tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49047346019959461022024-03-13T10:42:45.558+00:00{paper and cloth}craft, life and love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-29991583451149315432012-03-31T19:36:00.002+00:002012-03-31T19:36:49.732+00:00FarewellI think the time has come to officially declare this little blog closed. It's been long neglected and over-shadowed by <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts</a> & <a href="http://lettershometoengland.wordpress.com/">Letters Home</a>. Please follow one or both of them if you want to keep in touch with baby, craft & California news.<br />
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Thank you for reading!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-18169010455057848542011-12-31T05:00:00.001+00:002011-12-31T05:00:44.221+00:00A toast to 2011I can't believe all that has happened in 2011, not least the last few weeks since moving to California. It feels like a bit of a dream really. In fact, the beginning of a dream, is what I called my first post on my <a href="http://lettershometoengland.wordpress.com/">new blog</a> about our US adventures.<br />
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Here is is reproduced for you (originally posted 17 November):<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It was October last year when we made the decision to try to move to
the USA. We’d both long harboured the dream to live abroad and the time
felt right to go for it. And the time also felt completely right to
start our family. I should probably mention the setting for these
life-changing decisions: the restaurant in Glasswells (a furniture store
in Ipswich). What a place to set in motion a complete change in our
lives!<br />
<br />
So we started telling people our decision – the moving to the US one
that is, we kept the baby-making to ourselves – and we were met with
pretty positive reactions but I guess they felt like us. It wouldn’t
seem real until it actually happened. Well in August we were thrilled to
discover that both of our hopes had come true. On an ordinary summer
Friday, Ben found out that, after 11 interviews, he’d been successful in
securing a job based in San Jose near San Francisco in California. So
we went out for a fabulous celebratory meal at our favourite restaurant –
accompanied by a glass of bubbly of course. And that was my last
alcoholic drink as three days later, having gone home from work early
feeling sick, I got those magic two pink lines on a home pregnancy test.<br />
<br />
We had a couple of weeks for things to sink in before flying to San
Jose to meet Ben’s new boss and have a good look around the area. We
also had to tell his boss that I was 6 weeks pregnant and that we’d have
to move fairly swiftly so we could be out in California by December! He
was the first person we’d told about the baby. Things were slowly
beginning to feel real.<br />
<br />
And now here we are. As I write these words, out of the corner of my
eye, I can see the photo from today’s 20 week scan. At the top of my
screen I have a tab open where I’d been looking at Virgin flights. I’m
arranging shipping, we have a tenant for our house and I have piles of
clothes on the bedroom floor after sorting through my very cluttered
wardrobe. And if I think too much about the fact that in just three
weeks we’ll be saying goodbye to all our friends and families the tears
start to form. I don’t know about back in August but I tell you
something, it’s feeling pretty damn real now.</blockquote>
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You can keep up with our ups and downs, fun and frustrations over on <a href="http://lettershometoengland.wordpress.com/">Letters Home</a> and I'll try to post stuff here too.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>In the meantime, let's raise a toast to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms. It's going to be an adventure!</b><br />
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-28639087888791411432011-11-10T18:49:00.001+00:002011-11-10T19:20:54.749+00:00Summing it all upIt's a Thursday evening in November and tonight's warming dinner of chicken with coriander, chilli, garlic and ginger is happily bubbling away on the hob while Florence and the Machine plays in the background (via Spotify, she's not in my living room). So it seems like a good time to pause, reflect, and write about everything that's been going on lately.<br />
<br />
Today started with an 8am alarm, an 8.15 rise, a hot shower with an almost-delicious shower gel that smelt of white chocolate and eucalyptus (a strange combination and not one to be transferred to the kitchen any time soon) and a decision to make on what to wear. I opted for skinny jeans, an almost-still-white long sleeved top, green flowery tunic dress and cosy chocolate-brown cardigan. Nothing overly unusual so far until I tell you I spent the night in bed with a pillow behind me, one between my knees and one under my tummy. Which I had to move every time I needed to get up to the loo (three times in total). And that the skinny jeans are elasticated to fit over-the-bump. Oh yes, there's a little someone planning to join our family next April.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/6314799160/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Black and white baby bump mosaic by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Black and white baby bump mosaic" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6314799160_63870b2fb0.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top left photo is the most recent at 18 weeks. Earliest is bottom right, 13 weeks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know this won't be news if you follow <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts</a>, where I've also been pretty absent of late.<br />
<br />
As I write, little one is kicking me gently. I've only been feeling more noticeable movements for the last few days but the flutters have been present since 15 weeks and they're pretty amazing. At week 19 all seems well so far with no morning sickness, quite a lot of tiredness and some back niggles that are under control thanks to the aforementioned military placing of pillows.<br />
<br />
So that's one bit of news. Oh yes, there's more.<br />
<br />
I left my job as a communications manager, at a place I'd worked for 11 years, exactly two weeks ago. Two weeks that have flown by at an unbelievable pace. As despite not "working" I have been busy on a pretty damn big project to move me, my husband, Toby the dog and baby bump to California. All being well, and there are a few official things to sort out still, we'll be living state-side by Christmas. <br />
<br />
So as you can imagine, we have a lot to plan, pack and decisions to make: do we ship the table? how about 20 cookery and craft books (yes, clearly)? where do we want to live? house or apartment with a pool? how do we find a doctor? You don't want to see my project plan!<br />
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It's all very exciting though and we feel very lucky to have been given such an amazing opportunity. And we couldn't be more happy to be starting our much-wanted family.<br />
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<b>We are lucky, happy, a bit scared, excited and growing rapidly (me and baby, not Ben). I think that just about sums it up.</b>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-76082015414500941142011-07-25T12:40:00.000+00:002011-07-25T12:40:00.143+00:00101 in 1001 updateWith less than a year to go it's time to check in with my 101 in 1001 list. I still have a way to go!<br />
<br />
Start date: 30 August 2009<br />
Finish date: 27 May 2012<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4mMROkcJ2s/TirA-ezmPHI/AAAAAAAAALo/Oy-QU9ezepI/s1600/eb5b9cfcce514ecaab2fa58eba1f9483_7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4mMROkcJ2s/TirA-ezmPHI/AAAAAAAAALo/Oy-QU9ezepI/s320/eb5b9cfcce514ecaab2fa58eba1f9483_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> 1. Research family tree<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 2. After doing family history, visit some of the places my family lived</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 3. </span><s style="color: black;">Make my first quilt</s><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 4. Build a website from scratch</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 5. </span><s style="color: black;">Get married!</s> <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 6. Have a go at geocaching</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 7. Write a book</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 8. Write menu plans- seasonal and cheap- every week for a month (0/4)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 9. </span><s style="color: black;">Grow potatoes</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 10. <strike>Join a screenprinting class</strike></span> - I haven't done this as such but I did teach myself screenprinting as part of <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts</a> so I think I'll cross this one off.<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 11. </span><s style="color: black;">Go on safari</s> <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 12. Read a book in a day</span> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 13. </span><s style="color: black;">Do something creative every day for a week (7/7)</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 15. <strike>Record a craft video tutorial</strike></span> Yes! Did you see my <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/week-1-potato-printing/">potato printing video</a>?<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 16. <strike>Eat 5 things I've never tried before (5/5)</strike></span> I tried Haggis in Scotland and bloomin' lovely it was too!<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 18. Make a <a href="http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=1094">photo book</a> with my favourite photos </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 19. Get a piece of freelance writing published - and get paid for it</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 20. Make a scrapbook of a big event (eg wedding, holiday etc.) </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 21. Try waxing (at a salon, not eyebrows)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 22. Write a routine for cleaning/house management</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 23. Go to opera for the first time</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 24. </span><s style="color: black;">Go to the ballet again </s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 25. Donate blood </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 26. Go to a cookery school for the day</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 27. </span><s style="color: black;">Make & write thank you cards for Amanda & Kate</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 28. Perform 20 random acts of kindness (1/20) </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 29. Read 10 books that I haven't already from </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml" style="color: black;">this list</a><span style="color: black;"> (3/10)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 30. Participate in a craft fair</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 31. </span><s style="color: black;">Blog daily for a week (7/7)</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 32. </span><s style="color: black;">Blog daily for a month (30/30)</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 33. Finish my Emily Peacock cushion kit</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 34. Make a zine</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 35. </span><s style="color: black;">Learn to make clip frame purses</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 36. </span><strike style="color: black;">Learn to knit</strike><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 37. Learn to crochet granny squares</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 38. Organise and tidy craft room </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 39. Go to an auction</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 40.<strike> Find the perfect trousers</strike></span> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 41. </span><s style="color: black;">Get a promotion</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 42. Climb Snowdonia</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 43. Have another horse riding lesson</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 44. </span><s style="color: black;">Select and take part in a “big” charity event like the Moonwalk</s> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 45. </span><s style="color: black;">Take part in a beach cleaning event</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 46. </span><s style="color: black;">Get up at 7am every day for a week (7/7)</s> <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 47. <strike>Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours</strike></span> I did it in <a href="http://papercloth.blogspot.com/2011/06/year-of-achievements.html">7 hours</a> :)<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 48. </span><s style="color: black;">Learn another craft I haven't already done</s> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 49. Set up a craft night/afternoon </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 50. Set up a water butt</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 51. And a compost bin</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 53. </span><s style="color: black;">Visit a farmers' market or farm shop once a month</s><span style="color: black;">- </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 54. </span><s style="color: black;">Continue to run the Christmas giving tree at work every year (2/2)</s> <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 55. Visit an art gallery</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 56. <strike>Go to pilates once a week for a month (4/4) </strike></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 57. <strike>Make lunch to take to work every day for a week (5/5)</strike></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 58. Visit an outdoor market in London</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 59. <strike>Have a pedicure</strike></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 60. Cook a ten-course meal (I have no idea what would be in a ten-course meal but why not?!)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 61. </span><s style="color: black;">Go on a picnic</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 62. Buy an original piece of art</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 63. </span><s style="color: black;">Update my blog template</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 64.</span><strike style="color: black;"> Make a skirt</strike><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 65. </span><strike style="color: black;">Make a dress</strike> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 66. Go to a classical music concert</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 67. Do a furniture makeover (find a piece of old furniture, make it over and document it)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 68. Buy a Diane von Furstenberg dress</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 69. Buy a vintage dress</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 70. </span><s style="color: black;">Donate something to freecycle, or a charity shop, once a month, on average</s><span style="color: black;">- </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 71. Make sourdough bread</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 72. <strike>Make some reusable shopping bags to fit in my handbag</strike></span> I <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/week-2-screen-printing/">screenprinted some bags</a> a couple of weeks ago<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 73. Visit five countries (4/5) - USA, South Africa, Mauritius and Dubai</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 74. Write a letter to myself to be opened on my 35th birthday </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 75. </span><s style="color: black;">Find a photo of myself that I like and frame it</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 76. </span><s style="color: black;">Make a cake for Ben's 36th birthday</s> <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 77. <strike>Have a session with a personal shopper</strike></span> I did this a few weeks ago and great fun it was too.<br />
<span style="color: black;"> 78. Learn about a historical period </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 79. Read 10 biographies/non-fiction books (1/10) </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 80. </span><s style="color: black;">Have a boudoir photo session</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 81. Make something from each of my craft books- donate to charity any books I don't make anything from</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 82. Finish working through the book, “ The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are”</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 83. </span><strike style="color: black;">At least once a month, go to sleep without reading first </strike><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 84. </span><s style="color: black;">Buy new glasses</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 85. Go to New York again (with Ben)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 86. Re-stock etsy shop</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 87. Write 10 letters to loved ones</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 88. </span><s style="color: black;">Get my hair cut every 8 weeks</s><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 89. Meet an internet friend in real life</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 90. <strike>Eat a piece of fruit every day for a month (0/30)</strike></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 91. Learn to make something in my new tagine pot</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 92. Make something and give it to a friend for no reason</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 93. Make 50 handmade presents (14/50)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 94. Plant a tree</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 95. <strike>Have a spa day</strike></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 96. Give snowboarding another try</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 97. Watch 20 of the Times top 100 films (1/20)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 98. Read a newspaper every day for a week (0/7)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 99. </span><s style="color: black;">Learn how to use my mac (I really need to learn the shortcuts I'm so used to with Windows!)</s> <br />
<span style="color: black;"> 100. Start an art journal</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> 101. </span><s style="color: black;">Sleep outside</s><br />
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<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-61711149551832222262011-07-23T19:36:00.002+00:002011-07-23T19:36:53.855+00:00Can you handle another candle?Is it just me or do birthdays seem to come around quicker when you're older? When I was small I remember it feeling like it was forever until the long winter and spring months turned into July and I could look forward to another candle on my birthday cake.<br />
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This year's birthday can be summed up by: <a href="http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets/MuchAdoAboutNothing.php">David Tennant</a>, Shakespeare, BBQ, rain (lots of), Pimm's, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/54786857/">streamers</a>, flowers, good friends, family, <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/06/mediterranean-pepper-salad/">pepper salad</a>, cards, love and fun.<br />
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And another candle. Can I handle it? Yes I think I can. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS - can you handle another candle? is courtesy of one of my birthday cards.</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-744198421121115472011-06-14T16:05:00.000+00:002011-06-14T16:05:03.912+00:00A year of achievementsGuess what? I've completed my <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts in 52 weeks project</a> - I can’t quite believe it. I came up with the idea whilst recovering from back surgery last June and I’m so proud to have completed a craft a week for a whole magnificent year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cp5lcaFEWUk/Tfd_XD8dGSI/AAAAAAAAAK4/h9zAIhJPYCg/s1600/mosaicf8db1d71733bb98d98c96fe08db81c2c07ae032b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cp5lcaFEWUk/Tfd_XD8dGSI/AAAAAAAAAK4/h9zAIhJPYCg/s320/mosaicf8db1d71733bb98d98c96fe08db81c2c07ae032b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVgHDAtw1_U/TfeEIrRfrtI/AAAAAAAAAK8/16otYYs7ZVU/s1600/mosaic92db07f3fc3e64052370c1bd63aec006ff721ed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVgHDAtw1_U/TfeEIrRfrtI/AAAAAAAAAK8/16otYYs7ZVU/s400/mosaic92db07f3fc3e64052370c1bd63aec006ff721ed3.jpg" width="332" /></a></div> Another crazy idea I had a year ago was to take part in the <a href="http://www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/TheMoonWalkEdinburgh">Edinburgh Moonwalk</a>. So I’m writing this post whilst resting my incredibly sore feet. I walked 26.2 miles through the night for breast cancer and completed it in a very respectable 7 hours. Something else to be proud of I think. I hope all this pride doesn’t result in a fall. As I can hardly walk that’s very possible.<br />
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Important crafting note: I decorated my bra with fabulous sequin fabric and tassels. The theme was Moulin Rouge so I totally had to add feathers to my hat too. Where would we crafters be without glue guns?<br />
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What has made you proud lately?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-20993067498234030072011-05-14T21:24:00.000+00:002011-05-14T21:24:34.367+00:00What a difference a year makesThis time <a href="http://papercloth.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html">last year</a> I was in a post-anaesthetic morphine-induced haze after surgery to fix a bulging disc and relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. I'm so glad I had the operation - thanks to that, a healthy diet and exercise, I've never felt better. Long may it continue.<br />
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I took this photo just over a year ago - I now have a scar just under my tattoo, the only reminder of my surgery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/4598733453_01a45db736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/4598733453_01a45db736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>What were you doing a year ago?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-21099847357677551622011-05-02T07:31:00.001+00:002011-05-02T07:31:46.474+00:00Blogging every day in May on 52 crafts in 52 weeksI've joined a challenge called <a href="http://michellerafter.com/the-2011-wordcount-blogathon/">Blogathon 2011</a> to blog every day throughout May. Instead of using this blog I thought it would be more of a challenge to do it on <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts in 52 weeks</a> as I only usually post once a week. Wish me luck!<br />
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I hope you're having a lovely Bank Holiday weekend - I'm hoping to get out into the garden. It's full of these beauties...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/04/24/c7a409a37af94a72b8cd6c42596b0263_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/04/24/c7a409a37af94a72b8cd6c42596b0263_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Happy Monday xChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-31352942110276677422011-05-01T20:45:00.000+00:002011-05-01T20:45:12.449+00:00Wedding loveI love a good wedding, don't you? And oh how I loved the Royal Wedding. I cried (quite a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it), wore a tiara (seriously) and drank tea whilst soaking up every minute of it. I watched it again today - much to my husband's puzzlement but I wanted to see all my favourite bits again. And it was more poignant when you (possibly) <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=lip+reader+royal+wedding&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">know what they were saying to each other</a> (loved it when William told Kate she looked beautiful). The dress was amazing, Prince William dashing, the bridesmaids and page boys adorable and the whole day flawless. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy/5671725703/" title="The Duchess of Cambridge by The British Monarchy, on Flickr"><img alt="The Duchess of Cambridge" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5671725703_5f1f9b49d2.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><br />
What was your favourite part of the big day?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-2562979501323809922011-04-26T18:04:00.000+00:002011-04-26T18:04:12.347+00:00Sketching up a stormI'm really loving sketching right now, and the early mornings have been particularly successful in getting lots of sketches down. The sunny bank holiday weekend helped too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653779936/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketching and braiding in the garden by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketching and braiding in the garden" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5653779936_3fe232cf67.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My work desk in the springtime sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653213667/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketchbook pages by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketchbook pages" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5653213667_a03ef11153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experimenting with my tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653772430/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketchbook pages by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketchbook pages" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5653772430_ec87a3cb79.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More experimenting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653771528/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketchbook pages by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketchbook pages" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5653771528_5e899ca593.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with crayons and charcoal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653768286/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketchbook pages by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketchbook pages" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5653768286_7d601a6285.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pens and pencils</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653769244/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketching by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketching" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5653769244_75f4016302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy seed head in pencil and pen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5653773664/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sketching poppy heads by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketching poppy heads" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5653773664_16a8fd07e3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And watercolour</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My excitement in sketching is all down to the fabulous <a href="http://www.alisaburke.com/onlineworkshops/newsketchbookdelight.html">Sketchbook Delight</a> class by Alisa Burke. I highly recommend it.<br />
Happy sketching xChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-48473520470610785812011-04-23T18:40:00.000+00:002011-04-23T18:40:54.209+00:00A day of sketching and crafting in the sunHappy Easter Saturday. It's a completely spectacular weekend here in the UK - I have never known it to be this hot in April. Mainly because apparently we haven't seen temperatures like this at Easter since records begun.<br />
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So today I've been enjoying the unseasonable weather - I've been sketching, eating, reading and crafting in the sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5646412950/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sketch of a tulip by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Sketch of a tulip" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5646412950_a780d6ca84.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5646534921/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Crafting in the sun by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Crafting in the sun" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5646534921_1a26af326e.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what's going on with my skirt here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Despite the glorious weather I have been online quite a bit (okay, a lot). Here are a few links from around the internet that have caught my eye this week...<br />
<br />
- This <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14468040/">print</a> - "An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail"<br />
- <a href="http://janaemonir.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/baked-oatmeal/">Baked oatmeal</a> - I have porridge with blueberries and bananas every day. This looks like an indulgent alternative.<br />
- <a href="http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject">The Sketchbook Project 2012</a> is live - which theme will you choose? <br />
- My friend Lu has got the <a href="http://blu-shed.blogspot.com/2011/04/epp.html">cutest mugs</a>.<br />
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Enjoy the rest of the Easter weekend xChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-59671641618199968072011-04-22T18:35:00.000+00:002011-04-22T18:35:26.424+00:00Life is good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/04/22/8f4dcbdade734cc9be34562658e242fb_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/04/22/8f4dcbdade734cc9be34562658e242fb_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I hope you're all enjoying the lovely long weekend. The weather is beautiful. Today a couple of friends came over for lunch - I made the Very Full Tart from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0091933684/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paperandcloth-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0091933684">Plenty</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=0091933684" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />.<br />
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It was so delicious and the girls loved it too. Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<b>1 red pepper and 1 yellow pepper</b><br />
<b>About 100ml olive oil</b><br />
<b>1 aubergine, cut into 4cm dice</b><br />
<b>Salt and black pepper</b><br />
<b>1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 3cm dice</b><br />
<b>1 small courgette, cut into 3cm dice</b><br />
<b>2 medium onions, thinly sliced</b><br />
<b>2 bay leaves </b><br />
<b>300g shortcrust pastry</b><br />
<b>8 thyme sprigs, picked</b><br />
<b>120g each ricotta and feta</b><br />
<b>7 cherry tomatoes, halved</b><br />
<b>2 medium free-range eggs</b><br />
<b>200ml double cream</b><br />
<br />
Heat the oven to 230C/gas mark 8.<br />
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Cut around the pepper stalks, then lift out and discard, along with all the seeds. Put the peppers in a small ovenproof dish, drizzle with oil and put on the top shelf of the oven.<br />
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Mix the aubergine with four tablespoons of oil and season. Tip into a big baking tin and place on the shelf below the peppers. After 12 minutes, add the sweet potato, stir and roast for 12 minutes more. Now add the courgette, stir and roast for a further 10–12 minutes. By now, the peppers should be brown and the vegetables cooked. Remove everything from the oven and turn the heat to 160C/gas mark 2½. Cover the peppers with foil and leave to cool; once cool, peel and tear into strips.<br />
Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Sauté the onions with the bay leaves and some salt for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown, soft and sweet. Discard the bay and set aside.<br />
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Grease a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Roll the pastry to a 3mm-thick circle large enough to line the tin with some overhang. Press it into the edges. Line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake blind for 30 minutes, lift out the paper and beans, and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool a little.<br />
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Spread the onions over the bottom, then top with roasted veg. Scatter over half the thyme, dot first with small chunks of both cheeses and then the tomato halves, cut-side up.<br />
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Whisk the eggs and cream with some salt and pepper, and pour into the tart; the tomatoes and cheese should remain exposed. Scatter the remaining thyme on top. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the filling sets and turns golden. Rest for at least 10 minutes, then trim off the excess pastry, remove the tart from its tin and serve.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-10295838818756495912011-04-19T21:20:00.000+00:002011-04-19T21:20:38.159+00:00Decor inspiration via pinterestI'm planning a little bank holiday redecoration spree. Well redecoration is over stating it a little - there'll be no new paint work or major renovations. Just some sprucing and switching up of details.<br />
<br />
Our living room is mainly cream and brown with some metallic thrown in and I think it needs a little colour adding to the party. So I turned to pinterest for some inspiration and green seems to have featured heavily in my pins...<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15016640/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 640="" border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/15016640_KoanszYo_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://cure.apartmenttherapy.com/2010/spring#" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cure.apartmenttherapy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pinkchristine/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15016385/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 369="" border="0" height="266" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/15016385_8e1xdkmu_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.jhinteriordesign.com/portland-mid-century-modern/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">jhinteriordesign.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pinkchristine/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15015514/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 375="" border="0" height="300" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/15015514_I23uW4hS_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141356?utm_campaign=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery15&d=0&w=150811" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pinkchristine/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14975958/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 353="" border="0" height="254" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/14975958_RFQNWVCL_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://cocopearl.blogspot.com/2010/12/designer-of-day-delrose-design-group.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cocopearl.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pinkchristine/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
I think by adding some splashes of green I can brighten up my living room for Spring.<br />
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Are you planning any decoration projects over the long weekends we have coming up (two 4 day weekends in a row - I can't wait)?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-56312011580490329782011-04-15T20:17:00.000+00:002011-04-15T20:17:08.303+00:00Writing from the heartI write a lot - I write all day in my job as a communications manager. I write this blog, <a href="http://indiefixx.com/category/creativity-corner/">guest columns</a> and <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/">52 crafts in 52 weeks</a>. I write <a href="http://twitter.com/pinkchristine">tweets</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/52-crafts-in-52-weeks/133384100033745">Facebook updates</a>.<br />
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I always try to be true to my heart and personality when I write (well at work I have to write according to the corporate personality) but I don't very often write my most innermost thoughts and experiences. For that, I have my journal. <br />
<br />
I go through phases of writing in it. I do it when I feel I need to get a multitude of thoughts and worries out of my head. So for that reason I often write just before bed and just lately I've added a new section: today I'm grateful for...<br />
<br />
Every day I jot down a few things that I'm grateful for on that day. It helps me reflect on the day and remember that even if I've had a bad day and there have been tears, there were good things too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1u-NM70bJMM/Taim3OucvQI/AAAAAAAAAJA/O5kgOsqED_Y/s1600/grateful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1u-NM70bJMM/Taim3OucvQI/AAAAAAAAAJA/O5kgOsqED_Y/s400/grateful.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I don't intend to share all of those thoughts with you but I thought I could share a few of my gratitudes on an occassional basis. I'd love to know what you're grateful for today too - let me know in the comments. xChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-88575669364596731402011-04-12T20:52:00.000+00:002011-04-12T20:52:42.489+00:00I love SpringI love the flowers...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5610357869/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="I love spring by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="I love spring" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5610357869_1a98f540a7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and I particularly love the rhubarb.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5610356457/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fresh from the garden by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Fresh from the garden" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5610356457_492decc07a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I made a gorgeous rhubarb crumble that I really should've taken a photo of for you but you'll just have to imagine it as it got gobbled up far too quickly. Here's the recipe if you want to try making it yourself.<br />
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<b>Rhubarb crumble</b><br />
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5 rhubarb stalks - cut into chunks<br />
1tbsp sugar<br />
<br />
3oz butter<br />
3oz golden caster sugar<br />
3oz wholemeal flour<br />
3oz oats<br />
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Preheat the oven to 180C.<br />
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Put the rhubarb, sugar and some water in a saucepan and heat gently. <br />
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Meanwhile mix the butter, sugar and flour together in a food processor (or rub it together by hand). You still want it to be lumpy so don't over process it - you don't want breadcrumbs. Then mix in the oats.<br />
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Once the rhubarb has cooked down, check the taste and add more sugar if you need it. Then pour it into an ovenproof dish and cover it with the crumble mixture. Bung it in the oven for about 25-30 mins or until the top is golden brown.<br />
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I serve mine with 0% fat Greek yoghurt but custard, cream or ice cream would be just lovely.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-69570278089178361182011-04-09T09:57:00.000+00:002011-04-09T09:12:44.537+00:00Decorate by Holly Becker reviewedIf, like me, you feel you need a little help and advice to get your home just how you want it to be, who better than decor8's Holly Becker to guide you? Her <a href="http://decor8blog.com/">blog</a> is the one I go to first when catching up on my internet reading so as soon as I heard she was writing a book I couldn't wait to place the Amazon order.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5602194165/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Decorate by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Decorate" height="265" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5602194165_c10bb48a83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I certainly wasn't disappointed. It's so so much more than a pretty book to lay on your coffee table. It is literally crammed with inspiring homes and I love the little anecdotes and wise words from designers, stylists and writers spread throughout the book. Here is one that particularly resonated with me: "The true beauty of a room can be found in its details. Layering up a room with the items you love elevates your space."<br />
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My favourite section of the book is 'Setting your style'. I think it's too easy to lose sight of what your own style is when you're bombarded by magazines, blogs and websites from all directions so this is the chapter I'll be studying the most. The 'be your own client' advice is particularly useful.<br />
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I will also be playing close attention to 'Creative spaces' as my study desperately needs some help. It's also our spare room so it needs to work twice as hard. So I can't wait to get started on the re-design with Decorate as my guide. <br />
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If you love design, your home and want a sneaky peek into beautiful abodes from all over the world, pick up a copy of Decorate and be inspired.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=paperandcloth-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1906417504" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-19635987772588080732011-04-07T20:28:00.000+00:002011-04-07T20:28:52.802+00:00Finding inspirationI recently wrote about <a href="http://indiefixx.com/2011/03/29/creativity-corner-inspiration-and-motivation/">motivation and inspiration</a> on Indie Fixx - pop over and <a href="http://indiefixx.com/2011/03/29/creativity-corner-inspiration-and-motivation/">have a little read</a> if you've got a few minutes spare.<br />
<br />
And I love this video by Alisa Burke on the subject of inspiration. I'm following her <a href="http://www.alisaburke.com/onlineworkshops/newsketchbookdelight.html">Sketchbook Delight class</a> and it's a really fabulous online workshop. Comprehensive, interesting and full of Alisa's beautiful work.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19879906" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/19879906">find your inspiration</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3021576">Alisa Burke</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't it brilliant? Where do you find inspiration? </div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-35609984945969339602011-04-04T07:30:00.001+00:002011-04-04T07:30:01.669+00:00{monday muse} sketchingSomething I want to do more of...<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11513316/" target="_blank"><img 322="" border="0" height="257" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/11513316_sktJQ87A_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://sunlightandamocha.tumblr.com/post/233220636/sixteenyellowribbons-via-neekaisweird" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">sunlightandamocha.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pinkchristine/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-7930133489253715172011-04-03T18:13:00.000+00:002011-04-03T18:13:08.626+00:00Do you know the way?I just realised I didn't blog my trip to San Jose. Well mainly it rained but I did see some snippets of blue sky. And I did lots of shopping. And a little crafting. It was just lovely to have a break from work and relax.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/16/8aaf188b9e644c7c949448f64273daa8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/16/8aaf188b9e644c7c949448f64273daa8_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New scarf</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/21/7f93f8273e23415988f8bf597a3a1a22_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/21/7f93f8273e23415988f8bf597a3a1a22_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to San Francisco for the day... it rained</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg616/scaled.php?tn=0&server=616&filename=uy2hy.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg616/scaled.php?tn=0&server=616&filename=uy2hy.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed visiting the sealions</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/17/009ea566da76438da61e6353862ffe23_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/17/009ea566da76438da61e6353862ffe23_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/21/6331d403a642479c910159eb7bf7d60b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/03/21/6331d403a642479c910159eb7bf7d60b_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were some blue skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-38966414255018536422011-03-23T18:25:00.000+00:002011-03-23T18:25:44.740+00:00101 in 1001 updateI've had this post sat in my drafts for ages in the hope that I'd manage to complete a few more before I updated you. Well, I managed a couple so it's not all bad I guess. You may remember that I'm focussing on completing a smaller version of the list before my 32nd birthday so here's that list:<br />
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<div style="color: magenta;">12. Read a book in a day </div><div style="color: magenta;">14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own 15. Record a craft video tutorial <span style="color: black;"></span><br />
16. Eat 5 things I've never tried before (4/5) - I only need to eat one more new thing<br />
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5) - again, I only need to cook one more</div><div style="color: magenta;">39. Go to an auction</div><div style="color: magenta;">47. Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours - it's in June (please <a href="http://www.walkthewalkfundraising.org/christine_evans">sponsor me</a> if you can spare a few pounds)</div><div style="color: magenta;">52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases </div><div style="color: magenta;">55. Visit an art gallery</div><div style="color: magenta;">59. <strike>Have a pedicure</strike> - <span style="color: black;">yes! Had one yesterday at a spa in San Jose</span><br />
60. Cook a ten-course meal - I'm thinking maybe for my birthday</div><div style="color: magenta;">66. Go to a classical music concert</div><div style="color: magenta;">69. Buy a vintage dress</div><div style="color: magenta;">71. Make sourdough bread</div><div style="color: magenta;">95. <strike>Have a spa day</strike> - <span style="color: black;">yes! had a lovely time at <a href="http://www.burkewilliamsspa.com/">Burke Williams spa</a>.</span></div><span style="color: magenta;"> 100. Start an art journal</span><br />
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It's just as well I waited huh as the two I crossed off, I only completed yesterday. I'm really going to have to focus on the rest of them in the next few months.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">I also completed no 40 from the main list - find the perfect trousers. It turns out the style that suits me is tapered leg (like </span><a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2262318&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208657&parent_categoryId=208600&pageSize=20&refinements=category%7E[261043%7C208657]&noOfRefinements=1" style="color: black;">these</a><span style="color: black;">) - I must buy more I feel. I also have three new habits with no.56, no.57 and no.90 all ticked off - pilates, packed lunches and fruit. I do pilates at least once a week now, take a packed lunch to work most days and have at least some fruit every day. As an aside, I read a great article you might like on zenhabits about <a href="http://zenhabits.net/the-habit-change-cheatsheet-29-ways-to-successfully-ingrain-a-behavior/">how to ingrain behaviour</a>.</span></span><br />
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<div style="color: black;"> Instead of clogging up this post with the full list, I've created it a little page all of its very own <a href="http://papercloth.blogspot.com/p/101-in-1001.html">here</a>. </div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-41884955846163458992011-03-23T17:09:00.000+00:002011-03-23T17:09:16.106+00:00I am at my most beautiful (apparently)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aylUnaMkzhE/TYonP8GUjmI/AAAAAAAAAI8/G3AROediKGk/s1600/1324977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aylUnaMkzhE/TYonP8GUjmI/AAAAAAAAAI8/G3AROediKGk/s400/1324977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
According to a <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/7897060/Women-are-at-their-most-beautiful-at-31.html">study</a>, women are at their most beautiful at age 31. So I guess I'd better enjoy it for the few months I have left at this beautiful age! (via <a href="http://www.michellewoo.com/2011/03/20/women-are-their-most-beautiful-at-age-31/">woo!</a>)Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-42693515976119562142011-03-21T18:27:00.000+00:002011-03-21T18:27:35.733+00:00{monday muse} colourI love colour and I was surrounded by it in the Monterey aquarium yesterday...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YgjDLKwtG8/TYeYURWC66I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Q8bLcfpJBHE/s1600/DSC01609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YgjDLKwtG8/TYeYURWC66I/AAAAAAAAAI0/Q8bLcfpJBHE/s400/DSC01609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fR9vx-tfjQA/TYeYRCJJkPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/AvIxgzyohS8/s1600/DSC01600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fR9vx-tfjQA/TYeYRCJJkPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/AvIxgzyohS8/s400/DSC01600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I think these photos will be inspiring me this week! Happy Monday xChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-59043430625423407212011-03-19T01:27:00.000+00:002011-03-19T01:27:33.700+00:00This week I loved...I've been struggling to know what to say about Japan - it's hard to comprehend. But this week I loved (not the right word at all but I hope you know what I mean)...<br />
<br />
:: seeing and reading about all the things people are doing to raise money for Japan and the ways in which they're attempting to process the events of a week ago and the aftermath.<br />
:: Laura from Bugs and Fishes is donating money from sales of <a href="http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2011/03/sewing-cherry-blossoms_18.html">Cherry Blossoms</a> to the appeal (until 19 March)<br />
:: Joejobi is organising an <a href="http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan-quake-auction-appeal.html">auction</a><br />
:: paper and string has a <a href="http://paper-and-string.blogspot.com/2011/03/raffle-for-japan.html">raffle </a><br />
:: Holly is <a href="http://decor8blog.com/2011/03/18/a-peaceful-weekend-to-you/">so much more eloquent</a> than I could hope to be on the subject.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/7132387/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 369="" border="0" height="266" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/7132387_y1E8O9FB_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.thecherryblossomgirl.com/page/2/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thecherryblossomgirl.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/carmellalee/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Carmella</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-12531953920796491362011-03-16T21:20:00.000+00:002011-03-16T21:20:56.562+00:00Wow.I love the word wow and I probably use it too much but when I saw <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/michellemoode?ref=seller_info">this artist's work</a> (via <a href="http://papernstitchblog.com/2011/03/02/draw-in-millions-of-people/">papernstitch</a>) I said: wow.<br />
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Michelle Moode is a mixed-media artist (and book maker) from California and she challenged herself last year to start a drawing a day. As you know I'm all about challenges but I'm full of admiration for someone who is committing to do something every day. I think I may have to make a purchase from her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/michellemoode?ref=pr_shop_more">lovely shop</a> soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.209810298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.209810298.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
PS you can read more about setting your own creativity challenge in my column on <a href="http://indiefixx.com/2011/03/15/creativity-corner-adding-creativity-to-your-life/">Indie Fixx</a>.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904734601995946102.post-76354717378265342302011-03-16T20:59:00.000+00:002011-03-16T20:59:05.486+00:00Do you need a card quickly? Make these 5 easy cards todayCard making was my first crafty-love when I started making again five or so years ago. Since then I must have made hundreds so I have quite a few ideas for you to make your own quick and simple cards to wow your lucky recipients.<br />
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1) <b>Flowers for any occasion</b><br />
I made these for Mother's Day but you could customise them for birthdays, thank yous or any occasion that warrants a pretty card. You just need gorgeous papers, glue (or a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004BPQOIM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=paperandcloth-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004BPQOIM">Xyron sticker maker</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B004BPQOIM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />which is my tool of choice), sticky foam squares (optional) and an alphabet stamp (I have <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67112391/dburger-alphabet-rolling-rubber-stamp?ref=sr_list_8&ga_search_query=alphabet+stamp&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_facet=supplies">this one</a>). It's as simple as cutting petal shapes out of the paper and sticking them down in a flower shape. I stamped Happy Mother's Day on scrap white card, cut out the words and then used foam squares to stick them on - you could just use normal glue. Easy peasy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/4423109372/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Handmade Mother's day cards by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade Mother's day cards" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4423109372_063dc884c0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
2) <b>Punch it out</b><br />
I used a heart punch, white card<b> </b>and foam squares for this simple Valentine's card but you could use any shape - flowers or butterflies would be cute - and add some colour too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/4328059863/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Valentine's day card by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Valentine's day card" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4328059863_99447f0c52.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
3) <b>Fabricate</b><br />
I use fabric a lot with my cards - I always have lots of scraps laying around so it's no bad thing to use a few up.<br />
This one was another Valentine's card but you could do flowers, <a href="http://papercloth.blogspot.com/2010/06/tutorial-last-minute-fathers-day-or-any.html">bunting</a> or anything else that takes your fancy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/430290316/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Love card by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Love card" height="500" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/430290316_c91db8c07e.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br />
BONUS: for extra wow-ness you could use your sewing machine to add some fun freehand stitching like I did with these flowers:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/1134927925/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="pink by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="pink" height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1204/1134927925_22244c0289.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4)<b> Roll with it</b><br />
(brief interlude to sing along to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGVlJkL2h1I">Oasis</a>.) <br />
I love quilling - it's so therapeutic rolling little strips of paper and sticking them down to make a fabulous card. It was my <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/week-1-paper-quilling/">first craft for 52 crafts in 52 weeks</a> and it's great for both men and women - I've made Mum in pinks (below) and Dad in blues. <br />
It requires very few tools – just paper, glue and a quilling tool - so it's a good low-cost craft to get started with. There's a <a href="http://craftzine.com/101/quilling/">great tutorial</a> on CRAFT to get you going.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/4568415872/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Happy Birthday Mum by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Birthday Mum" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4568415872_c26a4849d8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
5) <b>Turn over a new leaf</b><br />
Next time you go on a walk, gather up some interesting leaves and use them to make easy cards. <a href="http://52crafts52weeks.wordpress.com/2010/11/07/week-22-leaf-printing/">Full instructions</a> are over on 52 crafts. I think these are nice to use as notelets to send Spring letters to friends and relatives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkangel1979/5154174161/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fun with nature by ::Christine::, on Flickr"><img alt="Fun with nature" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/5154174161_f5cfe1974c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I hope you found this little card round-up useful - let me know in the comments if you try any of them or if you have any other easy card-making ideas.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816427348860423979noreply@blogger.com2