Today's reminder goes without saying!!

Good Morning Ladies,  

Another early start for me as I have an appointment with the nurse at 08 30am 😲🙄.  All jokes aside I am hoping for some reassurance 🤞 because my inner anxiety has me in bits with worry. 😔

As I am writing this we are driving over to Matt's,  the weather is terrible. The driving rain makes those cars with super white bright lights even worse!  Flipping things are blinding, should be illegal!!  Paul notices more now he has had his lenses replaced after cataracts.  

Today aibam sharing a 'grungy ' style journal page, I started by stamping the mixed media style stamp in opposite corners,  I added clear embossing powder and heat set,   next came Distress Oxide spray Peeled Paint and Kitsch Flamingo, then spritz with water and place kitchen roll over,  it makes the colours more subtle. I blended around the edges with Black Soot Oxide ink.  Stamping next, first the lovely flower from my new Visible Image stamp set, I used black ink and added clear embossing powder and heat set.  I masked off the leaf of the first flower and stamped the second flower and embossed again.  I used Harvest Moon Mica stain to colour the second flower and then added some splatters of it to background,  the sparkle is lovely!  

I added some background stamping with the little dotted circle stamp thats in the Visible Image stamp set.   Now the flower head of the first flower was mostly in the background embossing so I stamped another, fussy cut it and added it.  

The final touches were some white splatters and the sentiment,  which I stamped and then edged with black Posca pen.  

I might do another thats less 'grungy' next.  

I hope that you all have a good day, 

Love and hugs,  

Sandra xxx

Cyanotype Journal page

 

Good Wednesday Morning Ladies,  

Wet & windy here in Gloucestershire,  yesterday the wind was really strong, the rain started late afternoon and the two combined caused havoc, fingers crossed things are calmer today.  Not that it matters, we don't have any plans today,  other than Paul & I are going over to Matt's for fish & chips,  he often raves about how good it is and we needed to drop some parcels off so we thought we'd kill two birds with one stone!!  To be honest I am just looking forward to seeing my boy,  I haven't seen him since way before Christmas, he and Alex work long shifts that often clash, which makes it hard for them to have more than 1 day together.  He seemed genuinely excited that we are going over 😊

Today's reminder can sometimes be hard to do, something that I have definitely struggled with.  I hope it's something you all do though.  😘

Brenda it sounds like you are making great progress,  I am pleased you have your own room, they are usually a bit more lenient with visiting times etc when you are in your own room, visiting is much more relaxed too.  You also have a better night sleep when you aren't on a ward,  I have had some bizarre situations including one where we were in a 4 bed ward, the lady next to me was lovely and we got on really well,  her husband moved the chair round to sit in between us like he was visiting us both,  Paul was juggling looking after the children with work and visiting me, I found being on my own really hard, so it was lovely to share their visiting time.  We had a lady move into our ward and sadly she suffered with dimentia,  she really struggled at night and consequently we all did, I remember vividly nodding off and waking suddenly, opening my eyes and finding her face about 4 inches away from mine!  from that night on for a week we used to take turns at keeping watch! 🤣😂  We felt awful for the nurses though as she had them really busy,  ringing the bell every few minutes.                              Its lovely that John is staying with your daughter as it's one less worry for you my lovely.   Sending you lots if love and gentle hugs XXX

Karen such great news that you have a date already,  you must be so relieved, Paul had to wait about 4 weeks between his cataract surgeries,  the Consultant wanted to do both at once to make it cheaper for Paul as it would have been 1 theatre hire cost, 1 charge for all of the other theatre staff etc,  but the private hospital decided the day before the surgery that it was too much of a risk to do both eyes at once.  With hindsight it would have been fine and would have saved us a good 2 thousand pounds, but at the end of the day he had his sight back which was worth every penny.  He said it wasn't painful at all, the used numbing drops before anything else so he really didn't feel anything,  he was obviously nervous but other than that he was fine.   One thing I would make sure of is making sure they give you the hard plastic eye patch,   I only say that because Becca wasn't given one until I asked, they then bought her one and told her to wear it at night to protect from rubbing subconsciously if it itches while you are asleep.  So pleased that you will be all sorted for the summer my lovely.  XXX

Tiday I am sharing the larger Cyanotype piece that I made using the exact same Blueprint Sketch oxide ink white ink pad, this time I used Tracy Evan’s Seed pod stamp to create the 'bleached out' effect.  I think the larger piece looks more effective.  

I hope that you all have a good Wednesday,  

Love and hugs to all of you,  

Sandra xxx

Pretty Quiet Life card

 

Good Morning Ladies,  

I am having a slower start to my day today,  I was up and dressed at 7.30am yesterday,  ready to drink 1.5 litres of water,  which isn't fun a) first thing in the morning  b) when you have an over sensitive bladder !   The journey should only take 25 mins but there are road works which add a good 20 minutes to half an hour on,  my goodness me, I felt every pot hole like a punch to my bladder with it being so full.  When we got there we had plenty of time, which was a good job as finding the Radiography department was a mission,  there was no space in main carpark so we had to trek to get into the hospital,  then find someone to direct us, thr problem is it's a very old building, that they have joined to other old buildings with covered walkways!  We got there in time,  she then scanned for about 3 minutes then said my goodness you have a really full bladder (which I thought was the point) then said "actually I am going to have to do internal scan so can you go empty your bladder !!  🙄🙄😔  Anyway she found Merena,  she hasn't disappeared,   she did struggle to find my right ovary though,  so I said 'I could have coped with losing Merena but not an ovary! ' she laughed 😅  She said she couldn't measure lining because of coil and that GP should follow protocol and refer me to Gynaecology!  So not the reassurance that I hoped for.  

I am dedicating today's affirmation to ALL of you,   my life would be unbearable without you lovely ladies in it ❤️ 

Today's card I made last week, using Stamperia Quiet Life collection,   I will be honest and say that it took a lot for me to pull that cute little girl out and use her,  I wanted to leave her where she was and admire her.  I layered some of the papers from the Junk journal,  then added the frame and flowers,  so everything was from the Junk journal,   adding the distressed edging to the layers makes them stand out a bit more.  

I hope that you all have a good day, 

Love and hugs to all,  

Sandra xxx 

Clean & Simple Card

 

Good Monday Morning Ladies, 

Welcome to the start of a new week,  we are off to a busy start as I have urgent scan this morning in Cheltenham,  to see if they can see a reason for the symptoms I was having last week and to see if they can spot my Merena Coil 🤣😂  In all seriousness please keep your fingers crossed for a positive outcome. 🤞🤞🤞

We had a very relaxing Sunday,  we had an hour or so in the garden,  there are so many bulbs peeking through,   giving us the exciting feeling that Spring isn't too far away.  We discussed what we were putting where and even ordered a different growing system for strawberries as we haven't had much success with them in the beds that they are in.  Fingers crossed a change will increase their yield.   Moving them also frees up to more raised beds for vegetables. 

Today's Gentle Reminder is so incredibly true,  I think we have all been at that point of just wanting to throw the towel in and give up, despite thinking that we have no more to give we can push ourselves to achieve something that we thought was impossible.  

Brenda, I hope that your physiotherapy is going well and that you are preparing to go home,  I bet John can't wait to have you back home with him. Sending you gentle hugs my lovely XXX 😘

Today I am excited to share a card I made on Friday,  I was so excited to have a play with my new Visible Image stamp set,  I went for a super simple style that I saw on Pinterest.  I stamped and heat embossed the flower and sentiment, I used a yellow Ecoline pen to add a little colour to the flower and green for the leaves.  

I hope that you all have a great start to your week, 

Love and hugs to all,

Sandra xxx 

Our makes this week

 

Good Sunday Morning Ladies,

I hope that you are all having a lovely weekend,   we didn't do anything exciting,   we went to a local landscapers to order soil to top up our raised beds and to fill all pots through spring and summer, we made so many trips buying bags of compost last year we said it would be cheaper to get a tonne bag,  so that's what we did.  Soph was with us so we popped to supermarket to get food shopping as its easier having someone to push the trolley separately,  as the wheelchair trolleys are so small, I think that they assume wheelchair users live alone or maybe a couple.   Soph does make boring chores like shopping fun though 🤣

Here is todays Gentle Reminder...

Your Makes: 

Karen 

Karen's Description:

I have done this card before BUT I’ve used a ew technique to me to die cut the “lady” 

I cut both layers together ie blue on top of white It literally cuts the blue fully but only the outside edge of the white - I didn’t think it would work but worked a dream and saved me from having to painstakingly glue the white spots back in Saves so much time and frustration

I remember the original of this card,  it has to be my favourite card of yours,  so amazing that you designed the whole scene!  

She looks like she could be on a cruise or on a Sunday walk along the promenade.  So pleased it is now easier for you to create too.   You could sell this card over and over again!   

Thank you for sharing it with us and well done for trying another new technique XXX 

Lilian 

Lilian's Description:

Hi, here is another card made from more Stamperia papers. Although they are simple they still took quite a while to make. Added colour with my Koi water colour pens.

Will try and do a journal page as well.

Such a lovely card Lilian,  perfect man card too, using Stamperia papers, adding the extra colouring with your water colour pens really enhances the colours.

Thank you so much for sharing your card with us XXX   

Maria

Maria's Description:

I had a very difficult card to make this week for my good friend and neighbour but her mum passed away on Saturday evening after a long illness so it was coming but still a shock when it happens 😔.    

 I'm sending you the card here. I stamped a bouquet of flowers and coloured it in with my watercolour pencils. I used a stencil and just made a faint pattern on the card. Found a With Sympathy in my stash and stamped that at the bottom.

Oh Maria, your card is so perfect,  sympathy cards are so hard to get right,  your stamped flowers are coloured beautifully too.  I'm sure your neighbour felt very comforted by your kindness x

Thank you so much for sharing it with us XXX

Sonia 

Sonia's Description:

1:  Journal page using Stamperia Dewdrops collection and stamps.

2:  My brother asked me to make a card for his Daughter. I found the papers in my stash, Julie Hickey designs and haven’t used them in a long time. Die cut flower background from PinkFresh Studio and Tim Holtz butterfly. Little flowers from Spellbinders.

Your journal page is beautiful,  the papers are stunning and your composition is perfect.  I love the sentiment you have used too.  

The card for your Niece is stunning,  those Julie Hickey papers are stunning 😍!   Such a lovely design finished with those pretty little flowers and your signature butterfly 🦋 

Thank you so much for sharing your makes with us my lovely XXX 

Sue 

Sue's Description:

Here’s a card that has taken me all week to make and as I moved the stuff so I could photo it I found the white glitter Matt that I had totally forgotten about 😏. It was inspired by cards on Pinterest 🥰

Your card is lovely Sue,  I love all the detail on the ice skates, including the lacing !  The flower arrangement embellishes them perfectly.

It's nice to tick off an achievement,  no matter how long it's taken. 

Thank you for sharing your Christmas card with us XXX

**************

I hope that you all have a lovely Sunday,  

Love and hugs to all of you, 

Sandra xxx

Mixed Up Saturday

Good Saturday Morning Ladies,  

We actually got some sunshine yesterday,  it makes such a difference to your day,  sitting in a room with sunlight pouring through the windows is so mood enhancing,  as apposed to having to have all the lights on as its so dark, it makes you feel cold just thinking about it.   We have a mixed bag of weather forecast today,  I am keeping my fingers crossed as I really want to have a walk around the garden.  

Today's Gentle Reminder 

This reminder is something you don't realise that you need to hear or read but you do need to read it and believe it.  

I actually really love the artwork that accompanies these reminders.  

My Shopping 

While the girls and I were in IKEA  I got myself a 'mini' craft trolley that would fit under my desk, its for my Stamperia paints, Distress Spray stains and various pastes and mediums in the top.  They were taking up 3 boxes and 2 drawers.  It's great having them all in one place.  

In case any of you are looking for craft trolley they have them in Ikea this week for £14 (the full size ones I believe) 

Sonia's Shopping 

Sonia shared a photo of her recent shopping haul,  a Stamperia Dewdrops paper pad and Washi Pad, and some beautiful Ciao Bella paper pads too, which are so beautiful 😍 

Thanks for sharing your shopping my lovely XXX 

Maria's gorgeous Crystal Art 

OMG Maria,  this has to be your most beautiful Crystal Art to date.  The little girl is so pretty and the reindeer is so adorable,  I love all of the details like the fur on her boots and hood and even the shadows. 

Thank you so much for sharing it with us,  I hope you both have a safe journey and a lovely break together in your happy place XXX

I hope that you all see some sunshine today and have a great day.  

Love & hugs to all of you, 

Sandra xxx 

Cyanotype thrinchie 2

 

Good Friday Morning my Lovelies,  

Today's reminder really hits home with me,  I so often will say "I'm Okay thanks "  when asked how I am feeling because I feel too embarrassed to say "I feel horrendous as I haven't slept due to crippling pain"  or "I am feeling really fed up today" !   Feeling free enough to say exactly what you feel must be very liberating.   Sometimes we might want to go to the bottom of the garden to scream as loud as you can,  I for one have days when I can't help but cry,   Usually more due to hormones or frustration at the NHS !!! 

Whatever your emotions it's okay to feel it and more importantly to express it. 🥰

I was dreading Bladder clinic yesterday as lovely Suzanne retired and some of the other nurses weren't 'naturals' lets say 🙄,  there was one time that the nurse had inserted the catheter 4 -6 inches in 'somewhere', they wait for urine to flow to know they are in the right place,  after 5-10 mins waiting they came to the realisation that it wasn't positioned correctly,  they did eventually get it but to this day I still have no idea where they had inserted it ! 🤣😂

Kim is Suzanne's replacement and she is lovely,  just as skilled as Suzanne too,  we had a good laugh and it's nice to not have to worry about who is going to do the procedure. 

Today I am sharing the other Cyanotype Thrinchie, I used Blueprint Sketch Distress Oxide for the background, this time I used Tracy Evan’s  'Nature's Beauty' stamp set and Ranger Glacier White Pigment ink pad to create the faux cyanotype or 'sun print' effect.  This time I created a more uniform pattern, created an arrangement of the Snowdrops.  I added a few drops of water to the background to increase the bleached out effect.  

I really enjoyed making these,  it's a fun technique.  In fact I have made a bigger journal page too. 

I hope that you all have a great end to your week,

Brenda I hope that you to make great progress my lovely, thinking of you my lovely 😘 

Love & hugs to all of you,

Sandra xxx