Betty's crafty burbles

2011-12-25T20:29:00.002Z

Merry Christmas everyone. Am going to make an effort to blog again in the New Year. I've got a lot to do though. We are having a stairlift installed in January as DH had a nasty fall going up to his playroom in November. We are swapping rooms so he will be able to reach his with the lift. Trouble is I'm the one who will have to move the STUFF!!!!!!
Should be a doddle.

Can't comment on my own blog now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-09T20:15:00.002+01:00

Just tested to see if I could place a comment on my own blog and I can't. It redirects me and tells me to sign out of one and sign in to another but I've tried and tried and I'm just going around in circles. Hours go by and no crafting is done just grunting and tearing of hair. It reminds me of the first time I had a computer (remember good old Windows 95?). While I was threatening to throw it through the window DH would pop his head around the door and say " I'm just going out for a walk" as steam was issuing from my ears.
One of the pleasures of blogging for me was popping into other peoples places and leaving comments and now it's just hassle. Ah me (sighs deeply).
On a more exciting note. Mr UPS called today with a little box. In that box was my preview order from Stampin' Up. Had to prune it somewhat before I sent it and will try to hold back now until the new catalogue is actually published. I'm determined to get something made so that I can post it. Not allowed to show the catty though or the actual products. I do love SU. The matching stamps and punches do make life so easy.
Thanks Julia for your lovely comment. That rosette on the green card is only made with a circle punch and some simple folds. The other flower is a bit more long winded and if I could remember where the instructions were I would post a link. Will try to make time for some very simple instructions.
Off to play for a while now before watching Outnumbered-reminds me of days gone by. My lovely sons never behaved like that did they?

DH is back to school

2011-09-08T08:25:00.002+01:00

Well sort of. He has Parkinson's disease and lately has been getting lots of attention from younger women! They are the lovely health professionals who have been assisting him to adjust to the various changes in his life. Today he is going to a group session for speech therapy with his " Scouse friend". It is a bit ironic that a scouser does speech therapy. For anyone out there-Los Alamos-you know who you are -scousers come from Liverpool-like The Beatles- and normally have a very distinctive accent.
Right up and at 'em-I'm still in bed at the moment but it's porridge for breakfast in this chilly rainy weather and then I'm going to find out when to expect my goodies from Stampin' Up. S'pose some housework is on the cards too . Darn it.

Hoo-blinkerty flipping-ray

2011-09-07T20:15:00.001+01:00

Just jumped through several hoops and can now do comments again. I've not been away that long but things have changed enough to make it hard work getting back in.

Bursting with fury

2011-09-07T19:59:00.002+01:00

What is the matter with me. Full of good intentions I took part in WOYWW and hopped off to visit other blogs but I COULDN'T WORK OUT HOW TO LEAVE ANY COMMENTS ON SOME OF THEM. They seem to have drop down menus on the comment form which don't let you use your blogger profile. I just don't understand what I need to select in order to place my comment. I've spent ages writing comments only to have them disappear into the ether. What on earth does it take? If anyone out there has the answer please let me in on the secret before I explode.

BANG,BANG,BANG WOYW Wednesday?

2011-09-07T08:16:00.005+01:00

That's a drum roll-just in case you wondered. Yes it's me folks-all fired up on at least one cylinder- and raring to go if I can remember how to do this.

At the moment the way to do layout is defeating me so I'll just have to stick with this.

There was a slight edit of my desk but only to remove an image and a stamp set that I can't show you. Why? Cos it's in the new SU catalogue-out on the first of October.

What's it doing on my desk? Well I went to a training day (afternoon anyway) on Saturday and it's definitely put some fire in my something or other. New catalogue and new hostess benefits. Tons better. Instead of earning sets hostesses earn hostess pounds which can be spent on the hostess only stamp sets or in the catalogue. So that means you can get punches. Yippee!

My desk does look like a set up I know but it's how I left it on Sunday after my lovely downline Yvonne had paid a flying visit to see the catalogue and look at the swaps I got. Can't show you mine because I didn't snap 'em and gave my last one to Yvonne.

Thanks to everyone I swapped with.

Been a bit punchy and floral lately so I've been raiding You Tube for inspiration then sitting watching TV and fiddling. The green card I did pose for you 'cos I thought you might like to see what can be achieved with one circle punch. It's been sprayed with a spray I made from Isopropanol mixed with some water and All Purpose Ink. Spray bottles come from a well known high street chemists add some re-inker and Bob's your uncle. Brad is from stash. Papers are from the current SU catalogue- level one hostess gift and the S is Timeless type alphabet highlighted with crystal effects surrounded by a frame done with two different sized punches-just punch the smallest first. I could have put another circle behind but it detracted too much from the rosette. Oops first long word of the day-better get some breakfast in case I have a funny turn.

Just a minute-the other flower is one of those grungy ones but with a difference (pinched from You Tube somewhere-not my idea). It has been sprayed with a SECRET ingredient. I'll try to get back later to tell you about it. Hugs Betty. I've missed you all so much and wish you just lived round the corner.

JULIA-if you read this-I've been trying for ages to post a comment on your blog but can't make head or tail of how to do it. Something has changed or am I dimmer than ever?

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WOYWW IS JUST HEAD OVER TO JULIA'S PLACE AND ALL WILL BE REVEALED.

As blogger won't play along and do the link thingy I'll have to tell you it's http://www.stamping-ground.blogspot.com

Sorry but I'm swimming up a treacle waterfall here.

Feeling guilty

2011-06-23T13:20:00.003+01:00

Yes I am-feeling guilty that is. Why ?Because Angie left me a comment to say she was checking by to see if I'd done any blogging and it seems several months have gone by since any blogging took place on this site.
So what's been happening then?
I'm still making cards-just not getting the camera out and it's still difficult to blog away in the easy peasy chatty flowy kind of style (yes that's what I was aiming for folks) that I enjoy. There's enough serious in the world-not just mine but everyone else's as well and it's nice to get away from it for a while.
Speaking of which -part of my little lot has gone off to Glastonbury again so try to wish them some sunshine. Can't believe it's that time of year again. Out came the wellies, tents etc etc-not in my home you understand. Honestly the stress was enough just hearing about it. There's a bit of envy involved too. I now know about such strange contraptions as the SHEWEE.
So I think I will leave you to ponder on that (if you're not already in the know). Google it-that's all I can say 'cos I'm not explaining here oooooh nooo.
Hugs to everybody Betty
Hmm well I googled it myself and seems it was on Dragon's Den!! Can't imagine whar the world is coming to. Lord Reith would be turning in his grave. LOL

Trying to find the words

2011-02-10T12:15:00.002Z

Dear all, I am determined to do this posting but it is very difficult as I can't find the words.
In January my beautiful niece died suddenly. She was fifteen years old and also pregnant. She was loved and respected by all who knew her and the baby's father, her family, friends and school were standing by her decision to have her baby.
Sadly it was not to be and she collapsed and died totally unexpectedly along with her baby.
Worse still the circumstances of her death became a news item and spread everywhere so that her personal life was commented upon and discussed endlessly on the internet by those who did not know her at all, causing great distress at a time of total shock.
Pictures and information were taken from Face Book pages by the media without permission. This is a warning-you may find yourself in a situation not of your choosing and your personal information could also be taken. Check your settings-young people in particular have so many "friends". If your settings say your pages can be viewed by friends of friends you are at risk. Only accept as friends people you genuinely know and don't allow friends of friends to see personal information or you too could find your albums have been trawled by the media.
She is now at rest along with her baby. We are all trying to get on with our lives but it is very hard.

Betty burbles on

2011-01-31T21:33:00.002Z

Watch this space
Yes folks I am determined. For all you Stampin' Up! people out there I have achieved my first Stampin' Start objective. Not really sure how I did it because I only joined for the great stamps and the fun and friendship. Jeannette my Stampin' mum doesn't push, she's just there when I need her. Enough of that.
Perhaps you want to know how on earth all that time went by with no blogeration activity.
Don't ask me what with trying to shop with my driver a bit hors de combat and the car blocked in by that white freezy stuff before Christmas-remember or are you like me and can't remember what happened five minutes ago never mind before Christmas. We are in AC now but next month when you all start making those Christmas cards it will be BC 2011. Go on you made a New Year Resolution didn't you that you weren't going to be making them at the last minute ever again.
Anyway I made a NYR to do my blog more often but somehow it's the end of January.
I did get my new glasses and DH got a new pair too as he was so inspired by mine and last weekend I held my first workshop in someone else's house thanks to my little sis who got me the contact and Jeannette who took me over the Pennines to God's Own Country-YORKSHIRE OF COURSE.
Not bad for someone who only joined Stampin'Up! to get the great discount and spend the money saved to redecorate the craft room. Who needs fresh paint and a new carpet when you could have STAMPS AND PUNCHES AND INK AND PAPER AND STAMPIN'WRITE MARKERS AND AND AND. Gives self a mental face slap.
Oh we had a kitchen makeover too-not the full monty but doors fabby sink fabby fabby tap and amazing worktop and dishwasher. When the old one went kaput years ago we decided not to bother with a replacement for just the two of us but lately it's been more difficult to stand at the sink and wash up and the mornings were disappearing rapidly what with recovery time and getting dressed. Anyway it was all done and dusted in two days. The only problem now is where to store the stuff that was in the cupboard where the dishwasher now is.
The worktop is wowee. It's a Granite Transformations worktop and is like a thin skin which fits over the existing worktop. Check out their website. It's cocoa time now so no linkies and no photies but I'll be back asap and that will not be three months. Will put a shot on of my first workshop kit. and some of the samples. All very simple but mine own, except the ones that Jeannette made for me. Thanks again Jeannette for all your help and support.

WOYWW exxcept it's Thursday

2010-11-25T16:39:00.002Z

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

2010-11-18T16:24:00.002Z

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

2010-11-17T11:34:00.006Z

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

2010-11-14T14:36:00.004Z

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

2010-11-04T11:21:00.002Z

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.

2010-09-11T12:13:00.001+01:00

WOYWW Number something or other

2010-09-08T07:35:00.004+01:00

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

2010-09-01T16:24:00.003+01:00

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

2010-08-19T20:36:00.002+01:00

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)

2010-07-28T07:58:00.005+01:00

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

2010-07-23T12:02:00.002+01:00

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

2010-07-21T08:50:00.003+01:00

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

2010-07-18T16:53:00.003+01:00

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!

2010-07-17T14:57:00.003+01:00

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)

2010-07-14T15:30:00.002+01:00

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

2010-06-30T08:28:00.003+01:00

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!)

2010-06-23T08:49:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-22T20:40:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-18T16:54:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-17T14:30:00.002+01:00

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)

2010-06-16T08:05:00.002+01:00

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

2010-06-15T06:05:00.005+01:00

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 here Here 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

2010-06-09T05:54:00.004+01:00

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

2010-06-05T14:37:00.020+01:00

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

2010-06-04T11:49:00.002+01:00

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

2010-06-02T07:01:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-01T21:10:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-01T12:13:00.005+01:00

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.

2010-05-31T11:41:00.006+01:00

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.

Made a double date

2010-05-29T11:40:00.002+01:00

Well just found out he can't come. He's stood me up 'cos he forgot when we arranged it that he was going to a party. Dad didn't know so it's cup of tea time for us and off into the whirlwind social life that kids seem to lead these days for him.

Bus pass beano

2010-05-29T11:07:00.003+01:00

The Greater Manchester grey brigade have an advantage over you other lot. We can use our bus passes on the train. Not on the Orient Express-oh no no-nothing so exotic but we can travel on the train within Greater Manchester outside peak travel times (anyone who has to travel during peak time has my sympathy-they need body armour) and it's free. Bus to Bolton Station FREE then tram from V ictoria Station FREE to Market Street in Manchester and Affleks Palace. Manchester is a vibrant place and it isn't always raining as my pictures prove. I know at one time Manchester and nearby Salford had the largest student population in Europe. Even coming the few miles from Bolton I always feel like a country bumpkin. The above shot is a remainder from WW2 of a bombed building which has been transformed into a dragonny creature. Just behind me as I took that shot was the destination.

It's a strange place full of a mish mash of shops. I tried on a top hat which fitted perfectly but it was £34.99 so it stayed in the shop. This is where I ended up-The bead shop . I'd been told about it ages ago but wanted to check it out first. Now I know how to get there I'll be writing a list. I spotted quite a bit of stuff that would be great for cards but I do make jewellery occasionally. Just bought some bits to finish off my little doodad for the WOYWWAC. Now don't get too excited 'cos it's not a masterpiece and probably doesn't fulfill the brief but hey I thought I'd show willing and challenge myself at the same time. Signing off now as step-GS is coming to have a dabble in my craft room. He's ten and enthusiastic and I'm sixtyblob and an FMS sufferer so I have to be wound up with a key LOL and set going. We are going to work on the little monster thing he's been making. He has lots of ideas and I have to work out how to make them work so it's get your brain in gear time.

WOYWW my number 7 and haha fooled you.

2010-05-26T08:21:00.005+01:00

Well I can hear the rumble of running feet as everyone charges over to Julia's for the next to last before the big one (doesn't sound right but you know what I mean) so today I'm showing you another desk! WHY? Well I wasn't going to do anything but I had a little idea and it's on my other desk so I didn't want to give you even an inkling. This is the study and it's what you get if you don't downsize when the kids leave home. Technically this is DH's desk (yes I've got a bureau downstairs and I'm such a show off !). Yesterday I discovered that one reason I'm struggling on t'internet (dialect meaning the internet for all you non North of England people) is because it is rubbish in my workroom. Think wireless modem interferes with phone or vice versa so I've shifted the laptop in here temporarily. Gives me a chance to show you the other craft tool in my collection complete with a recent acquisition that I'm in the process of sorting out-a download from Making Handmade cards. A recent discovery of mine. I joined for the freebie download which is very pretty but yesterday I actually spent money!!!!!!!
Here on my screen is the Decadence kit which I'm going to combine with Craftwork Cards "Touch of Glamour" and "Gilded Cages" stamps and see what I can come up with.

Before next week I thought I would add a note of thanks to Julia for starting all this. Wonder if she realised just what she was getting into. In seven weeks I've discovered wonderful people and visited desks all over the world. I would love to visit them all and leave comments but exhaustion and real life get in the way. There are others with difficult health conditions like me and difficult home circumstances but we are all united in our love of craft-which I believe makes the world go round. (You'll have me in tears soon!)

More than the above it has motivated me to try -or revisit-other techniques. I've learned stuff too and I've also seen on other people's desk things I've got. I'm sure I'll think of something else during the day but grey matter isn't warmed up yet.

Thanks again Julia, have a lovely day and if anybody is reading this who hasn't given it a go yet get over to www.stamping-ground.blogspot.com -you know you want to.

What a weekend! Not the weather-the partying

2010-05-25T04:49:00.005+01:00

First of all the finished card. Kept it simple but there's a little surprise. Side panels are two small narrow cards held closed with a narrow leather thong passed under the decorative strip and threaded through a bead. I knotted the ends together so that the bead wouldn't slide off by mistake.Left hand side open. Printed on some cream parchment. Right hand side was used for the birthday message. This is the first time I've tried this format and I think it is quite useful. There is room for lots of variation.
It was only going to be a plain box but the grungeboard was out and I cut some vertical striped paper diagonally to create the chevron. Letters inked black and rubbed with wax looked just like metal. Card went down a treat.
Managed to stay the course with rest thrown in here and there.

More will be revealed later.

WOYWWmy number6 and rushing to hairdressers

2010-05-19T08:56:00.004+01:00

Off to Julia's again for that special day of the week to see what everyone has been up to.

If you've not done it yet then today's the day. You know you want to.

So what IS on my work desk today.

BIG PAUSE

During this time blogger refused to upload pics so went to hairdressers.

Then my latest purchase arrived and I started to unpack it. Yes folks you've persuaded me the way forward has to be some really useful boxes so on Sunday I ordered a unit from Storage 4 Crafts.

Boxes open I realised a piece was missing so I phoned and they were extremely helpful and the missing piece is now on it's way from Devon to Lancashire.

I have bravely waded in and started to reorganise SOME of my stuff into the 18 boxes.

Several shoe boxes and tomato boxes are now in the bin and I've rediscovered many old friends.

Back to WOYWW.

My son's partner has a special birthday on Sunday and a big party is taking place at a local pub with two live bands and children's entertainer. She is very proud of her Native American ancestry so I've been struggling to make something appropriate. Luckily thanks to WOYWW I found Mo's Digital Pencil and she had a Jingle Dancer. I have made the embellishments myself by using a free moccasin pattern downloaded and resized for teeny tiny feet. Cut from a window leather which luckily I hadn't used and sewn with button thread. I bound the feathers together too. Now all I have to do is make a card!

Off to check out what you lot are up to over at Julia's place. Are you coming?

Testing testing testing

2010-05-12T14:24:00.002+01:00

Just finding out if I can create a new post as blogger is playing up horrendously and I can't moderate my comments or post any comments on other blogs as I would like a life of sorts I'm not going to try to follow this up with blogger but hope it will sort itself out. So if you've posted a comment I can see them I just can't moderate them. GRRRRRRRRR.

WOYWW my number5

2010-05-12T12:16:00.007+01:00

We're all at it again for Julia over at Stamping Ground. Hop over and check out what it's all in aid of if you don't already know. Advertising done with it's back to the nitty gritty. This week is a brutally honest shot of the controlled chaos I craft in. It is lovely when it is tidy but tidying eats into crafting time and energy so I'm lucky enough to be able to shut the door on it. There's a lot of ongoing play on that work top and this weeks little bee in my bonnet has been mainly down to Tim Holz and Shaz (The Ramblings of a Fairy). You can probably see one flower left on my desk and I've posted a pic of what I did with the other three I made using -and modifying Shaz's instructions. I used some offcuts of rose coloured writing paper I use for inserts and cut 5 scallops with my nestie-Shaz recommends the SU punch but I've not got that so instead I cut into the scallop circles to create more petal effect then inked with tattered rose and walnut distress ink . By the time I'd done the fourth one I was really into it. I sprayed the paper and scrunched and pushed and curled.

STOP

I could have made loads by then but I've made myself make cards with them before I allow myself the pleasure of doing some more-maybe blues or creams and golds or reds.

Now where does Tim come into this-apart from the distress inks-well I used some more carefully hoarded offcuts of cream paper to create some backgrounds and some I stamped with some Touch of Glamour clear stamps from Craftwork Cards BUT I found a new to me Tim technique here and fell in love. He stamps with distress ink and brushes Perfect Pearls onto the still wet ink. Oh Oh Oh I love it. So far I've only done these but imagine Broken China Colour brushed with a silver metallic or pewter metallic for Christmas. The detail stays crisp and there is a lovely sheen. He resprays with a mister to get the ink underneath to bleed out but I didn't want that to happen. The rose leaves I'm chuffed with 'cos they're stamps with an old Anita's stamp which was dirt cheap in a sale and I've never used. It is the perfect size and tucked under the flower you can't see its imperfections. I stamped in distress ink onto an inked background and then used perfect pearls again. Papers are Paper Mill stash and Craftwork Cards and Payper Box and Papermania (I'm anybodies if the price is right)
Just in case you think I'm desperately untidy here is some of my paper stash in a unit bought from a craft shop that was closing down. I use poly bags which I label for a lot of my paper and I try to file back into the bag all the offcuts so I don't need to cut into a new sheet of A4. Have just heard DH's tablet alarm so it must be lunch time.
I'll stop now and pop over to Julia's. Why don't you come with me? It's great fun.

Just a quickie

2010-05-07T15:24:00.002+01:00

Thanks for all the lovely comments and sorry I just haven't been around to everyone but circumstances a bit awkward so I thought I would report back on yesterday.

Sadly the "zapping" did not work as everyone was hoping so after an extremely long day of waiting around we are back on the health treadmill again.

NUFF SAID

Back to the tidy workroom it was a bit of a set up and the wider view would have told a different story. Have come to a decision to sort out the ordering of some really useful boxes for starters as can't cope with the mess any more. I know I shouldn't be making excuses but it just gets harder to sort this all out as health gets worse so I need to find a simple solution.

As for what Ikki says about my spotting the way the swirl works with the oval -that's because all I do is mess around-when it comes to actually producing something finished it is an uphill struggle. Sometimes I get there and sometimes they go in the hmm hmm pile and sometimes they go in the bin. It's good fun trying.

Nothing to report on the hougie board yet except it is as easy as it looked on TV and I have made a stepper blank with no problems at all-just got no inspiration regarding decoration. Did see straight away a simple method of making a bag with it but will post when there's a finished sample to show. Just got to get into measure mode instead of A5 A6 etc etc as the whole thing works on measuring (centimetres one side and inches the other) rather than A4 divided like most scoring boards. Trouble is I have plenty of ideas in my head it's just putting them into practice that's the problem. So instead of blogging I'm going to do just that. Byeee

WOYWW4 and nothing from him because I'm jealous!

2010-05-05T11:48:00.008+01:00

No more sharing, that man has enough fans as it is! Closer in you can see that I have been taking Ikki's message to heart and trying to get the best from my Spellbinders dies. This little swirl is from a shapeabilities set and I have just noticed that it fits the Craftwork Cards oval messages. Hoping to do a bit more with this idea as it will probably fit the Stampin' Up oval punch as well.
This is a little card I made using the sugared almonds collection from Craftwork Cards
and that Martha Stewart edge punch I lusted after so much and then hardly used it.Here's another I made using a Stampin' Up set and a Craftwork Cards card blank. I'm trying to build up a stock of simple cards because my little sis takes them and sells them for me. I had just finished making several when she rang and asked if I had a plain sympathy card. Thank goodness I'd invested in this set because it took moments to make one with the sentiment she asked for which was in the set.
I've just fished out some golden oldies from the cupboard because I've got an idea for using the flower-from Magenta-and the strange rectangular ones which are called block-it stamps (just in case you've never seen them before.
As I was doing this the doorbell rang and the Hougie board arrived so I'm cutting it short and might get back to you later if there's anything worth reporting.

DH is being zapped tomorrow-don't worry I'm not torturing him because he's got women swooning over his etchings LOL-he is having a procedure called cardio-version which is to attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Aha just remembered the wierdest thing happened after last weeks WOYWW -I saw someone had mentioned a thing called WORDLE so took a look and when I checked out the gallery someone had done a Betty wordle with the words Betty funny hardworking creative loving. Did I print it out? You bet I did.Think I'll buy a gold frame for it! That site supposedly has ten hits a second so how strange is that? By the way I did have a go at zentangling too but think I'll keep that for when I've nothing to do-actually might take some with me to the hospital tomorrow.

Hougie is calling folks Tata.

Just remembered-check out the great video on Shaz's blog-this is such a great flower making video. Haven't tried it yet but if the results on her blog are anything to go by it definitely works. Thanks for the sympathy as well my back is improving.

Haha forgot to say if you would like to play the WOYWW game just pop along to Julia's blog and if I can manage to do it you can too.

Well, well, well OR NOT

2010-05-01T10:52:00.002+01:00

Am doing this standing up (which is how you should stamp apparently). Why?

I am paying the price for Wednesday. Don't worry Julia I know it is my own fault. Too much blogging and hopping about to take a peek at other people's work desks has left me with an extremely sore back. Unfortunately this has created a jangle everywhere else and the whole lot has come out in sympathy. Any one else out there with FMS will know what I'm on about.

This did not stop me from succumbing to the perils of Create and Craft yesterday. I ordered a Hougie board! If you don't know what one is well I'll let you know how I get on with it-if I don't break in half (or should that be one third/ two thirds) at the base of my (think it's the muscles) spine.!

Have managed to make some simple cards with an SU set I got recently so will probably post piccies if my back allows me to sort it out. Patience factor is at zero at the moment.

Cheers Betty

IN CASE YOU GOT THE WRONG IMPRESSION

2010-04-28T15:23:00.003+01:00

NO NO AND A THOUSAND TIMES NO

We do not share.

We both have our own rooms.

When we did share I had to clear everything constantly and do a glitter sweep with sellotape.

It did not work .

We are even on different floors.

We share meals, we sometimes share clothes -stop giggling it's only the fleece which is too big for me now and we share a bed but not workrooms.

WOYWW3 and WOHWW1

2010-04-28T11:11:00.007+01:00

Wanting to get in on it!

Think DH has caught the WOYWW bug but can't go as far as having his OWN blog so has asked me to include a pic of his workspace-carefully edited by him of course (he took it using my camera). Now you know what I'm up against.

Picture number one is the wide view-wipso please note this is my version of tidy. You might be able to spot Stampin' Up goodies out today plus a Spell binders frameability I've been using to make felt flowers. I've also had a go at cutting fabric with them. Iron onto interfacing and it works a dream.

2 You can see the card I made for a friend's ??ieth birthday Sunday. I cut a felt butterfly using a cuttlebug die. Cuts a dream but only got the one as you can only try to have everything. Embellished on machine, fell in love and added sequins and beads.

I also got some of the sugared almonds collection from Craftwork Cards this week-you might be able to see the corner of the box on the right.

3 SU cardstock and frameabilities plus a Craftwork Cards embossed frame distressed with SU Perfect Plum. Distressing works well with other inks, not just Tim Holz.
DH wants me to tell you that after fifty years in the dark he has seen the light. He has, in other words, "gone digital". For over a year now he has been producing digital prints rather than darkroom processed. The darkroom is empty and forlorn. Here you might be able to see a small heap.This is not card but mounted prints. We don't do holiday snaps in our house!

Before I go I'll apologise for the scrappy nature of yesterday's post. Always very weary at night but wanted to get it on before I let it slip again. Am looking forward to seeing what you can do with it. You can do this in fabric with fabric glue. If you think I've gone doolally see yesterday's post

Think you would like the stunning work on this blog too if you've not already found it. Its the ramblings of a fairy. The fairy will have already taken her driving test now so I hope all went well . Lots of love BettyXXX

Realised I didn't do the linky thing so if you don't know by now check out Julia's WOYWW

Talking of bags

2010-04-27T20:19:00.005+01:00

As usual trust Betty to be backwardsShowing base of bag

Showing wrap around former (two tablet boxes) Any overlap should be kept to the top. OK I'm good but I'm not that good.
Showing tape on glue flap. This paper was metallic and no good for PVA (test glue if you're not sure with an off cut)
The two tablet boxes taped together with scotch magic-after all they had to go back in the medicine cabinet.

Seem to remember making a rash promise to let you in on my little secret about bags.

Are you ever in a hurry to find a gift bag for something ?Don't have time to make one? Well you will now. Just remember Betty's words of wisdom- "a bag is half a parcel".

What's that you say? What on earth does she mean?

Well I was giving a talk on gift wrapping to a small group of people who were not crafters but wanted some easy and money saving ways to wrap Christmas gifts and get good results.

I wanted to encourage them to make gift bags instead of buy them and this simple way of explaining it to them came to me.

I did find the original method in a book called Rubber Stamp Celebrations from the now defunct Personal Stamp Exchange company but came up with the description myself.

They got it straight away. The beauty of this is as long as all your folds are straight and crisp you can make many sizes of bag from one choc size to elephant size just as long as you've got an elephant sized box to fold the paper around-and an elephant sized piece of paper.

Don't get the paper too tight because you will need to get the box former out.

I've used cassette boxes, shoe boxes tablet cartons etc. etc.

There are oodles of ways to finish the top, oodles of handles and oodles of decorating stuff. Don't forget to reinforce the base if you're putting something heavy into it. You can also reinforce the top flap by sticking a strip of card under the fold before you stick it down Double sided tape does work for this but I prefer to use PVA because it creates a stronger bond. Hi Tack very sticky glue from Impex is good for this.

You will find it even more difficult to throw away a box now.

What -you don't save boxes and envelopes to make templates-get on with you-I don't believe it.

Just reviewed my back to front pictures and here's another tip:-

Measure around your box and add extra for the glue flap (which will depend on the size of your bag-elephant size will need a bigger glue flap)

and for depth you will need to add extra for the top flap and the base. Make sure you add about 2/3rds of the base plus the top flap. If you leave the top flap off you could cut it with pinking shears and fold it over like a brown paper bag

Quick Quick Quick it's Dr Who

2010-04-24T17:27:00.002+01:00

Didn't need a machine embroidery ring-apparently I was doing it all wrong anyway and a lovely lady at Hobby Craft explained to me how to get the extra lift on my sewing machinto create a bigger gap for the hoop to pass through. It seems I should also get a free motion foot for my NEW and VERY EXPENSIVE machine. Have been having a go without and the results are improving.

Here there be stash

2010-04-23T16:18:00.002+01:00

Just a few hundred yards from my home lies temptation.
As you enter you pass (stop drooling) if you can the first ribbon collection
Bin diving has a whole new meaning here-see what you can find and manage to untangle it and it's 10p a metre.

Shelves, shelves and more shelves of fabrics. I did take more piccies but google can't cope with too much so I'm just giving you a flavour. They didn't have a machine embroidery hoop so I'll have to wait until tomorrow and nip down to Bolton Market.

The ladies in my favourite place did have some odds and sods I fancied and I got to ogle the fabric someone was buying for a stunning prom dress.

Now then you can find Nortex Mill Shop in Chorley Old Road in Bolton (that's in Greater Manchester UK if you're abroad) but I've been told they do have a web presence now although it's impossible to list everything on the website they will have a look for you if you ring up so you can find their ebay shop here.

Got a header for my blog yippee

2010-04-23T12:24:00.006+01:00

Papers Kirsty Wiseman Patti Picklicious CD

Stamps Hero Arts (v. old), Stampin'Up

Ink Peeled paint TH, Versafine

Punches Stampin'Up and Rollabind (with a bit of fiddling about)

Flowers Spellbinders

Felt leaves from my sewing machine-embroider then cut out.

Assembled with PVA and Pinflair Glue gel

Base card from A4 stash

All right it's not great art but I've been fiddling with felt for the last couple of days-and managed to clean the wetroom (can't say bathroom 'cos there isn't a bath in it any more so don't think it's bragging just accuracy). Hope the Stampin Up police don't come and arrest me for using their image in a public place.

Experimenting with felt and my spellbinders dies I've now got an itch I need to scratch so will probably make dozens of these felt flowers-just need to dash off and buy some more felt and a machine embroidery ring. The machine needle was too close for comfort. Not enough room to manoeuvre the flowers under the needle.

Kirsty Wiseman's Patti Picklicious CD came in Handy. The backing is from that. This was part way to a card and I just decided why not?

Iron the felt onto lightweight fusible interfacing and place that towards the blade when you cut.

There are some lovely felt embellishments in the Stampin'Up mini catalogue but they gave me an urge to try making my own.

This is the aftermath of two days!!!! of cogitation. Did I say I was a slow crafter.

Right a quick tidy and off to my favourite rummaging place.

Thinks -I do a lot of that-"shall I take my camera and bring back some piccies to make you all jealous?" LOL

WOYWW bags close up

2010-04-21T15:45:00.002+01:00

Did a close up on the bags to show the detail .

Teeny tiny bag

All materials craftwork cards

Card bag

Craftwork cards again

using elegant rectangles, chocolate box card candy and ritzy lime card stock for the flap which could open but doesn't. Hole pricking done by using a dressmakers tracing wheel and going over with pricking tool. Handle is those beads on a string you can get to sew on to clothes. I smashed off the end ones with a hammer to make something to attach them with. Made a template from the elegant rectangle to cut the flap.

WOYWW My number 2

2010-04-21T12:08:00.007+01:00

Yay folks. I've looked forward to this since I did it last week. It's been a shot in the arm for me or a kick up the wotsit! Great motivation-thankyou, thankyou ,thankyou.

I'm not making excuses for myself but the state of everything was due to my inability to tackle the task of getting rid of the layer of soot and builders dust covering most of my room. Well I did the work top and the floor and managed to create a bit more order out of all the stash I'd bought but not homed during the time I had off dealing with other stuff.

It's been lovely getting back into some blog hopping and trying to catch up with all the comings and goings.

For all those who asked for a look in some of the boxes I've opened one and it shows my solution to one of the ribbon problems -what to do with the small pieces which are too lovely (and long) to throw away. Boxes I got for something else have been punched with my big bite and the ends pulled through so I can see them.. The larger plastic boxes are sweetie boxes (Haribo probably)from a shop given to me by my friend Lynne. They are a great practical size. I try to keep stash close as it was a struggle to get up and down when the FMS was really bad.

Ah but WOYWW Betty?

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Craftwork Cards and I had a delivery on Saturday of my latest order containing the Romance project plus some Ritzy cardstock in Lime, Purple and Grey.

I made the designs in the pack then I've had some more ideas since-you can see a couple of these on their blog but just for Debs -who asked where the bags were-I made some bags.

Strictly speaking one's a card but for the other I've used a Green Sneakers bagamites template - I don't even know if you can get these in the UK any more, I've had a good look on the net but can't see a UK supplier.

Anyway I did promise I would let you into my little bag making hint but this post is getting very long and there will be pay back -sore shoulders fingers etc. so will do that later.

I'm not a layout expert-can you tell?

I'm not a linky expert either.

I'm not a challenge person 'cos stress is not good for me.

I'm really getting to like Wednesdays though.

PS thanks to the person who mentioned ATG guns. Fished it out, cleaned it and bought some refills. 3M's were having a sale, free postage too. Should be ashamed at all that unused stash and lovely equipment waiting to be used hohum.

The lovely new wetroom sure needs cleaning.

Go on join in with us on what's on your work desk Wednesday.

Mojo back with a bang

2010-04-19T12:10:00.002+01:00

No piccies at the mo 'cos need to craft and shop-for food that is- but naughty MOJO who was hiding a bit has burst out in the middle of the night and inflicted the condition of whizzy brain on me.

Fibromyalgia sufferers out there may be able to identify with this and fellow crafters. Basically there are more ideas popping up than time to carry them out and the ideas are popping in the middle of the night when I'm actually exhausted and they wouldn't let me sleep.

Eventually I got up and ate a slice of toast and watched Hill Street Blues -in the middle of the night.

How I loved that show. Now I'm going to have to do one of several things

1 Get up again in the middle of the night

2 Buy some equipment upon which I could record it

3 Ask someone else to record it for me

4 Watch online if poss

5 Summon up strength to record it on the video recorder -involves working out how to use it again

6 Forget it as I wouldn't have time to watch it

Sometimes I would love to be Belker who bared his teeth and growled at people and went around looking filthy and dirty, other times it's Joyce, who had everything, tall, willowy,incisive mind,intuitive,empathetic and best of all long dark hair-presumably achieved without hair extensions in those days.

Love to Biscuit Lid's Dad. Hope he's soon up and about.

I'll be back-and with a poem for Debs who was up at nearly midnight to write a comment. Lack of sleep and serious surf addiction is doctor Betty's diagnosis and too many hospital dramas. LOLXXX

WOYWS it's a secret

2010-04-18T18:26:00.003+01:00

I am so glad I found WOYWW. It's given me a shot in the arm. All the lovely comments got me to work and I managed to have a bit of a clear up. If you wonder why I'm the bag lady it's not because of all the bags of crafty stash I have but the many gift bags I've made over the years. I love bags because they are so expensive in the shops-someone has to be paid for them after all.

I took a picture of these and I whizzed them in the bin. Why? Because I made a lot of these at least ten years ago in the days when I had the strength to "do" craft fairs. The yellow one is made from wrapping paper and all the rest are made from different rolls of wallpaper I bought for 50pence. This is a warning -don't buy vinyl wallpaper to do this 'cos if you do you will need to stick it with evo-stick which is very uneconomical.

On the plus side-these were as perfect and strong as the day I made them.

They were made with a green sneakers kreate-a-bag template I bought when Ally Pally was at The Commonwealth Institute. Julie Hickey tells me she was demoing that day for theCraft Barn so I probably bought it from her. I also bought a tiny version later and a create-a lope one too. If you are patient I'll make some more bags and post them and share a simple bag making secret (thought up all on my own for a talk) which I once shared with someone only to see it later in a magazine. That's what comes with fame! LOL.

It's a doddle this blog thing HAHAHA.

By coincidence Debs has just sent in a comment asking where are the bags? AS I WAS WRITING THIS POST- SPOOOOKY

Question answered Debs-they are in the bin and the wallpaper I made them with will probably follow just in case I'm tempted to use it again.

Now -which button do I press? Ah yes.

Trying something new

2010-04-14T19:02:00.004+01:00

What's on your workdesk wednesday or WOYWW is something I've just found. Maybe it will inspire me to get stuck in and sort all this lot out. Notice I've been having a go at iris folding-something in about 16 years of cardmaking has not grabbed me at all. Will it help to get some paper used up or will it just be an excuse to buy some books-already bought two which look interesting and had one go.

The carpet I hate. The foam backing has disintegrated and been sucked into the vac-yes I do vac it but just contemplating sorting the whole lot out gives me the collywobbles. Would dearly love to clear it and have it replastered and a new floor etc etc but have run out of energy-oh and more power points and a new light fitting. Must stop now as depression is settling on me like a black cloud. Where is the magic fairy when I need her?

By the way don't think all this stuff kicking about has been made on Wednesday not likely 'cos I've been having a low day today-nuff said.

Just messin'

2010-04-14T16:11:00.004+01:00

OK you've probably realised that I've bought a few SU punches lately. They are great heavy duty affairs and I got to thinking of some of the other things I might be able to do with them and got the scrap paper out and messed about.

Ho ho ho you can fold the paper and angle it in different ways and get various effects as you can see from the above artfully arranged shots LOL. An X cut punch worked as well and produced lovely dragonfly wings

So then I made a trial flower in pale pink writing paper chalked a bit as follows

1 Double the paper and close to the fold punch several pairs of petals-I did 5

2 Make a base layer of three pairs of petals with the tops of the hearts curled downwards

3Create the top layer with two pairs of hearts with the sides curled inwards and upwards.

I made my first centre with a snowflake punch 'cos I've not got a stamen punch-yet- but then I made the card you can see at the top from some gorgeous Craftwork Cards paper from a Paperblox in my stash.

Just don't try punching two layers of paper unless you use a good quality punch.

Welcome Rose

2010-04-12T16:14:00.002+01:00

Just popped back to say "Welcome Rose". Was surprised to see a new follower as I haven't posted much lately. I do miss my fellow bloggers. They feel like old friends. It's a pity we can only meet up in cyber space although some of my followers are known to me. Yes you know who you are and some of you are not listed as followers but I know you're out there.

By the way I did tie that bow myself and I didn't use a bow tier thingy either so my fingers aren't completely knackered. When it comes to teeny tiny the glue is the thing and I use a fine tip applicator by Anne Peak. It's refillable with bog standard PVA and if it's good enough for Julie Hickey it's good enough for me. I am fascinated by adhesives ---yaaaawn----yaaaawn Betty's on her favourite subject--- but PVA is wonderful. Did you know if you dilute it and spread it thinly on the surfaces you want to join together, let it dry you can use your iron to fuse them together. Experiment first .

Must go the keyboard is jumping about and I can't find the letters.

Mojo is in intensive care due to serious neglect

2010-04-12T15:01:00.003+01:00

What could I expect? No serious cardmaking for four months and it has practically shrivelled away -the little pet. Didn't stop buying though-oh no. Just squirrelled it all away until peace returned chez nous. Multitasking is the first casualty when fibromyalgia takes up residence and so I just had to focus on badgering workmen until jobs got to a more manageable level. Still got plenty to do to get properly sorted but it'll keep a bit.

Now then, back to the ole' MOJO.

My own theory is that when all else fails you can still make toppers even if they don't make themselves into cards so I have made a few with some lovely SU punches and stuff from the stash including lots of Craftwork Cards papers.

Meant to put down a ruler to get an idea of size-not inchies but quite small.

1 Bases SU punches mainly with SU card and papermania red hot pinks with some chalking

2 Stamp SU- ink pink passion

3 Flowers various flower punches-card candy-liquid pearls-Craftwork Cards paper blox and paper strips plus some nifty flowers made with a hole punch

Toppers inspired by Michelle Powell's little book "Tags and Toppers" using mainly Craftwork Cards products and SU pink passion ink plus an SU stamp popped in there.

That's not all folks but I'll keep a bit back.

Have been a bit punch drunk as you can probably guess and I'm absorbed in teeny tiny world for now.

Have ordered some more books from Amazon too on Iris folding. One is by Michelle Powell and looks very different. Got to use up some of that paper somehow .
Have never made an Iris folded card in my life but the Craftwork Cards strips I've got look just the thing as they are colour themed.

Craftroom is next on my makeover list but it will have to wait.

Spoke too soon

2010-03-31T20:01:00.002+01:00

Just after I posted the phone rang and it was another workman. I love them I really do but I wish I had my home to myself for a while. What you can't see in my piccies is the fact that the sashes (the bits that slide up and down) have not been painted yet because they have to be done by a specialist who is not easy to pin down. He's coming tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it because it means three big holes in the wall while the sashes are out drying. Can't put him off or it will never be finished but it's wearing when you can't go anywhere in the house without stepping over somebody.
By the way we are going out tomorrow to a 92nd birthday party/lunch. Why is it always the days when something is planned?
Moaning is now officially over.

This is the IDEAL HOME bit

2010-03-31T16:17:00.004+01:00

Wet roomHallway -yes it is skewiff-not my photography

Going up

From the top

Remember when I blogged around Christmas I said we were having a wet room installed-well it didn't stop there. We (I tell a lie it was me folks) decided that the stairs and hallway should be done instead of clearing up and going through the mess again. I rang my brave decorator (we are past the DIY stage in our lives) and asked him if he could take it on. By it you should understand that we live in a house with 10 foot high ceilings downstairs, 9 foot high ceilings upstairs and also a further flight going to the attic--all covered in wood chip paper and several layers of emulsion. DH's love affair with this house goes back to the 1970's and he was responsible for the wood chip. In January all decorators are short of work so that was the best time to ask.

He waded in and stripped off the wood chip whereupon the ceiling at the very top of the house fell down engulfing everything including me and the decorator in a cloud of dense soot. Cue plasterer.

If you live in the Manchester area I can recommend him. Apparently he made the teeth in the skull in Disneyland Paris so he's willing to travel as well I suppose.

Plastering done it was back to waiting for decorator and paint charts and carpet samples etc etc plus cleaning cleaning and more cleaning-soot- plaster -filthy carpet to the tip- rusty nails. All long winded for us cos we live life in the very slow/just about plodding along lane.

We are now taking a well earned rest from it all but it's not over yet as I've promised myself a major revamp of the craftroom--then there's the new sink in the kitchen and a new worktop and while we're now into Spring the garden (yard wide strip at front of house!)is looking pretty awful where I tried to dig out a root last year and knocked myself up for a week.

Oh yes and DH is going for cardioversion for the dicky ticker.

Oops I forgot there's a small matter of curtains to make for the bedroom got the fabric but not done anything yet. The window is floor to ceiling and as you might remember the ceiling is 9 ft high. Should have it all done in a few days then NOT.

Major birthday season coming up soon too including a fortieth and a sixtieth. Yes I've bought a few stamps and etceteras since I last blogged but not let myself loose on them.

I have knitted a cardigan a jumper and a long waistcoat while trapped in one room by plasterers electricians and decorators so I've not been completely lazy craftwise. Just about got you up to date now. Will tell you about the overnight stay in Manchester and how little sis and I almost met Rio Ferdinand (wouldn't know him if I fell over him) later. Tata

Back in business---sort of

2010-03-30T22:12:00.002+01:00

Bet you thought you'd never see me again.Thanks for the lovely comments-they really were appreciated. Missed you all but had to keep focussed on the jobs in hand. More will be revealed later but have just got back in my craft room this week and couldn't resist a teeny weeny post to let you know there's life in the old girl yet and the old boy is still hangin' in there too. Love and kisses XXXXXXXXX

Getaway!

2009-12-28T16:23:00.002Z

That's just what I did with my little sis. We went on a Craftwork Cards Christmas do at the Village Hotel Leeds. Little sis only lives a few miles from there but we stayed overnight as a treat. Would like to mention everyone we met but my lousy memory has failed me again. I do remember that Sue and Julie made us work hard for our dinner and I came away with several lovely projects, all unfinished because I'm such a slowcoach.

As for the other pics- well we are having a wetroom installed at the moment and just thought I would share with you our ONLY bathroom. Yes we are washing in the kitchen sink and the novelty has worn off now. Christmas has been spent watching plaster dry -a lot slower than watching paint dry. The rest of the house is in a challenging condition if you happen to be Kim and Aggie but as for me I wish Santa had brought a magic wand.

DH was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease just before Christmas and the doc is juggling his other medication.

What about the Christmas cake? That's a pressie from some friends. Had to take a piccie before we cut into it. Wonder how long his face will last.
Oh we have also given up our static caravan so I've the contents of a small home piled in my lovely dining room. Can't remember the last time it was actually used as a dining room. Scope for a number of New Year Resolutions here.

Bit pear shaped here

2009-12-26T17:34:00.002Z

And that's not just my figure. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody. You've maybe realised by now that things are bit skewiffy here but we're slowly getting back on an even keel now and I'm hoping to share some of the happenings with you although it will all be old hat by then. Sadly I didn't get to send most of the lovely cards I'd been making over the last few months but I managed to make some emergency cards last Monday and print some slips to go with them thanks to hints and downloads from some great crafty places including Pink Petticoat, Spyders Corner and Crafty Blogocks.
Have learnt so much over the past year from blog hopping and looking forward to learning more. The best thing about cardmaking is there's always something new to learn however long you've been doing it and I've been doing it for 16 years now. There's always something to pass on as well. Got a card from my very first friend this Christmas. We were reunited recently and she decided to have a go at cardmaking for the first time. I'm always thrilled when I pass it on to someone else.
Pictures to follow if I summon up the energy. Love Betty

OFFICIALLY VERY FED UP--AND EMBARRASSED

2009-11-27T22:14:00.002Z

Why Betty-why are you fed up.
A damnable execrable gremlin got into my hotmail somehow and sent strange e-mails to everyone in my address book. That will be QVC/Create and Craft etc etc plus all the ones I've lost touch with since I first got that e-mail address when Hotmail went live back in the distant past in America and all the ones who haven't let me know their change of address etc. etc. plus the library.
If I banked online -which I don't -I'd probably be on tranquilisers now.
The official view from my very savvy sons was DON'T PANIC.
Most people seemed to sus it out as not being a bit like me.Think it was the mention of the 3G I phone. As my friend Kathy put it " I didn't think you were that posh"-thanks Kathy-a backhanded compliment I believe that's called. Anyway she thought it was strange when the e-mail implied we hadn't seen each other for ages as she just came to see us a few days ago. Oh and her DH installs massive computer systems for a living.
Anyway Barrack Obama (sorry if I spelt it wrong my spelling brain has deserted me these days) got one of these little b*****s . Wonder what he sent to Gordon Brown.
Been granted a clean bill of health but it'll be a long time before I click on any links anywhere even if they do promise a free download of paper.
Ho hum- Cocoa time. Apologies to anyone I haven't rung or e-mailed-grovel grovel.

And this is later

2009-11-26T17:01:00.004Z

But these are not weird 'cos I haven't taken the shots yet-just thought you might like to see what I did with the tiny back to basics cards from Craftwork Cards. As you can see I embossed the fronts with an embossing folder. I was so taken with this idea that I did quite a few then couldn't think what to do with them . Here's just some of the results. The dove is another cuttlebug folder. I've only got a couple of these but they create gorgeous results.-think if the mirri and the white were reversed it would be just as good-muggins sat and highlighted every curl with adhesive plus glamour dust but I love them.
Pink card was supposed to be quick. Christmas tree punch again with Pink Passion SU ink an Craftwork Cards snowflake stamps. I made the raised dots with the cropodile by juggling the setting heads until I found the right combination and highlghted with cheap pink glitter glue. Edged the negative bit with the glue and put them back together-would look good raised but I wanted it to post at the cheaper rate.

Here's two for one. You could do this with any letter dies-I just happen to have these stencil ones-they are hellish to reassemble when you cut them but I was pleased with the result. I edged the left hand ones with a silver Krylon pen to get them to stand out. By the way I thought about this one after reading Kath's all that glitters blog the other day-she had a LOVE one done in squares. Should have been simple -no hassle and quick-if you're reading this Pat you'll know what I'm on about.

Now to find out if Craftwork Cards new website is letting me in to the members area yet.
Love the colour coordination idea-saves all the problem of finding and matching products-way to go Sue, Julie and Richie and all the team.

Skewiffy again

2009-11-26T16:40:00.002Z

Must try harder to load the piccies in the correct order (note to self).
Anyway-first we have the close up. There's a combination of Tim Holz inks-worn lipstick and peeled paint and sprayed with glimmer mist as well as a bit of spritzing with water. Tree as stamped with the green and coloured with stardust pens in gold and dark green then glossy accents added. (This is why I don't add details -I can never remember the product names so I have to go and look for them-don't laugh-it will happen to you eventually) As you can probably see there's a large nestie and I think the little frame is Craftwork Cards. The tree is Woodware. I've just finished it with a little bow and touched the scallops with my Krylon gold leafing pen which is sadly coming to the end of its life.

I keep meaning to try this card in other colour ways but I liked the vintagey feel. Strange as I don't normally do vintage. I stamped it inside with the greeting from the stamp set.

If you're good I'll show you another weird and wonderful Betty card later

CHRISTMAS CARD PLUS BONUS

2009-11-22T15:08:00.003Z

One Christmas card as promised plus my little sis's birthday card. Happy Birthday for tomorrow. She's in London with the family today so I don't think she'll see this before she gets it in the post. I'm sure you can spot my "deliberate error" which is even more noticeable in the photo. If you decide to make one like this make sure you align the design on the paper. I do love the idea of bridging spaces like this. There's no acetate involved. Not my idea but most cards are derivative. If you want inspiration to make cards like this just look on Craftwork Cards website. The single white flowers create the stability whilst the pink scalloped circles are attached to the front with a plain circle attached inside the card. The central sentiment has two black circles sandwiching the edges of the pink scallops with the sentiment on foam tabs. It's very strong and the added single flowers stop it from twisting. Magenta stickles as highlights on the paper and the candy dots. All products are from Craftwork Cards. The promised Christmas card has been done by printing a Pink Petticoat download directly onto a scalloped Back to Basics from Craftwork Cards. Liz at Pink Petticoat suggests using repositionable spray adhesive to do this but I found that I could carefully attach the card to a backing sheet with scotch magic and it worked like a dream. I was left with a piece of printed paper which I could have used for an insert if I'd peeled it apart carefully. It had a lovely reversed scallop border. Next time. It took weeks before I decided to add the little topper which is made from some lovely embossed mirri card/woodware punch/ Stampin' Up punch/glittered candy dots/docrafts star/Nortex Mill ribbon. Cardstock and sentiment came from Craftwork Cards.

I've had that tree punch since I first started making cards (about sixteen years) and this year I've suddenly thought of several ways to use it. By the way I know the little hearts on the printing are upside down but I couldn't work out a way around it-bet there's a function on the printer setting which turns the design through 180. You live and learn. Highlighted everything with glamour dust.

Oh and I've made some homemade pea and ham soup today.

At last there's more

2009-11-18T11:50:00.003Z

Hope you weren't holding your breath. I am still here just been away in another universe where knitting/ decorating/ workmen/ housework (you all know the story) got the upper hand. A sackful of complaints have been received from my numerous fans (well my DH has made a comment that I've not been particularly prolific) so I thought I'd better lay my guilty feelings to rest.

Be honest -you were going to say I can't have been making any cards weren't you? Well October is a heavy month for birthdays in this house. There's mine for starters and two nieces one right at the end of September and one two days after mine and altogether there are thirteen on my list including my granddaughter whose card I did actually photograph.

I used Kirsty Wiseman's Patti Picklicious CD -promarkers and lace etc from stash -Bolton Market and Nortex mill to be exact. The pink and black came from a 20p bundle! The orange was a good bit dearer but is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks Kirsty-she loved it.

Gotta dash-back with more later including a Christmas card. Blogger just isn't playing with me and I've crashed twice during this post so it's lunch then off out. I just live in a social whirl. ( I wish)

Gazillions of gloves

2009-10-06T14:00:00.005+01:00

Just in case you think "what's that bag lady woman been up to recently" I thought I'd better make an effort and give you a small taste of the happenings chez nous.

I'm a rubbish blogger because I don't have enough brain and energy to apply myself to working out how to do the layout so you'll have to keep up and try to guess which shots I'm referring to.

There's been quite a bit of gadding about so you might be able to spot the picture taken at Bolton Food Festival when the Hairy Bikers stopped by to do a demo complete with bikes. My niece and nephew got in on the act too.

We had a great weekend in Skipton during the biennial Puppet Festival. A treat for crafters too 'cos it's wonderful to see the workmanship involved in the making of the puppets as well as experiencing the performances.The puppets in this shot came from Belgium and they accompanied a scary wooden skeleton who danced with a little girl and crawled towards the children.

It's pouring down outside today but that weekend we had wonderful sunshine. I've included a shot of The Flagcrackers of Craven in action at the festival. Just in case you think Morris Dancing is for wimps you should see this lot in action.Energy pours from them in waves. A tiny tot at the side of me was bouncing up and down and pointing her toes.
Ah ha -I see a card made it into the crop of pictures. My little sis in Kent finally landed a job after much searching. She also passed a driving test to drive taxis so that she can drive disabled children to school. The central section is done with a cuttlebug folder onto that stuff you sand -the name escapes me grrrr- coredinations-that's it- with plenty of blingy glitter etc and sequins/wire/jewels.

Finally we have the gloves-think I've caught knittyitis from someone. The time consuming bit is sewing up. There are several pairs knitted in Noro silk garden sock yarn which I bought at SCCS show in Manchester. Now it's a good job I don't know where to get any more locally because I would be living in penury. It's the most expensive yarn I've ever knitted with but the colours are amazing and the feel is wonderful. I've also kntted some with yarn I bought from Bolton Market but they aren't sewn up yet.

Oh and the bedroom is more or less done apart from the curtains and they're down to me-then I've got four pairs of trousers to shorten plus a bedding box to paint. Did somebody say Christmas. AAAAAAAAArrrghhhhhh!

Bereft

2009-09-12T11:00:00.008+01:00

Here I am awaiting my handyman. Not D.H. but the man who has been named "the best little paperhanger in Bolton". He's pretty good at painting too but not today. Why? Cos he's not turned up and I didn't go to The Great Northern Papercrafts Extravaganza at Harrogate because he was coming-except he's not coming until tomorrow and I'm stuck here. Not my week I think.

I love the Harrogate show, it's like my club. I get to see old friends and I know Craftwork Cards are launching new products. Hope this new look for my bedroom is going to be worth it.

Don't you think life sometimes is like swimming up a treacle waterfall?

Talking of waterfalls I thought you might like to see some pics of the Falls of Lodore which is near where I stayed at Glaramara in Borrodale. When my D.H. came to pick me up we stopped off there on our way home and both were quite proud of the fact that we managed to climb up the side to get a view of the water crashing down. We're both fully qualified old crocs and plenty of people (and small children )were skipping past us but what the heck we did it! It was full to bursting with water 'cos we'd had nothing but rain all week. For an amazing description of it just go to Robert Southey's poem "The Cataract of Lodore" . You can find it on http://www.visitcumbria.com/

YOO HOOOOOO (SHOUTS LOUDLY)

2009-09-11T17:28:00.004+01:00

Yes I am still here.

Bet you thought I'd shuffled off the ole mortal whatsit-you know-kicked the bucket-pegged it or just done a runner with the milkman-well the skimmed milk in a carton from Morrison's man anyway. Just a minute that's my DH and I've got him right here anyway. He keeps muttering about me not looking after my followers properly so I am making an effort while he has actually legged it to the caravan for a fish supper away from my accusing eyes and an amble in the countryside while I deal with the decorator and play with all my crafty goodies.

Seems a long time since Glaramara and my wet felting course. Had a fab time and been chock full of energy since I came back. Met some amazing crafters-all as mad about crafting as me or in some cases even more. You know who you are!

Since then I've cleared out the wardrobe and the bedroom is getting a makeover. There has been much cooking, cleaning and crafting and no time for computers.

I learnt a new term while I was away. Apparently people who dabble in everything like me are "cross crafters" according to Carrie (see comments on previous post) and I'm certainly living up to it.

Last friday I went to the Stitch and Creative Crafts Show in Manchester and bought Noro yarn as I've only just discovered it. It's reawakened my passion for knitting. Since then I've knitted three pairs of gloves and I daren't show them to anyone else at the moment 'cos everyone who's seen them makes sheeps eyes at me and asks for a pair. I have become a one woman glove factory. The yarn is called silk garden sock yarn. It's got silk, kid mohair and lambswool plus nylon for wearing quality and comes in glorious colours.

What else did I get? Weeell----------a new sewing machine!

At the moment I'm staying calm but the first one delivered fell through the bottom of the box as it was lifted off the delivery van. The second one came this morning and I've been playing with it for the rest of today but it is now refusing to sew and the technician is coming to look at it on Monday. I am telling myself these are teething problems but remembering my lovely treadle machine -given away years ago-and hoping it'll all sort itself out before I have actually shuffled off this etc (see above).

Wot no photos Betty? My patience has worn a little teensy weensy thin and I'm not sure I can keep up this post before I just have to go and knit another glove to stop myself thinking a bout that bally sewing machine! Wouldn't care but I've got a pair of curtains to make for the bedroom with a 98 inch drop and two widths in each curtain. Still don't really need them until the new carpet's down eh?

Actcherly I lied. I decided to stick some piccies on. The first is Glaramara-the place I stayed in and the strange bits and bobs are some of the jewellery I made. There was loads of amazing stuff done by all the other course participants-enough to fill an art gallery-and I've got hundreds of shots but I think blogger would die if I tried to post much more and I would die of starvation before I sorted it out so off to the kitchen then back to the gloves.

Lotta love Betty -esp to Carrie who I met on the course. How's the patchwork Carrie and have you managed to do any more felting since you got home or have you just been bashing drums? (More later. I've got to keep you all guessing)

Off on a junket

2009-08-16T18:04:00.002+01:00

Dear everybody out there. Tomorrow I'm tripping off to the Glaramara Centre in the beautiful Lake District. Don't worry, I've not got a sudden attack of adventure and activity unless you count learning a new craft technique. I don't just do cardmaking, oh no, I'll have a go at lots of stuff especially if it involves colourful bits and pieces and lots of fiddling about. Recently I've been having a go at dry and wet felting -recently as in for the last couple of weeks that is. On Monday I spotted the course which I really fancied - DH said get it booked and get off with you and tomorrow I'm off for the week. Ta ta. Tell you all about it when I get back ,if I'm still in one piece that is.

GO TO PREVIOUS POST

2009-08-10T18:15:00.002+01:00

Don't know how this happened but obviously if you start a post on one day and finish it on another it posts on the original day AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE IT CURSE, CURSE, CURSE.
So if you want to know my little tip for a nifty card format just go to 6th August post. I am now officially weary and done for the day. Signing out.

Quickest card ever

2009-08-08T22:22:00.005+01:00

Free download from Two Peas in a Bucket printed directly onto the card front coloured with some pearlescent chalks. Image stamped with chocolate SU ink on same cardstock and coloured with same chalks. Eyes have been dotted in with sakura souffle pen and flower has been coloured with souffle pens and glamour dust tipped on. I cut out the bear and glued him (or is it her)directly onto the card front in the interests of saving postage costs and tied a tiny gingham bow which has been glued on with pinflair glue gel.

The downloads can be found here http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/

Think I'll be able to get loads of use out of just this one by changing the colours and resizing etc etc. If I can get to grips with photoshop I might actually spend money!!

By the way this is also my quickest post ever-cheerio.

Oh yes they are official Hero Arts downloads. I love this stamp but it's one I don't own.

Tip as promised

2009-08-06T17:44:00.009+01:00

Have had problems getting this done as I just faff about all the time but I wanted to share with you a card format which I used a lot last Christmas. It's very simple to make but gives you a whole new world of decorating possibilities. I discovered it on my own but I'm sure someone else has thought of it before. I called it an offset gatefold and it fits in a C6 envelope. I can't work out how to add enough images to illustrate so will try to describe it and add some samples. Here goes

A4 card-using landscape place against folding board and score on A5 gatefold line.

Turn through 180 degrees ie work on the opposite side

Score on half fold A5 line

Fold score lines in.(if you have a bit of overlap just trim)

Now you can use it in this format or cut it in half on the A6 line.

SIMPLES but with endless possibilities which I have barely explored.

If you make some let me know please . A bit like a challenge really but I don't do them cos I just can't work out how to do the linky thing and plenty more besides.

Happy Birthday Zac

2009-08-04T16:41:00.006+01:00

This card was made last week and posted on Sunday but didn't share it just in case it got seen before it should have been. They are inkadinkado transparent stamps and I bought them locally.

Just in case you thought I was really clever coming up with that design I have shared my inspiration from the back of the pack. Don't think the pack designer used the stamps though 'cos the guitar has been resized. It did help me out. All the pieces of card are from stash. The silver embossed mirri card came from Craftwork Cards aeons ago and I didn't know I had the blue until I spotted it last week. There's some Stampin'Up cardstock and some Papermill Shop as well.

I'm working on a little (very very little) tip thingy for my next post. Don't expect a video. If you want really fancy go on Spyder's blog, she has some smashing technique videos

Sunday in the park with...........

2009-08-02T16:54:00.006+01:00

about a thousand triathletes. They may have been taking part in an Ironman competition but women were involved and I took my camera along to prove it. I'm only used to taking shots of cards so I was quite pleased with these. Shame about that chap at the back. Think I recognise him-ah yes it's the madman who decided to get up at halfpast four in the morning to bag a good spot to watch the cycling. I didn't go with him but couldn't sleep and I was hanging out washing by seven o'clock---SEVEN O'CLOCK AAARGHHH.

Felt very virtuous. Shan't be doing it again in a hurry. In case you wondered we only had to stroll a few yards from the house to see all this but that is not chez nous in the background.

This is one of the leading women and the

fella at the back is my DH. There was a bit of a cool breeze so we wrapped up warm!

I have also been doing some cardmaking. Me and Tim or make that Tim and I have got a thing going on and here are the results. First there's coated cardstock with peeled paint/dusty concord/pine needles/black soot ink all blended. This was my first go and I loved the effect. I then stamped the image with stazon-versafine doesn't dry on coated stock but s'pose I could've embossed it. Next I used old paper and walnut stain on uncoated card and stamped the same image first with old paper then with walnut stain. I was very good and made them both into cards. Bit challenged on that bit but think it's so striking it doesn't need much else. Could gold emboss a sentiment in the top right of the coloured one but sometimes I like to leave them and decide when I use them. Now if you want to know about the image I'm going to disappoint you. I know them when I see them at shows but they are unmounted and at the mo' I just can't remember

Just to end I think you may have noticed I don't do card challenges. It's 'cos I prefer not to pressure myself, just go at whatever pace Ye Olde Condition dictatates. I do challenge myself though and my ongoing one is using up stash. Anyway I decided to print out a sheet of Pink Petticoat Christmas trees and try to use every one in a different way. I managed four but I'm not the fastest of cardmakers and each one got a little bit more complicated than the last. This is what I ended up with. Managed to use a bit of my peel off stash. Don't know why I succumb to them but they do accumulate and you never get to the end of the sheet. For the circle background I mounted the peel offs en masse onto mirri card and cut with a nesty then coloured them in with permanent pens-and these started off as quick cards ha ha ha. Think I will play about with the ribbon threaded through idea but keep the next one ultra simple. This is my mantra -ultra simple Betty, ultra simple Betty. That's the cards not me. Tata

Tri-shutter card

2009-07-31T15:47:00.002+01:00

Yes I did make a tri-shutter card. It lent itself to a sort of double treatment. I'm not going to try to alter that first shot or I'll be here until kingdom come. The cardstock is Stampin'Up and the papers are the Smirk ones by Trimcraft which I loved when I bought them -made a couple of cards -and then what to do with the rest? The blank panel is for your greeting.You could attach a tag I suppose to write on. If you want to know how to do this card-and some samples-have a look on www.splitcoaststampers.com It's fairly easy if a bit trying creating all the panels but it does look impressive and I'm sure there's loads of versions you could dream up.
Back to the drawing board Ta Ta

Distracted by visitors

2009-07-31T15:27:00.003+01:00

Two little fellas have come to stay for a fortnight and charmed their way into my heart. This shot was taken through the glass of their palatial pad so there's a bit of reflection.

I don't do babysitting/petsitting etc etc except in a crisis-can't handle the responsibility but nobody else wanted to take them on so I thought I'd better do the decent Mum thing.

Darn it they are gorgeous and I've fallen in love. What are they? They are Degus-sort of a cross between a chinchilla and a gerbil. They are very lively but I took this when I noticed them stop to listen to me whistling -LOL. Rushed for my camera and whistled "Colonel Bogey" at them -they seemed to like it. They've been with us a week now and I've actually managed to stroke one of them. Not got much crafting done!

Lavinia stamps

2009-07-26T15:05:00.005+01:00

How annoying-the inside came on before the outside-I will never fathom this-ah well. Have managed to get the camera out and take some piccies. Since my discovery of Crafty by Nature in Farnworth , a real crafters craft shop with all sorts of bits and bobs, I've been playing with Tim Holz (I wish) and I got out some Lavinia stamps which seem to lend themselves to these kind of treatments.

I'm afraid I love to just mess about without actually completing a card but this time I was determined and an inside too. Why I've never used distress inks before I don't know but I really do have hundreds of inks. The colour I've used for the background is broken china and I've also sprayed it with Glitz Spritz desert moon endless sky (had this for years and it matches beautifully. I then sprayed again with water and recrumpled so that the spray ran a bit and then rubbed the crumples. If you want to know more about these techniques (bet you lot are already fully up to speed with 'em anyway) you should watch Jill Tuck of The Stampman demonstrate or better still nip over to America and pop in on Tim Holz-LOL. After ironing the paper I just inked the background stamp with broken china again and stamped the wording over the top. Fairy is coloured with Cosmic shimmers and Sakura stardust and I've added a bit of Stickles stardust.

As you can see the inside is slightly different with a bit of masking and no crumply wumply. Bet that distress ink would look good stamped over with brilliance inks as well.

Some heart shaped sequins crept in on some wire. I wound them around the brad and just to make sure they stayed there I tried out something else I thought I'd give a try-Pinflair glue gel. So far it's living up to its reputation -that's some more glue to add to the collection then wouldn't mind some more of those Lavinia stamps either.

Am off to practice my tri- shutter, cantilever and double slide cards now. If you want to see a lovely tri-shutter card hop over to Kaye's Crafty Place-don't land on a kangaroo.

Bit under the weather

2009-07-22T11:30:00.002+01:00

Dear folks-sorry no post-bit under the weather at the moment.
Spent last week trying to stock up the freezer a bit with some bulk cooking. Poor planning really as we tend to run out all at the same time. Not cordon bleue-just basic grub like bolognese sauce, casseroles and stuff. Then tried my best to get ahead with the housework and keep on top so it wasn't too big a deal. What with that and the rain everything has conspired to bring back the FMS big style.
Did manage to go to two demos which I thoroughly enjoyed. The first was at a local craft shop that I've just discovered which has been there for three years-can't believe I've never spotted it. They had a demo involving Tim Holz distress inks which I have avoided for a long time 'cos a while ago I just felt I had enough inks. Since I vowed never to buy any more inks -guess what- I discovered Versafine, which I love and I'm now a Tim Holz convert as well.
I then went to a Docrafts demo at my local Range where I saw a double slide and a triple slide. Came home and made some blanks to remind me. The double slide I particularly loved. Apparently they are both on You Tube. Impressive and not too difficult.
Did make a couple of cards but didn't take shots for once. In one I used the Big Fella alphabet from Pink Petticoat and in the other the Tim Holz ink and a great stamp of a vintage biplane from Papermania-ie they were both for blokes.
Enfys will be pleased to note that I did buy the Dustin Pike downloads while they were on offer. Thanks for that Enfys. Hope everyone has seen the new tiny alphas from Pink Petticoat- they are scrummy and I've been playing about with them in Publisher since I got more acquainted with the ins and outs thanks to all the online help I've had from Paul at Crafty Blogocks and Regina at The Cutting Cafe.
Will post some piccies when I've got something to show.

Happy Birthday to you

2009-07-09T09:59:00.003+01:00

My graduation card for daughter- in -law
Printed directly onto 300 gsm card using Paul's instructions and doodle curls from Pink Petticoat

Sentiment Girly Curly Pink Petticoat

Cap stamped on back of card scraps then cut out and layered.

Making an envelope but not done it yet

My first biggie using a Dustin Pike image and Cutting Cafe download.

Details to follow 'cos going out now. Ta ta.

Crafty philosophy

2009-07-08T16:36:00.004+01:00

Or Wednesday wandering-or make up your own title.
A while ago Jeannette (my lovely SU supplier) said she'd been having a discussion about what was the most important equipment for a beginner and asked me what my thoughts were. I've been pondering ever since and I've got a long list but here's a few for you to think about and they are FREE.

The eyes in your head. Use them to look around you. There are shop displays, bought cards, this seasons colours, mother nature, craft stores, visits to craft shows-add some more here.........
The tongue in your head. This has served me very well and probably driven some people mad. How many times have you been at a craftshow and seen someone demonstrating and walked away without really understanding what they are doing. They are selling something and they'll be only too happy to answer your questions. As for craft shops-if they can't take the trouble to answer your query-don't shop there again-find someone with the patience to help you. I've not been able to get to The Stampman recently but they have helped me a great deal.
The internet. This is a no brainer and the reason I decided to put this post on today . If you're reading this you have internet access and most likely broadband so use it not just for blog hopping but for searching out and watching craft videos. My absolute favourite is the Hot off the Press one at paperwishes.com. I think you have to sign up to their newsletter but it is worth it because you then get notification of their webisodes which are usually weekly but occasionally they do a week of webisodes like this week. There are some great ideas and even if you don't buy their products you will love these ideas. My other favourite is the one from Crafts Beautiful (which includes Make Jewellery Magazine) which I catch up on fairly often. These are hosted by You Tube and as well as advertising the issues of the magazine they also have little technique spots. I've just been viewing one on making wrapped beads. I made a couple then I had a card to make so I went with the flow and used wire on the card.

There you have it for now. I'm just going to have a go at some of the ideas I spotted on the webisodes. Tomorrow I'll put some cards on if I get time. We are going out on the bus passes. Probably to Gallery Oldham which has a couple of exhibitions on we've been meaning to get round to seeing. Never know, I might pick up some inspiration.

Says it all

2009-07-06T21:55:00.002+01:00

Wasn't going to post today but I've just read Edna's blog and I'm sad to see she has decided to give up her blog. I hope it's just temporary and when she gets a bit more on top of things she'll be back. After all just wait until winter when there's nothing on TV! and the sun isn't shining.
On a more cheerful note I see Liz is giving the site a face lift over at Pink Petticoat and that she's involved with Cardmaker of the year at Cardmaking and Papercraft.
Remember I talked about sympathy cards well I made this one for a friend of my husband. His wife has just died after a thirty year battle with various cancers.
I kept it very simple. No need for hearts and flowers. The rub on is from the same sheet as before and I printed onto the 300gsm card from Century card that Liz recommends using a Pink Petticoat download. Think it was washed out-or something like that. I put an insert in using the lovely Tesco 120gsm paper we all love and signed it on the back. I have been working on something else but it's a secret for now 'cos my DH reads this blog. I don't know why because we do live in the same house and we see each other at mealtimes.
Occasionally we have conversations as well.
I've also got to do my first graduation card for our daughter in law who receives her degree this week. Party on Saturday. She has worked very hard.
Going now before numty bumty becomes permanent. Don't work too hard. See you soon.

Oh dear, playing catch up!

2009-07-02T16:38:00.004+01:00

What happened there then? Stopped for a breather and suddenly it's the beginning of July and I'm planning my Christmas cards.

I hadn't really stopped though. I got it into my head to enter a competition in Creativity magazine. Somebody has to win after all. It took over my life because I really want to win. The prize is a visit to Hallmark Cards in BRADFORD plus thirty pounds worth of goodies (as if I didn't have enough). All right -it's not Disneyland or London but you know me I love Bradford and I fancied getting my card in the mag and meeting Claire Curd who seems like a nice lass. It would be something a bit different in my life. Anyway my six entries have been sent in but I don't think I can bear to post them on my blog in case it's tempting fate too much. Can't really imagine I might win but..........Oh and I had to send in a snapshot of myself as well ....painful.

Meanwhile we had a little fundraiser at the group I go to and I managed to sell a few cards as my contribution including some flowerpot cards which I was quite pleased with. We raised over £100 for Marie Curie cancer care.

While I was sorting out my competition entry I had to call at the post office which is right next door to Nortex Mill (Chorley Old Road Bolton personal shoppers only) so I popped in to check out if they were giving anything away and just bought a few ribbons to top up the collection. You never know when a world wide ribbon shortage may occur.

Another sympathy card

Pink Petticoat flourishes which I used to make the envelope as well.

Base card is 300 gsm from century paper as recommended by Liz at Pink Petticoat which I finally sussed how to get my printer to print without begging and pleading with it.

Royal and Langnickel rub on.

One of the not so good things about being older seems to be the number of sympathy cards to make. Sometimes quickly. This is the third one this year for us and I've another to make. My neighbour is Hindu and it's difficult sometimes to know what's appropriate but I wanted to drop something through the door to let her know I was thinking about her. I don't usually use rub ons but this sheet has been useful although some of the sentiments on it are way too flowery for me.

Final flowerpot

Seen these on a couple of blogs and wanted to know how to make them 'cos couldn't quite work it out. Think I finally found it on Craft Planet but it could have been Split Coast Stampers. Sorry if I'm being brief but got some probs with the ole pandies and armies as well just now (and the bumty is a bit numty-not to mention the head!!LOL). Anyway thanks to a major two day clear out prompted by the gift of a black bin bag full of storage boxes from my lovely buddy Lynn I found all sorts of bits and pieces including the whizzy paper on the pot which came as a freebie with Cardmaking and Papercraft. Got out several punches and had fun making up flowers with card candy from Craftwork cards in the middle. Even the tag was in the freebie. Struggled with leaves as couldn't find any green I liked except the little scrap.

The flowerpot is destined for a friend who moved house in May! Thought I'd better not send a new home card now as it's a bit late. Oops

Apart from all that I've been keeping an eye on the nasturtiums I planted in chimney pots in the backyard. At the moment the blackfly have homed in and need ERADICATING. How do they know where my nasturtiums are?

Much excitement over the weekend as a small contingent made their way to Glastonbury.

Number one son and partner plus number two son (on a jolly away from the family). I've still got the texts which I received over the course of this junket and they certainly gave an added excitement to watching on TV.

Here's just a few

specials nr a donkey flag (me "there's hundred's of ****** flags")
yes,but just one donkey shaped (I didn't see it!)
about to cry. two little boys. uh oh. ( I then had a phone call apparently to distract himself from bursting into tears at Rolf Harris. Number two said he had trouble during Sun Arise. I remember when we went to see ET.

There were others and I've not seen the photos yet. Trashland was apparently incredible (that's not a group by the way just one of the many areas on the site.

If you watched and you saw a sombrero in the crowd it might have been my babe. Then again.....

Have had another delivery from Jeanette of Stampin'Up goodies and have also had gooseberries given by DH's friend at the Oxfam shop who has an allotment. So far I've made gooseberry crumble and gooseberry fool and frozen some.

That's it then -how we got to July without trying. DH's birthday on the ninth and daughter in law graduates next week so plenty more cardmaking to get on with apart from standing guard over the nasturiums armed with some sort of spray to knock those black fly from the skies before they feed on my babies. Hey ho see ya folks.

Following on from last week's housework

2009-06-17T19:53:00.004+01:00

There was a positive result from last weeks housework. DH said he didn't mind if I got rid of a bunch of unreal (can't think what else they are called) flowers from the bedroom that I've been trying to dispose of for ages. Just before they went in the bin I remembered the great results my buddy Lynne got from something similar and had a closer look at them. Out came the Stanley knife and wallop -the bunch was deceased. I cleaned them with a damp cloth and tried to starch them with spray starch to stiffen them a bit but they have a sort of coating which also resists attempts to colour them with inks (some are white). This is what I've come up with so far. I've tickled the insides as well after seeing the beautiful cards Edna makes. Can't promise to do it every time but it does cut down on the need for inserts.

I supported this one at the back and it's on a Papermania scalloped card. £2.99 for 12 at Boundary Mill and I buy clothes there as well! Don't always go round in rags. I'm tempted when it's a toss up between craft goodies and fashion. The paper is from one of those colossal papermania packs. You know oodles for tuppence and then you don't know what to do with the umpteen sheets left over.

Last a more orangey one. The glitter in the middle is Tiara stickles. Yes I know I said yesterday that I used Tiara on that other card but it was Sequin. I'm not a reliable witness.

Just to be clear, apart from the contribution from Mr. Morrison (ie the flowers) -that's the bloke who sold a TWENTYFIVE MILLION POUNDS lottery ticket to somebody not too far from me in the supermarket DH does the shopping in every week- and the papermania products, all the rest is Craftwork Cards and nesties and swiss dots folder and Anita's acrylic paint.

I've still got a shoe box full of flowers from an ancient bunch that was on it's way to the dustbin.
DH doesn't like flowers with holes in 'cos they're not real. Somebody tell him. It's all in the imagination darling.

Blog Candy alert

2009-06-17T19:34:00.002+01:00

Now this one you must check out and I don't mean the blog candy. Enfys makes wonderful cards. She designs for Papercraft Inspirations and is on various design teams so just think, all that experience, talent and inspiration and if you read her blog you'll be getting it for free. I keep saying I'm not going to do the blog candy thing 'cos I NEED to make cards but the stuff on offer here is fantastic. Now if I win Enfys there's one thing here that I don't need and that's the Swiss dots folder but I do know someone who can give it a good home so don't worry.

Today's haul

2009-06-16T19:08:00.003+01:00

And here we have it, managed to get the inside on before the outside but what the heck? Found some more kraft type card in my fabled stash today and it's even better than the last lot. When I was diagnosed eight years ago or thereabouts I was so ill I could barely stay awake or walk or think-get the drift-DH said if you can't make cards why don't you go in your craft room and sort out your card. Eight years on I'm still glad it's what I did because I separated all the A4 into poly bags and labeled them with colour and sometimes added a comment like "lovely" or "thin" then I put them in order of colours of the rainbow plus neutrals. Every time I use any I put the bits back in the bags so that I don't always need to use a full sheet. Mind you, can't say the additions since then have been fitted in as well as they should be. Back to today. Now you know I've been a bit framey lately and I've been painting them with acrylic (79p at Boundary mill). Why not round ones? So I did, with my nesties, which I embossed with swiss dots folder. Then I remembered some thin mirri card my little sis gave me. I was going to mount it on card but oh wowee it's fab for punching with enough stiffness for some body. That lovely foiled paper is Craftwork Cards. It's so lush you don't need much.

Had a break and watched a bit of Dawny today. She was selling some nice cream and white embellies. There were little dresses and flowers so I hiked out a (you know what's coming next) -Craftwork Cards template from yonks ago and some more of those lovely foiled papers. The template is only a pound- that's a pound- in the sale and postage is £1.95 so it would still be less than I paid for it. The brads came from Arty Miss in their sale. They're making memories brads that I've fancied for ages but thought they were just too dear. Got 'em for 99p -and a few other bits 'n' pieces. Punched the little gold flowers out of a teeny weeny bit of the foiled paper I had left over.

Aha -the glitter glue I used on the pink thingummy jig is Tiara stickles. Was lucky enough to find an envelope in my envelope drawer (will post a piccy one day) that fitted that dress card but can't make any more unless I get -or make- some more envelopes. Tara folks.

What is she on about?

2009-06-15T16:03:00.002+01:00

Oh crikey

What on earth did I mean? Didn't put the picture on of the orange one so here it is

Sorry to Spyder

2009-06-15T14:51:00.011+01:00

Way back when Spyder left me an award on her blog but my life moves so slowly that I've just not posted anything about it.

This is how my brain works :-I've just looked at what she wrote and checked out her blog details so that I can create a link and 'cos I didn't write it down I'm going to have to check it out again. Oh flipperdy doodle! What's more I'm s'posed to award this to fifteen new to me blogs. Oh c'mon! Fifteen purleeze. So listen if you visit me and you've got a blog just collect the award for yourself and leave me a comment if you would like to. That way all you lovely people (getting to sound like Tommy Trinder) will know who you are and also how much I appreciate you all although the weight of the responsibility is getting a bit phhhhrrrrhhh (big sigh).

Getting back to yesterday. National Media Museum was wonderful as ever and Bradford has just been made the World's first UNESCO city of film. Noticed an ad for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince for sometime in July with some scenes filmed in IMAX. Could be going again soon then if we can get tickets. If you decide to go there is also Saltaire not far away which is a World Heritage site. There you can see David Hockney originals (great if your kids are studying Art) and look at a wonderful church with the most incredible interior or just stroll by the water and wander into Shipley Glen.

Singing the praises of the North West instead of Yorkshire (ahhh, Yorkshire, sigh) have you heard of Gallery Oldham? They have some great exhibitions there and there's one on now which looks interesting called Fairies by Samantha Bryan. Looks like one for the kids or the kid in you which we all have lurking somewhere.

Promised I would show you what I'd been up to and if I don't hurry up I won't have time to develop another idea I had yesterday.

Quick details but if you'd like more just ask.

First thanks to Kath for several goodies she sent me a while back for the comments I made about her cards on Craftwork Cards blog. I'm busy trying to make cards for a small event at a group I attend to raise funds for Marie Curie cancer care and the goodies are coming in useful.

Second- I've gone diddy. I've loads of these little cards which came in a Craftwork Cards goody bag. I find these bags irresistable and consequently there's a large collection of blank cards to go at.

Third-see what I mean about that colour scheme I used the other day? Can you spot the way the little stamped flowers just pop out when they are coloured with white crayon. I've used Karisma ones but any high quality ones would give the same effect and I did remember I had some Generals chalk pencils so might try those as well.

There is some lovely foiled kraft paper from Craftwork cards and I've painted the little embossed frames with acrylic paint and rubbed some brilliance ink on them to give a lift. I used pink ink on the orange acrylic to make it zing a bit.

I used metallic crayons from crayola to colour the little japanese ladies but I'm going to try promarkers as I had a play last night and was impressed with the effect. They were silver embossed on the brown paper then coloured.

I also managed to slip in one for the lads with some leftover shabby princess paper I had.

Any questions you know where to find me? I'm just going for a lie down.

A Quickie

2009-06-14T09:03:00.002+01:00

Not "care bears" no, I meant Forever Friends. Keep up with me and I'll try to keep up with myself. So, just a quick posting 'cos we're off to Bradford - the place of our honeymoon-to see an exhibition by Don McCullin at the National Media Museum. I crafted yesterday and if I've got time I'll put them on when I get home but it's Cardiff Singer of the Year on BBC2 tonight so we'll be back for that, quick meal, then an evening of culture. Here's a piccie of my worktop the other day to give you a flavour of what I've been messing with.

Determination is the buzz word

2009-06-11T14:42:00.007+01:00

What do I mean by that? Every time I mean to do a posting I put the dashboard on and that's it. The good resolutions fly out the window and I'm immersed in the blog world and all the wonderful cards and everybody's news.

So what's new with me? Today we have mostly been doing HOUSEWORK!!!!

Before you get out the garlic I need to explain that as the ole condition has improved this year I've actually been able to do said..............housework without having to go to bed after one little bit and take pain killers. In fact I've been revelling in the novelty of being able to do it and having a brain and body left over at the end. No pushing though-just in case you FMS peeps out there are worried for me- I've left the bathroom for tomorrow. DH and I are feeling exceptionally virtuous so we are rewarding ourselves with playtime. So if you feel like popping in I won't have to do too much fast tidying up (unless you are thinking of popping into my craft room that is -which reminds me............

I've spent over two days searching for some stamps. Haha-must be some old ones you've put away and thought about using again Betty-no no no I say, just the opposite. I tidied up in my craftroom for a play day with little sis and Jeannette and it was sometime later that I remembered I'd got a do crafts goody bag with Daisy and Dandelion stamps in. Now I know I got those stamps, heck I made a card with one of them and now I wanted to make another one. The more determined I was to find them the more they eluded me. I tried all my favourite search techniques which are as follows:-

1 Look under your nose

2 Look under your nose again

3 Look in the place you would put them usually

4 Look under your nose

5 Have a cup of tea and make a card

6 Look where they definitely wouldn't be

7 Search every blasted box, shelf, drawer, file, in among the magazines.

8 Straighten the craft room and pretend you weren't looking for them anyway

9 In desperation empty the rubbish bins-just in case (which is why there are scraps all over the floor AGAIN)

10 I GAVE UP

Guess what, I saw a bit of blue poking out from under some fabric that hasn't moved for years, definitely, and underneath it was the goody bag just being goody goody and sitting right where I put it when I tidied up to make room for Jeannette and lil sis.

That took care of most of Saturday and Sunday morning

DH said "spose you want to craft then and not go out this afternoon"

I thought, "No I'm going out with my dearly beloved".

We went to the Haworth Art gallery which is just outside Accrington, not in Haworth as you would suppose. It has the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe. We didn't go for the glass though, we went to see an exhibition of prints produced by an artist called Agnes Miller Parker for a collection of Aesop's fables. She trained at The Glasgow School of Art and later in London and is famous for her beautiful book illustrations. I am lucky enough to own a book called Down River by H. E. Bates (Darling Buds of May fame) which was illustrated by her. I've given up collecting illustrated books since I couldn't work any more, I daren't even look at them in case I'm tempted but I can go to exhibitions.

Anyway it was a lovely afternoon out and I did pay homage to the Tiffany which I adore,especially a particular lava glass vase in purple and gold. If you've only seen Repro Tiffany lamps you'll be stunned by this collection and the complexity and variation of the work. The scale of some of the projects they undertook was mind boggling.

We are having more culture this week. It's Cardiff Singer of the World every night on BBC4. Yes I did watch Britain's Got Talent but Mozart, Handel and all the crew sung by the world's great up and coming (young and fit too!) singers, without buzzers to interrupt them, is breathtaking.

In between the culture, the cleaning and the searching I have made some cards

Number one is what I did AFTER I'd found Daisy and Dandelion. Weary but determined I managed something. He is stamped with chocolate SU ink on some great Papermill Shop paper from my stash (of more later)Number two is a stamp from Little Claire (must get this one in the post) mounted on some mirri then some Craftwork Cards papers and painted with Lyra Aquacolors. The lefthand tree has been lifted slightly but the others are glued on top to give a hint of dimension without compromising postage costs!Number three is another of the images I stamped with Jeannette's SU set. Coloured with chalks, bit of mirri then SU Bashful Blue textured card good ole Swiss Dots embossing folder and the little buttons on the back are a cuttlebug folder border set. The sentiment is some lettering from another stamp I scaled down (by guesswork) and used my hotfoil print wizard to do it. Should use it more often really 'cos when I make the effort I'm happy with it especially when I'm stuck for the right words. A bit of PVA and glitter too.Number four is all Craftwork Cards except the ink and the gold mirri card. The stamp is from the set called Misaki and I inked the leaves with Olympia Green Versafine stamped them, cleaned the stamp, masked the leaves with acetate inked the pot with toffee versafine and lined it up and stamped. This idea really excited me (go on -you use it all the time-well I just thought of it myself) and it worked first time. I love this stamp

Saved this one for last 'cos it's my favourite. Can't claim the colour scheme idea for myself. I saw it in the Stampin' Up catalogue and fell in love with it. Remember the first card? It's the same paper stamped with SU chocolate ink again. The stamp is called "girl in grass" by Stamps Happen and I've had it years. I used white and brown coloured pencils. If you use them on their side you get that chalk look and you can use the point to get the detail. I love this monochrome effect. The paper has a light texture to it. I'm sure you could do a bit of distressy type thingummy with this but I kept it simple as mine just look a mess when I try that. The colour scheme was from the SU catalogue too -cream, brown and the blue textured again.

Before you say eh oop you could use this idea with other stamps- I have tried it and it's brill. In fact I tried it on daisy, or was that dandelion? Anyway it looks great. I've tried it on a care bear too. What's that? You've not got any, well nip round and you can have a borrow!

Was going to put a piccy up of my test bits but it's tea time now and my man needs feeding so ta ta from the North of England (IT'S GRIN OOP 'ERE THA KNAWS)

One more thing

2009-06-06T16:18:00.002+01:00

If you read my blog the other day you would know I was having a bit of a grumpy day and muttered about "dossers" around here. An interested party (my DH) has asked me to point out that dossers are actually people who live and sleep on the street and he has never come across any around here. Suppose that's because he's worried that my mutterings might affect the value of our house! If you're reading this sweetie pie tee hee hee, I know we won't be moving any time in the near future if you have anything to do with it.

Stampman has a blog!!!! AND BLOG CANDY

2009-06-06T15:32:00.007+01:00

Where did I find out about it? From Jeannette, one of my latest crafty, bloggy buddies. This is ironic because The Stampman was where it all started for me.

Back in the day-which is becoming my catch phrase-I found a table in a craft centre in Ilkley. A couple were doing the old heat gun/embossing powder magic and rapidly got my attention. I bought a little bag with an embossing ink pad two little jars of powder, one silver and one gold, and a stamp with a dove on. I was told to use a toaster or an electric ring to emboss over and given some scraps of card to have a go on when I got home. They were friendly and helpful.

I progressed to a paint stripper to heat the powder but struggled dreadfully as I lived a long way from Ilkley and there were no magazines and no internet etc etc etc. to help with my problems.

They progressed to a tiny shop in Skipton which they called The Stampman and we progressed to a holiday static caravan which was (and still is) near Gisburn ( not far from Skipton -surprise surprise) and I was able to get my fix at least once a fortnight.

It's a long , long way from then to now and a great deal of money has been spent since then. I'll tell you some more later, perhaps. There was the trip to London with my sister and my nephew who was still being breastfed at the time-crafting in hotel rooms-chatting up demonstrators-spending on crafty stuff at the Commonwealth Institute which is where the Ally Pally do used to take place.

Get to the point Betty I hear you cry. Well this is the point -The Stampman has blog candy. I don't often do the blog candy thing but this is different. The Stampman is where it all started for me and so I think you should pop over and pay them a visit.

Now how do you do those linky things?

Naughty Naughty slappy handy

2009-06-04T17:36:00.004+01:00

Who'se been a naughty girl then and not posted for ages? I've been doing some crafty things though and today I've been having a grumpy old woman day as well but I was cheered up by a little boy and made to realise I should chill a bit.

What's the story then?

First a crafting update

Last Saturday three of us had a crafty day. Jeanette brought my Stampin' Up order and little sis came over from Leeds so all three of us played all day. Jeanette brought quite a lot of her stamps and I stamped some images before she left as well as using one of the sentiment stamps to create a card which was promptly snaffled by little sis for a letter to Allison so if she's reading this and she hasn't got one yet.........

I did manage another card with one of the images yesterday and also fitted in a visit to one of my favourite haunts just around the corner from where I live. It's an Aladin's cave for crafters and browsers known as Nortex Mill. I try not to go too often as I can always find something to buy even if it's only rooted out of the 10p a metre ribbon bin -a massive tangle of all sorts of rubbish mixed with stuff you know you can find a use for. Measure it off against the side of the bin (roughly a metre) and snip it with the scissors attached to the side. Sort of economical , except.....3 metres of this and 3 metres of that..... before long it's a fiver......get home and then you have to find somewhere to put it where you''ll find it. It's the most fun I can have with a fiver.

Did this card when I got back. Stampin' Up wheel rolled on lime pastel chalk ink, Stampin' Up teddy chalked with pearlescent chalks and highlighted with glitter glue. Base card is paper mill shop and pink is craftwork cards softies. The tiny roses and lace are from Nortex Mill which is personal shoppers only and the sentiment is an Inca stamp I've had since back in the day. I know the wheel has missed in places but I quite liked the soft effect that created so decided not to scrap it.

Here's a pic of some of the goodies I brought back from the mill. Got plenty of those roses to go at

Just in case you're wondering-none of these were from the 10p a metre bin- more's the pity.

I did say I would tell you why I've been grumpy old woman today.......

well..... litter is one of my bugbears. I live in an area of large Edwardian houses which if they were in a posh area of London would make me a millionaire but they're not and there's not much garden either (which suits DH). Unfortunately although I do have some amazing neighbours who've lived round here for years I also have bedsit dwellers who come and go anonymously and don't care about the general environment because- well because. They have their reasons which sadly are in some cases drug and alcohol related. Twenty odd years ago when I first came to live around here I was friendly and outgoing with quite a few of the bedsit community but now I'm much more wary. Anyway-litter. It's the dustbins you see. If people don't take care they don't get emptied then black bags get dumped in the street which get dragged about by dogs, cats, pigeons and probably dossers looking for food. It spirals and litter gets blown all over the street. This week I cleared a lot and put it in my bin, tidied up someone elses bins etc etc.

Todays blog will grow and grow and a request has been made for fooooood so you'll have to wait for the next installment. Byeee

Slowly coming round

2009-05-21T16:04:00.008+01:00

Papers Shabby Princess free download
Card from stash (some years old but all from Paper Mill shop) and a fantastic match for the paper. Knew it would come in handy if I kept it long enough. Alphabet stamps are years old too from Jennie Hulme at The stamp connection. Just checked and she trades as www.theartisticstamper.com but I couldn't find that alphabet which I suspect I've had for about ten years.
Brads are Making memories and I got them from Arty Miss last week. It's the first time I've bought from them and their offers seem too good to be true or gone by the time you check them out but this time I did succumb quickly enough

Base card is Craftwork Cards Back to basics printed with a design from the Funky Fairy Boys and Girls collection. The Funky Fairy herself is coloured with promarkers (I've not got many so my colour scheme was decided for me almost).
Background is some lilac card which I've been very sparing with 'cos I don't know where it came from and I've not got much left. Hope I can find some more. I love to make those mounts smaller so that it gives the image more impact. Think you'll have spotted cuttlebug embossing and nesties.

Must still be weary as managed to delete a whole load of stuff instead of centering it as I meant to-ah well. Keep to the side and don't try to be clever.

This week I've made a couple of cards for family birthdays and thanks to Paul at Crafty blogocks my printing has improved dramatically and I visited Shabby Princess and got a great free paper download which I used to make the blokey card . Thanks also to Shaz at Funky fairys papercrafts I've now got a proper funky fairy 'cos she's made her available as a download.