Happy thoughts of a mini making mum

Short break time

2012-01-10T17:07:00.006Z

Phew, time for a break! I feel like I've been one one of those hamster wheels since September !there hasn't been a day gone by where I haven't had a presentation, essay or project to research for even on Christmas eve I was writing an essay on my chosen artist, Wilhelm Sasnal.

I visited his exhibition at the Whitechapel gallery towards the end of the year and it was fantastic, which is why I chose him.

I also presented my personal development blog My Big plan which I intend to continue with :)

Today's happy thought-Plant a seed of friendship, reap a bouquet of happiness!

My big plan!

2011-11-14T17:20:00.006Z

As part of my college course, I have to undertake a personal development program, this involves identifying my weaknesses and devising a strategy to improve. I have decided to present this in the form of a blog.

Please take a look :)

My Big plan

Student life!

2011-10-27T22:09:00.016+01:00

Well , nearly six weeks in and I'm surviving! I am just coming to the end of my first project which was on the subject of identity.

I decided my project would be Me v football because all my life I have had football inflicted on me even though I'm not interested in it at all.

I set out to football training and matches every weekend, camera in hand to study various aspects of the game, I needed to represent how football has inflicted itself on me during my life, Liverpool as a child and still now, Manchester united through my marriage and Rayne youth in motherhood.

I also had to present my work, which I hate, there seems to be a lot of presenting during this course, and writing, (which basically just isn't art , so not popular!!) no one told us that.
still I'm really enjoying it and have made so many new friends:)

all of my photography project work can be found at Me v football and football set.

Sams Flickr photostream

Todays happy thought: "some people think that football is a matter of life or death, it's much more serious than that" -Bill Shankley

Fairy tea time

2011-09-17T17:56:00.008+01:00

So I said I would post about the fairy tea party we held for my six year old daughters birthday so here it is!
Being on a bit of a tight budget, it was all to be created at home, nothing bought in, plus, I like creating a party for her that no one has been to so I set about drawing like crazy and prayed for good weather!

First the decorations, I drew some fairies and coloured them in with pencils, you won't understand how much I enjoyed this♥ ........I cut them out and laminated them-beautiful, I also scanned them in and "miniaturised" them to make a "find the fairy" game, I hid them all round the garden.

I made the going home gifts, a fairy wand, using polymer clay stars and a painted wooden handle, bedazzled with glitter and finished off with a ribbon:)

The activity we did during the party was making fairy headbands, these are relatively easy to make and were very popular this summer in high st shops, quite costly too but much prettier to make yourself with florist wire, green paper & some flowers from the craft shops:)

The weather held out and a fab fairy day was had by all:)

Ouch!

2011-09-04T14:25:00.006+01:00

I know I was going to tell you about the fairy tea but last week I had my first wasp sting, I was setting the table indoors, with bare feet when I thought I had stood on a pin, just for a nano second that is, as then the real pain started to kick in! I had squashed a wasp, squeezing out the stinger from the wasps body, deep into my middle toe....oh the pain, who knew it would hurt so much? I couldn't bear to look at my toe, I thought if I did I would certainly pass out and I was trying (but failing massively) to be brave in front of my six year old:(

Mr H looked at it and it was still pumping poison into me, I waited while he took it out expecting the pain to at least lessen after doing so, but no, two co-codamols and one Ibuprofen an extra Benadryl and wasp sting cream later and the pain was still the same!

After half an hour I started to look this up online, as I was sure that this was lasting too long, but no, it was normal, whats more,apparently, fatalities usually occur within the hour, "hmmmmm" I thought, not what you want to read when experiencing the most pain you have ever felt (And I have had three children by the way)

Five days later (yes five) and the pain stopped, although each day it hurt less.

I now know why on picnics, some people flap around and run away at the mere sight of a wasp, they must too have been barefoot once:)

Fairy tea party next, promise:)

Todays happy thought: Smiling is infectious,
you can catch it like the flu,
when someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too:)

Back to school!

2011-08-06T16:33:00.015+01:00

No, I know the holidays have just started, I'm talking about me! yes, I have been spending the last few months applying and preparing to go to Art college! I have decided that I want to get my Art degree:)

I'm soooo both excited and bit scared, as it's a massive change to me after being my own boss at home for the last nearly thirteen years and it's going to be a challenge fitting it all in around school runs and children stuff-but one that I 'm looking forward to!

So, I haven't had time to make any miniatures for a while, what with trying to get a place at college and.... since my last post what has occured?-a rather splendid royal wedding, our fairy tea party (next post), a totally amazing Take That at Wembley, a trip to the X Factor auditions, a school fete, other school fundraising stuff (including a very successful trip to see JLS and Olly Murs at Hylands park) and so much more but I'm getting withdrawal symptoms and might have to shut myself in Happy shed some time soon..........before september...eeek!:0)

Art gallery visits

2011-04-10T14:05:00.006+01:00

This week, my friend & I decided to visit some Art galleries. The original plan was to go to London, but as the fares were ridiculously expensive (something I will never understand, if those in power want us to be "green" & use public transport, why make it cheaper to go in the car??!) we decided to stick with Essex, which turned out to be well worth it!

Dunmow is a lovely little town, with a kind of holiday feel to it, maybe that was due to the lovely weather, but it was a very friendly place.

We headed out to Dunmow & found the Aubrey Art Gallery , some lovely huge works of art, I loved (if I had to choose) The Beach by Gordon Crossley & Summer Breeze by Elsie Bouffler, I am always drawn to the delicate watercolours, take a look at the website to see more:)

We then visited The Gallery on the park which was a tiny little place & was more like a working gallery, we bought some cards by Artist Simon Drew, they were very unusual & funny, never seen anything like it before-definitely worth a visit!

Finally we drove out through the lovely countryside to The Lindsell Art Gallery which was amazing-here there were Art & craft exhibits, life drawing classes & many artist including fellow Guild of Essex craftsmen member, James Merriott whose paintings are amazing-please take a look at the website & visit if possible, I suddenly feel all inspired to take up glass painting again! ♥

Todays happy thought: It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.

Art days

2011-03-31T11:19:00.004+01:00

I have been lucky enough to be able to give myself some art days lately, you know just me & the sketch book, clay, watercolurs-whatever takes my fancy! I have also felt the need to sort out my art work, as in true creative fashion, (creative minds are never tidy) it is not organised into any folders or files or even frames, just sctattered around the shed/loft so I have been putting together a portfolio of my work.
As you can see, I have my work cut out for me!
I am at the moment painting a picture of Bocking windmill from a photo I took, I'm finding it kind of frustrating as the wall facing me has no windows, it's just a blank wall and I really have the urge to paint in some anyway!

will post pics when done :)

Todays happy thought: A mother holds her childs hand for just a short while, but she holds their hearts forever ♥

Lucky Leprechaun giveaway!

2011-02-25T15:29:00.007Z

Well I spent yesterday making these lovely little chaps & was trying to name them & thought it would be a lovely chance for a giveaway!

What I want you to do, is comment on this post, telling me what name you would like to give to the little fella on the right here, on his own, with the ginger beard!

The winner of the lucky leprechaun will be chosen on Friday night, 4th March by my family (pot of gold not included I'm afraid !)
So come on, get commenting, I can't wait to see some names!

Todays happy thought-When Irish eyes are smiling, they must be up to something :)!

Glitz & glamour!

2011-02-24T12:52:00.003Z

I will be taking part in this Ladies Glitz & glamour evening at the Art centre, Dunmow on Saturday 5th March-it looks fab! looking forward to it :)

I'm busy making some St Patricks day goodies today, leprechauns & happy thoughts.
It's nice to have a day to create, the children are all watching a film so I just snatched a few minutes to have a coffee, another one as I spilt the first one-all over the printer & the carpet ! Ages it took me to clear it up :(

Anyway, I think we should have a giveaway-it's been a while, I think I might give away fergus the leprechaun, mmmm let me have a think!

Todays happy thought-A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.

Secret little studio....

2011-02-21T10:03:00.015Z

I found a wonderful little place last week, hidden away, the kind of place us creative people love to be ♥

Its called The Art Centre & it's in a town near me called Great Dunmow in Essex, I hope that I will be soon holding a six week course on miniature making, how exciting!

I just need to decide on what to create in the workshops! what do you think students would like to learn? I thought, fruit, whole & cut/sliced etc & posibly bakery items to begin with!
What do you think?
Todays happy thought; Get up early & take control of the day, get up late & the day takes control of you!

Exciting new year!

2011-01-08T20:21:00.005Z

So, happy new year, what's everyone got planned for this year? One of my resolutions is to keep up with my blog & etsy shop more,also, seek out some exciting new shows, I have already been asked to do two, which I can actually attend:)

Firstly, in February (my favourite month) I have been asked to attend a medieval fair, right here in Braintree on 12th, right before valentines day, then in June, a village fair in a little village not far away called Tolleshunt D'Arcy, can't wait!

My exhibition has ended, it was sad taking it all down, I haven't heard if I had any sales yet, but the invite to the medieval fair came about as a result of that & I had a lot of interesting & positive comments in my guest book:)

We in the Humphreys house are now thankfully coming to the end of our Christmas chocolate, I am, as typing this, eating the last slice of Christmas cake-then I feel that, over the next few weeks, lots of extra exercise is in order! However, valentines day is fast approaching & who doesn't love a romantic box of chocolates? Certaintly the little lady of the dolls house does, hmmm maybe she would prefer her f avourite perfume or a bouquet of beautiful flowers!!!

The End of another year!

2010-12-28T15:08:00.009Z

So here I sit, eating chocolates & feeling about 40 stone! I can't believe another whole year has gone by! I managed somehow to set up Itsy Britsy, goodness knows how, I was so ill, before that & following that, my children were ill-Christmas came & went without hitches thankfully!

Here is some pictures from the exhibition which is still on display in Braintree Library Dome Gallery!

The Sixties teenagers bedroom was great fun, being from Liverpool, sixties music has always been prominent in my life! I loved making the little HMV record player & all the 45"vinyl singles & the LP'S The posters on the wall of course are the Beatles & a little piece of my own family history!

The Knights table was great fun to do, it would have been better if I hadn't been recovering from being so ill, the mosaic was very theraputic work & of course Camelot wouldn't be complete without the dragon & merlins work table!

The Tudor banquet was fun too, I learned more about the Tudors during this project than I ever did at school, couldn't find much about their cheese though!!

The traditional sweet stall, my family enjoyed my research for this, the live studying part that is!

Happy New Year everyone !!

Fit for a king

2010-10-24T21:25:00.006+01:00

Tomorrow I start working on my Tudor banquet, (hmmmm I wonder where I,m going to get a pigs head from) I can't wait, I really want to start now, not a good idea though or I will never get to bed!
I,ve been sitting planning what I'm going to make for weeks, I can't find what sort of cheese they had in Tudor times though-I can see pictures of banquets with cheese on plates, but nowhere that tells me what I can model my work on!

Tudor times is my favourite time in history, not that I would have liked to have lived through it mind you, he was far too free & easy with his axe! During the summer holidays, we took our children to the Tower of London & I was amazed that we could stand in the very spot where Ann Boleyn was executed, all that history preserved like it wasn't so long ago !

So this is a very exciting project for me, must get some sleep so I can make an early start :)

Showtime !

2010-09-26T20:03:00.006+01:00

Once again it's been a busy weekend, on saturday I attended a Macmillan coffee morning at layer marney tower. What a beautiful place, I drove through the gates to be greeted by wandering sheep.
Once inside though, there were no sheep, thankfully, we were in the great hall which had a huge great fireplace which made me feel all christmassy!
I really enjoyed my day, I enjoy talking to people about their dolls houses & helping them choose what to fill them with, I find it so fascinating, the lady who is working on her Tudor house, the other her student residence.
What I would like to see is a gallery of dolls houses, in fact why don't you share some links to your pictures? Post your link in comments!

Tea for two ♥

2010-09-17T13:34:00.004+01:00

Well here I am, still at it-I really need to go & hoover but I just wanted to share my latest busy table with you, a traditional English tea, the latest addition to my Itsy Britsy exhibition!

I have been making this over the summer & I have enjoyed every minute...mmmm, now I'm hungry, I'll have to settle for a biscuit though, been to busy to bake any scones!

Work In progress....

2010-08-12T14:12:00.003+01:00

September, always feels more like the new year to me than January, school starts, the weather starts to turn & we start getting out the jumpers & boots & packing away flip flops & chucking out bottles of suncream which we optimistically bought at the start of the school summer hols!
We had a fun packed summer holiday, beach trips forest trips & days at home, lots of buying uniform, especially for my eldest who started at secondary school this September!

I have booked more craft fairs as I have missed them, it's really hard to find affordable ones that happen at a convenient time, I also have my exhibition coming up at Braintree library in November so at the moment I have lots of half finished miniature projects & am waiting for some good weather to take some photos!

I did manage to make some Beatles LP's for my sixties teenage bedroom for the Itsy Britsy exhibition though!

Summer holidays at last ☼

2010-07-29T18:05:00.004+01:00

I know, I know, I've been too busy to blog-the school fete just about took over my life, I have been in mini-making withdrawal!
Now the holidays are here we have arranged a few days out, but on those "chill out days" I have to start preparing for my exhibition, it's not until November but, you know that as soon as the summer holidays are over, Christmas just happens, so I want to get it all sorted out before September, because then school starts again & so does all the work for the fundraising!

Soooo-the title of the exhibition is Itsy Britsy & it is all work based on our good old British traditions & work has started on the garden fete already!

I will keep you posted as my work continues (I promise) :)

Todays happy thought; Look before you leap. But if you are going to leap, don't look too long!

Fruity freebies!

2010-06-05T20:14:00.007+01:00

I've been rather industrious for the last few weeks, as well as organising my daughters 5th birthday party, stripping down the miniature shop for my tea room & organising the school fête I have had the mini making bug!

I had bought some juice drinks for my little girls birthday party & noticed that the tops were just the right size for miniature fruit bowls, so I packed them up out of my little stock of little fruit & don't they look cute? I also made a fruit bowl similar to some I saw while on holiday on Portugal last year.
Anyway, to celebrate my fruity frenzy, I have decided to give one of my bottle top bowls of fruit away with any orders from my Etsy shop over $15 until I run out of them!

Actually, the birthday party inspired me a lot, I made lots of cupcakes instead of a birthday cake & like many artists, I am extremely untidy in whatever I am creating be it clay or cooking, so there was clouds of icing sugar & splashes of buttercream everywhere.....so of course I am making a busy baking table of cupcake decorating, pictures when I'm finished, here's a tray of cupcakes to start with.....

And if those greedy little people in the dolls house are still hungry, there's always a bag of crisps!

Todays happy thought: If you change the way you see a problem, the problem you see will change!

De-stress day

2010-04-09T10:41:00.004+01:00

So I was looking round the town on wednesday morning & I noticed all the fabric flowery hair accessories & also, necklaces, bags etc with varying sizes of flowers...mmmm quite expensive I thought too!....Then I remembered how I have stacks of fabric in the loft, a tin of interesting buttons that was recently donated to me & two beautiful daughters who I can make some of these decorations for, at a cost of nothing!

So that's how I spent my day, happily sewing up lots of coolurful flowers, adding hairclips, safety pins etc ....mmm what a lovely day!

Spring hols are here!

2010-04-07T13:35:00.005+01:00

....and am I ready for a holiday! I just feel like I need a few days where I can close the doors & stay in, I don't even care what the weather is doing, at this moment I feel like I have hit the wall & I can't go any further until I de-stress a bit first!......I went for a swim at an unearthly hour this morning, as thats the only way I could fit it in & I do feel a bit better already!

So, here's the plan....there will be no plans! tomorrow I might have a bit of a crafty day (I mean doing crafts, not being sly), I made some little dressing table bottles recently & I love them so much I'm itching to make more!....I could sort out the shed a bit, the house is reasonably tidy & it is clean so I'm just going to chill & let the children play on the wii & in the garden....oh & a little chocolate never hurts either (for both me & the children) ♥

Todays happy thought: You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.

Things I hate about swimming & the giveaway winner!!

2010-03-12T19:53:00.007Z

First things first, I've been having a bit of bother getting this posted this week, so finally.......

The winner is ......... Peach Blossom hill

Thanks for all your entries!

Right, swimming, ...I love swimming, since all three of my children are now full time at school, I've been able to go swimming once or twice a week, depending on whether I am on the forest trip with reception or not.

I started off giving myself an hour, swimming at least 60 lengths in that time, I now swim 64 lengths (a mile) in about 45 mins, I am trying to better that every week!

Why then must people insist, when a pool is busy, on doing backstroke, head down, "everyone can just move out of my way" front crawl, or worse, side by side, chat while we swim kind of swimming aaaaaaaaaaaaagh, how inconsiderate can you get?-if the pools empty, fine, thrash about, swim diagonally or dawdle all you like, but if it says swim clockwise, please do so!

There, rant over, I can enjoy the rest of my weekend!!!

New neighbours!

2010-02-26T19:26:00.007Z

We have new neighbours, well kind of, my daughters dolls house has had people finally move in!
Their home is nowhere near finished, but it is habitable, with all the necessary facilities & a few home comforts .......as you can see, Dad has settled down with a cuppa, while he chats on the phone, I wonder who he is talking to?
The daughter is chilling out in her room, reading witha healthy snack by her side....naughty naughty though, no plate tut tut.....!
Mum is somewhere around, cleaning probably, we can meet her another time!

Don't forget now, I'm hosting a giveaway............

All you have to do is visit my Etsy shop & tell me what your favourite item is in there, then tell me what your ideal Mothers day gift would be, it can be as extravagant & selfish as you like or as plain & simple ☼
So, visit, fave item, fantasy present-that's it, you have got until noon on Saturday 6th March, then the winner will be put into a hat & randomly drawn out by my children ♥

Todays happy thought; It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Brand new giveaway!

2010-02-19T10:18:00.009Z

Yes it's very nearly Mothers day again & I've decided to hold another giveaway as I haven't done one for ages!
The winner will recieve a miniature Mothers day gift wrapped basket, a cute little addition to your dolls house, or for Mums who love little things ♥

All you have to do is visit my Etsy shop & tell me what your favourite item is in there, then tell me what your ideal Mothers day gift would be, it can be as extravagant & selfish as you like or as plain & simple ☼

So, visit, fave item, fantasy present-that's it, you have got until noon on Saturday 6th March, then the winner will be put into a hat & randomly drawn out by my children ♥

Good luck, can't wait to hear them !!!

Todays happy thought ; A mother holds her childrens hands for a short while, but she holds their hearts forever!

squish!

2010-02-16T19:50:00.004Z

I am blogging as I squish clay, I love squishing clay it's so relaxing, at the moment I am squishing a rather lovely green to make seedlings with, as I have run out of my miniature seedling trays! It's nearly spring & I suppose our little people in the dollshouse are growing their greens, they will be wanting all manner of greenhouse goodies too I expect, plants, pots, seeds, growbags (need to make more of those too).....

I have been rather busy with the clay recently, I made some juicy little satsumas, which I love so much, they are popular too, which means I get to make some more ♥

back in a moment..................................................................

.........there, children in bed, little green seedlings cooking , cup of tea & a ferrrero rocher (which I got for my birthday yesterday)...musn't forget about the seedlings cooking though :)

I think that I must have a spring clean in Happy shed tomorrow as It's been getting cluttered over the winter months, it's only because I tend to chuck things in to "put away later" as it's too cold to hang around in, it's not too bad though, I did spend an hour a few weeks ago, tidying up a little, in between snow showers that is...which I am fed up with now by the way! I know we here in England get laughable amounts compared to my fellow crafters in the US, but our authorities just don't prepare for it, so things grind to a halt.....schools close (don't mind that really) deliveries stop (health & safety) roads & pavements become treacherous ( no money for grit !!! really) & any plans you might have for going anywhere, well, don't even think about it!

anyway, back to the shed, (moan over) I want to get it so I can work in it once spring is here, now that all my children are at school all day, I can get some serious squishing time ☺

Todays happy thought: A smile is a curve that sets things straight ☺

A lovely bunch of coconuts.....!

2010-02-01T13:16:00.007Z

Monday again, cold it is too, my feet are seriously below the temparature of what I would call reasonable for feet!

Enough of that, if I get on, I might forget about my feet!

I have been fairly busy last week, I have turned my creative juices all tropical making coconuts whole ones for the coconut shy, and halves for, ...well I don't know actually, I bought one, to copy & now I don't know what to do with it. We use coconut for plenty of recipes, but we tend to buy the milk in a tin & the white part in a packet. I suppose it's partly because it's a pain to open & partly because when you do, you lose half the milk & it's hard to separate the "flesh" from the shell.

suggestions would be welcome!

I'm pleased with them though, they did take me ages, good job I don't suffer from lack of patience!

The coconuts will be part of my exhibition at the end of the year, it is called "Itsy Britsy" & is a celebration of Great British traditions, a summer fete is one of my favourites & I intend to have a 12th scale fete complete with coconut shy.

I will write more about my exhibition at a later date......now brrrrr more socks!

Todays Happy thought....One kind word can warm three winter months.

my little online dollshouse!

2010-01-14T10:15:00.004Z

The reason i haven't done much over the last few weeks is because i have discovered a fab game on the internet via facebook called yoville!
Now I don't usually go for these sort of things, I ignored my friends constant requests to join for ages as I've usually got better things to do, but as it feeds my interest in all things mini & indulges my need to shop, (without costing me a penny) I became hooked!
The game is, you are given an apartment, you then work & play to earn coins, enabling you to furnish your apartment, buy clothes accesories etc, you visit your friends in their apartments too it is so much fun!

Obviously that's not all I've been doing, I do have my children of course, and the school Friends association, would you believe I have started the ball rolling already for the school fete......I have ordered lots of clay today as I have lots to make, now that all of my children are full time at school I will be able to dedicate a couple of whole days to creating in Happy shed.....or the dining table until the weather warms up!

Now valentines day, best get cracking!

New years resolutions!

2010-01-08T14:08:00.010Z

Right this year I really really mean it......

1 Eat less ......yes I must, most important this one, this year I have had less will power after Christmas & still keep "finishing off" the last few dregs of goodies, I don't even enjoy them now it's not Christmas anymore, cos it just feels wrong!....and if I carry on at this rate I will be at least 25 stone by next Christmas!!

2 Drink more......water that is, I forget me & make sure the children have enough, when really I should have a glass at the same time!....going to get one now in fact!

....aaaah thats better, now where were we....oh yes number

3 spend less.....yes well, nuff said!

4 Sell more....I need to spend more time promoting my miniatures on Etsy & finding more outlets to sell.

5 Listen more.....to music, I really got out of the habit while the children were all small as we listened mainly to childrens stuff, wearing headphones were out of the question at any time in case I didn't hear them calling me, so now they are all at school, I can turn it up! (so long as I can still hear the phone in case school calls...hmmm)

6 Move more .....I will swim more, walk more & mmm might even get wii fit!

Best get on then....have lots to do!

Cold, cold cold...!

2010-01-07T15:37:00.008Z

Ok I'll be honest, I really don't like January, I think it's depressing, there's nothing good happens in January! I like snow....at Christmas, where it belongs....the best thing about snow now is that schools closed & I get to keep my children here with me, in the warm.

Usually, at this time of year, I get some cleaning done, sort of "spring" cleaning of both house & shed & look forward to spring time.I usually get my creating mojo back...& make plans for my crafting year.....This year I plan to concentrate my efforts online, Etsy in particular, and create a new website that gathers all my web prescences together in one place, I have Etsy, facebook, twitter, deviantart, blogspot...I think thats it, no doubt there will be more to follow!
Towards the end of the year I have an exhibition at my local library, it will be called Itsy Britsy & it is a celebration of all of our British traditions & customs, work is already well underway but your ideas & suggestions will be welome.

best get on with promoting my miniature february goodies then, it's pancake day first, followed by valentines day, so get over to my Etsy shopand take a look!

Now, new years resolutions..........Hmm!

Time goes by..♪♫

2009-12-23T20:05:00.006Z

Where did that time go....one minute it was Halloween, now it's christmas eve! I have been busy, too busy to blog, I know, but I have been ever so busy!
I might not have mentioned, but I am now the chairperson of the school friends assoc, (like pta) and we have had the quiz, fundraisers & stuff to do....i had no idea how much work goes into all this & it has completely took over the last couple of months!
On top of that Mr H has decorated the lounge & installed a new bathroom, admittedly I didn't have a lot to do with that but there was lots of moving around & tidying up to do...& countless cups of tea, so less blogging time there then!
It's very icy here still, for the last couple of days, I have been unable to drive out of our road, as it is a downward hill into a busy main rd, as it's like sheet ice, I am terrified of just sliding straight down it!....looks pretty though!
I have found the time to make a few minis though, I made some decorations for the miniature Christmas tree, plus some crackers & baubles!
Now I am off to calm my (very) excited children & finish off some last minute jobs!

Merry Christmas xxx

Rockin' Bockin'

2009-11-01T08:24:00.009Z

This Halloween, A medieval street in bocking, Bradford st, was rocking to the sound of The Wutars! It's easy to see why these boys have such a loyal following, & believe me, some of their fans travelled some way to see them last night when they followed them to our (usually) sleepy village to pack a pub to hear them play.

They sang tracks from their most excellent cd available from The Wutars or to download from itunes, plus some cleverly chosen covers including The Jam, The Smiths & The Beatles ♫♪♪♫

It's been a good few weeks for them, as well as a mention in the Daily Mirror, one of my favourites from their cd ‘Stay Up Stay Up’ was chosen by Gary Crowley as his London Calling track of the week on BBC Radio Click here to listen!

Can't wait until next time, but I think they will need a bigger venue!

Hot seats!

2009-10-13T17:15:00.008+01:00

Well, last Thursday afternoon I was just recovering from a forest trip with fifteen four year olds, when I got a phone call...
"Hello, is that Samantha?"

"yes" I replied as I am,

" this is x factor, I'm pleased to tell you that you have been selected out of thousands of people to recieve tickets for our sunday live show"

"Is that when Robbie Williams is on?" I calmly asked

well at this point I nearly fainted, I had only applied for them a few days before, on behalf of my friend, & never expected to get them knowing what a popular show it would be, if I couldn't go, I would hand over the tickets, not that I could as I then found out..... the applicant has to be there...shame!

So off we went, early sunday morning as these tickets were stand by, not guaranteed entry so we would take it it turns to queue & go off in pairs to the local Mc Donalds for food & facilities! We got there at eleven in the morning, politely declined an interview with sky news about the sad passing of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, I didn't really want to be on the television & failed to see why the british public would want to hear about my shock & sadness at the news, besides, there was no shortage of volunteers for them to point the microphones at! What I was shocked at, was that every time a black car, with blacked out windows (no big deal nowadays, my own car has these at the back) pulled up/slowed down near the studio, mayhem broke out, grown men & women hurled themselves into the road & path of passing traffic to get a glimpse of Robbie/Cheryl/Simon etc...these were not teenagers or children we're talking about...adults, I couldn't believe it!

Anyway, we pased the time chatting & waiting, eating & waiting until finally there was some movement, studio staff came out & counted, we felt sick waiting to find out if our day had been a complete waste of time or not...& phew, we were let in at about six thirty, hooray!

It was much smaller than it looks on tv inside & we saw loads of celebs milling around, Girls aloud were in the audience, baby spice Emma Bunton, someone called Chipmunk, who I didn't know but have since found out is at no.1 (thats how hip & trendy I am then :( ) & I said hello to Cheryl for my daughters, I couldn't get autographs but they were pleased that she'd said hello back. It was a lovely night, Robbie was fab, despite what rubbish is in the papers & we were very lucky to be there!....couldn't take pics though...never mind ♥

Something way cool! ♪♫♫♪ (as my children would say)

2009-09-26T16:51:00.008+01:00

Just a quick post as I have something to share-I have just received my new Wutars ep, & I had to let you know about it as it's wicked! I love it, so will you ♪♪♫♪♫

Click here to go to The Wutars myspace page & you can listen too!

Check out the new website! The Wutars

Todays happy thought;-Never do today what can be put off until tomorrow!

Giveaway winner!

2009-09-26T15:10:00.003+01:00

Thank you to those who entered, the winner is Nina Take a look at her blog, it's inspirational!

I'm having a very busy time at the moment, I have just taken on the role of chairperson of the school pta...very scary, so I'm up to my eyes (& ears) in minutes, agendas & files of stuff to sort through, thats as well as having the house turned upside down for decorating!...perhaps I'll just go & sit in Happy shed, where it's quiet ♥

2009-08-30T19:43:00.008+01:00

Ok, so the summers almost over, well school holidays anyway, I still have lots of holiday photos to show you, but I thought we could have a summer giveaway to keep those summery feelings flowing......My holiday has inspired me to get my paints out again...I'm loving all those beachy seaside textures ♥ what I want to know is, what has inspired you most this summer? just leave your inspirations in a comment, for an extra entry, let me know what your favourite item is in my Etsy shop...

The winner who will be picked by my family on.....18th September will recieve a 12th scale miniature dropped ice cream, like the one pictured here on my beach! perfect for a garden or outside scene ☼
so there you go then, can't wait to see your inspirations!

Todays happy thought: A Mother holds her childs hand for a short time, but holds their hearts forever.

Brushing off the sand...

2009-08-21T15:01:00.007+01:00

I've still got sand in my shoes & a few mosquito bites, but my holiday in Portugal is well & truly over :( but it was lovely, we stayed in a very luxurious villa with it's own pool so I could get up & have a swim before anyone else got up...it was fab ☼

We stayed in a gorgeous little fishing village in the Algarve called Alvor, my family have been holidaying there for many years although it is fourteen years since I have visited myself, giving up work to look after children tends to have that effect on trips abroad! It filled me with inspiration to create, the harbour, fishing boats, the sea, the food- mmmm the smells of the fresh fish being barbecued outside the restaurant is delicious.....

My eldest daughter & I went out to sea on a boat to look at dolphins, we saw loads she loved it, her face was beaming the whole time ☺

One thing I did learn was that dolhins are fast, not easy to catch on film, the best thing to do is guess were you think they are going to leap & point the camera there, I have got an awful lot of pictures of "where a dolphin just was"! ...please also forgive the ameteurish-ness of the video, I have never used a video camera!

It was so good being that far from the shore, so peaceful, we didn't want to come back in!

Todays happy thought.-Portugal..aaaaah!

Holiday pendants

2009-08-05T19:10:00.006+01:00

Hello, this will probably be my last post before I take some holiday ☼ as I will be too busy weighing suitcases frantically, stressing over the clothes bulging on the inside of them & fretting over leaving something behind (or forgetting something)...anyway, I thought I would make myself some holiday inspired pendants...These are to go with some of my lovely new clothes, & to jazz up some of my old ones....I couldn't think of a name for the third one, any suggestions??

Sam ☺

sew cross :(

2009-07-23T08:57:00.007+01:00

I made my youngest daughter a gorgeous little pink gingham shorts & top set the other day, I did this in one day & it wasn't too hard, so I thought...right, I'm on a roll now will squeeze one in for eldest daughter before the end of the next day, so off we went to choose fabric, a lovely pale yellow with a subtle silver thread running throuh it!

I cut it all out fairly quickly, pinned it al together, even tacked the sleeves on just to make sure all was well....lovely I thought, let's get it stitched together before tea, then I can clear up & get the table set..I thought feeling all pleased with myself that I can now just whip up a top, just like that!

Then I looked closely...lovely though the fabric is, it's really hard to tell the difference between the right & wrong side, I had put the sleeves on inside out :(...worse still, the fabric is too delicate to unpick, so now that top is wasted, I will try, when I have calmed down a bit, & stopped being annoyed,attempt to cut out a top for my little one from it, & go & get some more fabric for the larger project...but right now I have got the hump with it & all the sewing stuff is in the corner in disgrace!

Todays happy thought: If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?

End of term ♥

2009-07-19T17:37:00.006+01:00

At last, the summer hols have started, nearly six weeks of not watching the clock all day, the children not having to go out & fewer lunches to make at six thirty in the morning!

The last week however was hectic as usual, we made fudge for a couple of the teachers, (there was some left over for us...delicious it was too!) biscuits for one & I had my ice cream cone order to finish......I also made an interesting purchase from a charity shop, but more about that next time!
Todays happy thought;- The best thing about being a teacher is July & August

Hello Summer!

2009-07-12T19:56:00.012+01:00

Hello, just a quick update as I am about to go & watch Top gear! I am back down on planet earth after seeing Take That last week & accept now that reality is kicking in & life as we know it will continue without them!...there now I have been busy with an order for a customer in Italy who has a miniature Ice cream shop, this has led to many ice cream related creations...pics to follow, haven't had chance to take them yet!

Here are some pics of my barbeque goodies that I have been creating ....a homemade barbeque for the credit crunch hit dolls house family, they found an old tin bath in the shed & transformed it & were soon sizzling sausages on there, I also made rolls for the hot dogs & burgers, find them all on Etsy!

Please check out my fan page....

Itsy Bitsy Art by Sam on Facebook

Take That ♪♫♫♪

2009-07-04T18:43:00.006+01:00

I am very tired this week as I have been to see Take That at Wembley on Wednesday, only just had the energy to post as I haven't danced that much for a very long time, they were of course Amazing....it was a real treat as they launched more or less straight into the oldies that we haven't seen them perform for, oh

about 15 years...wow that makes me feel really old,

but on wednesday, I felt 22 again!
We were really high up, so high, some poeple were so scared they were refusing to climb any higher, they soon forgot their vertigo though when Take That came on & despite the small space available around their seats, remembered all the old dance routines!

Back then, when I had more money & no responsibilities other than myself & thought nothing of driving into London & getting home at three thirty in the morning, (I didn't used to have to get up at six am to make family sandwiches & get them off to school!) we used to go more than once, & get much closer, but now (what with touts buying all the tickets to sell on ebay within five minutes, ) I am lucky that I can get tickets at all & very grateful that I did, I have to be content with going just the once & soaking up the atmosphere, & having the time of my life....roll on next tour, Take That ..you are the best ♪♫♫♪

2009-06-24T11:18:00.005+01:00

Thought I would give this a try, I'm so proud that my miniatures sell worldwide so I found a way to share this with you!
Please bear with me , it will take a little while to add all I have to add so far, if you have recieved creations from me, please let me know so I can add them!

Worldwide sales of Itsy Bitsy Art by Sam

Map Legend: 2%, 6 of 263 Territories

Maroon

Giveaway winner!

2009-06-11T13:35:00.011+01:00

Hello, do you like the banner for the school fete, Shelly, (my Artist friend ) & I painted it yesterday morning at school!

Thanks for entering those of you who did, the winner picked last night at random by my family is .........

Elsie

Congraulations! I think my next giveaway will be holiday themed, to celebrate my very exciting upcoming holiday!!

I have been very busy this week, I think I'm burning myself out a bit, today, I can feel all the things I need to do & all the things I want to do buzzing round in my head, & all my body wants to do is have a duvet day!, here's the things I need to do...

☺Iron (yawn)
☺put already ironed stuff away (er...where exactly?)
☺tidy everywhere...can you see where I'm going with this....?

now, things I want to do...

♥make some little clay barbeque goodies
♥claying
♥clay some more
♥paint the rest of the banners for the school fete..
♥restore my fairy picture

Now the thing is, I can't do the want list until I've done the need list, what can I do .........I think I'll walk to school, get some fresh air, hopefully the rain will keep off, when I get home, storm through the need list, then maybe tomorrow can be a play/clay day!

Todays happy thought; Why do today what can be put off until tomorrow?

Happy studio

2009-06-03T10:57:00.013+01:00

I think I should really call it Happy studio now, as shed doesn't seem to do it justice, I have now hung up some of my framed sculptures no & it looks like a sort of mini gallery, I made some curtains for covering the cupboards & I love it in there, It's my little space!

Pictured is my fully restored Garden of Eden, I loved creating this, it took a very long time as each leaf, blade of grass is individually crafted, I have now added some moss as it gives a softer texture to it, I can't take these to craft fairs though, as I don't think they will take too much travelling to & fro :(

Also pictured is Mother Nature, I repainted the background & added some big forget- me -nots, this is not my usual style, very abstractesque (new word I think, made up by me!)

Finally for now, my Braintree Dragon, I'm not sure if we really have Dragons here in Braintree, I bet no one can prove we haven't though, who knows however, what lurks in Happy garden, something is digging up the tulip bulbs without leaving a trace!

Don't forget the Fathers day giveaway, 10 more days to go, win a little extra something for your Dad ♥

Todays Happy thought-Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.

Fathers day giveaway!

2009-05-30T19:17:00.003+01:00

Here it is, as we are approaching Fathers day, I thought I would kick off my new series of giveaways with a Dad theme, I am giving away a happy thought similar to the one pictured....all you have to do is leave a comment here about your Dad or your fave story about your Dad!...very easy this one!

A winner will be picked at random by my family on 10th June.....♥♥♥

Todays happy thought:Anyone can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Daddy!

I need a holiday!

2009-05-29T08:34:00.003+01:00

I know it's coming to the end of half term & I'm supposed to be chilled out by now, but I'm not, I still have a never ending pile of ironing, that if I'm honest, I've been avoiding for more than a fortnight now, I have endless outgrown clothes to put away things to file, clean, sort out & alter...phew, roll on August when we are going on our first family holiday!....to Portugal!
The children are so excited & so am I (although I am now a bit nervous of flying having not done so for 14yrs, can't let them know that though!)

Here is one of my latest creations inspired by family holidays when, as a little girl & the day at the beach was over, I used to need to be carried from the sea by my dad & put into my beach shoes, as I hated the feeling of sand in my shoes ♥♥♥♥

Will keep you updated on my preparations!

Todays happy thought: A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.

Off to Wembley...!

2009-05-27T08:44:00.004+01:00

It's the Girls Aloud concert tonight & I'm taking my daughter, I'm looking forward to it, but the not the drive or the late night!....so I thought I'd post before I get stuck into cleaning up & getting ready!
These poppies are in our garden, I think they're a lovely colour, must paint them one day.
I still have some pictures to restore, my favourite fairy one for a start, perhaps I can do that at the weekend, I need to spend a bit of time promoting though, I've been a bit slow on that lately as I have been rather busy, I really need to get into some sort of routine so that promoting becomes like a second nature when I switch on the pc!....I wonder is there a tool that can update my twitter, facebook fan page, Deviant art etc all at once, will look into it, I haven't been on DA for ages, my facebook fan page is slowly picking up fans, to find me search itsy bitsy art by sam, & there I am........

I'm also aware that I haven't posted happy thoughts for a while........will get my brain in gear & start again next post!

Restoration work.

2009-05-26T08:58:00.003+01:00

As I have a bright new shed to work in, thought I'd do some work yesterday, I have some clay pictures that I created for an exhibition, five years ago that needed a bit of repair from when we moved house, I thought that if I restore them I could hang them up in the shed & then sell them, ...they're not going to get sold being kept in the dark old garage are they?
So I repaired my Braintree dragon & my Garden of Eden & still have to reset the frames....I also put my old oil paint pallette to good use, & made a clock, now I have no excuse to forget the time down there!...........

My first proper dressmaking attempt.......

2009-05-23T19:58:00.005+01:00

Here it is, my first proper dress with a pattern, my daughter went to see Hairspray with Guides on Saturday & had to dress up like the film, I couldn't find anything suitable in the local shops so I thought I'd give it a go....no I didn't find it easy! I think some patterns are incredibly hard to follow, & they leave big chunks of instructions out of it, so you have to use common logic to figure out what to do, I stil don't understand the language, this frustrates me-as it could be explained in regular english aaaaaagh......any way it's done now & she looked beautiful!...and by the way, that is my youngest behing her, hiding, thinking I don't know she's there!

Happy happy shed.....

2009-05-10T13:58:00.008+01:00

I was up early yesterday completely emptying the shed ready to go, it took ages, I sorted drawers, chucking out rubbish(any materials that could have come into contact with a mouse or a dropping!) ...good job it stayed dry for as, as it all had to go on the garden!

Mr H put the boards on the walls & we filled up any holes we found as we went along....I'm determined to keep out the little critters!

With all the boarding done, at around....five ish, I had to put all the cupboards back in, knowing I had to do it all again in the morning!
I decided to paint it all white, mainly as thats all we had, but also to give the shed a brighter look, it's usually so dark & dismal down there, it's too far down the garden to have electricity so white it was.....I've even got a little window sill now & floor tiles are being laid as we speak!
must go....things to do...!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeuw !

2009-05-08T17:41:00.006+01:00

Ok, thought I'd start with a prettier aspect of our garden before moving on to (not so) Happy shed.... I love the tulips Mr H planted..... so officially, emptying the shed is the start of the makeover, I had to be really brave & empty the cupboard that I have always been too scared to put my hand into knowing there was a whopping spider in there, so big it had boots on!

Anyway, there I was tipping things out, trying to ignore the cobwebs wondering why there was all bits of corn/wheat stuff laying around, then I found...a neat little nest in the corner...of a mouse nature...this whole episode is really testing my dedication to my craft, I must really want to do this to put up with this intrusion of my space. Now I need to continue with the emptying...but I'm too scared to look in the basket in the corner, irrational I know because before I found the mouse droppings last week, I had no problem with getting the basket down but now, no way!.....will keep you posted, we will be cracking on with it tomorrow!

Unbelievable!

2009-05-05T11:15:00.005+01:00

Can you believe this, I decided it was again time to sort out the shed, there's no room to work in there, just store my stuff & I decided that as I would like to work in there over the summer, I needed to sort it out, ....so after an hour or so I noticed that my two miniature chocolate logs were broken, then I looked closer & saw that they weren't broken, they were missing from their little silver cake boards & crumbled everywhere .....then I noticed that the turkish delight box was empty.....then I saw them....mouse droppings...yuk, I was outta there faster than a speeding bullett I don't mind telling you!

I can't understand why they ate them though, the chocolate cakes had scent in them so maybe that's why, & I suppose the turkish delight was soft, -everything is now sealed in boxes & I will be moving out of happy shed & renovating it,(sealing all holes!) should be fun as I will be doing it on my own & haven't got a clue how to even work out what I need, will keep you posted!

I don't like mice or rats, I know they are in the garden & there they can stay & I wouldn't hurt them, but come into my house, shed, garage or anywhere else I deem a human only zone, it's up to them if they want to take their chances!

Hopefully it tasted so bad it won't come back!

Spring has sprng....

2009-04-16T18:43:00.006+01:00

...& it seems to have sprung away again! I'm sorry, but one minute it's almost summer like & the children are coming in to change into shorts,then it rains & goes backwards again & out come the coats...I took a photo of these daffodils fearful that they might shrink back in again.......!

I haven't posted for ages, sorry, but I have had a lot to do, we have had family birthdays, of course that means cake baking & we're nearing the end of school holidays, also, what with Easter egg hunting (& eating) there's not been much time for anything else! Here's my cake creations!

The spy cake was for my sons 8th birthday & the allotment was for my sister in law...I love making cakes & tend to get rather carried away with them! It's my younger daughters at the end of the month, I think it has to be pink & princessy!

Todays happy thought:It's me, or the house, we can't both look good!

2009-03-31T18:33:00.007+01:00

I have got so much to do (again) I need to list some new things on Etsy, such as these Happy thoughts, but I'm a bit snowed under with other things, (life mainly!)...but I really must get on with it, I've got my sons birthday on sunday & he wants me to give him & a couple of friends a mystery to solve????????mmmm need to give this some thought, don't know what I'm doing sitting here!!!

I have been awarded another award, thanks to Rose at LIFE,LOVE,YARN!

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!”

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

..........Now I have to go & choose...........

Award....

2009-03-21T16:34:00.016Z

I was really really proud to be awarded the Sisterhood award by Minikat
The rules connected to the award are.....
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

Now I have to go & choose.....

Tara at The dollhouse at pooh corner
Mary at Widdle Hinges
Tallulah at Tallulah-Belle originals
Tiny delights
Alexis at Little artwork
The blue daisy
Rachel at Senamena
Dollhouse Minis
Kim at It's a miniature life
Kala Pohl studio
Rose at LIFE,LOVE,YARN!
Made by Petchy

I have to stop there, as I could go on for weeks! a lot of my choices haven't been included as thay had already recieved the award!

Now I nee to let you all know! phew!....full time job this blogging!!

Craft show complete...

2009-03-16T17:01:00.009Z

A fairly good show at Hylands house this weekend, am absolutely exhausted now though, I was right at the top of the house which meant about ten trips up & down a big staircase carrying heavy display bits.....good job I enjoy it!-I just didn't know about the free weightlifting while engaging in aerobic excercise that's all!
Here's some pictures I took around the house on Saturday......

Anyway, I have been awarded a blog award, must go collect it!

Friday 13th.......

2009-03-13T12:58:00.010Z

I know, I know I've been ages doing this, but you just wouldn't believe the week I'm having, it has been decided that the winner of the pancake giveaway is Brenda with this valuable life lesson

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
I like this one & it's so true!

now, as you know I have a craft show at Hylands house this weekend, & I'm all ready stock wise, I've almost clayed myself into oblivion this week, have finally got my stall how I want it,
I need some signs printed & you wouldn't believe the trouble, my printer isn't working so I went round to mums all ready with my usb drive whotsit with my documents on...get there, & the pc is broken, & no putting the usb into the usb point didn't work!...& I'm running out of options!
Anyway, the good news is that after several attempts, my sandcastles worked...pics soon, here's work in progress...I thought these might be nice summertime presents for, well anyone who is hankering after a holiday (like me) & it can still be used as a miniature scene (bury the surrounding tile in sand!) ...........Oh well best get on with my quest to print!

Newer addition....

2009-03-08T19:14:00.000Z

Just found another fish, who is now with his/her brothers/sisters (too tiny to tell yet!)

New additions!

2009-03-08T18:17:00.003Z

I haven't had much time for my blog over the last week, & I have still to announce the winner of the giveaway....will do that tomorrow, I have to tell you about the new family members!

On Friday morning, at the busiest time of our day, my daughter noticed some fish babies hiding in the tank, sadly one was eaten up my the mother (who, ravenous after giving birth, forgets that she has had babies, then sees little fish swimming around & thinks...."ooooh little fish, I'm starving yum!") the other one just died I think, or was attacked...however, we could see that there was more babies to come, so I dropped children off at school & went straight to buy a nursery net.

That night, she could see two more swimming around the bottom of the tank, so we sprung into action, it was a family effort catching these practically invisible fish & putting them in the safety of the nursery...we then had a bit of a disaster as the baby food that you are supposed to put a drop of in, burst & emptied half the bottle into the tank......aaaaaaaaagh, so we did an emergency water change & everthing is once again harmonious in the land of fish!

Mad March

2009-03-04T13:20:00.004Z

Today, I am having one of those days, it was a bit chilly outside this morning, but I was freezing, I felt cold right through to the bone & wanted to curl up under the duvet & sleep. I feel achy & sluggish, I think it's because I am busier than I can handle, I have my stall to finish, stuff to sell to finish, I want to have a large choice of Mothers day presents!

I have stained my shoe rack & spice rack for my stall, a bit of a pain to do, I could have done it much easier if I could have just dipped the shoe rack into the woodstain, as it was fiddly to do with the brush! It looks ok though, better for having it done!!

I'ts brightened up now, so hopefully I can have a brisk walk to school & shake off the cobwebs that are making me feel so...yuk! Then I can get myself organised & get on with my work, I can't decide which would be better, I have one table left to do...should it be "baking for Mum" or "Easter baking"...can't decide!

More giveaway entries please-I need your life lessons!

Spring has sprung....(well nearly)

2009-02-27T11:12:00.006Z

Good morning, I feel very spring like today, weather is lovely, sky is blue & it's not so dark in the mornings! hooray!! It is supposed to be the last day of the pancake giveaway today, but my craft meeting tonight has been cancelled (winner was going to be decided at said meeting) so I thought I would extend it & call an emergency meeting of fellow crafters next friday to decide the winner-besides I could do with a few more entries-I know there are plenty more valuable life lessons out there for me to learn!

They can be deep & meaningful like this one- It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

or not so, like this emailed entry- Don't snog ugly blokes!

So come on, lets have some more.........

I really must get on with some more tables, have got a week until the school fair & two weeks until the Guild show & I have to finish off my table display space!-gotta go!!

Bathroom blues....

2009-02-23T18:21:00.005Z

We did it, the tiling on the removeable wall, I think they look good, we do have a wonky tile at the bottom (adds character) , & no they're not perfect, & I need to paint the edges, but I think it's very effective-more so than sticking a piece of paper to the wall. They were easy to make too, if you have a pasta machine for your claywork, it would be much harder to get the thickness right if you were going to roll them out by hand!

I will post a how to make tiles soon & show you how simple it is!

Now she wants floor tiles!

Don't forget the giveaway!!

Todays happy thought: Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.

Brain strain....

2009-02-21T19:03:00.006Z

This week has been , well, more than a bit of a pain...I have had a migraine on & off all week, the car needs repair again & the tickets I have for the west end matinee, are not for the matinee but for the evening, so I have to take the children out really late in the middle of London AAAAAAAAAGH.
So I really need to take a chill pill & relax, let's face it the stress stuff won't do my headache any good, so I'm not going to stress anymore.....will put these things out of my head until I need to deal with them.....miniatures, that's what I need to do-let's get the clay out...

I finished off my childs birthday table, I have also done the 21st birthday table but not sure how to finish it off, I need more drinks on it I know that, waiting to buy more glasses so I can make beers, not sure about the flowers either, might replace them with wrapped presents!

I found some more miniatures blogs today, haven't been able to find any with searches, so I am following some, might get a chance to read them all later!

I still need entries for the pancake giveaway-you need to let me know of a lesson you have learned from life-however small, I want to know about it, just leave a comment to enter!

Todays happy thought: It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

The dolls house.

2009-02-19T20:06:00.007Z

Well, today my daughter & I have single handedly decorated the lounge & kitchen after moving out the furniture to the loft, by ourselves....! Ok so it's the dolls house, not our real house, & she's really pleased with the result, as you can see, the light isn't fixed properly yet though, I am waiting for the ceiling to dry!.

It was decided that it would be a modern house, as then there are no restrictions to types of furniture, she is very particular about what it is going to look like, we made some bathroom tiles today too, she knew exactly what colours were going to be used I am always amazed by her artistic eye at such a young age! We decided to start with the dividing wall that can be removed from the house still, for obvious reasons & I am waiting for the dolls house grout to arrive that I got on ebay, hopefully this will be easy to use!!

Will keep you posted as the bathroom progresses!

Todays happy thought:Children need your presence, not your presents!

Good evening!

2009-02-16T19:11:00.003Z

Just a quick post, here's a funny card I got for my birthday...

Got to go, minis to make x

It's my birthday!

2009-02-15T19:33:00.006Z

Well, another year older already & lots of creating to be done, have nearly finished my two party tables & have loads to get on with, half term now, so might get some work done!

Have had loads of party food, stacks of sandwiches, trifle & cake, so feeling a bit sleepy & full, will have to walk miles tomorrow to shed some calories!!!!

To the right is my miniature sandwich making!........I have to make them as I would real ones or the don't look right!

back tomorrow xx

Todays happy thought (or not so) : You know you're getting old when the candles cost more than the cake!

February giveaway!

2009-02-13T13:41:00.008Z

As it's my birthday this weekend I thought now was a good time to hold another giveaway!

Pancake day soon, so I'm going to give away this little stack of pancakes, drizzled with syrup to celebrate, I love pancakes, & so do the little people in the dolls house, if you don't have a dolls house, you could give this to a pancake fiend you know, or keep it for yourself (you might be inspired to get a dolls house & start a whole new addiction!!!

To enter, visit my Etsy shop tell me what your favourite goody is in there, then I want to hear what life lesson you have learned on your journey through life!!

You have until Friday 27th February, the life lesson we (my fellow crafters here in little old Bocking ) think is the best will win the pancake!!

Good luck!

I have been creating a Facebook fan page for my craft on facebook, if you want to "become a fan" it would be most appreciated! find it by searching Itsy Bitsy Art by Sam!

Todays happy thought; Spring is natures way of saying "let's party"

Footprints & party time!!

2009-02-10T09:51:00.006Z

Well, all this snow revealed that we have yet another visitor to happy house, a nocturnal one this time, investigations (we googled it) lead us to believe that it is a badger....what do you think?
I'm so fed up with it now, the weather that is, now we're having flooding!...Not right where I am fortunately, we have been forced to abandon walking to school for the time being as our council don't see fit to make the footpaths safe for pedestrians & parts of them are like mini ice rinks!

That's enough moaning for the day, I'm going to have to have a lie down in a minute a I have got the most awful headache, I've had it all night, but didn't have any painkillers in :(, thought I'd just quickly post to show you that I haven't been slacking in the miniature making, I have been creating a childrens birthday party table & a 21st party table!, here's a sneaky preview....

While I have a lay down, I'm going to think of an idea for a giveaway....pancakes I think!
Todays happy thought-Will think of one later-head hurts too much!

Trolley & trifles!

2009-02-04T16:01:00.023Z

Yesterday my shopping trolley arrived. I decided to get a shopping trolley as I no longer push a buggy on our walks to school & into town, so carrying shopping home is back breaking, especially as I'm holding on to my three year old at the same time!

So, it arrived, it's quite a trendy black with slices of fruit on it, my son says I will look like an old lady, (this worried me as I'm only in my thirties but he is only winding me up!) but I figure I will look older before my time if I do my back in carrying heavy shopping & I'm looking after the planet by still walking when I have to get a few basics on the way through town....& hey, won't it be useful at craft fairs!

I have been getting on with my minis, I was pleased with my trifles, although I would like to make more using deeper bowls, as I could oly get a thin layer of cream topping on them, I have just got to source some!

I have also made muffins & swiss roll, jellies, thought I would make some party tables, childrens & twenty firsts, I am waiting for my tables to arrive.......

I haven't done anything more to my craft display, will wait for better weather, only going down to the shed if necessary, will get that done soon!

Don't forget it's valentines day soon, here's my credit crunch bunch ( 6 not 12 ) of roses for the little lady in the dolls house!

Credit crunch bunch on Etsy

Todays happy thought: Love one another and you will be happy.

Narnia in the garden....

2009-02-03T19:34:00.006Z

How come when it snows it makes everything look magical outside, when we stepped out into the garden yesterday, my little boy said "Wow it looks like Narnia!"....and yes I have to say, it looked a bit like we are in a clearing in the middle of a fairytale forest, even my little Happy shed looked magical.

We had a good day yesterday, school was shut & we went sledding. School should have stayed shut today as well as far as I'm concerned, pretty as it looks, our road was like a great big slide onto the main road, so we walked rather than risk it, the footpaths were deadly and after an hour of careful trudging & witnessing several people slip over, my son fell hard on the ice, & ended up coming home again!

Not risking it tomorrow if weather no better!

I have always liked the snow, .....when I'm in the warmth of my own home & I don't need to venture out. As we don't get this type of weather often & it doesn't last when we do, I think everyone should be allowed to stay at home, guilt free, play with their children & enjoy it while they can-if we all did that, this country wouldn't grind to a halt at the first flurry.......!

Anyway, I'm planning my next giveaway, think it might be pancake themed, Mmmmmmmm.

Todays happy thought: Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, during which they complained about the heat.

Making my little craft space....

2009-01-31T18:58:00.009Z

Today I have been re-vamping my craft fair display, my goodies have changed so much over the years. when I started I had framed sculptures to hang, hence the criss crossframe at the back, I stopped doing these as they were not suitable for carting around here there & everywhere so I left them at home (some are still in Happy shed)
I cut out my fabric...a lovely soft velour in pale green, I was so pleased with it, it looks so fresh & clean!

So, I cut my fabric down to size to fit the table, it has to be floor length at the front & sides, I wanted it a decent length at the back too, so it didn't slip easily. Then I cut two smaller pieces, as I wanted two small "shelves" at the sides, I like to raise up some of my miniatures to near eye level, so as they are not too easily missed!!

Then I enlisted the help of Mr H, to cut down my "shelves" to the right size & to make some holes in the frame, so I can screw an old spice rack (rescued from my Mum & Dads garage.)
This is what I have got so far.....
So next part of the project is to paint/varnish/stain (haven't decided yet) the old shoe rack, also rescued from being thrown away, & the spice rack, oh & add solid base to the shoe rack shelves!

Now must get on with some miniatures.......

Todays happy thought: One today is worth two tomorrows.

Scrapping bug

2009-01-29T10:51:00.003Z

Well, unfortunately, I think I have it, the scrapping bug!...I don't have time to do it though, not yet, but the scrapbook party was excellent, we had such a giggle, three of us there were crafters, and we were like children at nursery when we were faced with all the fancy tools for trimming/cropping/shaping/sticking etc.....
So I'm going to have a party too, only I think I will make a jug of Baileys to go with it!!

I got my new cloth for my craft table yesterday, I have been searching high & low, I got a lovely pale green velour & at the weekend I am going to set up my table & see how it looks, I have got a few ideas about more levels too, to bring more of the miniatures to nearer eye level, as I don't want it to be too much of an effort for potential customers to view. I was thinking of trying to get some dolls house groups started in my area, as there a currently none at all...anyone out there in a group to give me some ideas?

Anyway, as much as I would like to sit here & chat all day, I have got jobs to do, so I must get on with it!

Sam x

Todays happy thought: A smile is a curve that sets everything straight!

All about a burial & scrapbooking!

2009-01-27T17:29:00.008Z

Well, the poor little guppy didn't make it I'm afraid, the stress of miscarrying was too much for the litle mite too bear, sadly during the night she died. Unfortunately this is one of the downsides to keeping fish, they do suffer stress (never really understood that) & aren't expected to have a very long lifespan, I have explained this to the children & they understand...fish is now buried in our garden, not too far from the baby snake we found the summer before last!

There is another expectant guppy in the tank, so hopefully all will be well, I will keep an eye out!

So, I haven't mentioned yet that tomorrow I am going to a scrapbooking party at my friends down the road, I have to take six photos with me that share a common theme! I can't decide what to do...I'm thinking it might be something to do with our garden, as most of our photos are taken there!
I thought that as I don't scrapbook, I would love to, and have made one as a present a few years back, I would frame the page that I make tomorrow night.

Since I've been invited to the scrapbook party,I've been thinking about listing some of my scrapbook & card embellishments on Etsy, they usually sell well at craft fairs, so I'll give it a go!

Trauma in the tank:(

2009-01-26T21:05:00.003Z

We noticed this evening that one of my daughters guppies was looking rather pregnant, so I googled pregnant guppies & confirmed that , yes, definitely, she was with fry!
While we were looking at her, she started depositing eggs, knowing that guppies are livebearers, I suspected this was not going to have a happy ending, sadly, this means she is miscarrying, but may still give birth to live fry yet, so fingers (& fins) crossed!

I will be taking a trip to the pet shop tomorrow to stock up on some equipment for dealing & keeping safe, baby fish, just in case!

I am finding that having the fish is useful for teaching certain matters, I was able to explain today about miscarriage, quite easily!

Todays happy thought:Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!

And we have a winner......

2009-01-24T16:11:00.012Z

Drum roll please.....the winner of the Five-a-day miniature fruit & veg box is....
Alice voted by myself & the children as the best idea for a busy table, which was a childrens Easter egg painting table!

Well done Alice!

I got some really good ideas, it seems craft tables were on everyones minds, will get cracking!

I couldn't sleep last night, so I was planning things in my head, I'm going to revamp my craft show display, at the moment it is blue themed, but I really want to go with a fresh soft green, & I want a velvet tablecloth as I feel that my cotton one gets tired looking very early on in the show.

This is my school fair table, when I don't get so long to set up! When I do a Guild show, I get a good (much needed) couple of hours & I love it!

I am also going to rethink my whole show technique, I already do everything all the advice forums suggest, not reading behind my stall, ( who would!) not asking if they need help, biting my tongue when someone tells their child how easily they could make it ..."i'll get you some plasticine..." etc...I love chatting to people about their dolls houses & I want my stall to make people want a dolls house!

I think as well as some busy craft tables, I'm going to try some period food, I've never been interested before, but I live in a very old part of the world, so I'm going to research that, local people here are trying to get the council to hold a medieval fair in Bradford street, which so looks the part.....which would be fantastic!

Back soon, with more ideas, they are bubbling away.........

Todays happy thought: Art is running away without leaving home!

Frustrating creating....

2009-01-22T11:28:00.009Z

I have finally got round to making a banner for my blog, thanks to fellow etsian
Rachelsaprons, I still haven't figured out how to adjust the size of my Etsy banner though, as I think I may have complicated mine by having the border round it...I can make the simplest tasks difficult you know, but I am working on it!

This will be my new Etsy shop banner, when I finally get round to it!

Will be something like this...unless I change my mind, before I get it on there!

Don't forget the giveaway, two more days to go!

Todays happy thought; Life without friends is like sky without sun!

Fabric frenzy!

2009-01-20T09:37:00.008Z

I felt the need to make cushion covers the other day, despite the frightening ironing pile, (which is done now by the way) so I dragged out all the fabric pieces from the loft & set about cutting, chopping, pinning & sewing...I'm quite pleased with the result, it freshens up the tired looking living room which we are waiting to decorate (at least I am waiting) I have some more cut out to sew today, & my other project for today is to cover the cardboard boxes that are on top of my wardrobe storing my clothes, with fabric!

Don't forget my giveaway, there's some good ideas for my busy tables already, but I need more!!!! you could win this fab little box of 12th scale fruit & veg for the dolls house, or give it to someone to remind them to eat their 5-a-day!

All you have to do to enter,is leave a comment with a good idea for a busy table in 12th scale, a winner will be picked on Saturday! Come on, let's have those ideas!!

Todays happy thought: It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

Five A day giveaway.

2009-01-18T16:56:00.009Z

Right, so I was thinking, while clearing out my shed yesterday, ..a good time for thinking that, a lot of thoughts get thunk there! ...anyway, I need to make some more busy tables for my Guild craft fair in March, so I need some fresh ideas as to what these tables can be.

This is where you come in, I need your ideas, as many as possible, these will be for Mothers day gifts, Fathers day gifts, Easter presents, wedding presents etc.

Remember, they don't have to be anything to do with cooking, although recipes welcome, what I'm looking for is something really original!!

All you need to do is leave a comment with your idea.

Ideas will be judged on Saturday 24th January by my children & I.

The person with the winning idea will recieve this cute little box of fruit & veg, fresh from my Miniature market stall!
Todays Happy thought: Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake and apple pie

Poor fish!

2009-01-16T14:36:00.005Z

So not only do I clean, cook (sometimes), bake, clay, craft, iron (when absolutely neccessary), tidy, play, organise.....& much more, I now have to take care of poorly fish.

My eldest daughter got tropical fish for her birthday & they got white spot, so I have been giving them their medicine every other day to make them better, I think it's working.......fingers crossed x
So I have a big craft fair (well big for Uk) in March, I need to think up some more ideas for baking tables, some good ones for Mothers day gifts, what do you think, leave your ideas in comments ...I might use that to have my first giveaway, Mmm let me go & pick up the children from school & have a think!

Todays happy thought: A clean house is the sign of a boring person

2009-01-15T10:13:00.003Z

Good morning, I thought I'd post while I was having my cup of tea & hot cross bun, as I actually feel rather guilty for having the hot cross bun as I'm supposed to be cutting down & usually I just get home, have a cup of tea & start working, however, not only were the packets calling out to me in Tesco..."buy me, get one free" but I thought I deserved a little something today..here's what I told myself.....

1.We (the little one & I) have a long, sometimes cold 40 min walk to school, then another cold 40 min walk back, (she has a hot chocolate when we get home if she wants one) then again in the afternoon.

2.I could drive, but I'm trying to do my bit for the environment & do the healthy option for the children, which I think they will appreciate when they're older!

3. I have three very untidy bedrooms to tackle.

4.The pile of ironing is begging to be done & it is now too big to hide anywhere so I will have to do it.

5 I don't get days off (sick or otherwise)

So what do you think, justified, too late now as it's gone!

Todays happy thought: I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter!

Getting creative again...

2009-01-13T11:40:00.006Z

How romantic! wine,roses & chocolate.

I got stuck in to the clay (not literally, although some got stuck into the carpet) on Sunday & made goodies for Valentines day, pancake day & Easter, missed out Mothers day but will get round to that soon...The family missed out on their rhubarb crumble, as I hadn't finished, & they had to make do with just custard...best make it for them this week though!

Don't you think the lady of the dolls house is very lucky? Hopefully then a week later she won't mind making some delicious pancakes, drizzled with syrup...

Yum...wonder if we've got any eggs???

Todays happy thought:Don't let the past steal your present.

Warming up...

2009-01-12T13:24:00.004Z

Well I feel human again, the weather is back to it's typical British self, raining....which means I can't wear my new coat to school today, have to wear my old waterproof which is really bulky...I'm still going to wear my new hat though....but maybe I won't as it might get ruined.....I'm actually sitting here waiting for my camera to charge, as I want to take photos of my new miniatures to list on Etsy, I think I've done enough housework & I need to conserve my energy for the long walk to school, even longer now as Ruby walks with me, we have dispensed with the buggy as at three years old I think she should be out of it & walking, my older two were out of their buggies by age two, but to be fair, we lived in town & nowhere was more than a twenty minute walk away...so lots of encouragment & treats are required at the moment as she feels like she is on a hike everyday. As for the weather, since when has a bit of frost & ice been considered Arctic? I know it's been very cold, but I can remember it being colder, I can even remember, as a child, seeing icicles hanging from houses (real ones, not christmas decorations!) I haven't seen that for a very long time, snow used to hang around longer as well, now when it snows, the children want to make a snowman, it's like...."quick, out..."if you hang about & eat your breakfast...it's all melted....so enough with the "Arctic" weather...it's just winter!

Todays happy thought: If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it!

Happy new year!

2009-01-06T14:14:00.005Z

So sorry for not being more prompt with the greetings, but I haven't felt like blogging much at all, I have had, over the holiday, I wouldn't say flu, but not far off it, & it goes away, lulls me into a false sense of security & then comes back with a vengeance!!!.....so still coughing & sneezing a bit, but, back to the reality that is the new year!
I thought I'd share my idea I had for the teachers this christmas, I don't kow about you but my children come home with a list as long as your arm of teachers & Ta's that they want to take in a present for, I have always tried to make it a token gift, preferably handmade by either myself or the children, so this year I thought....cookies, a large choc chip gift wrapped cookie, much more original than a cheap box of chocs....had to keep an eye on them though as I was trying to wrap them, couldn't leave them alone for five minutes.....now I have to get on with things, hopefully by the end of the week I will have a large selection of Valentines goodies for the dolls house, some pancakes & mothers day gifts (for real mums & dolls house mums)...best get on then!

Todays happy thought: Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.

Post christmas blues...

2008-12-30T00:17:00.003Z

Well, that was over quick wasn't it? all that preparation, shopping, wrapping, running out of paper, sellotape-time...one thing we certainly won't be running out of until about Easter, is biscuits, for some reason we managed to rather over-estimate the quantity of packets of happy faces & hob nobs!!!!
I have been feeling rotten now for about 5 days, I feel fluey, achy & very tired, I thought I would sit & blog while I am waiting for the Medised to kick in...(yes I know it's for the children, but it happens to work wonders on me!)
We went to the panto today, Cinderella, it was fantastic, the two girls loved it, think the story was a bit girly for my seven year old boy,.....too much kissing in it!!
We have got a lot going on next year in the way of shows & stuff, Oliver in February, a generous gift from my auntie, I am taking my eldest to see Girls Aloud in May half term and in July, Take That at Wembley....as you will see I have added the countdown to my blog !!!!!!!

Ready for Christmas ...

2008-12-22T11:17:00.004Z

I think I'm done now, house cleaned, presents wrapped, mince pies made & half eaten, school over (yay!) we've even opened the tin of quality street!...just the matter of the hoovering, which has to be done everyday, changing beds, tidying up toys & going up the town to get a few things extra...not much really...my crafting stuff is away in the shed on it's christmas holidays, ready for the burst of inspiration I usually get around end of January....it's so exciting here, my littlest is counting the sleeps, so cute & the advent calender is filling up with open windows, I have been so busy cutting greenery from the garden & making wreaths & centrepieces, I can't find any mistletoe though...will maybe go for another walk later on to search for some, I haven't had any time for the pc, only to quickly check on emails, my blog, etsy & deviantart are sooo taking a backseat at the moment, I promise I will catch up on it all after christmas!

Todays happy thought: And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Decking the halls according to Happy house.....

2008-12-12T12:46:00.003Z

I know most of you have had your decorations up & sparkling for a while now but we at home don't put ours up until sunday, not because we are humbugs, we love christmas here, in fact, we would probably buy a house based on how good it would look with snow on the ground & a huge christmas tree twinkling in the window, but ten years ago when our little christmas Rose arrived two weeks early, it was a week before we were no longer too shellshocked to acknowledge it was christmas, & we needed to put up the tree !

So it was then decided that this was to be our tradition, decking was to wait for a week after our eldests birthday, this is also the best time to do it as, I like to clean everywhere from top to bottom, inside & out etc....to make the house clean & fresh before we decorate (Ihave to ask myself why I am sitting here telling you all this when I obviously have so much to do then....)
Usually by this time of the month, I have finished all my craft orders by now & the craft stuff is put away until January, except for the wreath, centrepiece equipment....so by the time the tree is up, everywhere is ready, cards sent, presents wrapped, ( er...ok, nearly) & as long as everyone just doesn't move, it will stay like that until christmas...aaaah !

Ok back to the real world, I have presents to wrap ,cards to write, teachers presents to make, and... er...think about, ironing, curtains to wash & dry...& thats just today!

maybe next year!

Todays happy thought: Christmas comes but once a year, so celebrate & give a cheer!

Just when you thought it was safe to ...er...eat cake!

2008-12-09T17:54:00.003Z

It was my daughters 10th birthday on Sunday, she likes Jaws, a lot, so Saturday night, I get out my pencil to make her a card! could I find a picture of a shark anywhere in the house???? no, despite having several books on them, ...so I had to seriously use my imagination & got the toy Great white shark from the bath & sat there with it in my left hand to keep it at the right angle I wanted to draw it!!
Earlier in the day I discovered that there was nowhere local to get sugarpaste from, I had decided to use this rather than marzipan, to get the shark colour right for the cake! I had a little bit of black & white that my sister-in-law had given me earlier in the week to use up, but it wasn't quite enough, so again I had to improvise....I mixed up a little icing sugar with warm water & made a kind of "sugarclay" I added this to what I already had & got a lovely deep grey, perfect!
I then despatched my son to get me a victim (I have to say, 10 yrs ago, I thought I would be forever making pink, fluffy stuff for birthdays!) he came back with a german soldier from Indiana Jones lego, ...with no hair, I asked if there was anything more suitable, that might pass for a swimmer, surfer or just someone who wouldn't look out of place on a boat or beach?....I was told no, I did insist on him finding some hair though, so he came back with obi-wan-kenobis hair????!!!! anyway, it didn't really matter as his legs were going to be eaten & his body pushed deep into theblood soaked water...mmmm lovely!!!!
I was quite pleased with the result as it was a very improvised cake, & she loved it!!

Todays happy thought;To have a friend, you have to be one.

Wrapping

2008-12-03T11:48:00.007Z

Today I'm busy wrapping Christmas presents for family & party bags for Roses friends on Saturday, we are having a Cookalicious party! (see my other blog)I'm also finishing off a few Etsy orders, so while the clay is cooking I thought I would settle down for a few minutes & post!

I have been making christmas decorations of my recipe boards this week, I love them, see them on Etsy, all inspired by baking, crafting & art, also I was commissioned to create a Jaws themed card, which reminds me, I need to make a Jaws themed cake for sunday.....
Todays happy thought: New shoes cures the blues

Ouch!

2008-11-26T11:09:00.004Z

Sorry I disappeared off the face of the blog for a few days, you're not going to believe it, but while walking from one room to another, I managed to break my little toe, it's hazardous you know this stay at home mum lark, there's no health & safety officers here you know, risk assessing my day before I go ahead , dodging hazards, such as...erm,...the whopping big settee thats right where it always is! ...ok so I wasn't looking where I was going, I was trying to talk to the litle one, see if the laptop was doing what it was meant to (still hasn't three days later by the way) & put ironing away...I must get the hang of multi-tasking, sometimes it gets the better of me!
Anyway, the fireplaces are done, I'm quite pleased with them, they look much better in real life though, I took masses of pics, all in different places, but not really happy with any of them, I am doing a show tomorrow at school, I will take some more there see if they are any better.Today I am going to be working on my Etsy orders, & also working out some special offers for December, I love christmas, especially Christmas claying!!!!
Back soon, providing I have no more domestic injuries, I have bedroom tidying to do soon, and you never know what hazards are luking in there, maybe us mums do need a health & safety asssessment after all!!

Sam x

Todays happy thought: Only dull women have immaculate houses!

The witch in me.....

2008-11-18T18:52:00.004Z

I was well & truly inspired to create by all the spooky goings onconjuring up thoughts of enchantments & hocus pocus....I thought of a student Merlin (which we all love to watch together) trying out spells, making notes of collecting ingredients from the woods & spreading this all out on the table to practice!

I made up the spells in the large leather spell book, if you have very good eyes, you can just about read them, if not, you can use a magnifying glass, I haven't tried them as I am actually not a witch, although witchcraft has always fascinated me (in a good way, I don't have dark, evil tendencies or anything!) I just love all the ideas of potions & magic & the idea of making anything possible,....for the same reasons Idon't ever want to stop believing in fairies!!!!!

I suppose now I will have to make an entire apprentices workshop! like I don't have anything else to do!!

Todays happy thought: Spread your wings and let the fairy in you fly!

Creepy crawlies

2008-11-15T18:04:00.007Z

We made some lovely little mini beast discoveries in the garden recently, a rather unusual caterpillar & a spider like nothing on earth.....has anyone seen these before, I haven't had time to research what they are yet, I don't want to waste valuable Etsy time looking up bugs! mind you, I suppose I should know what we're dealing with here!
It's been a nice day here in Bocking, you wouldn't think that Christmas is fast approaching, negotiations are already underway amongst the little Humphreys as to who gets which Christmas eve job, the glass of milk, the mince pie & the carrot for the reindeer, good job we only have three children!
This gave me an idea for a mini fireplace with all the trimmings, if I can capture the anticipation of Christmas eve as it is here in happy house, I will be a happy bunny!

Todays happy thought: It doesn't matter how many children you have... because one will take up 100% of your time so more can't possibly take up more than 100% of your time.

photos

2008-11-14T10:57:00.004Z

Right, so I now realise that all my photos for my whole blog have to be re-uploaded as I have moved from my ftp to blogspots server-although I don't really understand why this didn't happen immediately????? I'm not cut out for this techonolgy lark, I prefer getting stuck into making stuff with my hands-so please bear with me, it will take me a while to update the old posts.

here's some more spooky pictures taken in the dark depths of the garden, while the children were ghost hunting, I didn't fancy it much, the thought of bumping into a rodent, fox, badger or muntjac in the dark, scares me more than any ghost I'll tell you, & it's much more likely!

Todays happy thought:Life without friends is like the sky without sun

2008-11-12T14:38:00.003Z

Well I think I got there, it was a disconnection fault somewhere on the line, hopefully all sorted, ...just a quick post before school picking up time, here's our lane on Halloween, creepy eh! & below, the one & only pumpkin that grew on our patch....

Todays happy thought: (from Ruby) Having my mummy with me (aaaah cute)

Still in telephone limbo....

2008-11-10T11:46:00.001Z

I'm still here, creating many more creations as I can't use computer! hopefully will have it fixed on wed!

not in mood for happy thoughts though!...oh heres one,,,

todays happy thought: All you need is a friend who has chocolate!

Etsy shop

2008-10-27T19:54:00.004Z

My Etsy shop is doing well, pay a visit, I always give away freebies with my sales, & I will be adding loads of stuff this week, my busy baking tables are on there in plenty of time for christmas!

Todays happy thought I never met a chocolate I didn't like