Birthday Girlie!

I can't believe how fast the last couple of weeks have gone! After new year, we had a few relaxing days of clearing up Christmas (not that relaxing!) and dog walks with the Rascally Ruby! And then .... drum roll .... it was "Back To Work"......  Although I'm not inclined any more to lie-ins (having gone through years of babies, toddlers, school runs, dogs, etc.), it's still always a shock to the system when the alarm starts going off again.  It seems even worse at this time of year when that dratted alarm goes off and it's still pitch black outside! Added to the drain of early starts, is the usual chaos, hustle and bustle of the start of term - school offices at the start of term are a thing to behold! But we're gradually getting back into the pattern of working life again (albeit with an eye on the next holiday!).  But I must try and stick to one of my 'unwritten' resolutions to get busy and make some cards! My crafting efforts have been pretty appalling lately, and although I've blamed lack of free time, Ruby, general winter weariness, I must stop making excuses and actually crack on and get some cards made! I have kept busy with the crocheting, and am currently working on an order for a baby blanket, so I'm not sat about doing nothing!

Anyway, I realised that I hadn't shared this card that I made a while ago - a very special one for our little granddaughter Isabella!

Apologies for the rather rubbish quality of the photo - these winter days really don't lend themselves to any photos! 

I used a LOTV digi stamp, coloured with copics with some added glossy accents (which sadly doesn't show up on the pic!)

The backing paper is from LOTV, as is the sentiment, and I've used Britannia flower dies, Memory Box heart dies and LaLaLand banner die.

Hope you like it! 

And I thought I'd share a couple of pics from one of our new year doggy walks at Glasson Dock (not far from our house) - with a pic of me & Ruby (we have lots of pics of Rubydoo, but pictures of me are as rare as hens' teeth!)

Thanks for looking - and thanks for all the recent comments! 

Back soon,

Kim x 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that 2017 brings you health, happiness and peace - and time for crafting!

Apologies for rather a long absence (again!), but I'm going to try and make a concerted effort in 2017 to blog more regularly!  I hope that lasts longer than my usual resolutions....!

We had a lovely family time at Christmas - and it's always so nice to get all of our gang gathered together.  It's difficult once children grow up, move away and have busy lives of their own - and that makes the time we all have together that much more special.  And of course, the ever-growing RubyDoo Dog has loved every minute of Christmas, with lots of attention, presents and walks! She's now 6 months old, adorable one minute and incredibly naughty the next - a typical puppy really!

I try to take advantage of any little pockets of 'free' time to do some crafting, and as always, there are always far more ideas and dreams than actual time to get on with them.

I was able to finish a very pretty crochet blanket at the beginning of December.  This was using the 'Cupcake Blanket' yarn pack, designed by the clever Lucy at Attic24.  A very special friend of mine who moved away in the summer, was very recently diagnosed with breast cancer. This has naturally been a difficult and traumatic time for her and her family - sometimes life can feel very cruel and unfair. And because we don't live near one another any more, it was nice to be able to gift this blanket to her when she came to stay for a little visit early last month - I told her that although I wouldn't be there when she started to undergo surgery and treatment, I could provide a 'hug' through the blanket! We're all just hoping that 2017 will bring health & a new start for her!

I love the soft, pastel shades - and they definitely are 'cupcake' colours

Made with Stylecraft DK, it makes a very cuddly and warm (& washable!) blanket - perfect for snuggling under with a warm drink.  Definitely a hug in the form of a blanket! 

I particularly liked the edging pattern for the blanket, which was quite simple but very effective! I'll definitely use that edging again!

And my friend has assured me that it is now in regular use on chilly winter days, now she's back at home - which is really nice for me to know! 

Hope you like it! 

I've now started on the next blanket project - I like to keep busy lol!  And I've realised that I do have quite a few projects that I haven't shared yet, so I will try my hardest to blog a little more regularly and share the projects!

So, I hope that 2017 has started well for you - and that it proves to be a good year for you.

Back soon,

Kim x