Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Finally made it to join Erika with a golden oldie...it's been a whole year since I last joined in 😟

I've gone really golden oldie this time, so old it could probably be classed as an antique! 

Voila, I give you my first ever piece of craft work (or the first to survive)!

Okay ladies don't all laugh at once 😣

My Nana taught me to knit before I started school but we didn't do any in school until 2nd year in infants where we had a real tartar of a teacher! If she hadn't liked an older sibling you were automatically tarred with the same stick...safe to say her and my brother had never seen eye to eye :( 

Under her watchful eye I couldn't knit to save myself, so Friday afternoon saw me sent home with a ball of wool and needles and told to bring it back knitted. My Aunt had the dubious task that evening of babysitting the five of us (as if that wasn't enough for her), she also got to oversee the knitting. After several attempts I think the ball of wool gave up the ghost and these scraps came from Mum's knitting bag. We finally had a piece long enough to fold over when I discovered a mistake at the beginning...Aunty Agnes had that cast off and sewn up before you could say "Jack Robinson"...no one will notice that with the flap over! I think the crocheted strap was a later addition as I didn't learn to crochet until I was 7 or 8.

My knitting skills did improve after this and I always had the best dressed dolls, this was the first outfit I ever knitted under the watchful eye of my Great Aunt who also taught me to crochet.

I still have the pattern..if memory serves me right it was from The Peoples Friend!

I found lots of old treasures when moving stuff from one loft to the other earlier this year. Sadly my daughter was never into dolls so my box of girly stuff never got to see the light of day...maybe I'll get a granddaughter someday!

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Think I might have a duvet day today...throat feels like someone has been in there with the sandpaper and nose is streaming, thankfully it's afflicting me this week not next! I think I finished my shopping yesterday and everything should be here by tomorrow...just got my online grocery shop to finalise and I'm nearly done :) Kids presents were wrapped last night, hopefully get hubby's done today and finish off tomorrow. The only other time I've been this organised was the year Lora was born when I had everything ready before I gave birth!

I'm off to join Erika to share an oldie, this week I'm sharing another Bookatrix type card from 2009, this time for a wedding.

This was another commissioned card. Dies from Spellbinders...I think the smaller layer is cut from card and acetate. Most of the embellishments came from Joanna Sheen....I even parted with a diamante buckle!  Of course it needed a box to match.

Have a fun weekend.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A busy day ahead, still lots to do before I'm organised for Sunday's lunch party! Busy gutting the kitchen, got the oven to do today...oh joy of joys

I'm off to join Erika to share an oldie, this week I'm sharing a card/keepsake made for my friend on the birth of her grandson in 2009...I was off work for 3 months following my brain surgery and luckily was able to craft. His little brother arrived last month, hopefully you'll see his keepsake very soon.

I can't for the life of me remember what this fold is called.... is it a Joy fold? I'm sure one of you will remind me :)

Paper pricking on the front, computer generated sentiment and Spellbinders die. Photo of the new born and a floral arrangement made by moi!

Clothes embellishments were from Joanna Sheen.

....and of course my friend decided she needed one to give to the proud parents so voila mark II.

Cuttlebug EF, computer generated sentiment and Spellbinder dies.

Decoupaged image from a Create and Craft kit, below which I've stamped a sentiment using a stamp called Rosebud Baby.

Have a fab weekend.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Only three weeks until the big day! Christmas cleaning this week as we're having the family around next weekend for Lora's 18th birthday. Got the dining room, utility and downstairs loo done...need to empty the sitting room today so hubby can shampoo the carpet and we can get the decorations up at the weekend. Boy it didn't half rain yesterday, I felt so sorry for all the delivery drivers who kept ringing the bell, think most of my shopping arrived yesterday!

I'm off to join Erika to share an oldie, this week I'm sharing a Golden Wedding card which was commissioned for a customer.

I always loved the Bookatrix cards but hated all the fussy cutting so when Spellbinders brought out these dies I knew immediately that I needed them! They were the perfect size to add to an A5 blank. Parchment, peel offs a plenty and mirri board all put to good use...and a box to match.

Have a great weekend whatever your plans.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Last night's dinner went down well...after eldest averted a disaster! I was cooking roasted veg and had swapped them from the top to bottom of the oven whilst the potato browned on the pie and left them with the timer on...Gary arrived home and went to dump his bait bag to find smoke bellowing out the vents at the top of the cooker! Not sure whether there was debris on the outside of the roasting tin or it was just too close to the flame but dinner nearly wasn't!! Think I should stay out of the kitchen today....

 I'm off to join Erika to share an oldie, this week I'm sharing a thank you card made for a special friend. In 2009 I had brain surgery to remove a tumour and Chrissie, who I'd met on an online forum went above and beyond to support me from afar.

Decoupage and papers from Crafter's Companions Popcorn CD, dies from Spellbinders....in the days of my trusty Wizard!!

Have a great weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Thankfully we didn't get the forecast winds yesterday and although it was a bright day it was bitterly cold - especially on our high street!

A busy day today, a meeting this morning and a Dr's appointment this afternoon with washing and cleaning thrown in for good measure. I also need to plan next week's menus and do an online shop...I did this last Friday and what a difference it made knowing what you were doing for tea and finding all the ingredients to hand. All quite healthy meals too from the Hairy Bikers Diet books.

For now I'm off to join Erika to share an oldie, this week I'm sharing another of hubby's Christmas cards, this time from 2008.

Image and papers from Joanna Sheen's Enchanted or Victorian Christmas CD, all matted onto gold mirri card. I do love this snow couple image!  Sentiment computer generated in my favourite font "Santa's Sleigh" and die cute with a Spellbinder die. The leaf and berry arrangement was recycled.

Have a great weekend whatever you're up to...I'm hoping to have a crafty one.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Hope no one has blown away yet...our forecast for today is pretty miserable and the high winds are to reach here tonight!

Friday once more, they come around like clockwork  don't they....and the thirteenth at that! My Dad was very superstitious and if he could have stayed in bed on Friday 13th he would have done...if something could go wrong it would that day. We weren't allowed to cross our knives and forks either; or cross on the stairs and he never walked under a ladder...despite being a fireman for forty odd years because they all brought bad luck! I've always wanted to buck the trend just to see what happens lol!

You know the script...I'm joining Erika again to share a Golden Oldie.

Made in 2007, this was hubby's Christmas card. Love seeing parchment craft and this is one of only a few pieces I've ever made myself. I think I gave it to hubby so I could keep it lol. I still have all the gear stashed away, perhaps I'll put it to use when it's unearthed during the move...then again!

Not got any plans for the weekend, think we'll see how the weather pans out...could be a good weekend to craft. Have fun and stay safe everyone.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A quick post today to pop over to Erika's to share a golden oldie. It's my little sisters 50th birthday today and her hubby has planned a surprise family meal tonight and a girls spa day tomorrow, so I'm off down home later to stay the night....and I'm not organised!

I've chosen a 50th birthday card I made in 2008. Papers and image are from a Joanna Sheen CD. The mirri card mats are embossed on a Glitter Girls board and fussy cut....thank heavens for die cutting machines these days! I expect the paper was carried around the back of the card and finished with a peel off a la Sue Smith style too!!

Enjoy whatever you have planned this weekend...I know I'm going to enjoy a relaxing massage tomorrow.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Gosh where did my week go? I know I lost yesterday amid planning our trip to New Zealand....I think hubby and I spent about 6 hours in front of the computer and we're still only 2 weeks into the trip....I'm going to need a holiday to get over planning this one!

If it's Friday again it must be time to visit Erika and share a Golden Oldie...this week I have three to share with you, the kids Christmas cards from 2007!

 

 

The boys cards were made with a Joanna Sheen CD...either Vintage Christmas or Enchanted Christmas, Lora's card was stuff from my stash. Tomorrow you will see this year's cards. I think my card making has improved somewhat since 2007 and thankfully my photography skills have (or maybe just the camera has!).

Laundry, cleaning and more planning planned for today and I must get organised for Halloween, I'm way behind this year and no doubt it will be busy.

Enjoy your weekend.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Yesterday was somewhat cooler and a tad breezy here but still a nice autumnal day, I had a lovely walk with the dog in the afternoon.

I don't know how we've got to Friday again so soon....it never happened this quick when I worked lol! Anyway I'm off to share an oldie with Erika again...some crocheting today.

I think this has to be my most accomplished piece of crafting....a circular Christening shawl. 

I actually made it in my early twenties long before I met and married hubby....I can't remember how long it took me to do but there was no way I'd have managed to finish it in 9 months along with all the other preparations needed for a baby!!

Not easy to photograph as it's a little wider than a double bed!

Another 3 ply piece and crocheted in one piece, then stretched and steamed into shape. It was used for all my three children and I hope it will be used for generations to come

Off to the beauticians this morning to get some waxing done, then no doubt the housework will be calling again since those fairies never put in an appearance!! Enjoy your weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Not done an awful lot in the way of crafting this week...started adding info to the family tree and "lost" several hours/days in the process. Wish the clocks would change, I hate the dark mornings and have really felt off kilter since coming home from Italy...I just can't wake up!!! I've ordered one of those Wake Up Light alarm clocks to see if it makes a difference...hate feeling sluggish all day!

We've reached Friday once again so time to pop over to Erika's to share a Golden Oldie. Some more knitting to show you today.

Another matinee jacket knitted for Lora's christening day. Not sure whether this was an old pattern or out of a newer book (new being circa 25 years ago lol). Knitted in 3 ply...always loved working with 3 ply, not sure I have the patience any more! Sadly this has discoloured in places so I'll have to wash it to see whether I can get it clean again.

Domestic goddess duties calling again, I do wish those clean up fairies would pay me a visit! Enjoy your weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A scheduled post for you today so I can pop over to Erika's with a Golden Oldie. Sharing some knitting today...another find whilst sorting out the loft last week.

This was my all time favourite matinee coat, I just love the lacy pattern...the boys had it in white, Gary's had lemon trim and Mark's had blue. Very delicate in 3 ply wool the picot edge is crocheted. It knitted up very quickly as the back and fronts are all one piece. Lora wore this one on her christening day so it obviously didn't take me long to knit as we didn't know she was going to be a girl in advance!

Enjoy your weekend whatever you're up to. We're off to Rome tomorrow...looking forward to seeing the sights.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A mixed bunch of weather here yesterday...dry and fine for most of the day but turning to heavy rain showers about teatime. We spent our day trying to sort some of the many boxes stored in the loft...we didn't make a lot of headway, although we ended with plenty of mess! I did make a few finds I'd forgotten about including today's oldie.

Erika has been running a Golden Oldie Friday feature for some time now...it's fun to share crafting makes that maybe haven't been blogged before or re-visit some of your earlier blogging endeavours. Today I have a cross stitch wall hanging from 1992 or thereabouts!

Made to commemorate the birth of no 2 son...I'd totally forgotten of it's existence! It is a little grubby now as I obviously didn't spray it with anything when I made it...I'm wondering whether I can open up one end and remove the card board stiffener then gently wash it...don't want to ruin it completely though!

For those who asked yesterday what Hypopressive was here is a link...it explains better than I could!!

It's a long weekend here so kids are off school today and Monday, we had contemplated going away but I think we need to crack on with the loft then start de-cluttering the rest of the house...that could be fun - NOT! This is what we have bought..a converted mill set in about 3 acres of land. Don't know yet when the sale will go through, hopefully we'll hear today.

Have a fun weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

A busy day yesterday so apart from a coat of paint being added to a project in progress there was no crafting done. We spent most of the day in Edinburgh with Lora at a university open day at Queen Margaret's then after a quick tea headed back out to an awards evening at the school where she had been chosen to receive an Outstanding Achievement Award in Higher Modern Studies....cue the proud Mum moment!

Any way we've got to Friday once more so time to pop over to see Erika and share an oldie. As it's our wedding anniversary next week I thought I'd share the one I made for hubby in 2009.

Now many of you may have wondered why I don't make fancy cards for hubby and the kids...this waterfall card (it was considered fancy way back then lol) was out of it's envelope for all of about 5 seconds before hubby had "dismantled" it!! I think he thought he was bell ringing when pulling the tassel!! I vowed never again....and I always keep my vows, hence one of the reasons I'm still married to him after nearly 27 years :)

Images and papers from Joanna Sheen's Enchanted Dreams Cd; tassel also from Joanna. I have to confess to still having a considerable supply of tassels in a multitude of colours...I just couldn't give them away to any old body in case they binned them! Must start making use of them in my mixed media projects...then I can keep them all for myself. 

Someone please tell me I'm not alone and they feel the same about certain crafty products!

I'll be back later tonight with my inspiration post for Happy Little Stampers, meantime have a great weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Weather not been too bad here this week, just hope it stays okay over the weekend as we're off up to Pitlochry for a couple of nights. Not done an awful lot of crafting apart from DT stuff the past couple of days so no scheduled posts for over the weekend.

We went house viewing again on Wednesday...found something only about a mile from where we live which we're expressing an interest in but we need to get some flood risk assessments done before we can think of making an offer....hence yesterday afternoon was spent speaking to estate agents and solicitors instead of doing the ironing - that got done about 11pm last night!!

Popping over to Erika's to share another oldie today and since I've been in Christmas card mode I thought I'd share some of my 2009 specials with you.

Toppers were all from Flower Soft, I think these photos were taken before I added the "snow". These would go to my brother and three sisters so would have had personalised sentiments added to them.

Have a good weekend whatever you're up to and I'll catch you all at the beginning of the week.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Gosh it was so muggy here last night, whilst I like warm weather I do prefer a cool evening! Domestic goddess duties calling this morning then it's off for some pampering this afternoon.

As it's Friday I'm off to join Erika to share a Golden Oldie.

My share today is a tag from 2011, the original post of which can be found here. The background is done with distress inks using a Tim Holz technique....sadly the link no longer works but I think the technique involved heat embossing one colour then inking over with the other so it just filled the white spaces (I could be wrong though!).

Image is from Polka Doodles, mounted on a SP bauble and a gold glittered snowflake.

Challenges entered:

Throwback Thursday #12 - techniques

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Well I got bitten to pieces when out star gazing on Wednesday evening...my decollatege resembles a dot to dot puzzle! Too cloudy here last night to see anything though we'd had a lovely day.

Off to share a golden oldie with Erika today as once again it's Friday. This is just for fun but it's nice to look back and see how your crafting style has changed over the years.

I've gone back to 2008...this was one of my favourite images from Joanna Sheen's Jayne Netley Mayhew CD. Papers are also from the same CD. This was a commissioned card for an 80th birthday. This was a great CD was those hard to cater for males and this image made a fun card.....I used it several times.

Domestic goddess duties call today then I've got several inky, painty projects on the go that I want to make progress with. Catch you later!

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Friday once more, don't know where my week has gone! I'm off to meet baby Seb today...he's already six weeks old, how did that happen??

Sharing an oldie with Erika again this morning and I'll be back later with my August tutorial for ARTplorations.

This one was made for a card swap in July 2009! Image and papers are from Joanna Sheen's Messy Rabbit CD.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Domestic goddess hat on today...don't want to have to do anything tomorrow as it's my birthday! Apparently I'm being taken out for dinner and the kids have been commanded to attend too...we'll see what happens tomorrow!

I'm off to visit Erika and share a golden oldie just for fun. Today I'm sharing a get well card made for eldest after he had maxillofacial surgery when he was 18...can't believe it's 7 years ago.

The image is off an Andy Carolan CD and the papers are from Hot off the Press.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you're up to.

Golden Oldie

Good morning all.

Off to join Erika to share a golden oldie this morning...I'll be back to share my first tutorial for ARTplorations this afternoon.

Today's share was first aired in 2011 and the original post can be found here. The papers and images were from Crafty Ann's and this was one of my DT inspiration pieces.The front was a bowed piece of acetate...this was given to my Mum and I've no doubt it's still tucked in a cupboard somewhere!

Challenges entered:

Thursday Throwback #11 - shaped card