BUSY DAY

I've had quite a busy day today. I'm afraid I've been so busy crafting and reading that my housework has suffered. Ooooeerrr!!! Anyway, I did quite a bit of it today. I also washed some baby stuff ready for new baby in a few weeks, did some ebay shopping (more baby stuff, lol) and did some scrapbooking too. These two LO's are of me as a baby with my parents and one of my daughter at 1 day old - 25 years ago and now she's having a baby of her own.

FEELING ROUGH!!!!!

What do you think of my new template? I'm going to miss my fly, but I know not many other people liked it, pmsl.

I went out for a chinese meal last night. I only had a couple of voddy's and half a bottle of red, and boy, do I feel rough.

I must be getting old - can't take the pace anymore, lol.

It was a lovely meal though. We went to the Golden Dragon in Woodhall Spa and the food is lovely. I had the most gorgeous spicy mussels for starters. I'd never had them before but would defo have them again. Perhaps they were a little salty, but that's all.

I slept really badly and am really tired today. I tried doing a bit of cross stitch, but didn't get far. I kept falling asleep.

BACK TO SCRAPBOOKING

I've been so busy making jewellery and stuff, I haven't done any papercrafting for quite a while. Anyway, I'm back in scrapbooking mode and have done my first LO since November. I'm not happy with it though. I have a very linear style and I'm trying really hard to get away from it.

My daughter has 8 weeks to go now until my first grandchild is due. July 11th. I am so excited, I can't tell you. She's had a fairly rough pregnancy, bless her. Lots of headaches, sickness, scabby legs (plus other normal life problems) and she's saturated with anti-b's, but never mind, soon be over. She's off to Wales to see her Dad at the end of the month, so I'm going round to paint and do the baby's room. They've chosen a bright orange and lime green colour scheme. Lovely, it is. I suppose they had to really, as I got the cot with drapes and bedding in that colour months ago, lol.

I'll be getting some more pics up soon, too. That's also been a while since I've done any. I've probably forgotten most of what CS2 can do.

ANOTHER LONG WHILE

Jeez, it's ages since I've been here. I must make more of an effort.

What have I been up to. Well, not a lot really. How boring eh? Mind you, I have built a website. It's simple and straightforward but I did it all myself in Dreamweaver. I make handcrafted jewellery and sell it through my site. www.lrdesigns.me.uk why not pay me a visit and see if there's anything you or someone special in your life might like.

I also did my first Photoshop presentation at my local camera club. I was very nervous, but it was a great success. Having said that, I have to go back this Wednesday to show them something again. A couple didn't quite 'get it'. Hmmmm, maybe not such a success then, eh? lol. Anyway, they've invited me to join their club and I might just do it. Would give me an excuse to leave the house other than a visit to co-op.

Oooops!!!!! NOT BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE

Plenty to say actually, but can't be bothered right now so I'll come back.

Actually, I'm having trouble getting in here, so I'm seeing what all this new stuff is about.

Coooeeeee!!!!!

Hmmmm, it's been a while since I've been here. So, what's new? Well, the best news is I'm going to be a Grandma. My lovely daughter and her partner, Chris are having a baby. I am sooooooooooo chuffed about it.

I have creative block at the mo as far as my photography and Photoshopping are going. Maybe it's because I'm back in 'crafting' mode, so spend most of my time doing things in my craft room. I've made lots of jewelry, boxes, ATC's, scrapbook pages and also loads of stuff with my Craft Robo machine. That's an electronic plotter and cutting machine for those of you that don't know.

Still missing my cat, Harvey. Bailey is doing well and the lizards, Eddie and Betty are getting quite large now. They're about 12½ long and weigh about 200gms. They were 9g and 11g in the pic further down the blog.

See, I don't live an exciting life do I. A whole month and not much to tell you. Anyway, this is a pic of Eddie and Betty sleeping peacefully.

PONTE VECCHIO

When I was in Florence I took some lovely (or so I thought) pics. They were, in fact, pretty lousy, lol. Anyway, this is one I popped into Photoshop so it looks half decent now. At least, I'm quite pleased with it.

ALL BOXED IN!!!!

Another comp winner.

COMPASS

I've just won a comp over on pixeladdiction.com with this image. We had to take a pic of a street lamp, no background or anything and make something of it. This is what I came up with.

I've been out for a drink tonight with a friend from my craft forum. It was a nice, pleasant couple of hours. I don't get out much. Haven't the time, I'm too busy on my pooter, lol.

R.I.P. HARVEY

My beautiful boy was run over today. I found him at 6.00pm. I wrapped him in my coat, carried him home and buried him.

He was 2 years old on September 12th, so didn't have a long life. He was gorgeous though. As with all cats, he had 'personality' and I shall miss him dearly. Especially at night, when he isn't laid on my bed.

He's gone over Rainbow Bridge.

BELT IT OUT!!!!!

I'm enjoying this new found skill of painting in Photoshop, so here's another one I've done. The lineart (singer) is one by David Cousens, a forum buddy of mine. It takes hours and loads of layers using the method I do, but it's so much fun. I'm going to be doing a lot more of these I think.

Got my mother in a right snit this morning. One of my crickets had obviously escaped, quite a big one too, and it was sitting on the stairs when she came down this morning. lol. She's threatening to leave home if any more appear. Ha, ha, ha. They don't live long in my house, as it's live food for my Bearded Dragons, so I've no problem with the odd one having a bit of fun before he dies. This particular one is already dead. Awwww shame, eh? lol.

LOOK OVER THERE!!!!!

Well, I'm not getting on too well with my macro lens at all. Just can't seem to get a real good, sharp shot. Looks like loads more practice is needed. But, I have been sitting with Photoshop again. I had a go at some manga for a competition at www.pixeladdiction.com. I didn't win, but hey ho!!!! it was good experience. 10 hours work and 63 layers. I'm quite pleased with it for a first attempt.

MACRO

I have been very, very naughty. I have been wanting a Macro lens for soooooooooooooo long, and today I got one. I really need my wrist slapped 'cause I can't afford it, but hey ho! what the heck, eh?

This is my first attempt. I took about 20 different images and this is the only one I kept. This is rubbish and I know it. I've posted it though because it will serve as a reminder as I get better. At least, I hope it will. lol.

Practice, practice, practice as they say.

BLUE MOON!!!

Jeez, I've been feeling like my right arm was missing for the last 8 days. We had a massive storm here and it blew my phone and internet. I just thank goodness that it didn't blow my 'pooter too.


Eddie and Betty are coming along nicely. Putting weight on and taming nicely. They are just sooooooooooooo adorable.



I did manage to put an image together this week, at least. I've used a combination of two software programms. Bryce and CS2.

HANGING AROUND!!!!!!

This fella was hanging around in my garden today. I ran to get the camera before he legged it. He was only about 1/2" long but still looked evil. lol.

FEELING BLUE!!!!!!!

My daughter left home today and I'm feeling quite lost and empty. She did leave before when she went to Uni, but she's been home again for 4 years. I'm really going to miss her (not her noise and mess though, lol). Had a little cry about it, but OK really.

I do have 2 other new babies to look after though. I have a pair of Bearded Dragons that came home yesterday. They are sooooooooooooo cute.

TOREVIEJA

IT'S BROKEN!!!!

These are a couple of pics I've been playing around with. The 'Fairytale' was for the Photoshop Forum challenge and the black and white one was an old coloured one that so was washed out, it was awful. I thought I'd try some black and white with a touch of grain. I don't know about you, but I quite like it.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well thanks, Cal. NOT. lol. I've been tagged folks, so I have to answer all these questions. Bummer. It means you'll know a little bit more about me. So....here goes.

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
Same place I live now, but right in the centre of the village.

2. What's your favourite article of clothing?
Jeans, when I can get in them. lol

3. Favourite physical feature of the opposite sex?
A nicely curved pair of legs and a tight butt.

4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Il Divo's Ancora.

5. Where's your favourite place to be?
Anywhere where I can get a bit of peace.
(Or, on my computer or in my craft room.)

6. Where's your least favourite place to be?
At a wedding. I loathe them.

7. What's your favourite place to be massaged?
I don't like massages. They get on my nerves. lol.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
I'm strong in mind.

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
It all depends on whether the dog or cat get up.

10. What is your favourite kitchen appliance?
All of them. I love kitchen gadgets and stuff. But, I'm particularly fond of my electric egg boiler.

11. What makes you really angry?
Oh, where shall I start. lol. Liars, cheats, arrogance and drivers that don't use their indicators.

12. If you could play any instrument what would it be?
I play(ed) the clarinet and love it but I have always wanted to play the piano and the guitar.

13. Favourite colour?
Black

14.Sports car or SUV?
Sports Car.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Absolutely not.

16. Favourite children's book?
Although not strictly a childrens book, I read Little Women when I was very young and I thought it was wonderful.

17. What's your favourite season?
Autumn

18. What is your least favourite household chore?
Ironing

19. If you could have one super power what would it be?
I'd like to fly. Then I could just disappear when I wanted to for a few hours.

20. If you have a tattoo what is it?
Don't have one.

21. Can you juggle?
No.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
Oh, my Dad. No contest. I would give anything to be able to do that.

23. What's your favourite day?
No favourite. They're all the same to me.

24. What's in the boot of your car?
Spare Petrol Can, Power Torch, some necessary tools and my Mums wheelchair.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Hamburger. A Big Mac by choice.

SOLDIER GIRL

I was playing around trying to do some illustration type stuff in Photoshop. This is my daughter wearing her boyfriends uniform. Not bad, I suppose but I've a long way to go yet until I get this technique under my belt.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE.....

since I've been here. I'm working on about 4 different images at the mo and getting nowhere fast with any of them. Inspiration has taken a holiday I think, lol. I'll get something up soon, no doubt.

I've been spending time in my craft room too, making jewelry and other stuff with my Polymer Clay.

This hot weather is/has been driving me nuts. I loathe it. Roll on October is all I can say. I think that's where my creative bits have gone, melted away in the heat. Tee hee.

I'd just like to say thanks to all those that have left comments on my work for me. They are very much appreciated.

Have a good week, everybody.

"FEED ME"

"BRING IT ON...."

Well, I really don't know what to say. I'm obsessed with bugs at the mo. Flies, beetles, locusts, you name it and I want it. This fly was settled on my monitor the other day, so I snapped him quick. The locust was a photograph that my forum buddy, Gary Olsen, kindly let me use. Battle of the bugs, eh?

I've had a couple of black beetles in the house recently, but the little buggers move too quick for me to photograph them. I can't bring myself to stomp on them or put them in the fridge for a bit though, lol.

THIS IS A FIRST....

I haven't been near the camera or Photoshop today. I must be ill and I'm having withdrawal symptoms, lol.

I did a bit of weeding today and then decided to do some crafting instead. I got my Polymer Clay out and made some jewellery. A pendant and a pendant and earring set that look like ceramic. Not bad for a first attempt, but could be much better.

I actually like the look of them though, so I think I'll do some more. There was a lovely article in my Polymer Cafe magazine so I thought I'd have a go. I emailed the mag yesterday with a tutorial for making a brooch and they're going to use it. I think, I actually get paid for something this time, lol.

Ah, well. All for now. I'm off to bed to read my Advanced Photoshop mag. I'm only half way through, there's always so much to read and learn.

Nighty, night all.

PRETTY IN PINK

Still playing. This is tonights work. Really simple. My shed door, a flower, my mask again and a spider that was on my living room wall.

EXTREME ADVENTURE

Photoshop again. Tee hee. This is for a challenge on 'Adventure'. I took 6 images of rapid rafting and combined them. Use of filters and blending modes got me the finished result. I really must spend more time on the housework, but this is much more fun. lol.

I SPY

I got bored tonight and couldn't decide what to do with myself. This hot weather is really peeing me off, it's so uncomfortable. Anyway, I ended up in Photoshop again. Using a combination of images (some of them already on here) I ended up with this.

HAVING FUN!!!!

I'm having great fun with my new camera. I am so pleased with it. One of my photographic passions is macro and close up, but I can't afford a macro lens at the mo. Boo hoo!!! So, I went looking for a suitable alternative and found some very, very cheap lenses on ebay that attach to the front of the current lens and gives some nice close up shots. Here's a couple I took today. They're not perfect as it's a bit breezy here today and I was rushing a bit to see how they looked, but I'm quite chuffed.

IT'S HERE!!!!!

My new DSLR arrived on Tuesday. (my new baby, awwwwww). I love it so I've been practicing all week with it. Have a couple of photos that I think are OK to put on here, so they'll be coming soon. But today, I have been playing with Photoshop again and here's my finished piece.

Oooeeerrrr!!!!!

There was some problems with the blogger the other night and it wasn't accepting my uploads. Or, so I thought. I tried 3 times to post and then gave up and came back the next day.

Anyway, it apparently did work, because my mate, Cubby informed me this morning that I had 4 of the same post on here. lol. Anyway, all sorted now. I promise I'm not in the habit of repeating myself that often.

Thanks, Andy.

Sunshine today but whether or not I'll make use of it is anybody's guess. I'll probably be sat at this machine again until midnight.

Have a good bank holiday, everybody.