Christmas Eve WOYWW 290

Merry Christmas everyone!

Can't believe it's Christmas Eve, I love this time of year and, according to my son, I the biggest kid around!!

I've not been on here since mid November. But I'm okay! Just stuff going on. Anyway pop over to Julia's place to meet up with other desk dashers!

Not much on my desk apart from my Christmas nails that I will affix later tonight. I cheated bought fake ones and painted them before putting them on. I used bits of white tack to keep them in place while I painted them! 

Naturally they are blue and white - you wouldn't expect anything else from me, would you?!!!

Though I'd share my hair tinsel - pink and gold. My neighbour who is a beautician, has started to branch out into many other treatments and pretty additions like the tinsel & ear piercing!

It stays in for ages and copes with being washed and dried and styled. Just have to avoid tearing the knots out when brushing. It is knotting in with your own hair. 

Anyway will get round over the next few days. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 285 - wedding edition

Good afternoon my friends. Please pop over to The Stamping Ground and check in with Julia!

Firstly please can I thank you all for the congratulations and best wishes for my son, Keagan, following him gaining a place at The British Racing School, Newmarket. He's still beaming and received his start date of 2nd Nov 2015 (he's in Yr 11 so GCSE's to do in Summer) the only small blip to this is that he will be there for Christmas as there isn't a usual holiday like traditional colleges but it's fine I will go up to see him like I will most weekends.

So this week I can finally share some desk shots of what was actually on my desk last week but I wasn't allowed to share as it was for my brother and now Sister in law's wedding that happened on Sunday (16th). We had a fabulous day. I wore a gorgeous dress that made me feel wonderful and I even joined in the dancing all but in my wheelchair! So I'm sorry for photos but I know you'll want to see!!

So the top of the post box decorated in black, orange and white. Wedding colours!

The whole box, quite hard for me to photo as it's nearly as tall as me!! 

My card to Danny and Jennifer. I used the same embossing folder that I used for the invites and added the simple Forever & Always stamp that means so much to them.

So here's some wedding pics for you to see -

Jennifer, the beautiful bride and my handsome brother Daniel.

Me with our Danny. (See it's a dress I'm wearing!)

Me and Danny with our parents.

And finally me dancing in my wheelchair!! One of the bridesmaids took this. I had a great time but my arms and legs are still so sore!! lol

Right that's me, sorry for all the pics but I knew you'd want to see!

Take care Zo xx

Keagan gets into Racing College!!! WOYWW 284

Okay cue the proud mum about to burst with pride news but I had to share with you all. So I'm hoping Julia, Queen of all desks and WOYWW leader won't mind if I'm not really desk sharing as this is too exciting. Well the letter is on my desk so it counts, right?!!

Those of you who know me in person or online will know that my son, Keagan, has a dream. He wants to work in Racing and wants to be a National Hunt Jockey. Like A P McCoy. It's all he's ever wanted to do. So he's had lessons, can ride anything and works hard over the stables, but to get into racing you have to complete the right course. There are a few options but Keagan wanted to apply to the best college in UK/Europe first. So last week we went up to Newmarket. Home of The British Racing College where he completed a fitness test, aptitude test and interview. A nervous process for all concerned I can tell you.

The college is outstanding. The facilities are amazing. We were in awe of the place to be honest. 

Anyway we've waited. 7 days they said. So today the letter arrived. It was during his lunch break so I took the letter to him where Keagan opened it with me and one of his friends and I'm over the moon to say they have offered Keagan a place!!

This is a huge step towards him following his dream. I'm so proud I'm fit to burst I can tell you!

Here he is sat on Rocky, an ex-racehorse. Won't be long and he will be riding race horses every day!

Anyway that's me, hope you don't mind the proud mum thing. Had to be done!!

Take care Zo xx

I'm here!

Good evening, thought I'd pop in and say hi.

I've not disappeared I promise. It's been a busy few weeks here. And in between I'm resting up and being good. I'm even crocheting and have made a scarf for my mum for Christmas!!

However, the other Saturday night I went on my sister-in-law to be's 2nd hen do (they went away for the 1st). I promised Jenni that I would go for the meal in Las Iguanas in Bath. We then went to a cocktail bar where I had a non-alcoholic Pina Colada! Then we went to a bar/disco place that I've not been in for years. It's now Molloy's but it was O'Neils when I last went! So we dressed up as punk/rock chicks. 

Here's the beautiful bride to be. Yes she loves bold hair colours like me!

A close up of me - note the fake nose ring, black eye make up and super backcombed spiky hair!! I actually like this pic of me and my mum likes it too. Perhaps I should do this more often?!!!

The full outfit. I had to borrow the boots and leggings from Jenni and the gloves and choker from a neighbour. It was great fun! I had to use my sticks as none of the places were wheelchair accessible. I only went out between 6.30pm and 10.30pm. While I was with the hens they stayed in one area so that I didn't have to walk far. I believe the last of the hens went home at 3am. Though Jenni left them to it and was in bed before midnight! Thoroughly enjoyed going out but it's not something I want to do often!

So this week sees me doing the last bit of wedding crafting. The wedding is on Sunday 16th November so like this week!!! I'm decorating the post box that Jenni was given. And I have to remember to make their card too.

So that's a different look at me and what I've been up to!

Take care Zo xx

Our Story - Baxter and me.

I don't often post about other stuff, it's all craft really but I decided to post this. I'm extremely proud to share this. The home I adopted Baxter from is launching an appeal to try and get more of their long-stay animals adopted and they asked me if they could use mine and Baxter's story to promote this.

Of course I agreed and you can see our page here - 

http://www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/rehoming/baxter

I would love it if you could go and read it and let me know what you think. If you could also share the link on your own social media that would also be amazing.

Anyone who knows me knows how much love and companionship Baxter brings me. How he has enriched our lives and how together we work to overcome his issues and help him grow in confidence.

This is Baxter during his stay at the home.

Baxter getting used to his car seat cushion in my craft room

This is one of my favourite photos of Baxter. 

If our story can inspire just 1 person to adopt a long-stay animal then it'll be worth it. It just shows what a bit of time, effort, determination and love can do.

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 280

Well hello from a grey and damp Somerset. It's desk hopping day once more so I suggest you pay Julia a visit at The Stamping Ground to see what I'm on about!

Well you will all be pleased to know my desk has been tidied, then messed up again. Despite having another bad week, I've felt up to doing some crafting and am working on transforming a small blank album I bought ages ago. It's a present for a friend in Australia. Am cheating - it's her birthday in November so I'm making it as a present for that, but making it for her to use this Christmas! I'm using Vintage Christmas papers from My Mind's Eye to cover it. I'm also extending the pages by creating flaps to pull down/up/out all inspired by Sam (Hettie) and her amazing albums that she brings to the WOYWW crop for us to see. Though my effort is no where near Sam's marvellous creations!

So right hand side sees the pile of papers I'm using.

The window side is covered this is how I left it last night. I chose the next paper so left it there. There are all the embellishments, washi tapes and candi, tools and glues. There's the pages I've done and those waiting to be covered.

So that's me. Thank you so much for all of your comments of late, all putting a smile on my face while in pain and feeling not good. You are all a really lovely supportive, fabulous bunch!

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 279

Good afternoon!

I've been quiet again I know. Just mooching along doing what needs to be done. But the last few days have been so busy. I felt well enough so we went to football on Saturday, took Keagan to the stables on Sun, it was Keagan's 16th birthday Monday so we had a lovely long day ending with a fish and chip sit down meal out in the evening which was Keagan's choice and then as again I felt well enough we went to football last night as well! 

2 games in space of 4 days. Now it's hit me. Am sat here in my onesie feeling shattered and in pain but smiling cos the last few days have been fun and enjoyable but please, someone, tell me how have I ended up with a 16 year old son?!!!

Here's a pic from Saturday, we stayed behind after the game to meet the players, here we are with my fav player Lee Brown, a typical selfie pic!!

So my desk has been pretty much untouched of late. To me it's untidy and I really don't have the energy to clear it so it'll stay like it until I feel or need to sort it - 

For once pens are put away, the Beatrix Potter stuff is still there as are the Sheena Douglas Christmas stamps.

The window side has bits I have stamped some decoupage I have been creating myself using those stamps. Oh the receipts are from mine and mums shopping, we do that scan gadget thing but put both our shop together so when I get home I go through the receipts and work out our bills. We usually know roughly what we spend. 

There you go, I'm off to rest and watch a couple of Lost dvds. I re-watching the whole thing again, am on series 2 at mo. 

Pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground to find out why I'm showing you this if you don't know!

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 277

Well hello Wednesday and hello desk dashers!

Yep it's time to share our spaces over at Julia's Stamping Ground I've been MIA lately - too many birthdays and wedding anniversaries needing my attention but I'm back today with the fall out of my recent Christmas card making.

So right side shows the pens of course but all a pile of stamps and ink pads that I used to create Christmas cards. There's also the piece there ready to make another Beatrix Potter card.

The window side is less chaotic there's a finished Beatrix Potter framed card and bits and pieces used. You can see the sun is shining outside too as you peek through my window!

That's me; done. Shared. Off to sleep now. My quietness is also due to my not being so good. I'm getting done what needs to be done but sleeping lots and resting too. Can't complain though as I did have a few weeks during the Summer when I felt really well. Body didn't work but it didn't matter as I felt well. Always helps.

Take care Zo xx

Crafty Boots 3rd birthday - Anything Goes

Good morning!

I'm here to share a special Crafty Boots DT make. It's been 3 years since we started our challenges and I can say through Crafty Boots I have made some very special friends who I have had the pleasure of meeting, some a number of times. 

Our challenges are there for anyone no matter how long you have been crafting so join in by linking up on our challenge blog

I've created a hanging using an image from Aurora Wings. It's for my sister-in-law to be's birthday next monday. I coloured the image with Copics.

Here she is finished. I used a Molotow white acrylic paint pen to do the dots and white work.

Here she is early stages. I really enjoyed doing her make up and making her eyes pop. 

I think this took me about 5 hours to colour in total. I did lots of small sessions as it took a lot of concentration.

Hope you like it and I look forward to seeing your entries.

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 275

Morning you lovely lot!

Back today to share my desk by joining in with WOYWW  I've been rather quiet I know but I did post a catch up post sharing my recent makes (post below this) if you want to see. Despite being quieter online in blog land I have been colouring a lot. Hence the number of pens still out on my desk but before that thought I'd take you round my now messy room - 

So colouring corner, pens everywhere!

On my desk I've started 'C' cards all but uninspired by it all. 

Bagpuss! 

Baxter having his breakfast! 

Behind the door - a lot of stuff! 

Moving round. 

My bureau - coffee ready to go. 

Bookcase rammed.

Yep a good sort needed all round.

Take care Zo xx

Catching up!

Hello! I'm aware that I'm not very good at posting at the moment. The summer holidays were restful and I felt well. Must of looked it too as my parents etc commented. But it seems to have stopped and I'm now having days where I'm just not able to get showered/dressed till very late morning. Frustrating as the day goes by so quick. 

Anyway during recent times I have been colouring and enjoying my colouring class at Kit and Clowder. Here's some of what I've done this summer - 

A card for my Auntie using an image from Some Odd Girl

I used this image for one of my best friend's birthday card, such a challenge!

Here she is finished. The image is meant to be this way but also looks lovely turned the other way!

Another card using the same SOG image for my other friend.

I coloured this image for my Copic journal to show some of the techniques I'm learning.

This image is such fun great hair to colour, she is Luna from Polkadoodles.

So you see I have been busy all but quietly which is not like me!!

Sometimes in life you just have to step away and be quiet. 

I love the internet - means I get to talk to all you lovely people and without it I would not have made the friends I have.

But sometimes I need to stop.

Need to get off the never ending 24 hr 7 days a week social media roller coaster!

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 273 - I'm here!

Hello, I'm here I haven't disappeared just been very quiet in blog land. Not much crafting done either. But I thought I'd better pop in and say hi.

Obviously the only place to be on a Wednesday is at The Stamping Ground for the weekly desk sharing phenomenon. Head over to join in or just a nose.

My desk is pretty standard - 

Right hand desk - pens galore and that book is for my Clothing colouring class I'm taking online at Kit and Clowder. Not done too much as Summer holidays seem to have muted most creativity.

Not sure why pic this way round but anyway photos (me as a baby!) and a smash book. That's a pic of Keagan in his suit ready to go in a frame and the pink image is ready for a name card I want to make.

I've so many projects I want to make but each day slips by without them happening. I guess school holidays do that. 

Take care Zo xx

Another tick off the list - Tattoo!!

We all have one. You know, that list of things we would like to do, see, places to go, that whatever you call it type list.

I'm no different. As my health has deteriorated I have come to terms with the fact that some of the things on my list really aren't achievable now. But they haven't been deleted. No. Because in the future there may be a way. Who knows. But as I approach 40 (next May) I'm determined to start ticking a few things off that list and to stop letting life pass me by.

So a few months ago I booked up to have my second tattoo (yes I already have one!!). My first I had done when I was 21. It's a small cartoon tropical fish positioned to look like it has swam out of my belly button! But I wanted a different idea this time, I've always wanted to have Keagan's name incorporated but didn't want it to be a usual type name thing. I spent months looking at ideas and then on Pinterest one day I came across this image, it was posted in different colours, and it jumped at me. Blue (for Bristol Rovers), Paris skyline and inky watercolour in style. Perfect.

So I took the jpeg into CraftArtist and added Keagan's name in a font I liked. My tattoo. There are a number of tattooists round here but Max has been in the industry for years and I know his wife. So today I went round and had it done. It didn't hurt, scratched really.

 Took this as Max started.

Took this as soon as I got home so only about half an hour after finished. It's a bit swollen but it will settle. The blue is a bit brighter but that's because it will fade down a bit.  It does go round one side of my wrist so part is seen when my arm is turned over. I love it! 

Just wanted to share it with you all and will post another pic once it's settled.

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 270 - Can you see who it is?

 Hello Wednesday and hello desk dashers!

So my desk is bare today after tidying up but luckily I had the thought to take some pictures last night as I was working on my Smash Book so here they are - 

Usual right side - need to put all those pens away really! The bound book under the images is to keep all my class info & exercises from the Clothing class at Kit and Clowder, I've finished the Skin and Hair class already and learned so much!

Window side, Ottlite lighting the way.

So I'm working on my Smash Book, one that is about me. I've got one for Keagan which I've gone right back to when he was born so decided to do the same for me. 

That black and white pic is of me 3 days old! My mum let me have the albums so I took photos of the photos to use. I've realised just how few were taken as back then it cost too much to keep snapping like we do today. There's the small piles of photos that I've sorted into how old I was to add. That photo on the right is of me with my grandparents (mum's side). I'm adding as much detail as I can and questioning mum if I don't know!

So there's me; pop over to The Stamping Ground to check in with Julia to link up, nose or whatever!!

Take care Zo xx