Treasures of Yesterday

First Layout of 2011

2011-01-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday i made my first blog post and today is my first LO of 2011.

I'm keeping with my resolution so far, lol.

Over the Christmas holidays i was able to have some time surfing the net, reading craft blogs in the hope of finding some inspiration to really help kick start my mojo, as 2010 i never really done much in the way of scrapping. i really want to change this this year as memories are way to precious to be forgotten.

whilst spending hours, literally, i came across this sketch site i have never heard of before, but i really liked it. Its called 'Sketchabilities', it's an awesome site with lots of inspiration for the card maker too. It can be found here: http://www.sketchabilities.blogspot.com/ make sure to pop on over.

As it was Christmas i decided to use there latest sketch (sketch 37) and use some photo's from this Christmas, you know what, i still haven't scrapped last years photo's!!!!

So out came all the Christmas stash, boy i seem to have stacks, but not use very much!!!! Working with a sketch really inspired me and i loved how easy it was to use. I adapted mine down to 8.5 x 11, but it still worked.

The sketch:

My LO:

The photo's are of Hannah and Sam on Christmas Eve, being very silly as they were so excited !! Love the silly faces of Sam.

This has really helped me get back into the swing of things and i am know about to start sketch 38, with the most beautiful kit, MME Lost and Found that i have had for a few months.

It's now the weekend, which i am looking forward too, have my monthly crop on Sunday which i can't wait for, might even get my LO finished.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and get some craft time.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Hello 2011

2011-01-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

Well it's 2011 already, wow!!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year, can't believe it all went by in a flash.

The weeks leading up to Christmas i had a poorly family, my youngest Son, Daughter and the Husband!!! They were struck down with this high fever, shiver, cold bug, nasty and it went on forever. It made the Christmas preparations a bit stressful hence why there just hasn't been any blogging, but i am about to change that.

One of my new year resolutions is to keep this blog up to date, i always think about it, but i really need to start getting a bit more organised and as of today i am in the process of doing just that.

I have been a domesticated goddess today, lol, why i bother as in an hour when the kids are home from school it will look a complete wreck, but hey ho!!!

Just before i leave for the school run in the rain and snow that is bashing the south East at the minute i thought i would write my first blog post!!

So what has happened in the first week of the New Year then???

I started it off on a good note - stash shopping **insert happy smile**.

I hit the Hobby Craft sale and spent a good 2 hours having a wander, i did have Hannah with me, who has also caught my love for anything craft related. There wasn't much in the way of sale goodies, bit poor really, got a few bits for 29p that i am sure will come in handy one day. I did manage to pick up a Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly punch that i have had my eye on for awhile :).

Whilst i was visiting family over New Years weekend in Kent, on our way to Panto i managed to stop at TK Maxx and see what they had in store. I couldn't believe what i managed to pick up for a great bargain. I got 2 Album Kits by American Crafts for 5 pounds!! What a bargain.

One is a 12x12 album kit and the other 8x8, 1 very happy lady!!!

This has just been what has been in order for me to kick start my mojo again. So happy with my purchases.

I have also finally signed up for a monthly kit ***another big smiley***

I have chosen Cleo Crafts monthly kits!! I spent a few weeks doing some homework, looking around to see who had good offers. I got the list down to a final 2 Cleo's and 1 in America, Scrap Book Nook, but the price of Cleo's won me over and not only that i know what Cleo kits are like and i have always loved them. Now all i am waiting for is for that first kit to hit my door mat.

So as you can see i have the New Year of a good start and hopefully this is the way forward.

I have also nearly finished my first LO of 2011, which i will share with you shortly.

Anyway best dash - it's school pick up time

Take care

Sarah

oxox

Way, Way too long!!!

2010-11-06T03:11:00.000-07:00

Its been way, way too long since i visited my little blog - a whole 7 months. I really do not know where time has gone this year, we are almost upon the Festivities of Christmas already!!

Now the problem is, where to start!!!, one of the reasons i have left it sooo long to come back and blog, do i track back over the last 7 months and fill you in on whats been happening or just start a fresh from today??, decisions decisions!!!

I think for now i will take it one step at a time, as although i have been in hiding i have been slowly creating various bits and pieces which i will hopefully showcase over the next few weeks, see i intend to keep this blog malarkey up!! **coughs quietly**

So today i wish to show you my Design Team LO using the fantastic Cleo Crafts November Kit which consists of the ever so popular Pixie-Licious line by Cosmo Cricket!! I absolutely love these papers, beautiful colours and the designs are fab!!!

I made this LO using a photo of me as a little girl with my bestest friend ever, "Sebby" our Siamese cat. He was an absolutely adorable cat, such stunning features, but unfortunately we never had him long as he got killed on the road one morning, i was totally devastated!!! It broke my heart, but thankfully as my Dad was a keen photographer we have many photos.

I used Fairy Rings paper as the main background with hints of Flower Fields to give some colour. All lettering and embellishments have come from my own stash, which is ever growing :)!!

Sorry for the quality of the photo, had to use my phone as my Eldest and DH have gone to LDN today to see Top Gear Live and have taken my camera :(.

As i had so much paper in this kit i made a gift tag for my Nieces upcoming birthday next week
she is an arts and crafts addict just like her Auntie, so i know she will love it, but i am certain she will love the gift inside more :)!!!

I used one of my stamps from C.C Designs, love these!! It was Cupcake Kiki.

Decided to use the Butterfly Kisses paper so coloured accordingly with my Pro-Markers. Made a large gift tag from Kraft card stock and i must say i think it turned out quite well!!

So as you can see i am still enjoying creating, all be it at a slow pace, lol. I do have some more Pixie papers left which i have lined up for another project, a pin board project!! I have so far, painted the frame but had to wait to get some new ink for my printer, now that's done i might actually sit down today and make a start!!

It feels really good to have found some time to update my blog, hopefully now i have made the big leap i won't leave it as long!!

I hope your enjoying this beautiful crisp autumn morning, we are tonight of to a Fireworks display which i am looking forward to. Have a great weekend everyone and i hope to be back real soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

WOYWW

2010-04-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

I've remembered to join in, Yeah!! I can never believe how fast Wednesdays come around.

So, this is my second time of playing along with WOYWW, and what can i share with you all today, a messy desk for starters, lol.

Last time i joined in, which i think was 2 weeks ago i got alot of messages saying my desk was just far to tidy, so i am hoping my desk today is somewhat more pleasing, unfortunately not to my DH eye, but he clearly doesn't understand a crafters mind, lol!!.

I am in the middle of making Birthday Invitations for my Daughter who's birthday is on Monday. I have been asking her for the last 5 months literally what she wanted to do, she will be 7. She has never had a set idea or theme until Sunday of this week!! Yes, can you feel my panic??

She has decided she would like a slumber party with 6 girl friends next week, so i am rushing like mad to get these invitations done, nothing quite leaving it until the last minute!!

They are very plain and simple, but hopefully unique. Have just 2 more to go, but it's also American Idol TV time now too, think this could be a late night!!!

So this coming week i have lots to do, and now in the form of crafting too. Need to look for idea's for the girls at the sleep over, might even get them to make a frame they can keep as they are all going to different schools come September, so might be nice as a keepsake - any idea's on what i could do would be greatly appreciated!!

Hope you've enjoyed a little insight into my room, might even show you the other side next week!!
Thank you for stopping by and take care
Sarah
xoxo

I know it's not Halloween.........

2010-04-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

but this cute stamp was itching to be inked up.

I am still trawling through my new stamp collection which is why you are seeing Halloween in the Spring/ Summer, lol.

I used a Cleo Craft kit for this card which consisted of My Minds Eye, Boo to you papers. They are such fun papers, and am glad i still have plenty more to use.

I made this as a gate fold card, learning new designs and techniques as i go along.

Today, as i had some "me" time i wanted to create a LO, about something very heart felt that my Daughter wrote me last week. I haven't achieved any scrapping in the last 3 months, which is why i have turned to card making, but i couldn't let this moment disappear.

I used the April kit from Cleo Crafts which consisted of American Crafts, Letterbox collection. Now i don't normally like American craft papers but i think they have excelled their self's with this collection, just seriously yummy.

Photo is of Hannah and i a few years back now. Hannah wrote this beautiful little letter last week and when she read it to me, it literally made me cry, i was so upset, with happiness of course.

She wrote:

My Mum is fantastic,
She plays with me,
She cuddles me and she reads stories with me,
My Mum is amazing.
She smiles at me,
She kisses me and puts me to bed,
She is a super Mum
xx

She just melted my heart, and this is why i wanted to capture this now.
I am really pleased with the final outcome and not only that but i have also got her own handwriting included in the LO too, and will always have this beautiful memory.

Am now hoping i can start doing a few more LO's in the weeks to come along with the card making i am still very much enjoying.

Thank you so much for stopping my and leaving lovely messages, am of now to play with some sand, my next mission!! All will be revealed.
Take care
Sarah
xoxo

A quick Update

2010-04-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately not much crafting going on the last few days, i have a horrid virus, but hopefully i am over the worst and life is on the up again. I do look like Rudolph the red nose reindeer mind you, nothing a bit of make up won't hide, hopefully, lol.

As it's WOYWW, (have i got that right?) over on UKS, i thought i would play along this week and show where i scrap, messy as ever.

Hopefully have some cards to show you all soon.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

A Productive Morning

2010-04-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today has been a mellow day, pajama day as the kids like to call it.

I'm full of cold thanks to my little one, so pajama day has been the best medicine, although i am looking forward to the kids bed time, kinda been a long day.

It has enabled me however to sit down and get another card made, and i personally think this is my best one to date. I thoroughly enjoyed making this card, new stamp, lovely papers and a new card template that i hadn't tried before.

The papers are American Craft, Letterbox which i recieved as a kit from Cleo Crafts.

Hope you've all had a marvellous Monday.

Take care
Sarah

My first Sketch card Challange........

2010-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

So, this new found hobby of mine has well, taken over my life.

Its been a little over a month since i bought my pro-markers and the journey of card making began.

I was never interested in cards, but since having a serious mojo lost for scrapping a while back it has helped me find my creative path once more and i am actually loving every minute of it. I have had a lot of encouragement from close friends too, which makes all the difference.

Now that i am exploring new sites and shops for new stash i came across this web site MojoMonday and really liked the sketch

My take on the challenge.....

Another C.C Design, just love these cute stamps, lol.

Have learnt today that i can download these as digi stamps, time to save for a new printer me thinks. I definitely learnt a lot making this card, but that's the beauty of learning and exploring in anything that you do.

Am now colouring a new design for another card with the scrumptious Cleo kit i received the other day, so be sure to check back.

This morning, as the sun was shining we took the opportunity to have a browse at the local boot fair, kills a Sunday morning. I always go to look for scrapping related goodies, albeit, lace, buttons, well anything really.

Today i was lucky in finding a glass jar, as DH kindly said, "not another glass jar".

I paid 50p for this and had a purpose for it already. It is to house my forever growing bloom collection which has expanded some what since the card making bug started.

Think it was worth every penny. Now it sits on my desk with the rest of the growing glass jar collection, soon enough i won't have any room to craft, just be full of jars filled with beautiful stash.

Anyway i best get going, time to cook the kiddies dinner.

Hope your all having a lovely Sunday - will be back soon

Take care

Sarah

oxox

I may not..........

2010-04-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Be at Alexander Palace for the Big Stamp and Scrap booking fair today, like originally planned, but i have treated myself to a few stash related purchases this week.

Its been hard trying to decide what to buy, papers, pens, stamps the list goes on and on and on, but i think i choose wisely - little bit of everything :0).

My first purchase was this kit from Cleo Crafts.

Can't wait to get tucked into this. Have a few idea's already.

So that was new paper and embellishments sorted. What could come next?? Yes that's right, more stamps.

I managed to pick up these 2 little cuties from Bunny Zoe's, believe they are new stock. I absolutely the C.C.Design stamps, such fun to colour.

My last and final purchase of the week was yesterday whilst out shopping in town. I happened to go into Claire's Accessories and Accessorize and looked what i walked into..........

I've no idea what i will use them for, but just 'had' to have them. I particularly like the little bird ones, so darn cute.

So that is my little expenditure this week, far more less than had i gone to Alexander Palace, but I'm happy.

My Daughter had a party to go to this morning so asked if i would make a card. I used my new Kiki La Rue stamp i got yesterday. Had total fun making this and think it turned out OK. She loved it, her Mum too.

I hope your enjoying our latest weather - been so nice to wake up to sunshine.

Will hopefully be back tomorrow with another card, so be sure to pop back.

Thank you for all the lovely comments lately, very much appreciated,

Take care

Sarah

oxox

Wedding card and weekend away

2010-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Easter has been and gone, i can't quite believe it to be honest, went by in a flash.
Unfortunately ours was cut short as my youngest Son and Mum became poorly. I think they both have the same and as i have just returned from the Dr's i can say it's just a nasty virus doing the rounds, but Sam had us worried for a few days, especially on Sunday when he was covered in a rash.
Lots of Calpol, Nurofen and cuddles been given at present and now just hoping for a speedy recovery.

On Saturday Mum and i booked to go see this

It was a good show, although i never realised it was entirely performed with singing, i found it a bit much. The leading lady was absolutely brilliant though, what an amazing voice. The costumes and set were so authentic, i have never heard such a quiet audience, we were all very much captivated. Think the next show on the agenda is "The Full Monty", should be a good laugh.

Whilst down at my Mum's in Kent i did find an opportunity to spare a few seconds in the local Paperchase, as one does. Managed to pick up some cute little stickers, was hoping for more, but wasn't to keen on the new lines. Am hoping to use these in a few LO's should my scrapping mojo return.

To help me find my mojo i have ordered a lovely kit from Cleo Crafts, it's winging it's way to me as i type, so might have a lovely box of pizza goodies tomorrow. I was hoping to get to Alexander Palace this weekend, but unfortunately it won't be happening now, so treated myself to a little stash, might purchase a couple more stamps also, although i haven't used the ones i already have. Actually fancy a Magnolia or 2!!!

Before the kids finished school last week, i made DS2 teacher a wedding card that i have not shared with you yet. This was a last minute dash to get finished for one reason or another. I used a C.C Design stamp, Sugar Plum Bride Emma, love these little images such fun to colour. I kept the image very simple, just highlighting parts of the dress and colouring the flowers to the expected colour scheme of the wedding. Added some sparkle to the head dress and bouquet.

I hope she liked it.

I am hoping to get some cards/scrapping done within the next few days, have seen a card sketch i would like to have a go at, and think i have the perfect stamp and paper.

Never know you may also get to see a LO, if my mojo resurfaces when the pizza box arrives, now that will be a miracle in the making.

Hope you all had a lovely Easter, and got many lovely chocolate eggs.

Take care
Sarah
xoxo

Easter Cards

2010-03-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

I told you i would be back soon, and here i am.

Thank you so much for all the kind messages left on my blog, they really did cheer me up and made me realise that all we stumble from time to time and hobby's are no exception.

Anyway, as you can see my mojo is fully geared up and raring to go. I am loving my new hobby, never thought i would say that about card making. I seem to of found that perfect balance, Creating whilst having fun, i loved colouring in as a child, would always have plenty of those cheap colouring books, remember the ones, that had that funny smell, and the pens would always bleed, so it only feels natural to be colouring again, but only this time with better pens and beautiful images. My DD seems to be following my trait at the moment - the mounds of colouring books have surfaced again, and yes she does have those beady little eyes on my pens (pro-markers), and that is a big no no!! (what a cruel mummy i am, but she has my Marve le Plume's instead, that's a good compromise, don't you think??).

So as the children finish for school tomorrow, only feels like they have just gone back, but never mind, Hannah asked if i would make some Easter Cards for her Teacher's. So couldn't resist a challenge.

I am having to make 4, as Sam attends the same school and can't miss his teachers out. I have tried to make them all different, which is good as i am learning new things as i go along.

So here are the first 2...................

What you think? Hope the teachers like them, they do have a tiny Lindt Egg to go with them too, yum............

I have 1 more to make tonight and a very special wedding card also. Sam my DS2 teacher gets married on Thursday, so only right i make her a card too. Just hope it turns out ok, bit worried about that one.

Hope your all having a nice day, and not getting any of that predicted snowfall, isn't it suppose to be British Summertime??, madness.

Take care
Sarah
xoxo

I'm back...........

2010-03-28T13:23:00.001-07:00

and hopefully this time to stay. This post is long, sorry!

It has been a long couple of months since i last blogged, so much for my new years resolution. Never quite know why i start them in the first place as i always get to the second week of January and they always end up out the window.

So were have i been? the answer is actually no where.

Daily life seems to be very busy at the moment, we have been through the process of choosing GCSE options with our eldest Son, now we are waiting to see if he gets the subjects he chose, also choosing a Junior School for our Daughter, which we got our first choice and then just normal day to day activities with the kids. Time just seems to be flying past right now.

As for crafting, well that's been lurking somewhere..

For the last few weeks or months even, i have been contemplating giving up the scrapping hobby as i just lost all enthusiasm and love for it. I felt like i had a huge weight on my shoulders that i wanted to get so much done, and never seemed to get anywhere. I am never happy with what i achieve and that's always after at least a week on each LO. In the past i have lost my mojo but never to this extent, i never stepped foot in my craft room, my desk laid empty, embellishments gathering dust, it was BAD!

I had serious thoughts about selling my belongings and finding something new to do. This hung around with me for a few weeks but before i hit the bullet i attended my local crop to see if i could surface this long lost mojo.

Crop was a blast, great to catch up with friends, but as ever i never actually achieved much (nothing unusual there, lol). Friends were very supportive and told me how silly i would be to just walk away from it all, i listened well, thought about it, but things still never materialised.

I then came back even more confused about what to do. I packed away my things and left it at that.

Couple of weeks passed, still no crafting being done, lots of face book games being played though. It was Mother's Day weekend, the kids were excited to be going out with Daddy on the Saturday to buy me a card and little pressie (we don't really celebrate Mother's Day, just keep it very simple). I got up on the Saturday morning and just happened to flick over to Create and Craft TV channel, and they were advertising pro-markers. I sat watching the hour long programme, thinking about some of the cards i have seen made using these pens and being in ore.

DH suggested to me that i go buy some as my Mother's Day present at the local Hobby Craft, i took the opportunity and went, with DD in tow. We had a lovely girlie day out, she too is a craft fanatic and had some pocket money to spend, which she did.

I must admit, i really enjoyed it. I stood there looking at the Martha Stewart punches thinking "why have i been so silly", what would i achieve giving everything up, not only my belongings but some of the wonderful friends i have made along the way. I stopped being stubborn and bought the pens, and of course a punch fell into the basket too :0).

The rest of the weekend was spent colouring and the rest is history. My mojo is alive once more, yeah!!!

So here are my new pens, i absolutely LOVE them.

So what come with new pens, yep that's right, new stamps. After hours of trawling the Internet i finally decided i loved the C.C Designs, Sugar Plums stamps so ordered a few to keep me busy, some i even got in a sale, guess they are last years designs, but i am not fussed.

So my new lovely stamps, and yes a couple more pens and magnolia paper.

So my new passion at the moment is to make cards. Scrap booking i hope will return one day, but for now, it's time for grown up colouring.

This has given me the perfect opportunity to use up all my old scraps of card stock and paper, and i do have a fair amount as you can see

I sat and sorted it all outI was ready to make the first card.

A good friend Kate very kindly sent me some stamped images to get me started and also whilst i waited for my stamps to arrive. I had a lovely selection of Magnolia's, Sarah Kay and Anya's, i had such fun testing out my pens.

I took the big step and decided to make my first proper card. I choose this Magnolia stamp purely as i had some paper i wanted to use from Pink Paislee. So my first "proper" attempt at colouring....................

I've now decided i "need" some Magnolia stamps, i bet DH didn't realise how expensive a hobby is making cards, lol.

So finally my first ever finished card......................

I really enjoyed making this card, the colouring was very relaxing. I am still very much a beginner but am totally looking forward to learning new techniques and of course continuing the growth of my pen collection. Just a mere 148 to collect, that will take some time, but i am soo glad to be creating again.

I am in the process of making some Easter cards for my DD & DS2 teachers for when they finish school on Wednesday for Easter break and plus a very important wedding card for my DS2 teacher who gets married on Thursday, so i will have a couple of more cards to share with you very soon.

I will of course not leave it soooo long to update my blog again, hopefully now i am creating i can upload as i go.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving comments, i really appreciate them

Regards

Sarah

xoxo

Walk Hand in Hand

2010-01-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

So another blog post in a week, i am trying to keep my resolution going, after all i have to keep to it for at least a month, lol.

How are you all, snowed in? We have had another couple of inches fall overnight, which isn't much but considering how much was already lying, it's still quite deep in some places. The main roads yesterday were passable, but sides roads were treacherous. So today i have the family home again, schools closed, work impossible to get to. Unfortunately now for us, the beauty and fun of it has gone, it's now becoming a headache. Cabin fever has set in and we just want normality again - hopefully by the weekend it will begin to thaw, just in time for my crop on Sunday, yeah!

So as we have had many days at home i have been able to get some scrapping done. I thought it was about time i made a LO, its been months since i done one, always seem to be making mini books. On a blog hop a few weeks back i came across the Butterfly Craft blog which had a sketch for you to follow:

The Sketch:

I instantly knew what paper i wanted to use for this sketch and so thought about what photo to use, searching for many hours, i finally made the choice and got to work. I must say i have never completed a LO in such a quick time, i am known for paper shuffling.
I am pleased with the final outcome and most of all my LO mojo has kicked back in and now want to complete many more.

My take on the sketch: "Walk Hand in Hand"

Products used:

Little Ladies collection by My Little Shoebox Company

Tim Holtz Ticket

Kraft Cardstock Journalling tag

American Craft Poolside Thickers

Making Memories alphabet letters

and some bling gems.

Have thoroughly enjoyed doing this LO, and now in the process of completing some more, but i am also awaiting a delivery of photo's and some more new stash, their that resolution went out the window "To save for AP", but couldn't resist the sales, lol.

My Websters pages book is still a work in progress, hopefully soon i can share with you all.

Thank you for taking the time to leave messages - i love reading them.
Take care

Sarah
xoxo

Snow much fun

2010-01-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well snow has to be the topic for this post.

We have been inundated with snow since Tuesday afternoon, which has left us snowed in literally, freezing temperatures, 2ft icicles, but we have had so much fun in the process.

As i sit here typing we are getting another light dusting, but with more heavy snow on the way for the next 24/48 few hours.

In the last few days we have built snowmen, had snowball fights, built an igloo, pushed 15 cars out of the snow outside our house and checked on elderly neighbours.

Unfortunately though it seems like England has come to a stand still, the children haven't been back to school, there's been no post, no rubbish collection and it looks set to continue, but hopefully by next week we will be over the worst of it and normality can reign again.

The snowy weather though has enabled me to get out and about with the camera and get some shots of the children and surrounding area, which as a scrapper i am thankful for. Gives me lots of LO's to plan and do in the next few weeks, never mind Christmas ones yet to be done.

With the unexpected time at home i have been able to achieve some scrapping, not as much as planned as trying to keep the children occupied.

I am in the process of completing an Ancestry album for my mum for her birthday using the Websters pages Nature's Storybook collection. I have managed to get some very old photo's of my great great great Grandad and various other relations and put them all together in an 6 x 6 album. My mum has been researching family history for 10 years now, so hopefully she will like it.

Front Cover

An inside page

I believe this is my G.G.G. Grandad, i just need to collect the year and his name from my mum and i can ad these details. Have tried to keep it as masculine as possible, a bit hard when the papers are flowery.

Have 2 more pages to complete, pictures are printed, so hopefully i will have it finished soon.

So my DH has just gone out on the road on behalf of the Ambulance Service (he's a volunteer) attending 999 calls for the night shift. They are ever so busy at the moment and need as many extra hands as possible.Just hoping he is safe out on the streets in this terrible weather.

With that i will leave you with a few photo's i have taken in the last few days, i have over a 100 already. Just need to find some lovely matching paper - do i feel a stash spree coming on :)?

Our Road

The Snowman

The Crescent

Well i hope your all keeping safe and warm and are not to snowed in where ever you may be located in the UK.

Thank you for stopping by

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!!

A little belated but the festive holidays have been a little hectic. Lots of lovely food and drink was consumed and Santa bought us some lovely gifts. I hope you all had a lovely holiday.

So 2010 already, i remember celebrating the millennium, only seems like yesterday. A whole decade has past, one that is filled with happy and sad memories.

So a new day, a new week, a new month, a new year and last but not least a new decade and a new start for me in all areas.

I am looking forward to the year ahead, not that i have any set plans just yet but i have a "good" feeling and of course i do have a few resolutions i would like to achieve this year.

My first resolution is to keep this blog up to date as i have seriously neglected it the last few months. The days have just flown by me and i never seemed to get a chance to log on and update. I am hoping to update at least once a week, if not more.

My second resolution is to "save". I am wanting to save for various things this year, some more important than others but it's going to be hard when i have all the new releases from CHA hitting the scrapping shops soon and then of course Ally Pally, lol. We will have to see how this one goes, wish me luck lol!!

Over the last few months i haven't done much scrapping unfortunately.

In December i did decide to make little Snowman Soup Bags for my youngest 2 Teachers as little thank you gifts. I never know what to buy and think they must get over whelmed, so thought these would be ideal.

I was really happy to recieve lovely comments from the teachers, which made it all worth while

The contents of Snowman Soup bags

Completed bag
I had to make 6 of these, which did take awhile as all the bags were handmade from 1 sheet of 12 x 12 patterned paper. What made it better was that we had a heavy downpor of snow the night before school finished, so they seemed the perfect pressie to give, alas being called Snowman Soup Bags!!!

I did also make a start on the Journal Your Christmas project by Jessica Sprague. I bought lots of new goodies and was really looking forward to documenting our Christmas. I made an effort to make 14 different size pages using different styles, fabrics etc, the rest were going to be completed on a daily basis, but i was only to not touch it at all in the month of December. Now how bad is that!!! Its all still sitting on my desk waiting to be looked at. Thankfully i did take many photo's and keep various pieces, so hopefully i will make a start on it once the kids are back to school and normality reigns again. I was very upset with myself.

My time as a DT member at Cleo Crafts has come to end :(, i have thoroughly enjoyed the kits over the last year, some needing more imagaination than others. I have made some lovely friends throughout the year and i wish them all the best for the future.

I am guessing this will now give me some time to complete various projects i have on the go, i can list 3 for sure and i have some LO's i want to get together aswell. So look forward to the next few months.

I am also now wondering whether i should start the new class on UKS. Document 2010 looks good and seeing as it is only once a month i am thinking i could handle this (lol). I will let you know what i do

Are any of you joining in on this project?

So, as promised i will be back very soon as i do have a project to share with you, just need a few hours to complete it. Its using the fabby Websters pages which is the latest kit from Cleo Crafts. The papers are so much better in real life, such lovely quality. Am making a special birthday present for a family member.

So keep warm, keep safe and take care

Sarah

xoxo

October Reveal

2009-09-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

is here.............

For those of you waiting for this long awaited reveal i hope you feel it has been worth the wait.

This months papers were probably my favourite to date probably because of the lovely soft muted colours and a great assortment of embellishments to match too.

Bo Bunny, Flutter Butter.

I have made something quite different this month, which i really enjoyed making and hope to make more of in the future.

Earlier in the month i took my mum back to Gloucestershire to visit her family (mine too obviously) but whilst visiting Newent we had the opportunity to do a tad of shopping - but Junk shop shopping. I have for a long time been wanting to find lace/watch faces and so on to use on my projects but without costing an arm and a leg and this was the perfect opportunity to dig deep and get some good bargains.

These junk shops were big and full of just about anything you wanted. I had a good rummage and found lots - yards of lace, old books and these cork board table mats. My mums face was a picture but i could see potential......................... a scrappers mind probably.

Now 2 weeks on i so wish i purchased them all, even the couple of round ones they had, probably could of made more books.......................... i will be keeping my eyes peeled in and around the shops here.

So, with the kit being forest colours and Glocsershire being in the middle of the forest i decided to use the cork board table mats and make a book.

It has been a very interesting learning curve, one which i have thoroughly enjoyed and i am really pleased with the final outcome. There are a few finishing touches i need to make, like the front page title and to bind the book together but overall i like the look.

Front Cover

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3Page 4

Materials used:

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter Willow

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter Burst

Cleo Craft Co-Ordinating embellishments consisting of:

Ribbon, ric-rac, Journalling Sprout, buttons, blooms.

From my own stash

Hambly Over lays, Bling gems and Card stock

If you would like to purchase this kit, or if you are thinking about a possible subscription then pop on over to Cleo Crafts shop and email Louise to place an order.

Have fun with your kits

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Spur of the moment project.........

2009-09-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

So as mentioned yesterday i went to Hobby Craft for a wander and picked up those cool little robot stickers (see below post) and i knew which paper i wanted to match them with, Cosmo Cricket, Cogsmo Line. Yes i know they are old, but this is just a small collection of the mound of pattern paper waiting to be used.

Late last night i was sitting shuffling some other paper when i looked for the Cogsmo line and realised i actually had more of the collection than first thought. This got me thinking, maybe i could create a LO, or mini book - but about what subject???? Robots, maybe!

The stickers matched really well, puffy 3d makes them even cuter.

I remembered that for the past 2 years whilst being at Butlins we have seen Titan, the robot (awesome - google him if your unsure), and i got thinking about what i could create.

The mind wandered................... for a few minutes when i decided i would make a robot mini book.

Why, when i have so many other projects to complete???

I slept on the idea, in the hope that my delivery of paper would arrive today but unfortunately it never.

I couldn't resist any longer and i had to get to work on him..............

As you can see from the photo's, it is a slow process starting from scratch, but all the more rewarding.

Step 1: Draw robot..........

Step 2: Enlarge drawing.

Had to enlarge the pieces individually, but the arms and legs i left the same, to keep it easier and plus to fit him onto 12 x 12 paper.

Step 3: Draw template on Chipboard

Step 4: Final shape

I am now in the process of painting covering him but whilst sat here i have just thought whether or not i should use tin foil to cover him? Would it work? Something to sleep on i guess as i don't have any in the house.

Has anybody ever used tin foil before on altered projects/LO's/ etc, does it work?

So now i have started him you can guarantee my delivery of yummy papers will arrive tomorrow and i will be in 2 minds whether to finish him first or go back to the pumpkin project................... decisions decisions.

I will let you all know who wins..............................

As ever thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read and leave comments - greatly appreciated

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

A new Crop

2009-08-31T08:45:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday saw the beginning of a new crop very local to me, literally a 2 minute walk. How awesome is that - i feel lucky to have this upon my door step.

I never knew anybody going, but thought as this would be the first one everybody would be in the same situation. It turned out to be a really good day, the host Clair was really lovely. There were a few faces i recognised from UKS, which was nice.

The day passed by very quickly, don't they always when your having fun! I managed to complete one LO, which i am quite pleased with. I used a Pencil Line sketch from a few weeks ago.

I don't normally use sketches so it was nice to just sit back relax, enjoy the day and scrap without having to get frustrated at shuffling for hours and hours.

I used this months kit from Cleo Crafts , which consisted of My Mind Eye Pretty Please collection. I do however need to add a title which will read "butterfly dreams"but am awaiting a delivery of some Thickers to finish it of, fingers crossed it may be tomorrow.

A close up shot...............

So now hoping the 20th September zooms round for the next crop.

Today as it's Bank Holiday Monday we were hoping to go out for the day, but the weather this morning looked like a winters day - dreadful. They had predicted it would be 25, so we were a little disappointed.

I needed to go to hobby craft to collect some more double sided tape, so it turned into a family outing. I could not believe how busy it was. I managed to collect a couple of bits that i needed. Another polystyrene ball, for the just in case moment - trying to be prepared for every eventuality (lol), knitting needles for another project that i need to get underway, and these really cute robot stickers. Not sure what i will use them for, but they just fell in the basket!!!

Whilst there i saw little tote bags for taking to crops and retreats. One of the ladies at the new crop had a Paper Mania polka dot lime green tote and i loved it, not only for the colour but the fact it had a zip closure. I don't like the normal open totes which is why i haven't bought one before and plus as i never went to a every month crop there really wasn't any need.

They had a nice black polka dot one, the last, but no price!!! I walked a way and left it, couldn't be bothered to ask anybody for the price, but when i wasn't looking Tim picked it up and put it in the basket............................... i was smiling from ear to ear. I now can't wait for the crop to come round, will make life sooo much easier for me as to transporting my bits and pieces

I love it and have been told they do matching wheelie totes for paper!! Maybe a Christmas present (lol).

My new tote................

So i have had a lovely weekend, lots of crafting involved.
My children also go back to school on Thursday so looking forward to a few hours peace although the little one is only doing half days for 2 weeks as an induction period - but hope to get a few things done.

Hope you've all enjoyed your Bank Holiday Weekend and as always thanks for stopping by.

Take care
Sarah
xoxo

Oh dear................

2009-08-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

I didn't keep to my word, another 2 weeks have passed since i last blogged, so much for the daily updates. I'm just not getting a chance at the moment, you know how it is - you think you have 5 minutes and before long you have spent an hour surfing the web and catching up when the children politely remind you they are on school holidays and want to do something fun............. but not for much longer as my kids go back next Thursday. The school holidays have gone quickly if i am honest but am so ready for them to go back.

My youngest starts school also - i can already feel my heart strings pulling, i am determined not to get upset, just hope it goes ok for him.

Anyway, back to crafting.................

I have been busy with various bits and pieces the last few weeks as the photo of my desk clearly shows. Sorry a bit late for WOYWW, but guessing 1 day is ok.

Have finished a CJ entry which was a fab subject, favourite music. Can't show as i believe the recipient reads my blog.

My pumpkin project is making progress albeit slow. I have managed to almost complete the baby pumpkin, and it has turned out better than planned. Unfortunately am still waiting for any sponsors to receive the Pink Paislee line.......................... My next step is to start covering the large polystyrene ball, will hopefully have some photo's in my next post.

So as we are almost at the end of August another kit is winging its way to the Cleo Craft subbies........... This months kit was beautiful, in fact one of my all time favourite manufacturers, My Minds Eye.

The papers are from the Pretty Please collection, lovely soft colours with a variety of styles enhancing the creativeness of them.

This month i have produced 2 LO's, both very different (if i am honest i have enough for another LO, which i will share as soon as i have finished).

The first one is a LO using a method i have never tried before, tea staining.

I quite like the overall look it's given, so will be doing this technique again in the future.

Materials used:

My Minds Eye – pretty please, Pink Floral
My Minds Eye – Pretty please, Flower drops
Blue Card stock
Flora Doodles – Tyed-dyed Gypsies
Tim Holtz Journaling tag
Pink Paislee pixee stix glitter - Blueberry
Pink Paislee black rub ons
Basic Grey middle set undressed chipboard words.
Making Memories black tiny alpha’s
Adorn it – Mini Alpha’s
Blue heart pin
Blue DMC Floss

The tea staining is really very simple and straight forward.

I watered down a tea bag in cold water and just dipped the flowers and paper in the water, drying after each time. I repeated this several times until i got the aged look i desired. I also used the tea bag to get a darker stained effect whilst crushing and tearing the paper slightly.

I was pleased with the final result. As you can see here the flowers have a slight shade to them.

My second LO i produced is very different, clean simple lines and a minimal look.

These photo's hold some very good memories so really wanted the photo's to be the main focal point. Instead of having a large title i decided to use a Tim Holtz tag with a glittered frame to enhance.

The scalloped Kraft stock edge has been put through a crimpler gadget (i haven't a clue what the proper name is) but it makes paper look like cake cases. I found it in my local craft shop last year and bought on impulse, but to be honest it is becoming one of my favourite tools.

Materials used:

My Minds Eye – pretty please, Cheery Flowers (both sides)
Kraft Card stock
White Card stock
Maya Road scalloped frame
Tim Holts Tag
Clear Glitter
Buttons

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my work and i promise i really won't leave it another 2 weeks before i post again. Hopefully next time i will have an update on my harvest project.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend, hopefully the sun will be shining for us all

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

My new project!!

2009-08-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

As if i haven't got enough to do, i am starting a new project......................for Harvest!, but i am giving myself plenty of time to do this as i am hoping it will turn out how i vision it to look!.

I can't really do to much as the line of paper i want to use hasn't even hit any stores in the UK i don't think. I am after the entire collection from Pink Paislee, Amber Road (Twilight might also fall into the basket aswell). I think these are probably my favourite collections to be released this summer from CHA.

So if any of you hear of it in any stores, please please let me know (LOL).

My project will consist of 2 polystyrene balls and a PG tips box - bizarre i know - just trying to make things that do not have to cost an earth, OK the lush paper collection might be expensive but some craft related projects you can buy can cost a fortune and plus if they are handmade they have more sentiment and are obviously unique.

I had a quick trip to Hobby Craft yesterday, i really wasn't impressed and what i did fancy was so expensive, much more than any sponsor - so i was very good and resisted.

Whilst there though i did find this paper which is perfect for my pumpkins. Have done a little tester today and so far so good - so i will have to take another little trip to collect some more.

Of course had to collect the latest Scrapbook Trends as well, plus this photo is actually minus the chocolate bar too!!

In Other scrapping news.......................

I have finished my first LO for the September kit for Cleo Crafts, sorry can't show until end of the month. But here for the subbies is a wee sneak (lol)

Not giving much away am i!!!

Now as it Wednesday, on the UKS Blog forum they have had WOYWW. I never had any idea what this meant until a few weeks ago, so today for the very first time, i thought i would play along. My desk is abit of a mess at the moment, what with various projects on the go. If you look closely you can see the beginning of my little pumpkin....................

So my desk..........

So think that is all from me for now - hope to be back soon.

Its dinner time again - back to the kitchen i go (lol)

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Day in London

2009-08-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

So last week was filled with lots of fun.

Thursday we decided to take the kids up to London to see some of the more famous sites instead of another trip to a theme park. The day started early, but it meant we were all eager to get going.

We got the first train after the rush hour (much cheaper) and we hit London just before 10am. It was already very busy. Waterloo Stn has changed so much since i last travelled there some 13 years ago, the Euro star terminal is now a derelict building - it really isn't a journey i miss.

Our first stop was the London eye! This really has become one of London's major tourist attractions. It was busy.

Now because i don't favour heights i peacefully watched the family go around in their pod for half an hour laden with camera of course so i could get a glimpse of London from a birds eye view.

It looks amazing from up above - but i guess the photo's will have to do.

We then walked over Westminster Bridge to view the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, unfortunately the kids seemed more interested in the amount of police guarding than the building and wanted to know why they had guns!! For them, it will be the world they live in. Security is alot more intense than when i use to visit London, its a shame we have to live like this now. A quick photo stop for me and we moved onwards.

Just our luck the heavens opened up...................................... we took shelter under a building site, opportunity for a quick rest. It was quite funny watching the open top buses driving past, glad we didn't go on one of those (lol)!

We stopped quickly at Horse Guards parade for a photo shoot - couldn't really get any decent pictures for the crowds, but it was another landmark marked on the map.

It was finally lunchtime, but also with a few thousand other tourist, so we made do with a good old Big Mac and chips.

So now the afternoon adventures begun.

First stop was Trafalgar square - oh my it was swamped, literally and that's without the pigeons which were still pretty much present. We didn't stop long as it did start to rain - so time to run for shelter!! Rain soon drifted over - so we walked through St James park up to Buckingham Palace, we fed the swans, ducks and i even got to feed a squirrel!! in the middle of London.

So we finally got to see the Queen!! She was in residence as well. The kids thought they were going to meet her when we told them we would walk to the palace, think Hannah was slightly disappointed.

We stopped for awhile and admired the sites and crowds, love a bit of people watching before jumping in a taxi to Leicester Square.

We made headway for the best ice-cream place in England - Haagen-Dazs!! Complete Heaven. Tim took me here when we first started seeing each other, some 16 years ago and ever since i have wanted to go back. It still lived up to its name. It was delicious - expensive mind you, but as it was my birthday - it was a treat for the whole family!!

Now our belly's were full, we had time on our hands before we caught the train home - didn't want to be caught in the rush hour, so we walked round China town, where Hannah managed to get a few Panda stickers to add to her collection of Panda paraphernalia, this girl is obsessed!!. It was starting to get busy and by now those feet were starting to throb, but the kids still wanted to stay out, so we ended up no better than the biggest toy shop in the world! Hamleys...............

Tim's nightmare (lol).

This shop to me brings back child hood memories especially at Christmas time. I visited a few times and just remember thinking wow!!! Unfortunately now, i think it has lost its magical aspect - changed so much, just seems like any other ordinary toy shop to me now - but the kids enjoyed it and got a little something.

It was finally time to head back home, another short taxi ride back up to Waterloo Stn to catch our train home.

I think the kids had an enjoyable day, i know i did, it was really nice to spend it together as a family without any computers or mobiles phone, something we need to do alot more. Got lots of photos, all the more for scrapping.

Am hoping to make a mini book of our adventure - only number 888 on my project list, but one day it will be completed.

On the scrapping front...................

I received the first Circle Journal today from Terri Ann, it's really lovely.

Very apt subject for me right now, Favourite music!! Has to be Michael Jackson. Still awaiting my souvenir ticket as i had tickets for the latest tour which was never meant to be.

I am now almost finished my first LO for this months Cleo craft monthly project - have had fun with this one. A tea bag has come in very handy today, all will be revealed at the end of the month. I have another LO lined up to be completed, so do keep watch for some sneaky peaks.

I am also on an adventure for Harvest time. I am in the process of making an altered art project with 2 polystyrene balls and a PG Tip box.................................... all will be revealed shortly.

So lots happening right now and it's not easy with the kiddies being home - but only 3 more weeks to go until back at school.

Hope your all having a lovely summer and once again, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read and leave messages.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

June LO's

2009-07-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

So, i bet your thinking - June LO's - doesn't she mean July?

No. See i never blogged for nearly 2 months, what with one thing and another and i haven't uploaded any of the work i managed to complete, so as my previous post explained - i will hopefully try and catch up as and when i can and since the kids are now happily eating lunch i will grab 5 minutes to show you the LO's i done.

First up is the LO i produced with the July Cleo Craft kit, but of course i got the kit a month earlier. It was a range of papers from Basic Grey, Lime Rickey collection. On first appearance i was a little worried as i am not usually a bright and bold person - so it did take me a while to think about what to do.

After a few hours searching i found this photo of Liam when he was much younger with his new bike, i believe he was about 4. As the photo's had the same colours it was a perfect match, i got to work and i was very surprised at how quickly the LO actually came together.

I have kept it fairly simple so not to try and detract attention from the photo. Decided to do a little stitching and just added some orange puffy Thickers and that was my LO finished.

My next LO i achieved was from my scrap box. This seems to be growing by the day. Because i scrap in the smaller size of 8.5x11in and always use card stock as my base layer i never ever get to use a whole sheet of 12 x 12 - so you can imagine how much left overs i have!

For this LO i pulled together a piece of Pink Paislee, Basic Grey and American Crafts - the colours matched quite well. The mermaid stamp is one i got over a year ago from the Bad Girl Kit club.

I turned the photo into black and white to match the papers - i love the peacefulness of this photo, it's actually Hannah day dreaming in the sea in Galveston, TX. I added a bit of stitching to this LO too, not something i venture into doing much - but i like the effect it has given, added some making memories shimmer letters and bling gems.

So there you go 2 very different LO's, although enjoyed making both of them.

So we are now 1 week into the summer holidays and the children are bored. The typical summer weather really isn't helping and somebody at work told me this weather was here to stay :0(.................................. so much for picnics and beach days!!

Tomorrow we are hopefully going to London for the day, The kids want to see the sights of London, Big Ben, The London Eye, Tower Bridge and a few more - how much we do is dependant on the weather. I really hope it stays dry.

I am of course armed ready with my camera ready to hopefully get some good snaps. What ever we do - i am sure it will be a fun day.

Will be back soon - with an update and photo's of our day out hopefully.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

It's reveal day

2009-07-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

So reveal day is finally here and i can at long last show you my project i created with this months kit from Cleo Crafts.

This kit for me was awesome, i loved the colours, content and the versatility of the papers which helped me decide what i would make.

At the moment i seem to be making a few little books, don't think i have actually done a LO for awhile!

I decided to alter the K&CO letter box (from the many that i hoard) and make a little book to fit inside. I am rather pleasd with the final outcome and think i may make some more!!

So here are all the photo's, sorry that there are so many.

Products used are:

Cosmo Cricket:

Carbonation, Beach Towel and Snorkel Boarders
Blooms, Gems and chipboard from own stash

Hope you like my project.

Have a lovely day and take care

Sarah

xoxo

July Final Sneaky

2009-07-26T02:00:00.001-07:00

Well it's that time again, pizza boxes will soon be on their way.

Which leaves me time for one final sneaky. This is a very important part of the project i have completed with the July Cleo Crafts kit, don't worry you will not be recieving an empty box (lol), this is what i have altered this month and really have enjoyed the process.

I have given you an even bigger hint as to what the papers are this month in the photo's - but i know some of you have guessed already.

This kit was awesome to play along with, my favourite to date - just love Cosmo Cricket!

I hope to be back with the final reveal either later today or tomorrow and i hope it has been worth the wait.

Have you all have a lovely Sunday and as always, thanks for stopping by.

PS: Thank you to you all who have left comments about the new blog look - it is still being altered a little but think it is looking way much better.

Take care

SARAH

XOXO

Hellllllooooooo

2009-07-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well hello all.

I thought it was about time i seriously started keeping this blog up to date - i mean whats the point in having one if i never write anything. Some people have asked if i am still alive, i sure am - but with one thing or another other things seem to prevent me from entering the blogging world.

Instead of recapturing the last few weeks i will just start from today and over the next few days work my way backwards with projects, LO's and such.

So what have i been up to this week?

Teachers presents!!! I have thankfully only had to make 2 this year. Instead of making all the helpers in both Sam and Hannah's class i have only made for their direct line teachers, 2 is alot more manageable than 9.

For Sam's teacher at playgroup, where he has just left i made a little 4x4 book with a couple of photos in it. I used the October Afternoon Fright Night collection. It turned out quite well, and more to the point it only took me 1 afternoon to make. His teacher 'loved' it, even making her tearful.

I can't quite believe he has left playgroup and now we are counting down the days to BIG school. He has had 2 induction afternoons with his new teacher at school and he 'LOVED' it. I have been a bit worried about him going, probably because he is my baby but Hannah will be at the same school to look out for him. It is unfortunately a very small school with only 6 classes, 2 per year so its not too daunting for him.

For Hannah's teacher i have been thrifty. I gave money towards the school collection but i always like to give a little something extra. I always feel that teachers must be sick to death of wine, chocolates and flowers so i have decided to alter something that she may like to use.

Hannah and i hit Asda's at the weekend and we came across this note book and pencil holder - now i think it is very drab looking (i forgot to photograph the note book, but was covered in the same paper) - so i have been busy covering it all in the mini kit i purchased from Cleo Crafts on the retreat earlier in the year. The papers are from Bo Bunny and are the Alissa collection. I adore these papers - i could use them on everything.

I am really happy with the final outcome, having never done anything like this before and more to the point Hannah is happy to give them to her which at the end of the day is all that matters.

As it is almost the end of July it will be time for me to reveal my latest work done with the Cleo Craft August kit in a couple of days. This has been an absolutely fantastic kit to work - so be sure to check back towards the end of the week when i should be able to reveal all.

So this is all i will leave you with for now - i have loads more to share, but will share as soon as possible.

Hope you are enjoying the holidays - mine finish tomorrow for a long 6 week break, but hopefully will leave plenty of scrapping time.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

What a beautiful day

2009-05-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

So it's 9am in the morning and i am sat here in the garden as i type this latest blog entry and it's already getting warm. There is a gentle breeze but am hoping that fades away. The weather men are predicting the warmest day of the year - yeah!!!!!

I absolutely love the sun, makes me feel so much happier.

We were heading for the coast today but have been invited to a BBQ at our friends this afternoon - so lots of scrummy food. Will be lots of children and a paddling pool, so kiddies should have fun.

Yesterday i went to a 12 hr crop up in Reading. It was organised by one of the ladies i went to Ireland with. It was a really lovely day. The food was fab, cakes, lunch and dinner - it was lovely to see friends again that i had made in Ireland (Diane, Nicole, Bridget and of course Lorraine). Lorraine had done so much for yesterday - i was amazed.

I had a productive day, 2 whole LO's finished - i think i shocked myself, it's normally 1 a week if i am lucky.

I used one kit from Cleo Crafts (Alissa mini kit). These papers are divine. I bought them whilst in Ireland and have been waiting to use. I decided to use the sketch that was on the Cleo Craft blog for NSD - a bit late but never mind. It's a LO of Hannah in our back garden in Texas. She was watching the the gecko's running up the walls - it was something quite unreal in her eyes after moving from Holland. We had only been there for a couple of weeks, so was adjusting to the new gdn creatures. A few weeks later we had an armadillo in the gdn - that was crazy!!! A shame i never had my camera to hand, as it won't be something we have in the gdn now.

The next LO i used some new papers i bought this week. I find it very hard to find teenage boy papers - so when i came across these i had to have. I love the blues and browns in these and thought they were a perfect match to this photo of Liam at Galveston Beach in Texas. The kids and I adore the beach so would spend many days there. This was our last visit to the beach before we returned back to the UK.

This was done for a sketch challenge that Lorraine had organised, but as ever it ended up looking nothing like the sketch. As i scrap in the smaller size (not 12 x 12) i find certain sketches just don't work - so more often than not i do have to accommodate which i am happy to do as it makes me think outside the box.

I was pleased with my efforts for the day - and i think my fellow scrappers were too.

Now for the next project.

This week i ordered a lovely cupcake album from Cleo Crafts , they have had some beautiful albums in this week, check them out as i do know they are selling fast, matching papers and stamps also.

Given that Hannah has just had a cupcake themed party this is going to be perfect. This came yesterday whilst at crop, so had a lovely parcel waiting for me for when i got home. It's a lot bigger than i expected, so can fit lots of pictures in it too. I really am looking forward to creating this little album, the last few weeks have seen me go cupcake mad, i did vow after the party i never wanted to see another cupcake - after making the invitations, party bags and so on, but this should be a perfect end to my cupcake era!

Am hoping you all have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend, enjoy the sunshine whilst you can, but don't get burnt.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

May Reveal

2009-04-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

So it's time to reveal my latest project for Cleo Crafts May monthly kit.

I had lots of fun with this kit as the colours were lovely and bright. I decided to scrap a photo of Hannah that we had professionally taken at Easter 2006, back in Texas USA.

The kit contents this month contained the lovely collection from Daisy Bucket, Perfect Harmony range. The papers i worked with were Avery, Delaney and Lizzie.

I have added a few pieces from my own stash which included Tim Holtz Tag, Lace and 3d flower heads.

I hope you like my project and i look forward to seeing your creations.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

I'm here and i'm back.

2009-04-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah - I'm back!!!!

How bad a blogger have i been, 3 whole months, but where has the time gone. Its going so incredibly fast this year but it has been fun.

I have so much to share with you all, it's hard to know where to start.

I think the greatest aspect of the last 3 months for me has been my first ever retreat back in April to N.Ireland. The retreat had been organised by Cleo Crafts who i am a current Design Team Member for - so really 'had' to go (lol).

The weekend got of to a bumpy start as the weather had been bad that week. Now i am not one for flying, so was a little apprehensive to start with - thinking everything would be ok.

Well how wrong was i. From the minute the wheels left the ground we bumped all the way over to Ireland - i swear we had a trainee pilot, but safe to say we landed in one piece and now the fun could begin.

Tara was at the airport to meet us in the mini van - which we soon filled with our luggage of course most of it was stash. We had to collect 2 fellow passengers from Belfast City Centre, Diane and Nicole which gave us the opportunity of a little sight seeing.

We started our tour by driving through the Falls Road and Shankhill Road, 2 famous roads in Belfast that holds much History

We had a pleasant journey onwards to Port Stewart going through many wee towns but we all had to laugh at the town called 'Bally Bogey'. Unfortunately due to the weather we couldn't stop for a snap.

We arrived in good time at our accommodation - which was fab - nothing quite like what we expected. We thought we might be staying in bunk beds, much to our relief.

I was staying in a chalet with Denise, Bridget, Lorraine and Kate - but for some unknown reason we were also known as the 'Rowdy Bunch'...................... Still to this day i am unsure (lol).

We stayed in the Ulster Chalet.

Friday night got under way with a lovely meal (all hand made) and then the scrapping commenced. A few of us stayed up until the early hour of the morning completing challenges and LO's along with much chatter and laughter.

Saturday got off to an early start with the lovely Alison demonstrating a beautiful stamping class, the results were stunning

The day continued with much scrapping, stash buying, chatting and laughter. The lunch and afternoon tea was lovely, so nice not to have to cook for a whole weekend.

The hall we were using was to be used by another function in the evening, which meant we had to pack our things up, but not all was lost as Tara (aka Edie Mccready) was taking us on a little sightseeing tour - The Beach!!! I couldn't wait, something about the beach which is so calm and tranquil - even if it's cold and windy. So we all hopped aboard the Cleo Tour bus and off we went.

All aboard for Tara's Tours

Although very cold at the beach, and a little windy it was wonderful to be near the sea again - it was very peaceful. Now i do love the beach but given it was still winter i wouldn't actually go in the sea - unlike Diane and Nicole, they couldn't wait to catch the waves, the shoes were off and they were gone.................................... the rest of us just looked on in amazement, but they enjoyed it albeit having frozen toes.

We stayed at the beach for awhile, when Tara decided to practise her curly Font in the sand - and what a good job she done. We all had to have our picture taken

We then headed straight back to the chalets to get changed as we were hitting the town for a lovely meal and entertainment. The food was wonderful.

Tara and Louise finished off the evening with a little award ceremony for the various challenges/classes held over the weekend. I think we all done very well.

I had had a wonderful day and couldn't believe how quick the day had gone and Sunday we were heading home already. The night finished late after a sneaky glass of wine (Thanks Bridget!!!) and we all just fell into bed.

Sunday was an early start, packing which was a squeeze with more new stash on board - we only had a 20kg weight allowance for the plane. Then we had a traditional Irish breakfast, an Ulster Fry! Yum.

It was time to pack up the mini van and be on our way. We were going sight seeing on Tara's Tours. The Giants Causeway and The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge were on the agenda.

We were so lucky with the weather as although it was cold and windy the rain held of for the entire morning - enabling us to get some pictures of the beautiful landscapes of Ireland.

We all enjoyed The Giants Causeway, but a lot of walking and climbing was involved.

Group photo at Giants Causeway.

Next stop was the rope bridge. Now this was going to be a challenge for me as i am petrified of heights but even more so cliffs. I have had this fear ever since a little girl - i can remember where it all stemmed from.

So was i going to be brave and go or stay back and wait for everybody?

I thought about it along the way and came to the decision that i would at least try, after all i never know when i might get another opportunity. I was kind of hoping the National Trust might of had the bridge closed due to high winds, then the choice is taken from me.

We got there - and the bridge was open. We had a long walk along the cliff edge - with lots of steps along the route. There were only 6 of us who made it to the bridge from the group and I was one of them.

Well i saw the bridge and felt sick. I had a wave of panic come over me - it was high and over the sea!!! Gulp.

One by one we walked across the bridge and then it was my turn. I couldn't let the group down, so went for it. It was windy and the bridge was bouncing, but i done it - i was ever so proud of myself, i had conquered one of my fears. If it hadn't been for the other girls i probably would of not done it.

This photo is taken the other side of the bridge - all pleased with ourselves.

Now that we had walked the bridge - we then had to get back to the other side. I had to face my fear again. We decided to all walk the bridge together to get a group photo - this was very bumpy and i was at the back - i couldn't wait to get on to safe land. It was an incredible experience and now looking back i am really pleased i made it across.

We then had a long walk back to the mini van where our Tara Tours had ended. It was now time to set off to the airport for us all to catch our flights home.

I can't believe what an incredible weekend this was. Having never been on a retreat before and spending a weekend with ladies i had never met in person just via the UKS forum i was nervous.

All these fears were soon banished. Everybody was so warm and welcoming. I truly had a fantastic time, i laughed so much - in fact i didn't stop all weekend.

Louise and Tara done a fantastic job organising the whole weekend and it was lovely to meet them both finally.

As the weekend was such a success Louise and Tara have now arranged another retreat.

6th November 2009!!!! My name is down and i really cannot wait.

Now, for some more recent news.

Its almost reveal time for the May Cleo Craft monthly kit. Here is the last sneak peak before the final reveal this coming weekend.

I hope to update my blog on a daily basis now, i won't leave it soooooo long.

Hoping your having a lovely day

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

I am still alive

2009-04-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to let you know i am still alive.

I really don't know where time has gone and it's almost May already.

I am hoping to get some time over the Easter Bank Holiday to update my forgotton blog with the latest news, lo's and photo's and news of my recent retreat in Northern Ireland which was just the best fun filled weekend ever.

Hope to be back very soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Random news.......

2009-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

So it's early on Tuesday morning and i have already been up for 3 hours - yes can you believe it, me up before the rest of the house, this is really quite unheard of.

The kids had a shock too - first thing they asked was - Is Daddy sick?

Unfortunately i just couldn't sleep - so thought it best to rise early in stead of just laying awake.

So my plans for the day have already changed - it should be a morning of mummy peace but unfortunately my little one is full of cold and not so sure Hannah should be at school, has developed a chesty cough, but has no temperature (at the moment) - so i have kept Sam home today.

I had planned to go to the local craft shop to see what delights i could find - but hey guess i am now saving pennies and will now make use of some of the mountain of unused stash i already have sitting in my room - too much to mention - thinking about it i might have a little clear out and see if i can find new homes for it.

Of course like so many other scrappers i am eagerly awaiting all the new lines from the CHA convention reaching our stores here in the UK, so need to save for them. I have seen a few new lines that i need, (lol) rather than want - 1 is the new line by October Afternoon, Cherry Hill - how awesome is this line

Have seen lots of embellishments that i quite like as well - from Prima, some beautiful flowers and the most delicate butterflies

So hopefully the goodies will be reaching the UK very soon.

On other news i was tagged by the lovely Vicki from confessions of a doll blog. This is quite a cool tag.

So here's how it works. You go to folder number 6 within your Photos on your computer and post the 6th photo in it.

So my 6th photo folder happens to be scanning i have done at my mums of various people and celebrations (there are hundreds i would love to scan - but don't always get the time) but my 6th photo is a picture of Dad, my older sister and myself - many many years ago. I am yet to scrap this - like so many, is sitting in a list of things to do. As many of you are aware i lost my Dad almost 2 years ago very suddenly to Cancer, so all photo's are now very precious.

My photo..................... sorry sister

Now i have to pass the tag onto another 5 people. I have chosen;

And lastly as we had a quiet weekend - as the next 3 weekend's we have parties to attend, Hannah decided to be creative with the Fimo Clay she received for Christmas form her Aunt.

Tim decided to follow the step by step instructions on how to make the cute teddy bear and Hannah used her own imagination and made a cute little cat to sit alongside Daddy's bear. I am totally in awe of both of their creations - they are amazing. Of course these had to be photographed.

Don't you think Hannah done well - she is only 5 after all, do i have a new Wallace and Grommet in the making (lol)............................................... she has now asked if i could buy her some more colours , and of course i will, i never mind spending pennies on things that get them to be creative rather than the normal DVDS, computer games etc etc or even chocolate and sweets.

So here they are Bear and cat................................ aren't they cute!!!!

So that's me for the time being - i do have some more news to share with you all when i can, it's a top secret at the moment - but fun.

Am also awaiting my new March kit from Cleo Crafts - time to start stalking my lovely postman again.

Have a lovely day and speak to you all soon

Take care

Sarah

oxox

Reveal Day has Arrived

2009-01-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah........................... title explains it all really.

Today is the day that i am allowed to reveal my project for Cleo Crafts February kit. I had a total blast with this kit - when it arrived i knew instantly what i wanted to create and thus being perfect for upcoming Valentines day - i decided to do some little memento's for the children.

All the photo's used are of the children when they were 1 day old and all fast asleep - something that doesn't happen to often now. Love the pictures of them and brings back so many lovely memories of them all.

The hearts were cut from chipboard using a Creative Memories shape cutter, and then covered in the lovely paper and used various pieces both from the kit and my own stash to embellish them all.

I am really pleased with the outcome of them and they do look lovely hanging in my craft room.

If you feel you would like to sub to any future Cleo Monthly kits then click on the link on the right hand side and be sure not to miss out - i can tell you already that the March kit is looking even yummier.

So here you go. Will start of with Liam as he is the oldest...........

And now Hannah's

And last but no least my little Sam

So there they are - hope you like them and thank you so much for stopping by.

Have a great day

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

So Excited

2009-01-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

So excited, look what i received!!!

An award for my Blog.

Emma of the excellent Scraps of my mind blog nominated me (shock horror) for Kreativ Blogger.

This means so much to me, obviously being my first little award as well.

With receiving this blog award, i now need to nominate 5 other blogs for the award and i must admit i do have a few favourites - here's hoping they don't already have one, although some of my favourites do already - so have had a long hard think and my final 5 are below.

The rules for the award are:

1.The winner may put the logo on their blog.

2. Put a link to the person that sent the award.

3. Nominate 5 other blogs.

4. Put a link to their blog on your blog.

5. Leave a message for the people you nominate.

So, i would like to nominate the following...................

1.Carole - 3 Dimensional Me, excellent work with fantastic eye for detail - lots of dimension in her layouts.

2. Jenn - My Creative Mess, Love this blog - funny, entertaining and lovely work.

3. Katie - She's Scrappy, Work just totally rocks, beautiful

4. Linda - Simple Things, Oh my, some past work has blown me away. Detailed and awesome.

5. Zarah - And in English, Beautiful, excellent use of embellishments.

The above blogs showcase excellent scrapping/altering crafts - totally blown away with the detailed work some of these ladies have shown - outstanding. Be sure to check them out.

So, hope you enjoy visiting these wonderful blogs.

I have some more news and reveals to share with you all - but will be back very soon

Have a lovely weekend

Take care

Sarah

A great start to the New Year

2009-01-12T03:35:00.000-08:00

So, 2009 has got off to a good start - filled with exciting adventures and many things to look forward too.

As in my last post i had noted my resolutions for the year or rather what i would like to achieve this year and already some boxes are ticked.

Firstly i have booked to go on my first ever retreat and i can't wait - still have a whole 76 days to go, can you tell i am excited.

I am off to Northern Ireland in March for the Cleo Craft retreat with 17 other ladies for a whole weekend of fun, chatting, sight seeing and of course some scrapping (i hope). My flights are also booked - 3 of us on the same flight - which is good as i hate flying, but thankfully it should only take about an hour or so - least it's not long haul. So have this to look forward too.

I am also continuing my DT post with Cleo Crafts - so happy as i love this role tremendously - i am currently in the process of finishing off February's kit - which to be honest for me is my best yet - watch this space for some sneakies - have lots to reveal this month and guess what - have even seen next months kit :0)!!!!!

At the moment i am also doing another huge project which is top top secret, but do watch this space as all will be revealed soon.

I have been really lucky that the weather has been so cold here in England that it has meant i have been able to get on with my projects in time for the deadlines.

The temperature has dropped down to at least -9 on some days - never have i seen it so cold - but it did make way for some beautiful photography which is also a big goal for me this year. Although i do use my camera a lot i need to focus more on other subjects than the children.

As we had freezing fog on Friday night when we woke on Saturday morning everything was beautiful and white so i took the opportunity to go to the forest and experiment. I was so pleased with my efforts as i feel i captured some lovely photo's and as it was my first attempt think i didn't do to bad - here are a few of my snaps.

So as you can see i had a lovely time photographing nature.

Hopefully some of you might have some lovely photo's to share of the recent cold spell - if you do i would love to see some.

Here's hoping you have a lovely week and i will be back soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

A New Beginning - 2009!!!

2009-01-02T02:11:00.000-08:00

WOW, We are already in 2009, it only seems like yesterday we celebrated 2008.

Happy New Year to you all and hope that the following year brings you health and happiness and of course but no least lots of scrapping!!!!!!

We had a lovely Christmas and a quiet New Year - and now today Tim is back to work and normality reigns again, although the children are not back to school until Tuesday.

So 2009, a new beginning for us - am hoping it will be filled with happiness and joy. I don't do New Year resolutions - never have done as i know i would keep to it for a week and then it would all go pear shaped. I do have a few things i would like to achieve this year though, 1, being a new hair style - yet to brave the scissors, will let you know if and when it happens, 2, to continue designing LO's and even better if i can be a DT member - i love the challenge and surprise of those pizza boxes, it really helps you to be creative. With thanks to Cleo Crafts i have been able to experience the fulfillment designing brings in the last few months and am grateful to both Louise and Tara for allowing me this opportunity.

My next goal is to go to a crop, monthly or a one off experience - i went to one last year a couple of times - but it was quite a drive and unfortunately the dates always clashed with something else - so hopefully i will be able to find a nearer one close to home, i actually still quite like the idea of setting one up myself but with the current climate it may not be a good idea just yet.

I am also very keen to go to Northern Ireland for a crop along the coast, but will have to see how the pennies go in the next few weeks and i will also have to pluck up the courage to get on a plane again - not something i think i can do, i hate flying the best of times, so deep in thinking about it at the moment but i know it would be a great weekend and one that i really feel i would like to go too.

So what did 2008 bring me, well as previously said a DT member for Cleo Crafts, much happier scrapping in size 8.5 x 11 in, my love for bling gems, and also that i am addicted to all new paper ranges - my collection is growing at some rapid rate, just wish i could scrap as fast.

I know from blog hopping around at the moment some people are showing their 10 best LO'S of the year, i am lucky if i have done 10 in the last year (lol), yes i scrap at alarming slow speed. But to say this i do have 3 favourites from the last year which are the following

Just add water

Forty Winks

And lastly, Angel

My style has changed alot in the last year, guess it's trying new techniques and plus there are so many new products to use the creativity will never stop - i hope.

I would like photography to play a big part in my life this year, have been thinking about applying for a college photography course - but feel i really should invest in a better camera first - something that needs deep consideration - hopefully this time next year i will be well on my way. Photo's are so precious and tell so many stories. I will leave you with my last photo of 2008 and my first from 2009 - yet again both of the children

2008

and 2009

Thank you for taking the time to stop by - i am now off to do some scrap booking - hopefully to produce my first LO of 2009.
Take care and i will be back soon

Sarah
xoxo

Christmas has been and gone

2008-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Well i can't believe how quick Christmas passed us by - it's gone so quick this year and already Tim is back to work tomorrow.

We had a lovely few days with family and we all got some lovely presents - our family have enjoyed receiving the Nintendo Wii, Wii fit and Family trainer - so much fun, so there has been a few days of competition between us all. I also got 2 tickets to go see Girls Aloud in April at the O2, can't wait to see them, will be Hannah's first concert too!!!

I will post more about Christmas in the next few days as i have some photo's to share with you all but i am here to reveal my LO for Cleo Craft's January kit that i believe is shipping very soon.

I really hope you like what i produced with this kit - i loved these papers as it enabled me to produce a masculine LO, perfect for Sam's 4th birthday a few weeks back.

Would love to see What you all create should you sub to the kit. If you fancy a kit or maybe subbing to Cleo Crafts kits then pop along too http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/ .

Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year and a healthy 2009.

Will be back soon for another update - Thank you to those of you ho have kindly left messages over the last few months - i really do appreciate it.

My final reveal for Cleo Crafts

And now for some details.......

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

10 days to go

2008-12-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

and i am not doing too bad, near enough all presents bought - but not wrapped, lots of food already in the fridge - just the fresh food run to do next Tuesday hopefully and then the stress of cooking begins!!!

So as Tim is out at his monthly meet with the Responders tonight i thought i would use the time to update my blog.

Am guessing this week will go fast as the children finish school for the holidays - they all finish on different days which is just so annoying, so no lay in until Saturday.

They are getting extremely excited - we are now having a count down as they realise there are not many doors left on their advent calendars to open, can't wait to see their faces on Christmas morning as it will be Sam's first year for really understanding what it's all about - and boy is he clued up!!!! Love the magical of Christmas through the children's eyes - although Hannah has been asking some very awkward questions , like how does Santa come down the chimney if we don't have one - i can see her little mind ticking over trying to suss out if i am telling the truth or not - it's so hard trying to keep cool calm and collective on such an important topic - but think i am doing just OK at the minute - will pass her to Dad if they get to complicated (lol)!

So last week saw me receive another wonderful Cleo Craft kit for January - and it was so nice to see papers other than Christmas. Well now believe it or not - i have finished my project already and i am about to share my first sneak peek.

So what do you think?? If you fancy a kit then pop along to http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/ and place an order today.

Some other news i would like to share is my Secret Santa Swap parcel i received last week, my god who ever bought this for me, knows me very well - so me, girly, pink, princesses and a lovely stamp - just adored it. I know i should not of even opened it yet - but when it comes to Christmas i am probably the biggest kid in the house - i just could not wait, not like my other team members - they are all being really good. So look what i got

Can't wait to use these goodies. We are off to panto this weekend to see Cinderella, what better way to use these papers - just hope i manage to get some good photo's.

Anyway guess i better sign off - clock is ticking and it's bed time for me.

Will be back in a day or two with some more preview's.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Many things to share......

2008-12-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Another week closer to Christmas - aarrgghhh!!!

I'm not actually doing too bad this year believe it or not - but i can guarantee i will be wrapping presents come Christmas Eve - seems to be a tradition within my family.

So how is everybody else doing - good i hope.

So this week all children are back to school and this morning i had my first peace and quiet in a few weeks - it was very nice - a whole hot cup of tea in one go - lol.

Today is my little boys 4th birthday - where have those years gone, remember everything like it was yesterday - does make me feel broody again, but think Tim would run the other way. Had a lovely day, we managed to get him the new Vtech Smile console which he has not left alone, even went to playgroup with him, bless, and now he is currently running over my feet with a new remote control from his Auntie!!!!! Thanks Sister.

As for scrapping i completely covered and bound together a Bo Bunny word book yesterday - can't believe i done so much in one go. It's the word 'party', decided to do this for my Niece for Christmas as it was her 7th birthday a few weeks back and she loves scrapping herself - so couldn't think of a better pressie. Have covered it in the new Imaginisce 'all kinds of happy' paper - really is scrummy and looks ever so nice on the book. I ordered all the pieces from Cleo Crafts who very kindly made me a co-ordinating bundle of card stock and ribbons to match - now that's service!!!!! http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/

Now i am in the process of adding photos and lots of glitter - need to get it finished.

As for my JYC, I'm only on day 3, not very good at all - but once i have finished the party book i will be able to catch up in no time at all - i have all the prompts written down - so shouldn't be too hard.

I will be back again very soon to share photo's - i always remember to photograph when it's too dark!!!!

Hopefully tomorrow.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

ps: Will leave you with a photo of our tree this year though :0)

Time for an update!

2008-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

So, my last blog entry was Halloween and now i am sitting here counting down the days to Christmas - where did the month of November go!!!

It passed by with sick children - i hate to think how many times my car has visited the Dr's Surgery in the last few weeks - i swear the receptionist think i am an over reacting parent, but alas far from it.

Here in freezing England we have so many viruses, colds doing the rounds it's only expected that some one would be sick - but believe it or not for the entire last 5 weeks i have had a sick child at home and still the saga continues.

We have had coughs, colds, chest infections, upset tummy's and now the latest is Hannah's Scarlett Fever has returned!!!! We are waiting for test results from the Dr's to see if we need to change her course of treatment as it looks like she never recovered from the last episode back in October, but keeping fingers crossed we will be fit and healthy for Christmas.

As i haven't really had much 'me' time - creating/scrap booking has been extremely limited and of course like so many others at the moment i am also trying to get organised for Christmas.

I have plenty of projects on the go and am planning on doing a few things before Christmas as pressies - but i need more time. I have started the Journal your Christmas project and am still yet to start, although the front cover is all decorated and pages are cut - i just need to crack on!!!!!

Last night though i seemed to find some inspiration at 10.30pm and started to chop up paper, card and i came up with these placement cards for our Christmas dinner table. I like the final outcome although i am sure i can improve on them - DH even said they were nice!!!!

I have spent ages trawling web sites for matching table ware that is within a reasonable price range and of course i need 8 of everything, and i just gave up. I thought i have all these beautiful Christmas papers sitting in front of me just waiting to be used and for some strange reason Hannah is collecting toilet/kitchen rolls and piling them in my room (a future scrapper i see in the making - lol), so just had to be creative. I really enjoyed making these and i have a plan to make a little matching Christmas Tree too!!! Hopefully tomorrow after work :0).

Really simple to make - basically just cut a toilet/kitchen roll in half length ways - cover in paper and embellish. I did make a matching napkin/cutlery ring this afternoon in exactly the same way - at least it is all co-ordinating and but no least - home made and individual.

Now all i need to do is trawl the Internet for a olive/army green table cloth - aarrgghhh!!!!!

My creations...............................

Sorry for the poor quality photo's but light wasn't very good!!!
So this is all i have managed in the last few days - not very good, but hopefully December will bring more creativity.

Thanks for all stopping by, take care.

Sarah
xoxo

Forty Winks and Home

2008-10-31T02:42:00.000-07:00

I have 2 LO's to share with you today before we head away for the weekend.

After we have done the whole trick and treating with the kids tonight we are off down to Kent to stay with my Mum - Tim and Liam are off to London tomorrow to see the Top Gear Live Show at Earls Court, and in the evening my Mum, Sister, Niece, Hannah, Sam and I are off to London to see Disney Nemo on Ice - so a good weekend lined up and we are all well enough to go!!!!!

I currently have my camera on the charger - just got to do the packing!!!

So i will leave you with my latest 2 pieces of work.

First one is my dad and i having Forty Winks when i was way younger - yes nice hair styles, no idea what my parents were thinking. Loved how this has turned out.

Used papers from October Afternoon.

Second piece is a sketch by Mojo Holder (can't remember the number) and i have changed it to accommodate the smaller size. Is a picture of our dream home we owned in Texas - how we loved this house and still miss it today!!! Am happy with the final outcome.

Used various brands of papers/embellishments that included Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Thickers. All items came from the October Bad Girls Kit.

So hope you all have a lovely Halloween weekend and i will be back early next week.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Scarlett Fever and Snow!

2008-10-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Strange title i know - but this has been the adventures so far this week.

As i mentioned in my previous post Hannah had not been well. Sunday afternoon she was not a well baby and i was growing rapidly concerned about her when i finally decided to call the weekend Dr for advise. I got such a good service - within the time of my first call to the point of actually seeing a DR was just a little over an hour. I could not of been happier.

They had confirmed that she was probably suffering from a bad bladder infection which was why she had so much pain - i was totally relieved.

Sunday evening was bad - very high temperature, sickness, tears - awful. Tim and I took it in turns to stay with her the night for comfort in the hope first dose of medicine and some sleep would do her the world of good.

Monday morning arrived - and she was covered in a rash from chest to hips!!! I was quietly concerned but Tim wasn't. During the day i kept checking - it wasn't going. I began to think maybe she was having an allergic reaction to the medicine, i then googled - bad idea, don't Dr's always tell you not to google health problems - i can see why. Well after reading the side effects, mummy began to panic.

I called the local DR, who for the second time called me back within minutes and got me an appointment immediately. Seeing the DR was a relief - but he was confused!!!!

It turns out that Hannah indeed doesn't have a bladder infection but in fact Scarlett Fever for a 2ND time this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's only because she never had the strawberry tongue that i never realised, but hey bingo - Tuesday morning, she looked like a strawberry.

I am so pleased i took her back to the Dr's -- something was telling me things were not right. I can gladly say though that the medicine is starting to work and she is slowly recovering. When she had this back in Easter it was almost a 3 week recovery!

Hannah resting.

Last night saw our first snow of the year, bizarre, to only think we were wearing shorts and t-shirts a few weeks ago. We had a fair amount fall and settle, to only find complete ice this morning - the kids were so happy!!! Such a shame it couldn't wait a couple of months, we could of had a white Christmas.

Tried to get some photo's - but just to dark and cold!!! This was the best.

Hope the weather is not to bad where you all are.

I will be back before i go away Friday with some LO's to share.

Keep warm and take care

Sarah

xoxo

It's reveal time!!!!!

2008-10-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

What a wet and dreary Sunday - we were hoping to decorate the front of the house today in time for Halloween but it's really not the weather to be standing outside - guess i will be doing it the next couple of days with the kids.

Unfortunately my little Hannah is poorly, high temperature - no other symptoms yet but am hoping we are all well by the weekend as we are off to see Nemo on Ice in London (at the O2) this coming Saturday with my mum, sister and Niece - we are all really looking forward to it. We have been lucky that we have seen quite a few Disney on ice shows and they are really very good!!!!

So today, as it is near the end of the month i am revealing my LO i produced for Cleo Crafts - The papers in this kit were lovely - to be honest i had never seen them before. I felt they were crying for a wedding photo so none better than a photo of my mum and dad.
I have kept it quite simple - as i never wanted to draw attention away from the photo. I have layered the flower to give some depth and added the chipboard bracket and alpha's from my own stash and i am quite happy with the final result.

If you would like to purchase a kit from Cleo Crafts with instructions of how i made this LO, then pop on over to http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/ as kits will be shipping on Tuesday.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend - and i will be back again very soon with more LO's to share.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

PS: Just a quick thank you to all who have left messages over the last few months - i really do love reading them all

TGIF!!!!

2008-10-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thank God It's Friday!

Well what a week - flown by but with so much happening, the normal day to day routines, coffee mornings (an IQ Party), Character dress up day, sickness - we couldn't pass a week without one of us being ill - but hey we got through it and now the kids are on half term and hopefully all sniffles, coughs temperatures can be eliminated from their bodies ready for a fresh start back at school in a weeks time.

I have so many things i would like to share with you right now but instead of over loading my blog i will take it one step at a time and pace it out.

I have been productive and finished a LO today (shock horror i hear you say) - i am thinking this is my best so far - am i allowed to say this!!!!!, i am just so happy with it - it's a picture of dad and i, when i was waaayy younger (yes nice hairstyles, no idea what my parents were thinking) - it just came together, really not requiring to much shuffling - now that's a true miracle in the making! Pictures of my dad are like gold dust to me now after loosing him suddenly last year - so probably another reason this LO rocks for me. Unfortunately because the nights are drawing darker quickly now i have been unable to photograph it - so i will have to upload in the morning - guess it gives you all another reason to pop back!!!!! (lol)

But on another note - i am almost closer to the big reveal of my LO i produced for Cleo Crafts - The kits are being shipped Tuesday!!!!. So i am going to give a few final sneakies - to wet those taste buds.......................

here goes

Don't those colours look awesome.

So i hope to be back tomorrow with some more things to share - so bid you all a fantastic Friday
Take care
Sarah
xoxo

Another reveal!

2008-10-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

As i am feeling kind tonight i thought i would do another little reveal of my Cleo Craft LO.

As you see i haven't done any manipulations in photo shop this time, thought i would let you see some colour !!!!!

So what are you thinking - nice colours!!! Exactly my reaction when the yummy packed filled pizza box landed on my door step.

Keep checking back over the next week for more sneakies and for the day i can reveal the entire LO.

Just to let you know over on the Cleo Craft blog (http://www.cleocrafts.blogspot.com/) they are running their first ever blog challenge with a fab prize for the winner - why not pop over and read all about it, you never know - you may be the lucky winner!!!!!

Well i am now of to watch America's Next Top Model - so will catch you all real soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Team Challenge gone live!

2008-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today my team challenge went live over at UKS.

This is our second challenge as a team - The Ready Steady Scrap!!!!

Each challenge is worth 30 points - so we broke down the criteria.

We had a sketch to follow.

To use photo's from outdoors

Use autumn colours

and have 10 of something

This was my contribution to the challenge. I used the New line of papers from October Afternoon - seriosuly scrummy and various pieces from my stash.

Sorry it's a short post - but i will be back really soon with another sneak peak of my Cleo Craft LO!!! - Its nearly dinner time.

Speak soon

Sarah

xoxo

Time for the First Reveal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

So here we are coming towards the end of October and it's nearing the new release of

Cleo Crafts November kit!

As i was chosen to be their Guest Designer this month, i had a lovely pizza box full of scrummy stash to play around with!!!

Over the next few days/weeks i hope to bring you sneaky peaks of my LO. If you fill you may want to order this kit then hop on over to the following web site and place your order before it's to late - i know they have limited stock.

http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/

So here is the all important first photo, can you work out the make of the paper?

Remember to keep checking back for futher photo's before the all important reveal. There are also sneaky peaks on the Cleo Crafts blog - go check it out!

Have a fun day

Sarah

xoxo

Pencil Line Sketch 105!

2008-10-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bit later than expected but i finally managed to finish Pencil Line sketch 105.

I enjoy having an attempt at the weekly sketches - but do not always get to finish them within the week time frame....................... have you sussed it, yes i am a seriously slow scrapper!!!!

I decided to scrap the latest photo's of Liam at his Monster Truck Experience as it was a multi photo sketch which was perfect. I used papers from various past Bad Girl Kits.

Products used:

White Bazzill Card Stock

American Crafts Moda Bella patterned paper

Hambly Screen Prints - 3/4" Graph

Hambly Screen Prints - Mod Circles.

Yellow & Brown Blooms from stash

Chipz Bracket (am loving these products at the moment)

MM Mini Shimmer Alpha's.

Last week i took delivery of my very yummy kit from Cleo Crafts to design a LO for the release of the November kit. One week later, i can gladly say it's complete!

I really enjoyed it - the papers were beautiful and was a perfect match for the photo i have used, although it's been a sentimental journey for me to do this LO, but you will all find out when i reveal all.

I hope to start the sneak peaks at some point over the weekend - just have to keep checking ;0)..............

I am now deciding what to scrap next. Had a look through my pattern paper collection yesterday and realised just how much i haven't used - i need to get scrapping.

Well i better go - Hannah & Sam's bed time

Be back soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Some LO's and..........................

2008-10-09T02:01:00.000-07:00

Some news to share with you all.

It's been awhile since i last updated my blog but we have been kind of busy and unfortunately i had a tummy bug last week - which was not nice so took me awhile to get back to normal.

Last Saturday Liam had a Monster Truck Experience up at Thurleigh in Bedfordshire - a Christmas present from his Auntie - which was certainly different. He really enjoyed it, although it was a very cold and windy day but of course did not stop me taking photos or Tim filming.

Tim has put together a video here:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RA3pqayoOZQ and of course a photo to share

On route Tim kindly diverted to Stamping Up (A Scrapbook Store) which was only 20 mins away from the Monster Truck Destination, and Oh my god - it was heaven. I was really good and only purchased a couple of pieces of paper, but i could of spent hours there. I have decided that one weekend i shall drive there for a day out as we do not have any local stores where i live, as it is so nice to see before you buy.

Last week after having a couple of days being poorly i logged into my mail to find an email from Louise and Tara from Cleo Crafts in Northern Ireland (http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/) asking if i would like to be a Guest Design Team member again for November - this really was a pick me up as i had no idea this was coming. I have kindly accepted the offer and hopefully as we speak my pizza box is flying to my door so i can start being creative. So start watching for the upcoming sneak peaks!!!!! Thanks girls for the opportunity.

As for LO's i have 2 to share.

The first one is something i done at a crop a few weeks ago. I saw these Basic Grey papers in a shop and had to use them that day. I choose a photo of Hannah back in 2006 on American Independence Day waiting for the local community parade. She just looks so young and adorable - how this little girl melts my heart.

Second LO is a sketch found by one of my fellow Team Members on UKS - WestieGirl.

I used photo's of Liam when he was much younger living in Holland. When ever we went to the park he always pulled silly faces - hence the title!!!

For this i used Prima 'Dude Collection' - love these papers, especially for the boy LO's i have in mind.

My attempt:

So as you can see a few busy days.

I have a few projects on the go and am almost finished with Pencil Line sketch 105!!!! Hopefully next post i will show you.

Hope your all enjoying the beautiful weather we have at the moment - make the most of it and i will be back very soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

So, the month of

2008-09-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

September has almost passed us by with a flash - were did it go.

Here we are preparing for the upcoming festivities of Harvest and Halloween. I truly love this time of year - has a special air about it, colour changes in the trees, beginning of a new academic year - nights in front of the fires (if we had one at least) but you get the picture.

So what has this month brought us?

Liam and Hannah starting their new school year. Liam now in yr 8 and Hannah in Yr 1. Sam has started pre-school 3 times a week. I was really worried about my little guy, having never been lefted before - but he has been a real star, i couldn't be happier. He loves it like no one can believe. I think the teachers were a little worried about his start day, but he amazed us all.

Liam had his first Karate exam and passed with flying colours. He is now the proud owner of a yellow belt. We are pleased he has kept this up as it will help build his confidence and hopefully be useful if needed later on in life ( i hope he would never have to use it) although it will help him for his future dream career - A Traffic cop!!!!

Liam with his Karate Certificate.

Apart from the normal day to day things - a lot has happened.

As for scrapping - i have completed 2 LO's - which i have just discovered i have not photographed and since the sky is black i will wait to see if we have a bit of sunshine.

I went to the Yately crop last week for the 2nd time - but to be honest i am in the process of thinking about starting my own crop here in Surrey Heath. I have made the necessary phone call to the local Village hall who can give me a suitable time and date - but i need to make sure it will be worth while. I am in the process of thinking up a name - this seems to be the hardest part. I will let you know if all goes ahead, keep those fingers and toes crossed.

I have also had a very interesting email this morning to which i can't say anything about - but i am a bit shocked. Its all good!!!!! (I'll let you think about that one).

We went for our first Autumn walk last weekend and of course the children experienced for the first time - collecting conkers. The weather was beautiful, so had to make the most of it. We had such a lovely day and of course i was really happy to get some lovely photo's of the children (Liam did not want to join us), so here i will share a few. The one of Hannah i just love.

I will be scrapping some of these photos for our team Weekly challenge on UKS - So be sure to pop along and join in the fun.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great weekend

Sarah

xoxo

Pencil Line Sketch 100!

2008-09-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Over on the Pencil Line Sketch blog this week they are celebrating an achievement of a 100 sketches............. awesome. They do have some amazing work being produced - be sure to check it out!

As this week is special they are running a RAK for 12 lucky entries and a special kit for the overall winner - i just had to play along when i saw the sketch as i had the perfect paper.

I have used patterned paper from Making Memories Noteworthy Line - Delaney, i love the colours - bright and summery. The pictures are of Hannah and Sam on the carousel swings during the summer holidays (well what summer we have had lol).

I am quite pleased with the final result - obviously not 100% the same as the sketch as i scrap a smaller size so had to do some juggling around, but for my first ever sketch i really enjoyed it.

Thanks girls for a great sketch and may we look forward to another 100 fantastic sketches.

My Lo!!!!!

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

I'm back!!!!

2008-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back - just about (lol).

First day back at school - all went quite well. Hannah was a little upset at the thought of a new teacher and class room, but she done great and had a big beaming smile when i collected her - that's what matters. I know she will be fine, has a lovely teacher again and the school is just fab - small and friendly. Liam has had a good day also - his new teacher rocks apparently, he has been chosen to be class rep this year which is awesome - really proud of him. Considering the troubles he had last year he has held his head up high and carried on - well done!!! But i sure do have some tired children on my hands tonight - guess it's an early night.

Tim has gone out for the evening all suited and booted. He is attending an Awards Ceremony on behalf of secamb (South East Coast Ambulance Service) as a First Responder. Not sure if he is in the pipeline for an award - but well done. For those of you that are unaware he works voluntarily for the Ambulance service serving the local community to life threatening calls. You can keep up to date with his blog at http://www.999responder.blogspot.com/

So i have finally found some time to update my blog and load my latest 2 LO's which have been on my table for a few days now. As posted previously i had a few days without any mojo so went blog surfing - like i do, it's a fascinating world out there and i decided to attempt Pencil Line sketch 84 - i actually really enjoyed it. I choose some photo's that were given to us by some friends when they stayed with us - but they were not very good - probably because our friend had a little to much to drink - but i liked them as they captured us when we were a family of 4. I chopped, re sized and they worked perfectly for this LO.

My 2ND Lo is a scrap lift from a blog i visit often - http://www.zarischka2.blogspot.com/ - check it out - some amazing lo's there!!! I had a beautiful photo of Hannah that i wanted to scrap so took the opportunity to use it. I used pp from the Delaney Noteworthy range and a few pieces of my own stash and i think it has come together well. (just so you know - i had permission to scrap lift and put on my blog (lol)!!)

So my peace and quiet has gone - i currently have a daughter singing down my ear - Calliou of all things - have you ever heard this song - it is so sweet.

I do have another LO to share with you but i need to photograph and load - i have managed to do the Pencil Line sketch 100!! Hopefully share with you tomorrow.

Have a great night and will speak with you soon

Sarah

xoxo

Hello.......................

2008-09-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Just popping in for a quick post. I feel like my little blog has been kind of ignored lately!
It's been crazy round here............................ school starting this week, Sam finally off to playgroup - much to his horror - so lots going on.
I have finished 2 LO's that i shall load when i get a few spare minutes, still have 3 unfinished projects and have tons of house work!!!!!
Hopefully all will be back to normal by the end of the week and i can settle down in peace and quite and srap my hearts contents out!!!! Cool.
Hope you all have a fabby week and i promise to be back real soon

Take care
Sarah
oxox

Whats Happened!!!!

2008-08-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week i had plenty of projects on the go - really enthusiastic about each and all of them, 2 mini books to finish, my little flower pot project and many LO's spinning around my mind - my fingers just could not work as fast as my mind was ticking.

Today - well, what has happened. I have come to my scrap room and tidied the entire lot away - in bags - not interested in them one bit!!!!!!! Where has my mojo gone - i hope it's just having a short break................................. it needs to come back FAST.

So tonight, with the final arrival of my August Bad Girl kit (which i will photo tomorrow), lovely as ever i might add - i am hoping to be creative over the weekend.

I have been doing some blog/web surfing tonight to see if i could find my creative mind and i think i may have found something. I have never used a Pencil Line sketch before - but so many scrappers do and they all make fantastic LO's - so i am hoping to tackle PL84.

I have found some photo's a friend gave to us when we lived back in Holland of when were just 4!

Lets hope i can do something good!!!

Anyway i hope you all have lovely weekends - and yes it's a Bank Holiday too!!!!!! Extra scrapping day.

Take care

Sarah

oxox

Am i going POTS!!!!!

2008-08-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well today saw me visit Hobby Craft in Woking for these tiny little pots - i have had idea's of making something for a couple of months but never had the time or known where to buy the equipment - hence my trip as it's a new store just opened up!!! (Can see myself visiting regularly)

Tonight i have had fun creating - project is now put together - just needs the finishing touches which i hope to finish tonight, although i can't be up to late as it's work in the morning!!!

My little book that i am also doing is half way through being finished, so busy busy busy. This has probably been my best craft/scrap booking month ever - having the children home from school has seen so much more spare time - didn't think i would say this but i am not actually looking forward to them going back in a few weeks..................

I hope to be back tomorrow to show you my final creation - should all go to plan, so keep those fingers crossed and come back very soon.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

ps: Just got to say - has anybody been watching the Olympic's - WOW to Team GB, Fantastic achievement, Liam and myself might go to London on October 16th to London for the parade - obviously only if it's half term........................... been great to watch!!!!

Good luck to the other countries also!

Texas Child.

2008-08-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

At last, my LO i finished last week.

I found this poem on the web one day and thought it was very apt for Sam, being a little Texan boy. Although we no longer live there, Texas is still very much spoke about and i feel it's important for Sam to understand where he was born and grew up for a little while before returning back to the UK.

I am not entirely happy with the final outcome, more so with the title - once i find the right size and font i will change it and hopefully the page will come together better. Love the colours of the paper - new line from October Afternoon and the picture of Sam is a few minutes after he was born.

Poem: Texas Child.

Blessed is the child who is Texan born,

Where the wind blows free and the sunshine warms;

Where children grow up to be honest and true,

To believe in themselves and in what they do.

Dew Sprinkled mornings, star studded nights,

Fields strewn with wild flowers, big city lights,

Sand dollar beaches, and hill country streams,

Wild western vista's as wide as your dreams.

It's all apart of the state you call home,

And apart of your heart, wherever you roam.

Tall tales 'round the campfire,

Or on Grandma's knee,

Rich with legends and hero's, a proud history

So dear Texas child, just reveal in glory -

Some day you'll write your own Texas story!

Thought this poem was beautiful and perfect for our very own Texan Child! Hope your all having a lovely weekend - and i will be back with a new little project very soon

Take care

Sarah

oxox

Mini Crop

2008-08-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

This week saw our very own mini crop - now the first of many i am sure.

The scrappers were Hannah and Maddi (my Niece) - who got very involved making their first mini books. I gave them all my stash that i would not use - free samples from magazines that i have collected over the months - along with some flowers and bling!!! They were away.

I can't believe it kept them occupied for nearly 2 hours!!!

My dining room table soon become lost under the mountain of cut papers, buttons, letters - but i think they really enjoyed it. The final products were very good - i was very pleased!!!

Now all i have to do is rescue my dining room.

I will be back soon with a LO i finished last week - but unfortunately i haven't been able to sit down and produce anything, hopefully the upcoming weekend as i am so behind on the wonderful sketches from UKS stash bash. I am also eargly awaiting this months Bad Girls Kit........

Anyway take care - a little bit of olympic tv now!!!

Sarah

xoxo

Whilst i remember................

2008-08-11T05:01:00.001-07:00

i forgot that i had not shared with you my latest Bad Girl Kit from July. So before i unpack it all into it's rightful place here it is in all it's glory!!!!

Don't those papers look lush - really do not want to cut into these just yet - may take a few months!!!!! I am due the August kit again this month - really looking forward to this one, just for the mermaid stamp - looks beautiful, have a few ideas for this.

If you would like to take a look at the Bad girls web site - just click on http://www.badgirlskits.com , great for inspiration and to see some of the kits available.

Better get back to the children - have my Niece for the week so need to see what they are up to!!!

Take care

Sarah

oxoxo

At the park.

2008-08-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

In between all the horrid weather we have had we took the chance yesterday and took Hannah and Sam to the park to let of some steam. But you guessed right - we got wet, didn't time it to well.

They had fun, although would not co-operate for the camera, much to mummy's dismay.

It's only a tiny park within our neighbourhood - but it's always quiet. This is about the only descent photo from about 30!!!!

Hope your all well

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

So, i was finally................

2008-08-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Brave and went to my first ever crop last night. It was nice to go and meet some other fellow scrappers and have a chat. I was not the only new face to the group, which also made it a little easier.

They had a nice selection of stash for sale, i only bought some blue gems - wasn't i good!!! (never mind what i bought last week - more of that later)

I was quite amazed though as i did finish my LO and in return it got a good response to which made me happy. It is always nice to get compliments on your work, i know probably not pleasing to all - but this is what makes the scrapping world so interesting.

So, it's now the weekend again and we have yet more rain on the way...................... which might mean i get some more scrapping done.

Have a good weekend

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Finished...................

2008-08-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

This week saw the start of the Sultry Summer Stash Bash 08 on UKS.

For the next few weeks there will be different idea's and prompts to give us all a little inspiration over what seems a very long summer holiday and allows us to use some of our ever growing mountain of stash.

To get the party of with a bang we were given a class of mini books to make by Annette (aka - Voodoo Vixen), these are absolutely beautiful books, so i decided to make the circular book!!!!! As ever, it took me longer than a few hours to

make - more like 2 days but i am pleased with the final outcome. I have made the book for a trip we had to Virginia Water last year, so cannot wait to give the book it's final touches with photos and embellishments in the next couple of days.

I used the BG Archiac range (loving these papers at the minute) as the colours have a woodland feel and will offset the photo's lovely.

Hope you like and as ever thank you for taking the time to view my blog.

I am in the process of completing another LO from Wednesdays inspiration and will hopefully finish of tonight at my first ever crop!!!!!! I am off to Yately Manor school - so wish me luck. I will report back and let you all know how i get along.

Take care

Sarah
xoxo

1978.

2008-08-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have amazed myself and finished a LO in 2 days - whow!!!

I decided for a change to scrap some picture of me when i was 2 years old instead of my kids - felt it was about time.

I chose these pictures of me with some very good family friends Bob & Eve, who are sadly no longer with us. I remember growing up and being with them all the time, going on outings together to Eastbourne on Ebdons coaches............... went quite a few times even though my mum doesn't remember!!!!

I will always remember when it was my 7th Birthday, i went to visit them after school as they always gave us a little something and Bob gave me my present - it was a can of 7up!!!!! I have many many memories of my times spent with them and so these pictures mean a lot to me - they were all most like grandparents.

I hope you like the LO, now my thinking cap is on once more...........

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

As promised....................

2008-08-01T01:34:00.001-07:00

So i have finally up loaded my latest 2 LO's to show you - i done these 2 a few weeks back but with it being the summer holidays my time is else where at the minute.

This photo of Liam was taken when we lived in Holland. We were at the local park and obviously he was screaming about something - just wished i remembered what!!! Think it makes a brilliant photo.

I used papers from BG Archiac range which are lovely and matched the photo perfectly. The circle is raised as i used a technique Tuesday tile - to give some depth. I made the title from cut CS and rub ons from Cosmo Cricket.

My second LO is photos of Hannah at the Frimley Lodge Fete back in May. She absolutely loved this bouncy castle and i was lucky in capturing the excitement - so i wanted to use lots of little photos.

I am quite pleased with the final result of these both. Now i just have to get my thinking cap on to make another..............

Hope your all having lovely summer breaks and i will be back later..........
Take care xx

Where have i been!!!!!

2008-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has almost been a month since i last blogged - where has the time gone.
So what has been happening in the household!!!, not alot.
The kids finished school last week for 6 weeks - aarrgghhhh!!!! So far so good, but hey only on day 4 - how many more do i have to go????
The weather has been beautiful for a few days now - which has helped - lots of out door fresh air - even managed a picnic last week, but i forgot my camera.
We do not have many things planned for the coming weeks - just take each day as it comes - hopefully a few scrapping days though.
I have managed 2 LO's the last few weeks - not many but i am quite pleased with them.
Also rcvd my month;y kit from Bad Girls - this kit is just awesome - so worth the money. It does come from America so is quite expensive against some of the UK kits but for me just Divine.

Had my birthday on Sunday - another year older. Had a lovely day at our friends for a BBQ, weather was just Divine. I have a few spare pennies to spend so i am hoping to buy this months kit from Cleo Crafts - looks lovely. Am hoping their are a few spare. I love getting pizza box's delivered to the door - i have Christmas all over again.

So i better go - kids fighting over crisps would you believe............................... oh the joys!
Will load some photo's shortly of my LO's and my new lush kit when i have 2 Min's peace.

Hope your all well
And i must say a HUGE get well soon to my dear friend Caralyn in TX, who has had a tough time this past week - Get well soon

Take care

Sarah
xoxo

Happy 4th July!!!!

2008-07-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

Firstly i must say a Happy 4Th July to all my closest friends in TX, have a great day and i am thinking of you all.........................

I have finished a LO today that i created with some pieces from the latest Bad Girls Kit - Lovely bright colours and perfect for summer holiday photo's, it actually came together quite quickly.

Well now it's the weekend, not sure what we have planned but hope to do some scrapping.

Have a lovely weekend and will speak to you soon

Sarah

xoxo

We're back!!!

2008-07-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

So we are back from Butlins.........

Mum, kids and myself all took off last Friday to Butlins in Bognor for a long weekend break.

It passed by so quickly and now we are home back to normality.

The weather was kind to us - not to cold but of course very windy at times. We managed to fit alot into our time there - saw lots of shows including x-factor runner up Chico (really good!!!), Barney, Pingu to name but a few.

Done lots of swimming, eating and spent lots of pennies on the amusements..................

I think you can say - it was good, the kids loved it all!!!!!

As we got back, my sister was getting ready to leave for Orlando. My Niece and sister arrived safely last night for a 11 night break - sure they are having their first full day off fun.

As for scrapping - i hope to be alot more productive than the last few weeks.

Have my pieces ready to start a new LO, so hopefully will have something to show in the next few days.

I will leave you with a few pictures of our break away.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Finally.................

2008-06-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

I can reveal!!!!!

WOW what a few weeks they were - great fun...........

So here at last, the LO i created with the Cleo Crafts July kit which goes on sale in 2 days.

I was chosen as their Guest Designer for July and i was so happy to be given this opportunity and would like to take this chance to say a huge Thank you to Louise and Tara!!!!!

So the LO is created with kit products (apart from cotton for sewing and gems) - what brilliant colours and was so well co-ordinated that i just had to use as much as possible.

I did manage to make some cards also with the various pieces left over but did add some of my own products!!!

The only products used from the Cleo Craft kit are the patterned papers and ribbon - all othere pieces from my own stash. This was a card i made for a friend who moved away last week and thought the colours worked perfectly together.

Not long now!

2008-06-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

So reveal day is almost here - hooray i hear you shout.......

It has been really hard keeping quiet - just hope all the anticipation will be worth it.

The Cleo Craft kit is due to fly off the shelves on Monday - so make sure you order your kit to avoid disappointment:

Web address just in case: http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/

I will leave you with one more sneak peak - just to tease you.......................

so here goes.........

Hope to see you soon when all will be revealed!!!

Take care
Sarah

Feeling generous.

2008-06-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am feeling generous tonight and thought i would give another sneak peak to the forth coming Cleo crafts July kit.........

So any guesses on the brand of paper???? Look forward to any idea's!!!

Sneak peak number 2!!!!

2008-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

So here we are, nearly at the end of June already and Cleo-Craft July kits will soon be released, i have just loved the papers and am still finding little projects to do with the spare pieces i have left over - it's been great.

So i guess your thirsty for more pictures - temptation to much to handle!!!

OK, i will share with you. By the way, if your wanting this months kit - be ready to place an order as i know they are all ready and packed waiting for your address labels!!!!

Just pop along to http://www.cleocrafts.co.uk/ lots of new items being listed as we speak.

So i will leave you with 2 sneaks for now and i will be back, back when - just keep checking as you never know!!!!!

Enjoy...................................................

Sneak Peak!!!

2008-06-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday it felt like Christmas, waiting for the postman to bring me my goodies from Cleo Crafts - the company that i am Guest Designer for, for the month of July.

A little later than usual, but finally he was here - pizza box in tow!!!

WOW - It is lovely, colours and co-ordination are spot on. I am a happy girl. I had been worrying about it since i heard i had been chosen - what if i couldn't produce anything or if i make a mistake - aaarrrrrggghhhhh!!!!

So i have set off on the road to producing a LO - It took me over 6 hours to find the photo, but it's perfect and compliments the paper perfectly (well i think so). I stayed up till late last night cutting and shuffling, only to wake this morning and change it all. As i have said before i am known for being a shuffler. It has to be perfect before i glue!!!!

I might even have it finished today - if not by tomorrow hopefully - Just really hoping the girls from Cleo Crafts, Louise and Tara like what i have produced.

Obviously the kit i have is top secret, until the end of the month - when the kit goes on sale to the public - so for those of you that are waiting for the release i have done a sneak peak for you all - doesn't it look scrummy!!!!!!!.

I will be back in the coming days for more sneak peaks - so watch this space!!!!

Take care

Sarah

oxox

3 post in 1 day!!!!

2008-06-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well i'm back for the third time but i have a LO to show you.

Had this idea early last week and just had to give it a go. I wanted to create a LO with a difference. Had this photo of Hannah, taken last year at Virginia Water sitting amongst a field of flowers and thought it would look good in a flower shape and hey bingo here is the final result.

Have kept it simple, hence no pp - but added lots of blooms and bling and am so in love with american craft thickers!!!!!!

Well hope you have all had a lovely day - and hopefully be back soon

Sarah

xoxo

Cleo Crafts

2008-06-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well my good news is that i have been chosen from a number of candidates to be Cleo Crafts Guest Designer for the month of July!!!!!
This is such a great honour and i am so pleased to be given this opportunity.
You can see my work on the Cleo Craft blog http://cleocrafts.blogspot.com/

Anyway i must dash as Hannah has her friend Hannah here for tea - i might be back later with some recent ohoto's to show you of the children.

Have a lovely afternoon.

Sarah
xoxo

I'm over the moon!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

Just got to say i am over the moon with some news i just received!!!!
I really wouldn't think i would win but i did..........................

I will hopefully be able to reveal my news later but am waiting upon an email with more information............................................

Sarah
oxox

The sun is shining!!!!

2008-06-05T02:44:00.000-07:00

Horaay the sun is shining again after what seems never ending rain - although i think the rain is back again for the weekend.
So we have had a busy week - with nothing special.
Liam and Hannah were on half term last week which meant a few play dates with friends - which was nice, and now they are both back at school and normality reigns again.
I am off out tomorrow night with a few girls from Hannah's school which will be nice - Mexican dinner - yum yum!!!!!! but nothing compares to a proper Mexican meal in TX!!!

Hannah has had another ear infection this week - yet again we sit in the doctors surgery, i think they know me by forename there now.......................... i do get the look when i arrive.

On the scrapping front - nothing to show at the minute - i am currently working on a book which is taking longer than expected - but hopefully will be worth it. I had to go out and buy a few pieces at the weekend, sandpaper and string!!! there that will get you wondering.......................

Hopefully be back at the wekend with an update and a few piccies as it's Liam 12th birthday on saturday - where has time gone!!!
Anyway hope your all well and will be back soon

Take care

Sarah
oxox

My new goodies!!!!

2008-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest goodies from America - arrived today safe and sound.

I so love these kits - really unusual pieces that i probably would never buy myself - but having somebody else put them together is just magic.

Have lots of idea's what i would like to do with them, but i currently have another project on the go.

It's nearly already the 1st of the month - when the new kit is revealed for June. This is my little treat every month to which i subscribe to - to me it's worth every penny!!!!!!

As promised..........

2008-05-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest LO, Not to happy with the final outcome.

Pictures are of my DD and Niece being silly a few years back. How much both the girls have grown up.

I will be back later with a picture of the goodies i recieved today - so scrummy!!!!!

As ever thanks for looking and take care

Sarah

oxox

A whole week and

2008-05-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

no blogging!!!
Well that is not a very good start by any means but i do have reasons.......
So Liam and Hannah are now on another half term break from school, my god only 6 weeks left of this academic year - where has this year gone.

We have just had a long weekend and as usual, good old England was a wash out, so we never done anything exciting. I haven't been feeling great all weekend - had a virus of some sort, yuk! but back to my normal self today.
Hannah was lucky in going to the circus yesterday for her friends birthday party, she loved it apparently. Her first dose of clowns and acrobats................ She has another 3 parties this month also, she has a better social life than any of us!!!!!

We don't have many plans for the week, work tomorrow which the little ones enjoy and then a get together with some friends towards the end of the week. I am currently looking after my neighbours birds for the week - so cleaning out water bowls and chopping apple on a daily basis.

As for photo's or scrapping - lets say i have been a bit slow. I have managed to finish 1 LO, but i need to photograph - so will be loading later, but i am not entirely happy with it. I love the photo's, my daughter and Niece being silly!!!

Anyway i must dash - Tim will be home shortly and i need to get a few things done. I will load some photo's up later so be sure to come back.

Hope your all well and will speak to you soon
Take care

Sarah
xoxo

A Rainy Day

2008-05-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well today has seen the return of dark grey skies, wind and rain. Thought last week was to good to be true, so out come the winter coats once more - we so miss the summery days of Texas, although you are all probably fed up with the high humidity, pleading for rain!!!!

We never went out today, Liam has tackled his room and done a major sort out which it thoroughly needed, just hope it manages to stay clean now but being a teenager (almost) we know the possibility of this.

I finally decided on my next subject after searching hours for the photo's (we have up to 14,000 on disk alone), found the papers and embellishments to match - so i feel another LO coming together - all i need now is peace and quiet and YES it's almost bed time!!!!!!!!!! for the little ones anyway.

I will leave you with a sneak peek of my next lo - at least you can see the colours. Don't hold your breath though as it can take me awhile to do a lo. My friends call me shuffling Sarah - sure they would all agree!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a nice evening and i will speak to you all soon

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Second Day of blogging!!!!

2008-05-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

Well my 2nd day of blogging- wondering how long i will keep this up for.

My guess - a few weeks, months or even years with some luck!!!

So, Hannah went off this morning to go on her first school trip, she was soooo excited. Gone to Bird World which is not to far, just hope it doesn't rain!!! Sure when i collect her i will hear about every different species of bird known to man kind.

Took Liam to the doctors this morning and sure enough he has an ear infection, nasty one at that too. He has had this since Wednesday evening and not moaned about it at all, so poor thing is on antibiotics for a week!!!! Still will not change the fact he has one very untidy bedroom to clean out this weekend...........!!!!!!

Well i was good last night and stayed up and finished my latest LO (To those of you that don't scrapbook, LO is a translation for 'layout' - you will see this abbreviation many times). Have worked with a smaller size this time and i am much happier - less space to worry about filling!!!

First picture is of Liam when he was much younger, doesn't he look innocent - if only this rang true! Used the new papers from Basic Grey - Archiac range and anything else that colour co-ordinated. Must say a thank you though to a good friend Penny from UKS who sent me those lovely alphabets - what a perfect match - thanks hun!

This second LO i really enjoyed putting together. Another 8.5 x 11 size, yes you guessed it the new size for me, why has it taken me so long to finally realise 12 x 12 wasn't for me.

The photo was taken last weekend whilst we had beautiful weather, which we are not treated to very often, it really reminded us of Texas. The children were playing with Dad in the garden who was armed with the hose. I was lucky enough to capture the moment Hannah was about to get soaked and it just had to be scrapped. I used papers from the Pink Paislee line - Office Lingo. I had stored away lettering that looked like water droplets which i used for the word water at the bottom, but unfortunately they haven't photographed very well.

So now the weekend is upon us once again - not sure what we are going to do.

Hope you all have a good one and will be back soon with more creations hopefully.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

It's Official!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well i have finally joined the millions of other bloggers and decided now was the time - why now, well, one has no idea!!!!

I love blog hopping, keeping me up to date with friends from all over the world that i have managed to make whilst living abroad, and it is a great way to stay in touch and hopefully they too can now keep upto date with me!!!

This blog of course is also a place for me to show you my latest creations from my favorite hobby and past time - Scrap booking, which as Tim would say takes over my life!!!!

Being my first post - i do not have any photo's just yet - but will load many shortly.

Hope you enjoy my blog and do keep checking as i really aim to keep upto date!!!

Thanks again and speak to you soon

Sarah
xoxo