Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Originally uploaded by FizzPopBang

Be Inspired

Hi, thanks to everyone who sent Birthday wishes to Tony! We had a lovely weekend.

I've just been having a hop around the internet looking at pretty Christmassy things and came across this gorgeous free E-zine, that's right I said FREE! I still can't get over that, because it is so good. If you haven't seen it yet, then you really should go have a look. Now all I need to do is learn how to magic up some time!

Abracadabra more time for crafter....

Inspire co

Oh, no that didn't seem work. Ah well!


XxX

Remember Remember

The 5th of November is Bonfire Night in the UK. We're just staying in and watching the local display from our bedroom window. It's a bit too loud for the boys to go to a display, at their age. It's also Tony's Birthday this weekend, so we've invited a couple of friends over to help us celebrate.

 Image from weheartit.com

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

Have a good weekend, whatever you're up to!

 XxX

Mr Tubs In His New Top

Here's the little top I made for Leon. I used this pattern for the base of the item, but made it with short sleeved because he's a bit of a sleeve chewer and the yarn sheds a bit. I didn't want him to start coughing up blue fur balls! I also gave it a collar instead of a hood, so now it's more of a polo shirt than a hoodie!

 I used King Cole Merino Blend 4ply that my Grandma gave to me, and a 3.5mm hook. I should have straightened it up a bit for the photo, it's not really as wonky as it looks here.  :)

My little monkey snuggled up with his.

This is a photo of Leon a couple of weeks ago being cheeky.

Your eyes are like pies, they're telling me lies! ;)

See ya later!

XxX

Musical Interlude!

Hi! It's been pretty hectic around here recently. Leon's a bit of an awkward customer at times, he cries a lot more than Dylan ever did. It's all been a bit of a shock to the system, but we are getting used to his loud voice, gradually! :)

I have got a little top to share with you that I've crocheted for Leon recently, I'll have to try take some pics of it later. And whilst making it, I discovered that wool gives me dermatitis on my hands. Ouch! I haven't managed to do anything from the classes I've taken, but they're  all go at your own pace classes, so I can go back to them later when I've got more time.

We're going to Ripon to visit my sister Clare and her family today, so I'm looking forward to that.  Enjoy the remainder of your weekend.


For now here's  song I like at the moment.






See you soon!

Rachel XxX

Hen Night and Wedding!

My sisters hen night was a blast we had a great time out in Harrogate. Lots of food, too much drink and plenty of laughs! Here's a few snap shots from the night.

From left to right; Clare (the bride, my Sister), Deborah (my Sister), Karen (my Mum), Me.

We all had to dress as cow girls, that's why we're all dressed in checked shirts, just in case you were wondering! One of the girls had a water pistol with her that she filled with shots. It was very funny! Here's Deborah taking one for the girls! :)

Clare and Johnny were maried on Friday, it was a beautiful day. Every body had a really great time. The weather was gorgeous too, which was very lucky. They look so happy together, I'm so glad Clare has found someone  that makes her happy.

 Dylan and Jessica (Clare's daughter)

Dylan had a wonderful time at the reception, all the next day he kept saying "Party Mummy, Party Mummy".

XxX

Thank you!

Thank you Leo for my lovely prize, I'm looking forward to wearing it on my winter coat.

Leo is a very busy crafty lady she has an Etsy shop where she sells brooches, paper garlands , cute craft kits and lots of other lovely handmade goodness. Leonora also owns crafty templates were you can sign up for template subscriptions, online classes and even by a Quirky Kit or two!

I also received this book from my Mum a week or so ago. Thank you Mum!

XxX

Indie Girl Class With Lilibee

I'm also taking another lovely online class by Lilibee. It's a pop up book tutorial using Sassafras Indie Girl, it's very beautiful. You can find out more details about the class here or here. Please always remember to support the artist, without them where would we find our inspiration?

Thank You

XxX

Slow Progress

I'm still making my mini album, It's taking a little longer than planned to complete. Leon is a little bit clingy at the moment so he spends most of the day snuggling up on  me, which is really lovely. If only I had another pair of hands! :) Here's what I've done so far.

 I get tears in my eyes when I look at this picture of Tony holding Leon!  It was such a special moment.

I love the look of rub ons used on photos, it's one of my new favourite things! 

On to other matters, my sister Clare is getting married next week. It's her hen night tomorrow, we're going out for Tapas and then the rest of the girls are going out clubbing. I'm not going clubbing though because I need to get home for Leon. I'm really looking forward to it, I love Tapas. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

XxX

Small Craft

I'm so excited, I've signed up for a class taught by Elsie and Rachel. I've been wanting to do one of their classes for ages now but due to a number of reasons (mainly money, or lack of it) haven't been able to. Tony has bought me this as part of my Christmas present (Thank you Tony!) I can't wait for it to start, I love making things for my little guys. You can sign up for the class here or here.

XxX

Hello!

Thanks for hanging in there and waiting for my next post! It's crazy with two kids, I really don't know how my Mum managed with eight, and I take my hat off to those of you that manage to hold down a job as well! I'm not complaining though, I love being at home with my crazy kids, the hugs, the playing and the crafting of course.

Here are a few snap shots from today! The light was good so I thought I should make the most of it, I'm a bit of a fair weather blogger.

I think they might have a secret handshake already!

And now onto the crafting I've started making a mini album this week with Leon's first photos. I'll show you more of that later this week, when it's finished. I used some of my new Indie Girl stash, it's a gorgeous collection.

Indie Girl for my Indie Boy!

I've also been doing a spot of crochet as well, I've made a little poncho for my friends daughter. I used the Summer Garden Granny Square and the Granny Blanket Edging pattern from Attic24, and Patons 100% Cotton DK. I had loads of fun making this, it's a bit wonky here and there, but I can live with wonky!

Thanks for taking the time to visit!

XxX

Mix and Mend

This is one of my favourite Sassafras collections, not only is it gorgeous, but it has been designed by one of my Scrapbooking heroes Michelle Clement. I just love her style!

 To see more of this collection and be in with a chance to win it, pop on over to the Sassafras blog! And when you've done that, why not spread some love over at Michelles place.

Have a great weekend all!

XxX

New Sassafras Embellishements

Vintage Brooches - I need These!

Paper Blooms, Entwined Blooms, In Stitch Blossoms

Be sure to take a look at all the new Sassafras Releases!

Take Care!  XxX

Where's The Time Gone?

Ferris Bueller was right when he said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So at the moment, I'm trying to have a good look around! I'm really enjoying myself at the moment with my boys. Leon is a little angel, he hardly ever cries (touch wood!). I've been really surprised by Dylan, I thought Leons arival might set him back a little bit, but the opposite has happened. He seems to have grown up so much in the last couple of weeks.

I'd also like to share this cute crochet pattern with you that I found on the web. I made this for Dylans new bedroom. He's got a thing about rainbows, just like me! :) I created it using Rico Creative Cotton and a 4mm hook.

                                                                                                                    
Thanks for all the congratulations that have been left on my blog and also on Facebook. It is heart warming to now tht people have taking the time to read my blog.

Back Soon!

XxX

StudioCalico Giveaway at Lilibeestudio

Lilibee is having another great giveaway over at LilibeeStudio. Post about the giveaway on your blog and link it to the comments section over at LilibeeStudio blog for you chance to win!

XxX

Bundle of Blue!

Leon Elijah was born on 6th July 2010 by cesarean section, weighing 8lb 10oz. We're both back at home and doing well. He's the absolute double of his brother! Dylan has been so good with him, he keeps stroking his hair and giving him his favourite toy to cuddle.

I'm going to go and enjoy some cuddles!

XxX

Still Hanging In There!

Hello! All is well here, just getting fed up of the back ache and the heat! Just a week to go now! I'm so nervous this time around. Mainly because Dylan has well and truly hit his terrible two's, I just hope the new arrival doesn't make him worse!

 

When he's good, he's very very good, but when he's bad, he's horrid! :)

I'm having a break from scrapbooking at the moment, because sitting at my desk sets my back off! But once we've had the baby and got into the swing of things, I'll be back at it again. All my crafting recently has taken place either on the sofa or laying on my bed. 

A few months ago Tony bought me this very cute book, so I've been putting it to good use! All the bibs have been made using upcycled t-shirts and are backed with terry nappies. I bought terry nappies for Dylan but after using them for one day, I decided it wasn't really for me! So they've been sat in a box in the loft ever since. I new they'd come in handy one day! 

Most of the embroidery patterns were from the book, but it inspired me to do a couple of my own too. The anchor and the boat are my own designs. I also drew my own bib template, because the one in the book was for a Velcro fastening bib. I don't like bib's with Velcro fasteners, as they catch on clothes and after they've been in the wash a few times the Velcro starts to fail. Because the fabric that I embroidered was jersey material, I used a light weight interfacing on the reverse to stop it stretching out of shape as I stitched into it.

 Ahoy there me hearties!

Thanks for popping in!

Rachel XxX

Happy Birthday Little Monster

My little monster is 2 today!

We've got a day of painting and playdough planned.

You may have noticed my blog posting has slowed down somewhat! I'm trying to make the most of Dylan's nap times now by resting myself.

And there's also a lot of this in our house at the moment!

Notice the fan in craft corner... I've been struggling with the summer heat and swollen feet! Oh well, only 3 weeks to go.

Thanks for visiting, hope you're all enjoying the football.

XxX

New Bag!

I've finished my ginormous beach bag! Woo hoo! I followed the pattern on Lucy's lovely blog, although I made it slightly larger than the original pattern. I used Patons Sorbet Yarn, Vanilla, Rose Water, Nectarine, Limone, Lime, Ice and Violet Cream. Unfortunately this yarn has been discontinued, but you can still get it from here, as long as I haven't got to it first! ;)

Mmm! Lovely summery rainbow stripes!

I hope the weather is nice for you today, wherever you may be. See you soon!

XxX

Nesting and Resting

Hi! Just a quick post to say hello to everyone. I've been missing from blogland because I've been very busy getting things ready for our new baby. Such as, organizing baby clothes into piles of neutral, blue and age range. Looking at how small they all are, washing them, sniffing them, rubbing them on my cheek. Organizing them some more. You get the idea! :)

The heat the other weekend really knocked me for six, I'm glad it's cooled back down again. I'd like it to stay that way until this baby arrives. Only 5 weeks left now until it's arrival!!! It's gone so fast! I'm starting to feel a little nervous now.

Dylan helped me to make a little den in the garden, to help shade us both from the sun, he's very helpful.

I'll be back later in the week to show you my latest creation. I was going to make this bag, but I couldn't find a pattern for it, and because I'm feeling very lazy at the moment, I couldn't be bothered to work it out for myself.

See you later!

XxX

Yay! Another Project Completed!

I decided just before Christmas that I'd like to have a go at making a crochet blanket. I've only done a couple of crochet projects before this, like flowers and wrist warmers and felt like I should be brave and try something a bit bigger! I'm so pleased with how it turned out! It has taken rather a long time to complete, because I tend to have quite a few projects on the go at once! The pattern was really easy to follow and the yarn is so beautiful and soft. I used Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton Aran (it was on sale here).

Here the blanket is relaxing on Dylan's new bed!

And here's a lovely close up shot! :)

Thanks for dropping in!

XxX

Ta Daaa!

The bedroom is finished! I'm so pleased with it, I wish it was my bedroom! It still needs a few pictures and things here and there, but it's lovely all the same. Dylan thinks it's great, he's enjoying sleeping in his new little bed, instead of the cot. The bed does have a bed guard on it, but it doesn't look pretty enough to be in the photo's! The bunting on the ceiling was bought from here, I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it!

Also this week, I turned 31! We all had a lovely day of shopping, I've also done quite a bit online too!!! I'm just waiting for it to arrive now.... lots of lovely yarn! I've also bought myself a new pair of flip flops on Ebay. I used to own a pair of these a few years ago, I couldn't believe my luck when I found them for sale. Brand new, with tags and in my size!!! I've bought the yarn so I can make a matching bag. :)

See you soon!

XxX