My home is my castle

Hello fellow crafters and friends.

I made this for my friend Jenny, who's having a house warming party in Dover tomorrow afternoon.  We tried to get an hotel or B & B overnight but were unsuccessful, so we'll be doing the journey there and back all in the same day.

I have used an old PSX stamp and the background paper is from Stampin' Up.

The eBay stuff is being watched but I have no bidders yet.  Still, a week to go before the auction's over.  Been doing the usual stuff this week.  Lots of dog walking and a trip with Benson to the vet. There has been a development though and I will be having a dog to stay for a few days in September, whilst its owners are on holiday.  Don't tell Taffy.

Art Deco Lady

Evenin' All - as Jack Warner used to say.

Last Friday was my anniversary and we got lots of lovely cards.  Mike stayed home and we went into Kingston for a bit of retail therapy.  I bought a nice multi-coloured top from East, with a matching necklace.  We then went to see a movie - Inception.  Well, I knew in the first five minutes I wasn't going to understand it and I was right.  I couldn't recommend it but I think I'm in the minority here.  We rounded off the evening with a nice Indian curry.  Then we collected Taffy from our friends Val & Eric, who kindly took him in for the day.

I have since had a lovely weekend with my sister in law Maggie and her daughter Helen.  We went over to Westfields shopping centre on Saturday - a first for Maggie and me.  Well, I did use the car park once with Dawn but we never shopped till we dropped. It is vast and had all the usual stores and quite a few new ones.  I was very restrained and only bought a cardigan.  I did fancy a Pandora bracelet though.  Another time perhaps.

Today the car went in for a service and MOT.  The tax and insurance are also due, so this is not the month to be shopping in Westfields.  I have spent the afternoon getting some things onto eBay for sale, so wish me luck.

I have made this card for Dawn to give to her friend.  I used a stamp from Debbie Moore Designs.  The set is so versatile and I'm looking forward to making more cards with them.  I coloured the image with distress inks and used black magic paper and a Cuttlebug folder for the dark background.  A bit of bling and there you have it.

Pink flowers

Just taking a break from my gardening.  Well, weeding actually.  I have some rellies coming this weekend and their garden is always lovely.  You know who you are!!  This card is using some Kay Carley stamps, which you will have guessed, I adore.  It's self explanatory as you can see.

We've had a busy few days, so I haven't blogged much - unlike my dog. Last Thursday at midnight, we were just going to bed when I heard a strange noise in the spare bedroom.  I dismissed the fan and airing cupboard and decided it was the ceiling light.  Long story short, Mike thought the bulb was going to blow and took down the light fitting - whereupon he was covered in water.  There followed a manic half hour of going into the loft to tighten up a bolt which had worked loose and was letting a steady drip of water escape the water tank.  Thank goodness I found it before the ceiling came down.  We were very lucky.  Another 24 hours and I might have been telling a different story.

Monochrome moment

Not long been home from my classes at Lavender Lane.  It was a full house today for both classes, which was good to see.  Today we made cards using peel off waste - sorry Sharon.  I used  a silver strip and mounted it on black then for the centre, I mounted the waste onto acetate for the 3D effect. It was good to see Margaret and Judi there.  In the afternoon class we made shabby chic flowers.  As usual, we all used the same elements but created something very different.

We have friends coming round tonight, so I must go and make the patio look tidy and perhaps we can sit outside for a while. More later.

Afternoon! 

I found this stamp at Lavender Lane in Stoneleigh - where I shall be crafting tomorrow with Kim Reygate.  It's an Inkadinkadoo rubber stamp and is reminiscent of the Magenta images I admire.  I made my background using Moonglow or Starburst stains - probably under the duress of Kim!!  I shall add a greeting when I decide who's getting it.

Had a nice meal out with friends Sue and Dave last night in a newly refurbushed pub which is now called the H.G.Wells, since that famous author lived for a time in Worcester Park.  Good it was too.  Too meals for the price of one as an introductory offer.

I have walked the dogs with Nicki and am now going to do some crafting.

Victoriana

Greetings on this damp Tuesday.  My garden needs the rain so I am not complaining, as it'll save time watering the plants later.

Today's card was inspired by the work of Carol Gandy.  She makes the most romantic Victorian cards. The image is printed onto vellum and then stencilled in from the back to give a raised look.  Then the perimieter of the card is embossed with a suitable brass stencil.  I couldn't resist a bit of bling in the form of the jewels.

Check out Carol's website http://www.myspace.com/supacardmaka

Off to see the dental hygienist now then a little more dog walking - if it's dry.

Two posts in two days I hear you cry.  Service has been resumed but don't hold your breath for the next one!  I recently bought this stamp online from America and I plan to do a lot more with it, so I hope you don't get bored. It's a new stamp from Hero Arts.  Not a peel off in sight Sharon.

I bought these nice paper doilies at the Biggin Hill show and just found them.  As a child my house was full of doilies but they're an old fashioned idea around the house nowadays - or is it just because I don't bake anything?

Mike's been at home with me today and so he came dog walking with - which is detailed on Taffy's blog.  I took Benson's owner to the bank and to Waitrose and now I'm catching up with a few things. Had my name mentioned on Smooth Radio and may just go and make another card or two.

Back to crafting.

Long time no craft! I have been so tucked up recently with visitors and entertaining, that I haven't been able to do what I love doing and that's making cards.  Not that I haven't enjoyed the alternative.  I have been to see Joe Brown and his band in Epsom, Priscilla Queen of The Desert in the West End and The Hampton Court Flower Show yesterday.  It was so very hot.  Vanessa Feltz was broadcasting live on the radio and I got a mention because she liked my white lace parasol.  And goodness, did I need it.  I went with Dawn and although we had a great time, the show isn't what it used to be when it first started.  There used to be lots of craft stalls but they're limited now.  And it's so expensive to get in.  Dawn treated me to a ticket which was hugely kind of her.  I got some short wellies with dogs on and some slip on waterproof shoes with roses on.  I didn't spend as much as I usually do - which was pleasing to Mike.  We all went for a curry in the evening.

This card is for my friend Pat who has recently moved in Worthing.  The stamp is from Hobby Art and I have added this lovely ribbon with the flowers on it. I hope to have another card for you soon.

This is me yesterday with Hampton Court in the backgroud.