Welcome to Smelly blog by Sarah Carrington

Give away

2012-01-29T22:19:00.000Z

I just love this blog, positively splendid, for all things crafty and sewing related.

Currently there is a give away for a chance to win some BEAUTIFUL sewing patterns from Whimsy Couture.

Head on over for a feast for the eyes.

TFL

Sarah

Artful affirmations

2012-01-27T21:46:00.000Z

I have had to get a new laptop as my geriatric one has gone to the nursing home and our 2 year old one is frying cables like its going out of fashion. So i am transfering files across and i came across a project from a few months ago.

Me and mum joined a swap over on UKS for Kelly Rae's artful affirmations cards. We had a messy day, even Rebecca joined in. We had great fun making them, even though drawing the faces just about freaked us out.

Hunting for inspiration

Selecting PP's for the backgrounds

Drawing in the bodies

And the finished products

Mine

Mums

Very happy with our cards.

TFL

Sarah

A quick stepper card for you

2012-01-25T20:54:00.000Z

Well this is attempt 2 as blogger is being a bugger again.

This week for bubbly scrumptious i made a quick stepper card using some really cute Prima papers. You can find all the info at Bubbly Scrumptious today.

TFL

Sarah

Mixed media Journal

2012-01-19T13:34:00.000Z

So its bubbly day again today and i have been playing around with fabric, stamps, inks and paper and getting messy with the sewing machine.

This project is an amalgination of 3 projects from a book i received at Christmas by Ruth Rae. My interpretation is nowhere near as good or nice as Ruths but i am so proud of my little creation. Head on over to Bubbly Scrumptious

And blogger is being the usual pain in the butt so this post is lacking in pictures, arhhhh. But they are all on the above bubbly link.

I loved this as no straight lines involved, very scruffy but effective

TFL

Sarah

New to you

2012-01-16T15:14:00.002Z

Well nothing new from me at the moment, mojo is in hibernation. But the loverly Erika has some crafty goodies that could be new to you soon.

Check out this post {HERE}.

In it to win it

Sarah

Ride with Me......

2012-01-04T15:04:00.001Z

So here is my first Bubbly Scrumptious Project of the year. A layout using Prima road trip collection and a scattering of My minds eye.

You can find step by step instructions on how to make the LO {HERE}.

TFL

Sarah

Mojo is dancing.....

2012-01-03T21:29:00.000Z

So the grumpy old gits that are my husband and son number 2 are watching the football in bad moods as Liverpool as losing so i have the ipod on loud with Mumford and sons on and my mojo is dancing round the room whilst i create a bubbly project for tomorrow. Go mumford, lol.

Here is a sneak peak (blogger be good please)

And how about some Mumford for your Mojo as well, lol

Happy Dancing

Project 365

2012-01-02T17:58:00.004Z

So its that time of year again when we make all those resolutions to loose weight, go the gym, save money, do some craft classes etc etc blah de blah, knowing damn well that we just will not fulfil those resolutions. But i found an app on my iphone for the project 365 and i felt this could be doable. I simply take a pic each day and the app saves it, then i can do craft projects at the end of the month, syn to my fb as a memory log and update on my blog. I should be able to do this in theory, lol.

So far i have

01.01.2012 Starters on NYD

02.01.2012 Taking the decs down

Blogger playing nicely today using google chrome and i phone pics. Will try my camera pics and picassa tomorrow

TFL Sarah

Will you behave today blogger......

2012-01-02T17:42:00.001Z

And day 2 of trying to fix my blog.This is a quick pic of Rebecca taken on my iplone who has taken to stripping off all her clothes in the blink of an eye, lol. That's toddlers for you i guess.

Blogger issues will be the death of me

2012-01-01T22:09:00.001Z

I just cant seem to get my blog to work properly so if anybody is a blog expert please leave me a a few suggestions. I just cant add any pics to my posts and if i do they seem to be all corrupt

Pulling my hair out here.Sara

What are you doing blogger

2011-11-24T15:48:00.001Z

I have some Christmas Bell Decorations that can be personalised.

You can find all the details on my FB page {HERE}.

There is plenty of other stuff on there as well.

Sarah

Snuggle Season

2011-11-16T14:57:00.000Z

THis week for bubbly i have made a Winter LO.

You can find all the details HERE.

All under the weather here at the moment so back soon

Sarah

Its all gooooo.....

2011-11-11T10:33:00.001Z

I havent updated the poor old blog for awhile for various reasons. The main one being a sick laptop but also a busy social life for once, craft fair, a COUPLE of retreats, a craft show etc. And a first birthday to cap it off. So lots to update, laptop allowing.

So i will start with a quick roundup of all i have done at bubbly scrumptious recently. As always you can find all the instructions over on bubbly scrumptious.

These wreath was made from a polystyrene half ring, an old book and lots of tattered florals leaves.

Some hair clips and headbands made from a sizzix die

A customised kitchen thermometer recipe holder

A beautiful mini album made from Maya road coaster album. I finished this at a retreat so will be back with full pictures.

A metal wall plaque made for the ukS sponsors blog hop.

And finally Rebecca's first halloween party at mums and tots. She looked so cute as did all the other babies and todlers.

Thanks for looking

Sarah

Fancy winning a prize

2011-09-28T14:21:00.000+01:00

We have launched a new inspiration board challenge over on bubbly Scrumptious today and you could win a prize.

All the details can be found HERE.

And here is my interpretation. I used the shed, hearts, colours as my inspiration

Go on and have a go.

Sarah

A darling LO

2011-09-14T13:12:00.000+01:00

This week for bubbly i got to play with new Prima, Melissa Francis and Jenny Bowlin to create this LO of my neice Jessica.

You can find all the details HERE.

TFL
Sarah

Crafting in my PIT

2011-09-11T17:25:00.000+01:00

I had a rare child free morning so decided to craft. I got a box of DT supplies from Bubbly Funk in the week and was itching to get it open and have a play. But my craft room is such a PIT at the moment and my family sized dining table has a space the size of a placemat left to scrap on. So i had to have a tiny clean up before i started, booooooo.

But here is a sneak of the LO that i created. My brother sent me a beautiful Photo of Jessica the other day so i had to scrap it.

And i will leave you with some pics of Rebecca. She is 10 months now, how fast is the year jumping by!!! She learnt to crawl at the weekend whilst i was crafting at our crop, doh. So now i have to clean every morning so she doesnt get rotton. These pics were taken at my mums, who will have to do the same, as she was sat in the ash pile from their aga!

She is a minger, lol

TFL

Playing with Promarkers

2011-09-08T09:59:00.000+01:00

This weekend just gone was our monthly crop in Banth. And this month we were lucky to have a special guest, Debbi (Wiccababe) come along and taught us her skills with the Promarkers.

I was so confident after the class that i went home and had a play with some Gorjuss girls.

And here is the card i made for Bubbly this week as a result.

You can find all the info HERE.

And speaking of our crop. We are busy getting ready for our retreat. We have changed locations this time around, trying somewhere new.

Here are a few pics

And this is the kitchen, ready for Linda's cracking breakfast

And this will be our crop room

And finally, the lounge for Fiona's Cocktails and X factor

Cant wait to go and tackle our group project, just a few more weeks to be patient.

TFL

Sarah

Art from the Heart Birthday Blog Hop

2011-09-03T10:00:00.008+01:00

Welcome to a very exciting blog hop in Celebration of 10 years of Art from the Heart!

Lots of exciting things happening at Art from the Heart next weekend where the big birthday bash is happening. Want to know more then do click HERE

So in Celebration we are having 5 birthday blog hops.

You should have reached my blog from the lovely Janet HERE and are on the 7 Gypsies hop

Here is my project

I used

7 Gypsies Letterblock Tray
Old canvas, mount board, paint if making a faux letterblock tray
7 Gypsies Lille collection: Abundance
7 Gypsies Lille collection: Adventure
7 Gypsies Lille collection: Life is good
7 gypsies Conservatory collection: Butterfly
7 gypsies Conservatory collection: Flora
7 Gypsies vintage tags: Gypsy Market
Foam pads
Hot glue gun
Black cardstock
AFTH red heart (From packaging)
Metal findings: watch cogs
Distress inks: Brushed Corduroy & Weathered wood
7 Gypsies stickers
Heart pins
7 Gypsies index tab

Instructions

These instructions are in 2 halves, 1 half for those with 7 gypsies letterblock tray and 1 half for those with faux letterblock trays.

I have drooled over a 7 gypsies printers or letterblock trays for many a year. But with a new addition to the family funds don’t stretch to luxuries like this. As I am never happier than when I am sat in my craft room with the radio playing in the background and my hot glue gun constantly on, I decided to construct my own.

I had an old torn and bashed up canvas. I removed the canvas which just left the frame. I gave it a quick sand before adding a piece of mount board to the back of the frame.

Next I measured the depth of the canvas and cut lots of strips of mount board to the same depth. Cut lots as you will need them later. I carefully hot glued strips of mount board around the four inside edges of the frame.

Once dry, I painted the whole thing in black.

I knew this was going to be a piece of wall art for my craft room so the Lille collection would match the reds and yellows of my room perfectly. I laid the collection out and identified my favourite bits from the collage style paper. I carefully cut them out and began arranging them on the canvas.

Once I was happy with the arrangement, I took a photo as I knew I would never remember how they went back together. I took each cut out piece and inked the edges with distress inks. I chose brushed corduroy and weathered wood to match the blues and browns of the papers.

This is the tricky bit; you have to do lots of measuring at this stage. I carefully measured the bits of paper and marked their measurements directly onto the canvas with a pencil. I carefully measured the mount board strips to match the pencil lines forming a grid type pattern. Check the boards fit. They have to be tight. If too big they will bend, if too small they will fall out. Keep going until you have the whole grid made. Paint the whole thing.

Once the paint was dry, I double check the paper pieces fitted into the grid ok. You may have to trim and re-ink slightly.

And that is the tray constructed. Its time to decorate

This is the 2 half, where those with real 7 gypsies trays come in. Do as above, select, cut and ink your chosen paper pieces. As you can see below, just adding the paper pieces gives a very flat appearance to the tray and I wanted mine to be more depth.

To start I selected a few of the smaller pieces and added them to card stock, just to make them firmer. I glued them into their correct places with the glue gun.

Next I construct little box lid type things. I picked another few paper pieces and stuck them to card stock, leaving about a 1/2cm edge around each one. I scored lines directly around the image before cutting off the corner squares.

I bent back the score lines to form a box lid. The unsecured sides expand out to fill the space. No need to glue as it’s a nice secure fit. I repeated with the remaining paper pieces but this time I left 1cm edges (or however deep your canvas is). The resulting “lids” are flush with the face of the frame.

Next its time to embellish. I took random stickers from various 7 Gypsies sticker sheets, and added them to the squares.

I cut out butterflies from the conservatory collection and decoupage them before randomly gluing them on. I added some metal findings and a sneaky Tim Holtz clock, and some buttons. I added more bingo squares with foam pads and a large flower cluster, again with foam pads. And finally to finish, as this project was created for the wonderful art from the heart birthday celebration, I had to add the lovely red heart that adorns your little packages of stash.

I just love how my project looks hanging on the wall.

I hope you have enjoyed my 7 Gypsies themed project as much as i have making it.

Before you move on - you will need to collect a letter from me, which is L. This is part of an anagram of a 7 Gypsies product.

So after leaving me a comment please you need to return back to Dyan. Once you get back to Dys blog please email your answer to Ben by 6pm Sunday 11th September.

Have fun hopping!

Sarah

Back to school

2011-08-31T18:27:00.000+01:00

THis week i made a quick back to school project for my Bubbly scrumptious post. Very quick and easy to make so why not give it ago.

You can find all the details HERE.

TFL

Sarah

Strike a pose

2011-08-24T18:19:00.000+01:00

So this week i have been using up all my scraps from my bubbly funk box of goodies and make a LO. I just love all these photoshoot pics, so get used to seeing them in multiple projects, lol

You can find all the details HERE.
Here are the pics

TFL

Sarah

sneak

2011-08-23T22:17:00.000+01:00

Be back soon with the full LO

Something New

2011-08-21T17:50:00.000+01:00

So i am not very good at sewing but i would love to be. So i do try, its not always successful, but i try, lol.

I saw a pattern on the net for a memory bear so i dug out one of Rebecca's blankets and cut one out. The original was 12" so i decided for my trial version to scale it down to 6". Not sure if this was such a good idea as i had to hand stitch it as bits were too small for the machine.

Anyway, here it is. I am quite chuffed with it, lol.

The DH and boys keep wetting themselves with laughter, why, its a cutie. Have 2 full sized ones cut out ready.

And i will leave you with my spagetti eating monster. Not good for a compulsive cleaner, oh the mess.

Anyway off to soak my aching feet as just stood for 5 hours cooking burgers and bacon for a charity BBQ. Raised just short of £200 so cant complain.

TFL

Sarah

Time slipping by

2011-08-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

This week i decided to play around with digi for my bubbly project. I have this great kit (which is on sale at the moment for less than £3)which is circus/ steam punk themed. Alex had on this great T shirt with clocks and gears on which was just perfect for the kit. And as Alex started P7, his last year in primary school yesterday, it just seemed perfect to make a LO showing how time has just slipped by and it seems like only yesterday when i took him to nursery school aged 2 1/2 years old!

You can find the full details of the project HERE.

Anyway here is the LO. The first is the original digi LO i made and printed out ready for hybriding into a paper LO.

And the gears are customised from maya road chipboard albums.

TFL

Sarah

The fabric of life mini album

2011-08-11T12:57:00.000+01:00

This week for bubbly i made a very whimsical mini album using the oddly shaped Maya Road Sewing MAchine Album.

You can find all the details on how to make it here.

And here are the pics

I loved making this album with its mix of modern crate paper papers and vintage style Prima moulin rouge, topped of with whimsical botany and butterfly images. I think it works, but thats just me, lol

TFL

Sarah

Sneaky peaky

2011-08-10T10:15:00.000+01:00

This week i have been working on another mini album. I do so love to make albums but they take a lot of time and work but the finished products are just beautiful to have and to hold.

I will be back later with the finished product but in the mean time here are a few sneaks.

TFL
Sarah

Creative Colour

2011-08-07T22:28:00.000+01:00

My mum recently signed up for the new class by Christie Tomlinson: Creative colour. Its all about sourcing colour inspiration from your surrounds, internet, magazines etc and creating mood boards. Its designed to get you to think about colours you wouldnt neccesarily choose.

So together with my sister, we had a play day. My sister sarah(confused, she is adopted so 2 sarah's in our family, lol)is severly autistic but just loves to do arts and crafts. We had such a great time, and L Sarah sat for over 3 hours before she lost her focus.

Here are some pics of the preparation and making the backgrounds.

Even my 9 month old daughter Rebecca got in on the act.

and the finished product. Mum's is the green/ mustard one, mine is the larger yellow one, its for Rebecca's room and the blue/ pink one is L sarah's.

Isnt this outstanding for a very autistic young lady. All her own work except the rub ons which we did for her as she is very heavy handed.

Cant wait to do more of the classes.

TFL

Sarah

A few cards

2011-07-26T20:42:00.001+01:00

I am still here but no internet again since our hols, O2 is getting the sack now!!!

But here are a few cards i have done in the last few weeks.

The first is a pro marker creation. I am pleased with it as i dont have a clue what i am doing with the pens, lol. The image is a digi stamp which i cant remember from at the moment.

Next is a card i made for DH as it was our aniversary yesterday. Not that he deserved it as he forgot all about our aniversary. If it hadnt taken me ages to make i'd have ripped it into confetti and made him eat it!!!! I used Dyan Reavely's ghosting technique to make the background of the card.

Be back tomorrow with a bubbly post.

TFL

Sarah

What's in a name

2011-07-01T09:09:00.001+01:00

I have trying to post this since wednesday but blogger is not being good to me. This week for bubbly scrumptious i have made another name plate using lots of scrap chipboard and paper. You can find all the info
HERE.

I am off on my hols tomorrow for our staycation. Quite excited as we are doing Cheshire, Yorkshire, N Wales and hoping to fit in a trip to Bubbly HQ as well. Just need to find something for the boys to do that way so they think its thier idea, lol.

TFL

Sarah

Flower Power

2011-06-22T09:17:00.000+01:00

This week i made a LO for bubbly scrumptious using the beautiful Moulin Rouge and Reflections collections and i made some loverly handmade flowers using a great video from You tube.

You can find all the details HERE.

I just love this pic of the kids. Rebecca has the boys just were she wants them, lol.

TFL
Sarah

Sneak for bubbly

2011-06-21T14:06:00.000+01:00

So i managed to finish my bubbly project early this week as R was cooperating in the craft room. Mind you, she trashed my scrap box!!!!

So here are the sneaks

Pop back tomorrow for the full project

Tfl

Sarah

Bubbly wednesday: A banner for Jessica

2011-06-15T10:56:00.000+01:00

This week i have made a banner for my new niece Jessica. It can be for her room or her door, its up to her parents. I will take when i visit in a few weeks, hopefully they will like it.

You can find all the details HERE.

TFL
Sarah

Simply Create: Final projects

2011-06-09T22:25:00.000+01:00

My time with Simply Create has now come to an end and these are my last DT projects. I shall miss receiving these kits are they are always so loverly and the rest of the girls on the team have been fab.

So here they are

Project 1: Rebecca Frame

Project 2: Rachel LO

Next i made a couple of cards. I started by making a bunch of flowers. Draw a basic shape of 4 petals. Use patterned paper or plain CS that can be coloured with promarkers. You need 2 per flower. Stick them together and screw them up. Leave as they are or add button centres.

Project 3: Thank you card

Project 4: Happy Times Card

TFL

Sarah

Cooking on gas.....

2011-06-02T08:25:00.000+01:00

As the saying goes, we are cooking on gas (or electric up here as we dont have gas, lol) as the internet is BACK, slow but back. So without further ado i shall show you what has occupied my bored little hands in the last 3 weeks.

Firstly my last 2 bubbly projects.

A Tim style patchwork quilt canvas.

And a set of cards using the prima moulin rouge collection.

And a little bit of something different. I have had a play at jewellary making. THis uses lots of bling and handmade elements such as crochet flowers, and hand made roses etc. Just need an occasion to wear it now as doesnt really look good with pj's and baby sick!!!

TFL

Sarah

Missing

2011-06-01T14:57:00.000+01:00

I havent left you intentionally. I have lost my internet. A week of O2 broadband trying to find my internet to finally realise its a problem with my BT line. BT contacted who took a week to investigate and decided i needed a new line!!!. Now O2 says they have to reset as i have a new line and that has been a week so far, arhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, i am going round in circles!!!!!!. Hopefully back real soon.

Sarah

Bubbly and GBSBII

2011-05-18T08:18:00.001+01:00

So i completly forgot to post my project from last week. I made a exploding mini album in the theme of the circus in tribute to Gary and the boys from Take that. It was a great way to use up loads of the pics i took at the Take That concert a few years ago. The box was based an a original project from Sarah Youde.

And for this week. I have been busy preparing for a class i made for UKS and the GBSBII, spreading some bubbly love in the form of Prima Roulin Rouge. I made a reverse canverse and turned it into a faux configuration box. I love how it turned out. You can find all the details on bubbly today.

And a little round up of what i have done so far for GBSBII. THanks girls for a great inspirational weekend and catchup week.

The first one was made for the ready steady create challenge. I was challenged to use the colour olive, paint, stickers and tearing.

And next was a live speed crafting challenge. Oh what a nerve racking bunch of fun it was, lol

And lastly was Ali's loverly sewing canvas class. I love how it turned out, even if i made it from scraps and needed alot of improvisation.

Here is mine

And here is my mums who was inspired to have a go as well.

I have another GBSBII project on my desk to finish so will be back soon.

TFL

Sarah

Bubbly time

2011-05-04T19:42:00.000+01:00

So i was taking a wee break from bubbly scrumptious as i needed to recharge my crafty batteries. But i am back with lots lined up. There first of which is below with full instructions HERE.

This is a LO for my SIL Gemma's album i am making. She is just weeks away from having my first neice or nephew, i am betting neice, lol.

TFL

Sarah

Quick card

2011-04-26T20:08:00.000+01:00

As promised here is a quick card made from more scraps of the quirky kit.

And there you go, a quick and simple card that would be suitable for many occasions. Full instructions can be found on Quirky Kits (members only) and crafty kits (non members).

TFL

Sarah

A Quirky mini album

2011-04-24T15:41:00.000+01:00

This week for my guest DT at Quirky kits i have created a mini album from the kraft cardstock, the pizza box and the left over scraps.

BE WARNED, PHOTO HEAVY

TFL

Sarah

Simply Create DT project

2011-04-23T18:41:00.000+01:00

So last night me and DH were having heated words so i took myself into the craftroom before i was up on a murder charge. I had a little play with the spotty and dotty stamps from Jacqui and created a card.

And there you go. I am really pleased with it.

And did you notice i slipped a few dotty flowers onto a LO i did for the monthly callenge i showed you last week.

TFL

Sarah

Baby head gear

2011-04-23T07:02:00.000+01:00

Some i am branching out into the world of headbands. Not really, but craft time is limited but i can russle up these in a few minutes.

The flowers are fabric ones left over from scrapbook apprentice a few years ago, not sure of the make but they are loverly. I also made a pink one with all sparkly sequins, lol, noting like a bit of bling for my girl.

TFL

Sarah

Few and far between

2011-04-20T08:08:00.000+01:00

Crafting seems to be taking a back burner at the moment as Rebecca has taken a keen dislike to the craft room so the only time i have is late evening, by which point i am shattered and have no creative energy left or weekends where family stuff gets in the way.

But i did manage to squeeze in the monthly challenge over on UKS. It did take nearly a fortnight though!

TFL

Sarah

Next installment of Quirky Kits GDT

2011-04-17T21:13:00.000+01:00

The cycle themed paper in the kit just screamed Daniel, my eldest son to me as he is sooooo into his bikes at the moment and more than happy to play in the garden practising his moves as he calls them, lol.

I love how the kit colours are just perfect for boy LO's and give the project a very retro feel. I have pretty much exhausted the kit now, but i have a mini album prepared and ideas for a few quick projects so come back next week.

TFL

Sarah

Baby Taggies

2011-04-14T07:55:00.005+01:00

So i must admit, up until last week i had no idea what these were or what the point of them was, despite having a new baby. You'd think i was in the no wouldn't you. But i saw somebody on my birth group (baby centre UK)asking for a good retailer so was curious enough to google them. Basically they are little blankets with ribbon tags that the baby can hook her fingers thru, chew on etc etc.

I am no sewer but i decided to have ago. I was thwarted immediately as i couldn't figure out how to change the needle on my sewing machine. Its had the same one i use for scrapbooking in it for 3 years. Then the bulb came loose so every now and then it went out, and i was sewing at 9pm! So sewing blind half the time.

Here is my first ever taggie

I am pretty chuffed with it. I used a ribbon fabric off cut from another project i am working on. Ideally you should use a nice soft fleece.

Here are a few basic instruction. I will add more photo's the next time i make one.

Materials

Material. (The material should be something soft and baby-friendly such as micro fleece. TOP TIP, i make baby blankets from the fleece throws you can buy from Primark UK, £5 makes lots)

Ribbon. (As i scrapbooker i have lots of ribbon off cuts, so taggies are perfect for using up the left overs. You can use any ribbon you like, as long as it’s made of fabric and baby-friendly. I mixed up the width, colour and texture in my taggie, adds interest for the baby.

Pins

Coordinating thread thread

Sewing machine

Good Scissors

Instructions

Decide on a size for your blanket. Once you have decided on the size cut two layers of material, 1″ bigger. For example i went for a 12" blanket so i cut 2 pieces of my material at 13″x13″. This leaves you with a seam allowance of 1/2″ all around.

Cut your chosen ribbons into 6″ lengths. Rule of thumb is to place a ribbon every 2 inches along each side of the blanket. So for my 12″ blanket, I used 4 ribbons on each side, 16 in total.

Take one piece of material and lay it face up (good side up) on the table. Take one of your ribbons and fold it in half. Pin it on top of the fabric with the folded edge towards the middle and the cut ends touching the end of the Material. Pin at least an inch away from the edge of the material for the sewing machine. Repeat the pinning of all your ribbons @ every 2" until you have ribbon all the way around. Don’t worry about overlapping ribbons at the corners as they come out OK later.

Place the other piece of material face down (good side down) on top of your pinned piece, ensuring the edges are all together. I secured both pieces of material with extra pins.

Now its time to sew. Don't be nervous, its just fabric and not the end of the earth if you mess it up. Sew around all four sides, 1/2″ in from the edge, making sure you catch both ends of each ribbon as you go. BUT do not sew all the way around — leave a gap of about 2 inches open on one edge so that you can flip the blanket inside out.

Using your good scissors, cut the material off from each corner, BUT be careful that you don’t cut the stitches. Doing this will reduce the bulkiness of the corners when you flip the blanket later.

Carefully begin to turn the blanket inside out by pushing it through the 2" gap you left whilst sewing. Carefully, remove all of the pins. The ribbon that was next to the 2" gap is still loose. Fold the edges of material along the gap inwards and tuck the ends of the loose ribbon inside. So the folded end of the ribbon should be sticking out this time. Pin it in place, being sure to go through all layers of the fabric

Using the sewing machine again, sew as close to the edge of the fabric as possible all the way around. This sewing closes the gap you left for flipping, and keeps the last ribbon in place, and gives extra security to the other ribbons. I did another row of sewing as well just to neaten it all up, giving it a shabby chic look.

And that is your taggie complete, ready for baby to stuff in their mouth!!!! Just double check you have REMOVED all the pins first!.

TFL

Sarah

Peas in a pod:Quirky Kits GDT

2011-04-11T07:00:00.000+01:00

So for my second GDT project for Quirky Kits i have made another LO. I wanted to scrap those little baby pics i have showcased on the blog over the last few months. I just love looking at them and how they all look alike but all have very DIFFERENT personalities, not one of them is alike.

You can find all the details at Crafty templates for non subscribers and Quirky Kits for Subscribers.

And some pics

I just love the little Union Jack from the kit. The Union Jack is just so trendy here in the UK at the moment, especially with the wedding of the year about to take place. I used it to represent "my best of British" kids, lol.

And i just love the little tribute one of my favourite manufacturers has done to the good old Jack. Check out 7 Gypsies HERE.

TFL

Sarah

Chinese Whispers anyone

2011-04-10T08:36:00.003+01:00

A few months ago i joined a challenge over on UKS for my team's house. The first person in each group was given a sketch and had to do a LO then pass it on to the next person and so on. It is amazing how they all began to change , even from the first LO.

It took a while for all the groups to finish but i can now show you mine. Here it is.

TFL

Sarah

Still here

2011-04-07T16:55:00.002+01:00

Nothing for bubbly this week as i am taking a holiday for a while.

But just to show you i'm still around, here's a little thing i am working on.

TFL

Sarah

Guest DT: Quirky Kit Insp

2011-04-03T15:16:00.002+01:00

Good morning on this fine Mother's Day.

Here is my first project as Guest DT for the loverly Leo at Quirky Kits.
I just love webster's papers and mixing in a modern paper such as Lilybee certainly gives this LO a modern "quirky" feel.

And there you go. I hope you like it. You can find all the instructions on Quirky Kits (Subscribers Only)and Crafty Templates.

TFL

Sarah

Some new bits.

2011-04-01T08:38:00.006+01:00

So anyone who is a MLS fan will know they announced their new DT yesterday. Huge congrats to all the girls especially our Becky, lol.

I actually applied on a whim. I saw the call, and went out to visit Jacqui at the shop and remembered she used to stock MLS. I picked up half a dozen sheets from the sale box and got busy. I didnt in my wildest dreams think i would get in and i didnt but i gave it ago and produced some of my favourite projects of the year so far.

First is a Dan LO, how my little chicken is growing up fast.

Next is a card. Regular readers will know i hate making cards, lol

And next is a mini album, a pocket book of sunshine

And last but by now means least my favourite, my little sunshine.

I had a ball creating these projects and poured my heart and soul into them, which is what its all about really isnt it.

TFL

Sarah

My little dudes

2011-03-31T15:18:00.004+01:00

So i scraped for me this week, no dt work, just me. I created a LO for a green buttons challenge over at UKS. The challenge was to scraplift a LO. I chose Ali's my gorgeus girls LO. I loved its simplicity and beauty.

But mine didnt look simple in the end as i did my usual chuck everything at it, lol. I was inspired by Alex's T shirt.

TFL

Sarah

Bubbly Scrumptious day

2011-03-30T09:08:00.003+01:00

So today over at Bubbly i brought you a quick Mother's day easel card. You can find all the info HERE..

This is my first easel card so i am pleased how it turned out.

This is my last bubbly post for a few weeks as i am taking a break to recharge my creative batteries

TFL

Sarah

30 Day Song Challenge

2011-03-29T22:35:00.000+01:00

"‎30 Day Song Challenge Day 1: Your favourite song.

All time favourite, still gives me goose bumps"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EaE0_gQLw0

Quirky Kits are in the house

2011-03-29T13:31:00.004+01:00

Exciting News. I am the guest designer for the quirky kit this month. I just cant wait to have a play with it as its just lush and even more beautiful in real life.

Here are a few pics and a loverly card from Leo.

Doesnt it look great, hope i can do it justice.

TFL

Sarah

Another stamp project

2011-03-27T21:46:00.003+01:00

I had a little play a few days ago with the stamps sent from Simply Create. As it was a very spring like day, i got all seasonal and made a little bird house treat box.

The papers are my new Tilda papers that i bought last week to go alongside my increasing tilda book collection and hopefully fabric when i pop down to simply create soon.

TFL

Sarah

Randoms

2011-03-26T07:00:00.000Z

I stumbled across this on a blog somewhere and thought it might be fun to do for a while. So here goes

listening - to Mumford and Sons.

eating - a weight watchers pro points diet and having mixed feelings!

drinking - lots of water, my favourite drink.

wearing - my PJ's, dont seem to have time to get dressed properly at the mo with a new babe in arms.

feeling - overwhelmed by life sometimes.

weather - very spring like today.

wanting - Cheese on toast followed by a big bar of chocolate, both of which i am allergic to

needing - lots of sleep.

thinking - I need to tidy my craft pit as i am overflowing into the living room!

enjoying - Having my little babe and indulging my pink side

wondering - what weight watcher delights await me tomorrow!!!!

And i willleave you with this. So cute but it strangly doesnt look like her really

TFL

Sarah

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink

2011-03-25T14:45:00.003Z

Anyday now the new kit from quirky kits is about to be released. Leonora has let out some sneak peaks below.

You can find out all about new subscriptions HERE.

I am not a subscriber yet but watch this space...............!

Also a made a little something for Simply Create today. Its a little treat box. But i need to re photograph it as light quality was rubbish here today but my camera has died!

TFL

Sarah

A wee reminder

2011-03-23T13:52:00.005Z

The prize challenge is still running for a few more days over at Simply Create. Follow the inspirational mood board to be in with a chance of winning a £100 worth of stash.

Here is my entry. I made this LO at my weekend retreat. And i am so proud of the large felt flower. Hand needle felted by my fair self. First attempt as well. I made a faux prima centre to finish it off.

TFL

Sarah

Tim Holtz configuration boxes

2011-03-23T07:38:00.003Z

So here are the completed boxes from me and mum at the retreat.

You can find all the details HERE.

TFL

Sarah

a little sneak

2011-03-22T16:58:00.003Z

So this week i was away at our annual retreat with the girls. Lots of fun was had by all. We had a group project which is just perfect for Bubbly Scrumptious this week. And here are a few sneaks.

Join me tomorrow when i will show the full project

Cheers

Sarah

Crackle effect project:Hanging Mobile.

2011-03-16T11:14:00.006Z

So this week i created a mobile for Rebecca's nursery using a maya road fancy coaster album. You can find all the details HERE.

I just love how it turned out. It was a two man job stringing it all together. Good job my mum is crafty as well, lol.

Its not easy photographing a mobile so here are some close up's of the birds. They are soooo cute.

And Rebecca loves it already.

TFL

Sarah

A little birdie told me.....

2011-03-15T22:10:00.003Z

So i wonder what these little beauties will turn into.

Join me tomorrow when i can reveal for Bubbly Scrumptious.

TFL

Sarah

A quick card

2011-03-13T06:00:00.000Z

So my mum asked me to make a card for one of my sisters carers today so i decided to have a play with the new Hero Arts stamps that Simply Create sent. I really enjoyed playing especially as i am not a card maker or stamper really anymore. And i am still on my stash busting campaign so scraps all the way.

TFL

Sarah

Oh i forgot...............

2011-03-12T11:56:00.004Z

Way back in November, Jacqui from Simply Create sent me a wee kit to play with for a magazine article in one of our paper crafts magazines. I had to make a card and another little project with the left overs.

So i frantically worked away that 1st week off november. Remember i was scheduled for my C section on the 8th, so very tired and cleaning my house frantically, so i completly forgot to post the finished items.

So here they are. Remember i am not a card maker or own many stamps, lol

TFL
Sarah

Inspiration

2011-03-11T10:09:00.003Z

I just love this site at the moment.

Counterfit kits. Great way to bash that accumilated stash. Make yourself some nice kits and its like you have new stash all over again, lol.

There are lots of free downloads on there as well. So give it ago and see what you can come up with.

TFL
Sarah

Simply Create- Competition

2011-03-10T21:59:00.003Z

Two posts in one day eh. But have you seen the new mood board of inspiration from Jaqui at Simply Create.

Isnt it beautiful. To me it shouts shabby chic. And again there is £100 of stash up for grabs. Give it ago.

Sarah

some sneaks

2011-03-10T15:59:00.003Z

It has taken me weeks to finish some projects and snap and i still cant show you but here are some sneaks. I just loved making these projects, just threw myself into them every spare minute i had.

TFL
Sarah

Seperated at birth

2011-03-07T13:34:00.006Z

Its a busy old time at the moment and i am typing one handed whilst holding the finger chewing monkey in the other but i will be back later with a crafty update.

So the reason for this post. I have 2 LO's sitting on my mantle piece and was struck by the resemblance between Dan and Rebecca. People sat they see bits of both boys, esprecially with Alex in the just boyz LO a few posts below. But look at this.

This is Dan at 6 months

This is Rebecca a few weeks ago at about 14wks

Uncanny eh, lol. So wish i had one of Alex to compare properly with.

EDITED, I FOUND A PICTURE OF ALEX.

Peas in a pod, all of them.

Can you tell i love scrapping my kids, lol

Tfl as always

Sarah

What's on your desk

2011-02-23T20:51:00.003Z

Just for fun, look what i found on my desk today.

I seriously need to get in and tidy my craft pit.

Sarah

jUSt bOYz

2011-02-20T20:51:00.003Z

So now Rebecca is coming up to 15 weeks old and has stopped with the colic so we have her in a nice bedtime routine going now. As a result i am able to get a bit more crafting done in the evenings and DH likes to look after her on the weekend as well.

So i made a LO this weekend for the monthly challenge. First one since October i think. We had to use a sketch and use fabric or fibres.

Here is my attempt. These are the only pics i have of Alex as a baby due to DH loosing them off the pc before they were backed up.

I challenged myself to use old stash again, so 3 year old Prima, Rusty Pickle And Love Elsie

TFL

Sarah

Bubbly wednesday on a thursday

2011-02-17T20:53:00.004Z

Well i am late posting this project as i have been internet less since Sunday. We had a power cut on Sunday and the net went off. After a day of the provider saying it was our laptop, (what 2 laptops, a pc, a xbox and a pS3) i dont think sooo. So then they say our modem must have been fried with the power surge and they would send us a new one. Then on Wednesday afternoon, i just happened to glance at the laptop to see it was online, all by its little self. So i thought i was good to go, but noooooooo, another power cut today. The electric was off for 3 and a half hours!!!

But better late than never. This week i made a little heart shaped trinket box

and i showed how to make beautiful paper roses.

TFL

Sarah

2011-02-11T17:04:00.003Z

One of my favourite crafty people has a etsy shop that is a year old. And to celebrate Leeann is having a little give away. Here is what she has to say

happy 1st birthday to "the chip chop shop"...
Oh i am really excited that i can celebrate this little shops first birthday!!!

thank you to everyone that has supported me and made this possible for me to celebrate.

"the chip chop shop is 1 today"

..so come on over and celebrate with me...

i have 3 birthday presents to giveaway
- do you want to win one?

Present 1 draw: Blog me

Present 2 draw: facebook or twitter me

Present 3 draw: place my blinkie on your blog

you can entry all 3 draws...

make sure you leave a comment here with a link so i can place your entry in the box's

prizes drawn and announced Monday 14th FEB and shipped out Tuesday 15thFEB

good luck ...miss wally

Got to be in it to win it.

Sarah

Mixed media folder journal.

2011-02-09T12:39:00.005Z

So this week i made a loverly mixed media mini journal from one sheet of 12 x 12.

You can find all the info HERE, including a video of the original project.

Below are a few pics but the rest are on bubbly

TFL

Sarah

Just U

2011-02-08T13:34:00.007Z

So i have managed to scrap! Started on sunday at my crop and a little done yesterday and the rest today. This LO is for the simply create challenge. See here for more info. Just a few more days left to enter to be in with a chance of winning £100 of stash.

Close up

Sorry about the pic quality. Light is poor up here in Scotland at the moment.

I was inspired to use old papers after my teamie Alix was being ruffless in her craftroom and was getting rid of stuff that was no longer used. So i think the basic grey paper in the background has been in my "collection" for about 4 years. I am also pround of myself, as i made the little heart lace paper myself on the silhouette.

Here is a shot of my crafting space. This poor dinning room table will once again have plates on it. 4 years of laptop and university text books, now swapped with changing mat, nappies and baby togs.

So i craft in this tiny space at the moment

And like something out of batman, at the flick of a switch its transformed back to this.

To be quickly occupied by little miss smelly bum, lol

Anyway back to my speed scrapping as Rebecca is on a nap, phew

TFL

Sarah

And so it begins

2011-02-06T08:47:00.003Z

So all the christmas goodies have finally been polished off so its now time to join weight watchers. I was really careful as to what i ate when i was pregnant as being bigger anyway, i had excess to spare, lol. So after birth i was exackly the same size as pre pregnancy. I lost a bit more in the first few weeks with lack of appertite, energy, mobility etc but then weeks of being snowed in, christmas and babe disrtubing the eating routine have meant i have piled it all back on again.

So off i went to WW on thursday. Imagine my shock when i realised i had put 2 stone back on in the 12 wks since Rebecca was born. So its a good job i bit the bullet.

So far all is going well. I have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Here are just a few pics.

A chicken Chow mein

Breakfast sausage and mushroom muffin

Will post some more soon and weight loss!"££%^^&*&(*^&^%^*(

New Challenge

2011-02-03T09:09:00.003Z

The loverly Jaqui at Simply Create has a new challenge going on the blog. Here's what she has to say

New Challenge....

So the arrival of more white stuff today, has made me seek out some colour so here's a new challenge for you. Don't forget this is a sticky and will stay at the top of the blog...please scroll down for further posts...x

Using the inspiration board make something with paper or fabric reflecting the colours and what this board suggests to you. (I found this on a blog, who knows where all I can tell you it was a gorgeous blog and it was a wedding blog - and no I am already married so nothing to report). The best entry will be judged by my Mum and will win £100 of stash and this challenge is open to everyone, design team and staff. All I ask is that leave a comment, become a member of the blog and link to the challenge on your side bar. Happy Crafting!!!

So go on, have a play. And the arrival of more snow today has inspired me to have a craft day.

TFL

Sarah

Z fold album part 2

2011-02-02T08:04:00.004Z

As promised, HERE is the second part of the album. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Crate Paper collection so much. ITs so me, bright with a slight vintage feel.

Photo overload

Check out the link above for more pics, a technique for making your own "tissue tape" and how to use sketches in a mini album.

TFL

Sarah

Sneaky sneaky

2011-02-01T21:24:00.002Z

Just had to share as i love this new bubbly scrumptious project so much.

Full project tomorrow.

TFL

Sarah

Finished LO

2011-01-30T12:29:00.002Z

So i lost my mojo mid flow as i had to stop and start all the time but i am happy how this turned out making all my own embellishments with the silhouette.

TFL

Sarah

Stop the press......i am scrapping

2011-01-28T21:46:00.003Z

I have been playing with the silhouette machine. Its been dusted off and lifted out of the box after 3 years. New software has been down loaded, and the blog has been browsed within an inch of its life.

So i have all these little bits that have been cut so some of them have been applied to a LO. Can you believe it, my second LO this year, lol. Hopefully it will be finished tomorrow as i am having a play weekend

I have to show you these pics of Rebecca, now 11wks. Excuse DH hair, he so needs a hair cut, lol

I think i will use the middle one tomorrow, so cute.

TFL

Sarah

Blog overhaul!!!!

2011-01-27T12:08:00.002Z

So there is a new look here at the moment as Shabby blogs retired my old background. I loved my old one as it was very Websters paper ish. Not sure on this one yet so you may see a few new looks over the next few weeks. Well its like shopping, you try a few but go back to the first one, lol.

let me know what you think

Bubbly wednesday

2011-01-26T14:20:00.002Z

Better late than never. Rebecca has been a royal pain in the butt today so its taken me hours, and i mean hours to type up my bubbly project today.

This week i have brought you part 1 of a 2 part project making a z shaped mini album from the hunmle off ice envelope. I got to play with same new papers from Caroline, the beautiful Crate paper collection. So bright in colour with a loverly warm vintage feel.

You can find all the details HERE.

Join me next week when i will be showing you how to decorate each page

TFL

Sarah

Playing with glitze girls for Simply Create

2011-01-25T15:30:00.003Z

So i have finally finished with my last kit from Jacqui at Simply Create I have been tinkering with this project in between nappies and milk!!!!! But finally finished.

This Hearts and Home as i call it shadow box was originally a GRAZE health food box. I used a few of my own stamps, Tim and stampin up plus a maya road little chippie house. The rest is from the kit.

I love how it turned out. Good job i have lots of graze boxes as i want to make another and mum now wants one, lol

Here is a reminder of the other projects i made with the kit

TFL
Sarah

More blog candy

2011-01-22T19:43:00.003Z

My fellow simply create team member Debbi is giving away some blog candy as part of her birthday celebrations.

Head on over to her Blog to see what it is all about. Whilst you are there, check out her promarker tutorials as they are fab.

TFL
Sarah

I will learn 2 sew....

2011-01-19T10:41:00.003Z

So this is my one aim for 2011. I want to learn to sew. I want to make frilly little dresses for the babe, just like my nan and mum made for me. So this year the sewing machine will actually be used for sewing and not just scrapbooking!!!

So for bubbly scrumptious this week i made a LO showing this aim. You can find all the details HERE. I have shown you how to turn some chipboard mini albums into embellishments and how to create your own background papers using digital images. Head on over for a look.

TFL
Sarah

Blog candy

2011-01-15T18:54:00.003Z

Would you like to win some cool stash. Then head on over to AN ART SOUL and you could be in with a chance of winning this little lot.

Sent from heaven on the wings of a prayer.

2011-01-06T10:23:00.004Z

So this week for bubbly scrumptious i created a little keepsake album as a birthday gift for my aunty who has yet to see the baby. You will have to forgive all the baby projects but we have waited so long for a baby girl in our family and she was such i surprise, so i think we have earned bragging rights, lol

You can see the full project HERE.

Here are a few pics

TFL

Sarah

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:44:00.007Z

I cant believe its January 1st 2011. Where did that year go. This time last year i was sat here worrying about completing my dissertation and graduating from university and looking forward to the summer. Who'd have thought i'd be sat here writting this one handed with a 7 week old baby sat on my knee,lol.

So this year i am making no resolutions as life has a habit of throwing curve balls at you when you least expect them. If i find the time to go to the gym, so be it. If i loose some weigh, so be it. If we save up for a holiday, so be it. But i guarentee, we will make lots of new memories this year.

Big thanks go to all my friends and family for supporting me over the last year, for spurring me on when i was at my lowest with uni work and all the pregnancy issues. I couldnt have done it without you.

And big thanks to Keith, my DH for being my rock, my shoulder to cry on, my wall to shout at.

And thanks to my boys for being my little helpers in the last few months

And the biggest surprise of 2010

Just fallen asleep whilst i have been typing

So a happy 2011 to you all and happy crafting.

Here is a quick digi LO i never in a million years thought id be making this time last year, lol

TFL

Sarah

Crafty round up.

2010-12-22T20:30:00.009Z

So crafting time is of a premium at the moment so its a bit here and a bit there so projects are few and far between. Here is a round up of what i have done over recent weeks.

First my bubbly project from today. Its a keepsake tree ornament for Rebecca to match the boys decorations.

You can find all the info on how to make it HERE.

Then being snowed in and unable to get out to buy Christmas cards, i decided to make some for the first time in about 5 years. They are very simple this time.

Next i got cracking on something for Jacqui at simply create. My first ever LO of the babe.

And finally, i have made a headband for the babe. I always said i wouldn't put a silly headband or bow on my baby if i had a girl but i have been swayed, they just look so cute. I bought 6 different coloured bands for £1 and customised each one with a flower or embellishment. This one is actually a crocheted doily that has been turned into a fluffy flower.

Cant wait to put the one i made to match her Christmas outfit on her, lol.

Speaking of outfits, look what daddy bought her, a Christmas pudding suit!!!

Have a happy Christmas

TFL

Sarah

Christmas Screen

2010-12-08T21:43:00.004Z

This week i made a Christmas screen for my fireplace for my bubbly scrumptious post. This was to be a group project at our crop based an another Lin Brown from LB crafts projects (Oct 28th)but we became snowed in again and i was uneasy about driving for the babe in my mums new car so we cryed off. So my screen sort of grew its own legs and off it went, lol. It resembles nothing of the original now.

You can find all the info HERE for my screen.

And some pics

I love how it turned out as well.

TFL

Sarah

Bits and bobs

2010-12-03T09:40:00.007Z

So the boys had another snow day yesterday so spent it digging out the drive with Keith. This was how deep the snow was on the drive

And underneath this lot, somewhere is Keith's car, lol

The day before we had to walk down to the village to get water for Rebecca as we are on well water which is not suitable for babies so we get mains water from the village hall for her. The walk was beautiful, like a christmas card. But it took 2 hours and it was the first time i have left the house since the birth and looking back now, and feeling the twinges, i maybe shouldnt have gone, lol

And the plough managed to get up again yesterday and the postman made it up as a result. He brought with him my graze box for the week. Yum.

If you fancy one of these your self, head on over to graze and quote this code
HDM5LBW where you will get a free box and your second for just £1.75.

They come in cute little boxes that have caught my crafty eye. I am sure i can alter it into something crafty. Is that a challenge Erika, who pointed me in the direction of graze and i am sure has a fair few empty graze boxes now, lol

Anyway, off for a warm as the heating is on the blink, typical in all this snow.

TFL

Sarah

Playing with Maya Road Mists

2010-12-01T11:52:00.003Z

So this week for bubbly i made Rebecca her first christmas album, ready for all those embarrissing novelty suits her daddy has been buying her!!!!.

You can find all the info here.

Some pics

TFL
Sarah

Let it snow, let it snow.....NOT

2010-11-28T23:20:00.003Z

We have had a major dusting of snow in the last 3 days which has pretty much had us snowed in. I hate it when it blocks up the drive and we spend days digging out the car, but not this year, lol, i have a valid excuse. It just had a baby and have stitches, lol.

Here are some pics.

THe main road, above

This should be the drive

THe drive again, above.

Our cosy cottage, above

Im

But the snow does make it all look pretty.

Imagine dragging a pram down that drive. DH is putting it on a sledge tomorrow, lol
And i doubt the boys will be going to school tomorrow as their buses wont make it up the hill!

TFL
Sarah

Playing with metal

2010-11-26T21:43:00.003Z

So i managed to craft this week, even with a newborn. But it was a quick project and only took a few hours spread over a few days.

I made a frame from metal scraps. Its a gift for family back in Cheshire.

The frame looks better in real life but its so dark and gloomy up here in Scotland at the moment, coupled with the SNOW.

TFL

Sarah

Woolly balls

2010-11-23T21:00:00.004Z

I stumbled across this site whilst looking for bunting inspiration.

These crochet christmas baubles or woolly balls look so cute. I may just have to get my mum to try and show me again the art of crochet.

Sarah

The bump has arrived

2010-11-15T17:42:00.006Z

Well what can i say, what a week. The yellow bump turned out to be a pink bump.

Rebecca Ann Carrington was born on tuesday at 10.15am. She weighed a healthy 8lb 1oz and measures a tiny 17" in length. She has a massive mop of blonde hair and her daddies bright blue eyes and not my grey eyes.

She is a cutie, if i say so myself.

We are home and settling into a routine now. But i am shattered, i confess, lol.

Be back soon

Christmas day 5

2010-11-05T21:28:00.005Z

So this is the last of my Christmas projects and the second project we completed at the weekend retreat. Again this is another Lin Brown class and she has a full set of wonderful instructions for this project entitled "Tim Holtze tattered leaves".

So here is mine, again note te colour scheme as its a Christmas Wreath, lol

I love how the metal leaves turned out after a distressing session and being recoloured with alcohol inks then going thru the cuttlebug folders.

And this is my last blog post for a few days as the new edition is due anyday now so i will be busy, lol

Christmas day 4

2010-11-04T19:52:00.006Z

So at the weekend me and a bunch of ladies from our craft group went on a retreat. We have hired this beautiful big house on 3 occasions now and it just gets better and better each time we go. I just love it and look forward to Fiona planning the next one, lol.

Look at the concentration

Mmmm gloves, such a good idea as now, 5 days later i still have black finger nails!

Decisions, decisions Bev

Fiona, the teacher

And relaxing at the end of day 1! Well deserved glass of bubbly for some, lol

So this time we decided we would be adventurus and make a big project or 2. We decided we would make a christmas arch inspired by the time arches, me, mum and Fiona got to make at the artsy crafts retreat run by Lin Brown and Leandra Finch back in March.

We had so much fun making them and i just cant wait to get a group photo of all the finished arches all lined up in a row.

But for now here is mine, photo oveload, lol. See the recurring colour theme again, blue & brown, is it becoming a signature.

TFL

Sarah

Day 3 of Christmas

2010-11-03T08:40:00.000Z

Here are the last of my projects for Simply Create. First a couple of cards.

And lastly a hanging.

Off to start nesting, lol

TFL

Sarah

Oh christmas tree

2010-11-02T12:07:00.001Z

So here is the second christmas post in as many days, lol

Its another project with my vintage christmas kit from simply create, Alford. Additionals to the kit, white ribbon and white pompom and styrefoam tree obviously.

TFL

Sarah

Its beginning to look alot like christmas.....

2010-11-01T20:33:00.009Z

So today begins the first post that features Christmas as both my DT's have Christmas themes and the projects i made at my craft club retreat were both Christmas.

So today is the Vanilla Sugar reveal and i can finally show you my finished advent calendar. This was a real labour of love as it took me about 3 weeks just painting, gluing and decorating.

Here is the construction.

I began by adding bigger fronts to the match boxes, this means that the secret gift can be a touch bigger.

Next take a long piece of chipboard. Divide it into segments with smaller pieces of chipboard. Each compartment needs to be quite snug. The bottom row has 7 boxes. Repeat the process with each row. The next row has 6 boxes, the next has 5, the next has 4, the next has 2 and the last just 1 box. Once you have all your rows complete, start gluing them together to form your triangle shape.

Make long strips of plain chipboard again and add them to the sides of the frame. Fill in the little triangle gaps along the side edges. Once fully constructed, paint the frame and boxes black.

Next i added matts and patterned paper to the boxes and frame with the edges distressed with viva gold. I stamped all the draw fronts at the same time.

Here it is finally finished.

I love how it turned out and it was very therapeutic constructing it.

TFL

Sarah

Sneaky for Vanilla Sugar

2010-10-28T21:24:00.004+01:00

So i showed you some matchboxes a few days again and asked what you thought they were. Well here is another sneak of what they looked like a few days later and now.

The new Vanilla Sugar challenge goes live on Monday so head on over to see the finished projects.

TFL

Sarah

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