Artfull Scrapbooking

Taking a Risk

2012-01-28T14:08:00.006Z

I've been enjoying my Cocoa Daisy January kit this week.
I love the happy colours in this kit.

Denise has set a challenge which you can see here.
It's a Pinterest challenge.
Denise took inspiration from a LO and also provided a quote:

''It is a risk to love.
What if it doesn't work out?
Ah, but what if it does.'' - Peter McWilliams

Here's my take:
(click to enlarge)

I knew instantly when I read that quote that I was going to join in.
It really meant something to me.
Without going into boring detail, Ade and I didn't exactly get together under normal cicumstances. It was very difficult. I never would have thought when these photos were taken during our first couple of months that almost 7yrs down the road where we are now that we would be together, married for almost 5yrs and so happy together.
I moan about him loads but I am so lucky to have found my soulmate.
There's not a day that goes past when I don't feel appreciative of him. And every morning I feel happy waking up next to him.
We took one huge risk back then ......and it worked : )

Fancy playing along?
You have until Jan31st.
A $10 CD voucher is up for grabs.

Enjoy the weekend xxx

Papermaze Update

2012-01-26T09:50:00.002Z

After the fire last year Papermaze is now getting restocked and ready to trade again.
Take a look at the recent update here.
There is still some old stock to sell off. 65% off.
Take a look here.

Here are some of my fave creations made whilst being with Papermaze

It's Louis' 10th birthday today : )
My big boy.

xxx

Cookie Monster Cupcakes

2012-01-24T16:05:00.002Z

It's Louis's 10th birthday on Thursday.
Scary how fast 10years has flown by.
We had a Laser Quest party for him on Sunday and I made a load of these little monsters for his friends to take home.
They were so much fun to make.

I got the idea from Pinterest.
And then ended up finding this you tube vid here.

I used choccie cake for the base and butter frosting for the top.
Yum!!!
They came out so much better than I expected : )

xxx

Togetherness

2012-01-23T09:05:00.002Z

I hope you enjoyed your weekend.

My next GD layout is up at Skissedilla along with their fab new sketch.

I used my Cocoa Daisy Jan kit for this page.
Unfortunately I didn't get to create with the team for this month as my kit took 6 weeks to come!! So it arrived last week and this was the first thing I created.
(and then Febs kit came the day after)
Click to enlarge

It's all about how we loved having the kids at our wedding and how our wedding was about the four of us not just Ade and I.

Fancy playing along with Skissedilla, visit here.

Have a lovely Monday xxx

There's No Such Thing As Luck!!

2012-01-20T10:05:00.002Z

I've had stuff this week that I've wanted to blog and share but this week has just been a whirlwind.
Work has gone crazy and I mean crazy.
For those of you that don't know I have a wedding business that I run from home.
Funky Fairies
I started the business back in 2003. The last couple of years have been quieter and at times I felt quite defeated. Money became tighter, I cut back and had no one working for me, but I didn't give in. I've worked hard, pushed myself, revamped the website, come up with new ideas, pushed my scrapbooking and teaching too and now I'm busy again just like I was back in the earlier days. January this year feels like it should be summer with my volume of work I have.
I'm so relieved.

I have found though that over the years I'm not taken seriously with what I do.
As I always do the school run and seem a very organised and bubbly person I think people see me as having a little hobby where I earn a few extra pennies.
What they don't see is my alarm set for 4.30/5am daily (sometimes earlier during peek summer) working 7 days a week until 10/11pm rushing to take kids to school, throwing ingredients in the crock pot when I get in at 8.30am so dinner is sorted for that night, grabbing kids from school at 3pm to come back and start again, stopping for dinner and starting again once the kids are sorted for bed and working all evening and weekend too.
(With all the mini breakdowns in between as I'm tired, stressed, frustrated as upstairs is untidy as I live with 3 messy people and feel sometimes like I run a oneman show.....only Ade and the Kids have the pleasure of experiencing this *smile*)

And then over the years I have heard this said so many times ''That I am lucky''.
Lucky because I work hours to suit, lucky because I haven't had to worry about child care, lucky because I've never needed to miss a school event, sports day etc due to work, lucky when I bought my brand new convertable a few years back, lucky when we've had lovely holidays to nice places.

Luck doesn't come into it though. It's all down to hard work. Hard work and determination.
This is something I feel real strong about and try and drum into our kids.
You get nowhere by sitting still doing nothing. You have to work at it to achieve.
That's where the inspiration came for this recent canvas I made.
It's hung in the kitchen to remind us all.

DREAMS DON'T WORK UNLESS YOU DO
(click to enlarge)

And on that note I shall get back to work : )
Have a fabby weekend.
Lots of love xxx

I Heart You

2012-01-16T09:15:00.003Z

I hope you are keeping warm.
It's a cold one out there today.

My next Guest Designer LO is up at : skissedilla
It's a really simple sketch this week. Take a look and see how the team rocked the sketch though.
Seeing as my beloved Sketchy Thursdays is no more, I think I shall be hanging out here for sketchy inspiration from now on.
Here's my LO.
(click to enlarge)
I'm quited pleased with this now. For a while though it sat on my desk really not feeling the love. I started it before Christmas and it just lay there for quite a while. Then when Steph was over on Thursday and my mojo got kick started I finished it off with lots of colour and I like it now.

I planned to get creative over the weekend.
Pinterest was as creative as it got.
I'm so in to work right now and enjoying it so much.
I'm coming up with some new stationery designs and just feeling so energised and full of new ideas.

I have a class planned locally in Fleet on the 4th Feb, Saturday at a crop if you are local and fancy coming along.
It's a LO class with some fun techniques and a couple of handmade embellishments.
Drop me an email at lisa@funkyfairies.co.uk if you would like me to book you a space at the crop.
It's a fairly small group of crafty ladies. Lots of chat, cake and coffee : )

Thanks for stopping by today xxx

Weekly Organiser

2012-01-14T11:19:00.002Z

A while ago I saw this idea on Pinterest it really caught my eye. It was a black frame of little frames that had been decorated.
I loved the idea of creating that into a weekly organiser for us.

So when LESSOLOGY gave us the challenge of creating an inspiration board I thought this was the perfect start.
I've been inspired by some of my favourite papers from MME - Lost and Found.
I love these papers and the glittery accents added.

I bought this frame and have turned it into our weekly organiser.
A wipeable pen works perfect on the glass.

I've added some extra chipboard pieces on top of the glass.

Love the glitter!!

This will also double up as a reward chart, keeping tally of the pocket money earnt by the kids.
(or maybe haven't earnt, but could have earnt!!)

I plan to keep note of activities planned each week along with the chores expected of the kids.
It's sat in the kitchen still waiting for Ade to hang it on the kitchen door.
I don't think blue tack will work on this one.

Take a look here to see what the other LESSology girls made.
This weeks prize is sponsored by Whiskers Graphics who are sending out bakers twine to the winner.
Add your inspiration boards here to play along.

Happy Weekend xxx

Sad News and a 'Best of'

2012-01-12T20:37:00.003Z

I'm really sad about this.
I started joining in with Sketchy Thursdays back in the early days.
The sketches captured me straight away. They really inspired me.
I made an effort to join in and after a while got picked for the DT.
That was back in 2010.
I've been asked to stay on each term and have loved every month with this team.
I condsider Diana, Heidi, Julie and also Tessa to be friends.
Sadly it's time for Sketchy Thursdays to come to an end.
This is our last week.
Read more on the blog here and come and join us for our last week.

I used this weeks sketch to make a tribute to our Christmas Tree. Is it sad ti say that I really fell in love with our's this year?
For the first year ever I wasn't ready to take her down. She went up earlier than usual and came down later than usual. The needles still weren't falling when she came down. She was the perfect height, shape and size.

And here's the sketch.

I'm so grateful to Diana and Heidi for keeping me for so long on the team.
Thank you girls.
I have to say that some of my most favourite LO's ever have been made whilst on this team using the sketches as inspiration.

Here are some of them.

Happy days xxx

Bags, Tags and a LO

2012-01-11T12:29:00.003Z

Hello!!!

A quickie from me today.
I'm having a crazy start to the year one way or another.
I haven't had too much chance to get creative unfortunately.
I did make this though last year for Scrap365.

Using the pretty Summers End papers and chipboard embellishments from Fancy Pants.
I love these colours and adore using kraft. The bag is a starbucks bag that's been tarted up. I always keep them, they make great gift bags.

Take a look at the SCRAP365 blog. There's a great post today about things to scrap in January.

This weeks sketch is up at Skissedila.
Here is my LO.

I'm just about to head off to the postie now.
I'm relieved of the break from my desk. My left elbow kills again.
I spend far too long sitting here.

Thanks for stopping by today xxx

Guest Designing for....

2012-01-04T16:22:00.004Z

SKISSEDILLA

this month.

I was so pleased when Brit contacted me and asked me to be the Guest Designer for them during January.
These ladies are amazingly talented.
They layer, they paint, the mist and use colour with such style.
I love their work and their blog.
Take a look for yourself here.

Your can see this weeks sketch here.
Here is my take.

Thank you for having me Skissedilla.

First day back at work for me today.
It's felt rather chilled. Nice having the house back to myself again.
Although the pc is giving me jip and keeps crashing. Boo!!
Now off to give Louis a hand with his room.
It's needs a Danger sign outside at the moment.

xxx

Hapy New Year and a BIG Shout Out

2012-01-03T16:19:00.002Z

Happy New Year!!!

How the time flies.
Welcome 2012.

We've had ups and downs already this year.
I'm now concentrating on the UPS.

I've just popped in quick to show you this.

In case you haven't heard, my dear friend Ronda has a book coming out in March.
I'm so so excited for her. The book looks amazing.
Ronda is one of the sweetest most talented artists I know.
Take a look at Ronda's blog here and see some sneaks of her new book
Art of Layers.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy : )

xxx

A Colourful 2011

2011-12-28T12:00:00.004Z

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas.
I love the lead up to it. It's my favourite part.
Then it's all over with a blink of an eye.
I'm ready to clean up now and tidy ready for 2012.
I feel charged and full of inpsiration and ideas today.

Looking back over 2011, it's been a colourful year.
Funnily enough all my favourite layouts have been bursting with colour too.
See what I mean...
(click piccies to enlarge)

I love the story of this one.

I'm now ready for whatever 2012 has instore for us : )
Lots of love xxx

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T20:52:00.004Z

Hello and Happy Christmas Eve Eve,
I've just tucked a very excited Louis into bed who pre-warned me that he would struggle to sleep tonight. I wonder how many visits I will get this evening???

It's been crazy busy since I last blogged (I'm sure the same for everyone else)
I'm still working. The joy of working for myself and from home though means that I don't miss out on family stuff, I just get up earlier and they have to put up with me working in the family room when we watch movies or like today I work in the car.
At least I am there though.
I do feel very organised this year though. It's a nice feeling but rather odd. With having the kids and Ade at home this week I've just felt like we've been waiting for Christmas.

This is the first Christmas that I've still wanted to scrap. Usually the mojo goes on holiday, but not this year, the crafty fingers keep getting that twitch.
I've been doing little challenges over at Cocoa Daisy all month. Take a look here.
The deadline is Dec 30th 10pm EST if you still want to join in over Christmas.
Here are some of the things I have made.

I also wanted to tell you about some of my upcoming classes for 2012.

Saturday 4th Feb I am teaching at the crop in Fleet, Hampshire. I will have more details after the New Year.

Saturday Feb 18th I will be teaching at Sparkle Dreams in Swindon.
We will be getting messy fingders and creating a canvas together.

AND...
I'm also really excited as I will be teaching at a weekend retreat in Swindon on the 22nd Sept 2012. The weekend retreat runs from 21st-23rd Sept and is being organised by Paper Arts. You can read here for more details if you are interested in coming along.

2012...bring it on....

So on that note I shall sign off.
I would like to think that I will stop by tomorrow but I know that probably won;t happen. I have work planned first thing, we are meeting with friends for a walk up the common at 10am followed by coffee and cakes. A date with Elf the movie at some point and our family tradition of yummy baked ham for dinner. Plus all the other fun things that we all do. I love Christmas Eve.

Great!! Ade's just informed me that Hollie has just started painting her finger nails. At bloody 9.15pm!!!! I went up 15mins ago to say lights out. Why???!!!
Better go have a word.

So Happy Christmas to you all my very lovely crafty friends.
I hope you all have a good one and enjoy the holidays.
I hope Santa comes and brings you crafty gifts : )

See you soon.
Big Christmas hugs
Lisa xxx

Spooky

2011-12-16T11:03:00.003Z

We had snow today!!!
All for about 10mins, but we had snow : )

I feel so organised for Christmas this year. It feels so nice.
I love being organised. I hate last minute stress.
I had some lovely projects to work on this week for scrap365 mag.
The subbers should have received their's this week.
I hope you will love it : )
Some lovely projects in there again this month.
I especially love Anna's project. She's so clever and inspirational.

Nothing scrappy to show from this week as it's all dt stuff, but I do have this spooky page that I made back in October.

I was given a Halloween kit from the Sparkle Dreams Scrappy Store.
I made up this LO and put a 'how to' instruction page to go with it.

The supplies are from Authentique and just lovely to use. The paper is such great quality.
It's one of those collections that eventhough it's a Halloween range, it can so easily be used for other projects too.

Well, the kids finish this lunch time.
We've booked the cinema as a surprise to go and see Arthur Christmas.
I love feeling so Christmassy : )

Have a lovely weekend.
Lots of love xxx

What Every Girl Needs in January

2011-12-15T10:51:00.003Z

Have you seen the sneaks from the Cocoa Daisy January Kit?
Tea and Cupcakes

Aren't they just devine?
I can't wait to get my hands on this kit.
The US DT girls are all receiving their's now so hopefully (Christmas post permitting) mine will arrive next week. I hope it comes before Christmas.

I'll keep you posted when we have the reveal and when you can get your hands on a kit.

Isn't it a good feeling to get some colour during January?!!
Something we all need
xxx

Art Journal

2011-12-14T08:02:00.005Z

Bbbbbbrrrrrrrr
It's a bit chilly today.
Gloves, hat and scarf definitely required.

I made a special art journal for a special friends' 40th last month.
I just couldn't decide what to send her. She lives in Australia now so it needed to be something that posted well and I came up with this.

An art journal, but I've added lots of journaling prompts based upon her now as 40yrs. Things she likes and every day stuff for her to fill out. And there's pages for photos to be added too.

Most of the pages have been made from old book pages, misted, modge podged and made pretty. I've used some journal tags and cards too inbetween and lots of bling and sparkle.

Another busy day. But good busy : )
I love this time of year xxx

Deck the Halls

2011-12-12T10:50:00.004Z

Yesterday we decked the halls with Michael Buble playing in the background.
I get very excited by this event every year. It needs to be perfect.
I baked mince pies before we started (fruit pies for the kids using my friend Chris' homemade apple and blueberry jam) so we had them warm whilst decorating.

Louis still loves the playmobil nativity set. He's in charge of this every year. He sets it up infront of the fireplace. We needed some new fabric for baby Jesus manger this year and he added gifts too.
It's now feeling very Christmassy and cozy at home : )

I've been making lots lately and feel much more organised than usual.
I have lots of homemade gifts ready to go.
Personalised jute shopping bags, funky tea towels. Canvases, mini books and some other stuff.

I made this for someone recently and forgot to share here.
I used the Baby Mine collection from Fancy Pants.
When I received it all earlier this year I didn't think I would use much of it as the kids are older now, but I've almost finished the whole lot now.
It's so easy to use.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Hope you had a good weekend x

It's a Sketchy Thursday

2011-12-08T16:58:00.002Z

After taking some time over Thanks Giving Sketchy Thursdays are back again.

Here's my take on this weeks sketch.

Using pretty Oct 31 papers from Fancy Pants along with some Sassafras. Pretty colours.
The photos are abit naff, but they tell a story of how Hollie is so self consious when she has her glasses on. Poor baby.
I've used some Crafter Workshop templates for my misting along with some Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists and some Glimmer Glam.

And here's this weeks sketch.
If you fancy playing along with us, come and join is here.
We are sponsored by ILOVEITALL this week. Who have kindly given a $20 voucher to the winner.

Off to fix dinner now.
Enjoy your evening and thanks for stopping by xxx

Desk Calender and Crimbo Cards

2011-12-07T13:19:00.004Z

Another flying visit I'm afraid.
It's that time of year isn't it?! So much going on.
I'm feeling pretty organised for Christmas though.

I made this little desk calender for my Dad to send so the US.

I used thick card to back it with so it stands neatly on it's own.

I love the pom pom trimming from Fancy Pants.

I've used up various Fancy Pants scraps to make this.
So each page is completely different which I love as the project is so colourful.

As the papers are double sided there's no covering up to do and I've made some little notes for Dad on the back of each page.

Full details with instructions and supplies list are on the Fancy Pants blog here.

I've been doing a '12 techniques of Christmas' over at Cocoa Daisy.
Every other day we use a new technique to make something Christmassy.
Here are some cards I made using the 'faux stitching' tecnique.

You can see the challenges here at Cocoa Daisy.
There will be a new one later today.

So Christmas preps are in fully swing in this house.
We got our tree yesterday which is soaking in water until she goes up at the weekend.
Shopping is almost done. Ade and I saved some bits to get on Friday when we have a day shopping in Basingstoke.
It's all so exciting.

I did find this fab little crafty shop on Ebay recently.
Take a look here.
I treated myself to some nice bits. Prices are fab!! I will never buy embroidery thread elsewhere from now on.
And the seller is super sweet too when I've emailed.

Does anyone else end up treating themselves when Christmas shopping?

We are going to watch Hollie in her drama production tonight.
Should be fun.

I have an hour before the school run now.
Lots to do.
See you soon xxx

Amber Snowflake #2

2011-12-02T13:00:00.003Z

Yay for Friday.
Another jam packed week.
Work is busy, the kids were off school on Wednesday due to teacher strikes, Hollie is off today for a tutor review day. Rush rush rush.
Plus our internet is really playing up. Driving us potty.

I have the rest of my Cocoa Daisy LO's to share.

And my LESSology project too.
You can view mine and Amy's projects here for the 'You've got mail' challenge.
We are transforming envelopes this week at LESSology.
Click here to play along with us.
This challenge is sponsored by Pixie Dust Paperie.
I'm about to pack and get ready for the classes I'm teaching tomorrow in Sparkle Dreams, Swindon. I'm teaching a mini book class in the morning and 2 LO's in the afternoon. Can't wait.
Then off to visit my sis and then my Mum afterwards.
Better get packing.
I've got my meeting with Hollie's form tutor in 40mins too.
See what I mean about rushing.

Thank you for stopping by and sorry for my lack of blog visiting recently. Between pc troubles, business and internet probs I am so behind.
Enjoy your weekend xxx

Amber Snowflake #1

2011-11-29T08:49:00.002Z

Good Morning to you on this rainy and blowy day,

Today I can show you what I was busy making last week
We had the Cocoa Daisy reveal last night.
I can honestly say, this is my absolute fave kit this year.
I decided to go for all the addons barr one which had silhoutte stuff which isn't me at all.
This was the first thing I made.
I just wanted to play with the pretty papers and came up with this.

I'm really not one for Christmas papers so this is so perfect for me.
I love the teals, mustard and reds.

And I got these fab October Afternoon Flower Stack Dies in this addon here.

I had some great thrifty finds last week. I got 3 hoops for 50p each.
The doilees in the main kit fit perfectly.
The stamp 'yesterday-today-tomorrow' is in the same addon as above.
I think this is my fave addon.

The kit goes on sale to non subbers on the first here.
If you are thinking of subbing, there is a special offer on right now which you can read about here.

And now for a new challenge at LESSology.
Take a look here, it's a fun one : )
Here's my sneak.

Back tomorrow with more Cocoa Daisy LO's.

Bye Bye xxx

Catching Up!!

2011-11-28T13:32:00.003Z

Today is my first day back on the pc.
I felt sick last night when I went to bed with the thought of how much catching up I had to do.
Work, school stuff for the kids, Cocoa Daisy stuff etc...
The list seemed huge.
I am getting there : )

But I really enjoyed my pc free week.
I felt so chilled.
It's made me realise that I need to spend less time on this thing.

Thankfully my beautiful Cocoa Daisy kit came and I cleaned out my studio last week and felt so so creative. It's amazing what a good tidy, clean and reorganising of this place does to me.
Here's a sneak of what I made.

We have the full reveal tonight at Cocoa Daisy where you can see the full kit along with what the other team members made.
You can join in here.
We will also be announcing the crop winners.

See you later x

Good and Bad News

2011-11-27T09:03:00.002Z

Good Morning,

I'm finally here again.
It feels so long.
My pc died on me big style.
It started by just going slow and crashing for a few days and then at the beginning of last week it wouldn't even go on : (
Ade was on a course all week so couldn't help me so I had a whole week pc free.
After I got over the shock I actually enjoyed it.
Thankfully everything is backed up every night on an external hardrive so we didn't loose anything.
He's been rebuilding everything since Friday evening and all seems good : )
Yay!! Thank goodness for my clever hubby. I wouldn't have known where to start.

Right now we are heading out to Kingston for some shopping.
I can't wait to get back in blogland for a serious catch up.
Hugs xxx

2011-11-16T12:02:00.003Z

Hello.
I will keep this quick today.
We are having all the gas pipes replaced and the gas meters in our road today so we have no gas which means no heating.
Half way through the day and I'm starting to feel cold.
I think I need to get up from my desk and do something now.

I still have a couple of LO's to share from the Cocoa Daisy crop at the weekend.
This one is from a challenge I set called Home Baked:
(click to enlarge)

I love that Crafter Workshop Template : )

And for the Sketch Challenge.

Yes, I am an early bird : )

I also want to share with you a blog I found today.
When visiting Brit Sviggum 's Blog, I found this challenge blog that Brit designs for.
Take a look. http://skissedilla.blogspot.com/ (there is a translate button to click on)
It has to be one of the most inspiring challenge blogs I've ever seen. The LO's are just amazing.
I just had to share.

Off to get warm now. I think I might put a hottie in the microwave.
I can't even make tea as my kettle only works on my gas stove and I just can't face another latte. They make me feel so full.

Have a lovely warm day xxx

Scrapping the Everyday

2011-11-15T11:41:00.004Z

Hello to you on this fine Autumn day.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the leaves outside my studio are orange.
Love!!

Being a scrapper, it's always fun to scrap the main events in life.
The birthdays, the lovely days out, the special moments, but sometimes it's really easy to not bother with the everyday.
I scrapped this LO for Papermaze recently.

I love this photo that I took of my button jars that line the window ledge in my studio.
I just love this window. I find the colours so inspiring. A burst of colour really does lift my mood.
I think that's why most of my Lo's tend to be so colourful. It makes me happy. All of my favourite projects I make are the bright colourful ones.

I used papers from Crate Peppermint and drew around a small plate to get my circle and then stitched all the way around.
Then using glossy accents, I stuck all these buttons in place.
You can read the full blog post at Papermaze here.

Papermaze are still sorting out after the fire.
The remainder of stock is still half prize. You can see what's left here.

My teamies at LESSology have been busy making mobiles.
You can check out what they've made and play along here.
This challenge is sponsored by the lovely Nikki Sivils.

Back to work for me now : )
Thanks for stopping by xxx

Crop Hangover

2011-11-14T13:14:00.004Z

It's the Monday after an amazing crop weekend at Cocoa Daisy.
I'm so so tired.
It was so fun as expected.

Friday I rolled in to bed just before 3am, Saturday 2am and then my early night last night ended up being just after 11.30pm.
So it's no wonder I'm in a little bubble today.
But the inspiration on the boards was second to none. A great place to hang out and also create.

This is my fave LO that I made.
It's for Julie Balzers challenge. Hand Lettering here.
(click to enlarge)

I doodled the title onto pp and cut out rather roughly and then doodled the word 'girl'.
I really like how this LO stands out. I love the brightness.

and I love that photo of Hollie.

Jen set a challenge based on Wall art and embroidery. Right up my street right now.
I made these.
Removing the glass from these frames. Hand stitching around the Sassfrass stickers and covering the back on the board of the frames in these hand sewn canvases.
The challenge is here.

The last challenge of the crop was Sharmaine's colour combo challenge here.

Using bits and pieces from old and new Cocoa Daisy kits.

I love these Autumn colours.

The challenges run until the end of this week. All 20 of them : )
Take a look.

I also recommend Ronda's Class : Stamp and Fabric Canvas
and please go and check out Denise's Graffiti class.
Even if the painty.messy look isn't your think take a look anyway. She is AMAZING!!

Just realised that I need to leave for school in 15mins.
I've been writing this blog post since first thing this morning. Just goes to show what kind of day it's been with interuptions etc...

I hope you had a great weekend and I hope you feel inspired by some of the work over at Cocoa Daisy right now.

Hugs xxx

Cropping with the Daisies

2011-11-12T13:39:00.003Z

The Cocoa Daisy Fall Crop kicked off last night. 9pm our (uk) time.
I love this event. I love the inspiration and all the fun that goes with the weekend.
Everyone jumps in. New Members and Old Members. It's just great!!

Here's some of the challenges so far...

Anna's Fabric Challenge.

The eldest of 3 I am. The sensible one.

Emily's Knit and Crochet Challenge.

And my own Creative Labels Challenge.

We launch a challenge or class on the hour,every hour. See the schedual here.
With fun games thrown in and a special one hour challenge each day.
Come and play : )

Girly Girl

2011-11-10T21:06:00.003Z

The weekend is getting closer : )
I need it.
I'm longing for this weekend.

As it's Thursday, I have my usual Sketchy Thursdays post for you.
1 Sketchy Thursdays LO.
Using very girly 'Girls Paperie' papers, matching alphas and a teeny spritz of pretty mists.
Finished off with a punched scalloped edge.
(all products from Papermaze)
Click to enlarge

My girl is so girly, so this LO really suits her.
So pleased I have a daughter. Louis is fab and makes me laugh and no one loves me like Louis does, but there's just something about having a daughter that's so special.
I'm very lucky!!

See what the other DT members did here. And play along with us too.
We have a cute sponsor this month. Bananafish studio

So, are you planning to come crop with us at Cocoa Daisy this weekend?
We kick off tomorrow.
Register here for a fun packed weekend.

Off to grab supper now.
9.15pm and still not eaten. Not good!!!

Love xxxx

Paper Bag Mini Book

2011-11-09T13:21:00.002Z

Hello : )

Yay...the sun is shining today.

Today I have this new Mini Book to share with you.
I was asked to show off the Fancy Pants Designs 'Design Embellishments' from the 'Summers End' line.
**smile**
Just love this line.
To see the full Fancy Pants blog post, visit here.

I've used this paper line a few times now, but this larger embellishment was calling out to the the focal point on a larger project. You know sometimes something is almost too good to just go on a LO and then kept away in an album.
This was how I felt about this particular one. So I ended up basing this whole mini book on this one Design Embellishment.

I started off with a brown paper bag and cut it in half and removed the handles as above.

And then decorated the covers and made pages all matching.
I used the matching papers, rubbons, ribbon and buttons with the flowers from the 'it's the little things line'.
I holed through the covers and pages and tied together with the bag handles.

And to finish off and used one of the larger stickers.
I'll give this to myn Mum for Christmas.
It's full of our family photos of various thing the four of us have got up to this year.

I do love Fancy Pants : )

Hubs is making me cheese on toast for lunch now.
Yum.

See you soon xxx

Scrapping with Lists

2011-11-08T14:51:00.003Z

Hiya,

Just a quick one today as I need to rush off to school.
I wanted to share with you this LO I made using Crate Paper 'peppermint'.
It's actually a christmas collection, but I'm not big into Christmas scrapping so I like a line that can be used as non christmas too.
This is line is perfect for this.

What I love about the Crate collections are the accent cards that come on the one 12x12 paper.
I decided my journaling was going to be in list form for this LO.
I'm a big fan of journaling, but if you do struggle, lists are a great way to combat this problem.

I love the circles on this pp. I handcut some out and then stitched loosely.

You can read more details on the Papermaze blog here.

Better go wrap up now and get that raincoat out : (

Lots of love xxx

My Bad!

2011-11-06T00:24:00.002Z

I'm being abit naughty.
It's half past midnight and I'm still sat here.
Way past my bedtime and I have a very late one planned tomorrow too.
But the kids are sleeping and Ade's out. It's so peaceful and I like sitting here blog hopping and shopping and scrapping. It's so nice : )

I have a soft spot for MME products.
I really love them.
I created this page with them.
Aren't they fun???
I love this colour combo.

I used a 12x12 Crafters Workshop template, some mists, MME Limetwist and used my very lonely and forgotten promarker pens to blend and colour in those Girls Paperie alphas to get the right aqua.

This was all in aid of the latest sketch for the monthly guest designer spot over at Sketchy Thursdays.
Here's the sketch.
And you can upload your LO's here.
The winner will be the GDT for December.
And the lovely Tessa with Precocious Paper is sponsoring this month.

All of my materials (except the template) were bought from Papermaze.
I mentioned the fire recently. We Vanessa has updated the blog here with the latest news and photos : (
Although the actual shop wasn't burnt, there has been smoke damage.
She has reduced everything by 50% if you are interested.
Take a look here.

I guess I should think about some sleep.
Ade's just text and will be homes soon.
We are going to see Alan Carr at the O2 tomorrow night. Should be a giggle.

I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xxxxx

Friday Feeling

2011-11-04T09:23:00.002Z

Booooo to techie problems!!!
I've been struggling again with my pc. Bloody thing!!
So far so good today though.

Yesterday was a Sketchy Thursdays day. A lovely new sketch : )

I grabbed my Fancy Pants - Summers End stash and made this LO.
(click to enlarge)
This photo was taken (by Nicky) of my family together when we went to see Glee in London in June. We met up with my Uncle and cousins there. I love spending time with them, shame we just live that bit too far away.

Here's the sketch.
We are sponsored this week by Paper Issues.
They have donated a lovely kit for the winner.
Come and play along here.

I love the colours in the Summers End collection.
The blues, green and orange.
A fave combo of mine.

I matted some of the stickers onto cardstock, cut up some pp and hand stitched and layered lots.
I do love it when you have a whole collection of a something. The LO's just come together so easily.

Over at LESSology we've been playing with glass jars this week.
I always keep mine to tart up for gifts, especially this time of year.
I sometimes make homemade chutney and I also like to do this:

This challenge is sponsored by The Paper Bakery.

To play along, visit here.

I need to pack ready for my class I'm teaching tomorrow : )
Really looking forward to it.
Happy Friday to you xxx

Get Aload of This!!

2011-11-03T08:47:00.002Z

Our Cocoa Daisy Fall Crop.
Looks great eh?!!

Nov 11th-13th.
All times are EST (NEW YORK)

Everyone is welcome to play along and join in.
No Cocoa Daisy kits are required. Any stash is welcomed : )

Come register here.

Going Vintage

2011-11-02T10:03:00.002Z

Good Morning,

I mentioned my class yesterday that I'm doing on Saturday in Fleet, UK.
Here's the LO that we will be creating.
Making our own backgrounds, getting messy, distressing, some staining and having fun.
Can't wait : )

Off to treat myself to some blog hoppy time now.

By the way, I saw on facebook and twitter this morning that for some reason WHSmiths won't be stocking the first issue of the SCRAP365 mag. It's in loads of other newsagents and crafty shops, but for those of you who can't get hold of it elsewhere there is a link on facebook here where you can order it before the 11th Nov and it will be sent to you p&p free. Click here for more details and to order.

Off for a nosey now xxx

Bed and Breakfast Cocoa Daisy Style

2011-11-01T13:58:00.003Z

Its' the 1st November.
How????
It feels like a real Autumn day today.
Blue skies, crisp air and the falling orange/yellow leaves falling when I look out of my studio window here.

The first of the month also means a new Cocoa Daisy kit.
November sees' Bed and Breakfast. See the kit and the addons here.

Just a couple of LO's from me so far as we (the DT) are busy prepping for the cyber crop this month Nov 11th-13th.
We have lots of scrappy excitment to come.

The main kit this month comes with this beautiful Dresden Quilt stamp used to make this flower.
I've used some of the different pp to show off the fab colours in this kit.

And I just love the Crafter Workshop stencil that also comes in the main kit.

I've spread moulding paste through it to get this real textured feel.

I hope you enjoyed Halloween if you play.
We had went to a party at friends all of us. It was really fun : )
Although I came home with an awful head. (I only drank lemonade!!) but put the kids to bed and then went myself.

I'm teaching at a crop in Fleet this coming Saturday if you are interested and local.
The crop lasts 10am-4pm and I'm teaching at 10.30am. It's a vintage class this time and we'll be using different techniques to distress, make backgrounds and I have some fun tricks up my sleeve too : )
If you are local, please contact me on lisa@funkyfairies.co.uk and I'll forward you more details.

Have a lovely day xxx

Curry Fingers

2011-10-27T12:59:00.003+01:00

Hi,

As it's Thursday, I have my Sketchy Thursdays LO to share with you first.
I took this photo of Hollie starting her first day as a year8 back in September.
My big girl.

I used Octobers Cocoa Daisy kit.
I adore the apple stamp designed by Ronda. There's more in the CD shop here if you love it too.
Here's this weeks Sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. Another sketch that I just love.
Some stunning LO's again this week.
And this week we are sponsored by The Paper Bakery. What a cute name!!

Tomorrow night is the reveal night at Cocoa Daisy.
Here's a sneak of the November kit, Bed and Breakfast.

And here's a couple of small sneaks from me.
The fun starts at 4pm EST (9PM UK time) here.

Ade and I went out for a curry date last night.
It was ok.
I have to say the company was far better than the curry.
I did just finish up my aloo gobi and my naan though and now my fingers are all yellow.
Looks like I'm a serial smoker, but better smelling.

Louis is back from his sleepover at his Dad's in a bit and he then has 2 friends for a sleepover.
When I asked him what he wanted for dinner he said a buffet.
I swear my kids think of this place as a hotel/restaurant at times.
Hopefully piri piri chicken, fries, garlic bread and pudding all laid out will be good enough : )

I've just been soring out his room.
2 bin bags and a very large charity bag later.
Always feels so good. That's both their rooms sorted this week.
I even washed their walls down and the doors upstairs too.
Brownie points for me!!

I have 30mins before he gets home now.
See you tomorrow xxx

Summer 2011 Mini Book

2011-10-26T11:12:00.002+01:00

For those of you who haven't heard, sadly, there was a fire at the Papermaze premises last week. You can read about it on their blog here.
Thankfully no ones was hurt, but due to the loss of stock, the website and shop are closed whilst they get themselves sorted.

The blog is still running though.
I made this mini recently using the Accent Cards which come in a 12x12 sheet from Crate Paper - Emma's Shoppe. You can see it on the blog here.

I've used 2 sheets of this paper and cut the cards up and backed them up with the doubles. The sheets are double sided, this this way you get to see both sides and it makes the mini book feel sturdier.

This is a gift for my neice Millie after she came to stay with us for a few days in August.

I love that these cards offer plenty of space for journaling.

But not too much that you feel you need to write essays.

Ans space for photos too.

And sweet picture cards.

I teamed this paper up with the alpha sticker sheet that matches. Giving lots of alphas and cute stickers too. The perfect ingredients to make a quick mini book.

Thanks for stopping by xxx

Ways to use Stickers

2011-10-24T13:26:00.003+01:00

Hi!!!

I hope you've had a good weekend.
It was a busy but fun one for us.
More about that in a bit.
I have some Fancy Pants LO's to share first.

It was my turn on the Fancy Pants Blog on Friday.
I was asked to display 2 ways of using the OCT 31 Element Stickers.
You can read the full blog post here which includes 'how to' instructions.

I created this LO using the OCT31 papers. I backed some of the stickers onto black card and stuck them on to the LO using 3d foam tape to help them stand out more and add depth to the page. (I played with the photo in picnik.com to give it a spookier look)

It really gives the stickers a bit of life. They can just look flat otherwise. Which is what they really are I guess.

After making that LO I was left with the negative strip of stickers and decided to use this too by turning them into masking stencils. Again if you haven't done this before, take a look on the FP blog.

I also used some of these stickers from the 'Off to School' range. I cut them in half and stuck them on to white card before cutting out again. Then by punching 2 holes into each flag I could turn them into a string of bunting.
You can see above the bunting here how well the masking works.

So the weekend.
It started by me teaching at Sparkle Dreams in Swindon which was such a lovely day.
Does it get any better than meeting new people, talking craft and making too??

A family evening infront of XFactor and then yesterday my Hollie went off on her school trip to Bude in Cornwall. I miss her but I know she'll be having so much fun.
We had friends over in the afternoon. Their son is close friends with Louis and their older son is on the same trip with Hollie. So I did a full roast. Whole leg of lamb, roasties, yorkies, roasted root veg, honey roasted carrots, minted pea puree and tons of homemade gravey.
Louis and I also made our Christmas Brownies. Made with best choccie, orange zest, with cream, ice cream and hot berries. Yum!!
I still feel full today. (it's been a fruit only day so far today)
Louis went back to theirs for a sleepover, so Ade and I did what any normal parent would do with an evening to themselves. Fell asleep infront of the tv : )
I had a crap nights sleep though. The rain and winds were so hard. I always get scared that the neighbours trees will fall on us so I tend to sit up and watch. Then I lay there worrying that we had packed Hollie enough warm clothes. I know we have and she has more that was advised to take, but I will worry all week anyway. What if she gets wet and soaked through each day??
I hope she's enjoying it.

Louis is at a friends today til later, so a work day for me. Tomorrow it's just the two of us. I quite fancy the movies.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by xxx

Inspired by Sketches

2011-10-21T13:09:00.003+01:00

Happy Friday to you!!

Some bits and pieces today.
First up, priorities.
Coffee Machine.
As mine is in for repairs the in laws have leant us theirs.
This means I have my morning lattes again : )
This obviously makes me happy and a much better wife, which in turn is better for their beloved son I married.
Everyones a winner : )

Next, my Sketchy Thursdays LO.
I made this at Sue's last weekend.
I've been so busy lately that my mind hasn't totally been on the scrapping. It isn't flowing and coming effortlessly as usual. I do find having a good sketch works wonders for my mojo.
(click to enlarge)

Here's this weeks sketch if you want to play along.
We are sponsored by 'Let's capture our Memories' this week.

I didn't totally stick to the sketch this week. I started that way with the Hambly Rubbons in the background, but kind of lost myself a little. I think that can be a good thing sometimes though.
It's about taking inspiration after all isn't it?!! Not copying.

I used a whole load of mish mash on this page.
Some bits froma summer Cocoa Daisy kit.

Some really old stash.
Some Sassafras stickers and that bunny is years old Sassafras.
The journaling is all about Louis being a nightmare at bedtime right now. Hardwork!!

Tomorrow I am at Sparkle Dreams in Swindon 10am-3pm.
Have you time to pop in and say 'Hi'? if you are local?
It's a demo day with lots going on.

I need to get back to prepping all my stuff to take.
It should be a fun day : )

Lots of love xxx

Embroidered Wall Art

2011-10-20T12:30:00.002+01:00

Life isn't slowing down here.
Still going 100mph and not stopping.

Today I have some embroidered wall art to share.
Although it isn't my week designing with LESSology, I adore making Wall Art so wanted to play along too.

I took an old haberdashery ring and covered it in bakers twine. Then took one of Hollie's old school shirts and sewed the word 'Love' across and finished by using some mini alpha stamps. Quite simple, but I like it.

There's loads of different Wall Art projects to see over at LESSology this week. All shapes and sizes, see here.
This challenge is sponsored by Trade Fish Designs who have kindly offered a $20 voucher to spend with them.
Play along and add your wall art here.

So far this week I have...
broken the coffee machine and now await a replacement (thank goodness for warantees)
worked til midnight twice this week
stood on a freezing football pitch for over an hour
finished an art journal that I adore
got rained on when collecting from school yesterday and didn't take a coat or brolly
missed my lattes LOTs
we've had a good tidy at home and the house feels lovely
and have made a beef stew this morning which is in the crock ready for tonight.
it smells YUMMY!!

Have you achieved much this week?

xxx

Wall Art

2011-10-17T20:52:00.003+01:00

It's just a quickie from me today.
I've had a super busy weekend. A fab day at Sue's with Steph on Saturday. Lots of scrap, chatter and giggles and then a wedding fayre yesterday. Long, quiet and boring only to leave and want to pack up the car but had left the lights on and instead had a flat battery. Not Funny!!

As usual I'm snowed under with work. Not complaining mind. I's rather it this way.
But I've popped in with a sneak of what's coming up this week at LESSology.

It's not my week to play along but I do love to dabble in a bit of Wall Art, so I had to play along too.

Keep an eye out here for more details.

I'm going to grab another hours work before bed.
Catch you tomorrow xxx

Gotta Laugh!!

2011-10-14T17:00:00.003+01:00

It's Friday 5pm and I'm only just blogging my Sketchy Thursdays Challenge.
That's what this week has been like. If I had a tail, I would be chasing it!!
All good stuff, just super busy.

Here is my take.
(click to enlarge)

I first had the idea of printing on the side on my pp, but then whilst going through some Fancy Pants papers for another project I saw this paper from the 'Summers End' collection and though 'BINGO' . It was perfect! I also had a mask that I han't used before. I won some vouchers from scrapbook.com a while ago and got it thinking it would be small. But its a biggie, but I like it. It's been sitting here some quite some time waiting to be used.

And now for the story.
My sister is stupid. Crazy stupid. We laugh so much when we are together. I really do pee myself at times. The tears stream and I can no longer stand. The kind of laughing that makes you ache. We were already at that stage in a garden centre in August and then I came around the corner and saw her like this. She was just hanging and completely silent. I still giggle now when I think about it.
I love being a kid again. I love sillyness.

So here it is, this weeks sketch.
You can play here.

I'm off to Sue's tomorrow with Steph and Nicky. It's become a twice yearly meet. I love it.
I must get my arse into gear now and decide what to take. I feel like I have a ton of deadlines looming. A lovely new CD did arrive this week though. Along with addons and full of scrummy yummyness.
LOVE!!!!
I must print off some photos and think of some stories to scrap.
I fancy doing some funny ones.
I love laughing whilst scrapping : )
There will be plenty of that tomorrow.
I shall try not to be too rude. I forget myself sometimes when I am with these girls. I've become slightly too comfortable. I think they are used to my sense of humour now though : )

Talking of laughing tis The Middle and Modern Family tonight Yay!!
We've become so addicted to Modern Family the kids and I.
We watch them over and over and still laugh.
Louis does a wicked 'Cam' impression.

Well, enjoy your weekend.
I'm doing a wedding Fayre on Sunday, so a busy one for me.
Bye
xxx

Life

2011-10-12T10:02:00.002+01:00

We've launched a new challenge over at Cocoa Daisy this morning.

We are calling this challenge 'LIFE'.
We are challenging you to get your life down on paper.
You can document a day in your life.
A week in your life.
Even a year if you wanted.
You could docment your work day.
A special day.

Get it down on paper :)
It's not just about the photos this one, so don't panic about going around photographing.
It's about looking back one day and seeing a snippet of a day of yours right now.

I scrapped a regular week day of mine using the Canned Peaches addon.

Come and see what Anna and Denise have come up with here and play along too.
The winner will receive $10 to spend in store.

I hope you are having a good week.
I'm feeling soooooooo tired today.
Muzzy head tired.
I've planned for a group of us with our kids to meet up at the woods after school today. We are packing up a picnic tea. It just feels like so much effort right now though. Hollie has a friend joining us and I've promised to make giant choccie chip cookies to take.
Right now I just want to lie down and sleep but I have so much work to do and lots of deadlines coming up over these next few days.
It'll be fun when we get there : )

Have a good day xxx

Demo Day at Sparkle Dreams

2011-10-11T09:19:00.002+01:00

A date for your diary.

I'm pleased to announce that I'm going to start teaching at Sparkle Dream s at Studley Grange Craft Village in Swindon.
I'm really looking forward to it.
It's a lovely store in a lovely setting and I'm looking forward to getting to know shop owner Solance and Sandi who also teaches.

My first teaching event is coming up on Saturday 22nd October. 10am-3pm
We are holding a Demo Make and Take Day.
I will be running 'Tag Art' makes and takes throughout the day and there will be other crafts going on too, as well as cakes and lots of other fun things too.

Come and pop in and say 'Hi'.

xxx

Arty Crafty Workshop

2011-10-10T10:43:00.004+01:00

Hello Monday Morning!!

I hope the weekend was a good one for you.

I'm really excited to announce today that I'm teaching at Arty Crafty in Goldalming, Surrey on Saturday 12th November.
It's a wall hanging workshop.

It's a 2hr tutorial in the store. (very limited spaces)
£17.50 per person which includes the full kit.
Nothing for you to bring at all.
You will make this lovely wall hanging and be able to take it away on the day with you.
Tea/Coffee and homemade cupcakes too.
If you are local and interested please call up Arty Crafty on 01483 427133
For more details on the store, take a look here.
The time still needs to be confirmed, but it will start sometime in the morning.

I've been making some LO's for the store this past week.

I love these foody/kitchen themed papers from Kaisercraft.
They are so fun to cut up.

I used a journal note from a little journal tag book to match and ran it through my printer to print the recipe on.

Lots of Crate Paper in this store : )
And I love Emma's Shoppe. So pretty.

Fancy Pants, Saint Nick is one of the newest collections to arrive.

More pretty papers to cut up and I added some stickles to this LO to bring some Christmas sparkle to the LO.

More Kaisercraft.
But not quite so busy as the first : )

If you are local, pop in and say 'Hi'. Its such a lovely store with a lovely collection of scrappy goodness.

xxx

Man of the Match

2011-10-07T10:11:00.005+01:00

It's now definitely Autumn, don't you agree?!!
It's chilly and blowy and I just want to stay in and be cozy.
Ade has just bought me a latte. mmmmmmmm

I meant to post this Sketchy Thursdays LO last night, but I ended up with a horrible headache yesterday. I even went for a lay down after the school run to try and clear it.
So here it is this morning instead.

I've used the Fancy Pants 'to the moon' line. I hardly have any of this left : (
It's funny, I would never have picked out this line for me, but being on the Fancy Pants team and just being sent it back earlier this year, I would say I have made some of my fave LO's with it. I often find that, lines that I wouldn't neccesarily pick out myself often end up being a fave of mine.

I love Louis' attitude when it comes to footy.
He's by no means a natural sporty person, but he never gives up and never complains.
I felt when he was awarded the Man of the Match award a couple of weeks ago that it was really deserved.
I've teamed the patterned papers with the journal emellishments to match, some chipboard, stickers and the alpha's. I love having everything matching. It all comes together so nicely.

This week we have the whole Sketchy Thursdays Team playing along as it's the first one with the new DT members. Come and see.
Ashley Horton is this months Guest Designer. I love her blog : )
I always look forward to seeing her work when she's played along with us.
And this week we are sponsored by Paper Lovelies.
They have kindly donated a kit this week.

Now for other stuff.
You know I said I had a headache yesterday. Well it all started when I visited a little store that I hadn't been in before.
My friend Steph popped over and we took a drive over to Holme Grange Craft Village.
I hadn't been for a year and I was so excited to find this store.
Shirleyz

A little loft room in a barn. Painted white inside and just full of the most fun and funky household goodies. I wanted to move straight in. I was giddy with excitement and wanted to buy everything. (the owner is the sweetest lady too)
I came home with this little house (and a headache through all the excitement)
It's very 'lisa'.

Look how cute!!

And this is now the home of all my mini books : )

I also picked up the cutest tea towel.
It has crotched cherries hanging from it.
It's home is on the range and everyone has had strict instructions not to use it.
It's there to look pretty and nothing else!!

Steph and I popped into a couple of thrifty stores then.
Vintage cups and saucers for Steph and this mini wooden drawer sate for me.
Ugly isn't it?!! But in my head it's a mini piece of art waiting to happen.

I have to get on now.
I have a mini workshop coming up next month in Godalming on Sat Nov 12th.
Let me know if you are interested. The Craft Store is super cute but not too many spaces unfortunately.
I will announce full details next week.

Have a lovely Friday and thanks for stopping by xxx

Doggy Bag

2011-10-06T09:12:00.002+01:00

Do you keep your paper bags?
What do you do with them?

I love spicing them up and giving them a new lease of life.
This week at LESSology we are transforming our browm paper bags.
I turned mine into a house warming gift for a sweet friend.

I used the Cocoa Daisy Farmers Market Kit. And baked Choccie Chip Cookies to go inside the bag.
Pop on over to LESSology. Amy's bag is up with mine today and Julie's and Yvonnes were yesterday. I love how different all our bags are.

I have something nice planned this morning and I'm expecting a scrappy package too
: )

xxx

My Modern Family

2011-10-04T09:32:00.004+01:00

Farmers Market #2

Another LO using this months Cocoa Daisy Farmers Market Kit.
My Modern Family.

Do you watch Modern Family?
My Dad has been insisting that we watch this for so so long now and we finally did when he came over in August and now we are so hooked.
The new series started in the UK a couple of weeks ago and it made me realise that we are 'the modern family'. Click on the LO to read the journaling and see what I mean.

All it needs is for my brother and his partner to adopt and we are they : )
(I don't think that will be happening though, my brother prefers lizards!!)

I hand cut the title and stitched around it so the word 'Modern' stood out more.
And I love these Maya Road flowers so much.

JBS Paints, Mister Huey Mists and some chipboard. All essentials : )
The kit sold out super fast but there are still a few addons here.
Did you know that Cocoa Daisy are also doing Stamp Subscriptions now too?
Oringinal Cocoa Daisy Stamps and great prices. See here.

The first projects are up on the LESSology blog today.
Audrey and Kirsty have done wonders with their brown paper bags : )
If you fancy joining in we are sponsored by Jacquel Bowman/Stampin' Up.
Prize details are here and here is my sneak of my brown paper bag.

Have a good day.
Back to the creating desk for me now xxx

All Greek to Me

2011-10-03T09:58:00.002+01:00

I hope you had a lovely weekend.
We've been having record breaking tempuratures here in the UK and it's lovely.
We've had a really good weekend.
More about that in a sec.

Firstly today.

LESSology launches the latest challenge this week.

Take a look at the blog for more details. Here's a team sneak.

I had a card on the Papermaze blog at the weekend.
A card I created with the Yummy Emma's Shoppe papers from Crate.
Papermaze are celebrating 8 years right now and have a free p&p offer until 8pm this evening on all orders over £10.

And so our weekend.
Yesterday we wanted to make the most of the fab weather and took a picnic to Henley on Thames.
I haven't been here since I was child, so it was really good to come back and I wasn't disappointed at all (thinking back to the disaster of a trip to Portland Bill earlier on this year).

I didn't feel so nervous about Louis being so close to the edge as it looked so shallow and was very very clear. (surprisingly)

We wandered over this bridge and then watched the boats coming in and out of the lock.

And then my battery pack died **rolls eyes**
Then we came home and watch X Factor. Just one thing so say. ''What was Louis on???''

Today year 5 at Lou's school are taking part in a Greek workshop.
The have a theatre group going in to work with them and they will be trying Greek food too.

I really wanted to pretent we had misunderstood and dress Louis as a Geek (with his proper costume in his bag of course), but he doesn't really share my sense of humour at times : )

So that's it from me for today.
I hope you've had a lovely weekend : )
xxxxx

World Card Making Day

2011-10-01T18:23:00.003+01:00

Today is World Card Making Day.
Have you made any?

Check out Fancy Pants if you are up for a card challenge.

I made a card using each of the new Fancy Pants lines.

Summers End

Oct 31

Saint Nick

Off to School

You have until 8th Oct to play along.
xxx

Loving Random and a Winner

2011-09-30T12:01:00.004+01:00

Isn't this sunshine just fab!!
I made the decision to change tonight menu from lamb meatballs and persian rice to a bbq : ) Peri Peri chicken, cous cous salad and green salad now.
Got to make thos most out of this hot weather.

I have the latest Sketchy Thursdays Sketch today.
This is what I made.

I love this photo taken on a water ride with Louis at legoland.
And here's the sketch.

I love this Crate collection 'Random' from Crate. This colours are so me. I love that blue.
I bought a 12x12 sticker sheet to match with the alphas, words, tags and allsorts.

We are sponsored by Freehand Scraps this week. A yummy kit is up for grabs.

I also have my winner to announce.
Thanks again for all the sweet comments re the new SCRAP365 venture.
One person was picked at random.

Blogger Lisa-Jane said...
Every time I visit a blog I'm getting more excited about the new mag. I'm new to inky hands but I love your style and I'm enjoying playing.
22 September 2011 22:08

Lisa-Jane, please email me at : lisa@funkyfairies.co.uk with your address and I'll pop your goodies in the post to you : )

Enjoy the weekend. It's going to be a hot one in the UK.
love

lisa xxx

Farmers Market #1 (Abit Cheeky!!)

2011-09-29T09:53:00.004+01:00

Good Morning.
And it really is. Bright and sunny. I can't believe the tempuratures we are having in the UK now.
I want to camp this weekend, but Ade has a cold : (
Such a woss!!

Last night was the reveal of the October Kit 'Farmers Market' at Cocoa Daisy.
I love the reveal nights, they are really fun.
This kit is yum. I wish I had gotten more add ons now, I was trying to be sensible.
But I can now share my DT gallery with you.
I have 2 today.
This ones abit cheeky mind.
I did wonder if I should scrap it or not but it's funny so I though what the heck!!
It's real life.

Give a Man a Camera
and this is what you get!

We went to legoland for the day and had a camera each.
When I checked his photos when we got home I spotted this!! Taken without me knowing whilst we were sat watching the 'Jack and the Beanstalk' puppet show. Totally unappropriate. **ROLLS EYES**

I painted over the Jillibean woodgrain alphas from the main kit. And also drew around them very roughly for the top half of the title.
It was the pp from Crate that gave me inspiration for this LO though. A whole 12x12 paper full of these words. Tut Tut!!!

Next up, I love the pics of Louis and my nephew Charlie.
We had a family outing out to Oxford in August.
Mum had treated the boys to a book each. They started reading straight away : )
We were waiting for the Park and Ride bus in the town centre and they were both fully engrossed. Quite unusual to see 2 9yr old boys like this. But I like it!

We have a Cocoa Daisy honeycomb stamp in the main kit. Great for backgrounds. I stamped it with the green Maya Road stamp (also in the main kit) and pressed it into wet moulding paste.
You get the colours and the texture by doing this.

More bits and pieces from the main kit.
Stickers, Maya Road wooden buttons, Kraft tags.
The kit goes on sale on the 1st October if you don't sub.
Take a look here.
The addons are stunning and the last few months have been selling out super fast.
I know Christine has increased the amount to sell recently, but get in there quick.
I bought Canned Peaches. But now really regret not getting Pumkin Soup and Apple Pie.
The Cocoa Daisy stamps are also dead cute this month.

One last bit of news before I finish here.
As I said goodbye at Cocoa Daisy last night. It was after midnight but before shutting the PC down I had a little blog nosey.
I clicked on MME and saw that I was picked as this months challenge winner.
I was so excited, but then couldn't sleep.
I just adore MME, so I'm really REALLY excited.
This LO really meant alot too.
I took the pic of Hollie and I at the start of the summer.
We were having some tricky times with her. Attitude and acting really out of charachter.
To the extreme that we ended up cancelling her birthday party and main prezzie (ipod touch).
Throughout the summer though she's really come full circle and I have my sweet girl back.
I know there will be more trouble ahead, but right now alls good and it has been the last couple of months. I think she can now have that ipod touch. I wanted to see the attitude remain good throughout the summer and whilst she was back at school. I didn't want her being nice for a week, getting the ipod touch and becoming a cow again.
I always stick to my word!!

I am very excited about lunch today.
Ades been doing lots of overtime at work and coming home late.
They have a Starbucks next door, so him and his collegue who's been working with him go in there on their way home to get goodies for the kids.
Last night they got given loadsa stuff for free as it was going to be thrown away.
We have muffins, cookies and Ade bought me home a tomato and mozzerella salad. Yum!! I can't wait for lunch now. I'm not into the sweet stuff, so this is perfect for me.
Roll on lunch time : )

Have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine UK girlies xxx

No Scrap!

2011-09-28T13:35:00.002+01:00

Nothing scrappy from me today.
I am though in the midst of making some cards in aid of National Crad Making Day.
Thought I'd take a break and heat up some of last nights left over curry and pop on here.

The winner of the SCRAP365 blog hope has ben announced here.
Did you visit the stand at Ally Pally this weekend?
I will be randomly picking my winner tomorrow night and annoucing on Friday.

It's the Cocoa Daisy reveal night today. It's 9pm UK time (4pm EST). Come along and say 'Hi'. Meet the new kit and play along with the games and maybe win a prize.

Back to work now.
See you later xx

October Sneaks

2011-09-27T09:01:00.003+01:00

Hello : )

Tomorrow is the Cocoa Daisy reveal.
You get to find out what's coming in your October Kit 'Farmers Market.
For now, I have some sneaks of what I've made this month.

You will love this kit **wink wink**

We start the reveal party at 9pm UK time (10pm EST - Cocoa Daisy time)
There will be games and freebie giveaways.
You don't have to be a CD receiver to play along.
Come and join in here tomorrow.

So today, it's just after 9am.
I'm sat here with a latte and a red velvet cupcake.
I have no fuel in the car. It's been on empty a couple of days now and now I fear to drive it incase it runs out. (it's happened before)
This is one of those things I hate, filling the car up. I hate, absolutely HATE going to the petrol station. I get so nervous. So then I go into denial when the petrol gage starts to run low and just hope that Ade sees and fills it up.
I hope he's home early today otherwise it looks like we are walking to footy tonight too : (
A curry is on ready for dinner tonight and I need to plan a class today that I'll be teaching at Arty Crafty in Goldalming, Surrey in November.

Have a great day xxx

Get Your Stamp On

2011-09-26T09:56:00.003+01:00

Monday Morning.
Aren't you supposed to start the week feeling refreshed after a weekend off?
I feel so knackered!!
I swear the weekends are getting busier.

I'd like to start today by saying thank you for all the sweet comments about the new DT position with SCRAP365.
I really appreciate it : )
I can't wait to grab a copy now.
Did any of you go to Ally Pally this weekend?
Aparently there were going to be some sneaks of the mag there.

By the way. My giveaway is still running if you haven't joined in.
See the post below.

I've started this week with a new challenge at Cocoa Daisy.
For this challenge we are getting the stamps out.
Ideally stamps you've had and still haven't used or at least not used for a long time.

Here's my LO.

The story is this.
Ade has a big head!!
He's forever trying on hats when we go out and they just look stupid. See!!
They just don't suit him. But it does make us giggle.

I used a couple of Unity Stamps that I've had for a good couple of years and they were still in the packaging (along with lots more like that). I love stamps and keep buying them and then forget to use them.
I also used an old CD alphabet stamp on my background.

If you fancy playing along and digging out those old stamps, then join us here at Cocoa Daisy.
The challenge runs until Sunday 2nd Oct - 10pm est.
And we have an original Cocoa Daisy Stamp to give away to a lucky winner which you can see here.

I baked loads yesterday.
Ade didn't get around to taking in cake to work for his birthday back in August.
He was off work for a couple of weeks and he's been working more from home these days and then his birthday seemed so long ago. But there's been complaints and now an email on Friday threatening strike action if the cakes don't appear by Wednesday!! : )
So I decided to go full force.
I baked a big pear upside down cake, red velvet cupcakes and choocie cream cupcakes.
He's taken them in along with my pretty glass cake stands to really make a point.
I also bakes ice cream cup cakes for the kids and a batch of choccie chip cookes.
Whilst at the same time making a chicken roast dinner.
So thankful for a big double range oven and a daughter that loves to bake too.
It was a long afternoon. (and then evening frosting all the little buggers!)
Hopefully that'll keep 'em quiet in the office now.

I hope you had a good weekend.
Thanks for stopping by. xxx

BIG & EXCITING NEWS!!!

2011-09-22T13:28:00.003+01:00

Finally I can share my news.
I've kept it in for so long now and I've been dying to tell.
Not just because I'm excited for myself but also for all of us UK girlies.
What do we all need in this country???
A decent Scrap Mag!
Finally it's coming.

Can you imagine how excited I was to receive an email not only telling me about this new magazine but actually asking me to be part of it and join the design team.
I still get butterflies now when I think about it.
I feel so honoured.
I have a good feeling about this. And seeing some of the designers on the team now too, I know it's going to be amazing.
So pleased to see my very close scrappy friends Anna (my Cocoa Daisy Teamie)and also Amanda who I've been working with for quite some time now.

Anyway, to launch this new mag we are having a Blog Hop.
There will be a prize of a years subscription to the Craft Stamper magazine and stamps worth over £20 for one lucky person.
All you need to do is visit each of the designers blogs and leave a comment and on the SCRAP365 blog too.

So after leaving a comment here please visit Tomoko's beautiful blog here.

I would also like to offer a prize.
I will put together a yummy parcel of scrappy goodies to send to one person.
All you need to do after leaving a comment is become a follower here please.
One person will be picked at random next Thursday.

To find out more about our new SCRAP365 Mag, you can visit the blog.
On Facebook
And on Twitter.

The first copy will go on sale on 18th November the newsstands and digitally worldwide.
And you can visit the ladies on Traplet stand (#63) for a sneak peek of the mag and a special subscription deal at the Big stamp and scrapbook show at Alexander Palace in London over the weekend of 24th September.

So now it's onto Tomoko.

Big Hugs xxx

Something to Share

2011-09-22T12:59:00.003+01:00

I do, today I have something to share.
First off is our lovely new sketch from Sketchy Thursdays.
I love this weeks and will be using it over and over.
I created this using some Crate loveliness.
(click to enlarge)

I feel so happy to have been asked to stay on at Sketchy Thursdays again.
I love this family so much. I think I must be into my second year with them now.
Their sketches never disappoint and Heidi and Diana are two of the sweetest girls ever.
Thank you for having me again.
You can join in this week here. We are sponsored this week by 'Your Memories here'.
Who have donated some Tim Holtz limited addition Distress Inks.
The new Sketchy Thursdays Team was announced yesterday. Congratulations to our new girls. Looking forward to playing along side you x Really pleased to see The Green Horned Unicorn lady joining us again : ) I just love Antonia's blog. Her style is so different to mine. Really clean. But I'm so drawn in and find her so inspirational. They say opposites attract eh?!!

So, back to my LO. I've sidetracked.
I have these cute photos of Hollie and our neice Millie taken last month. We all went strawberry picking whilst Dad was over. Hollie and Millie were sitting in the field, all alone and Hollie fed Millie strawberries. (Much to Louis' disapprovable as they were obvioulsy stolen) It is normal to test a few when you PYO though isn't it?!! Louis really struggles with this.

My photos were too green for the green Crate background, so I plastered on some moulding paste and splodged some Yellow Ranger Acrylic Paint in with it too for contrast. Once dry I misted over a Maya Road wooden heart to get that look above.
Punched some daisies from cardstock that was in the bin and added some teeny Fancy Pants buttons.
I recently found my uberlong stapler (so chuffed) so can now staple wherever I want again.

Now I do also have something rather exciting and rather big to share.
But I have to keep that to myself until after 6pm. So pop back then : ) (if you want to that is!!)
And in the meantime I shall work a little, have another latte, start a CD LO, finish a project I've started, collect kids from school and look after a friends two aswell.
I kind of wanted to bake a pear upside down cake for after school, but I think that's pushing it a little too far seeing as I have to go to school in 1hr30.

Back later xxx

A Scrappy Day

2011-09-21T06:55:00.002+01:00

Today is officially a scrappy day!!

Steph is coming over for the day and we plan to scrap and chat til it's time to collect the kids from school.
I have so many assignments to get done.
My October Cocoa Daisy kit arrived yesterday and I have so many other projects on my to-do list aswell.
I worked until midnight last night and then started again at 6am this morning, so I feel like I can scrap guilt free today.

LESSology have the second challenge going now.
The book challenge was a great sucess. So many beautiful entries.
But I love these boxes made by the other team.

You can see them here.
I love those book boxes that Laurel picked up from a garage sale. They were a stunning find but she transformed them so beautifully.
And take a look at the flowers Kirsty made out of book pages.
I need to give that a go. Amazing!

This challenge is sponsored by Market Street Stamps who have kindly donated a really good prize.
If you fancy tarting up an old box, then join in here : )

Happy Scrapping xxx

'Challenge'

2011-09-19T09:45:00.002+01:00

Hello and Welcome to my happy blog today : )
I hope you had a lovely weekend.

Today I have a word inspired challenge for you over at Cocoa Daisy.
The word to be inspired by is 'CHALLENGE'.
What does this word mean to you?

For me the thought that comes to mind is what a challenge Louis was as a toddler.
The tears I shed over the years over his behaviour. He was such hard work.
We got there in the end though and since starting school he's the other end of the scale altogether. Personality, behaviour, so caring of other people's feelings, loving, very academic and just lovely : )

I used the new Fancy Pants line 'off to school' on this LO.
The glitter cuts, papers and stickers. Along with a couple of Crafters Workshop templates too.

If you would like to join in with this challenge, pop on over to Cocoa Daisy to play along. You don't have to receive the kits to play. You have until Sunday 25th Sept - 10pm EST to upload.
And a lucky winner will receive a Cocoa Daisy Stamp here.

Enjoy your day : )
xxx

Bad Grandad!!

2011-09-17T10:18:00.003+01:00

The weekend is here!!!

My LO today has been inspired by the lovely Olivia.
Olivia is a sweet lady who I've known at Cocoa Daisy for a few years now.
Olivia has been receiving the monthly kits from the start, so I thought seeing as we are celebrating 5 years of Cocoa Daisy this month it would be fun to scraplift one of Olivia's LO'S as one of our September challenges.

Here is my page and you can see Olivia's LO here.

(click to enlarge)

Olivia likes to tell a story when scrapbooking so this challenge at Cocoa Daisy right now is not only to scraplift Olivia's LO but to tell a story too.
I chose the story about my Dad.
He's so bad at times.
Funny as he was ultra strict as a Dad.
But he gets the kids to do stuff they wouldn't usually be allowed to do.
Such as when I was trying to take this photo. Instead of saying 'cheese' he kept saying 'ship' but making it not quite sound like that and was trying to get the kids to say it too, but they were nervous about joining in.
Told you he's bad.

I used an older CD kit from the summer.
And stuck some book pages on to the bazzill first and spread some moulding paste over befores misting.
If you want to play along, the challenge runs until 30th Sept and the prize is a crafters workshop template. You can see the challenge here.

After a very manic week I'm playing catch up today.
Washing, scrapping, working and I want to start a paper mache project this afternoon with the kids. A little idea I have had : )

See you soon xxx

She Loved that Goat!

2011-09-16T10:58:00.003+01:00

Yes she did.
A little too much for my actual liking.
I like goats, but I wouldn't kiss them and cuddle them like she did.
She's an odd one my sister.

(click the photo to see my sis smooching with the goats)

It was really good to just scrap.
Just scrap a page using random papers and bits and pieces.
I've used Studio Calico paper, wooden heart and mists. Cosmo Cricket flowers and butterflies along with Sassfras and Basicgrey alphas.

And the sketch I used was from Sketchy Thursdays : )
Fab eh?!!

Lots of DT inspiration this week for the fun sketch and we are sponsored this week by Burlap & Buttercups who have kindly offered their Sept Kit as a prize for one lucky winner.
If you want to play along, please visit us here to link up.

Sketchy Thursdays has a DT call right now.
I love this team.
One of the friendliest teams you'll ever find. Promise.
See here for more details.

And the October Guest Designer Challenge is still up until Sept 17th.
Click here to enter.

My crazy week is still continuing.
I attended a wedding event at a local hotel yesterday. I forgot how much they make your feet ache.
But my table looked pretty. I can't find the camera right now so will show you another time.
I now need to sort my stuff out. I left all the boxes in the car last night and I have 2 wedding magazine deadlines to work to now.
I'm so tired : )
Thanks for stopping by.
Hope you've had a good week xxx

Fancy This???

2011-09-12T20:00:00.002+01:00

Today I'm over at Fancy Pants with this gardening gift.
I have step by step instructions on how I made this using the new Fancy Pants line 'Saint Nick'.
You can view it here.

See you soon : )

The Weekend

2011-09-11T15:31:00.002+01:00

I hope you are having a good weekend.
I had hoped for a slightly more relaxed one but it feels like I haven't stopped.

I have finished this LO over the weekend though inspired by the My Minds Eye sketch on their blog here. Circles and journaling strips are on the sketch, so I had to use it. My favourite things right now : )
And here's my LO.
(click to enlarge)

I love these Lime Twist papers from MME.
Orange and green is a fave combo of mine.
I've teamed them up with a MME Jornal tag, sticker and some twine too.
All these bits and pieces can be bought from Papermaze.

I have so much on this week, my tummy is already tied in knots.
Work is busy, plus I have in total 4 magazine deadlines. Work being collected tomorrow, a wedding fair to attend on Thursday and I have nothing prepared. Plus I have 2 school meetings, our dentist appointments and Hollie's opticans on Tuesday.
I don't like that feeling from rushing from one thing to the next and somethings overlapping.
The menu is prepared for the week, thank goodness for the crockpot.
And Hollie and I have been baking lots today so lunchboxes are organised.
It's all about the organisation, isn't it?!! Lots of lists this week.

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs xxx

Up for a Challenge????

2011-09-09T08:37:00.004+01:00

Cocoa Daisy is celebrating a year with Christine this month and 5 whole years as a kit club this month. So we have lots going on to celebrate.

Cocoa Daisy is now on Twitter. You can follow us here.

We are now also on Facebook here.

Ronda put a beautiful sketch together this month here for this months sketch/scraplift contest.
I love her sketches.
Here's my page.

I've used bits from our older kits along with some Fancy Pants 'Baby Mine' and a new 'Saint Nick' doilee.

And a couple of older stamps. With scrunched and painted tissue paper. Love that texture.

My second weekly challenge this month is to scrap any kind of celebration.
You can play along here to win a $10 voucher to spend in the online store.
I have chosen Hollie's 12th birthday.

She wanted to make her own cake this year. I left her to it and she made this red velvet cake.
Have I mentioned that she wants to be a desert chef when she's older?

And I used the summer 'Cherry Soda' kit on this page.
So many fun bits and pieces. I love those Lilybee stickers.

It's Friday already.
It feels like it's been a long week.
Seems strange to think that Dad was here at the beginning of the week. Seems so long ago now.
Everything is back to normal.
School routine, work, house organised and eating. We do tend to eat takeways and eat out alot when Dad's over. He misses the English breakfasts, fish and chips, kebabs and we also have lots of other treats. Can you believe I've shed 6lb since the beginning of the week??? I was rather chuffed when I got on the scales this morning. I happended to weigh myself on Monday when he was weighing he checkin bag and was shocked. But I've lost all I put on and a lb extra too. Just by eating how I would usually eat. No crap!! Good homemade grub : )

I got lots of scrapping done yesterday and need to finish some more now too.
I have quite a few things up my sleeve right now which for the time being need to remain there. But I can't wait to tell more soon.

We plan to take the kids swimming after school today and finish at the healthclub after for the £2 special burger and fries in the bar : )

Enjoy your Friday xxx

My Art Journal

2011-09-08T06:44:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned yesterday, this week at Lessology we are altering books.
We have come up with many different ideas between us.
Today is my day along with Amy.
Here's what I've made.

An art journal.
This art journal has a little story which you can read about here.
And see more piccies too.

Thank you for all the sweet messages this week.
Life is getting back to normal again.
A serious scrap day is in need today. I have so much to do.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely day. xxx

Altered Book Challenge

2011-09-07T10:36:00.003+01:00

So the altered book challenge continues over at Lessology this week.

Take a look here at Angi's and Julie's today.
And feel free to play along yourself.

My turn tomorrow to see what I did with my book.
Here's a sneak for now : )

And for the US girls, have you seen the Fancy Pants challenge?
Take a look here.

Have a lovely day xxx

My Girl

2011-09-06T08:09:00.002+01:00

Hi,

This month we are celebrating 5 years at Cocoa Daisy.
To add to the celebrations we are having 2 weekly challenges throughout September.

Here's the first:

Gimme 5!!

This first celebratory challenge is all about the number 5.

To play along please create a LO with at least 5 layers, with at least 5 different patterned papers and 5 of something on your page.

I've used papers from the last 2 Cocoa Daisy Kits. All pretty Basicgrey papers.

I took this photo of Hollie last week.
We were having some attitude issues with her towards the end of the school year and I'm so thankful to say that she's been an absolute gem all summer long.

I made these 5 flowers by cutting the circles out the Basicgrey pp, crumpling and attaching with a pretty bg brad.

If you want to join in, play along here.
There's a lovely Crafters Workshop template up for grabs.

The first Lessology challenge is now now live here.
Go and take a look and see what Audrey, Kirsty and Yvonne have made.
I love what they've done : )

My Dad went back to the states today, so I'm feeling really tearful and sad.
We've been doing this since I was 18 and I still can't get used to it. I swear it gets harder each year.
I'll be back tomorrow with a happy face.
Lots of love xxx

Printers Drawer Part 2

2011-09-02T11:20:00.003+01:00

Hiya,

More from this months new Cocoa Daisy kit today.

I really do love this kit!!

And a frame I picked up.
The flowers are from Basicgrey papers in the kit and I've stitched the flower stem.

And lastly today, this LO got picked in the Sassafras top 10. See here.
How happy am I???!!! : )

Another busy few days after today. Spending it with all teh family until Dad goes back : (

Have a lovely weekend xxx

Introducing Printers Drawer

2011-09-01T07:38:00.004+01:00

What a busy few days!!!
With all the family staying it's been loud, tiring, busy, manic but very fun.
We went to my sisters for a couple of days too and got back later last night and go back again either tomorrow late or Saturday early. We haven't decided yet.

I still need to show my September LO's from the new September Cocoa Daisy Kit called 'Printers Drawer'. I heart this kit so much.
(click on enlarge)

This kit is so perfect for layering.
And I love the mix of type, greens, pinks.

We had a sleepover night a couple of weeks ago.
The boys camped out in sleepbags in the lounge and watched Iron Man.
The girls camped out in Hollie's room and watched Twilight.

I love the mist addons that are available each month now.
It's Maya Road Mists this month. See here.

And I used the ink splat stamp from one of our kits earlier this year.

See, I told you it was a great kit : )
Take a look here. The main kit has already sold out but there are still addons.
We will be having extra kits for sale next month if you are interested in subbing.

Thanks for visiting.
I need to make a start on my to-do list now.
A whole mix of work and scrappy 'must-do's.
Thankfully I kept on top of the housework whilst everyone was here, so that side of things is fine.
And today we need good food. Dad's been treating us a little too much : )

One last things, there is a vote at Lessology right now for the new DT member.
Pick your fave here.

Have a lovely day xxx

Off to School

2011-08-26T15:00:00.003+01:00

I was given the job (along with 2 other Fancy Pants girls) to showcase the fab chipboard elements and banners from the 'Off to School' collection.
And here's what I did.

I made Louis this chalkboard to help him stay oragnised in the morning.
He's forever running back in the house in the mornings as he's forgotten something or asking what's on after school. So hopefully this will help.

This whole off to school collection is so fun. I'm now working on my next project using it.

We are having a mad day today, all in preparation for Dad. Tidying, cleaning, shopping, baking etc...and I'm still trying to work too so I can take time off next week. I can't believe I actually get to hug him tonight. It's been so long.
Thank you for all the well wishes : )

Have a lovely weekend.
Love xxx

Together

2011-08-25T20:16:00.002+01:00

Ready for another Sketchy Thursdays???

I just love this weeks sketch.
Rather partial to the odd circle here and there : )
(click to enlarge)

I've used this months Cocoa Daisy kit.

A great prize is up for grabs this weeks if you fancy playing along with Sketchy Thursdays.

It's already dark at 8.30pm now : (
I miss the long evenings already.
Dad arrives tomorrow and so does the rest of the family.
It's going to be pretty manic around here for the next couple of weeks.
Not sure how much I'm going to be around.

Lots of love xxx

Smurftastic!!

2011-08-23T20:20:00.002+01:00

I'm keeping this one short.
Ade and I have a date in a sec. The sofa, a box of Graze and 'Black Swan'.

I wanted to share this LO that I shared over on Papermaze the other day.
(click to enlarge)

My Louis and my nephew Charlie.
Using lots of My Minds Eye - Lime Twist. I love this collection so much!!
Those stickers are so fun to use.

You can view the blog post here with step by step details of how I made it.

And today you can see me over on the new 'Lessology' blog : ) here.
The new design team is being announced this week so come and see.

It's rained all day here. But that was fine as I worked from 4.30am til 1.30pm and then we took the kids to see The Smurfs. It was so so much better than I expected. I LOVED it sooooooo smurfin' much.

I'm sorry that I've been an awful blog visitor lately. I'm really struggling with work and the kids being at home and all the family coming on Friday. All will be back to normal again in a couple of weeks.
Tomorrow we are going to Chessington for the day. So should be fun. Rain Rain now go away!!

Hugs xxx

Family Time

2011-08-22T20:14:00.002+01:00

Hello : )
I hope you had a good weekend.
It's 8.15pm, I'm sat at my desk after a hot sunny day and the sun is now setting and the sky is a glorious red colour. It looks beautiful.

We've had a really nice day at a local park with friends. Picnic, play and lots of chatter.

Before heading out this morning, I set a new weekly challenge at Cocoa Daisy.
I used Anna's LO here this week as inspiration. I made a sketch and then I made this LO myself.

An older photo taken with my family and my Mum and Stepdad in Charmouth. We love our Easters down there. I used a mix of this months Cocoa Daisy kit along with the July kit.

It was Ade's birthday on Friday, so we had a long weekend doing nice things together. We are now planning for Dad's visit this weekend. Dad visits from USA once a year. My sister, her family and my brother will all come to us this weekend. I don;t feel so well organised, I seem to have so much going on right now in so many other areas. The weekend still seems so far away.
I now it's going to creep up rather suddenly.

Thanks for stopping by today xxx

Confused

2011-08-18T19:33:00.005+01:00

I thought it was wednesday today.
I feel so confused.
I just popped over to Sketchy Thursdays to pick my fave LO this week and was shocked to see this weeks challenge up already. Doh!! Silly me. The days this summer are flying by.
Slow Down!!

So as it's Thursday here is my Sketchy Thursdays LO.
(click to enlarge)

Here's the sketch.
I used the 'to the moon' Fancy Pants papers

I've been working on a project for Ade's birthday this afternoon.
I'm rather pleased with how it's turned out. I hope he likes it. We'll find out tomorrow
: )

Have a lovely evening xxx

Taco Tuesday

2011-08-16T11:27:00.004+01:00

Welcome : )

A couple of smallish projects to share today with you.
I made a small 8x8 canvas a few weeks ago with my Papermaze products.
I turned these bits and pieces from this...

...to this.

And some cards that I made for this weeks Cocoa Daisy summer challenge here.

My challenge this week is keeping it simple.
I used 7gypies 'Mykonos' papers from this months main kit.

One last thing, LESSology are looking for a new design teamie.
Fancy giving it a go? Take a look here.
Enjoy the rest of your day xxx

Weekend Creations

2011-08-14T14:17:00.007+01:00

I love weekends like these.
Nothing major planned.
Spending time together as a family.
Seeing friends, baking and making.

I'm trying to make a little more time for my own scrapping. Not just DT scrapping.
So I saw this challenge at Sassfras and decided to play along. Use at least 3 different types of Sassafras alphas on the one page.
(click to enlarge)

A great way to use up some of my Sassafras stash, I have so much and I love these alphas sooooooo much. The perfect size. My Dad is due over from the States on the 26th and I have sent a package to him full of loads of these fpr him to bring over : )

I love this pic of Millie my neice. We'd just arrived at legoland earlier this month and she'd been asleep in the car. We wanted to see how tall she was before we entered the park. She really doesn't look impressed : )

I've layered up a whole combo of collections here.

These blues and oranges are such a happy combo I think.

And then yesterday I made these.
They have to be my most sucessful cupcakes to date.
Strawberry lemonade cupcakes. Don't they look so pretty??!!
I wanted to create something strawberryish and found inspiration on pinterest and then did my own thing.
I used the hummingbird lemon cupcake recipe.
Then made up my own frosting. I squished 3 strawberries through a sieve to make a puree. Then whipped up fresh cream with icing sugar til it was very thick. Folded in the puree and the decorated with a icing bag.
We took them to friends last night : )

Today was an early start (after a late night at friends) we had tabletennis booked at 9am for the 4 of us at the health club.

Now Hollie and I have been reating in the studio.
Hollie has been working on this art journal. I love how she's so into it.

We plan to watch a film together in a bit and a goulashy beef stew is in the crock which according to Louis is disgusting when he tried some : )

I love weekends like these.
What have you been up to?

xxx

Tis Party Time!!!

2011-08-11T18:24:00.002+01:00

Hello Hello!!!

Wow what a busy week.
The kids have been away at their Nan's in Devon and I had a huge to-do list when they left. I still have loads on that list sadly. I think my eyes were bigger than my belly...if that makes sense?!!

I have my new page for the Sketchy Thursday blog.
Here you go.
(click to enlarge)

I am seriously loving these sketches, even more so lately. So much so that when I saw the next lot coming up I did all 3 last weekend. My mojo went into complete spasm and just wouldn't stop. Head on over to see this weeks DT pages and to play along.

If you fancy trying out for Septembers Guest Designer Spot, click here.

Some little close ups.
This was the day of our July 4th Party.

I used this months Cocoa Daisy kit.

Ade's just walked though the door which means dinner time!!!
Yay, I'm so hungry.
Off to reach for the wok now, it's noodles tonight.

See you soon xxx

For His Eyes Only

2011-08-09T15:14:00.003+01:00

Hello!!
It's sunny today and I've spent the whole day behind this desk.
The kids are visting their Nan in Devon so it's a full on work week for me.
My to-do list is huge.

I've just taken a mini break whilst making some phone calls though to whip up some banana and choccie chip cake mixture to make some loaf cakes and now I have this new LO from the weekend to share.
(click on photo to enlarge)

I took inspiration from Lisa Pace's sketch at Cocoa Daisy and used the new August Kit to create with too. We have an exclusive stamp again this month which I've made the banner from.

And the twill here is in the main kit and I used some tattered angels mist to colour it.
And there is some hidden journaling in the kraft envelope.

If you want to join in, join us here. There's a $10 CD gift voucher up for grabs.

I have a venison and red wine casserole in the crock pot for dinner tonight and a lovely walk up the common is planned for Ade and I before we start back at work tonight. The joys of working for yourself : )
And lets hope it's a quieter and safer night in England tonight. It's so sad and scary to hear what's been going on : (

Lots of love xxx

Another Weekly Prompt

2011-08-08T20:15:00.004+01:00

Week 7 of the Cocoa Daisy summer challenges.
This week I have a scraplift challenge.
Here's my page.

If you want to play along you can visit here.
You can lift any part of this page, it doesn't have to be the whole design, it could be the longer title, the chipboard cluster, the colours...
But it must include a list of some sorts on the page.

The challenge runs until Sunday 14th August, 10pm EST.
A winner will be picked and announced next Monday and will receive $5 voucher to spend in the Cocoa Daisy store.

And now for some exciting news.
My sweet friend Yvonne and also Angie are starting up a new challenge site.
I have been lucky enough to be asked to join them with this new venture.

The challenges are going to be dedicated to upcycling, recycling, and using LESS products. It’s all about the altered projects.

Come on over and take a peek here.
There's a pre-launch giveaway taking place right now.

xxx

Nine

2011-08-06T14:53:00.003+01:00

Yesterdays was 'Twelve' todays is 'Nine'.

I've used this weeks 'Pencil lines' sketch as inspiration.
I check out these sketches every week and very rarely have time to do them.
I have such a scrap bug right now though and set my alarm for 5.45am this morning so I could have some uninterupted scrappy time.
(click on photo to enlarge)

I love this cheeky photo of Louis taken whilst we were strawberry picking last weekend.
I've used a combo of Echo Park and Fancy Pants 'Baby Mine' on this page.
I decided to document 9 facts about Louis right now at the age of 9.

I used a 6x6 crafters template down at the bottom. One I hadn't used before.
And the Echo Park papers were papers I picked up at 'Arty Crafty' last week (mentioned in my post below)

It's been a good day today.
I feel like I've managed to get loads done.
Scrapped 2 LO's, did some weeding out in the front garden, had a funeral for 'bunny' (thank you for all the sweet messages btw) took Louis out and we played footy with him, baked some blackberry cupcakes using the blackberries we picked this week and we watched one of the Harry Potters together whilst I worked in the lounge.
Now the 4 of us are about to have a chineese take away.
Not something we do very often as we tend to go to the eat all you can places, but Ade and I were talking about loving getting one when we were kids and sitting around the table with all this food infront of us, so we decided it would be fun tonight.

I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xxx

Twelve

2011-08-05T17:00:00.006+01:00

This little girl is now twelve.
I took this photo of her on her birthday last month.
It needed a pretty page with pretty things and this weeks Sketchy Thursdays Sketch was perfect for it. It just felt girly to me.
(click photo to enlarge)

Here's the sketch. Pop on over to Sketchy Thursdays to see what my teamies came up with.
And if you fancy playing along this week take a look at this weeks prize too.

I visited a really lovely crafty store last week in Godalming, Surrey.
Arty Crafty.
My dear friend Anne has been telling me about this place and telling me to visit, so finally I did.
It was so good to visit a store in the UK that had decent stash. You UK girls will know what I mean when you read this.
So this LO has been made using the majority of things that can be bought from this store.
(the doilee was a thrifty ebay buy)

I picked up some scrummy Crate 'Emma's Shoppe' for this page. One of my fave Crate collections. And some beautiful fabric and Maya Road lace also fell into my basket (it was actually a proper wicker basket to shop with too...things like this make such a difference when you shop, don't they?!!)

I love these alphas. I picked up a big pack of these in Arty Crafty for just £1.80. Bargain!!
They are white and I painted them several times over with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam. So they have a touch of sparkle now.

A pretty page needs pretty primas. The flat backed pearlies are Kaisercraft.
The punches are Martha Stewart and I also picked up these little lugguage tags and the mini keys in the store too.

I can't wait to back back to Arty Crafty now. There is so much in this store. It's a crafty heaven.
And look how quaint the town is....

And the road where Arty Crafty is.
If you fancy a visit here's their facebook page for more details.

Dinner time in this house now.
Not much going on this weekend. It's very needed after such a busy week.
A hole to be dug and a little funeral for 'bunny' who sadly passed yesterday. Poor bunny.
And swimming on Sunday followed by bbq chicken wings at the health club is on the cards.

Have a lovely weekend.
Love xxx

Something Old, Something New

2011-08-05T07:29:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Blogland!!
The sun is shining, please may it do so all day.

Today I wanted to share a very new kind of hobby.
It's early days and I still feel a little unsure about it all.
It's thrifting.
Unfortunately we don't have any trendy cool thrifty stores around here.
What I would do to have somewhere like Elsie's Red Velvet Store around here.
But no we have the likes of Sue Ryder, British Heart Foundation Charity Shops.
Really not in the same league....AT ALL!!!
But I want to find fun things to transform.
So here's my recent findings.
Yesterday we were in a local town on the way home and I stopped for rabbit/guinea pig food. We pulled up outside a thrift store and was really drawn inside. It was so pretty. They actually had lovely things in there. Hollie seems to have a natural ability to this and seems to find the best stuff. Like this glass cake stand.
I have a thing for cake stands. This was only £3.50!! We also got some fab hardbacked books yesterday for art journals.

I recently bought this hand stitched tablecloth on Ebay with loads of pretty cotton doilees.
And I love this yarn. It's so big. I decided to use it as a door stop in the kitchen. A bargain at £3. Think of all the crafting I can do with that!!

So there you go. My new thifting hobby.
I just wish the feeling of ''I hope no one I know can see me'' would go away.
Some of my scrappy friends though seem to find the most amazing things and that's whats got me so inspired.
Anja for example. The longer I work alongside Anja at Cocoa Daisy the more this girl inpsires me. Look at her bedroom. I love this!
And this blogpost from Audrey. I love those baskets.

Now for something new.
This is brand new, but all I can tell you right now is this.

Need a fun new place to share your creative talents? Well, there's a BRAND NEW challenge site launching next week that will stand out from the crowd. There will be contests that will stretch your design imagination, a super cool design team, fabulous prizes, and much more. You don't want to miss this one! Tell your friends and be prepared for some CRAFTY FUN!

You will find out more next week : )

Now a day at home for us today.
I have so much work to do and we haven't had a day at home with nothing planned since last week.
Hollie and I started art journals last night so we need to work on those more too.
A very lengthy but fun project.

I will be back later with some pretty art.
See you then xxxxx

Oh So Quiet

2011-08-04T08:39:00.005+01:00

Back to normal again.
Just the 4 of us.
Our little visitor Millie left last night and we are all missing her : (
It's been so lovely having a little one in the house again, I really miss these days.
It rained so hard in the night and I woke to check on her and remembered she wasn't there.
We had a really chilled day yesterday after a couple of very busy days.
We went to our local common with friends and picked blackberries.
Here's Louis with Millie.
I love how the kids have been so good with her especially as they don't have much to do with little ones. Hollie became a right little Mummy.

So this morning now I'm enjoying some peace and quiet.
Ade's gone back to work, Hollie is enjoying a lie in and Louis is on Club Penguin upstairs.
It's raining hard which is kind of adding to the cozy feel.
We are visiting friends later this morning that we haven't seen for some time and we are all looking forward to it. I need to bake a cake before we go. A lemon drizzle I'm thinking. You can't go wrong with a lemon drizzle, can you?

I wanted to share some ATC's.
I joined in with a swap for the second time at Cocoa Daisy. Really not my thing these ATC's but I have really enjoyed it. I think because it's swapping amongst friends it feels so different.
Here's what arrived last week.

I have one from Denise who kindly organised it, Nicky Noo, Asil and Marie.
And this was the first lot I received.
I've decided to put them all on a canvas.
I thought that would look really good in my studio, a mini piece of art from my scrappy friends.

Hollie and I made some more felt jewellery one evening last week. Another one of those moments when I just was so thankful for having a daughter. It's so much fun doing this together.
The flower has ribbon at the back so I tied it to my wrist, but I've also tied it to the straps on my top too.

I guess it's time to get sorted now.
I have so many photos to go through from Millie's visit.
I just started this morning but I've managed to bugger it all up. I have no idea what I've done so I think I will just need to shut everything down here and cross my fingers tightly that when I switch it back on it's all back to normal again.
I do hate techy stuff. It's just not in my blood.

Have a lovely day scrappy friends.
Hugs xxx

Summer Scrapping

2011-08-03T06:47:00.002+01:00

I can't believe it's Wednesday already.
We are having a busy, but fun week with my 2yr old niece staying for a few days.

I have this weeks Cocoa Daisy Summer Challenge for you.
The challenge this week is to create a summer page.
Here's mine.

We went fruit picking at a local farm on Saturday.
Hollie then made shortcake biscuits in the afternoon and make these delicious Strawberry Shortcakes.

I have put together this summer inspiration board for this challenge.
Doesn't it just ooze summer?
I love these colours.

I used the colours when making my page, the pinks the aquas.
I used alot of the Cocoa Daisy June 'Cherry Soda' kit. I love these Lilybee stickers.

I started the page off with a good dollop of moulding paste. Spread thickly with an old credit card. I then used this prima 'brick wall' effect stamp that came in a Cocoa Daisy kit way back. I just pressed it several times into the paste to get this fab textured wall effect. The stamp had previously been used with red paint and there was still a little left in places. I love how this has been transferred into the paste. It goes so well with my page.

Once left to dry it looks like this.
If you want to play along with us this week. Check out here for more details and more inspiration.

Off for another busy day now.
Thanks for stopping by xxx

Siren's Call #2

2011-07-30T17:26:00.002+01:00

Happy Weekend!!!

Oh the sun is shining today. It feels so good : )
I have a couple more to share today from this months new Cocoa Daisy Kit.
Which goes on sale on the 1st August.

Here is my 'Cousins' page.
The cheaky 4some.
The frame has been cut from a piece of pp in the kit using a craft knife.
I then laid one of my crafters workshop templates over my bazzill and misted over.
I love circles right now.

These alpha stickers are in the main kit and I added some twine to the title.

Do you like the smash clips? Also in this months kit : )

And then onto a mini canvas I made.
It's just a small canvas about 6x6 inches and it's really deep.

I punched out a load of hearts from the map paper in the kit. There are 4 per pile and they've been stitched up the centre to keep them together, fanned out and stuck to the canvas.
I'm working on a collage wall for the hall way, so this is now waiting to be hung there.

Our very clever design team have come up with some truly inspiring pieces again this month.
Like this sweet mini book from Alissa. I have a real thing for corrugated card.
And I love how Christine used the banner stamp and the add on stencil on this LO.
And look what Denise did with these alpha's.
Lisa makes the most beautiful cards. Look at this one.
And Ronda has made a set of minis to take on holiday for the family to journal whilst away. How cool is that??!! Look here.

I love seeing what the other girls do with their kits.

Today has been really nice.
Some early scrapping before the family got up, a visit to a farm for some fruit picking, drive out for cake and a drive around Broadmore. Never seen it before and we live so close so we decided on a drive by whilst we were in that neck of the woods. Shudder. Gives me the creeps.
A late lunch in the garden, game of charades and now some more scrapping for me and Hollie is baking shortbread biscuits to go with the strawberries we picked and some cream : )

What are you up to today?
Hope you are having fun xxx

Siren's Call #1

2011-07-29T09:58:00.004+01:00

Good Morning.

Following last nights new kit reveal at Cocoa Daisy I can now share with you a couple of LO's using the new August kit 'Sirens Call'.
This months kit is fun, bright with a hint of holiday.
You can see the kit here. It goes on sale on the 1st.

My first page; Date Night

I punched out 3 hearts using my sizzix and cut the paper down so it was a strip. I then laid it at the bottom of the pp sideways on and misted over. The hearts strip was then stuck down too.

I love the thick ribbon in the main kit. It ties so nicely.

This story is another Louis story. We have many.
This was when I was sick a couple of weeks ago, full of cold. We'd had a day at legoland and had planned to go on a date night, just Ade and I. We were to drop Hollie off at the disco and go out for pizza. But I lay on the sofa and just didn't want to move. Then Louis said ''If you cancel your date, will Ade dump you?''
Bless, can you imagine that!! Reason for divorce, my wife canceled the date because she had a cold. I didn't cancel though.....just in case : )

And the next, Memory.

Lots of 7Gypseys Mykonos papers in this kit.
And the chipboard word Memory came in last months kit.
I simply misted with Mister Huey and then coated in Glossy Accents.

I'm off to visit a local scrap store now that I haven't been to before. It's in the little quaint town, Godalming. I'm really looking forward to it.

Enjoy your day, I'll be back tomorrow with the rest of my Cocoa Daisy goodies.
Love Lisa xxx

Cocoa Daisy Reveal

2011-07-28T14:19:00.003+01:00

Tonight is the Cocoa Daisy August Kit Reveal.
Join us over on the message boards to see what the kit is like this month, the add-ons, what our design team has come up with and for all the fun and games later on.
We start here at 9pm UK time (4pm EST).

Here are my sneaks.

Thank you for all your kind comments about my teachers gifts yesterday.
We have finally finished school for the summer. Yay!!
It's been a good day so far.
A long sleep in for Hollie, baking and cleaning and working for me first thing. We've had friends over for abit and we are popping out this afternoon.
So far so good : )
It's just nice not having to clock watch all the time and plan packed lunches.

See you tomorrow xx

Last Day = Teachers Presents

2011-07-27T11:09:00.002+01:00

Finally!!
The kids break up from school this lunchtime.
It feels like we should have done weeks ago.

So as usual the end of the school year = teachers presents and cards.
Here you go...

Using Fancy Pants Designs: To the Moon.
Love the cute glitter cuts.

And using Fancy Pants Baby Mine.
I did cut that ticket from a piece of 'It's the little things' paper.
The flower and brad are from Beach Babe.

I made a couple of prezzies for Louis' class teacher. She's bought her first home and is moving in in the school holidays.
Here is a wall hanger.

I use Baby Mine again from Fancy Pants, with a Fancy Pants Doiley.

And I also made her a 'Home' mini book.
We got some Maya Road goodies recentlt sent out by Fancy Pants. I received this fab chipboard home book.
I docorated the pages with Baby Mine papers.

The board pages are super thick and just lovely to work with.
And inside I misted lots and used the journal embellishments from the 'it's the little things' collection.

I hope she likes it : )

Off to watch Hollie collect an award at school now.
Another 'Heck family' moment. If you watch 'The Middle' you'll get that.

Thank you for stopping by today xxx

A Right ol' Mish-Mash

2011-07-25T11:46:00.003+01:00

That's what this weeks cummer challenge #5 over at Cocoa Daisy is about.

I've just set this weeks challenge if you want to go and see here.
This week we are using up old kits, the bits that we have left over each month.
Here's my page.

I've used bits left over from this months Cocoa Daisy kit and teamed them up with Aprils leftovers.
It's so easy to forget about a kit once the new one arrives.
So this week is the chance to go back into those kit bags and remind yourself what's leftover.

I found this photo that I had printed last year waiting for Green Day to come on stage at Wembley. How lucky were we to get right up at the front??I still can't believe we got so close.

Come and join us at Cocoa Daisy with your mish mash pages.
It always feels good to use up stash.

Hugs xxx

The Rock Collector

2011-07-24T14:19:00.003+01:00

Hello and a happy Sunday to you.

I'm feeling rather hungover today after a very good party yesterday at a lovely friends, so todays blogpost shall be kept short.

I loved working with this weeks challenge at The Studio. It's sketch week. The sketch is fab and I shall be using it again. Go and see for yourself here.

Here's my page.

I used mostly Studio Calico products on this page along with JBS paint.
It's about my Louis and his love for rocks.

For the party yesterday I made cupcakes.
Yummy maltesa cupcakes for the kids.

And mochachino for the adults.
I skewered the chocolate cupcakes and drizzled Kalour into the sponge for a moist coffee flavour and the frosting on top is made with the addition of fresh cream with Kalour too with a dusting of cocoa and grated Greens Dark chocolate to finish.
I think I might just go and make some more now as I have some of the frosting left over.
Seems a shame to waste : )

Enjoy your Sunday xxx

This and That

2011-07-21T13:32:00.004+01:00

It's been a funny week.
I feel like I've managed to get a fair bit done.
I'm kind of trying to get organised ready for the kids breaking up next week.
I finally have a voice. 3 whole days of just a whisper is really hard work. It's still croaky but getting stronger.

Last night I grabbed some scrappy time.
I wanted to scrap a page for me for a change. So I've played along with the Sassafras July challenge. It was right up my street. Mixing up different collections on teh one page.

Sassafras always makes me feel so happy and carefree, so it had to be a funny page for me.
This was Louis making himself wasp and bee proof.
Not great as we were about to go on a walk.

I've used a few different c9ollections here, some old and some new.

Then today I took a 10min break from work and added these wooden hearts to my wall decor.
There was some twine at the top of each heart which I removed. Sprayed with Mister Huey and when dry I added these big fabric Bacic Grey Brads.

And then in true Lisa style, stuck them to the wall with blue tack : )

And finally, seeing as it's Thursday, I have my Sketchy Thursdays page to show.

This was my busy week last week. Busy/crazy.
And here's this weeks sketch.

Ok, kids to see to now and dinner to prep.
Have a lovely evening.
Kiss kiss xxx

Food Glorious Food

2011-07-18T11:39:00.003+01:00

I am a self confessed 'foodie'.
(and proud of it)

I read recipe books from cover to cover like novels, I watch food network on tv, I prefer to buy new pretty bake ware over new clothes, I buy the 'delicious' magazine not gossip mags. I bake 2-3 times a week. I enjoy putting together a weekly menu every Sunday, sat with my cook books for inspiration and I cook from scratch every night.

So this week at Cocoa Daisy, I've set a food challenge for our #4 weekly summer challenge.

If you would like to join in, simply scrap any food related page.
Here are a couple of my favourites.

Using Fancy Pants 'To the Moon' collection.

And this one using Fancy Pants 'Beach Babe' collection.

Read here for more details on joining in.

I've struggled abit with this cold.
It's just been such a busy time that I haven't been able to slow down.
So as usual, I ended up loosing my voice.
It went Friday night.
We'd had a busy day at legoland with Louis. I came home and felt terrible. I laid on the sofa before getting him ready for sleepover #2 and had to also get ready as Hollie was having a friend over for a sleepover and we were taking them to 'Hype', a local disco for the 11yrs+.
The plan was that Ade and I were to have a date night, we'd booked a table at Pizza Express.
But I lay on the sofa and just wanted to sleep.
Louis asked if I was going to die. Apparently I looked like they do in films when they are about to die.
Then he asked me, if I cancelled my date with Ade, would he dump me???
Can you imagine that???
Made me laugh though.

So with all that my voice gave in and I'm still waiting for it to reappear.

Not sure if the long walk in the rain helped yesterday.
I just needed some fresh air though. So 10am we decided to get dressed and wander over to the common near us. Just as we got outside it started raining. We grabbed raincoats and went anyway, but the rain never stopped.
It was fun though, despite Louis not being quiet for 2 seconds. He chatted, and sung songs he made up the whole time and then chatted some more. It was non stop. Very tiring!

Here's some snaps of the walk.

These yellow plants are everywhere and covered in these stripey caterpillars.

Hope you had a good weekend : )
Thanks for visiting today xxx

What I think about,,,,

2011-07-14T19:10:00.003+01:00

The Beach.

I love the beach.
It's a great place to be.
So this week when I scrapped using the new Sketchy Thursdays sketch, I scrapped my beachy thoughts.

I used the Fancy Pants 'Baby Mine' collection.
I love the flocked 12x12 transparency. (the yellow strips) it's so soft to touch. I love adding texture to my pages.

The chipboard alphas were a creamy white so I painted over them using Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam, so they have a touch of sparkle too.

And here's this weeks sketch if you want to join in here.

No chit chat from me today.
I have a rotten cold and feel lousy.
Two busy days in a row, so right now, it's bath and bed time.
See ya xx

No Planning Required

2011-07-12T06:10:00.003+01:00

This week at The Studio, we were asked to scrap a page about somthing we love about summer. Not the long days out, but the simple things.

This made me think of the evening walks I love with our little lot.
Last Monday we got home from Louis' golf lesson it was almost 7pm, but it was such a beautiful evening. Instead of getting home and getting into the usual bathtime/bedtime routine on a school night, we went home grabbed the dog and headed out for a walk to the common.
I love these evening walks.

The walks always have lots of silliness and giggles involved and usually a story to remember. This one was the dead bunny. I won't go into detail, it grosses me out. Yuk!!

I used the Cocoa Daisy 'Urban Loft' Kit. Along with some Mister Huey sprays.
If you fancy joining in with this challenge, then play along here.

Another long work day planned for me today. I have a super busy week with loads of deadlines.
Doesn't help that we have sportsday tomorrow and a teacher training day on Friday. *sigh*

Have a lovely day today xxx