Well, this is a double edged sword .... I've just been signed off work with a neck & shoulder condition that's leaving me in a lot of pain and slowly reducing the mobility I have in that arm. So far I've been signed off for 4weeks, but I just know that it will be extended further. I'm being referred to a specialist consultant for further investigations, xrays, MRI scans and Physiotherapy ... the good side being, I'll finally have more time at home to relax and spend crafting.
I appreciate that this site of mine has been somewhat neglected and I really do feel that this is my chance to reignite my love for card making and learn a few new skills from many of you out there.
Having a much reduced income over the next few months, will mean using up supplies that I already have, which will be a challenge, so you could say this Credit Crunch will teach me a thing or two at my craft desk too and probably do me the world of good ... so watch this space.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Embellishment drawers
Well, there isn't a lot to see here, but I've chosen to link up my previously two piled embellishment drawers and have them appear in one stack, split only by the desk top. As before, my embellishments are sorted by colour and the two jars on the top, hold oddments of ribbons.
The old chopping board sat neatly down the side of my stool, is used when heating shrink plastic or hammering and comes in very handy for an additional surface.
Its a small craft area with two sets of IKEA box drawers elsewhere for my stamps, but I make do. I'd love to have some lovely flash space, but sadly it's just not possible.
The old chopping board sat neatly down the side of my stool, is used when heating shrink plastic or hammering and comes in very handy for an additional surface.
Its a small craft area with two sets of IKEA box drawers elsewhere for my stamps, but I make do. I'd love to have some lovely flash space, but sadly it's just not possible.
Space Saving Magnetic Canisters
There isn't much in them at the moment, but give me time ;o)
These great little magnetic pots are from IKEA and I'm currently using them to house my button collection, which is actually much bigger than this, but need colour sorting. I bought the magnetic pen holder in Target in America and used to have it in my kitchen, but thought it was best used here. It houses my key items that I use the most.
The little basket on the top holds most of my Making Memories matching paper blocks, which are mostly new and unused and I just love them! ...
These great little magnetic pots are from IKEA and I'm currently using them to house my button collection, which is actually much bigger than this, but need colour sorting. I bought the magnetic pen holder in Target in America and used to have it in my kitchen, but thought it was best used here. It houses my key items that I use the most.
The little basket on the top holds most of my Making Memories matching paper blocks, which are mostly new and unused and I just love them! ...
Desk time
At long last .... I've finally found some time to upload a few photo's of my new craft area. Its a rather small space I'm sure you'll agree, but I'm trying to make best use of it and have as much close to hand as possible.
The two cream drawer units were previously sat side by side and not close by my desk space, so I decided to put them one on top of the other and make use of the side of the top one to attach magnetic canisters to, in order to free up some much needed desk space.
My embellishment drawers are now to the right and close to hand. These also previously used to sit on top of the cream drawer units some distance from my desk. It's all sitting quite neatly in and I'm looking forward to putting it all to the test.
The next step is to seek approval from my landlords to put up a shelf and pinboard above the desk, but that may just have to wait a little while longer.
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Year ... New Craft Desk
Happy New Year to you all !!
Well, I don't know whatever possessed me, but at stupid o'clock on New Year's Day, I decided to have a sort out of my Craft Desk. Just a simple little tidy ... so I thought, but this soon lead to a full deep clean, clear out and change round and I didn't get to bed until the wee small hours. Nothing was stopping me!!
I only have a small desk and a limited amount of storage space really, but I wanted to try and make better use of it all and have things closer to hand, whilst using a little less floor space. My spare bedroom doubles up as a guest room and craft room, so I like to make it relaxing for guests and not busy with glitter and ribbons, so it's important to me to keep things organised. I thought that a change round and an improvement to my set up, might just encourage me to sit back behind the craft wheel and get creating again. This year, with a little more enthusiasm.
I finally sorted out some old backing papers and disposed of the old plastic drawers that I had from Next that were really quite ugly. I'm amazed at just how much backing papers, vellum and textured papers I have, that I'm not making use of and I'm hoping that the sort out will encourage me to use up some old stock, to make way for lovely new stock. I'm considering storing my scraps in a wicker basket that I can have sat by me, each time I craft.
I really could do with a trip to IKEA for a few items to finish things off, but funds just won't allow right now, so will put that off til next month.
I'll upload a few photo's of my craft space later this week. As I say .. it's not huge, but it might just help others who are limited on space, how to best use it.
Well, I don't know whatever possessed me, but at stupid o'clock on New Year's Day, I decided to have a sort out of my Craft Desk. Just a simple little tidy ... so I thought, but this soon lead to a full deep clean, clear out and change round and I didn't get to bed until the wee small hours. Nothing was stopping me!!
I only have a small desk and a limited amount of storage space really, but I wanted to try and make better use of it all and have things closer to hand, whilst using a little less floor space. My spare bedroom doubles up as a guest room and craft room, so I like to make it relaxing for guests and not busy with glitter and ribbons, so it's important to me to keep things organised. I thought that a change round and an improvement to my set up, might just encourage me to sit back behind the craft wheel and get creating again. This year, with a little more enthusiasm.
I finally sorted out some old backing papers and disposed of the old plastic drawers that I had from Next that were really quite ugly. I'm amazed at just how much backing papers, vellum and textured papers I have, that I'm not making use of and I'm hoping that the sort out will encourage me to use up some old stock, to make way for lovely new stock. I'm considering storing my scraps in a wicker basket that I can have sat by me, each time I craft.
I really could do with a trip to IKEA for a few items to finish things off, but funds just won't allow right now, so will put that off til next month.
I'll upload a few photo's of my craft space later this week. As I say .. it's not huge, but it might just help others who are limited on space, how to best use it.
Monday, December 8, 2008
One very happy 38yr old man, content with glitter & glue (momentarily)
Look at what my Boyfriend created for me. He was quite adamant that he wanted to make me a Christmas Card and being pretty creative himself, did quite well.
What a star he is .... All but the tree, cut by hand, with a Pipe cleaner for the scarf, a nose that actually sticks out ...... AND wobbly eyes! I've never received a Handmade card from a partner before ... well, at least not made by them. He SO enjoyed himself! .... so I now expect handmade cards from him for Valentines and Birthdays ... lol.
What a star he is .... All but the tree, cut by hand, with a Pipe cleaner for the scarf, a nose that actually sticks out ...... AND wobbly eyes! I've never received a Handmade card from a partner before ... well, at least not made by them. He SO enjoyed himself! .... so I now expect handmade cards from him for Valentines and Birthdays ... lol.
Could they get any simpler? ....
Just when I felt guilty that my creations were becoming simpler by the day, they become even simpler. In one night I knocked up so many of these, that I managed to finish off my Christmas Card making and have them all in the post today.
Hard to believe that a simple Holly Punch and a Red Diamante and glue could bring about a Christmas Card so effective.
I know that this site has been somewhat neglected by me this year and I'm hoping that recent creations have helped put a renewed injection of interest into my favored hobby. I've just packed away all my Christmas punches etc (all but what I need to finish my boyfriends card in the morning) and plan on returning to my craft desk again after Christmas to start on Valentines and Spring cards early, sometime in January. I'm promising myself a monthly craft workshop to keep myself abreast of the new methods etc to keep my interest fresh. I also want to attend a Stampin Up workshop or two.
Hard to believe that a simple Holly Punch and a Red Diamante and glue could bring about a Christmas Card so effective.
I know that this site has been somewhat neglected by me this year and I'm hoping that recent creations have helped put a renewed injection of interest into my favored hobby. I've just packed away all my Christmas punches etc (all but what I need to finish my boyfriends card in the morning) and plan on returning to my craft desk again after Christmas to start on Valentines and Spring cards early, sometime in January. I'm promising myself a monthly craft workshop to keep myself abreast of the new methods etc to keep my interest fresh. I also want to attend a Stampin Up workshop or two.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Christmas is just round the corner ....
With Christmas just around the corner I guess I should really be putting my mind to my Christmas Cards?? .....
With limited time as usual, I've set myself a challenge to produce some very simple cards, whilst using up some scraps of paper and a few embellishments that have been hanging around for several years.
To make things simpler, I thought I'd stick to one colour theme, til that batch of scrap paper had been used up and I decide to move onto the next colour theme. I actually quite like these colours.
The little snowflakes were actually little buttons that I snipped the back loop from and glued on and the "Noel" lettering from my QuickKutz Letter set.
These simple trees were created from scraps with little lemon baby buttons used as the star at the top.
The final scraps of the green and blue cards, were cut into strips of different lengths, before making up a hap hazard tree. The white brads make for tree decorations and the star brad at the top the finishing touch.
With limited time as usual, I've set myself a challenge to produce some very simple cards, whilst using up some scraps of paper and a few embellishments that have been hanging around for several years.
To make things simpler, I thought I'd stick to one colour theme, til that batch of scrap paper had been used up and I decide to move onto the next colour theme. I actually quite like these colours.
The little snowflakes were actually little buttons that I snipped the back loop from and glued on and the "Noel" lettering from my QuickKutz Letter set.
These simple trees were created from scraps with little lemon baby buttons used as the star at the top.
The final scraps of the green and blue cards, were cut into strips of different lengths, before making up a hap hazard tree. The white brads make for tree decorations and the star brad at the top the finishing touch.
ooo I'm on a roll ...
With my boyfriends card being the starting point, I was on a roll .... I've two female birthdays this side of Christmas, so decided to make something very girlie, very pink and very simple and here it is.
Recipe:
Recipe:
- Stampin Up Scallop edge punch and 2" circular punch
- Making Memories Ribbon - Bella range
- Jolees Boutique - Cupcake
- QuickKutz Alphabet
I feel a bit of a cheat making use of a ready make cupcake, but with time being limited, I hope I'm providing inspiration to others out there with very limited time.
Is it the Birth of my Hobby again? .....
Well, it really has been a very long time since my last posting. This year has presented me with some rather more pressing subjects to deal with and sadly luxuries like spending time in my craft room have very much had to take the back seat .... but ....
Thankfully my boyfriends Birthday earlier this week, was my encouragement to get in there, even if only for a day .... and boy did I enjoy it.
I'm so pleased with how this card worked out. I'm not normally so good at producing Male cards, but I think the colours and theme have all come together nicely and the chalks have aged the tab and "Milestone" phrase nicely.
More importantly, my boyfriend was really pleased with it. It was the first card I'd made for him and the first he'd seen me make at all.
Thankfully my boyfriends Birthday earlier this week, was my encouragement to get in there, even if only for a day .... and boy did I enjoy it.
Recipe:
- Marcella by K Cardstock
- Blue Velvet Paper
- Cream & Beige Chalks
- Penny Black - Milestones Stamp 3172H
- Making Memories Square Wavy Charmed Frames
- Making Memories Cajun Ribbon
- Making Memories rub on phrases
- McGill File Tab 3" Punch
I'm so pleased with how this card worked out. I'm not normally so good at producing Male cards, but I think the colours and theme have all come together nicely and the chalks have aged the tab and "Milestone" phrase nicely.
More importantly, my boyfriend was really pleased with it. It was the first card I'd made for him and the first he'd seen me make at all.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Boy it's been a long time ....
For all of you who have been visiting my site ... thank you ... and sorry ... you've not seen anything creative from me in ages.
Things after my move have finally settled down a bit and I'm now starting to get myself straight. My craft room needs a little attention and I could do with a trip to IKEA for a few more drawers to help organise what I have.
Being in a rented apartment, I'm not allowed, without prior consent from the Landlord, to put up shelves etc and I feel that requests like that should come after I've been here for at least 6 months and we are into a Long Term let, so for now, I have to make do with what I have.
Things after my move have finally settled down a bit and I'm now starting to get myself straight. My craft room needs a little attention and I could do with a trip to IKEA for a few more drawers to help organise what I have.
Being in a rented apartment, I'm not allowed, without prior consent from the Landlord, to put up shelves etc and I feel that requests like that should come after I've been here for at least 6 months and we are into a Long Term let, so for now, I have to make do with what I have.
My desk is in a beautifully bright and airy spare bedroom with three large sash windows. Its just perfect for all the colourful things I'll be creating in there. My desk is quite slim, so I really need to organise my things better to free up the worktop space and make better use of drawers around me.
I'd like to buy some more of the IKEA wooden box drawers that are sitting to the lefthand side of the desk and put them to the right to put all my pens, scissors and everyday supplies in. The plastic drawers currently to the right hold all my ebay sales, which I hope to move elsewhere.
This area really is a mess ..... I'd like to buy another set of the cream IKEA drawers to replace the plastic ones to the right and house more cardstock, which sits on the top in the basket. Hopefully then, with most of the things away in drawers, there will be more space to display my ribbon/button jars to colour inspire me.
I'll give you an update on my progress and hopefully my organisation might just help others out there who are in the same, no shelf, position as me.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Home is where the Heart is!
Sunny Sussex here I am !!!! ;o)
The Move has taken place and I'm unpacked and settling in nicely. Its so good to be back to familiar surroundings, the South Coast and all my friends and family. I never realised just how much I missed the sound of Seagulls living up in Warwickshire and the smell of the sea air.
Horsham has a lot to offer and is surrounded by some great Crafting stores, which I look forward to frequenting. My Craft Desk is in and provisionally set up. I'd like another filing cabinet from IKEA to tidy things further and store a few more loose things that I previously had on shelves, but all that will come in time. Being a rented apartment, I'm limited to what I have for the time being, but I'm sure in time, I may be allowed to put up extra shelves etc.
Once I've finished getting myself set up with DRs, Dentists and generally settling back into my surroundings, I'll be hitting the Craft Desk full on ... and I can't wait.
It's good to be back !!! ;o)
The Move has taken place and I'm unpacked and settling in nicely. Its so good to be back to familiar surroundings, the South Coast and all my friends and family. I never realised just how much I missed the sound of Seagulls living up in Warwickshire and the smell of the sea air.
Horsham has a lot to offer and is surrounded by some great Crafting stores, which I look forward to frequenting. My Craft Desk is in and provisionally set up. I'd like another filing cabinet from IKEA to tidy things further and store a few more loose things that I previously had on shelves, but all that will come in time. Being a rented apartment, I'm limited to what I have for the time being, but I'm sure in time, I may be allowed to put up extra shelves etc.
Once I've finished getting myself set up with DRs, Dentists and generally settling back into my surroundings, I'll be hitting the Craft Desk full on ... and I can't wait.
It's good to be back !!! ;o)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Moving Moments ...
Easter springs upon us and I'm about to box everything up and move South ... so the craft desk moves again! My new place has a beautifully bright and airy room, which I look forward to crafting in, but sadly, if I've measured up correctly, I may need to buy a new desk, as my current one appears a little too long for the space it's intended.
I'm hoping that between now and my move, to get at least one more special card made, as I've a 2yr old boys card needed for my dear friends son, early April, just when everything is likely to still be boxed up. If time allows, I'll share it here with you, otherwise, you probably won't see a blog post from me for a few weeks.
Wishing all crafters out there a Happy Easter!
I'm hoping that between now and my move, to get at least one more special card made, as I've a 2yr old boys card needed for my dear friends son, early April, just when everything is likely to still be boxed up. If time allows, I'll share it here with you, otherwise, you probably won't see a blog post from me for a few weeks.
Wishing all crafters out there a Happy Easter!
Friday, March 7, 2008
I've been Tagged
I've been tagged by my dear friend Janette (Cards & Chat).
4 JOBS: Personnel Secretary, Recruitment Consultant, Reflexologist, Longhaul Air Hostess
4 MOVIES: Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Million Dollar Baby, My Fair Lady
4 PLACES I've been: thoughtout America (North & South), throughout Africa, throughout India, Singapore
4 PLACES I've lived: Brighton, York, Rugby, Horsham
4 TV Programmes I watch: "Location, Location, Location", "Property Ladder", "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmere's", "Friends"
4 RADIO SHOWS: There is only one .... Radio 1
4 FAVORITE FOODS: Fish, Strawberries, Cheese, Creme Brulee :o)
4 PLACES I'D RATHER BE: Italy, anywhere with friends & family, Sun lounger on a dessert Island, Craft Room
4 JOBS: Personnel Secretary, Recruitment Consultant, Reflexologist, Longhaul Air Hostess
4 MOVIES: Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Million Dollar Baby, My Fair Lady
4 PLACES I've been: thoughtout America (North & South), throughout Africa, throughout India, Singapore
4 PLACES I've lived: Brighton, York, Rugby, Horsham
4 TV Programmes I watch: "Location, Location, Location", "Property Ladder", "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmere's", "Friends"
4 RADIO SHOWS: There is only one .... Radio 1
4 FAVORITE FOODS: Fish, Strawberries, Cheese, Creme Brulee :o)
4 PLACES I'D RATHER BE: Italy, anywhere with friends & family, Sun lounger on a dessert Island, Craft Room
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Real Coffee Break
This is a Real Coffee Break for a change and one I just know I'll enjoy.
I received a very generous Christmas Gift from my old Lodger that sadly had to be taken back, so this weekend replaced the item with something that I know I'll love and get lots of use out of. I adore my Coffee and in particular my espresso's, so it just had to be an Nespresso Coffee Maker and electric Milk Frother.
ooo it looks fantastic on my worktop and boy does it taste good. There's a selection of varying strengths of coffee to sample, so that you can determine your favourite to purchase in the future. This morning started with a Cappuccino with perfectly formed froth that resembled white fluffy clouds and I'm onto my 2nd espresso since. Oh how I'll have to control my consumption now ... it will save me a small fortune at my nearby Coffee shops though and my waistline on the accompanying pastries ;o)
My kitchen has turned into it's own little Cafe Nero
I received a very generous Christmas Gift from my old Lodger that sadly had to be taken back, so this weekend replaced the item with something that I know I'll love and get lots of use out of. I adore my Coffee and in particular my espresso's, so it just had to be an Nespresso Coffee Maker and electric Milk Frother.
ooo it looks fantastic on my worktop and boy does it taste good. There's a selection of varying strengths of coffee to sample, so that you can determine your favourite to purchase in the future. This morning started with a Cappuccino with perfectly formed froth that resembled white fluffy clouds and I'm onto my 2nd espresso since. Oh how I'll have to control my consumption now ... it will save me a small fortune at my nearby Coffee shops though and my waistline on the accompanying pastries ;o)
My kitchen has turned into it's own little Cafe Nero
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