Creative And Faithful

Holocaust Rememberence Day

2012-01-27T02:32:00.000-08:00

Twittering About Twitter

2012-01-27T01:44:00.000-08:00

I love Twitter. It's a really valuable tool when promoting your crafts and it's also a great way to pass time if you get bored. There is always someone to chat to.
Twitter, for those who don't know is a quite way to pass on information. You pop a message into a box using 140 characters or less and then press a button and thousands of people can see it.
To find out what twitter could do for you and to find step by step usage instructions go to the post I wrote about it on the Uk Crafts Forum Blog

Quilling ~ Jane and Josie Jenkins

2012-01-26T02:09:00.000-08:00

Many many years ago as a teenager I attended a local village day at Cave Castle in South Cave. Whilst there I was enthralled by watching a lady called Jane Jenkins, quilling. In effect, she was rolling strips of beautifully coloured paper and forming patterns and images on greetings cards. She mentioned tome that she was going to be starting a night class in the school for the art of quilling and calligraphy. I was really excited and asked mum and dad if they would pay for me to go. I remember attending the first one. The rest of the ladies in the class seemed so much older than me, but they were a friendly bunch. The first half of each class was for calligraphy (the art of decorative scripting) Jane had contact with someone who kept geese and we were each given a goose feather and a tiny snipit of a coke can. we cut the quills and inserted the coke can and then we were ready to write. I can still remember all the techniques. (the local church even asked me to fill in all the confirmation certificates using these newly learned skills.)
Then we moved onto the second hour. Quilling. Jane had some amazing samples she'd made to show us and she opened a huge suitcase full of paper kits that she explained she'd had cut especially. The quilling papers were beautiful and it almost seemed a shame to wreck them. Gradually over the weeks we learned flat quilling and then out came the eggs. I loved the egg work. some cut in half and hinged, some covered completely.

I embraced the quilling and made gifts and cards for many people including my Grandma, who treasured each and every one. including this egg which was later given to my daughter.
This morning on the Uk Crafts Forum, Jane's daughter Josie was talking about some classes she is going to running to teach quilling in Liverpool. I hope that people enjoy themselves as much as I did with her mum.

Creation sings

2012-01-25T03:51:00.001-08:00

Promoting Your Crafts

2012-01-25T03:42:00.000-08:00

When you have spent time designing and creating beautiful craft items, it's a shame just to put them onto your website and leave it up to the Google Gods to find you. You need to get promoting yourself. There are many places that you can use and one of them is Crafts Juice.
Craft juice allows you to post your item, receive votes and once you've got 5 posts, be posted onto the prestigious front page with an official Craft Juice Tweet to go with it.
You can find out how to use craft juice using this tutorial that I have written. It really is very simple to do.

Burns Night

2012-01-25T01:20:00.000-08:00

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, 
Great chieftain o' the pudding-race! 
Aboon them a' ye tak your place, 
Painch, tripe, or thairm : 
Weel are ye wordy o'a grace 
As lang's my arm. 

The groaning trencher there ye fill, 
Your hurdies like a distant hill, 
Your pin wad help to mend a mill 
In time o'need, 
While thro' your pores the dews distil 
Like amber bead. 

His knife see rustic Labour dight, 
An' cut you up wi' ready sleight, 
Trenching your gushing entrails bright, 
Like ony ditch; 
And then, O what a glorious sight, 
Warm-reekin', rich! 

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an' strive: 
Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive, 
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve 
Are bent like drums; 
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive, 
Bethankit! hums. 

Is there that owre his French ragout 
Or olio that wad staw a sow, 
Or fricassee wad make her spew 
Wi' perfect sconner, 
Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view 
On sic a dinner? 

Poor devil! see him owre his trash, 
As feckless as wither'd rash, 
His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash; 
His nieve a nit; 
Thro' bloody flood or field to dash, 
O how unfit! 

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, 
The trembling earth resounds his tread. 
Clap in his walie nieve a blade, 
He'll mak it whissle; 
An' legs an' arms, an' heads will sned, 
Like taps o' thrissle. 

Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care, 
And dish them out their bill o' fare, 
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware 
That jaups in luggies; 
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer 
Gie her a haggis!

What to do with bottle tops

2012-01-23T02:06:00.000-08:00

After seeing this question on the UK crafts Forum this morning, I decided to take a look around and see what other people are doing and the result is this pinterest board

There are some great ideas.

Help Find Ben Needham

2012-01-22T12:15:00.001-08:00

;Find more details on this dedicated website

Etta James

2012-01-20T08:39:00.001-08:00

Etta James
January 25, 1938 - January 20, 2012

My New Proddy

2012-01-20T02:29:00.000-08:00

This year so far, I've been concentrating on fabric crafts and although I have made rag rugs like the ones above See Here, I have yet to do the other style of tradional rug the Proddy Rug, so called because of the prodding tool used to make holes in Hessian base.

To get me started I purchased this beautiful proddy tool with a captive ring that has been made by Philip James Addy of The Isle of Man. i shall look forward to using it. You can see more of Philips work HERE

Introducing the Sock Monkeys

2012-01-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

I've had a busy few days making sock monkeys. Each one has it's own personality.
Lola
Eric
Ronnie
Mavis
Danny
William
You can see all the monkeys I currently have for sale HERE

There Is A Higher Throne

2012-01-18T00:50:00.001-08:00

How To Dry Flowers

2012-01-13T00:57:00.000-08:00

Dried Flowers have many uses in crafting. You can dry almost any type of flower. There are various methods that can be used, but by far the simplest one is to hang the flowers upside down.
remove as many of the leaves from the stems as possible. Tie three or four stems together using sewing cotton and hang upside down in a dark, dry , warm place. The flowers will take between a week and three weeks to thoroughly dry. There may be some fading of the flowers in this process, but that can actually look really nice.
The flowers shown in the first picture are Helichrysum and are paper like in structure. They hold their shape and colour. (pick them before the centre of the flower develops)

Hydrangea heads have been used in this pot pourri

(make your own pot pourri tutorial HERE)

flowers that work really well for drying include
Larkspur - blues, pinks and white
Nigella - green seed heads
Opium poppies - blue/grey seed heads
Amaranthus - dark red, green or 'biscuit'
Statice - blue, pink, yellow and white

Writing For Another Blog ~ UK Crafts Forum Blog

2012-01-12T02:48:00.000-08:00

The Uk Crafts Forum Blog is a blog that talks about all things craft, crafters and their creations. I am a regular writer for them and recent posts that I have written include:
Rag Rugs
Needle Felting
Secret Santa Gifts

Make Lavender Wands

2012-01-12T01:24:00.001-08:00

Gabriel's Oboe

2012-01-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

This is my favourite piece of music. Gabriels Oboe by Ennio Morricone. It was written as the soundtrack for a Robert De Nero film called the mission.

Saying Goodbye

2012-01-11T02:28:00.000-08:00

Today I shall say goodbye to a friend.

Pink Rag Rug

2012-01-10T03:24:00.000-08:00

This is my latest rag rug is a pink toned rug with accents of lilac, blue, green and orange.
You can find out more about it HERE

The Beach Of My Dreams

2012-01-09T00:27:00.000-08:00

My favourite place to be is on a windswept beach. i love beach combing and always have. I have memories of being a child on one of my yearly Northumbrian holidays walking along the deserted beaches and seeing a man pulling a cart along collecting driftwood, fishing net and other exciting looking trreasures.

I was hooked on beach treasures from that moment and although I have never owned a cart, I have uindulged the inner beach comber, rescuing druiftwood and rope.

One of the things I treasure is sea glass. I t's beautiful washed surfaces have taken tears of being shaped by mother natures gentle buffeting. (the man made attempts are nothing like the real deal)

These pictures are taken from a newspaper article about a beach in California that would be my dream beach. It was formally a dump where rubbish was left through the 1950's until the 1960's when it was realised that toxins were poisoning the environment, but what began life as unwanted rubbish is now a beautiful glass pebble beach and it attracts tourists to it's glorious sparkling treasure.

Mother nature fought back and won.

It is an offence to remove glass from the beach.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

2012-01-06T08:54:00.001-08:00

I love this mosaic mirror by Funky Mosaics. it's available from her Folksy Shop

Denim Rugs

2012-01-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

This is another denim rug that I have made from recycled jeans. This one contains 5 pairs of jeans.
available to purchase HERE

Pebble Boot Trays

2012-01-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

Found this great idea for keeping your entrance free of muddy and wet boot marks.
Simply take a baking tray, line with a towel and cover over with pebbles. (obviously don't do this if your pets or children are going to swallow the pebbles)

I think this makes a very stylish shoe stand.

Celebration of Epiphany

2012-01-06T01:51:00.001-08:00

Recycling Jeans

2012-01-04T02:29:00.000-08:00

My first project of 2012 is well underway. It began when I was tidying out the cupboards and came accross some old faded outdated jeans. There was no way I could wear them and they weren't worn out ....... so out came the scissors, the seams and pockets were removed and then I ripped them all up and turned them into this.

just a bit more to do now.

This rug is available from HERE

Waiting

2012-01-04T02:04:00.000-08:00

I am currently waiting for lots of things, including:

felting needles and wool tops (for my new hobby)

books I have ordered

M&S to refund on some trousers that were sent back

A New Year & A New Start

2012-01-02T03:02:00.000-08:00

This is my very special memory necklace. It was created using odd earrings that I have stored in my jewellery box, It also contains broken necklaces, buttons from my children's clothes and other little trinkets I have stored away.
I have created these memory necklaces for other people using their own special treasures.

Happy new Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Crafting Ambitions ~ My aims for 2012

2011-12-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

Back in January 2011, I wrote a post detailing what I wanted to achieve in crafting. You can read the post here. I am please to say that I achieved my ambitions. This coming year I am hoping to extend my skill range into the following areas.
1. Resin Crafts ~ The art of encasing items in resin for jewellery and accessories.
2. Free style wool felting ~ the art of turning dyed fleece into accessories and items for the home.

Open House Christmas Time

2011-12-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

The First Wednesday in December has become the date I always hold my open house. This year it is Wednesday 7th December. Hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder this year and the two foot snow drifts won't shut the world out of the village.
I'm really enjoying making Christmas decorations and this year will have loads of new styles for you to see.
it will be running from 9am until 2.45pm and then in the evening from 7pm until 9pm.
All are welcome to come and browse whilst enjoying free Christmas refreshments!

Wooden Radiator

2011-12-02T01:55:00.001-08:00

Just saw this fabulous wooden radiator cover featured on Folksy. I think it is stunningly beautiful and would love them for my rooms.
Find out more about these handcrafted radiator covers made by Jason Muteham HERE

Bridlingtons Beach hut advent calender

2011-12-01T01:19:00.001-08:00

A fantastic approach to the advent calender

Have fun!

Open House ~ South Cave, East Yorkshire

2011-11-29T04:36:00.001-08:00

The Victorian Christmas Market ~ My Bonnet

2011-11-28T07:39:00.001-08:00

South Cave Farmers Market is going back in history to the victorian period for it's Christmas Market on the 10th December (More details HERE)

I have been busy this afternoon creating my Victorian bonnet to wear.

Polymer Clay pebble and fossil pendants

2011-11-25T06:26:00.001-08:00

I have been having a lot of fun creating these polymer clay pebble pendants. They are incredibly realistic!

I have also been making these fossil ones too.

Click on any image to be taken to the page to find out more

Papier Mache Bracelet Bangles

2011-11-25T00:40:00.001-08:00

These bangles started off life as womans magazines. Click on the pictures for more details

For A Friend

2011-11-24T01:29:00.001-08:00

I feel your pain.

This is my prayer for you

The New Look Folksy Ra Ra Bazaar Store

2011-11-19T01:01:00.001-08:00

The new look Folksy is now up and running and with it my Folksy store Ra Ra Bazaar. I have been working hard to stock it with great handmade products for your home and for Christmas. Take a look at it HERE

What will you be doing this Christmas?

2011-11-17T02:43:00.001-08:00

Memory Wire Bracelets ~ Storm, Peace and Passion

2011-11-15T04:43:00.001-08:00

These are three memory wire bracelets that I have created. Memory wire is a fantastic invention that means fiddly clasps are no longer required and also one size fits all right from the small child to the adults

Click on the photo to be taken to find out more details.

Storm

Peace

Passion

Introducing My Sock Monkeys

2011-11-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

I would like to introduce you to the latest monkeys I have made. These cheeky monkeys were made just last week and after an outing to the farmers market where some of their friends went to new homes, these ones have now been added to my online store. Ra Ra Bazaar

Penny

Rufus

Lola

We Shall Remember Them

2011-11-11T00:33:00.001-08:00

Least we Forget ~ We will remember them

2011-11-11T00:30:00.001-08:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Open House Christmas Event ~ South Cave East Yorkshire

2011-11-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Miss you Most at Christmas Time

2011-11-03T02:53:00.000-07:00

The fire is burning
The room's all aglow
Outside the December wind blows
Away in the distance the carolers sing in the snow
Everybody's laughing
The world is celebrating
And everyone's so happy
Except for me tonight

Because I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

I gaze out the window
This cold winter's night
At all of the twinkling lights
Alone in the darkness
Remembering when you were mine
Everybody's smiling
The whole world is rejoicing
And everyone's embracing
Except for you and I

Baby I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

In the springtime those memories start to fade
With the April rain
Through the summer days
Till autumn's leaves are gone
I get by without you
Till the snow begins to fall

And then I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you, most at Christmas time

A lonely Christmas ~ A Comforting Card

2011-11-03T02:13:00.001-07:00

I love Christmas (can you tell?), however in the build up to the event it is becoming more and more obvious that some people find it a real challenge. It's a time when loneliness, illness, bereavement, poverty and unhappiness must come to the fore. So often when asked what does Christmas mean to you? the response is "family and friends". "It's a time when we get together to celebrate" so how must it feel then to be approaching Christmas knowing that you won't be with your loved ones this year because of illness, bereavement etc.
A few weeks ago, I saw these cards (above and below) designed by Ghost Goose to offer a caring approach to those for whom Christmas will be tough. Their beautiful sensitivity will offer comfort to the person receiving them.

Show someone you care this Christmas!

Mixed Messages ~ charity shop cull

2011-10-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed watching Retial Guru Mary Portas' "Mary queen of shops" and Mary Queen of Charity Shops. "Mary Queen of Shops" featured Mary Portas offering her advise and design skills to shops that had seen better days, were left in the past, or simply did not have direction. She put together plans that uplifted the shops and gave them a new lease of life and those running them the knowledge and plans to build bright new futures.
Mary Queen of Charity shops showed Mary taking over a charity shop and turning the design and methods of running it around. She gave it a totally new outlook, engaged the community and left a thriving charity shop in her wake.
So why is Mary now bemoaning the humble charity shop, encouraging local councils to put a cap on the numbers allowed on our high streets? http://www.bis.gov.uk/highstreet

Buy Local

2011-10-24T03:31:00.001-07:00

Too Much Information

2011-10-24T03:26:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up, it was in a time of huge protection for children. Things of a personal nature were not discussed out loud. Matters of life and death were kept away from children and the news papers, news programmes etc did not show photos or details that would be graphic.

Whilst I beleieve that in modern society, children should be aware of life and death processes and be informed in loving and supportive environments There are certainly ways, means and limitations on what they should be subjected to.

How different it all is now.

This past weekend showed newspaper headlines, front page pictures in full colour and no holds barred. The news programmes dealt in great detail of minute detailing.

I celebrate with Libya at it's freedom from oppressive leadership.

I do not however wish to see a close up of a bullet entry hole, the dead body of a man paraded, video's of the fear of a condemned man.

Let us instead celebrate a future, a new era and a free country

Crafts Tutorial ~ Papier Mache

2011-10-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

I have been asked about making Papier Mache or Paper mache.
There are many recipes out there, but this one is the one I use and is a combination of many, resulting from much trial and error! This results in a strong, thick and sturdy product which will last for many years. It's not a quick method, but the quality is worth the process.
You will need:
Newspaper
water
wall paper paste
plain flour
Mold base or balloons etc

Use a ballon or upturned bowl as a base. Layer up 3 or 4 layers of news paper strips and wall paper paste. wall paper paste is used as it has anti fungal properties. If making with children use watered down pva.
Leave to dry in a warm place. (you could try putting in the oven on a low heat, but be warned I tried and failed!)

Tear up the newspaper, add plenty of water.

Boil until the paper disintegrates.

Use a liquidiser, food processor or wand masher to pulverise the paper (ideally you should keep one for none food use)

Drain water from pulp

Squeeze until it's as dry as possible

Crumble into a bowl

In a seperate bowl mix flour and water and a dash of unmade wall paper paste into a thick gloopy paste.

Add the crumbled paper. Put in your hands and squeeze and manipulate until you have a clay like substance.

Cover the paper layered base with the clay paste.

Leave to dry.

Cover the pot with plain light weight paper or newspaper edges to give a good base for decoration.

leave to dry and then decorate with paints, paper etc.

Have fun

Craft Tutorial ~ Hanging Hearts

2011-10-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

The tutorial to make your own hanging hearts can be found on Things To Make And Do.
You could also add lavender for a fresh all year round aroma or for the winter months add pouches of mulled wine spices, cloves or cinnamon sticks.

GiveAway ~ Christmas Creative

2011-10-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

One of my other blogs is currently celebrating it's 300th post with a giveaway.
Why not head over there and enter with a chance to win Christmas Goodies.
Enter HERE

Your beautiful ~ Phil Wickham

2011-10-15T02:33:00.001-07:00

A Beautiful Journey

2011-10-15T02:26:00.000-07:00

There are times when being a mum means playing mum taxi. The chasing round and making sure everyone has everything in the right place, all the components they'll need for their day and the appropriate clothes for the weather. These times can be fraught, but once you are in the car and you've double and tripple checked everything, inevitably the journey is a time to chat and find things out.
This morning I had two of mine and a borrowed child to deliver to Beverley for music. beverley is about 14 miles from us over the Yorkshire Wolds, undulating chalk hills. The sun was shining as we drove up the hills and the sky was beautifully blue. Below us on the flood plain the grey mist obscured the view, but we climbed into the blue sky. As we travelled along chatting the most stunning site met us. red Kites flying with the sun glinting on their wings. The white boomerangs underneath the wings bright.
The colours of autumn were starting to become very evident as the trees have started to take on the acidic colours and the oranges and reds are starting to form, the deep red hawthorn berries and brighter red pods of the rosehips are bright in the hedges.
As we entered Beverley Westwood, the most amazing site greated us. The dew last night was heavy and still glistened on the grass. The cows grazed with steam coming off their coats and from their mouths and the mist hung above the floor shrouding the bottoms of the tree's and gave a surreal vision of lines of trees and St. Marys Church graced the scene as though selected by an artist.
None of us had a camera with us, the moments we had witnessed live on only in our minds, but I did think how lucky we were to have witnessed such beauty.

Neglecting Our Elderly

2011-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

20 something years ago I was a student nurse working in a hospital on the outskirts of London. When I was training, we were based on the wards (now they train in classrooms) we were counted in staff numbers, learnt the value of communication, observation and practice in reality not in theory. We had much time to sit with the patients and talk to them.

Why am I bringing this up now?

Because the news is currently full of stories of neglect of the elderly and of starved patients.

I know that when I trained, many times I spent over half an hour spoon feeding an elderly patient. Sometimes it took even longer. Those patients who had suffered strokes or had difficulty swallowing took great patience to feed, but we knew how vital it was to get the food into them to aid the healing process. It was frequently drummed into us, the importance of not just putting the food tray on the table, but to make sure the patient was sat up, had the table in reach, was competent to feed themselves etc. We were taught to help someone overcome the shame of asking for help to cut up their food or to feed themselves. We were trained to look for tell tale signs that meant someone wouldn't manage.

Who is there to do this now? They took students off the wards, they squeezed the NHS so that staff were overrun and simply did not have the time to feed the patients. I have heard countless stories of the elderly being neglected in recent years.

So what is the solution?

The government needs to fund elderly carers who are paid to go and sit and feed these elderly patients. To give them the responsibility to make sure the elderly and infirm are adequately fed and watered.

This in turn would fund itself as the elderly patients would heal quicker and be off the wards faster.

Who could do this valuable job?

Well, the recent talk from the government that those on job seekers allowance should do work to gain their benefits is just one example of a ready market of workers.

Another is those with long term disabilities who can't "work" in standard jobs, this would give them purpose etc and be an environment ready set up for access etc.

Thirdly volunteers, who want to do their bit to make the world a better place.

This could be "The Big Society"

The shame of the "Elderly Neglect" should be a thing of the past... we are all going to be old ourselves!

Throwing Away Christmas

2011-10-03T01:47:00.000-07:00

I am sure that Rev W F Awdry who originally wrote Thomas the Tank Engine, would be furious at the latest turn of events. The latest story is set at Christmas, with Christmas trees, Christmas party's and Christmas presents, however there is no mention of Christmas.
Christmas has been referred to as Winter holidays,
Christmas trees as decorated trees
Christmas party as holiday party
This is sadly being allowed to become acceptable and all because no one stops it. Google are also offenders and won't wish you Happy Christmas.
But the great British public celebrate "Christmas" I'm not claiming they all get the true meaning, but they buy Christmas Cards, Advent calendars, Christmas tree's etc. I personally find it offensive that the reason for the celebration should be shoved into a cupboard and re-branded as Winter holidays. I don't have trouble wishing Hindu's a Happy Divali or Muslim's a Happy Ede, or Jewish people a Happy Hanukkah. The world is made up of diverse cultures and we should be allowed to celebrate it.
We need to stand up and demand that our Christian rights are not removed.

Papier Mache Bowls

2011-10-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

At Long last my first three bowls are completed.

The first is a deep bowl suitable for fruits and nuts etc.

The second is a classic fruit bowl style.

Lastly is a large deep bowl

All the bowls are finished with a varnish and can be wi[ped with a rung out damp cloth.

Autumn Bracelet

2011-09-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

My latest Jewellery creation is an autumn leaves bracelet. Makes a very satisfying autumnal noise as the beads cluster together. On Gold plated base with a toggle clasp.

Display Idea

2011-09-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

When I get an idea, I have to go full steam ahead and try it out. This morning I was pegging out the washing and had an idea for displaying my necklaces at the farmers market.

It has cost me nothing as the planks were from the garden. Needed washing and painting with a greeny blue paint wash. Once dry, I stuck weather worn pegs onto it.

The necklaces can simply be pegged in place.

The planks will be held onto the side struts of my stall with clamps.

Autumn Organising

2011-09-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

Most people spring clean, but I Autumn organise. I have been sorting out all my crafting paraphernalia before the Christmas rush starts. I have a workroom that has floor to ceiling deep shelving and over the past few days, I have removed every item and sorted it out. I've dismantled jewellery that I am not happy with, have tidied through the bead boxes, done a stock take, folded, wiped, piled, stacked the paint, paper, beads, fabrics, materials, fabrics, clays etc and ruined my nails in the process.I am now happy with what I see and all that busy-ness has inspired me to make more stuff. I've also been messing around with the look of my blog and I'm not sure if it will stay this way. That's largely because I can't find out how to get it back to how it was!! (it was one of those "press the button" and before you know it things are different.)

I do like the fact that all the posts are so visible though especially on the Christmas Creative Blog which is a really visual blog.

Disaster ~ Pure Stupidity

2011-09-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

Being a crafter, and an experimental one at that, I am prone to having the odd disaster, but my latest is of epic proportions.
I am currently making papier mache bowls for Christmas and this morning I started to make another batch. For the first layers I use upturned bowls and layer paper strips over them for a couple of layers before I bake them in a low heat oven to dry out. Then I make a clay paste papier mache and coat the outer layer on.
So I got out my plastic bowls and covered one huge mixing bowl and two smaller cereal bowls with paper strips. I use plastic bowls as they are flexible and removal from the formed shape is easy.
I bunged them into the oven and didn't really think about the temp. Normally it's on a really low setting, I was so excited at nipping over to the shops for gold spray paint and doilies that I forgot.
I have been unsuccessful in my doily hunt and got talking about crafting to several people and forgot that my bakes were in the oven.
When I came back in I thought, oh lovely they'll be dry by now, and they were, but each one of the paper forms was empty and on the floor of the oven there was a huge pool of melted plastic and to make it even worse it's stuck all over the oven shelves too. The bowls had completely disappeared.

Christmas Creative ~ What's New?

2011-09-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

I have another Blog (well actually I have several more) that I would like to draw your attention to. it's called Christmas Creative. It's the perfect blog to inspire your creative side or to give you a great showcase of what the UK fantastic talented people are making for their shops in the run up to Christmas. There is alos a healthy dose of Christmas music waiting for you over there.

Make your own Christmas Globes

Make Quilled Snowflakes

Music: O Holy Night ~ Celtic Woman

Today's the day ~ Celtic Woman Concert

2011-09-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I would have been going to the Barbican Centre in York to watch Celtic woman in concert. Sadly, I can't tell you how sad I am that it was cancelled. so I shall console myself with a celtic woman fest of my favourites:

Christmas Decorations ~ Mary & Joseph

2011-09-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last week developing and creating these Nativity figures. They are created from wooden blocks. I think they would look great on anyone's mantlepiece or windowsill.

You can purchase them HERE

Paul Bailey Art

2011-09-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love Paul Bailey's art work. He works in water colour and indian ink and has a unique style that is very recognisable. Take a look at his work here

My Memories 9/11

2011-09-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

They say that many people can tell you what they were doing when JFK was killed. I always thought that was a bit of a myth, but during the time of my life, there have been two such utter shocking events that have etched an image in my mind. The first was the death of Diana and the second happened like this.
I stood in the infant play ground with my little girl in her buggy. We were waiting for her two big brothers to come out of school.
One of my childhood friends came rushing over. "Have you heard about the Twin towers?" she said. I replied in the negative. I wasn't even sure what the twin towers were, let alone where they were.
She went on to tell me that "an aeroplane has crashed into a skyscraper in new York" What an awful accident.
At that stage the playground flooded with children and we made our way home.
Back inside, I went to turn on the portable in the dining room. I remember the green carpet, the TV balanced on top of an old beige kitchen cabinet. The blue wall, the flames pouring from a tower block and then the change of camera angle, the shot of a second plane hitting, the explosion, the amazing flash of orange gold and the glint of the sun on broken glass, all set against a blue sky. Then the shock hit.
It was hours before it was possible to stop watching. the children played happily, oblivious to what was unfolding infront of my eyes.
The towers crumbling, the dust charging up the streets covering everything in it's path. memories of lessons in school about Pompei. Images of grey, grey people, grey cars, grey streets, grey mood.
Sorrow, stress, searching for loved ones. Anguish, anger, Al Qeada.....
The World Watched, The World Wept, The world Changed

My Christmas Shop

2011-09-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

I know some people think it is too early, but I have just begun to put together my Christmas Shop.

I have loads of handmade Christmas Gifts and decorations. Including the Nativity story Bracelets (above)

salt dough decorations (Top) and Salt dough nativity (above)

I'll show you more tomorrow.

or, if you can't wait ..... go and have a look HERE

Autumn

2011-09-08T01:31:00.000-07:00

As aging summer spreads her hands
To catch the falling leaves,
She turns them into wondrous shades,
The autumn patterns she weaves.

To make them whisper and to shake
She gently blows them round
Allowing sun to glint on gold
As they flutter to the ground.

The floor is now a carpet of bronze
An amazing sight to behold
The artists pallet could not improve
As onward the season rolls.

Poem by Carol

South Cave Show 2011

2011-09-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

This is what I was doing at the weekend

Craft Tutorial ~ Make your own rainbow crayons

2011-09-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Skirt Drama Update ~ Latest in the skirt saga

2011-09-07T03:09:00.000-07:00

Continuing the saga I am having with school uniform skirts,
School uniform ~ Arrrggggghhhh
and the follow up: Bad News
here is the latest episode

Parcel finally arrives today Wednesday. I go into the house, open it up and discover not the black 26 x 22, but a grey 24 x 20. I just sat and stared at it. How can an order be quite so wrong?
I phoned the company and got the expected apology, but that doesn't help when they don't have the skirt I actually ordered in stock.
So I have now to send back this skirt and find another. Hopefully my new selection of company can do better!! ... well they could hardly be worse!

Hydrangeas

2011-09-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

So Madonna hates hydrangeas.
Personally I love them. They are so romantic and English Country Garden with their beautiful heads of clustered tiny flowers. Here are some beautiful examples of modern and old varieties.

All these photos are from Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas!

Chalk Board Paint ~ Custom Colours

2011-09-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

how useful it would be to have a chalk board in your Kitchen or hallway. Now you can make your own chalkboard paint in the colours you would like. The tutorial for custom coloured blackboard paint is available on Martha Stewart's Blog

A follow Up

2011-09-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

This post follows on from Yesterdays post about the uniform issues:
Well we waited and watched for the postie to arrive this morning and as the red van turned down the road and pulled up we held our breath. out she got and walked up the path to our letter box. There was no bulky packet, no padded envelope. No Skirt? ..... NO SKIRT!
So it is to be hoped that those uniform police are not very vigilant.
The company who I ordered the skirt from and who promised it would be here today simply said "Sorry"

School Uniform ~ AARRGGGHHHHHH

2011-09-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

When I was at school, all the primary schools I went to (5) did not wear uniform, so each day was get out the clothes that were clean and pop them on and go to school. I don't remember having issues with fashion or what other people wore etc. When I started senior school 1980, The uniform was a navy skirt, navy jumper, blue shirt and black shoes. Everyone went to the uniform shop and bought from a very limited style choice. As I entered the sixth form I rebelled and wore an extremely long blue skirt from C&A's, but on the whole we all just wore the uniform from the uniform shop.

How different it is now a days, Most primary schools now have uniform and the one I've had contact with were fairly relaxed and allowed any grey skirt and maroon sweatshirt. In the summer the girls wore red gingham dresses and there were lots of styles available.

The local senior school is a lot more strict on uniform. They state that the skirt should be knee legnth, black and A line and not made from the t shirt style fabric that rides up. So that would be fairly simple then, at least that's what you think. The school produce a skirt but it's the style that suits and more importantly fits only a few. There is no adjustable waist and no waist band so the possibility of adding elastic is not there. In reality, to get the correct waist fit for a skinny, you'd be having a few sizes smaller and so the skirt would be too short. So after attending a very hectic uniform evening, I decided that I'd get one from a local shop.

So we trolled around M&S, British home stores, Debenhams, Tesco's Asda, Sainsbury's, New Look, Next and many more. I was tearing out my hair. Every shop was so near, but so far. Some had the right style, but only in younger girls sizes, but the overwhelming thing was pleats. They were everywhere and not only that, they were all short. After all the who ha, I decided that the best place to go and probably where we should have gone first was the trusty uniform shop, the same one I'd got my uniform in all those years before. Believe it or not the school uniform shop only had one style of skirt in and that was a pleated kilt. I was beginning to panic. It was far too late to order a skirt from the school and so I began to trawl the internet and on the 25th August, I located the perfect skirt, selected the exact size and length and pressed al the order buttons, sat back and waited. And Waited. And Waited.

Finally last Wednesday I rang and asked where it was and was told it would be in on Wednesday and sent straight out. But by Saturday I was getting frantic and accosted the post woman, but she had no delivery for me. So in panic I rang the shop and the lady agreed to post it out to me. Now I have my fingers crossed that it arrives in Monday's post as it is needed for Tuesday's school. Should it fail to arrive, I have no plan B.

Uncork The Wine ~ & Use Up The Corks

2011-09-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Cork is a natural material that has many uses, but probably the oldest and best is the use of cork for bottle stopping. So next time you pop the cork, save it and put it to some of these wonderful uses.

Plant Markers ~ Tutorial HERE

Make A Bath Mat

Make A Notice Board

Make Large Wall decoration Initials

Only 112 days left ~ Grab Your Glitter!

2011-09-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming,
If you are planning to go handmade, then you need to start planning and making. Before you know it, it'll be Christmas eve, the craft shops will be shut and it will all be too late.
If you are looking for idea's of things to make for decorations, food, gifts etc then I have put together a Handmade Christmas Blog which has all the tutorials, eye candy and music to accompany your handmade Christmas endevours. If you have a christmas related item you would like me to showcase there then let me know.
Happy making!

Papier Mache Bowls

2011-09-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with papier mache for the last couple of days. Typical that I want to make papier mache the day after I put the bins out for recycling. In ended up scrapping phone books.

I used the cooking method and a home made binder using flour with a little wall paper paste for the anti fungal properties.
I have made four bowls to start with. One is almighty big and the other three are more moderate (25cm). One of them is a deep ball shaped bowl which has yet to have a base added.
Over the next couple of weeks I will decorate them and varnish them.

The Perfect Summer hat

2011-09-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this stunning hat. The PDF pattern is available HERE

But and it's a huge but (like mine!) it's in Japanese and even with Google translate it is still in Japanese. So sadly I will just dream

Button Fun ~ Button Inspired Ideas

2011-09-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

Gift Decoration by Love Maegan

Button Art by Mod Podge Rocks

To The People Of Wootten Bassett

2011-09-01T00:18:00.000-07:00

Wootten Bassett is the town through which, (until today) our brave dead service men pass on their journey to the coroners office after arriving at RAF Lyneham.
What began as a couple of elderly ex service men making a public salute grew and grew until many many people line the route and welcome our hero's back and life in Wootton Bassett pauses. Families of the soldiers often line the route too supported by the community.
To the people of Wootton Bassett I want to say thank you for the dignity and respect you have showed to these fallen men and their families on behalf of us all. You are a wonderful community.

Tatting

2011-08-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Matha's Tatting Blog (loads of examples to look at)

The art of tatting is perhaps one of the lesser known yarn crafts and yet in recent times I've admired the work of some amazing people. An elderly lady I knew was going to teach me, but sadly she died before she could begin to share her knowledge with me.
Yesterday I met someone who I know who can also tat and is going to teach me. I'm really excited to be able to add another craft to my list. I just go an buy a tatting shuttle and some tatting cotton.

The Comedy Prom ~ Not Perfect ~ Tim Minchin

2011-08-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

The comedy prom close with the very talented Tim Minchin.
Moved me to tears.

Recycled Dress ~ who ate all the crisps?

2011-08-27T03:18:00.000-07:00

Great idea for what to do with all your crisp packets. read about it HERE

Christmas Creative: Featured Artisan ~ By Sally

2011-08-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

Christmas Creative: Featured Artisan ~ By Sally: These frosted leaf decorations will look great displayed throughout the winter season, or indeed used at weddings as centre pieces etc. The...

Body Image & The Shop Sizes

2011-08-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

I've been ear wigging (perhaps it should be eye wigging) a conversation on Twitter this morning about shopping for clothes and the inconsistencies of sizing. I have a truly awful time shopping for clothes. I find it soul destroying and far from a pleasurable experience, in short I avoid it.

Conventionally I do not fit traditional sizes. Different parts of me are different sizes and across the board, I span three sizes, 8,10 and 12. So as you can imagine, it is fairly hard to find clothing that is the right fit.
I also want a certain style, I want to be modest. I'm not looking to show off my non existent cleavage, I don't want my underwear to be seen through, or over my clothes. I want nice clothes, colourful & floaty (the inner hippy!), I know the colours that suit me and the ones to avoid, but the clothing manufacturers don't or else they are all conspiring against me.
Trousers are my worst nightmare. I have a bottom and hips, but when I try on trousers, I'm made to feel like a freak as I try to balance up the bottom coverage and the excess waist fabric. Mostly my only option is to buy them looking like the photo above (I kid you not) and then to make incisions into the waist band and sew in elastic to draw them in. This then means that my tops need to be forgiving to cover the excess of fabric now bundled around my waist. The low slung trousers of modern fashion are beyond rectifying so are given a wide berth.
I love the gypsy look (the romantic vision rather that the chav) Indian clothing would be great, the colours and styles are fabulous,I have several skirts (elasticated waist) and with then there are no bottom issues. I also have some Salwaar Kameez sets that I love to wear, but on an every day basis I'd get some funny looks.
Dresses tend to look really awful on my scrawny top half when I get a size to accommodate my lower half.
By the time I have carried all the items into the changing rooms, tried them on, realised they are far from ideal and taken them back to the woman at the front, I am feeling deflated, despondant and depressed, especially if I am shopping for something in particular. 28 pairs of trousers in one day and not one remotely right is not a confidence building experience.
There is nothing wrong with my size. It's the way I am made, God blessed me with a bottom and not a top, a bit of mix and match, an eclectic mix? Still there is a blessing that comes out of it all. I don't spend loads and loads of money on clothes, I wear what I have until it is falling to pieces and I am thankful for the clothes I have that have come (nearly) up to my requirements. and afterall, the artist part of me is impulsive, if the creative urge takes me, then out come the paints, the chalks, the glue, the cay, the paste etc and more often than not I just get on with it in the clothes I am currently wearing (what's an apron?)
I know that
God created us, but more specifically he has created us in his image.
‘So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he
created them.’ and that the aspects that should be allowed to shine through are kindness, gentleness
mercifulnes, loving, wise, joyful, majestic etc. all the things we are shown about Gods character. So I hope that when people see me in tatty old clothes, they see the colours and style of the image of God rather than the tattyness.

Inspirational Colour

2011-08-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was small I have loved arranging things into colour orders. My felt tips are still arranged in spectrum order and so are my beads. I thought I'd look for some of the beautiful colour charts for craft materials that are around at the moment.

Pastels

felt

beads

paint

Wool

Clay

Glitter

Icing

Hope you find these as inspiring as I do

Strength Will Rise

2011-08-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is a song that expresses the never failing love of God.

The scriptural basis for the song is Isiah 40 v 28 - 31
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

What a terrific verses, full of promises for us his children.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.

The Handwritten Bible

2011-08-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

The whole bible has been handwritten by people all over the UK. You can see the completed project HERE

Want to help clean up after the Riot?

2011-08-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

This site is the headquarters for the clean up effort. You can find out what is needed, the equipment to take with you and where to go.

Three cheers for those involved in this fantastic movement.

An Invitation

2011-08-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the rioted area, the Church of St Mary the virgin, Tottenham the man in charge The assistant curate Simon Morris has written to the local community the following letter.

Dear Friends,

This is to assure you all that Masses and other services will happen at both churches as normal.

At S. Mary's we are currently providing food and drink to people who have lost homes, who have had no electricity and who are working on the old Carpet Right building. If people feel able to help, then please make your way to S. Mary's. I am very grateful to those who have kept this going since yesterday morning.

On Sunday 14th August, we will have a procession during the 10am Mass to make God's presence known on these streets that have seen such violence.

10am Mass will be followed by a Bring and Share lunch to cheer us up and to demonstrate that we are not broken by the violent acts of others. Please make every effort to come along. I do not know whether the crossroads at Lansdowne Road will be open or not, but entry to the Church is still possible from the other side of Lansdowne Road.

Wishing you very blessing.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME ON SUNDAY FOR MASS AND LUNCH!!!

Fr S.J. Morris
Assistant Curate,

Hide Me Now

2011-08-10T02:09:00.000-07:00

The scriptural base for it is Psalm 46
v2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the sea, though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with the surging.

v10 Be still and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the nations
I will be exalted in the heavens.

How wonderful that our God surrounds us with his wings of love.
Like the little ducklings or chicks return to their mother and she protects them, cuddles then warm and safe in her soft feathers, so we too can turn to God knowing he will be there for us.

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise
and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

Thankyou Lord that you are there for us. That you wrap your loving arms around us. Loving arms that once wrapped the whole world in love as you hung on the cross.
Lord we pray that we will feel you near to us as we face challenges in our lives.
Amen

After the Riot

2011-08-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

In the aftermath of the Riots, Twitter users come together to clean up London. They arrive with brooms, bags, gloves and dustpans and after waiting several hours for the police to finish recording the scene, they get to work to help bring order back to the streets.

The damage done to business, houses, and cars resembles the aftermath of war.

Thy Word

2011-08-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

Thy word is a song that is based on Psalm 119 v 105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path"
Basically a song that tell us the importance of the bible. The fact that all the answers to our many questions are there. That when we fear our path in life, Jesus is right there beside us. I have nothing to fear because he is always there.
the second verse of the song says
I will not forget your love for me. (I know you love me and know what's best for me)
And yet, my heart forever is wondering ... (but I have doubts and walk from your shadow)
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side (teach me your ways and correct me when I go wrong)

Thy Word
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
Think I've lost my way,
Still You're there, right beside me.
Nothing will I fear,
As long as You are near.
Please, be near me to the end

Chorus

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide,
And hold me to Your side,
And I'll love You to the end.

A Weed Is A Flower In The Wrong Place

2011-08-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

They say that a weed is a flower in the wrong place. Makes sense as there are a lot of beautiful flowers on weeds, think daisy, dandelion, buttercup. However, there is an ever growing problem in the UK with Flowers in the wrong place that are doing damage to our natural flora and fauna. Species that have been introduced into the UK from foreign lands are invading with force and causing damage on a huge and very expensive scale.

Japanese knot weed

Himalayan Balsam

Don't be tempted to take a bit home to plant in your garden!!

Featured Artisan ~ Nihal Erpenden

2011-08-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

This is a polymer clay necklace by Turkish Artist Nihal Erpenden. I love the subtle colours of the petals and the styling. You can see loads more of her amazing polymer clay work on her blog (although you might not be able to read it as it is in Turkish ~ but there is loads of eye candy)

His Love Endures Forever

2011-08-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Psalm 136

Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of Gods.
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the Lord of Lords.
His love endures forever.
To him who does great wonders.
His love endures forever.
Who by his understandin made the heavens
His love endures forever
Who spread out the earth upon the waters
His love endures forever
He who made the great lights
His love endures forever
The sun to govern the day
His love endures forever
The moon and stars to govern the night
His love endures forever.

This Psalm goes on to speak about the history of God saving his people, of leading the Hebrews from slavery and caring for them as they wondered through the desert.
The Psalm was written as a responsive Psalm with a leader leading and then the people responding with that wonderful declaration "His love endures forever"

Endures means to stick with, to sustain, and is a very powerful word. God sticks with his people whatever they go through. His is faithful.

Chris Tomlins song is based on this Psalm and the fact that God is Faithful, strong and with us.

Featured Artisan ~ Kelly Swallow

2011-08-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these amazing chairs by Kelly Swallow.

You can see more of Kelly's work on her website HERE

Footprints in the Sand

2011-08-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

explanation in the post below

To many many people, both Christian and non christian, Footprints in the sand is a well know poem. It has graced many a poster, bookmark and card. The words it speaks are comforting as they speak about our walk though life with God. At times when we are coping there are two sets of footprints, ours and Gods, but at times where we go though struggles there is one set. That set belongs to God. That's when he picks us up in his arms and carries us through the tough times.
For many years no one knew the author, although many people tried to claim ownership. In the end the writer was proved to be Mary Stevenson (Zangare).

as a young girl, mary had hand written copies of the poem to give to friends when they were going through tough times in their lives;

It was sometime after this that friends of Mary saw it in print and wondered why she wasn't given credit for writing it. Solicitors told her that it would be very hard to prove her the author since it had been used by many publishers of religious materials and greeting cards. Mary wrote 'Footprints' in 1936 when she was very young and knew nothing of copyrighting. She didn't follow up her claims until in 1984 when clearing out her garage, she found an original copy and with carbon dating and other tests, Mary was officially recognised as the writer.

Leona Lewis' version changes the word slightly, but doesn't detract from the meaning.

You walked with me
Footprints in the sand
And helped me understand
Where I'm going
You walked with me
When I was all alone
With so much I no along the way
Then I heard you say

I promise you
I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you
When you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

I see my life
Flash across the sky
So many times have I
Been so afraid
And just when I
Have thought I've lost my way
You give me strength to carry on
That's when I heard you say

Chorus

When I'm weary
Well I no you'll be there
And I can feel you
When you say

I promise youI'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you
When you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

As encouraging today as when it was written in 1936!

South Cave Mission Rescue 2011

2011-08-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

I stared the week with a post about the South Cave Holiday Club and I'm completing the week with the update. This video is of the weeks fun adventure MISSION RESCUE. Thank you to all of you who have joined me in praying for the events, the children and staff. Enjoy!!!

Holiday Fun ~ Sun Dial

2011-08-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

This is a great activity to keep the children occupied all day. You'll need an alarm clock or you might forget.
In the centre of the garden place a garden cane or broom handle. Press it into the grass so that it's standing upright.
On the hour take a stone and place on the tip of the shadow cast by the sun onto the stick. You can write the hour number on the stone if you wish.
Then set the alarm for the next hour.
Repeat until you have all the stones set out.
Now you can tell the time on any sunny day.