not just her children but her nephews and nieces and there children, and so on. She loved her photos and any new addition was added to he 'rouges' gallery of pictures that she had in her nursing home.

Rose will be sadly missed by all who know her. She had a tough life but she came through it.

I'd like to share some layouts and photos of her.

Now for something different

2010-09-13T08:57:00.000+01:00

As many of you know I am obsessed with scrap-booking, like many Scrap-bookers I started off card-making but felt that although it was nice and my cards were apprieciated by the people I gave them to, I had nothing to look back on. I did take photos of my efforts and yes I managed to sell a few, but all the work that went into making them felt a bit flat afterwards. Then I discovered scrapbooking. Over the years my Mum had lots of photos stashed away in a carier bag in the bottom of the wardrobe and very often I used to get them down and look through them, each one telling it's own story with Mum filling in the gaps, how I wished I had written down the names and events of each photo as she told me. Some I can remember but there are quite a few that I can't and wish she were here to tell me again. Even as a child these photos held a special interest to me. I am gradually scanning them in and occasionally I do use them in layouts, but as you know 2 certain little people seem to dominate my layouts plus 1 furry four legged one as well.

I have always been interested in making things, as a child I loved helping to make cakes with Nanny Kemp (my Grandmother) She used to knit me cardigans and little suits without a pattern, and I remember Mum telling me that Great Gran taught her to knit dishcloths with string, and she became very good at Fair Isle, (she also used to enjoy embroidery) I remember her, my Nanny and my Great Gran trying to teach me how to knit. Could I get it? Like heck I couldn't. It wasn't until I was expecting Brad that I picked up the needles and taught myself to, not just any pattern though, oh no, cable. I was so proud of my efforts, and Nanny Kemp & Great Gran would have been as well.

So when Esther told me she was expecting Kaity I decided that once again this Granny would make something for the baby... she is now 4 and during the lead up to her birth I had a lot to deal with. Mum passing away, then selling her home and mine, moving and waiting for Kaity to arrive, put paid to completing any knitting I had started. Until...Charis I have just finished the said cardigan intended for Kaity. It's not perfect but its finished and yes I'm proud of my effort.

So I have now got the knitting bug, scrapping will still take priority and I can't let this picture of the cardigan not be used on a layout can I?

She's home...

2010-08-22T07:31:00.001+01:00

What a week.... Last Sunday Charis Megan Elizabeth was born, yesterday she came home, after spending the 1st week of her life in hospital. Esther came home on Tuesday and she and Brad have spent the week going backwards and forwards to the hospital. Kaity went back home on Wednesday and has been spending time visiting her sister as well as being looked after by friends and Myself and Esther's Mum and Dad.

Charis was taken out of the special care unit on Thursday and put into transitional care and I went with Esther to visit (after spending a few hours with Kaity) My how a baby can change so quickly, she is gaining weight all but slowly but increasing nonetheless and is feeding well.

Esther was able to stay with Charis overnight on Friday and rang me yesterday (Saturday) to say her and Brad were bring Charis home. Kaity spent the day with me making a welcome home cake for Mummy and a banner to put up, she was so excited she even put on a party dress.

We are so grateful for the care and attention that Charis received and that she is doing well.

Here I a few photos I took on Thursday at the hospital, and I will post more later.

Charis Megan Elizabeth

2010-08-16T14:20:00.000+01:00

Charis Megan Elizabeth was born yesterday at 10:38 am weighing in at 6lb 3.5oz.

Welcome to the world little one.

One day at a Time

2010-08-10T08:26:00.001+01:00

What's new, nothing on the job front yet, to be honest I'm getting tired of looking, completing application forms, attending interviews and gearing myself up, to be told sorry you've interviewed very well, have a lot of experience, however... and this is the bit I find frustrating there is always someone who appears to have that extra bit that the employer is looking for. I need to get back into work, I need the money as I have eaten into all my savings and feel as though I am just existing one day at a time. I'm finding that I only go out if I really need to, and if I have an appointment at the Job centre try to do everything that day, mainly to save petrol and parking costs.

This month has also been an expensive one, first the car tax (Brad and Esther very kindly paid that for me), then the insurance, and to add insult to injury I clipped the kerb on the way back from another unsuccessful interview, lost the wheel trim and took a couple of chunks out of the tyre, I was so angry with myself that I cried, but again my amazing family stepped in and helped out, what would I do with out them. Yesterday I had my eyes tested I knew that I would have to have new glasses and tried to budget accordingly, but was shocked when the optician told me that they would cost over £300, that was with the BOGOF offer as well, the catch, I need varifocals and yes, the second pair are free except you have to pay for the ultra thin and reaction lenses (which I find easier) I know that I get some help as I'm out of work, so I decided to be sensible and settled for 1 pair the total cost £104 I also get HSA which means I only have to pay £50, a bit of a saving there eh?

Anyway enough moaning. I'm really looking forward to having Kaity when Esther goes in to have the baby in about 2 weeks time, so everything is getting ready to welcome her into our family. There's nothing like a baby to bring hope into our lives and put all our problems on the back burner. Kaity was a blessing coming when she did just after losing Mum, and I know that her little sister will do just the same.

I have been busy with some more layouts for Inspired Blueprints

I've also been busy working on a project from Following the Paper Trail which I will post when it is completed.

I can't believe it's been so long...

2010-07-19T18:33:00.000+01:00

...since I last posted. No excuse really, just life getting in the way. I've been busy job hunting to no avail hopefully something will come up soon. It doesn't seem possible that I have been out of work for 2 years, yes I've been to a good number of interviews, but there is always someone who seems to have the edge on my experience, qualifications, knowledge, or a combination of all 3 or other reasons why I haven't been successful. Oh well never say die, keep at it surely something will turn up soon, here's hoping.

I'm often asked what have I been doing with my time whilst I've been out of work, apart from the obvious answer, looking for a job, I try to explain that apart from running my home, shopping, cleaning, washing, ironing etc. I have kept my self occupied with maintaining the garden, I have created a small area to grow veg, peas, beans (runner & broad) potatoes, beetroot, cauliflowers (the caterpillars love them) tomatoes (which I don't eat, but Kaity does) I have also grown a thorn-less black currant bush which is just starting to fruit. The gooseberry bush had a lot of fruit this year, the cherry tree has done too bad considering the poor weather at the beginning of the year.

However the one thing which has really kept me sane, although I do have an occasional loss of mojo, is my crafting, especially scrapbooking using the sketches from Inspired Blueprints. Here are my latest layouts.

Sketch 50

Sketch 51

Also I have come across Following The Paper Trail which produces stunning mini-projects, which are recorded on U-Stream and You-Tube, check out her site it has some amazing work. I will upload the 2 books My Guy & Special Delivery which I have made shortly. The Special Delivery won't be completed until Esther has the baby, when I can start taking lots of photos, as the baby isn't due until September I will have to be patient.

I also think my 'obsession' with crafting has had an influence on Kaity as whenever she comes to see me, she goes straight into the conservatory picks up her tote bag (oh yes my old one) and sits quite happily crafting just like her Granny, I think she has been brain-washed. Also she has picked up alot about bee-keeping from John as she informed me the other day, that the bee in the flower was getting nectar, when I asked what does the bee do with it, she promptly replied "makes honey of course" on that note I will say bye for now.

Thanks for looking in I look forward to your comments and I promise I will make sure I update a little more frequently.

Yet another layout

2010-06-04T07:34:00.000+01:00

added to my blog. This time Inspired Blueprints not only put up a sketch to inspire, but set a challenge that the layout was about you (me in that case) so here is my interpretation of sketch 49 (check out their site to see other sketches to tempt you).

I can't believe that it is a week ago that I had Kaity staying with me. From Thursday night to Sunday Morning I had the pleasure of being entertained by my lovely grand-daughter, (and being woken up early) She has a little clock (pink of course) and was told you can come into Granny when the clock says six oh oh, the first night she woke up and came into my bed at about 2am, and stayed there all night, Friday night she crept in at 5:30am, not too bad, Saturday a little voice whispered into my ear "Granny my clocks not working I've been waiting for it to go to six oh oh, but it won't," The time was 5:45, she had been awake for quit awhile until she got bored and wanted a Granny cuddle. When I asked her if she knew what time the clock said she replied "Granny I can't tell the time yet". I give up! lol.

I love having her to stay, she really is good with Brandy (for those who don't know he is my Turkish Van cat and an indoor cat to boot), very moody with me.. Kaity... can do what she likes with him, this picture was taken last October. She talks to him, gets him his toys, reads to him, helps me to feed him, they really have a good relationship it's lovely to see.

My friend John (the beeman) and myself took Kaity out for the day on Friday. I try to take a picture of Kaity every month so that I can do a scrapbook layout of her throughout the year, so far this has worked, my problem is choosing which pictures to use.

Here is a small selection of the ones I took.

and so to bed...

Check it out

2010-05-26T08:22:00.001+01:00

I've just put up my take on sketch 48 from Inspired Blueprints.

I used the Kaisercraft Tea at Elsie's collection which is absolutely beautiful ( well I think so anyway) I purchased it from Oyster Stamps last week, (along with some Graphic 45's (they are now stocking the whole range) and Websters papers) knowing that I had this layout in mind.

Hope you like it as well.

How can I have forgotten...

2010-05-19T07:33:00.000+01:00

...to update my blog with my latest layout for inspired blueprints, sketch 47. I tried to capture the cheekiness of Kaity whilst still keeping the softness of a child, also I wanted to use the butterfly stamp on the layout, at first I tried to make it as a separate element for the layout but it didn't look right, so I decided to use direct to paper. I then used glitter pen to 'bling' it up. I think I created the effect I was after, I'd like to know what you think. Hope you like it.

Mini Album Competition

2010-05-13T11:41:00.000+01:00

I have taken part in the www.thecraftbarn.com by using the sketches provided I have completed this mini album of my Great Aunt's 100th birthday celebration as she lives in Australia I was only sent a few photos, so when this competition came up I thought it would be a great idea to make the book for her daughter who lives in Somerset as she wasn't able to go and visit. I hope you like it.

Another heritage layout

2010-04-22T10:00:00.002+01:00

I have been researching my maternal family history, with a little help from my second cousin Terry in Australia. (His Mum is my Great Aunt Rose who celebrated her 100th birthday this month she was my Nanny's sister). I decided to research my maternal grandfathers family as a result of Terry's findings. I also felt that I should track my Dad's side and thereby build up a bigger picture.

My Dad died when I was 9 and we lost touch with my Grandmother and my Uncle and Aunts. Going through my photos I discovered I had some of his father and it is one of these that I have used as the subject of this layout. However there is a bit of a mystery surrounding this picture. On the reverse is written 'Calcutta Sept 1944' not sure what it relates to as I was told that he was a Chief Petty Officer in the navy (Royal or Merchant I'm not sure) Grandad is the one sitting I don't know who the other two are. I hope that this layout does them justice.

Easy Sunday!

2010-04-18T11:07:00.000+01:00

It's a beautiful morning, I'm sitting at the computer in the conservatory, the sun is shinning, the birds are singing, and it's my birthday. I've just treated myself to a cooked breakfast, and them I'm off to Brad & Esther for lunch.

A nice surprise via e-mail from Australia came today with photos of my Great Aunt's 100th birthday celebration, definitely will be using them in a layout or two in the near future.

As I'm aiming to create layouts using some of my many heritage pictures I decided to use the photo of my Grandmother holding my Mum as a baby for my interpretation of Sketch 46 for Inspired Blueprints

If you look closely at the photo you will see a raised flower bed and a wooden wheel barrow, a sign of the times in1936 or could it be 2010? I think the dress and hair style give it away don't you?

Spring at last

2010-04-08T20:12:00.001+01:00

It has been a beautiful day here in Kent, a complete contrast from the drizzle yesterday. Let's hope that the forecast that I read today is right. Positive Weather Solutions predict that June & July will be "warmer than average months" but August is said to be the record breaker with temperatures exceeding 1976 or even more recently 2003 which reached 38.5C (101.3F) in Brogdale Kent. (info taken from amateur gardening magazine) wow what a scorcher we could have then.

I have completed a couple of layouts for the Inspired Blueprints monthly challenge. Sketch 44 for March 15th shown below.

The next layout Sketch 45. The photos used were taken in Feb of this year.

I have already completed 2 albums of Kaity and these layouts start number 3. I plan to create at least one layout of Kaity per month, although come the end of August begining of September she will be joined by a little brother or sister, which will keep me busy with plenty of photographic opportunities and scrapbooking layouts.

I have also decided to sort out my heritage pictures and compile my Family History album. This is especially significant as My Great Aunt Rose who lives in Australia celebrates her 100th birthday on April 14th the pictures below were taken on her 99th birthday.

Happy Birthday Auntie Rose.xx

I can't believe...

2010-03-19T08:08:00.000Z

... that its been nearly a month since I last updated my blog. I know I keep saying it but where does the time go?

I love the spring when everything starts coming back into life, the brighter mornings, and the sound of the dawn chorus. Eventhough I'm still not working, I just have to get up once I'm awake that's anytime between 5:45 and 7:00 am I just can't lay in. I don't go to bed particularly early either 10:30 - 11:00 pm is my norm... then I read for a bit before I go to sleep. The only problem is that sometimes the days drag, especially if I don't see anyone or get any phone calls.

I have a routine once I'm up. Firstly I visit the bathroom, then feed Brandy, make a cup of tea, pull up the conservatory blinds to let in the sunshine (light), log onto the computer to check my e-mails, Blogger dashboard, Twitter & Facebook, then job search sites for about an hour or so before I shower and dress, then ... well that's the difficult bit.

I'm full of good intentions, I know I've got all the time to craft and scrap which some people will envy, but I feel that I'm forcing myself to do it which doesn't always have the desired effect and I find that I'm not enjoying my hobby as much. What has kept me going over the months I have been out of work are the 2 monthly challenges I receive from Inspired Blueprints I look forward to receiving them on the 1st & 15th of each month as they really do get my creative juices flowing. I have to search for the photos, papers, embellishments, that I want to use, then using the sketch try to make it my own. Here is my interpretation of sketch 43 using the sketch below. I hope you like it.

It's been a long Winter

2010-02-26T09:47:00.000Z

Spring is very nearly here. I'm not sorry to see January and February going I look forward to March where everything begins to wake up the birds and plants oh and the weeds. I can't wait to get out into the garden and start tidying, I must admit I am a fine weather gardener and things outside to tend to get left when it is cold and wet. Although having more time indoors has given me the opportunity to scrap finding the motivation is difficult, which is why I enjoy taking part in the sketch challenges from Inspired Blueprints

I've just completed sketch 42 show casing more photos from weddings in December. It is rare to get Brad,Esther and Kaity all together as Brad is the one most often behind the camera.

My challenge to myself is to make sure that I take a selection of photos each month, that way I can pick out the ones I want to use for my layouts. The only problem with it is the fact I still have boxes of old photos to scan and use I will get around to making use of them a some point. But for now I will contine to use the ones I have uploaded onto the computer and print off as when. Perhaps I will use some on tn the next challenge.

I've been busy

2010-02-04T20:22:00.000Z

Its amazing when you've got time to do things its an effort, but when your busy you complain that you wish you could have more time... well I do anyway, thats the trouble, I'm never satisfied. I decided that the utility room needed decorating its a small room so I asked my friend John to give me a hand, it took a week to complete, I know I wanted a light and the switch moved, and a wall needed to be plaster boarded, but I didn't anticipate a room 6 feet by 8 feet would take so long to complete. Anyway it is now finished and looks amazing.

In between decorating I managed to complete the first of 2 mini wedding books. I used one of the Piggy Tales Hide and Seek flap book purchased from Oyster Stamps the papers I used were mainly K & Co Blue Awning the rest pieces from my stash. Here is a slide show of the finished book.

In addition to this I've also managed to create a layout for Inspired Blueprints. The phot is of Jane Esther's Mum taken at the wedding of Joel Esther's brother. This layout was a challenge in it's own right as I decided to create the layout in black and white, I managed to find paper in my stash from Tinkering Ink that I had kicking around for ages, the pattern matched Jane's outfit perfectly, the rest of the layout evolved from that. I hope you like it.

I'm a Winner

2010-01-10T19:31:00.000Z

As most of you know I've been taking part in the sketch challenges from inspiredblueprints.ning.com over the last year and finally I've been selected as one of their prize winners for my layout I submitted for December's entry. I must admit I very nearly didn't send it in it was a last minute decision to say the least. I must say I'm pleased I did. In case you missed my entry here it is again...

Final sketches of 2009

2009-12-31T12:21:00.000Z

I have completed the last two sketches of 2009 from inspiredblueprints I have really enjoyed taking part in the monthly challenges and will continue to do them in 2010.

I hope you like them and I thankyou for your comments.

Its been a very strange year this year with a lot of highs and lows, hopefully 2010 will be the turning point for me. I have learned alot of lessons during 2009 and I hope that I can become a stronger person decause of them.

I am fortunate that my Son and Daughter-in- Love and her family are always there when I need them and have been very supportive to me throughout this year and have blessed me with a darling Granddaughter who has given me so much joy over the past year and is developing into the most adorable little girl any Granny can wish for: She is such a little treasure. I have also been luckily enough to have 3 very close friends who have stood by me when things have become tough, equally I hope I have returned the support to them when they have needed it.

To all visitors to my blog, I wish everyone a happy, peacful and prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T22:39:00.000Z

to all my followers. It's been a hetic few weeks and I've not had time to scrap although I have taken alot of photos all ready for layouts.

The snow has been a disruption to say the least fortunately I have a friend with a Range Rover who has been taking me shopping and last Saturday to Christie and Dave's wedding, friends of Brad and Esther.

Esther and Kaity were Bridesmaids so instead of a layout (which will be done in due course) I am putting up some pictures that I took unfortunately due to the snow and slippery conditions the photos had to be taken inside.

I wish everyone who looks at my blog a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks to all for following and I look forward to reading your comments.

Its been a manic few weeks

2009-11-30T08:36:00.001Z

as I've gone back to college for a short course, and I'm really enjoying it. Unfortunately crafting has had to take second place. However I've just found some time to upload my latest layout on sketch 36 to Inspired Blueprints, I had some help from Kaity who has been staying with me over the weekend, and I thought it would be a great photo opportunity if I got her to hold the layout for me. I must admit I liked the finished picture. Hope you do too. I look forward to receiving your comments.

Is it really November?

2009-11-12T07:51:00.000Z

What a busy month October has been. I know I keep on about it but where has the year gone? The months have just flown by I can't believe that it is so near to Christmas and that I'm still not working. Although fingers crossed I have an informal interview tomorrow as a sessional worker at a local college, it will certainly help if I'm lucky enough to get it.

Anyway I have still found time to scrap and here is my latest take on sketch 35 from Inspired Blueprints. I used Natures storybook range of papers from Webster's pages. Check out their site it has some stunning projects and challenges, the papers can be bought from Oyster Stamps Hope you like the layout all comments welcome. Thanks for looking.

I've been a bit busy

2009-10-29T18:30:00.001Z

crafting. It's Esther's 30th birthday on Saturday and I've been making some birthday gifts for her. The first is my take onWhen I saw the Patchwork Grunge Bag shown in Craft Stamper Magazine I knew I just had to have a go and make it. Hope she likes it...

I've also made 2 mini books one with pictures of Esther through the years, some kindly loaned by her Mum for me to scan in, the other with pictures of Brad as Esther asked if she could have some of him as a baby, I

also made the small box to put them in.

Finally a photo frame showing a recent picture of Kaity

Here are all the creative gifts shown together

Circle Layout

2009-10-29T17:42:00.000Z

Here is my take on Inspired Blueprints Sketch 34. Quite a challenge as this is the first time I've completed a circular layout. I must say I'm pleased with the result.
I'd like to hear what you think. My comments box now appears to be working as I hadn't set it up correctly. Thanks for letting me know about that Kate http://www.pickleberrypapercrafts.co.uk/

Where is the time going?

2009-10-19T12:40:00.000+01:00

I can't believe that we are nearly at the end of October, where has the year gone? It certainly has been a strange one.

I have tried to keep myself busy with scrapbooking and I have really enjoyed participating with the sketch challenges set by Inspired Blueprints The 2 sketches which are put up on the 1st and 15th of each month really help to get the creative juices flowing, well they do for me anyway. Why not check them out yourselves, especially as it is their birthday celebrations this month and they have put in some extra challenges.

Anyway here are my takes on sketches 31 & 32 hope you like them.

Sketch 31

Sketch 32

I'm in print

2009-10-02T16:52:00.000+01:00

Just had a text from my friend Jan informing me that the letter and photo which I sent to http://www.craftstamper.com/ some time ago has been published. What a nice surprise.

Cant' believe its Saturday already

2009-09-26T07:10:00.000+01:00

Where do the days go? Even though I'm not working the week just seems to fly by and I don't feel that I have achieved much, although the bungalow is sparkling with the nice clean windows, its a pity that they still seem a bit smeary when the sun shines.

My computer has had a clean out this week Brad reformatted and repartitioned the drives, it does seem to working a lot better now, although I have had to set up all my favourites and sort out passwords etc. The strange thing is I remember before I had a computer and managed very well with out, now if it crashes or has a problem it's like having my right arm cut off, I'm devistated. Oh well I supose it's called progress.

Off to Whistable today to do a scrapbooking class then onto http://pickleberrypapercrafts.blogspot.com/ to spend the £10 voucher I won a few months ago. Tomorrow I might go to Ally Pally just for a day out, can't afford to spend much and do I really need more craft stash? I don't think so.

Here is my latest contribution to Sketch 30 from http://inspiredblueprints.ning.com/ check their site out some really great stuff there. I decided to make my layout interactive. The sketch called for 6 photos 4x4 as I didn't want to crop my pics or re-size them I decided to make them lift up. I think it's worked, Anyway I'm pleased with the result. Hope you like it too.

Not sure where the time has gone

2009-09-20T16:54:00.005+01:00

I can't believe that its been nearly a month since I last updated. It has been a very strange time as I'm back looking for work, as the job I had, withdrew their offer of employment at the last minute apparently due to a lack of funding. The short notice was due to people being on holiday and the lack of communication, although this does not help me at all. Never mind I expect something will turn up soon here's hoping!

This week for some reason my computer decided to lose all my photos which I had stored although I had managed to retrieve some of them as 'thumbs' (which means I can't resize them for scrapbooking) it has also lost some files. The ones it did find, came through in such a mess and with strange reference numbers that I spent over 4 hours trying to sort them out. Fortunately I have a programme called Photo Recovery installed which retrieves pictures from camera cards etc (even if the pictures have been deleted) This managed to recover over 200 and this time at the correct resolution for resizing. Perhaps I need to investigate a way of backing them up any sugestions will be helpful.

Now with extra time on my hands I have managed to produce some layouts even though my heart hasn't really been in scraping mode, I have tried to force myself to keep occupied. Here are my latest layouts.

The first layout is my take on sketch 29 for Inspired Blueprints

The second layout uses some of the Jilly Bean papers from Oyster Stamps

The final layout uses papers that I bought ages ago as I wanted to work away from feminine colours with out making the layout to boyish. I think it worked.
I hope you like them.

Only another week to go...

2009-08-24T18:45:00.005+01:00

... and I start my new job.

I can't believe that I have been out of work for just over a year and I start my new job next Wednesday. I must admit I have enjoyed being home, especially for the first 6 months, but since Christmas I think the novelty has been wearing off, not to say that the finances have also taken a bit of a battering. However I have a lot to be grateful for:

I haven't starved, I've managed to keep on top of all my bills, kept my car on the road, clothed myself, and still managed to indulge myself with craft goodies, although I have been good and only bought things I need rather than buy for the sake of buying.

I've had plenty of time to meet with friends socially, regular crafting sessions on a Wednesday at Oyster Stamps and most importantly I have been able to spend more time with Kaity, having her staying over occasionally mid-week, or keeping her company on a Friday when Brad works from home. I know that I will miss these special times (although I will always be on hand evenings and weekends for babysitting) and generally being able to do what I want when I want to. Now that is all going to change and I must admit I do have mixed feelings. How am I going to fit everything in ? Housework, shopping washing, ironing, Crafting? I think Id better start getting myself organised now.

Before I do, I would like to showcase sketch 28 that I have completed for Inspired Blueprints.

I have been meaning to use the photos of myself for a while now and when I got Kaity a Rocking Horse, I tried to get her in a similar pose. The pictures of the chair are even more significant, as I have the exact chair in the conservatory, (I believe it was my Great Gran's, I discovered a picture of her in it, which I will have to use in a layout) Kaity loves to sit in it, but she always takes the cushions off first. The picture of Kaity in the chair was taken on her 2nd Birthday party which was held in my garden. The one of me ( I think I was about the same age) was taken in my Grandparents garden in Chelsfield.

Happy memories!

For a change

2009-08-09T08:39:00.005+01:00

I decided to incorporate 2 photos of Brandy, my Turkish Van for my take on sketch 27 for Inspired Blueprints. as seen in my first picture. The small square in the bottom left hand corner is in fact a duplicate fridge magnet, which I used as a cover for a mini-book which contains my journalling.

He is most definitely a cat with attitude, he hates being groomed and at times can suddenly come up to me and give me a nip on my foot or arm. Having said that, he adores Kaity. The first thing she asks when coming to visit or when she wakes up after staying with me overnight is 'Where's Brandycat Granny?' She will not play with her toys until she has found him. When she does it's a quick stroke and a kiss and he lets her, when he's had enough he just walks away or sits on his scratching post out of reach. The second layout which I did last year shows that special bond and in fact hangs on the door of the room Kaity sleeps in when she stays with me.

and another...

2009-08-04T17:40:00.003+01:00

layout that is. This time for me.

I took these pictures of Kaity in June of this year and have only just got round to using them, like always trying to find the right papers to compliment the photos, well that's how I like to scrap anyway.

The background paper is Paintables Iron Orchid Designs, from Prima Marketing not sure where I bought it though sorry. I liked the 3 small spaces available on the right and cropped the photos to to fit (thanks for the suggestion Jan). I used a lot of rub ons and painted the printed flowers with twinkling H2O's The little picket fences I bought in pack from Pickleberry and although there were some already printed on the paper I thought that they gave a nice finishing touch to the layout.

Challenges

2009-08-02T20:59:00.004+01:00

come in all sorts of sizes. I was faced with a challenge with a difference.

My friend John is a Bee-keeper and he asked if I could produce some layouts on a bee theme with an educational slant for a display he wanted. He gave me the photos he wanted me to use, but the colours appeared to be so 'samey' that finding papers to compliment them proved quite difficult. Whilst going through my stash I discovered some PDQ papers which I bought last year and they fitted the bill perfectly. The papers already have the matting printing on them, so with a bit of tweaking, some embellishments and journalling added, I completed 5 layouts which I had started on Wednesday at Oyster Stamps and completed on Saturday evening. Not bad going eh?

Hope you like the finished results.

Busy few weeks

2009-07-28T07:10:00.006+01:00

It seems that this summer is whizzing by. I can't believe that we are towards the last couple of weeks of July already. Its been a busy week as last Tuesday I had another job interview, this time with success. I start work on the 1st September and after 12 months of not working due to redundancy, I'm finding it difficult to accept that my days at home are coming to a close. So I need to make sure that all my crafting projects are up to date as well as the washing, ironing etc. I have enjoyed the break even though it has been a strange year.

The first few months were ok. but following a misunderstanding from a local craft shop where I had been going to classes and crops since they first opened 4 years ago (not counting what I spent in the shop itself or help I gave) I was asked not to attend anymore. At first I was devastated but in some strange way it has done me a favour. I have linked into a number of challenges, and applied to go onto a few design teams as well as finding other shops and classes to go to. I have remained friends with a number of people I met during my time there. I realise that if I hadn't started going to them I wouldn't have found and developed my creative niche. Recently I was asked to help teach scrapbooking at a charity event and there is also a possibility of teaching altered art on a regular basis. It does seem a pity though that the more successful people become the more they tend to hurt others in order to achieve their own goals.

On a positive note I have managed to be on hand to look after my Grandaughter, either due to her or her Mummy being poorly or just to give Brad and Esther a chance to have time to themselves, mainly for the odd weekend but recently I had Kaity for a whole week while they went to Scotland. I have also managed to get the garden under control, plus complete all the decorating. I have also met with friends regularly for coffee, shopping and a good old gossip.

Now for my pictures, the first is a double layout I have completed for Inspired Blueprints
sketch challenge 26.

I have really enjoyed taking part in these and now they have a new design team it will be interesting to see what they have in store next.

The second layout is one that I completed at Pickleberry Papercrafts this one is definately out of my comfort zone as I'm not a fan of white space, having said that I feel that this does lend itself to enhancing this picture of Kaity with my friend John and shows the closeness that they have.

Body Clock

2009-07-15T15:45:00.004+01:00

A couple of weeks ago. I purchased a manikin from a boot fair, to the amazement of a friend of mine who wondered what I was going to do with it. I had this sudden wave of inspiration that I could use her as a piece of altered art.

My first attempts didn't go quite as I had first planned, so I took it all apart to start again. I covered her with torn book pages, and then used flowers cut from paper serviettes, once this was completed, I left her alone for a few days to see if I could come up with something else to do with her.

A crafting friend came yesterday and remarked on what I had done I mentioned that I wasn't sure what to do next. I was considering incorporating a clock but was reluctant to try, so we decided to take the bull by the horns and give it a go and it worked We played with Glimmer mist sprays, UTEE in the melt pot, alcohol inks, Stazon ink pads, peel offs, flowers, Stickles, you name it we used it. The final touch I completed last night, using some clock stamps and words which I think finishes her off nicely.

I'm very pleased with the finished result, I'd like to know what you all think.

By the way she is a working clock.

Sketch 24

2009-06-19T08:23:00.002+01:00

If you like a challenge its worth having a look at Inspired Blueprints latest sketch, by taking part you may be in for a chance to win this months prize.

This is my take on sketch 24. I used Sherry Puzzle from Creative Imaginations as the base, and Granola papers from Basic Grey.

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn

2009-06-18T07:26:00.008+01:00

Today is my darling Grandaughter's' 3rd birthday, I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. I remember when she was born as it was Fathers Day, I was having lunch with Esther's' Mum and Dad, honestly us Grandparents were like cats on hot bricks every time the phone rang from other relatives asking if Kaitlyn had been born, desperate to get them off the line so when the news came through we could relax (ha ha) when it did come through Sid and Jane were on one phone with me on the other bombarding Brad with questions. The birth of Kaity was made more poignant to me as she was born 4 months after my Mum had died, which is why she has Beatrice as one of her names, she has truly been a blessing and is growing up into an adorable person (I am biased but I'm allowed to be). Anyway guess who features in both of my layouts today? Yes it's the birthday girl.

I've had the Thomas K&Co papers kicking around for while and have been waiting for the ideal photos to make use of them. The opportunity came when I was looking after Kaity a couple of weeks ago, she loves going on the mechanical rides at the local shopping centre and she made a beeline for Thomas, well I couldn't waste a photographic opportunity could I? The Chipboard trains are from Creative Imaginations.
My second layout was finished at a class I attend at Pickleberry Papercrafts last Friday using Prima papers. I knew the title was going to be Attitude and was a bit worried about my choice of pictures but although they are of Kaity I think that they work quite well. She enjoyed posing and I think it shows a little bit of girly attitude coming from a 3 year old, well that's my take on it. I hope you enjoy looking at them, I look forward to your comments.

Was it only last week...

2009-06-06T14:13:00.006+01:00

that Kaity went home to her Mummy and Daddy. She had stayed with me for 4 nights while Brad and Esther had a mini-break (although it was a working one for Brad) in Scotland.

Kaity had been so good and I really enjoyed her company, even though she had gone to nursery for 2 of the days, we still managed to have a lot of fun. On the Friday I decided to take her to the Dickens Festival held in Rochester, she was very excited especially as I managed to dress her up in a long skirt and a frilly t-shirt, I tried to make her an apron without success as I'm no needle-woman, but she was quite happy with her outfit. However one of the exhibitions gave us the chance to try on recreated costumes of the Victorian period, although I couldn't find anything to fit me (people must have been alot skinnier in the 18th Century) I managed to find an apron and hat for Kaity. I changed the photos to sepia as I wanted to make use of some of my Graphic 45 papers also I felt that it was more in keeping with the period, I'm pleased with the finished layout.

In contrast I used this picture of her taken at the begining of last month, at a family day, I'm not sure what she was up to but I just love the expression on her face. For this layout I used this months Sketch from Inspired Blueprints I chose to use papers from the Magenta range.

Photograph request

2009-05-26T20:36:00.004+01:00

My friend John is a bee-keeper and is often asking me if I can take photo's of him bee-keeping, I've always been a bit reluctant possibly due to the fear of being stung, however last Saturday I relented as he explained that he was to collect a swarm which had settled in the hollow of a tree. The owner was quite concerned that they should be rescued and not killed, so I went a long for the ride so to speak. I managed to get quite close to the bees as they were more interested in what was happening to their home they stinging me. Anyway here is one layout I created with some of the photo's I took, using papers from the Cream of Mushroom Soup kit the Jillibean Soup range, which I purchased from Indigo Mill I hope you like it.

Catching Up

2009-05-21T06:52:00.007+01:00

With updating my blog. Where does the time go? I can't believe that we are nearly half way through 2009 already and that I have been out of work for nearly a year. Hopefully something will turn up soon, although I have liked being home and not having to rush around, I miss the company and of course the money. I must admit though I did think that I would spend much more time scapbooking than I actually have, I suppose it's that old adage when you haven't got the time you want it and when you have it goes. Anyway enough wittering on. Here are some layouts that I have completed. The first is the second sketch from I nspired Blueprints for this month.

The other two are layouts I started at a crop held at Pickleberry Papercrafts last Saturday. I must admit I felt extremely proud of myself as I drove on the motorway, both ways this time, so watch out my confidence is growing.

When I was photographing the second layout, I realised that both pictures were taken on the same day showing my son and daughter-in-law in separate but similar poses.

Saturday challenge

2009-05-04T09:13:00.011+01:00

Although I have been driving for quite a while now I don't like motorway driving and I avoid them as much as possible, but I had decided to visit Pickleberry Papercrafts who opened their doors for the first time on Saturday. So I made the effort to conquer my apprehension, and I did it, nothing to it, although on for my return journey I did travel home via the A2.

I was made to feel most welcome at Pickleberry and met with some old friends and made new ones. The first thing I saw were the mouth watering cup cakes so I just had to take a picture and then sample them Mmm! Oh and the Bucks Fizz and Champagne which was on offer.

Of course you can't visit a craft shop and not buy anything, I was quite good as you can see. I fell in love with the sticker sheet and aren't the Sassfraslass papers gorgeous, I adore the owl isn't he lovely?

All customers were given the opportunity to take part in a make and take, and were provided with endless cups of coffee and tea. I was also able to sit and scrap, so I made the most of the chance, I decided to do yet another sketch provided by Inspired Blueprints, Which I completed yesterday.

Thank you Kate and Jan for making me feel welcome I had a lovely day.

I used the Creative Imaginations Christine Adolph Tidepool range in my layout. The chest in the photograph is raised on 3d foam pads to give dimension. I also did the same with the smaller ones. The title is cut on the Cricut using the Life is a Beach Cartridge, and cut it out on thin metal using the deep cut blade, although I did have to re-cut by hand as I didn't want to to ruin the blade or the title. I also used thin strips of metal around the edge of the main photo to give it a lift.

The final 2

2009-04-28T21:14:00.004+01:00

Sketches that is... for the challenge on Inspired Blueprints that I am participating in.

The pictures on both of these layouts were taken at Shorne Country park near Gravesend in Kent where we went after having a lovely Sunday Dinner to celebrate my birthday, although it was a day late due to my visit on Saturday to Ally Pally. I had a really lovely weekend and thank you to Jan and Sarah for the fun we had there and to Brad Esther and Kaity for a lovely Sunday treat.

I apologise for the poor picture quality I thnk it must be to do with the lighting as normally I take the photos in daylight.

Sketches continued

2009-04-24T17:03:00.007+01:00

I am really enjoying taking part in the challenge from Inspired Blueprints, as it has re-kindled my mojo and given me the opportunity to think outside the box. Although I have tried to adapt the sketches and interpret them in my way, I have found that with numbers 17 & 18 shown below I have recreated the sketches almost exactly. I'm looking forward to the final 2 of the challenge.

Sketches

2009-04-17T09:28:00.006+01:00

I have decided to take part in the sketch bonanza challenge at Inspired Blueprints, the prize on offer is a crafting kit from Gauche Alchem y. I have enjoyed doing this as it has definitely got my mojo flowing, so far I have produced 4 of the 8 layouts, as seen below. I look forward to completing the next 2 sketches which are now available. Please feel free to comment.

March

2009-04-01T08:02:00.002+01:00

is always a busy month in my family, as it is the start of many celebrations from birthday's, my son and daughter-in-law's wedding anniversary, and Mother's day. The layout this time shows a picture of Brad taken at a restaurant to celebrate his birthday. I like the way in which I captured he's thoughtful expression. I decided to use this layout as a take on the layout used by Scrapdolly for her class on UKS.

Dreamer

2009-03-19T15:29:00.004Z

The inspiration for this layout came from the Dream Big Stamp by Scrappycat, which I purchased at Oyster Stamps. I've had this picture of Kaity waiting to be used laying around for ages. The cloud was hand cut out of Bazzill cardstock the background paper rub ons and gems are from the Imaginisce Fairest of Them All range.

Friends

2009-03-18T16:18:00.007Z

is the title for the Bo Bunny book I was asked to decorate for Oyster Stamps using the Twitterpated range of papers from Imaginisce. The colours made me feel of Spring and as they have a child-like quality with regard to their design I selected pictures of my Grand-Daughter and her friends. The embellishments were from my own stash, the poems I downloaded from the internet.
I hope you like the finished result as much as I do.

Completed project

2009-03-05T09:15:00.005Z

Undertaking a project has helped me this week as I have been feeling very low due to the actions of some people . While I can fully understand that we are not obliged to get on with everyone we meet, surely tolerance and a quite word face to face is more beneficial than drastic actions. However I have come to realise that there always comes a time to move on and start a new chapter, especially with those who have proved to be true friends.

After going through all my stash in an effort to tidy up, I came across a number of unfinished projects. The Bo Bunny Beach book being one of them. I like the colours as they are so nice and bright and I was looking for suitable pictures, the only ones that I could find which related to the topic were ones taken last summer of my Grand-daughter in her bright pink swim suit, but hey they worked. I also incorporated others photos taken on separate occasions during last year.

Fun in the Snow

2009-02-22T11:29:00.003Z

is the title I gave the snow book I had used the photos that my son had taken of Kaity playing in the snow near where they live. I downloaded the poems from the internet, and added some of my own embellishments.

Black and White Photos

2009-02-18T16:52:00.007Z

are not always the easiest to scrap. These layouts are of my Mums second wedding (she was widowed in 1966) where I had the honour of being her Bridesmaid, were completed at Oyster stamps, where they hold a drop in every Wednesday. Strangely it wasn't until I had completed the layouts that I realised that I had not used any patterned paper, which I had mentioned in my Faith scrap-booking post I find difficult to do. Using plain card-stock and bling gave these pictures the subtlety I was trying to obtain. As Mums dress was lemon, I used plain yellow and dimpled black bazzill for the matting, this was then placed on plain cream card stock. They never got round to having an wedding album compiled, so I have decided to create one in their memory, Dad having passed away in 2002 and Mum 2006.

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T14:15:00.003Z

I managed to complete a layout for my son and daughter in law, whilst looking after my grand- daughter, as I had a large amount of photos of them taken over the years, in a very similar pose. I decided to incorporate the best of them on a layout, what a better theme than Valentines day. I tried to keep the layout as simple as I could using hearts as embellishments, the only difficulty I encountered that all pictures were landscape, with the exception of one, and I wanted to use it. I am pleased with the final result, and they were thrilled with it.

Imaginisce

2009-02-15T12:48:00.003Z

I have been working on a couple of layouts using papers from the Imaginisce range, they are really beautiful, ideal for all the little princesses in your life. Which is why I just had to use them with pictures of my Grand-daughter taken on my Nikon D40 camera.

The picture on Dream was taken on my birthday last year at the Rare Breeds Centre in Kent, and I was just getting used to the camera. I like the slight fuzzy effect of the picture and feel that it goes well with the papers. I had an idea of creating a 'glass coach' and cut it out of acetate using the Happy Ever After cartridge,on the Cricut Expressions. The Princess was embossed onto acetate using the Cuttlebug, this gave a nice white raised edge to the image, I then coloured it on the reverse using Saura Gel pens. The frame was cut out using a plastic template.

Sugar and Spice was created with a larger picture in mind. Kaity was so pleased that she was wearing her Snow White dress, which was made by her Granny Jane, it really is a lovely costume. I just love the photo, and used the blue of Kaitlyn's eyes and hair-slide to accent the layout. I then hand cut the flowers from one of the papers to create a small focal point without losing the impact of the picture.

Free give a way

2009-02-10T15:33:00.001Z

http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com/

Click on the link leave a comment and you may be in with a chance to win some fantastic goodies.

Faith Scrapbooking

2009-02-01T21:55:00.004Z

I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in The Christ Church craft group Scrapbooking day yesterday. I've been wanting to look into faith scrapping in more depth and this was an ideal opportunity for me. I had previously met up with Sue who organised the day through FSUK Fellowship, and pleased that I went along.

The day started with a simple layout as some of the ladies were new to scrapping using the theme of family or friends.

After the morning break, we then tackled our second layout, using the theme scenery or scenic. We were provided with a sketch and full instructions to follow, the idea to produce a double layout using 4 photos and 2 pieces of cardstock, this was a bit more difficult as I am used to using patterned paper on my layouts.

Following lunch, we then tackled our 3rd project this proved to be the most challenging as we had to scrap ourselves and link the provided scripture verses to our selected photos, and create a tag book , this is one that I will have to work on.
The final layout was based upon one of the Psalms, I chose Psalm 24, as I had an idea of what I was going to use

Inspiration

2009-01-23T09:04:00.005Z

comes from a lot of different sources. and during my daily/ hourly internet search, I came across Charmed Cards and Crafts and was impressed by the detail given by the design teams projects, (click on the design team link to view projects) especially those using the Basic Grey Wassail Christmas collection. I decided to try and scraplift a couple of designs by Maddy Hill.

Here is my take on the Wassail layout, as you will see I have had to adapt it to suit what stash I had.

The following pictures show my interpretation of the Calendar and Notebook desk stand, adapting it to incorporate the materials I had available. I used my Bind it All for the first time to create the holes at the top of the stand, the side holes for the ribbon were punched using my cropadile.

I am pleased with the results as I find scrap-lifting difficult as I do like to use my own ideas.

That's it for another year

2009-01-06T09:02:00.002Z

I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and Happy New Year. I spent a really lovely time with Brad, Esther and Kaity and all the family, I also enjoyed having Kaity on Friday night up until Saturday lunchtime, she is such a cutey!

The decorations are down and put away. My bedroom has been decorated at last, only the small room and utility room to go, oh and possibly the conservatory, then it will be time to tackle the garden again. In addition to which, I must start job hunting. Although I have enjoyed being home, I do miss the routine of work, and of course the company and the banter that goes with working.

I value the friendships I have with Jan, Jill and John and look forward to doing some exciting things with them all, as well as with Chris who helped install my new Cricut Expression machine just before Christmas. Also I have met with Sue another crafter who I came across on FSUK fellowship and Iwill be attending the craft session she has arranged at the end of the month. Sue will also becoming with me to the Scrapbook Sisters crop in February. I have only booked one session with them this month as I have got to watch the pennies, so I will have to be alot more selective regarding craft classes, and stash purchases. I have also registered with their forum, just to keep in touch with what is happening.

Blog candy give away

2008-12-01T21:53:00.002Z

Follow this link The Artistic Stamper you never know you may be in with a chance.

More layouts

2008-12-01T16:56:00.010Z

I designed the following layouts using my design team kit provided by Scrapbook Sisters. I tried to demonstrate, that altered scrapbook layouts work equally well with vintage and modern photos, also that you do not just have to limit yourself to using 12 x 12 as proved by the birthday canvas. The first layout of my Great Gran is my favourite, I have hidden my journalling in a mini book to the side of her picture. The wedding layout was a chance shot of the confetti being thrown and the red in the photo just gives a lift to the muted shades of the papers.

I found this quite difficult...

2008-11-25T10:07:00.003Z

Not doing the actual layouts, but using myself as the topic. I selected two self portrait photographs I took earlier in the year and have just been trying to pluck up the courage to use them. I decided to use two of the papers I had purchased from Websters Papers. I think that the papers are really beautiful... in actual fact that is the name of the range I have used. Anyway here are my layouts I hope you like them.

At last

2008-11-19T08:47:00.003Z

I've managed to photograph some of my completed layouts as I really want to start sorting out my albums and tidy up the conservatory/craft/computer room ready for Christmas, as I have plans to transform it into a ... well you will just have to wait and see.

The layouts that I'm showing here were started at my fortnightly classes at Scrapbook Sisters and use various ideas demonstrated. I hope you like them, any comments will be welcomed.

It's surprising

2008-11-09T09:24:00.019Z

Where the time goes. I can't believe how long it's been since I last updated my blog. I thought that now I'm not working, I would have more time on my hands to craft. How wrong can you be? The days go by so quickly, and yes I still get up between 7:00 & 7:30 everyday (including weekends).

I found out on Tuesday that I wasn't able to teach at the Children's university (which was scheduled yesterday), due to the fact I was misinformed regarding re employment with the same employer whom I was made redundant from, plus my CRB is no longer valid as it ceases when you leave the employer who issued it to you and it is not transferable, also if you hold one for working with adults and then work with children it still needs to be redone.

Anyway I have been making small gift boxes using a folding technique I discovered on the internet by Jane (Poppytree) Here are some of the ones I have made hope you like them.

Coffee Time

2008-09-26T14:17:00.007+01:00

As most of my work that I have showcased is of scrapbook layouts, I thought that you would like to see some of my altered art on the theme of coffee. Although I do enjoy a cup of tea, I prefer my coffee fix. The first is of my coffee house which I altered from a thimble display house, the paper used was Coffee Talk by Flair Design, I used chipboard letters, and glossy accented the pictures. For decoration I used real coffee beans which are on all the pieces. The sides roof and middle sections are altered with a combination of crackle paint and distress inks.
For my second piece I produced a coffee canvas, again I used crackle paint, this was applied after I had used Gesso on the canvas. I covered the chipboard letters with string paint, and PVA glue, I used some string netting to give some texture and again my trade mark... coffee beans.

For my final piece I created a clock. This was made from an old frame which had a dried flower arrangement inside. I carefully removed the back and drilled a hole to insert the clock mechanism after I had covered it with the coffee talk paper. I then painted the frame with Gesso, once dried I layered small pieces of the coffee talk paper over the frame and finally covered it with diluted PVA to ensure that it had stuck as well as giving it a nice glossy finish. before putting it all together I decided that I would use coffee beans for the numbers, if you look carefully you will see that I have used the right amount of beans for each number.

All three pieces are now hung on my kitchen walls.
I hope you like them.

I was a little late

2008-09-01T07:51:00.006+01:00

HO hum, there I was thinking I was organised, how wrong can you be. I'm taking part in the UK Art Raffle, I received an e-mail last week reminding me of the deadline, so there I was last week working on my piece and getting it finished in readiness to post thinking that I will make certain that it won't get damaged. So off I trot to get a small padded envelope from the local shop, when I get home my art piece fits nicely in the envelope, I double check the address and instructions-just to make sure I have it all correct, I promptly pop on a stamp and post it 2 days before the deadline. However on checking the UK Art Raffle I discover that it hasn't arrived, disappointed or what. But never mind if it does arrive it will be included in this months raffle. At least I took some photos of it to share with you.

Time and tide wait for no man

2008-08-28T14:03:00.011+01:00

Well that's my excuse anyway. It's amazing what you can do when you feel that you don't have much time, work crafting, blogging etc. Now I'm not working I find that I don't appear to have as much time as I first thought I would have, especially to scrap, but today I decided that it was about time I showcased some of my layouts. All the layouts and the mini book were completed or started either at classes or at the Shop Crops or Scrap Attacks which I attend at Scrapbook Sisters more details can be found on their web site or by clicking on the link.

First up is a layout I created of my Great Gran and Nan, I like the expression on the old ladies face, the teapot was an icon of the 60's, I tried to recreate this using a template from my stash, the tea splashes I used stamen inserts and glossy accents.

Second layout shows a picture of my Mum. She was obsessed with her crossword puzzles, and I had this crosword paper kicking around in my stash for ages, surprisingly it was quite difficult to work with. I decided to cut it down into 4 pieces to make it more manageable, I wanted to fit in words appropriate to Mum and her hobby, after 2 attempts I was successful, the rest of my journalling is around the edge.
The final of my layouts used photos taken by a friend and I thought that they went well with the paper. I tried to incorporate the circles of the paper onto the layout, and bought it together using the flourish template swirls.
My final project shows a mini book I made using a choice of papers from Scrapbook Sisters . I chose the Secret Garden range by Li'l Davis Designs as I love the colours and that they are double sided. It wasn't until I finished the book that I realised that I had used mainly Bazzill cardstock. The photos were taken at a local butterfly garden and that is a story in itself, as the publicity leaflet was misleading, the actual centre was run down and very disapointing, however I stll managed to take some some nice pictures of the butterflies. I hope you enjoy.

Picture Perfect

2008-08-10T09:35:00.006+01:00

I attended the Picture Perfect class held by Karen of Scrapbook Sisters. We decorated a 12 x 12 Creative imaginations picture frame, using papers and cardstock of our choice. I selected from the Bluebell and Daisy from the Botanical range by Fancy Pants, making use of both sides. I really enjoyed this class as it gave me an opportunity to use the Woodware embossing punches to create the flowers, in addition the project itself allows plenty of scope to be creative. I hope you like my finished frame.

Acrylic tag book

2008-07-17T07:33:00.007+01:00

Wow two posts in one day, can't be bad. I just had to show this acrylic tag book, which I started at a class on Saturday at Scrapbook Sisters I decided to make it into a gift for a friend who was getting married in the afternoon. As I wasn't able to go, I gave her the book yesterday, ready for her to put in her own photos.

Litlte Houses Swap

2008-07-17T07:09:00.004+01:00

I was thrilled to find a package on my door mat, I realised before I opened it that it was the houses sent in return for my participation in the swap, http://www.ryan-kesler.com/swaps/littleboxes/ which I signed up for a few weeks ago. They are really clever pieces of work. Thanks to all who contributed. Here they are ready to be displayed, I hope that you like them as much as I do.

Finished at last

2008-07-09T07:57:00.014+01:00

I've been working on a wedding card for a friend, I started it at the Scrapbook Siste r s shop crop on Saturday, and have at last completed the finishing touches over the weekend. This morning I photographed it but I am a little disappointed with the quality of some of the pictures. Anyway here are the finished results.

Time flies when you're having fun

2008-07-06T13:31:00.010+01:00

Every Saturday morning throughout June, I was working with ten year 5 & 6 girls who chose to take part in the mini-book and scrap-booking sessions which I was running for the Children's University. Below you will some examples of their work. All the paper was from Scrapbook Siste r s

Little Houses Swop

2008-06-25T06:36:00.004+01:00

I've just heard that my houses have arrived with the swop host. So I feel fairly confident enough to show case them here. I really enjoyed taking part in this 1st swop and hope to participate in many more. If you follow the link http://www.ryan-kesler.com/swaps/littleboxes/ you can view the work of other entries.

Craft show

2008-06-23T07:51:00.002+01:00

I went to the craft show at the Hilton Hotel Maidstone yesterday. The turn out appeared disapointing, maybe due to the lack of publicity, however it was nice meeting up with some fellow crafters from Scrapbook Sisters. I was very impressed with the Scrapshed stand, Julie was great fun and I spent most of my time and money with her. Afterwards I met up with Natalie and Gayle at Notcutts for a coffee and you guessed it, a browse around the craft shop there. A really enjoyable day even though I came home with lots of goodies, and a smaller bank balance.

It's been a little while

2008-06-19T22:27:00.011+01:00

I've not blogged for a while, but thought that I would share 2 layouts that I have completed using some of the photos taken at Kaitlyn's 2nd birthday party on Saturday.

Paper Sculpting

2008-06-07T18:42:00.003+01:00

I've been playing around with Bazzill card stock and my first paper
sculpture which I thought I would share with you.

Little House Swop

2008-06-03T19:17:00.008+01:00

After seeing the challenge Little Houses on the Hillside
http://www.ryan-kesler.com/swaps/littleboxes/
I decided to take part, as this is my first time I have been feeling a little nervous to say the least.
I have posted a few for you to look at. I hope you like them.

Introduction to Blogging Community

2008-05-26T07:50:00.000+01:00

At last I have decided to enter the world of blogging, not only to bring myself into the 21st Century, but to show and record some of the scrapbook layouts and altered art pieces I have created.