Brother Scan N Cut Or Cricut Explore Air?

Some time ago I treated myself to a Brother Scan N Cut.  As Brother had never been involved in 'gadgets' for us crafters and it was a considered purchase,  I decided to wait a while to see if the design was improved as a result of suggestions made by crafters.  As it turns out, the improvements (updates) can be downloaded from the Brother website free of charge, so I went ahead and spent my hard earned cash!

I am a techy geek to a certain extent and love playing around on my computer, the ability to simply design and print is a concept I adore, so the Scan N Cut not being 'computer driven' was not really my kind of 'gadget', however, I was convinced by the lovely Mel Heaton on Create and Craft TV that it would make my crafting life much simpler and couldn't wait for it to arrive!

I'm afraid that I may be the only person who has bought the Scan N Cut that can't 'make it work for me'. So yesterday after doing much research I decided to invest in yet another considered purchase...

the Cricut Explore Air!!!

It has not yet arrived, but I am excited with the prospect that this 'gadget' may be what I was looking for in the Scan N Cut.  Finger crossed and I will update you with my new experience in due course.

How Busy We Are!

It's now May 2016 and I have no idea where time has gone, with the exception of knowing that I have been busy doing what I love doing and that is making cards!! And...... keeping up with my Pinterest Page, which as everyone knows is fantastic as it takes you on a journey around the world experiencing wonderful sights that you can save to return to again and again.

I have realised the power of Pinterest as it directs hundreds of people to my blog on a regular basis and it is obviously time to be as enthusiastic with my blog as I am at making my cards and touring Pinterest!! If this is your first visit, please come back soon.

Happy St. Geroege's Day

Christmas Time - Wonderful

Christmas Time

I just love doing Christmas Cards, listening to Christmas music Andy Williams It's the most wonderful time of the year, Johnny Mathis Silver Bells and Chris Botti Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

On the music front I also like the orchestral sleigh ride 

 

 

 

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY



December Already!

This time last year I was just completing the final cards for my Christmas card party.

  I started making cards in August and it was a very busy few months to ensure that all the orders were completed in time to send out.  We also raised over £700 for Marie Curie Cancer Care

and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of my friends and neighbours.

As Christmas has come around so much faster this year (I'm sure someone is stealing my time)

Successful events need a lot of planning and preparation and can be quite daunting so I decided that I would make my card party 'bi-annual', to give myself time to recover

and think of new ideas to make the next party a success.

In the meantime I have been busy with special requests and My friend Lesley asked me if I could make a card for her friend Ian to send to his partner Pete to celebrate 25 years since the day they first met.  Not easy to find this type of card on the high street, and very rewarding for me to be able to share in their special celebration.

I also had the opportunity to experiment with my die cutting machines.

 

 

 Wedding cards are a favourite of mine and flowers for birthdays have always been my style, although I do like the challenge of a novelty idea and can usually come up with something close to a clients request.

 

 Campervan!!!!

The Wedding Of Wendy & Mark

When I first started making cupcakes with the best fresh ingredients, taking them into work, and watching them get 'devoured' by my friends and colleagues, there was no surprise when people started to ask me to make cakes for special occasions.

Vanilla Cupcake
with jam and cream cheese filling
and vanilla frosting. 

I knew the planning process for Wendy's wedding was in full swing and she said her very close friend had offered to make her a wedding cake so that Wendy and Mark could partake in the 'cutting of the cake ceremony'.  When she asked me to make 100 cupcakes I suspected it was because they were 'needed' as a addition to the main cake and would provide each guest with a traditional wedding 'sweet treat' for them to enjoy.

Wedding Cupcakes

Our summer here in England has been warm and sunny and we have had very little rain,

Warm & Sunny!

fantastic for a wedding on Saturday 17th August, or so you would think!!!

Fortunately I don't need the sunshine to make my cakes, but I did have help from my Mum's dear friend Joyce who is affectionately know as the' Lawnswood Rocket' due to her amazing ability to run up and down her Drive daily like a rocket despite her 85 years!  Joyce has always been a good friend to Mum and I, especially when Mum was sick, (sadly no longer with us - God bless her) so Joyce spent the day keeping me company, whilst the mixer was churning flour everywhere and we melted in the heat of a summer kitchen!!!!

The forecast for Saturday was for rain and crazy winds,

Rain & Crazy Winds!

 but you live in hope for a wedding day!










I'm pleased 'to report' that the day was a huge success!

Wendy & Mark 17th August 2013

The cakes were on display and then eaten!

Wendy & Mark The Cutting Of The Cake Ceremony

And despite the pouring torrential rain, and gusting winds, everyone had a wonderful time.

The Rain Pouring From The Garden Marquette!


Wendy you were a Beautiful Bride! Thank You for asking me to make the cupcakes, so glad you and your guest enjoyed them.



My Friend Hilda

Let me introduce you to my new friend 'Hilda'

Hilda is a plus sized redhead 'calendar pin up girl' painted by 'Duane Bryers' and first published in the mid 1950's.  She is described as 'an ideal example of full figure perfection'! There are numerous pictures of Hilda in all sorts of predicaments that are perfectly lovely and so much fun.