In the Dog House

Dear Dylan

We are so sorry that we ALL forgot that it was your birthday yesterday.  I know that you had a lovely day as we went for a really long walk and you had lots of fun playing in the snow, rolling in fox pooh and chasing pheasants.  Hope you can forgive us.  Thank you for being with us for the past five years providing us with endless amounts of fun, love and entertainment here's to many more.

Happy Birthday Cupcake

Love your very forgetful family

x-x-x

PS. Dyl the dog was not harmed in the taking of this photo and he was supplied with copious amounts of cuddles and gravy bones.

YSP

Today the Two Bones Gang - lol - went on an outing to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.  As it is only a hop and a skip away from us up the M1 we have been a few times but it was the first time we had ALL been together.  It never disappoints.  It was busy though as it was the last day for one of the exhibitions.   The lit up heads above were huge and a little eerie for my liking.

Sculptures made from lots of letters all welded together these I liked a lot.

This metal curtain was made up of lots of words they were beautiful and made a gentle noise when you ran your hand down them.  I am not sure if the piece of work actually read something as a whole or if it was single words whatever it was wonderful and the shadows it cast were magical.

My new boot toppers.  I am loving boot toppers this is my second pair.  It looks like you have a chunky pair of socks peeping out from the top of your boots but it is just a cuff - marvelous.  I could not fit a thick pair of socks inside my boots to save my life as I have chunky legs so this is a fab way to layer up.  Keep your legs warm too.  They do, however, make your legs look very funny when you take off your boots.  Do you like my boots, Fly boots from my mum as my xmas present.  I love them and have already worn them almost daily since I got them.  They are unbelievably comfy and have not caused me any pain.  I have seriously fussy feet and do have trouble getting shoes that look ok and are comfy.  It's an age thing.  These are perfect.

Huge shirt - there were three of these in a row.  We wanted to climb inside and poke out heads out of the top for funny photos but you couldn't - it would have been fun.

More sculptures I am ashamed to say I can't remember the artists name.  The were super.  

Girl's having fun.

Grown ups having fun too

A little label in a greenhouse there were more but this one appealed most.

We all had a lovely time. had a stroll, had a coffee and cake, called in at Elsecar Heritage Centre on the way home and Wingham Wools which is in Wentworth. 

A perfect way to spend my birthday.  Another year old but probably not any wiser. 

Back tomorrow to share photos of the exhibition of Donna Wilson's work which was also on display.  TTFN.

Paper Shoes

On Saturday I went along to Dream Shoes workshop with tutor jennifercollier.co.uk at Hope and Elvis.  Louise had gathered lots of vintage books, maps, scraps, old books etc for us to use.  I hadn't had any set ideas, other than making paper shoes, of course, before going to the workshop but as soon as I saw an old birthday card with the words Happy Birthday Daughter Dearest it all fell into place.  Here are a few photos from the day.  I was actually so engrossed in the making that I forgot to take any photos for about 3 hours.

Vintage card

Our table was the messiest.

I chose to collage the pieces for Nellie's shoes.  Can you see the old Sheffield Telegraph and Star bill, the tiny rose (her middle name is Rose) and old pages from a dictionary.  Little bit of Cath Kidston too.

Can you see Marcel the Shell and the little crab.  Nellie loves these there is also a mermaid and an octopus hidden on the shoe.

Pretty soles and inners.

After sticking, cutting, ripping and stitching the shoes were ready to assemble.

It did take me much longer than I expected to make the shoes possibly because I tried to include lots of references personal to Nellie.  I put the town where she was born, where we live now and where we lived when she was little.  There were the words and music to 'What a Wonderful World', old bills, doilies, children's illustrations from a book.

I was really, really pleased with how they turned out.

I couldn't wait to give them to Nellie (her birthday was on the 9th) and gave them to her almost as soon as I got in.

She cried.

Result - Louise said she would.

She said they were the best thing she had ever received and she was going to keep them forever and ever. 

I decorated the top of her 'shoe' box with sheet music and more nostalgic roses.

It was so absorbing finding all the papers to collage together to make Nellie's birthday shoes.  I eventually made just one pair of shoes.  Other members of the group where extremely productive making lots of the different shoes that Jennifer demonstrated. 

In the afternoon Jennifer showed us several different methods of laminating, layering, waxing and making other 'mediums' to use in crafts.  This was fascinating.  I particularly liked the method whereby you took a tea bag, took out the tea, popped in little scraps of fabric, paper, petals, buttons etc then you melted was with an iron over the top of it and it transformed the tea bag completely.  I have a project in mind for mine but have just not had the time to implement it.  Will do a show and tell when I do - if it's any good - if it's pants then it will remain with me.

If you would like to see more pictures from the day pop over to Daisy Moon and have a peek.

Nellie decided to have a Banoffee Pie for her birthday instead of cake this year.  It was delicious.

Yum!!

Just to let you know that Nellie found the word 'whore' on her shoe - NO I did not put that there on purpose.  It was in part of a descripton from the dictionary. 

Paphian - a votary of Venus; a whore.

Nellie found it hilarious.

Good night.

Chocolate Girl

Hello just in case you were wondering Chocolate Girl (see last post) didn't go to Fat Club.  Kebab Girl did she had lost 5 lbs and was proud to announce that yes she had a Kebab as she forgot she was on a diet because she was drunk.  So you can have your Kebab and Beer and eat and drink it.  So funny.  I have lots of things to blog about but I have not had the time.  Poor excuse I know but last week I did three 10 hour shifts, then a day in London, then a car boot, then a 2 family birthdays and the week soon wizzed by.  Phew it was hectic but good fun too.  I now have to tackle the house as it is in a state and I am hosting Book Club this week so J if you are reading there will be red and white tape around the house to stop you accessing the places I have not cleaned ie. the dreaded back room.  Helppppp!!! Going out now Belle needs some new school trainers and we need food and goodies for Book Club so we are going to Costco.  I love Costco - lots.

Gonna party like its my brthday

I can because it is.  I have had a super day.  Pressies this morning, family and friends calling around.  I had decided what I would like to do for my birthday.  A trip out to here

The Antiques Centre Newark

The Antiques Centre in Newark.  Its great fun having a good ole root around.  I bought a few bits today some sheet music, a box of old haberdashery for £1, an old map of Sheffield and sewing pattern.  We then had a quick walk around Newark and I got these in a charity shop.




Two little deer sat in a ring box

Then off we went to enjoy this - yum yum.

Can you see K trying not to get in the photo - I did get some strange looks whilst taking this photo - do other bloggers find this.  It was lovely.  The place is Reg Taylors garden centre which is just outside Southwell.  It has the cafe, plants, gift shop and a swan sanctuary (I think) we worth a trip if you are local. 

After enjoying this we went into the centre of Southwell to a shop called Nellie in the Shed.

I can't get this the right way around - sorry you will have to adjust your head instead.

It has all manner of spiffing stuff but I went especially for some Annie Sloan paint.  I am going to paint my old fashioned dresser in Old White.  I don't  know if you have heard of this paint but you do not have to do any preparation - you heard - no sanding, no priming, no nothing.  Can not wait to get started.  I will do some before and after shots - well if it turns out ok - if it looks like a dog's dinner then you will hear nothing  I will pretend it didn't happen.  After Nellie's we had a little look around the shop's there are lots of independent shops but we just nipped into the charity shops.  I bought a dolly.  She was in the window and as soon as I spotted her and saw the price ticket I said 'oh she is going to be mine' 'you must be joking' said K - 'watch this I said - it's my birthday and I will get her if I want' - yes I was being bossy - it is allowed on your birthday.  Here she is.  The Girl's hate her and have said they will do lots of horrid stuff to her eg. cut off her hair, burn her toes and suck out her eyes with the hoover.  The latter is impossible because Jimmy the Hoover is deceased - he bit the dust (ha ha - that is a joke) last week.  She is beautiful, really she is.

Don't you just think she is super.  A Welsh lady with her own outfit which is attached to her with safety pins and she has shoes and socks and PANTS.  I think she is fab - every one else in the house thinks I am quite batty.  Even Dyl the Dog was intrigued and gave her a good old sniff.  She has a little tag on her saying dressed in North Wales by Welsh people I wonder if they noticed the stamp on the back of her neck which says Made in England.  I am not sure where she is going to live - I did threaten the girls that she could reside in the messiest bedroom - Belle did not like that idea and has already named her Chuckalina sister of Chuckie.  I hope she hasn't listened to them she will be afronted.

Next stop was Heath's Country Store in Ollerton a super duper shop that I have frequented for quite a few years.  It is packed to the rafters with wool, fabric and notions.  Here are a few photos - I love the patchwork lady and vintage quilts in the window display.

If you are ever in the area do call in you won't be disappointed.  Going to close now this Birthday Girl is a little weary.  Good night.








Cakes for Betty

Betty was due to return from her holiday in France on Sunday evening so I set about making her some fairy cakes to welcome her back.  Also she had not had a cake on her actually birthday - we tried Nellie baked her a large cupcake cake but alas it was not in the oven long enough and the middle was runny.  Disappointing but after a blast in the microwave it was delicious with custard.  Nellie is a very good baker and cook - she is dreadfully messy whilst she is doing it - but I suppose I can cope with that - I can, I can - actually I can't the mess is awful yukity yuk.

I have got some lovely photos but I can't download them it is taking ageeeees.  Any tips on downloading would be most appreciated.

Anyhow as Betty was going away the day after her birthday we decided it wasn't a good idea to make another one.  I did tell her that there would be something on her return.  Whilst in bed, not sleeping so well, ideas popped into my little brain.  Disney themed fairy cakes - the possibilities were endless.  I had a few ideas of my own and then I Googled - or Boogled - myself silly with all the ideas. 

I bought the cakes from Morrisons - thinking it would save me time - it did.  It also made is easier to ice they were all the same shape and size so I didnt have to bake loads of cakes to get the right shapes etc.  We had 12 each to decorate Nellie and Belle made theirs after I had done mine.  I had great fun but Belle got a little bored with hers so I finished them off with some ready made frosting from Morrisons.  A new line I think I didnt like it much it had a strange texture - taste not bad - but not as good as home made buttercream icing.
I was going to do a reveal here with a photo of the cakes but I can't seem to get the photos on here.  I will try tomorrow because I really must go to bed now I am fair tuckered.  (very tired).

Can you see this - I did it - I got a picture on and it only took seconds not half an hour - Great success

The alien from Toy Story

Drink me from Alice in Wonderland and a Fairy Wand



Can you see any more?

A toadstool from Alice, a fairy crown, 101 dalmations, mickey and minne and a glass slipper.  I had such fun.  Actually I think my bestest favourite is the top one with the tiny flowers and pearls and SPARKLES or if you are from Yorkshire  shunkley (don't know how you spell it).  

Well photos on but font is different and I don't know why.  Ah variety is the spice of life.

Been charity shop shopping today - so exciting - well for me anyway going again tomorrow with my friend Louise we are going to race each other around the market to get the best buys.  Ha Ha wonder who will win.  Will post about it tomorrow and show and tell my purchases



21 Tomorrow

Our eldest daughter is 21 tomorrow.  That's a big number you know.  I can't really believe it that 21 years ago as now I was in hospital awaiting the arrival of No 1 Daughter.  Have a happy happy day Betty love you lots.  She is celebrating by going to Paris and Disneyland Paris with her boyfriend and she is verrrrrrrrrrry excited.   Here is the card I made her to hold her gift of money - she couldn't think of anything she really wanted so money it is.  Thanks to Diane  I completely copied her idea for the card from one of her recent posts and she was kind enough to advise me on how to go about it.  Many thanks.  I am rather pleased how it turned out.  I have used a bit too much double sided tape but hey its fine, it looks fine.  What do you think?

A pleasing result!

Can you remember what you had for your 21st?  I had a string of pearls and lots of Wedgewood china.  Somehow I don't think that would suit today's modern miss.   I  must say I am not TOO old still under Fifty (I'd like to think I said that in a Miranda fashion to camera and mouthing it without actually saying it).  I digress so I shall be say goodbye now.  Bye.