I'm really getting into this digi lark

OK it took me ages but I'm so pleased with the digi LO. It's actually a scraplift of Gabrillep but I'm still really pleased with it. I can't wait to start Kirsty's class and learn the proper way to crop the papers and overlay etc.

I've also signed up for the BPS Doodle Day Class which also starts in October so I'm going to have a busy busy month. The book which comes with the class is so inspiring.

First PSE Digi Layout

I'm so very pleased with this. Although I mainly followed the ShabbyShoppe tutorial I did personalise it a little. PSE is so easy to use. Thanks to Lemon for pointing me in the right direction and all your help :)

I've signed up for Kirsty's Digi class which starts in October. After having a play with this I can't wait.

Originally I thought Digi scrapping would be a cheap alternative - but looking at all the downloads I want it could end up being expensive!

My little girl has started big school

This was taken the on DD's first day at Senior School,which was last Thursday.

This time last year I learnt

I can get ahead with my studying if I apply myself! LOL I was studying my the second part of five courses to get my Financial Planning Certificate. I had 6 weeks to study, started slowly which increased to manically by the end and got a narrow fail :( I still need to do these exams if I am ever going to be a Paraplanner - the next step up the working ladder.

Now I have finally found the little book I'll try and get some decent sized pictures uploaded.

Learn something new pages

Ok I'm behind posting these already but here is the cover to my book


this is the intro/ first page


2nd September page






as these pages were done last year it's really odd looking back. It seems such a long time ago.

Learn something new

This September, I'm going back to school. In my own little world. I've got a book and a pen and I'm going to record what I learn from life. I believe I really can learn something new every day. I'll share what I'm learning in the form of pages from my book, posted right here on my blog.

I'm not alone: lots of crafty ladies are learning and recording right along with me. See their work here and here. Learn more about our project here.

Losing/gaining weight ...

As I seem to be on a constant diet and getting no where fast - this made me smile

Learn something new

Yay Shimelle is starting this class again in September. I can't believe its been a year since I started this and - surprise surprise never finished! Those who took the class last year can sign up again for free this year so hopefully I'll get my little book finished at last :)

A brilliant weekend

We had a wonderful break down in Buckinghamshire - we visited here ,










and also here













and finally here

My new dolly

I've just bought my first dolly bead, imperial






















- I should say my first purchase. DH bought me Rahul for my birthday. Can't wait for it to join my troll bracelet. Which reminds me I haven't uploaded a photo yet.

What a buzz ...

We've just returned from a very wet Keswick! But what a week:) The Convention was brilliant as always and meeting up with everyone again at Crosthwaite Campsite was great too. The weather was terrible with mud everywhere but we didn't let it spoil our enjoyment.

Kirsty comes up trumps!

What a brilliant day we had yesterday. I visited Kirsty Wiseman for a photo shoot. As I drove over the Great British weather did as expected - drizzled!

But Kirsty was full of enthusiasm and started taking shots in her scrap room/ studio. What a room - scrappers heaven!

DS was his usual self saying no to everything - even the chocolate bribe. Then suddenly he joined in and smiled so sweetly. Kirsty was so patient and let him come and go as he pleased.


Then surprise the drizzle lifted and we were left with reasonable weather! So off to the local park and more shots
DD posed to her heart content


even I didn't escape!


DS continued to sulk now and then












but in the end played along
















DD is over the moon at being 'famous' as Kirsty's blog is viewed world wide and all these photo's are on there.

So I now have the difficult task of whittling down the hundred or so photos to the number I can afford to buy :(

I need....

Following some of the posts on UKS I typed my name 'needs' into Google these are the web prompts that came up -

I need -
to have a marriage licence from County Clark
help
both bread and roses
an angry expresssion
a small car with air (?)
to steal it too
real mom opinions
to accept that no one is self-sufficient all the time

I'm so excited ...

I just have to share. When I got home last night I found a padded envelope on the mat. I love opening post - but this was addressed to DH. Turning it over on the back was a label from A String of Beads. Oooooo do you think DH has taken note for my (not so) subtle hint email?
I had actually checked out the site yesterday to find my favourite bead Rahul had been sold - emmm I wonder if he managed to get it? Obviously I left the parcel where it was and tried to ignore it. Well I did have a good swidgy feel - but the padding was too thick. It promptly disappeared when DH got home. Only need to patiently (emm) wait 10 days until my birthday.

Retreat LOs

First LO from my scrap retreat, DD and her Godmother sharing a cuddle :)I have titled it simply 'Girls' as the two of them often share Girley times. Papers and embelishments are all from Scrapagogo May kit. It's my first LO using chipboard and I now I see what all the fuss is about. This is DS wandering off in the woods at Lyme Park. Really takes after his Granddad who is always so far ahead when we go on walks. I've had the papers for ages from the 12x12 scrapbooking mag. The blooms are from Sarah's Cards.
I love this photo which was taken by Jane and I'm really pleased with the LO which is a lift from Mel @ ATDML. The doodles are done with a stencil, which along with the rubbons and letters came from a
Scrapagogo kit. Final one for today was lifted from Lianne's LO I'm not sure whos kit this was. More chipboard, the heart - this time painted with H2Os - although the photo doesn't show it, it actually sparkles.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

What a weekend - my first scrap retreat. DD had a great time at the UKS kids crop and I had a brilliant time too in the adults room. I scrapped and chatted to my hearts content over the two days. It was great to meet and spend time with so many wonderful people who share my interest in scrapping.

Today its back to the grind and I'm exhausted after burning the candle at both ends and so much driving.

I WON!

I forgot to mention that I won the Cyber crop logo challenge on Faithscrappers. Although I can't take part in the actual CC it's great that Abel's Army (as in Cain & Abel) will be using my art work :)

Busy busy busy

My life has gone mad! I'm busier than ever - its like the run up to Christmas with something every weekend. Tomorrow I'll be singing my heart out with an all afternoon practice and concert in the evening. It's my first concert with the Marple Choral society and we have some tough works - Bach Magnificat, Purcell Anthems (including I was Glad) and Purcell Rejoice in the Lord All Ways. There are soloists and a mini orchestra. Should be fun but exhausting.

Plus is DH gets himself in gear and DS is good my DD will get chance to play her oboe with the BBC Philharmonic. Sounds impressive eh! Actually they are running a touring scheme with their TV programme about getting back to playing.

New Team

I've joined a new team on UKS after bumping into the girls at the Bolton show.
My Dad will be proud that I managed to get on their photo! We have a family tradition of trying to get on other people's photos without them noticing :)

Please join me in praying for a happy outcome