My new project!!

As if i haven't got enough to do, i am starting a new project......................for Harvest!, but i am giving myself plenty of time to do this as i am hoping it will turn out how i vision it to look!.

I can't really do to much as the line of paper i want to use hasn't even hit any stores in the UK i don't think. I am after the entire collection from Pink Paislee, Amber Road (Twilight might also fall into the basket aswell). I think these are probably my favourite collections to be released this summer from CHA.

So if any of you hear of it in any stores, please please let me know (LOL).

My project will consist of 2 polystyrene balls and a PG tips box - bizarre i know - just trying to make things that do not have to cost an earth, OK the lush paper collection might be expensive but some craft related projects you can buy can cost a fortune and plus if they are handmade they have more sentiment and are obviously unique.

I had a quick trip to Hobby Craft yesterday, i really wasn't impressed and what i did fancy was so expensive, much more than any sponsor - so i was very good and resisted.

Whilst there though i did find this paper which is perfect for my pumpkins. Have done a little tester today and so far so good - so i will have to take another little trip to collect some more.

Of course had to collect the latest Scrapbook Trends as well, plus this photo is actually minus the chocolate bar too!!

In Other scrapping news.......................

I have finished my first LO for the September kit for Cleo Crafts, sorry can't show until end of the month. But here for the subbies is a wee sneak (lol)

Not giving much away am i!!!

Now as it Wednesday, on the UKS Blog forum they have had WOYWW. I never had any idea what this meant until a few weeks ago, so today for the very first time, i thought i would play along. My desk is abit of a mess at the moment, what with various projects on the go. If you look closely you can see the beginning of my little pumpkin....................

So my desk..........

So think that is all from me for now - hope to be back soon.

Its dinner time again - back to the kitchen i go (lol)

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

Day in London

So last week was filled with lots of fun.

Thursday we decided to take the kids up to London to see some of the more famous sites instead of another trip to a theme park. The day started early, but it meant we were all eager to get going.

We got the first train after the rush hour (much cheaper) and we hit London just before 10am. It was already very busy. Waterloo Stn has changed so much since i last travelled there some 13 years ago, the Euro star terminal is now a derelict building - it really isn't a journey i miss.

Our first stop was the London eye! This really has become one of London's major tourist attractions. It was busy.

Now because i don't favour heights i peacefully watched the family go around in their pod for half an hour laden with camera of course so i could get a glimpse of London from a birds eye view.

It looks amazing from up above - but i guess the photo's will have to do.

We then walked over Westminster Bridge to view the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, unfortunately the kids seemed more interested in the amount of police guarding than the building and wanted to know why they had guns!! For them, it will be the world they live in. Security is alot more intense than when i use to visit London, its a shame we have to live like this now. A quick photo stop for me and we moved onwards.

Just our luck the heavens opened up...................................... we took shelter under a building site, opportunity for a quick rest. It was quite funny watching the open top buses driving past, glad we didn't go on one of those (lol)!

We stopped quickly at Horse Guards parade for a photo shoot - couldn't really get any decent pictures for the crowds, but it was another landmark marked on the map.

It was finally lunchtime, but also with a few thousand other tourist, so we made do with a good old Big Mac and chips.

So now the afternoon adventures begun.

First stop was Trafalgar square - oh my it was swamped, literally and that's without the pigeons which were still pretty much present. We didn't stop long as it did start to rain - so time to run for shelter!! Rain soon drifted over - so we walked through St James park up to Buckingham Palace, we fed the swans, ducks and i even got to feed a squirrel!! in the middle of London.

So we finally got to see the Queen!! She was in residence as well. The kids thought they were going to meet her when we told them we would walk to the palace, think Hannah was slightly disappointed.

We stopped for awhile and admired the sites and crowds, love a bit of people watching before jumping in a taxi to Leicester Square.

We made headway for the best ice-cream place in England - Haagen-Dazs!! Complete Heaven. Tim took me here when we first started seeing each other, some 16 years ago and ever since i have wanted to go back. It still lived up to its name. It was delicious - expensive mind you, but as it was my birthday - it was a treat for the whole family!!

Now our belly's were full, we had time on our hands before we caught the train home - didn't want to be caught in the rush hour, so we walked round China town, where Hannah managed to get a few Panda stickers to add to her collection of Panda paraphernalia, this girl is obsessed!!. It was starting to get busy and by now those feet were starting to throb, but the kids still wanted to stay out, so we ended up no better than the biggest toy shop in the world! Hamleys...............

Tim's nightmare (lol).

This shop to me brings back child hood memories especially at Christmas time. I visited a few times and just remember thinking wow!!! Unfortunately now, i think it has lost its magical aspect - changed so much, just seems like any other ordinary toy shop to me now - but the kids enjoyed it and got a little something.

It was finally time to head back home, another short taxi ride back up to Waterloo Stn to catch our train home.

I think the kids had an enjoyable day, i know i did, it was really nice to spend it together as a family without any computers or mobiles phone, something we need to do alot more. Got lots of photos, all the more for scrapping.

Am hoping to make a mini book of our adventure - only number 888 on my project list, but one day it will be completed.

On the scrapping front...................

I received the first Circle Journal today from Terri Ann, it's really lovely.

Very apt subject for me right now, Favourite music!! Has to be Michael Jackson. Still awaiting my souvenir ticket as i had tickets for the latest tour which was never meant to be.

I am now almost finished my first LO for this months Cleo craft monthly project - have had fun with this one. A tea bag has come in very handy today, all will be revealed at the end of the month. I have another LO lined up to be completed, so do keep watch for some sneaky peaks.

I am also on an adventure for Harvest time. I am in the process of making an altered art project with 2 polystyrene balls and a PG Tip box.................................... all will be revealed shortly.

So lots happening right now and it's not easy with the kiddies being home - but only 3 more weeks to go until back at school.

Hope your all having a lovely summer and once again, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read and leave messages.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

June LO's

So, i bet your thinking - June LO's - doesn't she mean July?

No. See i never blogged for nearly 2 months, what with one thing and another and i haven't uploaded any of the work i managed to complete, so as my previous post explained - i will hopefully try and catch up as and when i can and since the kids are now happily eating lunch i will grab 5 minutes to show you the LO's i done.

First up is the LO i produced with the July Cleo Craft kit, but of course i got the kit a month earlier. It was a range of papers from Basic Grey, Lime Rickey collection. On first appearance i was a little worried as i am not usually a bright and bold person - so it did take me a while to think about what to do.

After a few hours searching i found this photo of Liam when he was much younger with his new bike, i believe he was about 4. As the photo's had the same colours it was a perfect match, i got to work and i was very surprised at how quickly the LO actually came together.

I have kept it fairly simple so not to try and detract attention from the photo. Decided to do a little stitching and just added some orange puffy Thickers and that was my LO finished.

My next LO i achieved was from my scrap box. This seems to be growing by the day. Because i scrap in the smaller size of 8.5x11in and always use card stock as my base layer i never ever get to use a whole sheet of 12 x 12 - so you can imagine how much left overs i have!

For this LO i pulled together a piece of Pink Paislee, Basic Grey and American Crafts - the colours matched quite well. The mermaid stamp is one i got over a year ago from the Bad Girl Kit club.

I turned the photo into black and white to match the papers - i love the peacefulness of this photo, it's actually Hannah day dreaming in the sea in Galveston, TX. I added a bit of stitching to this LO too, not something i venture into doing much - but i like the effect it has given, added some making memories shimmer letters and bling gems.

So there you go 2 very different LO's, although enjoyed making both of them.

So we are now 1 week into the summer holidays and the children are bored. The typical summer weather really isn't helping and somebody at work told me this weather was here to stay :0(.................................. so much for picnics and beach days!!

Tomorrow we are hopefully going to London for the day, The kids want to see the sights of London, Big Ben, The London Eye, Tower Bridge and a few more - how much we do is dependant on the weather. I really hope it stays dry.

I am of course armed ready with my camera ready to hopefully get some good snaps. What ever we do - i am sure it will be a fun day.

Will be back soon - with an update and photo's of our day out hopefully.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

It's reveal day

So reveal day is finally here and i can at long last show you my project i created with this months kit from Cleo Crafts.

This kit for me was awesome, i loved the colours, content and the versatility of the papers which helped me decide what i would make.

At the moment i seem to be making a few little books, don't think i have actually done a LO for awhile!

I decided to alter the K&CO letter box (from the many that i hoard) and make a little book to fit inside. I am rather pleasd with the final outcome and think i may make some more!!

So here are all the photo's, sorry that there are so many.

Products used are:

Cosmo Cricket:

Carbonation, Beach Towel and Snorkel Boarders
Blooms, Gems and chipboard from own stash

Hope you like my project.

Have a lovely day and take care

Sarah

xoxo

July Final Sneaky

Well it's that time again, pizza boxes will soon be on their way.

Which leaves me time for one final sneaky. This is a very important part of the project i have completed with the July Cleo Crafts kit, don't worry you will not be recieving an empty box (lol), this is what i have altered this month and really have enjoyed the process.

I have given you an even bigger hint as to what the papers are this month in the photo's - but i know some of you have guessed already.

This kit was awesome to play along with, my favourite to date - just love Cosmo Cricket!

I hope to be back with the final reveal either later today or tomorrow and i hope it has been worth the wait.

Have you all have a lovely Sunday and as always, thanks for stopping by.

PS: Thank you to you all who have left comments about the new blog look - it is still being altered a little but think it is looking way much better.

Take care

SARAH

XOXO

Hellllllooooooo

Well hello all.

I thought it was about time i seriously started keeping this blog up to date - i mean whats the point in having one if i never write anything. Some people have asked if i am still alive, i sure am - but with one thing or another other things seem to prevent me from entering the blogging world.

Instead of recapturing the last few weeks i will just start from today and over the next few days work my way backwards with projects, LO's and such.

So what have i been up to this week?

Teachers presents!!! I have thankfully only had to make 2 this year. Instead of making all the helpers in both Sam and Hannah's class i have only made for their direct line teachers, 2 is alot more manageable than 9.

For Sam's teacher at playgroup, where he has just left i made a little 4x4 book with a couple of photos in it. I used the October Afternoon Fright Night collection. It turned out quite well, and more to the point it only took me 1 afternoon to make. His teacher 'loved' it, even making her tearful.

I can't quite believe he has left playgroup and now we are counting down the days to BIG school. He has had 2 induction afternoons with his new teacher at school and he 'LOVED' it. I have been a bit worried about him going, probably because he is my baby but Hannah will be at the same school to look out for him. It is unfortunately a very small school with only 6 classes, 2 per year so its not too daunting for him.

For Hannah's teacher i have been thrifty. I gave money towards the school collection but i always like to give a little something extra. I always feel that teachers must be sick to death of wine, chocolates and flowers so i have decided to alter something that she may like to use.

Hannah and i hit Asda's at the weekend and we came across this note book and pencil holder - now i think it is very drab looking (i forgot to photograph the note book, but was covered in the same paper) - so i have been busy covering it all in the mini kit i purchased from Cleo Crafts on the retreat earlier in the year. The papers are from Bo Bunny and are the Alissa collection. I adore these papers - i could use them on everything.

I am really happy with the final outcome, having never done anything like this before and more to the point Hannah is happy to give them to her which at the end of the day is all that matters.

As it is almost the end of July it will be time for me to reveal my latest work done with the Cleo Craft August kit in a couple of days. This has been an absolutely fantastic kit to work - so be sure to check back towards the end of the week when i should be able to reveal all.

So this is all i will leave you with for now - i have loads more to share, but will share as soon as possible.

Hope you are enjoying the holidays - mine finish tomorrow for a long 6 week break, but hopefully will leave plenty of scrapping time.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo

What a beautiful day

So it's 9am in the morning and i am sat here in the garden as i type this latest blog entry and it's already getting warm. There is a gentle breeze but am hoping that fades away. The weather men are predicting the warmest day of the year - yeah!!!!!

I absolutely love the sun, makes me feel so much happier.

We were heading for the coast today but have been invited to a BBQ at our friends this afternoon - so lots of scrummy food. Will be lots of children and a paddling pool, so kiddies should have fun.

Yesterday i went to a 12 hr crop up in Reading. It was organised by one of the ladies i went to Ireland with. It was a really lovely day. The food was fab, cakes, lunch and dinner - it was lovely to see friends again that i had made in Ireland (Diane, Nicole, Bridget and of course Lorraine). Lorraine had done so much for yesterday - i was amazed.

I had a productive day, 2 whole LO's finished - i think i shocked myself, it's normally 1 a week if i am lucky.

I used one kit from Cleo Crafts (Alissa mini kit). These papers are divine. I bought them whilst in Ireland and have been waiting to use. I decided to use the sketch that was on the Cleo Craft blog for NSD - a bit late but never mind. It's a LO of Hannah in our back garden in Texas. She was watching the the gecko's running up the walls - it was something quite unreal in her eyes after moving from Holland. We had only been there for a couple of weeks, so was adjusting to the new gdn creatures. A few weeks later we had an armadillo in the gdn - that was crazy!!! A shame i never had my camera to hand, as it won't be something we have in the gdn now.

The next LO i used some new papers i bought this week. I find it very hard to find teenage boy papers - so when i came across these i had to have. I love the blues and browns in these and thought they were a perfect match to this photo of Liam at Galveston Beach in Texas. The kids and I adore the beach so would spend many days there. This was our last visit to the beach before we returned back to the UK.

This was done for a sketch challenge that Lorraine had organised, but as ever it ended up looking nothing like the sketch. As i scrap in the smaller size (not 12 x 12) i find certain sketches just don't work - so more often than not i do have to accommodate which i am happy to do as it makes me think outside the box.

I was pleased with my efforts for the day - and i think my fellow scrappers were too.

Now for the next project.

This week i ordered a lovely cupcake album from Cleo Crafts , they have had some beautiful albums in this week, check them out as i do know they are selling fast, matching papers and stamps also.

Given that Hannah has just had a cupcake themed party this is going to be perfect. This came yesterday whilst at crop, so had a lovely parcel waiting for me for when i got home. It's a lot bigger than i expected, so can fit lots of pictures in it too. I really am looking forward to creating this little album, the last few weeks have seen me go cupcake mad, i did vow after the party i never wanted to see another cupcake - after making the invitations, party bags and so on, but this should be a perfect end to my cupcake era!

Am hoping you all have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend, enjoy the sunshine whilst you can, but don't get burnt.

Take care

Sarah

xoxo