Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My Year - 31st March - No good for diets

I know this is no good for my diet but my back is hurting and these coconut shortbread triangles are very, very yummy - almost medicinal!!! I just had to have one after my lunch of Ryvita.

Monday, March 30, 2009

My Year - 30th March - Shiny Car

Today I had the car valeted whilst I was at work. We have it done every couple of months. A chap comes to work and cleans several cars - he does inside and out for just over £20. I am sure it won't stay this clean for very long!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Digital Scrapbook Place - First Layout

I have signed up for a digital scrapbook course over on Digital Scrapbook Place and have signed up to the forum. I have been made really welcome and decided to enter into my first challenge over there - basically to post your first layout using DSP products only. So here is my attempt:
I have used the Colour Me Happy kit and a ticket from the Tickets to Love Elements kit. I tore the bottom piece of paper and added the gold paint splashes. The rest of the elements are straight from the kits.

My Year - 29th March - The Only One

Nearly all the daffodils in the garden are simple single trumpets but this beautiful one caught my eye - look how delicate and intricate it is. Fabulous!!!
And this is it after I have had a digi play - I have added an overlay and coloured it to coordinate it with the daffodil. I have then texturised the photo to make it look it is on canvas.

My Year - 28th March - Nature's Best

I have put my back out so am running a little behind with my posting. I managed to hobble out into the garden to take some photos of the beautiful daffodils and tulips. My favourite tulip was open yesterday but closed as tight as a clam this morning. I didn't realise that tulips did that - I thought that once they were open, they were open!!

A Snapshot of Zoe's Life - March

For March, Anna prompted us to use Celebration for the theme as she had lots of celebrations going on this month. I have had none other than Mother's Day so I decided to take photos of Zoe "celebrating" life - which she seems to do on a daily basis. The quote that Anna included is lovely so I have digitally put it on to the main photo of Zoe. The photos on the second page are of her favourite game - standing on the chair and launching herself on to the bean bag. She does this for hours on end. Most of my photos came out quite blurry as she jumps so fast but I managed to get a sequence of photos of her doing it.
She definitely enjoys life!!!!
I am doing this whole album using the Smirk range.

Scrap Your Day - March

This is the last month of the year long project. I really struggled to take photos this month as it was a working day and so most of my photos seemed to involved food as that was as much inspiration as I could find.
I have really enjoyed this project and will miss taking the photos on the 25th.
Shimelle's challenge for the month was to enhance the photos digitally - for this I have added text to each photo using Photoshop Elements.
First page:
Second page:
As a double layout:

Friday, March 27, 2009

My Year - 27th March - Car Badge

Finally we got to collect the new car badge to put on the boot of the car after some little irksome git decided to rip ours off. They have left quite a mess with a scratch and chip in the paint, but the new badge will cover most of it. £20 for a bit plastic!!!!

My Year - 26th March - Junior Jigsaw

The jigsaw bug has really bitten in our house. Zoe has always loved doing puzzles but even more so now that James is doing them. I bought him a new one in Hobbycraft today and saw this perfect one for Zoe - she was so excited and did all 3 puzzles by herself - one of them has 25 pieces so I was well chuffed that she managed it by herself.

UK Scrappers Weekly Challenge - March Wk 4

This week's challenge was set by and we had to include a book title for 10 points, use earth tones for 10 points, a wet or water themed photo for 5 points and use secrect journalling for the final 5 points.

We went crabbing in Sept 2008 and so I have used this photo for the water theme. The earthy tones are from the Sun Porch kit by Amy Teets. The book title is from a Tin Tin book (I had to Google this) by Herge. My hidden journalling is under the embellishment.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

My Year - 25th March - Yummy!!!

This is my favourite lunch. Ryvita with sunflower seeds and oats! I have this every day with an individual tub of extra light Philadelphia. I would chose this as my final meal! Yum yum said my tum!!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My Year - 24th March - Much Easier

After the epic of the mosaic jigsaw, James was lent a couple of Wasgij? jigsaws. The picture on the box is not the picture that you complete. This is the first one finished- and I only put one piece in! He really enjoyed doing this one.

My Year - 23rd March - Backwards

This photo was taken on Saturday. James was out doing some pruning in the garden and Zoe took herself out with him. I sneaked some photos out of the bedroom window. This photo made me laugh - Zoe doesn't know where I am and so is just waving anywhere but her shoes are on the wrong feet and it makes her look a little backward - ah bless!!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

My Year - 22nd March - Mothers Day

Today I have been spoiled. James kept saying yesterday that he hadn't got me anything so I said I fancied a Nintendo DS - which he duly bought me. Then this morning, Zoe came in with a Troll Bead bag containing two new beads. My bracelet is totally full now!! I am a lucky Mummy!!!

Sugar Bowl Challenge 6 - Mothers Day

I have made this card today for the Sugar Bowl challenge - great prize opportunity!!!!
I have used a Leanne Ellis stamp coloured in using Pro Markers and I have used Doodlebug glittered cardstock and papers from the Kaitlin range from Crate Paper. The greeting is a Hero Arts one and I have added some ribbon with a bloom on it.

Whiff of Joy Challenge #22 Green

This week's challenge was to use green. I have used papers from the Magnolia collection by My Minds Eye and the stamp is called Willow with Sunhat from the Spring Kit. I have coloured her using Pro Markers and added some prima flowers, ribbon and a greeting.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

UK Scrappers March Week Three Challenge

This week's challenge was set by Scatty Scrappers. I had to use 12 of something for 5 points (12 flowers), random alphas for 10 points, stamping (the swirls in the opposite corners) and contrasting colours (pink and green) for 5 points.
I have done this in digi using the Deanna Jones Hurry Spring kit with alphas by Ronna Penner, Dawn Inskip and Danielle Young.
All 30 points claimed.

Scrap Like You Mean It 2009 - Week 12

This week Shimelle gave us a sketch to work to. I had to use the photo of the completed jigsaw and then also used a Sizzix jigsaw diecut to make the journalling spots.

My Year - 21st March - Breakfast

This is James and Zoe at 7.30 am this morning munching on grapes for breakfast. Zoe has the green ones and James is eating the black ones. I looked up and both are transfixed by the TV eating their grapes in perfect synchronisation. It did make me laugh!

Friday, March 20, 2009

My Year - 20th March - Phew!!!

It is done. I will be happy if I never see another jigsaw again!!!!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

My Year - 19th March - Jigsaw Update

My problem is that when I start something I just can't give up on it. This jigsaw is definitely the hardest one I have ever done and I was up until gone midnight last night doing it. But it won't beat me!!!!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

My Year - 18th March - A Butterfly

I went to the bank at lunchtime today and when I got back to the car, I saw this little fellow fluttering up and down the hedgerow. I thought how great it would be to get a photo of him. So I sat still for awhile and waited. Eventually he settled on a leaf and I was lucky to this shot of him

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

My Year - 17th March - Balloon Dog

Zoe went Freya's party on Saturday and was given a pink balloon dog. Unfortunately as soon as she got home, she managed to pop it and then she was in floods of tears. I mentioned this to Freya's mummy and this morning, Freya came into nursery, clutching a carrier bag. And inside was a new pink balloon dog.

Monday, March 16, 2009

My Year - 16th March - Jigsaw from hell

The lovely kind Kay sent this jigsaw for James to do whilst he is off. My god, it is the hardest jigsaw I have ever attempted. James managed to do the outline last week and then last night I sat down for 3 hours and managed to put about 30 pieces in. The jigsaw is made up thousands of tiny photos making up a mosaic of Mickey Mouse. If I didn't love Kay so much, I would make her eat the jigsaw - piece by piece! It is like torture!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Cute Card Thursday - Happy birthday to them

Cute Card Thursday is one year old and so are offering some amazing prizes for this challenge. I have used the Willow with Basket of Flowers stamp from the Whiff of Joy Spring Kit and papers from the Katlin pack by Crate Paper.

Scrap Like You Mean It 2009 - Week 11

This week Shimelle has challenged us to scrap using fabric. She did a kit but there was none left and as I don't really have any fabric, I have only used ribbon and some fabric flowers. I have tried to be creative and used a paper that is similar to a gingham type fabric and used scissors to make it look like it has been cut with pinking shears.

My Year - 15th March - Lambs

This isn't my photo - it was sent to me yesterday by my step-mum of her new lambs. Aren't they the cutest?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

UK Scrappers March Week Two Challenge

This week's challenge is set by The Craftaholics. We had to scrap about something we are addicted to (Jammy Dodgers - 10 points), use a flower (5 pts), use blue (5 pts), and use a song title or lyrics (We're Jammin' by Bob Marley - 10 pts). I have even added some of the lyrics to photo frame.
I have used papers and elements from Scrap n Art's Spring Zest kit. I made the scalloped edge paper.

My Year - 14th March - Dude

Zoe has been to a party this afternoon - Freya from nursery - and she is now sat on the sofa going through the goodie bag. She has some cool fish sunglasses - she is so excited! A perfect photo for today.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Thursday, March 12, 2009

My Year - 12th March - Leg Update

James has been back to the hospital today to have his leg checked out and to have a weight bearing cast put on. The clinic was running really late but the good news he is making good progress and he now has a fetching blue cast.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My Year - 11th March - Daffodil

When I looked out of the window at work today I saw some lovel clumps of daffodils, so I went down and photographed them in my lunch break. I love them - a real sign of Spring and lovely sunny days.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My Year - 10th March - Jammy Dodger

Whilst looking for something to use for the Weekly Challenge on UKS, my eyes fell on these little beauties. Yum Yum!!! Have you tried the jam and custard ones - they are to die for!!!!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

My Year - 9th March - Grandad's card

This is the birthday card that Zoe made for her Grandad at nursery on Thursday. In the fiasco of James breaking his leg, I forgot all about it and I was given it this morning when I took Zoe into nursery. She is following in my footsteps, only better!And this is her own name writing.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Another Digi

I have been rushed off my feet racing round after James and Zoe. I have cooked a roast, bathed Zoe, got everything ready for the morning, but I have managed to teach myself how to do a circular layout. The papers and elements are all from the Shabby Princess Promise kit (another freebie).
The photo is one taken last summer down Poole Park. Zoe was sat on her trike in a complete day dream.

My Year - 8th March - He is home

How fantastic!!!! James is home! I rang the hospital at 12.30 and they said he was ready to come home. He is now ensconced on the sofa with his foot up on the bean bag and 2 pillows. He is going to go stir crazy over the next 6 weeks.

Killing Time

I am just waiting for James to ring me to tell me to come and collect him from hospital. So I have been having a digi play again.
I have been playing with masks and used one to cut the photo up of his broken leg to signfy the breakage. The mask was a freebie download from Scrap N Art. The stars are from Carrie Stephens Counting Sheep kit, the journal tag is from Amy Teets Sun porch kit and the frame and scalloped edging is from a Shabby Princess Festival kit. The background paper is a Dawn Inskip one from her Hush kit. I chose it as it has a plaster texture to it.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

My Year - 7th March - One leg

James has had his ankle manipulated under general anaesthetic this morning and now everything is back into place. He has fractured his fibula and something had popped out in his ankle. His leg is in a plaster up to the knee which will stay for a week and then he has to have another more hard wearing cast next week. He comes out of hospital tomorrow - hopefully!!!

My Year - 6th March - One Shoe

This is what I came home from the hospital with today - James' right shoe - seeing as he won't be needing it for the next 6 weeks or so having broken his leg. I have even put it away in the cupboard. I was hoping to come home with James but he is still waiting for his operation.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Club Anya - Sketch Challenge #2

My husband fell out of a loft yesterday and has broken his leg. He is in hospital awaiting an operation and so I made him a get well soon card. I am hoping to be able to visit him tonight - but trying to find out any information from the hospital is proving impossible.

I have used the Anya Cheerleader stamp coloured using Pro Markers. The sentiment is made using tiny glitter alphas and it says "Cheer Up". The papers are from the My Minds Eye Magnolia paperstack
I had to stop myself from adding any flowers or too much bling ;-)

Scrap Like You Mean It 2009 - Week 10

This week's challenge is to scrap a funny face. This is my nephew on Boxing Day. He hates me taking his photo and always pulls a funny face. He didn't mind once his Storm Trooper helmet was on.
I have used Artic Frog letters from the Alphabet Avenue set. The stripy paper is also Artic Frog - Bunny Beanie Ski Bunny. The white and red papers are from the same Total Papercrafts kit. I have added some Autumn Leaves stamped swirls and some Basic Grey chipboard photo corners and stars.

Caz's Blog Candy

You need to check out Caz's blog to be in with a chance of winning some blog candy. She is one talented card maker - the best I have seen!!!! The blog candy is to celebrate her birthday.

Happy Birthday Caz!!!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

My Year - 5th March

This morning we woke up to snow - what a surprise! There wasn't much snow and the ground was very slushy. The drive to work was pretty slow going and I managed to take a couple of photos whilst stuck in traffic. It was all gone by lunchtime.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

My Year - 4th March - My 365 Buddies

I am cheating today and using a photo from a couple of weeks ago from the Farnborough Make It Show. These are all lovely ladies that I have met doing Anna Bowkis 365 challenge last year - I think they have become friends for life.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

My Year - 3rd March - My tote

Struggling a bit for inspiration for photos and so my new tote is the subject for today. It replaces a smaller pink one and I put my everyday tools and inks etc into it. It is really handy to have beside me when I am busy crafting away.

Monday, March 2, 2009

UK Scrappers March Week One Challenge

This week's challenge is set by the the Pink Glitter Gals team. The challenge is to create a LO either in black and white or a using a rainbow of colour - 10pts, create a LO that celebrates womanhood - 10pts, use at least one distressing technique - 5pts, use 5 of something on your LO - 5pts

I have decided to go black and white (10 pts) and have used the Shabby Princess Urban Kiwi freebie digital kit. The photo is of my best friend who got married last September. This is a photo of her on her hen do (celebrating womanhood 10 pts) and I converted it to black and white. I have "sanded" the edges of the background paper (5 pts) and used 5 white stamps along the bottom (5 pts)