WOYWW exxcept it's Thursday

If I had a picture it would be a pair of bent and broken glasses.
Yes folks-I have now found out one of the disadvantages of slate floors-they are not falling glasses friendly. Strictly speaking they are falling glasses friendly until the moment when the glasses hit them.
Isn't it amazing how much can go through your head in the instant between the stupid clumsy moment when your flailing hand meets your precious glasses and you know which direction they are heading in and you know they will not survive. My first thought was that it was a good job they were ready to be replaced and my second was that I hoped my old ones were exactly where I thought they were.
You'll be pleased to know I only have to endure the old ones for about a fortnight-afraid it's not an off the shelf job. The last time this happened I got a good telling off from Mum. How I wish she was still around to tell me off but it was well over ***ty years ago! Did you think I was going to reveal my age. BETTY you idiot-your age is on your profile so they know anyway.
Off to make bread without butter pudding for tea or supper if you're a posh southerner or whatever if you live in the rest of the world
WOYWW takes place on Wednesdays-yes Wednesdays not Thursdays-so pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground where you get the opportunity to see real desks with work on .

The trouble with links

Alright -I know I always jump about in big leaps so I probably didn't make myself clear. Let's start again.
1 I am now an Independent Stampin' Up demonstrator. Not in a big way you understand but I was buying so much and I love it and I had saved up to decorate my craftroom so instead -what the heck-I decided to give it a go.
2 I have signed an agreement and that agreement although not horrendously rigorous does ask me not to promote other similar businesses even if I have another separate blog so I cannot link to anyone promoting someone else or be on any design team.
3 I can use other products-heck I don't think Shelli will be round to check my stash but I'll make her a coffee and she's welcome to a chinwag if she does-I'd do the same for anyone
4Julia has made it clear she doesn't do it for profit as you know from her blog so I'm safe linking to her.
Now maybe I'm being uber cautious but I don't want to spoil it 'cos I've just started my SU journey. Anyway you're all clever peeps out there and you can work things out for yourselves. Crafters are resourceful people which is why it's such fun to mix with them either on the net or IRL. Thanks for all the offers of help-they have been much appreciated.

WOYWW THE RETURN

If it's Wednesday it must be..............the time to pop over to Ms Julia Dunnitt's gaff-Stamping Ground and find out what people have been up to. For all that tidying and clearing nothing has changed on my desk-I still work in a heap. I decided to have a go at a fabulous snowflake decoration that is on Kath's blog Now I just haven't got a clue how I stand regarding links so I'll just tell you ti's Kath-allthatglitter.blogspot.com. She is WOYWWing today so if you get to Julia's you'll find her. My snowflake has been made using mainly SU stash. Whisper white cardstock stamped and embossed with serene snowflakes then inked using a dishwashing sponge (haven't tried it but I bet you can do a bit of distressing with the other side LOL) and SU Concord crush and Marina mist inks. I finished off with a spray of irridescent spray and sparkle produced by Crafters Companion. The reverse side I've used same ink colours and a harlequin stamp from stash.
Kath's instructions are so good I couldn't resist having a go.

DH says I've got to do a PS about WOhisww. No pics cos I've other stuff to do today but it's an iMac and it is whizzy and wonderful. He went out with a friend to the Trafford Centre -first time he's ever been -only stop the Apple shop-and they were back in an hour with it. I have been offered his old laptop which is better than mine. Keep rushing into his attic eyrie to have a play but am not getting one.

That's it for now. If you want to take part pop over to Julia's. Nothing commercial and no axe to grind just a good old nosey at what everyone is up to.

At home with Betty

Let's face it-I'm not gonna be the David Bailey (google him if you're too young to know who he is) of the cardmaking world and no prizes for originality either at the moment. Thanks to Edna of "Another day another card" fame for the idea for the medallion stamp from Stampin' Up. Anyway I've bitten the bullet and just taken my old style "automatic Betty" shots of some of the items I made for my little " At home".




Yes it was exclusive because -well because you've got to start somewhere and I started on Saturday by inviting Emma to join Jeannette and me on one of our crafty play days. No one else could make it but that didn't stop us and we had a great time. I've not had my kit long and I did panic a bit because I just couldn't think of anything to make so I just made what I felt comfortable with -bags-I am the bag lady after all- and a box. There's a few cards too and some Christmas decorations. I don't find those loopy things easy so don't think you'll all be getting them on your pressies.
The SU designer series papers are lovely-double sided, strong with rich colour. I also had to use my favourite of favourites-the jewelry tag punch combined with the tiny tags stamp set. I have a passion for teeny tiny things-think it's the dolls house syndrome.
Jeannette was still bubbling over with conventionitis. If you went and heard some very loud woo hooing it was probably Jeannette. She came loaded with goodies for me. Strictly speaking they were someone else's goodies 'cos she'd picked up the wrong bag so I'll have to wait for the other bits she's stashed away at home. I've now got a collapsible worktop waste bin (beats my scratty plastic bag) a natty bag and a cute stamp with the SU motto -"Love what you do-Share what you love" on it. . She also brought a little easel card for us both to make. It really has to be a big thankyou to Jeannette for helping me as I do have low energy levels-oodles of motivation and ideas but there's very little leccy in the battery.















Just in case you think I have abandoned all my other crafting loves, I haven't, so I've included a card I made for my little sis' birthday using a Craftwork Cards template, foiled papers, Ritzy cardstock and card candy.

In case you wonder why I don't go into a lot of details and fancy stuff just imagine what it is like inside my noddle (that's head by the way). The other day, could have been Friday, I actually couldn't remember the name of the place I was born. It was a surreal conversation. I racked my brains and wished I hadn't opened the subject. It crossed my mind to have a look on Google Earth because I know exactly where it is on the map but felt it might look strange if I rushed from the room and switched on my computer. I knew it began with "C" Oh hecky thump.

DH eventually helped me out of my personal hole. Ah well.

Any questions let me know-just don't expect me to join you when you get a team together to compete on Eggheads (for non UK followers- it's a quiz show).

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated

Yes -Im still here but have been trying to create a harmonious environment in which crafting can take place. Yes you got it-tidying up and cleaning and clearing out my craft room.All that stash was getting out of hand and hindering the creative process. There's still a good way to go but I've got some room to move and I've managed to clean my home a bit.
Since the beginning of the year when we had a lot of building work done there has been dust alll over.
Enough of that-you don't want to hear about it.
What else has happened crafting wise Betty? I hear you cry.
Well the new Stampin' Up catalogue came out and I fell in love.
Yes I fell in love with the new colours, the new products, especially the punches, and the new catalogue layout. I've been and gone and done it! I decided to become a demonstrator. This does have implications for my blog as I can no longer provide links to my other favourite places so I've got to sort that out. I don't really know how it will work out.
DH and I are not in tip top showroom condition healthwise but for a couple of old bangers we still chug along. The car metaphor probably crept in because we are going to have to give ours up-sooner rather than later-as I don't drive and DH's condition means driving is getting more difficult for him although the doc says he's ok as yet. What I think I'm trying to say is this is not a career move for me and I won't be rushing about doing demos and workshops but I'll just take it as it comes. Will try to post some pics ASAP. Did a photography workshop with Kirsty Wiseman that was really good fun but since then I've just not had the energy and time to follow through with it and am more self conscious than ever about the quality of my images.
Ho hum-am off to smooth olive oil on my skin-I'm experiencing a massive excema attack at present- nothing else is helping (not even what the doc prescribed) and it is all I can trust. Hope I don't smell like a chippy.

WOYWW Number something or other

Nip over to the Stamping Ground and get clued up first.

Now where were we? Ah yes I'd better put my piccies on-still half asleep after one of those drifting nights of vivid dreams and wakeful-planning the cards I will make when I get up- moments.

We have a sort of before and after sequence.

First there's a crafting man with tattooed arms and blurred hands (I tried twice but he was too quick for me) demonstrating Tonic Studios punches for Crafty Devils at the Manchester show followed by the state my worktop is in because I've been trying out the stuff I bought there.

The punches are exactly the same as the old X-cut ones but orange which means they fit the X-cut border system if you have one.

Eagle eyed people may spot that I now have two-that's TWO- ATG guns.

Why????

Well I use the 12mm a lot and so does DH so I got another and a 6mm adapter.

If you've not quite got to grips with your ATG (aaarggghhh-no pun intended but it crept in) here's a couple or three tips.

1 Avoid lumps at the end of your adhesive run by releasing your grip on the trigger and pulling towards you. Don't be tempted to pull upwards.

2 If you don't like your positioning don't try to pull your work off UPWARDS-it won't -twist gently and you might get lucky.

3 To avoid poor positioning in the first place save a few sheets of release paper.

Release paper is the shiny backing stuff you get at the back of adhesive sheets, peel offs, labels on your craft channel shopping. Use it to place between the items you are glueing together, fold back a corner and line them up. Press down a small area and check. If you are happy peel back the release paper, check again before you press down. If you don't like what you see remember twist to remove, if you're happy smooth it down.

4Before you use your ATG just check everything is lined up ok, especially the tape with the edge of the roller.

Happy glueing folks.

WOYWW IT'S SHOW TIME

Yes folks-I'm off to Manchester-if poss. -Fri/Sat/Sun cos my credit card is a glutton for punishment so if you're going let me know and I might even wear my badge-yes remember the WOYWW badge I made for the anniversary. Keep up girls. I'm not making an idiot of myself unless someone is there to witness it so do let me know or I'll chicken out.

If you are reading this and you don't know what it's about get over to Julia's place and check out all the other ---------------(fill in the dashes as you see fit).

Still here

For the benefit of those who might be wondering where I am -I'm still here, just not posting at present although something exciting did happen this week, my DH was able to wear his real shoes after eight months of swollen feet. At long last a drug combination that will get rid of all the fluid is working and he has lost two kilos in three days-yes you did read that right. We would be dancing a jig if we could but we can't so we are doing it metaphorically.

I am crafting but just don't seem able to summon up the energy to blog.

WOYWW (Christmas creeping in)

Bird's Eye view for a change. Card Candy as usual-sorry Elizabeth you'll just have to imagine it. To the left there's a pile of poinsettias I've been making with a Marianne designs die. Never knew there were so many ways to put a paper poinsettia together. (Those of you who don't like poinsettias should skip this bit). Finally settled on one I like. A box of Stampin' Up stamps open. I don't go on about them much but I love love love them and am building a collection with the help of Jeannette. The box you can see open is Tiny Tags. I am a tiny things fanatic. Think it is a short sighted girly thing. Anyway I put a tiny tag in the middle of the poinsettia. I've moved my laptop and- abracadabra -reception has improved by leaps and bounds-just no room on my worktop so hey ho another reorganisation looms.Opened a box today. This is my most important box-it contains a large collection of adhesives. There's two reels of the really strong stuff, ATG refill, glue dots, sheet adhesive, heat 'n'bond, spare refillable fine tip applicator for PVA (and any other adhesive you think might work in it). These little applicators are works of genius and you should not be without one. I discovered the other day that if you apply a thin line of PVA with it and let it dry then place foil on it and heat with a heat tool you get a great adhesion-much better than foil adhesive-why?-BECAUSE PVA IS HEAT ACTIVATED.

I could bore for England on the subject of adhesives.


Here is the card I was making with the stuff on my desk. Stamp is from SU Fun and Fast Notes set stamped with versafine onto some pearl card from Payper box and coloured with perfect pearls, SU rich razzleberry and old olive then PVA applied with fine tip applicator and topped with glamour dust.

Base card is washed cream colourway of new Pink Petticoat Vintage Roses download printed directly onto a Craftwork Cards scalloped card which was attached to a sheet of good quality paper with Scotch magic tape to run it through printer and hey presto a fancy insert.
Hop over to Julia's and you will be able to browse dozens of desks all over the world. I arm myself with a pad of paper and a pen 'cos you never know what ideas and inspiration you might come across. I've still got a long list to follow up on. If that sounds too hard it's just a great way to drop in on you crafty mates and say "Hi".

Now I've just got to make another wedding card 'cos little sis asked me to make TWO for tomorrow. Give me five minutes then and I'll knock one together!

Reports of a death were greatly exaggerated.......by

me.

If you read least week's blog you will know I thought I had killed my Wizard. Now I cannot live without die cutting as I have a goodly few die cutting shapes in my tiny!!!!!!!! stash and embossing folders, so I got a Bigshot.

Some people buy pairs of shoes but as my feet are unable to wear those beauteous creations I would like to wear I indulge myself in other directions.

I have to say I do like the Bigshot (it didn't exist when I got my Wizard) so I'm happy.

This morning my lovely DH who is my resident consultant engineer applied himself to pondering my personal die cutting crisis and said I really only needed a shim as it was just worn bearings. I tried shims and they didn't work I sighed. Paper would be no good because it just gives-why not try foil was his answer. Now I saw his point but foil didn't appeal to me and I realised that acetate would be a better bet as it was hard wearing and came in different thicknesses (and I had different thicknesses).

FANTASTIC.

Labelled and in my drawer with my other cutting platforms. It is a huge help on the Bigshot too with the lovely detailed dies that I had just purchased.

I will be keeping my Wizard for embossing so I can spread out the wear and tear.

Back later to tell you more news and some piccies.

WOYWW my number14

SUPERHEROES ARE IN THE BUILDING............

...........and on my desk. Julia might call this real crafting because I did use my ATG gun and my scalpel and metal ruler. Scalpel is a Swan Morton cutting knife-replacement blades are seriously cheap and seriously sharp too. Card at back is for my stepson and must be finished today. He will be 46 tomorrow. I've used the Hougie board to create the stepper-incredibly easy-and Craftwork Cards cardstock. The Superheroes are from my local craft shop Crafty by Nature and if you've ever thought about buying them I would recommend them-the colour and card quality is top notch.

Here is a delighted recipient holding his card last night. I know he doesn't look delighted. I took a delighted shot and he deleted it as not for public consumption and got his little sister to take this one. Yes, my grandson Jamie was 20 yesterday TWENTY!!!!!!!! Where did that go then?

When I was his age I remember I hated smiley shots and always wanted to look serious and cool when photographed.

Head over to Julia's place if you want to join in with us-you won't be disappointed. I'll be back later when I've finished latest creation to check out your desk. Don't tidy up-it's disturbing.

Popped back to apologise for shot quality-not my work you understand-the photographer is still learning.

Mashed another die cutting machine

OOPS!

Have forced too much through my wizard and it has suddenly refused to cut any more except the edges. Even multiple shims etc. will not persuade it. The pressure on the rollers has just died. This is the third small die cutting machine I've managed to destroy. I got the wizard because I stupidly believed that made of metal it could survive the pounding and multiple mistake making that goes on in my craft world. Ah well. Suddenly I NEEEEEEEED a die cutting machine to cut all the lovely dies I've got. I know there are plenty of other cards I can make but all I want to do now is cut cut cut.

WATCH THIS SPACE

PS I have discovered that a special adapter exists for my very big friend who lurks in the corner and am taking steps to obtain it but it is like swimming up a treacle waterfall and I do wonder why I bother.

Don't do blog candy ---BUT........get this!

You know me-I don't do complicated blog thingies too wearying and time consuming but oh heck I would love some of these to try so I just had to post this link so that you can have a go too. It's Imagination Crafts. Now you needn't bother to click really 'cos it gives me more chance to win. Tee hee hee.

WOYWW My 12A(Don't want to attract any negative Karma)

Ok-Spydie has shamed me into posting. Wasn't going to do it today as time is just eating itself at the mo but I found my camera and took a shot. Not been highly creative recently but have managed to spend some money-hey we're not totally on the scrapheap yet y'know.Here we have one of my latest buys-the Vintage Rose collection from Craftwork Cards. When I'm challenged in the idea department I like to make the cards pictured with the kit and sometimes that's enough to set my mind going in other directions. A few thoughts have sprung to mind.

Am off to a demo on Saturday at my local craft shop-Crafty by Nature. It's a fabulous place but doesn't have a website. There's all your favourite stuff in there-Tim Holz, Paper Artsy, Debbie Moore, Embossing folders, Cutting dies-a dangerous place to be with a credit card. If you are near Bolton go for a look -it's at 11 Bolton Road Kearsley,BL4 8DB. Demos are £5.00 but limited to 10 people for 1 1/2 hours-in a separate room and if you spend over £5 you get your entrance fee refunded. On Saturday it's Creative Expressions new stamp range with TH and nestabilities. If you fancy the demo you need to book as places get snapped up quickly.

For anyone who is asking my DH is much more positive now about his health since we visited the Heart Failure nurse last Wednesday and she put him on different drugs to attempt to get rid of the fluid build up which has made his life almost unbearable.

I haven't been able to do much hopping lately but the knitting is still progressing. Love to you all and hope to drop in.

If anyone is reading this and hasn't joined in yet with WOYWW- that's" What's on your worktop Wednesday?"- get over to Julia's place where she will explain it all.

Hugs to everybody- Betty.

WOYWW12 for me

Here we are again, happy as can be, all good pals and jolly good company.

I would be if I could get on the internet quickly. Had to decamp to the living room as just not getting a signal in my workroom which is appropriate as that is where I've been crafting and watching Wimbledon.

There's a new baby due in our family in August. Little sis down south is about to become a granny so I've been knitting. I also found a stash of little things that just need sewing up.

On the needles there's a beret I started last night.

Close up you can see the little Mary Janes I knitted from a free pattern I found on the internet.

I love the little socks but they were in my stash and I don't know if I've still got the pattern. It could have been one I borrowed.

The little tank top has been knitted in King Cole Splash which is a lovely multi coloured yarn-really exciting to work with. Underneath you can see the Sirdar book I found on my shelf last night. It's over 10 years old but has some lovely stylish designs in it.

Get over to The Stamping Ground where you will meet Julia who will show you how to put your stuff on display and join in the fun

WOYWWis it my number11? (slept in a bit!)

Groundhog day again-ha ha ha-and just to prove it blogger uploaded my piccies 3-yes THREE times. Had to carefully delete in case I ended up with 3 the same.

Commercial break-get over to THE STAMPING GROUND and you will find out where all the barmpots hang out on Wednesdays.
Wide view -you can see a couple of cards I'm sorting for my friend who will take them back to South West Ireland. She is so good for my ego as she thinks my stuff is amazing. Fancy coming all the way from County Cork to buy cards. I tell a lie-she visits her DD and family in Todmorden.
Close in -I decided last night about 10pm that card candy would make great buttons-not on my cardi silly people-but needed little holes. Tried a punch but a screw punch was better. This needed perfecting but had to leave as a shilling in the energy meter was required.
One drawer full of children's stamps for nosey people.
and a drawer full of big stamps and sets as a bonus. Off to get my porridge now-or muesli or baked beans on toast or---------- but I'll be back to visit YOU :)

FLOWER POWER

Well it is Glastonbury time of year and a small entourage has just set off from Greater Manchester. I am so jealous but am not physically capable so I survive on ecstatic text messages which somehow manage to get through. Don't know how the phone masts survive the barrage of thousands of calls and images and texts all being sent at the same time.

Anyway today I'm showing you my latest obsession-hand cut paper flowers. The idea is from a great website I surfed into-thanks to whoever provided the link-called making-handmade-cards. I downloaded the freebie and signed up for the newsletter. A couple of weeks ago there was a great little video of how to make these handmade flowers.This is number one which is from a K and Co paper pack. I persevered and I was reasonably happy so made it into a card then I reviewed the instructions and made another one

which pleased me more.
Getting better I used the blue colour way of the K and Co and for the centre I punched and shaped some paper and coated with glossy accents. The flowers were edged with distress inks as before but this time I used platinum colour box pigment ink as well.
Last of all I varied the petals again and used some old Laura Ashley papers and a Penny Black text stamp. The central petal layer is bigger and made from some metallic papermill paper which has also been edged with platinum ink. I love this effect and I'm pleased that such a simple technique and a bit of practice can produce great results. It's a lovely one for children provided they can cut through several layers of paper at once.

Now what else can I use?

My head went CLICK

After years of papercrafting I can usually look at a card and see what's been done and think of how I would do it or even a modification or development but this idea has never clicked with me. I think I've seen it done by Julie Hickey and Paula Pascual but only on blogs or in magazines-never in real life and it's never clicked with me what a simple effective popout it is. Suddenly watching Dawn the other evening I had a Eureka moment and thought what a drip I'd been when I couldn't see for the life of me what was going on before.In the morning I couldn't wait to get in my craft room and put this together. Two extra score lines added either side of the central spine then the floating elements-which I've done in loads of other ways-then decorate the front and

MAGIC.

Thanks Dawn. I did buy a couple of things this week but didn't succumb to a cinch although I was tempted because I know I just haven't got the time to get the use out of it.

I used all Craftwork Cards products to make this card except the Ice Stickles for the daisy centres.

Bet you could make a great bloke card using those Tim Holz cog things or just circles stamped with a pattern. Don't use scalloped cards though!

The daisies were a treat from Sue at Craftwork Cards for entering one of the blog competitions. I was surprised when they dropped through my letterbox. There are competitions running throughout the World Cup on the Craftwork Cards blog

The new chair-by request

OK here it is then. Didn't want to boast but DH took this shot of Princess Betty (Julia is the queen and we are mere accolytes) on her beautiful new throne. Why blue? Why not when it is cheaper in Staples sale?.Some of you may sigh with relief when you see that the room is maybe not quite as organised as my carefully selected viewpoints show. TTFN-am off to resist Dawn Bibby's attempts to sell me something else.

WOYWW number 10 (well mine anyway)

This is definitely getting easier-mustn't speak too soon. Put the picture I want to appear first on last and Bob's your Uncle. Somehow the perversity of this made it so difficult I had to do a little sketch and write the order number at the side but whatho this morning I just did it!To the desk then. Here you see what I was working on when I left it last night. The new Craftwork Cards Blossom Paper Pack arrived yesterday and I'm determined to use it before I stash it and buy something else. You can see a Perfect Petals template and a sheet of Simply Sayings plus a couple of nestabilities sets I used to cut a handle for the bag in the background. I've now found the perfect spot for my Stampin' Up stamp cleaner. I got it a few weeks ago and it is incredible. Totally worth the investment.
Close up on the bag which is just the ole A5 folded tent ways and a trim off either side. Handle cut with oval nesties-punched and threaded-flower from a CC corsage template. Like this because it is uneven. I shaped the inner flower with a large ball tool which is why a mouse mat upside down is on my desk. Card candy and platinum glitter glue completes the look. There are so many possibilities with this one.
I opened a couple of Really Useful boxes for Spyder. Remember you wanted to see inside the margarine containers? Glitter glues/ embossing powders/flock/liquid pearls/foil it/ wooden beads/tiny googly eyes. Have managed to fit in the new set of ice stickles I got from QVC last week but not upside down which I prefer.
Here we have wire/threads/spirelli.

If you are eagle eyed you may have noticed a large new addition to the room-my fabulous new chair. It's underneath the previous boxes. I have broken two cheap Ikea chairs on my crafting journey so I've invested in a top notch one from Staples. It was in the sale section so I did save a bit! Am expecting great things from this chair-an improved back being high on the list.

That's all for now folks except to say for those of you who haven't a clue what I'm on about get over to Julia's at The Stamping Ground and find out what it's all about. She will welcome you with open arms and so will the rest of the gang.

Eagerly awaiting a new arrival

And it's not crafting goodies.

It's a vacuum cleaner! Don't all groan together. Worried I've lost the plot? Not at all. Who can fit in crafting time when they are exhausted by the battle with a recalcitrant vacuum cleaner? The present incumbent was bought as a cheap stop gap several years ago and I hate it with a vehement passion. Oh yes. The filter blocks all the time and has to be washed. OK not too bad but it refuses to come out for a bath and then refuses to return to base when cleaned. The bagless bit would be great if I could empty it easily-but I can't. Today the replacement arrives and I'm not sure yet if I'm going to keep the old one. You know-keep it upstairs so that there's no carrying up and down. Think the carrying is the easier option,.

How else do I whittle craft time out of my busy schedule-you know-personal appearances, book signings and all the thousand and one things a busy celebrity must do to keep her public happy? (See previous posting for creative writer award)

I'll let you into a secret-I have some willing assistants.

No.1 My lovely DH who helps out with many tasks in spite of his daily struggle with chronic ill health. He is chief ironer but sadly this is getting harder for him and his standards are slipping. His results pass muster with me but do not satisfy his high National Service demands.

No2 The slow cooker. I cook ahead. Cooking is difficult for both of us. FMS memory problems have made it difficult for me to follow a recipe or remember how to do things so even the simple stuff like laying the table for breakfast can be hard and long winded. To beat this I use a lot of packet casserole mixes and make four times the amount we need so that there's three more meals to go in the freezer. The idea is to do this twice a week but what usually happens is an empty freezer and all the cooking in one week. Gordon Ramsey needn't worry 'cos I'm no competition.

No3 Checklists and menus. Yep-wish I'd done this when the kids were little. Always used to rely on the mad trolley dash and having something in the cupboard when mealtimes approached.

We have a scruffy looking checklist we compiled years ago when I was first diagnosed.On Monday we have a planning meeting and decide what we'll be eating during the week then we write a shopping list taking account of what's on the menu. We don't stick to it rigidly but it's a good framework. When stuff is getting low we write it down for next week's list. It's a bit like being at work but it really simplifies things.

Now you know all my secrets.

Here's an ATC I made on Saturday after my crafty buddy Lynne had been for a play. I was showing her different things you can do with distress inks and how to make a distressed paper flower. When she'd gone I didn't want to waste the bits left so I made the above and gave it to Leonie Pujol on Sunday who was demoing at Cardcraft Inspirations in Preston. Think it's the third ATC I've ever made and it was an RAK really. I made a little pizza box
for it to protect the flower which you can see how to make hereHere she is in full flow. She was just as warm and funny as on TV. A lovely chatty Northern lass, full of enthusiasm and energy. For those of you who don't know who she is -she is a presenter on Create and Craft TV but used to work for Dawn Bibby of QVC and first appeared with Dawn on her show. I bought a few bits and pieces. LOL.

Off for a lie down now to prepare myself for a cleaning frenzy. I will then be able to craft with a clear conscience. I wonder what's on the menu for today?

WOYWW lost count but might be my number9

Today I turned around. After all the outrageous lies the other day I thought it was time to be honest. So I turned around. I couldn't get the top shelf in! The boxes under my laptop contain some of my Christmas stamps -the woodmounted ones-there's fabric waiting to be made into a skirt etc etc.

Swinging to the left is my latest storage beauty which I got a couple of weeks ago. The castors have broken-yes honestly so I'm not going to get replacements although I'm sure I would get them from Storage 4 Crafts as they were very quick to send me a replacement section when the delivery arrived minus the central section. Have been online and found some heavy duty ones-just not ordered them.


You can see my desk now and I'm showing off. Biggest little sis is getting married next year and-like you do- I suggested Save the Date cards. She is not fussy-just said you do them how you like and they'll be great when I asked if she had anything in mind. AAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH. Not what I like to hear but they're made. On the desk is my sample for my file-a reject. Why? I got carried away and stamped some tiny tags using a new SU set-and got ink on my fingers and -------.

Close up you can see the ink. Thanks to Ikky I could position my little Cuttlebug folder exactly where I wanted it with no lines either. Printed them first and final touch a glamour dust highlight on the little hearts. Spent ages packing them so she will say AAAAhhh when she opens her parcel. Showed them to DH and that's just what he said which is why I love him.
Off to the hospital so he can have a heart monitor fitted for 24hrs. so will hopefully have a toot at your desks when we get back. It's a busy life this retirement.

Amended to add (can you tell that amendments are my latest thing)

:-if you don't understand what I'm on about you can find out more here . Julia will take you through the process gently and you will be hooked.

I DON'T DO AWARDS

You might have noticed that there is a distinct lack of style about this blog. I don't do challenges and I gave up on awards because I was spending so much time sorting out the technical hoo ha that I was wearing myself out.

Regular readers are aware that I have fibromyalgia. I go on about it enough but maybe I haven't made clear that it affects different people in different ways. My memory is seriously affected which means that I have to constantly relearn stuff. It is difficult to do a post without struggling and I write things down to assist myself. Would help if I could read my own writing!

I was blogging to motivate myself to craft but it was the crafting that really mattered so I tried to limit the blogging. Edna if you are reading this you will know what I mean.

I saw this award on Kirsty Wiseman's blog and thought "Now that's an award I wouldn't mind getting."

Julia gave it to me.

WOW

All I can say is be careful what you wish for.

This is an award for writing which is being considered for the Nobel Prize for Literature and displays a mature understanding of the problems which beset the modern world-such as where can I buy that stamp I've just seen on somebodies desk at the back of that blurry photograph?

Here are the rules as copied and pasted into a separate document so that I could keep referring to them. I haven't printed them out -I might waste precious ink.

1 Express gratitude to the blogger who gave it to you.

Thank you Julia-you have made my day/ week/ year and saved me from having to do any ironing again(I don't mean ever-just today-sadly). If you don't know who Julia is where on earth have you been for the last year, on a space station or a round the world cruise?( OK Kathy we know after Friday morning that you have been on a round the world cruise and I'm jealous) Get over to The Stamping Ground and go down on your knees now before Julia comes round and makes you tidy your desk.

Hells teeth thought I'd never get back to black text then. (Julia did blue so just had to compete)

2 Display the picture on your blog proudly

Here we go again (and I managed to get the same orange).

Easy Peasy-think I've saved it in about three locations 'cos I couldn't find it after I'd saved it the first time-then discovered I could just copy and paste. Childsplay this. (That comment is for Spyder who thinks I have a tidy organised computer)

3Be nice and provide a link to the person who gave it to you.

www.stamping-ground.blogspot.com

4 Tell at least six outrageous lies about yourself and at least one outrageous truth or switch it around and tell at least six outrageous truths and at least one outrageous lie.

Here goes nothing.

1.I get up at half past five every morning full of the joys of spring and clean my house from top to bottom, prepare the evening meal and put in a load of washing before taking my DH breakfast in bed at seven o'clock. I have a shower and apply full make up and varnish my perfect nails, checking that my legs are smooth and hair free before slipping into my stockings and putting on my six inch stillettos. Kim Cattrall gives me her cast offs which fit me perfectly. We met when she was a friend of my cousin who now lives in Canada.

Pick that man up and give him the smelling salts. Then I go online and write my daily posting before turning to my clean, white, pristine desk top and getting out my crafting tools to begin the first of my many cards of the day.

2.Julia and I have been asked by the new coalition government to draft a law which states that every person who is able must produce one craft item a week. Those who are unable to craft must present themselves at their nearest craft class where they will be shown the correct way to cut a piece of paper.

3. I have swum naked in the North Sea from a beach near Bridlington and in the Atlantic from a beach in South West Ireland and in a Scottish Loch.

4.I have been commissioned by Mills and Boon to write a novel which will tell the story of a card maker and scrapbooker who falls in love with a millionaire who promises her he will buy her anything her heart desires if she will only yield to him but she refuses him and goes off with a handsome but penniless motorcyclist who dreams of being a world champion and spends all his money on spare parts.

5Whenever I am asked to make a card for a man I shout "Oh goody goody gumdrops-I love doing man cards-can't get enough of 'em" then I pirouette three times and rush to my craft room where I quickly produce ten fabulous creations -each one different from the last one and worthy of a showcase.

6Since I started making cards about seventeen years ago I have never ever ever bought one.

7This blog posting has only taken me five minutes 'cos I have a certificate in speed tying and used to be a court stenographer.

5Nominate seven creative writers who might be into doing this.

6Post links to the seven blogs you nominate and let the owners of those blogs know.

This is the truth-up to here I was doing ok. Now I'm struggling-thinks-I could give it to Julie Hickey but she is so busy-writing, designing, demonstrating. She even makes her husband cook for her. He does. I could give it to Kirsty Wiseman but she's already got it.

I would like to give it to Spyder if she will forgive me for not collecting the award she once gave me. I love the way she makes me feel I'm in that studio with her. Get over and join her. She might do a little drawing for you. Her husband looks cuddly too. OK I'll keep my hands off-one's enough for me.

My other choice is Sharon aka the sadly missed funky fairy who created the best paper collection for making boys cards I've ever seen-so good that my nephew has persuaded my sister to decorate his bedroom using those colours. She is an incredibly talented crafter who has just taken up making clothes for the lovely Chloe. Her blog overflows with energy.

There are probably loads of you out there who deserve this award and would do it justice but I'm handing over now so over and out.

Can I be excused please Miss Queen Julia?

Just in case you didn't follow my choices are

1 Spyder at www.spyder-spyderscorner.blogspot.com

2Simply Shaz at http://theramblingsofafairy.blogspot.com

Amended to add:-

3 Kath at Kath-allthatglitter.blogspot.com

Hope you don't mind me adding you as an afterthought Kath but I was worn out after all that effort at telling the truth. Anyone who doesn't know who Kath is must be living in another dimension-that'd be real life as opposed to crafting heaven then I suppose. Go on Kath -Buddy can help you with any awkward bits.

No more Mr Bloggy today

Have had to call a halt to desk visiting. Is it housework? No. Should I get dressed? Perhaps. Has my brain run out of things to burble on about!!!!!!!!!!!! Rolls on the floor and picks up a donkey that's just lost another hind leg.

My Paula Pascual stamp sets from QVC arrived. If you have never looked at Paula's work check it out here now and see why her stamps are so popular and difficult to get hold of. Behind the simple look of the cards lie some fabulous techniques.

WOYWW My NUMBER8 and Julia's52 and WOYWWAC

What on earth!!!!! HMMMM. Now Julia I know you said-something for the desk so I put a little ribbon on it and hung it up. LOL But what on earth is it? Ages ago you talked about possibly meeting up at a show-maybe Birmingham. I've never been and it's doubtful I could get there due to the ole circumstances but if by any chance I do get there I'll be wearing this badge.
A shot without the clutter behind. Central portion is made of some shrink plastic that is supposed to go through your printer. I got it to play with but couldn't.......Determination paid off when I realised mine didn't have a shiny side until I peeled off the plastic layer. I printed on a scrap piece of paper and attached my shrink to it with magic tape. The image is mirrored 'cos it's on the back and it has to be lighter so that when it shrinks the colour is ok. The backing is ordinary white shrink plastic. I drew around a nestability frame and punched the holes with an extra large punch. Peel off pens for the lines and writing. Flowers coloured with sakura stardust pens and crayons. Butterfly is an SU punch stamped with an SU flower.
The little flower is a stamp from Make Your Mark in York-you can see it on the shelf in the first picture.
Just in case you would like a glimpse of the desk here we have last night's leftovers. Julia says shopkeeper gal doesn't see the point of chandeliers but a girl can never have too much glamour in life so bring on the diamond tiaras the chandeliers and the black lace. I wish

Lets hear it for Julia on this special day -three cheers hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray,----HIP HIP HOORAY.

If you don't understand what I'm going on about get over to The Stamping Ground and find out. Join in the fun and enjoy it-it's just for fun.

Thinking pink

One day -two posts. Had to try another colour way 'cos I'm loving that stitched patch stamp so:-SU Pink Passion , Pumpkin Pie inks/ K and co papers/Hero Arts ribbon set of stamps and inked cuttlebug folder.

This time I inked the raised portion of the folder so the ink ended up in the hollows then I gently blended the ink onto the white raised part. Finished with SU card from the brights range and some card candy.

Had a thought about that ribbon stamp-could use glossy accents on the dots. Hey ho am stopping now to take a shot of my WOYWWAC. Don't get excited -it's a small thing but mine own. Feel I may have said that before but am not checking back to find out. Short term memory loss is such a pain. Feel I may have said that before but I'm not checking back to find out. Short term memory loss is such a pain.

Kind of Blue number two

OK -I confess I'm a frustrated poet and you might have got the Miles Davis drift if you know anything about jazz. Cutting the waffle and on to the serious stuff you might remember if you read yesterday's blog that I got a second impression from my ink rolled cuttlebug folder and saved the piece. This was even more distressed and I wasn't too bothered about preserving the texture-just the uneven dots and ink-so I cut it with Nestabilities labels one and inked the edge with the adirondack denim again.

Background is another 5op in a Stamp Man sale stamp. Hero Arts wood mounted and originally £5.75. Inked with the brayer and stamped four times-I know the bottom right one is skewiff but I liked it. Motifs have been cut from a K and Co pad. Craftwork cards sentiment mounted on an offset oval punched with the SU punch. That Hero Arts ribbon set again. Craftwork Cards back to basics scalloped card blank.

Remember the swirl and the sentiment. It's all grist to the mill. I know-keep taking the tablets Betty.

Kinda blue and some other colours too.

WOYWW often sets me thinking and last week it was something Elizabeth from Bleubeard and Elizabeth had been trying out-reversing the image. Now I didn't want to reverse the image but I thought I would have a play at palette stamping or kiss stamping as Stampin' Up call it and give my Tombo pens an airing. I used a plain heart from Hero Arts which is probably not available now 'cos I got it for 50p from a Stamp Man sale. First just brushed a pink Tombo on the edges then inked a little Stampin 'Up flower from the butterfly set with same pen and stamped onto the heart-huffed it to moisten and stamped-voila. (I've not shown how many tries I had at this-my first one on scrap worked perfectly but then I tried to be clever with different papers-finally ending up with Back to Basics Craftwork cards. Carefully cut with scallop scissors.

Background is Tombo pens. Use the brush end at an angle and wiggle it then same small flower. Solid paper is Tesco Premium printer paper brayered with SU pink passion.

Yes I've got a Martha Stewart punch which doesn't get used enough. Some Card Candy and the little butterfly from the SU set.
Here we have some more kiss stamping using some more 50p bargains. Same heart and SU pumpkin Pie ink. Brayered the ink onto the check background (which was bought years ago and NOT 50p) then stamped onto the heart and cut out with zigzag scissors. Coloured the stripey block (50p again) with Tombos-stamped and cut with fancy scissors. Added faux stitching with the fine tip of the pens. Sentiment is another of my golden oldies which fits the SU punch beautifully.

By then I was in the groove and got out some denim Adirondack ink (as I type I can see there is still some on my hands.) This time I brayered the ink onto the stripe and rolled the brayer onto some scrap to clean it-but hoho Betty-I loved the patchy denim look it created so I did it over a whole card front. I do know how to get a smooth solid look but I didn't want that. Added some double faux stitching lines and stamped the SU stamp onto some card scrap where I'd brayered off remaining ink. What bugged me was I had no matching ribbon or denim I could cut or rip. A friend gave me some old jeans for that purpose but when I saw how much they were fetching in the charity shop I took them to Oxfam to let someone else have the benefit.
I was in the groove completely by then and decided to roll the brayer onto a cuttlebug folder. I loved the shabby edge so kept it and went skewiffy with the whole card. Just in case you think this was easy-well I had to take a picture of the elements laid down loose how I liked them before I disassembled it to glue it together. Lace edge has been dyed with the Adirondack ink and the strip above is a stamp from a Hero Arts set. Craftwork Cards sentiment and tiny flower is from Nortex mill in Bolton glued on an SU stamped flower. I misted the Cuttlebug folder and got another impression from the remaining ink.
Now I know we all love our papers and promarkers but I am enjoying getting back to basics. Sometimes I use a sketch (cos I'm rubbish at getting all the elements right) and colour a picture and layer it with nesties-some swirls here and flowers there. I'm not knocking it but..................................

By the way if you like Paula Pascual's sentiment stamps and haven't got any yet some are back in stock at QVC. The three sets they have are a deal at £10.99 for the three plus £2.99 p and p.

Ordered mine yesterday. When they were on air I saw them for about 30 seconds while I was dialling the number they sold out. Check out her blog-it's pow.