So whats new today?

Poppies

2011-11-19T23:25:00.001Z

Had lots of experiences over the last month or so. Had a great time at St James park. Will be going again to see the Pelicans being fed soon. Went to Wood school, little fella is fascinated with fire. Been looking at fossils and stuffed animals in Tring. Projects on sharks and Castles started. We have nearly finished Sharks, Castles just starting. My favourite thing this month. Our poppy project. We read poems, drew poppies, coloured them stuck them and wore the ones we bought with pride. When we were buying them. The elderly serviceman said to Ryver, thank you son, do you know why we wear poppies? Ryver replied, Yes, because we remember, don't we mum. The Serviceman was so surprised that someone so young could answer him like that. He really had a lump in his throat.

Natural History Museum

2011-10-21T00:12:00.001+01:00

This place is becoming my second home.

Poetry Library

2011-10-21T00:08:00.001+01:00

I am ashamed to admit that I didn't know there was a poetry library until very recently.

It's a nice little library, where all ages are welcome. You can watch and listen to the poetry also.

Hatfield House

2011-10-20T23:57:00.001+01:00

Spent a great afternoon at Hatfield House. They have the best adventure playground. The house was closed for the season, but the farm was open.

Climbing

2011-09-17T23:37:00.000+01:00

It was lovely to see Ryver climbing all over this today. At the start of the Summer he only would climb around it if someone was holding him. Gradually he has become more and more confident in his own climb skills that today he was climbing all over it.

My Sunflower

2011-09-17T23:27:00.000+01:00

I have so many photos of this sunflower. It is one stem with a least five different heads on it. It is a bit of a sunflower monster but I love it. I have grown it from seed.

Science Museum

2011-09-15T22:57:00.001+01:00

Had a great day at the Science Museum today. Hands on experiments, and mini shows for kids. Ryver was picked twice to go up on stage. He sat on a bed of nails! Then was a part of a rocket experiment.

The photo of the space shuttle I have uploaded. Was taken in 1985 when it was flying over London. I saw it fly over London Bridge. I remember being amazed at the size of the shuttle.

The next photo is of Ryver and a thermal camera. He loved that.

The last photo is of water freezing.

Welcome Autumn

2011-09-14T22:42:00.000+01:00

Went for a walk across the fields today. It was nice to see all the berries out and conkers. Going to teach Ryver how to play conkers over the weekend. Must get my spring bulbs planted this weekend. I know that by the time Spring comes around I will be desperate to see some colour.

Forest School

2011-09-11T22:49:00.002+01:00

I am so pleased that Ryver got a place at Forest School. There are only a few more sessions left and I will be quite sad when it finishes. The photos above are from the first visit. Caroline who teaches the children, has such fantastic ideas.

The last session Ryver was at was all about Music. Making a drum out of a stump of wood and sticks, throwing sticks at a saucepan lid hanging from a tree. Part of the lesson is about safety. So although Ryver is allowed to throw sticks or play sword fighting with the sticks, he also knows that stick to stick is fine but not to hit anybody with his stick.

Recent Photos

2011-06-25T21:27:00.000+01:00

Greeting Cards

2011-04-06T09:28:00.000+01:00

I have decided to make some greeting cards to sell. Above are a few samples of the photos that I am using. I have taken all the photos that I will use. The cards are 6 inch square white with envelope and the actual photo is 5 inch square. I am almost ready to sell them. They come sealed in a cellophane bag.

I will be selling them via my website which I have finally updated.

I have always enjoyed photos. I love to look at other peoples and I am alwaysall the t. I have thousands on my laptop and on my external drive, quite a few thousand more. I got to thinking one day, that I like to write and send cards and l like to take photos, why don't I try and combine them.

First walk of the year.

2011-03-08T00:03:00.003Z

Well not really the first walk of the year. The first walk down the green valley walks as they are called around here. As we recently moved we haven't walked along here before. The mud is still deep as you can see by the first photo! Today we had a beautiful day and I didn't take my camera!

Mudlarking

2011-03-07T23:51:00.002Z

Ok, I am going to try and catch up with photos on the blog.

Ryver was a mudlark for half a day recently. We had a great time and meet some new friends. The exhibition is on at the Museum of London Docklands.

It was the first time that I had been there, I didn't realise that there was one in the Docklands. Its much smaller of course than the one at London Wall, but really worth a visit if you can get there.

Hello

2011-01-24T21:24:00.005Z

Hello!

Gosh I haven't been here for way to long. How are you? I have been so busy doing lots of different things. I will elaborate below.

I came back from Australia at the end of November 2010. I have many photos and stories that I will share with you over the coming weeks. But, Australia is the land of Sun, sea, and Mentos! I love Mentos and could not believe the many different flavours and choices there were. Mint strawberry, cola, cinnamon, lemon and lime. Sweets, chewing gum all sorts. Big packets, small packets, fun size packets. I was like a kid in a candy store!!

More seriously though I stayed in Brisbane for most of my time. It is really sad to see such a beautiful place suffer at the moment. The photo on the top of this blog was affected by the floods, my family in Brisbane have been affected but not flooded out of their homes thankfully. These photos show the scale of the floods.

I also stayed in, Melbourne, Sydney, Wachope and Montville. I will dedicate later blog post to each of these places.

I moved home 5 days before Christmas. Snow, Ice, -7 temperature, slipping and sliding and that was just the driving, in to our new home. We are still trying to get ourselves sorted. That said, I do love my new home.

This year my whole family have come down with different versions of the flu. I haven't felt that ill for such a long time. Ryver even had to have antibiotics. Christmas and New Year were spent taking care of the poorly or being poorly!

I have started to use twitter more now, my name is tinasstuff add me if you fancy. Still don't know all the things to do, but I am starting to
pick it up.

Oh the other thing I am going to do this year is knit some socks, Laura my friend has offered
to help me. I can knit squares and scarfs, time to expand to corners or heels I think. Even though the sight of a double ended knitting needle makes me feel wobbly.

Phew that was a long post by my standards.
See ya soon
Tina

More Australia

2010-10-24T12:45:00.003+01:00

A few more snaps from Australia. All of the photos were taken with my phone....haven't uploaded the camera ones yet! The Paper Tree is amazing. Chunks of the paper fall off and can be used of painting or drawing. I am going to try and get you some Sonia, but you know me and customs!! Had to put in the fantastic icecream that Gillian made Ryver...we all wanted one after.

A couple of beaches that we have been too. Little Manly and Maloolaba. The machine in the middle, I have seen a few of them around they give out a small bottle of ice water for 20c such a good idea. Oh and me and Ryver left our mark on Bondi Beach!!

The weather hasn't been that good to be honest. We have had some fantastic days, but we have had our fair share of rain to. Tomorrow is our last full day in Sydney, we are off to Melbourne on Tuesday. The harbour bridge was fantastic, I wish that I had enough courage to climb it. Not to mention the cost. The view is outstanding appartenly, but I looked out the plane window and saw an even better view coming into Sydney. You can see people climbing it and taking photos. They look like little small groups of ants.

I will write more about out time in Sydney in the next couple of days.

Brisbane

2010-10-12T13:16:00.003+01:00

I have been in Australia for one week! I feel like I have been here for longer. In the first week, I have been to Mount Coot-tha, seen a possum, been on the big wheel, had my first Laminton, been to the beach, visited Brisbane museum. Some of my photos are above.

Me and Ryver were the only people on the big wheel. I mean we were the only two people on the whole thing. There are a few differences between the Brisbane eye and the London eye. The London eye is 120 metres high, the Brisbane one is 60 metres...(still fecking high!) The capsules on the London eye are fixed. They are NOT on the Brisbane one. You go around once on the London eye, on the Brisbane one you go faster and go around 4 times! Me and Ryver were stuck at the top for 10 minuets I think the guy thought we would enjoy the view, but you could feel the wind hitting the capsule and the movement is not nice. It is not as strong as a fairground but you can feel it all the same. As we were the only ones on the wheel, the guy let us go around a few more times!!!!!!

Mount Coot-tha is a lovely place. You can see across Brisbane from the top. They have a botanical garden bit, as well as lots of picnic areas. The picnic areas are fantastic, really impressive. There is a planetarium there also. Plus lots of walks you can take through the park. You don't have to pay for any thing, not even the parking! We saw some Bush Turkeys here.

Lamington, had to try a Lamington. It is a typical Australia cake. Square and sponge. You can have it plain sponge with jam and cream or chocolate. Very nice.

We saw a possum also. A wild one. This possum lives in a friends garden. They leave food out for it, but try not to get it too tame.

Today I drove up Country. Lovely drive, not at all like London driving. On the way we stopped at the Big Pineapple! You could go in the pineapple and view from the top. On the way up was the history of the company. They grow thousands of pineapples here. They also have a place to buy icecream and tea and coffee. The place is massive.

Have a great time on our adventure here. Just wish the weather would start behaving. I don't mind cloud, but it has been wet for days. Infact there are loads of floods!!

What a difference a day makes......

2010-10-08T20:02:00.003+01:00

What a difference a day makes...these two photos were taken a day apart. The first one at Morton Bay was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and fun. The second one taken today was at Mt Coot-tha a windy and wet day, but still full of lots of fun.

BLESMA - Please Read

2010-08-14T09:38:00.005+01:00

My Cousin Nik Guy is raising money for the really worthy Charity BLESMA - link is above. Please do take a look at what they do.

What Nik is doing to raise the money is crazy in a word! But Nik will do it. Take a look a his Just giving page for details - link is above.

I know that this post is full of links else where, but they really do deserve a few moments of everyones time.

Good Luck Nik

Home Schooling

2010-07-28T22:22:00.003+01:00

I have decided that I am going to Home Educate Ryver. There are many reasons why and over time I will go into them on this blog. The main thing at the moment is that I feel so much relief having made the choice. I have been overwhelmed with all the support and many, many groups that are around. I seriously thought that it was going to be me, Ryver and the Kitchen table! Of course there will be times when that is just what we do, but there is such a range of classes, workshops, exhibition and such like to choose from that I know we will be out and about a lot.

I am going to blog our progress, good, bad and ugly about homeschooling. We have met some new friends already, as the photo above shows. We had such a good day in the woods.

To say that I am excited about the journey we are about to undertake is an understatement.

Recycling

2010-07-20T22:44:00.003+01:00

I love this bench. Everything about it, but the thing I love the most about it is. My cousin made it. The wood is recycled, the only new things are the screws. There are cup holders under the arms of the bench, that swing out. The foot stalls are fantastic. I could have sat all day on that bench. I am so proud of you Stewart.

Website

2010-07-08T07:46:00.002+01:00

These beads are up on my website for sale. Take a look over there and you might just notice a difference!!

Over the field

2010-06-30T07:33:00.003+01:00

Every now and then we all go over the field to give the dogs a good run. Usually it is just one or two of us doing it daily. This is us on our way home. Ryver on his dads shoulders and Charlie wishing he was on them too!!

Just a quick post this morning as I am working on some photos.

Don't forget today the old £20 note goes out of circulation, so spend your money!!

All change....

2010-06-28T08:27:00.008+01:00

Well, I don't want to complain, but hasn't it been HOT. I am not complaining honest! Yesterday was too hot to go out unless I had to. The above photo was taken when we were in Cassiobury Park - Watford a couple of weeks ago.

I have changed my website again. I was trying to keep all my creative things in little boxes, it wasn't working well. So I have decided to put all creative things on one website, and use my blog pretty much the same as I have been. I will still be selling jewellery and beads via the website, under the information tab I have explained how to go about buying them.

The second ecourse by Kim Klassen has just finished. I really love doing my course work. I am a little behind at the moment - sorry Kim. I have learnt a huge amount about Photoshop. To the point where I actually enjoy using Photoshop now.

Another major decision in my life made. I have decided to Home Educate Ryver. I am so much happier that I have made that choice. I am so looking forward to it. I am in the process of gathering resources, websites, blogs, etc. I have joined the local home educating groups. I am still stunned at how many people do this. I seriously thought it would be me, Ryver and the kitchen table! I was so concerned about the social aspect, but I now realise that isn't going to be an issue. I am going to blog about home educating and will give it is own tab at the top of this blog.

Ok, of to continue my day. Have a lovely day what ever you are doing.

Kew Gardens

2010-06-06T00:04:00.003+01:00

I went to Kew Gardens during the week. I really do enjoy it there. I have only been a couple of times, and I still haven't seen the whole thing! There really is so much to see. I really enjoyed the butterfly rooms. The Treetop walk was interesting! I think I like it. Me and Ryver held hands all the way around. The weather wasn't brilliant on that day, but it meant there were less people there.

You Capture Thursday

2010-05-27T22:29:00.003+01:00

This week You Capture was SKY...did you guess? The sky around my part of the world today was all different colours of blue and full of clouds. I should have taken a photo on Monday when it was boiling hot, blue skies and not a cloud to be seen. But the above photos are a better representation of what the sky looks like near me. The link to You Capture is on the left, it is a lovely blog well worth the look.

I have just realised that this my 100th blog post!

Lauras beads are lonely...

2010-05-27T15:18:00.002+01:00

Laura is giving away the contents of her lonelies jar. The beads are lonely not fault so really worth trying to win. Go to Lauras blog for more details of how to do this.

Happiness project

2010-05-25T22:37:00.002+01:00

This photo makes me laugh everytime I look at it. Leigh told me about her happiness project.

This week for some reason I am having a really weird time knowing what day it is. I thought yesterday was Wednesday, today was Monday. So, I would have posted my photo earlier, if only I knew what day it was!

You Capture...Thursday

2010-05-25T00:13:00.005+01:00

Late, late, late, again. You Capture day is Thursday, but for some reason I thought today was wednesday. Lets not go there!

These are my selection of Depth of Field for You Capture. Each week a different challenge is set. I just love DoF. I loved it even before I knew what it was called. Please use the link on the left to go and visit some wonderful photographs.

Free Rice Website

2010-05-22T00:36:00.002+01:00

I came across this website today after having a look at Pioneer Woman website. Please do have a look at Pioneer Womans website, she is have a photo contest right now and the subject is Happiness. Some of the most amazing photos, some of which have made me laugh out loud. Others bring tears of happiness.

Now for the above game. I love words, the above website is great. You don't have to register you can start playing straight away. It is addictive though!

I have had little time for photos the last couple of days. I am hoping to rectify that tomorrow.

Have a nice weekend.

2010-05-19T23:51:00.003+01:00

I like the above photo, sorry Sonia I can't remember what the plant is called. I just wished that I had moved the leaf that is over the flower.

One of my all time favourite photos. Two people I love enjoying each others company. What more can I say.

I guess you know this, but I really like black and white photos! I love the way I can put in a bit of colour also. Photos can change so much just by change the colour of them. Photos that I have taken in colour - isn't it funny that I don't take them in black and white - but don't really like. Turn out to great photos in colour. I start my next course on Friday. I really excited about it. I am still trying to get all my notes written from the last course! I just enjoy playing with the photos too much.

Yellow

2010-05-17T23:58:00.004+01:00

Ok, so it was a little quiet around here...now two posts in a matter of moments. A fellow blogger has just pointed a blog called, I should be folding laundry out to me. What a great name for a blog..well the link is on the left called You Capture. It is different assignments to do each week. Sounds good to me..this week is Yellow. I have kind of rushed this one on so they are sooc...straight out of camera, apart from a little cropping. The top one was taken in Sonias garden. The bottom one in the local field.

A little quiet

2010-05-17T23:33:00.004+01:00

I have been a little poorly, but I am nearly all better now, thats why it has been a little quiet around here, plus I have learnt a new trick, thanks to Kim. I really like black and white photos, and now I have learnt how to pick out some colour in them. I have had so much fun with this. Thats why it has been a bit quiet around here. I have been turning every single photo I have into black and white and then picking out a piece of colour. Well almost every photo I have! The one above is from my friend Sonias garden. She has the most amazing garden. I love the colours and style of her garden. It is so relaxing.

I am taking part in Kims 2nd gear ephoto course. I can't wait for it to start.

Happy Birthday

2010-05-11T18:14:00.003+01:00

Happy Birthday to my Mum (Centre) and my beautiful niece. Both of whom had birthday last week. We all had a great time on Saturday. Ryver is still singing the Okey Kokey!!

Love this photo

2010-05-09T18:32:00.002+01:00

This has to be one of my favourite photos. I have learnt how to change a photo from colour into black and white, and not black and grey! I have learnt a million other things. I am going to retake all the photos for the beads and jewellery that I sell. I can do them so much better now. Not only did I learn a lot, but I enjoy it so much. Thank you Kim you really are a fantastic teacher, I can't wait for 2nd Gear to start.

Mosaic

2010-04-28T00:06:00.003+01:00

I have been learning all about mosaics this week. I just love them! The above mosaic is one that I made using the photos I took during a visist to Greenwich. I have also been learning more about textures. I like how lots of people use textures, but at the moment, I am not happy with most of the work that I do with them.

I have learnt so much about photoshop and how to use it during the course, that I will be doing the next course that Kim has to develop my skills even further - never thought I would say this....but I really like photoshop.

Before photos.

2010-04-23T14:28:00.006+01:00

The after photos are in the blog below.

Week One - Kim Klassen

2010-04-23T08:45:00.003+01:00

The above photo is my take on Lesson 3. The idea was to make a photo dreamy, romantic, soft like. I like the result of this, it might be a bit too light, but I like it that way.

This is my result of Lesson 1. Again I am happy with how this photo came out.

Lesson 2, I like this, but there is something not quite finished about this photo I feel.

There is another lesson, I will add a photo later - Hayfever got the better of me this week. I have used all my own photos, but added the skills and course materials to my photos. I have had a great time, and I am so surprised at how much I have learnt this week. Thank Kim.

Orchid

2010-04-21T22:04:00.003+01:00

I have started a new ecourse with Kim Klassen - it is called 'The Skinny' and is an introduction to photoshop. We have just started this week. I have learnt so much already. Kim is a fantastic tutor, I am really enjoying being on the course. If you fancy joining in, I am sure it is not to late.

Light and Abstract

2010-04-16T23:12:00.010+01:00

This is the last week of the photo workshop held by candc I feel quite sad about that as I have really enjoyed the workshop and have learnt much more than I anticipated.

This is my close up for #1

My attempt at abstract #2

I am never sure where abstract ends and what the hell is that begins!

Different angles #3

Reflections #4

I know this isn't really the sort of refelection you were after, and that it is more of a shadow really than a reflection. I do like the way that the glass ball refelects on the wood.

Not a traditional landscape, but a nice one though #5

This is the sort of landscape that I am used to seeing #5

Whenever I am looking at this view I always expect Dick Van Dyke to come dancing along!

This photo is my favourite photo. Not because I think it is brilliant but because to me when I took this photo my photography changed course for the better.

I have really enjoyed this workshop, thank you Camilla and Carolyn. I really have learnt so much more than I expect too. I learnt not only about the images etc, but also about the rule of thirds, dippys, grids, off centre/negative space to name a few things. I learnt about myself as a photographer, how I like to angle the camera - why - I still do not know. How I prefer things to be on the left. I could go on and on. There wasn't anything that I didn't like during the workshop. I hope you do another one, as I really want to learn more from you both.

I am going to visit everyones this week, it may take me a few days, but I will do it!

A walk in the park

2010-04-14T23:16:00.003+01:00

Budding

Bark

Blossom

A story in colour

2010-04-09T23:42:00.009+01:00

The lesson set this week for my photography workshop is..tell a story in colour. I decided to tell you about me and some of things I like.

I love flowers, even though I get hayfever! The colour of these tulips is my favourite shade of red.

I enjoy baking, and food in general!

Red and sparkly, my favourite combination.

Shoes, I just love them - but red ones are my favourite.

My beautiful daughter who was 19 this week.

Some of the books I look at daily!

Music, have to listen to music everyday.

I really enjoyed the lesson this week. Partly because I like the colour red, could you tell? Partly because I got a new camera...whoop, whoop. I am so happy with it.

The lessons learnt this week..

1. Diptychs - I had no idea what they were before last Sunday.
2. I need to learn about sizing and resizing photos, I can do either really big or really small!
3. Need to try and stay a bit more focused and within my plan. (I am always reworking my ideas)

Thank you Carolyn and Camilla, I really learning so much.

Sunflowers

2010-04-07T15:34:00.003+01:00

Look what we got! Isn't it great. Marks cousin painted it for us for Easter. It was such a nice surprise to receive. Thank you very much Marian.

Compostion and Perspective

2010-04-03T00:42:00.006+01:00

Here are my photos for week 2 of my photo workshop. I used some of my glass beads, swarovski crystals and a cardboard textured lid.

As the eye sees it

Birds eye

Close up

Off Centre

Unfocus

I enjoyed the challenge this week, and I really did learn a lot about my photos.

I hadn't heard of the rule of thirds before. It is a style of photo that I really like. I will have to train myself to take photos using that rule. I wanted to put everything in the middle unless it was a close up.

When I use the rule of thirds to take a photo, I learnt that I am more comfortable with the still life being on my left. I wonder why that is.

Unfocus......hocus pocus unfocus is hard!

I have really been out of my photo comfort zone this week, but I have learnt so much. Thanks Camilla, can't wait for your lesson Carolyn.

Victoria and Albert

2010-03-31T23:26:00.003+01:00

I know that I have been before, but I just don't remember going. The Victoria and Albert museum is one of the best museums I have been to in London. There is so much going on you have to be very specific about what you want to see. I wanted to see the photography, silver, jewellery which is all very nicely on the third floor. So we got in the lift, 'cept this lift went to the 4, 2, 1 and basement only! Never did find the third floor, so will be going back for that. I had such a great time. If you are in London and have time, go, you will enjoy yourself. You can take your own food into the cafe and eat, I suggest you do this as it is expensive to buy there and the queues are massive. Above is a college of some of the things we saw. As we didn't get to see the photos etc, we wandered around Queen Victorias exhibition. Really interesting.

I have learnt so much about photography in the last two weeks. Not just the photo taking, but the editing process, textures, editing software. I am really having a good time with all this new information. I love photos! I will be uploading my second assignment on Saturday.

So the clocks Spring forward and we fall back into Winter...it is SO cold again. I was so happy to see the sun shine last week, and see the daffs out, a hint of blossom in the trees. Then wham...winters back. Today from my kitchen window I have seen, rain, sleet, hail, and moments of sun.

Have a great time this weekend whatever you are up to.

Frame and egg

2010-03-26T15:57:00.008Z

Who would have thought that framing an egg could be a challenge!

The challenge is to take a photo of a white egg on black and white with a light source. After that you can switch to any colour egg and background.

I used black card, white paper and day/sunlight. However, that wasn't the first part of this challenge for me. My first part of the challenge was to find a white egg - I really under estimated that part, thanks to Camilla for your advice and support. I had painted a brown egg white before I found a box of white eggs. I was so happy that I literally danced down the aisles. I had no idea it would be so difficult to get a box of white eggs. So now to take the photos.

Below are my best photos. I read in the workshop brief that photography students where often given one roll of film and told to frame an egg..make it interesting. Thank goodness for digital cameras - I take my hat off to everyone who done this with a one roll of 35mm. In the bottom right hand corner of the first grid of photos I have included a photo of my work space.

Here is my grid of different frames for the eggs. I used both brown and white in this part of the challenge. White is really difficult to take a photo off! I have tried to make the photos interesting and different.

Grid reference:

Top left: White egg in a small pudding case.

Top Middle: On my kitchen table.

Top Right: In my sons hand.

Middle left: In a vase with blue twinkle lights.

Middle Middle: On a magazine page!

Middle Right: On a slopping brick wall (on my way to the park!)

Bottom left: Kitchen table

Bottom Middle: On my canvas bag for life.

Bottom Right: My favourite sketch book.

The only editing I have done is to crop the photos to enhance them, and to cut out the bad bits of the photos!

I really have enjoyed this challenge and they way it has made me start to think about taking the photo. For some reason I like to hold the camera at an angle?! Why, even I ask myself that. If the camera is not at an angle the subject is? Really going to try and sort that out, makes for some very hard cropping, and strange photos at times!!

I have also learnt to take more notice of the whole photo, background for instance.

Look more at the shadows and what they are doing.

Still working on keeping the black and white, black and white and not grey!

How to use grids.

Oh! and to NEVER catch a falling egg....EVER!!

I hope you enjoy looking at my photos...please leave a comment. I am going to try and visit everyone who is taking part in the workshop.

A great place to eat

2010-03-22T23:10:00.002Z

This has to be my favourite place to eat out. The food is always good, the price is always resonable, and I am always happy to be there!

Keeping this post short and sweet as I have been having trouble loading it up.......

365 project

2010-03-18T22:39:00.003Z

I really do love this photo. I am taking part in the 365 project, (there is a link on the side) and I am currently doing the Rainbow (roygbiv) challenge. This was my entry for green and it made the popular page.....I am so chuffed. I walked past this display and it caught my eye, instantly I knew that on my way back I was going to take a photo of it.

I am starting a photography online workshop on Saturday and I am so excited about that. I have been thinking all week about it, counting down the days.

Rainbow in the sky

2010-03-16T23:24:00.002Z

I hope you can see the rainbow in the photos above. I was at the park with Ryver when we both noticed this rainbow dancing around the sky. First of all it was like a ball, then it became like strips of rainbow. I have never seen a rainbow in the clouds before.

Fighting Ducks

2010-03-12T23:23:00.003Z

We went to the playground today. But it was closed. So we went and fed the ducks instead. Whilst we were there a bit of a row broke out!

It was a bit too cold and wet for the playground really. Ryver has been a bit poorly so I didn't want to take him out for a long time, just enough to get some new air! He has this rotten cough and a blocked nose. I hate it when the kids have a blocked nose, I hate it when I have a blocked nose, can't breath and get a really dry/sore throat from sleeping with your mouth open.

I am really looking forward to spring. I can't wait for the sun to shine just a little bit more every day. I don't mind even the cold and the sun!

I have joined 365 where you post one photo a day for a year, there are themes and competitions that go on also. Some seriously stunning photos. I love looking at photos. I have joined the tutorial/course that C & C are running. I can't wait for that to start.

Wobbly Knees

2010-03-09T22:25:00.003Z

During a visit at Centre Parcs I took my son and niece up this slide. You can't quite make it out in the photo, but you climb up through the middle. There are a couple of platforms and a ladder. It wasn't until I was halfway up that I discovered that vertigo...I promise you that it was only the thought of being cut out of this slide that made me continue. I have never ever experience vertigo. My legs were swaying left and right, my eyes were spinning like spinning tops, my stomach was disco dancing. All that and I had a two three year olds waiting for me to lift them to the next platform. I would like to add at this point, that my sister and Mum were waiting at the bottom of the slide and I am sure it was laughter I could hear! On reaching the top, my niece was on the slide and down in a flash. My son said..."Mum a bit scared, shall we sit here?" He had every intention of staying up there awhile. Me it was now or be rescued...so I grab my son and we laid side by side coming down the slide. I can laugh about it now, in fact even then I could, but I felt so ill after.

I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, twice...actually thinking about that, the second time it wasn't as much fun. I don't know what has happened, age? knowledge? I was never scared of heights. It wasn't the height that scared me it was my reaction to it that did!!

Hearts and beads...

2010-03-08T21:11:00.002Z

Me and Ryver made the hearts for Valentines day. We had such a good time painting, sticking, using glitter, and cutting. I had the idea of the hearts from Patricia I really do enjoy her blog.

I am so happy with these beads. I used a glass that I don't use very often, opal yellow, I normally don't get on with the glass at all. But when I made these we were best of friends. I will be putting them up for sale on the website in the next day or so. I have a few sets to go on all this shape but different colours.

It has been really nice to see the sun shine. It would be even nice though if it was warmer!

Beautiful Day

2010-03-01T23:27:00.002Z

Wasn't it a lovely day today. We had such a good time. Went to see if the ducks were back, and they were...fantastic. The park was busy which was nice also. We stopped at our favourite bench to have a snack. It was so nice to be outside, without freezing, getting soaked or looking at the gloomy sky!

Scrabble

2010-02-06T09:04:00.002Z

Good Morning!

I haven't played this game in way too long. But now I can't stop playing it. Now all I need to do is brush up all the words that have z in them!!

Website

2010-02-05T23:36:00.002Z

I think that I am finally happy with my website. It has taken me more months than I care to remember to be settled with it. I am happy with the colour and the layout, so all is promising at the moment! I do have some more work to do on it but I don't feel so overwhelmed by it now. I have a couple of sets of beads to add this weekend.

I have had a great week, I hope you have too. I have been creating and reading both of which make me really happy. I want to catch up on all my emails in the next couple of days, so if you are expecting one from me - check your inbox over the weekend.

Cake

2010-01-31T23:26:00.002Z

Birthday Cake. The chocolate cake is the one we bought, and the Spongebob cake my sister made. Isn't it fantastic. I am sure that I have put a photo on here before of the Peppa pig cake my sister made her daughter. Pleased to say that there is no cake left, both cakes were delicious!

Haven't managed to update the website but that is my goal for tomorrow to get that sorted out. Have a couple of bits I want to put on there.

Getting things in order.

2010-01-29T23:01:00.007Z

Charlie Brown has nothing at all to do with me getting things straight! But I do love Charlie Brown!

I have been getting myself organised and getting lots of little things sorted out. You know the sort of thing that should take about five minutes but ends up taking half a day. The only draw back that I have with me sorting things out and rearranging things, is that I can never find anything for the first month!! But it feels nice to get things done or finished. I want to do many more creative things, and the only way I am going to do this is to organise my time much more wisely. So that is the plan, organise, then create!!

I have found a couple of new blogs that I am following. One If you never did, you should is a really nice blog. I really enjoy reading about Jodis adventures. One of the blog entries was about a book club, which got me to thinking. I love to read. But haven't made enough time at all for reading. So having to read a book for a club, might give me the kick I need. I would join Jodis club, but I am not sure that the books are published here at the same time. So anyone know of a nice, easy going, book club?

Beads

2010-01-26T23:40:00.004Z

Finally got to make some beads. Some of the ones you see will be in my website shop over the weekend, unless they sell before hand!

My little fella turned three today. He had a great time. He was so happy to have his birthday.

I got the knitting patterns today. So much choice. Beautiful patterns, lovely colours. Now to decided on a pattern that I can cope with, so I will finish it.

Creative Every Day....body

2010-01-25T16:36:00.003Z

The word for this month over at the Creative Every Day blog is...body. So I was going to do a painting using just my fingers. My three year old decided that he wanted to have a go to. He was much better than me, but we both had a great time.

Downstairs at the Kings Head.

2010-01-22T23:30:00.004Z

I went to see my friend who is a comedienne by night and a teacher by day, last night at the Kings head...well downstairs at the Kings Head. It was a fantastic night and my friend was fantastic, and really funny. It is such a good night 16 new comedy folk have a 5 minute slot each. The humour is varied, but that is what makes it such a good night. I was and still am so proud of my friend. To stand up in front of approx 100 people and be funny must be really scary. I know that I couldn't do it.

So going to see Rachel yesterday means that I have done one thing on my 40 things to do during the year I am 40 list.

On the knitting front, I have ordered the pattern. Going to have a look at it first then decided if I can understand it! Being sensible is so hard, I much prefer to rush head on in to a project and work out how to do it, after I have missed the first few steps! I also managed to do some art today for Creative Every day! Not going to say too much on that, as I took photos and will do a post on that tomorrow.

I nearly forgot to mention, the saga with the supersafe tag for the Bank continues! I got my new tag and telephoned the bank straight away to ensure I remember everything! Was as pleased as punch with myself that I remember the password! Just before I put the phone down, I said to the woman, "so that is me safe with Internet banking then" to which she replied.."Oh no.....this is just for telephone banking, You will have to give me your User id and password you set up when you joined our bank" needless to say I don't remember this and so now I am waiting for another form to fill in to do re set up my Internet banking....Sonia...are you laughing?!!

What to do....

2010-01-19T22:23:00.003Z

Knitting.....I can knit. I have been knitting off and on for years. Recently I saw a photo of a fantastic jumper, then I discovered Noro wool. As soon as I saw it, I though of a friend of mine, and wouldn't it be cool to knit her a jumper for Christmas 2010...I will need the whole year believe me! I have been arguing with myself for the last couple of days....will I waste the money buying the wool, needles etc. But what a fantastic present it would be.....I am a very basic knitter, friends of mine knit socks and gloves, I can't turn corners! The thought of a double ended knitting needle worries me. So a basic block jumper, with Noro wool, would be ok right? Or should I stick to a scarf? If I knit a scarf, I can not do the hat, so it wouldn't be such a nice gift. Will sleep on it a bit longer....but I love that Noro Wool, or the look of it anyway.

Had some torch time today, so made some beads. Feels funny sitting at the torch as I haven't been there for awhile. But as soon as I got into my stride I was happy with lots of bead ideas flying around my head. I must get myself into a habit of noting down the ideas I have. As I was at the torch today ideas were flying around my head, and sometimes I get dizzy from this and don't focus enough on what I am doing.

Words......

2010-01-16T20:56:00.008Z

I like words. I like to read. I like to write. I discovered the most wonderful blog, full of words and photos that completely inspire Bee House Hives it is not just this blog, but the joint blog between Camilla and Sarah that I enjoyed reading and looking at also.

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realising that life is made of little things" Frank Clark

Thank you Sarah and Camilla for such inspirational blogs.

Soda Bread....

2010-01-16T12:28:00.002Z

I haven't had Soda Bread in such a long time, so it was such a treat to have some homemade soda bread at my friends house yesterday. We had home made soda bread, with home made soup, with home (well allotment) grown veg....PERFECT.

I haven't been making a beads just lately as it has been too cold, but I can feel the creative juices starting to flow again...

Giggles.......

2010-01-14T23:00:00.003Z

I had the funniest telephone conversation today. I phone up my bank to register my supersafe pin number tag that they have sent me. Now I admit that they sent this to me a little while ago, but today I thought I will register that. I have kept it safe in a safe place (that I remember!) so that was the first hurdle finding it! I thought I could do it online, turns out when I read the letter properly and that I couldn't. So I phoned the customer services. I had to provide part of my password. I could not remember it, so I guessed my daughters name....wrong, then I guessed my older boys name...wrong. Then I said to the person on the other end of the phone...I am guessing my kids names here, giggling. He then said well have you got any other kids? I replied yes but I don't think he was born at the time we registered....he went into fits of laughter. Which made me giggle even more. I had two more guesses to make and on the final one got it right! Phew...then I said, I would like to register my supersafe pin etc and he said because I have taken awhile to register it...because I couldn't remember my password....It is now out of date and a new one will have to be issued!!! Another day, with someone else at the end of the phone I would have screamed...but today it was so funny.

Every year I make a list of foods I want to try. Some I have tried before and don't like and some have never tried. Today I used aubergines in my dinner. I have not had them before. They look so rich I have always wanted to try one. They are really nice. Will be having them again!! Want to try StarFruit...never had that, and I still don't like Corn or mushrooms.

I have resolved the problem with the mattress, thankfully. Just intime to start solving a problem with the tumbledryer.......

and yet more snow....

2010-01-13T22:25:00.006Z

My two boys in the snow! Ryver loves his sledge, he thinks it is a fantastic way to get around!! I have decided that I don't like this snow...I like London snow, the type that looks pretty on the way down and then disappears on impact more or less. I know it has been slightly different this time around but you know what I mean.

One of the things I have learnt whilst the snow is here is about temperature. Pre snow, the mercury only had to drop to about 5 or 7 Celsius and I thought it was cold. Now when it was 1 above freezing I was warm. Even turned the central heating off! I could really tell the difference.

Enough of the weather..... I have decided that as I am now 40!! Yep turned 40 on Saturday...I want to be more organised. To be able to make the most of my time. Instead of flying by the seat of my pants all the time. One draw back is every time I have tried this before I forget where I put things...and it is not until I re do whatever and then think I will put it in there for safe keeping that I find the one I have already done! My blue peter moments I call them. If I was to think, now where did I put that, I would never remember...strange! So short of having a notepad and pen attached to me I am not sure how to sort that one out. It will come to me.

Happy New Year......

2010-01-07T13:38:00.004Z

Happy New Year to you! I hope that this New Year is a good one for you. On my brief journey outside yesterday I took this photo. I don't really like snow. I really don't like driving in it, and I am lucky that I don't have to. Just before Christmas me and Ryver got stuck in a snow jam and a 40 minute journey took nearly 2 hours. I felt like an Ice Road Trucker the last time I was in the car!!! I love that show.

The snow is one thing, but the bitterness of the weather is another. It hasn't been above freezing where I live for the last week and tonight I have -6 to look forward to. I know that, that temperature is quite warm compared to some parts of the country but it is FREEZING. Just trying to air the house out is cold. I always have this romantic idea that I could live happily somewhere like Alaska, or Sweden...but then we get just a little snow and think no way!!

I hope that where ever you are, you are safe, warm and happy....HAPPY NEW YEAR have a fantastic 2010.

Holly Trees

2009-11-23T23:21:00.002Z

I was walking around a park the other day and came across a lovely little hidden corner of it that has a row of holly trees...not bushes trees...such a lovely site to see.

Is anyone else watching I am a celebrity get me out of here? Ant and Dec are just so funny. I really enjoy that show.

Just a short update to let you know I am still here.....

New website and Charity Auction

2009-10-28T22:05:00.005Z

Finally have the new website up and running. It has taken me a month longer than I had hoped. Still have bits and pieces to add to it, but I am happy with how it looks. My web address is the same.

I am taking part in a Charity Auction please do take a look and have a bid if you fancy anything. The money raised is going to two very worthy Charities

Take care
Tina

Finally.....

2009-08-26T17:13:00.003+01:00

updated my website. I have been trying to get it sorted for almost a month. Still it is done now. New beads, newish format on the front page.

Remember my tree

2009-08-08T21:14:00.003+01:00

This is what my tree looks like now...looks upside down almost doesn't it. Bit of a crappy photo but the best I could do on such a busy road!

I have been busy, busy, busy. Have decided that there is too much stuff in my house so some of it has to go. So have been busy decluttering. Doing bits at a time and by myself....that way I get to throw out stuff!!!

Have also made some beads and will put them up on the website soon, want to change the front of the website so it is easier to edit....just need to work out how to do that! Also been making lots of jewellery for commisions. Not to mention I have had a bit of a cooking kick just lately...no one more suprised than me!

Look what I made......

2009-07-05T21:38:00.002+01:00

Had a little play on the torch the other day and look what I made! I am really happy with it even though it is wonky and huge!! It is one of my favourite colour combos though. Have some beads to put up during the week, and have a plan for some rings...

Look what I have grown......

2009-06-28T22:40:00.002+01:00

I am as pleased as punch with this strawberry! It is the first one that I have ever grown, and doesn't it look nice! I don't even want to pick it....I know that I am going to have to do that tomorrow probably, but I do like to pop out on to my balcony and have a look at it. I have lots more strawberries coming and toms, but this is the first!

What beautiful weather we are having right now. I do wish that it would cool down a bit at night time though. You can't please some people can you!!

Mamma Mia......

2009-06-24T21:30:00.003+01:00

.

The funniest thing has happened. Ryver (above) loves to watch Mamma Mia, amongst other films. He sings along to Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia. So husband found the ABBA... CD and I put in the car for Ryver to listen to whilst we were driving along. We had a great time singing at the top of our voice. But...the car seems to like Abba to, and is refusing to give up the CD. So everytime the engine is on...ABBA sing! Mamma Mia here we go again..my my......

At last I do it...

2009-06-10T22:16:00.005+01:00

If I was to tell you just how long ago I was tagged, it would be embarrasing so....I am not going to. Finally I have answered the question.

Its an 8 Tag so here we go :

8 Things I am looking Forward too.....

1. Christmas

2. Auntie Jenny coming over from Australia

3. Getting more time to play with Glass and Silver

4. Meeting up with Nicky

5. Summer

6. Eating my home grown strawberries and toms

7. Getting another tattoo

8. Getting fit!

8 Things I Did Yesterday...

1. Went to Sainsbury

2. Replied to emails

3. Sold my laptop

4. Sorted out all my plants

5. Played with Ryver

6. Accounts work

7. Downloaded some podcasts

8. Went to bed early for a change

8 Things I Wish I Could Do....

1. Speak another language

2. Write a book

3. Understand computers more

4. Not be scared of sailing

5. enjoy summer without hayfever

6. Spend more time relaxing.

7. Remember, I just keep forgetting everything

8. Make people Laugh

8 Shows I Watch....

1. Eastenders

2. News

3. Noddy

4. Coast

5. The One show

6. MasterChef

7. Holby City

8. Alan Carr show....can't remember the name he is very funny.

So those are my 8's. Normally what you do now is list the rules and tag another 8 people, but I am so slow in putting this post up..sorry Nicky....that I have decided not to tag anyone. Most of the people I would have tagged have been done already!

Hoping to blog again later. Enjoy the warmth

Amazing Tree

2009-05-25T22:32:00.005+01:00

I have been trying for ages to get this photo upload. FINALLY worked out that I have to bluetooth my photos from my phone to laptop.....must make and effort to keep up with technology!! Anyway back to the photo...this is one tree. Honestly. It is in the middle of the field and is like this almost all year round. It does get some buds on it, but I have never seen it in full glory so to speak. Though I am paying more attention to it this year. I really like this tree.

I would really like to know why this tree is like that.

I have also planted sunflowers (V, I am sorry about the lack of photos). I was wondering why they hadn't started to sprout. Then I watched my son and the dog pick the 'weeds' as my son called them! So they have been sprouting, they are just being picked!! I now have or did at my last check have four sunflowers sprouting.

What fantastic weather we have had over the last couple of days. It has been really nice to see so much sun.

I had planned to have a longer blog tonight, but there is a helicopter flying around in circles above me and the noise is really starting to irritate me...so I am off!!!

Peppa Pig Cake.....

2009-05-10T10:09:00.001+01:00

Look at this fantastic cake my sister and her fella made for their daughters third birthday. I thought it was brilliant. It tasted fantastic also! Will update more later.x

Rosary

2009-04-20T22:18:00.003+01:00

Long time no blog again! I have written many blogs in my head, but just not had the time during the day or night to get to laptop and have everything in working order i.e laptop, internet connection, brain, camera!!

Making the rosary above was such a pleasure to do. I have been working on it for sometime now, but was not happy with the various designs, looks of the rosary. Then I found some beads, that were not lost, but I had forgotten where I had put them.....made by Laura. I bought these from Laura a flipping long time ago and I am so happy with what I have done with them, as I wanted to do something special. A friend of mine saw the above rosary and has already asked me to make her one also. I know it is not made to the decades perfectly, but that was not what it was about this piece.

I am doing the RaceforLife this year...first time I have done it. I have added a link to my sponsor page. I am quite looking forward to it at the moment!!

Sunflowers

2009-04-02T23:12:00.003+01:00

Veryan at beadypool is organising a sunflower race for kids. The money raised will go to macmillan cancer support. Check out Veryans blog for the details.

Look what I won..

2009-03-26T21:53:00.004Z

The most wonderful earrings. I haven't stopped touching them since I have got them. I am going to wear them when I go out over the weekend. Thank you so much Kristin Take a look at Kristins blog, as she runs random blog giveaways. The above photo was taken by Kristin.

This link is fasinating it tells you how many minutes and seconds you have been alive, plus a load of other information.

I had the strangest dream the other night. I was drawing cirlces...that is all I was doing. Drawing circles!

Borough Market

2009-03-08T21:43:00.003Z

Had a fantastic day yesterday. Went to Borough Market...if you haven't been, please do go and visit it. It is mainly food that is sold, some flowers, wine etc. But you get to try all the food, it is not expensive either. You can sample food before you buy them also. People from across the Country come to sell their produce. I had the best cheese toasty I have EVER tasted there yesterday.

Then we wallked along the Southbank to the London Eye. Along the way took loads of photos, of the Globe, Oxo Tower, Bridges, Human Statues etc...but the one above is one of my favourites.

Got a great book on London yesterday also, in which I found out that Borough Market is the oldest in London. I don't really know why I haven't been there before!

The best job in the world....

2009-03-06T09:18:00.003Z

Good Morning, a quick morning blog...

I stumbled across this job offer awhile back...I have been watching it eagerly to see who wins. Here is the link if you are interested.

The shinning.....

2009-03-05T23:11:00.000Z

Just love this photo.....

Blue skies

2009-02-21T22:40:00.005Z

I bet you didn't realise that this was a photo of the sky today....I had to take this photo. I was so happy to see the sky looking so blue for a change that I took a photo to remember how nice it was to see it. It really does make a difference when the sky is so blue. Me and Ryver went for a walk to one of the local parks. After the visit to the swings I decided we would go and have a look a the little man made pond that is in the park. There are always ducks there, well everytime I go to the pond bit, the duck are there. But today I found this tree....my favourite tree has been there all the time!

I should say that I have just noticed it rather than found it, as it has probably been there awhile. Today I decided that I would just spend time with Ryver, and not think about the silver creations I am working on, the beads I want to make, the accounts I need to do, the housework, the cooking, not anything but Ryver me and the park....We had a fantastic day. I feel so refreshed by it. I also took quite a few photos, one of my favourites are below.

I saw this little beauty, all by herself enjoying the peace and the warmth. Showing off all her glory. I am going to start growing some flowers and fruits with Ryver. We don't have a garden, just a balcony so have limited space. I am going to take photos of how we get along. I have kept hold of a wooden shelf unit that was going to be skipped. I plan to grow strawberries and toms. Not sure what flowers yet.

Hope to see blue skies tomorrow!

Look what I got....

2009-02-19T22:36:00.004Z

My friend the very kind and super talented Laura, sent me these fingerless mitts. My photo does not do them justice. They are a deeper red in real life also. I have had them on ever since I got them. They are just perfect. I can not believe the speed that Laura knits at..supersonic! Thank you again Laura.

I also want to thank Veryan for the newspaper cutting on Hazel Trees... very much appreicated, it also lets me update the blog. I have been putting it off, as I love her photo so much.

You know I didn't realise it was so difficult to get a plain paper notebook, with decent quality notepaper in it. I thought it would be a case of just popping into Smiths or somewhere like that and getting one. I want to start my art journal and all I have found so far are lined ones....so I am still on the prowl for one.

Thanks again Laura and Veryan (super beads by the way).

My favourite Tree.....

2009-02-08T20:44:00.005Z

So there I was, browsing around looking at photos on V's flickr when I came across the photo above (I would just like to say a massive thank you to V's husband for a. taking this brilliant photo and b. allowing me to use it on my blog...ta very much.)

As soon as I saw the photo I remembered as a child touching Catkins, and staring at them for ages. I think they are amazing, I love the colours of them and how they grow. I haven't seen a Hazel Tree in such a long time that it was so nice to see the photo and have my memory refreshed. I have over the last 24 hours seen two more photos of the Hazel Tree but the above photo is by far the best. I wonder where there are some local Hazels Sonia do you know.

Kiwi fritters

2009-02-06T22:47:00.004Z

Made these fritters yesterday. I have put them up on my website today.

Never thought I would say this, but I am really not enjoying the snow. We had a load more of the white stuff over night and it has been snowing on and off most of the day. It is all slushy and horrible now, grey and dirty.

Saw this amazing tree today, it is on such a busy road, but I am going to have to try and get a photo of it. It looks like two trees have become one, but I am not sure. I can't get close enough to it. Either that or the top is dead and the bottom, very much alive. But the branches are different, I am sure it is two trees merged (sign of the times eh!!!) into one. Must get a photo.

Working with silver.....

2009-02-05T21:47:00.002Z

I have been working with silver today. Making some more name discs...I so love doing these. The small piece of silver are there to help me get inspiration. I look at them, hold them, and then ideas pop in and out of my head.

I am so pleased with this heart. It is still a work in progress, have just a few more things to do to finish it then I will be really happy.

I have had such a good creative day today. Made a couple of beads, worked with some silver, took some photos, uploaded and put them on here! Still haven't started my art journal but I will tomorrow.

Words......

2009-02-04T21:12:00.003Z

Words I really like words, writing, reading, speaking I enjoy it all!! So I am really happy with this months challenge on Creative Every Day (link on the side). I made the above necklace as a christmas gift for Sonia...I am going to make some more, but I was trying to think of different words to stamp.

I have also taken some ideas from some blogs I have been visiting and I am going to have an art journal. I have always written, kept diaries etc. But have never done an art one.....so tomorrow is the day I start. Was going to be today, but life took over and I didn't manage to make enough time to do it.

Have started a list of words I like which I will add to...

It's snowing.......

2009-02-02T20:27:00.003Z

Well incase you didn't know, its been snowing!! It was Ryvers first time in the snow. He could just about walk he was so wrapped up. He really did enjoy it though. His new word today is snow.

Didn't much done at all today. Just could not get myself motivated. But thanks to my friend Sonia, that has changed. I have just been on to a blog that Sonia follows and it is just what I need to help me stay focused. Creative Every Day is the name of the blog. There is a link to the blog on my side bar.

Did you have fun in the snow. I heard on the news that a headmistress closed her school and said Children should be playing in the snow, how cool is she.

2009-02-01T20:58:00.004Z

My latest beads. I am so pleased with these. I have tried to work with copper once before but gave up as I though it wasn't working. I now realise I just needed a bit more patients!!! I am going to put these on my website, today or tomorrow. I have a single bead bead the same, but I am going to make a necklace out of that and then put it on my website. I will be playing with copper some more!

I had a kind of Blue Peter day today, made a lot of things and not one bead or piece of jewellery!! I made some Cookies this morning. I can confirm they are very tasty as there are NONE left! Then I made a two foot by two foot wooden castle for Ryver. It is one of his birthday presents. He loves it and I had a great time make it. Ryver still calls the battering ram a pram...I love that! Then I made dinner. The I had to take photos, do account work, sort out washing, etc......I feel like I haven't done much as I haven't been out the house....but reading this back...I have been flipping busy today!

I made the necklace above also. Cut the shape from some silver sheet I have, bashed it about and then had it hallmarked. I have another heart necklace but it is open. I am putting both on my website, today or tomorrow.

Just popped upstairs to get a hot drink and it is really snowing hard outside and settling. I like snow, just don't like to travel in it. Hope you are warm and well.

Tina

Look what I got....

2009-01-12T13:51:00.003Z

It was my birthday on Friday and I got three bunches of flowers! I love fresh flowers, in the summer I can't enjoy them as much because of hayfever.

I have a samsung tocco phone, does anyone else? I can not work out how to transfere photos from the phone to the computer. I assumed it would be dead easy like every other phone, but I really can't work how to do it. Any advice would be helpful!

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T14:02:00.002Z

2008 has been a year of extremes for me, both good and bad. For 2009 I am hoping for peace and tranquility....and lots of laughter.

I want to take this chance to say thank you for following/reading my blog and website.

May you have a VERY Happy New Year.

Happy Christmas.....to you

2008-12-27T18:13:00.004Z

Finally I can post some photos of presents that I made. I am so happy that they have been so well received. I always find it a bit daunting incase someone doesn't like what I have made for them. I made necklace for the women in my family and put their Childrens names on the tags. I made one bracelet also using Chainmaille. They are all hallmarked with my makers mark.

I am so proud of my good friend Sonia....here is a link to her published poem. I love it. You will need to scroll down to Sonia Jarema poem listed on Christmas Eve.....Son, I know you read this...well done my lovely...big hug coming your way.xxx

Hope you all have had a good Christmas day.....and looking forward to the new year.

Hatton Garden

2008-12-05T23:28:00.004Z

One of my favorite places in London. I used to work just around the corner in Smithfield meat market years ago, and spent a lot of time and all of my money in Hatton Garden.

I was there today I like to go there as often as I can, buying some silver and having a wonder around. I find it such a friendly place to be at anytime of the year, but during Decmeber it really does seem to come alive.

So when I discovered that J Blundells who I have bought many things from was closing down today I was upset, a victim of the credit crunch I suppose, but they have been trading for such a long time, it really was sad to see the shop so empty.

The photo above was taken by Jono1 on flickr

What do you think?

2008-12-01T22:03:00.004Z

Here is it...the bracelet I have been working on. I am really happy with it. What do you think of it? Ali.....what do you think? Does it do your whispers bracelet justice?

Catching up......

2008-11-30T21:37:00.007Z

Thats a better photo isn't it! I have updated my website, and the above beads are now up for sale in the shop.

The other day I was just having a look around the internet and I came across Black Friday...which happens after Thanksgiving in America. What I couldn't find out was does it happen every year or is it just this year, because of the credit crunch? Why is it called Black Friday? Is it to do with profits in the shops? Anyone know?

I really like quotes and saying and one liners....I have books where I have written my favourite quotes down. Or favourite lines in song etc. My current favourite quote is:

"Be kinder than neccesary as everyone you meet is fight some sort of battle" what is you favourite quote or saying? I must find a website of quotes...fancy that I haven't looked for one before! I was looking on a website recently for Chinese symbols and Latin sayings...I can't believe that someone wanted " I don't want the toaster" translated into Latin....must have really NOT wanted it!!

I am going to get another tattoo done soon, I want the symbol of River, but they are so different from site to site, it is almost impossible for me to find out what is the true symbol. Another thing to add to my todo list.

I have been making silver stuff also recently. Ali, you will be so pleased with me. (well I hope so anyway) I am going to finish the bracelet and I will up load the photo tomorrow. I am so pleased with it. Having things in the tumbler as we 'speak' so going to run....

Catch you later.

Tina

I made a chain....

2008-11-26T21:50:00.003Z

I am really sorry about the quality of the photo...don't know what I am doing wrong at the moment. But I am so happy with this chain...I made it all by myself. It is fine silver and has been fused together. I have added one of my beads to finish it off.

I have also started a chain again using my beads, but using wire wrapping. I saw a bracelet by Ali of All about the beads and I am having a go at a bracelet like it. I have sore fingers from the wrapping though...have to toughen them up.

Catch you later.

Been at the flame...

2008-11-14T20:47:00.002Z

Crappy photo sorry....but I have been at the flame this week. Had fun with lentils...though it took me awhile to settle. I was thinking about silver designs whilst making glass and glass designs will making the silver!!! I am going to put these bead on the website over the weekend. I HAVE to make some time to update the site...I am so behind.

Thank you........

2008-11-01T22:20:00.003Z

Hello!

Finally got around to posting up my new banners...you may have already seen them as I have been using them for a little while. They were made for me by the lovely Sharon at manamoon Thank you Sharon and I am sorry it has taken me a little while to say so. But I do LOVE them.

I also want to share with you a link to Mokoro Images Beautiful photos. I really like them all, but I do like the pumpkin one and the Road sign on as it is the borough I was born in!! One of the photos reminds me of Balamory....too much kids tv me thinks!!

See you soon.
Tina
xxxx

Big Holes...

2008-10-22T22:46:00.002+01:00

I was going to put, or attempt to put silver cores in these beads. But I really like them and I don't want to smash them up, so they are going to stay as they are! I am hoping to put them on the website over the weekend, but if there is one you like, contact me.

I have been having a great time reading everyones 7 things about themselves. Nicky doesn't like shoe shopping, I can't believe it....that is the only sort of shopping I like. It has been really interesting find out things about everyone....or is it that I am just nosey!!

Tina

I got tagged....twice!

2008-10-19T21:57:00.006+01:00

Hey!

Thanks V and Ali... I got tagged twice. Here is the link to V's blog BeadyPool and ali at All about the beads

Here are the rules of the tag game......

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Now let me think...7 things about me....

1. I LOVE marmite...can eat it on anything and everything. Have to have a daily fix of it, otherwise I get proper grumpy!!

2. I swallowed a glass marble at school. School friends still remember the drama of that day.

3. I used to sell toilets for a living.

4. I went to school in Paris for a little while.

5. I get seasick...I was sick crossing the Mersey...honestly!

6. I love hats...I have a big collection of them...just love them all sorts and shapes.

7. I love red shoes.

Here are the seven people who I am going to tag. If you have been tagged already....sorry.

HP - Beadybugs

Jo - DaisyChain designs

Nicky - Sparkly Treasures

Manda - Mango beads

Gemma - Gemma factrix

Val - Valcox

What a good game this is, nice to learn a little about other people. I have tried to tag people who haven't been tagged, but the time it has taken me to do this...you have all probably been tagged a couple of times.

Have a great day.

Tina