Celebrating today . . . . . . . ..

Celebrating today as it's my Grandson's first birthday and mine too!!  Looking forward to seeing him this afternoon.  Cake baked and iced in the shape of a '1' as per Samantha's instructions  .   .   .  .   Presents wrapped and card made!!

together a several weeks ago.

Last night we went out for a curry with friends which was lovely as Joe and I don't go out for curries too often so it makes it extra special when we do.  Although it was bitter last night and quite icy on the pavements and road.  So when we were walking to the  the car park  from the restaurant I was a little apprehensive as I didn't want to slip and fall, so I was holding Joe's arm to keep me steady.  But all was fine so I needn't have worried!!!  

It's warmed up today with frost gone this morning - the weather is so strange of late and very changeable.  

Daughter and son in law's Christmas card this year made at a workshop back in October.  We did some embossing on acetate which was the first time for me and very effective.  

Lesley x

Tuesday's twitter . . .

This was the card I gave to my husband this Christmas, created at a crafting day at Spondon,  back in October.  

The last few days have been spent in the craft room creating as I've got a few cards to make for January birthdays and I've a workshop to prepare for at the end of this month .

Yesterday for the first time in ages I put washing on the line.   I hung the towels out on the washing line as it proved to be cold but a sunny day, and by jove they dried.  I just had to put them in the tumble dryer for a few moments to air them .  Today I will not be so lucky as it's overcast and miserable :( 

Pam took me out yesterday afternoon for a  couple of hours to a friends for a crafty make and take with crafting chat, coffee and cake!!

Well of to the shops in a bit and then back to bake a cake for Friday, finish of my grandson's first birthday card and then to start on another card for my daughter.

Lesley x

now for something different . . . .

Jack Frost has visited us over night and its very cold outside, so I think I will stay in the warm today.  I also started with a cold a few days ago so I've had several dates with blackcurrent lemsip!!!

 Emily came yesterday and stayed over night.  She wants to bake today.  She wants to  bake a cake  to  decorate with Christmas cake decoration and take home to her Mum,  Dad and brothers for Christmas Day.  She had great fun last night looking through the cake decorations that I've kept for such a time from when her Dad and Auntie Samantha was small and we used to bake in the days leading up to Christmas.  We used to bake Mince pies, sausage rolls, Christmas cakes, maids of honour, millionaires shortbread(one of my favourites)  and all manner of festive goodies.  Now days lots of people no longer like fruit cakes and mince pies, so I I rarely bake them (I have to watch my weight these days).  Joe the hubster has never been a fan of them either!!!

Now for something a little bit different today, no card but a hand crafted decoration .  .  .   .  

I made this for Oscar's 1st Christmas, he loved it because there is a bell on it and it made a noise.  His mummy loved it because it was traditional & especially for Oscar . . . 

Lesley x

Gap card . . . .

It was Emily's 8th birthday last weekend and this was the card I made for her.  I made a few 'gap' Christmas cards last year so I thought it was about time I made another one and thought the style would be just right for this.

thank for stopping by

Lesley x

Boy's never grow out of their toys . . . . . . . . .

all I can say this evening is my feet are killing me and are screeming out for a rest!!   I've registered over 10,000 steps on my fit bit today!!  

Emily and I have been shopping today for school shoes and a school bag.  I discovered that I could book an appointment slot at our local Clark's shoe shop.  It was wonderful saved all the waiting around and although Emily is an H width we managed to buy shoes without a hitch!!

So apart from all morning in town, she has crafted backed cookies, made a rice crispies tray bake from one of my old Mary Berry Books and we've also been down our local park!!

Now for a rest of my tired tootsies!!

Now to show you my latest creation for a family members 30th birthday

Lesley x

Wonderful Weekend . . . .

I've just returned from 2 amazing weeks away with the family in 2 static caravans at a quiet little gem of a traditional seaside town on the East coast.   The weather has been fabulous apart from 2 days when it was a bit overcast, and only rain twice overnight.  So we were able to sit out in the warm evenings and have plenty of BBQ's and just relax taking in the surroundings.  

The grandchildren had long wonderful days on the beach and in the nearby splash pool, what more could you ask for!!  We were also fortunate that our daughter and her husband and our 7 month old grandson could spend it with us. 

the day we went was our 39 wedding anniversary and below is the card I made for my amazing husband.

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend

Lesley  :) 

1st ever shaker card . . . . . . .

what a lovely week we have had, last Sunday I went to a charity cricket match at Spondon as funds were being raised for Holbrook School for Autism.  There was a chocolate tombola, so there was plenty of chocolate to be had!!

I can't believe it's taken me so long to make my first shaker card.  I've always shied away as I thought them so difficult.  I watched a few U tube tutorials and then deciided to go ahead with one.  So I made one for my grandson's 9th birthday with his favourite characters on & who is Pokemon mad . . 

here is the result . . . 

I just wished I had the courage to make one years ago!!!  But I won't shy away now, I plan to make a Christmas one for a craft class at the end of September.

Lesley x

tea cup birthday wishes . . . . . . .

Only a short post today, as I'v been swimming this morning with my gorgeous 6 month old grandson!!

A very good friend recently celebrated her birthday at the weekend and I thought that a tea cup card would be just the ticket!!

This is the basic card that I made and posted to her.  It was only today that I realised that I'd not taken a picture of it since I added the birthday sentiment to it . . . . typical of me!!!   

I've had a wonderful weekend, Friday we went to a BBQ st my sons and then Saturday there was an inpromtu family BBQ at our house.  Yesterday was  a bit of gardening in the morning, a brief snooze after lunch as I was tired.  Then  a crafting  afternoon.  I did however manage to create a couple of cards which I will post in the future.  I just can't get to grips with the fatigue associated with inflammatory artheritis!!  I'm sure I will adapt eventually.  

Lesley x

Leap Day birthday . . . . . . a little bit late

this week all in all has been a very positive one!

I'm a bit late with posting this card but this is the  Leap day birthday card I made for my daughter in law.

Last week despite my pain in the knee, the boys came round on Tuesday and we had a great day and I even managed to hobble down the park with them, but boy did I get paid back that evening and night.  
I've had a week full of appointments, Rheumatology Tuesday, GP Thursday.  To my surprise I was up in the craft room Thursday busily crafting away when I got a phone call from Orthotics, I'd had a letter from them mid March telling me the waiting time for an appointment was 24 weeks, when I phoned them last week they told me the earliest I could expect an appointment was October!!!! but that I could join their cancellation list.  They offered me an appointment for yesterday.  So off I went and came away with some foot inserts which I have to wear for an hour day gradually increasing the wearing of them until I amd wearing them all day and which will hopefully improve the pain in my feet when I'm walking.

Lesley x

Long Weekend in London

Joe and I returned yesterday from a 4 night break in London.  We usually stay in the Docklands area but we deceied to treat ourselves this time so we stayed in the West End not far from Marble Arch.  

Good Friday was a lovely sunny day, so after breakfast we took a 

stroll through Hyde Park from Speakers corner, by the Serpentine to Wellington Arch.  Hyde Park was really busy and  many families had taken advantage of the weather & had brought picnics with them and were sat taking in the sunshine.  I was surprised to see it so busy!!! Why I thought this I don't know as it was Good Friday & we were in the centre of London!!!     I had the romantic  idea in my mind that we we would take coffee in the cafe on the edge of the Serpentine and watch the world go by!!!  How wrong was I.  

The Serpentine

Hyde Park 

The Mall  towards Buckingham Palace from Wellington Arch

Buckingham Palace Gardens from Wellington Arch

Apsley House

We did however visit Apsley House and Wellington Arch both of which neither of us have ever been too before.  We climbed Wellington Arch and saw some lovely views of London up the Mall etc from the balcony  

Lesley x

I like a nice cup of tea . . . . . .

As I was designing & making this card, the lyrics of the 'nice cup of tea' song kept coming into  my head and I found myself singing the song!!  The stamp and the embossing folder was free with a magazine several months ago now.  this is the first card I made using it and  I've made several cards with it since which I will show case on my blog over the coming weeks.  I've also found another great place to show case my cards, the Do craft website where I have my own 'crafty place'.  I know that there is a bit of  snobery with crafters when it comes to Do craft but I find a lots of inspiration from the site and those that  contribute are such a great crowd!!  

I've looked at the weather forecast for the Easter weekend and it appears we will probably have rain!! Easter weekend is usually either wonderful weather or it's a complete wash out!!   Joe and I  are hoping that the weather cast is wrong as we have a few days out planned.

Last weekend the whole of my family came to ours for Sunday lunch with all the trimmings.  It's a busy time with 4 grandchildren the youngest 12 weeks old and the eldest being 8.  But we have such a wonderful time, but cooking for 9 can be challenging for me these days, but Joe helps and the dishwasher goes into overdrive!!!

thanks for dropping by and leaving your wonderful comments

Lesley x

8 years old birthday card

This was a card I made for a family member back in January who is a little Princess!!  

I was at work yesterday, I only work 1 day a week now which is great and if I don't feel like it I don't have too!!  A very liberating feeling :)

It's a lovely sunny day in Derby today although it's chilly outside, but better than the damp rainy weather we've been having recently.  I'm making use of the solar energy today by doing the washing!!

Last week we were away for a few days down south and took advantage of visiting Kenwood House in Hampstead which was used as one of the locations for the film Belle a few years ago now.  Dido Belle actually lived in the house back in the day too.  It is now managed by English Heratige and is free to visit due to conditions in the the legacy. It was a lovely Georgian House set in beautiful grounds on the edge of Hampstead Heath.  After we'd finished the visit we sat outside in the sun as it really quite warm to enjoy a cup of coffee for me and tea for Joe!!!

To get their we drove passed several very large house, there were a few for sale.  Curiosity over took and I looked on the web for prices.  I know they would be expensive, most being  over 1.5  million pounds and several were up in the 10 million range!!  How the other half live, but are they happy?

the house has a magnificent art collection from many well known artists.

I just loved this fire place below

on the walk back from the dairy I managed to capture this lovely shot of a grey squirel!!

all in all a wonderful day out

My first ever rocker card

This is my first ever rocker card made for my son and his wife's recent wedding anniversary and also the first time I've used a vellum overlay.   I've always admired this style of card but never taken the plunge to make one!!!

We had a busy weekend as we had the boys so thier parents could have a weekend away, so Saturday and Sunday morning I was up with the lark!!!

Saturday saw us visiting the Zoo, although the day was dry it was bitter cold.  The sun did shine at lunchtime and we managed to find a picnic bench in the sun as the boys wanted to eat their lunch outside and I have to say it was very enjoyable and quite warm!!

I'm off to run a craft class locally in a bit so will have to get a wiggle on!

Lesley x

Rabbit and bear friends for ever . . . . . . . . . . .

I recently knitted these lovely soft cuddly animals for my newest grandson.  My daughter saw them in a local yarn shop and asked me if I'd knit them for her.  I'm quite proud of them as this was the first time I'd ever knitted toys.  they are beautifully soft and since then I've knitted 2 more rabbits!!!

I've a busy weekend ahead as I've 2 grandsons coming later on today so my days will be busy busy busy.  We have planned a day at the Zoo tomorrow as long as it doesn't rain

Lesley x

New addition to the family . . . . . . .

Our family became larger on January 6th, a grandson arrived on my 60th birthday!!!  Both Mum and baby are doing well.  So you can see why I've been busy celebrating 4 major events in our family!!

Things are beginning to calm down now a bit.  

Here is the card that I made for the new little ones mum and dad

Lesley x

Sweet Parisienne!

This is the 4th  day of my retiremement and so far it's been very busy!!  How did  I ever fit in work?  Well  I did have to go into work today to do a 2 hours computer update as I've signed up to the bank as I thought finishing work dead might be a bit too much for me after all these years, But I'm not working more that 1 day a week ideally 2 days a month would suite.  I'm looking forward to a bit of a rest next week - here is hoping!!

It was Samantha's birthday on Monday and this was the card I made for her using the Dove craft Sweet Parisienne.  It's the first time I've used the Presscut shutter card die and it was brilliant - so much better than using a craft knife!!

I love the way this card has turned out.

I'd better go as my eldest Cameron, I picked him up from school and he  has come for his tea and is at present playing with Granddad on the X Box 1

Lesley x

Today is the start of the first full week of retirement . . . bring it on!!

I was 60 last Wednesday and my daughter gave birth to a grandson on the same day - how cool was that!!  Oscar and he is simply adorable as are all of my grandchildren.   I am so proud of her and her husband Ash.

the flowers from the family with personalised ribbon - how cool is that its actually got my name on it !!!!

Samantha is a very organised  and because baby was due around my birthday she told me yesterday she got organised way back in December ordering  flowers and purchasing present along with Matt and Nicola.  What an amazing daughter & family  I have.

flowers from my wonderful husband of 38 years!!

Lesley x

Busy busy busy . . . . . . . . . .

What a busy week I have had I turned 60 on January 6th, a new grandson arrived the same day & I retired yesterday from work after working a total of 41 years in the Nursing/Midwifery profession!!   Where has the last 41 years gone.

Baby is gorgeous and mother, baby and daddy are doing well, and Joe and I will never forget his birthday either!! 

I'm still in a bit of a whirl still so much has happened in a few days!!  It doesn't look as though it's going to slow down either next week either and tomorrow I'm out for afternoon for a colleague who retired from the same team as I on Monday.!!!

Last Saturday I went to Tracy's 50th birthday party and this is the card I made for her.

Below is a similar card that I prepared for a work shop at Long Eaton at the end of November. 

Got to go as out tonight for a birthday meal with friends as I couldn't fit it in on the 6th!!

Lesley x

My first blog of 2016

Well the last 2 weeks have been very busy!!  Christmas New Year and some work days in between!! 

After Christmas we had a family afternoon out at the pantomime Aladdin 9 of us in total.  The 3 grand children thoroughly enjoyed it.  There was a lot of 'it's behind you'  & 'oh know didn't' etc.   It was the best Pantomime I've seen in ages and the venue was brilliant.  It's the first time Derby Arena aka Velodrome was used for it.  I was a bit apprehensive as I wasn't sure what to expect but the facilities were exellent, sitting comfortable with plenty of legroom and the ecoustics brilliant so much better than the Assembly Rooms and the Old Derby playhouse!!  I will certainly be going again next year. 

I thought I would share one of my last cards that I made for family in 2015.  I didn't get chance to blog it before Christmas as I just ran out of time.

Well I'd better get a wiggle on or I will never get anything done today, as I'm off to see my daughter later and Elsie her friends baby and then I'm meeting a friend for coffee at Hollies Farm.

Lesley x

Busy few days

Evening of December 22nd saw us gather for our craft groups fuddle and us all getting into the Christmas Spirit.   Here are a couple of pictures from that event.  We all had a Christmas photo opportunity!!!

 Tracey and Pam

yours truely

Well it's been a bit busy over the last few days but very enjoyable!!  I wonder why?  Yes you've guessed it was Christmas!!

Christmas day was spent with family with our Christmas dinner was a grand affair 17 of us in total & cooked by Nicola and a wonderful dinner it was too!!  We provided the deserts.

Boxing day the family came to ours for the day with a party in the evening.  Joe had a X Box 1 and we did a bit of singing with 'Now that's what I call singing'  Emily loved it and we had several renditions of 'Let it go'.

Oliver and I played bowling on the Wii - which was good as I usually don't get ago :(

Yesterday saw me take a walk down the park with Emily and Oliver and they had a good 2 hours on the park and after lunch Emily stayed whilst the boys went home with their mum.  Emily and I played shopping, painted a pottery car followed by some more crafting.  Before she went home we watched the film Madagascar which I'd never seen and laughed a great deal as it was a brilliant film.

Samantha asked me to knit another rabbit for a friend at work for Christmas which I just managed to complete just before.  I've knitted a rabbit and a bear for Samantha and Ash which I will blog in the New Year.

Lesley x