Busy, busy, busy!

Is it really that long since I last posted????? I just don't know where the week has gone. I think that as you get older, the days get shorter!

But I have been rather busy. First of all, the OU course starts next week. The info and programs for it came through last Friday just as I was about to go out for my walk. Of course, I had to open it and ended up being late and missing it. The online stuff has been available from Monday. So I have spent a bit of time working on that. I have to read it all online as it is interactive but, as I prefer to read on paper, I have downloaded and printed off all I need so far and there is loads of it. I also have photo assignments to do.

However, photo assignments are just going to have to wait. I must be mad, but I agreed to look after a friends puppy for a few days. She is driving me loopy!!!!!! She doesn't know what "No" means and when you call her, she wags her tail and runs in the opposite direction! I end up having to chase her to catch her when I take her for a walk. Got no time to think about taking pics.

At least I got out on my walk this morning and my legs are aching! I used to go every Friday but lately "things" just seem to happen that stop me going. I have been cycling as much as I am able but walking uses different muscles so I am aching in different places! I ended up taking Millie with me, I figured on the "kill two birds with one stone" thing. However, she pulls a lot and so my back is aching as well.

I went for a job interview on Monday which, unfortunately, I didn't get. I am also trying to get an Aran poncho done. And it is the 1st on Monday so I need to get the newsletter done.

Of course, practising with PSE5 means getting plenty of digi scrapping done. This is another of the Ad Challenges. The little pic is the original ad. I learned to make a bsic template and then fitted the photos behind it. This was Benjamins first time in the sea at Porthkerry Beach in Barry.

Here is the original ad for this one.

These pics are from about the same time. I dressed him up as a Tiger so he could take part in the arena with the Brownies at the Scout and Guide Fete. He loved it. I know his face looks like he is crying but he was laughing! I didn't get exactly the effect I was looking for with this one but I did learn how to make the shaded gradient layer to go over the tiger paper.

And finally, this weeks team challenge on UKS.

New Puppets!

I am so pleased, I finished my Jungle puppets pattern. This didn't take me long as, instead of starting something new, I was ever so go and dug something out of the wardrobe to finish off!!!!

So here are Arnold Alligator, Sidney Snake and Petula Parrot. This is my 11th set of puppets. I am thinking of making another set to round it up to 12 then call it a day. I have added it to my site but haven't sold any yet. However, I have had some enquiries as to whether I sell the actual puppets!

Scrap, Scrap, Scrap.

Learning to use a new program is a wonderful excuse for loads of digi scrapping!

I decided to have a go at another of the ads posted in the Ad Challenge. This one is a bit different to my usual style. I did learn where a few more buttons were though. The Denis outfit is one a made for Benjamin a couple of years ago. He was just getting to like reading and was encouraged with Beano comics! Well, whatever works. He didn't like wearing it much thought because people laughed at him. He couldn't get to grips with the fact they were supposed to!

I discovered how to "cut out" part of the photo in this one. I used free papers from Scrapgirls. The font is a long story which I have no intention of telling! However, if you really, really want it, you can buy it for £29 somewhere online!!!!!

And while I was on a roll, I decided to enter the House Challenge on UKS. Very different from my normal style. Paper and overlays by Dawn Inskip. A crocheted Sun by me. A handwriting font from a site that does a whole load of them that all start with "Pea" and I really should have bookmarked, and a "Raindrop Splash" free font filled with a free paper from Scrapgirls. I am sure there must be a much quicker way than the way I worked out how to do it though!

Finding the Buttons

I have been finding where some more of the buttons on PSE5. I am finding it slow going as i keep trying to do things the way I did them in PI and it doesn't work. Sometimes I am tempted to go and do it in PI but that would defeat the whole purpose.

My latest creation is in response to an "Ad Challenge". An advert is posted and you have to use it for inspiration. Whether you stick strictly to the layout of the ad or just use the colours is entirely up to you.

Three were posted and this is the one I chose. I started with one of the pictures of the weir that I took. I decided to take sections of the photo and adjust the lighting to create the same sort of effect the blocks of colour had in the ad. However, the colours were just not vibrant enough to take having the light played about with. So I switched it for one of the fantastic sunsets we get around here. After spending far too much time on it, I managed to find out how to adjust the lightness, put borders around the sections and draw additional lines.

Do you like it?

If you don't recognise the song, its from "Fiddler on the Roof".

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.