Time stealers...

I could sit for hours and hours watching utube tutorials on how to make tags, collage, mini albums etc.. the list is endless. I ooh and arr at the amazing things that people make and I think to myself ooh I'd love to have a go at that. A few months ago I decided I was going to have a go at a mini album. I went on eBay and bought a chip board mini album, all I had to do was decorate it. Like most things in my sewing room, it has sat there patiently awaiting my attention. After a very stressful day last Saturday, trying to write the essay for Uni, I got out the mini album and the big box of junk. Armed with some glue and my junk box that contains all kinds of ephemera, I set about decorating the mini album. Hours later and a very messy desk top, I had covered nine pages of the album. Today I did two more pages but one is just all collage. I only have the backs of these two pages to decorate and my album is finished. It is an abomination of sorts as nothing matches, there is no theme running through it, the truth is it is a far cry from the wonderful ones demonstrated on utube.  However I do not mind in the least as I have finally got making a mini album out of my system and it feels rather good. Will I be making another one? Err NO! I think not..

A squash book...

I spent hours yesterday trying to write an essay on how Wedgwood changed manufacturing in the 18th century. I have found the research bit very interesting but I am not very good at writing essays and it causes me a great deal of stress. Today I felt the need to distress and have a craft moment.  I decided to make a Squashy after seeing Sue Sercombe's work last week. Her Squashy was amazing all made with embroidered samples absolutely stunning. I began by watching a few Utube videos on how to construct the squashy, then I gathered what I had to hand and here is what I came up with. It was quick and fun to make and I have been inspired to make more but this time I will be adding pockets and maybe even a Christmas on for a friend. For those who have asked for the UTube I watched here it is: Sorry could work out how to do a link.:)

Making a Squash Book with LytleScrapper

Its all about me....

My Effigy Doll.

A couple of pages from my sketchbook showing ideas for constructing my effigy.

I thought I would share my first completed project for Uni. The brief was to make an effigy of yourself and it was a little scary because I had to stop and think about what I felt makes me who I am.  After lots of mind mapping, chatting to friends and family I came up with my doll. Obviously she is not a true likeness she is merely a representation of the things that I love and are important in my life. My family, my friends, my love of all things crafty, my high heal shoes and my art. Unfortunately I did not take a picture of her rucksack which contains a miniature paint box, a tiny sketchbook, pencils and the tiniest camera and real of film you have ever seen, which my wonderful daughter bought as a surprise, especially for my effigies bag.  My next project is MOLA!

All work and no play.....

That's what life feels like at the moment because if I am not cleaning or washing or doing homework, I am travelling to and from Uni.  However, yesterday I took time out and I went to the Merseyside Area day. The speaker was an amazing Textile Artist named Sue Sercombe and her work was lovely, right up my street. I had a fantastic day with my very good friends and thoroughly enjoyed the workshop in the afternoon. As always the day was filled with lots of laughter and good company but alas no cakes.  Here are the results of a great day:

I completed my little Christmas tree on a felted background in the work shop when I got home I glued it to the card and added the NOEL stamp.

I made a poppy broach when I got home using the work shop technique.

I made this little card using the left over bits from the workshop kit. I changed the beads to gold instead of red but I think the red beads work better.

Lake Windermere...

Yesterday I visited Lake Windermere with my lovely sister. We had a fabulous day and oh boy, the weather was truly on our side, glorious sunshine, not a single drop of rain to be had. I have not been to Windermere before and I really enjoyed it, such a beautiful picturesque place. We sat by the lake and had cinder toffee and chocolate ice cream which was scrummy yummy. On our way home we went via Blackpool to see the illuminations and stopped of for fish and chips.  I was positively shattered when I got home but I loved every single minute of our day out.

Regional day...

I had a great day yesterday at the regional day. Two very interesting speakers Lisa Walton and Isabel Dibden-Wright. As always I took my camera but it didn't even make it out the bag, so sorry no pics. I love regional and area days they are good for meeting like minded people and yesterday was no exception. I met a lovely lady named Pat who did her degree in social care at Uclan. I also met the new rep for Lancashire, Liz. We had apparently met before on Ferrets work shop but shamefully I did not remember her but then again I don't remember anybody else on that work shop. I wore my new shoes, very high red wedges and they where much admired. I took my Summer Harmony quilt as did my delightful friend Gwen, for show and tell. I was thrilled that we got some oooo's and arr's from the audience. Fun, laughter and good company was the order of the day I enjoyed every minute.

Always looking....

Since going to college last year I am constantly looking at the world around me for inspiration and ideas. However, I am very camera shy and often feel uncomfortable just whipping out my little camera and taking pictures.  Yesterday I decided to overcome my embarrassment and take photographs of anything that sparked my interest. Seeing as I have not blogged for a while I thought I would share just a few of the photos that I took.