Some new projects..

Hi... I'm here at last... two cameras... no charge in the batteries.. so a bit late posting..
These are using Docrafts papers etc.

The one below is a folded square of paper..

This was using the resist technique, new stamps, and the lovely ribbon brads..

Resist technique again, using inks.

I really love the new Easter stamps that Docrafts have bought out.. but sadly, this card is for a not so nice occasion... winging its way to my special friend, Jo, who sadly lost her father this week. Now... as I said the other day.. I am loving the Bind it all Machine... fantastic piece of kit!! Here are some books I have started - I haven't had time to fill them yet.. but hopefully soon!

Now.. this is an ATC book.. the pages are folded from an A4 square of paper.. email me if you want the instructions!

And last but not least.. just a few other cards I have been making..

I've been tagged - thanks Jac!

My mate Jackie has tagged me with the Middle Name Game!
These are the rules:-
1. You must post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
3. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
4. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

Mmmm... Here we go.. and I thought this was going to be easy!!!

Well, I don't have a middle name - not sure if that's a good thing or not.. so I'll use my maiden name, which is TORR...

Thinking too much! I always do it... I make my mind up I'm going to do something /or not and then sit worrying about it for far too long... making myself ill with worry sometimes.. It's daft really, because people would consider me to be quite assertive... if only they knew!

O?? What the heck begins with O??? I could say Overweight... Orange mobile... Open minded.... but I'm going to go with
Online - I like the internet..I'm not an internet junkie.. but I do like to have a browse around blogs, be nosy.. see what there is to buy on different stamp sites - did I say Magnolia? hehe..

Rhinestones. I love them!! The shinier the better.. I'm not into really expensive stones (although some would be nice!!) but if I go to buy jewellery, I tend to buy quite shiny bits and pieces!

Random - probably best describes me the best!!!! Meaning of random (adjective)without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard... I can be very random at times depending on what I'm doing.. I suppose it's being a Gemini. I never stick to one thing for very long and change from one thing to another.. Although.. I have stuck to crafting because I love it! But.. can't decide how to finish a card -hence loads of half finished bits and pieces.. lol..

Well.. thank heavens that's finished... So.. I have to nominate four people to be tagged... that would have to be..

KATY......... EMMA.................. JULIE.................. JANICE

I LOVE this piece of kit!

The more I use it... the more I love it!!! I've probably made around six mini albums now with this.. will reveal them later when they've been photographed..

Done it!

After a few hours of trying.. I've eventually managed to upload my topper for the blog! How good is that! Feel quite chuffed with myself now.. I couldn't do it the other day, so I asked Katy to help me.. which she said she would.. but then I never got chance to catch up with her over the weekend! So.. I tried again this morning and here it is - hopefully!

I have had a busy weekend really....

I sat making wedding invitation samples for a friend mostly Friday, made samples on Saturday, as well as all the householdy stuff... then work in Rochdale on Sunday.. Not very well advertised, so no customers really.. just customers on and off.. Oh well.. onwards and upwards!

So today.. I am having a blitz in the house... the kitchen needs a good clean, and things need a-straightenin! After that, I have one more invite to make up, samples to make for Saturday and the samples to finish doing for the Trade Show at the NEC. Phyllis has given me some fantastic coloured card to use... it is sooooo scrumptious!!!!!! Will show you all later when I have the samples finished.

In print again.

Just to keep you up to date.. more of my parchment designs are in the Complete Cardmaking magasine.. number 8..

It's on sale now.. and if you visit the web site, they have a free subscription competition for one of the many mags they print.. Enjoy.. and good luck!

This is the mag front.

'little' Scoobs!

Scooby - - "Mummy..... I think I need a new bed!" (which in fact is Holly's!)

Holly - - "well get out of it then you big lump, before I stand on your head!"

Craft Shed - old and new!

Well, I say old and new.... what I really mean is empty and full!

Here is what it looked like just over a year ago...

Now hold your breath and scroll down!!!!

This is this evening..

This is the outside... now for the inside..

Ahhhhh Sweet!

They're really becoming the best of friends..can you tell? lol

I just had to post this!!!

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Ahhh - - Contentment!

I can honestly say I think Scooby's settled in!

What do you think? Enjoy!

Our little Miss Perfect - Holly!

Mum - please don't wake me up!! (Scooby)

Just to prove the point - I'm tired!!

catching up!! 365 Day Challenges - day 13 and 14

I haven't time at the minute to do this at the minute, but thought I'd post them up to catch up with later...

Prompt 13
"When in doubt, take a bath."
Mae West
Don't you just love Mae West! Ok I dont want any nude photos, lol.
See you tomorrow

Prompt 14
"Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work.”
Bette Davis
I want you to really think about this quote today . What did you attempt today that improved your day?

Layout prompt 2

Go back to day 12, read the prompt and look back at your notes from that day. Either use the photo from your day 12 or take a new one or two if you wish, and scrap this photo telling the story behind it.
See you tomorrow with our 1st photography prompt!

Been out for a walk.

Hi everyone!

We have been out for a jolly with Holly and Scooby.... we went up to Holly's favourite woods.. and Scooby has seemed to enjoy it again - they went yesterday. We met a poodle and Scoobs was as good as gold.... as was Holly.. And yes.. she still loves her big bruv!

He is coming on a treat today. He has been chasing our little cat a bit today, but the older boys just stand their ground to him. Scooby doesn't mean any harm at all.. his body language is that he just wants to play with them.. lol.

Anyway, here's the photos..

And last but not least... I think they're tired!!

365 day challenge.

Just copying this in so I don't forget to try it! well, when I get chance.. lol (although reading it..a lye in would be good!!)

Day 12

Savor life's tiny delights---a crackling fire, a glorious sunset, a hug from a child, a walk with a friend, a cup of soup, a kiss behind the ear.
John Anthony
What little thing brings comfort to your day?
see you tomorrow

Our New Addition!

After a few weeks/months - what seems like ages.. we have finally found Holly's new friend!

He is an 18month old rescue from the Northern English Springer Spaniel Rescue and his name is Scooby. He and Holly seem to hit it off quite well.. here are some photos taken last night when he arrived..

Oh Indeedy!!! I love this!!!!!

Basic Grey Is Coming To Town!
Two Sccops is coming to town from February 2008.Design Objectives are a very lucky company...

I've just been browsing Katy and Emma's blog from DO.. and look!!!!!!! How great are these?? Now I know why I love to work for this company! Yummy papers!!

365 day challenge Day 11

Day 11
Prompt 11
Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
Anonymous
Lets add a few more to the self portrait experience!
See you tomorrow

Fame at last!!

Here's some of my work that I did for a lovely lady called Jenny. I did the work a while ago, but whilst browsing sites earlier, came across my work that she'd uploaded! Hope you like them.
http://www.theartisticstamper.com/gallery.htm

365 Day Challenge - Day 10

Day 10
Prompt 10
The eyes are the window of the soul
English Proverb
You cannot hide your true feelings through your eyes, they speak a thousand words. Take note!
See you tomorrow

Well, my eyes are blue, but for this one, I thought I'd use Holly's eyes.

Everyone always says how lovely they are for a Spaniel.. What do you think? I just think she's a lovely little pup - full stop!

The first one was taken with the macro lens.. this is the alert shot!

The last one is her 'sleepy' look.. here she is cuddled up with Mr Cow... (one of her favourite cuddlies. )

365 day challenge - day 9

Well this one is quite easy... Silly me? Look down the page! lol.

Day 9
Prompt 9
Take time every day to do something ridiculous.
Philipa Walker
Lets see the silly side to you!
See you tomorrow
Anna

365 Day Challenge Day 8

Blimey! These challenges are coming quick and fast! Still running out of time to do them... keep repeating.. they will get done, they will get done, they will get done.... lol..

Day 8
Prompt 8
“The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!”
Coco Chanel
See you tomorrow

A colour what looks good on me? Well.. I like most colours - although some are bolder than others! Purple is a definate no no! So, pinks, burgundy, darker colours are my colours.. it really depends on what I feel like really!

365 Day Challenge Day 7

Day 7
Prompt 7

Look back and smile on perils past.
Sir Walter Scott

Week one is over, how do you feel ?
Capture with a photo

Layout prompt 1

Choose a photo from week 1 and use your Goals list for your journaling and a favourite quote. This is the first layout in your 52 week album!

Letter from Afghanistan.

Oh what a brilliant start to a dark and dismal morning!

I was feeling a bit 'empty nest' if you know what I mean, kids back at school, OH back at work, although my son is still at home recovering from his operation from the 20th December. (he'll be off for a couple of weeks more me thinks!)

So, you can imagine the smile on my face when a letter popped through the door, addressed to 'The Austin Family'. I didn't know who it was from, so just opened it to read as it was handwritten, to find this letter inside.

Before Christmas, one of the members of the ST forum, mentioned about service people over in Iraq and Afghanistan who, for one reason or another, don't get cards or parcels at all. She also mentioned about the Springers over there who were working, so... I set to work on three seperate parcels - one for a Male Service person, another for a Female service person, and another for the Working dogs out there. In them we placed christmas presents, and treats and toys for the dogs.. This letter was from the dog unit over there.

I really didn't expect to recieve anything back, and I feel quite humbled that they could take the time to write a letter to say thanks. We are now starting to gather a few bits to send over again, so if anyone wants anything sending, just get in touch. I did quite alot of bits for Charities in the run up to christmas, so this made it all the more special.. Here's the letter....

The main part of it reads:".... Just a quick note to thank you for the time and effort you took in putting together your parcel of goodies for our Military Working dogs.

I am delighted to report that only did they arrive in time but also in perfect condition. Myself and the handlers stored the parcels under our small, but perfectly formed, tree.

The fact that people at home are thinking not only of soldiers but of Military Animals is a brilliant boost to Moral and serves to increase our faith in the great British public.

Many thanks again for making christmas as normal as possible for us in Afghanistan this year.

Signed ................. Officer Commanding

Day 6 of 365 day challenge

Wow time is going quick.. I didn't get around to doing the challenge over this weekend, but I'll try to keep up and get something up this week!

However.. for those keeping up with me - here's today's challenge.

Day 6

Prompt 6
Hold out your hands to feel the luxury of the sunbeams.
Helen Keller

Our hands tell us alot about the person we are, our occupations, age and life.
What do your hands say about you. Take note

See you tomorrow

LOL.. I was going to take a photo of my hands yesterday - you would have laughed!! They were covered in mud! So I thought I would tell you about my hands instead!

They were covered in mud for a reason.. I took Holly for a walk with her springer friends, Lucy and Meg.. upto the woods to find pine cones. All three of them love to chase and munch on pine cones - alot better for them than stones and sticks. But we had run out, so we went for a walk to find some, only it was a little muddy.. lol.. hence the muddy hands.

but generally my hands say alot about me really.
The shape of my hands is quite square, which apparantly indicates that I am quite creative - how true is that? I demonstrate for companies, doing card making, scrapbooking etc.. They are also covered in cuts and bruises.. The cuts - old and new - are originally from when I was hairdressing years and years ago (my original occupation!) and I cut my hands when cutting hair. In fact I still do at times! The newer cuts are generaly paper and scissor cuts.

The bruises are usually from me bumping them into something, or where Holly play fights and chews my hands - does this make me wierd if I say I like this??? She is just so adorable!!

Apart from these minor things, my hands aren't in too bad a condition! There is also a wedding ring and burn marks - showing my love for my hubby, and cooking for the family!

So.. that's today's post.. I think I am now all up to date!!!

Challenge Day 5 = Trying to keep up...

... but I've had a really busy day today, so no chance.. still! Uploading the challenge for today, and will get them done when I get chance.

Day 5
Prompt 5
"I am beautiful no matter what they say"
Christine Aguilera

Lets get up close and personal.
How do you feel about the person you are, insde and out?
See you tomorrow

Oh now that is a million dollar question! Probably best not listening to me waffle on about what I think, but ask others what they think.. lol..

On the outside, it seems I am rather larger than life, and could do with losing a few pounds to get to the real me, but I don't mind being on the cuddly side.. I'm used to it.. and I like to think that people take me as they find me, not make their minds up on what I look like.

At times I can be a little bit on the awkward side, argumentative, picky, grumpy, miserable.. but on the plus side, I can be quite funny, cheerful, happy to help anyone I can, thoughtful, loving and a friend in a million! I'm pleased to say the awkward side only comes out every so often - usually at 'that' time of the month!

So that's me.. inside and out.. what about you?

See,...... I told you!

My brain is completely frazzled! I have just spent the last half hour wondering why my posts are not showing!

HAHAHAHAHA..

I'm pasting the bit for the challenges in orange, so changed the text colour, then changed it back to black to change my reply... lol.. the background's black.. the writing's black.. how stupid am I! Took me a while to get there.. but now my post is up and readable! lol..

365 Day Challenge - Day four

Day Four

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are"
Mary Jean Irion

Record a normal, daily routine, take note!
See you tomorrow

Mmmm.... gonna have to think about this one.. so will be back later to upload! All this cryptic stuff is frazzling my brain! lol..

Inspiration Station!!! What a fab idea!

Check this out!

I came across it today.. not sure from where/who's blog now., but thought I would post the link.. I think - as my shed needs a clear out - that I'm going to make room to do this. It's a brilliant idea!

Aren't I doing well?? Day 3!

Day 3
Prompt 3
"Life is too short and too amazing to spend time worring about imperfection "
Ali Edwards

Grab your camera and click, dont worry about the imperfections! Use todays quote for both your photo and journalling prompt.
See you tomorrow


I think the journalling will be kept secret for this one.. lol.. but thought I'd share some imperfect photos.. lol.. I really do try to take photos of Holly that look all pwetty.. because she is sooooo lovely.. But!! Have you ever tried to take a photo that's in focus, of the dot that's running around you at 100mph?? Mmm.. it's not that easy! So, I have lots of these sortsa photos, and lots of really nice ones, from where she relaxes after a hard day's running.. lol..