Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you.

We've been busy preparing for Christmas these past few weeks.
Watching movies, baking, visiting friends and family.

 

Louis and I made candy cane bark for the first time.

And I've continued to craft and work through December this year. Usually both dry up this month.

I'm about to finish work for the day in a minute, once my last order before Christmas is packed up and then the post office trip is done and I can become Mum again and start the many jobs that a Mum needs to do on Christmas Eve.

I hope you have fun with your family and friends.
Happy Christmas xxx 

Captured

Hello.

So, today 21.12.12
Will it or won't it???

Louis has been in a panic for months.
He's a worrier at the best of times.
We've been counting down the days left at school whilst he's been counting down the days til the world ends.
He didn't want to sleep last night as he was scared, but was straight out : )
Poor thing.

I have a DT LO to share today that I made for the Scrap365 January sketch challenge.
The challenge has gone live today and runs until January 17th.
Here is my LO.

I've used some fun October Afternoon 'Modway' papers on this LO. The arrows were all cut out from one of the papers. The metallic mists are from Maya Road.

I love the kids faces on this photo. It was a ride photo taken at Magic Kingdom on the Toy Story ride. It captured them so well : )
Louis ended with 603'800 points whilst Hollie had just 7700. The camera captured her looking over at his score whilst he was laughing at her. What perfect timing!!

And I've used bits and pieces from some previous Cocoa Daisy kits.
And I love that large 'Today' journal stamp from CD too. I've had so much use from that. It's great to have a journal stamp that actually has a decent amount of space to journal in.

Please pop over to the Scrap365 sketch blog to see the sketch here and see what the rest of the team did with the sketch.
The challenge is being sponsered this month by :  http://www.indigoblu.com/

The kids are finishing school at 1pm today, so Ade and I are going to wrap the last few bits. The Waitrose shop has just been done. So all grocery shopping now finished. I cleaned the frdige out before unpacking, so I think we are more or less sorted.
We are taking the kids to see Nativity 2 after school : )
We always like to see a Christmas movie at the cinema.

I hope you are feeling festive.
And good luck with the whole 21.12.12 thing **cheeky grin**

xxx

A sneak into 2013

Hello.
I'm sitting here and tired and looking forward to bedtime already.
We went to see Mumford and Sons last night.
They were amazing.
We are quite fortunate in that we get to see quite alot of bands, these were at the top with the best.
It felt like a proper raw gig. Nothing fancy, just in their words '4 dudes that love to play music'.
The stage was covered in different instruments, stuff everywhere.

We then took a longer drive home through London.
The lights were so pretty : )
Finally got to bed after 2am.
A lovely evening.

Anway. I have some sneaks to share today.
Wanna see??

 

Please meet the first Cocoa Daisy kit of 2013.

Pemberley

Mr Darcy addon

Elizabeth addon

Netherfield addon

And the Stamps.

I'm loving the look of this kit and can't wait to get my hands on it. The US girls have their's already so mine is due anytime : )

Must go now.

Have a great day xxx 

Every Little Helps

Hello,

I hope you are well and enjoying the build up to Christmas.
The kids are getting very excited.
Louis has the whole 'end of the world' thing going on his head right now. He sat at the breakfast table on Monday and I was thinking just 4 more days to go until they finish school for the year. So I said to him, ''Louis, just 4 more days to go''. All smiley and happy. He replied ''what til the world ends???''.
He then later asked me what would I do if I really knew for sure that the world was ending at the end of the week. I aksed him what would he do. He said '' open all the doors of my advent calendar''. That's a 10yr old boy for you I guess : )

I don't have too much else to share today. Well I do, but I'm having pc problems again : (
And I can't sort my photos right now. Ade has it in hand though and I should hopefully be up and running properly again later. It wasn't as simple to fix as he first thought. It never is!!

I did want to share this though that I found on my friend Julie's blog today.
After the awful news on Friday I think it's left everyone so stunned and wanting to hold on even tighter to our babies. Your heart goes out to all those families so far away and yet there's nothing you can do.
Amber Kemp-Gerstel, a scrapbooker and a child psychologist has come up with a wonderful idea to help those poor children that have experienced things no child should have to go through.
Take a look at her blog and have a read for yourself here.
I think it's such a great idea.

Lisa xxx

Good Ol' Gesso

Gesso is one of those products that I just can't be without anymore.
It's a must for me.
I use it on it's own as a base or I mix it with other products too such as paints or sprinkle over some glitter. It's so fun and versatile.
I get asked so often during classes what I use it for.
Here's a couple of projects that I've used it on. 

Here is an older LO that I made for the Craft Stamper Magazine last year.

Papers:Fancy Pants Designs - Summers End

I loved the old wall that Hollie was stood up against. It's like an old tunnel at the Royal Virgina Gardens. It was a fun afternoon with Dad and my sister and her family. We got a bit lost, the little boys needed a wee ( and a #2) and there was no toilet in sight. Not like you can just let them go behind the bushes eh!! It's funny the things you remember : )

I wanted to bring out the old brick wall and had a really good Cocoa Daisy Wall Stamp. I laid on some gesso for my background and added some molding paste too. I used a little orange ink on the brick wall stamp and pressed it in to the gesso and paste to get this great effect. I splashed a little gesso around too.

I also altered this old table last year.
I bought it from a thrifty store. It was dark brown and rather boring. 

 Ade was always complaining that we needed a coffee table, but I didn't want one stuck in the middle of the room. So this seemed like the perfect idea. It's small enough to pop around the side of the sofa, but he pulls it out when we have a coffee.

I cleaned and sanded it down a little and then covered it in old book pages and painted over with gesso once dry. I hand cut a big heart and misted over and typed up these words to add. I covered it in modge podge and it was finished. I have to say I'm so pleased with it. It fits in with our lounge room perfectly and over a year later still looks as good.

I also added some Bakers Twine to the table legs and used gesso over the top.

It makes a great primer. I always use it on canvases before I start painting. I also enjoy adding it to patterned papers if they are really busy. It tones them down a little.
 There are lots of different types to buy.
Just experiment and have fun.
That's what this is all about eh?!!
  
xxx

Quickie Cards

Hello,

I've been making some quick Christmas Cards.
I don't send out many but like to try and make the ones I do.
Each year I come up with a simple design.
This year I've used the October Cocoa Daisy Tree Stamp. I ran the card blanks through the printer and printed off my favourite quote from my favourite Christmas movie Elf.

Added some stickles to finish and they are done!!
For the Countdown to Christmas - Week 2 at Cocoa Daisy, we are sharing home made Christmas Cards if you want to come and see here.


It's been a lovely weekend here. Busy but lovely.
Some movie watching, some game playing, lots of cooking and baking, friends to visit Saturday evening and we also got Hollie a  new big desk for her room.
I feel so tired today and woke with no voice.
Not good!!

I need to finish a LO now.
See you soon xxx

She's Easy to Please - My Minds Eye

Good Morning To You!!!
I have a little My Minds Eye to share with you today.
My Minds Eye are one of my faves and have been for a long time. I just find their products so easy to use. Their December challenge is to scrap a wish list.
Hollie's wish list instantly came to mind when I read this as it's such a funny one.
A laundry Bin and Blu Tack.

 

 You might think that the list is easy, but it makes it such hard work. She never really asks for anything. Louis is very precise with what he wants, such detailed lists : ) But not Hollie.

We just always hope that we get it right each year.

I've used a good ol' mish mash of MME products and collections here.

The beautiful papers from 'The Sweetest Thing' that were in my Dec Cocoa Daisy Kit.

I included the trimming from the edge of the paper that shows the collection name. 'the sweetest thing'.

I've added a little '12 Days of Christmas' here and there. The 3d stickers on this photos with some flat backed gems from the same range and brads too.

A little 'Lime Twist' journal tag and some MME twine there too.

Plus some pretty vellum that I added under the paper layers, a Cocoa Daisy Date Tab Stamp, 

Some Maya Road Rubon Butterflies and I also used a Maya White Mist. It's the first time I've used it and it gets the big thumbs up : )

My sweet girl.

Yesterday morning we had a nice surprise.

It snowed!!

We walked to school in it but then the sun came out and it was gone again.

And yes Hollie does own a coat, several infact. Getting her to wear them these days though is a whole new story **rolls eyes**. I've decided it's another battle I'm choosing not to pick.

Work for me again today.

I have some lovely big orders to work on that I shall take in to the family room, sit on the floor with a latte (or 2) and watch Christmas Movies. Gotta love working from home.

I also want to work on some SCRAP365 magazine stuff too.

Happy!!!!

Hope you have a good day too xxx

Christmas Extravaganza at Sparkle Dreams

Hiya,

We are having a Christmas Extravaganza day at Sparkle Dreams in Swindon on Saturday 15th December from 11am-3pm.

There will be demos all day along with makes and takes and big offers on too plus mince pies & cupcakes : )

I will playing with Mixed Media supplies all day and also have a little taster class if you fancy giving it a go at 12.30pm. We will be making teeny canvases like this. (the easel comes with the canvas)

It's just £5 per head for the mini workshop and that includes all your materials and you'll have a mini piece of art to take away with you. The class will last about 30mins.
And you don't have to make a Christmas canvas. There will be examples with a little house and a heart too or you can just do your own thing : )

Solance and Sandie will also be there demo-ing scrapbooking and using Tim Holtz distressing techniques if you fancy stopping by.

Free refreshments all day, all ages welcome, beginners or advanced.

See here for details.
My mini workshop does need to be booked pleased as we are limited with numbers so please call up Sparkle Dreams to make your booking.
 01793 855472 

Thanks : )
xxx

Hello Friend - Cocoa Daisy Sketch

Hiya : )

I hope you are having a good week so far.

Today I have the latest Cocoa Daisy Sketch challenge for you.The challenge runs until 18th December. You can see the full details here if you fancy playing along.
Here you go.

And here's my sample LO to go with it.

I used this months CD kit. I love these happy colours and the 'Simple Stories' stickers and papers are so fun to scrap with.

 

I used this photo that I took of us whilst at Magic Kingdom on the Jungle Cruise ride. It was such a boiling hot day. 

This LO is about Ade working from home now and the fact that we are spending practically 24hrs together at home. (I also work from home).
It's made me realise what great friends we are that we can make this work. It is hard at times and we've needed to adjust in certain areas, but it is working and the majority of the time I'm loving having him home.

Don't forget to play along with us at Cocoa Daisy. I'd love to see your LO's : )

Thanks for stopping by today xxx

Papermaze Christmas Blog Hop

Hi and Welcome to the Papermaze Blog Hop.

I'm not a Christmas Scrapper.

I get chance to scrap most days, but I just don't enjoy Christmas Scrapping. 

I've given up with all the Christmas Journals. I just can't keep them up and then feel let down after when I have another half made/completed journal. So last year I found a way of having a teeny Christmas Mini and not feeling the pressure to keep it up throughout Christmas. So this year I've made the same kind of Teeny Mini and feel so much happier. 

Here it is:

I've used the Jillibean  Christmas Eve Chowder - Bite Sized Bits. I've cut them all up and used them as my pages.

I've decorated with the matching Jillibean Soup Die Cuts.

And also these matching Stickers.

Once all the cards were stuck back to back and inked, I holed them in the correct order and added a book ring.

I used some ribbon from my odds and ends jar and a little glitter here and there and the mini book is now done.

I will now add a little journaling throughout the month and a few photos.

Easy Peasey!!

If you are playing along with the Papermaze bloghop here is the list for you to hop through.

Papermaze blog - http://scrappaperscissors.blogspot.co.uk/

Wendy - http://wendymckee.blogspot.co.uk/

Carol - http://www.kraftypieces.blogspot.co.uk/

Karen - http://apapergallery.blogspot.co.uk/

Lisa - http://scrappyfairies.blogspot.co.uk/

Lou - http://prettypaperandchipboard.blogspot.co.uk/

Anna - http://mycreations-anna.blogspot.co.uk/

Back to Papermaze again - http://scrappaperscissors.blogspot.co.uk/

  

 You will need to leave a comment on each blog as you hop through.

There will be one lucky winner picked at random at the end and they will receive this lovely kit of Christmas Goodies.

Seeing as it's almost Christmas and it's been a while since I've offered some blog candy, please become a follower here if you aren't already and I will also pick at random one person and will post out some goodies too : )

I'm thinking stamps, pretty things and a little chocolate too. It is Christmas after all. 

 Thanks so much for playing along with us.

Please visit Lou next:

Lou - http://prettypaperandchipboard.blogspot.co.uk/

xxx

Sweet Memories : )

This is one of those layouts that makes me go goose bumpy. Such a Happy Day.
We ummed and arrrrd about going to the Mickeys Not so scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and I so glad we went. It was the best day ever.

 

We all dressed up and collected candy, went on rides, danced with Chip and Dale, watched Fireworks and Parades and had so so much fun.

This is another LO using my December Cocoa Daisy Kit.
I love these whimsy colours.
I used mostly the 'How You've been' addon on this page.

The Pebbles Alpha Stickers come with the main kit and look great with the edge that I doddled. Helped them to stand out a little more.

 
And I cut some really thin strips of MME PP to create the bows.

Happy Happy Days : )

This Cocoa Daisy Kit has been my absolute fave I think.
I just got that one addon and I've now made 6 LO's, a canvas and a card.
Not bad!!
It's on sale today and there are still a few left. Take a peek at how delish it is here.
The addons have sold out fast but a couple are still available.

Off out in the cold for Louis' footy match now followed by a trip to the garden centre to see the reindeer and we are starting our Christmas Movie Marathon today watching The Grinch.
We are definitely Christmas Movie Nerds......I feel another mini book coming on.

Happy December 1st to you.
Big Hugs xxx

Hello...my name is...

Good Morning,

I hope it's not too cold where you are.

I so struggled to get out of bed this morning as it was so cold and my bed was so cozy.

I have a couple of Cocoa Daisy layouts today.

This kit is just the best. 

It goes on sale tomorrow (1st) The addons went super fast during the reveal to the subbers, so if you can get your hands on a kit tomorrow, I highly recommend. (here's the link)

 

We met Mario whilst in Orlando at Seaworld.

We wanted to do some different things this time and we booked this behind the scenes tour.

It was amazing and so so much fun. It was a small group of 15. A great tour and we got to touch a shark and this little fellow too who was super friendly and very very vocal : )

The Thickers come with the addon 'How've you been'. They were brown, so I sanded them down covered them in this Prima Chalk Ink and then added Glossy Accents. The Prima Inks are very juicy and coat really well.

I needed to add a little more red to my page so added some hand stitching.

Happy Memories : )

The next one was using 'Simple Stories' from the Kit. I love their stuff!! 

 

 

An everyday page this time about how I plan our weekly menu. This is this weeks.

 

 

And the little wired house again. Love that!! I used Glossy Accents to stick it on with this time.

And using my new EKSucess Border punch that I bought in the US.

So so much cheaper than in the UK and with 40% off. I do love a bargain!!

And leaving you today with my delicious Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup.
nom nom nom

Have a great day and stay warm xxx

Home Sweet Home with Cocoa Daisy

Good Morning,

It's a lovely winters morning here. Bright and sunny and Ade had to de-ice the car before taking the kids to school. (Making the most out of him working from home now*smile*)

The Cocoa Daisy Reveal was last night. There was a real buzz about this kit. We had some fab exclusive stamps and some really fun colours and bits and pieces.

I thought I'd share my canvas first that I made yesterday. Remember those messy fingers? They are actually still stained green. Well this was the cause of theme.

A little 15x15cm canvas.
The main kit comes with some little wired house clips which gave me this idea. I based it upon the brightly coloured October Afternoon papers in the kit and used the 'hello' sticker from 'Simple Stories'.

I used some Maya Mists and ran some Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam from the top.
It's now on the hall way wall as you enter through the front door.
Love those friendly colours.

I mentioned the little wire clips. I used one for this little card.

We have new neighbours over the road, so I shall pop this through their door later.
Isn't the wire clip adorable? I used it with a 'Simple Stories' journal card.

Can you tell how much I love this kit???   : )
Lots of deadlines to get done by the end of the month, so I'm ready to make a start now.

Have a sunny and bright day xxx

More Cocoa Daisy Sneaks with Painty Fingers

I'm sat here typing with hands covered in inks, paints, paste and glitter.
I've been having fun today : )

Tonight is the December reveal at Cocoa Daisy!!!
It kicks off at 9pm EST.
Christine has some exciting new sneaks on the blog today. You can see here.
I love seeing what the other girls have done with their kits.

We are talking about the reveal on the MB here today.
And lastly from me a final sneak at what I've been up to today.

With my messy fingers : )

Don't forget to check out the reveal tonight and join in with the fun here.

Lisa xxx

Hello Mr Sneaky!! - Cocoa Daisy

I have just finished uploading my Cocoa Daisy gallery for tomorrows reveal.
I am absolutely loving this months kit.
4 LO's and a card so far and I still have so many more ideas.

Come and join us tomorrow at Cocoa Daisy for the reveal.

Here are my sneaks in the meantime.

 

See you tomorrow.

Live in the Moment Journal

Good Morning,

It's a quick one form me today.
I've had the most fun weekend away with some lovely ladies in Paris.
I have some fab stories to tell in my upcoming scrapbooking pages : )

Today though I have my most recent mini album to share. I displayed some photos before I taught the class in Swindon but some of the ladies have asked if I could share all the pages here, so here you go.

The Mixed Media Mini Album
Cover

And a close up. The heart is made using glossy accents, beads, paints and stickles.

The opening page using up old thickers

.

I chose to document our wedding in Florida.

I decided to add all the stories and journaling after it was made.
I used vellum to make a small pocket.

I may actually add a couple more pages to include our meal at Seaworld after. I changed into a long aqua coloured dress and we all had dinner at the Underwater Shark Grill. So much fun : )

Thanks for popping by today.
I hope you also had a fun weekend xxx