Rambles of a Krafty Mind

Report for Murder by V.L. McDermid

2012-01-17T14:09:00.002Z

Started: 03/01/12

Finished: 06/01/12

Pages: 343

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis: First in the popular series featuring Lindsay Gordon, a self-proclaimed 'cynical socialist lesbian feminist journalist' with a penchant for hanging around police interrogation rooms under suspicion of some crime or other. Freelance journalist Lindsay Gordon is strapped for cash. Why else would she agree to cover a fund-raising gala at a girls' public school? But when the star attraction is found garrotted with her own cello string minutes before she is due on stage, Lindsay finds herself investigating a vicious murder. Who would have wanted Lorna Smith Cooper dead? Who had the key to the locked room in which her body was found? And who could have slipped out of the hall at just the right time to commit this calculated and cold-blooded crime?

Review: Not only was this the first book in the Lindsey Gordon series, it was also my first book I have ever read by this author. I have heard so many great reviews about McDermid and was so excited to be finally able to read one of her books. Although after half way through the book, I read a review that said "this is not the book to read if wanting to discover what all the great reviews are about McDermid". I believe that McDermid's earlier work was not considered to be of high calibre as her later productions. I have to admit, I was quite taken back with the style of this book which was very old school murder mystery and I did wonder what all the raving was about the author.

However, I did enjoy the book and enjoyed getting to know the characters. There was plenty of suspense right throughout the book but quite predictable ending. That said, I am very interested in continuing with the series and if McDermid’s work has improved greatly from this series then I am looking forward to reading some of her later work.

Book Reads 2012

2012-01-05T10:43:00.002Z

January 2012
4. Amanda's Wedding by Jenny Colgan
3. Animal Farm by George Orwell
2. Report for Murder by V.L. McDermid 3/5
1. Twenties Girl by Sophia Kinsella 3/5

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

2012-01-03T21:22:00.006Z

Finished: 03/01/12
Pages: 480
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis: Lara has always had an overactive imagination. Now she wonders if she is losing her mind. Normal twenty-something girls just don't get visited by ghosts! But inexplicably, the spirit of Lara's great aunt Sadie - in the form of a bold, demanding Charleston-dancing girl - has appeared to make one last request: Lara must track down a missing necklace Sadie simply can't rest without. Lara's got enough problems of her own. Her start-up company is floundering, her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, and she's just been dumped by the love of her life. But as Lara spends time with Sadie, life becomes more glamorous and their treasure hunt turns into something intriguing and romantic. Could Sadie's ghost be the answer to Lara's problems and can two girls from different times end up learning something special from each other?

Review: I didn't think I would enjoy this book to begin with. It's far-fetched and somewhat cheesy and even predictable but it turned out to be a good read with a few good laughs. I would not say it was the best book I have ever read but I did rate it 3 stars which means readable and recommendable to chick lit lovers.

2011 Yearly Review

2012-01-03T19:16:00.001Z

Happy New Year! I can not believe 2012 is upon us! It seems like only yesterday that it was Christmas 2010 and we were all not coping with the big freeze, never mind Christmas 2011. And what I year I have had hence the lack of blogging. I can't believe my last post was in February last year and that's when life got busy! I really did achieve quite a bit which I was so pleased about. Of course there were a few up and downs too but I felt I had a good year. And here are the highlights:

February 2011

Since giving up smoking in November 2010 and had put on a stone in weight. Now, I hear you say that is not much but I could feel it and wanted to do something before it got out of control. So, I joined Weightwatchers.

March 2011

I don't know at what point I decided to run the Race for Life! Or at what point I thought it would be a good idea to give myself a challenge but what I did know was I hated running and had done so all my life! When I annouced this challenge to family and friends, I could not go back on my word and I don't even think they thought I would do it either. I searched the internet for programmes to get me started and I found the C25K Running Programme and downloaded podcasts by Robert Ullrey to help me along. I started off using the treadmill which I found was alot easier than I thought and quickly started enjoying the programme. But hitting the roads proofed a little more difficult but still I carried on. Along with this programme and diet, the weight was shifting quickly enough. I also found more podcasts on the NHS website for the C25K Running Programme - NHS Podcasts.

April 2011

During all the dieting and running, I was also busy at the start of the year doing up wedding stationery for my friend who got married at the end of April. I also opened Sweet Little Treasures facebook page on the 14th....my handmade jewellery.

Sweet Little Treasures Logo

Handmade by me! Oonagh's placecards

May 2011

I completed the C25K, joined the local running club and completed the Race for Life in 29.55! All worth it in the end.....and I continued to run!

Believe, Hope, Dream....for a cure!

Who it is all for!

Coming to the finish line!

Me and Alfie

June 2011
My highlight for June was going to see Bon Jovi in Dublin. I have waited 20 years to see him after a friend let me down at the Keep the Faith tour back around 1991.

Bon Jovi concert, Dublin

July 2011A
After I finished one wedding stationery progect, I was quickly into another. This time it was for my brother in law who married his lovely wife at the end of July. This also seen the end to my wedding stationery making days! I also ran my first 10k race which was awful. I did not enjoy it one bit and came in second last!!!

Some media coverage for my first 10k - oh look! I made headlines!!

Me and Hubby at the wedding

August 2011

I started training for the Gr8 Dundrum Run and also did my very first craft fair!

October 2011

I was in serious training for the Gr8 Dundrum Race which was approximately 8.5 miles. At the beginning of October I did another 10k which was extreme but totally enjoyable and also a part of my training for the Gr8. At the end of October, I achieved the biggest goal of completing the race in under 1hr 30mins without stopping and the beach was a killer!!!

Causeway Coast 10k - 1st October 2011 (I am on the left)

Gr8 Dundrum Run - 22nd October 2011 (the relief on my face as the dreaded beach stretch is behind me

November 2011

November, I tured 34! I also have been smoke free for one full year!

December 2011

Such a busy month with craft fairs, work, Christmas shopping, Christmas dinners and lack of running!

I also managed to get to my target weight at some point during the year too. However, after all the festive foods I am afraid I probably have it all back on again! Oops!

I do hope to continue with these type of achievements in 2012! I also hope to get more reading, running and crafting done throughout the year too. I have reduced my cross stitching time and sadly given up making wedding stationery since I opened Sweet Little Treasures. I just had too much to do and had to give up some hobbies. I really hope the New Year see good health and luck to all that reads my silly wee blog. :D

xxx

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

2011-02-07T15:01:00.000Z

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is just one of Evanovich's 'in-between the numbers' novel and is set around St. Patrick's Day or more so the day after. We are again are introduced to the supernatural Diesel who is hunting a man who thinks he is a leprechaun and has lost a duffle bag of money. Stephanie's mad but loveable Grandma Mazur has found it and taken off to Altantic City for a spending spree. So all the Trenton gang go for a short break to Altantic City to bring her home.

These 'in-betweeners' keep you going until the next novel therefore there is not really much of a storyline to the books. We only have one or two mentions of Ranger and Morelli in the books and they seem to revolve around Diesel, this mysterious or supernatural character which Evanovich does not go much into detail. I think her idea is to keep this character magical for the 'in-between' festive novels such as St. Patrick's Day and Christmas. Although these novels have not lost the humour and I did enjoy the story, I miss having Ranger and Morelli play a big part in the story. For me they make the Plum series.

View all my reviews

The Vampire Lestat ~by~ Anne Rice

2011-01-18T16:48:00.000Z

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought The Vampire Lestat was a real spellbinding novel. I had doubts reading it as after reading Interview with a Vampire, Lestat did not appeal to me as he was portrayed as a crazy, cold and uncaring monster. However, this tale delves into the history of Lestat, pre and post immortality, and has changed my opinion completely.

The Vampire Lestat takes us back to Lestat’s mortal life in Auvergne, France and it is easy to see the deep love and affection he has for his mother and his friend, Nicholas which is very touching. We learn of how he was made immortal in the seventeenth century and his in depth love for humans. We discover the history of Armand and the Theatre des Vampires which is intriguing as we find how Lestat is related to the theatre and the vampire who betrayed Louis in Interview with a Vampire. We experience Lestat’s pain and tragedy resulting from his first recipients of the Dark Trick and how Armand links Marius, an ancient and most powerful vampire, to Lestat. Marius introduces Lestat to Those Who Must Be Kept and Anne Rice gives us a new history and legend of the vampires.

In summary, this book provides the answers to questions arising from Interview with a Vampire. I now understand that Lestat is not a cold monster and I understand his reasons for not sharing his knowledge of their heritage with Louis and Claudia. Yet, if he had of shared this knowledge with them as he did in The Vampire Lestat, he may have just saved himself from more pain and tragedy. The ending of this book for me, made everything fall into placed and I can’t wait to read The Queen of the Damned. If you have read Interview with a Vampire then you must read this book as soon as possible.

View all my reviews

Reading Challenges 2011

2011-01-14T16:22:00.000Z

I have never participated in a reading challenge before and I have read about so many of them on Book Club Forum. Even though my bookcase is overflowing at the moment with books screaming to be read, I have been considering joining in on a few in 2011.

Therefore, I have decided to participate in two small challenges for this year.

Haruki Marakami Reading Challenge 2011

Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge

Haruki Marakami Reading Challenge 2011

2011-01-14T16:18:00.000Z

Haruki Marakami Reading Challenge 2011

This is a very small challenge and I can easily participate in this one. The goal is to read at least ONE by Haruki Marakami in 2011. I have read Norwegian Wood and even though I found that hard to read for several of reasons, I still want to read other books by this author. My goal is to read ONE book but if I read more then all the better.

Levels of participation
Hajime - Read one book
Sheep Man - Read 3 books
Toru - Read 5 books
Nakata - Read 7 books
Sumire - Read 10+ books
Super-frog - Read everything Murakami has written!

Books Read

Reading Log 2011

2011-01-11T00:45:00.000Z

You can find my Reading Log for 2011 HERE.

Book Review (Book 1 - 2011)

2011-01-11T00:43:00.000Z

Silhouette in Scarlet by Elizabeth Peters

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Third book in the Vicky Bliss series starts off very slow and did not pick up until half way through the book. Vicky is contacted by her ex, jewel thief, John Smythe and Vicky sets off on a journey to find some lost treasure but is taken captive on a remote island by criminals. For me, this book was not as exciting as the first two books in the series even though I struggled to read them too. Leaves me wondering why I continue to read the series. But I am interested in the relationship between Vicky and John. I felt the second half of this book was building up to something big and exciting but I was left disappointed. I just felt that their escape from the island was so easy, even though they were out numbered by armed criminals. I think that the first half of this book was dragged out and Mrs Peters could have got straight to the interesting bits quicker without a deflatted ending. Still....I will read the next book. :)

View all my reviews

Past Reading (2009+)

2011-01-11T00:39:00.000Z

You can find a list of my past reading logs HERE.

Blogging Absence

2011-01-10T22:54:00.000Z

Wow, I have not blogged anything crafty for months. I have did lots but just don't have the time to blog everything. I will post a "catch up" slideshow of all the crafts I have done since August 2010. I hope to be more active this year....as and when I find the time. That is what happens when you have so many hobbies. :D

This year, I will be starting off with a biscornu and an ATC exchange at the Cross Stitch Forum that I am a member off.

I have also been playing with my beads and making some jewellery. My goal? I would love to start selling my pieces but doing that is a slow process and I have no patience. :(. We have a lovely bead shop in town and the lovely owner is taking me on a course which starts this Saturday. I am looking forward to it....and hope to learn something new.

The biggest project for me this year is the wedding stationery that I am doing for my friend. Not only am I doing the day and evening invitations but I am also doing the Order of Services, placecards and the favour cards. So I will be quite busy with those at the beginning of the year as she is getting married on 29th April.

Finally, I have set myself a few reading goals. I would like to read at least 4 books per calendar month...ideally one for each week of the year but I have to be realistic...I may not do the 4 per month! I am currently reading The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice and have just finished my first book of the year...The Silhouette in Scarlett by Elizabeth Peters. Check out my Goodreads profile for a review.

My Handmade Earrings

2010-08-30T22:18:00.000+01:00

I Stitch therefore I Stash SAL

2010-08-30T22:03:00.000+01:00

Group: The Cross Stitch Forum

Design from: Cross Stitch Crazy magazine

Materials used: 18-count cream aida, Anchor threads (48,108, 214, 216, 292, 379, ), DMC threads (727, 739, 3687, 3689), DMC Light Effect thread (E898), Mill Head Petite Seed Beads (Crystal Pink-42018, Heather Mauve-42024).

Details: A lovely lady called Kell from the Cross Stitch Forum organised this great group stitch-a-long (SAL). She also contact the magazine informing them of the SAL and they agreed that this is something that they would be interested in featuring in their magazine. So a deadline of 31st August 2010 was set and everyone who participated got stitching. Of course, I finished mine one day before the deadline but I am so glad I finished it as I think it is adorable. I have learned that I hate using metallic threads. I used this for the backstitching and the border but I loved putting the beads onto the piece. I am hoping to put this onto a bag to store all my stash. Kell will be contacting the magazine to let them know that we have finished the SAL and I am sure they will feature it pretty soon. I'll keep you all posted.

August ATCs Exchange - Sent

2010-08-28T18:58:00.000+01:00

Group: Facebook Cross Stitch ATCs

Theme: Mother's Day

Stitched by: Me

Stitched for: Lorraine Grimshaw, Swansea, UK

Details: The little handbag was from a freebie in a magazine (sorry I can't remember which one...but if I have time to pull it out again I will surely let you know). The freebie designs were for borders and this handbag went off the edge of the border so I had to do a little guess work to finish the left hand bottom corner. It is stitched onto perforated cream paper using Anchor 1320 (Rose) variegated floss. For the backstitching I used Anchor floss again in a shade of grey but not sure of the code and for the handle of the bag I used Mill Hill Glass Seed Beads in in Jet (00081). I made the orange bow from some ribbon stock that I had and along with purple pastel shade 2.5" x 3.5" card stock, a frame and a small flower topping that blended well with the colour theme, I assembled the card. I really enjoyed making this ATC as I had it completely within hours. I have made two ATCs before this one and both took me forever to do. I have slowly come to realise that little is more. I am also glad that the recipient loved her ATC.

Group: Facebook Cross Stitch ATCs

Theme: Father's Day

Stitched by: Me

Stitched for: Kell Smurthwaite, Aberdeen, Scotland

Details: I got this design again from a magazine and was for a Father's Day card. I used 18-count cream aida to ensure that the design would fit the card stock. I can't remember all the threads that I used as I was using pieces of left over threads but they were a mixture of DMC and Anchor. I also used Mill Head Petite Seed Beads in Chocolate for the eyes. I mounted it onto pale blue card stock with silver ribbon and silver brads. This piece took me a week to do as there was so much detail to it.

Sleeping Bunnies Birth Sampler is finally framed!

2010-08-28T18:14:00.000+01:00

I have not blogged anything in a little while and I have created a good few things since I last posted. One of the main pieces that I have finished to framing is my Sleeping Bunnies Birth Sampler. I can proudly say that I framed it myself and I was well chuffed with the outcome. After washing and ironing the piece I mounted it on 14" x 11" mount board and stitched the ends from one end to the other to keep it tight and in place. I then covered the back with heavy brown wrapping paper and stuck it with masking tape. I really hope it keeps the piece clean. Although I did not put a surrounding mount on the frame, I washed the glass and then....hey presto!

Cancer Charity Cards

2010-08-05T00:26:00.000+01:00

A lovely women at Cross Stitch Forum originally was taking part in the Relay for Life and was also going to sell stitched cards with donations going to Cancer Research UK. Unfortunately, the sign up deadline was 12 months in advance of the event which meant that she could not take part until next year. The members at the forum felt strongly about still donating their stitch cards so this lovely women is taking them to her Cancer Research charity shop.

Unfortunately, due to all the SALs and exchanges I have signed up for in August, I could only stitch two cards. I would have loved to have stitched more for this wonderful charity. My Daddy died of cancer three years come 11th September and even though this is something small, I feel as if I am doing something for him.

Both of these cards were kits. The one on the left was from Needlecraft Magic and I had it in my stash for 12-13 years. It feels really good to have stitched up and going somewhere useful. The card on the right is of Toby Fox from the Woodland Folk collection which I got free from Cross Stitch Card Shop magazine.

Purple & Gold Jewellery Set Project

2010-08-04T00:37:00.000+01:00

My Mother-in-Law is going to an wedding evening reception at the end of August and bought a love purple dress but really needed some jewellery to match. She asked me if I could make her something to go with it and since she is planning to wear gold sandels with it I decided that I would make some purple and gold jewellery. I started off with the bracelet and even though she has a necklace, I decided to do one to match the bracelet and the earrings. I am well chuff with this set and has given me the motivation to actually make more pieces now rather than waiting on whoever would ask. I am pleased to say that my Mother-in-Law was also delighted with it and is going to wear the whole set. She is also planning to wear the outfit to my nieces christening so I will be able to see how much the set goes with her outfit properly.

The beads look more like a maroon colour but when you hold them up to the light they give a purple sheen and there is some lovely golden glitter surrounding the bead. I complemented them with a round golden bead and used gold plated findings.

I plan to post a picture of all my pieces of jewellery that I have made in the past. There is not much really, but I have been making quite a lot of earrings to match certain outfits. I also plan to make something to organise and sort my earrings and I do have something in mind using Aida fabric. ;-)

Belfonte Notes Giveaway

2010-07-17T02:23:00.000+01:00

Belfonte Notes is having a giveaway to celebrate her granddaughters 1st birthday. In addition, you can also visit her design blog, Tree of Life Samplings for another great giveaway. Please visit her blogs for closing dates.

More Stash

2010-07-16T01:41:00.000+01:00

Well, I just couldn't help myself when I found out that all stock at Wimblebees were 50% or more off as they were closing down. Sad that they have to close but what bargains there are for all cross stitch fans. After ordering £33 of XS stash about a few weeks ago I was wanting to hold off for a bit before ordering anything else but when I seen how cheap items were I just couldn't help myself. I spent £29.50 on the following:

22 skeins of Anchor stranded cotton (includes variegated cotton)

23 skeins of DMC stranded cotton (includes variegated cotton)

7 packs of Mill Head Petite Glass Beads in Crystal Aqua, Crystal Pink, Heather Mauve, Autumn Flame, Matte Pumpkin, Bay Leaf and Matte Chocolate.

Quarter metre of 22-count Hardanger Aida in Antique White
Quarter metre of 22-count Hardanger Aida in Cream (Ivory)
Half metre of 18-count Aida in Cream (Ivory)
Ecru Perforated Paper

And to my delight....I received my stash from my kind postman today!

Forthcoming Wedding Stationery Project

2010-07-10T22:47:00.000+01:00

A close friend of mine recently got engaged and although I did expect the happy couple to set the date sooner than later...I was a little shocked it is as soon as April 2011. But I am so happy for this friend. She contacted me yesterday telling me the great news and also asked me if I would do her wedding stationery. Well, I was so delighted and honoured that she asked me. I am looking forward to working with her on her design and colours that I think a ladies lunch day needs to be organised soon. :-)

Even though that the date is next year, it will fly in. So, there is no harm in getting the project off the ground sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I think I need to start looking around for a better printer and trimmer.

Eeyore's Tail

2010-07-08T23:46:00.000+01:00

This is my progress on Eeyore's Tail. I started this last week but have not been stitching it everyday so I am pleased with my progress so far. However, there is so many fractional stitches and I really must admit I am not great doing them and I find that they are a little messy. I really hope you can't tell. After I finish this page I am going to prepare the fabric for my Hush Lickle Baby Birth Sampler for my other niece and I will rotate each piece, page by page in hopes that I will have they both finished quicker. I am hoping I can make Eeyore's Tail into a pillow.

Postman's Goodies

2010-07-06T00:33:00.000+01:00

I am just getting to post this now but here are some goodies the postman left me last week...it was like Christmas morning. :-D

Large floss storage box with bobbins
DMC Lickle Hush Baby Birth Sampler
Mini Tote Bag
11" x 11" Plastic Snap Frame
Thread Heave
Water Soluble Pencils
Mill Head Petite Seed Beads in "Potpourri"

Winnie The Pooh - Eeyore's Tail

2010-07-06T00:28:00.000+01:00

I have had this kit for quite some time now. I think it was originally purchased for one of my nephews when they were young. But I have decided to do it for Charlotte (my 11 month old niece). She loves Winnie the Pooh and her mummy has asked me if I could make it into a cushion. That we will have to see when it comes to it. But here is a picture of the kit and all the materials prepared for starting.

Finished Cross Stitch Projects

2010-07-05T02:36:00.000+01:00

Since I have only started using my blog again, I thought it would be nice to show off the rest of my cross stitching projects since taking it up again.

Art Deco Bookmark

Design: Needlecraft Magic | Tassle: Sinéad Mulholland

The BIG Bookmark SAL @ The Book Club Forum

Materials: 14-count Aida, Anchor flosses 112, 268, 48, 108, 403, 266 and 1043.

Stitched for: Sinéad Mulholland

Biscornu Exchange

Design: Needlecraft Magic

Exchange: Cross Stitch Forum

Materials: 18-count Aida, Anchor flosses 398 & 1210 (variegated), silver toho seed beads, silver 3mm ribbon

Stitched for: Serinde, UK

Note: My first biscornu and a tiny, fiddley one at that. :-D

Below: The biscornu that I received in the exchange.

Received from: Mags, UK (thank you)

Summer ATC

Exchange: Cross Stitch Forum

Design: DMC Creative World

Materials: 18-count white Adia, Anchor flosses, light pink flowers held with mini lemon brads

Stitched for: Mags, UK

Note: This was my first ATC

Below: Summer ATC that I received

Received from: Murmured, New Zealand along with some lovely hand painted Japanese silk floss in "Tobacco". (Thank you Murmured).

Missing In Action

2010-07-03T19:05:00.000+01:00

I have been "Missing In Action" for some time now. Not that I was not doing anything crafty or being the usual bookworm, I just haven't been posting any of my creations to show off.

My two biggest project in the passed year was another wedding stationery order from a friend and completing the Sleeping Bunnies Birth Sampler for my niece. Sadly, I completely forgot to take pictures of the wedding stationery but I do have pictures of the completed birth sampler. Yay!

Cross stitching
Cross stitching was something I started when I was about 19 or 20. I decided to give up smoking and Needlecraft Magic was advertising this weekly magazine with freebies. Not only did I want to do something to take my mind of smoking but I was genuinely interested in this craft. Of course, I was a little worried what people would say about someone so young taking up an old ladies hobby. But I got really into it and since I had young nephews, I had a perfect excuse to do up little samplers. Then I decided to take it one step further and go for a bigger birth sampler for my second nephew. It didn't take long for me to get bored with it and so I put it away for a while....well for 12 years really

After helping mum to clear out her attic one day last year, I came across my cross stitching stash and lo and behold, this sampler was still on the wooden frame. Well as my nephew is now 12 years old, he would not appreciate the sampler but I decided I could do it for my niece who is now 11 months old. I can now say after 12 years...I have finished the Sleeping Bunnies.

Wine Glass Charms

2009-02-10T20:16:00.000Z

I got into making wine glass charms just before Christmas. So I got stuck into making ones with cute Christmas charms and even manage to sell one set on Ebay! YAY! I made these charms with my favourite beads, Toho seed beads and beautiful Swarovski Crystals.

Below: These wine glass charms were made silver lined toho seed beads, gold lined (AB) toho seed beads and silver and gold plated rings.

Above: These wine glass charms are made silver lined toho seed beads, gold lined (AB) toho seed beads and silver and gold plated rings.

Above: These wine glass charms are made with 4mm siam bicone swarovski crystals, 4mm emerald bicone swarovski crystals, silver lined toho seed beads, silver & enamel Christmas charms and silver plated ring.

Above: These wine glass charms are made with 4mm siam bicone swarovski crystals, 4mm emerald bicone swarovski crystals, silver lined toho seed beads, silver & enamel Christmas charms and silver plated ring. These wine glass charms were successful and were sold on Ebay! My first sale!

Wedding Stationery

2008-07-07T01:08:00.001+01:00

Above is the Order of Service and the placecards that were made for all the guests. These are the wedding photographers photographs. Yes, they feature in the wedding album.

These are the wedding day and evening invites that I made for my sister-in-law who is getting married on 21st August 2008. The day invites were a challenge but well worth it. I can't believe I made those. The top one is the evening invite, I have smudged out the contact details on the bottom left hand corner for obvious reasons.

Hen Party Invites

2008-07-07T01:05:00.000+01:00

I found a lovely design in a magazine for hen party invitations. I just thought this was a great idea for my sister-in-laws hen night. I kept the cards a secret from all the hens until it was time to dispatch them and they were a hit. The theme of the hen night was pink and black with all hen's wearing pink devil horns. My sister-in-law tried to get some idea from us about what her bridesmaids had planned for the night. I told her that there was a small clue on these cards. :-D "The Devils Fork" - we hired a pink fire engine with firemen (ok they weren't real but we can pretend) and they gave her a fireman's lift out to the engine. It really was a good night.

Selection of my 1st Cards

2008-06-29T17:51:00.000+01:00

This is only a selection of cards that I made using material and instructions that I got free from a magazine. I may have added some of my own variations to the cards. I have to admit, I think I am best to stay with wedding stationery. Silly but true, but I really don't think I have a great imagination for general cards but I love designing wedding stationery.

I gave this little card to my mum for Easter. I was really proud of this one and that is why Mum got it. :-DI added my own variations to this card. I just adore beads so I added white and green beads to the wire linking the little flower heads.

Below: Just a few more Easter cards that I made.

Below: A various of Birthday and Thank You cards