Lesley's Bit of Everything

Great little number

2012-01-27T10:43:00.001Z

Well it’s been a busy week and yesterday I was off and we took Emily to Twycross Zoo. We ate lunch in the warm watching the Snow Leopards in their enclosure and drinking a coffee mocha!!

I did a workshop earlier this week and this is the card we made. The base card was Sahara Sand and this was the first time I’d used this. The stamp set is Charming which is a new one featured in the New Stampin Up Spring Mini catalogue and can be found on page 6.

slight variation on the theme using Sahara sand very vanilla and cajan craze colours.

Well I’m not sure what the weekend will bring but lets hope it is rest and recuperation

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Time to post

2012-01-23T21:11:00.001Z

I( had a fantastic day at Eden Day Spa I just wish the day could have lasted longer. We started we left home at 07:30 arriving an hour later. We checked in and the went for our continental breakfast.

We then changed and went for a swim in the pool with various spa areas. I then went outside to wallow in the hot tub – just wonderful. Then a relax in a rocking chair to read a book. another swim then change for lunch at 1pm

Yet another superb lunch (I’ve been before) out treatments were at 15:30 so there was time to relax in the conservatory with coffee before those.

I am still having trouble finding my way around my new PC since the motherboard on the old one went caput on January 9th. I can never seem to find the photo I want to blog but here goes again. Which why I didn’t post yesterday morning.

I wanted to post this card yesterday but couldn’t find the folder it was in!!!!

This easy to make card is made using the stamp set Charming featured on page 6 in the new Stampin Up Spring Mini Catalogue.

Thanks for having a read and please, do leave a comment if you can. Its lovely to know that you have visited.

TTFN

Lesley x

Sunday Outing

2012-01-22T07:35:00.001Z

I off to Eden Day Spa in a bit with my daughter. We are going to have a relaxing girlie day and catch up and I can’t wait. She will be picking me up shortly as we are booked in for breakfast too!!! Sooooooooooooooo exited.

Time to go no time to post a card today as Sam is knocking at the door

TTFN

Lesley x

Disaster strikes

2012-01-18T19:29:00.001Z

Well it’s only half way through the week and I’m looking forward to 2013. I came home from work and Joe asked me to trim up his hair which I did. I then thought I just go over the rest of is head and as soon as I realised the trimmers has the wrong head on it I’d taken a great strip of hair off down to the skin, Joe said it couldn’t stay like that so consequently so he had to shave all the rest of his hair off, he is now bald as a coot and not a happy ‘happy bunny’. I just can’t believe I did such a stupid thing. Although I’ve said I’m sorry and Joe has forgiven me and he can see the funny side of it. He isn’t happy as he say he looks like a thug & he’ll not be able to go out the house now for weeks. We’ve had to find a hat to keep his head warm too.

I still can’t believe I did it. ‘Motto think first before you act’ or better still don’t trim your other half’s hair for him.

Two of Samantha’s friend got engaged over the Christmas period & here are the cards I sent from Joe and I

on a good note I’m looking forward to Spondon Dabblers craft night this Friday and Joe thinks I’d be best there as then I can’t cause any more disasters at home!!!

thank you for stopping by and reading my blog

TTFN

Lesley xx

London Trip

2012-01-14T17:36:00.001Z

Joe & I spent a great long weekend in London last week, we have been taking a trip to London around this time for the last 6 years. It’s a chance for me to reminisce about my younger days when I lived in Watford and visited London frequently and a very hot summer of 1976 when Joe and I went to the London every day & went to the theatre every night for a week!!!

This year Joe and I went to see the Jersey Boys at Prince Edward’s Theatre which was about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, great music, great show and tremendous atmosphere – I would definitely recommend it & I would go and see it again anytime.

Saturday morning was a visit to the Old Operating theatre followed by lunch at the George Inn. The afternoon was spent at the theatre & in the evening we were also lucky enough to meet up with a friend we both knew in our Navy days at the Trafalgar for a drink, meal and catch up. We talked so much Joe & I nearly missed the last train back to our hotel!!

Sunday was spent at the Tower of London followed by a trip down the Thames in a very luxurious Thames Clipper which sold costa coffee and took us to Greenwich again!!!

Joe and I had such a great time we can’t wait to go back again.

Georgian Trafalgar Pub in Greenwich – superb whitebait

Old operating theatre at St Thomas’ Hospital

George Inn the the famous Borough Market

outside the Prince Edwards theatre

Tower of London

I made this card recently for a friends birthday – I love the butterflies on it – it’s the first time I’ve used this die in my big shot.

Well thanks for taking the time to read my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Spring Mini

2012-01-06T11:34:00.001Z

Well The Crafting Year starts off a bit differently this Year. Stampin' UP! have given us a Super Mini Catalogue. It is full of lots of new products, so get a cuppa and click here for a browse through.

It’s my birthday today and I’m off for a long weekend with Joe in London. We have booked to see the Jersey Boys and I’m soooooooooooooooo looking forward to it and meeting up with an ‘old’ QARNNS friend on Saturday night at a little Italian restaurant in Canary Wharf.

this card demonstrates the use of:

Spice Cake Designer fabric
Spiced Paisley Stamp set featured on page 11
Spice Cake DSP (page 10)
all featured in the New Mini catalogue

Thanks for taking the time to read and look at my blog.

Have a great weekend

TTFN

Lesley x

Spring Mini Catalogue

2012-01-04T00:10:00.000Z

Well its here!!!!

The Spring Mini Catalogue is launched today and items will be available from 4th January right through until 30th April 2012. If you would like your own copy please contact me or click here to view an on line copy.

this card demonstrates the use of:

Spice Cake Designer fabric
Spiced Paisley Stamp set featured on page 11
Spice Cake DSP (page 10)

All used to make this unique card.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog

best wishes

Lesley x

Sneak Preview

2012-01-02T12:01:00.001Z

The new Spring Mini catalogue is going to be available soon and I thought I would share a sneak preview of the Spice Paisley Stamp set featured on page 11 and Spice cake DSP featured on page 10. If you’d like a copy of the new mini catalogue please contact me.

above Spice cake DSP

Spiced Paisley Stamp stamps set stamped in pool party and soft suede

thanks for stopping by to read my blog and please pop back on the 4th January where you’ll be able to view and on line copy of the new catalogue

Happy New Year

Lesley

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year

best wishes for great 2012

Lesley x

Calendar Girls

2011-12-27T18:00:00.001Z

Well Christmas is well and truly over. Mine was busy as the family came to stay from Christmas evening until lunchtime today – but it was lovely if exhausting. We try to have a family party on Boxing Day with party food which the grown ups enjoys as much as the Children.

Children really make Christmas and Joe and I are blessed with 3 wonderful grandchildren.

the grandchildren playing yesterday

I made these simple calendars for the ladies who regularly have workshops and who have become crafty friends.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog and hope your Christmas was as good as mine

best wishes

Lesley x

Such a surprise!!!

2011-12-24T11:00:00.001Z

Well it’s Christmas Eve and only 1 more sleep til Christmas

I wanted to share with you a lovely flower arrangement that I received yesterday from my team at work. I was really touched by their kindness & thoughtfulness, You must agree

Today has been busy so far up with the lark to go to Birds to get cobs & pork pie and boy was there a queue – I daren’t tell you how long I waited in it because you will think I’ve gone completely mad. Anyway I came away with 3 dozen cobs 2 pork pies 2 Christmas tarts and 4 sausage rolls. Now ready for Christmas!!!!

Off to see the Grandchildren in a bit

Above are another selection of cards that I have received this Christmas

Thanks you for stopping by to read my blog

Merry Christmas to you all

TTFN

Lesley x

Tuesday’s twitterings

2011-12-20T23:04:00.001Z

Well is been a busy week so far and it’s only Tuesday. Yesterday I was at work but today I am not at work. The start to the day was slow as I read my book in bed for the hour this morning, something I only ever do when on holiday!!!

Joe and I went into town last night to do some last minute Christmas shopping and it was relatively quiet. We then went for dinner at the Spice of India restaurant.

Today we have been doing housework & tidying the upstairs, ready for ‘borders’ at the weekend. Tomorrow morning for tidying the downstairs interrupted by plenty of coffee breaks :) In the afternoon I’m off to hand deliver some cards.

Today’s cleaning interspersed with lots of coffee breaks and this afternoon I spent in the craft room making some calendars.

I’m not very good a making cards at Christmas and although I say I will start early by last weekend I’d not made one.

Here are some of the lovely hand crafted cards that I have received this year.

Well thank you for stopping by to read my blog.

TTFN

Lesley x

Freezing Saturday!!!!

2011-12-17T18:39:00.001Z

I was up early this morning and it is very cold brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, so I thought this card was quite a fitting one to post today!!!

I picked Samantha up at 8:30 and we are off to town. I’m just hoping it won’t be busy, but I bet it will!

Last night was the last Spondon Dabblers of the year and we had a small fuddle and guess what I forgot to take my camera so there are no photo’s of it :(

I came back from town it was busy and I’m now tired and ready for a sit down and a lovely cup of coffee – ooooooh my feet do ache.

Tonight I’m off to friends for a girlie night in – sadly I am on call so not alcohol for me!!! Just lemonade on the rocks!!

Here are a few more pictures of my holiday in Florida

Guess who?

Magic Kingdom here we come!!!

show in Town Square

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at night

To get to Downtown Disney we took a river boat ride from the Hotel

Well hope your day was good and I’m looking forward to watching ‘Strictly’ later tonight. Can’t wait to find out who wins it. We even watched the American version whilst we were in Florida!!!

thanks for stopping by to read my blog and for leaving comments

Lesley x

Casey Key

2011-12-10T21:48:00.001Z

I can’t believe how cold it has been these past few days and to think that just over 2 weeks ago we were having fun in the sunshine, wearing short. vest and flip flops & enjoying the cool of the air con!!!!

retirement card

Holiday Saga continues

We spent 5 days at Casey Key near Venice in a small apartment right on the beach and I can only describes it a paradise. In the morning we would take a walk or ride to one of the North Jetty ‘fish camps’ and have a walk and a coffee then take lunch at Pop's Sunset Grill. Where we sat overlooking the the sea watching the boats going to and froe, people fishing whilst eating a very relaxed lunch, I loved the sea food and fish we ate. We spent the afternoons walking along the beach or sitting by the pool or swimming. I also spent a lot of time reading (from my newly acquired kindle.

view from our accommodation at Casey Key

North Jetty fish camp

Sharkey’s fishing Pier

‘full steam ahead’ at Pop’s Sunset Grill

view from Pop’s sunset grill

In the evening we would take our beach chairs to the beach and watch magnificent sunsets whilst sipping a glass or 2 of wine.

The glass or 2 of wine!!!

sunset Casey Key

Well thanks for stopping by and reading my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Tales from Florida

2011-12-06T22:31:00.001Z

The ladies made this at a recent workshop at the end of October before I went on my holiday to Florida using the Welcome Christmas stamp set from Stampin Up.

During our first week in Florida, one of our days was spend at Discovery Cove which we’d never been to before. We had some interactive time with Dolphin’s a truly wonderful experience, touching them and even being towed for a short distance by one. I would recommend this & would definitely go there again given the chance.

There was such a lot to do there that we could have done with more time – the day was just not long enough. We arrived at 8am for breakfast and left at 18:00 hours when it closed. Everything was provided.

We had great fun snorkelling in the coral reef area and I nearly jumped out the water when a ray touched me when swimming past me when I wasn’t expecting it. I can’t describe what it was like swimming amongst the tropical fish it was truly amazing.

We spent a couple of days visiting Sea World along with a day at the water park Aquatica. I never get tired of Sea World it’s an amazing place. We had great fun in the water park too the best bit was Roa's Rapids & Walkabout waters. We kept away from the ‘white knuckle’ type activities this visit.

One of the things I most miss when I return to the UK is swimming outdoors everyday and the blue sky and brightness. I forgot whilst we were there howdull, grey & overcast England can be such a contrast to the brightness and blue sky we had most days

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and leaving comments

TTFN

Lesley x

The Everglades

2011-11-30T18:47:00.001Z

No cards today – and you’d best sit down with a cuppa as this may be a long post!!!!

I’ve just returned from 3 weeks in Florida & as part of it spent 3 days in the Everglades. We visited Everglades City which wasn’t quite what I would call a City but looked very peaceful when we visited surrounded by sea an only 1 road in and out of it.

We stayed at the Port of Islands Hotel which was superb but quiet and the reception shut at 5pm until the following day

One of our trips whilst in the Everglades was a trip on Swamp Buggy Ride with ‘Captain Steve’ into the Big Cypress National Reserve in the Everglades. It was a great 4-5 hours in temperature 0f 98oF and the humidity was high. We had the undivided attention of Capt Steve who told us about the history of the Everglades & about it’s fauna and flora spiced with anecdotes etc. I doubt that I will ever get to do such a great trip again it was truly a wonderful excursion. We were even lucky enough on 2 occasions to see hunters (I’ve never seen a real life hunter before) coming & going as it was the deer and turkey hunting time of year. We were so very lucky to see a white deer no more that 10 yards away from us. As you can imagine they try to keep out of the way of humans especially during the hunting season. I felt quite strange as hunting deer etc is not something very common in the UK but is very common there.

buzzards

above a huge air plant

Captain Steve and his buggy

Prairie

Well hope you like my ramblings about the Everglades more instalments later!!! :)

thank you for taking the time to read my blog

best wishes

Lesley x

And more Christmas cards

2011-11-22T00:14:00.001Z

I love making cards like this with squares with random stamping on the – I’ve used Winter Post Stamp set from Stampin' Up!® again!!!

The week is busy again.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comment

TTFN

Lesley x

80 years young

2011-11-18T00:06:00.001Z

We have just spent a few days in the Everglades which has been truly amazing. The weather has been hot and despite 'heavy' duty insect repellent both Joe and I have a few insect bites which are a very very itchy!!!! We spent a morning manatee watching on Tuesday on which we saw loads of wildlife blue heron, alligators, Ibis, mullet, oysters growing on the mangrove roots, tri coloured heron and many more - pics will be posted once I've down loaded them.

A few weeks ago I was asked to make a 80th birthday card using Autumnal colours and this is what I came up with using a retired hostess stamp set from Stampin' Up!®

Love this stamp set as it is sooooooo versitile

thank your for stopping by and reading my blog and continuing to leave such fantastic comments

TTFN

Lesley

Lovely Saturday

2011-11-12T12:45:00.000Z

I really like this card as the green is so vibrant. I used lucky limeade one of the new ‘in colour range’ for 2011-3, poppy parade from 2010-12, tried and tested whisper white, some sparkly dazzling diamonds & 2 of my favourite stamp sets Lovely as a Tree & Winter Post.

Christmas is looming fast and there are only $” sleeps til Sanata. I’d better get my skates on and get my Christmas preparations under way, like making a Christmas cake, Xmas pudding and finishing off my Christmas cards.

Well thank you for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comments

TTFN

Lesley x

A La Carte – Something for Christmas

2011-11-07T12:41:00.000Z

Plan and simple card this card is using the new Something for Christmas stamp from the a la carte range featured on page 16 & the lace ribbon border punch page 116 from Stampin' Up!® .

You can just see in the photo that I have put some shimmer paint on the baubles to make them sparkle. Well you can’t beat a sparkly Christmas card.

Well this last week has been busy but looking forward to a chilling weekend.

Thank you for stopping by to look at my blog

best wishes

Lesley x

Firework Night

2011-11-05T10:00:00.000Z

Hope you all have a safe and sparkly fire work night – I know I will.

thanks for stopping by to read my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Stampin' Up!® offer

2011-11-04T07:41:00.000Z

Host a £300 workshop between 1st November 2011 - 15th December 2011 and get the Paisley Petals stamp set and Paisley DSP for free along with the other Hostess benefits.

Welcome Christmas

2011-10-31T11:26:00.000Z

This is the 2nd card we made at last weeks Thursday’s workshop at Long Eaton. Using the Welcome Christmas stamp set from Stampin' Up!®, pacific point whisper white and bashful blue colours. The ladies enjoyed making it and one of them thought it would also look good in black and white with red ribbon – so I’m going to try that colour combo soon.

Saturday was another busy day. In the morning it was sorting out, putting washing away a visit to the doctors and general trying around. In the afternoon I helped out yesterday at Tracey’s first demo day. Anne and I facilitated the make & take table which everyone appeared to enjoy.

I arrived home & we went next door as it was Imogen’s 3rd birthday.

Samantha & Ash came for dinner in the evening as they can’t make Sunday dinner. We had roast pork with all the trimmings. Matt and Nicola and my 3 lovely grandchildren came to join us and it was busy busy busy afternoon/evening!!

Well thank you for taking the time to read my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Winter Post

2011-10-28T18:33:00.001+01:00

I’m off out tonight for an Indian with colleagues and I think it’s the Slice of India we are going to. Life has been busy these last few days with preparation for workshops and then doing the work shop.

I was beavering away last Sunday, Monday & Tuesday getting ready for 2 workshops this week. I only really put my Christmas ‘hat’ on last Sunday. Last Saturday I’d planned to do loads whilst Joe was out but I did nothing but watch TV & chill!!! And I enjoyed it to boot. So Sunday the pressure was on to decide which stamp set to use and get some samples made.

These are 2 cards that the ladies had a choice of making on Wednesday – I really like them even though I say so myself – just love very vanilla and soft suede and how they go together so well.

Tomorrow I’m off to help Tracey at a launch SU workshop she has organised in Derby. Should be fun & on Sunday the family are coming for Sunday roast.

Well have a great weekend and thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

TTFN

Lesley x

What!! Wednesday already

2011-10-25T23:06:00.001+01:00

Well this week has been quite busy so far. I’m over the cold I had last week it’s just left me with a bit of a chesty cough.

I had my hair done at 0830 Saturday morning and then I went to pick Cameron up. I had to go to Boots at the Wyvern and then Cameron took me into Toys R Us which cost me – I’m such a sucker for the Grandchildren – out we came with Rosie & Belle and then off to Mother Care for paints for Emily.

Home we then went. Cameron stayed for a bit then went home with his Dad but left Emily behind and she went into painting picture production.

I spent a quiet Saturday evening on my own yipeeeeeee!! Joe was out with ‘the boys’!!

Sunday was a day in the craft room – how great that was. I was preparing for 2 workshops this week.

This is the the start of my Xmas card preparation using Tree Trimming stamp set and 2 ‘in colours’ from Stampin' Up!® Lucky limeade and poppy parade!!! Style: plain and simple.

I’ve also been ‘playing’ with Welcome Christmas, Winter Post and Something for Christmas stamp sets and I’ve made some really good cards me thinks

Well I’ve just spent another productive evening in the craft room and will be posting my makes over the next weeks.

Well of to bed now as need my beauty sleep :)

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

TTFN

Lesley x

Peppa Pig

2011-10-20T19:36:00.001+01:00

Well after a cold start to the day it is quite warm this afternoon & the sun is shining and it is warm in our conservatory.

I’m day off and would you believe I have a really bad cold and feel like ‘death warmed up’ as my Mum would have said. :)

I made this Peppa Pig using various punches & card and some retired DSP from Stampin' Up!® & a bit of imagination. When visiting blog land some time ago I saw a card made a Peppa Pig & George similar items & thought I’d see if I could do one and voila!!! Emily loved it and I quite pleased with the outcome

Well hope you you all having a good day and thanks for reading my blog

Lesley x

Sunny Saturday

2011-10-15T12:00:00.001+01:00

I’ve been on holiday for the past week and the weather has not been too bad, it was nice to have some time at home but it was still a busy week for me - how do I find time to go to work I ask myself!!! Tuesday we went to the Caravan Show at the NEC, test rode some electric cycles which were superb and will be something that we will buy next year. Also saw a great awning and test sat some comfy chairs. We looked at many caravans but did not see one that we preferred to the one we have already. But we had a very enjoyable day although my feet hurt at the end of it. Thursday it was off to Twycross Zoo with Emily who just love going.

The card below is made using the stamp set Flight of the Butterfly from Stampin' Up!® (page 60) It such a versatile set for birthday’s, anniversary’s, wedding’s & retirements.

Well off to dust and clean upstairs today. Did downstairs yesterday – housework is not one of my favourite activities. But made time for a bit of crafting in the afternoon – playing with a the new a la carte stamp ‘Something for Christmas’ on page 16

Click here to view the on line Stampin' Up!® Idea book & Catalogue

Emily at the Zoo.

Thanks for having a read and hope you enjoy this sunny day.

Lesley x

We are sailing, we are sailing home again across the sea . . . . . . . . . .

2011-10-08T10:53:00.001+01:00

(Some of you will recognise the title of this blog as lyrics from Rod Stuarts famous song Sailing)

Well this week has been very busy but last night I was off to Dabblers!! Where I made a bag in a box tonight & it was sooooooooo easy.

At the craft class last week the ladies made this middle step card using the stamp Sail Away by Stampin' Up!® plus a gift tag in addition to another card which has been previously blogged. I got the idea after attending a craft class with Tracey several weeks ago & its great one for the men in our lives..

Well the weather today and yesterday is certainly a change from last weekend No sitting out in the sun this weekend. Me thinks we have had the last of the ‘ Indian summer’ and that winter is definitely on the way.

If you want to browse through the new Stampin' Up!® Idea Book just click here.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such great comments

best wishes

Lesley x

It’s Arrived . . . . . . . .

2011-10-01T10:43:00.001+01:00

the new 2011 – 2 Stamping Up Idea book & catalogue.

Click here to see the on line version.

Not only are there some fantastic new stamp sets, lots of new papers, ribbons, brads, additional In Colours, there is material as well. Oh yes, this catalogue is bigger and better than anything we have had before

BIG Changes to the hostess benefits!!

Going forward from this catalogue we no longer have the tiered system so good old hostess levels are GONE!!

Instead the hostess simply receives a £ amount based on the totalling sales. She then is free to choose how to spend her money, on hostess exclusive sets or on catalogue items of her choice. This is so much more flexible and guess what else is really cool? A total order of £150 will ensure you can still afford the most expensive hostess set in the book if you so fancy it, no longer you need to spend £600 to get a bigger more expensive hostess set, isn’t that cool? I Stampin’ Up!! Check out the new table

Want to know something else? If your workshop reaches £300 in sales you get £50 credit to spend as you wish and you can also choose to get any item in catalogue at HALF PRICE!!

Have fun browsing the new Idea book if you would like one of these new Idea books or to place and order you can e-mail me at L.Roulstone@btopenworld.com or call me on 07875000326

TTFN

Lesley x

Plane and Simple

2011-09-28T23:04:00.001+01:00

Tonight was my very first craft class. I had 4 lovely ladies attend 2 from Long Eaton and 2 from Kegworth. Below is on of the cards they made using the plane and simple stamp set from Stampin’ up. This card is perfect for the men in our lives. The ladies put the birthday sentiment on their cards – sadly I forgot to take a picture of them.

They all said how much they enjoyed the evening and I’m looking forward to doing another on.

Below are a couple of samples I made to display using the same stamp set. These 2 I really like as they are simple to make but very effective!!

Well thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such kind comments.

Only 1 more day to work and then I have 3 days off. The days off will be action packed as Joe and I have lots to sort over the next month.

TTFN

Lesley x

That Tuesday morning feeling

2011-09-27T07:40:00.001+01:00

Well I’m very tired today although I’ve had a good sleep – last week was busy and so is this one, so roll on Friday.

I am holding my first craft class tomorrow night – so I am quite nervous. The stamp sets we will be using is Sail Away & Plane and Simple from Stampin' Up!® . The card below is a card made using one of these stamp sets but not the card that the ladies will be making

We went to a wedding on Saturday and had a late night which is why I think I’m still tired despite laying on the sofa Sunday afternoon sleeping & and early to bed Sunday night.

The picture below is my daughter Samantha and I – Sam was Maid of Honour (Chief Brides-maid)

Well thank you for stopping by my blog and for leaving such lovely comment

TTFN

Lesley x

Wonderful Saturday

2011-09-24T11:26:00.001+01:00

Well I’m off to a wedding today, where my daughter is Maid of Honour and isn’t ti wonderful that the sun is shining. I was up with the lark to go and have my hair blow dried. The wedding is at 12. It’s Samantha’s friend that is getting married and I’ve know her for years.

Thursday this week Joe and I took Emily to Twycross Zoo for the day – and we were lucky enough to see one of the snow leopard cub that was born there not so long ago

It was Sam’s husbands birthday not long ago & he would love a motor home so out came the cricut and the camper van image was made using that.

Well thank you for popping by and leaving such great comments on my blog, I always look forward to reading them.

TTFN

Lesley x

That Monday Morning Feeling

2011-09-19T07:53:00.001+01:00

Well the weather is not too good in Derby today it’s very overcast and it rained overnight. I went to out for dinner yesterday to Sam and Ash’s & I left my washing out as the weather was quite sunny then but when I came back the washing was wet. The morale of the story is take your washing in before you go out and don’t be lazy!!!! But Samantha cooked a wonderful roast dinner with all the trimmings so it was work getting wet washing for!!!!

You can tell by the amount of photo's that I’ve posted that I’m very pleased the way this easal Christening card turned out.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving such lovely comments

hope all bloggers have a great week

TTFN

Lesley

Tuesday’s Twitter

2011-09-06T00:09:00.001+01:00

Well we are nearly half way through the week!!! The weather hasn’t been too bad & Joe and I managed to get lots done at the weekend in the garden and house – general tidying up. House work isn’t one of my favourite jobs but sadly it has to be done! or does it!! lol. But from the weather forecast it looks as though we are about to get lots of rain :( Better take my umbrella with me today

These are a couple of cards I made recently for a workshop using the Crazy for Cup Cake Stamp set & other items from the Stampin' Up!® range

Well thanks for stopping by and reading my blog and leaving just great comments and enjoy your the rest of the week fellow bloggers

Lesley x

Tart & Tangy

2011-09-03T09:47:00.001+01:00

Well another busy week over a done with – although it was only a short one as I was lucky enough to take a 5 night break at Sutton on Sea. Although the weather wasn’t particularly good it was nice to have a break.

We met up with friends on the Thursday night and after a drink we had fish and chips at Waldo’s and they are pretty good. We did manage to have a bike ride on the Saturday too followed by a drink at the beach bar.

Below are to cards using the stamp set ‘Tart & Tangy’ sadly it’s on the Stampin' Up!® retirement list and won’t be available after 30.9.11. You can see this stamp set on page 68 of the current Idea Book & catalogue. Click here for a link to the retired list page.

We have a bumper crop of apples and pears this year on our fruit tree so this card is well suited to this time of year

Tart and Tangy Stamp set is very versitile and perfect for those summer card.

A further selection of cards using the same stamp set

Well thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for leaving you comments

Have a great weekend, as I will

TTFN

Lesley x

Sail Away

2011-08-23T22:39:00.001+01:00

I made this card a few weeks ago with my new stamp called ‘Sail Away’ by Stampin' Up!® . This is one of my favourite stamps and just great for making cards for men. All the crafters struggle with for ideas for cards for men. I will be posting more of cards made with this stamp set over the next few weeks

Yesterday evening my friends daughter Lee her husband Adrian and her son Lenny came to visit it us. They are over from Australia. It was so lovely to have them visit as they are only in the UK for 10 days before they fly off to Italy and they have lots to do. Lee used to look after Matt and Samantha when they were small at the weekends when Joe and I were both working and she was an absolute star with them & they love it too.

It was also great that Sam, Ash, Matt,Nicola and their children were also able to come round too so it was a great evening. Lenny just loved being around the other children and he never cried once he was such a happy little man. He even learn’t to climb the step from our conservatory into the lounge – his mum so pleased!! not.

Well once again thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave such wonderful comments.

TTFN

Lesley x

Sparkly Wednesday

2011-08-17T08:17:00.001+01:00

I mentioned that Joe and I went to a 50th at the weekend and this was the card I made for Sue who’s birthday it was.

The base card is rich razzleberry layered matted with very vanilla which I have embossed using the elegant bouquet embossing folder and the sentiment is Stampin' Up!® . The embellishments are rhinestones & rich razzleberry 1/4” grosgrain ribbon which are products from Stampin' Up!®

It looks as though today is going to be a nice day the washing is on. I have planned that I spend this morning ‘playing’ in the caravan today to get it ready for our next expedition!!! We have not been away in it since France at the end of May/beginning of June as I was ill on returning from France and then due to family and social commitments we have had to cancel some of our weekends away.

thanks for reading my blog and leaving such wonderful comments

TTFN

Lesley x

What a great week

2011-08-13T09:16:00.001+01:00

Well it is the weekend again, the week has been busy & today is our 34th wedding anniversary

Monday I was at a card crafting class at Tracey’s & Cameron stayed overnight as Joe and I had him for the day Tuesday. We went to the viewing area at East Midlands airport for a picnic and then went for a walk along the Cranfleet Canal from Trent Lock to Cranfleet lock and back. It was a lovely sunny day and we stopped off on the way back for a drink as Cameron wanted an ice cream.

Last night I went to Morley Hayes and sat having a drink with Sam in the garden whilst the rest of the family – Joe Matt Nicola & Ash went to the golf driving range. They joined us for a drink afterward. It was quite unexpected night out as I was expecting to spend a quiet evening at home on my own.

Sue next door is having a 50th birthday bash so we are off to that this evening. This afternoon I’m off to the hair dressers for a cut and blow dry – yipeee as it definitely needs a trim.

This is a card I made for Matt who’s birthday was on August 1st. He’s an avid golfer so thought this card would be just right for him

Well thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and send me such great comments.

TTFN

Lesley x

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!!

2011-08-07T08:32:00.001+01:00

My grandson was 4 recently and loves Jake and the never land pirates so what better than to make a Pirate card.

When I was sorting out my craft room I came across some 12 x 12 pirate paper that I’d bought ages ago to do a scrap book page & Christina at the last Dabblers meeting at Spondon gave me a ship picture/sticker that was just the ticket (so thank you very much Christina).

Here is the finished card

Well I’m off to ice my third cake of the week for Cameron’s party with his little friend this afternoon.

Thank you for popping by to read my blog and for all the lovely comments that are left

TTFN

Lesley x

Stampin’ up August offer only available until August 31st 2011

2011-08-05T09:15:00.001+01:00

To get the ribbon and the clips along with the beautiful tote .
How do you qualify for this beauty? simple!! Place an order with me for £75 or book a workshop with totalling sales of £250. This FREE GIFT will be yours in addition to the already fabulous hostess benefits, you still get a free stamp set and money to spend as you wish when you arrange a workshop.

I am happy to come into your own home or your local craft club and run a workshop event where you and your friends will experience a FUN evening. The workshops are FREE I do not charge anything for coming and you get to make and keep some great cards.

Contact me to place your orders or book a work shop.

Australia here I come!

2011-07-29T18:29:00.001+01:00

I made this for my friend who now resides in Newcastle NSW. Her son in law was 30 recently and is mad about the St Georges Illawarra football team and she asked me to make him a card that reflected that and here it is. The feedback is that he loved it and my friend was pleased as it was unique and personal.

Well this afternoon Joe and I went to Trent Lock for a walk along the Cranfleet Canal. Although it wasn’t sunny it was still quite warm. It’s a very long time since we’ve done that walk and it was lovely looking in at all the boats moored up.

There were several youngsters from the Sailing Club sailing on the Trent. Not a lot of people know this but from my early teens up until Matthew was born I used to do a lot of sailing. I used to sail through the summer hols at a place called Rickmansworth Aquadrome and at Barton Broad in Norfolk. Enough of my reminisces I’m in for a busy but fun weekend.

Well hope you all have a great weekend & thank you for taking the time to look at my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Whimsical Wednesday!

2011-07-27T21:15:00.001+01:00

Well I cannot believe it is Wednesday already and the week is half over. I was lucky enough to see the grandchildren yesterday and Joe and I are gathering strength to have all 3 Friday night and Saturday whilst their mum and dad help Sam and Ash move house this weekend. It will be an early start Saturday as they rise very early!! So by 9am we will have already had an action packed time!!

Has anyone else been plagued by ants – we were at the weekend in the PC room (office) but the problem resolved after I sprayed them – but I’ve just noticed more dead ones on the window seal which I shall clear away stat.

At a recent workshop the ladies made this ‘belt’ card. It’s really versatile design and can be used for any occasion. I was introduced to this layout by a fellow crafter called Tracey when I attended one of her workshops several months ago. I’ve used my favourite colour pacific point and the Crazy for cupcakes stamp set all from Stampin' Up!®

Here are the ladies beavering away making their card

and then they were finished

Well thank you for stopping by to read my blog and for leaving comments

best wishes to you all

Lesley x

Sultry Saturday – if only!!

2011-07-23T10:35:00.001+01:00

I’m hoping that it doesn't rain today firstly because it’s Tracey & Pauls wedding day and secondly because I’d like to get Joe in the garden to help me cut the hedge at the bottom of it and also I’d to cut the grass before wild animals take up residence in it!!! I find mowing the lawn quite therapeutic and calming.

Sadly I have not got any wild animal cards to show, but I do have a floral one using one of my favourite colours melon mambo.

I’ve just finished my coffee and a slow start to Saturday – so it’s off to get dressed and sally forth into the garden

thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave such wonderful comments

TTFN

Lesley x

Tart & Tangy

2011-07-20T21:16:00.001+01:00

Well I’m hoping that the weather improves for the weekend as we have a wedding to go to on Saturday. I watched the programme on TV tonight about weather and it was quite depressing talk of the English Monsoon’ etc.

When out children were young we must have just been lucky as we had some fantastic sunny beach hols.

I think this card look good enough to each and was one I made recently for a workshop

There is hardly anything interesting to watch on the TV, loads of repeats so it’s off to bed ton read a good book.

thanks for reading my blog and leaving comments – I love reading them

TTFN

Lesley x

All at sea!!

2011-07-17T17:09:00.001+01:00

What a dreary day it has been today – raining then a bit of sun then rain again. No good for getting anything done in the garden. We wanted to cut the hawthorn hedge at the bottom of the garden & also the grass but it was not to be with the weather as it is!!

Well I was up at 6 this morning when a little man came and told me it was morning – you guessed it was Cameron – he had a sleep over last night as his mum & dad were going out.

We went up in the loft this morning & bought some toys down that used to be his Dad’s, pirate lego, constructs & a wooden type meccano. Cameron Joe and I had loads of fun making & doing.

This afternoon on my way to his house to drop him off we went to see Sam & Ash and then to Bluebells for an ice cream with his Auntie Sam. The weather was atrocious again raining ‘cats & dogs’ between sunny spells – still Cameron managed to have a short play on the swings and slides

Here is a card that I made using the Sail Away stamp from Stampin' Up!® mini catalogue.

I really like this stamp as it is just the ticket for bloke cards

Well it’s raining again. Joe has been watching for gold all afternoon – boring boring boring lol

Well hope everyone had a good weekend – roll on the next one

TTFN

Lesley x

A little black number

2011-07-14T22:36:00.001+01:00

This week has been busy but only 1 more day and it’ll be the weekend. Tomorrow night is Dabblers craft group at Spondon Village Hall which I’m really looking forward to. I’m doing a belt card demo that I have featured below.

I also did a work shop last night of which one of the cards the ladies made was a ‘belt card’ featured above but in blue.

Last Sunday the grand children came round for a ‘birthday’ tea & to help Grandad blow his candles out. As the weather changed by half 4 so we had a ‘picnic’ in the conservatory

I was up early in the morning making a ‘Mary Berry’ tray bake and a Victoria Sponge (I forgot to take a picture of the Victoria sponge filled with fresh cream) Both were enjoyed family.

Well must go as it’s time for bed. Thanks for popping by and leaving lovely comments.

best wishes

Lesley x

Super Saturday

2011-07-09T13:46:00.001+01:00

Last night I had a super meal at Bistro Pierre with Tracey (bride to be) and lots of her friends and fellow crafters. Pierre’s is one of my favourite restaurants it serves such wonderful food. Tracey had provided us with lovely ‘Hen party’ bag & Jayne had organised a few games after we’d finished our food.

It was such a surprise when I opened it as there was a sash, Hershey kisses a popper & ‘bad girl’ party ‘blower’ that makes a noise – no idea what they are called.

It was a great night as I caught up with people who I’d not seen for ages and talked to new people I’d never met. I’m now looking forward to attend Tracey’s and Paul evening reception in a couple of weeks.

I’ve been to town this morning bought 2 pairs of shorts for my hols in the USA in a few months time and a new handbag :) and I was only in town for an hour.

I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family tonight as we are all going out for a meal and Sunday afternoon we have having a ‘tea party’ with Emily. Oliver and Cameron and they are going to help Grandad blow out his candles.

Well hope you have a good a weekend as I shall have

TTFN

Lesley x

Happy Thursday

2011-07-07T10:13:00.001+01:00

My friend went back to Australia last week after 2 weeks in the UK – she has to visit every year and she really misses England although she has a great life in Oz. Sadly because of my tonsillits we were unable to go out as I wasn’t up to it. I was really disappointed as we usually to lunch and coffee. :( But never mind hopefully next year will be better

I was asked to make an anniversary card for a friend for her daughter and son-in-law, this is what I designed.

The colours requested were black, cream and red

Tomorrow is Joe’s birthday. It is also my friend Tracey’s hen doo. I am very lucky as Joe is very easy going and was happy for me to go to the hen do. Matt is taking Joe to the pictures on his birthday (father and son bonding) and we are having a family meal at Moza on Saturday.

Well I am day off today and lots to do - so I had better get started.

thanks for dropping by and reading my blog

TTFN

Lesley x

Where have I been of late?

2011-07-03T18:00:00.001+01:00

Well I have not been well. I went back to work 6th June after my holiday in France and I was struck down by an awful episode of tonsillitis on the Wednesday which has certainly taken it’s toll. I lost my appetite (which has been good for my weight) and also my taste which has not been so good as it still has not returned. This was certainly the worst episode of tonsiltitis I have ever had. Although I returned to work last Monday I am still not 100%. But I’m soldiering on!!! :)

I spent a great Friday night at Dabblers and it was great catching up with friends who I’ve not seen for ages. We made a owl pillow box under Tracey’s guidance which I will post later this week.

One of my colleagues retired a the end of May after 40 years service in the NHS.

I was asked by my team to make a card.

This is a result. (The ladies who went to Sir Stamp a lot in April will recognise the stamp used)

Well thank you for stopping by and reading my blog and leaving lovely comments

best wishes

Lesley x

Sutton on Sea

2011-06-23T12:24:00.001+01:00

I was lucky enough to have a lovely long weekend in Sutton early May BH . It was a very sunny but windy weekend. Joe and I spent a great few days there. We met up with friends on the Saturday at Anderby Creek where we sat quietly in garden have a few beers, soft drinks and lots of chat. In the evening we joined Lyn & Tony in Skegness for an Italian meal.

Beach Huts on the sea front at Sutton on Sea where we had many a good summer holiday when Samantha and Matthew were growing up as my mum always used to hire one as her base.

The Beach Huts at Sutton on Sea are featured in this book by Kathryn Ferry.

’Behind the enduring popularity of beach huts lies a story of classic British eccentricity. Immensely photogenic and appealing, these colourful seaside buildings are direct successors of the Georgian bathing machine, which first appeared in the 1730s as a peculiar device to protect the modesty of rich and fashionable bathe.

On the Sunday Sam and Ash came for the day and we spent a few hours in Skegness as Ash had never been to this coast before.

I’ve not been blogging recently as I’ve had the most horrendous episode of tonsillitis that has lasted for what seems like forever!!! It’s been so physically debilitating. I’m slowly on the mend now but it has left me feeling tired all the time by 2 in the afternoon I’m ready for a sleep!!!

Hope everyone else is well?

thanks for stopping by to read my blog & leaving comments

TTFN

Lesley x

Golden Wedding

2011-06-16T10:30:00.001+01:00

I’ve not been well since last Wednesday - I have the dreaded tonsillitis which is proving very difficult to shake off so I have been well below par since last Thursday and although I’m feeling a bit better I am by no means back to normal.

I was asked to make a card for a Golden Wedding that I was asked to make several weeks ago.

I heard some good news at the weekend - an midwifery colleague whom I had the pleasure of working with many years ago has been awarded an OBE, http//www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-13733656

Well done Soo, a well deserved honour for the many years of campaigning for normal birth.

Thank you for stopping by to read my blog

Lesley x

Merry

2011-06-08T12:10:00.001+01:00

Imagine my surprise when Merry aka Wendy contacted me back at the beginning of May to say that she was going to send me some items under ‘paying it forward’. Wendy lives in Gordonvale in Queensland Australia. But I often pop by to read her blog but sometimes I forget to leave a comment. Such a lovely act of Kindness should not go unnoticed so I thought I would blog it.

"Pay It Forward"

is the idea of blessing someone with a random act of kindness without expecting anything in return. It’s passing on a kindness, hoping that your recipients will do the same, and forming a never-ending chain of goodwill. But it isn’t only kindness, it is also a means to connect and share instead of just keeping it to ourselves.

I received a lovely present from Wendy consisting of some gorgeous linen feeling papers from Blue Edge Crafts, plus a stamp sadly I’ve not yet been able to use yet but looking forward to it soon.

I am one of those people who love the feel of paper so I keep getting them out and stroking them. Crazy I know :)

I also received a lovely message from Wendy in a card. Also a picture post card of Gordonvale. Since I became a follower of Wendy, I also periodically look at the Gordonvale Town blog.

If I ever get myself organised it a really good idea to reciprocate to other fellow crafters. My problem is getting organised in my personal life as I like to leave organisation at work to some degree – where it belongs. My only other problem I can foresee is that I’ve no idea how to use those electronic number generators – so mine would be a hat with number written on bits of paper!! lol

Well I’ve just stopped for a bit as I’ve have loads of jobs to do today and Joe is helping me organise my craft room which is is the making

thanks for stopping by reading my blog and leaving a comment

best wishes

Lesley x

I am back

2011-06-05T11:19:00.001+01:00

I’ve just returned from 9 days in France but sadly it was not long enough and when we left yesterday the weather was superb – but hey ho good things can’t last for ever. It’s back to work tomorrow. Work is definitely interfering with my leisure time!!! lol

We stayed at a campsite not far from Rue at La Ferme des Aulnes. Here are a small selecton of pictures I took

Chateau Rambures

Windmill at the underground city at Naours

Me!!! on the windmill steps

Entrance La Cité Souterraine de Naours(underground city at Naours)

I went to a workshop a several weeks ago now at Tracey's where I made this lovely card & I thought I would like to share this with you all.

	we used the baby blossom stamp set, the new label punch, DSP Spring time vintage, the embossing folder Square lattice & seam binding ribbon all these items feature in the new SU Mini Catalogue

well thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment

TTFN

Lesley x

Soothing Sunday

2011-05-22T09:38:00.001+01:00

After a busy week at work yesterday was busy but in a different way. I was up with the lark to visit the hairdresser at Spondon after that I popped into see the grandchildren & then did a very brief bit of gardening

	one of my colleagues recently retired and I was asked to make a card for her on behalf of the team

At 12 midday Joe and I picked up Emily & Cameron & took them Happy Hens to see Henrietta Hen. We took a picnic, had a tractor ride and just a good time generally. We saw some newly hatched chicks who had just emerged from their eggs. We went to the laying shed where Emily and Cameron collected a tray of eggs they would like to collect a tray each but what do you do with 60 eggs. So 1 in enough. They love the tractor ride although it was a bit bumpy across the fields!!The children fell asleep on the way home as they were shattered – we didn’t think that it would be good if we fell asleep as well as we were driving.

Henrietta Hen

below the tractor ride

Lots to do today around the house and the garden today.

Well thank you for stopping by to read my blog please leave a comment as I love reading them

TTFN

Lesley x

Feeling sorry for myself

2011-05-17T17:58:00.001+01:00

I’ve been to the dentist this afternoon to have a # root removed and the anaesthetic has worn off and it is starting to ache – I have a temporary bridge in and will go back briefly next week for a slightly better one for 6 months until I have the final one put it. However I have been lucky enough to take Cameron to the train station at Derby to watch the trains ‘tooing and frowing’ – he was so exited by it all

I got this idea for a card from Elizabeth that she showed it to us all when we were away at Sir Stamp a lot, so I cased (hope you don’t mind) it for a workshop I did at the beginning of May. I think it turned out pretty well and the ladies who came to the workshop loved making it.

	This was my first attempt
2nd attempt

Sew Lovely stamp set used for both card from the Stampin' Up!® Mini catalogue. I made the buttons from 3/4” circle punch & the paper piercing tool thought they turned out pretty well!!!

Well thanks for stopping by my blog and please leave a comment as it’s great to read them all.

Off to sit down now and rest my ‘mouth’ – Joe thinks he has gone deaf :)

best wishes

Lesley x

Very refreshing

2011-05-12T08:20:00.000+01:00

Well it looks as though it is going to be a lovely sunny day, the washing is on & the dishwasher is going as I forgot to put the latter on delay last night.

I’ve a written French exam paper to do this morning and may just sit outside to do it. I have my French lesson tonight and exams next Monday and Thursday. Then I think I shall go in the garden for a bit – hope the sun doesn’t go in. Not sure what I will do in the garden probably just some tidying up.

	I made this as a sample for a recent workshop using the Tart and Tangy Stampin' Up!® stamp set. It is very simple to make but quite eye catching!!!

Well hope you all have a great day

thanks for popping by

Lesley x

Trip to the Zoo

2011-05-09T07:50:00.001+01:00

Joe and I went to the Zoo recently with our granddaughter Emily and boy it was hot – well it was for me!!! . But we had a lovely day and she enjoyed it so much. We had taken a picnic and were able to sit on the grass as it was so nice. Joe has a habit of wandering off which Emily wasn’t keen on and she ‘rounded’ him up each time he wandered off so we kept together.

I was sad to find that just 2 weeks earlier the elephant that was born in 2009 has died only 2 weeks previously as we’d seen him on numerous occasions.

At the end of the day she wanted to take a ride of the train and as it was a BH there was a long queue – so Joe headed off the the shade of a cafe for a cup of tea as we had to stand out in the sun!!! We had a lovely ride and Emily enjoyed it and that was the main aim of the day – but we enjoyed it too.

We came home with yearly passes too!!!

Well it was a too good an opportunity to miss & to top it all Joe gets concession rate so what a bargain. Joe has used it already!!!

Thank you for stopping by and please leave a comment

all for now

Lesley x

Anyone for cocktails!!!!

2011-05-07T10:20:00.001+01:00

The weather has been so perfect recently even if there is a keen wind in in the air on occasions. It seemed a perfect time to bring out Tart and Tangy and to make something different. I very rarely go on U tube but a few weeks ago I found inspiration for this something different. So I made a couple samples and thought it would be perfect for a workshop that I had been asked to do.

I’d been very kindly asked by Doreen to host a workshop for 12 of her friends. They are enthusiastic will give anything a go and just love to craft. I also had a great time as it’s nice to share with like minded people.

Tart and tangy stamp Stampin' Up!®

set vellum card
daffodil delight ink pad
rose red ink pad
melon mambo card
whisper white card
a circle cut from a ‘post it’ for masking
adhesive
dazzling diamond for frosting on the top of the glass

Rich Razzleberry lemonade

Thanks for stopping by and looking at my blogs please leave a comment as I love to read them

TTFN

Lesley x

Sneak preview

2011-04-27T21:23:00.001+01:00

It’s nearly the weekend again and the majority of us will be glued to the TV Friday watching the Royal Wedding and yes I will be one of them. I wasn’t able to watch Princess Diana’s wedding as I was a student Midwife at the time and I was on night duty and was in bed sleeping, so only saw the highlights. But back then I did have a Betamax video tape of it – free when we bought the most humunguss video player back in the early 80’s – massive by today’s ones and cost a small fortune too. I digress. Joe & his Dad wet to Warwick Castle for the day whilst Joe’s mum watched it.

I have a work shop next week so I thought I would show you a sneak preview of the cards that we will possibly make

thanks for dropping by to look at my blog

hope you pop back soon

Lesley x

What’s cooking

2011-04-25T12:13:00.001+01:00

Well it’s another lovely day today and we are off to a BBQ this afternoon. It’s been a wonderful 4 day break quite relaxing sadly for some of us it’s back to work tomorrow. But on a good note we have another long weekend next week. Yipeee lets hope the weather stays nice.

	This is the lovely Lisa who took the class Saturday morning at our crafty away weekend in Peterborough. We all made this wonder full 3 D card using the Molly Bloom stamps & lots of distressing and die cutting for the accessories. The DSP’s were gorgeous

Thanks for stopping by and looking at my blogs please leave a comment as I love to read them

TTFN

Lesley x

A Quiet Sunday Morning

2011-04-23T13:27:00.001+01:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to spend a crafty weekend at Sir Stamp-a-lot with some crafty friends. We met for breakfast at a table table pub and we arrived to start the class at 10.

Below is the card we made with the very talented Chris - mine is partially completed at this stage as I still have the green base card to stick on. The butter fly was stamped onto water colour paper. spritzed it first then water coloured using ink from the ink pads which we used to make the backing paper

Below it the completed card with the green base card – I just love everything about this card

off to town now but back in a bit

thanks for dropping by to look at my blog and for leaving comments

Have a great Easter weekend

TTFN

Lesley x

Phew!!!!

2011-04-15T08:04:00.001+01:00

Well I’ve not done much blogging over the past few weeks as between work and studying for my French written and speaking exam I’ve not had much spare time. I can now relax for a bit although I have loads and I mean loads of work to do before the next 2 exams which are listening and written the 2nd week of May.

I’m off to Sir Stamp a lot this weekend at Peterborough with friends. It will be crafting morning, noon & night. It will be tiring but well worth it. I will come back having learnt and had a go at lots of new techniques, with lots of things that I’ve made and my bank balance much lighter than when I went :) But I will be a very happy if tired ‘bunny ’lol.

This is a commission for mother’s day. I used retired card stock (close to cocoa) and DSP from Stampin' Up!®

This is a peak view of the insert which I’ve used the top note die which is in the new Stampin' Up!® mini catalogue and of course my favourite stamp set pocket silhouettes

Well I haven’t yet packed for the weekend so I’m off to pack. Being picked up at 12MD by my friend Pam.

thanks taking the time to pop by and look at my blog – please leave a comment as I love to read them. Have a great weekend

TTFN

Lesley x

New Forest

2011-04-09T11:30:00.001+01:00

Joe and I had a wonderful 9 days away in the caravan. For the most part we staying in the New Forest and then moved up to Blaidon Chains Oxfordshire very close to Bleinham Palace. In the main we had wonderful weather and time to relax.

	Memorial just outside the Caravan Club site
Lymington
	Lymington
Puttles Bridge in the New Forest – Ober Walk

I did have to do a bit of studying as I am doing GCSE French and my 2 hour written exam was Thursday night just gone. I feel it went pretty well although afterwards you always think of things you wished you’d written. I had to write 300-400 word for each paper which is quite hard when it’s not your native tongue and you’d wished you paid more attention when you were 16. I positively hated French as a teenager at school!!! Oh how much easier it is to learn when you are young compared with middle age!!!

	New Forest Pony
Ober Walk
	Christchurch
The Boathouse Christchurch

Blenheim Palace was brilliant again and the weather was really warm. We visited it this time last year over a BH & it was really busy but as we converted out ticket to a year long one for no extra cost we decided to go back again.

	Blenheim Palace http://www.blenheimpalace.com/thepalace.html
The local beer!!!!
	and Joe just had to try it.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my pictures and please leave a comment

will be back soon

Lesley x

New Stampin' Up!® Mini Catalogue

2011-04-03T13:56:00.001+01:00

The new Mini Catalogue was launched on April 1st click here to take a look at it.

I’ve just back from my holiday in the New Forest and a weekend near Blenheim Palace near Oxford.

I hope you like looking at the new Mini Catalogues if you would like to place an order please contact me.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog – hopefully there will be card pictures and and holiday photos this week although I have a French exam this Thursday & the following Thursday which along with work will keep me a bit busy :)

TTFN

Lesley x

Spring is in the air

2011-03-19T14:38:00.001Z

How the sun has shone today - me thinks it’s time to go away!!!

Well it’s been a busy week but this morning has been relaxing and the weather is really nice and sunny today. So we have cleaned the pushchair that we keep here for the grandchildren and put it in the sun to dry – it’s looking very clean as we used the jet washer on it – some of you may think that a little drastic.

I’ve also done a written piece of French to submit and for my tutor to look at and I’ve sent it by e-mail. It was no mean feet writing in French as I kept having to go into symbols to get the right accent for certain letters, but it is done now and on it’s way. I’ve just go 3 more pieces to do before April 14th!!

This card was one of my creations back in January and a very kind craft friend called Pam lent me the stamp.

I’ve just come in from the caravan and when the sun shines I love to go and get the ‘van sorted!!

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please don’t leave without making a comment. Pop back again soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Fox and Friends

2011-03-15T18:55:00.001Z

Busy busy busy this week - last night finishing off the place setting for a wedding, making a A1 seating plan this evening for the same wedding on the 25th March, French homework Wednesday , French evening class Thursday , Ilkeston Dabblers http://derbydabblerscrafters.blogspot.com/ on Friday evening. Day of rest Saturday – hopefully!!!

Oliver’s first birthday card – I saw a card similar to this on Peggy’s blog http://www.pegcraftalot.com/ and I just had to make one similar for Oliver.

You can’t see it very well but there a little wobbly eyes from my stash on the fox and lion

Fox and Friends stamp set & all items from Stampin' Up!® except wobbly eyes!!!

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please don’t leave without making a comment. Pop back again soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

First birthday

2011-03-13T12:34:00.001Z

It was Oliver’s aka ‘Olly Bolly’ first birthday yesterday – he is teething at the moment so was not quite his usually happy self – although he did make a determined effort!!! He enjoyed his birthday tea and blowing his musical candle out. Cameron and Emily enjoyed helping Oliver play with his presents too. The sun cam out and we even managed to sit in the garden for a bit – quite warm in the sun!!

Auntie Samantha put her culinary talents to the test and made a party cake with mini marshmallows and dolly mixtures on, plus some white chocolate button fairy cakes – all of which everyone enjoyed.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend

Thanks for popping by to look at my blog – please a comment and it’s great reading them

Best wishes

Lesley x

Daffodil Delight

2011-03-10T07:46:00.001Z

I recently did a workshop and these were one of the cards that the ladies made – a twisted easel card. I got the idea from Tracey (my up liner) as we made a similar card with her using Bliss stamp (SAB offer from Stampin' Up!®). I decide to adapt it using Green House Garden stamp set and did two different colour ways. I’ve never really used the greenhouse garden set but thought it would be good for this card especially at Spring is round the corner and Mother’s day is not too far off.

Card stock: daffodil delight & old olive

DSP paper stack paper stack:

old olive & daffodil delight

Stamp set: Green House Garden
Oval All
Ink: Old Olive & Daffodil delight

Get well sentiment taken from fun & fast notes stamp set

Ribbon: Gross grain 6mm in old olive
& daffodil delight

dazzling diamonds

basic pearls & rhinestones

scallop oval extra large &
oval large punches

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please don’t leave without making a comment. Pop back again soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Birthday Bliss

2011-03-06T09:50:00.001Z

	I made this recently for Nicola’s birthday

I’m having a quiet weekend – yesterday was a pj day ‘til lunchtime and then off to Dunelm in the afternoon at Ilkeston to look at bedding and to get a piece of A1 mount board. Followed by a quick nip into Aldi to get bread and few bits and bobs. Today well who can tell what I might do today.

I have a sitting plan and pace settings to do before March 25th and a retirement card before March 18th – so will probably crack on with them today.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please don’t leave without making a comment. Pop back again soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

A Day at the Zoo

2011-03-04T08:00:00.001Z

Last Sunday saw the ‘Roulstones’ expedition to Twycross Zoo. Samantha and Ash joined us too. The weather was lousy wet and overcast but we were armed wet weather gear and a pic-nic we sallied forth. (Birds cobs no less!!!) Cameron Emily and Oliver had a great day despite the weather. There were lots of animals out that in the past have been in there den eg the Otters. We found somewhere warm and dry for our picnic in the Gibbon Cafe. Cameron was puddle jumping despite being told not too and he didn’t seem to mind soaking wet trousers shoes and sock – although Nanny had to get them clean and dry for nursery the next day – what would we do without washing machine’s and radiators. However did my mother manage when I was a kid!!!!

Emily being the net!!!

looking at the birds

Oliver Emily & Samantha in the chimpanzee house

watching the Merkats

‘’

	Mummy elephant and baby born 12 months ago

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Happy Anniversary

2011-02-28T16:41:00.001Z

Well as expected this weekend was hectic and I’m exhausted!!! :)

Yesterday at the Zoo was great although very wet and the new visitors conference and visitors entre at Twycross is wonderful. Spacious and warm. Despite the weather there were plenty of people there. We took a picnic and your are now allowed to picnic in certain cafe’s dotted about the zoo so at least we were somewhere warm for lunch. The baby elephant had grown and they were out

This is a recent card I made for a 4th wedding anniversary using:
whisper white and basic black card stock.
Heart to heart punch
Blushing Bride DSP
rhinestones
retired stamps set Wonderful Words

all items from Stampin' Up!®

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please don’t leave without making a comment. Pop back again soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

AWOL

2011-02-25T07:55:00.001Z

I’ve been absent without leave from blog land for the past 2 weeks. I haven’t had time to blog or look at other blogs. This weekend doesn’t look any different. I was out last night with the girls for some pub grub and a quiz, we were pants just to say we came last and won the booby prize a bag of galaxy choc drops!!!

I have a workshop this afternoon, out for dinner tonight and all 3 grand children arrive Saturday evening until I drop them off at Nursery Monday morning. We are hoping the weather stays nice and we can get to Twycross Zoo on Sunday. Phew I’m tired all ready :)

ingredients

stamp set: punch bunch Sale a Bration set (SAB)
card stock (In Colours):poppy parade, pear pizzazz & blushing bride

Pretty in pink 1/4” grosgrain ribbon

In Colour Stampin’ Write Markers

scallop edge border punch

scallop circle punch

1 3/8” circle punch
basic rhinestones

scallop trim border

all items from Stampin' Up!®

Thought I would share with you all a simple card that I made to show the use of the SAB stamp set. SAB offer finished 28th February.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Hedgehog

2011-02-13T14:37:00.001Z

I had a great morning yesterday with crafty friends at a Xmas card making get together. It’s a plan of Tracy’s so that we get ahead of the game for this Christmas. The plan is we will have plenty of cards made well before Christmas rather than rushing nearer the time (what a good idea). Although I didn’t finish the cards yesterday I have 4 toppers ready to make cards with :) .

Yesterday Oliver my 11 month old grandson came to visit with his Dad. It was really lovely to have some quality time with him. Cameron had gone to the pictures with Nicola and Emily had gone to see Great Auntie Jo.

	I made this before Christmas for a class to show the versatility of a stamps set. I rather like the rustic look I created with this one!! Items used: Stamp set: Fun and fast notes & Vintage Vogue Early espresso, real red and black ink pads Neutrals ivory and early espresso card Linen thread Crystal effects.

I’m feeling lousy today though, sore throat headache and temperature :( Last night I fell asleep on the settee for most of the evening went to bed and slept all night. Not done much today either just layer on the settee & watched the TV. I had so much planned for to day too.

Hoping I feel better tomorrow.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Two simple card projects.

2011-02-08T09:08:00.001Z

I’ve had a wonderful weekend. Joe and I went to visit old friends that lives in Mary Tavy just outside Tavistock, Devon. Sadly we don’t see each other as often as we would like. Joe and I hadn’t been to see them for quite sometime.

We had a great weekend catching up. A visit to the Pannier Market in Tavistock http://www.tavistockpanniermarket.co.uk/ on Saturday morning. Although small it’s a great place to wander about. It received it’s Royal Charter in 1105 & has been a market there ever since.

A real Cornish pasty for lunch – these a nothing like the poor excuses for ones we get in Derby!!

In the evening we went for a meal at the Black Smiths Arms at Lamerton. http://www.blacksmithsarmstavistock.co.uk. There was a roaring open log fire which I couldn’t resist taking a photo of so will post a picture of that later this week :) There is noting better that a real country pub with an open fire.

Cherry Cobbler
very vanilla
Square scallop punch
early expresso ink

SAB Stamp set Punch Bunch

all items from Stampin' Up!®

Early expresso
Cherry cobbler
Daffodil delight DSP paper stack –Brights

SAB Stamp set Punch Bunch

all items from Stampin' Up!®

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Water Colouring

2011-02-03T09:31:00.001Z

Well I’m off now for 6 days yipeeeeeeeeeeeee. I’ve got lots planned of to town today to change a coat that I bought for Cameron which is too small.

French tonight and home work to do later:) I always did leave it the the last minute.

I’m off to see a girl friend in Tavistock Devon this weekend – we trained together at RNH Plymouth back in the mid 1970’s. Ooh I feel so old when I say that – well I’m not getting any younger!!! lol

Anyway I digress we do keep in touch and I last saw her in October at the hospital reunion in Plymouth but not seen her since. That weekend is always so busy so it will be nice to ‘chillax’ talk non stop and catch up with life over a glass of wine or 2.

Strangely her son and my Samantha go married on the same day last July so sadly we couldn’t get to her son’s wedding and vice versa.

I did a workshop at the beginning of December where the focus was water colouring.

Items used:

watercolour wonder crayons
Fun and Fast Notes. stamp set There is so much variety in this set your can make a card very easily for any occasion.
Here is one of my samples.

I’ve not done much water colouring recently – must do more!!!! :) as it really is relaxing

Thanks for taking the time to drop by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr – cold or what!!!!

2011-01-30T12:52:00.001Z

Yesterday it was a very cold day brrrrr & it’s still cold today!! When I walked round to the bungalow someone had washed their car and thee was quite an expanse of water frozen on the road and it looked like a skating rink!! I avoided it as I’ve no desire to end up with any broken bones.

Joe was round at the bungalow at 8am yesterday as the Gas supplier wanted to check the meter and by then time I arrived at 11 he painted the bedroom. I’ve not been sleeping to well recently I wake up and the can’t get back to sleep. After we went for a late lunch at the Harrington Arms at Sawley and sat beside a lovely open fire – it was really cosy. Sadly we had to leave to return home

I’m frozen today which is not like me as I’m usually warm - suffering with ‘p0wer surges’ every so often so I don’t often wear an overcoat.

I borrowed a fellow crafters Sweet Summer stamp set to make a few cards to show on my blog . Sweet Summer is one of the free stamps sets featured in the Sale a ~Bration 2011 leaflet

Stamp pad: sweet summer

(features in Sale a Bration 2011)

colours used :

old olive
melon mambo
chocolate chip
daffodil delight

images water coloured using an ink pad

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.

TTFN

Lesley x

Thursday’s twitter

2011-01-27T10:50:00.001Z

Well another week slowly comes to an end. the past few weekend’s I’ve been going to the bungalow decorating with Joe and we are making good progress.

Last Friday it was Dabbler’s at Arena Ilkeston and there was a really good turn out – I was really worried that no-one would turn up. But they did and a great time was had by all.

I made this card recently for my daughter’s birthday. I’ve coloured it with Copic pens. I would class myself as a definite beginner using this medium as I don’t use them often as I really have to think about what I’m doing!!! :)

I was really pleased with the end result tho’. I also used for the first time a Martha Stuart punch and nesties that I bought at Sir Stampalot back in October!!!

It’s my GCSE French tonight and tomorrow – that will be heavy going as it is usually only once a week. I shall be all Frenched out buy Saturday. Which reminds me I still have homework to complete!!! lol We have time to make up because of the adverse weather conditions in December as classes were cancelled hence Thursday and Friday.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

Doom and Gloom

2011-01-22T11:04:00.001Z

Well last Monday I had a crisis my PC wouldn’t burst into life. I thought I’d lost all my stored data, doom gloom & despair. I’d got friends round to sort out details for Dabblers at Ilkeston and I couldn’t access my e-mails. I felt bereft. Luckily I have a Joe who came to the rescue. He is a wizz with these technological phenomena’s and he did several ‘health checks’ etc & diagnosed it was the power pack of which he just happened to have a spare in the loft. So within a couple of hours I was back on line etc. What I’d do with out him I don’t know. As I am a techno phob and no nothing about such things!!!!

A lot has happened since Gina hosted a December workshop , but I thought I would share with you the cards that the ladies made that evening.

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

Best wishes

Lesley

My Birthday

2011-01-20T18:13:00.001Z

I celebrated a birthday on the 6th January and I was very fortunate to get some lovely cards,lots of good wishes, flowers pictures and presents from my wonderful family and friends.

Picture below are some of the lovely cards & present I received

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my blog & please leave a comment and pop back anytime soon.

Best wishes

Lesley

Sweet Summer

2011-01-13T07:55:00.001Z

Last Friday I went to a retirement meal at the Coopers Arms in Weston on Trent. I chose a carvery & as usual the meal was lovely.

Well it’s Thursday again and the weekend is nearly upon us. This week has been busy but enjoyable –Samantha’s birthday on Tuesday, crafting last night and French tonight and tomorrow I’m going to be painting a kitchen!!!

Sweet Summer Stamp set

(features in Sale a Bration 2011)

colours used:

early espresso

pumpkin Pie

Daffodil delight

Wild wasabi

and water colouring

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

Happy Birthday

2011-01-08T18:35:00.001Z

Well I went out to Bluebells at Spondon today to have a coffee with an old friend but we had more than coffee a lovely warm ciabatta with chicken bacon and red onion. We had a lovely goss!!!

Tonight Joe is cooking Confit de Canard for tonight dinner and no doubt I will have a glass of wine with it!!!

I have loads of French home work that I need to do too before January 13th, not sure when I’ll do that.

Punch Bunch Stamp set

Elegant Soiree 12 x 12 papers

Soft Suede card

cake crumb ink

early expresso ribbon

base card cake crumb

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards & please leave a comment. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

free stamp set until 28th February 2011

from Stampin’ Up

Sale a Bration – free stamps set

2011-01-06T08:06:00.001Z

free stamp set until 28th February 2011

from Stampin’ Up

	Stamp Set: Punch Bunch colours used : whisper white soft suede wild wasabi daffodil delight regal rose punch: two step bird punch extra large
Spend £45 (product sales before p&p is added) and earn one FREE Sale-A-Bration set of your choice

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

Quick and Simple thank you cards

2011-01-03T18:34:00.001Z

Well Christmas and New Year are finally over and it’s back to work tomorrow. The festivities seem to have gone on forever. Yesterday the family came round for a Wii,sing star night & play Buzz and to eat ‘party food’. A good time was had by all. I managed to figure skate to Swan Lake, ski jump and do the down hill slalom, sang along to Abba and took part in a quiz. All from the comfort of my own home. I do like figure skating!!! However I didn’t manage to play ten pin bowling!!! :)

This is a picture of my home made Quiche Lorraine made with Crème fraiche, I also made a tuna one for yesterday.

I’ve loads of thank you cards to make so I thought I would show the simple ones I have made over the past days – I’ve not just got to send them out!!!

	Stamp set used: Fresh Cuts
Punches used: Two step extra large scallop trim border spiral border scallop square extra large
	Colours used: whisper white daffodil delight regal rose garden green old olive wild wasabi pear pizzazz

Thanks for dropping by and having a look at my cards. Pop back anytime soon.
T T F N

Lesley x

SALE A BRATION – FREE STAMPS SETS

2011-01-01T11:16:00.001Z

from 30th December until 28th February 2011

	2 easy ways to earn free stamp sets
1. Spend £45 (product sales before p&p is added) and earn one FREE Sale-A-Bration set of your choice

2. Host a workshop of at lest £300 (product sales before p&p is added) and earn one FREE set in addition to the generous hostess benefits.

1. to place an order

2. host a work shop

3. to discuss holding a workshop

please contact me on 07875000326 or
e: mail me: L.Roulstone@btopenworld.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!

2010-12-31T17:15:00.001Z


Wishing everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T10:03:00.001Z

Well it is very quiet at our house at the moment, turkey in the oven all vegetable sorted Joe did those yesterday and we are just waiting for the arrival of Matt Nicola Cameron Emily Oliver Samantha and Ashley around lunchtime, then it will be unadulterated mayhem and we love it!!!!!

I went with the grandchildren and their mum to the Children’s Christmas Service yesterday afternoon and it was wonderful rousing Christmas carols, (the ones I know from my childhood) and lots of fun for the Children. All the children were dressed up in Mary & Joseph , Wise men and shepherd outfits to take part in the ‘live’ Nativity.

I will be back tomorrow with pictures of today’s festivities

Lesley x

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T07:25:00.001Z

Well I think I’m now organised – I was at the hairdressers yesterday and in the chest freezer sorting it out for the Iceland man came in the morning with the delivery. The delivery was planned for Wednesday evening but Joe fell asleep and didn’t hear him knock!!! Last minute presents have been wrapped and all place under the tree as the grandchildren won’t be visiting now ‘til the 25th

Joe has jobs to do this morning, peeling the potatoes, brussels sprouts etc ready for tomorrow making beds and generally tidying. This will I can enjoy the day with the family on the 25th. I’m so looking forward to it. It will be busy as we will have Cameron Emily and Oliver with us but as Christmas is for children it will be magical.

I am hoping to go to Church today for the Xmas service too. I’ve been going to it for a few years now and it’s such a great service at St Werburgh’s and the children love it.

★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜田田｜門｜ ˚

TTFN

Lesley x x

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it’s so cold!!!!

2010-12-20T20:36:00.001Z

Well I’m a little more organised and I keep telling myself it’s only 2 days !!! But some how we can’t help ourselves from thinking we have to get enough food in for a siege!!!. Joe now has a list to work to so all the things that need doing get done. His memory isn’t good :) as I’m working right up to 6m Christmas Eve.

I’ve been on a quest for sausage meat as it’s tradition carried on from my mother in our house to have a sausage meat roast along with our turkey. We don’t have pigs in blankets in our house. The kids all now grown up with husbands and wives love it too. I was lucky enough to find that Bluebells at Spondon now stock it as my usual source no longer sells to the public :( so Joe is off to pick it up Wednesday.

I finally finished my Christmas cards yesterday and Joe has been off delivering the local ones today. In a bit I’m going to do my bit of wrapping up. Up til now Joe has been a star and wrapped up presents as we’ve gone along – but I don’t think I can ask him to wrap his own!!!!

I’m having my hair done Thursday which I’m looking forward to always feel good after having my hair done.

	Emily’s Christmas card.

I’m hoping the snow misses Derby but even I’ve been cold on occasions during these cold spells.

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Lesley x

Totally Unprepared

2010-12-15T07:40:00.001Z

I m so not prepared for Christmas. I’ve only sent one Christmas card & that was to Australia. The tree has been up for ages but I’ve not put any baubles on it so it isn’t dressed & I’ve not written my cards!!! How bad is that?

I’ve still got some present shopping to complete too!!

So I’ve got to get myself in gear and get started. Plan write cards tonight & post tomorrow. Dress tree tonight. Finish present shopping this weekend. I’m not going to deviate from this plan other wise I’ll be saying the same thing next week.

	This is a Molly Bloom stamp that I bought when I was at Sir Stampalot in October and coloured using Copic pens purchased at the same time. I’m still really a complete learner at using these – I need to practice more :)

Well I hope all you bloggers are well ahead with your Christmas preparations unlike me!!! lol

Thanks for stopping buy and reading my blog and I love reading the comments you leave.

TTFN

Lesley x

October Crafty retreat

2010-12-13T20:21:00.001Z

This is another of my crafty makes during my crafty weekend in October with fellow crafters. This workshop was led by Hayley.

It’s a scrap book for putting photo’s in. I did however have some help with the cutting around the shapes with a craft knife though as I’m very slow!!!

We all received a wallet so that we could make reference to items used during our workshop.

Butterfly Cakes

2010-12-11T08:13:00.001Z

Our grandchildren came round last Sunday for dinner with their mum & dad too. Ollie is teething so both Matt and Nicola were quite tired.

Roast Lamb was on the menu with all the trimmings as we aren’t big on desserts in our family I took the opportunity to make the children cup cakes using my new silicone cake cases, bought in France last September for only 2 euros for 10. What a bargain, I thought!!! Along with the traditional round ones there were square ones available & as I’d never used or seen them before I got some of those too.

Small and ‘big’ children alike enjoyed eating them :)

I did try one too and they were delicious.

I added a little edible glitter to my cakes just to make them sparkle.

Off to do some crafting in a bit on Pride Park

have a great day

Lesley x

The big thaw

2010-12-07T19:43:00.001Z

It was a busy weekend and the thaw started and we even had rain on Saturday and then the cold set in. It went down to –7 oC last night and I know that for sure as I was out doing a work shop – it was freezing cold when I went outside at 21:30.

Today as we went to pick Cameron up from Nursery it was so cold the trees were just covered in frost the looked so picturesque and I wished I’d got my camera with me but as soon as you stepped outside the car it was freezing – brrrrrrrrrr.

Sunday morning and the snow has started to disappear but is still cold.

Once of my recent card makes.

well lets hope it starts to warm up soon!!!

TTFN

Lesley x

Snow snow and more snow

2010-12-01T19:55:00.001Z

Well when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it does. Well when I woke up this morning my car must have been covered in6 inches of snow 7 it was cold and this is from someone who doesn’t feel the cold but even I have resorted to wearing a coat since Saturday!!! Walking boot included but I’ve not yet worn hat, gloves or scarf yet… but there is time yet.

These pictures were taken on Saturday - but there is even more now

Brrrrrrrrrrrr the North wind doth blow and we shall have snow!!!!

2010-11-28T13:58:00.001Z

And that is just what happened we woke up to snow in Derby yesterday and it’s been cold ever since. In fact it was –9oC in Derby this morning. Our house was pretty chilly too as when we got out of bed, the heating for some strange reason hadn’t come on after a re set of the heating dial, luckily it was all systems go & the heating came on. Phew!! It reminded me of my child hood when it would be freezing in the house and we used wake up to have ice on the inside of the windows and the only heating we had was an open fire in the lounge and dinning room. So until that was lit and got going it would be cold and I mean cold!!! I bet there are loads of people out in blog land that can remember those days?

	This was a card that a group of ladies made at a recent card workshop a couple of weeks ago – this one is using melon mambo but I also had one using rich razzleberry but for the life of me I can’t find the sample!! Think I must have fairies in the house!!!
another version of the wreath card that I demonstrated at the Paper Max sow and the work shop.

Yesterday Joe and I went to the garden centre at Little Eaton with Emily and Cameron and what a wicked time we had. They loved all the Christmas decorations, the fishes and the small animals there are there. They went a saw Santa which was lovely as it wasn’t busy so they were able to spend time talking to Santa. The entrance path that led to Santa’s Grotto had Christmas trees either side covered in real snow which made it look so magical. Emily talked to Santa but stood beside grandad whilst Cameron sat on the stool beside him. Both told him what they would like for Christmas. Emily a Peppa Pig and Cameron, Captain, Ferdinand and Bish and Bash from Thomas. It was just magical being there with them. It took me right back to when Samantha & Matthew were small. What made it even better was that when we went we had no idea Santa would be there so it was a surprise for us all.

Well this afternoon I’m catching up with Midsomer murders whilst making a wedding card order, sitting in the warm!!!

Getting to grips with a new camera

2010-11-26T20:59:00.001Z

Well just over a week ago my trusty camera of 6 years started to make a lot of clanking and wirring noises and then refused to work!! This is quite something for some one that uses it nearly every day. Joe said that it had done well as most people don’t use a camera that much. But to cut a long story short I am now in possession of a super new one, a little more complex!!! Below are some pictures taken with my new camera.

We were away in our caravan last weekend at the Caravan club site at Chatsworth. We had a great weekend cocooned in our van!! :) Un be known to us though it was the Christmas Market at Chatsworth so Sunday afternoon we took a walk to it. The market was very busy and although the ambiance was wonderful as was the mulled wine, it was expensive. But it was great looking at all the Christmasy items, listening to live Xmas music and people singing carols.

It was however very cold – freezing in fact and I had to wear gloves and a scarf, which is not me at all!!

TTFN

Lesley x

It’s Friday – time to relax!!!

2010-11-19T20:17:00.001Z

Well after a hectic week – I’m ready to relax. Yesterday I went with Samantha Cameron and Joe to the garden centre where we had lunch. Cameron loved the Christmassy atmosphere and all the Christmas items that were there to wow at!!!! Samantha bought a new Xmas tree which she is really pleased with.

We had our gas wall heater mended last night as we thought we had a gas leak but the gas fitter appeared to mend it with ease, so we don’t need a new one after all, whew!!! So we are no longer freezing when we are on the computers in the ‘study’. I never realised how much it warmed up the area until it wasn’t working.

Joe has ‘man flu’ and although he is not feeling too well he is soldiering on :) . I just keep giving him effervescent vitamin C every day to boost his immune system.

These were some more samples that I made for a workshop last Thursday.

The ribbon on this card is part of the mistletoe ribbon originals on offer with the ‘Bundle up for Christmas’ offer from Stampin' Up!® Further details and links were posted on 1st November

Card stock very vanilla and rich razzleberry and the stamp set gifted from Stampin' Up!®

Well off to watch Children in Need now and have a cry – it always makes me cry I’m very emotional these days

Have a great weekend

Lesley x

Wednesday Words

2010-11-17T23:39:00.000Z

Well it’s been a hectic day at work again today – but I’m off out with friends tonight for a pub meal. Tomorrow I have to do my French homework and also go into the caravan and do some sorting out – mainly remove the summer clothing as I have to confess I’ve not done the post summer clear out to replace with warm winter woollies for winter caravaning as we are off to Chatsworth and Castleton before Xmas. So it is bound to be cold in the north of the County. But I shall be as ‘snug as a bug in a rug’ in my central heated caravan!!!! :) Watching DVD’s relaxing people watching and generally watching the world go by bliss!!!

I made these 2 cards as samples for the workshop last week.

These cards feature the green ribbon that is part of the ‘Mistletoe ribbon originals’ part of the latest SU promotion

Well off to get ready

TTFN

Lesley x