Bad News, Good news ... and a Challenge.

Back at the end of May news was received that the only forum I used was to close. The imag-e-ation forum was to finish, kaput, no more. Devastating to hear as I've made many friends because of that forum, both cyber, but better still, in real life. Without that forum I would not have met any of my good friends (not counting those that I knew before the forum - *LOL*) and many are now friends for life. We've had crafty days, weekend meets and now .... holidays. I would never have been to Tanzania this year without having met Jackie through that forum. I wouldn't have just come back from a weeks girlie holiday in Spain without having met the ladies that I went with, and to, without that forum but help was to hand! One member - one of our British Spanish residents - Senorita Lynn, found an host and opened another forum .... Crafters Reunited .... and most of the regulars, and my friends, have transferred there and it's moving along well. It's become a 'home from home' and, although imag-e-nation is not yet closed (but could disappear at any time), it is little used now.

Anyway, I've digressed right from the outset but it's a bit of background to what's to follow so ....

It was decided that Crafter's Reunited would continue with the card challenges but to only have one challenge a month, starting on the 1st of each month. June saw the first challenge and, although it is rare for me to enter them I took the plunge. To 'celebrate' the football/soccer World Cup being held in South Africa and to show a bit of patriotism, the theme was set as a card for any occasion but the colour had to be red, white and blue.

I had been playing with my Promarkers and had coloured a few images. Thought I had one that just about fit the bill so I put it on a card and here it is .... Colouring has a way to go but reckon it's just about passable. I didn't win the challenge and didn't expect to but thought I should support the first one on the new forum. No idea when I'll enter another one - lol!

Ingredients:

Stamp - Greeting Farm's Miss Anya

Colouring - Promakers

Embellishment - Miss Anya mounted onto Nestability petite oval, Stickles, Craftwork Cards Christmas sentiment and Card Candy, Stamping Up Scalloped oval punch

Papers - Papermania Colossal Christmas Contemporary paper pack.

Enjoy!!
 

Target met ...

... well, near as! It's taken an age, especially as it's been interrupted and nothing's been done for the past 4 weeks but ........... I've finally got my little corner in the study cleared and organised so I can craft in there! Not a big space and it's a temporary measure but it's somewhere I've not had before. It's temporary because I've got a whole room upstairs that is still a work in progress although the work stopped months (could be 18) ago as 'life' has got in the way and also, a returning child who has left again but not taken all his belongings with him! I'm sure this room will come to fruition at some point but it's nearly 5 years ago since I started on it - ooops! Although my little corner isn't totally organised in the way I'd really like, it will happen as I start to use it - I'm just so pleased to have some clear desk space and some storage! Now it's a proper tidy and clean time and the study will be back in full commission and I can turn my attention to packing up the lounge ready for decorating! But ... not until I've had my week away in the sun - *lol*

  

OK, more catchup! ...

A few days after my meet up with Greta and Kim I started to feel ill.  Couldn't say exactly how I felt but it certainly wasn't well.  Then we had notification from my second home - the imag-e-nation craft forum - that it was closing at the end of May.  There were many that were truly disappointed with that news, no less me.  Many of us have become friends through this forum and not just cyber friendships.  Over the years there have been meetings arranged and we've become friends in 'real' life.  Some of us have holidayed together. my 3 weeks in Tanzania earlier this year was with a friend I made through this forum.  The week in Spain is with friends I've made through this forum.  The long weekend at Appleby Magna last year - and being repeated in September, but for a day longer - is with friends made through this forum.  The first 'national' meet was back in 2006 in Manchester and was the start of my wanderings.  It was the first time I'd driven such a long distance and the first time I'd driven on a motorway - and a story to tell about silly satnav - or should that be silly Pam?  Now try stopping me!

We've had loads of fun on the forum with all sorts of topics covered from axe murderers to fluggy goats (don't ask!).  We've had lots of sadness as well when we've lost close and loved ones or been going through bad times of one sort or another.  There's always been massive support and comfort offered.  There's also been a few upsets along the way but isn't that normal with lots of people and different personalities?  No different to any family really but most people are adult enough to accept that we are all different, will not always agree, clear the air and move on. Unfortunately, some aren't!  Anyway, we were told this forum would close at the end of the month but might not disappear completely until 6th June at the latest.  To date, it's still there but it's barely being used because ......... we've a new forum!  One of the members, Senorita Lynn (yep, one of our Spanish dwelling ladies who some of us are visiting next week - well, we've hired a villa actually - lol!) started a new forum,  Crafters Reunited and .... we've moved over and continuing as if nothing has happened!

Thanks for dropping by .....

Good weekend ...

... despite suffering a bit of sleep deprivation *lol* I've had a few nights of disturbed sleep and Saturday I was due a day of workshops at the Glitterpot. Unfortunately I'd only had about 3 hours sleep so wasn't totally 'with it' but as it turned out it didn't matter. Joanne, the tutor, had produced workshops that I didn't need to think about too much (results will be posted soon) so I had a lovely, relaxed day made even better by the company. A few of the southern imag-e-nation forum members had booked into these workshops as well so there were 6 of us. Fortunately I'd forewarned Joanne and, as she'd had experience of some of us before, she knew what to expect. Unfortunately the rest of the attendees didn't but they soon found out - *RFLMAO!* I don't think we spoilt anyone's day or at least, I hope we didn't, although Joanne felt the need to apologise for us to the newcomers on the afternoon workshop and she also had to explain to the others on the morning one that we all knew one another .... all in a very light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek way!  We were even referred to as 'rabble' at one point - as if!

The morning started off well, not, with Kim rubbing out a mark on a piece of card that Joanne had put there for a reason *hehe*

The afternoon started even better when we were presented with a template ..... with clear instruction written on BOTH sides of it - just so we didn't get confused ☺ We laughed so much and it set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. So much so that Joanne did her best to make sure we all had a Marvy to colour with, rather than having to share and wait, just to keep us quiet!

A really, really good, fun day with great results at the end of it. Could do with a few more like that.

Eldest son and his partner called and spent the afternoon with us yesterday and he told us that eldest grandson had heard from the Army and has an interview on Friday (grandson, being a typical 18 year old hadn't thought to let us know - doh!). It's been very quick though,  seeing as how he didn't make his application until Wednesday! Hope he does well and they do consider taking him. We know that there's a way to go for him yet but at least he's making the first rungs.


Thanks for dropping by .....

It's started ...

... to disappear. The snow, that is. Where there was 4 to 6 inches or more, there are now gaps showing through to the ground, even where the sun doesn't reach. Cars are losing their white blankets as are the tops of bushes. It looked pretty but we can do without it and fortunately, for this area at least, the other forecast snowfalls haven't materialised although other parts of the country have had them - including areas that missed the first lot - *LOL*

Over the past couple of weeks of non-posting there's been a fair bit going on. My left arm has become a pin cushion! On top of the various flu jabs and blood tests I've had 3 travel jabs with still one to come. The last I was daft enough to pay for! Yellow Fever - the one I was most worried about and the one that has been least bother - *lol* The blood test results have meant that I've got to have an Impaired Glucose Tolerance test .... after Christmas now! 2, yes that's TWO, blood tests to be done a couple of hours apart and fasting ones, apart from a glucose drink after the first. Such joy! I've had a change of inhaler as well. Slightly heavier duty and although it's better I still struggle. Guess there's nothing that will give me back the breathing that I'd really like so have to actually accept that I'm now limited with what I can do.

Eldest son has had his 37th birthday and officially moved out to live with his new partner and his decree nisi has been granted. He's moved out but .... his stuff hasn't - *LOL* Not sure how long we've to accommodate that but he may find it gets packed in boxes so I can have the room back. Don't think the fish will be moving anytime soon though and to be honest - I don't really want them to, as I like having them on the patio. However, if they're going to become permanent I'd like to do something with the corner they're in and disguise the pond as it's sitting on the patio and not dug into the ground.

I've had a couple of days of classes at the Glitterpot - my total relaxation days away from home. It's about the only way I can get any crafting done. On top of that the South East imag-e-nationers had their Christmas Party Craft Day. Hosted by Pippa, it saw 21 (I think) of us meet up for a day of banter and crafting followed with a meal to round the day off. Some had driven nearly 3 hours to join us and had the same journey home in horrendous, torrential rain, not arriving back home until nearly 11pm. A long, long day for them. Another couple came up from Cardiff but stayed overnight with Pippa so their day wasn't quite as tiring - *grin* A good time was had by all, even if it was a little 'cosy' - *LOL*

We started with a challenge, followed with an SU make & take by Joanne of Mainly Flowers (and a bit of 'shopping') and finished with a few projects given by Pippa and a quiz. Throughout the day were nibbles and cake and I had a first! My menu selection for the evening meal was red snapper fish. It's the first time I've ever had a stuffing ball with fish! I actually had the full roast turkey dinner (minus the pig on horseback and the yorkshire pud) with the meat substituted for the fish. Bizarre! They could have at least left the pig on horseback and the yorkshire as they gave me the stuffing ball and, because I whinged (in fun, of course), somebody ordered me a yorkshire pud - ☺. The meal was not the best I've ever had but the company was great and we had a real laugh - perhaps because of the meal (and my duff party hat!) and not in spite of it - *hehe*. All my crafty making results are over on 'Bits' but here's a few pics from the rogues gallery ...

click on any pic to be taken to an album for larger stills or a better slideshow

Now it's preparation for Christmas but as I'm very much 'bah-humbug' that's not a lot - *LOL* Haven't had any more than a 12inch pre-decorated Christmas tree and Christmas cards for the last 3 years but this year might be different .... *wink*!


Thanks for dropping by .....

It's been an age ...

..well, over 2 weeks but I'm not in hibernation! I've been busy and not felt like blogging when I've had time to relax. Even 'Bits' went by the board for a while but have caught up with that at last *phew!*  Today is a bonus day as what I'd planned hasn't happened.  We had snow overnight and early this morning and, although the main roads were passable this morning (with care) our road wasn't and I couldn't get the car out.  In fact, I didn't even try to move it when I saw the conditions.  Very, very pretty (well, it was when it was all virgin snow) but wish it had waited until next week.  Don't think we'll be having a white Christmas as it's arrived too early.  It'll probably all be gone by this time next week!

Unfortunately the weather has meant that hubby hasn't gone to hospital to have the op on his hand.  I feel so, so sorry for him.  He is in excruciating pain with it and was looking forward to going to get it sorted out.  Now he's going to have to wait until they get another space, which is unlikely to be this side of Christmas :o(  He's considered priority because of being a wheelie and needing his hands for his mobility.  He's actually housebound and has been for some while now and all because he can't transfer from his chair to a car any more as the pain is so great.

I've plenty of 'catch up' to do, including the imag-e-nation SE Christmas meet - with piccies (still got to sort them *doh!*) - but reckon I need to consult the calendar to remind me of what's happened and what I've been doing.

In meantime I've updated my profile photo - taken today, by me, with camera at arms length! First time I've tried that - OK, so I'm waaaaayyyyyyyy behind on that one *lol* - but it seems to have worked OK. I just snapped until I got one I was reasonably happy with. Never totally happy with pics of me now and usually go out of my way to avoid having them taken, 'cos I don't recognise the person that I see. It's not the person I see in my head, which is about 30 years younger and half the size *hehe!*


Thanks for dropping by .....

SE imag-e-nationer's Christmas meet #2

5th December, Southwater, Horsham.
Both of the following cards were projects given by Jennie, the organiser of the meet. I started both during the afternoon but ran out of steam so took them home and finished them.

The Christmas tree card was made by cutting the outer frames, layering them onto the base card and then folding 4 different sized squares of paper and adhering them in position. Finished with a Craftwork card greeting and a jewel.
Details (by request and with thanks to Jennie and Lynn):
Card blank 14.5 cm square
Backing frame to tone (mine's silver)- 13.5cm outside, 9cm inside but it should have been 9.5cm hence I have a wider internal border than intended but I prepared it from email instructions not those given on the day. Don't think it really matters and I quite like the wider inner border.
Backing frame (to match tree) - 13 cm outside, 10 cm inside.
Four squares (to match backing frame) 7.5 x 7.5cm, 6.5 x 6.5cm, 5.5 x 5.5cm, 4.5 x 4.5cm
Instructions on how to fold the squares can be found here.

Update 8th Jan 2010: - I've now made one of these cards using a 12cm square card blank.
Backing frame to tone: 11.5cm square outside, 8.5cm square inside.
Backing frame (to match tree): 11cm outside, 9cm inside
4 squares (to match backing frame): 6, 5, 4 and 3cms square folded as before)

The star card was made by covering a square card with DP and then cutting a section of the card away, filling the gap, in this instance, with stars cut out of metallic card using a Sizzix Bigz die, layering some with stars cut from the DP. As the back of the metallic card is a browny grey - not white - I decided to back the stars with more DP so that when the card is opened the theme follows through. It also had the added advantage of strengthening the whole card. It took me a while to get my head around this one and get the layout of the stars to work but I'm really pleased with the end result. Might make this one again .... especially seeing the finished results that others did by really thinking outside the box - lol!

Enjoy!!

I have to ask ...

... when presented with 2 sets of facts and figures, that are identical in every way, would you say that they came from exactly the same item? That is something I've had to ask myself recently and, despite not wanting to have to admit it, the answer has had to be 'yes'. If the figures weren't so precise there could have been reason for doubt but there's not, as far as I can see.

1st set of figures -
Dimensions – 389 x 517
Width – 389 pixels
Height – 517 pixels
Horizontal Res – 100dpi
Vertical Res – 100dpi
Bit Depth – 24
Resolution Unit – 2
Color Representation – sRGB
Adobe photoshop 7.0
File Size 54kb

2nd set of figures -
Dimensions – 389 x 517
Width – 389 pixels
Height – 517 pixels
Horizontal Res – 100dpi
Vertical Res – 100dpi
Bit Depth – 24
Resolution Unit – 2
Color Representation – sRGB
Adobe photoshop 7.0
File Size 54kb

Where's the difference? There are other exact similarities as well which further add to the conclusion that these are figures from the same item but ... they were taken from the properties of 2 different sources. I know what conclusion I've come to, no matter how much I didn't want to. The object of these figures has been the cause of an almighty row and a totally unnecessary one. I think people have jumped in with both feet instead of looking at things more carefully before they did so but, to me, more shockingly is how vitriolic people have been (especially as, for once, I'm not the one on the receiving end *☺*). I've certainly seen a few in a different light - and not a very pleasant one at that. Disappointed? Yes, and appalled.

Thanks for dropping by .....

What a week ...

... is following last week! Not quite so manic but busy, relaxing and exciting all at the same time!

Visit to eye hospital for Dad's regular check-up yesterday and a lovely hot crystal massage for me today. Eldest grandson passed his driving test today (well, youngest would have a job as he's only just turned one - lol! - and I'm feeling older by the minute) and I've spent time improving my nestie storage (needed to 'cos got sooo many now that I had to do something) albeit I think, temporary.

I've also taken more crafty parcels over to Dad's flats. The generosity has been astounding where they've been concerned and I can't thank the donors enough for it. Crafters generally are a pretty generous and caring lot and imag-e-nationers certainly are. Tomorrow I have to prepare for another crafty day on Friday with Debs. It'll be a long day - Friday, that is - but one I'm looking forward to. Have no idea what we're getting up to but have instructions as to what to take but with not much idea what for - lol!

Just when I thought the week couldn't get any better I've received the 'go' on something I've had fingers, toes and anything else crossable, crossed for and for a number of weeks, waiting to have it confirmed! Countdown is now on sidebar of blog - lol!!

I've been given the opportunity of a holiday of a lifetime. Little sad 'cos hubby can't come but then it's a holiday that wouldn't be suitable for him anyway due to the wheelchair. It's pure luxury, off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean on the island of Pemba. The resort? Fundu Lagoon .....

I've had confirmation from medics that there's no reason why I shouldn't go. Jabs, anti-malarials etc shouldn't affect my prescription meds and was told 'go for it' so I am and joining Jackie on one of her jollies!! As she has said ... "My new travelling companion... .. hope this the first of many brill holidays... and nothing like starting big and working ya way down" ... LOLOL!!

When we first muted the idea of having the odd holiday together I had no idea that this one would happen for me! Roll on 31st January - the day after my birthday and the day we fly out. What a birthday pressie! Can yer tell - I'm excited!

Thanks for dropping by .....

Another challenge card.

This time it was a challenge on the imag-e-nation forum. It came just at the right time as our eldest grand-daughter's 13th birthday was on the horizon. I'd been playing and had already made a 'never-ending' card blank and had decided to make it her card but had no idea what to put on it, although I'd already chosen the backing papers. I wanted to keep it simple so the mechanics of the card took the limelight and then Val issued the challenge ..... butterflies! Didn't matter what shape, colour, occasion as long as the card had at least 2 butterflies on it so, my problem was solved. Grand-daughter's verdict (her birthday was 2 weeks ago but had to delay posting because of the challenge)? I quote ... "i loved it x .... it was amazing x .... thank you x ..... i really did love it x :d " I think she liked it *LOL* Now I reckon I'll be having to show her how to make it!

Click on any image to enlarge

Materials:
Base card - standard white card cut into 4 strips 6 inches by 3 inches and joined to make the neverending card base.
Backing papers - Papermania Sweet Nothings paper pack.
Embellishments - Squares cut from same card as base using nestibilities and sponged with ink while die still in place. (Tip: If using rub-ons sponge the ink on after using the rub-ons. They will not stick to the card once it's inked - *lol*)
Silver rub-ons, Papermania stickers, Anita's peeloffs and holographic, self-adhesive butterflies, some of which were stuck onto acetate to make 3D.
Not shown in photograph as they were added later - crystal gems on the 13 Today side, for an extra bit of bling!

Enjoy!!

Busy doing ...

... nothing! Well, that's what it seems like. It's been a week since I last posted on here and it feels as though I've been really busy all week but would have great difficulty in actually saying what I've done. Until the last couple of days we've continued to have really nice weather ... rubbing my nose in it even more ... but it seems to be on the turn now and there's definitely an autumnal nip in the air morning and evening.

I've arranged a crafty meet at the Craft Barn for mid-month because one of my Scottish friends from the imag-e-nation forum is coming to this neck of the woods for a week and wanted a meet up with some of us 'southerners' Amazing how quickly something like this can be arranged when wanted! Really looking forward to it - a crafty day with like minded friends. Who could ask for more - *grin*

I've spent an hour or 2 at hospital with hubby who's got a problem with his hand. It's been going on months. Initially it was thought he'd sprained it. Then, when it didn't improve it was thought he'd broken a bone but x-rays had ruled that out so he was referred to a hand specialist and that was who he saw this week. She was unable to diagnose the problem but suspects it's torn ligaments so an MRI has now been requested. It's unfortunate that he's unable to rest it. Being in a wheelchair he has to use it - all the time. It's his mobility. Should have seen the fun we had when he had carpel tunnel and an op for that - lol!

It was eldest grand-daughter's 13th birthday on Wednesday and ... *gasp!* ... I made her card! Such a novelty *LOL* It's scarey to think she's now a teenager. I was actually at her birth - an amazing experience! It's even scarier to think that her brother is 18 at the end of this month. I'd post a piccie of her card but I can't ... yet. I've entered it for a challenge on the forum - *shock* What's even more shocking is ....

... I've made another 2 cards this week, on top of that one. Both inspired by mate Jackie who's a design team member for Digital-Ink Co (as well as LaPashe) and they're running challenges and a blog hop. The first card made I managed to enter into 7 challenges. Yep, 7, using one card! Was happy with it initially but the more I look at it the more faults I can see and the less I like it. The second card made I've entered into 3 challenges, one of which I'm pushing my luck with but if yer don't try ...... *LOL* This second one I'm really pleased with. I think it's the best card I've made without input from anybody else (except for the sketch I followed for layout). Just hope the recipient of it at the end of the month will like it as well!

Was gonna take Dad out for lunch on Thursday but he didn't want to go anywhere. He told me he'd been having real problems with his knees since I'd seen him last and he'd had to resort to using his walking frame to help him around. It was a lovely day and I'd planned on taking him for a run out to Beachy Head and having lunch out as well. He says next week though, no matter what, so at least I know he really does want to go out and he even suggested the Seven Sister's Country Park - *LOL* Not sure on that one but guess it wouldn't hurt to have a look. Can always take the wheelchair for him - not sure what I can take to get me around there though *hehe* He's enjoying the Day Centre once a week - as much for the trip round town to pick up other people as anything else. He's seeing parts of the town he's never seen before! Because of where he lives he could be the last pick up and only be transported for 5 minutes. As it is it seems he's one of the first so, instead of being at the Day Centre in less than 10 minutes he has a 45 minute tour - *LOL* Don't reckon he realises that the Day Centre is only 2 streets away from his flat.

Life is now becoming pretty mundane to the extent it could be boring but I'm enjoying it after all the goings on over the past 18+ months! I think I can start to find time to sort our home out now and maybe even finally get my craft room up and running ... once I've cleared out all the stuff I shall never use and have room for that which I will. Pity my health is now going to make it slow progress but some progress is better than none. There are exciting things to look forward to on the horizon - some definite and some not ..... yet, so it's very much 'watch this space' It's possible that this blog will be able to become what I'd initially intended before it became hijacked but that could mean big adjustments. Thinking cap needs to go on for that one but there's no hurry ...

Thanks for dropping by .....

Make 'n Takes from Guildford.

Only just over a week late but better late than never - *LOL*.

Twenty southern members (plus one!) of the imag-e-nation forum had a meet in Guildford last Saturday. Beautifully organised by Greta who commandeered the local Scout hut and had one of her sons lay on a buffet for lunch. Think they thought they were feeding the 5000 there was so much food and it was delicious. I organised a draw which meant that everybody went home with a mini goodie bag - some good stuff and some not so good but that was the luck of the draw. Most seemed happy with what they ended up with though. Greta also arranged for her 'local' Stampin' Up demonstrator to join us for the day. Did I say 'local'? Well, if you consider a 4 hour train journey to get to us (a slightly quicker one home) and an overnight stay with Greta so that she made it on time then I guess she's local .... *LOL!* Our Toni decided to join us all the way from Tamworth, making 21 if us in total and, as she is an SU demonstrator she agreed to do some make 'n takes for us to fill part of the day. I made the card on the day, the other cuties - made from punched shapes - I made at home.

All made with SU products

The rest of the day was filled with stamping images, making a box as per the tutorial here (but left for the maker to embellish in their own way and there were a fair few different versions!), Copic and watercolouring demonstrations from Toni and Jackie, digi-scrapbooking demo courtesy of Helen (who also ran a sale, giveaway & swap table) and die-cutting. I'm sure there were other things ... oh yes, chatting!!

A great day was had by all and we're all looking forward to the next one ........... *grin!*

Enjoy!!

Seems that I ...

... go days with nothing much to post about then several things come along at once. Like this past weekend. Apart from visiting the littlies yesterday I had a lovely day on Saturday with 20 old, and new, friends. Some of the 'old' friends I was meeting for the first time as they were cyber friends, met via the imag-e-nation forum some years ago. We came from all over the southern region with most travelling an hour or more to get there. They came from the outer reaches of Kent (around 100 miles away), from deepest Buckinghamshire (around 80 miles), the depths of Essex (around 70 miles) and from various places along the south coast (around 50 miles away) and then there was Toni! The southern ladies ... and Toni ... certainly put themselves out to attend meets!

The day was beautifully arranged by Greta whose son laid on a buffet spread that really spoilt us. There was an huge selection of sandwich and other snacks and some excellent homemade cakes - superb! Helen arranged a for sale/swap/giveaway table for anyone to take advantage of and some did so, very successfully.

Toni - mad as they come and our 'local' Stampin' Up demonstrator (soooo NOT!) - joined us but, to do so, she had endured a 4 hour train journey on Friday to Greta's. Fortunately she had a better trip home but it's still a long way to come for one day, on public transport!. Toni provided some very interesting 'make and takes' and there was a 'show and tell' provided by moi! Helen demonstrated some digi-scrapbooking for those that wanted and a free draw added to the excitement. There were a lot of crafty tips exchanged, a few bits made and even more chatting ... a good day was had by all!

Looking forward to the next one now ..... *big grin*!

Thanks for dropping by .....