tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42820090793145743052024-03-05T00:39:33.215-08:00Cherry Tree<a href="http://www.folksy.com"><img src="http://badges.folksy.com/images/badges/folksy-small.gif" alt="Folksy"></a>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/annabelburton/"><img src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest"></a>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-81596256231434305522012-09-23T04:01:00.000-07:002012-09-23T09:08:35.813-07:00Car Boot!I haven't been to a car boot sale for some time, and have visions of finding that fabulous vintage bargain that sells on ebay for ten times what you paid for it! I have found crinoline lady pin cushions, 1950's sewing baskets, bits of vintage linen and the like and I thought I had found a winner today! An orange tupperware box had a stack of cigarette cards inside which I got for a quid.
Rushed home checked ebay to see how much they go for a wow! Some fetch hundreds! I was getting really excited and could see that some were sold as reproductions. And then, glasses on, I read the small print on my quirky little cards and discovered they are reproductions ! Probably next to worthless but I do have a full set of caricatures of famous golfers from the 1920's!
This week I have been rethinking what I am doing - have been inspired by Yorkshire Sculpture Park, not by the sculpture but the delicious items of jewelery in the shop. Like a gorgeous tiny pendant made out of china with a single quick drawing of a daisy. Cute. I have also been to see my new grand daughter Marianne who is also very cute. See pic.
I am knitting from my stash too. I was going to make one of those turtle back jackets but the cat there first and now it has become his cushion. And I am determined not to buy any more wool having been given a wonderful three bags full (baa baa black sheep I am) of assorted bits and pieces in unpromising dull blues and browns. Hey ho. Mustn't look a gift horse in the mouth. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am also struggling slightly with this new blogger dashboard and all since I have been so infrequent in my updates I really must try harder.
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Here is the wonderful work of Andy Goldsworthy - I walked miles to see this. Tree in wall. Amazing.
Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-35826986890235436042012-05-06T10:09:00.001-07:002012-05-06T10:11:00.517-07:00Giant lions and insipid lunchWell here is the story <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17915318">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17915318</a> that made me say 'ooh let's go to Chatsworth this weekend!'
so we set out ignoring the fact it is Bank Holiday weekend and there was a massive jam at Bakewell (talking of jam I made the strawberry variety this weekend having tried the weightwatcher's version and decided, never again..), and arrived. <a href="http://www.chatsworth.org/">Chatsworth</a> is the most wonderful place set in stunning scenery and is the epitome of elegance, and yet caters for massive crowds and a huge influx of people at all times of the year, and yet there is space to wander off and enjoy some peace and quiet. There is no tat and the depressingly hideous gift shop items you come across occasionally. In fact it is all sumptuous and covetable, home made jam of course, produce from the estate, exquisite jewellery, nice scarves and fresh herbs to get you into that life style heaven which is a million miles away from cheap, cut price, credit crunch and just plain horrible.
So we were a little disappointed to go the posh restaurant in the courtyard and ordered what was on the menu 'grilled halloumi cheese open sandwich garnished with salad and hand cut crisps, dressing and a balsamic vinegar chutney..etc etc.' What arrived was a chunk of nice bread, with a small piece of cold halloumi, a whole bag of crisps to fill up the plate and a pile of lettuce barely sprinkled with a tiny bit of dressing and some horrible grey stuff under the halloumi. How disappointing, but instead of creating a fuss we ate what was there and beat a hasty retreat. My OH, when paying the bill,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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was advised that the chef has only been there for three weeks, and hadn't anticipated how BUSY it gets over a Bank Holiday and had run out of so many things that you simply shouldn't run out of hence our spartan lunch. I have no doubt that other customers would be so much more forthcoming than me in their complaints and hope this is a just a tiny glitch in an otherwise glorious visit.
I think in future I will take a picnic.
Took some nice flower pics see above.
Next door neighbours are having a party playing Michael Buble.
I have done some more paintings now at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherrytreehandmades">etsy</a> shop as my folksy shop is slowly becoming empty...
And here are pictures of them<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREmKDVvOwNB4Ejwm3Kn48lHDDcvPNlGzsW5xUw9qLzuecoVogQ5ZmuNg1tdSb3djT7wbUO_DOEud1s-JyQbsvkB4KzoAGz1Sl-SMhJ8waD98Zpb_TpU9ya73fMul9zpXFdL0G6U2_QqY/s1600/bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREmKDVvOwNB4Ejwm3Kn48lHDDcvPNlGzsW5xUw9qLzuecoVogQ5ZmuNg1tdSb3djT7wbUO_DOEud1s-JyQbsvkB4KzoAGz1Sl-SMhJ8waD98Zpb_TpU9ya73fMul9zpXFdL0G6U2_QqY/s400/bedroom.JPG" /></a></div>Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-86414233842521488672012-04-10T02:33:00.004-07:002012-04-10T02:52:27.086-07:00dabbling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgDNk2BW3aMlzSWDvGlVAbcea0U8a3FQqA-8H2aCdChHLJxKxUEn74Ba0S60kbdx8WUfj2N7haEOJm4Y3HqZxaFIrG0uU5H5WSAdXOmCuO-JZvXZbnB_Y8XhZQX7AVR25Nqn-Oqbt5W8/s1600/geraniumlight.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgDNk2BW3aMlzSWDvGlVAbcea0U8a3FQqA-8H2aCdChHLJxKxUEn74Ba0S60kbdx8WUfj2N7haEOJm4Y3HqZxaFIrG0uU5H5WSAdXOmCuO-JZvXZbnB_Y8XhZQX7AVR25Nqn-Oqbt5W8/s400/geraniumlight.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729706028145290322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6LklodcNVwIP92TzDIl1a35-91JPGRSMTfqKX0MnpNGMwzIqQuWtZLX34DOYNHD_jIjWnrKLyWyA5igxHSx_9RPlLANswYJ34iiCSvWp8yH3IT07WPUFidl_tRvmBaSOxAqg-Ow8tgc/s1600/rosestudy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6LklodcNVwIP92TzDIl1a35-91JPGRSMTfqKX0MnpNGMwzIqQuWtZLX34DOYNHD_jIjWnrKLyWyA5igxHSx_9RPlLANswYJ34iiCSvWp8yH3IT07WPUFidl_tRvmBaSOxAqg-Ow8tgc/s400/rosestudy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729706020507081714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts8HnyC0qs0VdzrAkz0yRSjMyTa_byFOnz6g3zjD78yX084riWUH_eQd1cQ3-CD4cORpJbhySG7QsIHAcNVrn5Ei2BkXe5aH5hurInHA2Siit19ssEBBioyGNFW7ymWH4_rhMFVYtJT8/s1600/pots.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts8HnyC0qs0VdzrAkz0yRSjMyTa_byFOnz6g3zjD78yX084riWUH_eQd1cQ3-CD4cORpJbhySG7QsIHAcNVrn5Ei2BkXe5aH5hurInHA2Siit19ssEBBioyGNFW7ymWH4_rhMFVYtJT8/s400/pots.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729706043244287890" /></a><br />I have been inspired to pick up my paintbrushes again. This should be easier than it is, but it's not as painting a picture relies on taking tiny risks all the time, and asking questions constantly, and keep this altogether to create something worth doing. hence for many people their art work gets chucked in the bin. If mine turns out to be disappointing, I have been known to stick the whole thing under the tap, and wash off the paint (using water based paints of course!) and then rework it again which is how my roses aceo turned out.<br /><br />But I have been using some amazon packaging to paint on too as I like the idea of using discarded materials and have been inspired by <a href="http://www.hundertwasser.at/english/oeuvre/malerei/malerei.php">Hundertwasser</a>. This guy does some amazing work and pretty much broke the rules every which way to produce something fresh, colourful and fantastically timeless. <br /><br />I wanted to work with a limited palette and I have been slaved to the idea of painting direct from nature (this goes back many years ago!) and while this is great I wanted to work with memories and imagination. <br /><br />So I produced these two - quite small, and one is an aceo. I used gouache, household emulsion, pencil and a bit of ink.<br /><br />Painting also teaches you how to look. Just watching the sunlight play over the cherry tree next door - a few weeks time and it will be covered with barbie pink blossoms like a massive tutu. <br /><br />I have spent the Easter weekend opening another online shop. I put so much effort and energy into making things, I am also wondering about my other passion. I have a weakness for vintage knitting patterns, having discovered a small suitcase full at a car boot sale a few years ago. I went and sold them all on ebay whereas I should have been a bit smarter and sold copies! Wah! I just don't have the space to hang on to things but enjoy a few moments as they pass from me to somewhere else. This weekend I did pick up some old linen half embroidered and put away, never to be touched again, probably about 50 years ago. Someone after my own heart!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-86295318267473389982012-02-25T08:42:00.003-08:002012-02-25T08:59:10.780-08:00garter stitch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-uMu6IMJLjmxdpgT9_EWK_gBtbUbTjE2GPU3GLm_EhOmIv8IU9IXRzE_tg3I7njFtGIbBOImnAXvnob1mCELqWyXDxgU7xj1_q1AaS3V617S_S7qvMAqn8k4nL9BFdZeFO6zL2LtpMA/s1600/scarfonbonnet.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-uMu6IMJLjmxdpgT9_EWK_gBtbUbTjE2GPU3GLm_EhOmIv8IU9IXRzE_tg3I7njFtGIbBOImnAXvnob1mCELqWyXDxgU7xj1_q1AaS3V617S_S7qvMAqn8k4nL9BFdZeFO6zL2LtpMA/s400/scarfonbonnet.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713118504698533010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3L3wK3YGqqvFvD3g0pYJEiOgOuI6Ph7V5atAavInIoJWK6bqRn3heejL2PKaOIq99BsqYb07BAniH98po6GFLjpV2YHvI3Eis-SEufLBwBIrtrSYu8Wxc5166Lj3CDFlNab5vieaO_A/s1600/scarfonmodel.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3L3wK3YGqqvFvD3g0pYJEiOgOuI6Ph7V5atAavInIoJWK6bqRn3heejL2PKaOIq99BsqYb07BAniH98po6GFLjpV2YHvI3Eis-SEufLBwBIrtrSYu8Wxc5166Lj3CDFlNab5vieaO_A/s400/scarfonmodel.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713118510945054642" /></a><br />Okay so this is the first thing you learn when you start knitting. Probably when you are around 7 with a pair of little plastic knitting needles and a ball of wool that nobody wants. You knit way too loose and your stitches fall off, or too tight and you cannot get the end of the blasted needle to go where it is supposed to go. Maybe this is the stage you simply give up and go and find something else to do. <br /><br />Or you persist, and make your first scarf for your Barbie, Sindy, Tiny tears or teddy. You are so proud! And then in time you progress to something a little bit more complicated, only you have to get Granny to do the neckline as you don't quite know how you are supposed to pick up stitches. And so it goes on. I am not an expert knitter, as I don't knit and do nothing but knit. I am having a conversation, watching telly, listening to the radio or something else. The fact is, there is a little bit of guilt around just sitting and simply knitting and there just aren't the hours in the day to tackle something too complicated. At least that is my excuse. So having made jumpers, (one of which I wear when I come home at the end of the day and it means I don't have to turn up the heating too high as it is SO WARM and not even made of wool), I have now made SOCKS! and scarves of course and always have something on the go. <br /><br />So this is back to basics - a garter stitch scarf which I am very pleased with. It will be on its way to Glasgow soon as a belated birthday present for my step daughter who is kindly grateful for everything I make for her. <br /><br />Today I picked up a copy of the latest Country Living which has a feature on a divine old farmhouse, chintzy with bits of vintage and unmatched patterns and stone. I made a 1940's style fair isle slip over not long ago and sold it on ebay last year, as it was just too small (or time for me to lose weight) and I AM CERTAIN that the very same 40's style fair isle slip over is in the picture of this lovely farmhouse. Maybe these stylists trawl through ebay for bargains such as this. Anyway, it looks the same! What are the chances of that! How cool!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-26554106258523490552012-02-12T03:14:00.000-08:002012-02-12T03:44:17.673-08:00colourful world on a grey day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfVOUSxC1Wn_zLyNm0_1CZVysOVNnGuci-mbbQ-e7SjX5E8zzww4-eN6Mx9rpPGGfuREnA_Ax0pRf4gYHb1Y5c9wbaoFbFRTALQ9FK2CSpDprjDsInvCVbzVqg22M-ect6XD73BEvYwQ/s1600/shabbypccard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfVOUSxC1Wn_zLyNm0_1CZVysOVNnGuci-mbbQ-e7SjX5E8zzww4-eN6Mx9rpPGGfuREnA_Ax0pRf4gYHb1Y5c9wbaoFbFRTALQ9FK2CSpDprjDsInvCVbzVqg22M-ect6XD73BEvYwQ/s320/shabbypccard.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708212598395980370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGtQCoXOY1dNDmbBUnPKKDc6fzop5tiGLhgUawGOEy252Wz_nmmeg-0iVymDjGQoSSofCaUvQ7npOdDyRun704hRqxgrQFjcJB8ISHlk5TLCgDA_vDxwrXaoOtRnCBqxBpcqLSzPBLx0/s1600/shabbypc2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGtQCoXOY1dNDmbBUnPKKDc6fzop5tiGLhgUawGOEy252Wz_nmmeg-0iVymDjGQoSSofCaUvQ7npOdDyRun704hRqxgrQFjcJB8ISHlk5TLCgDA_vDxwrXaoOtRnCBqxBpcqLSzPBLx0/s320/shabbypc2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708212613810844130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ZEvqQ23CeIUO-dZuT2zZI_s-Qwr5oEJ4JvusrmufL5_nJJLYrXW0Z6CRxCPCqxa7rZzMJ7ZZHQQCGRTmt0-4YA9jhDqK8uUCV4KJddIRvy_jY_pRGSq_iNypVambdY340-mrCGobFY/s1600/darcey.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ZEvqQ23CeIUO-dZuT2zZI_s-Qwr5oEJ4JvusrmufL5_nJJLYrXW0Z6CRxCPCqxa7rZzMJ7ZZHQQCGRTmt0-4YA9jhDqK8uUCV4KJddIRvy_jY_pRGSq_iNypVambdY340-mrCGobFY/s400/darcey.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708210612923408578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl17kiruTOJxxE6hJL5BqfSIlvTNV4Q49iMKq1W6JhHvQjaR_tPYGXrP3b-3SznIqV3xofppcAoS0ka7Cid85rNIridEAUmlXu9gYFq3Pg2t9iCda0Jukc9uNQ2dGPxHC5TrFWjUmFyA/s1600/knittedblanket1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl17kiruTOJxxE6hJL5BqfSIlvTNV4Q49iMKq1W6JhHvQjaR_tPYGXrP3b-3SznIqV3xofppcAoS0ka7Cid85rNIridEAUmlXu9gYFq3Pg2t9iCda0Jukc9uNQ2dGPxHC5TrFWjUmFyA/s400/knittedblanket1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708210600261690402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL8U_Fse3_BdNj9d-8aLp9TkXNw09hAGT7vxEbATIi8B9D-xQcCbb4d9Y_iuMkfYvOvoQECsU9rLzCn50Bzf-uuIfrhiBNggTx1Dp0UMO64Nu-kK8DAfNnmGmnL5lGDbYtSvGzv_355s/s1600/shoppingspree.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL8U_Fse3_BdNj9d-8aLp9TkXNw09hAGT7vxEbATIi8B9D-xQcCbb4d9Y_iuMkfYvOvoQECsU9rLzCn50Bzf-uuIfrhiBNggTx1Dp0UMO64Nu-kK8DAfNnmGmnL5lGDbYtSvGzv_355s/s400/shoppingspree.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708210592552238578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAL8WIj4p3fRwjeilv5PQfxn9wcfVHk1hF-BxrBhwHbtazGt7H5vtyLBSse4u3dMIzx9U5gNadC2QV9LLgpdjJhyphenhyphenlofCcjsTwASd_Wpa9LK8dopEN2QqjyvU78impZF8KLXs6od-IJnc/s1600/shabbychiccard3.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAL8WIj4p3fRwjeilv5PQfxn9wcfVHk1hF-BxrBhwHbtazGt7H5vtyLBSse4u3dMIzx9U5gNadC2QV9LLgpdjJhyphenhyphenlofCcjsTwASd_Wpa9LK8dopEN2QqjyvU78impZF8KLXs6od-IJnc/s400/shabbychiccard3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708210622376790466" /></a><br />I realise I dream in colour. I realised this a long time ago. I also dream things that are quite weird. last night I dreamt I was watching a demonstration of Buddhist monks singing the Everley Brothers 'Cathy's clown' (for those who are not decrepit and ancient check it out on itunes)...The colour red predominated, plus I was looking at rolls of fabulously coloured wallpaper and an Indian market with ready made upholstered chair covers, made from sari silks (now there's a thought..). I think this must be down to the half a lager and a packet of crisps I ate last night on our infamous Saturday nights in. this involves watching something involving on the telly (so sad that <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019ch5q">Borgen</a> has finished) with the added attraction of reading sub titles while knitting/crocheting. Perhaps it's all too much for my addled brain. <br /><br />Anyway, I have mounted the latest little pic of my adorable charming ladies of a certain age with Shopping Spree. See above since I cannot figure out how to get my pictures where I want them. Plus here is a picture of our house guest Mr Darcey who takes up so much room on the sofa that I am relegated to the draughty arm chair. We cannot sit together while I knit as he attacks my wool with as much zeal as if he it was his last supper. <br /><br />Also yesterday afternoon, in the gloomy murk of a winter gone on far too long I continued with my little floral embroidered shabby cards. I love the fact that this takes me back to the days when my friend and I used to sit for hours embroidering our jeans. I forget who taught me to do this but I suspect it was my Granny. I still have a tin of hers full of tiny poppers on cards (or press studs I think they are called now, and hooks and eyes and a label for genuine Manx Tweed (with the 3 legs of course). How I love the random quality of all this. It is a metaphor for my life. Sometimes it's like living on the edge of insanity - I quite like this state actually.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-92157019737056475952012-02-11T10:47:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:10:24.536-08:00little things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbvnv-PfeBW-W-ZJlz4XWdecSiof-m3H8v6WwvLh91xELjpVsKSYdaOiVAUZkohD6flYEA0chIJqskl9qyMyFhC9f8nI-CwK0brSRM3QGdmJNfH3FsMzdi0kIdYecT_HN5BWigRSO6TQ/s1600/shabbychiccard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbvnv-PfeBW-W-ZJlz4XWdecSiof-m3H8v6WwvLh91xELjpVsKSYdaOiVAUZkohD6flYEA0chIJqskl9qyMyFhC9f8nI-CwK0brSRM3QGdmJNfH3FsMzdi0kIdYecT_HN5BWigRSO6TQ/s320/shabbychiccard.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707954561696894034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgjk7M0qyQtoY1kAzrGGW2oivtqA0hkT0v0_Nd4iuNXljQNwmavD26YvkAZeBObMpvNfqRD9WqDWhMutfIcZ64ugS1wMZi1kql530jQKpaj-fBSDGAaSeqguwYWA_vYK7m0AJx3KbXdE/s1600/patchwork.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgjk7M0qyQtoY1kAzrGGW2oivtqA0hkT0v0_Nd4iuNXljQNwmavD26YvkAZeBObMpvNfqRD9WqDWhMutfIcZ64ugS1wMZi1kql530jQKpaj-fBSDGAaSeqguwYWA_vYK7m0AJx3KbXdE/s320/patchwork.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707954575307716642" /></a><br />I have been inspired by the small, humble and far less than perfect. But sort of amusing. I have taken one of my doodly drawings and turned it into an aceo for <a href="http://http://folksy.com/items/2972566-ACEO-Girls-Night-Out-Original-Drawing">folksy</a>. I think when you don't think about trying too hard, then what you are supposed to achieve happens more naturally. Hence I am much happier working with scraps and bits and pieces that are recycled, chucked out etc.<br /><br />I am also doing a little bit of patchwork too...<br /><br />Today I was ironing a cotton shirt of my OH's. Well it was old, but the iron ripped straight through the collar and that was that. He says it's his best shirt. I think not. Now it is in my stash bag and I used it to make a little floral card with daisies. It's the softest cotton (after years of washing and my not too delicate ironing). <br /><br />I have received a small cheque today for the final royalties on a book I illustrated called the Cosmic Egg <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cosmic-Egg-Timer-Astrological-Introduction/dp/0954768000">timer</a> . It is now going to be reprinted without my illustrations! Ah well. It was never going to make me rich. <br /><br />Now back to the cards. I am using silk pieces and muslin snipped from a scarf from the charity shop and am embroidering. Trying to wish the little flowers into being, since this must be the greyest day ever. Roll on Green Days.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-13834517115534053492012-02-05T10:26:00.000-08:002012-02-05T10:48:24.911-08:00the joys of winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDnlH1wjAMK0IJmD0BQedEh-H99CdSLibSUKyPFtre3fh-UB0gQJTzaltJX7bcte6csw71fBiVeXDNAKt184JpZhqBv0lFeNMxBosxc4chiKYvZkE72eZmbJQ8B4HrzZWV_KsXxW1AE0/s1600/cardbee.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDnlH1wjAMK0IJmD0BQedEh-H99CdSLibSUKyPFtre3fh-UB0gQJTzaltJX7bcte6csw71fBiVeXDNAKt184JpZhqBv0lFeNMxBosxc4chiKYvZkE72eZmbJQ8B4HrzZWV_KsXxW1AE0/s320/cardbee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705724573871508738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFt5GDRwI4s9QBZETpgNA3y3qC1EsFoT4BSfVC9DDrLG-5ElVbt9ocfvPWg-aFcLNOQ2Pv3e3XkxNsRCQlyY6IgKvH4QNAVjiqTl7U4SBqMUAvNnsrsYDO-Dxa13DgydMBQJywZrC0__g/s1600/cardforblog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFt5GDRwI4s9QBZETpgNA3y3qC1EsFoT4BSfVC9DDrLG-5ElVbt9ocfvPWg-aFcLNOQ2Pv3e3XkxNsRCQlyY6IgKvH4QNAVjiqTl7U4SBqMUAvNnsrsYDO-Dxa13DgydMBQJywZrC0__g/s320/cardforblog.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705724582281778642" /></a><br /><a href="http://doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ef704a88833016300a54ff3970d-800wi"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1115px;" src="http://doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ef704a88833016300a54ff3970d-800wi" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Yesterday I went for a walk and everywhere was glazed with ice, not frost, but ice and icicles. The ground was crunchy, not with snow but grainy ice. Quite weird. I love the misty colours and the dankness but am also glad that it stayed light until nearly 5.30. <br /><br />I knitted a scarf, for some reason I am trying to use up my stash and I have this beautiful burnt orange funky chunky wool which is now a thick but not too long scarf. Simple stocking stitch, so it is quite sculptural. <br /><br />I also got on with some cards on a more summery theme.<br /><br />This is a most excellent blog by illustrator Vanessa Caban http://doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/ she makes the most delightful sculptures as above, and jewelery and I love the freshness of her colours, but then I like <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Knitting.html">Kaffe Fasset</a> colours too.<br /><br />I think I need to study paintings again as this is what excites me - not so much the image but the colours and how they work together. The stripey baby blanket is getting bigger and this will be for the new grandchild, God willing that all is well here, but I am aware and cautious that nothing can be taken for granted. Meanwhile, I need to look up a suitable crocheted edging, perhaps in bright red.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-21974810967405388912012-01-28T06:50:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:18:36.425-08:00work in progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrdYUBjVqkb8AFj9mhsKPKNuUgSxXxeJKecDu0tuJEQa2n2Bc-_piutMr4K6oiR_359RUxHZ4UH0b8t2rMSkwXNwPteM8XrRbOip5P-L-5LjdNGOLlmBMY6r1qsgFpb7eJCMc6JzfdSM/s1600/DSCF6572%255B2%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrdYUBjVqkb8AFj9mhsKPKNuUgSxXxeJKecDu0tuJEQa2n2Bc-_piutMr4K6oiR_359RUxHZ4UH0b8t2rMSkwXNwPteM8XrRbOip5P-L-5LjdNGOLlmBMY6r1qsgFpb7eJCMc6JzfdSM/s320/DSCF6572%255B2%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702701357020039170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhaZZVpkLah0-Bs7b3W6bU-SDDUMXZD5Kh9Mp9p66T7na6iatkMk_Bd1Donn1QaGFzSjgT2qKQyLyTak_Zl98wxrCotsjHhyWnteJjJszaqNKazH7k-KsZTopAu56MNviI5VLOLX9UzU/s1600/babyblanketcrochet.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhaZZVpkLah0-Bs7b3W6bU-SDDUMXZD5Kh9Mp9p66T7na6iatkMk_Bd1Donn1QaGFzSjgT2qKQyLyTak_Zl98wxrCotsjHhyWnteJjJszaqNKazH7k-KsZTopAu56MNviI5VLOLX9UzU/s320/babyblanketcrochet.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702700984974272802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WhGKnN2O2a6jmaylrZX0HAUQL3IFN53e2eBwul5j-UL817esXMIBD_o9EUAWMpkNtnnegEUR85fIAFUW0vDoOBbgk7SDKHpQSZKqJEH_5wjMyAmO8MO4HvHj_XxROYDUgFLx7CRwp98/s1600/babyblanket.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WhGKnN2O2a6jmaylrZX0HAUQL3IFN53e2eBwul5j-UL817esXMIBD_o9EUAWMpkNtnnegEUR85fIAFUW0vDoOBbgk7SDKHpQSZKqJEH_5wjMyAmO8MO4HvHj_XxROYDUgFLx7CRwp98/s320/babyblanket.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702700347822423634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjduvfzE70TBhHX4nsC3EJmeQz9XKffmrERKw40TA4NmrjNChKqXHVvA4JtqPhaAjT-oXuxx9zSZ5rauRd2xwegbas9sUmHkdP9A1lEOG3TAD_r3euLOYLerAoSYsyBFV7F_FKGy01Pvw/s1600/cardblog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjduvfzE70TBhHX4nsC3EJmeQz9XKffmrERKw40TA4NmrjNChKqXHVvA4JtqPhaAjT-oXuxx9zSZ5rauRd2xwegbas9sUmHkdP9A1lEOG3TAD_r3euLOYLerAoSYsyBFV7F_FKGy01Pvw/s320/cardblog.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702697672159178786" /></a><br />It's all been a bit of a muddle since Christmas. I have been busy, being busy, being active and using every moment to do things, knit, sew, make cards, along with the usual.<br /><br />Some blogs have made me happy and I go there, and it's like having cake without the calories. This one is a great place to <a href="http://doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/">start</a>. Perfect for cold January days.<br /><br />I realise I am loathe to chuck things out and I am knitting a blanket for the new family baby, which will arrive this year, although it is early days yet. I am using some new Debbie Bliss (ooh the extravagance) and what is in my stash. It is good to have something so positive to think about. And it is lovely to see a baby in one of my blankets, as a kind and proud grandma told me last week and included the pic. <br /><br />I found a baby last weekend who was quite new, with beautiful skin and the whispiest dark hair, (with her Mum enjoying on a rather gorgeous looking coffee and walnut cake), and the baby had the most delightful knitted blanket in quite bright colours, so now I am going to have to do something in cream, red and blue, with a bit of turquoise perhaps. <br /><br />I made a card for my brother who is getting on a bit, although that means I am as well. I treated myself to a dip pen and ink and just drew a funny animal picture. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.40beechroad.co.uk/">I have been making cards too - I had a lovely surprising cheque in the post from the recycling gallery</a> after I had sent them some recycled cards before Christmas. I have now done another 20 and also some for <a href="http://ukhandmade.co.uk/content/focus-gift-gallery-york">here</a> <a href="http://ukhandmade.co.uk/content/focus-gift-gallery-york"></a><br /><br /><br />And I have been doing patchwork too.....Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-5575688553414958102011-10-09T03:24:00.001-07:002011-10-09T03:42:06.173-07:00back to the needles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyS84x2JejLYM5zqs-VC8xig9uqw4cTChCO-Mt_spSB9g-Ejbou7ViVKvnNv8AYwhoT8CfeDndHdxwqvCUqfnj27uRZ-rDkDF4a7BjDRCN_Ae8LDK4WJBHseZdTiJZaVBGsF88mOESqk/s1600/needlefelt-dog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyS84x2JejLYM5zqs-VC8xig9uqw4cTChCO-Mt_spSB9g-Ejbou7ViVKvnNv8AYwhoT8CfeDndHdxwqvCUqfnj27uRZ-rDkDF4a7BjDRCN_Ae8LDK4WJBHseZdTiJZaVBGsF88mOESqk/s320/needlefelt-dog.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661438446230186914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFdw7xO4VrloplLrXWiZdtPMSVIAYa_IZZMnNw-roGKEQF3XHCbGD9hP6H8plHxcE7RkWe3zBqfh6jWmKMcPOkLZbcXjbQ8QFf_AJ5vt2UcbExJ_gxd4w6BbW-tGYthRrmQz6wH1NNrk/s1600/fairisleknit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFdw7xO4VrloplLrXWiZdtPMSVIAYa_IZZMnNw-roGKEQF3XHCbGD9hP6H8plHxcE7RkWe3zBqfh6jWmKMcPOkLZbcXjbQ8QFf_AJ5vt2UcbExJ_gxd4w6BbW-tGYthRrmQz6wH1NNrk/s320/fairisleknit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661437723532491522" /></a><br />My son has just been to New York and I am hoping he will bring me a NY times, which I have a mind to use in a newspaper teacup. I am getting a bit bored of the Daily Mail which my Mum in law let's us have (primarily for Mr D'Arcey's litter tray..) I really fancy doing some little naieve pictures on this tea-cup-to-be but kind of washed out, so the paper shines through.<br /><br />But I am back to the needles, knitting, that is. Watched Star Trek (the movie) last night and last Saturday. Cannot quite believe that! But when you are knitting you miss most of the visuals on telly and just have the sounds. At least when you are doing fair isle. The idea is to have a go at those 1970's tank tops, mainly for me, as I am anticipating a cold winter!<br /><br />I was asked to needle felt a little dog for one of Rosie's friends and he is now done. How to charge? Last time I was happy with a big bunch of flowers. He is made from wool washed and gathered from the fences around here. But this is a good place to get <a href="http://www.worldofwool.co.uk/index.php">wool</a> <br /><br /><br />Just found this lovely drawing of a <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/2394861-Those-little-wispy-whiskers-Lurcher-Hound-Dog-Art-Print">lurcher</a> on Folksy.<br /><br />Meanwhile, until I can actually get a real doggie, I will be content with Mr D'Arcey who is fine company. <br /><br />Yesterday I had another look <a href="http://www.voirrey.com/">here</a> and drooled over the wool and their new craft workshop. Great lunch too! Plus I treated myself to a nice new jacket (one of those tatty looking indian ones that can look a bit too hippy if you are not careful...)Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-20231080980634761732011-08-15T10:45:00.000-07:002011-08-15T11:03:47.200-07:00paper and stitch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjWty12eTOkA5A1zuc40mNjPYX8fZrbAY19qpjMMztE2gNHlB40DukCvG1nPS72AjedirgKMx4iB58RTZMsexXnZOW8mEBvbjLWbrPFsPOcX1cgJNOpSYlgfNkjUALU0VBLcrCks1zEc/s1600/IMGP6939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjWty12eTOkA5A1zuc40mNjPYX8fZrbAY19qpjMMztE2gNHlB40DukCvG1nPS72AjedirgKMx4iB58RTZMsexXnZOW8mEBvbjLWbrPFsPOcX1cgJNOpSYlgfNkjUALU0VBLcrCks1zEc/s320/IMGP6939.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641143593716878914" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPZS-gPtmhVjWuiwy6AUdbSSXokPWyuTl6_ZDJvsybE3LvKpqMuFDhEDpCK7fQnjHMMGyQ9_1TO4xHJ7wk51LQ3sSwnnReK9dcF07GuXNBWT00iU33TJa1Z-AENBBzKxdfitH2KyRMTw/s1600/IMGP7002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPZS-gPtmhVjWuiwy6AUdbSSXokPWyuTl6_ZDJvsybE3LvKpqMuFDhEDpCK7fQnjHMMGyQ9_1TO4xHJ7wk51LQ3sSwnnReK9dcF07GuXNBWT00iU33TJa1Z-AENBBzKxdfitH2KyRMTw/s320/IMGP7002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641143007582214306" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXFq1EBMxBhkC46oEBr_6tXHeDWdNk1HIIJ-ZBuzLm8BpjPSiQ_JOzk2ISOBu86mJhZ2fJVDabBFnZq6uY06YehYyj8BPBwy_pj86f-8ojaWN8cnb3f3ymNvb9OLWqzOzmIhc50jK50/s1600/IMGP7004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXFq1EBMxBhkC46oEBr_6tXHeDWdNk1HIIJ-ZBuzLm8BpjPSiQ_JOzk2ISOBu86mJhZ2fJVDabBFnZq6uY06YehYyj8BPBwy_pj86f-8ojaWN8cnb3f3ymNvb9OLWqzOzmIhc50jK50/s320/IMGP7004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641143003273704722" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cTo94RGgA47rQqYhFk-rB7XeHdIX8XdxeZDGLhatBLVtmMCtKeKyLBn8m36QoOR1xflPlJFVVFu0B5Y6_YtUIIyGPqbLF5gAXWc0v5AJoce2sL-HSqOHeoyKOWKA8IDQsZIhyphenhyphenacdM10/s1600/IMGP7008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cTo94RGgA47rQqYhFk-rB7XeHdIX8XdxeZDGLhatBLVtmMCtKeKyLBn8m36QoOR1xflPlJFVVFu0B5Y6_YtUIIyGPqbLF5gAXWc0v5AJoce2sL-HSqOHeoyKOWKA8IDQsZIhyphenhyphenacdM10/s320/IMGP7008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641143003850769490" /></a>
<br />I am continuing to experiment with paper and stitching and treated myself to the latest <a href="http://www.clothpaperscissors.com">cloth paper and scissors</a> mag which is American. It is pretty good for ideas and inspiration but they seemed to be so geared up over their craftwise and I think we could learn a lot. I love the idea of working with ephemera and have made this card combining my favourite old postcard and sketching with stitching. I love old sketchbooks, and by the time my daughter Rosie went to art college over 10 years ago, the sketch books became fat and packed with ideas, drawing, texture and bits of writing. I think that eclectic mix has more possibilities and is more immediate than the finished product. I love the spontaneity of this and the fact the it's not finished and perfect. I would rather look at an artist's sketchbook, to get an insight into how ideas are played around with.
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<br />This card has been made bits of an old postcard (well a copy of it!) and some white cotton I have, plus a tiny piece of vintage tray cloth. The flowers are made from some gauzy fabric from a scarf I found in Help the Aged, (new actually!) and the sequins are from a stash I got a few years ago when I was rummaging in the remnants bit of a Sue Ryder charity shop. I certainly have done my bit for charity over the years! Besides, it's good to reinvent things. I have drawn on the card and distressed it with gold just to add to the texture.
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<br />I have also been given a tesco bag of old costume jewellery which is quite a treasure trove. I dismantled a necklace and made into a bracelet with lovely autumn colours and a bronze sequinned bead for a bit of sparkle. I am not sure if I should keep it or try to sell it.
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<br />Sales on <a href="http://www.folksy.com">folksy</a> are somewhat erratic. I did okay in July as I was listing every day but now it's fallen off a bit probably because I am not!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-19157192088846210792011-07-21T14:37:00.000-07:002011-07-21T14:51:28.443-07:00little boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08XSFPb1pgy1tS3XFPVCHghhqqE2QZKTn2gkutcZ7ViV4joVDj6lg32SwGj7i1_DIHobQdN_31SaIYYyvhXXpOFNOJOF4PzJ3Sr3KQuNked-YK8dbDGrUBm5i12_TkH38nqmUvphHfX4/s1600/butterflybox.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08XSFPb1pgy1tS3XFPVCHghhqqE2QZKTn2gkutcZ7ViV4joVDj6lg32SwGj7i1_DIHobQdN_31SaIYYyvhXXpOFNOJOF4PzJ3Sr3KQuNked-YK8dbDGrUBm5i12_TkH38nqmUvphHfX4/s320/butterflybox.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631926389677861954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39I5eCxFIC2rAT90j1SPQacreoaQOGiYHG0qj2nFAWMFkfDX5AvLClRilv1TvkreHJet5T2fSSDrJbeAWlUNw_nZQzhdphq-2LmYQoknXsvEeGXQb21NuAXXXOqDK2od0K65TG8M37iw/s1600/embroidery.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39I5eCxFIC2rAT90j1SPQacreoaQOGiYHG0qj2nFAWMFkfDX5AvLClRilv1TvkreHJet5T2fSSDrJbeAWlUNw_nZQzhdphq-2LmYQoknXsvEeGXQb21NuAXXXOqDK2od0K65TG8M37iw/s320/embroidery.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631926059854933154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbNc9TnjdEQRZE2Clgw8C5o0YQ_Q6yvhhJQLdqdQZSO-xfWvzjDRXtcqUmxuCHkAIDQNsFhvK8LTt22f_HeVOg_6e6ALB4-jElIGl7K938Or_enM1NQKwMneq-t6ivnUNfMm2_O2Cmrg/s1600/IMGP6224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbNc9TnjdEQRZE2Clgw8C5o0YQ_Q6yvhhJQLdqdQZSO-xfWvzjDRXtcqUmxuCHkAIDQNsFhvK8LTt22f_HeVOg_6e6ALB4-jElIGl7K938Or_enM1NQKwMneq-t6ivnUNfMm2_O2Cmrg/s320/IMGP6224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631925779592892066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcnqQpaqzy-_og7MQzk4h_PD7SijRsN7dTGTpPF8l4_nnnYMxHA9z4Ija61OQLTCJv2SbBRwnqh-qIl0Ox6ZKFJU5iUNaiL8B_Nsovm7cQKe7xQxVX3yzVqShqSaUZzaT92k0QhebH_Y/s1600/IMGP6812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcnqQpaqzy-_og7MQzk4h_PD7SijRsN7dTGTpPF8l4_nnnYMxHA9z4Ija61OQLTCJv2SbBRwnqh-qIl0Ox6ZKFJU5iUNaiL8B_Nsovm7cQKe7xQxVX3yzVqShqSaUZzaT92k0QhebH_Y/s320/IMGP6812.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631925230576357602" /></a><br />I have tried papier mache and wood and am loving making these boxes! I have rediscovered influences from the past like William Morris. I had his wallpaper on my first house - a tiny terrace cottage, but adored the grandiose paper but could only afford to put it on one wall. And nostalgia! Down the road at <a href="http://www.visitblakemere.co.uk/">Blakemere</a> there is an enormous antiques emporium which is stacked sky high with all kinds of things, jewellery, hideous plates, football memorabilia but I spent ages looking though their old books (bit pricey though) and got loads of inspiration, but the best is a little section where they have old postcards. One of them must have been written very early on in the 20th century and says 'Dear Edna, I enjoying myself very much at London. I have seen a balloon with men in called the sausage. I have been on a steamer, down the River Thames, love from Marion'. That dates it a bit.<br /><br />Anyway, the boxes are going well on Folksy and I have so many ideas. Getting very stuck in the past though.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-89687894840322685312011-07-06T14:54:00.000-07:002011-07-06T15:03:49.526-07:00I am on a roll<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNCieIVoBqtT2-8x8T78uyrqeLRu2pa-Z8lWW10qEp8MGlQLXLGH3YtZfPpuJeJqpt7LY8WTxx_4Bg7Vp1SkKGmqcdU-tdy9ahP3T3dJjpTWy8LdiHV7ohhFiE3vpBOJUtjdpL-iaLpI/s1600/IMGP6588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNCieIVoBqtT2-8x8T78uyrqeLRu2pa-Z8lWW10qEp8MGlQLXLGH3YtZfPpuJeJqpt7LY8WTxx_4Bg7Vp1SkKGmqcdU-tdy9ahP3T3dJjpTWy8LdiHV7ohhFiE3vpBOJUtjdpL-iaLpI/s320/IMGP6588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626361725980690802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7x2xWQhFyaLB8qtL4i_EL0Mz1LP4sLP6RGo49tq01jDbaetlt3Tj8F7h-4yWd9YvQowOSQhsAjPEAAAgF5YPRk0zZ0_gGP4msj0xtPDyuziJZE_U6MGPuenQPMzTS9Xac3kfrlALcj8/s1600/papercup2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7x2xWQhFyaLB8qtL4i_EL0Mz1LP4sLP6RGo49tq01jDbaetlt3Tj8F7h-4yWd9YvQowOSQhsAjPEAAAgF5YPRk0zZ0_gGP4msj0xtPDyuziJZE_U6MGPuenQPMzTS9Xac3kfrlALcj8/s320/papercup2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626361720670759250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQSYg1cNrxqyU_h_iV3K1h9tp0GSgzJ_o9_fytYc_URjKwBqeEdX3K-7e_jJvuIecdmTtJihPytLPM8oN9kegqY4tc-z02lN9gQSLXGM4_67k8qK4Q-0CV3OcTxsyEng_JZhwc3JliK8/s1600/papercup1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQSYg1cNrxqyU_h_iV3K1h9tp0GSgzJ_o9_fytYc_URjKwBqeEdX3K-7e_jJvuIecdmTtJihPytLPM8oN9kegqY4tc-z02lN9gQSLXGM4_67k8qK4Q-0CV3OcTxsyEng_JZhwc3JliK8/s320/papercup1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626361712089400754" /></a><br /><br />After much gluing, cutting and sticking I did what I set out to do and made a couple of cups and saucers. The better one has petal shaped overlapping pieces of paper and they are both surprisingly sturdy. I actually cut a piece from Selvedge magazine to make one saucer and felt a bit naughty about it. But I did read the bit I was cutting out and it mentioned both Etsy and Folksy. The article pointed out that it is not such a good idea to sell through shops as they take such a large cut, which is true, but at least they sell!<br />Collected a modest cheque today for selling cards in the <a href="http://www.creativerecycling.co.uk">Creative recycling Gallery </a>href="http://www.creativerecycling.co.uk"><br /><br />That's nice. And I have now started to use some off cuts that Rosie has given me - roses on a black background. Interesting and not quite so pink and sugary. Like these felt balls...Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-15030577917567390762011-06-22T01:58:00.000-07:002011-06-22T02:12:48.263-07:00working with ephemera<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg138wlgRNnEeN9HZvHbgEO0nY548hm7hj4QVNKsoDu6_Guhhv_lOjvjonoTD-EBaH5WrZM0IebBm_zi6pZbHIPkt8Dv4N095yO3u9-V2T7o_Zz34WVAYNAdl5G1cbE2on0sWCvdSAmgVw/s1600/IMGP6437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg138wlgRNnEeN9HZvHbgEO0nY548hm7hj4QVNKsoDu6_Guhhv_lOjvjonoTD-EBaH5WrZM0IebBm_zi6pZbHIPkt8Dv4N095yO3u9-V2T7o_Zz34WVAYNAdl5G1cbE2on0sWCvdSAmgVw/s320/IMGP6437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969221008232146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhRK1LvVMTsxC4Qn1pmZh4GvVEn5R3lSiXVEZnrfe_2-ioskd736a5ZEJsUqqbfg8V6ud6wt9jgdGIZBss6QrWk0oRQm-vScWr2Cs2b98A14hBRGYW8Mo2IGyio1EmhScWtjWYn14dDY/s1600/IMGP6445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhRK1LvVMTsxC4Qn1pmZh4GvVEn5R3lSiXVEZnrfe_2-ioskd736a5ZEJsUqqbfg8V6ud6wt9jgdGIZBss6QrWk0oRQm-vScWr2Cs2b98A14hBRGYW8Mo2IGyio1EmhScWtjWYn14dDY/s320/IMGP6445.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969218048790978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvqKWxoP__4VgYW3IjMEX38Ems03tId2jBnBZql2uSJue1MLTbQ5Fizl0MPSRyBh5dhqyWdhhcPfW4H4ElCd7F7Db659BTj0HRp7SajOQyvNuFct6_didMhUv0-apUiDcV-5bfrPyfCk/s1600/IMGP6446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvqKWxoP__4VgYW3IjMEX38Ems03tId2jBnBZql2uSJue1MLTbQ5Fizl0MPSRyBh5dhqyWdhhcPfW4H4ElCd7F7Db659BTj0HRp7SajOQyvNuFct6_didMhUv0-apUiDcV-5bfrPyfCk/s320/IMGP6446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969208965532562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTYu2GzwFTEaHmwwoUNKzyXlX5HCKqRMVGnzMzS8ecoyHchHiebWB4xPVjLarjaM1CpGpDalAsY5IE-JBD1DkFFDbruTLLD45KLv2hOxCG-sDrVceq4rttczqWLeRHA9D2_b_O24zPYo/s1600/IMGP6448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTYu2GzwFTEaHmwwoUNKzyXlX5HCKqRMVGnzMzS8ecoyHchHiebWB4xPVjLarjaM1CpGpDalAsY5IE-JBD1DkFFDbruTLLD45KLv2hOxCG-sDrVceq4rttczqWLeRHA9D2_b_O24zPYo/s320/IMGP6448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969202644219090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1ZmGiEberyPWC4XSx3Bw8wuIV5SRw_lL6Ql6QCr5u7p-mHqiYUXYfl2mQQHktj6YypYJ7-elfuUujiUbCkdwdXCuJtd5xIz1P5UXIKuwhD1wsf5KYz05JFNh3pr8MIFAymGgVwqYSOo/s1600/IMGP6449.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1ZmGiEberyPWC4XSx3Bw8wuIV5SRw_lL6Ql6QCr5u7p-mHqiYUXYfl2mQQHktj6YypYJ7-elfuUujiUbCkdwdXCuJtd5xIz1P5UXIKuwhD1wsf5KYz05JFNh3pr8MIFAymGgVwqYSOo/s320/IMGP6449.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620969200777261602" /></a><br />or seeing what can be done with paper, maps and newspaper. I am thinking about the transient nature of flowers and enjoying sticking, gluing, tearing up strips and all that as well as working with cups of tea, both for real and otherwise. It's the day to day, mundane and what is around rather than looking for some Holy Grail. <br /><br />Consequently I love things that aren't that precious, rare, and sought after. Rather, it's about turning something discarded into something else through some kind of transformation. I have collected the dead roses heads, left over from my birthday bunch, and continuing to enjoy the quality of dried rose petals. I have tipped out the fruit from the gloriously kitchen golden goblet that once housed the bananas and now it's filling with incredibly romantic faded roses, and the soft peachy tones of the papery petals. <br /><br />I intend to make a papier mache cup and saucer, and instead of tea, the cup will be filled with gold and inspiring words of wisdom. The cup that cheers!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-6282003651941432602011-06-05T15:09:00.000-07:002011-06-05T15:22:48.684-07:00it started with an idea....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wfbW2FVTJBT44Gw1xy3NCtR61Mc2wr5L-gtakOQKavdoPVkrLzS4vPam_H__bxnOtG1AQQEQ3DNFYr9VL2Swy8rYf0fZko0uhqoO70ch1qhz5hhNkXoRM6fOw24LzL1J9aRR4byHD8/s1600/IMGP6242.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wfbW2FVTJBT44Gw1xy3NCtR61Mc2wr5L-gtakOQKavdoPVkrLzS4vPam_H__bxnOtG1AQQEQ3DNFYr9VL2Swy8rYf0fZko0uhqoO70ch1qhz5hhNkXoRM6fOw24LzL1J9aRR4byHD8/s320/IMGP6242.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614863467699761698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTp56J2EcNesIhefVNUo913Ucyu5x7YC9QyAdkfZCEcmop1ws0_r0WO40FPevka72K92LzhusnLnCK-X3l_iMQ2Xzmt3MvrsFwRVMo9ig284t5pYM2ugX0X_ml7Gaxeiz95OLu27rrU4/s1600/IMGP6255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTp56J2EcNesIhefVNUo913Ucyu5x7YC9QyAdkfZCEcmop1ws0_r0WO40FPevka72K92LzhusnLnCK-X3l_iMQ2Xzmt3MvrsFwRVMo9ig284t5pYM2ugX0X_ml7Gaxeiz95OLu27rrU4/s320/IMGP6255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614863459238606690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NbkvQL8E7RAxOTobF9XAafmz_SttOoUXw5OlhCWx3rgP8ZiOw9QbvXoJKz2m0sXyEyEFV-taqxc1IKxms196jYmEGuifW5prxehciGLZwz9ZbrP-SkPKTb3_USEVIu1G5h2dou2Kw3s/s1600/IMGP6266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NbkvQL8E7RAxOTobF9XAafmz_SttOoUXw5OlhCWx3rgP8ZiOw9QbvXoJKz2m0sXyEyEFV-taqxc1IKxms196jYmEGuifW5prxehciGLZwz9ZbrP-SkPKTb3_USEVIu1G5h2dou2Kw3s/s320/IMGP6266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614863456939863442" /></a><br />I bought a fabulous book a while back called 'Ribbonwork The complete Guide' by <a href="http://www.helengibb.com">Helen </a>Gibb and started playing around with a very simple petal idea.. and then I found some tatty little fake flowers, which looked pretty good when incorporated into the petal (which I made in layers) and then I went into the garden and snipped a bit of clematis and wound it into a wreath, and then decorated this with my new flowers.<br /><br />Then I looked in a book by Sue Reeves which had some fabulous totally over the top type fabric wreaths and took this up into the hills at the back of Buxton to absorb (with OH and a flask of coffee). Saturday night was spent painstakingly putting all this together and I am really pleased with the result! <br /><br />This evening I tackled another unfinished knitting project, made from old bits of yarn, which I then pulled off the needle and backed with bondaweb and made a lovely knitted hanging heart which is like recycling recycled stuff. I quite like the idea of working with something and turning it into something else. It means I make quite a mess.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-14713699495963760582011-06-01T01:59:00.000-07:002011-06-01T02:11:45.509-07:00experimentation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xzzTO7uLvs1tY5BJ1F877ytrgbizNHppZtARpw9J2qXC2StXMvdYQL-brW0XmQL4g05uqbPKG23edZlEKSix9K-aElkXIiDR4q2Y-bv_pIivAF8E43FB5moHN2OW_nrVEUJA9o1UREo/s1600/IMGP6208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xzzTO7uLvs1tY5BJ1F877ytrgbizNHppZtARpw9J2qXC2StXMvdYQL-brW0XmQL4g05uqbPKG23edZlEKSix9K-aElkXIiDR4q2Y-bv_pIivAF8E43FB5moHN2OW_nrVEUJA9o1UREo/s320/IMGP6208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613175801275752770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLifOC057Ecf4FvRnApY-7t1yyMA4c_hJhvd5oojEP-vBu12PxIFnry4USVPT5pWAfqjpu7PmJGFaPiPUhuicr5G2mSnnLJhUSW_soPwnKe8881Ax9DNGTmDTCG7msqTNpRZ8Pg_ECY1g/s1600/IMGP6186.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLifOC057Ecf4FvRnApY-7t1yyMA4c_hJhvd5oojEP-vBu12PxIFnry4USVPT5pWAfqjpu7PmJGFaPiPUhuicr5G2mSnnLJhUSW_soPwnKe8881Ax9DNGTmDTCG7msqTNpRZ8Pg_ECY1g/s320/IMGP6186.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613175502202054706" /></a><br />Why is it that I always want to try something new? These past few weeks I have been making cards, houses,dolls, crochet stuff, painting, drawing and I think I have been pursuing a certain kind of emotional response. I love <a href="http://www.caa.org.uk/members/members-search.html?m=59&surname=&keyword=&listmembers=All&category=&page=&s=Search">Julie Arkell's</a> work<br /><br />Warm, cosy, comfortable, funny, poignant and colourful. The colours are a little odd - I am not going for obvious bright splashes but something more subtle, like the almost random selection in my crochet blankets.<br /><br />And then I have been keep a daily facebook link to my influences for the day like these:Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-5967292654137942272011-05-06T03:02:00.000-07:002011-05-06T03:10:58.393-07:00LIfe has changed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkS6xsDb24w7HXJwi3w6Yxukapg4wW8cvhpxzkcLKOrAezNa9WeKanMzMI0UwqmnoC-MVKGQQzcPAD1khldAf4-RsvrBoe9lNhyaAfea28GMxoFmtH51X-oy2NwDpZ_eSxVL4eGyL27E/s1600/IMGP5893.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkS6xsDb24w7HXJwi3w6Yxukapg4wW8cvhpxzkcLKOrAezNa9WeKanMzMI0UwqmnoC-MVKGQQzcPAD1khldAf4-RsvrBoe9lNhyaAfea28GMxoFmtH51X-oy2NwDpZ_eSxVL4eGyL27E/s320/IMGP5893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603543255674431202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbllhtaa8g9QGITJNk-GI3shMVcS-MI1qQSR0XmQ0HDo-mNZYmmJkYU_WdTh6b8qBWoeJe128lKI0GWTA-qmq4IXtlnNB5fEvG8zm16x1cet3KaeTJeKi54YF59OEl3_wPtLI4v8DFijg/s1600/IMGP5717.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbllhtaa8g9QGITJNk-GI3shMVcS-MI1qQSR0XmQ0HDo-mNZYmmJkYU_WdTh6b8qBWoeJe128lKI0GWTA-qmq4IXtlnNB5fEvG8zm16x1cet3KaeTJeKi54YF59OEl3_wPtLI4v8DFijg/s320/IMGP5717.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603543255804783538" /></a><br />My dear darling daughter Amy passed away in March. No time or inclination for writing blogs, when your world has caved in. We have had a terrible time of it, and so had Amy, suffering from organ failure and struggling to survive. You think that hope and love can make a difference, but it didn't. Now we have to pick up the pieces and find a way through.<br /><br />Needless to say, I am finding crafting keeps me sane, just about, but there is a huge sadness and hole in my life. They say time eases it, but the longer I am without her, the worse it is. The flowers have now all died on her grave and I am determined to keep fresh flowers there, to remember her by. I have inherited her wonderful cat, Mr Darcy, and he is a constant comfort and companion. <br /><br />I am making tea cosies as they are small and cheerful like this:Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-69617155911611263092011-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:002011-01-02T10:25:04.677-08:00New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbNUTyIZZzCdNst9OeQxbM3W_HimuVXyuAecNhs94xldWwGVUzy_Dxb06nRhnzaGhmHETQbfDJ1jCpa96i5z0qc2rAzseebGoHUQBDMDTLT7c8443m9YzOU_iJsA1iqDyKA-M0a0eKrg/s1600/IMGP5124.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbNUTyIZZzCdNst9OeQxbM3W_HimuVXyuAecNhs94xldWwGVUzy_Dxb06nRhnzaGhmHETQbfDJ1jCpa96i5z0qc2rAzseebGoHUQBDMDTLT7c8443m9YzOU_iJsA1iqDyKA-M0a0eKrg/s320/IMGP5124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557656251244668018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFnFkeql7gO1BddHJBaSU7DWKwPBGT0Jm7OzOoKJTE9WsILe176Yru34_Jwldbja2SB1VH7CwxNys-ns1qbulICaTIVCsM-feKwRh8NDIKFyVROjCgJMrdWfiCwP2dpqHqBd6v0GQH8g/s1600/frida_s_garden.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFnFkeql7gO1BddHJBaSU7DWKwPBGT0Jm7OzOoKJTE9WsILe176Yru34_Jwldbja2SB1VH7CwxNys-ns1qbulICaTIVCsM-feKwRh8NDIKFyVROjCgJMrdWfiCwP2dpqHqBd6v0GQH8g/s200/frida_s_garden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557654937135669426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-_ixuvUuN5swjgB9p4ehAG73csuGqf9PrlGinHvWLqQTWvAraFtuFkp4rNH2Y3T_dLFZGII6wrZWm4bEvSj_eaMECxn6O0RuvZeNVnMOCpXJU6oB3vjrA1hR_YkRyXQYSrfhuRu5W0g/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-_ixuvUuN5swjgB9p4ehAG73csuGqf9PrlGinHvWLqQTWvAraFtuFkp4rNH2Y3T_dLFZGII6wrZWm4bEvSj_eaMECxn6O0RuvZeNVnMOCpXJU6oB3vjrA1hR_YkRyXQYSrfhuRu5W0g/s200/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557654324648087762" /></a><br />I see I have been far too busy to blog and no wonder. Amy is out of hospital but due for a transplant in a few weeks. She has done brilliantly and we have had some scary moments but met some wonderful caring nursing staff at the MRI.<br /><br />Crafty wise it's been all about ACEO's! Wow I love these little tiny pictures only 2.5 and 3.5 and there are some amazing ones around. It's whole new field for me brought into spotlight by <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/teabreaks">teabreaks</a>. <br /><br />who has done this tree in springtime which I love: <br /><br />and also <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/mochalulu">Mochalulu</a> who does some beautiful work like this of the parrot. as above (not good at getting my pictures in the right place!)<br /><br />The great things is that people are having a go and seeing what they can do - there is a great outpouring of creativity and people are starting their own collections which is good for everyone. I have got quite hooked and here is one mine of a still life (now sold!)Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-79336670197903650692010-10-09T11:05:00.001-07:002010-10-09T11:09:51.691-07:00nearly two months on...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf1gZ2yYLqTS9fMA_JpHaBH2DYDIMfoK3i0gDZ8mgSQSC7hjtcBGVyqa86Ez-tyT5DZ-JPD_dVVwpuzZXXC09jkx2WCsSkLapX7D6R9B0RD5JNVj47j5JGPATnbUS3YJfMlrAL3PfyYk/s1600/2amymike.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf1gZ2yYLqTS9fMA_JpHaBH2DYDIMfoK3i0gDZ8mgSQSC7hjtcBGVyqa86Ez-tyT5DZ-JPD_dVVwpuzZXXC09jkx2WCsSkLapX7D6R9B0RD5JNVj47j5JGPATnbUS3YJfMlrAL3PfyYk/s200/2amymike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526110147997958562" /></a><br />Funny how what was such a faff before is now history - the wedding was perfect, the bridesmaid's dresses found and a wonderful day had by all.<br /><br />Now on to the next thing. Amy is having chemo now and is on day 3 - so far, so good. She has having plenty of visitors and I have been getting her pj's from primark. The docs are now saying that this is leukemia, so that's it now - she joins the ranks of cancer sufferers (one in three?) and yet, she is still Amy, not a disease.<br /><br />I have been making Christmas cards for the gallery - found some super little beads and sequins in save the children shop - 50p a packet and nicer than Paper chase. I am thinking more subtle rather than in yer face santa fest. So far so good. <br /><br />It's great to have a creative outlet and hnelps me to stop being simply a worried mama.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-22182404109682205562010-08-17T02:41:00.000-07:002010-08-17T02:56:58.898-07:00too busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6kLRGacP3DQHU9XcZLPktlj6W3g4MO-m6_hyuGVBBbmS96igY_LTKSpmuYWArpZkENxXjorrX6CV9Trbrbn3Gbdxpjf4B3Yb0Rn4wE0A7ZU9hcLd0hnvZ1o78qwSEDfGv3Vt1v0sqyg/s1600/40774_432484357840_763182840_4674488_7612472_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6kLRGacP3DQHU9XcZLPktlj6W3g4MO-m6_hyuGVBBbmS96igY_LTKSpmuYWArpZkENxXjorrX6CV9Trbrbn3Gbdxpjf4B3Yb0Rn4wE0A7ZU9hcLd0hnvZ1o78qwSEDfGv3Vt1v0sqyg/s200/40774_432484357840_763182840_4674488_7612472_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506315449152954754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzZZ0osSKoF7AnYA3LG9E2Z83y12cpEnSTgw13lf37mBZkhc0u4dxg7giVN6Usgvoiw7EioXE8sCOjGRJcXJL_SU7HoQLFyraYrICh693NGH1L7Czc8l3l5HBA_BZdymfVvJCZ3weY7c/s1600/IMGP4132.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzZZ0osSKoF7AnYA3LG9E2Z83y12cpEnSTgw13lf37mBZkhc0u4dxg7giVN6Usgvoiw7EioXE8sCOjGRJcXJL_SU7HoQLFyraYrICh693NGH1L7Czc8l3l5HBA_BZdymfVvJCZ3weY7c/s200/IMGP4132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506314167658653586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8klMFJR0XXlH-cuOSnmh0ZeEfdhWGfvi57C2CUNyqY4rkrFFPK_iEG5LlZX_NkN53kxURuDMOiEW4knYLe_Zx2KkB51S1iYKp7i9HgwkGark60bIB5Jf_-z7q2d8o1F8ORLp2eeWwhc/s1600/IMGP4083.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8klMFJR0XXlH-cuOSnmh0ZeEfdhWGfvi57C2CUNyqY4rkrFFPK_iEG5LlZX_NkN53kxURuDMOiEW4knYLe_Zx2KkB51S1iYKp7i9HgwkGark60bIB5Jf_-z7q2d8o1F8ORLp2eeWwhc/s200/IMGP4083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506313938566378706" /></a><br />for blogging. But I have made more of the flower pictures and have an order for another one. I am working with hydrangea flowers which are the most glorious colours. <br />Life in this household is stressed just now. Amy has had three blood transfusions in the last two weeks and is still struggling with walking. She is now getting stressed about finding the bridesmaid's dresses, which are selling out fast from Coast. Not surprised, as they are stunning. But a lot can be achieved by us all pulling together. <br /><br />I have been working hard on the invitations and they are now done, complete with organza ribbon to tie. I have used YARDS of the stuff and kept miscalculating how much you actually need to tie a bow. <br /><br />just found <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/725389-RARE-GENUINE-GREEN-BROWN-CLEAR-SEA-GLASS-GEMS-BRACELET?shop=yes">this</a> on folksy. I love sea glass. I used to spend hours collecting it on those warm sunny days by the seaside. <br /><br /><br />Here is a picture of Albert, who now has a friend called Arthur, (not yet been photo'd) and my latest blanket which has sold! Hooray!<br /><br />Went out with the family at the weekend to celebrate eldest daughter's 30th (scary to be that old...), and since they are so up on soaps and celebrities they spotted Jim Mcdonald from Corrie and DCI Manson, I think, from the Bill. I hadn't a clue who they were to be honest. I think DCI Manson was taking his mum out. Sweet. <br /><br />Here is a pic of me with my souvenir from the Grenada in son's kitchen.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-4361376808708772672010-07-18T11:55:00.000-07:002010-07-18T12:12:10.689-07:00work in progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IRlQ7yyquNpbw9XxVWsRnoVf5NJtGPtfRnPAgxxPK5cYvXd-9uS4beYBmSRqh_h31sVEm6W3ybCzFU0nXaYvpjJ19Tacx0_wAeLJL7OstsDZxVpMPjIzTbp4xlWDjMHbGKOJIMJMpvY/s1600/IMGP3986.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IRlQ7yyquNpbw9XxVWsRnoVf5NJtGPtfRnPAgxxPK5cYvXd-9uS4beYBmSRqh_h31sVEm6W3ybCzFU0nXaYvpjJ19Tacx0_wAeLJL7OstsDZxVpMPjIzTbp4xlWDjMHbGKOJIMJMpvY/s200/IMGP3986.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325547464143906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFmrxv2HQjkwNzOqMBOhGH1Z3ZWmyFpVDYacjoikTUA5NT4oSbtofnI2dByTJbJkkaOPOXVkg5ac6QQXowej2rDBp_eBkxB3Qct7tJsmSVFp9HC2LKAKVmlh3l0057ITro5ya7YNA8F4/s1600/IMGP3985.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFmrxv2HQjkwNzOqMBOhGH1Z3ZWmyFpVDYacjoikTUA5NT4oSbtofnI2dByTJbJkkaOPOXVkg5ac6QQXowej2rDBp_eBkxB3Qct7tJsmSVFp9HC2LKAKVmlh3l0057ITro5ya7YNA8F4/s200/IMGP3985.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495325312632302386" /></a><br />I have started a new blanket with different grown up colours, like sludge, and faded blue, dirty pink, yukky green and cornfield yellow and such like. It's turning out okay and quite quickly since I have used a larger hook. The picture shows it on the kitchen table next to the lovely handbag I have just bought from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/Remuse">folksy</a> , much admired.<br /><br />Today I came home and found my OH had picked a lovely bunch of flowers for me AND put them in water. Then I proceeded to cut the heads off and stuck them in between the pages of a big fat cookery book. And then piled on several heavyweight art books, and a flat iron. I am playing around with pressed flowers and fabrics and have a couple on <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/644456-Botanical-Buttercup-Picture?shop=yes">folksy</a><br /><br />Yesterday we did the wedding dress shopping thing for Amy and she has got the most beautiful <a href="http://www.winsfordbridalstudio.com">dress</a>. I thought we would be traipsing around forever but not so - she tried a few on and then picked one that gives her a tiny waist, keeps her boobs in place, and that she can walk in, and sit down in. Hope she doesn't drop a burger on it when she gets married on 5th November (how not to forget a wedding anniversary!). It's been hurried along a bit due to her illness. Her specialist reckons he isn't going to go for a bone marrow transplant for at least 6 months, and that only if they can find a donor. Such worrying times. She is coping by being focused on her wedding day. And I do my crochet. Think it keeps my mind in an alpha state to a certain extent, but not sure what else I can do.<br /><br />Went out with the rest of the family for lunch and had pizza. Yum.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-14904677644815732652010-06-29T14:29:00.000-07:002010-06-29T14:35:47.491-07:00massive lettuces!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZgQtd5O2BBLhev6w6dddtB-wOAXFAjP53P3cPmPyB2-EC5ofdTg_QCTP2lqZX6khX1lQlOjzEYMmoteW9E4EdB_js2BROAXcHl8kdYJwAE8KmodogBJtJEd7qKB-nzz3mp-wrp-7sag/s1600/IMGP3770.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZgQtd5O2BBLhev6w6dddtB-wOAXFAjP53P3cPmPyB2-EC5ofdTg_QCTP2lqZX6khX1lQlOjzEYMmoteW9E4EdB_js2BROAXcHl8kdYJwAE8KmodogBJtJEd7qKB-nzz3mp-wrp-7sag/s200/IMGP3770.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488312081078602962" /></a><br />I have a little garden and in this little garden are some raised beds and in these there are huge lettuces, peas, beans and tomatoes! I am astonished how they grow as I just plonked the baby plants into grow bags and then stuck these into the 'beds' - roughly six feet long, one foot wide troughs on legs, made from bits of timber we had left over from a house move. Last year's strawberries are producing some nice new ones, but it's a race between me and the birds. <br /><br />I am making a scarf out of a recycled artigiano jumper. A bit sacriligious, I know, turning massively expensive Italian yarn into a nice scarf but it gives me a thrill anyway.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-84304592393490365542010-06-28T01:00:00.001-07:002010-06-28T01:14:12.002-07:00summer days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Q51E0z1Gj5rpKboCmnyLB5mCgxiH5r223wqno7l4gk1h-_oEsNroy6zoAjGNWiWnoimxyuVMmlpFM9Yd1YVTx276dtFZz0wr8PfA_jjeHkdrsGV-dhceVIFCGaGcyT-oUTJ74Pk2d4/s1600/ben+and+rosie0499_859650_7435581_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1Q51E0z1Gj5rpKboCmnyLB5mCgxiH5r223wqno7l4gk1h-_oEsNroy6zoAjGNWiWnoimxyuVMmlpFM9Yd1YVTx276dtFZz0wr8PfA_jjeHkdrsGV-dhceVIFCGaGcyT-oUTJ74Pk2d4/s200/ben+and+rosie0499_859650_7435581_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487734635632197090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wBkd2ggojAptRQxaEqSZRGW0wm144Zmn6LZepmLSzCL2wZghIobuhVXCiYbDOrSNJ1df_kCi_7Z18r5z3P4CQWi7qDGegCvfkptqOUX6YNJWbmljijGHGsMu6JrxUeHXlz3Oh_FyBGM/s1600/Lidiya-Scarf-Felted-Tweed-KF-RM-48.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wBkd2ggojAptRQxaEqSZRGW0wm144Zmn6LZepmLSzCL2wZghIobuhVXCiYbDOrSNJ1df_kCi_7Z18r5z3P4CQWi7qDGegCvfkptqOUX6YNJWbmljijGHGsMu6JrxUeHXlz3Oh_FyBGM/s200/Lidiya-Scarf-Felted-Tweed-KF-RM-48.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487733046286538642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WaItKe0zVuMlceWcWMe-VpBXH389lvDbQ6D2udrZjzTdZLfLS1rM7c8dM_gxeM_1m4bF-nq74vl_-kDaTmKr8Un9w0dokR2jtOg80sSYmMIV1SlMGOxjd_AOA_QkpDfuISkVdC6gFp4/s1600/Marble-Squares-Pillow-and-Throw-2008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WaItKe0zVuMlceWcWMe-VpBXH389lvDbQ6D2udrZjzTdZLfLS1rM7c8dM_gxeM_1m4bF-nq74vl_-kDaTmKr8Un9w0dokR2jtOg80sSYmMIV1SlMGOxjd_AOA_QkpDfuISkVdC6gFp4/s200/Marble-Squares-Pillow-and-Throw-2008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487732944392670834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W_DAyLjGsQQZqbn-CqLM1n9dFMhlvWYWjw4PjrpNo6kKlxwr_O1bq4zph093j16Osv-QMGZEpoY9m249EgmqMh8tGQj3NeuBLhk7gSjNStrOWc6ZUW8ihnEN1zD8eqbHiLVTnhP-wM8/s1600/Shaded-Diamonds-RM35.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W_DAyLjGsQQZqbn-CqLM1n9dFMhlvWYWjw4PjrpNo6kKlxwr_O1bq4zph093j16Osv-QMGZEpoY9m249EgmqMh8tGQj3NeuBLhk7gSjNStrOWc6ZUW8ihnEN1zD8eqbHiLVTnhP-wM8/s200/Shaded-Diamonds-RM35.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487732850850219810" /></a><br />Yesterday I spent the afternoon with the family in the garden celebrating the Polish Grandma's 84th birthday. The boys were in deep gloom after the England massacre and the girls couldn't care less and just enjoyed the day. <br />I have been knitting with a myriad of different yarns, coming to grips with colour and tone, and have been delving into my old <a href="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Home.html">Kaffe Fassett</a> books. These are wonderful just to ogle the colours and photography. <br /><br />I am exploring the use of dried flowers in my cards, but in a non traditional way, like I made a card for the Polish Grandma's birthday which was a single stem of dried cow parsley hand stitched in place and mounted on cream coloured linen. I think the single stems work really well and are a long way from the 70's dried flower craze with flattened bunches of flowers. We'll see.<br /><br />Today I am taking daughter Amy for another hospital appointment and her big brother is coming for moral support. Here is a pic of him with his other sister Rosie. Am proud of my kids and how they love a nd support each other, after all the years of squabbling and bickering...Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-55313055733778229822010-06-10T00:05:00.000-07:002010-06-10T00:12:21.647-07:00rushing ahead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU4YYKw8azfKZBvLlsaAffhOqX-6lYq9IhsFeDPaZjzMsf1jNLpvj_qPFViTMeCjuPjUkG9D6IllnJ1AsHvCgy9FHc8u1PSEMEFbAiF8pv35k3U2g0JNyGNCS5yCzUuVj8k5rstu9DlY/s1600/79_thumb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU4YYKw8azfKZBvLlsaAffhOqX-6lYq9IhsFeDPaZjzMsf1jNLpvj_qPFViTMeCjuPjUkG9D6IllnJ1AsHvCgy9FHc8u1PSEMEFbAiF8pv35k3U2g0JNyGNCS5yCzUuVj8k5rstu9DlY/s200/79_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481039269671338562" /></a><br />It's been a while but then it's been a very hectic couple of weeks. I am dealing with daughter Amy's illness which is rare and scary - MDS. She needs a bone marrow transplant so that brings a whole lot of other thoughts which I really am trying to process just now.<br /><br />Meanwhile, my sanity is staying on course with crafting. Knitting, to be precise. I have a view of the kind of thing I want to do but it's not quite working out. Still, the process of knitting is helping calm the nerves. Apparently according to an article that my OH found, we now do way too much multi tasking and this is not good! It means, as the brain is so wired, that when we stop we get fidgetty and bored as we are constantly in some kind of hyper state. I thought it was just me!<br /><br />Maybe we need to abandon multi tasking and focus on one thing at a time, which sounds comfortingly old fashioned. I may just give it a go!<br /><br />My favourite flower meadow picture sold yesterday, which I am glad about, but will do another similar one.<br /><br />Now I have to go to the dentist for root canal treatment. Life is such a bundle of fun!!!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-36446030885746544242010-05-31T01:00:00.000-07:002010-05-31T01:17:57.595-07:00antiques<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr0wAZnTe8aA3p3F8-j0lCcQsQkpxZmngcoM8G4AKQuCmo6PvDd8nUqNl2L_QlHfBC0_LrPhPh6IsbH3Octm3_9qHgC4sM2KOEyldti9NXGxBPWQJ3Lx5vKutsH-xtQjfNU6Mw7ycoPI/s1600/wool70a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr0wAZnTe8aA3p3F8-j0lCcQsQkpxZmngcoM8G4AKQuCmo6PvDd8nUqNl2L_QlHfBC0_LrPhPh6IsbH3Octm3_9qHgC4sM2KOEyldti9NXGxBPWQJ3Lx5vKutsH-xtQjfNU6Mw7ycoPI/s200/wool70a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477345456332942242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndIY0T_iyG49HgcY5JPSlmElHgEOpuVj9wXK7jPkC5bZHsvdMn1oxlPCpg4mKOQM5jD_9V_AgXdwFyLj82hUhfWNwgrsrBrBKUop3cF_DOdWQ9rjVZqlB4WmZoAIljT1PdxKnEZyU7dQ/s1600/IMGP3745.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndIY0T_iyG49HgcY5JPSlmElHgEOpuVj9wXK7jPkC5bZHsvdMn1oxlPCpg4mKOQM5jD_9V_AgXdwFyLj82hUhfWNwgrsrBrBKUop3cF_DOdWQ9rjVZqlB4WmZoAIljT1PdxKnEZyU7dQ/s200/IMGP3745.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477344489835922386" /></a><br />It was pouring with rain on Saturday and pretty cold too, but me and my OH decided to drive out to Buxton in the Peak District. Having spent much of our last two week holiday up hills and down dales, we were drawn again to this fab place, which combines Victorian elegance with a nice smattering of Charity shops and even a Waitrose (the supermarket with the yummy apple and cinnamon yoghurt). <br /><br />Anyway, there was an antique fair. he went off to have a cup of tea and I had a good browse. Amazed at the prices. I think perhaps I should simply go and buy up all the old embroidered linen tray cloths from out local charity shops for a quid a time and flog them here for £6. Amazing what a good ironing can achieve. Still, I bought a sweet little hankie for 20 p and some tiny mother of pearl buttons for 50p - last of the big spenders. These have now been incorporated into a couple of new cards.<br /><br />When I was in Yorkshire (visitng the wonderful Wensleydale Cheese Factory) I found a fantastic <a href="http://www.wensleydalelongwoolsheepshop.co.uk/">little wool place</a> and bought a spindle. Okay so I have spent all week trying to work with this, and typically as soon as I had spun something resembling thread, I knitted it up. I have decided that I need to go back to the drawing board with this as it's decidedly ropey. So much for my plan to make hand knitted scarves with home spun wool. But I will continue to practice. <br /><br />So I am a schizophrenic crafter - one minute tiny stitches, next grappling with chunks of wool and felting, and then of course the textile cards. One day I will find something and stick too it, but now, I will continue to explore. Hearts are a massive motif in shops, stuffed, tin, fabric, knitted, painted, stitched....Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4282009079314574305.post-35909861912375571612010-05-12T00:23:00.000-07:002010-05-12T00:31:42.028-07:00lovely new day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrd_rxQy8RhFLYzT83MnlkbVQkuIIdJChB78gf4FZkiWwDnaLy6ZwOqbVvWWtWw61Gkh-ICnsABh8XT5vIwNbscgxOJiDduSBp7ryXDh6V6b0RGTKIa2yHTS5Aj7_O8r310kLPbDPWu8/s1600/IMGP3702.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrd_rxQy8RhFLYzT83MnlkbVQkuIIdJChB78gf4FZkiWwDnaLy6ZwOqbVvWWtWw61Gkh-ICnsABh8XT5vIwNbscgxOJiDduSBp7ryXDh6V6b0RGTKIa2yHTS5Aj7_O8r310kLPbDPWu8/s200/IMGP3702.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470282871593520866" /></a><br />The cherry blossom is looking a bit faded so summer is on the way, but it's freezing! Yesterday I worked hard completing a stack of cards for <a href="http://www.40beechroad.co.uk/">this gallery</a><br /><br />I have been working with hearts made out of recycled cans, sea shells and I found some fab lace handkerchiefs in a charity shop and have used these too. I think my cards may be a bit cheap since a little bit of market research showed hand made textile cards for just under a fiver! <br /><br />The downside is that my daughter Amy hasn't been well. She is having to see a blood specialist next week as a blood test came back which concerned her doctor. I am hoping she hasn't got aplastic anaemia again which she had ten years ago, but we will just have to wait and see.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I feel optimistic about the new government which was all compulsive viewing on the telly. New Moon in Taurus today - good for nature, good food and and getting back to basics.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742918979889429311noreply@blogger.com0