Keep On Stewing....

....or, Exams R Us

(with the help of Shimelle's Sketch of the week).

The pinwheels are in green felt

It's exam season round here. Big, hard exams, the kind you end up writing about on job applications. He's been working hard, though, my boy. I think he'll be alright.

When I was at school anyone who worked very hard was called a "stew". Revising for exams was "stewing". My two don't like it if I shout "keep on stewing" upstairs as they work. They tend to come out of their rooms and pelt me with things, over the bannisters.

I asked them what word they would use and they couldn't think of one. (What does this say about school life today? I'm not sure. Maybe it just means they are at a school which respects a bit of hard work?)

What about skipping school then I said. What would you say for that? We said "scheming" as in "I schemed triple General Science and went home." Oops. did I say that out loud? Strange word, they thought. "Skiving" (to rhyme with "jiving") is what they use. But remember kids, it's for saying and not for doing..

"Formals" have turned into "Proms". School dances, as we knew them, ("hops" according to my mum) don't happen round here anymore. Too hard to police. Mmm.. I think I can feel another new page coming on. But I'd like a few more examples, please, if you have any?

Captured in a Card (3)

Story Champion

When I was six I told my teacher we were going to Sweden for our holidays. We weren't going anywhere and I was getting a bit fed up hearing about everyone else's plans. But I got caught out when the teacher asked my mum about our interesting holiday ...
A retro look for a story from the 70's.

Regular readers will have heard this story before, but I thought it was a good one to go with a picture of a little holiday girl looking shocked. Maybe her Mum just caught her out too.

AND it's a great reminder for me to remind you that it's Storytelling Sunday next week, 5th June

Five Things Five Years From Now

Five things you know won't be around in five year's time, Amy said. Photograph them, blog them. whatever.

Mmm. For a whole pile of tricky reasons I'd need a day to explain, thinking about things not being around (especially at this time of year) would make me melancholy. Too melancholy.

I had to find another way. Fast. So, I offer The Accountant you five things I hope I still won't be looking at if he knows what's good for him five years from now:

The glass splashback in our kitchen. I don't like it, but it was a gift from the kitchen design company after things didn't go very smoothly with the fit so we kept it. I want to replace it with creamy brick shaped tiles. Soon.

An entire bed full of rocket? Please, I'm begging, grow something else. Anything else.

NOT AS DANGEROUS AS IT LOOKS. It's not connected to anything, it's not live. It's just a cable with no place to go, left by the builders. Usually hidden by garden seats, but it still has to go

I know. These are getting uglier. I don't want bins on view, sitting on mud. I want a proper fenced in bin store. Without the mud. Very soon.

I made a start on this one myself. I finally replaced our old bath mat. You don't want to know what the old one looked like.

So, that's my list. With a bit of luck it won't take us the full five years to finish up. And when we do you'll be the first to know.

Bucket Boy

Ah, Little E. That blonde rapscallion of a nephew of mine. He's been pretty quiet round here lately, don't you think?

I don't know if his Mum would agree. His second birthday has come and gone. The icecream van turned up at his party and he, and assorted other 2, 3, 5, 6 and 40 somethings, enjoyed a vanilla flavoured feast. Then, very soon after, Little E welcomed The Terrible Two's with open arms. Embraced them, in fact, celebrated them by lying down outstretched on the tarmac in the supermarket carpark. And as his Mum sagely observed:

"They tell you to walk away and ignore bad behaviour. But if I walked away and left him lying in the carpark, I'd probably get arrested."

I think she's right. Her boy has spirit, though, I'll give him that. Last I heard, he had taken off his socks and was colouring his feet purple. Now that's creative.

Post, More Post and Passing the Book

When I started passing out books in August last year, I had a plan. Alright then, two plans:

• I thought I could justify more crafty book buying if I shared
• I thought it would develop and deepen our blog connections

But I had no idea what fun it would be seeing my plans unfold! I have loved seeing the inspiration you have created with the books you have received: layouts and photos and stories. And now Ginger's Mail Art Exchange, which she came up with after getting hold of Good Mail Day (the book that got lost in the post - how ironic is that?). Ginger took the connection thing a step further still and created a list of creative bloggers happy to swap examples of their own Mail Art.

I've been saving the grey box for something special. Now I know what I'll be keeping in it.

I was thrilled when the postman handed me this one from Ginger herself. Isn't it a beauty? Thank you Ginger!

But then I got another surprise when these arrived from Cheri and Deb:

Card from Deb and bookmark from Cheri

Thank you too! An unexpected pleasure indeed. It's a privilege to be blogging alongside all of you.

So I guess today that leaves me with the task of passing out May's book - the Cardmakers Sketch Book -

which will be going to Amanda. I'll get that in the post just as soon as I can Amanda. I hope you enjoy it!

Ruth and Sian's Big Day Out

......Or In, really. It rained. A lot.

So, what did you do on Saturday? I had the pleasure of spending part of the day in the company of one of my favourite bloggers (and her lovely aunt). And, know what? I'd do it again tomorrow, given the chance. We had such a Very Fine Time.

I've been reading Ruth's Everyday life of a Suburban SAHM since her fabulous photos drew me in many, many months ago. Her cute, train loving, little boy reminded me of The Tall One (before he grew tall and started loving girls, cricket, studying). Now I visit because I enjoy, really enjoy, her photos of everyday life. They are some of the very best 365 pictures I've seen anywhere. Cleverly observed, smartly captioned, right to the point.

So, when Ruth said she was travelling, researching family history, and asked if she could call - I jumped at the chance. She came (with her aunt - if that's the way they make aunts in Ruth's family, we're happy to be adopted). We talked, we laughed, we talked some more. She brought me the most perfect, thoughtful gift (thank you!). She charmed the rest of the family with how much she could remember about them.

And we took photos. Silly, smiley, happy photos because we know this visit was only the first. There will be more. Of course there will. We're all agreed. Definitely.

Five Steps to a Bowmaker Bow..

...even if you don't have a bowmaker. Keep watching.

You wanted to see how to use the bowmaker for bows? Here you go:

Wrap the ribbon around the bowmaker as shown.

Take the end of the ribbon you put to the back and bring it over the top and back to the front. It's easier to follow the picture than a written instruction here

Now tie a knot

Straighten up your bow, slip it off the prongs and trim the ends

After I posted the pompom tutorial I remembered what I had used years ago before I got the bowmaker. Here it is - a piece of corrugated cardboard with two knitting needles pushed through the holes. You can alter the size of the bow depending on how far apart you put the needles. And you'll need someone to hold it tight while you tie; but it does work!

Twine Pompoms

I've been having a bit of a thing with string lately. Sandra from Gotta Craft sent me some of the new MME twine and I think it's lovely. I made a few little pompoms for the blog and I thought you might like to see them too:

I pulled out a little bow maker I've had since my miniature making days

I wrapped the twine round about eight times

I threaded a needle with embroidery thread so that it was easy to pass it under the twine. Then I tied a tight knot.

I slipped the pompom off the bowmaker and fluffed it up.

Then I used it to dress up a Crate paper journaling card for a quick tag.

Pass the Book: The Ninth

It's time for Pass The Book again. Again! Where did April go? This month there was only one kind of book I was looking for. It had to be..

a book of card making sketches. Maybe you are already a diehard card maker with a blog list of sketch and challenge sites (anything you'd recommend?). Maybe, like me, you are only venturing into cardmaking after years of scrapbooking. I think this would suit anyone. In fact,  I bet you'll find half a dozen sketches to put in your notebook before you pass it on. The usual rules apply and newcomers are welcome. Simply leave a comment if you'd like a chance to read Cardmakers sketchbook . I'll draw a name in a week's time and you will find more information here

It has certainly given me a few more ideas for my Captured in a Card series. You've been asking me questions about the cards - here's what I think:

• Would I show the inside of a card?  So far the insides are completely plain and simply include my handwritten message with no journaling stamp or added decoration. But I'd love to learn how to improve my handwriting and this might be the push I need.
• Would it work with famous quotes I love?  Definitely! The other night I heard Richard Branson on TV saying "You don't make anything if you don't make mistakes." I thought that was worth writing down and remembering, so it might end up in a card.
• What's the story behind the "chicken" quote in your second card?  Truthfully, there isn't one. The Small One made a passing, random remark which I thought was funny enough to write down. That's the thing with the cards - you don't have room for lots of text, so you can make the most of a quick story or saying.
• How are you storing them?  At the minute in a divided page protector at the front of my latest album. Paperchase has great photo albums for a collection (Lizzie suggested making gift albums). Clair suggested library drawers like the 7Gypsies ones (love this idea) and I have a little plastic Photobox mailer which might work too. Or what about an index card holder?
• Finally, have a look at how Rinda has made the plan work for her. Her heritage stories are wonderful.

So, there you go. Leave a comment for the card sketch book, have a think about making a card or two and I'll have another Captured in a Card ready for next week.

The Garden Butt

I'm all over the place at the moment. In a crafty way, that is. So many projects begging for attention, so many new things I want to try.

One "scrapbooky" (as Shimelle herself would say) thing I've never really got along with is sketches. But having fun with this month's Pass The Book (coming on Tuesday) has changed all that. I've been looking at sletches with new eyes. And, as I've been seeing lovely examples of Shimelle's Sketch of the Week popping up everywhere recently, I thought I'd have a go myself:

Butterflies and ruffled ribbon from a kit by Midnight Rooster

That's another observation on life courtesy of The Small One. When she heard her Dad was buying a water butt, she said "He couldn't sink any lower without buying chickens, could he?" And we already know what she thinks of chickens..

The Tin With the Ding

Did you buy any Royal wedding souvenirs? I hadn't thought about it until I saw a picture of a perfect little blue tin and knew it was the one for me. It has shortbread inside and a lovely print on the top which looks like paper cutting, but  is actually an illustration by Kate Forrester. When the biscuits are gone, I'll fill it with embroidery thread for my grandchildren to find years from now.

There is just one thing about my tin. It has a ding in it. A dent. A little imperfection. Every one on the shelf was the same. I know this because I took advantage of the fact I was on my own (and not embarrassing any other family member); and I took them all out and looked.

But, no matter. After all, I do like my history to have a little added - history.

And here is the souvenir page I made:

I might send it across to the Crate Paper Color Challenge this month. It fits the scheme of royal blue, sky blue and lavender (although you have to look closely to see the stitched lavender scallops here). The banner and the white edging I made with a doily punch. And that's my souvenir of a souvenir.

The Sampler

I've told you already, I know, about the treasure I collect every time I visit my Mum. last time it was the vintage patterns; the time before it was a blackwork sampler.

Mum had worked on it for as long as her hands would let her; but it wasn't finished and she wondered if I'd like to take it on. It's a lovely thing, striking in its monotone simplicity and its beautiful stitching. I've laundered it and looked at it, and thought about the "join" which will surely show. And then I've realised what a good thing that join will be. The work of two generations in one sampler? That's a story in itself.

Yes, it's teal and black and white again. With more rosettes because I'm still loving them; and the 1 2 3 title worked on the paper in cross stitch

Today's layout is brought to you with the help of Gotta Craft's May kit which is filled with Lily Bee's "This and That". I made two more pages with these beautiful papers; and you will find them on the Gotta Craft Blog right here

Steps Back in Amazement

I did it. I dared to digi. I was charmed by Alexa's very easy to follow downloadable pdf. And, of course, by the fact that I have always admired her style very much indeed.

So here it is. My very first ever digital page. I know it's not perfect, but I love its simplicity. I love how I can change little bits of it if I want to. And I love how easy it is to post it here.

Will I ever give up cutting and sticking? No. Will I do more digi? Yes. Definitely (thank you Alexa!). I have plenty of space on the walls here I could fill with some framed pages, so watch this space....

I'll be back to paper during the week, with new Gotta Craft layouts and a question- answering Captured In a Card post

Five Things I've Learned About Blogging..

...since my first post. To mark the end of Beyond Blogging For Scrapbookers, with thanks for a great class

1. Catchy titles are fun to write and great to read but they are only successful if they deliver.

2. Keeping a notebook close so that I can write down any inspiration which comes my way is A Very Useful Thing.

3. It's harder to be funny when people can't see your face.

4. Some readers visit every single day, and never say hello. But that's okay. Sometimes I like to be quiet too.

5. There is a google-world full of blogging resources out there; but my current favourite (because it's so lovely to look and so useful at the same time) is The Blog Guidebook

And you, what have you learned since your first post?

My first blog look

Captured in a Card (2)

I've made another one. With a quote inside this time:

"I don't like helicopters. They are big and scary. A bit like chickens."
The Small One

Turns out you like the idea of one card, one memory. (Great! Because I like it too). If you feel like playing along, leave me a link and I'll be sure to drop by. Maybe we could start a Flickr group?

Lizzie thoughtfully suggested that a collection of cards in a little album would make a nice gift. I'm thinking it would be perfect for a "Good Luck In Your New Job" present, or for an eighteenth birthday. Or what about  baskets of cards on the tables at weddings or parties? You could ask the guests to choose their favourite and write their best bit of the day inside.

Today's card is a different style and colour to last week's. I like the idea of being able to move them around in an album, swapping and rearranging to get a combination I really enjoy. It sounds a bit like playing with Grandma's old button box. Mmm..sorting and rearranging. I think my librarian genes are calling me home.

Have a good day whatever you are up to!

Today I Will..

Aah, we've birthday partied, Easter lunched, picnicked, sat in the sun. Finally, finally, everyone is back at work, school, wherever they go when they aren't here asking me for something.

So that means today I might have time to will:

*Finish up a couple of layouts for Sandra at Gotta Craft. This month's kit is so pretty I'd love to give you a little sneak. Mmm, maybe she wouldn't mind too much. After all, you can find out more about it here

*Have a go at Alexa's wonderful digital template (with free downloadable instructions!). Dare I digi, do you think?

*Really get stuck into finding a flat for my brother. He's on sabbatical from the end of the month and he's coming home to write a book. Hurrah! The pressure is on for me to find him a great place, with me being in the business and all.

*Order more albums. I keep finding overflow piles of layouts whenever I tidy up. I like turning up an old page I haven't seen in a while though. Like this one:

*And OF COURSE thank every one of you who wrote a story for Storytelling Sunday. AND everyone who hopped around reading and commenting. We had a record number of entries this month (and there is still time - the linky is open all week). Thank you all for joining in with such enthusiasm. You make an old blogger very happy ♥

Storytelling Sunday - Some Days are Diamonds

Come on in! It's Storytelling Sunday today, so I hope you are ready for a tale or two.

Often, when I'm thinking about a story to share, I'll go back in time to some little moment I remember from many years ago. But today I have a hankering for a tale of nothing much at all, except a happy day spent with family. So, before it slips from my grasp and disappears forever, here it is. Easter Sunday.

"Giggins hiding," said Little E dejectedly, as he wandered back into the kitchen. He had been out in Granny's garden, trying to find Higgins the three legged cat. Little E loves Higgins. He loves all animals; but it's probably hardest on a cat with a tendency to topple if you love him with a very heavy hand.

When he sees my camera, he does one of two things. Either he turns his back and studiously ignores me..

That morning we had packed up the car with provisions and driven out of the city, back to the country, to spend Easter Sunday with Granny and Little E and the rest. They'd been pleased to see us arrive, possibly because we had dinner in the boot of the car; but with the potatoes peeled and the roast chicken in the oven, they were looking for more. It was time for the Easter Bunny.

He interprets his role loosely round here, so that meant jelly beans for me and wine gums for Kenny-Who-Cooks, the other non-chocaholic in the family. In between chocolatey mouthfuls Little E would look at me with a wicked glint in his eye:

"Nit-neck not working," he'd say sadly. Which was my cue to bury my head in my hands and sob uncontrollably at the loss of my internet connection. He knows how to hit an auntie where it hurts, that boy.

...or he runs towards me as fast as he can

"Let's go for a walk," said his mum, hastily. There's a beautiful park just opposite Granny's. Wasn't there in my time. It belonged to an old lady with, it has to be said, a reputation for meanness around town. Collecting rents was what she did; and she did it well. But she had the last laugh. She left her house and its grounds, right in the middle of town, to the Council. Now it's free for everyone to enjoy and enjoy it we did.

The Tall One scooped his little cousin up and jiggled him and joggled him and turned him upside down and they laughed and laughed, until hunger sent us home for an Easter feast.

All too soon it was time for one last ritual before we left. Granny sees it as getting rid of her junk. We see it as collecting treasure. This week she offered me a collection of vintage knitting patterns and a faded, curling needlework handbook. Published in 1924, it belonged to Great Great Aunt Sally, I think, and it promises to teach me to crochet. I have hope.

And that was my Easter Sunday. We all have our good days and our not so good days. But some days are diamonds; and writing them down feels to me like a Fine Thing to do. If you have a day or a memory or any other kind of story you'd like to share, please link us up and we'll come for a read. You know you want to..