Sunshine In The Rain

Now then, now then, what is it with this weather? We just don't know what it is going to do from one day to the next. We have had such a mixed bag this last while. But guess what we have for the weekend ...... rain, Rain, RAIN!

Why am i so concerned about the weather you ask. Well, i've made a decision that I need to get some fitness in. My dance class takes a break during the summer so i haven't really been doing a whole lot of exercise. Last weekend we went up the mountains, the Mourne mountains that is. We spent a good three hours hiking up towards Slieve Bignian, the kids loved it and so did I. We will definitely be going back.

This week I have been out cycling. This is something I did a lot when I was younger and before I had children. I really do love it and i do want to get in a lot more miles so I've treated myself to a new hybrid bike. Pick it up tomorrow so i'll be out on along the river giving it a wee test run.

Back to some craft, on this dreary 'summer' day, i have used some melon mambo and so saffron to brighten the day. It's amazing how many cards you can make from one sheet of designer paper. Some of it I textured using the lattice square. It came up well don't you think?

These are just a few photos, I did make more but I think you get the idea. I have been  inspired lately by the blog Less Is More . I had thought about entering sometime but you have to be able to link back to the blog ....... actually, this is my attempt at a hyperlink lol. Just testing to see if i'm able to do it ...... lets hope it works.

Happy Sunday everyone x

40th Birthday Celebrations

Hello there,

And how is everyone in blogland these days?

I have been terribly busy this past wee while, and guess what? I've had my birthday, my 40th birthday no less. I really don't feel it though. In my head i'm still 23 while everyone esle around me is getting older.

That was back in April. I had a whole month of celebrations, my friends kept me going that I was like the Queen lol. I had a girls weekend away, a few nights out, a girls holiday and a party. Even after all that there was still more to come. I went to Wimbledon ...... yes the WIMBLEDON! Oh I was so excited. I love the tennis I do. I had a VIP No.1 court experience, I felft very important. Can you tell how happy I was from my picture below?

I watched Serena Williams, Djokovic and Federer. It was a truly magical day for me and I would really love to go back again next year, best start saving for that.

Now then, let's move on to some crafting. I haven't really been doing that much lately but this was a card I was asked to make for my aunts friend. The colours are Melon mambo, baja breeze and perfect plum. I added a couple of wee rhinetones for some sparkle and big button ..... just because I could :).

I have been having a wee squizz about and am seeing a few Christmas projects creeping in. I think I might start thinking about that soon. I do think I am better at Christmas stuff than anything else and I do enjoy them more, for whatever reason. Just a big kid at heart I suppose.

I'm off now to watch The Apprentice. Being from Northern Ireland of course i'm supporting Jim2Win!! And what with Darren Clarke winning the golf today, Rory winning the golf a couple of weeks ago, are we on a roll? I sure hope so :)

Have a good evening everyone.

Hands up .......

......... if you get as excited as I do when the UPS man rings your bell!!

Today, I took delivery of my latest Stampin' Up order *happy* I have to say a huge big THANK YOU to Julie over at http://ribbonkisses.blogspot.com/ as I had a few questions about the new cutting dies and embossing folders and she was able to guide me. I am now the proud owner of several of these items! I have just been practising with a few scraps so far so no creations just yet, all in good time.

I haven't posted here in such a long time but I have been making and photographing as I tiddle along. Let me share this with you ....... nice and bright and fun, just like the weather we have been enjoying :)

This was my first attempt at 'Making a Monster' ..... for a 5 year old I didn't want to make him too scary looking. I think I have yet to develop my own style for my cards so must get some more practice in.

Don't be shy, if you're reading say Hello, I don't bite and would love to hear from you.

Missing mojo ......

........has anyone found it??

I haven't a clue what's up with me this week. Normally i'm quite excited about making my cards but I just don't seem to be able to get motivated at the minute. Maybe it's because I have taken on quite a few awkward orders ..... you know sometimes it's hard to say no to folk, especially when they're an existing customer. Sometimes it's difficult to understand exactly what some people mean when they say they want a special card. I do quiz them for details but all you get is 'sure whatever you think' ....... anyone else find it hard to make cards for people they don't know?

Anyway, i shouldn't complain, this is what keeps my obsession funded so i'll just have to search for some inspiration for these projects ..... any tips for male cards greatly welcomed!!

Above is a simple wee card I made for my cousin and his partner who have recently moved away from wee Norn Iron to the big bad world on the mainland ..... Reading to be exact. It's probably lovely but rather them then me with the commuting times they now have. It's the only time I have used this sale-a-bration set but it is simple and effective so maybe i should make some more of these to see if I can get myself back into the swing of things again.

Maybe next time i'll be a touch more enthusiastic, next job today is to finally place my SU order from the new catalogue ..... might have to starve all week!! lol

If your heading to the convention, have a great time :) x

New Beginnings

WOW! How cool is this? The UPS man has visited and brought goodies ..... yes! My starter kit! I am now officially an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. My new adopted mummy in the world of Stampin' Up is none other than Monica Gale .... you can find her here http://monicas-passions.blogspot.com/ ...... lots of help and inspiration on here :)

Now, my crafting time has been very limited lately due to redecorating, sickness and a few parties here and there. I have managed to quickly put this together, wasn't sure about the distressed look but it is growing on me and I have to admit, i rather like it. This one is rich razzleberry and whisper white and i have also made some in very vanilla and rose red. Think i may make a few more of these to send to friends and family at Christmas. It also gave me a chance to show off one piece that I produced with my new cuttlebug :)

You'll have to let me know what you think!

Oh my baby ...

..... is 11 tomorrow! I can't believe it! Year 7 in primary school ..... how time flies ..... makes me feel quite ancient. He has a better social life than me lol.

Sam is a typical wee lad, full of life, full of fun and full of mischief although I have to say he is also a wee angel :)
This card captures his cheeky chappy personality. I have vowed to try to use up my scraps of paper and card before the new SU catalogue comes out, trying to save my pennies :) i have lots of other bits and pieces too that i need to use ...... i suppose everyone has a stash of some dsescription ..... us crafters dont like waste!!

Things have been busy in the house this weekend, preparations for Sams birthday and also we have a painter coming to do some work ..... yikes, paint makes me sneeze for about a week .... perhaps i should move out lol. Dont think the guys would like that.

Going to wind down now as have work tomorrow. Telly for the rest of the evening ...... Missing Andy for Must Be The Music!!!!!

xx

Expecting ....

Whoopee! Found out at the weekend that my pal is expecting her 1st baby!!! Such excitement, so, as you do, the occassion has to be recognised and celebrated.

Taking inspiration from Monica's blog (sorry, still havent figured out the hyperlinks :$) i have used tempting turquoise and so saffron colour combo.

Isn't it fab! i also made my own background for the first time using my itty bitty buds stamps .... are you impressed yet? lol The stamp and sentiment I have had for a while but this is their first outing .... i'm quite sure it won't be the last.

Short and sweet post today but I have been very busy over the last week making cards and I do have pics of them all so this blog will be bursting at the seams soon ....... that's a good thing, right?

It will be next week though as i'm off on a wee long weekend to sunny Spain (YES! away from the rain!) with my Mum and big sis ..... should be fun.

Laters :) x