Resolution started

Already half way through January and the first snowfall has appeared. Winter is here at last. I did quite bit of crafting for Xmas, partly because I chose to make tags and fancy wrapping instead of a production line of cards.
My resolutions are simple, be grateful and try a new craft.
I have had a bit of a hare fascination for a while and spotted some lovely, but expensive cushions on Not on the High Street. I sue sited to Emma, that given her sewing skills, she might make me one for Xmas. But best laid plans, she is in the early and sickliest stage of a pregnancy. However I did get a lovely NOTHS one instead. Still, it niggled, so armed with some material and buttons I got from Joan, I decided to give appliqué a go. I just started by doing the panel and buying a cheap Cush from BHS and I am so pleased with the results.  Even the blanket stitch looks ok. So, there's the finished result. I reckon it cost under £10.00 so job done. Hope you like. Finished item plus initial preparation.

New year, new kattitude

OK, so it's not easy going into a new year and trying to change things, especially your approach. But when the going gets rough, breathe deeply, have pride in your resilience and get creative with your time.
I haven't been down, I have just let time run away with me and neglected my creative duties with the exception of the festive cards and labels. But this year I expanded the repertoire into some fancy wrapping.
In addition, the positive focus is on new life because we are expecting our first grandchild in 2015. So much shopping, so little time.
My hare and woodland fascination is carried into the new year with the addition of squirrel cushions and a lovely hare cushioned gift via not on the high street, and a larger Miho deer head.
So, creative efforts:

Introducing.my hare. Copied from a copyright free image and used as a stencil. I covered him with different Xmas papers and added him to a card. My resolution is to cut from fabric and add appliqué to a cheap bought cushion cover. Watch this space.
And the other is a journal come smash book from TK Maxx, which I have altered and promised to fill.
So here's to 2015. May it be peaceful and healthy.
Catcha later.

The last post

ItS been that time of year, Remembrance Day, anniversary of the Great War, the publicity surrounding the poppies at the tower. It made us think of sacrifice, bravery, violence, morality and loss.
I have been following a blog since March. Directed there by Barbara Gray of Clarity, it has become part of my daily routine to dip into this blog and take inspiration from it. The  blog author Jane, is a  fellow crafter and unfortunately a long term cancer sufferer. She started the blog at the point she became terminal and has shared her experiences with us sine. She is now however approaching the end of her journey and appears to have posted the last post. I shall miss my e friend truly but back to remembrance. It's a healer.
Mother Nature often has a a way of reminding you about the positive. Feeling tearful, I went to prepare tonight's dinner and look what I found.

There's always love in difficult times and I send loads to Jane in her final hours and to her family.
And so to crafting. I did this card with some decoupage from House of Zandra. It was too clean and snow where I come from, doesn't stay white for long. So I sprayed it with mucky snow.
Hope you like. Need my Beechams all in one now
Catcha later

Crafty week

I've had a week off work and have spent some time enjoying the craft. I made some Christmas cards, did sme scrapping, spent money on a project life starter kit and took some photos. I am feeling quite please with myself. The cards feature sequins. I am really taken with the packet I bought from Paperchase and I can't leave them alone. I am going to dabble in project life so I can achieve more outputs.. This is one of my layouts.

I scrap lifted this from a Maggie Holmes layout, used Studio a Calico Take Note papers. I liked hoe she did her journaling As a strip and since it is my current goal to improve my handwriting, I gave it a go. I wanted to show Durham Cathedral in all it's glory and this picture combines the cathedral with the Lindisfarne Gospels.
On a more personal note I used some project life cards in a conventional layout to convey the point that if it wasn't for selfies, there wouldn't be many photos of me.

Point made.
It was the girls memorial bash last night. Everyone danced and sang which was a fitting tribute. Will capture some meaningful song lyrics in my Smash book, rather than using photos.
Anyhoo. Catcha later.

Busy busy busy

Had a couple of days off work so it was time to do some crafting. I went to Harrogate last week and bought lots of stuff I didn't need, but got some bargains. I don't make many Christmas cards but a select few do get one. For me card making is about having someone in mind for  the make and design. Every year I try and make the 2 Nieces a card that's a bit different. Last year I did advent easels which were nicely displayed but the ragged by the 2 little beastie Shih Tzus. So this year I opted for something that would hang on the wall.
May I present Georgia and Lacey Xmas skulls.
I used Mdf shapes, papers to compliment my sisters colour scheme, mod podge, bling, die cuts, feathers etc.

I just need to add some ribbon to the back.
On a different note. I have been following a blog by Spain jane. This amazingly honest and talented blogger is terminally ill and now deteriorating rapidly. If you ever need to remember to give thanks for the time  you have, please read her blog. It is inspirational.
I've even done some stamping. Wonders will never cease. But that's for a later blog.

Catcha later

Our first gay wedding.

We are so looking forward to the marriage of our niece Katie and her partner Joanne. My OH keeps up to date with them on Facebook and what is so obvious is the fact that they embrace life. They are lovely people so am hoping the weather is kind and the day goes smoothly for them. I bought a new outfit (any excuse) so I might drop a photo in. You could use it for Halloween because it will feature my Grim Reaper hat.
I made a card with a kraft base and Bellisima paper and decoupage from Do Crafts. Added some cheap nail art embellishments bought for £1 in Primark. They are diddly but great to look at. I wrapped the present in Kraft and made paper roses by drawing round a plate and inserting scrunched navy tissue paper. Inspired by Sylvie Jolie. Google her she's so talented. Then 2 punched tags and insect stickers from Paperchase. I love these little stickers. Washi tape also from Paperchase.

Catcha later.

The great Blackhall bake off

Ok so I have no competition, which is just as well. I am not a baker. I will always have a go and can do some pretty good home made stuff, but I am not good at cakes. I want to make something for the Macmillan Coffee Morning in two weeks time so I had a go at this:

It's rose, pistachio and lime. Decorated with cream cheese icing and rose petals and chopped pistachios. Tastes quite nice so I'll give it another go and hope it sells.
But on to crafting. This is my final layout from our Krakow trip. No more of this I promise, but I had to capture it. it's my O H laying a white rose on the Holocaust memorial.

I kept it very simple. Some Old stickers from Lakeland and grey bazill. I didn't think it warranted a comment as the subject is just too big. I added the lace stickers as I observed some elderly ladies making lace at the Krakow craft market. And it reminded me of delicate souls, being cared for.....at least I believe they are.
It's GNR day; just fills you with warmth seeing these people running to raise money. OH couldn't do it this year but was there supporting Hartlepool Hospice and the lads running for them

Catcha later