Chickadee Cards

Christmas Cards For 2011

2011-12-19T20:08:00.002Z

This is the card I produced this year. There were others, but this one was my favourite! I used ProMarkers for a professional look, but made sure that the label on the back told people that they were 'hand drawn, coloured, stamped and finished'. The design of the pudding was my own but it was very simple. Despite being simple, imagine how long it took to make 80 cards...

It was so nice to get my mojo back for a while. I have also started beading some bracelet kits - and I will post pics when they are finished. Despite my mojo raising its head above the parapet, I am not ready for designing again, so I ordered someone else's designs in kit form.

It Has Been A Long Time!

2011-12-07T18:10:00.003Z

This is what was sent to me by my Crafter...oo Secret Santa - a lovely felted, silky scarf, a gorgeous butterfly brooch and a christmas tree decoration. All beautiful, so thanks to my santa! I sent my present off today so I hope that the recipient likes it. I stupidly forgot to take a photograph of it though...doh!

Disappointment For a Fellow Crafter...oo Member

2011-08-14T12:59:00.005+01:00

Isn't it awful when we get bad service? With the internet now available for practically anything you wish to buy, you would think that many companies would up their customer service. But it seems that this is not always the case. A fellow Crafter...oo member recently had terrible service and she has blogged about it here...Domestic Kat.

I have experienced bad service, from a Folksy seller, and it does leave a nasty taste in the mouth. However, I do feel that there is absolutely no excuse for this from established companies.

2011-08-03T08:33:00.006+01:00

These beads were made by a Gold member of mine at WW. We discovered a shared interest in jewellery making, although with different media. Last week, I went to her house, along with several other like-minded people, and we had a 'show and tell' session. She wanted to buy a bracelet of mine and I wanted some of her beads...so we did a swap - like the days before money! She calls herself 'Purple Duck'. As yet, she doesn't have a web-site, but I hope that she will set one up soon.

This piece is from Bead and Button magazine. I fell in love with the pattern when I saw it and HAD to make it. Once I got my head around the instructions, it was easy to make, although it looks much harder. I love peacock colours and I think that they suit the paisley pattern beautifully. I do intend to turn it into a bracelet but am a bit stuck as to which finding would be the best.

This bracelet is from the current issue of Bead magazine. It is really pretty and an easy pattern to follow. I am making another one in pinks and black.

This bracelet is a 'flat cellini' stitch. I am not 100% happy with it and cocked up the clasp somewhat. I think that the wave in the pattern is not obvious enough and I will be sticking to tubular cellini stitch in future - the results are more interesting.

And finally, this bracelet is also from Bead and Button. Again, I am not 100% happy with it, but not through anything I did wrong. I just don't think it looks as good as the ones in the magazine picture. Maybe my colours needed to be more diverse - contrasting instead of toning. What do you think? Comments very much appreciated.

Bracelets Galore

2011-07-20T09:37:00.005+01:00

I have been a little busy. My beading mojo is back!

A Few Things

2011-07-02T12:41:00.007+01:00

I have not been a very busy crafter lately, due to lots of reasons. I have been quietly crafting away though, doing the odd bit of cross-stitch or a bracelet.

Two bracelets that I have made are based on the design that I had published in Bead magazine. I just played with colours and I love the results, although I didn't follow my own instructions for the pattern! Once a pattern changer, always a pattern changer. They will be going in my Folksy shop soon, and I hope to be able to spend more time on stocking that up in the near future.

I also bought these hairgrips from Vintage Violet - a fellow crafter and friend from Crafter...oo. She is absolutely fabulous and a totally original crafter. I am in awe of her cross-stitch designs, especially her Tardis one. I was very lucky, because the grips had expired from her shop and she then offered me a discount on the original price...I do love a pretty bargain! Maximum Rabbit Designs

I'm A Knight...

2011-06-08T09:03:00.003+01:00

Max's theme this half-term is 'castles'. So, what else would you expect but to have to make a medieval costume . I didn't help myself by leaving it to the last minute and having a mild panic, but I think that I came up trumps! Max is certainly chuffed with the outfit...amazing what you can do with Kanban card and an old pillow case!

Who, Me?

2011-05-07T12:11:00.002+01:00

Butter wouldn't melt...

Bejeweled Blitz

2011-05-07T12:08:00.002+01:00

I had to put this on here for posterity - it is my highest ever score! Not enough to make me first against all my FB friends (grr) but still a convincing second place.

And Some MORE!

2011-05-01T15:41:00.005+01:00

I made these cards over the last few days. I have been buying rather a lot of Promarkers and playing with them. Sometimes I then feel like putting the results onto a card!

4 Cards

2011-04-19T08:24:00.003+01:00

I am really into card making at the moment. I don't seem to have enough time to make something beaded, but cards only take a short while.

40th Anniversary Card

2011-04-16T08:34:00.003+01:00

It is my Auntie and Uncle's 40th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow and I made this card for them. I really enjoy making cards that require hearts, as I love the occasions behind them; weddings, anniversaries, engagements - all wonderful things to celebrate.

I don't know about all of you but I think that 40 years of marriage is something worth a huge celebration! No marriage is without troubles, but to survive them and keep going is inspiring.

Congratulations to Jane and Pat - you are a great couple.

Bead Magazine - Out Now!

2011-03-21T18:44:00.003Z

This is my third pattern in Bead magazine. I have a few ideas buzzing around in my head for more designs, but need to get them on to paper. That is a bit of a problem at the moment, a my life seems to be too busy for beading :(

Well, I say that, but I have been making a few cards and am currently sewing a cross-stitch pattern. I think that I might be all beaded out! I am able to make small and quick things, but more involved pieces are too time-consuming.

Sapphire Wedding Card

2011-03-19T07:51:00.004Z

Mum and Dad have reached the amazing anniversary of 45 years of marriage! Congratulations to them and well done on not killing each other (hee hee). Seriously though, I know that I am biased, but I don't think that I have ever seen another couple with such a successful marriage. They really are something to aspire to.

Three Bracelets and a Cat!

2011-03-05T12:36:00.003Z

Three bracelets that I am considering putting in my Folksy shop - I am not sure yet. The first photo is the most beautiful cat in the world - perhaps the post should have been called 'A Cat and Three Bracelets'...) I just can't seem to get a photo that is in focus though!

Yum, New Books

2011-03-02T17:42:00.003Z

Yes, it was the time to buy more craft books (one can never have too many I find!) I bought these and am currently drooling over them. I even bought them at full price in the shops, rather than buying them from Amazon - I just could not wait for them to be posted!

Leaving Card For Clerk

2011-02-28T08:31:00.004Z

One of my Sunday morning WW clerks has had to leave, due to moving house to a village too far away :( I am very sad about it as we are a great team at that meeting. Lee has been a big part of that and I think of her as a friend. This is the card that I made for her.

Bracelets & Card

2011-02-20T20:22:00.003Z

These are a couple of things that I have actually managed to make lately. I have really been into card-making but it is hard to reach all my stuff, because of all the WeightWatchers stock! My beads are more accessible, but that doesn't mean that I actually have the TIME to do anything with them...

Earring Design

2011-02-18T09:19:00.003Z

I am proud of this design. I sent it in to Bead magazine but it was similar to a pair of earrings that they have already scheduled to print :-( Never mind, I am still happy that the idea in my head came out so well. The earrings hang beautifully and look very pretty in the ear. The idea seemed to just pop into my head the other day and I made time to get it down on paper before I forgot what I wanted to do. This has happened a few times, so I have learnt from that! I normally design by playing with my beads, but this one was a substantial idea before I even got the beads out!

Rosie Posie Pudding & Pie

2011-02-07T16:21:00.004Z

As she is affectionately known in this house! Look at that smug face in the second photo. Guess who knows that she has landed on her paws...even Mark adores her!

My Second Project in This Month's 'Bead' Magazine

2011-01-17T16:07:00.004Z

I am a very lucky crafter to have had three projects accepted for this magazine. My third is hopefully coming out in the following issue. I design by 'playing' with beads and you can imagine how many things I give up because they just don't work! This one came about when I was doing my Level 2 C&G course. I didn't like the pattern that we had been given, so I decided to create my own, using the brief.

Bracelets

2011-01-01T19:17:00.004Z

Two bracelets made from other people's patterns. The first is the 'Diva's Bracelet' pattern from Oak Tree Crafts (0121 342 1370). The second pattern is by Deborah Roberti .

The first bracelet was easy to do, but very time-consuming. The second was easy and quick, not to mention free from the internet. I do like a freebie!

A New Addition To The Family

2010-12-28T22:17:00.003Z

This is Rosie. We adopted her from the next-door neighbour, with their blessing I hasten to add! She spent most of the summer in our garden and we fell in love with her. When the weather turned cold, we allowed her to stay in the kitchen at night although we were still not feeding her at that point. However, when it got to the point that she was spending ALL her time with us and not going home for her food, I started to feed her. The neighbours were aware of this and happy - they had bought a puppy a couple of months before - so we agreed that she would remain with us.

You have no idea how much having a cat has changed our lives. I love cats but Mark and Max are both allergic to them. Max doesn't care because he loves them too, but we keep her in the kitchen, to minimise the sneeze-causing fluff in the rest of the house. Even Mark finds her cute and talks to her in the morning when he gets up for work. She has become such a part of our family...

A Few Things That I Have Managed To Squeeze In!

2010-12-28T21:04:00.005Z

This is a bracelet that I made for my Mum for Christmas. I was making it right up to Christmas Eve! I think that she liked it. It was a very simple pattern, taken from 'Bead and Button' magazine, but it was quite time-consuming. I enjoyed making it though and the need for it to be finished meant that it didn't become a UFO!

I have actually been making a few things in the last week. I wanted to give some friends a bracelet for their help with various things, so I made these...

They are just simple strung bracelets, but I included Swarovski 4mm bicones in them, to give a little bit of sparkle.

So Sorry

2010-12-05T16:30:00.003Z

I have not posted anything for TOO long. I have been working hard at my Weight Watchers job and have hardly had any time for crafting. I have designed another bracelet, but writing it up is something else! I must do it or I will forget how I did it...

Card-making has fallen by the wayside as all my WW stock is in the way of my craft boxes. I have made sure that my beads are easily accessible though! The intention to bead is there but the time isn't - oh for another two hours in the day and drip-fed caffeine lol.

Anyway, I wanted to post and wish everyone (well, anyone still looking on here!) a very merry Christmas. Happy new year to everyone too.

Photos of Magazine

2010-09-21T17:00:00.003+01:00

The Day Has Come!

2010-09-21T16:08:00.004+01:00

Finally, I can share my exciting news with you. I am a published designer! Bead magazine have printed one of my designs (see p50 of 'Bead' magazine) and actually paid me for it! So, I am a proper designer now...guess what job title is going on my passport next time I apply for one!

I will post photographs asap but I wanted to tell you the great news!

Finished WIP - Piatine Bracelet

2010-09-14T09:14:00.003+01:00

This kit was really enjoyable to do. I normally get bored half way through and leave it to do at a later date (i.e. never!) It took me less than a (already very busy) week and I love the finished article. I am going to shorten the closure stitching though, as the bracelet is loose and I fancy it being more of a cuff. (My fault, not the pattern).

I really recommend Bead Merchant for all their things; beads, kits etc.

Something On The Go

2010-09-08T13:36:00.002+01:00

I am currently making a bracelet from Bead Merchant - Piattine. It is absolutely beautiful and fairly easy (intermediate beaders and upwards - beginners might struggle). I am a big fan of Jill Devon's work, although I do think the patterns could do with a rewrite (just my personal opinion of course!) I love going along to her shop, on the first Saturday of every month, and having a good drool over all the beads for sale. I never come away empty-handed!

Teaser...

2010-09-01T09:13:00.001+01:00

This is the month that I have been waiting for, for a verrryy long time! I can't tell you why yet, but I will once it is all official! I am really excited...

Plus, tomorrow is the day of my first meeting as a Weight Watchers Leader! Nerves is not the word for it! Please think of me at 10am tomorrow.

Necklace and Earring Set

2010-08-06T08:04:00.001+01:00

I love this set. Really easy but so satisfying.

Vintage French Buttons

2010-08-06T07:50:00.005+01:00

Looky looky at the lovely buttons I discovered in a little second-hand shop the other day. Apparently they come from French button factories and were made in the 1950s. As you can imagine, I had a whale of a time rummaging through all the boxes and had to restrain myself from buying the whole lot! I eventually settled on the ones that I would have bought for myself anyway.

They are on my Folksy shop...

So Much Going On...

2010-08-05T18:11:00.003+01:00

I am really sorry that I haven't been around at all. I have been training to be a Weight Watchers Leader - which I have now finished - and it has been a little bit stressful! I passed the assessment though and spent most of today drowning in 30 boxes of 'starter' kit!

Despite not actually doing much crafting, I have ordered lots of clasps and a new beading book. I will post pictures when they arrive. I have also packaged up some vintage (1950s) buttons from France, which will be going on my Folksy shop as and when I get 5 minutes to sit down!

I am really trying to keep in touch with everyone else's blogs, but it is not as easy as it sounds. I have just made a whirlwind visit to some of my favourites, but didn't have enough time to have a good mooch. I think that craft may be taking a bit of a back seat for a few weeks!

I Am Not Around Much

2010-07-29T21:00:00.004+01:00

Because I have been doing training to become a Weight Watchers Leader again. It has kind of taken over my life, and, what with the summer holidays, things have been a little hectic!

Anyway, these two bracelets are fairly quick to make and look really sparkly. I do love a bit of bling!

2010-07-18T20:36:00.001+01:00

Final Picture for Teaching Staff

2010-07-16T09:50:00.004+01:00

Max has had a great year this year. This picture is the last of three that I made and I think it came out really well. I am toying with making more of these - I just want to get the borders a bit more professional before I start selling them.

Been Away For A While - Back Now!

2010-07-10T17:57:00.003+01:00

Just some items that are going on Folksy. Most of them are ones that I made for my C&G course. I love them but have SO many things to wear myself that I really do need to sell some!

Pearl's A Singer

2010-06-28T17:56:00.003+01:00

I made this bracelet in about two hours and I think it is really pretty. I used freshwater pearls with gold lined 11° beads.

Lots of Things!

2010-06-26T14:38:00.004+01:00

These are two of the three pictures that I have decided to make as teacher presents for the end of the school year. They work out to cost around £5.25 each, not including time obviously.

Above them are two presents that I bought for my friend's 40th. I got them from Folksy, from...

Natalie Farrell (make-up bag)

Snowdon (Fridge Magnets)

Both of them are totally gorgeous. I have loved Natalie's bags for a very long time and wanted to buy one for myself, but never had an excuse. Now I know that they are even more fantastic in the flesh, I will forget needing the reason and just buy myself one!

Cross-Stitcher Project

2010-06-17T21:08:00.004+01:00

I bought the latest issue of Cross Stitcher today and in it was a project on ribbon roses. I didn't have any ribbon 4mm or less in width and I noticed that they also suggested using cross-stitch floss. So, I gave it a go, which made me then think of ways to expand on it and make a picture. I am so pleased with the end result that it is going to be a picture for the TA in Max's class who has spent a huge amount of time with him this year.

The embroidery was so quick to do and would look as beautiful with just the roses, put onto a card. I am definitely going to investigate this avenue more...

I Have Been Redecorated!

2010-06-16T10:36:00.002+01:00

Some of you may have seen that Blogger had updated their templates. I had been meaning to have a look so, this morning I did! When I saw the choice, I just had to set up a new page for myself - it would have been rude not to!

I hope you like it. It is a little busy but I think it just takes a bit of getting used to after the really plain one that I had previously.

Twisted Bracelet

2010-06-11T21:29:00.004+01:00

A twisted bracelet in gorgeous peacock colours.

Two Bracelets

2010-06-11T11:23:00.002+01:00

These are made using a pattern from The Bead Merchant. Kits can be bought from their website. I love the colours in these two and I am putting them in my Folksy shop - see button at side.

I HAVE Been Making Things...Honestly!

2010-06-11T09:55:00.003+01:00

There is a cross stitch that I have started. I am only sewing the cats as I don't want all the background. They are in this month's Cross Stitcher magazine - my favourite sewing mag. The card is for my Mum's birthday - it is A5, so large and I think it is lovely. I hope she does too.

More Things

2010-06-05T10:50:00.004+01:00

This bracelet was going to be a gift for one of Max's two teachers. I realised that I don't really know if it would suit either of them (their taste in jewellery is understated), so I am putting it in my Folksy shop.

The card is also going in my shop. It is so pretty - teals, creams and blues.

New Folksy Items

2010-06-01T11:10:00.003+01:00

Please do take a look at my other items. I love beading and making things, especially my own designs.

2010-05-22T16:22:00.003+01:00

Another 'fluffy' bracelet, this time made from berry and black glass beads. It has gone in my Folksy shop.

Pendant and Earrings Set

2010-05-21T10:52:00.005+01:00

I seem to be making a lot of these rings lately! I think I am going to stop now after I have finished the one I am doing now (which will be a ring).

I seem to get caught up in things until I get sick of making them and then never do them again! Little and often would probably the best way to be...

Thank You Claire Payne!

2010-05-19T09:48:00.003+01:00

Thank you so much to Claire Payne, the organiser of the Pincushion Swap, for sending me this lovely parcel. She felt bad for me that my partner had let me down, so sent me a few bits, including a fantastic orange slice pincushion. I love it! The 'Pincushion Swap' logo button has a link to her blog, so please do go and have a look at her lovely things.

Lariat and Pendant

2010-05-18T09:32:00.005+01:00

The first three pictures are a pendant I have made. I was aiming for a ring but got the sizing slightly wrong, so turned it into a pendant! It looks fab hanging from a simple silver chain, and has 3mm fire-polished beads to give it that bit of subtle sparkle.

The last three pictures are of a lariat I made over the last few days. It grew organically, from a basic idea that changed as I went along. I can't get the colours quite right but you get the general idea!

Pincushion Swap

2010-05-14T18:37:00.002+01:00

Further to my previous posts, I am sad to say that I have not received anything in the post, or any more contact from Greyfrog. I feel very sad and disappointed about it and my trust in the crafting community has waned slightly. However, this will not stop me from entering other swaps - I will just try to be more wary in future. The swap host has been great and very apologetic, although it is definitely not her fault. I hope all you crafty swappers out there take my experience and learn a bit of caution from it :(

'Fluffy' Bracelet!

2010-05-14T13:53:00.004+01:00

This is adapted from a pattern in the first ever issue of Bead magazine. I have altered it a fair amount as it is a really basic pattern otherwise. I think that the colours work really well and it will soon be appearing in my Folksy shop (link to right of page).

Another Swarovski Beauty!

2010-05-10T16:40:00.003+01:00

Not a very clear picture as I can't seem to get the light right. I used Black Diamond and Haematite 14mm rivolis, set in 15° and delica beads.

2010-05-08T11:16:00.004+01:00

This bracelet has been adapted from a necklace pattern by Jill Devon at The Bead Merchant. I decided to make it into a bracelet as the necklace was too 'blingy' for my taste. The sparkle comes from 6 Swarovski 12mm rivolis and catches the eye beautifully. It is a statement piece that can be worn during the day or night.

This cross-stitch was adapted from a 'Clip-art' picture that came with our pc. I made it for Max but took ages to get around to putting it in a frame. I decided to get it sorted for him, but the only frame that I had in the house had broken glass. So, the picture does not have any glass protection, but Max is chuffed to bits with it!

Hopefully Sorted

2010-05-04T17:11:00.000+01:00

Well, I have heard from my swap partner and it seems that the parcel went astray. She has promised to send something out asap. I am relieved that this is the case as it was not nice to think that anyone could do something like that.

Phew!

Ever Been Had?

2010-04-30T16:39:00.005+01:00

I signed up for a swap a few weeks ago. My partner received my parcel and said theirs would be going out soon. The post-by date was 14th April and nothing has arrived from her. The organiser of the swap kindly sent a general email, asking if everyone had sent their parcels, but she has heard nothing either. I am trying to be kind and think 'maybe something dreadful has happened to her and she has more important things to worry about', but I can't help feeling like I have been had. Crafters tend to feel like a community and share a certain trust that they would not give to other people from the internet. Let's face it, we don't actually KNOW many of them in real life, so it is probably easy to get conned.

The organiser kindly offered to make something for me, but why should she lose out when it was not her fault? It all leaves a rather nasty taste in the mouth. I sincerely hope that I am wrong and it can all be sorted out.

The Final Few

2010-04-30T09:48:00.002+01:00

Cards...etc.

2010-04-29T12:09:00.006+01:00

These are all part of my friend's commission. I am nearly there now, just three or four to go. I am meeting her for coffee tomorrow, so I will be doing them tonight!

Tubby Thursday

I lost 1.5lbs this week, so now have a total of 53 off. Again, I really didn't deserve to lose any but I think my cold is doing something. I seem to be able to eat more for some reason. I have had this blasted cold for over three weeks now and it is getting to be a right royal pain in the bum. I am snotty, coughing like a cigarette smoker, not sleeping due to the coughing - you name it. Still, I am losing weight, so, hey ho - every cloud and all that!

I am currently working on a project of my own design, so will keep you posted on that.

Cards - Part 4

2010-04-26T09:03:00.003+01:00

Another one! I love these papers - I won them in a Cardmaker of The Year competition in 2006. I was a finalist in the 'K&Co' category. When the prize arrived, I was so excited as there was so much stuff!

Cards, Cards and More Cards! (part 3)

2010-04-25T08:33:00.003+01:00

Some more cards for my friend. I am over half way through them now!

2010-04-24T11:48:00.002+01:00

I made another one of the 'earrings' in my previous post. I realised that I had made a teensy mistake in the first one, but it would not have been at all noticeable. Then, I had almost completed the second one when I realised that something was horribly wrong with THAT one! Gah! So, I made the first one into a pendant and strung a necklace to hang it from. Job done.

Crafters always say that things are never mistakes but 'happy accidents' and that is so true!

Groovy Earrings!

2010-04-22T12:41:00.004+01:00

I saw these in Bead and Button and have been intending to make them for ages. I finally got around to it yesterday and finished them this morning. They were really easy to get to grips with, but they look complicated - I think that they are an amazing design. They are going in my Folksy shop (see link on right).

I lost another half a pound this week - which is REALLY strange. The only thing I can attribute it to is being unwell, because I did NOT deserve it.

Musings and Some Crafting...

2010-04-21T13:37:00.006+01:00

Another card for friend. It actually looks better in the flesh. The colours aren't really transferring onto here well.

These three bracelets are now on my Folksy shop

I didn't post about my weigh-in last week. I gained half a pound, which I did deserve. This week is going to be worse as I went to Norfolk over the weekend with my mum and aunt. We had lots of fabulous food and alcohol, so I am going to get it over with tomorrow and start again. I am not happy as I seem to be losing the plot a little, but I must get the final two stone off.

ANOTHER Card!

2010-04-13T14:43:00.002+01:00

This one is a bit skewiff! It also looks a bit busy, but is fantastic close up!

At Last, Some Crafting

2010-04-12T09:30:00.006+01:00

It seems ages since I put any photos on here. There is a reason, but I can't say what it is yet. It is taking a lot of my time and I will post photos when the recipient has got it! Meanwhile, here are a few photos.

These are the items that I sent my partner in the Pincushion Swap (see button to right, with link). I cross-stiched my own design and backed it with felt. I also made a pincushion from felt and trimmed it with beads. I particularly like this one as it is just so pretty. Finally, I sent my partner (I still don't have a blog address for her - please send me one GreyFrog) some pins and a few haberdashery items. I really hope that she likes it!

This is another card from the commission for my friend. I have this fabulous roller stamp that I have been using for a lot of the backgrounds on my latest cards. It is so beautiful.

Thanks to ClaireP for hosting the swap. Please see button to right of page for a link to her blog.

Tubby Thursday

2010-04-08T12:28:00.002+01:00

Well, I lost 1lb, which takes me to 51.5 lbs lost in total. I really didn't deserve it and can only put it down to being unwell this week. I guess my body NEEDED those three desserts (blush).

Tubby Thursday

2010-04-07T22:12:00.002+01:00

Last week, I forgot to post that I lost half a pound. Frankly, that was a miracle and I did not deserve it. This week, I have eaten even MORE and have been ill, so things look really bad for weigh-in tomorrow. I have to go and weigh though as we have a stand-in Leader this week, and one of our clerks is at a wedding. There will only be me and the shop sales clerk there to help the stand-in and I would never let my normal Leader down in that way.

Weighing-in will also give me the kick up the bum that I currently need. I have fallen off the wagon and need to get motivated again. What with one thing and another, I have not been to the gym for two weeks...I am thoroughly ashamed of myself.

New start from tomorrow - at least I haven't raided Max's easter eggs!

MORE Cards!

2010-04-01T18:32:00.002+01:00

Swarovski Jewels on my Shop...

2010-03-28T17:33:00.002+01:00

Both of these catch the light beautifully. As usual, photographs don't capture the real glitter of them. Imagine wearing the bracelet on a sunny day, moving your arm and watching the light glisten on your wrist.

The earrings only have a small drop, but have enough movement that they will also catch each sunbeam.

Third Card for Friend

2010-03-28T17:20:00.003+01:00

This one is very 'busy', but I think it works. I stitched the flower heads onto the card using cross-stitch thread.

Tubby Thursday

2010-03-26T20:23:00.001Z

I lost another pound, making a total of 50 now!!! This is a picture of the new me...

I'm Famous! (Not Really)

2010-03-22T17:33:00.004Z

The lovely Kerry of Pennydog was recently asked to edit the online forum for Popular Crafts. What a lovely job to have hey - and you may have seen the new magazine recently in the shops. Anyway, Kerry knows that I am an avid beader, and very kindly asked me to write a review on the above book. I got to keep the book too, which was obviously nice for me - never one to turn down a free craft book!

You can read the review here... Please do go along and join in the forum discussions too.

Another Card

2010-03-22T17:19:00.006Z

This card is rather nice. I got the stamp today, for 99p! Bargain. I decoupaged one of the images near the name, which I really like the look of. The ones on the front of the main card have been smudged with a wet-wipe, to give an aged look. This colour is my all time favourite - if I could only ever work with one colour again, it would be this one.

Cards...

2010-03-21T15:28:00.003Z

This card has been made for a friend, who specified 'New Home' and 'Girly'. Hopefully she will think that I have fulfilled the brief! It is very fresh and uses a stamp that I bought from Stampin' Up, which uses a roller mechanism.

This was a card I made because I had bought some new stamps. I used the Hero Arts ones to make the flower pots. The other is the heart flower one, which I thought was just too cute to leave in the shop.

Tubby Thursday

2010-03-18T12:41:00.001Z

Woo hoo, I lost 4 lbs, so I undid the gain last week and more! I reached my 3.5 stone mark and only have 1lb to go to have lost 50 lbs!

I am so chuffed :happy dance:

Pincushion Swap...

2010-03-17T10:08:00.003Z

I have signed up to do this swap, kindly being hosted by Claire at Claire's Crafty Blog. My partner is Julie at the 'Grey Frog'. I am still waiting for the blog address for her, so will amend this post when I have it.

In the swap, we have to make a pincushion and send it to our partners, along with some haberdashery items (buttons etc.) as a treat. I have already made a pincushion but am doing another one to see which I prefer...I will only post photos when I know that Julie has received it.

I had decided not to enter into another swap, as I have a lot on at the moment. However, how could I resist pincushions? I love them!

Bracelet - New In My Shop

2010-03-16T16:25:00.004Z

This is one of the bracelets that I made for 'Bead Soup' in Bead magazine. Unfortunately, my work got missed when the pieces went to be photographed, so they weren't in the magazine - although more on that at a later date...

The bracelet is going in my shop - see link on the right.

Three Stone Lighter!

2010-03-15T13:02:00.005Z

Ok, so I gained a pound last week, but I have still lost over three stone. I got my dad to take some photos of me. Please ignore my closed eyes in the standing one - I always seem to do this and it was the best one of the three standing ones taken. The others had all been taken from high up and I looked like my legs were two feet long! (sorry dad!)

The sitting one is me with my beautiful son. He is like me in that he can never make a serious face or do a serious pose for the camera. He is naturally more photogenic though ;)

Compare this to my photo in this post and you can definitely see the difference!

Edited to add that I bought my first size 12 jeans today and they are 'skinny' ones!

Twisted Bracelet

2010-03-10T10:22:00.003Z

This bracelet is made using tigertail and then twisting the strands. I then threaded ribbon through, and this has the added bonus of acting as a safety catch in the clasp.

New Ideas

2010-03-08T11:33:00.002Z

I don't know about you lot, but I find it hard getting inspiration for things. I love looking through Folksy to see what other people come up with but it can then be hard to think of something original that doesn't look like you were copying. I have had so many ideas lately and have tried to get them to become something concrete, but something always goes wrong between the germ of the idea and putting it down on paper! It is so frustrating. I desperately want to come up with my own things and really admire people who are ahead of the trends.

I would love to know how any of you get your inspiration for the work you do, so please do leave me a message.

Ooh, I Forgot Tubby Thursday

2010-03-06T08:09:00.001Z

I lost half a pound, taking me up to a total of 46. I wasn't expecting much because of my large loss last week (4.5lbs) so I was really happy with that.

Look What I Bought and Made!

2010-03-06T08:02:00.005Z

I bought these stamps from Folksy, from a great seller called Skull and Cross Buns. I decided that they were perfect for my business cards, because a 'chickadee' is a bird! They have come out beautifully and I am going to be proud to send them out with sold pieces.

Skull and Cross Buns say that the stamps can take up to a week, because they are hand carved after you order them, but mine arrived in three days. Brilliant service!

Cream Double Rope Stitch Bracelet

2010-03-01T09:33:00.002Z

On my shop. It is lovely and light on the wrist and is making me think of summer. We even have that big, yellow shiny thing in the sky today (if my memory serves me correctly, isn't it called the Sun?)

Something Different - Strung Bracelet

2010-02-27T13:35:00.005Z

I am not sure whethter this is nice enough to put on my Folksy shop. Opinions would be gratefully received, even if it is to say, 'No'! I tried something a little bit different to my usual 'modus operandi', to see if it would work. It did but it is a little too fiddly for what I would be able to sell it for.

Anyway, please do stop by and leave a little comment...

Four of My Bracelets

2010-02-26T13:23:00.002Z

All together - don't they look lovely! The pink/purple one is sold but the others are in my Folksy shop. Sorry to keep banging on about the shop - I am trying to get some sales, to make it worth my while using Folksy. Ignore me if you hate blogs touting their wares!

Bracelet in Silvers

2010-02-25T14:27:00.002Z

It isn't really possible to see how glitzy this bracelet is, but it really shines on the wrist. The 4mm glass pearls are in a lovely metallic grey, with silver fire-polished beads adding the sparkle. This is going in my Folksy shop (see link at the side of the blog) and I am hoping to sell kits to make the bracelet soon too.

Tubby Thursday

2010-02-25T14:19:00.003Z

I was so disappointed last week to have gained 1.5lbs that it really gave me a kick up the bum. I got on the straight and narrow, weighed everything, wrote it all down and exercised more. It paid off as I lost 4.5lbs - taking me to a total of 45.5lbs! I was so chuffed to have undone the damage and MORE!

For FRAN...

2010-02-24T15:38:00.003Z

You asked for 'pinky purples' and this actually works, despite me saying it wouldn't! I really hope you like it - if not, I'll put it in my shop and make another one for you.

Some Things That Are in My Folksy Shop Now...

2010-02-22T10:30:00.004Z

If you would like them, my shop is here but comments would also be much appreciated. Please do visit my shop as I have lots of things for sale. Mother's Day cards will be available soon too.

Thanks for looking.

Tubby Thursday and Earrings

2010-02-19T19:47:00.006Z

These earrings are made from a pattern for circular peyote that I covered in Level 2 of the City and Guilds course. One of my finished pieces was a choker made of these hexagons, sewed together. It was my best piece I think, mainly because it was different to anything else made.

This week, I am disappointed to write, I gained 1.5lbs. I did deserve to gain, although I wasn't expecting THAT much! I did have a few extra points each day and Tuesday was a bad day because I was really fed up (sad, not the food meaning!) Anyway, I am back on track and have already been to the gym twice this week. Spicy tomato and lentil soup for dinner - tasty.

I must admit to finding the whole thing very difficult at the moment. I think it must be the weather, but I am so hungry ALL the time. Having said that, I am over half way, so I must keep slogging away.

Some Things I Have Been Making

2010-02-17T15:11:00.003Z

The top two are very similar and use exactly the same craft ingredients. I am pleased with them as they are very cute in real life. The two bracelets are made using the same pattern (two-drop peyote) but the higher one I have adapted from the pattern as I didn't like the closure on the original.

Tubby Thursday

2010-02-11T11:39:00.002Z

I lost one pound this week - so am up to my three stone milestone (plus an extra half - we mustn't forget that!)

I had a week where it really was a struggle and it also involved a chinese meal, so losing a pound has spurred me on again.

2010-02-04T11:58:00.002Z

I lost another...

...pounds this week! So, I am now half a pound off losing three stone. Still a way to go, but I will keep plodding (at least the plodding tires me out less now that I weigh less!)

Two WIPs

2010-02-02T13:46:00.003Z

Two patterns from Bead and Button. I got bored half way through the pink one and started the other!

Thank You So Much

2010-02-02T11:41:00.004Z

The lovely NarkeyMarkey has included one of my cards in her 'Valentine Finds' blog post. I am so chuffed as it means that people are seeing my items - which is ultimately why we list them! Thanks so much - it means a lot.

I have added a link to the blog, so please do pop along and check her work out.

Tubby Thursday

2010-01-30T17:47:00.002Z

I can't believe that I forgot to post my loss! Last week, I lost 1.5lbs, taking me to a total of 39.5...chuffed! I still have a fair way to go but I am on the downhill path now.

A ring I Bought From Tia's Glass

2010-01-27T10:33:00.005Z

I have liked the work on this maker's Folksy shop for ages. I happened to be looking through Esty and found her there too. As it happened, I saw this ring and just had to have it. It was a bit of a difficult decision between about 4 or 5 rings in the shop. As you can see, it came beautifully packaged in a lovely box, and an organza bag. Thanks to Tia's Glass for the quick serivce too.

Cards, Cards and More Cards! (part 2)

2010-01-27T10:06:00.006Z

This card is a real cutie. An A7 in candy colours, made with 'My Mind's Eye' papers. It will also come with a handmade envelope of its own.

This card is an A7 one and I think it is very cute. It is going in my Folksy shop. I have made an envelope to go with it, from a template I created after much huffing and puffing!

MORE Valentine Cards!

2010-01-26T15:57:00.004Z

I LOVE this card and am putting it in my Folksy shop (see link on right). It comes with a handmade envelope too. I think scrolls are the way to go for me at the moment!

Two More Valentines

2010-01-25T19:32:00.003Z

Simple yet effective

Patchwork style

These two cards were made today when I was having a play. I am not as happy with the patchwork card as the other one, because it took so long and nothing seemed to finish it in the right way. You know when you get that thing (in any craft) where you keep adding bits and changing bits but it doesn't come out right! Most of these seem to end up in the bin, or, if they are jewellery, in the bead box.

I do now think it is nice, having had a break from it and seeing it again with fresh eyes. It just took too much of my time and would not be with making again.