Recycling a bag

Over at Ginger Snap Creations  where the focus this month is shopping (I think a few of us know what this is all about lol) One of the challenges is Bags & Tags pop over through the link for more information. Here you can see my bag with tag. I saved lots of these kind of bags when ever I go shopping, because they can make a really nice gift bag and you can usually make them with scraps but they look so cool.

In the close ups you can see I have been using Wendy Vecchi  'Art Parts' and a button given to me by the lovely Petra in one of the swaps we did together. An old bag charm fell to bits so I have used the bag from this to pop on here. The stamp I have used for the tag was a freebie from the lovely Malcolm from 'Crafty Individuals'. I do hope you like this gift bag. I am also grateful to my new followers I am always amazed that people want to follow my journey through my crafting life and I am always pleased to see you all. More news on my journaling blog to (I am so excited about this) I will me doing a monthly journal chalenge, please take my blog button (left hand side) 'Journal Journey's'  so you can be directly there with a click of the mouse. (just save as a photo and copy and paste my journal blog addy in to the button. I can'r wait to begin. And a big thank you to my friend Souix of ArtyJen for taking the time to make me some beautiful buttons for my blog. Love Dawn xx

Zetti My first time

I have never done anything zetti, you will find my blog zettiless ;0) as I don't really warm to it probably because I don't understand what it is all about. I know it's quirky and black and white (sometimes) and mixed animals but I don't know WHY? and I know lots of you out there are zetti mad so can some one tell me what it is? what is it for?  or is it just odd abstract art? Any way I was asked to join in with a swap I advised I didn't really know what it was all about and they said it's a challenge dive in. Me I love a real challenge (I was so out of my comfort zone) I have made one with out knowing a whole lot about it and hope it hits the mark.

So tell me honestly is it a zetti? is it any good? After I made it I thought well I think it fit the criteria and I was kind of pleased with it. Not sure it's one of my fave art forms though lol ;0) Here's hoping I have made you smile this Monday morning, Have a great week. Love Dawn xx

Grungy Monday 11

Here we are again. All sharing with Linda & Tim.  I can't believe I missed last week! I am so into my journalling at the moment. I have an exciting announcement about my journal blog actually....... I am preparing a Journal challenge which will start in July (my Birthday month) one challenge each month. And if any one can make me a challenge button so I can spread the word (pref before the end of June) I would be SO grateful ;0) I do hope you will come and join in. July is going to be a busy month for me ;0)

And now for the close up ;0) I am so glad I got these mini clear stamps, they come in handy when you want to do an ATC or tag ;0). I think this is pretty much a Tim Holtz tag! I even use the die cut of his to create my tag. I finally used some of the ribbon and died it with some distress inks. I love this button (pity you only get one)You can use it on so may projects can't you? Well I hope you have a wonderful day where ever you are and that the sun is shining. Love Dawn xx

Tea Cup Tuesday

Morning my fellow china lovelies ;0) I really look forward to Tuesdays every week because I know I am going to see some wonderful things from all the lovely people who join in with Sandi Trisha Terri and Martha every Tuesday to share there beautiful wears. I have recently bought this beautiful trio. I kept seeing these wonderful lilly of the valley flowers and they were the wonderful button holes and bouquet at the latest royal wedding and I love them. So I had to have this when I saw it.

Isn't this a lovely stamp? It's on all the pieces such a lovely identification stamp ;0)

I wanted you to see this lovely trio in detail, so I have taken more photos than I normally do.

And finally the lovely handle. All the gold gilding is in wonderful condition, all over the set and this is where it's usually easy to determine how well it's been looked after. I would say pretty well, wouldn't you. I was thrilled with this purchase. I have another new (to me) cup winging it's way to me. And I hope to be able to post it for you next week. Don't forget to leave a comment and have a nosey at all the other china around. I will be back tomorrow with a lovely tag, be well and have a lovely day. Love Dawn xx

I love you blog land xxx

Hello blog land ;0) I am showing you a journal page here because this is where all my blogging began. And this is where after two years (yep it was Two yrs in Feb) I wanted to dedicate  this new journal spread to all of you and what you do for me ;0) I know it doesn't even scratch the surface. (sorry I am so frustrated I am sat here freezing hoping that two annoying fly's get the idea to stay away from me and my comp and go out the piggin window or back door PLEEEEESSSSE) Sorry Yes I love you guys and all the support you give.

Here are the photos in CU (you can click and enlarge) Go away fly' hang on I have to get a blanket! K, I'm back. (one down and one to go). Dude is in now and looking at the fly this could get messy ;0) So where was I?  Yes this is for all of you wonderful people, who have given me so much. And thank you for all your well wishes for when I have to go in Hospital next month. I have also decided to give you a little surprise gift to the ones who comment on this post (I know lots of you visit and comment and this is for all you guys who follow my little adventures) nothing major but I have reached over 250 followers now and I am really grateful for all of you. So just leave a comment and then I will announce a winner and get the stuff off to you you have until the end of the day 12am so not long Love Dawn xx

The Dude looking just yummy and I still have one very annoying fly problem aarrgh!


Give away now closed. Lucky 13 was the winner! That's Gez I need your addy hun I will be sending a sweet surprise in the post thank you for being a lovely follower ;0) and thank you all for your wonderful sweet comments Love Dawn xx

AIW Magnets

Hi gang how are you? I have had some bad news today but at least I was kind of prepared for it. I had an operation before Christmas  which didn't do the job. Now in July I am going to have to have a hysterectomy. Now this will mean NO crafting for a few days if I can't figure out what I can take with me for a few days so I can still be creative. I need your help! I know lots of you craft on the go. I can't take much I was thinking of journalling as it is not as in depth as the mixed media (I need all my things close by for this ;0) So help me out if you can guys.

What do you think of these? The top ones are Magnets and these are small glass beads, would you buy these for your art work? (with out magnets) to add as embellishments? The beads are £1 for five and the magnets would be £2.50 for three. Click on my folksy shop (left hand side bar) I only have AIW in mind for this, as cup cakes and the eat me drink me is so popular. What are your thoughts? Let me know have a great day. Love Dawn xx

Kittens 4wks old

Paris Proud Mum ;0)

Lots of cute kittens for you to see at 4wks. old (4 of 5 have survived) there are making their own way around the room the're in. All are now lapping milk (special kitten milk of course) I could show you lots more ha ha  but will wait until they are bigger again, maybe next month at 8wks. Some one mentioned they was surprised I allowed Paris to have kittens as I all our pets are rescue animals. We are keeping all the kittens and then Paris will be going to the vet when she has stopped feeding them. Not that we haven't already had offers for adoptions. I hope this answers any queries, we certainly wouldn't allow our cats to have kittens to take them to a rescue centre. All our cats are neutered and Paris will follow. So here are the kittens for you to drool over as requested. Love Dawn xx

Oh a short announcement I have been having a really good clear out of my crafting goodies and I have lots of stamps for sale on e-bay of lots of different brands. The reason for selling is I am more into mix media/journalling now than making cards and all these stamps are in fabby condition. Here is a link to one of the stamps, if you then click on sellers other items you will see every thing I have for sale and some really good bargains to be had so have a good nosey and save some pennies at the same time Dxx

Shabby chic book.

Morning bloggers. I was very busy on this and I am working on something else that's going to take some time to complete, so I hope you won't think bad of me if I am not around much. I was however, please with this very much. It may have taken time, but time well spent I think you will agree. This will be added to the items for sale in my folksy shop I hope you will take time to look HERE.

Here are some close ups of the inside of the book. you can use this for several ideas. As a photo album, to give as a gift to a special some one. Or you can fill the spaces with your thoughts or quotes you like, you can even use this as a base for a personal scrap book, you choose. I have given it a shabby chic/vintage look which is very popular and of course you know I love these types of elements.

Even the back looks good. Imagine this on a coffee table, it just beg's to be picked up and be browsed through, a nice conversational piece to. Now I hope to upload some photos of the kittens soon just 3wks old now, they have their eyes open and they are just lovely balls of fluffy yumminess bless. There is also A challenge I really want to play before Monday, and James is coming for a long weekend from today so I am really trying to push a lot in by the end of the week (fingers crossed) ha ha. And welcome to the new followers Romance of roses, Two crazy crafters & Lisa M Griffin I have made it to over 250 followers (who would of thought) So I will also sort out some small give away soon for this achievement. Love Dawn xx

Tea Cup Tuesday

Happy TCT people. I have always liked a drink form a cup and saucer. I don't know why maybe there is a hidden snob in me, ha ha joking No when I used to go to my aunties when I was very young she had a cabinet and she would let me have a TC&S I always felt very special as these were so prized and I was trusted not to break them. (maybe it wouldn't of mattered as she always chose for me) but that didn't matter I loved the visit, as I would always get some juice in my cup & a biscuit on the side of my saucer, any way this is why I have always loved them. Promise, I am no snob (the thought!) But then, I don't think people who love china are snobs maybe just some thing I grew up with people were very posh if they had china, we drank out of mugs! ha ha. So now, very recently I found this wonderful site run by the lovely Terri & Marther and they have the same passion for china (probably more so) than I do. I also found a new place that likes to show off not only their china but some sweet treats as well at Sweetology (I don't have any I am afraid but I will be having a looky at all yours ha ha). I have began collecting and already there isn't enough room in the house for what I have. Above is my new everyday cup. It's not china but it does have a lovely shabby chic quality, and I so wanted a cup with a bird on ;0)

This is my currant Pride & joy. Isn't it stunning?! the colours, the texture the shape the handle the gilding oh it's just stunning and I adore it. I paid £10 for this beautiful German piece. Bargain? probably not I will show you why.

It has this tiny chip, I new this before I bought it as the seller was very honest. But even though it has this fault I love it any way and it's never used (for obvious reasons) But I am happy I own it, it was a bargain to me.

I told you last week I am really in to trios. the palates are in wonderful condition. Just look at the shape of this darling cup from a side view, it really was worth every pennie as it gives me joy. I do use all my cups and this is sad I can not drink from this one. Saying that I would rather have it than not. Collectors probably think I'm mad, I know how things being in such good condition matter. But for me this is the exception to the rule.

I don't know much about makers marks etc. I asked last week for some recommendations, for books and you have given me some. So hopefully I will soon know a little. But I know quality and this set screams it from the roof tops to me. It's German 'Khoenberg' the rest you can see if you click larger. If you know anything about this I would really appreciate any knowledge you may have. But for now I will settle in with an infusion in one of my TC&S and go and have a wonder through china heaven through your blogs. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Love Dawn xx

Altered cigar Box

Hello, another Monday morning and we begin another week horah! lol. What did you do over the BH week end? Well it was hubby's B'day yesterday but as it was the Sabbath we celebrated on Saturday and we had a lovely day together and a meal and shopping it was a good day. He opened his gifts after church, he even got the sweetest phone call from our Grand son James. And we heard some wonderful words from our living prophet which soothed and healed. I really do love Sundays. We have no plans for BH Monday but I am scheduling this just in case the weather turns nice and we want to pop out. I bought some cigar boxes on Sat. while we were out. Love them, all shapes and sizes, so be prepared to see a few more in the coming weeks, This is a wooden one.

I had gotten completely fed up with my draw being FULL of TH things (do not miss understand) I love my things but so bulky in their packaging so I kept the packaging I thought may be useful (this months CS has some ideas from the lovely Hels) & the rest was binned. I then popped it all in this box and there is still room for more (that it good news;0) he he, and my draw also has more room for more crafty items. I am fast running out of space, I can tell you and so I have to stop buying or make more room. So you can guess what I did ;0) Yep made more room. I hope you continue to have a lovely BH in the UK or Memorial weekend if your in the US. Love Dawn xx

Stamp Smith Challenge

Hello, and good morning to you all. I have decided to play along with the Stamp Smith Challenge I always forget this one for some reason, but is a great opportunity to get some vouchers to buy some stamps and they are very good I wish I had more. So I am entering this week with a SS stamp isn't she just lovely? I was looking for Laurel & Hardy but I can't find them doh! but Audrey is a very good substitute ;0)

Fairly simple tage some DIs and some stamping and some TH film tape and some ribbon I died to match.  Love this stuff you can wrinkle it or leave it, I like it wrinkled. I do hope you pop over to the Stamp Smith they have a super DT with some lovely examples to get you going. Thank you for all your comments as always I do read every one, even if I don't always respond (although I do my best ;0) there are a couple more followers to welcome. Hello to Celestina & Emily. How wonderful to have you stop by and follow, your most welcome. Thanks to every one who stop by I know a lot of you stop by and don't leave a comment that's ok to. Love Dawn xx

Envelope Art

Hi, any one got any hair left after blogger being bad  again Doesn't it put you so far behind? Not able to comment or post. Any way bloggers back thank you thank you ;0).

I had a give away on my journaling blog and I have announce the winners. But I thought I would send their little gift in a nice envelope each. The above one is all bright and girly. I scanned this so it's a bit bright.

This one is a little darker in colour a wee bit more vintage, and I have tried some new stamps out on both of them, I love them so useful and I can see they will be used over and over in my journaling as well as other projects like ATCs I haven't done one of those for a while, I am going to have a good nosey through my stash and see what takes my eye for the day ;0) Love Dawn xx

Tea Cup Tuesday

I have been on ebay way too much this past few weeks and so I have stocked up on the ol' Tea Cup & Saucers. At the moment trios are really very much my thing. So I got this little beauty.

I don't know anything about china I just buy what I would like to drink out of so if you know a little please share. I am currently looking for a book to help me learn about china cups (as I am only a beginner) any suggestions? Any way I hope you like this little beauty. Don't forget to pop over to Terri's & Martha's for more yummy china.  Love Dawn xx

Grungy Monday 08

Good afternoon from England to all my bloggy visitors today. Phew what horrid weather we are having here in the NW all weekend it's been dreadful. But Grunge Monday at Linda's is always there to put a smile on the face :0) Yes it's another week of the challenge that so many of us have a go at. And we are using another of Tim Holtz techniques from 2008 so click to have a look.

Here is a close up, I have used some Stampin' Up! & Sweet & Sassy Stamps to create this little tag/topper? I haven't decided yet. But it did get me thinking that you can make up a few of these ready to pop on a card or even a journal page etc just nice little extra ready to glue in place if you haven't a lot of time but still completely hand made original just from you. Have a go and stop by this grate challenge blog to get all the details. Love Dawn xx