Saturday, January 30, 2016

It's that time again, time to tickle your creative funny bone.

It's Saturday again, how did that happen?
An early start for me at work today and I am praying that the snow forecast yesterday afternoon hasn't reached us yet.  Boy it was windy here yesterday and Thursday evening thanks to the lovely Gertrude, who instantly has me thinking of cows, flowers and the Magic Roundabout!  
It was nearly windy enough for flying cows.

Today's funny quotes have a crocheting feel to them having spent a little of last week with my hooks out.
These are what made me smile yesterday.


I personally like this type of workout.  Don't you?

Then you know you have a problem when.....


I think I must have a problem!
I tend to buy for multi projects at once to save on trips to the shops.  However there is always the downside that you might forget to get something.

Finally this one made me laugh.


Would he really know?  That is the question.
The thought of the crew of Starship Enterprise crocheting makes me smile.

I hope the weather is better with you than it is here although the sun is trying to get out.
Enjoy your weekend, it's the perfect weather to stay warm and craft!
More from me next week.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Crafty style sharing an oldie this Friday.

Good morning all and how the devil are you this Friday?  I hope you are all fit and well?

It's that time of the week when I encourage you to join me in resurrecting an old crafty project just for the joy of crafting.
It can be anything you have made yourself, why not join me?
I'd love to see your work too.  In order that I can visit your blog and share the fun all I ask is to link below in the comments.
This is purely for selfish reasons as it makes it easy for me to visit you and it lets me know that you have joined in.  The more the merrier!
Today I have another card for you.


For this card I have used:
Spellbinder dies:  Grand Big Scalloped Circles (Grand Nestabilities), Classic circles (Nestabilities), Parisian Motifis and Fancy tags 3 (both Shapeabilities).
Sentiments from Hero arts Anytime messages.
Card stock (great VFM) Nocturne Colorbok pearlescent.
Pearls from Zva creative.
Ribbon from stash.

May I take this opportunity to thank those of you who do join me sharing an old project today, I always look forwards to my weekly visits.  
Have a great weekend folks and happy crafting.  x

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Another hooking taste if Scotland.

Good afternoon I hope you are all fit and well today?
We've had a lovely day today, the sun has been shining!
My parents and I went out for breakfast this morning after sorting the boys to school.  We had gone to Glen Moray Distillery but unfortunately they were closed due to a power problem so we went to Allarburn Dairy farm shop and had a "right grand" hearty breakfast.
I seem to have spent all week with that full of food feeling, I am not complaining especially with so many people not so lucky, but why do we always eat so much more when we have visitors?  I'm still stuffed now.

Back to some crafting and I have another couple of thistles winging their way as gifts, this time I made white boxes to pack them in.  I do prefer these smaller thistles to my original ones.


I have been enjoying some quiet time pottering with my parents and out walking, even though I have eaten far too much.
The week has flown, Friday again tomorrow, time to share our oldies, it comes around all too fast and then back into work early on Saturday.  That will be a shock to the system!

Catch you again tomorrow.


Wednesday, January 27, 2016

A little fun and games, it's all childs play!

Good afternoon, I hope this finds you all fit and well this afternoon?
I have something a little different to share with you today, I am not getting much crafting done with having family here but it is amazing how you can just add a little craft fun into the day for everyone to enjoy.
At Christmas I bought a couple of gifts for the boys from Lakeland plastics, I love that shop!
One was a chocolate sprout roulette game, which speaks for itself.  I thought the boys would find it fun to play after maybe Christmas dinner.  Unfortunately we were all so stuffed the boys didn't open their presents and last night with a nice family meal at the table we opening them instead.
Better late than never!
What a bad mother making them wait so long to open a couple of presents!
I have to say the nice chocolate truffles in the roulette game were lovely, the sprout ones were not.
My youngest did find it very funny watching everyones faces at they munched into chocolate sprouts.

The other game I bought was this.


The idea is that you get four body bases with wind up feet and pots of plastic like play dough but of a lighter consistency.  You take your body and add whatever you like and then when finished race the final creations. 


My youngest boys creation is on the left and we think looks a little like Ronald McDonald, then Granddads bird with a large beak, just in case of a photo finish!  Then my eldest boys creation was next with a fabulous goatee and moustache, then my Santa on the end who the boys thought was a little scary.
We had great fun making these creations and must have spent at least and hour after tea at the table giggling whilst making them.  Needless to say no one won the race as there was too much skulduggery going on!
What a great after dinner entertainments and lots of fun, the only downside is that you only get two colours of dough, only I mixed to get pink.
I certainly would get this again I've never seen my boys so engrossed at the table, enjoying time with their Grandparents.  No electricity in sight!

That's all from me today, catch you tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

A little "hanger" on, crafty style.

Good morning and how are you today?
Are you ready for the pending storm that is heading our way?
It is all calm just now, mild and cloudy but set to get a little "lively" later.

Did you have a good weekend?
I actually got a little crafting done.
Years ago I made my mum a wall hanging with the grandchildren on, since making it we've had another two additions to the family on my brothers side.  Mum has asked me for a while if I could make a couple of additions for it.  I went one step further and made a brand new one as near to the original as I could.


I have used a clear acrylic mini book by Docrafts, papers by GDC Paris nights with embellishments from my stash.

Missing in action yesterday as I now have my parents staying for the week.
Yes, I fully admit yesterday was spent galloping around the house tidying and changing beds.  Still on the upside at least everything is now done for the rest of the week.
Just the boys rooms left to tackle, the most scariest job of all!  Is it wrong to put off as long as I can?
You never know quite what you'll find.

That's all from me today, more crafty fun tomorrow.  Enjoy your Tuesday, I hope you stay warm and dry.  I have a couple of card orders to do this week but then intend on spending some quality time with my parents.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

It's Saturday again time to tickle that creative funny bone.

Good morning, no work for me today just lots of tidying at home instead.  Best get the place shipshape for my visitors next week, Christmas round two!

It has become a bit of a regular now to share a few funny quotes that I have found on the Internet whilst pottering during the week.  It is my attempt at lightening the mood as it's the weekend.  Time for fun and games and some "you" time, if of course you are not working.

The first quote of today.
Now this first one is in dollars but it did make me laugh.  You get the idea.
Have you ever made a project that turned out to be a lot more than you had expected?


The one that springs to my mind is my rug I weaved, with the tool, the class and all the wool I don't think I had much change in £100.  It would have been cheaper to take a trip to Ikea in Edinburgh!
Still I will keep it and use it, whether my boys will appreciate the value later on down the line, I very much doubt it.

On to my next quote.  
I'm sure some of my non crafty friends would say this applies to me.  I'm sure they just don't "get" me.


You say weird I say unique!  ;)
It would be a very boring world if we were all the same.  Don't you agree?

Finally, over a period of Saturday's I have included a few ideas for unique gifts, for that person who has it all.
Today I saw this quote and thought it would be great for inside a handmade card, it made me giggle.


The question is "would you be brave enough to use it?"
I can think of a few folk I'd like to send this to.  LOL.

That's all from me today, I hope you enjoyed my choice of funny quotes for this week, have a super weekend and more from me on Monday.  


Friday, January 22, 2016

It's Friday, why not join me sharing a crafty oldie?

Good morning and how are you today?
It's still dark just now so I can't give you a weather forecast although it is set to rain for most of the day if the TV forecast is correct.  A perfect day to stay in the warm and craft!
I had a busy day yesterday cracking on with all my ironing and housework chores so I could get some of my card orders done today.  I have my parents arriving next week so I intend on having a bit of a tidy up over the weekend too.  It is always an incentive to tidy when you know "Mum" is coming!

Back to today and you know the drill by now.  I started share an oldie on a Friday to be able to revisit old crafty projects and hoped that you would enjoy it as much as I do.  I find it fascinating seeing everyone's crafty journey.
All I ask when you join me is to leave a wee comment below, that is purely to let me know you are joining in and so I can link to your blog too.  I will comment on all over the coming weekend.

Today I have something a little different for you.  This was part of a gift pack in 2010 for one of my eldest boys teachers new baby.


Inside the egg box.


I used papers from the Basic Grey range Archaic and the chipboard shapes and brads.  I added a bit of stitching...google eyes...a small tag from SU marked "baby" a bit of ribbon and a charm marked "love".  
The egg box I wanted to keep as simple as possible and basically took the paper from the supermarket off and used as a template to cut the BG, to which I added a brad and chipboard.  Everything has been inked with Vintage photo distress ink from the Ranger pads.
I also bought a little hoody with dinosaurs on and a first book of Dinosaurs to match!
Inside the egg box I added 2 pair of first size socks and scratch mitts plus bigger dino socks to go with the hoody.

I love the egg box idea and have used it quite often for baby's first socks and scratch mitts.  
Another case of a little recycling.  Us crafters have been recycling long before it became trendy!

I had meant to post yesterday but took full advantage of being in housework and ironing mode, it doesn't happen often.  I did manage a quick photograph of the dog who decided to be right next to me whilst I was ironing in the front room.
I think in my next life I would like to come back as a wee dog in a nice home!



It's a dogs life.
She looks so peaceful whilst I was busy.

That's all from me today, talking of the dog she is raring to go out for her morning walk.  I'll be back later to check out your oldies, enjoy your Friday.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

"Hump day" what are you crafting?

Good afternoon and how are you this Wednesday?
That's me home from work, now what to do?
I have lots of things I should be doing, a few bespoke cards and presents plus all the usual household chores.  A cup of tea first I think.

Today I have a CAS birthday card, I was asked for a large 60th with flowers in blue and orange.


Brief covered.
I freely admit to doing quite a lot of this style of card.  I have been making them for years but folk always come back for them.  I guess clean and simple lines are popular.
I've already got requests for another three of this style, not very exciting to share with yourselves but it is what people who are none crafty want, certainly from me anyway.

On the upside look what we now have in store, well we actually have the 3 pack.  Mmmmm!


I resisted grabbing a packet today, we also have new chocolate ones too.  
I think I shall NEED to taste test them if only so I can recommend them to customers.  
(That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it!)
I shall keep you posted on the results!

That's all from me for today.  I better go and get productive.  Catch you again tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Making and baking!

Good morning, I hope you are well today?
I am working today and tomorrow so I've been organised writing this yesterday.

I'm starting with a question today.
Is it just me or do sometimes you think, "mmmm I just fancy a ............"
This happened to me on Sunday, I really just fancied a scone.  Now I used to make scones a lot but just lately it is usually my kids asking for cheese scones.  Sunday I had a hankering for a fruit scone and having had my husbands friend come over asking if I'd baked and then my eldest boy asking "Mum are you baking today?"
I thought I better get my apron on.


I do like butter on a scone but as hubby is from Devon I do occasionally push the boat out and have homemade raspberry jam and cream.
There's no wonder I don't lose weight.
Why can't cakes, scones and biscuits be diet food, I'd be so skinny!
Seriously I really must get back on track before the summer months I just don't seem to have the enthusiasm to be good at this time of year.
Do you find that too?

Back to card making and one of my recent card orders for a friend was for a new home card.  This wasn't a normal new home card because the recipients have just moved into an old Station house, I was asked to include this within the theme.
This is what I came up with.


The wee hoose is a stamp by Hero arts and I've paper pieced it with scraps of paper.  The railway line is some American clip art I've had for a long time which I have decoupaged to make it 3D.   The printing has been done on the computer then I have layered it on coordinating card stock.   The card is A5, I haven't made many this size for a while as most people normal ask for square cards now.
Do you have a favourite size of card you like to work with?

That's all from me today, I am hoping to get a couple more cards made this evening then I might settle down with some more crocheting.  Enjoy your Tuesday, more from me tomorrow.

Monday, January 18, 2016

A wee Scottish altering, crafty style of course.

Good afternoon and how are you this crisp and cold Monday?  Winter is definitely here, it is cold and frosty but I do enjoy these days more than wet and windy.  The sky is blue and as long as you wrap up warm, the cold just gives you that early morning boost to wake up the system.
Did you have a good weekend?
I had a very busy day at work on Saturday but then a very relaxing, lazy day yesterday.
My youngest boy is back to school and my oldest has is second from last prelim exam right now.  By this time tomorrow he'll be done and dusted till the big higher exams in the summer.

Today I have a little recycling for you.  The following altered tin is from M & S and I have mountains of them empty at home (what can I say I like the M & S mint tins).
I've been wondering for quite sometime what to do with them.
You know us crafters don't like to throw anything out if we think we can use it in one form or another.
Remember the crochet thistles?
You know the one, my new smaller thistle from earlier last week here, well, that wee beauty fits perfectly in these tins.
Sticking with the Scottish theme the tin had to be altered using some tartan paper.



The tartan paper is by Craftwork cards and the stamp by Unity stamps, which is white embossed and die cut with Spellbinder die labels 4 with some white ink added to give a chalky feel.  I then threaded the back ribbon behind the label and around the back tying to the side to finish.
The thistle was then wrapped in tissue paper inside to finish.

Something a little different from me today!
A change is good as a rest.
That's all from me till tomorrow, I am building up quite a list of card requests here so I better get my mojo in full flow and get into card making mode.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Time to tickle that creative funny bone.....well, it is the weekend!

Good morning, I hope you are all well this weekend?
You know the drill by now I share a couple of funnies on a Saturday to lighten the mood for the weekend.  I hope you enjoy them whilst I'm busy beavering away in work, boo!

This first one is so me.
How many unfinished projects do you have lying around?
I've nearly filled a whole room!


I'm feeling very cool just now!  ;)
Every year I say this will be the year I get out a few unfinished projects and complete them, will it be this year?  
We will have to wait and see.

Friends that I had when I was younger would have laughed at me being told what to do.  I think I was a little stubborn in my youth.  (And I wonder where my youngest gets it from!)
I believe the Navy sorted me on that front even though friends laughed when I went to join.
Little did I know it would come in very handy when years later I learnt to crochet.  
Everything happens for a reason!


Finally it wouldn't be the weekend with a little party!


Hands up if you agree, that's your kind of party?!
How about really pushing the boat out and enjoying a wee glass of something whilst crafting.  
Now that's really partying!

Whatever your plans this weekend, have fun and party your own way.  Enjoy.

Friday, January 15, 2016

It's Friday time to share an oldie.

Whoops bit of a late start for me today.  I have a little one still of sick although he is a lot better than he was.  Don't you just love the germ factor at this time of year?
We also had snow when I got up this morning although now it is raining it has disappeared for which I am grateful.  I have an early start at work tomorrow and am praying that it stays snow free and a little warmer, even if that is not the forecast.

I missed a post yesterday as I had fun and games here.  My carbon monoxide alarm went off during the night.  Scary!
We don't have gas mains in our village so the only thing that could have caused the problem is the fire.  I woke up the kids and took them downstairs, hoping the gasses would tend to go high and ventilated the house.  Of course it was the coldest night we've had for a long while!
Did you know that you have to ring the fire brigade if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
I didn't.  I had left it till the morning, leaving the windows open during the night.
All fun and games in the morning with two fire engines and a gas engineer visiting.  What a nice start to the day and everything was found to be fine.  Both the engineer and the firemen thought it was probably a fault with my alarm.
I did think however that as the chimney goes up the side of my youngest boys room that maybe there could be something in it, he is always complaining of not feeling great.  It would make sense.  Mind you my mum gut tells me he just has an allergy to school!
With all the "goings on" yesterday morning for the rest of my day I was playing catch up.
On a good note we're all alive.
Hubby is home later today with jobs a foot over the weekend, first one to install new carbon monoxide alarms.

Back to today and it's Friday, you know what that means by now, share an oldie (any craft product you have made yourself previously posted or not posted at all), link back to me so I can visit and share the love of crafting.  Easy.  I really appreciate all who join me and look forwards to popping to your blogs later.
Today I have picked another card for you.


Nathan is from the Sugar Nellie digital range. 
I just had to use him, not only does he look like my eldest boy at an early age but he also has the same name, spooky!!

I love colouring these digi images as life is made very easy following the shading on the design,
I have used my copics to colour but have added some detail with my prisma pencils too.
The papers are from Basic Grey 6" Basic craft paper pad, distressed with my Tim Holtz distress tool and Tea dye ink. 
I have also used my Martha Stewart punch Scalloped dots, thread from True hemp, SU small tag punch and matching stamps, pearls from Zva Creative and charm from my stash.

I made this card in 2011, yet kraft card still seems to be very popular.  I do love simple sepia tones.

That's all from me today, lots to do after the fun and games yesterday and working tomorrow.
I better start by walking the dog, now the heavy rain has stopped. 
My cunning plan of waiting a wee while has paid off, that isn't normally the case.
Enjoy your weekend, stay warm and cosy.
It sounds like the perfect weather to stay in and craft!  Don't you agree?

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Hook, yarn and not at all prickly!

Good afternoon, how are you today?
Bright blue skies today, which is nice but boy there's a nip in the air.  My facial cheeks are still tingling after my brisk afternoon jolly along the beach with my BFF and the dogs.  I think a cup of tea may be the order of the day.
I've had a wee man not feeling well again today and the older one home studying.
For someone not feeling well my youngest has eaten all day!
(The quickest bounce back on record!)
Still with the eldest one home too it meant I could still make my hair appointment this morning.  I now feel lighter and brighter!
Isn't it amazing how a quick trim can make you feel so much better?

I got a crocheting gift from my hubby for Christmas, so I have recently been experimenting with threads and needles.


These are so much easier to work with than the traditional metal hooks and comfortable to use too.
I wanted to make more of my thistle pins and decrease the size a little so out came my cotton yarn and a smaller hook.  This is the first attempt next to my larger original pattern size.


I quite like the new improved size, but I think I need to make myself one in teal!
It must be done.
I made a few of these for Christmas presents, in a presentation box.
I think they'd not only be good for Wedding button holes but also for Burns night or New Year.  What do you think?
And not a prickle in sight!

That's all from me today.
Chores and making tea next, more from me tomorrow.
Happy crafting!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

A wee baking interlude.

Good morning, quite a mild morning today and it isn't raining, bonus.
I enjoy a brisk walk along the beach this morning, it felt almost like Spring, not too cold and the sun in the sky.
Today I have a bit of a treat in store.  I have a hot stone massage later.  Can't wait.
Then it should really be back to relax but I have a few chores to do and card orders to start.

Now for something a little different.  Over the weekend I decided to experiment with my muffins again.
I have decided to call this cake my Battenberg muffin.


I had some marzipan left from icing my Christmas cakes so decided to use it in these cakes, I have also swirled some colouring so you get the different colour combination as in a Battenberg cake.
Then topped with some almonds to finish.
I like these cakes and they really taste like Battenberg although next time I think I might grate the marzipan throughout the cake rather than just in the middle.

That's all from me today, I am hoping for some crafting time later in the day but for now I better get the exciting chores done first.  Have a good day.

Monday, January 11, 2016

A little bespoke chef.

Good afternoon, how are you this Monday?
A late post for me today as I have finally given in and done a big food shop.  My last one was before Christmas and I have been eeking my cupboards out since.
Don't get me wrong as I have been to the shops in the meantime but I don't count topping up in the same way as a BIG shop.
It's not my favourite job but needs must.  My cupboards are now full and healthy looking.
I wonder when the boys will notice?

My eldest boy is on study leave just now as he has his higher prelims.  Today he started with an easy one "maths".  I joke!  I am afraid he has lost me when he now shares his maths homework.  It was never one of my stronger classes, personally I think he is speaking a foreign language!
Has he done enough revision?
The proof will be in the pudding!
As he was only in school for his exams I popped to pick him up this afternoon after my youngest had come home for lunch.  I had a few other bits to pick up in town so it seemed like a good idea.
Every wonder where the day goes?  I've only managed some washing and dog walking on top of my running about and now it's time to make tea.
Whilst I am in the kitchen I thought I'd share my first bespoke card of the year.
I was asked for a CAS card for a chef who has turned 21, here is what I made.


I used some scraps of card to make up the apron, chef's hat, knife and wooden spoon, matting and layering on similar colours.

Do you think I am keen for Spring to arrive?
I think I must have been in an optimistic mood when I made this card as it has been another cold dreich day here on the North coast of Scotland.  
Still looking on the bright side our home is warm and dry, after the recent weather situation up here and down in England that is definitely something to be very grateful for.  Some poor folk have lost everything.  What a nightmare.

That is all from me today, I do plan on visiting you a little earlier tomorrow.  Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Anyone else excited to have Silent Witness back on TV?

Happy crafting to you all.

Saturday, January 09, 2016

It's Saturday, time to tickle that creative funny bone.

It's that day of the week again where I share a few quotes to start the weekend with a smile.
I don't know about you but at this time of the year I always have this problem.


Is it just me?
If you do find my motivation I would be very grateful it you would return it, thank you.

How about this too.  



This happens to me all the time, especially in my craft room.  If you could see what I can now you would understand why.  ;)

Finally today I have recently been sharing some ideas I have seen on line for gifts. 
Here is another beauty for all those who say they don't want anything at all.


A great idea but would you be cruel enough to pull it off?

That's all from me today, no plans for me this weekend, I'm just going to go with the flow.  
I'm hoping that in with the flow a little crafting might happen too!

Friday, January 08, 2016

It's Friday time to share an oldie.

As Arnold would say "I'm back!"

I'm back to encourage you to join me resurrecting an old blog post, sharing past crafty work with other like minded crafters.  
In order to join me all I ask is that you leave a comment below, then post your oldie on your blog, linking back here.  
This means that I know that you have joined me "sharing an oldie" but more importantly it will allow me to visit all who have.
It can be anything at all that you have made with your own fair hands.  As the saying goes "the more the merrier!"
Today I have a die based card for you.


For this card I have used Madison Square dies by Sue Wilson, with white and navy pearlescent card stock.  The sentiment stamp is by Papertrey ink, Half and half set.  Pearls and ribbon from my stash.

It only remains for me to thank you in anticipation that you have joined me, I look forwards to seeing your work too.
Today I have a little housework, food shopping and ironing on the agenda, can't wait!  Not.
I do however, have the weekend off so I am hoping to get some time and inclination to craft.
Enjoy your weekend.  

Thursday, January 07, 2016

I guess being a structural engineer isn't in my remit.

Good afternoon to you and how are you this Thursday?
I've been having a few technical issues here which is also why you haven't seen much of me lately.
Today I have had a day off work and it is horrible outside, dreich is definitely the word I would use and it has been drizzling none stop.  The perfect weather for walking the dog, not!

On Tuesday I mentioned that my youngest boy and I were in the process of making a gingerbread house.
What can I say other than we need to go back to the drawing board or should I say the kitchen. Everything started well.  I had a good thick icing that would hold the house.  The sides and front went well.
The the building took a turn for the worst.....when we added the roof and decided it was going to be snowy!  Lots of icing was added and many sweets and yes, you've guessed it, we had a slight weight problem.
Or put it another way the base collapsed under the lovely snowy roof!
It was looking so good too.
All we did was leave it whilst we had tea and on coming back it was breaking under the strain.
Back to the drawing board.
On the upside we got to eat it.

I also had made a small house from a cutter Karen had bought me whilst in the States.  I had previously tried a different recipe and it had changed shape in the oven.  This recipe was better for shape keeping although I think next time Golden syrup will be the order of the day, if only to get a more golden colour.


It is a super cute size and would be great as little gifts for Christmas, I just need to get a finer nozzle so I can decorate it in more detail.  My youngest said no problem Mum we can soon cover the icing and got out the mini smarties to finish.
I'd like to see it finely iced.

Our little experiment didn't exactly work but the elements were all good individually, I now just need to work on my structural engineer inability!
Maybe I should have rang my brother who is an architect, he could have given me a few pointers before assembly.
At the end of the day we had fun making them, full bellies and a few giggles in the process, which is really what it is all about.
As the saying goes, "if at first you don't succeed....!"
Now we've just got to decide when we are going to attempt mark 2!

That's all from me today.  I have a bespoke card to make this afternoon then I better turn my hand to a few chores.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

I'm starting "Sharing an oldie" back for the New Year tomorrow and would love it if you joined me again.  See you then.

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Do you want to build a snowman.

I did!
Good afternoon and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.
Where has the last couple of weeks gone?
Today was the day to get back to normal, boys back to school, hubby away with work and me back to work too.

Did you have a good Christmas and New Year?
I hadn't planned on not blogging but with the children and hubby off work and so many other things to do I'm afraid my crafting has had to take a back seat.
You know what it is like at this time of year, socialising with close friends/family!
A good time was had by all and the batteries have been recharged.
Time now to get back into the usual routine.

Before Christmas we had a "wear a Christmas jumper to work" and I couldn't find mine....so the evening before I got an old long sleeved black t shirt and decided to build a snowman.
(I now have the song from Frozen wandering around in my head!)
I did mean to get a photo of the shirt whilst wearing it but it was dark, the lighting is not great at this time of year is it?
Hopefully you will get the idea from this photo.


I used felt and my circular dies to create the body of the snowman and then made the scarf and hat to match.  He was embellished with dress-it up buttons and a couple of mini brooms (I can't remember where I got them).  
The jumper did the job and it saved me from going out and getting a new one especially when we were so busy before Christmas.

I also promised my youngest boy that we would make a gingerbread house at some point over the holiday.  I bought the cutters from Lakeland plastic as it has become a regular make here but I usually buy the boys the kits.  This year we've braved the "doing it from scratch!"
We actually only got around to baking the house yesterday, it was still in the Christmas holidays, just!
Tonight once I've picked my other son up, walked the dog and put the tea on, my youngest with a little help from mum will be decorating it or as I like to call it, icing it whilst eating all the sweeties.
This is what we have to work with.


The recipe came with the cutters, the reason it looks dark is that it was photographed when dark outside but also we used treacle not golden syrup.  The recipe said to use either Black treacle or Golden syrup.  The biscuit is lovely but I sometimes think kids prefer the sweetness of Golden syrup.

Time for me to go and pick my other boy up.
I'll be back later to see what crafty things you've been up to over the festive season.