Well, there's no going back now . . .

We've started decorating our lounge and it's going to be a BIG job! Our lounge and dining room are one big room separated by a fireplace in the middle. The fireplace has an enormous hearth that juts out at least two feet - it takes up a lot of space. Or I should say - it did.

Here's the picture before.

And this is what we've done to it so far. It wasn't as big a job as Mark feared. He thought it would be solid concrete under the tiles, but it turned out to be cement and a lot of rubble! Of course he had a little helper in the shape of Edward who really enjoyed hitting the concrete with his own hammer - he was actually quite helpful.

The hardest part was taking the final layer of cement off - lots of drilling and banging (bit noisy whilst I was trying to make cards!!), but it didn't take too long to get rid of it.

On Wednesday Mark put down some levelling compound to bring the hearth area up to the depth of the rest of the floor. I did mention that Sophie our 17 year old cat was likely to walk across it whilst it was wet, an idea that Mark pooh poohed. Well guess who was right! Yes we now have a rather delicate set of paw prints set in the concrete now!

The plan for the rest of the decorating is to cover up the chimney breast and fireplace, lay a wood floor (Easter holidays oh joy!) and to paint the walls and freshen up the skirting boards and door frames. I'm not good with decorating - low boredom threshold, and a bit slapdash if the truth be told. Luckily Mark has booked some holiday - perhaps I shall just keep him supplied with tea and food.

And look what came today!! Brand new sofas - hurrah. Our old ones had seen better days, the leather was worn and tatty and permanently covered by a throw because I was so ashamed of the state they were in. I'm so happy! I know we really should have decorated first, but we had to seize the moment. We decided to have black ones so that we can change the colour scheme of the room if we want to and they will still match.

So, I'm going to be very busy packing all my books and CDs and ALL my craft things into boxes, not to mention glasses and best crockery. It's going to be a nightmare clearing the room - I have a lot of clutter (much to Mark's annoyance) so there are going to be quite a lot of boxes!

I'll keep you posted on the progress. Wish me luck!!

M x

Special Commissions

These two cards were commissioned by a friend of mine. The first one was made using DCWV papers. I cut the two scalloped circles with my new Nestabilities. The number 3 is a chipboard number painted with a Denim coloured Dabber.

For this card I used papers that I have had for a while (can't remember what they are - general boy theme), and cut the number 6 using chipboard numbers (Craftwork Cards again!), and Card Candy (yes, you've guessed it - Craftwork Cards!!).

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was good in parts. My daughter came back from three days in Berlin on a Year 10 History trip at 11pm on Saturday, and I spent all day yesterday washing, ironing and repacking so that she could go off at 8am on an Italian exchange. Actually it's exhausting just writing about it! She woke up on a high and then nosedived as the day continued and ended up being very grumpy and uncooperative. Anyway, a week's respite until she returns! I love her dearly, but oh my goodness!

The pressure is off for a while at least - it has been somewhat manic here recently. Both Mark and I are utterly exhausted. Although now we have to tackle our next "project" which is to lodge an appeal to the School Admissions department, as we found out last week that Edward didn't get into our preferred Secondary School. That really contributed to my low mood last week. Edward, bless him, took it on the chin and has been quite philosophical about it.

Anyway, onwards and upwards!

M x

Retail Therapy

If in doubt, shop!! Here are the goodies that I bought at the Stamperama show in Stevenage last weekend. Spent far too much, particularly on the Craftwork Cards stall, but it made me feel So much better!!

These stamps are from Stamp Addicts (the flourish was a free gift - I like those!!).

Been meaning to try some Glossy Accents for ages.

Glitter glue - I use a lot of the Stardust but couldn't resist the baby blue and pink.

Nestabilities - never used these before - hopefully they will be successful.

Craftwork Cards goodies - bought these chipboard shapes mainly for the cute elephants. Will use them as templates.

Assorted bits and bobs - flowers, elegant rectangles and templates.

Paper packs and die cut embellishments.

All spent up, but all these goodies will keep me out of mischief for while.

M x

Cards

Thanks so much for the supportive comments after yesterday's post. I am feeling much more on top of things today. I've actually had a lovely day - watched some TV whilst Edward was at football, caught up with friends and made some cards. Mark has started on our grand decoration plan for the living room - he has dismantled our hearth, in readiness for the new flooring that will hopefully go down during the Easter holidays. Will post some photos of this later.

Anyway here are the cards I made a couple of weeks ago. The first two are general birthday cards using stamps and card from Craftwork Cards. The third card was for our Goddaughter's 21st birthday last week. I used paper by Die Cuts With a View and my new Martha Stewart glitter. Hope you like them.

Our school had a dressing up day for World Book Day on Thursday - the theme was "It's Magic". Edward has never been that keen on dressing up so I had assumed since hadn't mentioned it, that he wasn't bothered. Until Monday night when he said he thought I would have sorted something out for him!!!! So off to town on Tuesday after school to buy fabric (as well as buying currency for Emily's trips to Berlin and her Italian exchange - more of that later). I spent the whole evening until 9.45 hunched over my sewing machine - boy were my shoulders aching after that, but it was worth it. Edward was thrilled when he saw them the next morning.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. More from me soon.

M x

First let me say . . .

I'm really sorry for not being around at all during the last couple of weeks. Things have been hectic and difficult in the Frecklepuss household recently, and I have felt that everything was getting on top of me. I have not felt like I have been able to keep all the balls in the air and I even had a bit of a melt-down at work! My crafting mojo has almost disappeared and my poor hexagonal blanket has been abandoned. I didn't even have the energy to open the computer and comment on other people's blogs. But I am feeling my mood lifting and hopefully I will get back to normal (whatever that is) quickly.

I'm planning to post a few photos over the weekend - cards I have made before all the drama of the last two weeks, lovely goodies I have bought recently and even a set of snazzy wizard's robes I had to make a short notice for World Book Day yesterday!

Ta ta for now!

M x

Round 9 completed

I set myself a task this week to finish the 9th round of my hexagonal blanket - and I did it but wow my hands are still aching. The hardest part was sewing in the ends, which doesn't help as my fingers always go tingly then numb when I sew for too long - dratted trapped nerve in my elbow. Anyway, look, I've done it and if I do say so myself, it looks great!!

Still got a very long way to go though. I reckon I need to do at least another three rounds before I can even think about straightening it to make it rectangular - that's nearly 200 hexagons!!

I made another batch of cupcakes this week, green with stars - very nice but not too many left now!!

I spent yesterday making cards with Edward - he really loved it. He made three Christmas cards and nine birthday cards with cupcakes on. He coloured them in beautifully. I managed to get some cards made too which I will hopefully be able to post tomorrow. I need to get on with some more birthday cards, as well as a Mother's Day card and a 21st birthday card for Mark's Goddaughter. Busy, busy!

Enjoy your day.

M x

It's a lovely day . . .

The sun is shining and it's not raining for a change. Edward and I have been out for breakfast. Bacon, egg and sausage for him, sausage baguette for me - mmm yum. Emily, typical teenager, couldn't be bothered to get out of bed and join us - her loss. We had a little walk by the river, it was beautiful. No photos though as Mark has taken my camera to Chester with him today.

Popped into the Oxfam bookshop for a little browse. Bought myself another Jodi Picoult as I am enjoying My Sister's Keeper, and two Roald Dahl books that Edward wanted. Did see a Chalet School hardback, first time I've seen one in there, but too expensive for me today. I can always dream.

Came home to find Emily still in her pyjamas sprawled in front of the television. No sense of urgency for her GCSE Science Module which is just round the corner - just as well that I bought her two revision books whilst I was in town.

Have finally got back into my hexagonal blanket - did some whilst watching the Brits last night (only watched it for Robbie, who was fantastic. Peter Kay was so funny, but the rest . . . well . . . rubbish really!!). Anyway back to the blanket - I am aiming to finish the round I am working on over the next few days - maybe 15 hexagons in to total. It's looking good, but it's getting really heavy.

I have to confess to this small purchase that I could not resist - Martha Stewart glitter. It's so beautiful. The colours are delicious with gorgeous names of jewels like lapis lazuli, peridot, carnelian, garnet and tourmaline. The problem is, they are too nice to use!!

I feel so pleased, I had a little count up of all the Christmas cards I've made recently, and guess how many. Go on guess. OK it's 76 - yes I did say 76!! How amazing! I think I am going to have a break now as I feel the need to make some birthday cards - got a really busy month coming up and I need to feel organised. I'm not sure what I am going to do yet, but I'm sure inspiration will arrive soon. Anyway - these are the final designs from the Joy paper range that I will be making for some time - hope you like them.

I hope you have a glorious day.

Lots of love

M x