julietk

2012-01-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Valentine Mouse and Heart.

Finished this a couple of days ago.
Needle felted Mouse and Heart combo :-)
It is the first time I have made an Animal with an open mouth, I wanted a big smile.
I have not measured it yet but it looks about 3 to 3.5 inches tall to me, it is fully jointed and has Heart shaped paw pads.
I printed Forget-me-nots on hand made Paper and tore the edges for a frayed look on the Tag which also has a plain sheet for writing a message..
The heart was ready made and I only had to embellish it, I added Seed Beads, Resin Buttons and Satin Ribbons.

I would love to know what you think of it.

2011-12-15T04:03:00.000-08:00

Needle Felted Carosel Horse.
Whoopee I have finally finished him, he has been picked up worked on and put away many times these last two months and finally he is done.

He is Needle felted over a wire armature.
His Eyes are Black Glass.
His Saddle and other trappings are made of Leather as are his Hooves.
He stands on a Wooden Base.
He measures 14 cm from nose to bottom, 16 cm high with pole, base measures 9 by 21 cm.
I have listed him on ebay item no 220915142110.

I am way behind on all my Christmas stuff this year there are no decorations or tree up yet and I have still to finish writing my Christmas cards. I had meant to do it all the weekend just gone but ny back was hurting too much to do anything that involved climbing or bending :-(
As I am feeling a little better today I have made my mind up to get some done, it doesn't feel like Christmas until they are up.
I hope you are all feeling the Christmas spirit and enjoying your preperations and I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas
I will be posting again soon, bye for now.

2011-11-28T12:59:00.001-08:00

December is nearly here!
I can't believe it is so close to the end of this year, it has flown by in a never ending list of Medication and Hospital appointments. Hubby is still doing ok on his treatment which is slow going on half dose and still has many months to go.
My son is settled in to the 6th form college to study for A levels and I have my never ending list of things to do.
I did however manage to finish a small project... Don't faint, I know its been so long since I posted a finished project on here.I still have another UFO to finish. This little Christmas Mouse has already sold.It is the first I have made with Polymer clay additions (his paws and feet)I also made a Silver and Crystal decoration for him to hold.He is on his way to the USA as I type, I hope he arrives safely to his new home.

Back soon, Juliet

2011-09-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Here I go again.
It has been a long time since my last ~~confession~~ post, life sure has a way of filling up the days.
My son made us very happy by passing 9 GCSE's and is now happily attending 6th form college to take 4 A levels.He has to dress in smart office clothing and so we went shopping for him Boy he's hard to find stuff for being a big ,tall feller.I tried to take a photo of him looking all smart and he ran away from me silly sausage.
Hubby finally started his treatment after 7 months waiting. Two weeks in and he has only flu like symptoms as side affects, we were warned they can be quite bad physically and mentally. The consultant decided to put him on half dose because of all his other illnesess and so the treatment will go on for 7 months. He has disturbed sleep at night and needs to rest in the afternoon, sometimes he keeps me awake too so I nap with him :-) But last night I slept well because hubby tried not to disturb me as I have a rotten cold and he thought I should rest. That is why I am able to post today while he sleeps.
Our little pup is now a fully grown dog at 16 months and he is still a constant source of entertainment with his daft antics.He loves my home made dog toys too :-)

I have several unfinished projects I hope to share soon.I have decided to change over to the new blogger templates you can look at this blog with all of them by selecting it from the drop down on the top left.However it does seem to do away with all of your links and stuff from the side bars, what can you see? are they still there somewhere :-)If not I will have to create some new pages.I hope to be able to post more frequently from now on.
Bye for now, Juliet

2011-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

It has been another long break between posts, not that I haven't been thinking of posting, I often mull over a subject while otherwise physically engaged and think that would have been a great post, do you?
The front room is now all finished except I have to get my younger brother to fit the new light for me He is a qualified Spark :-D
I managed to finish the painting in time for the floor to be laid on the set date and I must say it was entirely down to buying top quality paints which covered so well in one coat. I recommend Dulux Trade Matt Vinyl for ceilings and their Vinyl Silk for walls.
The floor was in storage so long I forgot how nice it was :-D
I thought you would like to have a peek. Difficult to photograph a smallish room like this,
It got me thinking of those home and garden magazines with pictures of interiors the photographers manage to make them all look huge, even in the standard Victorian size rooms.
Sid managed to squeeze himself into the shot too :-D he was a good dog while the painting was being done and although he followed me around the whole time he did not spill or spread any paint.

As you can see it is not a fab photo :-} the blue is more of a turquoise and I have no idea why it is grainy looking. I bet my hubby has been messin with my camera settings. No time to deal with that now or I will never get a post on here!
As my son has finished his exams and has no more school we are holiday routine, ie lots of lie ins and late nights.
I even made a jewellery set ! I will post pictures when I have a moment

It's a dogs life

2011-06-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all I have been so busy of late with home life I have not had much time to craft or blog.
I feel a bit guilty for leaving this blog to go to the Dogs.

Talking of Dogs our puppy is now just over 1 year old and is such a pleasure on a daily basis apart from the fact that he is so close at every moment I sometimes find myself forced to give him attention instead of doing other things. He even puts himself between me and the Laptop when I try to spend some time on line. He is at this moment sleeping on the desk beside the laptop like this

Now that he is older and a little trained we play fetch when we are out walking and is little tail wags like mad the whole time.
I have been home decorating this last few weeks and have finished my teenage sons room. He asked for Urban camouflage walls which took some time to complete and we got him a grey carpet to complement the wall colours, he is very happy with it.

As a fella we know has two days free at the end of next week to lay our new laminate flooring,Well I say new but it has been sitting in the shed waiting to be laid for a very long time :-) And so I have to crack on and repaint the walls ceiling etc in the living room this week.

Since hubbies rant at the hospital he has cheered up considerably, probably due to no longer feeling as though he is waiting for something he will never get. As he is much happier so are my son and I :-)
I still find myself exhausted at the end of the day from having to do so much but getting the house in order after such a long time of putting it off until things get better (which I now know they never will) makes me happy. I kept thinking I will do that when hubby is better and I have more time but it just seemed to carry on and on and so last month I thought just do it :-)

I hope all my blog friends are well and I will try to find time to visit your blogs soon .

Update on life as we know it

2011-04-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

In my household that is.
Thanks to all those who left me a comment on my last post it really did help me to feel back in the swing of things xx

Hubbies long awaited clinic appointment was Friday gone and the doctors are still unsure of the safety of treating him due to his other illnesses.
My hubby had a rant right there in the clinic bringing everyone out from the side rooms to stare at him as if he was a murderer. But knowing how much he had set his heart on this treatment and knowing his stressed state of late (on top of his usual short tempered nature when things are not going his way) I was not surprised. He left expecting me to follow but I hung back to talk to the two Doctors he had lost it with. I can fully understand their caution but at the same time they had told him that they would liaise with his other clinics to get more info and permissions at his last appointment and they had not even done that yet so I left with a promise that this would be done.
I spent the rest of the day and the next trying to cheer hubby up.
One of the things that annoyed me when I was caring for my Mum through her cancer treatments was that she saw a different Doctor each time and they would ask the same questions as the week before to familiarise themselves with her case rather than reading her notes prior to seeing her. I know these Doctors are busy but a couple of minutes reading rather than grilling a very ill person (who would much rather be seeing a familiar face) would be nice.
I have spent 16 years of my life caring for my loved ones who were or are ill and I have seen the Doctors in the hospitals do wonderful things and I have seem them do some things I have not liked.
Too much for one post to go in to.

When I started this blog it was supposed to be about my passion for Art and Craft and a way to connect with others of like mind, but life crept in on the odd post and it seems right to share some of who I am when not Crafting.
One of the first things Hubby said when he found I was blogging was "I hope your not writing about me on there", he has a more guarded personality than me.
I have on the whole kept him out of my writings until his illness became so much that it was taking all of my crafting and blogging time up and I felt a need to explain my absence and missed the connection blogging gave me. I will try to do what I feel is fair to his wishes by not going deeply into details with regards to his illnesses. He has 5 serious illnesses 3 of which my Mum also had but she had Cancer (two kinds) and he is very lucky as far as I am concerned not to.

I myself am feeling tired, stressed at times but I am coping.
My beautiful son who has had to share his mum his whole life with those others who need my care is doing well at school and spends far too much time in his room :-)
Thank you for your support and good wishes.
I hope I will have some thing creative to share soon :-)

I feel so out of touch

2011-04-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have been unable to blog myself or read any of my favourite blogs for some time now :-(
I feel so out of touch with all of my wonderful blog friends and miss the connection I had with you all.
My husband was told he had to wait a while for his treatment as his Kidneys and Liver were were not functioning properly, this was very frustrating and worrying for him and his mood has been very snappy (to put it mildly) and so the atmosphere in my home has not been as nice as it should.
The Doctors cut some of his medication in the hope that the Kidneys and Liver would improve
we are due to go back next week.
I have tried to find time to craft but it has still been only an hour here and there which means nothing finished to share yet as needle felting is a long winded process.
On the bright side I have been enjoying the spring sunshine we have had these last few weeks here in London, it has made walking my new fur baby much more pleasant and the walking has dropped 6 pounds from my weight :-)
I would love to hear from you all, I miss my connection to the world of Arts and Craft (and women of course) as I am stuck at home or at the hospital most of the time. I think I am turning into one of those nutty middle aged ladies who talks to anyone in the cue while out shopping because of lack of company. So please leave me a comment and I will be encouraged to visit you back without feeling so out of touch.

Is Rustic just another way of saying UGLY

2011-02-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post for a while now.
Since mid December I have been either too busy, too tired or too ill to even browse the net, let alone blog or craft :-(
Hubby has had complications in his health problems, I have been a little down (winter blues I think)
My son has been under pressure from last year of school course work. I have a Puppy to exercise and supervise and I just have to put the family first.
I have often wondered if my mojo has gone because I am sad or I am sad because my mojo is gone.
Just when I started to feel more cheerful in myself we came down with sore throats, coughs etc :}
but I still feel more cheerful :-)
Anyhoo I aplogise for my absence and hope to resume normal service as time allows.

I made some ~~Ugly~~ Rustic white Bread today.
It was a spur of the moment decision.
Hubby expressed a fancy for Soup rather than any other option for dinner.
I just thought mmm Hot Bread and Soup and went to the store cupboard to find my Dried Yeast.
It was a little late in the day for anything other than a flattish loaf.
Prooving time was shorter and in very warm conditions.
2 hours from start to Hot Bread on the table.
It had a Crunchy crust and a slightly heavy doughy inside perfect for dunking in soup :-D

In my rush I forgot to glaze the bread but it didn't stop us three finishing off one of the two small loaves I had made.

I really enjoyed making And eating it :-D
PS, If anyone wants the recipe i'll be happy to post it later.

Christmas wishes

2010-12-24T16:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Homemade Sweets, Marzipan Sushi

2010-12-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

My younger brother is mad about Marzipan, so every year I make some kind of treat for him using Marzipan.
This year I have made what I shall call Marzipan Sushi.
No Cooking involved, just preperation.

If you like Marzipan maybe you would like to try some.

To make these you will need

A rolling pin
2 sheets of greaseproof paper or plastic
A sharp knife
Large plate, not paper.
Small bowl
Medium bowl
Baking sheet or another plate
A gift box , wrapping or bag of some sort.

500 grams of white Marzipan
500 grams of dessicated coconut
A handful of unsalted mixed nuts , I used Walnuts, Brazil nuts and Hazel nuts.
100 grams of milk or plain Chocolate.

Lay out your sheet of Greaseproof paper
On it roll out the Marzipan to a thickness of 1/2 inch
Pour the Coconut on top and spread it around and press it into the marzipan covering as much as possible.
Lay the 2nd sheet of greaseproof paper on top and turn the whole thing over and remove the sheet which is now on top.

Chop the nuts into quarters and lay in a thin line close to one edge of the Marzipan, not too many it stops it holding together.
Now roll the closest edge over the nuts until it overlaps a little , press down, cut off excess Marzipan and repeat with the other marzipan that is left until it is all used up , Like making sausage rolls :-)
Cut into 1 inch pieces and place either on the baking sheet or a plate. Chill until needed. Not you the Marzipan :-D

Break the chocolate up and melt in a small bowl floating in a bigger bowl of boiling water.
While this is melting put the plate into the freezer to cool.
When the chocolate is melted and the plate is cooled
take your marzipan Sushi and dip the bottom into the chocolate to coat about 1/4 way up
then place on the chilled plate to set. Use the greaseproof paper too if you like
Keep going until you have dipped all pieces, chill in the fridge until chocolate is set
When set remove from plate , a few may need a helping prod with a flat knife :-)
and they are ready to Eat or Gift wrap.
Store in the fridge or other cool place
I was a bit peeved I didn't have any white tissue paper to put under these but being a bloke my brother will not notice :-)

Dog Bath Dilemma, by Sid the dog

2010-12-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Is Mum gone yet?

Yep All clear :-)

Now let me see.. What was that button again?

AHA That's it!

Just found this in mummys photo files!!!

And she said I was due a bath today to Daddy !!!

Hope she isn't going to dry me off like this!!!

I'll just wait here until someone answers

Black Friday Giveaway £40.00 Voucher Draw result

2010-12-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have had hubby choose at random from all the entries here and on facebook and the winner is......... Pattee Of Odd Dolls.
Thankyou to all who joined in and keep an eye out for my next one it may be your turn to be lucky.

Christmas tree Chocolates for grown ups.

2010-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

Because my son is 16 now I thought I would lay aside my usual Tree and Decorations and do a more grown up one.
I toyed with the idea of a bright Pink Tree but it would have clashed with my decor So I finally opted for a Black Tree with Black and Gold decorations.
I always have Chocolates on the tree and everyone loves to be able to have one when they visit.
I decided to use small Bars instead of the usual foil wrapped chocolate Coins.
Here's how to do them, it's very easy even a novice paper crafter will have no trouble.

You will Need

Small Chocolate Bars, I bought Ryelands 5 for 79p at Tesco's, 10 Milk and 5 Plain, Its very good Chocolate for the price, Somehow 3 disappeared! :-) You could splash out and get another brand, Green and Black do small bars.
Craft paper or card in your chosen color scheme.
Ribbons and other embellishments in your chosen color scheme.
Scissors, Craft blade, Cutting Mat.
Glue, sticky fixers or sellotape.

Cut strips of Card (or paper) 2/3 of the width of your Chocolate bars and long enough to wrap around and fix to itself .

Wrap them around and glue along one edge, stick it down overlapping onto the other end

You now have a slip off cover.

Add your chosen embellishments to the cover, I made some overlap the edge but they are fixed to the cover.

Thread Ribbon or cord through the slip cover at the back, tie a knot and trim excess off.

They look like little handles :-)

Now all you have to do is hang them on the Christmas Tree and resist eating them all yourself :-D

Here's my Black and Gold Tree with them on

Hey is anyone there ?

2010-12-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hey is anyone there ? its me Sid.

Just got back from the vet with the all clear,YAY

Is this thing working ?

MMM oh well,

Gotta go, she's comin back!

A new Bear in a new size

2010-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

I am sure I have mentioned I was working on a slightly larger Bear than usual,
well I finally finished him. Here he is just as he was finished.

Here he is with a nice Chiffon Bow and sitting next to his Tag

He is 8 inches tall including Ears :-) He has wires in his arms so that they can be posed.
He is 5 way thread jointed with strong waxed cotton thread.
He has Onyx Nose and Eyes
He took a lot of work and still ended up at only 2 inches taller than my last Bear.
Next time I am aiming for 10 inches :-)

The snow has finally reached London today but is just melting as it lands so far.
The puppy is almost back to being 100 %, no limp is evident :-)
I get to start taking him out for walk soon, Just in time for the rotten weather :-(
still with pet ownership comes responsibility and I will have to brave it :-)
There is still time to enter my giveaway in the previous post all are welcome.

Hope all are well and warm.

Black Friday Giveaway £40.00 Voucher

2010-11-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

Have you started yours yet?
With this currrent financial situation causing everyone to cut back I am sure you are considering each purchase very carefully, I know I am.

To make Christams shopping a tiny bit less stressful and a little more fun I have decided to give away a £40.00 Gift Voucher to spend on my website to one lucky shopper.

To enter all you have to do is follow my blog (unless you already are ) and promote my giveaway in some way, Tweet, Blog or Facebook. Do all three to get three chances to win!

Comment here with your email, after all without it how can I send your E Voucher.

Voucher can be used to purchase any item for sale on my web site or Etsy, including commissions.

Good luck

The Winner will be drawn December 17th in time for the last postal services before Christmas

PS, To find out how Black friday started read this link

PPS, The winner of my last giveaway has been emailed :-) more news when she replies.

Adventures in Petland

2010-11-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading a while you will know that my Darling Fur Baby passed away this spring of an untreatable cancer. When our birthdays were coming up this Autumn Hubby and I decided we would get a Puppy to fill the Fur Baby shaped hole in our lives. Along Came Sid, the fur ball of destruction, immediate Puppy proofing of the house ensued.
He's a Beautiful crazy Terrier, so full of mischief and bounce.

Well a few weeks ago he bounced himself into trouble and after a rush to the Vet we found he had badly damaged his knee. He has had 3 visits to the vet including the operation on his knee and so far the costs have been nearly £600.00 pounds. Oh how I wish I had taken out Pet insurance the day I got him. I had every intention of doing it but it was, I thought, non urgent. Who expects a puppy, who is not allowed out of the house yet to get seriously injured! Lesson learnt, do not assume anything. Get your Pets Insured or literally pay the consequences.

Our Fur baby is on the mend but has a couple more visits to the Vet scheduled. Because of his Injury I have had to curb our playtimes together he is still raring to go but for his own good I have to be cruel and ignor the tennis ball dropped at my feet. He has grown so much since we got him and the fur on his bad leg is growing back only to be shaved off again soon when they remove the pins from his knee.
As soon as this treatment is over and our delightful Puppy is all better I am certainly going to get him Pet Insurance, because you never know.

Lets have some fun..game with prize.

2010-10-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had the urge to make a Giant Cup Cake Case, so I used a small piece of White raw Silk and some handmade paper. I Glued the paper and fabric together with PVA and ironed it dry. I cut a circle out. Making the folds was really hard and each one had to be done by hand. Having acomplished my goal I wondered what to do with my giant Cup Cake Case.
This evening I was tidying some wool tops when I had another urge, to fill my Cup Cake Case with Wooltops :-D Then I thought why not have some fun with it. So here's a little game.

Guess the wieght of the wooltops inside the giant cup cake case in grams and win the lot, Chocolate Brown, Purest White and Cherry Red. I will also Include two felting needles.
To help you guess, the Cup Cake Case measures 11 cm across the bottom and is 8 cm high. The width at the top of the Cup Cake Case is 20 cm
Just leave your guess in grams in the comments below I will draw a winner from the correct guesses on Nov 10th If no one is correct I will choose the nearest guess.

Witch Doll Finally finished

2010-10-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all, meet Frankie
She has been Picking pumpkins to carve this weekend.

Frankie is not a bad Witch but she is not always good either.
She likes to ride her broom very fast and once had an accident which gave her a twisted right foot but she thought the limp was good for her witchy image and decided not to have it fixed. The shock also gave her a white streak in her hair but she is fond of that too. She has already made friends with Dobby, He thinks she is charming :-)

Frankie is looking forward to Halloween and a long ride on her broom by moonlight to meet her witchy friends.
Frankie is 10 inches tall and is made from a combination of Needle felting and polymer clay. She has a hand sewn dress and a hat which is made from the same material. The pumpkins are made with Fimo air dry clay and painted.

I am relieved to have finished her in time for All Hallows Eve, I am sure she would have been sad to have missed it :-)

My Puppy had his Knee operation and is on the mend I am glad to say but we still have a couple of visits to the Vet before he is finished with the treatment.
My son is fine also after his medication scare.

I hope all of you are well and happy

Big Ben, Hands stolen!!!!

2010-10-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

Very cool Ad ...........Big Ben by T.P.A UK

Project update and a little bit of life too

2010-10-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

I feel as though I have not achieved much lately because life has thrown more things into my daily pot to contend with. My son was off school ill for a week with an awful cough etc and as he is in his final year I sent him back after a week (I was so worried about the course work he was missing) after one day back at school he seemed to have developed an even worse cough. So I kept him off school to visit the GP again.
That morning our Puppy was bouncing around in the garden, jumping high to try and see who was saying good morning over the 5 foot fence and he landed badly and squeaked a lot after that he wouldn't walk on his right back leg. I was delegated to take the puppy to the vet while hubby would arrange a GP appointment for my son who having turned 16, 3 weeks ago, we decided he could be trusted to go on his own (it is after all just across the road and he only had a cough, also hubby has a low imune system so he cannot visit surgeries with out risk)
Everything seemed to go ok, he came home with a bottle of what we took for cough medicine.

Picture of puppy :-) isn't he beautiful?

The Puppy had to be sedated for xrays so I was asked to leave him and collect him that evening. Which I did, he has injured his knee and the vet has asked us to keep him rested and return next week if it is healing well he will not need an operation, I do hope it is. My poor puppy he keeps bringing me his toys to play and I have to ignor him :-( but it is for his own good.

Getting back to my darling sons woes, the following morning he took a spoonful of his medicine after breakfast and went off to do what ever 16 year old do in their bedrooms when they are off school. I was pottering around about 20 minutes later and he came to me complain of feeling sick and dizzy his hands were shaking and I made him sit with me for a while, he said his heart was racing and I could see it making his Tshirt move and so I had a listen to his heart and it was very fast, I investigated the medicine he was given and it had similar side effect listed. I decided to ring the GP and the secretary said he was out on home visits. I remembered the National Health Helpline and after lots of the usual details were taken TWICE we talked to a nurse. She advised us to do what I was feeling was needed and take him to the Emergency unit to be checked out. We both felt it had to be reaction to the drug but as it was so severe we were worried about his heart too.

It was scary but my son was very cool about the whole thing, he had his first experience of an Adult Emergency unit in London including the extremely Smelly drunk and some shouting mental patients. In the Children's emergency unit you are usually spared these.
After more details, blood tests, ECGs etc His Symptoms gradually slowed down, thank heaven. It seems the GP had given my son a medicine used in extreme cases of Asthma which is being withdrawn shortly from use (shocking) I am too lost for words to even speak to the GP and annoyed with myself for allowing my son to take it without reading the leaflet first. Did I say a little bit of life in that title :-D it seems a lot sitting here typing.
Along with the normal day to day chores and hubbys usual appointments (he attends 4 clinics)it has not left me much time or energy to spend on my crafting.
Looking at what I have achieved so far I suppose I haven't done too badly
My Witch has almost all of her body parts, She needs Hands and feet
assembling,clothing and hair.

I do hope I finish her in time for Halloween.
I had better go now hubby is hungry :-)

October issue of Mini Teddy Hugs out now

2010-10-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

Read My Hugglets Article for Mini Teddy Hugs Emag (in October issue).

I am not even sure what to call this post..

2010-09-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

..life has been interesting since my last post.
I have been looking after my Grandson Charlie (19 months)and also have my hands full Puppy Training. The good thing is he is great with the little ones.
I have had so many cute photo opportunities but they don't sit still enough to actually capture them :-)
The puppy has grown some and Charlie is delightful, chatting away, repeating what you say.
I had a great time at the Hugglets Bear festival and would have posted about it had I not been asked to write an Article for the Mini Teddy Hugs Emag (in October issue).

Then I was ill for 8 days because of a savage tooth extraction which left me in such pain. I won't bore you with all the details but in the end I had to have Antibiotics too YUK

Also I spent a day Jewellery making with a Lady who is disabled, she is mad about Beads and we had a great time, we found we have a lot in common. Over a cuppa She chose Beads and I made her some Earrings and finished a couple of Necklaces she had gotten stuck on. She also had lots of questions which I was happy to answer.
Her dial a ride home turned up and I didn't get a photo of any of the Jewellery because we had been having such a great time we hadn't noticed the time :-}
We plan to do it again soon :-)

A couple of days ago tried to comment on a few blogs but kept getting error codes, I hope I get time to browse my fav blogs again soon.
Thank you to all of my readers, and thank you especially if you comment.

I hope to be back soon with something nice.
I leave you with a picture of the Tiny Dachshund I bought at Hugglets, I just couldn't resist, it is so cute.

Meow.. Cat Mini sculpt

2010-09-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making this Cat over the last two days. I just wanted to make something feline :-) I ended up going for a modern sculpt look rather than realism.
I am really happy with it, I hope you like it too.

3 & 1/2 inches sitting
Oyster merino wool
Pink nose etc felted in
Head is Thread jointed and turns fully
Don't forget to join the Autumn Draw in the post below :-)

Autumn prize draw, win two Needle felted Critters

2010-09-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

This Seasons prize draw is for not One but Two of my Country Critters

To enter simply visit my Web site and join my web site Mailing list
For a second chance to win pass the word on your blog using the Picture above and linking back.
Leave a comment here to let me know.
Draw will take place Nov 1st 2010.

A new Bear

2010-09-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

It seems ages since I posted. Our new furbaby has been keeping me on my toes puppy proofing the house and keeping the little fella out of mischief :-) But it is worth it he is adorable :-)

I have managed to finish another Bear in between the extra chores and the usual ones.
She is Needle Felted with an Oyster shade of Merino wool, which is not quite white but not quite cream and has Baby Pink Paw pads etc.

She has Onyx Eyes and Nose. She is 5 way thread jointed.
She stands 5 and 1/2 inches tall.
She also has a little Prim Teddy of her own.

Busy this week preparing for the Hugglets Festival on Sunday. I am a little excited and a little nervous :-) It is such a popular event in the Bear Calendar, it took me two years to get a stall booking, wish me luck.

Autumn Issue of UK Handmade online Magazine

2010-09-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have just spent a relaxing coffee break reading the new issue of UK Handmade.
Available to view Here

It is well worth a visit when you have the time for a break :-)

New Bear Finally

2010-08-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Summer has, as I have mentioned before, thrown me off my stride but I have finally finished this Bear. He has taken me two weeks to finish, not the whole two weeks :-D but a few hours here and there over that time.

He is 6 inches tall.
He is Needle felted with Warm Light Brown Merino wool.
He has Onyx Eyes and Nose and Black Merino wool paw pads Needle felted in.
Like most of my Bears he will stand if you get the balance right.

I have just under a month until I will be attending the Hugglets Bear fair on the 12th september and I would like to make at least 3 more Bears to take, at this rate I had better get on with it :-)

We have a new furbaby

2010-08-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Although we could never replace our Furbaby who passed away a few months ago. my hubby could not bear the house without the patter of tiny paws any longer. I was less keen but I could see he was really pining.
After some searching we found a puppy for sale that we both agreed to go and see.
Well it was a relief to me that I was not upset as I was a few weeks ago, we had visited a friend who had a dog similar to our dog and although I had played with it it had made me cry. seeing and playing with this little fellow did not and so we brought home a new Furbaby
After a day with him we have decided to call him Spaz because he is daft :-D

Lloyds TSB Photography Competition

2010-08-05T08:06:00.001-07:00

Lloyds TSB

British weather photographer of the year

Lloyds TSB are looking for the British weather photographer of the year and have set up a fabulous competition.

Capture a dazzling weather scene and be in with the chance of winning £10,000.

The competition will run on www.lloydstsb.com web site from 13 April 2010 until 30 September 2010.

I have entered this photo titled, After the Rain

It was taken this Spring, when we had so much Rain.

The Rain had stopped and I went out in to the garden to find this fellow out for a stroll too.

I am always seeing terrific photos on blogs I visit and thought some of you would be interested in having a shot ;-) excuse the pun.

The competition has two types of prize, details of which are -

An Overall Competition Prize

All entries submitted by midnight on 30 September 2010 will be entered in to the overall competition.

During the month of October 2010, 12 finalists will be selected by the panel of judges from all submitted entries.

The 12 finalists (together with a guest) will be invited to attend the winner's ceremony which will take place between 1 st and 30 th November 2010. Travel and accommodation will be arranged and bear the associated costs, the details of which will be communicated to the 12 finalists prior to the winning ceremony.

The winner of the overall competition will receive a fabulous prize of £10,000.

The full Terms and conditions can be seen on the Competition web page, there is a link in the title of this post and at the bottom if you click the Lloyds TSB logo.

I am afraid the competition is only open to residents of the UK but you can still visit here and have a look at the entries if you are not able to enter.

Sponsored Post

Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair.

2010-07-29T06:12:00.001-07:00

I have been taking a break from Needle Felting it was not a conscious decision I suppose after the intensive work leading up to the Summer Fair I just fell in to one. The weather has been Hot, we have had cloudy but muggily hot days and days of glorious sunshine. At times it has been so hot I have had to hide inside but still no urge to pick up a Needle until these last few days in which I have started new Bear. I have had plenty of times lazing around melting in the heat to ponder on new things to make and hopefully they will surface again to be made :-)
I have a doll I made just before the fair to share with you, as I don't think I did show her at the time.
Rapunzel mopes around the Tower in which she is imprisoned by magic, waiting for her rescuer to arrive.

As The story goes she hears a voice call "Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair", a hero arrives and they live happily ever after :-)

My Rapunzel is Needle Felted with fine Merino Wool and her hair is Golden Dyed Corriadale locks, She wears a Dress and Hat made from White and Silver Ribbon edged with wire and has a Beaded belt.
She is 3 inches tall without the Hat.
I hope to be back soon to show you my new Bear.

Giveaway Draw Results

2010-07-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it is a couple of days late but with the Midsummer Dream Party happening on my chosen draw date it got a bit hectic and so I put it off for two days.
On to the business at hand and the winner of the Main prize is June
and the winner of the second prize for followers is Bumblevee
I will email you to get postal details ladies.
I will be having another giveaway in Autumn so if you didn't win this time good luck for the next :-)
I really appreciate all of my blog friends and followers and love to read your comments and I love to visit you all too.

A Midsummer Nights Dream Party

2010-07-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble!!! Hang on... wrong Author :-}
We are pondering on lighter and more anchient masterpiece at this party :-)
A Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare
No one did confusing romantic comedy better than The Bard himself. "Why does no one know who each other is, they are only wearing a teeny tiny mask" my son asks me each time we watch a Shakepeare adaptation. I suppose we all think the the same thing but if they were not so easily fooled the fun would not commence.

The Play features three interlocking plots, connected by a celebration of the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazonian queen, Hippolyta, and set simultaneously in the woodland, and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon.

In the opening scene, Hermia refuses to follow her father Egeus's instructions for her to marry his chosen man, Demetrius. In response, Egeus quotes before Theseus an ancient Athenian law whereby a daughter must marry the suitor chosen by her father, or else face death. Theseus offers her another choice: lifelong chastity worshipping the goddess Diana as a nun.

Hermia and her lover Lysander decide to elope by escaping through the forest at night, intending to escape from Athens, and marry in the house of Lysander's aunt. Hermia informs her friend Helena, but Helena has recently been rejected by Demetrius and decides to win back his favour by revealing the plan to him. Demetrius, followed doggedly by Helena, chases Hermia. Hermia and Lysander, believing themselves safely out of reach, fall asleep in the woods.

Meanwhile, Oberon, king of the fairies, and his queen, Titania, have come to the forest outside Athens. Titania tells Oberon that she plans to stay there until after she has attended Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding. Oberon and Titania are estranged because Titania refuses to give her Indian changeling to Oberon for use as his "knight" or "henchman", since the child's mother was one of Titania's worshippers. Oberon seeks to punish Titania's disobedience, so he calls for the mischievous Puck (also called Hobgoblin and Robin Goodfellow)

to help him apply a magical juice from a flower called "love-in-idleness", which when applied to a person's eyelids while sleeping makes the victim fall in love with the first living thing seen upon awakening. He instructs Puck to retrieve the flower so that he can make Titania fall in love with the first thing she sees when waking from sleep, which he is sure will be an animal of the forest. Oberon's intent is to shame Titania into giving up the little Indian boy. He says, "ere I take this charm from off her sight, / As I can take it with another herb, / I'll make her render up her page to me".

Having seen Demetrius act cruelly toward Helena, Oberon orders Puck to spread some of the magical juice from the flower on the eyelids of the young Athenian man. Instead, Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius, not having actually seen either before. Helena, coming across him, wakes him while attempting to determine whether he is dead or asleep. Upon this happening, Lysander immediately falls in love with Helena since he is still under the influence of the flower. Oberon sees Demetrius still following Hermia and is enraged. When Demetrius decides to go to sleep, Oberon sends Puck to get Helena while he charms Demetrius' eyes. Upon waking up, he sees Helena. Now, both men are in pursuit of Helena. However, she is convinced that her two suitors are mocking her, as neither loved her originally. Hermia is at a loss to see why her lover has abandoned her, and accuses Helena of stealing Lysander away from her. The four quarrel with each other until Lysander and Demetrius become so enraged that they seek a place to duel each other to the death to prove whose love for Helena is the greatest. Oberon orders Puck to keep Lysander and Demetrius from catching up with one another and to remove the charm from Lysander, so that he goes back to being in love with Hermia.

Study for The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania by Joseph Noel PatonMeanwhile, a band of six lower-class labourers ("rude mechanicals", as they are described by Puck) have arranged to perform a play about Pyramus and Thisbe for Theseus' wedding and venture into the forest, near Titania's bower, for their rehearsal. Nick Bottom, a stage-struck weaver, is spotted by Puck, who transforms his head into that of a donkey. When Bottom returns for his next lines, the other workmen take one look at him and run screaming in terror. Determined to wait for his friends, he begins to sing to himself. Titania is awakened by Bottom's singing and immediately falls in love with him. She lavishes him with attention, and presumably makes love with him. While she is in this state of devotion, Oberon takes the boy. Having achieved his goals, Oberon releases Titania, orders Puck to remove the donkey's head from Bottom, and arrange everything so that Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena will believe that they have been dreaming when they awaken. The magical enchantment is removed from the lovers, but the experience has made Demetrius really fall in love with Helena.

The fairies then disappear, and Theseus and Hippolyta arrive on the scene, during an early morning hunt. They wake the lovers and, since Demetrius does not love Hermia anymore, Theseus overrules Egeus's demands and arranges a group wedding. The lovers decide that the night's events must have been a dream. After they all exit, Bottom awakes, and he too decides that he must have experienced a dream "past the wit of man". In Athens, Theseus, Hippolyta and the lovers watch the six workmen perform Pyramus and Thisbe. The play is badly performed to the point where the guests laugh as if it were meant to be a comedy, and afterward everyone retires to bed. Afterwards, Oberon, Titania, Puck, and other fairies enter, and bless the house and its occupants with good fortune.

Puck by Moonlight Polymer clay Figure.

Thanks for visiting I will see you soon, I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has done for the Party Hosted by Kelly of "A Stuffed Life"

You can visit the rest of the party goers by following this link

Thanks to wikipedia who saved me a lot of time in explaining the plot, specially since I had left things to the last minute.

PS My Secret Dream is no secret I want to be a successful artist.

A reminder for you and kick up the bottom for me

2010-07-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Having signed up for Kelly's A Midsummer Nights Dream Party I have found myself pondering on the Great Bard Shakespear's A Midsummer Nights Dream, Dukes, Amazon Queens, Athenians and Fairies get up to all sorts of mischief and of course love prevails in the end. How's that for a quick summary :-D
Pondering is all I have done though,I have left it very last minute and have no idea what I am going to use/do for my party post, OH dear :-} Still sometimes I work better under pressure :-)

Kelly has a give away comp to coincide with the Party and the prize has been showing on my sidebar for a while but just to remind you all to go and enter here it is again.

Now I better go and see what I am going to do for the party

French Goodies for me :-D

2010-07-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

I won a prize :-D
During the Mad Tea Party I visited The Gossamer tea room and said hello to Betty and I have been lucky and won a Mouth watering Tome all about French Patisseries, I have drooled all over the pages :-) and learned the French recipes for Cream fillings. Not to mention the photos of Chocolate Heaven ;-D

How it makes me wonder how those French Ladies stay so slim and fashionable and how it makes you want to go and visit all those fantastic Patisseries.

Along with this I recieved some Pretty Book Marks and a Hand made Notelet, Betty
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you XXX

Win a Gorgeous Mini Bear

2010-07-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am not the only person who Needle felts gorgeous little Bears ;-D
I am a member of a handful of groups all bursting at the seams with talented Bear Makers
One of these is having a giveway.
Pop over to Little Handfuls and enter her giveway to have a chance to win Peaches

Paper mache Project, Wizards Tower part 7

2010-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

I finished the Wizards Tower in time to use it as a display shelf for Dolls on my Stall at the Fair recently but have only just gotten round to posting.
I have Painted it and made some furniture, not a lot of furniture as I need to leave room for the Dolls
I painted it a very light Grey let it dry and rubbed over with a slightly darker one to give the walls texture definition.

Front View

On the roof I painted it the same Grey and when it was completely dry I painted over that with Black then rubbed off lots of the paint with a rag.

Back View

I had two Really big Pewter Celtic brooches which I thought made great wall decorations, just hung on tacks. I made a Four Poster Bed from some Dolly Pegs and Lolly Sticks glued together and painted Black. Bedding I made from an old black Cotton Tshirt and some wide trim for edging and pillows. I already had a Cabinet which I painted Black for the ground floor. I also made a door for the under stair closet out of Lolly Sticks painted black.

Inside View

I must admit I am still on a learning experience with these Fantasy Houses and I must start with a bigger floor space on the next one, by the time you add stairs the floor space is 1/4 gone. As I am keeping the Tree stump House and this Tower as display pieces for Dolls and Bears it's ok that they are not perfect.

Enter my summer giveaway

2010-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

I have been up to my neck in family stuff these last 7 days and have not done any crafting because I was just too tired.
I had a great time at the we Make London Fair and it was a scorcher of a day but the visitors were coming in all day just the same but it was not crowded. I said goodbye to a few of my makes and chatted to lots of interesting people.

It was the same day as Vanessa's Mad Tea Party and I forgot to upload my post before I left so I rang my son and he uploaded it for me at midday, which is why it is so very far down the page and has the wrong date :-}.
As this coincided with my intended Summer Give away I added a giveaway to the Mad tea party post it is open to all and I will draw the winner on july 16th so there is still time to go and add your comment to enter.
The prize is a choice of 4 Storage baskets or one of my Handmade Totes, and there is a secondary draw for a mystery prize for followers only. (new followers included)
I will post World wide so anyone can join in.

I hope to be back soon with something new to show you :-)

and just because I hate a post with no piccys here's my Lilys which are doing nicely :-)

Film

2010-06-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

A film made by my Niece ( who is doing a degree in Media Studies ) and a fellow student
for a class at the University of East London. Main actor is my nephew who is at college studying Graphic Design
Description - A dystopian London, empty, shown through reels of film, integrating past events as the viewers witnesses how human life has devolved.

If you are not seeing the whole screen follow this link to see it better :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=angDc9mztBw
I have been waiting a long time to see a film made by my niece I am very proud of her and my nephew.

Poppy

2010-06-25T13:18:00.001-07:00

Just popping in to share this Poppy which finally opened today.
My hand is in there for size comparison.

The Greatest Holiday in the world

2010-06-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

Summer is here and after working and blogging hard I dream of a holiday in the sun, and I just heard of this great competition in which you can win a Dream Holiday of a life time. It sounds fab to me :-)

Just post and tell people why you think you should win The Greatest Holiday in the World.

Anyone can submit him or herself, and anyone can vote for their favorite once a day.

The candidate with the most votes on July 24th, 2010 wins.

I am sure a poor starving artist like me deserves a Holiday travelling the world collecting inspiration and resting my weary body in luxury while I am at it :-D And if that doesn't work I could try the sympathy vote, having been a carer for over ten years with only two one week breaks in that time, what do you think ?

Radisson Blu Hotels is holding a once in a lifetime competition in which the winner gets 365 hotel nights to spend at over 200+ Radisson Blu hotels over a 5 year period!

In addition to the main competition there are also Creativity Awards. - Every week the Radisson Blu Team will select up to 10 winners among the latest entries. Winners are selected based on humour, creativity and originality used to present their stories.

But more importantly, the Creativity Award will also raise your profile, giving you more visitors – and hopefully more votes. See this week’s awards http://www.greatestholiday.radissonblu.com/weekly-prizes

You can have a fun reading and voting for the other entries while you are there too :-) see you there.

Sponsored Post

1:12th scale Ladies Top Hat

2010-06-22T08:58:00.001-07:00

I have been enjoying the freedom to make what ever pops in to my head.
Today I made this 1:12th scale Ladies Top Hat, Made with Black satin, wired Lace and Swarovski crystals, it also has a fine silver line along the edge of the brim done with a Silver glitter pen.

Click picture to see bigger :-)

Mad Tea Party 2010

2010-06-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Hatter came to see me, to help me plan my Tea.
He said "you'll be alright if you have a Pot Or three".
I showed him my collection and he gave me a review,
"How wonderful" he said "that's more than a few"
"BUT" he said, "I'd get few cups as well if I was you".

I sadly confessed to having only mis matched Mugs
and quietly asked if we could drink out of Jugs,
After all it is a Mad Tea party!.
"Jugs are no good they get stuck on the lip,
I will help you out but it will have to be quick"
I moaned "If I have no Cups I am definately sunk"
He sat and thought and I paced as he thunk.
After a while he got up and said
"The answer my dear is on top of my Head,
you never know what will come out of a Hat,
it could be a Rabbit, it could be a Cat,
here's wishing for Cups where my Head has been
and make them Cups that are fit for a Queen".
He placed his Hat upside down on the table
told me to close my eyes and wish as hard as I was able
"now open your eyes!" he finally cried
and lo and behold a Cup was inside,
but not any old Cup did I see,
A Coronation Cup, fit for a Royal Tea

I pulled out the Cup and then another

The Queen,

Her son Charles,

and his brother

So now I am set and I am glad to say

I have enough Cups for a party today.

Thank you for visiting me on this Mad Tea Party that Vanessa so kindly hosts each year.
Please don't tell the Hatter they are Coronation Mugs He will be mortified :oD

Pour yourself a cuppa and help your self to some home made Coconut Ice or Cake

Sit back and read about my give away.

Just leave a comment and you'll go in the Hat, Hopefully you will come out :oD
The winner will be able to choose between these Storage Baskets, they are a handy shape and will hold lots of bits or will have the option of choosing one of my Totes (In my Artfire shop) if they don't want the Baskets
I usually have giveaways every two months, this one coincided with Vanessa's Tea Party so I am going to have a MYSTERY second prize only for followers on my blog,

New followers included.

Finally :-)

I enjoyed making this Hat specially for the Party.

It is a Top Hat Made from Hand Made Felt (wet felted) with a Natural Silk lining and a Felted Flower on the side with a Red Feather which had to have a little glitter on it. Your not finished until there is glitter somewhere :oD

I am at the We make London Summer Fair today (sat 26th) and will be home this evening to catch up on the party. Good luck with all the draws.
I will come and visit as many partiers as I can, starting with those who have visited me.
I hope you will click to follow so that you can come back and see more of my creations
or take a few minutes to read older posts and see some of the things I have made recently, I have been very busy getting ready for the Fair.

Don't forget to go and visit A fanciful twist to see the list of blogs joining the fun this weekend

Country Critters

2010-06-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

Since I have finished all the prep for the Fair I am in a relaxed mood.
After feeling so much pressure it is a joy to just make a little critter or two to stave off the crafting urges :-D
I made this Simple little Owl first and then the Hedgehog the following day.
I thought I would make them little Needle Felted stands, I Edged them with paper Ribbons.
I quite like the way they have turned out and I think I will do some more Countryside Critters to go with them.

Doing the business.

2010-06-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have been busying myself this week with finishing preparations for the We Make London fair. Click the link to join the prize draw.
I have put Labels and Prices on all the stuff and made sure it all has a box of it's own.
Made a stock list as I went along. I am collecting the notes I need for a float when I shop. This can be quite a challenge as I use cash so little these days.
Collected up all of the things I will need. Hand printed Bags, wrapping tissue, Stall covering. A shelf just the right size to put at the back ( I was lucky to have a neat piece of wooden shelving I could cut down)
I made a New Banner which is much smaller than the original one and matches my website and here. I have painted my Wizards Tower the lightest of greys, and given it a little Black Gothic furniture, not a lot as it is to be a display shelf for the Fairy Tale figures I have to sell.
The Tree stump house is coming along too, so I had to give it a spring clean and remove some clutter :-)
I have made another piece which will be on display I made it specially for the Mad Tea Party, so I can't blab :-)
Finally today I did a mock up of the Table, I did this a week early to give me time for any changes necessary after seeing it all set up.
It's a bit of a Unique display I don't live in another world but I go there often for a break :-D I hope people will enjoy it.
Here's hoping there are no last minute panics :-D

OH NO !!!! Yes four exclamation marks

2010-06-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

"Hello" she says sheepishly, "Guess what I did"?
"Yes, (downcast eyes) I played with the new blogger editing and deleted my blog".

It went like this "ooo new editing program, look at all the goodies!" Button clicks there, Button clicks here "mmm 3 columns, I wonder if this will work?" CLICK "UH OH"
I shouldn't have done that!! It's got pink and grey blocks and white text YUK,
Maniacle laughter ensues, until it subsides into quiet sobs.
Suddenly a spark of rememberance! "I saved the template when I was having a huge redo last time" she Digitally rummages through documents until the HTML document is found
"Ahha now to replace the code!
Well, I am back to a slightly older and less organised blog design and I lost a few widgets! but it's not as much of a disaster as I thought :-D A few hours tinkering with HTML and It will be back to how I had it, I hope :-D
SO how was your morning :-D

Hot fix suck !

2010-06-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever used iron on hot fix Gems or beads?
I decorated a few black tops with them with simple designs around the necklines, it was all I could do to keep them from moving around while I was fixing them, many were picked off and replaced after shifting.

Recently a friend of mine was decorating the Boddice of a prom Dress and had similar problems. In my craft group we all agree we would rather sew on beads.
Do you know any tips for using hot fix or do you agree with us?

New stock for the fair

2010-06-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

I have been busy the last couple of days making these Little bird Keyrings. I made two of each colour then my sister in law pinched a Blue one :-D I had been waiting to get some new printer ink before making these small Fridge magnets with pictures of my Bears and Cats on them.
They are made with 1 & 1/4 inch round Glass Wafer Tiles, Fimo liquid to seal the photos and Magnetic Sheet cut to size.

I made a couple of dozen.
What do you think?

Siamese Seal Point Cat

2010-06-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

This Cat has been a long time in the making, I made the main Cat body a while ago but she needed finishing. I finally added her Eyes, whiskers and Paw Pads.
I decided to give her Lilac Needle Felted Eyes and a Lilac Crystal collar to compliment them.

She measures 13 & 1/2 inches from Toe to Toe laying flat.

She is made from two different shades of Grey Merino wool.
with Black Paw Pads and Lilac eyes, she has Nylon Whiskers.

She has wires inside her Body to give it strength but is not stiff she is soft and supple.

Her Head, Legs and Tail are firmly felted but the body is felted with a softer feel.

The Slender Siamese Seal Point Cat fascinates me with its huge ears and elongated face.
They come in various shades but all have the darker fur on the face paws and tail.

All in all she is about 45 hours of work.

Art on the dark side challenge

2010-06-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge is Jack the Ripper.
I suppose like many people I have a morbid fascination of the dark side of our human nature.
What causes human beings to do these inexplicable deeds.

A Spring Lamb for Sunday :-)

2010-06-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

But he's not for dinner :-)
One of the things I love about Needle felting is that I can make any thing that takes my fancy and I never get bored with making the same old thing.
This little fellow popped into my head and so here he is.

He is Needle felted with White merino wool and has Black glass eyes.

He is 3 inches by 3 inches and has a little base which is a mixture of wet felting and Needle felting.

Everythings Blooming Lovely

2010-06-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Lots of things in the garden are in flower so I thought I'd share some of the more magnificent blooms with you, they last such a short time.
But don't ask me what they are called I always forget after buying them, unless they are one of the old favourites.
Mystery plant no 1 :-)
This I bought with 5 other rockery plants. I had no idea it would produce such an Orchid like flower.

My light pink Fucia

I forget the name of these too, one of them the flower head got so heavy I had to tie it to a Bambo stick!

And last but not least my Giant Poppy, See I remember that one :-D

Back tomorrow with my latest Needle Felt.

Needle Felted Kitty

2010-06-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

I hope every one enjoyed the Spring bank holiday (Memorial) weekend, I had a quiet, lazy one.
Thank you all so much for your comments on my Dobby.
I am not sure what I am going to do with him, he is sitting watching over me for the moment.

I have made another Needle Felted Kitty.
This time it is a Tuxedo Cat who is more of a big proud Tom, no Satin pillows for this fella :-D

He is Needle Felted with Black and bright White Merino wool.
He is 2 & 3/4 inches tall and is in a fixed sitting pose.
He has yellow glass eyes with black painted Irises and nylon whiskers.

I am still working hard making for the We Make London craft fair, My main goal is to show the whole range of what I make and then secondly to build up enough stock. Do you worry if you will not have enough for these things?

Dobby- my secret project revealed

2010-05-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my secret project I only kept it secret because anything could have happened along the way to prevent him from being finished. I started him on a whim and I am sure you can guess how much I was dying to share :-D
He is 14 inches tall seated and would be 20 inches (half the size of the Dobby in the film ) standing. He is hand coloured with Paint and Tamiya weathering and wears a hand sewn cotton shift which I tea dyed and distressed.
He has a grubby look to him that the photos just won't show I have taken about 100 with different settings of my camera inside and in day light and these are nearest to what I see

he took me many hours to make I have lost count. I hope you like him :-)

Recycled Paper Mache project, Wizards tower Part 5

2010-05-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your kind comments re my Contented Kitty :-) I will be making more Cats soon. She is On her way to South Africa to live with Pat :-)
I have some progress to share on the Wizards tower,
I covered the Roof with Mache and left it to dry in the sun. Because wet Mache on top of cardboard can get our of shape while drying I had to leave it in place so that it would fit perfectly. Which meant I had to wait to continue work on the interior.

I used layers of cardboard and mache to create stairs around the back wall with an arched recess under the first flight it is hard to see the details hopefully later when it's painted they will photograph better.
I also added a ledge to support the floor .
I made a template for the floor from cardboard and then added a thin layer of mache and let it dry flat. Next I added another layer of cardboard which I carved to look like floor boards. The floor rests on a ledge around the walls. I used PVA to glue it in place but I felt it need to be stronger and so I also fixed it with dowels made from wooden skewers which go through the wall and in to the floor between the layers of mache and cardboard.
I was working outside and thinking on the spot for a solution to floor support and did not have my camera to hand to take pictures,sorry. I made holes with a nail through the mache which is as hard as wood now. Then I hammered the skewers through the holes and into the floor about 1 .5 inches in and cut off the excess on the outside with wire cutters and a dab of glue for good measure :-) it is pretty solid and stays up when the front of the tower is removed.
I have been working furiously on my secret project the last few days and am so close to finishing it I have used 1700 grams of Polymer clay so far :-) I hope to reveal all very soon.

Needle felted Kitty

2010-05-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

I felt (er yes felt) like making a Cat because I hadn't made one for a while.
I made this Kitty over the last 3 or 4 days in between other things.
I also wanted it to have closed Eyes in a contented way, not sleeping and I was not aiming for realism more of an interpretation..
Anyway this is how it came out :-)

She is fixed to her cushion and sits 3 inches tall. Hopefully she looks contented on her little cushion :-)

She is needle felted with Mushroom colour Merino wool. Her face is needle felted in Black and pink merino wool, not embroidered. She has a big smile when seen from a lower angle but the photo came out a bit dark every time at that angle :-(

Back soon with an update on the Wizards Tower

A question

2010-05-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

A passing thought while cooking, images by me on Paint.net

Todays Bear is a Miniature Bear

2010-05-20T06:26:00.001-07:00

I am working as fast as I can to build up stock for my fair but still this little fellow is a combination of two days working hours. Needle felting is something you just can't hurry and I won't lower my finishing standard. He is 1.8 inches tall/small, I am never sure if tall is the right term for some one that small :-)
Needle felted with Milk Chocolate shade Merino wool with White Paw pads etc
His Eyes and Nose are tiny glass beads. I was lucky enough to find among a pot of seed beads a bead deformed into a perfect size/ shape for his nose :-) He is 5 way thread jointed too, and so can move his head arms and legs.

I have also made some Flower broaches I will show you when I have made some more and photographed them together.

2010-05-17T10:11:00.001-07:00

I have been busy the last three day making this Little Bear, he is 3 inches tall/small.
Needle felted with a chocolate brown Merini wool with Glass eyes and an Onyx nose.
He also has Black Merino wool Pawpads etc.

Heis 5 way Thread jointed and can stand or sit.

The garden has been enjoying our temperate climate and the Dark smaller Lilac has finally decided to flower, it is always a bit later than the other.
This one is going mad :-)
And the Fuscias are in bud, I am always amazed with how they grow so quickly and cut them right back each winter.
I hope you all are well and happy

Paper mache Project, Wizards tower part 4

2010-05-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

To recap from last time I had run out of Mache and had to wait a while until I could make more. I finally acrued enough quality paper to mix with newspaper 50 50 (all neswpaper is a bit squishy) By this time everything I had done before was completely dry. So I finished off the outside walls and waited another 36 hours for that to dry. I decided the base was in need of more definition and the stairs were to small so I added some over hangs and widened the stairs and made each step bigger.
I also put Sticky tape along the bottom edge of the Dry front Wall and finished off the front of the base (I had left so that it would not join to the front before)
That creates a lip that the front slots into and then the front stays in place.
while all this dried I Started to make my roof I used an amazon packing case from a book order and cut four triangles and joined them with tape to make sure they were a good fit.
That's all I have for now I hope to have some more done soon :-)

Stash glorious stash

2010-05-10T11:02:00.001-07:00

I have recieved a lovely parcel of Merino Wooltops I ordered and just can't resist showing off :-D can't wait to use some of these gorgeous Browns and Greens.

While I am in here I have had someone ask to see my work space.
This picture is a few months old as my secret project is now in the place where the plant stood. It is coming along and I hope to finish it by the end of the month, but as it is purely self indulgence I am working on it between Needle felting for the We make London fair in June and working on my Wizards tower, which I have an update on coming soon. So much to make so little time. If I had a studio I don't think anyone would see me unless they visited it, better get on.

PS if you are on facebook please see the network me box in the sidebar I am all alone there as I have only just joined networked blogs. Until today I had only used facebook for family.

Summer Jewellery Set

2010-05-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

It has only been five days since my last confession Opps I mean Post but it feels longer. I have had a busy home life with friends and family visiting, some from as far as Mallorca. One of my visitors brought me a gift of 36 little pots of Beads, Oh what a friend indeed is a friend with Beads :-D
These new additions gave me the urge to make Jewellery and so with summer so close I was drawn to these Mother of Pearl Discs Dyed in Turquoise and Green and from the gifted Beads the perfect pearlised Seed bead spacers. The Mini Albert style Clasps and other findings are all 925 Silver and they are strung on 35lb strain fishing line. The Necklace is 21 inches long and the Bracelet is 7 & 3/4 inches Earrings have a 1 & 1/4 inch drop. It was a dull day today so I had to take the photos indoors and I really could do with a proper photo set up I hope they look ok your end.
The beads + a few I had

Recycled paper Jewellery Display

2010-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

This project is a Necklace display and is made with Recycled Paper.
Display pieces available are often to small to hang a long Necklace properly and for one large enough to do so is quite an outlay for a Jewellery maker just starting out.
Save some pennies and the environment by making your own.

You will need-
Black plastic bin liner
Scrap paper (I use shredded correspondance)
Some left over Wallpaper paste
Masking tape or sticky tape
Tissue paper (you will get this when you buy shoes keep it for re-use or recycle)
Pva glue
Paper towel tube (fatter the better)
Empty box about 16cm by 18 by 3.5
Left over White emulsion paint- not gloss

Instructions-
Cover you work top with a black plastic bin liner, cut the bottom off and open it out, this can get messy :-)
To make Paper mache-
Use 2 pints of made up wallpaper paste to 1 full carrier bag of shreddings.
Add paper to paste bit by bit and mix thouroughly.
To start Making display-
Cut out two pieces the same width as your box so that it slots over your box , tape them together like this. Stuff them tightly with old newspapers so that they don't collaps while you are covering them with mache
Lay it flat and cover with a 3/4 inch layer of Paper mache, press on handfulls at a time and blend together. Shape the sholders to a curve to enable a Necklace to hang nicely and give it a little extra at the bottom to shape it wider and to make it able to stand later.
From the back it should look like this, notice how I left gaps rather than filling the whole of the cavaty where the tube and box meet, this is to stop it being top heavy
I left some of the tube showing as it was a little tall and also I made the top uneven to make it look more interesting.
Leave it to dry in a warm place. Make sure you don't let it touch any surface you don't want to be ruined. If you are feeling adventurous you can shape it like a bust by adding some more mache after the first layer has dried. * more than 1 inch thick takes a long time to dry.
When it is completly dry remove the boxes carefully. Now you can paint it straight away or cover with layers of tissue paper as I did (use PVA to stick them on, I am sorry I did not photograph this last stage) then paint.

Some of the things I like about this Necklace display are I can hang Earrings on the top of the neck too and if I like I can brighten a photo until it dissapears like this

or I can put other things in to the scene to add interest.
I hope you enjoy this project and you know where to find me if you have a question :-)

A new Bear

2010-05-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

I have been busy the last two days Needle felting a new Bear
He is 3 and 1/2 inches tall and is a hand blended Gold merino wool
I am a little fond of these Onyx noses at the moment and his eyes are glass

Art on the dark side challenge

2010-04-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is my picture for the Art on the dark side challenge this challenges subject was, Fear itself with a suggestion of, Arches. I am a little late joining in and didn't have much time to do an original drawing so I played for a bit with some images I like, combining The moon and a Gothic arch. I gave them a colourwash and a blur.

Getting those jobs done

2010-04-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

No crafty bits to show today but with my new found energy from being pain free with my new pain killers yesterday I decided to finally wallpaper my Toilet.
I have had the Wall paper, Paint and even the Flooring for a month. It is only a small Toilet but that makes it an awkward space to work in and I was interupted by a visit from my Step daughter and grandchild halfway through. I don't think it is my best bit of wallpapering but it is better than stripped walls waiting to be done :-)
I still have to paint over the textured paper and gloss the door and skirting.
Then I can lay the flooring.
In the Toilet there is a panel that I have to make free for the council to access the pump and plumbing, it totally ruins the wall behind the Toilet itself. I had to cut round it with a sharp blade.
I have decided this time I am going to make it into a little door like in Alice in wonderland and then I will not hate it. I have the wood for the door itself but need some frame type wood. If only I could get the loo to look like a table :-)

I also have to find a way of hiding or repainting the black Bacolite systern as it is an eyesore, any suggestion would be greatfully recieved. It flushes like a tidal wave so I don't want to replace it.
Now do I dare show you the progress so far warts and all :-) I think will.

I need a new light switch too.

I also had a Garage clearout today it is full of stuff sadly none of it craft related, unless you count the clothing which I often look at the odd piece and think the fabric would recycle nicely.
Thank you for sharing your embarrasing stories those of you who did, it was very brave of you :-D at least we can cringe and laugh at lifes little mishaps together. Back to crafting tomorrow I need a few days rest before I tackle the rest of the decorating.

Most embarrasing moments

2010-04-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

I am sure we have all had an embarrasing moment that causes us to cringe when we recall it.
Having your skirt tucked into your knickers on the way out of the ladies room.

Leaning forward and finding your low cut top is suddenly revealing more than intended.

Giving it your all on the wedding reception dance floor and turning around to find your cousin has been filming you all the time.

Yes They have all happened to me but this is one that came to mind as I was commenting on todays featured Sits blog.(links at the end of post)
It was caused by my beloved Mums inability to whisper, as you know I was her carer and we spent a lot of time in hospitals.
One day we were sitting outside a treatment room waiting to see a specialist, there were a handful of Doctors in white coats doing the lets have a chat and look busy thing and she Whispered " Look at all those gorgeous young doctors why can't you find one of those" of course they all turned around and looked at me and smiled.
I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me.

So come on what is your mosy embarrasingly funny story.
these may be too long for a comment so here is a mr linky ...If it works :-)
Post it and link back TA

That promised link Handbags and Handguns cool name and a fun blog.
Sits comment Love

Paper mache Project, Wizards tower part 3

2010-04-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon was a perfect time for continuing my work on the Wizards tower. As I was down wind of my Lilac tree it was an extra pleasant time with the scent wafting past me as I worked.
The first thing I had to do was cut it in half longways and trim it neatly.

Then I put the discs of card back in but as shown just for a bit of support and sticky taped it round the middle to hold it in shape.

Holding it firmly against the base I added my mache mix to join the back side of the tower to the base, working my way up a handful at a time and working to the edge of the cut.
When I got to here I ran out :-(

also I realised I had forgotten to draw my windows and doors where I wanted them to be. I should have done that first :-}
It wasn't a realy big problem I just removed some mache and made my window shape.
Because I have to join more mache later I made sure the top edge was left rough so that the next batch will stick nicely.
The next installment will have to wait until I have made more Mache mix and find some time it shouldn't be too long.

Paper mache Project, Wizards tower part 2

2010-04-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today I had time to carry on with my Wizards tower.
Firstly I was a little worried about the base sagging when I build on to it, as I had sagging floor problems with my Fairy house project the weight of wet mache does bend cardboard but I don't want to use chicken wire. So I added another layer of cardboard glued on with PVA, then I glued on a layer of plastic (cut from a carrier bag) again glued with PVA. Then I layered over that with paper to make sure the base was something mache would adhere to, again I used PVA, then I gave the whole thing a coat of PVA.
I love PVA :-D
That done I turned to my lovely strong box I had found and removed the large staples opened it out and cut it to size with a sharp stanly knife. Cut it measures 22 by 39 inches.
Then I used an old 12 inch record album to draw two circles on another box I had and cut those out.
Next I wrapped the large piece of cardboard around the twin discs and sticky taped it as tightly as possible in to place (I would have used masking tape but I forgot to stock up on it ) the edges do not meet up but this doesn't matter as later this tower will be cut in two so that it can be opened.
Next I mixed up a pint of wallpaper paste and covered the whole of the outside with torn pieces of newspaper (avoiding the sticky tape until last then removing it and doing the gap it leaves.
Two layers should be enough for now, I just want to make it stay in shape (hence the discs of card inside) I am lucky we have had a lovely sunny day and it has dried beautifully.

It was time to prepare our family meal after that so I stopped there.
Part 3 when I have had time to do it :-)

The Man in the Moon

2010-04-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

I am having a non crafting day, so far anyway :-D
I have been doing housework all morning, well I was until my grocery delivery turned up and after I put that away I thought it was time for a tea break, but as there is no one to chat to over my tea, here I am :-)
As I am in the middle of two large projects there is nothing new to show you but there is a piece I made a week or so ago that I have not shared, He is a Paper mache piece which I then covered with layers of tissue paper and painted with white Emulsion paint. I am not sure what I am going to do with him, maybe he will play a part in one of my stories one day. He measures about 8 inches across.

Better get on and finish that cleaning, hubby has a hospital appointment at two as well.

Thank you

2010-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your help yesterday, as you can see I changed the Font and size and now I am readable :-D If you still think it's too big It is because I am inclined to have it large because I myself need my reading glasses more and more these days, talk about getting like my Mum, we used to affectionately call her Bat because she was blind as a bat without hers.
The blogger template sets the Font so that if you do not have a Font which is the prefered you get a secondary Font automatically or a third. It's not too hard to change the Font on your template but you do have to make sure you don't miss one of the places it has to be edited. The same goes for the size. There may be a gadget you can add to change fonts but I haven't looked into it. If you would like to know how to edit your template just ask and I will show you.
The Font I am now using is called Kristen. Although it was already on my laptop Font list, you can download it here if you would like to. There are so many fab Fonts you can download here's one site that is very helpful as well as having 1001 Fonts.

I am busy working on a Polymer clay project which I don't want to share quite yet. I started it on a whim and really should be continuing other projects :-} but have got the flow with this at the moment. I will run out of Puppen clay soon so I will have to stop and wait for more to be delivered, saying that I had better order some :-)

I would appreciate your opinion

2010-04-21T10:05:00.001-07:00

I have had a friend say she is having problems reading because of the large type. I have made the post text smaller because of this. This has made me wonder if anyone else has any problems viewing my blog. Please let me know if you have any problems. Did you prefer the larger type? Would you prefer a clearer font? I would appreciate any comments very much.

Just to make this post prettier here's some pictures of the garden it is doing well.
The Big lilac is blooming

These are lovely but I forget thier name .
And these are happy under the Lilac and Fuscia

Felt Heart banner

2010-04-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

I managed a few hours over the last two days sitting to felt but I didn't want to start anything I wouldn't be able to finish so I made this heart and bead Banner. It is about 50 inches long and the hearts are 3.5 inches across, I added Amethyst glass beads between. Just in case you are curious about my Tree, heres a full length photo. This is one of my favourite possesions it stands in my bedroom. I saved it from being taken to the dump by it's previous owner, it is a 2 inch thick polished slice and I hug and stroke it :-D
I have a Gold Blind in my room which bathes the room with colour (even when rolled most of the way up ) that makes photos come out pinkish, strangely. The walls are actually Magnolia.

Paper mache Project, Wizards tower part 1

2010-04-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make a Wizards Tower.
I am not the sort of person to draw sketches so it is all in my head until I start modelling.

Here are the first steps.
I had kept a piece of hardboard, just incase (as you do ) It was just what I needed for a base.
A box from my sons new school boots had also been kept because it was a nice strong one and I PVA glued it on to the board.
I filled the box with sheets of cardboard and crumpled news paper to make it as solid as possible and glued it shut.

When the glue was dry I added a 1 inch thick (as it takes a while to dry) layer of Paper mache all around the sides.

For my Mache recipe see this post.
The following day I added another layer to build up the Rock formation I wanted around the base.

For the Stairs I cut a cardboard box on the diagonal and glued it in place, then added the Paper mache over the top to make steps, other wise it would have taken too much paper mache and too long to dry.
I have to let this dry for a couple of days so I will post part 2 when I move on to the next step

There is a light at the end of the tunnel

2010-04-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

I am sorry my last post was such a self pitying one.
Thank you all for being so supportive and understanding.
I am feeling back to my normal self emotionally, I am sure that PMT was the thing that tipped the balance. I still hate Cold sores though LOL
I have decided to start another Paper mache Fantasy building project to keep busy. I can do that standing up so this rotten trapped nerve cannot get in the way, I really don't know why I didn't think of it sooner :-) I will be taking photos along the way so that I can share the project too.

I found this while looking for the tunnel piccy it made me giggle.

PS in response to a question by Joy
I have several back problems, Degenerative disease of the Lumbar spine, Osteophyte formations (which is litte growths / nodules ) Sclerosis of the posterior elements, loss of invertebral disc in the 5th lumbar vertebrae and sternam, a degree of wedging most noticable in L2 and L5 vertebrae. I am copying from my last Xray diagnosis. Since December there is a nerve trapped some where in my lower spine due to a fall I had which is causing me a lot of pain now if I sit. I had managed to get along ok until then as long as I did no heavy lifting or excessive bending.
It all sounds rather nasty but the Doctors say there is not much that can be done about most of it. There is an op to remove the nodules but they normally grow back so it's not worth the risk. I just have to wait until the nerve pops out of it's own accord. I am awaiting a new back assesment appointment.

I am an ugly fat wrinkly (is that how you spell wrinkly?

2010-04-15T15:38:00.001-07:00

Arrg do you get those days No weeks when you just feel like shit?
I have been in a lot of pain from my Sciatica, I have had a Head cold and Cold sore which decided to take over my face, YUK . I have fallen off my Diet waggon, I think I have PMT and I haven't been able to sit and craft at all for 4 days and am getting withdrawals. I haven't posted on here because I can't sit with out getting pins and needles and then pain if I sit for more than 5 mins even after overdosing on Ibroprufen. So I am Fat, Useless and Ugly to boot. Apart from that I am just fine, she says through gritted teeth. There is an advert on TV at the moment that says did you know that 37% of women over 40 are happier now with how they look than they have ever been!!!! Who! the ones who have just spent 6 months at a health spa? Do I sound Bitter? Yes I do! Because having a disabled husband means I cannot be sick I cannot go on holiday and even when I feel like laying down and crying I have to be up and doing. When my Mum passed away I thought my caring for the sick days were over. I had been hers for 6 years. When she went I was heart broken for loosing her but glad she was no longer in pain. I had thought my caring days were over. I year later my hubby gets a rare condition which is treatable but incurable, during the treatment they find 3 other major illnesses, so here I am doing the rather nasty unmentionable little jobs, caring again. I have pins and needles now and the cramps will be following soon so I had better go. Rant over.

More Keyrings Bag and Phone charms

2010-04-12T07:28:00.001-07:00

Because I am doing the We make London show in June I have been making extra stuff to make sure I have enough.
These little bits are handy for those who don't want to spend a lot.
This one has a Witches stone said to be very lucky.

Phone charms have to be small and delicate so I use Swarovski crystals and Beads.

A Mouse in a bottle
I fell in love with these carved Hearts and have made them in 4 colours

Another Needle felted Heart
This one is back by popular demand :-)

This is a Cameo felted in black with polymer ladies face

Support your fellow craftspeople

2010-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you bought handmade or from a fellow crafty blogger?
I was just thinking of how I often remark on how great things are but only buy a few items a year. I do buy crafty supplies on Etsy and other websites run by artisans.
There are often things I would buy in a second, if money was no object ( Ah we can dream) The last handmade artisan piece I bought was a Necklace from Flor Larios Art I just had to have it.

What was the last thing you bought handmade?

Another new Critter

2010-04-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

As I said yesterday I have a few things lined up to show.
I have been feeling extra crafty lately, it must be the Sun coming out.
Because of this I am extra frustrated with the pain when sitting that stops me working.
I take pain killers and get on with what I can.
I made this Hedgehog before the Mouse but was getting the urge to make him glasses and give him a satchel as I feel he looks like he's keen to explore the world.

He is Needle felted with Merino wool and has glass eyes and nose.

He is about 5 inches tall.

His head is thread jointed and moves both ways. His arms have wires for posing as do his legs but it doesn't allow for much movement in the legs due to the thickness of felt. I had intended giving him hands and feet but it just didn't seem to go that way. Funny how things sometimes evolve differently to how you imagined them.

Thomas! Thomas! there's a Mouse in the House

2010-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

I saw a Mouse ,where, there on the work table Hiding behind my PVA tubs

Here he is.

Oh He's off.
And back again caught in the spotlight

I love Mice and I had a Pet one who looked very much like this one when I was a teenager.

I converted a Grandmother clock my Mother gave me into a cage, I think I have a photo somewhere but it's not on the laptop :-(

This little fellow is Needle felted and is a Wood Mouse.
He measures 2 and 3/4 inches from Nose to Bottom.
He has Glass Eyes and Nylon Whiskers.

I have a long list of small furry creatures I want to Needle felt
along with all the other stuff I have in mind, So little time in comparison. Insert Big Sigh Here.

:-D I have another creature finished but I will save that for tomorrow, I don't know if posting twice in one day is the done thing. Overkill or Not. What Do you think?
I hope you like Mousies too

Mousie is now on ebay auction number 220588517446

Lots of bits to tell you.

2010-04-08T06:03:00.001-07:00

Today I had another pleasant visit from the postman he brought a Good Egg Hop Prize
I had won on Naomi's blog all the way from Austrailia. I know he didn't do the whole trip himself but he got the big smile and thankyou and when I opened it there was an extra surprise too.

A cute Owl Keyring I love it :-) and I love the fabric the purse is made of too it has a real Austrailian feel to it. I am not a cross stitcher but who knows I may give it go.

I also want to show you my Rabbit Egg cosy I won from Enfys I was delighted with him too. I don't know why but I imagined it smaller but it fits perfectly over an egg in an eggcup and also would fit small hands as a glove puppet :-) Aint he sweet.

Thank you ladies. It is lovely to recieve these gifts.
The sun is shining today which always cheers my mood so even though I have a cold and a Cold Sore (which I hate having so much, why do they always feel so huge?) I have been a good girl and gave my flat a good clean this morning leaving this afternoon to play :-)
My blog post are lining up like busses to be written as I have been a busy Bee and have a bunch of things I have made to blog about.
Talking of Bees this Wasp landed on my cheap white plastic (oh the shame) laundry basket and I had my camera to hand. I think he just spotted a photo oportunity because after I had taken a few shots off he went :-)

The reason I had my camera to hand was I was taking photos of this shrub in my garden. My friends and I in a craft group were all trying to find out the name of it, as we all have one of these gorgeous shrubs but none of us knew it's name.

The Mystery is solved now Maggie found out, it is called Japanese Rose or Kerrier.
Arn't they stunning.
Well I have waffled on !

Dressed Doll

2010-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

I finally got time to finish this Doll by Dressing her.
I took all of your advice on board, then did my own thing :-D
I was really pleased that each of you had taken time and let your imaginations loose, many different visions on how she should be dressed.
I feel I have not done any of them justice. I find my fabric and trims stash is not very inspirational. I am trying to remedy this by shopping for bits.
Anyway I made her a floaty bohiemian dress from Ribbon with a Swarovski crystal hanging from the waist. Feathers, Ribbon and another crystal make her fascinator.

I feel it should have more sparkle.
While I am looking at her sometimes I think she should be the Mad Hatters Daughter, It must be the Hair :-)
Verdict please and don't be shy to feel sorry for my lack of stash.

Recycled Felt Mushroom Pin Cushion Tutorial

2010-04-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

To keep myself out of mischief this weekend
I made a trinket I have been meaning to make for a long time.

Made from an oldish jumper (Wool with 8% Angora) Felted and a some Yarn with a few beads added.
It is a Pin cushion which doubles for storage. It is quite large I suppose for a pin cushion but that makes it have more room for storage. It stands 4 &1/2 inches High and the storage area is 2 & 1/2 by 2 & 1/2 inches. The top and base are about 5 inches across.

To Felt the Jumper it must be at least 90 % wool or it will not work.

Just boil wash with soap powder to felt.

It was quite a simple make, I omitted to take photos along the way but I have done a tutorial with simple diagrams.

You will need-

Felt or any Material you like.

A Cereal Box.

Some kind of stuffing.

Sewing needle. scissors.

Yarn in co-ordinating colours.

Beads or some other kind of embellshment.

A Needle with an eye big enough to use with Yarn.

Instructions.

*Stuff to one side of cardboard only*

I used the Yarn to over sew the roof edges and Embroider the door window and creeper then I sewed on some beads.

I hope you like this project.

An Award

2010-04-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

A week or so a go I was given this award by Julie. How gorgeous it that :-D
It was such a pleasant surprise but I have been so busy since then I have only just gotten the chance to show it off :-D

On top of that it comes with no string of instructions and no one to pass it onto, just the compliment itself.
Thank you Ruby X

Praise to the multitasker

2010-03-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

I was visiting one of my fav blogs today and she was complementing one of her favourite Bead makers, well raving about how fabs she is :-) I followed the links she gave and sure enough the lady deserved every word.
But I was thinking as I left a comment,

Us women are fab arn't we! don't forget you too have many of those qualities consider the things you do each day. Women do derserve to be raved about. Do we not run our homes with Efficiency, Care for all in it and others who do not. Do we not try to make our world a better place.
Then just for fun we spend our "spare" time being creative. Oh and then we try to follow our dreams and open websites and blogs and Etsy shops and we write meaningful pieces and paint and create beauty. We spend our weekends selling at craft shows, Without letting the chores slip. We teach, we learn, we laugh, we suffer, we give and hopefully we will get happiness in return.

I think my son may be right about me being a bit of a hippy because I want to send a hug to all women and say well done.

A New Doll

2010-03-30T03:06:00.000-07:00

Although I have been suffering a lot with the trapped nerve which makes it difficult for me to sit long, I have managed to finish a Doll by working and finishing just one body part a day.
She is a bit miffed as I have taken photographs of her before she is dressed but I think she makes a good glamour model with her luxurious red hair and after taking so long to make her I was keen to show her.

I will have to have a root through my fabric stash to see what she will be dressed in. I am not sure what style to give her, any suggestions?

2010-03-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I have been so enjoying the Bunny Hop this past 4 days.
Thank you to each and every one who joined my giveaway, left a comment on another post or became a follower. It is always such a pleasure to connect with new people.
I have visited all participating blogs and am working my way through all the comments to send a reply, please forgive me if I haven't been round to you yet, I will :-)
I have not gotten yet to the stage where I can say there are just too many to reply to. I wonder how many I would have to have to feel justified in that.

It's time to find out who is the Winner of my Bunny in the Good Egg Blog Hop.

A short burst of fireworks

And Mr Random Generator has done his stuff
This Makes Torie Jayne the Winner :-) Please send me your Delivery details Torie.

And Now for the New followers Bonus draw, Oh I sound very official :-)

I have decided to draw two names from the new followers for a mystery prize each.

Winner 1 is Debbie

Winner 2 is Paper Princess

Please forward your details for delivery too ladies (email link on my profile)I do hope you will like your mystery prizes.

I will of course be sending the winners an email to make sure they don't miss thier prize.

Art on the darkside Challenge

2010-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is for the bi weekly challenge on http://Artonthedarkside.blogspot.com/
The subject is "Dark Women"
I used various Drawing programs to draw this with my Graphics tablet and pen.
Its not a very expensive tablet but I feel more at home drawing with a pen instead of a mouse.
I used to do a lot of Pencil drawings and find a mouse awkward.

But I do love the things you can do with computer Art

And how does my Garden grow

2010-03-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

It was just two weeks ago that I gave my small Garden a good clear up.
How bleak it looked but spring has come with a flourish.
New Buds are growing strong.

Spring Flowers are open.

This one I thought I had lost.

These two are still in love

and I have a Giant Lizard wondering how to cross the huge chasm between the patio tiles (but only if you zoom right in and use a bit of imagination

Good Eggs Easter Hop Giveaway

2010-03-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day for the Good Eggs Easter Hop Giveaway,
organised by Sandi of A legacy of stitches.
I am Giving away this Bunny made specially for the event.

He is Needle felted entirely from white Merino wool with black details.
He has Glass eyes and an Onyx nose (don't ask me why)
He stands 5 inches tall and has a smart Black Ribbon.

This giveaway runs from Midday 24th March until Midnight on the 28th

I will draw the winner on the 29th and hopefully the winner will get the Bunny by Easter.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.
Open to all, bloggers and non bloggers worldwide but please if you don't have a blog leave a contact email in your comment or I will not be able to let you know if you win.

The title of this post leads to the list of bloggers who are joining the Hop so why not Hop on Down the Bunny Trail and see what they have made for this Easter event.

Don't forget to follow my blog so that you don't miss any of my giveaways :-) one lucky new follower will get a mystery prize.

Recycled Paper Project, Easter Activities for Children

2010-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is my first contribution for the Going green Crafters and Artists blog
I use a cross shredder to shred all the stuff that comes in the mail that I don't want to put in the recycling bags the council take away (for security reasons).
This means I get about two refuse sacks a year of shreddings.
I Like to recycle these myself by making a chunky Paper Mache.
Here's a simple project you can do with children to use up those shreddings.

Cookie Cutter Critters and Shapes

You will need -
A plastic bowl
Some wallpaper paste
Shreddings
Cookie cutters
Tooth pick or wooden squewer
Plastic sheet to cover your work table
If you don't have a sheet cut the bottom off of a black refuse sack and open it out.

To decorate
Paint, Glitter, Ribbons
and anything else you fancy adding.

I usually make up about half a sack of shredding at a time
Mix with half a bag of wallpaper paste made up with the recommended amount of water.
The reason I use wallpaper paste is because it has a Mould Inhibitor.

Make up the paste first and then add the shredding one large handfull at a time and mix in, it can be messy becasue bits go astray and as you add paper it can be quite hard work. Treat it like making Bread dough and fold inwards to the middle until it is thoroughly mixed in.

If you have to leave the mix over night make it into a big ball and wrap it in plastic so that it does not dry out (this mix is quite happy stored like this for days)

Cover your work surface in plastic sheet and gather your cookie cutters.

Fill the cookie cutters with the mix and level off, turn them over and make sure there are no gaps by filling with little bits of mix.

Gently push them out so as not to mishape them.

Make holes for hanging with a wooden skewer ( I used a small metal Spike)

Lay them on a small plastic sheet to dry in a warm place

I use opened out bubble envalopes.
*Do not leave them to dry on paper as it will stick to them.

These may take a day or two to dry naturally turn them occassionally. If you have an airing cupboard or a sunny place it will speed up the process.
When they are dry paint and decorate.
Told you it was simple :-)
Have fun.

Poem of thanks

2010-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Once again Mr Postman brought me cheer,
My prize from Mr March is here!
Enchanted Revelries abound
when ever Tristan is around.
A prize I won for being clever
a Surprize, to arrive, it seemed forever.
When the box, I first did spy
there was twinkle in my eye.
And when the box was torn asunder
bright tissue paper I saw under.
Hiding the trinket sent to me
what treasure can it be ?

Haha I said, "it is so pretty,
that Tristan is talented as well as witty".
Now what can I do with a paper treat?
around the house pattered my feet.
A bear who needs a Party hat?
it looks good, but no, not that.

I sat and thought, but not for hours.
then I remembered some silken flowers.
So many places, to hang it I tried
until the dressing table I spied.
With so many things that I adore,
the perfect place for just one more.

Thank you Tristan I love it X

Garden Spring Clean

2010-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Today the sun is shining, so when I went out into my garden I got the urge to do a long overdue tidy up. Because of the rather severe winter we had I was not keen to venture out do the necessary tidying. Sometimes I wish we could hibernate for winter, I am definitely more upbeat when the sun is shining.
I have a tendancy to put strange objects in my Garden like glass bottles and cracked but beautiful teapots.
Not many of my Geraniums and smaller plants survived the winter,and the naughty Squirrels have eaten 99% of my bulbs I planted over 100 and have only a handfull showing.

There are two water cooler bottles in the corner I had intended to use them as large covers for delicate plants but have been unable to find anything to cut the tops off with, they are pretty tough plastic.

My rather large Lilac tree has lots of buds and so I was unable to prune it, but I don't mind it being big. I am tired and my back is now moaning at me but it is looking tidy out here in my little garden, so it is worth it. I hope to have it looking colourful soon.

I enjoy doing my bigger craft projects outside. I had intended to start a project today but I will have to do it tomorrow now.

Poem

2010-03-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

I am going to post this before I decide it's rubbish and bin it :-D

Pause long enough to take in the beauty of the day
Listen long enough to actually hear what people say
Make time to be childlike and play
Take your hands and shape the clay
Be a little risque
Meet love halfway
Be the person you portray

Art on the Darkside Challenge

2010-03-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

I decided to enter the Art on the darkside Challenge
Scary stuff in the forest.
I have made a short animation from my Model and Figure.
Don't forget to have your sound up for the mood music :-D

I don't think its really scary do you ?

On with life

2010-03-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to thank all of you for your kind messages about my little Dog, they warmed my heart.
Life is full of ups and downs and I am getting on with it as best I can :-)
I have had two pieces of good news today. Firstly I have had confirmation of my Stall at the
We Make London Summer Craft Fair, I am glad to have gotten confirmation as I sometimes have a habit of leaving it too late to book these events.

Here's thier poster for the event

The second is I have an award from Enfys

Thank you Enfys :-)

The rules for this award are
1. Place the logo within your blog or post
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers
3. Link the nominees within the post
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award

So here are my twelve nominees because they have all brought a little sunshine into my life recently.

http://gerryart.blogspot.com/

http://daziepatch.blogspot.com/

http://feltedhouse.blogspot.com/

http://beingruby.blogspot.com/

http://misfitmomma.blogspot.com/

http://rey-gato.blogspot.com/

http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/

http://jodeaodesign.blogspot.com/

http://bearbits.blogspot.com/

http://kittilover.blogspot.com/

http://dawnscrafttime.blogspot.com/

http://objemidrevo.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for being great blog friends.

Goodbye friend

2010-03-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am grieving a loved one.
Today I had to let the Vet put my Dog to sleep.
Yesterday afternoon he was his usual perky little self but by the evening we could tell there was something wrong.
We took him to the Emergency Animal Hospital and they kept him overnight for Xrays etc.
They called today at 9.30 to ask permission to do exploratory surgery.
By lunchtime I had the dreaded call. Cancer took him away as it has taken so many.
Apparently he had a liver cancer in a place they could not have removed but the sudden symptoms were because it had ruptured.
Tears are not enough, I want to howl at the moon in sorrow as my little friend is gone.
I loved him so and he loved me without asking for anything in return.
He sat by my feet or even on them as I worked and as I rested he sat by my side.
I hope there is a Heaven and he is there with my Mum Dad and all of the others who have passed through this world
giving love freely, hurting no one.

Alice in wonderland with Papillon Bleu

2010-03-09T02:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I agreed to join my friend Patricia of Papillon Bleu in an Alice in Wonderland Celebration.
This is the piece I chose to make.
The Cheshire Cat from the Disney Version of the Book.
I chose him because He is so cheeky and mischievous.
I thought he would also lend himself well to the meduim of Wool felt.
Oh and We are All mad in my House too ;-)

If you want to see all the other pieces that have been made for this event please visit paplillon Bleu I know I will be. I know she has been working hard to make it a fabulous show.

Love Birds in a Cage

2010-03-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

I finished this today, I had made one of the Birds a week or so ago and got side tracked making Keyrings.
The Love Birds are standing side by side on a Needle felted Heart and they measure 4.5 cms.

I was so pleased to find a supplier for the Cages, I had been looking for small cages for a while. They are Metal with white Enamel paint and measure 8 cm by 6 cm. The little doors open and have a lock too and are beautifully made.
I bought 10 while I had the chance, I am glad I did as they are now out of stock.

I am pondering on ideas for new caged pieces, what would you do?