Greys Anatomy

In our house - this programme rules. I have never been so engrossed in anything in all of my life. Mcdreamy v Mcsteamy is a tough choice but given the chance id have... erm... both and equal snoggage to them both. No tongues though. TMI.

Anyway.

Projays de art.

In my language that means projects of art.
I have made so much today for this weekends classes. A spanking new trash book for the Bristol retreat, another exploding box (my 5 millionth one this year - love them) and 2 suprise projects for Tracies retreat, 1 lagging behind CJ, a mess, more mess, crumbs and the bed! Mwahahahahahhaha.
Thats on top of keeping up with bookings for the Creative Photography workshop in February. There are only 2 places left you know, so go and check out yesterdays blog entry to find out more. It's been such a suprise to see a large response that Natalie is going to run one down south (darn sarf is that gals?) which I will bob along to and assist her with. These taster courses will give you enough knowledge to take your settings from automatic to a systematic wowness. The apperture settings alone are the key with my subjects but unlocking the hidden internal extras will sure bring a crisp, sharp finish to your future shoots. You will become so dangerous afterwards that the kids will scream blue murder when you ask for "just one more". I get that alot. I get the hand up infront of the face as I slink away like a naughty, snooping member of the paparazzi.

Aaah well.

Im skimping off to bed - my cold has come back. Such a sod really as Im going to be away from home and I don't feel comfortable about wiping my nose at 3am on someone elses bed sheets. Don't you just hate that early morning runny nose and your tissue/hanky has mysteriously gone to tissue heaven leaving you to use either:

a. your nighty
b. the sheets
c. your hubbies pyjama trouser leg.
mwahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha (that was my most evil mwahahahahaha ever!). Please, please, please send your healing vibes and get well gifts in the form of Basic Grey's new Blush collection pack to my house here: No 1 Snot Lane, Bogeyville, Sniffledom.
**As this went to press I sold the last two places on the course - hurrah!** (little do they know that they actually signed up to be on my new show - Im a photographer, get me out of here. This is where we plant them in a ditch off the M42 and using their manual settings, they have to work out how to set the ISO, WB and shutter speed in a time span of 2 minutes before a runaway truck hurtles into them. Failure to complete the task will have them set in traction eating live cockroaches mixed with ground compact flash cards in an effort to be directed back to the ditch to learn fierce teaching techniques from natalie o'shea... remember Im the good guy)

Creative Photography Day - 24th February 2007 **edited**

Get yer DSLR's and yer cute booty down to Northwich, Cheshire on 24th February for a few lessons on creative photography. Aimed at scrapbookers who want to take their "Automatic" button beyond the realms of repetitive strain injury we will show you how to achieve that depth of field we love so much and how to capture things in motion with motion blur/trail.
There are 40 places (actually 22 booked within a few hours of announcing on UKS) which means there are 18 places as I write. If you want to come - check this link here. You can pay by instalments of £20 now, £20 after Xmas and £25 in Feb which helps ease the christmas ruin of financial affairs. I should know ;)

The course benefits those with Manual setting cameras and DSLR's. We will show you how to get those scrapbook style shots we all crave but cannot often achieve with a point and shoot. Then to top it all - there are two scrapbook classes in the afternoon with a shop, raffle and great prizes. Lunch will be provided with drinks and tray bake cake on tap.

Natalie O'Shea will help with the photography side of stuff. Natalie, like me, is a keen photographer. She will help rotate the classes as we show you how to create the perfect shot in the right lighting using the best controls. You will never want to use your automatic setting again after this day!

Debbie Nicholas will teach a 6x6 BOM mini book of which you will use a photo that you took that morning and I will teach another class using eyelets and floss. I know that you, like me, have thousands of these babies in your storage tins right now. They are doing nothing cos nobody is using them anymore. Well you will from February. I'll make them the new black of scrapping. Oh yes I will!! Drag that hammer and eyelet setter out of your bottom drawer and polish it up for good use.

So you gonna come? Huh?
And check this little lady out (who is much better - thank you for your concerns ladies xx). She is holding almost the equivalent of her height in jaffas. Heather (Cutnpaste from UKS) bought me that massive packet of Jaffas whichs hold 60 lil cakes. Big love to the jaffa cake buyer... always. Ellie is holding it plus another wee packet of jaffas which would tell me that my darling is almost the same height as 72 jaffa cakes. That means I could quite easily eat her in a week. Maybe might have a spare arm left over... who wants that?

In addition, whilst Im marathon blogging tonight, Ellie wanted to make her own sandwiches at tea time. She is the biggest hamble samble consumer in the UK. Tesco owe us big time on their profit margins with their crumbed ham for this girls Hamble Samble Ensemble. Here she is trying to butter the bread. Not bad considering this childs co-ordination is a little bit lax. I actually think she is a left handed right hander. Does that make sense? And check out the size of these monster pretzels. Another favourite of Ellie and mine. She eats pretzels for britain - infact we can match jaffa to pretzel quite easily on ratio. Oink oink.

Until tomorrow.

**ok 4 places left on the course - hurry hurry hurry - there is a stampede**

Sharing a great photo

This is a photo I took on Sunday.

These two are brother and sister and the bond in the picture is as close as the bond they share in real life. That's what good about taking photos - is capturing the true life in people. His eyes are like dark chocolate and hers are like moon beams ...... incredible.

look at her - poor lamb **edited**

My belle is just such a poorly bean. She woke up at 11 am this morning and I gave her a bath. 5 minutes after drying off she was back asleep until 2pm. That was when she had something to drink. I couldn't rouse her during these sleep times. Oh I do worry :( My emotional stability has only been further enhanced after receiving some incredibly sad news this morning. Life is so cruel. Why do horrible things happen to such wonderful people?
Anyway, she has perked up a bit now but she is just nibbling on dry bread but slurping milk like its going out of fashion. I gave her this to cheer her up. Eleanor from Southport (Snipper from UKS - have you seen her gallery... OMG!!!) sent Belle this wee wash mit and flannel. Ellie loves it and Im quite taken too. Thank you from one Ellie to another xx

She also, quite naughtily, sent me some of these printed scissiors. How freaking cool are these? I saw Ells at the retreat this weekend. As a teacher you get to nosey at what everyone has on their workspace and it gives me ideas on what to buy! But when I saw these I knew I had to have them. Sadly the shop where she buys them don't have a chain in our area and I cried my eyes out. Well actually I didn't cry my eyes out but I think she saw the sorrow in my dark eyes. She may well have took it as a hint (secretly Im quite glad) but I feel rotten now because that wasn't my intention (or was it??!! Mwahahahahhahaha) Well anyway - she sent me TWO sets - its making me itch to get scrapping again.

Whilst I was at the retreat Carol (Hysteri-Cal) from UKS brought me this adorable teapot and cup set. Now I do LOVES me tea and Earl Grey you know but for these women to go out of their way to make such special gestures is beyond me. I sit here in wonder at their kindness ... I truly do. Ive used it 3 times now and in it is enough for two cups of slurpable tea

And finally for Petre.. the canvas. I didnt paint the ink on - I splattered it on top of the distress inks and it looks little like blood. I did the same with the black. Here is a close up for you!!!

**Edited about the scissors. They are from a range of shops called Dunelm Mills. the store locator link is just here. I bet the rush will cause a sell out. Thank Ellie, girls!!**

Sick, sick and having fun

Both Belle and I are sick with a cold a piece. Snotty rivers, sneezing showers, coughing fits and little naps have been our making today. We also had fun snuggling up in the duvet as I edited photos on the laptop and she watched DVD's, ate crap and snoozled. Duvet days are best and Im still in my pidgies. Hurrah for colds.

Love this little joke here, snigger xx

Time out

is required - Im beat. My body is saying take a break but my heart is saying "go, go, go!"
Woke up this morning with a thumping strain in my neck, sore throat, tired, groggy and in no mood to take photos. But up I rose from my cosy bed, got ready and headed off for Stafford. As I listen to James Morrison all the way down I perk up and by the time I arrive Im feeling a lot better. 3 lively boys, one demure teenage and a 12 week old baby were the order of the day. I loved them and I loved their family immediately.

So many personalities to capture in one day but we had a great time. Louise wants me to go back in March for more shots so I will be looking forward to it as Finlay (the baby) will be sitting up by then. I can't wait.
On my way back I popped into Karen and Nicks for a load more coffee (no wonder Im buzzing but I actually think its supressing my cold!) and then back home to dine with my elusive brother and his fabbo fiance Kezza. So much to talk about and my throat is now double killing me!!!!
Im now sat sniffling and rubbing my neck better. Its time for an early night, me thinks xx

Birthday Girl

Oh my sweet Belle turned 11 today. I had to force her out of her pit at 8am as I was away teaching all day. I was in a poor state this morning as my throat was on fire ...... I was within two inches of picking up the phone and cancelling the retreat but suffered a salt gargle (steady) to ease the soreness. Ellie said she needed a few minutes to "come round" but I knew she was way to excited to get up. Funny girl. She came trotting into our room some 5 minutes later with a grin as wide as the river Mersey and we gave her some cards and presents. She too ne look at the iPod shuffle and grunted. perhaps the sheer size of it was a bit of a let down (have you seen how tiny the new ones are?) but I put it down to the fact that she wanted chocolate for breakfast. This is an annual treat and we let her. Happy Birthday darling!
Off I trot to Sarahs Cards retreat where the whole room was set in a really comfy layout with tonnes of prizes, free raffle novelty ideas, 3 fabulous projects, amazing homecooked food, tea and homemade cake on tap and lots of laughs and giggles. I had a great day mooching with the students and teaching the exploding bow. Julie made a canvas book which is yummy and Jan produced a really sweet christmas star book. Although i don't know it yet but from what I saw it was a superb event and location with many special touches to make it that little bit more wow. I'd love to hold my one day workshop there is February - so watch this space for details.

I got home at 5,45 to be met by birthday girl belle. Not long after Glenn and Lauren arrived before we picked up Olivia for our other annual tradition - thats eating at Frankie and Benny's. Ellie loves this place and they sure make a fuss of you when it comes to delivering cake with the whole restaurant going quiet and virtually everyone singing happy birthday. Ellie's wee face was so darling. I love that kid so much that she really does make me want to cry about it!!!

Here are a couple of pictures of us all having a great time - Ellie sure had the best fun with a little card making party when we got back home along with DVD quizzes, games, Eye Toy challenges and larking about for photo's. I took Loz and Glen home where Glen, in his bad boy styleee wanted to show off his paint gun to me. He said "follow me into the back garden and watch this". He took aim at the next door neighbours window and shot paint onto it. He asked if I wanted a go and I said "too damn right". So I took aim at said window and fire a shot. Bullseye - right on the window pain and we ran back into the house. Only I tripped over the decking and landed on terra firma with a thud and a crack (am convinced Ive broken my shoulder blade, wrists and ego!). That surely was god's punishment for being a kid but Lord almighty - it was FUN! Ps: The paint is wipeable and does not stain. Im not generally a thug. I have a photojob in the morning and have doubts as to whether my body will regain its previous stature. Im a crumpled mess and YES.... Im moaning. My age is playing against me and it won't before long before Im house bound. tra la la la laaaaaaaaaaa. Anywa, In sum I had a great day, Belle had a great day - did you?

Let me leave you with this adorable lady who would not have a picture taken on her own. She cried buckets until the last safe moment when hebe decided to play peek-a-boo with teddies behind my back.

Her face is priceless.

And we have a winner - at last. All will be revealed tomorrow xx

Back on Track

It really has been a busy two weeks. So much that I didnt have time to do the dares last week so this week I thought Id be extra creative and jazz up a canvas. All I used to decorate it was a little slap of worn lipstick and picth black distress inks, splatters of cranberry and picth black alcohol inks, daubs of pitch black dabber paints. Im so chuffed with how versatile Mr Holtz signature mediums can be. I made this for my new studio/office that mark has made for me inside the garage. The carpet gets laid tomorrow and our house will not be a dump anymore!

Today I finish snapping lil nippers at the Nursery in Liverpool. My back is killing me, my throat is on fire but my heart is all schnoozley from kiddy overload. There were barely any tears today and lots of willing volunteers to come and sit on the studio floor for a quick pose and a giggle. I shall upload some more of these photos tomorrow.

Talking of tomorrow, Im away teaching. I made this for Sarahs Cards Ltd retreat. Sadly its the same day as Ellie's birthday :(. I talked with Belle about it and she is just fine as she is off to Nannies to bake cakes. We will be going out tomorrow evening though to Frankie and Benny's (this is Ellies favourite eatery) where the fun of being with Glen, Lauren, Olivia, Mark and I will be enough fun to make a mockery of circus clowns and hopefully make up for working. She is happy, Im happy - are you?

The camera gets another battering on Sunday is Stafford where 5 kids are the order of the day. I have so many photo jobs nowadays that scrapping is a little on the back burner but still there in my heart ... saving it for a rainy day xx

toodle pip dudes... and nobody got the number yet either :)

Lawks - almost killed by toddlers

I was you know - through just plain snot gutterage.

As you know its "cold" season. Snot, sneezes and sniffles (great name for a toddler group I think!) were the order of the day plus countless tears. I guess we went through a ton of tissues, anti depressants and lots of fun. Its hard work and I mean back breaking but I totally enjoyed it - epsesh when faced with cuties as scrummy as these monsters:

Even when a child refused to have his or her phototaken, the fact that Im in a room full of little lives is just so snuggly a feeling. And nope - not broody. Just getting my fix whilst I can xx

Im a photographer - get me out of here

I love kids - I really do. I DO, I DO, I DO.
My camera and I are best buds and always will be but man!!!! Fill a nursery with 50 odd little nippers and the whole photogaphy world is a different story!
Tears, tantrums and stony faced silences (in some cases) were not on the happy-yippeeeeee menu. Ive yelled, waved, jangled bells, pulled silly faces, peek-a-boo'ed, sang songs and tra-la-laaaaa'd for a solid 3 hours today and guess what? I do it all again tomorrow. Hurrah!
These are some of the tots I snapped today. I got possibly only 3 willing smiles - the rest were just fraught with despair. Mwahahahahahahahaha. Hilarious.

So I need to practice more with my studio work but this is as good as it gets. It does help if you are completely in a dark room with no other interferring light. Hebe's nursery has just that plus a million feisty tots ;)

PS: Nobody guessed the number yet!

erm - knackered again

for the last few weeks I have been overly tired. :(
I get a good 6-8 hours of sleep every night. :)

I sometimes have to get up with Ellie although its never a chore. But nowadays I just come in from taking Ellie to school and falling asleep for 2 if not 3 hours. Really deep sleeps too as I have never heard the phone ring but always find a message waiting. I guess its down to menopause and yet I can't help think that its something else. So Im off to get it checked. I do love sleep though..... all cosy and tucked up in yummy fresh linen, especially at this time of year. Any pointers? One girlfirend said it could be this time of year - but why this year and not the past 34??!!

Anyway.......
Tomorrow Im off to Liverpool,to take pictures of children at nursery. Hebe Ambler who runs Sticky Fingers has asked me to go and shoot (not literally!) 200 families over the next 3 days. Ive gone and bought some props to help add a little christmas sparkle so tomorrow I will show you a pick of them. Im so excited about it and I dont think I'll fall asleep at the tripod but there is always a first time ;)
And thanks to Corinne Delis - my scrap life is functioning normally again. She found my missing chipboard "E" from this weekend. I made a really pretty layout of Ellie entitled "Enjoy". well the "E" went missing and could we find it? NO. I was stressed out beyond belief and if you look on her blog - she found it. Anita did say that I could have spelt it N-Joy which, yes, would have sufficed but I was rather attached to that "E". And now he is coming back home. Hurrah. (I nicked the photo from Corinne again (mwah... dank u wel!!)

Finally some great news. My friend Sarah has had her 8 week scan on thursday past. This is crucial considering its been her 2nd attempt IVF.


OMG


Wait for it
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TWINS!!!!!


Congratulations my dear :)

Not Knackered

Boy did I need some sleep this afternoon - but now am totally refreshed, raring to go and a little time to share these pictures of my new, shiney and happy freinds.

Meet Flo - calm, quiet, Princess Caroline of Monanco, bloody fast scrapper

Meet Corinne - amazing cheek bones, full lips, happy eyes, full of life

Meet Daaniella - Dutch Dare Co-ordinator, beautiful smile, drinker of the weakest tea!

Meet Birgit - those amazing eyes, beautiful children, so happy

Meet Anita - the bluest eyes, practical, organised, funny, wonderful

Meet Jo-Anne - sensitive, fragile, GORGOUS, smiley and happy

Meet Bonnetta - my roomy, GREAT fun, fab handwriter, funnyand me!
Love this picture that Corinne took of me with my camera. This is the first picture of me with my Nikon. I think my camera is kind to me!!!

Each one of these girls personalities were the exact and precise ingredients to a perfect weekend in Ees (near the Dutch border). I came away with 4 layouts, 4 cards and a mini book but Flo did about 3 gazillion mini books and 15 thousand layouts. Seriously - that girl can scrap! I feel such a kid having to go over and over this weekend but truly it was the best. Sharing and caring and scrapping and laughing and eating and drinking and moaning and whining and laughing again (note the lack of the word sleeping!). Im booked again for next November but thats too far away. At least I have my memories until then. Sadly I have no letter "E". One of you girls better not be holding it to ransom

Knackered

No -

I am double that.

Im fatigued.

Im well nourished ;).

Im scrapped out.

Upon my return, I discovered that Mark had gutted to garage to make a studio for me. Kitchen is an absolute tip, the lounge is crammed with garage stuff, there are bags to unpack, Im dead thirsty, really busy, deadlines to do by tomorrow but most of all.... I'M HAPPY.
Dutch scrappers certainly know their stuff - they are a breed of fabulous designers and I got to mingle in their wisdom. I soaked it up and Im buzzing with enthusiasm.

Im so tired right now that I can't muster the energy to upload a photo but here's one that I nicked off Corinne's blog (Mwah, dank u wel).

I have a tonne of photos from this weekend to share with you so tune in later to see the winner of the kit and some fun shots of these fab girls.

Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies

Read the capital letter of each word above and that's where I am going. I used to write that on the back of silly love letters when I was a kid along with S.W.A.L. (sealed with a lick).

I leave today for 5 days and have 1 and a half hours to try and pack what I need. Its so hard packing from crops - it drives me up the wall. Im a scrapper that never plans a layout because they just happen. And when things happen I know I have supplies to grab when I need them. But I can't take my whole room on a 20KG limit and I do have clothes as well. POO.

Anita - make way for a suitcase full of random objects and if needs be, Im sure you ACE scrappers can fashion me some underwear out of BG should I have forgotten itxx

**I have a kit here for grabs - a trash book kit ... the only one of its kind as the papers are diffenrent to my initial kits in September. Belle has written a number between 1 and 200. You know you want it and I know I can post it anywhere in the world. Just guess the number**

When 2 year olds drive you nuts

you learn to be patient and capture their true spirit in the midst of minxdom. This birthday girl (happy birthday Sophie) is a real spritely and typical 2 year old. I loved her even when she fell over and when she she cried and when she giggled and when she ate the bread meant for the ducks!! Look at this story board and tell me you don't see the devil in her but instead the halo above her head. And also be sure to look into those amazing eyes and and fall in love with her charm.

Thanks to Lianne and Rob I got to steal this girls attention - all for me and my camera. It was a struggle but oh so fun. I hope she continues being exactly as she was today - there is so much character in little miss mischiefs. See you soon Sophie and bring thos fabbo leg warmers again so I can try them on.

Explosion in the craft room

I have made so much stuff today!! In my bid to lay off so much surfing I have been getting down and dirty in the craft room (well, I did actually have a spell on two peas - Hi Gwyn and hello Robyn (who is not a pea but a ha-pea american lady xx.) Gotta love that 2pea board!) I have been making exploding boxes and exploding boxes and exploding boxes, cards, ATC's and a mess. I am teaching exploding boxes everywhere these next few weeks using a really great range of papers. I first saw these boxes a year ago on 2peas and always wanted to to give them a go. What pushed me was the lovely one that scrapdolly did a few weeks back using BG Fusion. So for Sarahs one day workshop Im using really vibrant papers and for both Mod Scraps and Lil Cottage Crafts Im using some incredibly more vibrant christmassy papers.

Ive held back on CKK for the 9th Dec as I think its time to take a few weeks off before I start teaching again in January. CKK day will be in February and will be held here in Wigan. A max of 50 spaces for ladies wanting to do projects that I have designed myself and a willing teacher who can make it in February ... go on volunteer your services. There will be 2 projects, lunch, a shop, snacks/beverages and a photo session. This course will benefit girls who own DSLR's. Teaching creative photography is difficult with compact owners. You will get the opportunity to print out your favourite picture whilst there and scrap it for a page in a BOM - a subject I hold fiercely to my heart.
There is one place left at Sarahs workshop in Northwich, Cheshire with 3 projects to take home complete. Please bag yourself the last place and come join us on the 25th November.
There are a couple of spaces left at Mod Scraps in Bristol on 2nd Dec. Come along and meet Giselle Homer and myself as we take on the Bristol gang with a feast of christmas spirit and vigour. Im also going to give half an hours worth of photography tips whilst I am there plus take snaps of the students should they wish. I was on the phone to Mandy tonight and conversation is always a million miles an hour. Its with Mandy that I am planning a dual convention next year in October with her Scrap Camp and my Scrap Trap. Im on the look out for a very special UK teacher so if you have a favourite - mail me her name. Mandy's enthusiasm keeps my own spirits up, I truly I wish I had an ounce of her gusto but after so many exploding boxes - Im in for an early night. After Im a celebrity, o'course xx

And Lil Cottage Crafts, 3rd Dec, has a couple more spaces left. Set on the scenic coast of Cornwall in a pub with a conservatory (how much fab lighting?) come along to meet Debbie Jewell, Alison Docherty and myself in Tracie's company.

Menopause - ugh!

Im only 35 for crying out loud - whats going on?
No patches for me, just hot sweats and crying. Nothing new really except the weirdo monthlies are turning into 6 weeklies or even 8 weeklies. Can't tell you how many times this year I have thought I was preggo. TMI I guess but I need your thought on this girls. Help me!

Im a celebrity......

......... get me out of here!

This is Ellie's all time favourite programme! You want to see how pumped up she is about it. As you know it started tonight with a real host of freaks, z-listers, wannabe's, has beens; the lot. And we love the fact its total cheese. We root for the underdog, we spit venom at the a-holes and pray that they land the worst bush tucker trials. She is up an hour later than normal to watch it but its worth the groggy mornings to see her get wrapped up in this crazy TV programme. For the next 2 weeks this kid is going to be at one with nature again (her fave interest) and squeal as the celebs battle it out with the call of the wild.

I hear wichety grubs are rather tasty. Can you buy them in Tesco?

One cup of ovaltine a day can make you fatter?

Because thats what he NHS think. I have paid my NI contributions every month from the age of 16 to invest in such schemes. Ive not needed them so much, to be honest, but Ellie has. So comes an appointment today to see a dietician (on the recomendation of a school GP who thinks Ellies weight is more of an issue that her muscle problems... whatever). We gets there and she takes Ellies weight and height and plots them on a chart. They are way off the scale as usual and nothing new to us. We know she is smaller and lighter than your average 10 year old. Yawn. Lets get talking, shall we? Dietician writes into account Ellies food intake. Its pretty fabulous for a child who is so underweight. Our child eats 6 times a day and all the right food groups. Full fat milk for breakfast with cereal, mid morning snack, lunch at school with full fat milk, afternoon snack, after school snack with full fat milk (and we are talking fromage fraise or sausage roll, peperami, ham sandwiches for snacks, not crips etc), a tea consisting of ground beef, onions, mushrooms, gravy with pasta and carrots plus supper if she fancies it plus full fat milk. She is not a massive fruit or veg fan but she gets enough. This child simply does not put weight on and the dieticians answer to this? Try an ovaltine for supper and lower her Lurpak butter intake to Bertoli (olive oil spread) and come back in January. I can tell her now she wont put as much as 2oz on. I know my child and her capabilities more than any Doctor could.
Now cancel that dietician appointment and swap it for a muscle examination or an appointment to give her physio and I wouldn't be complaining. It was a waste of time. I know my child eats little and often and is underweight - you just have to figure out why, not ply her with a drink before bed. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Isnt this a waste of time? A morning off school, a dietician appointment spent on telling me that ovaltine can make her fatter and a pissed off morma. Recipe for a box of jaffa cakes and a cup of tea, I reckon

Treasure Huntin'

I went on my first Geo Cache today with Marko and Belle. We travelled around Wigan on our quest to find these fun little things. I mentioned there are only 5 within a 5 mile radius of our house. It turns out there are 30. From small 35mm film canisters to great big ammo boxes. Our findings today were teeny - and we were rather hoping on landing the bling booty of all looty. But all this 35mm film roll had in it was a teeny pencil, a pencil sharpener, a rubber and a sign in page!!! I sometimes wonder how Kinder eggs manage small toys in a teeny space but these things amaze me! We had so much fun though and its not all about the loot, its about the time we spent cracking codes and physically finding the caches!

We took a small walk along a canal and took in the last of autumns richness. These barges looked a little unloved so I took a picture of them to let them know I cared (lord help me!) Ellie walked a while without her pushchair. I think taking her mind off that stroller helps encourage her to try a little but harder. All this talk of treasure is driving her excited mind round the twistels.
The days are getting shorted in daylight hours and before long wee were back home doing our own thing. mark watching the footy, Im editing photos and Belle is cracking more educational computer games. She managed one last night - from start to finish in 1 hour and is currently going for the record on her PC right now.
Talking of PC's, has anyone got any advice on the transition between a PC and a Mac? All this Mac OS and Safari and such is making me go crazy. Ive been told that Dells top of the range laptop is just as good and I need some convincing!
You know what Im like, bloggers. And stop tutting at me!

We took a trip

today to a place that we hold dear. Not only to see our old stomping ground (stafford) and reminisce like old fools but to pay a visit to Karen, Nick and Jack - our holiday and sunbed buddies from August. I love it when freinds can meet up again and take off from where they left without the pregnant pauses and uncomfortable silences.

Jack had a cricket practice and Nick had a Hockey match so we went along to support them. Here is Ellie actually making conversation with Jacks Grandpa - a very strange "do" with Ellie as you have to be with her for hours before she actually gives you eye contact. I loved that he was so patient with her and that she shared all our secrets with him (hope the bank account details remained locked up in that wee head of yours, belle!)

Whilst at the sports venue I got to meet some of karens lovely freinds who got to hear I take photo's. Without them even looking at my repertoire I had two bookings taken there and then - if only it was that easy every day! The whole scene of random people gathered together with no common interest was exhilerating - I wish our weekends were filled with this all the time. We finished the evening for a pub meal where these two crazy kids had their heads dug into a gameboy a piece and no moaning or whinging (thankfully these two kids are bereft of this everyday childhood trait - but sometimes they can be such a pain in the rectum, right?).

Thanks to the Leese's for a great day - I know they read my blog. Nick seems to think that I scrop and blag all day long but it's simply not true. I do it all night long as well ;) I'd check your microwave again guys - we took a short detour past your house ont he way back and also say goodbye to the Doulton pieces you thought you liked the look of too (ransom of £2 a piece should do!! - mwahahahahahahahaha).

Im off on a shoot tomorrow but in this wind I think its going to be a case of watery eyes, pink cheeks and lots of leaves!

How is the weather with you?

**edited to add - Kirsty has just landed an iMac bad boy for a cool shaving off the original price. Im totally clueless when it comes to a Mac but I hear its the mutts nuts for speed, efficiency and graphic design. Will keep you posted, big guns**

Kirsty needs the bad boy

listen, you hear?

We are not "rolling" around in the proverbial dosh but I like to save my business pennies and saved up hard they have been. So now Im looking into getting the baddest of the mean boys - the Mac pro, for my on the road shoots. Who knows who does good deals on these? Or do I wait til Feb for Mark to bring one back from the States?And do these hunky things have the equiv of a PC wi-fi? Answers on a Basic Grey sheet of Dasher to my usual address.

Also the dare s'up. This was tricky. Using one colour to scrap with and voting to scrap in turquoise I had a wee job. I had to rely on texture such as hand cut and hand stitched felt flowers, buttons, paint etc. The picture that I scrapped was my fake converse boots (which I stitched "fake" onto one afternoon when I was bored). I broke the rules a little as I added hot pink buttons. But they match my boots so its not like Im in big trouble right?

Gah, its only art..... not cricket!!!

Geo Caching

What the fudge?

This is Marko's new thang. Its treasure hunting with a GPS and its bloody brilliant fun. Our Ellie is mesmerised by it and its the new black in walking. It sure is...... uh huh!

Mark obtained a GPS some years ago. He never thought anything about it for ages until his mate mentioned had he tried geo caching? OK - Im a dumbstruck as you but hang on .... this is good stuff.

All over the world there are members of the Geo Caching who hide ammo boxes/hard wearing units to conceal little trinkets and a book to sign upon its discovery. Its all based on trust provided you can crack the clues using yor GPS system. the boxes are hidden in places where there is something pleasant about the area - such as a fantastic view or at the foot of a pretty valley or stream. Mark has discovered about 18 so far and there are 5 within a 5 mile radius of our house alone. AND there are hundreds in Lancashire so there are lots to discover for fun trips out.

You log onto the geo cache website, type in an area you are visiting and it will give you clues to how many caches are hidden. This is only for those with a GPS remember - these caches cannot be found with the human eye or simply by accident.

The other week he took my parents and Belle to find one and in it was a little plastic dog. Well Ellie thought it was real treasure and ever since she has been putting by little trinkets and toys in readiness for the swap in the next cache find. In place of the plastic dog, mark left a pen that my father had from his old work (HM Coastguard) and the trcik is to sign that you have discovered the cache and have swapped a "treasure" inside. Not all caches have "treasure". Some are virtual sites where you find a relic or stone (stonehenge is one - but its not obvious that its stonehenge until you crack the code). They are some in almost every country - isn't it all exciting or am I boring you? Sorry!!

Also there are things hidden inside called a "Travel Bug". Mark has just bought one. The trick with that is to place one in a box either in the UK or abroad. The next person who finds the box takes it with them and they will plant it in another box and so on. It could take years to get back but wherever it goes, the honest finder logs the travel bugs new location and we can keep a track of it online. Fancy starting Lancashire and finishing in Sri Lanka? It could happen!

The question is - Do I need to get out more?

NO! This is (almost) FREE fun. You need to invest in a GPS (£70) and they are great for days out. Lots of walking and fresh air with the quizzing and cracking of codes plus the thrill of discovery. We are about to make our own cache and hide it in an area we hold dear, we have to think of a name for it and fill it with someting for the next cache finder to keep. Am not thinking of Ki memories rub ons or Karen Foster papers !!!

Will keep you posted and tell me if you are a geo cacher!

Move over Prada

The Scrapgenie Girls are gonna bust yer ass!

This is what I came up with at the Papercraft Fashion show at the NEC for the next four days. Its a skirt completely bedazzled with AMM couture paper with a pair of flipper floppers to match. I had so much fun doing this that I have other ideas up my sleeve for customising clothes - and yes, you can actually wear and wash this as the flowers are attached with brads. Of course sticking it all back together would be a job and a half but imagine the different layouts you could have everytime!

The fashion show had lots of wonderful outfits and only showing a fraction of them would take up my blog space! So I just thought Id share My skit, Jane Deans top, Debbie Jewells Jewellery and Becky Dreyers fabulous crate paper outfit with matching hat.

I had so much fun at the NEC with Becks and Dyan plus I got to meet Caroline from Bubblyfunk too. I soent my money at Craftwork cards (as always), art fromt he Heart, the Fimo stand, the Button Lady and Stamp Addict. There is a massive war on with the Xyron and the Cricut at this show but Id say the Xyron cutter is heaps ahead and far cheaper. Gotta get me one of those. Dyans got them at the show only at £130 including an extra cassette (and no, this is not her advertising but once you see this in action you WILL buy one!).

Toodle-oo for now. dares tonight and Im running out of daylight!

Suicide?

Remember the Hermit Crab debate?
Well, yesterday, Spike had commited the most selfish act and has left Shelly to mourn in the tank alone. I fed these wee creatures in the morning and watched them shuffle around the tank for a minute as I picked each one up individually to take a close inspection (love their little eyes, I do). I then set about my daily business for the rest of the day. yawn. Well, not yawn really because Ive been taking a break from things and getting on with home stuff - exhilaratingly boring and dull yet essential.
That evening we had a visit from Lauren who came to do some storyboards for homework (My stash room is a gold mine for Laurens homework these days!). Upon her arrival, Ellie wanted to show Lauren her collection of Hermit Crabs. So off into the kitchen they trotted as I scanned Laurens homework for clues in the hall way. A concerned Lauren shouted that Spike was indeed homeless and most worryingly - still. I ran to the tank and inspected it close. Spike had left his shell and was laying flat on his back, making like a stiff. I prodded him with my prodder just to see if he was trying to be "the comedian" (some animals do that, don't they ... the little sods) but no laughs were heard. Alas, he was gone, into crustacian heaven along with Sebastian from The Little Mermaid and countless Lobsters we have masticated over the years. Ellie didn't even cry, she was more bothered that Shelly was all alone and we intend to replace Spike once we have got over our grief. We gave him a dignified sending off in a tesco carrier bag and put him in the bin. Bye spike and RIP. It would have been easier to handle had he left a suicide note saying why. Grrrrrrr. You don't get insurance payout on suicide do you? I could have done with £15,000 too.

I should warn you - this video was taken in portrait and I can't swizz it to landscape. watch this only if you have a healthy neck!

Not long after, Lauren and I had wizzed through her homework and at the halfway point we awarded ourselves a cup of tea and a penguin biscuit. I asked lauren had she tried biting the top and bottom off one and sucking her tea through the penguin biscuit? I believe this is a ritual amongts our Aussie freinds with their beloved Tim Tams. Lauren was game and the result of which is on this little video here. I was crying with laughter and yes, I did call Lauren a minger because it was a rather disgusting act of penguin death and perhaps a law should be made for children to attempt this abismal cruelty after age 16 (unless their parents don't mind, which Laurens don't becuase they are as bonkers as us).
Finally - here is a snippet of something I have made for a fashion show at the NEC using AMM couture papers. I also made matching flip flops. I can't wait to see them on the model (think size 10, think thin, think I AM NOT!!).

Have a great evening, day, morning (depending on your locality) my sweet bloggers x

What are you doin, Ellie?

As I try and free myself from a tighter than average grip at bedtime (which was later then her average bedtime as well!)
"Im soaking your perfume up so I can smell you whilst Im asleep"

Gulp !!

Just look at that face will you? This is a sign of teenager-dom. Boy, I CAN wait!

mini monologue - brad cheating

I do think these are such fun but seriously, I cant sit here and hoard all my little tips forever. I like to share (but not my jaffa cakes). This week I have recretaed those scrummy bazzill brads - you know, the big spotty ones. I have used them a tonne but they work out to be so expensive for projects where I need 10! So - to make a batch up out of your WASTE cardstock, look at this and tell me you aint gonna try it! My only fault with this video is that I never mentioned that the Glossy Accents dries clear. Enjoy xx

Also, Anita has been in touch and has seen the pile of papers you girls have donated for her sister, Jo. She is delighted. I get to spend 5 days in Holland with Anita next week and join a team of girls known as The Scrapbook Alliance. Anita and the gang have rented out a cottage in Drenthe - apparently its the cycling capital of europe. Sadly no cycling will be done as it truly is a weekend for scrapping. I also get to play with Corinne Delis too, its going to be such good company of all these talented Dutch (and english, as Anita is english after all) scrappers xx

Had to share the best - saved til last

Here is the last picture of Belle from the shoot - well, the pick of the best of the rest and the last is always the best right? I love how her eyes are wide open and I can finally read them (without her blessed sunglasses) and that she look adorable and happy and cute.

After cutting back on a few commitments from Saturday night, I found the time to really get down to tying up loose ends. I am a stickler for a clean house in fact I am bleach queen, Mark will so handsomely support that. But today was spring clean day and the house is cleaner than its usual clean. Its practically germ free too. So as a reward for being saintly fresh, I awarded myself a lounge on the sofa at 2pm (now that my friends is rare!) to watch Will & Grace. I felt guilt and shame running all over my body from this slovenly act. Why wasn't I upstairs scrapping? Why wasn't I surfing the various forums? Why wasn't I editing photo's? Why? Because I don't always have to and we all need a break right? Saying that I bobbed on to two peas to catch up with some of my pen freinds and hit the gallery. Well that was like lighting the blue touch paper. I draw so much inspiration for the smallest detail from a "pea" layout that I have already planned two layouts for tonight when Belle is in bed. I have to work out how the heck to do this weeks Dare because Im on a real bummer of a restriction.

Oh well, at least our bellies are full, bills are paid, house is spanking, the world is bonkers and even though there is no peace on earth - surely there is good will to all (wo)men? Whoops, did I almost mention the C word? 48 days and counting my freinds and the turkey needs a good plumping up with a couple of bacon chops. Im off to go and fatten the little blighter up right now.

**ETA picture of the mountainous pile of artwork I have for Jo Ward - girls your generosity is beyond belief. I owe you all one for making this all possible xx**

Trash Book Breakdown

I promised some time ago to show you each page of the Trash Book that I created for Emily's workshop and the Luxurious Angels retreat. This is also for Debbie who bagged herself a kit too. I designed this book in my head on holiday back in August and to actually see it come into fruition was exhilarating - and best of all each page came out exactly as I planned in my head. The whole point of this book is to make it out of stuff you would normally chuck in the trash. To recreate it yourself you will need:

2 pieces of 6x6 corrugated box walls
2 pieces of bazzill - one black and one grey at 6x6
1 extra piece of black bazzill at 6x6
1 CD case
1 paperbag
1 CD plastic wallet
2 sheets of acetate at 6x6
Blonde Moments papers
Red bazill cards for accents
Black acrylic paint
Black embroidery floss
8 eyelets

If you want to teach this at one of your own retreats, please do so but the images below are copyright. Please do not use my own personal images and always remember (not just for my sake) that credit shuld always be given for lifts - thank you x

The front cover has had some of the box wall stripped to reveal the corrugated pattern. Edge each page in black paint on both sides of the cardboard. Do the same with the other piece which will act as your back cover. Decorate the front page as you wish and line the reverse how you wish.

The next "page" is two sheets of acetate at 6x6. Paint with black on the edges on both sheets, one side only. As no glue on the market is good or invisible enough to bond, I have taken a piece of Blonde Moments paper and lined it up centrally. To secure, use eyelets either side of the corners to set in place. Tie with floss to decorate.

The next page is made from two sheets of bazzill in two colours. To get the curl effect, I scored into the black card like slicing a cake however I used about 16 sections as opposed to the general 8. Roll back those thin triangular shapes to get the curl effect. Slot a photo behind and adhere the bazzill together to make a page.

The next page is a CD that has had two holes bored into it. THESE ARE GREAT (I intend to make a whole book with CD's as pages - they look good and hold so much inside too). Line the Cd with Black bazzill on the inside, but do not glue down. I attached a photo of me to the black bazzill and journalled behind so that when you flip the CD as a page, you see it. I also scored into the CD to frame my face using a cutting knife.

The next page is a paper bag cut to 6x6. I cut from the open edge as I wanted to keep the block bottom. Paint the edges with black paint and decorate as desired. The final page is a CD plastic wallet which I scored eyelet holes onto the open edge to make anothe page to slot photos and jounalling into.

The back cover was made similar to the front cover.

NOTES: Your CD with the bored holes will act as a template to score the holes into the rest of your pages. Also make sure your tie wraps (which act as bind rings) have a generous loop to allow the pages to flip. PHEW! That was hard going.

And finally, for Anso more than anything this is a project I made out of felt and sizzix shapes. It's for storing needles and pins. I cut 4 "tags" from the sizix range with my felt and cross stitched together to bind. I also cut some sizzix flowers with the co-ordinating felt and attached with glue. I threaded some buttons and attached the buttons to the flowers. I actually have to stitch the word "Needles" to the front but it's not raining today - it's being put by for that special occasion ;)

Its all about her

Having spent the most thrilling day with my daughter yesterday on the woodland walk, I have had to reassess a couple of priorities in my life. They are temporary but from yesterday she is my saviour. Her wee little body is getting better (in a more spiritual sense as opposed to physical strength) and her willingness to be involved with things now is immense. Ellie and I had a heart to heart on our walk. We discussed feelings and emotions, we held hands and kissed them every so often, we bent down to look at random objects, we pointed at things we would normally never discuss and she just wanted to do so much more than her body would normally allow. I see the child in her that should have been years ago - perhaps she is finally growing and Im sat here believing. And Im happily believing too.

So we spent time together again today. We took a trip over to see Sarah. I haven't seen Sarah for 5 weeks and we went to deliver a belated card and gift. I had made her a canvas that I had inked and painted myself. It wasn't a Monet but it was made from the heart and I think she loved it. It was good to talk to her and offload. We shared and laughed and drank coffee but poor sweet Ellie had dropped off. I knew that the walk yesterday would take its toll somehow and as she drifted off into a cosy slumber, Sarah and I caught up with stuff. Sarah is 6 weeks pregnant now after her second IVF attempt. She truly has the soul and patience of saint and a very calming manner. I sat and listened to her as Ellie lay across my lap in a ball of delighfulness and I took little wistful, dreamy glances at her and I felt an overwhelming rush of more love for her. She was so tired but safe in her mothers grasp. For most 10 years olds, this is not a "cool occurence" but for Ellie and I to have these moments, which have been lacking over the years, it was obscenely gratifying.

As I left, Sarah handed over to me a handful of THESE amazing blooms. You know me and my large blooms right? Well you have to see these - they made me very happy. You can only buy them from Sarah in a varying size of delightfulness. Share the flowery love, dudes.

Darn camera batteries

are taking a hammering. But its worth it right? Check out Annie's and my own favourite from the shoot yesterday. Simple and elegant. I love it lots.
Now check out my little lady who performed so well today and with her EYES OPEN! This is just a few of the many I have with her eyes open. Finally a set of pictures I can scrap where she is happy to play, smile and have fun. At this rate, I'll finally have an excuse to scrap her more often and pictures she will forgive me for when she is older. Mark and I have so many photos of her with her eyes closed, we really do have to snap around 100 pics to get one with her eyes open and then she won't be smiling! So hurray for Ellie! (click pics to see the bigger and better!)

The place where I took this pictures is the same place I take almost all my session pictures. However, belle and I discovered it has 5 miles of woodland walkways and we have a great day of discovery. We found a hide where you can watch squirrels and birds feeding - Belle totally gleamed whilst we sat and watched (damn, never brought my zoom lens ... plops!). And then we found this wooden owl carving where she offered to jump out of her pushchair and join him for a cuddle. Look at her face - love that kid, I do you know. I truly do. Cross my heart. Hope to be kissed a million times by her.

And finally a picture of a firework. Belle is not a fan of banging type ones. She much prefers the simple gardn fountain style (damn!) So I set the shutter 5 seconds, hand held it and shook the camera in a circular motion to get this baby. Its very hard to get fireworks on a point and shoot so cameras with a manual setting that allows creative control of your speeds should let you get stuff like this.

All in all, both Belle and I have had a great day. Have you?

International Dare S'up

Oh yes it is - Im so happy to be a part of this thats been a wee secret for a few weeks and now its finally here. Using paint, title on the photo, no cardstock on show and childhood memories/dreams as the focus I got my morma to scan photos of me when I was a kiddy. Im roughly 10, 8 and 6 in those photos (a looooooooooooooooooong time ago!)

Come and take part in the biggest Dare in the world. I dare you.

Just back from Annies House. Had a lovely day and have a new boyf - The Deanster. I always attract the younger man. Must be my utterly good looks and charming smile xx

Away from desk

I leave at 6am prompt for shores less travelled by my own size 4 feet. Bury St Edmunds is like a gazillion miles from home but I shall be armed with a portable studio lighting kit and a Nikon D200 and myFuji back-up-bad-boy to go and take preggo bump shots of Ms Niceville. Oh yes I am. Belle is being cared for by my life saving MIL and I shall be back armed with cuteness of The Deanster too. Smashing. Super. Lovely. Great.

Have finished my Speshals in readiness to go "Effing NZ Ozzie" in a head to head super double whipped cream with moch choca decaff challenge.

PS: gag is from one of my fave sites HERE

To my freind - who I forgotted

*~* happy birthday sarah *~*

I just feel so terrible that I forgot and all her freinds didn't. No excuses really except those that know me know that Im sometimes forgetful but not purposely forgeful to be "let off"

:( :( :( :( :(

Hope you had a great day my wee preggo plopster ... remember, it could still be twins xx

ok you girls - look how big this book's gotten

My jumbo book rings wont fit them (small average book ring next to it for you to guage the PILE of 6x6's). This is how generous you girls are in helping to build a book of beautiful colours and poems and lyrics and quotes for Joanne Ward.

Im humbled that you took the time and energy to make the pages, post and send them with your heartfelt empathy (we don't do sympathy in our house - empathy rocks!). And there is still time to make a page for Joanne. If you know of her or about her illness and want to create a huge book for her to brighten her dark days to come - please, please email me here . You have until the 10th November to make a bright and sunny page depicting happiness. Say you will join in.

I wish I could thank you all individually but here's to you gals. You truly are the best

Layouts to share

This weekend I bought a Dasher collection pack. I don't often buy them but this kit has the lot. So far I have made 5 layouts and a card and here are 3 of them. Love BG I do. The top layout (christmas 2005) I used the tags in the kit as baubles. Sometimes those tags are so flipping uselss and then all of a sudden there is a call for them. Then the wonkey photographed one (sorry) is "Snow Fun". I love the bling on this. heidi sure knows how to make fab blossoms but by gosh she also knows how to make fab gems. My favourite, I think, is the one called "He dotes on her" The black and the green work really well plus these two people in the layout are two of my fave people. Little people are nice and they play nice and Im glad I have them to scrap as part of Ellie's heritage.

There has been a recent debate about why people scrap and how commercial scrapping has become. I really think its all a matter of taste and style - you choose to buy what you want and when you want. Basic Grey dont come knocking on my door forcing me to buy. My own personal weakness makes me do that! Nobody has set the rules for what you should do and how you should do it either. Art is subjective and selective and opinions don't mean a thing if you are comfortable with what you are doing. It does concern me though when scrapping gets blasted for losing the meaning. How can it? You get a photo, you lay it on a page and add a few words. Thats scrapping. You don't have to scrap to please everyone else because its not their album you are filling. Its your own and you can scrap your albums how you jolly well please. Your own personal crusade should not be marred by all of this recent jabbering .

Make like a Beautiful South tune and "Carry on regardless" :)