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Tea for Three Swap

2009-06-30T13:52:00.002+01:00

It's swap time again! This time I signed up for a tea swap with three partners. I made some small drawstring bags from some left over scrap fabric and ribbon, each holds three teabags. As a small extra, I made each of my partners a coaster from 100% Irish linen and using the font 'Century Gothic', hand embroidered the word 'tea' on each one. Although this swap was very quick and easy, it provided me with great sewing and embroidery practice. I hope my partners like each of their packages.

I also made two coasters for myself. Using the font 'Girls are Weird' I made one simply saying 'tea' and to be a little more adventurous, I embroidered a quote from Monty Python's Flying Circus, which is by far my favourite, and a bonus, since I made it for me.

More at Flickr

Pincushions in Abundance

2009-06-29T13:35:00.000+01:00

I have been doing alot of sewing practice over the last few days. I want to become comfortable with my mum's sewing machine before I attempt anything more advanced so I have been making a mountain of pincushions. My mum and I both have Brother sewing machines, but mine is very very basic, whereas my mum's is, well, progressive, to say the least, so it has taken a lot of getting used to.

Although they are practice pieces, I think they will make nice swap gifts/extras, and they weigh nothing at all so won't cost anything to send. :)

More can be seen on my Flickr page.

Hook a Book

2009-06-28T13:20:00.003+01:00

It's been some time since I have done any beading, and while sorting through my bead collection in an attempt to put them in some sort of order, I found the motivation to pick it up again. I kept it simple and made some book hooks, which I know I will find useful (as I am always reading more than one book at a time) but will also be make nice swap gifts too. I have posted a few pictures, but to see all of them check out my Flickr page.

My First Swaps

2009-06-20T12:48:00.001+01:00

So I wanted to start off slowly on swap-bot and when I cam across these matchbox swaps, I knew they were a perfect starting point. I joined four swaps, to make one each of, bead filled, button filled, brad filled and ribbon filled matchbox. I read my partners' profiles carefully and tried very hard to create something they would like. Together with the matchbox, I included a small extra that corresponded with something they mentioned on their profile. I have never covered a matchbox before, and had to purchase a bunch (I have an abundance of matches now), but I really enjoyed the process. It was very calming to sit down and do something so productive that I know will not only be appreciated but used creatively by someone else too. They are now packaged, addressed and ready to send.

I really think I am going to enjoy the whole swapping experience and I can't wait to receive my matchboxes. I am going to be cautious though, as I have read many of the forum posts about flakers, scammers and the ridiculous excuses used to fob off members who haven't received their swaps. I think the key is to take things slowly, and once I have built up my ratings with some mail swaps and proved my reliability, I will take part in more group swaps and private swaps, that way it minimises the risk of being flaked on or scammed.

Anyway, here they are, the matchbox line up. :)

I'm a Swap-botter

2009-06-16T12:30:00.002+01:00

Whilst doing a search for penpals yesterday, I came across a website called swap-bot. How have I never heard of this site before? I am so excited to start swapping. I have finally found an outlet for all my crafting needs, and people who share similar interests. Yay! I am still finding my way around the site, and figuring out just how things work, but I am itching to get started on my first swap.

Look! I'm a Gardener

2009-06-11T12:14:00.005+01:00

One of the first things I did when my eyesight returned and I was able to drive again, was go to Wimborne Market. I didn't go for anything specific, just a wander round to regain some of my confidence. I saw a stall selling flowers, seeds, herbs and a few vegetable plants. For a mere 75p I purchased my own little chilli plant. Its been a couple of weeks since I repotted it and plopped it in the garden, but it is coming along nicely and will be flowering soon. I am so proud of myself for keeping something alive. I can kill a cactus, so this is a real achievement. Yay me....and nature!

I have also potted two garlic cloves, and they are going from strength to stregth too. Look out Charlie Dimmock!

Craftalicious

2009-06-06T12:02:00.001+01:00

My Doctor has signed me off for another few weeks, since she wants to wait until I have seen the Neurologist before signing me fit for work (ugh). So instead of sitting idly around the house moping I am throwing myself back into crafting.

Since I am able to drive again, I am planning on visiting my cousin Laura, in Wales this month. It will be the first time in 8 months I have been over the bridge, but I am looking forward to seeing her and her family.

Laura only drinks caffeine free herbal teas, with peppermint being her favourite. She always carries a few loose teabags with her, by the time she gets around to using them, they are crushed and covered in handbag fluff. In order to remedy the situation, I decided to make her a tea wallet. I am still very much a novice when it comes to sewing and I thought a small prject like this would be ideal practice for me and make a cute gift at the same time.

I am really pleased with the outcome. It is a great way to utilise FQ's and other scraps of fabric. I can see myself making alot more of these. I hope Laura likes it, although I am tempted to keep it for myself.

Back to Normal...whatever that is

2009-05-22T11:50:00.002+01:00

I haven't posted for a while, which is down to the fact that my health deteriorated so badly, I wasn't able to use the computer for quite some time.

My balance issues continued to get worse, the altered sensations in my body were spreading to my arms and legs and then I had chronic double vision. I have had MRI scans, eye doctor appointments, Ear, Nose and Throat appointments, blood tests, visited the Emergency Medical Unit (EMU) at Dorchester hospital and the conclusion the Doctors have come to, is that I have suffered some sort of neurological nerve damage. Finally, they know what's wrong with me, I am no longer a medical mystery!

I have to see a Neurologist on July 9th to confirm the diagnosis, but as it has been explained to me, nerves in my brain have been stripped of their protective coating, much like an electrical wire, and the nerves have become exposed and have short circuited. Thankfully, they have repaired themselves, it just took time for the protective coating to regenerate.

The Neurologist will be able to fill me in on more details, and let me know if this could happen again or is a one off blip. But I am so pleased to be able to see again. That was the worst thing I have ever suffered in my life. I became completely dependent on those around me since I couldn't even make myself a cup of tea because when pouring the water I would miss the cup.

The down side to all of this is that it has knocked my confidence teribbly. It has left me depressed and with odd mood swings, which I am told are all part and parcel. My Doctor had no choice but to sign me off work, I couldn't see, or even walk properly, so I know working was out of the question, but it is all I had to focus on, so I am looking forward to things continuing to improve so I can get back into the swing of things.

Labyrinthitis, Virus or We-have-no-clue-itis

2009-03-30T11:38:00.000+01:00

So, I have been flitting back and forth between two Doctors at my local surgery, depending on which one is on holiday, working part time, etc etc, and neither can agree on a diagnosis of my persistent health issues. The balance problem has become worse, to the point where I can't walk in a straight line anymore. I have weird altered sensation in parts of my body, and I feel nauseous all the time. One of my physicians thinks it is a virus, the other thinks it is Labyrinthitis. I have been on three different types of medication, in addition to the antibiotics, and none have made a difference to my condition. One course of tablets I couldn't even complete because they gave me insomnia. I didn't sleep for 5 whole days!

I finally went to MIU at our local hospital. They didn't have a Doctor on call, so I had to get my mum to drive me to Shaftesbury hospital to see someone. Once again, a diagnosis could not be decided upon so she said that Doctor # 1 could be right with her diagnosis of a virus, and Doctor # 2 could be equally as right with her evaluation of Labyrinthitis. In other words, you don't have a freakin' clue! So it was a waste of my time, my mums time, the nurses time, and the Doctors time.

Now all I want to do is catch up on some much needed sleep. After not sleeping for so long I am cranky and starting to look like the living dead.

Labyrinth...itis

2009-02-21T11:34:00.000Z

So as it turns out, my Doctor thinks I have something called Labyrinthitis. It affects the inner ear, therefore explaining my balance problems. My Doctor presribed some tablets for the Labyrinthitis as well as some antibiotics in case I have an infection of the inner ear. She has booked me in for blood tests too, which I am not looking forward to, since the last time I had blood taken, I nearly fainted.

Unfortunately, if it is Labyrinthitis, it means it is a reoccurring problem, and could come back at any time. Oh joy!

On a Merry Go Round

2009-02-20T11:27:00.000Z

I have been suffering some weird balance problems over the last week and I can't figure out for the life of me what's going on. When I lay down the room starts spinning round and round and I feel nautious as hell. If I stand up too fast, or move my head too quickly, I get the same sensation and feel like I am going to fall over.

My cousin Tracy came to visit a few days ago, and on the day she left I started to feel very unwell and went to bed, which is unusual for me considering it was 4 p.m. I slept until 9 p.m. and woke up feeling absolutely awful. I could barely walk and only just managed to make it into the bathroom before being sick. I have made an emergency appointment to see my Doctor, but as is always the way, I am starting to feel better today.

Christmas Review and Yet Another New Year

2009-01-06T11:07:00.004Z

Well, our family Christmas was rather subdued yet again. With Kevin away on civilian duties for his second Christmas in a row, we didn't really feel in the mood for any sort of celebration. Rather than the traditional English fare of roast turkey, brussel sprouts, stuffing and a mound of other veg, we had am Italian Christmas lunch this year, consisting of homemade lasagne, tomato baked chicken, lots of salad and made-from-scratch tiramisu.

I did make a Christmas cake this year, but I forgot to photograph it. I was somewhat disappointed with my efforts in the cake department, it turned out to be very flat. Just as well I don't eat it I suppose, but the family liked it.

New Years Eve and New Years Day were equally uneventful. On New Years Eve, I wasn't in the mood for a night on the town, so I had a glass of wine, toasted in the New Year and went to bed. I think hitting 30 has had a calming effect on me, I no longer like crowds and music so loud my ears bleed, and I have never been one to get so drunk I can't remember my own name, so it was the perfect New Years Eve. Boring yes, but just what I needed. New Years Day was a family affair with a few aunts, uncles, cousins and friends stopping by to say hello and chew the cud. All in all it was a quiet day with lots of laughs and catching up, my favourite kind.

Now I am looking ahead to what 2009 will throw at me. So far things are off to a slow start. I need to get back to looking for a job, finding a place of my own and getting myself settled again, in that order. I hope, for my sanity's sake, it won't take too long.

Care Package - Afghanistan

2008-12-03T11:18:00.003Z

My brother is currently in Afghanistan working in a civilian capacity. Since I am not working at the moment, and I have an abundance of time on my hands I decided to put together a care package to remind him of home comforts. Not only did it keep me busy for quite some time, I know it will make his day.

Back row l to r: Homemade Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti, Cake Mix Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies, Homemade Spicy Cashew Nuts

Middle: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Front row l to r: Homemade Fudge, Bombay Mix, Marshmallows for Hot Chocolate Mix

All packaging and labeling was designed and made by me using Photoshop CS3 and a selection of cardstock and Christmas themed scrapbook paper.

Brown paper bag, tea tin and small tins at the front are courtesy of Papertrey.
The tall tin at the back is a recycled shortbread container.
The two medium sized tins are recycled Golden Syrup and Black Treacle tins.

Birthday Girl - BLEH

2008-10-24T11:13:00.002+01:00

Ugh! Today I turn 30 whole years old. Another birthday spent on my own with no prospect of things changing before I turn 31. I know I should be more positive, but I firmly believe I was Eeyore in a former life, so pessimism comes so naturally.

On the Move

2008-10-09T11:07:00.002+01:00

This will be my last post for a while. My internet is being disconnected tomorrow in preparation for the move on Saturday. Yup, it's goodbye Wales, hello England. I can't wait to get my stuff packed into the van and stick two fingers up at my psycho neighbour.

I am going to miss my cousin and her kids, but I know where they are and I can still visit, but it won't be for at least six months. I need to put this place well and truly behind me.

My boxes are packed and I am just tying up the last few loose ends. Roll on Saturday, it can't come soon enough!

Goodbye & Sweet Dreams

2008-09-29T11:02:00.002+01:00

My dear, sweet Aunty Joyce passed away this morning. The news came in the early hours that her long battle was over. We knew it was coming, but no matter how much you prepare yourself, it still shocks, hurts and numbs you. Rest in Peace Aunty Joyce, I will miss you greatly.

Aunty Joyce

2008-09-14T10:51:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I drove to Plymouth with my parents and brother to visit my Aunt in the hospital. Despite all of the radiotherapy and stem cell treatment, the Leukemia is winning. She faded in and out of consciousness, but was lucid just long enough to recognise me and my mum and give us a smile. She is the only family my dad has left, so I know how ever long she has left is going to be especially hard for him. I wish we didn't live three hours away, because all we have left now is time and there simply isn't enough of it.

A Whole Year

2008-08-29T09:56:00.000+01:00

Well, I have been in Newport for a year now, and to say it has been a good year would be an outright lie. The first few months were great. I loved my new home, although it was on the small and pokey side, it was perfect for me, and I made it mine. Just before Christmas however, the problems began. The neighbour above me obviously has some mental issues, but because I asked her to keep the noise down, once, she made me a target and enlisted the help of her family and friends to harass me in any way possible.

The last year has been a never ending culmination of having to report threats of violence to the police, her friends and her family abusing me outside my home, in the street, even yelling at my flat, attacks on my car, multiple false police reports made by her, calling solicitors/citizens advice/the council for help, taxi's and pizza deliveries being sent to my address...the list goes on.

At one stage she even convinced her friends that I had threatened her with a knife in my flat and encouraged them to call the police. Three armed police officers knocked on my door. What they were expecting, I don't know, but thankfully I had been in bed and it quickly became obvious to them that her friends had made a false report. Since she has never stepped foot in my flat, I have no idea how I was supposed to have threated her with anything.

The last straw was when my car was vadalised. One of her friends attempted to puncture the petrol tank on my car. It was 1.30am and I was in bed and woke with a leg cramp, looked out the window and caught him in the act. He saw me and legged it. I turned my lights off and called the police. The numpty must have thought I had gone back to bed and all was forgotten, because he came back and had another go at my car. He got the shock of his life when the police officer and pulled up with his police dog and and wanted to know what the hell he was playing at. I went out and tore into him, and the police officer let me. He was sorry, not for what he had done, but for getting caught. It was nothing short of a miracle that he hadn't actually done any serious damage, but he was given an £80 fine anyway.

So after the year from hell, I have decided to move back to Dorset. The reason I moved to Wales in the first place was to distance myself from everything that has happened in the last few years and regain my independance, but I guess the grass isn't always greener on the other side. However, I am sure there were kinder ways of teaching me that lesson than this awful experience.

I have given my landlord notice that I will be leaving, now I just have to break the news to my boss. Oh well, another chapter over and done with, and best forgotten.

Track Day

2008-08-13T10:30:00.000+01:00

My brother bought a motorbike last year and it didn't take long for it to take over his life. He had been thinking about getting one for a while and after he returned from his stitnt in Iraq as a civi he bought a Honda CBR, took his test and he hasn't looked back. From time to time he goes on track days and they take photos of you as you go round as souvinirs. I thought I'd share as he does look pretty cool.

Llandegfedd Reservoir

2008-07-27T08:56:00.000+01:00

I joined my cousin and her family at Llandegfedd Reservoir this weekend. I have lived in Newport for nearly a year now and I had no idea this place even existed, but it is such a beautiful place to visit. I took the trip as an opportunity to test out my new toy;

I have wanted a good camera for ages, and after putting a little bit of money back each week I was finally able to splash out and treat myself. It is a Nikon D40 SLR and I am in love with it already. This weekend proved it was a good investment and not just for photographing my craft projects. I have never really been any good with a camera, but I am over the moon with my pictures of Laura's family. Watch out Annie Leibovitz!

And by far my favourite:

Emma's Wedding

2008-07-13T09:21:00.005+01:00

Yesterday my cousin, Emma, married her long time partner Craig. The church service, although not my cup of tea, was very special and they tailored it to fit their situation so beautifully. Emma and Craig have a beautiful son, Isaac, who was born with both physical and mental afflictions. They are the most loving of parents and I am amazed at both their resilience and their positivity. Isaac is just over a year old now and they included him in the ceremony, and he played his part to perfection.

Picture 1: l to r - Aunt Shirley, Craig, Emma, Uncle Frank
Picture 2: Emma and Bridesmaid
Picture 3: Emma and Craig (I love the way she is looking at hm in this one)
Picture 4: The Happy Couple

After the church ceremony in Okeford Fitzpaine, we went to the reception in Tarrant Keyneston. The weather turned brighter and we all congregated outside the reception hall for drinks before the meal and toasts.

Picture 1: The siblings l to r - Uncle Frank, Mum, Aunt Theresa, Aunt Kate
Picture 2: My Cousins l to r - Laura and Joanna

As an end note, I must add that the day didn't start all that well for Laura and my Aunt Kate. Somehow while getting the kids fed and watered for breakfast, they managed to lock themselves in the conservatory. They had a mobile with them, thankfully, so they called our house and my brother grabbed our spare key, hopped on his motorbike and rode to their rescue. But not before he took some photos.

Card Collection

2008-06-15T08:03:00.002+01:00

I was rummaging through some odds and ends yesterday, stuff I had put in a safe place and forgotten about, and found a bunch of cards I made aaaaages ago. I would love to make cards more often, but whenever I get the motivation, I have no inspiration. So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across my little collection, it proves that at some point in time, I had both motivation and inspiration in equal measure.

Be Creative - Embroider

2008-06-14T15:11:00.000+01:00

I am flitting from one craft to another at the moment. During the week I decided that with a quiet weekend ahead I would try my hand at some embroidery. I had a project in mind so I paid a quick visit to Hobbycraft after work last night and purchased some embroidery floss and a hoop. When I got home I dug out some left over material from another project, and using my sewing machine made a small curtain pull to cover the mess in my crafts bookcase.

I printed off a phrase in cursive lettering on the computer, pinned it to my fabric and off I went. I have never embroidered before so I was sewing through the paper, which actually worked surprisingly well.

I am very pleased with the result, and rather proud of my efforts in the initiative department. My craft bits and bobs are hidden away and I have another favourite craft to add to my growing list of hobbies.

Cupcakes for the Neighbour with no Conscience

2008-06-07T14:54:00.003+01:00

I have a very noisy neighbour with absolutely no social conscience. I thought by approaching her with a gift she might be more accepting of my pleas about the noise. As it turns out, these were wasted on her! Luckily, I made quite a few so I was able to treat myself. I was much more appreciative of my efforts.

Cupcakes are Chocolate Chocolate, Apple Crumble, Banana & Walnut and Vanilla Vanilla.

He's Growing Up so Fast

2008-06-04T08:29:00.002+01:00

I took these photos of my cat, Munch (named ater the Law & Order: SVU character) yesterday. He was basking in the sunshine and enjoying the warm weather. I can't believe he is 11/2 years old now. He has really found his feet at home and is in his element in the garden.

2008-05-25T14:57:00.001+01:00

My dad's birthday is fast approaching and with money being a little on the tight side at the moment it means I can't aford to get him a gift (although he is near impossible to buy for anyway). I still wanted to do something special so I have made him a birthday card myself. I have to say although this is a simple card, creating masculine cards is a real challenge.

He is a man of few words, so whether he will like it or not will be sure to remain a mystery. But I like it, and it's the thought that counts, right?

Mini Herb Garden Housewarming Gift

2008-05-17T13:54:00.000+01:00

My Aunt Theresa is a qualified horticulturist and has recently bought a new house so I made her a mini herb garden housewarming present.

Tools:
Six small terracotta pots
Small stones
Soil
Mixture of seeds (I used various herbs)
Paper Mache box
Cardstock
Ribbon
Double sided tape (or other adhesive)

I filled each of the terracotta pots with a mixture of soil and stones and put a sprinkling of seeds in each one. I used Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Basil, Chamomile and Garlic Chives.

I made little labels for each pot to note which herb was in each. I then covered a paper mache box with white cardstock and a strip of ribbon and decorated the box with a rubber stamp from the See D's collection. I also made an insert out of white cardstock to secure the pots once in the box. Using a large scallop punch, coordinating cardstock and Papertrey stamps I made a little medallion to adorn the top of the box.

Aunts and Bookthongs

2008-05-11T12:26:00.010+01:00

I have been busy over the last few days making various gifts for aunts and cousins. I am driving down to Plymouth to see my Aunt Joyce and cousin Tracy next week. My Aunt's Leukemia has returned with a vengeance and I wanted to make her something special to cheer her up. I made her a get well card from various stampin' up stamps, watercolour pencils and whisper pens. Many years ago when she lived in Hong Kong my Aunt Joyce bought me a beautiful Jade bracelet, so in line with that wonderful memory, I made her a jade bookthong too as she does a lot of reading when she is in hospital receiving treatment. I also made a matching pillow box to put it in.

I also made Tracy a bookthong together with a little pillow box.

Another of my aunt's lost her son a short time ago, and she has been having a tough time ever since. Shortly after my cousin Antony passed away, a butterfly flew into my aunt's house, and she firmly believes it was her son's spirit coming to tell her he was ok. So while I was making gifts for my Aunt Joyce and cousin Tracy, I made a special butterfly bookthong for my Aunt Theresa.

Birthday Baking and Card Making

2008-04-12T14:17:00.008+01:00

Last year for my birthday my cousin Laura and her daughter, Abbie, made me a delicious Apple Crumble Cake. So for her birthday this year, I wanted to make her something equally special but unique at the same time. I made her a card and a bunch of little cupcakes plus a special supersized birthday cupcake and handmade box, just for her.

Cupcakes are a mix of Double Chocolate and Vanilla Vanilla. I decorated each one differently, some with frosting, sprinkles, fresh cream and fresh fruit and personalised one or my cousin. I hope she will take the time to read her cupcake before eating it. hehe

Get Well Care Package

2008-03-20T15:32:00.000Z

My cousin Laura has the flu and is suffering at the moment. As a little pick-me-up I made her a small care package aimed at getting her well again.

Supplies:
Red Cardstock
Patterned Scrapbook Paper
Coordinating Ribbon
Double Sided Tape (or other adhesive)
Coordinating Brads
String
Scalloped Punch
Corner Punch
Hole Punch
Maya Road Chipboard Hearts
Papertrey Stamps

I made a teabook that holds four enveloped teabags. I bought some Yogi Cold Season and Revitalise tea. I also made two packet soup envelopes and added two of Ainsley Harriot's French Onion Soup packets. I adapted a pillow envelope pattern to hold some honey sticks, Chai Honey, Lemon Honey and Plain Honey. As a special treat I also made a criss cross box and filled it with various chocolates from a box of Celebrations. Hopefully all of this will cheer her up, and make her feel a little bit better.

Lots of Cookies

2008-03-08T13:08:00.004Z

Whenever I visit my cousin at the weekend, I don't like to go empty handed. So, as her children have such healthy appetites and I really enjoy baking I decided to try out a new cookie recipe.

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yields 40 - 50 cookies

345grams unsalted butter
288grams granulated sugar
288grams dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 teaspoons orange essence
2 large eggs
920grams flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
450grams milk chcolate chips - plus extra for finishing

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
In a large bowl mix the butter, sugars, eggs and orange essence together.
Add the flour, baking soda and salt.
Mix in Milk Chocolate Chips.
Using a measuring spoon drop balls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet about 2-inches apart (dough will spread during the baking process).
Before putting the cookies in the oven to bake add a few more chocolate chips to each cookie. Bake 10 - 12 minutes or until light brown.
Leave on baking sheet for a few minutes to cool then place on a wire rack to complete cooling process.

I also used the above recipe to make some Raspberry White chocolate Chip Cookies. I just substitued the orange essence for raspberry essence and used white chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate chips. They are deliciously soft and chewy.

So, after putting a few (dozen) aside for myself and other family members I put together a little gift package for my cousin and her children. Just as well that I pust some aside, because the bundle I took to her house didn't last long and they put in an order for more!

Spring Herb Garden

2008-02-24T11:24:00.004Z

My Aunt has just bought a new house and has invited a bunch of the family to a housewarming get together. I wanted to give her something special, and as she is a horticulturist I thought a mini herb garden would be ideal.

I used a standard 6x8 inch paper mache box I bought at Hobbycraft and covered it in white cardstock. I took a small flower stamp (I used one from papertrey Ink's Limitless Labels collection) and some ink that coordinates with the colours of the rest of the project and stamped all over the box. I added a strip of ribbon to the lid and base of the box and glued on a scallop medallion to the lid to complete the box.

I punched six holes into a sturdy piece of cardstock to hold the pots in place and placed it in the bottom of the box. The terracotta pots were also purchased at Hobbycraft and are filled with a little potting soil mixed with some gravel. Each pot contains a different herb; garlic chives, rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil and chamomile.

I got the inspiration for this project from this post http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2008/02/introducing-jus.html at Nichole Heady's blog. Sadly, Papertry Ink don't have a UK outlet, (and I cannot justify paying an $11.00 shipping fee on a $4.00 item) so this paper mache alternative (more or less identical in dimensions) from Hobbycraft priced at £1.99 is a perfect substitute.

Cupcakes galore

2008-02-23T18:13:00.000Z

I spent this last weekend making cupcakes for my cousin's kids, Abbie and Ben. Needless to say, I am glad I took photos before I went to her house, as there were nothing but crumbs left after the kids gobbled them up. They turned out a lot better than I had hoped for (I need to have more faith in my abilities) and I had plenty of cute edible decorations to finish them off. I used a ready made icing/frosting for these as the recipe that accompanies the cupcakes in the book just makes far too much for a dozen.

I used Allysa Torey's recipe from the More from Magnolia cookbook. I absolutely love this book and the cupcakes are like nothing I have ever tasted before. My budget doesn't stretch to a trip to NYC just to sample these delights therefore the cookbook is a much more affordable option. I highly recommend this book.

This is a book that I will return to time and time again. I am eager to make the chocolate cupcakes next. One thing that really intrigued me about these cupcakes though was the way they were iced. My curiosity lead to a very short but very useful video on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0-a86o5IqU

Ideas and Inspiration

2008-02-17T15:37:00.002Z

I am constantly finding ideas and inspiration in magazines and on the internet and I usually compile them as scrap images or images on my hardrive or in my favourites folder, but this was becoming really problematic to sift through when I was looking for a specific item and somewhat fragmented as things were located all over the place. So I came up with the idea of making an Ideas and Inspiration journal.

I went through the images I had stored on my computer and printed off a selection and then collected together the magazine articles and scraps. I bought an unruled journal from WHSmith and made five sections throughout the journal; beads, cards, sewing, alterables and other. Then I went about adding the various images I had collected to the journal in the appropriate sections.

In the beads section I have all sorts of ideas for jewellery, stitch markers, book thongs, decorations, keychains etc.

The cards section contains ideas for greetings cards, recipe cards, invitations, envelopes, basically anything made with card or that involves papercraft.

The sewing section is my favourite and contains ideas for eye masks, sleep pillows, aprons, wall organizers, recipe card holders and so on.

Now, the alterables section contains pretty much anything that isn't covered in the afore mentioned sections, tea tins, card, paper mache and acrylic boxes, glass bottles, acrylic blocks/coasters etc.

As for the other section, that contains editorials from magazines, advertisements for various online shops, advice, tips and techniques and information on upcoming events.

Now when I am lost for ideas I can just pick up my journal and flip through. The beauty of it is that I can add to it as and when I want.

Making this journal has lead me to start compiling photos of my own creations to put into a similar book. That way, even if I give items away as gifts I will still have a tangeable memory of my handcrafted achievements. Cool, huh!

Get Well Care Package

2008-02-16T19:30:00.000Z

My cousin Laura has been quite unwell with the flu for over a week now and I know it was really starting to get her down so I decided to make her a little get well care package.

I made a tea book which contains five cold remedy tea bags and one revitalise tea bag, two cup-a-soup pockets, a criss cross box with a handful of chocolates and an open pillow box containing 6 honeysticks.

I used is Making Memories - {note}worthy Ava Aqua Floral paper, DCWV cardstock, Maya Road Chipboard and Papertrey Ink Limitless Labels stamps throughout.

My cousin was very grateful and got over the flu soon after. ;)

My first Christmas cake

2007-12-24T17:09:00.003Z

So, this is my first ever Christmas cake. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I made the fruit cake back in October and let it mature. Then on the 23rd of December I covered the cake with marzipan and today I finished it off by laying on the rolled icing.

Since it is my first Christmas cake, and cake decorating isn't exactly my forte, I kept the decoration simple by adding a few strategically placed blobs and a holly leaf embellishment.

And to top it all off, it tastes really good!