Freycob's Craft Blog: March 2010

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

Hands up all those who have ever been propositioned in a Cathedral...

Oh, I can see my hubby's hand go straight up in response to that question!

Will was in Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday with his new camera taking photographs (well, you do take piccies when you've got your camera with you, don't you?!)

He obviously looked like a professional with his tripod etc.

Anyhoo... this Eastern European guy came up to him and started talking about what pictures he liked taking.... buildings, things, people.....

Will must have given the answer that the guy wanted to hear (he liked taking all sorts of pictures) because the guy then says

"I have beautiful model girlfriend over there, she not in the country long. You want to take pictures for her portfolio?"

"Erm....." says Will.

The guy continues "She doesn't do nude, but she's very broad minded".

At which point Will says "No, it's ok thanks mate, I prefer taking pictures of buildings etc."

"I give you my phone number, when you change mind, you ring me" he replies.

"No, really I'm ok thanks" and at that reply Will has to turn his back to hide the huge smirk on his face because he really can't believe the conversation that he's just had.

Bless him, he could hardly tell me for laughing when he got home. It's now a standing joke in this house!

Sunday, 28 March 2010

Rosie-D's Challenge Blog #67

Have you had time to visit Rosie D's Challenge Blog to see Brenda's continuing theme of Spring? She asked us to create using the colours of Yellow, White and Green and already we've had such fantastic entries as well as some great work from the ever talented DT.

Remember the little sneaky peek of that cute little insect on that stem? Well here he is in all his glory!

You still have one more week to enter for the chance to win Brenda's giveaway.

Materials:

White A6 sized card.
Embossing folder: Cuttlebug.
Ribbons: Ribbon Mad.
Papers: offcuts from stash.
Journalling coaster: Doodlebug.
Rubon: Letraset.
Buttons: Stash.
Circle sentiment: Junkitz.
Brad: Stamps Away.

Thursday, 25 March 2010

Proud momma - part 4

Yep! Another proud moment to announce!

Freya's parents' evening was last night (Wednesday). We had the most glowing report ever from her teacher (again!) All round As for effort, ability, behaviour, work. She has a reading age of 12/0 and a spelling age of 12/1 - not bad for a 9 year old eh?

She is a pleasure to teach, is reliable, trustworthy and very well liked by all her classmates and teachers alike!

Freya, daddy and I are so proud of you darling! Keep working hard as we know you will and you will be the teacher or author that you want to be! The world is there for your taking.

Proud momma - part 3

I cannot believe what a week we're having. We have no time to spare with school parent's evenings, meetings, Air Cadets, School talent competitions etc.

We had to go to Jacob's school on Tuesday evening to sort out his GSCE options and to see his tutors for an update on his progress.

Well... we came out of there with THE biggest smiles on our faces I can tell you! He is predicted to get a Distinction in his ICT (Information and Computer Technology) by the end of this academic year (9) which will give him the equivalent of 4 GCSE passes (2 at grade A and 2 at A* - at the age of 14!!!!!). In English he's on target for an A*. The same in Maths, Science, Spanish..... I could go on but it would only get boring as the grades are all the same!

We are SOOOO proud of him. He works hard and will be rewarded for all his efforts.

He's chosen to study triple "fast track" science (3 GCSEs which he will sit a year early. The following year - 11 - will see him start his AS level in Science). He's also chosen Spanish and Geography. Coupled with his double English (Language and Literature) and his "fast track" Maths he will have his work cut out for him over the next two years but he's more than capable of reaching his full potential and achieving a place at one of the Russell Group of Universities if he chooses.

That saying, at the moment, he says he's not going to Uni after 6th form as he's determined to go into the RAF straight from 6th form. I have a son who wants to fly high as an RAF pilot! Fingers crossed that he achieves his dream career.

Proud momma - part 2

Remember my proud momma post the other day?

Well, today Jacob and 3 other pupils from his school went over to The Caroline Chisholm School in Northampton to represent their school in the UK Mathematics Trust Team Maths Challenge 2010/11 and did the clever guys not come joint third out of 14 schools.

I am so proud of my son and his team mates on doing so well! There was only 10 points between 1st and 3rd places so it was pretty close.

Well done guys!

Sunday, 21 March 2010

Rosie-D's Challenge Blog #67

Continuing with Brenda's theme of Spring this month on Rosie D's Challenge Blog, she's asking us to create using the colours of Yellow, White and Green. Such a lovely, bright & cheerful colour combination!

Here's my little sneaky peek - cute little insect on that stem eh?

She has a little giveaway organised for one lucky participant this time around. Remember, you have 2 weeks to take part. Make us a card, a layout, a piece of altered art... make us what you like! Just remember to link back to us using Mr Linky so we can come and visit.

Proud momma alert!

Gotta share this news with you (it's not craft related, but whatever! HAHA!)

My son, Jacob, has been chosen along with one other year 9 and two year 8 students to represent his school in the UK Mathematics Trust Team Maths Challenge for 2020/11.

It's a National Maths Challenge competition for 12-18 year olds. Fingers crossed that now he's got through Round 1 held in his school to be chosen for Round 2 - the Regional Challenge that the team will get through this round in order to be invited to a place at Round 3 - The National Challenge at a later date.

Fingers crossed for the team. I'll keep you posted!

Rebekah's birthday blog hop - Tea bag holder

Hello everyone! Hopefully you've arrived from my blog from Fabi's blog on your round trip for Rebekah's Birthday Blog Hop! There has been some truly AMAZING work so far, hasn't there?

I have so many new blogs that I'm now following as I'm totally blown away by the talent I've seen so far on this hop.

I've decided to show you how to make a Tea Bag Holder which is a lovely little gift to send to a friend, and really easy to make too!

So, here we go...

Cut two pieces of cardstock as follows:

3 1/2" by 6 3/4"

1" by 8 1/2"

Cut three pieces of patterned paper as follows:

6 1/2" by 5 1/2"

3 1/4" by 2 3/4"

3 1/2" x 3/4"

(I've rounded the corners of the two smaller pieces)

I used papers from Kirsty Wiseman's Colour Burst of Fanciful Things CD)

Punch your decoration for the belly band (I used a 3" punch)

I also punched another 3" circle from thin card to back the paper sentiment.

Ribbon - approx 8" in length.

The sentiment comes from Kirsty Wiseman's Colourful Burst of Fanciful Things CD

Score the 6 3/4" by 3 1/2" cardstock at 3 1/8" and 3 5/8" along the longest (6 3/4") length and crease using a bone folder.

Score a line at 1/2" and at 3" along the longest (6 1/2") side of your patterned paper and crease using a bone folder.

Apply double sided tape to the 1/2" strip of paper - patterned side.

Fold the paper in half and stick down firmly.

Score lines at 2 1/2" and at 3" along the longest side of your folded patterned paper and crease using a bone folder.

Using a 1" circle punch, punch a half circle in the centre of each of the short sides of the folded, patterned papers.

Apply double sided tape down the centre and below each of the two half circle punched shapes of the patterned paper.

Align and adhere the patterned paper in the centre of the cardstock cover.

Using a hole punch, punch two holes approx 1" from each side through the centre sectiton of the tea bag holder.

Thread with ribbon from the inside and knot on the outside.

Taking the belly band strip (1" x 8 1/2") crease as follows;

2 3/4"

6 1/2"

6 3/4"

Set the creases using a bone folder.

Apply double sided tape to the OUTSIDE of the shorter length and the INSIDE of the longer length, fold over and secure, making sure that you fold it into a rectangle that is 1/4" in height as it needs to slip over the tea bag holder.

Decorate the belly band using the smallest strip 3 1/2" x 3/4" of patterned paper.

Stick the plain punched 3" circle to the inside front of the belly band and then stick the punched sentiment tag to the outside front. Decorate as necessary. (I find that by sticking a plain card circle on the inside and the sentiment on the outside that it slides over the holder much easier).

Slip a couple of tea bags (I love the Twinings teabags that are individually wrapped) into the pockets inside the tea bag holder. Alternatively you can put one teabag into one pocket and make a little gift tag to put in the other.

The perfect little pressie to send to a friend! Alternatively take it with you with a couple of cupcakes. Brew up, eat up and have a natter!

For everyone that leaves a comment on my blog here linking to their own creation, I'll pick a winner on 31st March to receive a pack of goodies from me that will include my tea bag holder and some lovely crafting treats!

From here you want to hop on over to the lovely Audrey's Blog for the next round of fun!

Saturday, 20 March 2010

Wanna see what I'm showing you how to make tomorrow?

This is what I'll be showing you how to make tomorrow for Rebekah's birthday blog hop,

Friday, 19 March 2010

Rebekah's birthday blog hop

Remember my post about the HUGE Birthday Blog Hop to celebrate Rebekah's birthday?

Well it kicked off this evening over on Rebekah's blog . There are LOADS of us taking part. There are tutorials, guides, freebies, RAKs and loads more to be found. Your starting point is with Rebekah who will send you hopping on your way round the girls!

See you on Sunday with my project! Tea anyone?

x

Sunday, 14 March 2010

Rosie-D's Challenge Blog #66

Brenda's challenges for the first half of March over on Rosie D's Challenge Blog is Think Spring. I love the new life and greenery that's poking through the still cold soil at this time of year. It brings such hope of warmer times, don't you think?

As I said previously, I haven't made a card this time but something a little different featuring my gorgeous dog Maisy.

Remember to take a moment or two to pop over to the Challenge Blog and see the fantastic work from the DT members and show your support for Brenda's challenge. You have another week to take part and possibly win two stamps from our fantastic sponsor, Sir Stampalot

Materials:
Papers: K&Company Hannah Scrap Pad To Go.
Rubons: K&Company Transfers To Go.
Alpha & Phototurn stickers: BasicGrey.
Ribbon: Ribbon Mad.
Butterfly: Amy Butler.
Rub on trees: Hambly Screen Prints.
Brad: K& Company.
Vinyl photo accent sticker: Thickers.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Tuesday I went to ...

Hospital! The Rheumatology department to be precise. I had to have an EMG test on my hands/wrists to confirm my GP's diagonsis that I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CPS).

I have to say that these test are actually quite funny when they stimulate the nerves that send signals to the muscles in your hands as you just can't help your fingers twitching and your hand jumping when the impulse goes through. I actually think I giggled out loud at the funny sight of my hands being taken over by a few wires stuck to my arms and hands!

Anyway... the diagnosis: I have mild CPS in my left hand and moderate in my right. I knew the right was worse and often the dominant hand is affected worse (I'm right handed). I now have to wait and see my GP in a couple of weeks after he's got the test results from the hospital for his decision to operate or not. The hospital have said that at least the right one needs to be done.

Now, I'd dearly love to have the op and be out of pain, but my employer doesn't pay me for time off sick (I've only had 2 days off in over 3 years with them, and I really WAS ill). I only get the statutory 20 days holiday and 7 of those are saved for Christmas. Leaving me the grand total of 13 days. Now, if I have the 2 weeks off work post-op, when would I have the chance to have a holiday with my hubby and kids? No! I can't work that one out either! 3 day summer holiday anyone?

We'll have to wait and see what the doc says and make our decision from there.

Rebekah's birthday blog hop

One of my fellow DT mates for Indigo Mill is Rebekah who's celebrating her birthday in March. As part of the celebration, she's organising a blog hop - and there are LOADS of us taking part.

You're invited to join us on 19th & 20th March to see what we have all created for you. There are things to do and prizes to be won along the way.

See you then!

Sunday, 7 March 2010

Stamford's Springtime Sunshine

We've had a beautiful Spring day today. The sun was in the sky and it was lovely and warm (bit chilly in the shade still, but it's getting there...!)

With the chicken in the oven roasting slowly for dinner, we headed out to Stamford which is about 20 minutes from us. It's just off the A1 and is such a beautiful little market town. If you get a chance, you should go for the quaint little shops and boutiques, the narrow lanes, the numerous churches and amazing architecture.

So, these are what I captured on my camera. I will be going back again soon I think with the tripod as there were a couple of photos that I really wanted to take but needed a steadier hand than I could manage. That's for another day though.