Father's Day

Apologies for my lack of blogging this past week, but I have had my Mum staying with me and we were busy busy busy!  However, I did manage to get my Father's Day cards made before Mum arrived (both the same, one for my step dad and one for my FIL):

I also did a small amount of crafting over this past weekend, two tags for gifts:

I again used the vintage comic/black/kraft combination for the tag for my FIL's gift and a small scrap of Basic Grey and other scraps for my MIL's tag.

According to their weight chart, our kittens are gaining weight although to us they don't really seem much bigger (especially Pickle who is still tiny).  However, they have been back to the vet for the first round of injections and have an appointment for the second lot, and the vet seems pleased with their progress.  In fact it was very much a family day out as we took all four pets for their boosters/injections at the same time in order to achieve a 20% discount which, as those of you with pets will know, is not to be sniffed at!  The kittens are also getting a lot braver around the dogs and are coming downstairs on their own accord, so all is going well!

Carole x

Tags, tags, tags!

It's been quite nice this week only having to work my core hours and so I have had quite a bit of time in my Crafty Corner.  I have been making my Christmas gift tags.  This is why I bought the holly die, so thought I really should use it for its intended purpose!  Talk about arm ache though!  Having Cuttlebugged all those tags, and then each holly leaf individually as my green card is lovely and thick, I was getting a little bit fed up.  They may look simple but as I'm sure my fellow crafters will appreciate, there are a lot of steps after the die cutting bit, like inking all the edges, sticking them down and then doodling the border (and I've still got the last batch of doodling to do tonight whilst watching The Apprentice!)

I also made these three for my friend who asked me to make them to go on her homemade jams/chutneys that she is popping in a hamper as a gift:

You probably can't tell from the photo, but they are the middle sized Sizzix tag die instead of the larger one that I have used for my holly gift tags.

I need to wrap a few gifts tomorrow as OH's brother and his family are over from the States visiting and we are all meeting up for a big turkey Thanksgiving dinner on Friday when we will also exchange Christmas gifts as they are returning to the States on 2nd December.  I am so looking forward to seeing them all, and to getting my hands on my stash order that I had delivered to their house in America!  How exciting!!!

Carole x

p.s.  I walked the dogs with my friend Louise again this morning in The New Forest, and it was very, very cold, but very, very pretty :

Dog Lessons for People - finished!

First of all, thank you to everyone who left a lovely comment about my new kitchen! I'm so glad that you like it.

After a minor set back when I ran out of dark blue thread, my "Dog Lessons for People" (by Lizzie Kate) is finally finished. It has now had a good old iron (sorry for swearing!) and is ready for framing! I thought I would show it to you now as if I have to have it professionally framed (instead of being able to buy a ready made frame) then I've got to save up and it could take a while!


I also have a dilemma. I came across this little charm that I bought on my last trip to the US in my sewing stash and wondered about sewing it onto the sampler somewhere as it is rather cute. But where? I'm thinking that maybe by the kennel would be good, but then again does it really need it? Not sure. Any suggestions gratefully received!


Since we are on the subject of dogs, now might be a good time to show you my new die (although some of you may have spied it over on my "cyber friend" (!) SusieJ's blog here ). I'm loving it - nearly as much as my "funky chicken"!!!

I made a couple of dog house tags, one for Sue and her dog Max, and another for myself and my cocker spaniel Tilly (sorry Ollie, but the die just doesn't look like a Spinone!):



and another couple of tags when I was just playing around with my new toy!:



Carole x

Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken

I've got a new die! It's all Katy's fault, she had decorated some of the egg boxes that she fills with her hens fresh eggs, and I just had to have that cute little die! It is a little bit fiddly to assemble (and cut!) and stick come to that, but so worth it! I love, love, love it!

I made these tags this afternoon - I did say that I thought I was developing a tag addiction(!) - after making a new home card for my Mum who moves next week. I was really happy with how the card turned out and can't wait to share it with you once I know Mum has received it (could probably publish it now as she is up to her ears with packing, but just in case, I will wait! Mum if you're looking at this - hi!) Tinks was also happy with how the card turned out and has cheekily added an item to my crafting "to do" list - another card for her, but as a kind of bedroom door sign!


Do you also notice the bunting making a reappearance?! Another addiction! Oh dear! Also those little tickets, love them too! And brown paper, and twine, and hens - lots of my favourite things...

Hope you like them too!

Carole x