More Scraps

Before and After

Before...

After...

I recently received my first Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads in Tattered Rose and Vintage Photo. Jason and I had a go using the techniques in Tim's tutorials . The following morning, I found it stamped with pretty corners.

The other bits were from a spending spree at Clarke's that does a wider range of scrapbook materials than WHSmith. Lovely.

Scrapbooking is My New Thing

Since I am on an artistic streak, thought I'd have a go at scrapbooking. I came across a scrapbooking blog by a SAHM (stay at home mom) named Marion. That was about a week ago. Between work and a few days Jason stopped by before leaving for another painting project, I watched You Tube tutorials and read blogs until the wee hours of the morning.

Last night I sketched some of my favorite designs. I got hungry a little after midnight, hence the plate next to my sketch book!

So today I went to town to get materials. It is a shame the shop that actually supplies craft materials (and cheap too!) is closed on Sundays. I even strategically planned my route so that it's my last stop. But when I got to the front door and saw it shut I was closer to home and couldn't really be bothered to go back to the mosh pit that is Brighton on a Sunday afternoon.

Here are the goodies ! The Scrap Pad To Go got me excited. The prints featured my favourite colours with rustic, slightly distressed look and all pages are printed on both sides. WHSmith does not have a lot of choices and the prices are quite dear but it offers a little bit of everything - stamps, inks, glitter, cutting machines, ribbons and tools.

I also bought an old book full of aged and yellowed pages, stickers, glue and cheap envelopes.

Like the mad woman that I am, I got everything out and made a mess. That way I could figure out what I'd want to do with the stuff available. The small uncovered area on my floor was where I sat cross-legged throughout the time with a cup of tea of course.

I found a bingo card in the 99p store made of chipboard and figured it may work as a starter scrapbook. I cut about 5 pages of plain coloured paper, folded the sides and used the clip to bind. This way, I could easily work on the pages individually and not waste the expensive paper in case I make a mistake.

After all of that fuss and mess, I managed to do just ONE page!

CeeMae Mood: YES! I can draw!

Black Beads

My Sunday project turned into a Monday project. For some reason I was under the impression it's Sunday today and was about to rush to the nearest car boot sale to mooch for junk. Then I remembered a house full of children under 6, the smell of fried chicken and the chatter of 50 Filipinos in my mum's living room -- my nephew's 4th birthday (Scobby Doo - ish) yesterday.

I made these to go with my work clothes.

CeeMae Mood: Will and Grace Season 4

DCs for me

I've always believed trainers are for sporty types, of which I am definitely not. Plus, no heels mean pulling a calf muscle and tripping half of the time. The ones I own are purely for comfort especially worn for long trips involving running around catching trains. I have a pair of kids white and a pair of black trainers - nothing exciting. Then one fine day I saw these on a shop display and fell in love with them! The colours and detail are cool enough (autumn!) without being too girly. They are very comfy too so definitely looking forward to my next long trip! x

Sunday Musing

(photo credit)

After another busy working week, I find myself yet again drawn to pretty and delicate things much like the pictures above. Eversince I consciously decided to get a hobby and do something creative to fill my days off (not that I get a lot!), a different layer of my personality emerged. And that layer is proving to be a complete opposite of the structured, no-nonsense, big boss, ice queen being that is ME 60 hours a week.

No, I am not hearing voices in my head. Well, not yet anyway ...(queue X-Files theme....)

I still don't know what this blog is going to be about. At the moment it's all a mixture of stuff I like and my jewellery. There's so much I want to do -- jewellery, paper, packaging and stamps. Bring on Sundays.

CeeMae Mood: High School Musical (figure that!) x

Japanese Prints

Some samples of antique Japanese prints.

They've Arrived!

Brass jewellery bits from Etsy arrived today! Having the day off made it much better. I love the colour and they were made from surprisingly light metal. They're so versatile I made these in no time at all!

The background is one of 5 wallpaper samples I received yesterday as freebies. It took me ages to design the borders, having to switch applications from web tutorial windows and trying them out on this picture. Enjoy!

CeeMae Mood: Scrubs Season 4 - Ted: "It won't smooth down!" x

Faking a British Accent

(photo credit)

Today marks my 5th year in ye ole Great Britain. Sure I now swear like a builder and my english grammar has actually gone worse but this little princess has found her place.

I remember watching "The Full Monty" and not understanding this strange accent very different from the uppety stereotype. The second time I saw it I didn't have to sit so close to the TV.

What I love about the UK:

1. Weather. Much to the bewildered amusement of many.

2. Humour. I only got it after seeing Russell Brand and a few episodes of Shooting Stars.

3. Scotland. Raved about the place. Been there twice. Think I was a Scottish wee bonnie lass in a previous life.

4. Gordon Ramsay. If only I have the same pair of .....

5. You don't have to conform. I've never felt so free.

CeeMae Mood: TGIF. x