Trixies Trinkets

Long time and sad news

2009-09-15T09:12:00.003+01:00

As a lot of my friends will know we lost my father in law to cancer at the beginning of May, I stopped the blog when he became ill as Martin needed me and I didn't have the inclination to post, luckily Brians pain lasted only 12 days, not so for my friend Julie who passed away this morning after a huge battle against breast cancer and then secondary breast cancer. This news is still very raw to me I only found out an hour ago but, I need to do this and try to make other women aware that its secondary breast cancer that kills more women each year than breast cancer itself. At the beginning of this year Julie asked me to help make people more aware of this as she knew about our Breakthrough Breast Cancer work on its a creative world and because of family commitments and life in general I didn't get round to it and then left IACW.
Julie was a very brave very strong woman, she never let her primary cancer get her down, and earlier this year she had a reconstruction of her boob and she was elated, she had beaten it, but then came the news only weeks later that she had the secondary, it was in her bones and left lung. Julie told me not long after that that there is no cure for the secondary cancer all they can do is releive your pain, she told me that she would be happy if she got five years, she didn't get much more than five months.
I am still crying and reeling from this news, RIP Julie xxx

Good Bye for now

2009-04-22T13:40:00.004+01:00

I am temporarily closing my blog for family reasons. Thank you for understanding.

Trish xxx

A Thank You, a Cake and a Cushion

2009-04-15T13:47:00.007+01:00

First of all I must say thank you to Kate from Emily Pickle Material Addict for the gorgeous T shirt she sent me for Grace, last week Kate had blogged about some t shirts she had done for sale in her Folksy Store one had a small hole (and it is tiny!!!) and kate was not happy about selling it, but offered it to anyone who wanted it on her blog, si I put my hand up and asked, I felt very cheeky, but I am so glad I did, both Grace and I love the T shirt, its just perfect for her.

I think I will be keeping an eye on Kates shop and maybe buying another for her too, thank you again Kate.

Today I am just pottering around the house and garden, I have sown some poppy seeds, 2 packs, both free from magazines, ironed some HAMA beads for the kids, made a banana cake from a recipe from my lovely friend Becca, I have made it loads of times and its lovely. If anyone wants the recipe let me know in the comments and I will put it on the blog at some point, I add walnuts to my version, I think it helps make it a bit firmer.

I have also made something for William that I have wanted to do for ages, but just never got round to, he has badgered me for days to get it done so today I did, a Union Flag cushion cover for his room, it goes lovely with the paper chain and HAMA bead flag he also has in there, its becoming a theme in his room I think.

Just looking at the pics, I may cut a star from some blue fabric and put it in the centre of the cushion, it might look a bit more finished than as I feel maybe it isn't.

Oh well, the hoover is calling me, I really need to get vacuumed upstairs today so I supose I had better get on with it.

Thanks for visiting

Trish xxx

Happy Birthday Gracie

2009-04-07T12:09:00.003+01:00

Today is Graces 6th Birthday, 6 years ago today Martin was due to start work at his new job but ended up phoning in and asking for a week off, where have those 6 years gone???

This is the cake I spent hours attempting yesterday, this one is the second one, the first ended up in the bin as it was a total disaster, I tried a new recipe, I will not be using it again!!!

The cake is PINK!!!! but Grace doesn't know this yet as we haven't cut it, just blew out the candles before Martin went off to work this morning. Can you see the sparkly pink top? it is edible cake glitter, I got it from here after reading about it on Karlas blog its so gorgeous to look at and really sparkles in the light, I will be making more cakes just to use the glitter, I will also put it on ice cream and anything else I can find that needs glittering up.

This was just a quickie today, thanks for visiting

Trish xxx

Black Eyes and a Birthday

2009-04-04T15:24:00.007+01:00

What a week, it has been my last week at my current relief job at a local infant school, I have covered every school day since the beginning of November and yesterday was my last day there, I am still on the books for cover but not on a semi permanent basis now, well I had to go in in the morning to help present the prizes for the Easter Bonnet competition that us dinner ladies do every year, so we did all this and went back to our little place at the back of the hall behind all the kids, staff and parents, the head was thanking the parents for coming and asked for a couple more minutes of their time when I heard my name called along with another lady who is a part time secretary as we were both leaving, we were both presented with lovely flowers from the kids and staff at the school, I was not expecting anything at all and was very supprised and extremely happy and blubbed a little too. At lunchtime I went back in to do my last shift and the girls I work with and the kitchen girls had bought me another bunch of flowers and some chocolates too (more blubbing!!!) What a lovely thing for them to all do as I am only relief, it made my day.

Aren't they beautiful, I have popped some daffs from my garden in with them too.

Yesterday morning we were at Graces school waiting to go in, and as usual William was off playing with his mates that have younger brothers or sisters at the school, I was chatting (what a suprise) when William came up to me with his hand over his eye, saying he had got bumped, I took his hand away and nearly passed out!!!!! the biggest swollen eye ever!!!! it had come up in seconds, I quickly got him into the school and got an ice pack for him, we walked over to his school, I spoke to his teacher and we both agreed that maybe he should stay off for the morning at least, so off we went to my work then back home for calpol and nurofen and a HUGE cup of tea for me, at lunchtime he came into work with me and helped by giving out stickers and generally helping. He decided that he wanted to go into school for the afternoon as they were having a Roman Feast as part of the topic they are doing this term, so I let him go in, I am glad I did as he enjoyed himself and the swelling had gone down a fair bit by then too. This morning he looks like he had been bopped by Ricky Hatton!!! a beautiful bruiser.

It is Graces 6th Birthday on Tuesday, so we had her party today as a lot of her friends are going away for the Easter break. I took a picture of her in front of my lovely flowers cuddling her favourite (so far) pressie, unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the party as I was running around like a headless chicken, we had it at home and made Easter bookmarks from kits from Baker Ross, it was great fun and she enjoyed every minute. I am making her a cake for her birthday and William is helping, I will make sure I get pics of that.

Well, thats it for today, I still have a fair amount of cleaning up to do!!! thanks for stopping by

Trish xxx

Easter Fun and fluffyness

2009-03-31T09:30:00.007+01:00

Its been over a week since I blogged, that makes me sound as if I am in therapy!!! I have been busy working, gardening, selling excess avon and trying to find a new job for when my temp position finishes this Friday, I have also been helping the kids to make their easter projects for school too, Grace had to make an easter bonnet and William had to do something creative with a hard boiled egg, so we had fun with these on Sunday and here are the results of their hard work.

I cut the card and stapled it together for her, but Grace did all the sticking and glittering, it was supposed to look like a broken egg shell, but looks more like a crown, but what the heck, its pretty, she did a marvelous job.

Here is Ramesegg the First!!!!! we had three choices of name and hubby chose the one he liked best. William is fascinated by Ancient Egypt and wants to be an Archeologist when he grows up, has done for about 3 years and is only 8, so one hard boiled egg, 2 metres of white ribbon, 2 chenille pipecleaners and one bucket full (well not quite but it seamed like it) of PVA later here he is. I think he looks fab, one of the rules was that part of the egg had to show, which is why we left the eye bit open and William drew on the eyes.

After seeing Caz's post on Its a Creative World last week I had to go shopping for this book, I found it on Amazon at a reasonable price and its fab, I will definately be trying some of these squares when I have finished the basic blanket I am doing right now, there is one throw in there that I want to try for Graces bed, its all pretty and girly looking.

While on the subject of crochet I have been trying to find a pattern for a tea cosy that I can understand and do the stitches for, but to no avail so far, but I did find a very easy knitting pattern for one, which I printed off and tried using some very fluffy yarn that I had, I love it, although it does look like some strange green furry creature had eaten my tea pot, but I don't care, it keeps the pot warm and makes me smile when I walk in the kitchen.

Do you see what I mean about the furry creature LOL!!! It only took me 2 evenings to do this one so its very quick and easy, but the yarn made me all itchy and sneezy while I was knitting, the next one will not be fluffy!!! The lovely Felicity from JoshyandBelle has offered to root out a tea cosy crochet pattern and pop it on her blog for me after me commenting on her lovely knitted one, so hopefully I will be able to crochet one too.

Well, thats it for now, thanks for visiting

Trish xxx

Flowers, Veggies and a Poorly Boy

2009-03-18T10:03:00.008Z

My garden is starting to come to life, the bluebells should be out soon, the leaves are all there ready and waiting for those beautiful blue flowers to bloom, the daffs are out and looking sunny and cheerful, I picked a few on Sunday to put in a jug and the scent as you walk in the room is amazing, much more than from shop bought ones (well the ones I have ever bought from the shops)

The seedlings I planted just over a week ago are coming up nicely, well, some are, so far 3 cucumber seeds have sprouted, 8 tomato seeds (four different varieties) and 1 sweetpea, I am hoping that more of the sweetpeas sprout soon, I have a wall in the garden that needs brightening up and they are just the ticket I think. This is our third year of veggie growing, it has only been tomatos and carrots before though, this year we have the greenhouse (a fab freecycle find last year) and our raised bed, it is 8'x4' and we are planning all sorts for it, just hope we can fit it all in!!! I also have some early potatoes which are chitting nicely on the kitchen windowsill which will go in some spud tubs, I have two at the mo but want to get a couple more of them as growing spuds in tubs seems to be a lot easier than growing them in the ground and they don't take up space that can be used for other yummy veg like carrots, cauli, beans and peas. The toms, cucumber, chilli and peppers will be growing in the greenhouse, I really can't wait to start getting it all out in the plot and the greenhouse, and neither can the kids.

Talking of kids, last week Grace was very poorly with a nasty tummy bug, we kept William away from her as he had a cubs sleepover on Saturday/Sunday and was so excited about going, luckily it seemed to work and off he went and had a wonderful time and earned three more badges (which mommy still has to sew on!!!). He came home on Sunday lunchtime full of stories and excitement then all of a sudden, or so it seemed, he dropped, he had a good long sleep on the sofa and we thought he was just very tired, when he gets this tired we have to watch him as in October when we visited Dad in France he collapsed, it was very scarey at the time, but we have been told by the doctor that it was just a mix of excitement, tiredness and heat, so I was a little worried, but he woke up and seemed ok, still tired but nothing else, then Sunday night it started, he had the same tummy bug, so he is off school this week. He seems a little better today, but I will keep him home again tomorrow to be on the safe side. Mind you, looking at this pic which I took this morning, he doesn't look too ill LOL.

Thanks for stopping by

Trish xxx

More grannys and a view EDITED

2009-03-13T10:09:00.005Z

I have been busy working on my granny squares and now have 21 done, not sure how many I will do, I think I will get a load more done then play and see if its big enough, I have really enjoyed getting back into crochet, its nice and relaxing to do while watching telly of an evening.

I think they look all bright and full of gorgeousness and can't wait to get it finished and on my boring brown sofa to help brighten it up a bit.

I also have a picture of the view from my kitchen sink as Posy did a couple of weeks ago, its not the prettiest of views right now, but one the fushia has bloomed again and the greenhouse and veg bed are full of lovely edible goodies it will look better. On the window sill are my propagators full of seeds for the garden and greenhouse, I have planted tomatoes (3 varieties) chillis, peppers, cucumber and some sweetpeas so far, I also have some spuds chitting which will hopefully be ready to go in my big spud tubs in about 4 weeks, the Good Life here I come!!!

Edited as I forgot the pic from the kitchen window LOL!!!

Trish xxx

Crochet..................

2009-03-05T10:09:00.006Z

.............is very addictive!!!! I had forgotten how addictive actually, its all the fault of Lace Hearts and (because I have just found her blog) Attic24 as well as quite a few of the girls on the Shabby Chic forum!!! I found the pattern for the flowers on Attic24s blog, had a practise on some old (bright green) wool then went shopping for more lovely yarn to make more which I turned into bunting of a sort for my mantlepiece, I think they look quite pretty there.

I have also done one granny square (so far) for a blanket I want for the sofa and a cushion cover, well the front of a cushion cover really which is like a giant granny square.

I had a bash at making a three layered flower too, using the pattern from Attic24 again but adding to it, I am pleased with how it has turned out and may make more as corsages or just to pop around the place looking pretty. The next crochet thingy I want to have a go at is the ripple stitch but as yet I haven't found a pattern/tutorial that I understand.

Sorry the photo quality is a bit pants in that last pic!!!

mmmmm, now onto Februarys Grocery Challenge, well, I overspent by over £30, but never mind, I am back on track and hope that this month I can be good and only spend my budget, I suppose though, in all fairness (does that sound like and excuse???) I did buy loads of meat from the butcher and made up a good few meals for the freezer so some of that could really be carried over to this month (mm it is an excuse really).

thanks for stopping by

Trish xxx

Sewing again

2009-02-22T13:18:00.006Z

I have started to feel a little more crafty recently (hoooraaahhhh) this morning I have made a patchwork cushion cover using This tutorial as also seen on Lace Hearts and I love it I will admit to buying some red fabrics to boost up my limited supply of reds to make this, but I am sure they will come in handy for other things too.

It looks very pretty on my sofa. I also stitched some fabric samples onto a plain canvas shopping bag, it has been sitting (pinned) in a drawer for months and I found it this morning while sorting out the fabric for the cushion cover, so thats another UFO finished.

I am so happy to be making stuff again, finishing off the greenhouse and digging our new veg patch may have had something to do with my need to be creative too.

I keep forgetting to update on how I am doing with the grocery challenge, well January we came in under budget by about £38, but this month we may be slightly over our £310 budget as we have already spent £261 and have a week to go, but we will see.

Trish xxx

Flowers and Pretties

2009-02-14T09:09:00.006Z

Its been so long since I was able to find any yummy bargains in the local charity shops, they have put up their prices considerably lately and although I know its charity and am helping when I spend, I really want to keep the cost down, well this week I found 2 beautiful bargains, beautiful rose brooches, I have a few brooches, never wear them, just leave them looking pretty in a pretty bowl in my bedroom.

My love started about 5 years ago when my Step mom bought me a lovely Black brooch made by a Russian lady who lived local to her, and since then I have picked them up in car boot sales and charity shops and a couple from ebay that weren't to pricey too, and my darling sister bought me the green leaf one as part of my birthday charity shop box.

They are not all in this pic as I have used some on some crafting items too.

Well enough of the brooches, look at my orchid, my darling sister (again) bought this for me last year and not long after it came home most of the flowers dropped and I eneded up with a bare stalk, sis told me not to worry more would grow and showed me how to look after it and lo and behold, I have two new beautiful flowers, they are certainly cheering me up on these cold days.

So pretty especially since my indoor daffs and hyacinth have faded.

Trish xxx

Snow!!!

2009-02-03T08:29:00.005Z

I took these pics from the kitchen and dining room windows yesterday about 3.30pm, it got a fair bit deeper after that but some has melted overnight.

It looks so pretty. I had to go out to deliver Avon last night, I hate driving when it starts icing over, scarey, but, it wasn't too bad, I got it all done. I have William off sick with toncillitis and am not sending Grace in today as there is no way I am driving and its too far to walk with my poorly boy (3miles there and back) My school is closed, so no work for me today, I think a chill out pyjama day is in order.

I was given this award a couple of weeks ago by Dancing on a Blade of Grass, thank you Sandie.

“The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in proximity in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be new friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandisement. Our hope is that when ribbons of these awards are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give your kind attention to these writers.”

I am supposed to pass this on to 8 other blogs, but it seems all the blogs are now taken!!! so if you don't have this award please take it and enjoy

Enjoy the snow but keep warm and safe

Trish xxx

Cub Scout

2009-01-31T08:35:00.005Z

William started cubs just before Christmas and was invested a couple of weeks ago and we all went to see it, I was so proud of him, he stood tall and spoke his promise loud and clear. Sorry about the blurriness in the last pic.

Well, today its blowing a hooley out there so I think it may jusy have to be a pyjama day, I really don't feel like going out in that. I may try my hand at one of the patchwork cushions that Lace Hearts has made, the original tutorial is here, it looks fairly easy and fun to do and as I have an entire drawer full of scraps of pretty fabric I should be able to make at least one if not more.

In November I started to do the Grocery Shopping Challenge on the Shabby Chic forum and was pleased that I came in £10 under my budget of £350 for the month, December fell by the wayside somewhat, but this month I have done it again and looks like I am back on track and at least £20 under my new budget of £340 as I have been making more 'freezer' foods and stretching food out more by adding more veg and not buying so many ready foods like pizzas. Fingers crossed I can keep it up, its amazing when you start writing down all your receipt totals to see how much you have actually spent (eye opening too).

Right, thats it for today

Trish xxx

I did it again didn't I!!!

2009-01-27T16:31:00.002Z

I must be the worlds worst blogger!!!! I have had a few nags (not mentioning any names, you know who you are mother of Jess, Jamie and Matthew) so I thought I would do a quickie update now.

We had a fab Christmas, Santa brought us a wii which included wii fit, which is fab, I have lost 3lbs since Christmas!!!
I am still working everyday at school and will be until about Easter, Avon is also crazy at this time of year with a book every two weeks!!!
My Grandad was taken into hospital just before Christmas and won't be going back home now, he has dementure and Altzeimers (sorry my spelling gets worse) and got very violent towards my nan, so he is now waiting on a place in a home. Its very sad as he was always so full of life and fun, he is definately not the man he was when me and my sis were kids.

Then, yesterday our new computer turned up wooohooooo!!! its about bloomin' time we have had the old one for 10 years, it is soo super speedy fast and I am having fun :)

I will try and be back soon with some pics
Trish xxx

Posties Been!!!

2008-12-07T09:28:00.006Z

I am such a lucky girl, the postie lady came yesterday with not one but two parcels for me, one was some lovely Prima Flower bottles for me to pretty up and a birthday pressie (which I have been very good and not opened yet, although I want to) from Jo and the other was my shabby Chic Forum swap from the lovely Mary Poppins. She has spoilt me, look at all my pretties.

I got, Four candles (or Fork handles *giggle*), a gorgeous Emma Bridgewater scented candle in a miniture mug.

Lots of Choccys and some candy canes for the kids, a mulled wine spice kit.

And a lovely Christmas Plaque, which is in pride of place hanging in my shelf unit, so thank you again Mary hun, I love it all.

Well, on Friday night me and the kids went to The Lowry in Salford Quays to see The Wizard of Oz, it was our Brownies Christmas trip, so I had 6 kids to lok after in all and they all behaved beautifully and were totally enthralled (as was I) by it. The effects were amazing and the Wicked Witch of the West was played by Lorna Luft, Judy Garlands daughter. My two enjoyed it thoroughly but were very tired when we got home just after 11pm!!! the latest they have ever been to bed.

I started to get all our Christmas decorations up yesterday, the kitchen is done as are the kids bedrooms, the dining room and living room are virtually finished, just a couple of tweaks, I will try and get some pics later.

Trish xxx

Posh Glasses

2008-12-05T16:11:00.003Z

About a week ago we learned that Grace needs glasses, her left eye is very poor. When she had her eye test at 3 she struggled with the left one, we were told at the time that they would call her back another day to try again as she was probably tired. Well, life went on and I totally forgot about it, until this summer when Grace started complaining about blurriness, I phoned and got an appointment for September, she had her test and we were told that she would be best off having a glasses test, October was the rough guide to how long we would wait, well, last week she went, she had to have drops in her eyes that stung madly to open the pupil up enough for the lady to see into the back of her eye, obviously we were given a prescription, so took her straight to the optitions to choose some, well, she chose the most gorgeous pair of Barbie ones, in Barbie pink too of course. We picked them up last night and she is the belle of the ball now!!! she looks beautiful in them and loves them loads (she keeps cleaning them too, but I am sure that will wear off soon)

No craftiness or bargains this time, but I will get pics of my shelves, now they are finished and up, done soon and also some Christmas decoration ones.

Trish xxx

Advent Calendar and Toothless Grins!!!!!

2008-11-25T16:39:00.004Z

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Sheffield Crop run by Jo and we made advent calendars using baking tins, magnets and bits and bobs from our stash, this is my effort.

I had great fun making this, using loads of bits and bobs that I thought would languish in my craft stash forever!!! Its still not fully finished, I want to get some holly punch outs round some of the edges just to fill a bit more space (hate leaving space lol) The kids have always had an advent calendar each, but this year I will have one too!!!! am getting a little over excited about Christmas now.

And now for something completely different (said in true python fashion) my two toothless kids, 3 teeth out in just over a week, the toothfairy is now officially skint!!! Grace has always had one tooth missing (she only had nineteen) its there but not ever come through, so it may well come now, so at the mo she has 17 teeth William has (at long last) lost the tooth that has been moving for a couple of months, his other top one is on its way out too, anyone want to loan the toothfairy a quid???
Trish xxx

I have been playing......

2008-11-12T16:11:00.006Z

.....with paper and fabric this week, I have made 14 fabric, lavender stuffed hearts for a sale I am doing tonight at brownies and one I am doing in Winchester next weekend with my sister along with dishcloths and jewllery bookmarks.

I hope I can sell them all, mind you they do smell lovely so if they don't sell I am sure I can find a home for them somewhaere in the house.

I have also been playing with paper, lace, ribbon, sparkly bits and glue decorating a couple of bottles that have been lying around waiting for something to be done to them, they had candle sand in them originally and I didn't want to just throw them away and last night I just got loads of bits and bobs out and played.

The printed image is from The graphics fairy she has a new downloadable image every day. I don't think it is quite finished yet, but am not sure what it needs, but i know it needs something. Now I need to decide what to fill the bottle with, if anything.

Thank you for stopping by.

Trish xxx

Gorgeous Shabby Chic Swap

2008-11-06T18:12:00.004Z

The theme for the October swap on the Shabby Chic forum was 'PINK' and the lovely Viv sent me a fabby gorgeous parcel of goodies, sorry about the photo quality but had to take it indoors and couldn't seem to get the light right.

I got a lovely pink apron, love pinnies, I have 3 full ones and 2 half ones now, a beautifully smelly candle and a notebook and funky pink pencil too, I think Grace might pinch the pencil mind!!! Thank you again Viv xxx

I am using the notebook to write down all my grocery expenditure (blimey thats a big old word for me this week) for each month starting with this month. We are doing a monthly grocery challenge over on Shabby Chic, I have given myself a target of £350 this month and am writing each total down as I come back from shopping and breaking it down into weeks too, so far the total is just over £30, I am hoping that this will make me realise how much I actually spend on crap each month and be able to keep within a decent budget because, to be totally honest I have no idea how much I spend on food, I just spend it!!! shocking really!!!

I have started a new job this week too, I have at least 3 months work at a local school as a relief midday supervisor, am enjoying it so far, the girls I work with are as mad as hatters (I am fitting in quite well) and good fun, I am just finding it hard to fit everything in I want/need to do. My evenings are filled with knitting dishcloths, making jewellery and Christmas decorations ready for 2 craft fairs I have coming up soon, the time seesm to have crept up on me, but it is relaxing.

Thanks for stopping by

Trish xxx

Back from our Hols!!!

2008-10-31T17:41:00.004Z

We got back from my Dads in France at 1am Tuesday morning after being on the road/sea for 22.5 hours!!!! we were pooped. I thought I would share a few pics of the holiday with you as I have no bargains or crafts to show right now.

This was taken in the drive of Dads house, William brought Barnaby bear home from school so he could go with us to France, William has written a few things in a journal for Barnaby to take back to school with him.mmmmm, William being brave/silly climbing to the top of this rather high climbing thingy!!!

What a poser my daughter is lol.

One of our evening walks with dad and the dogs.

Last, but by no means least a beautiful sunset looking out over Dads.

I will be back soon with more bargains (hopefully) and crafty stuff, thanks for popping by

Trish xxx

Christmas on IACW

2008-10-17T22:34:00.004+01:00

I know it might feel a little early for the 'C' word but today Di and I did a Christmas Bunting project on IACW mine was made from a cornflake box and lots of pretties, and Di made 2 fantastic fabric ones. I had fun with this project and plan to do a smaller one to hang from the pegs under my shelves in the hall.

We have a month full of ideas for Christmas so have a look everyday 'cause there is bound to be something for everyone :)

I have been making lots of dishcloths to sell at our Brownie Christmas sale evening which is coming up in a couple of weeks, I must get some bookmarks and small jewellery bits made up too, I am off to Sheffield tomorrow to the monthly crop (haven't been in about 4 months) so will get the jewellery done there.

Trish xxx

More Shelves to paint and a bargain

2008-10-12T11:37:00.005+01:00

Hello :) 2 posts in one week!!! Well I did promise to show my charity shop bargain, a gorgeous diary, unused (which helps) and only £1.60, its a perpetual diary, there are no dates at all and there is a week to each double page, its so pretty and I love it.

My other bargain of the week was found in a shop that had closed and the lady who owned the flat upstairs was doing a house clearance in there, she has recently moved to Italy and wanted to get rid of all her old junk, I bought a few things from her, a couple of glass candlesticks (yes more I have 14 now) a TG Green blue and white stripe mustard pot and a few toys for the kids, but this really took my eye!!! I asked the price and she told me £25, so I ummed and ahhed and said I would ask my hubby, well I walked or drove past it every day, then Friday I decided I wanted it, I walked in and asked would they take £20 and they said yes, so I paid and brought home my gorgeous new shelves that were begging to be tarted up and put up on my dining room wall.

Thank you for popping by, back again soon

Trish xxx

I am feeling crafty again!!!

2008-10-09T21:27:00.004+01:00

The last few weeks I have started to feel a little more like crafting again, I had a bit of a tough time at the start of this year and my crafting took a back seat, but having recently have a few combined posts as well as my own on IACW I have got back into the swing of things. I used to scrapbook on a regular basis, but haven't really done much since the end of last year, but I have done my first proper LO of this year.

I really enjoyed scrapping again, the subject helped too. The other 'make' I have done for a combined post was a wall hanging, I use the term wall hanging loosely as its only small, but it hangs in my hall on a row of pegs that one of my wonderful friends bought us as a wedding gift under my cream shelf unit.

I am doing another combined post with Di on 17th October, so please pop over and have a look as we are starting our Christmas craft monht from 16th until 16th November.

I bagged a bargain at the charity shop on Tuesday too, I will take pics tomorrow.

see you soon

Trish xxx

Bargains and Knitting

2008-10-02T16:54:00.007+01:00

I have bagged myself a fab bargain this week, well I think so anyway, a trip to the local charity shops proved fruitful this week. The local hospice shop is sometimes the best place in town for my bargains and thats where I got my lovely pinny, I am sure it is vintage fabric, but how long ago it was made I don't know as it feels like new and it was the grand total of £3.00

You can just see one of my new cushion covers peeking out from under it, I made two last week and they really do brighten up the sofa.

Now, onto my knitting, I am not the best knitter in the world but have wanted to have a go at knitted dishcloths for a while, well this week I ordered and recieved two balls of dishcloth cotton and a pair of knitting needles, so I got to work almost straight away and the result is these.....

Two dishcloths, I haven't used them yet but I have heard that people using handmade dishcloths like these never go back to mass produced ones, so we shall see how I get on with them.

Thanks for stopping by, take care

Trish xxx

More Blackberries

2008-09-25T11:38:00.005+01:00

Long time no blog!!! well not that long, but nearly 2 weeks. Firstly I would like to thank you all for the lovely comments on my last post about our wedding, you helped to make my day xxx

On Sunday afternoon we went up the lane blackberry picking again, got a good 3.5lbs this time and some were real juicers, so I saved about 1lb for pies and used the rest to make jam, blackberry and apple, it turned out lovely (even if I do say so myself) got 7.5 jars and now 3 pies too, 2 in the freezer and one, nearly gone with hot custard last night!!! YUM!!!

Its a little more fluid than shop bought, but very nice, I have done the recipe on It's a Creative World today, we also have 2 new design team members too Jo and Paula both girls are fab designers and lovely too.
I have been out in the garden this morning, hoeing, raking and planting daffodil bulbs, so can't wait to see them in the spring, they are one of my fave flowers.
Thats it for today, thanks for visiting

Look what I did yesterday

2008-09-14T08:59:00.008+01:00

Most people didn't know (sorry to those we didn't tell) but we wanted small and no fuss, We got married yesterday (about time too some might say) We have been together for 10years and have 2 very beautiful children and yesterday we tied the knot.

Us in the registry office, the obligitory signing pic, with the kids and our friends.

Newly married Mr and Mrs

Us and my beautiful sister.

With the kids.

We had a wonderful day, the sun shone and as there were only 9 of us in total it was the most relaxing wedding too. I have edited this post as I forgot to blur the car pic (numpty)

More Charity Bargains

2008-09-07T14:07:00.003+01:00

Look what I got yesterday, and fab bargains they were too, we went down into the town were the yearly Victorian Weekend was being held, I got them from an Animal Charity stall, there were quite a few lovely things I would have liked, but as usual I had hubby and the kids with me so had to hold back a little.

The pictures were 50p each, I have already painted the frame of the larger one, it was a very dark wood and did nothing for the print. The plates are so pretty, I must get a better pic at some point, they were 50p for the 2 and the glass candle holder was also 50p, so all that booty cost me all of £2.00. I will be painting the other frame too, but need to get some primer as I think it is some kind of plastic.

We were going to pop to the boot sale this morning, but it has poured down all day, very miserable, so instead, as well as painting the frame I have been preparing myself for back to school tomorrow, making sure everything is ready. The kids have just gone out for a walk with our next door neighbours, I am sure they will have loads of fun and come home soaked to the skin, ready for a lovely warm bath.

Thanks for visiting, take care

Trish xxx

Sneaky Peek and Another Award

2008-09-04T15:44:00.010+01:00

I thought I would give a sneaky peak of whats on my post tomorrow on It's a Creative World

You will see more of it and a quickie tutorial tomorrow and its all thanks to Elaine of Bloomin' Myrtle.

I want to thank Caroline of Lace Hearts for this award, thank you hunny. Its a friendship award and I am so pleased (and blessed) to have her as a friend. I will need to think about the others as most of the blogs I would have chosen have already been chosen.

See you soon, thanks for visiting

Trish xxx

Blackberry Picking

2008-09-01T13:57:00.007+01:00

The kids and I have been out, up the lane to pick blackberries this morning and look at the haul we got, just over 3lbs of lovely juicy fruit. I am going to make blackberry and apple jam with this little lot.

The postie has been today too with my August swap from Rachelle at Ted and Agnes it is the most gorgeous reversable tote bag in green, I need to go and buy myself some yummy green clothes now lol

Florals

2008-08-30T14:21:00.010+01:00

Lots of floral things today, well a couple anyway, first off is the doorstops I have made for myself out or remnants from my local fabric shop, the large floral cost me 50p for a HUGE piece, the green smaller floral which is a Laura Ashley print apparently cost me nothing, the lovely lady in the shop let me have it for free!!! and i have some left over for boots or hearts. I have been asked in the comments what I have filled them with, I have used cheapy rice from tesco, 2kg in the big one and 1kg in the smaller one.

I have been enjoying liking florals again after many years of thinking *yuk* and recently I have bought a few floral prints, in charity shops, for very little money. These two I bought a couple of months ago for 80p each in the most awful frames you have ever seen, I took them out and binned the frames (they were really bad) trimmed them down and they fitted perfectly in these lovely cream IKEA frames. At the moment they are sitting on my large chest of drawers in the dining room, but eventually I want to have a whole wall in the living room of lovely floral prints and paintings.

Lastly, the print I bought today, still in the frame it came with, not sure whether to paint this frame or get another IKEA one (all ideas gratefully recieved) it cost a little more at £1.25 but still a bargain I feel.

I have also bought two of the new Cath Kidston bags from Tesco this week, a gorgeous floral (what a supprise) and a striped one, they are yummy and go perfectly with my spotty one from last time and my gorgeous handmade floral (ooh look floral again) one from Nicole.

Thanks for visiting

Trish xxx

Another Award

2008-08-25T10:42:00.004+01:00

I have been so busy with visitors this last four weeks, but they are all gone now so hopefully I will be able to keep up with the blog again.

Elaine has given me an award, its a creative one, so thank you Elaine hunny. I have to pass this award on to others, always a toughy as there are loads of wonderfully creative people out there in blog land.

So, first up will be Di, she does the most wonderful crochet and is as mad as a hatter!!!

the next one will be Ted and Agnes she knits and sews beautifully.

Third, will have to be the lovely Debbie what can't this girl do, she is a scrapbooker, cardmaker makes fab bags and paints furniture like a professional.

I think I will have to stick to three, as am totally stuck now *blush*

It was my turn on the Creative World blog today, this is what I have done, pop over to get the full step by step.

July Shabby Chic Swap

2008-08-14T14:09:00.005+01:00

I have been so spoilt with the july swap on the shabby chic forum, the lovely Nicole has sent me a HUGE parcel from Germany, I got loads.

A gorgeous handmade tote bag, muffin tin, american cup measures, cake cases, cupcake picks, sprinkles, biscuits, loads of sweeties for the kids (they are very happy) 2 cake mixes, icing and 5 american magazines too, what a lot of lovely goodies for me to play with :)

I have been busy making my swap bits for the August swap and I am sending to Nicole so I am really working hard to make sure she has lots of lovely goodies herself.

New Look

2008-08-08T16:04:00.010+01:00

Do you like my new banner and colour scheme??? my wonderful friend Tracy did my banner for me using a picture of my lovely angel that I made a while ago.

Its so busy here right now as we have my step daughter staying for three weeks, but I thought it was about time I updated again, although updates may be few and far between until the end of the month. So here is a picture of my candlesticks and cheap charity shop find pictures (in IKEA frames) on my vintage sideboard/chest of drawers in the dining room.

I also thought I would give a sneak peek of my post on IACW on Sunday, make sure you pop over and have a look.Trish xxx

Promise Renewal

2008-07-24T09:17:00.004+01:00

Well, yesterday was the last day of school and also the last Brownie meeting before the summer holidays, last night I renewed the promise I made as a Brownie 32 years ago, as at long last I became a fully qualified Assistant Guider. On the last meeting of the summer term we go to a farm for our 'Sausage Sizzle', the farm is owned by a lovely lady who used to be Brown Owl at our Brownies and it was her that presented me with my certificate and who I renewed my Promise to. It was a fab evening and Martin and the kids came along to watch me. After they were gone though, we got down to the very important business of cooking sausages on open fires, its my favourite meeting of the year, anyway, due to not having permission from parents to show pics of the girls, there is only a pic of me making my promise.

Trish xxx

I got an award

2008-07-19T12:31:00.003+01:00

Thank you Lace hearts for my wonderful award, I have to

1 . Put this rather sparkly black Logo thingy on my Blog
2. Put a link/or mention

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put a link to those Blogs on your Blog

5. Leave a message on their blog.

I will nominate Flossie teacakes, Shabby Scraps, Vintage Pleasure,Kitchen garden in the Suburbs, Here I Go Again, A Thrifty Mrs and Boxwood Cottage

Trish xxx

A Few More Charity Shop Bargains

2008-07-12T15:35:00.008+01:00

Recently I have been looking for Glass candlesticks all thanks to Kristy of Vintage Pleasure and have found these five at local Charity Shops, they look so pretty all stood together on my windowsill in the dining room with tiny pink gingham ribbon tied round each of them, I took the pic outside as its quite dark with this dreary weather indoors at the mo. They were all bargains the two pinky ones were 60p each, the tallest one was £1.25, the tiny one 59p and the pretty cut glass one was £1.
I also got this pretty china cake plate for £1.49 isn't it sweet? I have made a banana cake today so will be serving it on the plate later. I think my hubby is getting used to me buying what he might call tat!!! and just lets me get on with it now.

There is a car boot sale locally tomorrow morning so if I can get myself out of bed I will pop along to that, I might find some more lovely bargains if I am lucky.

Trish xxx

Shabby Chic June Swap

2008-07-05T10:16:00.005+01:00

I have been so busy this week, working at nursery every day and getting the AVON out as well.Anyway, here is what I received in the Shabby Chic Forum June swap, isn't it fab, the theme was strawberries and cream, the wonderful Bliss of Country Bliss was sending to me, I have a gorgeous jug cover, I used to have one years ago all lace and beads but it seems to have disappeared, so am so happy to have another one, a beautiful smelling strawberry sachet, it smells just like strawberries :) yummy!!!!! The next item has been commandeered by Gracie, she loves it, its a lovely japanese crocheted strawberry toy, its sooooooo sweet also a lovely handmade card too, so thank you Bliss hunny, I love it all xxx

I really wanted to get out in the garden and get some pictures of my climbing rose bush today, but its tipping down with rain, so hopefully it will stop later. We were also going to go to the Glossop Carnival later, but I think 2 miles is too far to walk in this weather, especially for the kids, and the traffic will be horrendous so I am not driving. Its on tomorrow too, but Martin is back at work and I really wanted us to go as a family this year, oh well never mind.

Trish xxx

Corners Of My Home

2008-06-22T11:51:00.005+01:00

I haven't updated for a while as we have been a poorly house, first William went down with a throat infection, then I got it, then he got an infected finger and now my glands are all up and very sore, but, never mind, its about time I showed off some corners of my home, today I am showing you my favourite place in my bedroom, its my dressing table and wicker chair. I have only recently got it looking like this, it was a dumping ground for all sorts of rubbish until I got it sorted about a week ago, its still not perfect, but its getting there.

On my dressing table are a few of my handmade crafty bits and a couple vintage items like my Phrenology head ink well thank hubby bought my 8 years ago, some vintage brooches in a vintage glass bowl, the Russian Doll came from Russia via my sister who went there about 15 years ago, its so faded, my own fault for leaving it in the sun. I bought the cream ceramic rose last week from Dunelm Mill and the mirror trinket box was a gift from a wonderful friend.

The wicker chair was found in the loft of one of the (many) homes we have lived in, in the last 10 years, the cushion covers were all made by me and the teddy on the left belonged to a family member who gave it to me when I was small, he is now about 60 years old.

Painted Shelves

2008-06-09T18:17:00.006+01:00

At last these shelves are finished and I love them, they are in my dining room above my computer, with 2 of my tea sets on, the top one is what I got from a car boot a couple of weeks ago for £2 (bargain) and the doily was 25p the other day from a local hospice charity shop.

We are hopefully going to finish the chest of drawers tomorrow, a few bits need gluing back on!!! I am happy with it though and it is the perfect size for putting the towels in, in the bathroom.

Recently on the Shabby Chic forum someone asked if anyone knew how to make stuffed boots, well yesterday I had a play and made one for me and one for Gracie for her bedroom, which she loves, I am really pleased with them and may make a few more for gifts for Christmas (yes I know its only June)

Anyway, thats enough from me for today

Trish xxx

Bargain Shopping Day

2008-06-07T10:21:00.003+01:00

yesterday I had to pop to B&Q for some more paint and thought I would have a little look round the shops as well, it has to be done!!! Well I am so glad I did, I went in and out of a few charity shops and nothing to be had, so last, and certainly not least I popped to the local hospice shop and found the bargain of the week (possibly even the year really) A gorgeous embroidered tablecloth, its so pretty all floral and summery, for the grand price of........25p!!!!! what a bargain.

It has a tiny stain on it that doesn't seem to want to go, but its not very noticable, and I am sure once its been on the line in the sun a few more hours it will bleach out. I also got a pretty pink floral pillowcase for 25p and a crochet doily for........ yup.... 25p, the pillowcase will be used when I do gracies patchwork quilt and the doily is for my shelves which have been started, just waiting for coat 2 to dry to see if I need to do another one, pics will follow when finished.

Trish xxx

Its a Creative World 1st Birthday

2008-06-01T11:26:00.003+01:00

Happy birthday to us on IACW we have a prize draw for comments and a prize draw for feedback, so please email us at mailto:macreativeworld@hotmail.co.uk with the subject BIRTHDAY FEEDBACK and tell us what you want to see from us. Please join in, we have had a fab first year, my highlight of the year was October and the Breakthrough Breast Cancer 'Scrap your Boobs' it was a huge success and we raised over £500 for it. This was my LO for it.

Thats it for today, see you soon

Trish xxx

Something old

2008-05-30T10:43:00.004+01:00

I haven't taken any pics of much the last few days, so thought I would show something I did about 18 months ago, I had taken part in a jigsaw swap on UKScrappers and really enjoyed playing, so thought I would do one on my own. I bought a set of four puzzles from a local £1 shop and used the nine piece one, I wanted something for Graces room, that would stand the test of time and that she wouldn't grow out of, I had an ATC pad of vintage children images so used that, along with lots of cream paint and some lace and this is the result.

Grace loves it and so do I, it has pride of place on a shelf in her bedroom.

Trish xxx

In The Garden

2008-05-27T14:32:00.003+01:00

I have been trying to do some things with my garden this year, we have started trying to grow our own veg (no pics of that yet) and I have been clearing loads of weeds and beginning to see what flowers we actually have. I knew we had strawberries last year, I am hoping we get loads more this year and the gorgeous blue, I think they are forget me nots, and the stocks and violas that I planted in a couple of old plastic troughs, just a short one today as I am running round like aheadless chicken sorting out my jewellery party tonight.

Trish xxx

Show and Tell Sunday

2008-05-25T11:24:00.007+01:00

Today I am playing for the first time in 'Show and Tell Sunday' hosted by Analise of Sugar Sugar, today its all about china, crystal and silver, well I don't have any silver or crystal but I do have china. I love tea sets, I have four that I would call complete or semi complete, then I have 1 trio. This is all my tea sets together including the trio.The first one I bought was this gorgeous Blue Roses one by Royal vale, I have had it about 15 years, it cost me much more than I would be prepared to pay today.

This beautiful yellow one I picked up from an Oxfam shop about 6 months ago, its a ridgeway design and so summery.

I also got this autumnal one from the same Oxfam shop about 2 weeks ago, its another Royal vale one, but only came with the plates, cups and saucers, no milk jug, sugar bowl or cake plate.

I think this one is my favourite at the moment though, I bought it yesterday from the Willow Wood Hospice shop, its our local hospice, it only cost £4.99 and came with the milk jug, sugar bowl and cake plate, another Royal Vale and its so pretty, the blue doesn't look as lovely in the pics but is a gorgeous perriwinkle blue.

And finally, my trio, I got this from (yet another) charity shop, I think it was Marie Curie about 2 weeks ago, when I had finished my shelves, I wanted something pretty and pink for them and it was only £1.99 too.

Tagged!!!!

2008-05-24T08:46:00.004+01:00

oh my!!! I have been tagged by the lovely Lace Hearts

The rules: I have to answer 6 questions about myself. At the end of the post, I then tag 6 people and post their names, then go to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read my blog for the rules. Then, I must let the person who tagged me know when I've posted my answers.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

well, I met OH 10 years ago in July, so I was living on my own in a flat in Portsmouth and working in Basingstoke as a manager for Barratts Shoes.

2. 5 things on my to do list today?

ummmmmm, well
1. go to the butchers
2. tidy the kitchen (its a bloody mess)
3.get some more cigs, am nearly out lol
4.update my blog (oh look am doing that now)
5. finish my avon deliveries.

3. Snacks I enjoy?

chocolate, chocolate and chocolate

4. Things I would do if I were a millionaire?

give enough money to my dad so he could finish his dream home in france and rescue all the animals he wanted.
give some to my baby sis to get her house all done
give some to Willow Wood Hospice, a local hospice
buy OH an Aston Martin DB7!!!!

5. Places I lived?

oohh where do I start, I was born in Dover, England and lived in Deal until I was 3, we then moved to Gosport in Hampshire as my dad transfered from the Marines to the Navy, lived there until I was 17 then moved to Portchester, again Hampshire, where I lived with my Dad for a year, then moved to a few other local places with my first hubby for 5 years, then moved to Southampton for about 2 years, then back to Gosport for 2 years then to Portsmouth where I lived in 3 houses in 6 years and now we live in Glossop, Derbyshire and have done for nearly 6 years (phew!!!!!)

6. 6 peeps I wanna know more about ...

Di
Karla
Tifany
Maria
Caz
Jo

right, thats it for today, no pics

trish xxx

Bathroom Cabinet No2

2008-05-22T13:54:00.004+01:00

My second bathroom cabinet, (please ignore the revolting tiles on the wall, we haven't decorated the room yet) its amazing how much brighter the room now looks just painting two orangey, yukky cabinets cream. I like them both, just need to do all the other orangey pins things too, shelf, loo roll holder and towel rail, I will need more paint though :)

I have been frequenting a new forum recently, those norty ladies are the ones giving me ideas about painting my furniture!!! I am involved in a swap there for June titled 'Strawberries and Cream' I have already finished making one thing for it and need to scour some charity shops/boot sales to find some other bits too now :) I am quite excited about it, finding out who my swap partner will be and getting goodies back in the post.

Trish xxx

FA CUP WINNERS

2008-05-18T09:57:00.004+01:00

I am a very happy bunny today, Portsmouth Football Club won the FA Cup yesterday, I may live in the North West now, but am a Pompey girl at heart, we lived there from I was 3 years old until I was 33, Our house was so close to Fratton Park that when Pompey scored, you could hear the crowd. I have been to my fair share of Pompey home games (in my youth lol) and William went to his first match a few weeks ago at The City of Manchester Stadium, he loved it, unfortunately Postmouth lost to City, but after 69 years of waiting we got FA Cup back!!!!!!!

On another note, look what I got through the post on Friday, she is called purdy and is hand crafted by the lovely Elaine of mustard seed gift shop isn't she gorgeous, she is sitting in pride of place on my new shelves.

trish xxx

Bling a Little Birdhouse in your Soul

2008-05-15T19:05:00.006+01:00

I have been doing a lot of blog hopping recently and found some lovely blogs and posts, one which really stuck out and inspired me was this one by Beth of Gathering Dust 'Bling your Birdhouse' as I scrolled through the pictures I found the gorgeous beaded one she had done, I thought to myself, oooohhh I like that idea, but with buttons, so, thats what I did, I had the birdhouse already, so painted it with acrylic paint in a deep red, then made a start on the buttons, now, I ran out of my faithful 'Glossy Accents' and because I didn't want to wait (very impatient I am) I used super glue, well I am sure you can imagine the mess I made of myself!!!! I used fabric glue to stick the pom pom braid and ric rac on and also the vintage flowers button on the apex of the roof. The image of the bird is one I have had floating around in my pictures for ages, I got it from a free site, but for the life of me can't remember which one (sorry) I used a faux optical lens over it which covers the hole that is there for the tiny mini birdys to get in!!!

The finished object isn't as 'clean' as it would have been with the glossy accents, but I love it just the same, it will sit on my dressing table now that its finished. I would like to say thanks to Beth for letting me use her idea and the link to her blog (you must have a read while you are there).

Trish xxx

More Painting!!!

2008-05-12T12:40:00.006+01:00

I seem to have found a love for painting bits of furniture, I bought these shelves on saturday, they had been sanded, so i just gave them a wash and got started with the paintbrush, now like the muppet I sometimes am, I forgot to take pics before and before I put it on the wall, so this was the best I could do I'm afraid, as I have to get at an angle to take it :)

On the top is the angel I made using the pattern from Tona Finnangers Sew Pretty Homestyle
the middle shelf has an expresso set from AVON on it, on the bottom shelf is a piggybank that I have had for about 20 years and it was quite old when I bought it and my lovely new trio I bought from a charity shop this morning for £1.99.
Trish xxx

Re vamped bathroom cabinet number 1

2008-05-10T13:07:00.003+01:00

For the last week I have been revamping one of my bathroom cabinets, rather than buy new ones as there is nothing wrong with them other than the yukky orangey pine colour.

Before AfterThese are the cabinet knobs I used, I bought a big pack of 10 from Wickes and painted them a lovely pale blue, then used a varnish over the top as it wasn't special bathroom paint.

Its up in the bathroom now and looks fab, just need to make a start on the other one now.

Trish xxx

Charity Shop Finds

2008-05-09T12:05:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I went shopping in a local largish town just to go shopping in various charity shops, there wasn't a great deal but I did manage to pick up a few bits and a couple of new things too.

The rosey vintage style tea towels are from Wilkinsons, a bit of a bargain at £1.99, much cheaper than some of the designer ones you can get, the glass dish was 50p and will sit on my dressing table with my brooches in, the enamel tin was £1 I was hoping to be able to use it for pies but am not so sure now as it is a little rusty, unless someone lovley knows how I can bring it back to a useable state :) and the crochet doily was also 50p and is to sit under my bowl of pot pourri in the front room. I am happy with what I found, I also bought a really pretty brooch too, but that will be for another day. Take care and have a good day

Trish xxx

Productive Day

2008-05-05T18:02:00.004+01:00

Hello, i have been quite productive today, made these 2 hearts, I think I might sell them at my next jewellery party, need to get a few more done too. We also popped to B&Q today too, I got some lovely vintage white paint and 6 lavendar bushes, the paint is for the bathroom cabinets that I am going to shabby up, they are both that horrible orangy pine (yuk) I have taken before pics, but you can wait til they are done till you see them and the after pics. The lavender plants are to go alongside the path at the house end of the garden, they are quite small at the mo but by the time they are fully grown we will have a full hedge along there.Oh well back to work and school tomorrow, I will be out all morning delivering avon also in the evening too, Martin is off though so I might get him started on the cabinets.

Take care all

Trish xxx

Old for New

2008-05-04T13:41:00.004+01:00

These are some curtains that we had in our bedroom in our old, old, old, old house, they are far too short for the windows here so I dragged them out of a box and washed them to make them into cushion covers for our bedroom, there is far too much fabric to just make some for me so I am doing a couple for my little sis too, she has just moved into a 200+ year old lodge house (with an AGA!!!!! am so jealous) and wants to shabby chic and olde worlde it all. I have already made her some gingham hearts to hang on doorknobs, no pics of those sorry.

Beans Beans good for your ART

2008-05-01T10:53:00.005+01:00

I have been playing, I took inspiration from Jo on IACW and used an old baked bean tin to make this little pot for G's bedroom, to go on her new bedside cabinet actually, I also took some inspiration from some of the gorgeous vintage style blogs around, I love the vintage look and feel and thats what I tried to re create.

I used daisy Ds paper, a vintage image from The Vintage Workshop, some old lace, earing and a brooch, some organza ribbon, bead and wire. Hope you like it.

Trish xxx

A new beginning

2008-04-29T12:56:00.003+01:00

Well, after blog hopping rather a lot this last couple of weeks, I have decided that the recycling I do just isn't enough, we already do all our card, bottles, cans, plastics, clothes etc and have a compost heap for our kitchen scraps etc but I now want to do more, so I have joined freecycle (at last) managed to pick up a lovely little bedside cupboard for Gracie yesterday. I also wnat to stop buying new as much as poss, so will be scouring charity shops for bits and bobs for the house and my crafting, we need new wardrobes (well Martin needs one full stop) so will be looking on freecycle and local second hand furniture shops for those.

These are some of the blogs I have found.

Fleamarketsudio
karlascottage
shabbyscraps
thevintagemagpie
gathering_dust
leesiebella

Have a look round, hope you like them as much as I do

Trish xxx

Back to School

2008-04-21T16:08:00.005+01:00

Well the kids went back to school today, it was nice to have the house to myself for a while, then a friend popped round and we ended up going to IKEA (not much of a struggle) I was good though and only spent £24!!!

I have been working on a memory board for a while and was hoping to get it finished in time for the IACW blog, but unfortunately didn't, but its done now and here it is, it looks lovely in my bedroom with all my other red and cream bits on my dressing table, I want to do one each for the kids now.

Busy Days

2008-04-08T21:43:00.005+01:00

Its been hectic around here for a while, I have been at my sisters for the weekend helping her to pack up for moving house this friday, and bring home some bits that she no longer wants.

I have done a bracelet for the creative world blog, I have just adjusted the pics a bit as they were dark, its my gorgeous summertime bracelet :)

Before I go I want to give a huge hug to my lovely friend Jo who has just lost her dad, lots of love sweetie, take care xxx

I must try harder

2008-03-29T15:10:00.001Z

I must try harder, I must try harder, I must try harder!!!!!

At last I think I am back on my feet enough to get this blog updated at least once a week. I really will try you know :o)

normal service to resume as from this week

Trish xxx

How Long???????

2007-11-17T21:01:00.000Z

Goodness me, its been over a month since I updated this, I have been so busy with life and forgot. Well today I was nagged by the lovely Dawn at the Sheffield crop to update so here I am and while I was about it I realised have been tagged by the lovely Diana
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs

so here we go, 7 facts about me

1. I have been divorced twice (oh my)
2. I have to wiggle at least one foot to help me get to sleep (OH is not happy about this)
3. I fancy the pants off Matt Dawson (pwooooaaaaarrrrrrr)
4. I am an Avon Lady (ding dong)
5. I hate coffee (yukky)
6. Christmas is my favourite time of the year (Santa Claus is coming to town)
7. I have large feet for my height (just call me Frodo)

now, who to tag??????

Joanne
Tracy
Jo
Ginger Claire
Andrea
Angela
Charlotte

I will hopefully try and update more xxx

Please Please Please

2007-10-04T14:28:00.002+01:00

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING TO THE JUST GIVING PAGE (SEE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE BLOG.) I (AND THE GIRLS AT IT'S A CREATIVE WORLD) WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.

CONSIDER THIS: More than 1,000 women die every month from breast cancer in the UK. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is committed to fighting this devastating disease through research and awareness, and has established the UK's first dedicated breast cancer research centre, in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research. Charity Registration No 1062636 More than 1,000 women die every month from breast cancer in the UK. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is committed to fighting this devastating disease through research and awareness, and has established the UK's first dedicated breast cancer research centre, in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research. Charity Registration No 1062636

THANK YOU.

Get them out for Charity girls

2007-10-01T17:13:00.002+01:00

Well, today on the IACW blog, we have got our boobs out for charity, Breakthrough Breastcancer to be precise, please go and have a look, and enter one or both of comps for this month, we have a scrap your boobs challenge with a fab prize courtesy of Andrea and a prize draw comp for who gives a donation via our Just Giving page, so please, please please, leave a donation for this good cause and get them out for charity. our just giving page

School days

2007-09-13T18:54:00.001+01:00

Well, Grace has been at school for a week now, she still doesn't seem big enough!!! But she loves it, she has had such a lot of fun and is enjoying doing her homework every night.
Doesn't she look so lovely in her uniform, it certainly brought some tears to my eyes last Thursday.

School Tomorrow

2007-09-04T12:43:00.001+01:00

Well, the long six week holiday will be at an end tomorrow, William goes back tomorrow morning and gracie starts on Thursday, my baby, starting school, it just doesn't seem possible. She is so excited and can't wait, I am much more apprehensive about it!!!
Its a gorgeous day today, lots of sunshine, hopefully my tomatos will start to turn red now, I hope so, I want to try some. On thursday we went to the Museum of Science and Industry in manchester for the day, it was brilliant, any one who lives near enough to go should, its a full and free day out for the whole family. On the way home we scrumped some blackberries on the lane and I managed to make 2 jars of blackberry and apple jam and 2 blackberry and apple pies from the ones we got, and they taste gorgeous, even if i do say so myself.

Another day

2007-08-29T11:36:00.002+01:00

Morning, I have been such a lazy bint this morning, I have only been up an hour, shocking!!! Luckily I put my project on the IACW blog last night just after midnight, so at least that was done. I have done a craft mini pinny this time, a good way to recycle those old jeans that are pooped!!!

Pop over and have a look at the other pics too.

Well, just having a lazy day today, tomorrow we are off to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester with the kids, so hopefully will get some good pics while we are there.

Holiday Sickness

2007-08-27T11:24:00.002+01:00

Oh well, we were supposed to be off to my sisters today but, both the kids have toncillitis and I think Gracie has conjunctivitis too, so no holiday away for us this year.

I have been very busy planning for Christmas, I know its still August, but there are less than 130 days to go now (not that I am counting) I have my planner file up to date, most gifts bought and the cards all made along with a few decorations, I love Christmas, can you tell???

I have my project ready for Wednesday on the Creative World blog too, not taken a picture yet so no sneaky peak this time, you will have to wait and go to the blog on Wednesday!!! (mean, me, never lol)

Right, bye for now, have poorly kids to dose up xxx

Its a Creative World Kids Competition

2007-08-17T21:46:00.002+01:00

Just want to let you have the details of our campaign to get all of our children creating.
We would love to see the masterpieces that your children create. All you have to do is email their masterpiece and a few words about them to acreativeworld@hotmail.co.uk before 31st August.
Every child will receive a certificate from us and ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE A £20.00 VOUCHER FOR THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE.
£20.00 to spend on whatever takes their fancy. All the names will be put in a hat and the winner will be announced here on Sunday 2nd September.
So come on girlys and guys, get your kids creating, you may have the next Elsie Flannagan or Tim Holtz on your hands

Summer Hols

2007-08-14T17:27:00.003+01:00

Well, we are half way through the summer holidays, me and martin have both been ill, he still has man flu!!! The kids have been having fun and enjoying the sunshine, until yesterday when the rain started again. I have got all their school uniform and stuff reafy apart from the shoes and pumps, they can wait til next week I think.

I really need to pull my finger out and get some more jewellery done, I haven't made anything in ages now, the reason being I have been making stuff for christmas, I know I know, its only August, but I love Christmas time its my favourite time of the year, I have made all my cards already, and the decs for a swap I am in on the WL site and decs for my tree too, I can't help myself I am so excited already.

Tagged

2007-07-24T09:37:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Jo for a Rockin Girl Blogger award, thanks Chick xxx

I need to tag five others now ;) so i will choose http://cathslog.blogspot.com/ cath, http://www.toothfairycreations.blogspot.com/ Tracy, http://andreagourley.blogspot.com/ Andrea,http://thefairycottage.typepad.com/the_fairy_cottage/Maria and http://ontheblossomtrail.blogspot.com/ Jo

Sneaky peak

2007-07-23T20:40:00.002+01:00

Here is a sneaky peak of my project on the Creative World blog on Wednesday, don't forget to pop along and have a look.

Now my lovely friend Jo has nagged me that I am not updating enough!!!!! so I must try to remember to update as often as poss.

I have done it again!!!

2007-07-10T17:50:00.001+01:00

I keep forgetting to update the blog, not very good really!!!

well I have a new baby, its name is snuggles and we still don't know if its a boy or girl, but its the cutest baby bunny, the kids love it, but I do all the work.

Have been really busy doing jewellery (sorry no pics at the mo), Avon, Brownies and the Creative World Blog and it looks like I may have a job in September, it will be relief at first but I am going to be a dinner lady (or midday supervisor as they are now known) at G's old nursery, which is brilliant as it will fit in with the kids and with Martins shifts too.

I am back on the Creative World blog this saturday doing something fun with beads, so please pop over and have a look.

Time Flies

2007-06-27T11:07:00.003+01:00

Goodness me, its ages since I have posted, well had a lovely time with my dad, although he was a bit poorly while he was here, I think it was the change in water and stuff and the weather was pants too, got a lovely pic of him and Grace together.

It was my turn on the Creative World blog on Saturday, I made a tooth fairy wall hanging using an Idea from Somerset Studio magazine, I also made a similar one for my friend http://jo-again.blogspot.com/ when she had her daughter Jessica in April.

Daddy is on his way

2007-06-13T14:42:00.001+01:00

My dad visits today, he is staying with us until Friday evening then going back to Sara's until they go home to France next week, to say I am excited is an understatement, I haven't seen him in 18 months and the kids haven't seen him in 2 years. The last time I was over and saw him was when he was seriously ill in hospital with Leptospirosis (sp) he is now much better and it will be lovely to see him back himself again.

Its inspirational blogs on Its A Creative World today, Andrea has put together a lovely list of the teams faves, go on over and have a look and don't forget there is a 15% Discount at http://www.scrapbookcentral.co.uk/ just use code GEYJE50. This is valid for ONE purchase only, have fun shopping xxx

The Morning after the day before

2007-06-11T09:50:00.001+01:00

Well it went really well, I have a possible party booking, 2 orders and sold a fair bit too, so this morning I am a happy bunny. Had a good giggle with Claire and her sister Joanna, saw loads of people I knew and boy was it hot!!!!

Di has done a fab article on using your left over chipboard on Its A Creative World this morning, I think I will be having a play with my leftovers later, its about time I started scrapping again. Keep popping in and don't forget there is a code to use for discount in one of our sponsor stores.

Tomorrow is the day

2007-06-09T21:00:00.001+01:00

Well, its here at last, the day of the Hadfield Carnival. Tomorrow morning bright and early off I go car packe dto the brim of sparkly, jiggly jewellery, I really hope I do well, its my first fair doing jewellery and if the parties I have done are anything to go by it will be fab, so fingers crossed and loads of positive vibes if you have any spare please. My lovely friend Claire aka ginger will be there too, she has a handmade card stall, so I will be in for a giggly day!!!
Cath http://cathslog.blogspot.com/ is popping up to say hi too and hopefully Jo from http://www.boxroombooty.co.uk/catalog/ will be popping in too.

Have you seen the Creative World blog today??? (link on the right) Maria has done the most amazing cube using a plain block of wood, its fab and much more decorative than a plain photo frame. Pop on over and have a little looksy, you will be inspired xxx

My Turn on The Blog

2007-06-06T13:49:00.001+01:00

Well, today is my turn on the http://www.itsacreativeworld.blogspot.com/ blog, I have done a canvas shopping bag, the main reason behind me doing it was recycling and being environmentally friendly, my Sister started me off a few months ago by buying me a little bag for my shopping, and my collection has now grown, I use them every time I go out now and don't have bags from any shops any more. Also, I don't know about everyone but I used to keep plastic shopping bags!!! WHY????? I don't know, but the plastic bag mountain has now gone and won't be coming back to this house.

Its A Creative World

2007-06-05T15:34:00.001+01:00

Have you popped into http://www.itsacreativeworld.blogspot.com/ today, Maria has done a fantastic feature on turning your shed into a playhouse for the kids and or using it as a fab place to craft, I think we will be buying a nice little shed especially for me soon, it would be lovely not to have to craft on the dining room table any more.

I took this pic of G today in her floppy sun hat, its the first one in ages, she is starting to lose her babyness now and grow up, she starts at big school in September, I can't believe it, my baby off to school soon.

New Inspiration Blog

2007-06-01T23:16:00.001+01:00

I have been priviledged to be asked to join a new inspiration blog http://www.itsacreativeworld.blogspot.com/ it will be full of ideas for all sorts of crafts, including knitting, sewing, scrapping and cardmaking as well as cooking, gardening and loads more. I am so excited about this new venture, as well as shocked and stunned to be asked to join. The first special feature is altering, so please pop along, have a look and get some inspiration

Look at these beauties

2007-05-26T09:19:00.001+01:00

I have bought these from http://www.artfulbeadcreations.co.uk/ last night, they are called Harlequine and aren't they beautiful, these ones are for me for a posh necklace and maybe a bracelet too for wearing out when I have my sparkly ruby slippers on.

Well its 2 weeks tomorrow until my first craft fair, well its a local Carnival with a craft tent, I have loads of bits made up and ready, some cheaper bits and a few more expensive bespoke bits, I am nervous and excited at the same time, fingers crossed it goes well.

Prize for 'Scrap your hands'

2007-05-20T12:04:00.001+01:00

This is the necklace I have made for karen who won the 'Scrap your Hands' BOM challenge set by Kirsty Wiseman http://www.limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/ I am posting it to her this week, so karen I hope you like it hunny.I am posting it to her this week, so karen I hope you like it hunny.

More new beads

2007-05-15T20:13:00.001+01:00

I have just finished this necklace with the beads bought from izzy, its called Dark Star and is made using Swarovski Crystals, Bali Silver and Antique effect seed beads.

More beads from Izzy at www.flameandglass.com, they are in the post as we speak so hopefully I will be playing in the next few days, they are beautiful

Sheffield Crop

2007-05-13T12:43:00.001+01:00

Went to the Sheffield crop run by Joanne yesterday, had a lovely time as usual, gassing and laughing with the girls. Jo showed me how to do a few wire work bits for my jewellery, so I had a play last night at home and made a pair of earings using one of the techniques, will get pics as soon as it stops raining!!! I really must start scrapping again soon, I have so much stash and am not using it, I did do a bit of scrapping yesterday, so its a start.

Necklaces

2007-05-10T13:27:00.001+01:00

Two posts on one day!!! well I didn't post anything yesterday did I.

Here are a few of the necklaces I have been working on the last couple of weeks, the first three are made using Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and Bali and Tibetan Silver.

The last one is made using handmade lampwork beads from www.flameandglass.com , Swarovski Crystals and Bali Silver. These neckalces are all for sale, if you are interested please email me at smutty@tesco.net

New beads

2007-05-10T10:47:00.001+01:00

I got these beautiful beads from Isabelle at http://www.flameandglass.com/index.html they are even more gorgeous and shiney in the flesh so to speak lol, I am going to be making a couple of necklaces with them once I get the swarovski crystals I have ordered.

My new blog

2007-05-08T16:00:00.001+01:00

Ok after much deliberating I have decided to get a blog mainly to showcase my jewellery, I am hoping that I will soon have some fab pics to put here and will be able to take orders too. So watch this space.

Trixies Trinkets

Long time and sad news

Good Bye for now

A Thank You, a Cake and a Cushion

Happy Birthday Gracie

Black Eyes and a Birthday

Easter Fun and fluffyness

Flowers, Veggies and a Poorly Boy

More grannys and a view *EDITED*

Crochet..................

Sewing again

Flowers and Pretties

Snow!!!

Cub Scout

I did it again didn't I!!!

Posties Been!!!

Posh Glasses

Advent Calendar and Toothless Grins!!!!!

I have been playing......

Gorgeous Shabby Chic Swap

Back from our Hols!!!

Christmas on IACW

More Shelves to paint and a bargain

I am feeling crafty again!!!

Bargains and Knitting

More Blackberries

Look what I did yesterday

More Charity Bargains

Sneaky Peek and Another Award

Blackberry Picking

Florals

Another Award

July Shabby Chic Swap

New Look

Promise Renewal

I got an award

A Few More Charity Shop Bargains

Shabby Chic June Swap

Corners Of My Home

Painted Shelves

Bargain Shopping Day

Its a Creative World 1st Birthday

Something old

In The Garden

Show and Tell Sunday

Tagged!!!!

Bathroom Cabinet No2

FA CUP WINNERS

Bling a Little Birdhouse in your Soul

More Painting!!!

Re vamped bathroom cabinet number 1

Charity Shop Finds

Productive Day

Old for New

Beans Beans good for your ART

A new beginning

Back to School

Busy Days

I must try harder

How Long???????

Please Please Please

Get them out for Charity girls

School days

School Tomorrow

Another day

Holiday Sickness

Its a Creative World Kids Competition

Summer Hols

Tagged

Sneaky peak

I have done it again!!!

Time Flies

Daddy is on his way

The Morning after the day before

Tomorrow is the day

My Turn on The Blog

Its A Creative World

New Inspiration Blog

Look at these beauties

Prize for 'Scrap your hands'

More grannys and a view EDITED