Christmas Items for Dialysis Nurses and special cards......

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to WOYWW. I've missed quite a few but am hoping to catch up now! 😃

 Sorry I've not been here but lots of things have stopped me from catching up with you all.  It's a really strange thing going from manic every day to catch up to then doing nothing!  Really odd!

Anyway I thought I'd share some of my recent makes with you. This one is for some special monkeys who make me laugh every day! Thanks guys!

This next purple card is for a special Dialysis Nurse, you know who you are!  He always makes me laugh and believe me, anything that makes dialysis better/easier is good in my book!!! He always mentions that I like purple, so it had to be a purple card didn't it. The last of my special purple card too!

 

Here's what took me a lifetime to do, well it seemed like it.  I wanted to make the Nurses something special rather than give the standard chocolates or cans of beer!  I hand made each and every one of them. 

I cooked some caramelised nuts, added in some sweets, some chocolate Brussels Sprouts, and chocolate Orange Clementine's along with some special chocolate truffles.  I also made some coconut snowballs too which seemed to go down very well.  Some Nurses said it reminded them of home so much which was a lovely thing to say and I'm pleased it gave them some special memories too.

 I also made some little matchboxes and filled them with chocolate Brussels sprouts.  I've had some wonderful comments from the Nurses saying how special it was and they enjoyed them. They also said it must've taken me a while to do them and they don't know how long it actually took me to do.

Just putting the contents in and adding the ribbons took me nearly most of my Sunday before dialysis. I liked doing them though but didn't realise how long it would take to do 20 of them! Worth it in the end though! Although one of the Nurses said I've now got to top it in 2015. John said that to me but I said it was a one off for the first special one. However now I'm going to have to start thinking in about September to get them all done. I don't mind, as I said I really enjoyed it. As they're keeping me alive I really am grateful and appreciate each and every one of them.

For my special friends I also made some Handmade Sugar Scrub. It took me a while to get the contents as I've really slowed down since dialysis started but I was determined to do it all.  I just made it before Christmas so phew...!!

Here's all the little matchboxes I made, 22 in total as I had to make extras in case my memory of names let me down. You can just see the chocolate Brussels Sprouts in them too! They are so cute.

The sugar scrubs all done ready for distribution with my purple Santa hat on!!

In between my Aunt asked me to make a Peppa Pig card for her great grandson who was two.  I had in my head that he was one the same as my friends little girl and yes, my memory le me down again and I had to quickly make one with 2 on it!

Here's another special purple one for my Dialysis Nurse. He's a great laugh and has cheered up the dialysis sessions no end!

Well that's enough of catching up for me. My hands are freezing (another side effect of dialysis) and I've not quite recovered from my awful session yesterday, so I'm going to take it easy and have a decaf coffee now.

Take care everyone and have a fantastic 2015!!!!

Happy New Year!!! XX

WOYWW 247 -- popping by again..!

Another WOYWW and I was determined to make this one!

Well here I am in between dialysis again! Phew it's certainly life changing and sure does take some getting used to. One minute you feel fine, the next really rough. I think I felt better before I started dialysis as I didn't realise how bad it was getting, my body just kept on adapting to the changes of failing kidneys without me realising.

So what have I been up to then? Well I've been doing some paper piecing and made a Get Well Card for a friend of mine who is having a tough time.

I've also got some Birthday cards to make, and here's one of the toppers I've just created, waiting for the Glossy Accents to dry in this cold weather. At least the floods are going down now which is a good sign as long as we have no more rain.

I've also got some Thank You cards to make, but am just deciding on the design. I've got to get a conveyor belt going as I need quite a few! Any ideas for some 'quick makes' would be appreciated!

Talking of "Thank You" I'd just like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Gill (and your friend who did the knitting!) and Lunch Lady Jan who have sent me these gorgeous wrist warmers. I mentioned after my operation my left hand/arm is sooooooo cold all the time. It's one of the side effects apparently. My hands go very cold then numb and I have to try to get the feeling back in them before I can do anything!

Hope you all have a lovely day and keep on crafting!!

Halloween Night........spooky...!

 Sorry I've not been blogging much - too many health issues are getting in the way of enjoying life!!!

However I made time to make these up before Halloween and in between hospitals.  I hope your parcel has arrived Gill and sorry it was a bit late. Hospitals have taken over lately. I'll do my best to get back up to date!

Gift Wallets

As I've got a few 'Gift Vouchers' to give this Christmas.  I used to think it was a 'cop out' but it helps when you know they want certain things but aren't sure exactly what.  They can then get what they like and you don't feel guilty for doing it that way!

 

I wanted to make them more special, so decided to create some "Gift Wallets" to hold them in.  I just love this image from Spyder - so cute!

 

I made a variation on another Gift Wallet and have a few more to make.  I've also found it good for  money wallets too.  Little scraps were used on these which is good news for the scraps envelope!  They come in so handy with Christmas cards!

Anyway I hope you like them and have fun!

Enjoy!

WOYWW 178

Welcome to WOYWW!!!

This is where we check out (or rather snoop!) on all the desk of crafters around the world, it's very addictive, so why not join us. Just click on the link above!

So what is on my little work-tray today?  Some items I've stamped and cut out for more of my Christmas makes and new ideas I have to share with you all once they are finished.

Of course, it's now Halloween (why the media insist on it being on Saturday and Sunday (27th and 28th) when it's only supposed to be the 31st I'll never know.  Oh dear, my lovely brother says I'm changing in to Victoria Meldrew, oops!

Anyway here's the contents of some little items I'm making for tonight to give away.  I just love those cute spiders and yes, I've tried one of the eyeballs - very scrummy indeed it was too!!!  My little treat as I'm diabetic...oops!!! 

One final thing, I'd like to know what your favourite blog is to visit (crafty one), let me know if you have a moment!

Enjoy WOYWW!

WOYWW 177

OK - first of all an apology, as I didn't take the photos when I was making these flowers, as I was actually making them late at night whilst watching a TV programme from my work-bed!!  All I have is the finished products.  Again I humbly apologise and will try to do better next time.  I hope I don't get kicked out of the WOYWW group for not following the instructions to the letter :(  I know some groups have very specific rules and regulations, so I'm sorry if I've upset anyone and will promise to do it the right way round next time as I've done in the past.  It's a one off 'naughty moment'. Sorry!

 

I've had this idea in my head for a while but have never had the courage to give it a go as it all looks so complicated.  However I  made these on my work-bed last night, it was my first effort at making them and I was quite pleased with how they turned out.

First of all I made the little watering can.  It only had one side spout in the instructions so I decided to make two so that you can't see the white card from any angle.  I added sone die cut borders to the bottom if the watering can.  t's a bit shaded in this picture but I took it this morning in the dim grey light of October.

Some of the flowers have six petals and some have five.  It said to use wet glue in the instructions, but I found that it didn't dry totally on the paper I was using, so I got my 'red tape' to hand and it stuck to everything including my fingers!  Finally I managed to complete the flowers and I put them in the watering can to totally dry (the wet glue ones!).

Here's a close up of one flower.  It's an ideal crafty make to use up those odd bits of paper you have.  Remember to 'Use It Up 2012' !!!  I added on the card candi to make them look better, my own addition to the flower.  Well us crafters always add our own thoughts to the things we make don't we...that's what makes us crafters!

 

Enjoy!

 

 

WOYWW and Sorry....and Thanks...!

It's WOYWW again, I know I missed it last week, but I had a few problems - see below.  Will have to be quick visits today before hospital - sorry!

I've had a few health issues here lately, I spent all day in A&E being poked and prodded and more bloods taken (I had 10 bottles taken last week alone!) only to finally get home and the phone rings and the Dr asks me to go back to the hospital...!!!

Anyway, it turns out after 2 months free of my DVT, I now have ANOTHER DVT in the same leg, from the top of the thigh to almost my ankle this time.  I'm back on the injections and am waiting to go to the Anti-Coagulant clinic again to find out more.

Also my kidneys are spiralling downward at a rapid rate and I'm waiting to see the Renal Specialist about that.  Thank heavens my cancer is stable....at least that's something!!!

Hence not much cardmaking has been going on, however I am able to show you the crochet work I've been doing with the wool from the USA.  Don't they look colourful...!!!  They look lovely and I'm sure the kitties will like them when I next visit . 

I'd also like to thank GILL for sending me the gorgeous cards for the cancer charities, and also to LUNCH LADY JAN for the simply brilliant sewing which she has so kindly sent me a huge parcel of different goodies for the cat shelter to sell at their next Fayre - thanks again - you're all wonderful generous people to help others and it is much appreciated.  Thank you!

Well due to the health issues, I won't be able to be on here much now, just when things were improving too.  I hope you can all understand that I think my health has to come first and I will not be entering some of the few challenges that I've recently tried my best to do.  Writing does not come across the same as talking, so I don't want anyone to misunderstand my reasons for thinking of my health before blogs/cardmaking.

Thank you all for your patience (no pun intended!) and I will be back on whenever I can (hospitals allowing!).  As you can tell by my words, it's NOT getting to me, it's just something else to add to the already long list of health problems.  I'm just going to put a big black cross on the door now....tee hee....always positive, always laughing!!!!  I think that's why I'm still here!!!  Positivity works doesn't it whether your problems are big or small.

Oh, on my last WOYWW Julia asked if we pick the colours according to our moods, mine was blue/greens at the time, but it was only because I was making Dad's Day cards and a male birthday card - no other reason.  What do you all think? Do you pick the colours according to how you feel? Or do you pick them because of what you are making or who the recipient is?

I also made a couple of "Get Well Cards" recently (they will be uploaded later) - perhaps I should send myself one to cheer myself up! LOL!!!

Have fun everyone and see you all soon!

WOYWW 156

It's that time again - WOYWW over at Julia's place.  Although strangely she doesn't have a photo of her workdesk today - she's sitting in the sun somewhere nice and warm with a glass of something in one hand and her ipad in the other!
So here is my workdesk today, well, my work tray really.  I had some offcuts of card that I just couldn't bring myself to throw away so I die cut them and put them around a pre-cut Nestie I was given.  It  is a way of using up the card without having to use whole pieces of die cuts.
You know me and making things go as far as possible for my charity cards!  You never know when you might just need that piece of white card which is only 2 inches square! LOL!!

Now, tell me, have you ever seen any wool balls like this?!?!?  I hadn't before my Aunt came back from the USA and gave them to me to use for the crocheted kitty blankets!  I put in a 10p coin in the photo so you can see the size of them.  They're huge and very neatly wound I have to say.

Anyway the kitties don't mind where it comes from or what colour it is, as long as it's nice and warm and comfortable when they lie on it!!!  I do love making the crocheted blankets, it's easy to do whilst zoning out in front of the TV!

Enjoy WOYWW everyone!

WOYWW 149

Not quite on my workdesk (to find out more about WOYWW go and see Julia's site it'll soon get you on a Wednesday as it's so addictive!), but here's what I've been working on in between the card making.  My DVT leg stops me from crafting on my bed for too long, so instead I decided to make some crocheted blankets for the local Cat Shelter.  I like to help the smaller charities which don't get so much PR.  

Here's some packed away and ready for despatch.  I've also offered to make some cat/dog related animal cards (along with some general cards) for their Summer Fayre.  If anyone would like to help me, just let me know and I'll happily deliver them for you. 

They really do appreciate everything you do for them and as I've been there, I know they really care for their animals and it's lovely to see so many kitties being rehomed.  Yes, I know, I'm a real marshmallow when it comes to animals. 

Enjoy!

Easter Snippet Selection!!!

I've been busy making Easter cards lately and have come up with this set of six from my Snippets Collection.  I already had the glittery eggs and chicks/bunnies/sheep in my stash, so decided to use them up.

I also finished my Easter goodie bags too so I'll show you one of them as the others haven't been posted yet!

Here's another snippet item, this time a goodie bag for Easter treats.  I've made a few of these but can't show the others as they are going in the post later!

Enjoy!

Some Easter items...more to come....

I've been busy with trays on my bed - I made this Easter card for a friend of mine.  I always make a more traditional card for Easter and I hope she likes this one as much as the others I've made for her before.

Remember last week I was speaking about Easter goodies.  Well here is one of the items so far.  It's not finished yet, but will be soon!  I have about seven of them made now, all in different styles and colours for different people.  The paper was a freebie and I just love it!  I think it's "HOTP" and it's gorgeous!

Finally today, I made this little Easter choccy box card.  It contains little Easter chocolate bunnies.  It was a quick make really once the box had been made.  Sorry about the strange angle of the photo, it makes it look odd, but in reality it all lines up.

I made it all using my standard Woodware trimmer along with the scoring blade too.  None of these fancy scoring boards for me.  I use whatever I have in my stash to make things without paying out a fortune for all the special items.  I've used my Woodware trimmer for making everything on this blog - if there's a way around it, I'll find it!

More to come later on as they're being made!

Enjoy!



WOYWW 146

Another Wednesday and another WOYWW over at Julia's for you all to peak at.  If you're not sure what it is go and check it out - you can have a sneaky peak at workdesks all over the world.  Sounds a bit odd when you first see it, but believe me, it's fun and addictive!

So here's what's on my workdesk (or rather my bed!!!).  I'm working on some special Easter goodies (they need to be posted so I'm trying to get them done early!) - I've not forgotten last weeks WOYWW and will be catching up with that soon promise.  I've got so many ideas in my head for cards I need to make, but just not made them yet!

I wonder if the Easter goodies will count as Snippets, no new papers were used and I also used up some very old peel-off's lurking in the back of one of the boxes! 

Enjoy WOYWW!

Snippets Challenge

Here's my entry to the Snippets Challenge 11 for fun in the playground.  As Di said, I can't use the Pogo Sticks sadly, but I can have a go on the swings.  What lovely memories of playing on the swings and even more fun on the roundabouts too!  No health and safety in those days (gosh does that make me sound old!!!) but it was loadssssssssssssssss more fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've used all snippets on this card, no whole sheets were harmed whatsoever in the making of this card.  Here you can see my 'Snippet Envelope' as I call it.  It's an A4 size pack which some card came in and I now use it for my snippets to reside in.  As you can see I've had a go at some MS punching (my one and only PATP set!). 

The card is cheapo card from the £ shop, it is perfect for using as matting and layering and also MS punching of course!  I also use the plain white card from the £ shop as well, ideal for die cutting, too light for the actual cards, but brilliant for the embellishments.  Also thanks again, to Di, for the gorgeous ribbon!  Such a fantastic rich colour and perfectly suits the CS and the colouring.

Talking of which I used the white card to make the flowers, offcuts from the snippets envelope of course, and added some stickles glitter, and some plain brads I've had for eons!  I got two packs of them in a sale, and am now on the second pack!  Plain but they do the job!  I've also used nail varnish on them to change the colour and it works fine!  If there's a way round it, I'll find it!  My pocket is not never ending sadly and I really need to win the lottery!!!

I'm really proud of this card and I'm not ashamed to say it!  Hope you like it too....

Enjoy!

Bakers Twine - well Karen's Twine really!!

I thought I'd add this in.  As I make cards for cancer charity, giving 100% of the  money made to them, I have to use my little grey cell and work around a few things.
For example, I'd love some real Bakers Twine, but it's so expensive, so I decided to have a go at making my own.  I've used it on the Whiff of Joy card earlier, and you will see a different colour on others I've done lately.
I had some kitchen string, you know, the one you use to tie around the Christmas pudding etc.  I put around a piece of plain old card (this is the back of a Christmas Card I received), and then got out my trusty Promarkers and just coloured lines across the string.  I let it dry and then added another coat of it.

Voila, it came out OK - what do you think?  It looks better on the card than here.  It's good that you can add whatever colour you need to match your card and not have to have every colour they make at great cost.

Hope you enjoy my little hints and tips and crafty makes which help save pennies.

Enjoy!

My 2011 Christmas Cards!

OK, so it's a bit late, but due to health problems, I only made a few cards this year.  Luckily I had some from last year already made.  I had so many plans in my head, but only a couple came to fruition.

These cards look really complicated, and believe me, the first one I made was!  It took a while for my little grey cell to get the folding the right way!

However once you've done it and got it right - it comes quite easily!  Everyone who received one of these cards loved them - and I even know of two that are still up!  I know it's bad luck after the 6th January, but they love them so much which is fantastic to know!

I'm now hoping to have a play (I mean create!) with my Christmas goodies.  I'll be making some Rudolph cards hopefully (it will make it easier if there are late onset problems again!) and I'll be ahead of the game too which is fantastic news at the busiest time of year.

My DVT and blood is not doing what it is supposed to do every time, sometimes my blood is up and sometimes it is down like a yoyo, sometimes too high, sometimes too low, only once has it been exactly right!  Typical for me then as those of you who know me would say! 

Enjoy and hope to be back more regularly soon!

WOYWW 125

Welcome all WOYWW'ers!!!  Here's the huge coins, all Halloween'd Up!  I cut some Nesties (don't look too close as some of them got a bit squished as my hands are still playing up).  I only had this small piece of black card in my stash so hence it had to be made up 'as is'. 

I put them in small plastic wallet type cases (my Aunt gave them to me as she saves all items which might be useful for my crafting!). 

Here's my little work tray, all buried under Oozing eyeballs....ferocious fangs.....

and more bats and the coin fronts all made up.  All made and ready for Halloween now....trick or treat....!

Enjoy WOYWW!

Oozing Eyeballs and Ferocious Fangs!

 Here's the first of the Halloween items I've been making.  I've been on the hunt for some black card but everywhere I've been has sold out - hence the dark blue.  As it'll be night-time I don't think people will notice too much!

I was going to stick the big coins on the back of the little bats, but decided to just make the chocolate fangs go a lot further by making them into bats teeth!  Fairly simple, no templates, just me and a pair of scissors and a silver metallic pen (left from Christmas last year!).

I was going to use the ooooozing eyeballs to make the bats eyes, but once I'd opened the packet I noticed they didn't have any coloured parts of the eye, only white marshmallow instead.  So Plan B it is then....!  I decided to make up sweetie bags with the eyes and fangs, using my Labels Nesties to make the top, handwritten with "Ooozing eyes and ferocious fangs" on the front and Happy Halloween on the back.

My brother has tried the oozing eyeballs and said they are great, you get about 25 in a bag for £1 so pretty good value.

I've got more to show you tomorrow with the huge coins and also it'll be WOYWW so you will see not a lot of the work tray with these around!!!

Enjoy!

The Finished Card....Ta Da....!!

 Here's the finished product of the WOYWW showing!  As I said it's for my Aunt's 80th birthday.  There's no fear she'll see it on here as she doesn't use the 'interweb thingy'...!!  The image came from Di (as usual it seems - believe it or not I do have a few of my own stamps too!).

I made the little Happy Birthday sentiment by putting a rub on down on to a pearlised snippet I had in my stash, then put it through the paper crimper (bargain in the kiddies toy section!).  Added a small brad (which I'd coloured with nail varnish to suit the card better!) and used foam pads to give it some height.  This card is being hand delivered, so not postage costs to worry about!

The inside of the card shows the numbers in BIG letters, and as she wont' see this, she won't mind me showing you all.  I used my Distress Ink (this one is getting a lot of use, I'm nearly on my way to getting another colour too, so watch out for that one when I get it!).  I used my Nesties to cut the poem out and then distressed it, not perfectly, but with my hands, it's never going to be perfect!

More flowers from the bargain bin and some butterflies (again from Di) which I've added Frosted Lace stickles too.  It's nice and delicate for this type of card.  Took ages to dry though, I had them all along the window sill in different stages of drying!

Enjoy!