A wish to be a better blogger!

Well I don’t know where the time has gone since our last visit!!!! I just seem to be chasing myself coming back at the moment. BUT I will not complain, all’s good and I am happy (if not a little frayed around the edges LOL) So before I go further I will apologise for yet another epic post from me, I do have the good intentions of little and often but don’t seem able to put that into practice!!

Some of you may also notice my colourful background has gone … while it made me smile at the time I decided it was a little bright and distracting so I will remain a plain Jane until just the right thing finds me :)

In my last post I said I was in Yorkshire at my parents retrieving Stanley Dervish, well, we finally made it home through the blizzards, I couldn’t believe there was more white stuff!!! We’re glad to have him home although I know he misses his sister!

When I got back I had to prep my class for the Barncrafters crop, and I had a great time with all the lovely ladies there



We made birdhouses and I loved seeing all the different versions. This one was made by Annie and is just awaiting it’s bling. I love the colours



And this one was made by Julia who was at the Bee Crafty workshop the week before. Thanks for sharing Julia I love it!



It’s great how everyone adds there own creative touches to one of my DIY projects!

I also posted this months offering on the It’s a creative world blog for the Simple things project. This months prompt was Simplicity





And after my trip to Mexico I used it as the inspiration for this little fold out mini book/art journal in which I tried to record the simplicity of life over there



Go and check out all the IACW girls’ projects. I love them all, such a wide and varied take on one word! (Click on the simple things logo on the right to take you right to the project posts) Why not play along too!

I managed to fit in a trip to Stitches last weekend. The trade show at the NEC and met up with some old friends and met new ones too including finally meeting the lovely Jane Dean and the super talented Karen Burniston.

I had another Lilypad lesson over at Banana Frog.



As ever hop on over to the blog for a full step by step of the project. Keep an eye on the Lilypad, lots of exciting things are happening and don’t forget Bev has returned to retail so you can buy ALL the fab Banana Frog stamps right there!

I’ve also had quite a few projects published over at the Purple Cows ranch







This is a wall hanging created with Clear scraps acrylics and lovely Cosmo Cricket papers



A laminated organiser, I made one of these for myself too and I can tell you I couldn’t be without it!



And a laminated fishing game …. Oh such fun! Pop on over to see Sadie Purple cow and you can get full PDF instructions for all the projects for free, and not just mine but all the cow girls projects! There’s lots of things happening at the ranch at the moment and I’m thrilled to be working with Design Objectives in bringing the cow to the UK in a big way. You are going to love the freestyle trimmer (I do) and the UK version of their fabulous laminator …. Watch this space!

I’ve also been getting creative for creative expressions and helping Sheena with some demonstrations for Create and craft this week. I got to play with lots of new spellbinders dies as well as the gorgeous cosmic shimmers watercolour paints … you see I told you I can’t complain about being busy … I’m a lucky crafter and love working with all the great companies that have me along to play!

Oh and in amongst all this I put on my old hat as stage manager and worked hubby’s show at the Bristol Hippodrome last Friday. He had a great time …. And so did the audience! And he has me coming out of retirement AGAIN next week as he is doing an anniversary show in his home town.

At the moment I am getting ready for my workshops at Olympia later in the month. I’m also designing my stand so it looks pretty, please pop by and see me at the show. I’m also getting ready for my full day workshop with the lovely Sue at Crafty Stash … that’s going to be a great day!!!

Ok I’m done waffling and you’re all up to date now …. Phew! So all that remains for me to say is

And finally …… (it’s been a while LOL)



Stanley and his sis Ruby



Stanley is home!!!!



Stanley helping my hubby unwrap his birthday presents!!!

Ok cyber buddies thanks for trawling through this epic, who knows my wish to be a better blogger may come true and I’ll be back soon…. But no promises!!!! I hope you’re all well and happy, thanks for stopping by and until soon happy crafting ;)

Love
M x