Getting to grips with it.

After spend nearly all day yesterday on here, I am starting to get the hang of PSE5. I have done another two layouts. I started the first one yesterday and decided to "go it alone" rather than a template or tutorial. I use a free digi kit called Twinkle Toes from Peppermint Creative and played with some of the tools on there. I managed to copy the stars from the backgrond paper and make them into a new layer. Took forever to get it right!

Then, for the UKS weekly team challenge, I found a template from Happy Scrap Girl and used yet another freebie from Miss Mint called Lilac Garden. I had to change some of the colours to fit the challenge.

Of course, all this made me late for Craft & Chat but at least I got there! Which was just as well as I sold some puppets. One of the newer ladies was looking at the ones I was working on last week so I took some others in to show her. As it happens, she was wondering whether it was cheeky to ask me if I would like to sell any. Cheeky???? Not at all. I was delighted to oblige!

PSE5

Thanks to somebody on UKS, I found some really easy PSE tutorials by Misty Cato. Not only does that lovely lady write them so that any fool can follow them, she even supplies some of the digi elements used. I did her first two this afternoon. The first one was a "Quick Page" and she supplied the page. I have to admit that while I was not entirely happy as using somebody elses design, as it was my first attempt with PSE5, I took the easy way out. Not a lot of creativity involved either, apart from all the creativity it took to find the right buttons!!!! The colours on the page are lovely. I suppose that as she has a son she doesn't do much pink either!

The second was a template. Bit more creativity here. I used pictures of the weir from our visit to Llangadog. All in all, not a bad days work!

Learning Curves.

Life is just one big Learning Curve - no matter how old you are!  And I have a few steep ones coming up.

The major one is an Open University course I have signed up for.  As I have never done one before I am understandably nervous.  It is a photography course and the idea is that I learn to use my camera better.  I will also be getting a copy of PSE5 with the coursework - which I have never used.  So, being brave, I downloaded a trial version of it from the Adobe site.  However, being not so brave, I haven't attemped to use it yet!  I think this calls for a giant google of PSE5 tutorials!!!!

Another one is Frontpage 2003.  I have been using Frontpage 2000 for some time and have been getting reasonably proficient at it - with the aid of a great book form Peachpit Press by Nolan Hester.  I borrowed this book from the library and renewed it 3 times before I decided that I really ought to buy it.  Then I updated to 2003 and they have changed a whole load of stuff.  I have to start learning it all over again.  I have borrowed the 2003 verion of the same book but have yet to venture into its pages.  I had better do it soon as lack of funds prohibits the purchase of it just yet!

Another thing I need to learn is to write begging letters - for a job!  There is very little around here for a Mum who can't drive.  I have a C&G Adult Tutors certificate but can't seem to use it.  I have signed up to teach a number of classes since moving here - only to have them all cancelled "due to lack of numbers".  So now I need to try a different angle.  I fgured the worst people can say is "No" and then I won't be any worse off than I am now.

On a brighter note,  I have finished designing the Jungle puppet set.  I just need to finish writing the patterns then remake the puppets to check them.  Then I will have another load to store in the wardrobe!!!!!

"That" Auction Site!

eBay has a 10p listing day today.  Great news for small time sellers (like me) and even better news for bargain hunters.  I have been listing a few patterns and scrapping motifs this morning.  Even though I prepared most of the stuff in advance it is still time comsuming and pretty boring!  However, I find eBay makes for good (and cheap) advertising even if I don't sell anything.  I may put some more on later.  Is it too early for Christmas stocking??????

Something else I really need to do is check out the OU site.  I registered for the Photography course in May and had all the relevant paperwork through in June but haven't even tried to access the site yet.  The course work will not arrive for another couple of weeks.  Maybe I should get it out and look at it!

I have also been debating about downloading the trial version of PSE5.  I will get a full version with the course but, never having used that particular software before, it may be to my advantage to have a go first.

Sigh!  So many things to do and so little time!  All of this and job hunting as well.

Getting organised?????

Maybe not!

My get up and go seems to have got up and gone.  I did the weekly team challenge for UKS.  Not one of my best but I just can't seem to get back into the swing of things.  Maybe its because I haven't done it in so long.  I tried making a new header for the blog but didn't like it so put the old one back with a caption underneath.  Its a bit like that "Monday Morning" feeling but its lasting all week.  It just seems too quiet around here.

I have been working on the parrot pattern though and its nearly finished so at least that is one good thing.

Peace At Last!!!

I thought I would enjoy it!  However, I am wandering around like a lost soul with no where to go.  It is soooooooo quiet.  And that isn't because I am deaf any more.  My ear infection has not completely gone but at least I can hear now.

And it isn't even as is I have nothing to do.  Apart from anything else, the dreaded housework awaits.  I have got two loads of washing out and a 3rd in the machine.  I have prepared tea - just need to remember to turn it on later and do the spuds to go with it.  But I have a whole load more.

I decided, rather than start something new, to see what is in the wardrobe part done for my next pattern.  I found a half made puppet set so am carrying on with that.  I also found a whole load of scribbled notes to go with them.  But it is so long since I did these in fact, its quite a while since I have made any puppets at all, that they are taking some deciphering.

Oh Well, best get on and try to make it look like I have done something!

Snakes and Ladders Finished!

At last it is finally done. And what's more, I updated my site as well to add it to the toy patterns page. Haven't I been good????

Now I have to go and get Benjamin some new school shoes.

Honey, I'm Home!

We had a lovely few days at my Uncles in Llangadog, a tiny village on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The weather was wonderful and the car didn't leave the drive!

We had enough of driving to get there. There isn't much to do there except walk and take photos, so guess what I did?

I took hundreds of photos and then deleted most of them.

I decided that it was the perfect time to try to learn to use some of the settings on my new camera. Of course, I had a whole load of disasters but, somewhere along the line, I got a few good ones. I wasn't disappointed. Disasters are part of the learning process so they were expected.

And one of the dafter things I did was to have a go on next doors 8 year old dirt bike. Now that WAS fun!

By the way, I have uploaded Septembers Calender. I have no idea what this flower is, I think it is part of the dandilion family. I just couldn't resist those colours.

What a week!

Apart from the mad rush to get organised in time, the few days my parents were here went well. We went to Storeys on Thursday while Benjamin was at Puppy Training classes and Joan then took him in to Ely so he had a day out with them. Mam enjoyed Storeys and spent a small fortune there! I got the yarn I needed to finish the Snakes and Ladders board.

We had a party for their anniversary on Saturday, it was their 45th. Joan made a lovely sponge in the shape of a 45. Because she had taken note of the various eating problems that Mam and Benjamin have, they were both able to enjoy it. Marks mother came as well. I have no idea what she thought of it all as we haven't heard from her since! The wine and beer was flowing freely so, at the time, I wasn't really bothered what she thought! LOL

Then on Sunday the puter threw a temper tantrum! I spent most of Monday, after Mam and Dad left, copying all my files on to Marks computer via my camera cards. There wasn't any other way to do it as none of my programs would open! Mark had to reformat it and then I spent half of Tuesday putting the programs back on. At least the network was working then so it didn't take too long to transfer all the files back.

Unfortunately, I lost anything that was in OE, along with my address book, as it wouldn't open! I think everything is done now, I suppose if I have forgotten anything I will find out when I go to use it and can't!

However, despite all this activity, I have got the Snakes and Ladders board finished. I have also done the dice and one playing piece.

Three more playing pieces to go then I need some decent weather to take pics and finish the pattern.

Change of Plans!

Mam phoned last night to as if they could come a day early as their plans for today have been cancelled. This means all I had planned for today has undergone a major change. No trip to Tesco or Storeys. Instead, all the final stuff I needed to do for them coming tomorrow has to be done this morning. Mam will have to take me shopping this afternoon after they get here as I have no food for them!

However, I am quite sure we can fit in trip to Storeys either this afternoon or tomorrow. I am sure Mam will enjoy it. I have finished all the red squares for the board and almost finished the red playing piece. I have enough green to make that playing piece and I am making the dice in white (but haven't decided on the colour of the spots) as well so I have a few things to keep me busy.

Unconditional Love.

Look at this beautiful layout by Fi, using the heart frame and hearts she bought from me. This just makes me want to crochet more of them! I am thinking of making more frames in different shapes and sizes. And it would make a great pattern!

However, the Snakes and Ladders have to be finished first. I have made all the red squares but now have completely run out of both the blue and yellow yarn. I hope the weather will be better tomorrow than it is today otherwise I will have a long walk in the rain to get my stash!

Snake and Ladder

There is only one of each at the moment, because it is only half done. But I thought you would like to see my latest project - and part of the reason for not getting any scrapping done the last couple of week!

Each square measures about 19 cm (7 ½ inches) so it will measure about 1 metre 20 cm (just under 4 foot) when finished. My problem now is that I have run out of the yellow and blue yarn. However, that means Stash shopping!

I also have a fancy dreamcatcher to make for a friends daughters birthday. This just happens to be on Wednesday so, as usual, I have left myself loads of time.

Oh, and there are 20 flowers to make for the crocheted flower exchange in UKS!

In between all this, I have to find time for housework as I need the house perfect for when my parents come up to visit this weekend!

Times flying by!

Normally I dread the school holidays. They drag, he gets bored and I get irrate! However, this year they seem to be flying past. Maybe its because he is older and more capable of amusing himself that he isn't giving me the normal hassle. Maybe losing weight has given me more mental stamina as well as more physical stamina. Whatever the reason, apart from a couple of minor incidents, he has been really good.

Last week we went out a couple of times. Once to Heacham with some friends. Have to admit, I am not really a beach person but it was nice to smell the sea again. And then on Friday to Hinchingbrooke Park. Now that I really enjoyed. I went with a couple of other Mums and their children so there was company for me and company for him.

In between all this gallivanting, I have been working. Here is some of what I have been making. I am in the process of updating my site to include all the embellishment designs. Because I use different thread to design than for the embellishments I sell, I have to remake the whole lot to take pictures. The thread I use to design is DMC and is widely available on both sides of the "pond". However, I only have a small range of colours in it. The thread I use to make the motifs to sell is Twilleys. I have a drawer full of that!

So, until I manage to use up the Twilleys and stock up on the DMC, this is the way I have to do things.

Patterns Finally Finished

Its been a long hard slog. Ok, maybe not that hard!!!! But certainly long. And, of course, changing my mind in the middle of things didn't help as it meant I needed more new designs.

However, the first of my "Scrapping the Rainbow Valley way" patterns is completed. Now I suppose you want to have a look?

And I promised some free patterns. The first of these is the Heart Frame. Its quite easy to make if you know how to crochet.

The second is step by step instructions on how to make the mini flowers. This is aimed at beginners.

A Day out!

We went to the beach today. I can't remember the last time we did something like that. Not a sandy tourist beach anyway. I did spend a fair bit of time at the one near my parents at Easter, trying to capture waves for a "Moving Water" photo competition on UKS. But that is all pebbles. Its good for a walk but not much else.

The thing is, living in a place like Barry Island, you tend to shun the beach as it is far too full of tourists! Its much more fun in the winter. You can go paddling in your wellies and run the dog.

One of the results of that photo comp, was this picture. It is the fountain in the gardens of St Fagans Castle. I always seem to be looking for a calendar so I decided to convert this one to a desktop calendar. Then I decided I might as well let everybody else enjoy it.

If you click on the picture on the left, you can download it to use for your desktop. And if you would like to add it to you blog or site for other people to download, there are instructions in the "Terms of Use" document on how to do so. I hope you all enjoy it.

Problems with Potter!

Just how are you supposed to concentrate on writing patterns when the new Harry Potter book keeps leaping into your hands yelling "Read Me!"?

So I gave in, sat down yesterday moring and finished the book.

Ooooh, it was good! I won't give anything away but I really think she saved the best till last.<

Now back to work.

Blocking

No, this isn't something you do to stop people contacting you, at least, not in crochet terms.

When you crochet a piece it all curls up. When working with acrylic, the easiest thing to do is to lightly iron it between two damp cloths. However, when working with cotton there is a much better way. Blocking.

As most of what I do is with small pieces, I use a small cork notice board with some kitchen towel laid over it. I just run the piece under the cold tap, squeeze it out then pin it in shape. Make sure your pins are rust proof!

As the cotton dries it tightens a little. This pulls the piece into shape around the pins. Basically, you are ironing it without an iron, which flattens it and spoils the effect.

When working with larger pieces, it is easier to pin it into shape first, then use a spray gun to dampen it.

Happy Blocking!

Harry Potter

When the last book came out there was a "discussion" with my dearest about who was going to read it first. So I went and bought it and hid it! By the time he realised what I had done, I was part way through it so he had to wait.

I had an email through from Tesco about this one, asking if I wanted to preorder it. So the "discussion" revolved around who was paying for it and who was going to read it first. We agreed that whoever paid for it, read it first.

Well, he didn't get around to doing anything about it, so I did. This meant it came with the postlady on Saturday morning and I get to read it first!

Of course, as soon as Benjamin saw it, he wanted to read it. You should have seen his face when I told him he had no chance!

"I am first, then Dad."
"What if Dad wants to read it first?"
"Then he can pay me for it!"
"Dad has to buy the book off you if he wants to read it?"
"No, only if he wants to read it first."
"Can I buy it off you?"
"No!"

Poor Deprived Child! Does JKR realise what she has done?????

Turning on the Heat!

Its amazing what you can do with a heat gun!!!

I went to my monthly Craft Club last night. Its held on the 3rd Thursday evening of each month. We have talks about various crafts, often with "hands on" demonstrations.

Last night we made fabric beads using a heat gun. After making one small one, I asked if they could be cut and, when I found out they could, mades another 3 long ones! I can just see these being crocheted into a very original choker and earring set.

I haven't done much in the way of new things this week. I have been too busy filling orders.

I know thats a good thing really but I like the challenge of something new. When I have made it once it gets a bit boring. However, needs must!

As I am not selling very many patterns lately, it looks like making scrapbooking motifs will fill the gap for a while.

All Chained Up!

Yesterday I decided to make a whole load of chains to add to my site. I have seen some LOs in mags that have used silk flowers with crocheted chains and they looked really good. So I thought it might be an idea so make some to sell. While I was taking the pics for the site, I thought it would make a terrific background paper. What do you think?

I am always looking for suggestions for what to make, so if you have any ideas of what you would like to see please leave a comment.

I would love to feature on here some of the layouts you have made using my crocheted embellishments whether they are digi or "real". Please either send me your layout or a link I can download it from.