Space Invaders

It would seem the internet has been taken over by retro style. Between the Pac Man buttons, Mother Ship bags and Lego Star Wars cross stitch cuties I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise that I get asked by the hubby to try my hand at something more fitting for the Geek fashion fall out. The only problem is the last time I tried my hand at cross stitching was back when I was a youngster with a cold, crying over the fact that I couldn't go out with my friends and play in our 'den'.

It was hinted at the other day that he wanted a number of items to fit in with the Geek Chic range, in a number of designs - made by me... I know I should be flattered but my brain is trying to process how much free time I have compared to how much I will need before Christmas.

However I thought I would share the first ever piece of cross stitching attempted with any amount of seriousness as I get ready for what could be a new Olympic event. Yes I will be sitting there on Woolwich Common testing my metal against the best of you ;)

It's not perfect, but I figure if I keep at it I should have it down at some point... soon... maybe...

However if I am being honest I did take five just to whip out these guys. I needed to get back into the festive mood (because watching Elf at the same time wasn't enough I guess).

Handmade Monday

This last week has been a little hectic, but all in a good way. I have a thousand things on the go right now, mainly a way to keep my mind off the of the fact that I may be walking redundancy street by Christmas if my job hunt goes pick up. However, I will have to share these little creations later this week when I've had time to get trigger happy with my camera.

I have decided instead to share with you the creation of a friend of mine. She wanted to give me something I could keep after my wedding. She knows I have a respect for people who create lovely cards and so tried her hand and the card arts. I have to say it is one of the most thoughtful things I was lucky enough to receive from the wedding - simply because she put so much thought into the colour schemes and themes. So here is my card, one that I am going to frame and put somewhere where everyone can see it. As I am sure you will all agree, she put a lot of effort and handwork into this.

Whilst I can dream of being able to create something so lovely, I am going to keep this post short and head over to 1st Unique Gifts where I can see what other lovely people have been doing this week!

I will be back to later document my Christmas decoration domination ;) But that's because I just LOVE Christmas!!!

My inspirational motivation of the week

It's been so long since I've had the chance to do anything for myself just for the fun of doing anything crafty at all that this past week I've gone a bit mad. Like any good crafter I have boxes full of things that have been collected over the years, hoarded with the knowledge that some day you'll use it, followed by the realisation that you have no idea when that will be and having to politely tell your beloved that 'no, we can't throw it out, I might need it one day'. Every once in while I try to arrange, tidy, and in some cases take stock of all the items I have in storage, only to get bored. At that point I usually go 'I completely forgot I had this, I have to do something with it now...', and of course tidy up gets forgotten as I try to pursue crafty dreams.

Whilst these moments of lucidity help me remember what I have in boxes under the stairs I think it is safe to state I still have moments of complete crafters block. And I don't care what anyone says, you have to admit when you're finishing of the place card of the same design for the 50th time, there are moments when you ask yourself why you insist on carrying on.

But we know its because of the love, and the joy of seeing other people appreciate the effort you've put into that one project.

I am waiting for paint to dry before I take the photos, but I thought I would post some pictures of what has inspired me these last two week to get crafting again. The inspiration is often better than anything I can make, and thus it deserves a post all on its own. Many of these photos were taken on my honeymoon, the rest on random days out.

The McDonald's thing made me laugh. I saw it in the Weather-spoons in Woolwich (which was unfortunately burnt down during the riots), but it just goes to show that inspiration can come from anywhere. So, just in case, take a camera of some form everywhere, because you might find something that will help you out of your mental block one day.

D.I.Y. Wedding

Wow, so long since I blogged it's scary. However I can sit here before heading back to work tomorrow knowing that it's over. Wedding, done. Honeymoon, done. Clear up, done! It feels so great for things to go back to normal. Best of all I can take up all things I love to do without feeling guilty about not completing wedding jobs. Such a relief. Know why people say you only do it once now ;)

So since life is fresh and normal, HELLO HANDMADE MONDAY. Feels so good to say that.

As you can guess, having arrived back in lovely England at 12am this morning, I have no nice new makes for you. So I thought I would share a handful of photos from my handmade wedding instead. Most of you will have seen the pics of the invites, the cakes boxes and wreaths, so here are some photos of how it all came together (or didn't in some cases as I ran out of time - you know how it goes). The most important thing is everyone had a good day... or so I am told. I admit there may have been nor breakfast consumed, and some drinking taking place...ho-hum...

So lets do the before and after.

Before (remember this back garden?):

And now... the finished product. It never ended up the way I wanted due to a number of issues we faced on the week leading up. Everything from one of the wedding cars breaking down, the cake nearly going down the drain (literally), people cancelling, my dress getting damaged after my mother decided to take it to a dry cleaners to get the creases out. However, we got something together and it did the job just fine.

A friend of mine took photos of the cake so I am yet to see a good photo, but here is one my sister took. I am looking forward to seeing a better photo of this, but you get the idea here. By the way, all you cake makers - how you do it I will never know. I bow down to your expertise.

The working wedding car (one out of the should have been two):

Then the most important piece of the day...

Okay... maybe the most important was the champagne we had for our journey home...

I will share some more photos as and when I get them - as well as some holiday snaps. In the mean time I am going to join in with the Handmade Monday crowd and see what I have been missing! Please join in by visiting 1st Unique Gifts.

Versatile Blogger Award

So here's the thing - last week three lovely people awarded me with this here award. Now I can't win a game of noughts and crosses, let alone something a funky as this award. There's a bunch of cool rules that you have to follow so in order to make this fair I am only doing this the once - but with a huge THANK YOU to Polly Polkadot, Maria and Little Harriet. You guys totally rock, so cheers guys! I never knew people actually enjoyed reading my somewhat random posts. That's flattery of the highest degree!

So rule number one: Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award.


Hey - ahead of the game for once! 


Rule number two: Share 7 random things about yourself.


Ummmmmmmmm....


1. I hate food shopping. The way people stand in the middle of the aisle trying to work out if they want low fat or full fat yoghurt. It makes me want to scream. Food is food. Some is good for you, some, not so much. But here's the deal, we only live this life once so if you want to waste it checking out the nutritional value of celery, please do it where I can't walk into you. 


2. I believe spiders are from out of space. No really, I do!


3. My favourite author has got to be David Eddings. Anyone who can write a book that is that easy to read, and have such loveable character in it deserves God status!


4. The only other colour in my wardrobe other than black is currently red. I would have black paint on my walls if I could - however I think the landlord might just kick my butt into next year if I did. 


5. If I am not buying handmade one of the few other stores you'll find me in is Londons 'Forbidden Planet'. My credit card always gets a bashing when I go there. And the best part is... most of the time I can't tell you what I actually bought.


6. Alice Cooper is my idol. His albums rule the rock world.


7. I plan on making a whole bunch of bat cushions when I get back from my honeymoon. Big enough so that they wrap around your shoulders and makes vegging that little bit more comfortable. And right in time for the winter creeping up too!


And rule number three: Award seven recently discovered bloggers with this award and contact them to let them know they have won.

(This is really hard by the way - and two I would have awarded already awarded me so I had to think some on this!)

1. Dorset Girl - That's some nifty work on those letters, and I love the tooth fairy boxes!

2. Goblin Dreams - Mix fairies and steam punk and you have my attention.

3. Itsamistry designs - Always a pleasure to read and some lovely designs.

4. Gifts by Jenny - Great blog... that and her creations are the cutest!

5. Curious Cat Creative - A talent I wish I had.

6. Ros Made Me - I love reading her posts, a truly versatile blogger :)

7. 1st Unique gifts - How could I miss the inventor of Handmade Monday out? 'sides, I want a hedgehog too.

The thing is that was real hard... because I couldn't decide on the 7 for ages. All the blogs I read I enjoy...otherwise I wouldn't read them. So to everyone I didn't get to mention... You're all spectacular! 

And finally... to contact everyone I have awarded!

Handmade Monday - 23 already?

Wow week 23 for Handmade Monday already? Where has the time gone??

However as usual full of loads of interesting reads and great blogs so I insist you all go over and check it out! 1st unique gifts

I am getting closer to a mental break down of nerves now. I have less than a month and I am beginning to feel strain that I think most women only feel during child birth. I have spent so much time redecorating the house that I have seen enough emulsion to last me a life time. Which means everything crafty has been sat on the back bench :( Way not good for the soul this cleaning thing!

I did find time to nip over to Wendy's to pick up a couple of gifts (okay - two were for me but gifts to myself are just fine right?). I was so happy with the items and I can't wait to give one to my mum. But that's an 'after wedding, once you've driven me to the airport and look after my house for a week' gift, so I'll have to wait.

 The other is sitting on my bathroom door ready for the big day - I can't be doing with the 'where is your bathroom' question... especially since it's right next to the back door, by the garden, where weather permitting everyone will be.

I also asked the lovely Lucie at Angels and Diamonds to commission a bracelet for me - mainly for the honeymoon. However I am so happy with the result I think it will be worn before then! Nip over a have a peek at the excellent goth bracelet! Angels and Diamonds - soooooo excited about it ;)

So in-between my shopping and repainting everything in sight, I knocked together yet more wreaths the other day. I have so many now my lounge looks like its being invaded. It's like day of the Triffids, only with artificial ivy and roses. Might make for a B Movie blockbuster... However, worst of all is the fact that they all look really random now. I know what the finished look should be, but right now its just a load of 'stuff'.

I tried my hand at some sugar craft yesterday. Thought I would get some practice in before the wedding cake it done. I have to state I took no photos because I was so ashamed at my attempts. The good news is I have a friend that is gonna show me the ins and outs. I never thought that making an ivy leaf in icing would be hard - but if you don't have a clue...don't touch the sugar and leave it to the experts!

And finally...

...I would also like to thank the lovely people that awarded me last week!! I will spend some time tomorrow and complete the do by actually doing the awards in return. I was so flattered. I was all bouncy at the time. I think my other half thought I had O.D.ed on Haribo or something. Which in retrospect I can't blame him. Haribo after all is like the food of the gods!

So I reply in kind tomorrow!
Until then I will blog hop to my hearts content!

Made by you, for me!

Well this last week wasn't the best. Some issues within the world of work and then the fact my stupid Blackberry finally gave up the ghost. Which on the whole has left me with little to no time to craft away. But that is what this afternoon is for.

However my lack of making made me want to buy handmade instead!

Going back a month or so I watch 'How To Train Your Dragon' for the first time. Those of you who are parents may be familiar with it. Those of you who are big kids at heart may also be aware of it. I fell in love with this film! So much so, after I finished watching I went straight on line, purchased the DVD, followed by the first book (yes I am aware its meant for kids) and then went on search for a toothless plush. I was so disappointed that I couldn't find one ANYWHERE. This is Dreamworks next big thing - the second movie in pre production and no plush dragons?? Until I searched good old Etsy - and found just what I wanted. A 20" Toothless plush. I know this photo does it no justice (I only had time to take one shot before smaller hands than mine grabbed it and tried to make away with it), but this is a super cool make. Vixenification - Totally worth the visit if you love the 'Toothless'.

Then I started wandering around (in the metaphorical sense) across the internet, looking at other handmade goodies. I knew it would only be a matter of time before I spotted something else I wanted. Something fun and had no relation to weddings or holidays. I wandered over to Ali's Craft Studio and had a nose around. I had every intention of looking for a gift for someone, but as usual, I ended up going 'want one of those, one of those, one of those...' So I limited myself to two gifts - for me...for now...

I should point out I have a huge fear of spiders, and this guy is currently sat on my back door... near the toilet. So if I wake in the middle of the night needing the bathroom I may end up getting a bit of a shock ;) I love these window décors though. They add life to a room without needing to hammer a nail into a wall. Best of all you can move them around if you get bored of where you placed them. Definitely be giving some out as Christmas prezzies. A site totally worth a mooch around and Ali will make sure they get sent to you with speed and carefully protected against possible damage! Can't argue with fantastic service and good quality products. Worth every penny too!

So I've commissioned Lucie at Angels and Diamonds to make me a bracelet for when I go on my Honeymoon. Normally I would make something myself, but a) I am being lazy, b) this girl can make some lovely designs, and c) trying to watch my pennies on beads. Don't have the colours I want so I won't be buying anything at the moment! I'm looking forward to seeing her design, and of course I will post a piccy when it's done!

Now... off to Wendy's 1st Unique Gifts to actually look for a prezzie... and maybe something for myself....