The Queen's Head!

You may be thinking that I am referring to the local pub but it's something very different! Our BBC News team were asking for people to send in their photos so a mosaic could be made up by artist Helen Marshall who will then create 2 photos of the queen - one of her when she was younger and a current picture of her. It was too late for me to send in photos but one of my daughters did (Michelle).

The mosaic was on display in the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne for a few days at the end of May and it has now been on display in the new Turner Gallery in Margate for 2 days only.

My husband and I went along to view it ... and to see if we could find the photo of Michelle - on her wedding day. It was a while before I had to call her and ask for a clue! LOL. Finally, I found the photo. It was a good 'game'/challenge to look amongst over 5,000 photos for it!

There were so many people that it was difficult to get a clear view to take a photo without anyone in front of the huge display, so this is what I managed to get...

Then I zoomed in on the middle of the display...

...and finally, I found Michelle's photo - right in the middle. *Ü*

What if anything has made you feel Jubilant?

Disbanded Design Team.
It is with sadness that the design team I was part of has been disbanded for reasons beyond their control. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Hobbysew and my last project has now been returned which I can share with you. The papers that I had were of a Halloween theme (no surprise there then) and I had some photos of one of my granddaughters - Eden that fitted well.

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog.
Toots for now.

Alexandra Palace stash!

So I had a fab time at 'Ally Pally' as it is affectionately known. I took a friend along who is a newbie to scrapbooking and she was in awe - with the whole experience - and speaking of 'when she goes back in September'! LOL. Another convert. *Ü*

I prefer AP, as it caters more for scrapbooking which is my preference even though I like to make cards, decorate and alter other items. Whilst I am not a stamper - I am slowly getting a liking for some of the quote stamps and this time, I was impressed with the tiniest of stamps that was demonstrated and won me over - so I had to have some to try out.

Here is some of what I bought...the said mini stamp sets...

 ...and some examples of how they can be used...

There were lots of patriotic items in preparation for the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee and the Olympic Games. I liked the postcards on the CTM stand by East of India.

I love these clear stamps which will definately be used. I went to Madame Tussauds in London with my family at Easter and as well as being born in London, I have a project in mind. *Ü* Plus...my husband (who drives the local buses), will be in London for a 3 week stint driving VIPs to and from the Olympic venues. *Ü*

 These border strips were cute. Oops...I think they are upside down!

 Still going with the theme...these ribbons were a good buy.

I also bought some scrapbook papers that had been reduced to 50p - MME - Lost and Found - with glitter. I was thrilled to find 2 Graphic45 stacks that I have wanted for some time that had been reduced - Fashionista and Communique, as well as some G45 individual papers...oh and some black and white cardstock.

A profitable day for me - apart from a chipboard album that I was hoping to buy but was out of stock - maybe I shall get it in September - afterall, I will have go back now that my friend is planning to!!

Happy crafting.

G is for...

I have had this papier mache 'G' initial for a while and keep meaning to decorate it. So, at last, I have done it!

Papier mache initial was from Hobbycraft. The patterned paper - and butterfly is from a black and white bundle that I got aages ago from TKMaxx. The letter tiles from a retro store in Margate, black beading from C&H Fabrics, feather came loose from a Valentine fan that I bought in Poundland and some black lace I had in my stash. The little diamonte brad was given to me by my daughter.

I'm off to Alexandra Palace in London on Saturday with a friend. I am going to buy more chipboard albums to decorate for my daughters for Christmas and I have a little rather long list of items to look out for! *Ü*  So if you see me by the way, give me a wave and say hello. *Ü* Have fun yourself if you are going.

Toots for now,

***HAPPY EASTER***

Here's wishing all of my followers and visitors a very Happy Easter. Have a Super Sabbath and enjoy the festivities that it brings.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAY*** PRINCESS

It's my youngest grandchild's birthday today. Little Miss Ashley is 6!

Like most little 6 year old girls, she loves the colour pink and all things that sparkle! *Ü* She will be getting an ipod from mummy and daddy, so Keeley requested that we bought her an itunes card so she can buy games and music.

I didn't want to give her just an envelope with the card in, so I made a 'cupcake' to disguise it to make it more fun and presentable with lots of layers of ruffled ribbons.  It did take a while to make and hot glue guns produce HOT glue! Ouch! LOL.

 When the 'cherry' is lifted, the card slides out...

 Reverse view...

I got the idea from a YouTube video at PaperArtsy here. I think she will like it! *Ü*

Have a wonderful day peeps and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Spa Day!

Hello peeps. I have been recovering from 'trainitis'! *Ü* My Mother's Day treat was just fab - spending time with my eldest daughter Lisa. It required me to travel to her home where I stayed overnight. I first diverted my train journey to visit my mum in a nursing home. The station ticket officer printed me travel directions which meant I had to change 3 times on the train as there isn't a direct route! By the time I arrived at Victoria, one station master suggested that I got the direct train to my destination, however, he didn't tell me that I would be going on a route half way around the south of England! LOL.
I did get to spend an hour and half with my mum before another journey to my daughter's which involved a change along the way with a half hour wait for 1 train! Phew! Carrying my little case was a chore - up the stairs - over the bridge, down the stairs and onto the platform - at least 4 times!

Lisa met me at the station and as she doesn't have the car during the week, we walked to her home - another half hour joined en route by eldest granddaughter! Needless to say, by the time we arrived, I was quite in need of a rest. After saying hello to the rest of the family, Lisa and I went out for a meal - the 1st part of my Mother's Day treat. I chose an Italian restaurant, where we had a fun evening, catching up with the goss! *Ü*

It was a late night for us but I managed to stay awake and enjoy the evening.

Next morning, we were up early and started our trip to Center Parcs in Longleat - chauffeur driven by my son-in-law...into the deep, deep forest! *Ü* I love this topiary collection of letters and forest animals.

...enter into a different world...

The rest of the day was soo worth the car and train rides. Pure bliss. So many different rooms and treatments to enjoy. There were water beds to relax on, steam rooms, where there were many different aromas. A jacuzzi pool, sensory rooms and saunas. Lunch was included, as was 2 drinks and a cake!

...1st stop...resting on a water bed...

...a sensory room with a circular white leather seating area...

 ...and finishing off with another treat...hot chocolate with a 'twist' on a choc au pain croissant! *Ü*

I was thoroughly spoiled by my daughter and I appreciated every minute of my day....before embarking on my train journey home!

I hope all you mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day. *Ü* Check in soon for a post and photos of The Osmond concert.

Mum's the word!

Hello bloggers. I am gradually coming out of hibernation and as the sun was shining today, it makes all the difference to my well being...but WOW...the rain fell and the wind howled in the past few days. Hopefully, that is all behind us - for a while anyway.

The headlines on a newspaper a couple of weeks ago mentioned there being a record high of 81F temperature - here - in England - in March! It's gonna have to get a move on if it reaches that high in the next 3 weeks. Bring it on. *Ü*

My eldest daughter has booked us in for a Mother's Day Spa Day treatment at Center Parcs - Longleat for next Saturday which I am soo looking forward to! I am so excited. I don't get to spend enough time with her as she works full time. It will be a lovely relaxing mummy/daughter time. *Ü* I shall post photos after the event but check this out for a real treat!

I thought I would share a couple of cards that I made with papers that I bought at a craft show recently.
I used fonts from my pc for the sentiments.

Thanks so much for looking and to those of you who leave me lovely comments. I appreciate them all.
Have a good week.