Documenting December Part 1

 

 

Happy New Year!  It's been a while I know, but hey, new year, new me??!!

 

I wanted to share with you the first part of my December album.  I've never started one of these before, and quite frankly, I never thought I would get beyond the first few days!  The reason for making in the first place, was to try and help me focus in December.  I find the whole Christmas thing quite difficult, trying to think of everything, all that shopping, not to mention the money aspect.  There's an awful lot of pressure to have the perfect Christmas, and it never seems to happen.  I tried to adopt the whole "just go with it" approach, and honestly, it really helped.  This Christmas was possibly the most relaxed one we've had in a long while.

 

So to the album.  I used a 6" x 8" Stampin' Up kraft album, along with their Hello December 2015 Project Life cards and embellishment kit.  I supplemented the papers with some of the extra papers I bought with my Like For Ever kit (Wish List - Cocoa Vanilla).  I also pulled out some Christmas themed washi tape, wood veneer snowflakes, gold glitter tape etc etc.  My colour scheme was mainly a soft mint green, blue and red with gold accents.

 

I also joined Shimelle Laine's Journal Your Christmas class to help with the prompts.  I didn't follow that religiously, but it gave me a good starting point.

 

So here's the beginning, up to and including Day 10.  Enjoy :)

 

 

I'm very pleased with how these pages turned out.  I hope you have enjoyed having a little peak.  I'll be posting Part 2 in the next couple of days.  Thanks for dropping by.  I really appreciate any comments.

 

Take care

 

Michelle

Serene Snowflakes

Hi everyone.  Hope you all enjoyed the extra hour in bed this morning, I know I did.  I was very warm and snuggly.  I have to say that I am not enjoying this sudden drop in temperature, and have had to crank the heating right up.

 

I am, however, enjoying the fact that I don't have to go to work tomorrow!  Half term has been a long time coming, the last eight weeks have seemed never ending.  Although when we go back we will be gearing up for the madness of Christmas. 

 

With that in mind, I have made a start on some Christmas cards.  I have lots to make, both for my personal use and for a charity event I am supporting, so I need to get busy!

 

My first batch were made with the sadly discontinued Serene Snowflakes stamps from Stampin' Up.  I have coveted this set for quite some time and am enjoying using them so much.

 

The two cards I am sharing are the same design but with different colours.  The first set of colours are Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand and Pink Pirouette, and for the second I used Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake.  I added a few crystals to give them a bit of subtle bling!

 

The sentment is one I've had for years from Denami.

 

 

 

Thanks for dropping by and I appreciate the comments you leave.  Come back tomorrow and I will share another Christmas card with you.

Take care and wrap up warm.

Michelle x x

Christmas Goodies

Hello everyone.  I hope you all had a lovely, peaceful Christmas.  We had a lovely time with family, and are now enjoying a quiet few days (playing with our presents!).

I was a very lucky girl at Christmas and received some fab presents, which I thought I would share with you today, although I apologise for the poor quality of the photos.

I got two sets of Dylusions inks as well as these great rubber stamps. These are in readiness for starting Art Journaling which I have been interested in for a while, although I confess to being slightly nervous of doing it wrong.  I have been slowly building up a collection of acrylic paints, stencils and inks, and I think now I am ready to make a start.

I also got a set of star shaped Nestabilities dies that I have wanted for ages, a flourish die from Memory Box and a 2-disc set of Art Journaling DVDs by Kate Crane.  

A much wanted addition to my tool kit from my mum and dad.

The cake stand was a present from the teachers I work with who know that I love to bake cakes.  A very thoughtful and much appreciated present.

As a huge fan of the Great British Bake Off, this book was a lovely surprise.  The recipes look amazing and I can't wait to try some of them out.

The second series of Glee and a Robert Pattison DVD - these will keep me happy for hours!

Not to mention some edible goodies and a bottle of Pimms!

I was indeed a lucky girl.  I also got a couple of calendars and a new charm for my Lovelinks bracelet.  But the present that meant the most was from my children.  We have had a pretty tough year and Mark and I haven't been able to go out together, so the children saved their money and gave us some to have a meal out - just the two of us.  It was so thoughtful of them and unexpected and it made me cry,

So, I hope you are enjoying your presents as much as I am enjoying mine.

Take care

M x

Merry Christmas

Hi Everyone!  This is my final post before Christmas and I thought I would share with you two things I have made, first my Christmas card to Mark and second the Christmas cake I have made this year.  I hope you like them.

For Mark's card, I used last year's Christmas paper from Craftwork Cards (Jack Frost) and added some blue organza ribbon, some foil stars, a sentiment and of course, some Candi.  It was a bit last minute, as I said in my previous post, we weren't going to do cards this year.  Heigh ho, I am pleased with the finished article, even if it was a bit rushed.

I decorated my Christmas cake today, with the help of my mum.  She kindly did the marzipan and icing bit because I am not feeling very well - streaming cold (always get one this time of year - the moment I finish work), and I did the decorating.  I made the cake from the Waitrose Cake in a Box by Delia Smith and have shamelessly stolen her decorating suggestion too!  I hope it's nice because I have bought another one that was reduced to half price - that will teach Mark to moan that I never make fruit cake.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, relaxed and peaceful Christmas, and to say a big thank you for your continued company and support - particularly Jane (thank you for your lovely comment about the funeral, it meant a lot).

Have a good one.  Lots of love

Michelle x x

Christmas Money Wallets

Well, it's been a while.  Things have been rather hectic to say the least, but I bet everyone else is in the same position.  I am pleased to say that I have pretty much finished my Christmas shopping and most things have been wrapped too.  Today I have been writing Christmas cards, as well as making a couple more.  I have a couple of parcels to post and that is pretty much that.  The next job is to plan the food - haven't really given it much thought yet, except that I have made a Christmas cake.  I used the Waitrose Delia Smith cake in a box and am really pleased with how it has turned out.  Much less hassle than buying all the dried fruit that will sit in the cupboard for ever more.

I am giving my nephew and niece money for Christmas and I wanted to make them something nice to put the money in, hence the money wallets below.  I used a landscape folded card and decorated the front with papers that were free gifts, used matching embellishments for the envelopes.  Then I cut a semi-circle freehand inside to hold the money.  (Just got to find the cash now!!).

I have started a new crochet blanket for Edward - colours chosen by him - which I hope to share with you this week if I have time.  We are now in the final push at work - just got to get through Christmas parties tomorrow, panto at Stevenage on Tuesday, Christmas lunch and staff panto on Wednesday, Christingle on Thursday and then we break up on Friday - if I last that long!!

Ta ta and have a good week.  Thanks for dropping by.

M x

Hi all.

I've been up to my eyes in crafting over the last two weeks, desperately trying to make stock for the stall I'm having at a local Christmas Craft Fair next weekend.  The problem is, that nothing is completely ready.  Everything is either in need of finishing off, or mounting or wrapping.  I've been working most nights trying to get through it all, and then of course trying to take photos at the moment is hard - the light is so poor.  I'm hoping to make major inroads at the weekend so that I can relax a bit next week. and hopefully I will have things to share with you.

I do have one card to show you however.  Yesterday was my Mum's birthday and here is the card I made for her.

All the products are from the Shabby Vintage project of the month kit from Craftwork Cards.  I took inspiration from the ideas sheet that came with the kit, but made a few changes.  My mum was thrilled with the card, and I have to say I am rather pleased with how it turned out.  This is the first card I have made from this kit so far.  It's very different from my usual style but it's good to do something different.

So, who is feeling bogged down by Christmas!  Me!!!  I can't get my head around it this year.  Usually by now I am much more organized, but not this year.  I am having to force myself to think about it, and my brain is resisting!  I have a day off next Friday and my mission is to go to a big shopping centre (hell on earth!!) and stay there until everything is done!  Wish me luck, I'll need it!

M x

P.S. I'm off to see the next instalment of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 1, at the cinema on Saturday - I am beyond excited!!

Happy New Year!

Hi everyone. Did you all have a great Christmas? I do hope so.

Mine was lovely. It was nice to spend time with the family and have a few days off from the television and computers. Even Emily managed to stay off her laptop for a whole day (no mean feat I promise you!!). The children were delighted with their presents - all total surprises. We played games - card and board although Pictionary promised more than it delivered!

Can you guess what I got? Here's a little sneaky peak.



Not only did I get a Cath Kidston mug . . .



Look at all the other fabulous goodies that I got, including my beloved Cath Kidston bag and the complete Season One of Glee - I am a lucky girl indeed! I also got a Robbie Williams CD and calender and a Robert Pattison calender, as well as some chocolates.

We have been quite busy since the Christmas weekend. Emily has been revising for her mock exams which happen as soon as she goes back to school. Edward has had a large amount of homework to complete (and he hasn't finished it all yet eeek!). Mark and I have tackled our bedroom, sorting out all of our clothes and generally decluttering. We have filled bin bags full of rubbish and have two huge piles of clothes to take to the charity shop. Whilst it has not been the most thrilling of jobs, there is quite a feeling of satisfaction, particularly as we can now see the floor and get into our wardrobes!!!

And so today is New Year's Eve. Where has the year gone? It seems to have flown by in a flash. I haven't planned any New Year's Resolutions yet - I know I want to push myself a little bit more with my crafting - mini books are something I want to make more of. I want to give my blog a bit of a face lift - make it a bit more colourful. I want to get a bit more exercise and be a bit healthier (we'll see how that one goes!!). And that's it for now.

I would like to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Thank you for spending time with me this year and I hope you continue to visit in 2011.

M x

Merry Christmas

I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and I hope that the New Year brings you health and happiness.

Love

Michelle x

Christmas bits and bobs

Today is the start of my Christmas holidays - what a joy to wake up on and a Monday morning and not have to go to work.

I was overwhelmed with gifts from the children I work with, as well as some lovely home made cards. They are such a lovely bunch of kids, I'm very lucky.

My Dream Blanket is coming on a treat. I'm really enjoying making it, and half the fun is deciding what colour should come next (I always defer to Emily - she is my Artistic Director after all!). I have 32 colours in total (couldn't choose, so bought loads!!), and size wise, it's a perfect size for my double bed. Emily has asked me to make her one next, but she wants to limit it to about six colours and have more rows per colour.

We decorated our house for Christmas yesterday and now we feel nice and festive. Emily took some lovely photos of the tree, and both the children went a bit mad putting tinsel everywhere. I don't mind because it was lovely that they were so involved and excited.

Why is when you don't have to get up early, you are always awake at a ridiculous hour. I was awake before 7am and up and dressed by 8am. As the children were still asleep I thought I would be a little bit self indulgent and watch my Eclipse DVD which came two weeks ago and I haven't had a chance to watch. I really enjoyed it (again!!) - a great start to the day!

I've also managed to make my parents' Christmas card (sorry Mum and Dad if you're reading this). I didn't really leave it to the last minute, but my Mum has seen all the cards I made so I couldn't send them one of those. Anyway it's done now!

Have a great day.

M x

Questions questions . . .

I love these festive questionnaires - I've spotted them on a few blogs over the last couple of days, such as here (Chickens in my Kitchen), here (Little Tin Bird) and here (Just Me) and wanted to join in the fun. Have a go, go on, I dare you!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Definitely wrapping paper. I try to have a colour scheme each year - this year is green, blue and silver (never gold), with matching ribbon and bows. As much as I do like gift bags, there are too many presents at Christmas and I would spend a fortune!

2. Real tree or artificial?

In a perfect world, a real tree as you can't beat the smell, but sadly not in the Frecklepuss household. We have a very lovely artificial one without the mess of dropping pine needles.

3. When do you put up the tree?

We always put our tree up the weekend before Christmas. It would drive me mad having it up from the beginning of December. By the time the children and I have broken up from school I can start to look forward to Christmas and enjoy the decorations.

4.When do you take the tree down?

Always on 12th night, never before. Some traditions need to be observed!

5. Favourite gift received as a child.

One of the presents I remember most was a pogo stick I received from my mum and dad when I was 9 or 10 - it took me ages to master it!

6.Hardest person to buy for.

Mother-in-Law without a doubt! It's not that she's difficult - just boring. It's either slippers, a cardigan, a jigsaw puzzle or Cadbury's chocolate. This year we have pushed the boat out and bought her a dressing gown - hope she likes it!

7. Easiest person to buy for.

My daughter Emily. It's hard to stop buying for her as I am always seeing things that she would like. Edward's pretty easy too - Xbox games and plenty of books. He's harder for stocking fillers though.

8. Post or email Christmas cards.

Definitely post. I am a passionate card maker - wouldn't dream of using email. Prefer the personal approach.

9. Favourite Christmas film.

Whilst not strictly a Christmas film, my favourite film to watch at this time of year is Meet Me in St Louis, guaranteed to make me cry every time - particularly when the little girl is smashing down the snow angels - it's a must.

10. When do you start Christmas shopping?

Bits and bobs start trickling in around November, but serious shopping starts at the beginning of December. Have done most of mine online this year as I abhor shopping.

11. Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift?

Oh yes! I'm sure most of us have a some point.

12 Favourite thing to eat at Christmas.

My mum's stuffing - divine!

13. Lights on the tree - coloured or clear?

Clear - I love the simplicity of white lights.

14. Favourite Christmas song.

I believe in Father Christmas - Greg Lake.

15. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?

Definitely stay at home. Family come to us. We've always done it like this ever since we had the children.

16. Angel, star or ribbon on top of the tree?

Well that's a contentious issue in our house! Emily likes the angel and Edward prefers the star, so we alternate (and I take a photo as proof for the following year!!).

17. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Honestly! Christmas Day of course! It's not Christmas until then.

18. Most annoying thing about this time of year.

The fact that people want to celebrate Christmas from the 1st December - why? And while I'm having a mini rant, I hate adverts and magazines that go on and on about how to have a perfect Christmas - talk about heaping on the pressure! OK - I'm done now - sorry!

19. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Apart from the fact that I want us all to be fit, well and happy - I'd like a Cath Kidston bag (I know, I'm sorry if that sounds a bit shallow, but I'm only human! I wouldn't say no to the boxed set of Glee either).

20. Traditional colours (red and green) or other colours?

I like contemporary colours - pink, purple, blue and all with silver. I'm not a big fan of gold, red and green. But having said that, our decorations are a mish mash of things collected over the years and there is no colour theme. I like to buy a new decoration for each year - this year, some really bright coloured baubles.

I'd love to see your answers, so if you give it a go, don't forget to link back to me please.

Hope you are all coping with the snow. We have quite a lot in our corner of Hertfordshire. Take a lot of care. I'm not going out at all if I don't have to. Off to watch the Strictly final now, bye bye.

M x

Happy New Year!

It's been a week since I last posted and I don't know where the time has gone. We had a lovely Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The children were thrilled with all their presents (and so was I!!). Yes, I did get my much wished for camera and I am very happy. Emily has been giving me a few tips, but it is quite straight forward to work. I am now planning to take lots more photos, particularly of my crafting.

We have also had some fun on the Wii over Christmas as we all got some new games (apart from Mark that is). I got the Wii Fit Plus and we have all been having a go - I'm not that great, but it's a laugh. I still reign supreme at Ski Jump.

Unfortunately I came down with a streaming cold on Boxing Day evening which laid me out for a few days. It was such a hardship to have a sofa day watching Crafts on QVC all day!! A few purchases made me feel better.

I did have to cancel my friend the next day as I was still feeling very poorly, which also meant I couldn't go to London with her the the day after. Even today I still don't feel 100%, although miles better than I did.

New Years Eve is going to be a quiet one tonight - just staying in, the four of us. Emily has been out with her friends this afternoon and Edward has had his friend Sam round for a play. Mark has just ordered us a curry for our tea,and there is a bottle of champagne in the fridge for later.

Need to think about my New Year's Resolutions for 2010,and maybe if they are in print, I might stick to them!

I think one would be to try and feel less stressed and be happier. Life seems to have been particularly tough over the last couple of years and I would like things to calm down.

I would like to give more of my time to my crafts and document them more. I would definitely like to give scrap booking a go - I have enough stuff to start me off.

I would like to feel more organised and in control - things have been slipping of late and it has made me feel panicky.

I would also like to feel more relaxed and to stop having panic attacks over things outside of my control.

And finally, the usual one, the one I never seem to succeed at - weight loss. Nothing else needs to be said!!

Well there we are, we shall see. I will keep you posted on the progress of these five resolutions. wish me luck (and good luck with any you make)!

Happy New Year!!

M x

Christmas Eve and Christmas Cupcakes

Well, we have finally got there. The house is clean and tidy, the presents are all wrapped, the decorations are up and some Christmas cooking has been done.

And finally . . . the snow is melting! I thought I would show you the lovely photo of our Pyracantha covered in snow, that Mark took earlier in the week. It really makes me feel Christmassy. I actually feel in the mood now, particularly as everything has come together well today.

And here are the results of my cooking labours today - Christmas Cupcakes. They are vanilla flavoured with Christmas coloured icing. Edward and I had great fun with the decorations. I am a big fan of edible glitter now, so no doubt all my cupcakes in the future will be suitably sparkly! I can feel another trip to the cake decorating shop in the New Year for further supplies!

Fingers crossed that Father Christmas looks kindly upon me and brings me a new camera tomorrow - I really hope so. Emily's camera gives such great results and is much easier to use. Edward is hopeful too, as I have promised him my old one if I get a new one.

I like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

Lots of love

M x

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree . . . .

M x