♪♫♥ CHARITY CRAFTER! ♪♫♥

QUICK BIT OF CRAFTING

2012-01-09T21:45:00.000Z

Click on the photo to see better, as my grandaughter was starting nursery school and was enjoying it and being good (she is very clingy to mum - understandably), so I am sending her these hands with a message between them saying "We love you this much!" a letter and nail varnish to paint the fingernails, (gotta add the crafty bit!) x

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T21:14:00.000Z

My son Harry on New Years Eve and below the note he left me on the fridge for making 20 christmas cards on the evening before he needed them, which I woke up to x

Back to crafting!

2012-01-09T21:08:00.001Z

The first ever wreath made at a workshop

Jorgie crafting for Christmas making her mum a treasure box and card

the finished products!!!

what do you do when everything is going wrong? Have a party! x

2012-01-09T20:59:00.000Z

Have a little party x

Just before Christmas, my hubby was ill, I was still getting over it, we had my grandaughter stay who was a little poorly too, the heating had packed up, it was freezing, and the shower had broke too! So what do you do?????
Have a party, We got the party poppers out, the music on and the cupcakes out and had fun!

where have I been, experiencing the Mad, Bad, Sad and Glad life I lead!!!!!!!

2012-01-09T15:22:00.000Z

Hi all, sorry I have been missing since November, please be assured that my charity work continues, just a little more sporadically, I have done my free classes at the childrens centre, donated items, raised a little money etc., so I am still striving to make a difference through crafting x

MAD:
You may have noticed a weight loss ticker creep on to the top of my blog well, on 3rd of January this year I had a GASTRIC BAND!!!!!!!!! I have lost 2lb in the pre-op week and my first week of banding I have lost 8lb!!! So please share my journey with me, it is an exciting time I have waited a couple of years to have, but we are here.

BAD:
On Wednesday just gone I came out of hospital from my banding op and on the evening, my son Harry was mugged! x I wont go into the gory details but those that know Harry know that he is a passive, kind and thoughful young man who wouldnt hurt a fly, so the fact that they beat him, then took his beloved ipod and stamped on it and beat him some more has been hard to bear for all of us. Harry made me proud when he expressed pity for these 2 hooded young men, and although Harry is the most non-materialistic teenager I knkow, (no tv in room, doesnt play computer games, doesnt wear jewellery etc.,) his music is his passion, so we went out and replaced his ipod and earphones, and he said as the other one was taking as evidence, but might still work, should he give that to someone who might need one when he gets it back?! God knows how proud I am of that young man.

SAD:
This mugging has affected this family deeply, and I keep bursting into tears and cannot reallly talk face to face with anyone other than Harry ( I can get strength for him somehow) and my hubby x So there is a journey for us to travel, which we are still on - wish us luck.

GLAD:
Especially with the Stephen Lawrence story in the news, I am so glad my son was not seriously hurt, and has the moral fibre and soft heart to be able to move on from this callous incident x I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and for everyones support for my charity work in 2011, I couldnt do it without you.

I aim to update you with photos on the lighter side of my life soon x Leigh x

My craft social

2011-11-14T01:05:00.000Z

These are box cards made at my various craft socials - Thanks to Kym who taught us!!!! I will be putting little gifts in them and giving them as Christmas cards/gifts x

My precious grandaughter crafting! Stamping, painting, drawing and decorating!

2011-11-14T00:45:00.000Z

My grandaughter Jorgie adores crafting, with a little encouragement from her mum and nan x Well she came down to stay for a short while and we had to cram as many crafts as possible x So she stamped, drew, painted and decorated a cone for the Christmas tree.

This is a bracelet I quickly made Jorgie when she stayed x

my latest workshop

2011-11-14T00:38:00.001Z

You may recall I made a lampshade recently at a workshop (in the picture) well today I made the pillow to match! Hope you like them x Although regarding the cushio I had LOTS of help x

THE RIPPLE OF KINDNESS Please read! x

2011-11-12T12:31:00.004Z

Hi all, most of you know me have heard me mention the ripple of kindness, well recently I have the appropriate story to tell you to outline exactly what I mean............

Recently I met a lovely lady who makes and sells absolutely gorgeous jewellery (Suze at Bejewelled of Coggeshall ) , and we were chatting and we exchanged details and not long after she got in touch and told me that a local lady had some material and lace etc., to donate would I like them, well of couse I never say no as I have so many lovely contacts that I can always find homes for things to charitable causes, so the lady got in touch for a time and date for my hubby to get the items, when we got talking it just so happens, she has a lady visitor staying with her (Mariana) is a manager in a Bulgarian orphanage who makes cards to raise money for the childrens operations so of course I invited them over to choose some craft stuff. She came over and was so very pleased with the items I could give her and I got my lace etc., In addition to this I was telling the English lady that my son is training to work with children, has been on a humanitarian aid trip to the Ukraine 2 years previously, this year has sponsored a child in Africa's education for a year (as a gift from me from funds raised) and next year is going to orphanages in Budapest and would like to work with disabled children eventually, well she has friends in Bulgaria who she spoke with and who have offered to put Harry up if he wished to volunteer at an orphanage in Bulgaria!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe that??????

Now people say "What goes around comes around" for the first time in my life I am starting to believe it, all these people were either recipients or givers of kindness or both all from one lady on facebook!

SUZE ~ KAY ~ MARIANA ~ LEIGH ~ MARIANA ~ KAY ~ SHEILA ~ HARRY! ~ ORPHANAGE ~ CHILDREN ~ ELDERLY RESIDENTIAL HOME RESIDENTS ~ ETC., ETC the list goes on............

When we say how can "I" make a difference (little old me!) well

heres your proof!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Here is the link to the orphanage that Mariana works in and you can see her in the picture at the top with her children.

HERE

Leigh x

The miracle of cards!!!!

2011-11-06T21:18:00.005Z

When I was making this Christmas card in the dining room with the tv on a film come on called "The miracle of the cards" and what a goosebump and hairs raised on the back of your neck type movie it was. Its a true story about a little lad who was terminally ill with cancer who wanted to achieve the record for the most cards for the Guinness book of records. When they got near the target, the Guinness book of records said it was for cards made themselves not received! The mum wouldnt spoil the boys dream and they carried on, this little lad was so very ill, and these cards meant the world to him, anyway it is a very moving film and I wont spoil the storyline, but please try to see it if you ever get the chance, it was on CBS Reality (SKY) or would make a great christmas gift for any crafter! x Above is the card I was making while watching it...... and it felt sooo poignant! It has really stayed with me, and I know it will stay with you too, especially those of you that send cards to sick children and adults x Leigh x

My new silhouette cameo!

2011-11-06T21:11:00.000Z

Hi all, I am lucky to have got the new silhouette cameo, and I just love it. Here are the first things I made!

Hope you like them!

BEAUTIFUL NAPKIN ART! AND INTERESTING STORAGE SOLUTIONS!

2011-10-26T23:06:00.004+01:00

Below is a concertina file box that I decided to file my serviettes in for my napkin art, that I am so besotted with, but when I looked at it, I thought how plain it was and of course I had to decoupage it x Hope you like it x

The above and below is the different shape pen holders that my hubby makes to sell for my charity crafting (see my ebay link on my sidebar on the right) and I painted one cream and glued cupcake napkin art on them. I did these to show what can be done with these storage stands. As originally they come like this.......................

Above (on the left) is a mdf tool holder hubby makes as well, and I painted mine on the right.

Below is another mdf storage creation from hubby, that I painted then I put white peel off border all round the edge and then each tiny little hole I put a tiny dab of glitter glue (yes it took ages!)

And below, you might have seen this before but hubby used some poundshop garden decorations and added to a block of wood and the middle bit (I am very technical dont you think) to make a funky kitchen roll holder, storage should not be boring x

Hope you like my current adventures making storage more interesting x

Thought for the day!!!!!!! I should take my own advice!!!! Not craft related x

2011-10-24T19:19:00.001+01:00

Hi all, I though I would share with you a little story where yes! I should take a little of my own advice.......My hubby and I were out a while back, and we saw a gentleman at a stall, that I have seen many times before, now considering I have often said to my children when complaining that someone is "MISERABLE" not to judge as you dont know they could have had bad news that day or have real troubles, I found myself saying to my husband (regarding this stall holder), God he is miserable that one.

Now I dont normally stop at his stall, but on this occasion I did and getting close to him I noticed he had a trachetomy (is that how it is spelt), and I said to him, oooh what have you done? Pointing to his throat, he went on to tell me how he had cancer of the lung and tumours in his throat and how ill he had been, well! I felt so ashamed that I had thought him miserable without giving it much thought, I said how are you now? He said with a big beam, I got the all clear this morning! Well! I nearly jumped over the stall to hug him, though as he had been through so much, I thought better of it and clasped his hand in a very pleased handshake, after telling him to put on some weight (I am cheeky but I get away with it!), I went on my way, and remarked to my husband, I should take my own advice - to which he smiled!!!!!!!

Thought I would share that with you, beings I am studying far too hard to craft!!!!!
Which I must get back to speak later x Leigh x

Hubbys newest storage invention!

2011-10-18T23:57:00.001+01:00

Hi, as some of you may know, after having problems with budget not stretching to some storage solutions, I have often got hubby to make some, here is his newest one, for rulers, tools, pens etc., We will be selling this for £5 plus P and P and it can be decorated too!

My clever hubby has made pro-marker and copic stands, bow makers, unusual pen holders that stack and is now perfecting a tiered stickles stand x

I AM NOT! AMUSED!

2011-10-18T23:49:00.001+01:00

Look what I got in the post!!!! I am only 45!!!!!!!!!!

Did make me chuckle though!

Trick or treat goodies plus others too!

2011-10-18T23:42:00.001+01:00

Above are the 4 pkst of halloween treats for my grandchilren, and the bowl below which is made out of a melted record, has the goodies for any trick or treaters!

What with birthdays, halloween, and other reasons for buyiing my son and grandchildren goodies I decorated these bags to hold it all!

I had a little bit of wrapping paper left over from the pressies above so cut some strips and folded them over, put flowers and a brad on them and Voila! we have a bow!

Romantic gesture from husband!

2011-10-18T23:28:00.003+01:00

Hi all, when I got home from the lampshade making workshop, I found a surprise, I had put some scrabble pieces on my worktop in my craft room to sort out when I got home, and when I did hubby had wrote the above, well you know me! Soppy and I couldnt then put these away, so I made this................

Sweet memories!!!!!!!

This plaque was inked with a red stampin up ink pad and one of its vintage rollagraphs, it was soooo easy!!! My friend Karen from Karens world sells stamping up, in such a relaxed and helpful way xSo if you need any, please contact her in her blog, she would love to hear from you x

Lampshade making workshop

2011-10-18T23:19:00.000+01:00

I am trying to learn as much as I can in crafts, and have recently been lucky enough to attend a "made by me" workshop. I made a lampshade and it was a fabulous afternoon x We were completely spoilt with drinks and cupcakes and I made a lovely lampshade that you can see on my lamp above. I have had this lamp for sometime as everytime I bought a lampshade for it, I didnt like it. So I thought I know I will make one!

I loved the workshop so much I am going to do beginners sewing machine with them in November x Where I hope to make a matching cushion.

If you want to know more about "Made by me" click on their motif above to go to their website. They also have a facebook account HERE

Beautiful flowers x

2011-10-18T23:06:00.000+01:00

Hi all, just wanted to share these beautiful flowers my friend Tina bought me the weekend, they are my favourite x Sunflowers and gypsophillia (which is actually a weed) or babys breath x

Underwater theme card workshop

2011-10-18T23:04:00.001+01:00

Hi all, sorry for neglecting you all, thought I had better update you on my adventures, the cards above were made at Sandras workshop, which this time the theme was Underwater, all completely different but equally as much fun as each other x Thanks Sandra!!! x Leigh x

CRAFTING HELPED PROVIDE BRONAS EDUCATION FOR A WHOLE YEAR!

2011-09-22T17:54:00.005+01:00

Hi all, you may recall a little while ago HERE I told you about a scrapbooking class I held, that I wanted to use the proceeds to sponsor a childs education for a year. I have now filled out the forms and wrote the cheque so feel it is safe to introduce you to the child we are sponsoring.

I wanted my son to choose the child and the sponsorship is in his name (Harry Briden) because to mark his 18th birthday he used his money to pay for his passage on a humanitarian trip to the Ukraine, so this year to mark his 19th birthday I spoke to him and he liked the idea of sponsoring a childs education.

So let me introduce Brona! Although technically her education is paid for by Harry and I, all of those of you out there that send me crafting item donations have contributed too, as without your donations I could not have done the scrapbook class that raised the money!!!! So I feel we are all sponsoring her.

It will take a while for Harry to be registered on the site as the sponsor but here is the site if you want to take a look HERE

BRONA ATUHIRE

If you are stuck with gifts for special people on special occasions but the person is hard to buy for, why dont you consider sponsoring a child, animal or environmental project!

Thanks for reading x Leigh x

2011-09-12T22:19:00.000+01:00

After all my promises of making a few Christmas cards a month from January onwards, I made my first one today! I got the inspiration from a craft stamper magazine of a vintage card with layers of torn paper and lace, I thought it would be nice on this stepper card x

Beautiful ribbon box storage

2011-09-11T21:59:00.002+01:00

I decorated these that started as a flatpack (above) which cost me 75p to buy x I painted the box with my standard acrylic paints, then maksed the centre panel and put crackle medium on it, when that had dried I painted a top layer with paper artsy fresco paints and waited for it to crackle, I used some of the ribbon from the box to highlight the front and then I made the flowers up by using up the left over dregs of paint on different flowers, then added glitter glue and a brad.

Presents! Presents! Presents!

2011-09-11T21:46:00.000+01:00

My friend Tina, has just had a baby grandaughter named Rosie, who is the first girl in the Page family for 60 years, so the card below is the card to the grandparents, and the one below that is for the proud parents. The pink basket is Rosies present and I decorated the pink bag for the goodies to go in. Now in amongst all this, is the couples first child Archie is also just turning one! so the personalised train ornament and the chocolate buttons is his birthday present. I forgot to photograph his birthday card but you get the picture!!!!

Scrapbooking session a success! Money raised to sponsor a child's education x

2011-09-11T21:32:00.003+01:00

A little while ago I was asked to hold a scrapbooking workshop for a ladies 82nd birthday, with differing family members, i was to get paid! Which is a first for me as most of you know, I do my classes for free (residential homes, children centres etc,). We had the day which was an enormous success and I have decided to spend the money on paying for a childs education for a year in a third world country. I felt it was appropriate to do this, as obviously some of what I used would have been donated. Therefore, any of you out there who has ever donated items to me have helped "SPONSER A CHILD!"
HERE is the site I am going to do it on, but have yet to choose the child which I have asked my son Harry to do. You may remember Harry went on a Humanitarian aid trip for his 18th, so I felt for his 19th we should do something to remember and the child will be sponsored in his name. I think choosing is an awful process how do you do it? So when Harry has decided I will post a picture on here of the little one who will be educated for a year compliments of crafters!!!!!!!!!!!And here is what they get:
£42 to cover the cost of one year schooling inc. free uniform books pens and daily breakfast. Alternatively you can set up a STANDING ORDER for £3.50p a month. Here are some of the pics from the scrapbooking workshop that raised the money!!!

Sending big THANKS!

2011-09-10T21:41:00.001+01:00

Hi all, Sorry I have been neglecting you all lately, but my old camera died and my new camera's sd card crashes my computer and what with life and other things I am afraid I have not been able to devote much time to my blog x I need to say a massive thank you to The craft barn HERE

for winning their prize of paperartsy fresco paints they are amazing, and I am so grateful to them and Sara from Cardmaking Paradise HERE for holding the draw! x I have to say thank you to Hazel from "Just add glitter" blog HERE for winning her blog candy, I do go in for a few but havent won anything for a year and then win 2!!!! Thank you Ladies! x

2011-09-06T22:55:00.001+01:00

I alcohol inked these tins and then put rub on birdhouses on with some gingham ribbon, to decorate them for my craft room

The bowl above is made from a vinyl LP and it is filled with sweets below to show how attractive it looks x

Hubbys 1st jam batch x

2011-09-06T21:49:00.000+01:00

My hubby and I try to make all our gifts now, and we are pretty much succeeding x He wanted to try his hand at making jam as we love it and it will make lovely gifts, this is the first batch he ever made, and yes the 1st jar is half empty already x The jam is absolutely delicious and he has now made as well as the strawberry above, damson and plum x Yum! Yum!

My shabby chic art !

2011-09-06T21:26:00.000+01:00

Beautiful Paper Artsy paints!!!

2011-09-06T20:50:00.000+01:00

From the flat pack box above to this painted and preened and put together box below for my ribbons using the beautiful Paper Artsy Fresco paints that I love so much x

I have neglected you prepare for the onslaught!!!

2011-09-06T20:35:00.000+01:00

The apple doesnt fall far from the tree! My son decorated his record box that he got for his birthday!

STEAMPUNK CARDS!

2011-08-23T00:56:00.004+01:00

I was recently invited to a craft social/class that takes place every 3 weeks locally to me, and these are the cards we made. This was such a new style for me and I absolutely loved every minute! So thanks to Sandra who held it for such a lovely day!

Beautiful paper bag album x

2011-08-23T00:50:00.000+01:00

At our regular Greenstead Green craft social/class, Kym made us kits to make these albums, I was soo looking forward to it and I was not disapointed, they are gorgeous x I adored making it, and when I came home from the class, I continued into the evening and the next day instead of doing my much needed housework, I continued to decorate the album. I still have to do tags for the pockets, but most of the fun bits have been done now, though I cannot take any credit as Kym from Krafty Kreations blog here got the kits together and sourced the instructions

so big thanks!!!!!!

sons birthday cake!

2011-08-23T00:23:00.000+01:00

This post is a little late as my son Harrys birthday was on the 12th. He loves giant cookies as his cake, and this year we got him a double one! The candles were a flower, with a sparkler in the middle, that lights all the other candles as they open x

New challenge blog - and I am on the Design team - would you like to be?

2011-08-17T23:51:00.000+01:00

Hi all, Angela over at crafting with Jack, blog has decided to put her talents to use, by setting up a new challenge blog, to use her digi images. The first challenge is running until 16th September and there are butterfly digi images on offer. I am on the Design Team which I thank Angela for, and am looking forward to my new venture. It will only be short term, due to current commitments and health reasons, but wanted to support Angela in the beginning. So if you fancy being on the design team, or entering the challenge then pop over it is here. I will show you my design team card as soon as I have done it.

I have to say angela you couldnt have picked a better first challenge Butterflies are my favourite!!!!

BEAUTIFUL NEW PAINTS FROM PAPER ARTSY

2011-08-16T18:30:00.003+01:00

Hi I have just tried for the first time some new paints from Paper Artsy they are chalk acrylics Fresco paints, and they are gorgeous so romantic and soft. I used their crackle glaze too to make it look rustic, not sure if I can part with this book to be sold in a charity craft sale in September x
PLEASE CLICK ON PHOTO FOR CLOSE UP OF PAINT EFFECTS!
You can see amazing tutorials on: http://www.cardmakingparadise.com/

Be careful! Once you buy one or two you will be hooked!!!!

Leigh x

I am featured on crafty storage blog!

2011-08-12T12:43:00.000+01:00

Hi all, the new pen holders that hubby is making to sell is featured on crafty storage blog, this blog is a hive of information regarding craft rooms, storage solutions and other lucious ideas to do with crafting. I have been lucky enough to be featured several times, for storage solutions my hubby has made, if you get a minute pop over there and have a look Thanks to Paula, who has supported my charity crafting in so many ways, this being just one of them.

x Leigh x

Steve is home!!!

2011-08-10T21:33:00.003+01:00

Hi all, My hubby Steve came home Saturday from a gruelling 1700 mile drive each way (shared of course with Alan in the pic), to the Ukraine and back to take humanitarian aid to a centre that specialises in helping children and young adults, often with disabilities connected to Chernobyl.
Please see the sidebar for the amazing work UKAID and the Ukrainian centre do.

They had a very successful trip, but glad to be home x

Leigh x

DECOUPAGING EVERYTHING FOR A FRIEND!

2011-08-07T18:32:00.001+01:00

Hi all, it was my friend Jills birthday recently, and I have this new challenge, to make just about as much as I can, so I got some tissue paper, stamped "Friends" randomly on it with stazon and cut out napkins and decoupaged it on it, I did the same with the tag, card and a picture frame I had painted. So just about everything for her birthday was made x Hope you like it x

BEAUTIFUL RACHEL

2011-07-28T18:03:00.007+01:00

This beautiful young lady is called Rachel, she grew up healthy, happy and a bright caring young woman, and when just before she was 18 she found out she had epilepsy, after a seizure.

Approx 2 and a half years later, Beautiful Rachel, died in her sleep from epilepsy even though she only had a short history of suffering from it.

The organisation SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

A fellow crafter Diana told me about her daughter Rachel, and I promised I would post about her beautiful daughter and the organisation SUDEP which is doing amazing work. Sudep is helping to keep the memories alive of people lost to epilepsy, yet it is still a relatively unheard of charity who hold support sessions, have a forum, fundraise, raise awareness and help with prevention and also....... very importantly...... promote the success stories and postive side of living with epilepsy.

So if you would like to know more please visit their site

look up Rachel in "Keeping their memories alive" section

You cant miss that beaming smile

Thanks

Leigh x

TOMORROW IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY!

2011-07-25T19:34:00.014+01:00

Hi all, I am so excited for my hubby Steve, tomorrow morning he is going to the Ukraine on a humanitarian aid trip with UKAID. He will be gone for 11 days, and they deliver much needed supplies to a centre that is virtually supported by UKAID (Felsted Aid for deprived children) and dependent upon them to exist. The centre is for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster, mainly the children born with defects from the aftermath, Alan (the organiser and other driver) and Steve will be driving 1700 miles (each way!) taking, sanitary supplies, toiletries, disinfectant, clothes, nappies, wheelchairs, textiles etc., The centre does the most amazing work offering free healthcare, which before its existence was virtualy unheard of in the Ukraine and with such proud, hospitable, people, that just want the basics in life (healthcare, medical supplies, toiletries, disability aids). Although poor, the Ukrainians (who rely on the centre) are very resilient, resourceful people, and so giving. It is a pleasure and an honour to be able to help them. My son went on the trip nearly two years ago, he was only 17 years old, and he used his 18th money (before he was 18!) to fund is place on the trip. My husband has raised money for his own expenses, as luckily the cost of his place on the trip has been subsidised by UKAID (because a funded driver could not go), by holding bootsales, and selling items on Ebay. We have never been apart more than a couple of nights, so it will be a wrench, but I think it will be a special journey, they drive all the way from Essex to the Ukraine. I will post photos after the trip.

We have sent craft boxes as donations before, but sadly on this occasion, there wasnt enough room, as the trip was planned for another driver to go, who due to ill health cannot, therefore they can only take half of the items they need to. So it is essential items only.

If you would like to see more of their work their website is HERE and if you would consider a donation, there is a Just giving button on my sidebar for UKAID (Felsted Aid for deprived children), I have to add this is one of the few charities that spends very little on admin, nothing on wages, very little on expenses, and the donated items/money is delivered/paid directly to the centre by Alan and Pauline. What other charity can say this? Pauline and Alan who run it, and whose lifes work it is, are amazing, so much so, that the Ukrainian government have presented them with their highest award (please see their website link above) and Pauline was a runner up in the Sunday Mails "YOU" magazine "WOMAN OF THE YEAR!" a couple of years ago. This charity is truly making life changing differences and myself, my husband and my son are honoured to be a part of that.

Thanks for reading.

Leigh x

Please take a couple of minutes and enjoy this music video

2011-07-22T21:44:00.001+01:00

ooohhhh!!! ££ for charity x

2011-07-19T00:43:00.002+01:00

I have just been able to donate £6 from items sold on ebay made by hubby x Please see my just giving buttons, for receipt of donation, and my ebay button for items on sale x

Its not much but its a start x

x Leigh x

Thought for the day x

2011-07-16T19:39:00.002+01:00

I borrowed this from a lady on facebook:

An old man once said,"There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the one's who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

And I would like to add to it...........The ultimate revenge on another is for you to be happy!

My first picture and more decoupage

2011-07-14T00:17:00.003+01:00

Hi all, I bought a picture today from our local craft centre (Blake Hall craft centre) I had seen it a week ago and thought it was beautiful, and went back and got it today, the artist is Jacqui Mansfield.

The picture above isnt the picture I bought, as when I got it home i looked closely and felt that I wanted to try and do it, and my challenge was to do it without buying anything and using what I had in my craft room.

A friend gave me this horseshoe, that had some writing on the back that my daughter did years ago,

I wanted to decorate it, without touching the back, so I painted it, then cut out small pieces from a paper napkin and decoupaged it on with Mod podge sparkle, I am really pleased with it and it is an attractive decorative piece which is now on my wall in my craft room x

This last simple little creation. I wanted jars for my ribbons that were striped or spotted and just mod podged some paper on the side and lid. Simple but effective

More decopatch and decoupage

2011-07-07T23:45:00.000+01:00

These are cardboard drawer units, with the drawers still open to dry

A little birdhouse gift, for a friend

A memory box that has been waiting to be decorated for ages!

LOOK WHAT I DID!

2011-07-06T21:17:00.003+01:00

In my post before this one, I was showing you the little stacking units my hubby is making to sell £15 for 3 (diamond, 1/2 diamond and oblong) including Postage and packing and here is what I did with mine (please see bottom of post for units before being decorated.

I painted the unit with white acrylic paint (You can see I stole one extra from hubbys office - he still hasnt noticed!), then I decopaged a butterfly paper napkin on the stackers, using mod podge and cutting out individual butterflies and placing them randomly - These stackers can be cecorated in so many different ways, used for different things, and stacked differently, or used singly. The stackers come completely un decorated and without pens.

Decopatching!

2011-06-19T23:25:00.000+01:00

Following on from my post yesterday, here are some more Decopatch x

I painted the pink one today, just got to decopatch the front of drawers.

Decopatch fun weekend!

2011-06-18T22:08:00.001+01:00

Hi all, I havent finished them all yet, which is good because you can see the before and after! Hope you like them x

Saving Daisy x

2011-05-20T21:32:00.002+01:00

Hi all, over at Kirsty wisemans blog HERE there is a raffle to raise money to help save Daisy the dog .......
I have bought tickets, and there is massive amounts of craft prizes to win too! So a win win situation.

Please go over there and leave a little love, say hi, buy a ticket, offer a prize or to simply offer support and encouragement, it will be greatly appreciated x us crafters have to stick together x leigh x

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

2011-04-25T19:27:00.001+01:00

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I have a friend who's birthday it was recently, and I went round to see her at approx 6.30 pm with her pressie and a card, this lady is very disabled, and when I got there, her carers were there getting her ready for bed. After a small martini together, I gave her the present and card, and left in order to let her carers proceed, and it wasnt until I was on my way home, that I realised she only had one card, her birthday had been spent on her own (other than carers) the present I bought was most likely the only one she had been given, and she was going to be put to bed by 7pm!!!! It made me feel incredibly sad, and quite angry that this lovely lady who had led a productive, blameless and honest life was so lonely and forgotten, yet such a sweet uncomplaining soul she is. We met when she joined a voluntary group I was a chair of, and although I left over 2 years ago, I am the only one who has kept in touch with her, despite her being a volunteer for this organisation for many years, another point that angers me, how quickly we forget people. So my thought for today is count your blessings and remember someone today! x Leigh x

x Leigh x

CANCER RESEARCH BATCH

2011-04-01T21:25:00.005+01:00

Hi all, I have started gathering my batches of cards for Cancer Research, I would like to say thank you to Monica over at Handmade cards with love, Karen @ Karens World and Linda from Linanna designs, as some of these and future donations were from donations of cards/materials from them. Thanks ladies!

Also a big thank you to all donaters for helping me make such a huge donation of cards affordable, by helping me with materials x

I reckon I have another 60 cards to when I get more official cellophane bags x This will make a grand total of over 80 cards for cancer research x

A LITTLE BIT OF UNDERSTANDING

2011-04-01T12:32:00.011+01:00

I thought I would share this little story with you. My husband and I went swimming yesterday, and as I was labouring up down the pool, (not a pretty sight I can tell you!) x there were a group of people that came in the pool, these people were being brought in by a carer, and I could tell they each had disabilities/issues of some kind. One of the young men in the group, was swimming up and down, and as he passed other swimmers he would make loud gutteral sounds and put his hand in front of his face, most of the other swimmers appeared extremely embarrassed, and either moved, or looked away, he occasionally got an embarrassed smile.

I too felt embarrassed and a little vulnerable, however, quickly realised that this was purely through my own fear and lack of understanding, and that he could be deaf, and doing some sort of sign language. So (much to my hubbies embarrassment) I started chatting with the carer, and asked if the young man was deaf and what was he saying, he said he was indeed deaf and he is telling everyone he passes that the swimming pool is dangerous and a hazard, so I asked how would I respond to him, to re-assure him its ok, we are careful, and he showed me how to say, Ok! Good man, which would be acknowledging his concern. Well! you should have seen this young mans face (he beamed) when the next time he warned me of the danger of a swimming pool, I responded Ok good man, it was lovely x Now dont get me wrong, I initially wanted to run (or swim) a mile, and sadly I even had the thought..... would he touch me, as his loud grunting and gutteral sounds felt intimidating, and I didnt know what to think, however, I decided to find out for myself and I am so glad I did x I feel very grateful to this young man, who I will probably never see again, as he taught me not to jump to conclusions and not to run away from something just because I didnt understand it and of course I now now how to say ok good man in sign language!!!!!!!!

Quick card for charity batch

2011-03-13T19:19:00.003Z

My easter cards to send to children in a hospice

2011-03-07T21:13:00.003Z

You may recall that Lynne in an earlier post HERE asked for Easter cards for children in a hospice to accompany an easter egg giveaway x Well here are mine........... And they will be winging their way to Lynne tomorrow x Leigh x

Could you spare some easter cards for sick children

2011-03-03T21:41:00.002Z

Hi all, Lynne over at Pinkle Twinkle Cards has a request which I am going to help with, hope you can too! x Leigh x

And here is what she says......................

I have a special request for all you lovely card makers in blog land!!

My friend is currently collecting donations of easter eggs to give out to the children in Martin House Hospice in Wetherby, Leeds. I have joined forces with him & have suggested I try get handcrafted cards to hand out along side these eggs.

This is where I need your help!!! Please could you possibly make 1 or even stretch to 2 childrens easter cards to help brighten a childs day??? If you could be email me (lynniewilson@hotmail.co.uk) and I will send you my address.

I need to have these cards all in by 15th April to give time to get them distributed.

Please feel free to spread the word.

My friend has got a group for this campaign on facebook if you want to check it out, here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_188023361236699

Thank you again for reading this.

Lynne xxxx

x 7 charity cards at craft social 2 weeks ago x

2011-02-26T21:11:00.004Z

FOR MY CHARITY BATCH

♥ February is "Red Month".....Supporting the British Heart Foundation ♥

2011-02-19T20:58:00.005Z

♥ Annie over at Annies place is holding a very special blog candy in memory of her husband who died 20 years ago this month at the age of 44. All she is asking is that you spread the word about her blog candy and support the British Heart Foundation through their charity shops and/or collection cans if you see one, which you are likely to do as this year is their 50th anniversary x Pop over to Anns blog HERE ♥

♥ My husband has a very serious heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, with a heart murmur and leaky valve too, his condition can cause sudden death, so this cause is close to my heart ♥

♥ February 25th is wear red day in support of the British Heart Foundation ♥

♥ Please go to the British Heart foundation blog HERE for more information ♥

♥ Please support Ann at this sad time which she is remembering her husband by holding a blog candy!!! How special is she? ♥

♥ Leigh ♥

I am featured in Crafts Beautiful ~ CRAFTERS WHO CARES AWARD ~

2011-02-07T22:22:00.005Z

Hi all, I was nominated for Crafts Beautiful (Magazines) CRAFTERS WHO CARES AWARD (Page 90 of March Crafts Beautiful magazine) x Apart from being chuffed to bits that someone would think so highly of me and what I try to achieve enough to nominate me, I also get the opportunity to highlight my blog which I have always wanted to be a resource to other crafters. I feel with this exposure it will be seen by more fellow re-cyclers, low budget, charity and frugal crafters. And if that wasnt enough! I get a £50 gift voucher to spend at NOOLIBIRD which apart from the craft items that are exquisite, you should see their childrens bedroom items, they are gorgeous x here So thanks to the nominator! And to Crafts Beautiful and Noolibird x

♥ Card drive for Stacies Aunt at All things crafty blog ♥

2011-02-07T22:01:00.004Z

Hi all, Stacie over at All things crafty (craft princess) HERE

Is asking for any cards etc., to cheer up her hubbys aunt Jeanne who has just

been diagnosed with Breast cancer

She is offering candy as a thank you too but I know this would be just a bonus for you lovely crafters out there, who would like to send her a cheer up or get well soon card.

My card is above which is winging its way to Aunt Jeanne as we speak

Please go to Stacies website for more details x

~ GET WELL SOON JEANNE! We are all rooting for yer! ~

Variety

2011-02-02T21:26:00.005Z

Valentines card for my charity batch

Valentines card with my favourite sweet treat cup! For my charity batch

This card and toppas from the cricut cartridge "Billionaire" that my friend Jill, brought to a craft social for us to put together x thanks Jill! x this card will go in my charity batch x

and this is a wooden plaque costing about £1.20 in Hobbycraft, which I have decopatched for my Grandaughter

And finally a picture taken today of me and one of my grandaughters "Skye"

Scrapbook class x

2011-01-28T16:49:00.000Z

Hi all, most of you know that I hold free classes for people (young carers, elderly, parents) and recently I have held scrapbooking classes in the local childrens centre for parents x The kids are in the creche and mums have a break and play! x Well here is the photo I told you about x My daughter had just left before so there is one missing but here you go x

I think they are hooked! Their work is amazing and they needed no real help really other than me chatting about different products and ideas x I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the ladies said they did too so I would just like to say a big thank you for all your crafting donations as without them, I could not do classes such as this x Leigh x

Cards for Luke

2011-01-26T19:31:00.004Z

Hi all, over at Laceys blog (Hand stamped by Lacey) HERE, she was asking for cards to cheer up a very poorly boy called Luke and to send them to him care of her (address at the bottom) he will be 6 years old on the 16th February so a card could be birthday. I have made my card and it is more of a cheer up card here x

My card will be sent tomorrow, can you spare one too?

Cards can be mailed to:

Pray for Luke

c/o Lacey Stephens

12623 NW 6th Street

Coral Springs, FL 33071

USA

Thanks for dropping by x Leigh x

Very different cards x and a wonderful crafting get together x

2011-01-26T18:58:00.005Z

While having a lovely crafting get together yesterday, with other crafting buddies, Kym who's house it is, has just got a Grand Calibur die cut machine that cuts much larger dies than the usual sizes x we cut some frames from it (whilst dribbling ever-so-slightly) x And I came home and made this card x which is a shaker card x And as you can see it is an easel card too! x I am not sure whether I can part with this one! x

I also made this card at Kyms x Isnt she just adorable? (No not Kym but she does have her moments!) you can find her at Fred she said HERE x One of the other sentiments that comes with it was "I love you this much! x Which is so cute but this one is for one of my grandaughters birthdays later in the year and this is one of her sayings at the moment to her mum! (Well the "Come here!" bit) x so I just had to have it x

Thanks to Kym and the other lovely ladies for a smashing day!

This card is from a stash donated by my friend Jill (one of the lovely ladies yesterday) x and it just needed the letters and house cut out and decoupaged, and an insert x this will go in my charity batch x Thanks Jill! x

This is a piece of acetate that was in Jills batch already folded, so I put some black rub ons on and then sprayed it with Crafters Companion silver sparkle spray and put a card in the inner to write with x This will go in my charity batch too! x

I so enjoyed making these cards as they are all so very different.

x Leigh x

I have had a brilliant morning!

2011-01-21T15:42:00.005Z

Hi all, just a quick post, This morning I held my first "Scrapbooking" class, which I hold free for mums at the Childrens Centre in my village. I was quite nervous, because I have done cardmaking with the elderly and lots with children, I have not actually had a class for adults in scrapbooking. Anyway the morning flew by, and the ladies who came (I had 6) numbers are limited due to the places offered in the creche, so the mums get a break, all made at least 2 some 3, christmas scrapbooking pages. All their styles were different we had a quirky, precise, colourful, eclectic, classic and cute styles and each and everyone was lovely. None of the ladies had really done much scrapbooking before (most in fact had done none at all), though 2 had made their own wedding invitations, which I think is amazing (I had never made mine! never mind theres always next time! he! he!) x Anyways, I am doing another class next week, and with the ladies consent, I will take a photograph and pop it on here.

The bottom line is, I could not offer this service without your generous donations of crafting materials and the occasional blog candy that I win x so thank you all for helping me, help others to craft while giving them a break!!!!!!!!!

From ONE VERY HAPPY BUNNY!!!! X LEIGH X

What do you do with last years Christmas cards?

2011-01-06T19:44:00.002Z

Hi all, thank you for the good wishes, I was only poorly for a day and am better now x thank you x What have I been up to..............

I know it isnt new in the crafting world to re-cycle our Christmas cards received, but most of us usually cut bits out, I decided that other than the cards I scrapbook, or pin up for inspiration, I would cut the front of the card off at the centre fold, add extra embellishments and matting and layering, and Voila! Here are my first 12 christmas cards for charity this year! Re-cycling, and fundraising for charity all in one, though I have to say, I couldnt have done it without the donations, especially the card blanks/envelopes from Linda over at Linanna Designs blog here x Thanks Linda x Leigh x

Just a quick chat from my poorly bed!

2011-01-04T13:23:00.004Z

I am in bed poorly today, and have had to cancel my arrangements :@( so not in the best of moods, especially as I was up all night returning my dinner to the toilet! However, I had a smashing day yesterday with our very good friends and great memories too! their grandchild Archie is just scrumptious! x So its not all bad x And funny enough this time last year, I was in bed poorly so maybe its a post Christmas thing x (though I hope not as that lasted a week!) x

In fact the 5th January last year, was my very first blog!!! And I cannot emphasise enough how much it has given me. The Christmas cards sent to me this year were so beautiful and so many from my craft buddies that I have met through blogging, I have had so many laughs, fun and inspiration that I dont know how I ever crafted without you all before x So thank you all and long may it continue!!!!!!

Leigh x

Want to do something special at Christmas???

2010-12-21T20:24:00.004Z

Hi all, I recently read an article about a couple, who have given up everything their home, their possessions, their jobs, to look after animals, mainly horses but other types too x they dont turn any animals away x they have recently been evicted from their current place as their money was running out and in desperation, took sheltered offered for the animals that left them, living in outbuildings x Sara has frostbite and both her and her husband are struggling to keep it together, health wise and financially x All they want to do is help these animals. I am not going to go into but they take some of the saddest cases in and where possible nurse them back to health.

Anyway, they are desperate for donations: If you dont want to give money, you could send thermal socks or clothes, or get in touch to find out how else you could help, what makes these special? They have given up everything to care for these animals, what will happen to the animals without them? When do you see this level of care, hope and faith that people are willing to give up everything for them? These people are hardworking people, trying to make a difference for animals that cannot help themselves........Will you help them?

Please would you consider putting this post on your blog too? Spread the word x Leigh x

Their website is here

You can donate directly (via visa or paypal) here

There is an article with more details here

Until they have a permanent home their admin address is : 7 Hardens View Warehorne Kent TN26 2LG.

Alternatively please call Sara on her mobile:07956 229683 or email thehorserefuge@mypostoffice.co.uk

I have just donated, can you? PLEASSSEEEE....... (Its not often I beg!) x Leigh x

Leigh x

PRESENTS THAT COST ZILCH!!!!!! And a thought for Christmas!

2010-12-20T15:01:00.004Z

Hi all,

I thought I would share a thought, every Christmas I try to think up some Christmas presents that cost absolutlely nothing! To complement the usual bought ones. Last year I got my husband a list off the internet of the meaning and origin of well used words, phrases and slang, i.e. "A man is known by the company he keeps!" you can find the website here

Not because I am tight you understand (he! he!) more to keep with the spirit of christmas, and this year I have come up with the concept of giving my time!

When I did my recent free card classes in an elderly residential home, the young carers words, have stayed with me, in regards to crafting, I asked her what activities the residents enjoy the most (thinking I may be able to provide the materials) and she said

"Company and a chat!" x Well this stayed with me x And my extra Christmas present this year that is free, is I have a housebound lady, that I visit from time to time, and take craft stuff etc., I realised I dont visit her at Christmas time because of all my arrangements, but yet, this must be the loneliest time, she has few family and friends, so I rung her up and asked if I could visit her tomorrow for a couple of hours, to spend time with her, and does she need any shopping brought in (I have a card and pressie too for her) x And she was so pleased you would have thought, I told her she had won the lottery! It made me feel good, and dont get me wrong, I probably get more out of visiting her than she does! She is an incredible woman.
Lastly but not least, I thought how can I reach people and send them Christmas wishes when I dont always have their address, I know, so I am going to do a blog post for any of my crafting buddies I
cannot reach x
Thats free!

I dont know about you! But not having too much money is not stopping me celebrating Christmas!!!!!!!!

So get racking your brains, what can you do for Chrismtas that will cost nothing?

A smile,

A lift,
A kind word........ especially to someone who this would be hard to do.... (Mother-in-law?) want a giggle....WATCH THEIR FACE!!!!

A helping hand,
Cheeky I know........ but putting my avatar on your blog (he! he!) help me spread the word!
Putting a charity link on your blog

RE-cycling items you no longer need,

A read book,
Drop magazines off to participating hospital or doctors waiting rooms!

etc.,

I would love to hear your stories too x Leigh x

Making someone smile at Christmas!!!

2010-12-18T22:21:00.001Z

Hi all,

all through the year, I drive past a bungalow, that in Autumn, Spring and Summer their garden is an absolute delight, you can see the couple working day and sometimes into the evening, making the garden look gorgeous and in the Winter they have the most amazing Christmas decorations up, when you turn the corner you are face on to the bungalow, and it never ceases to make me smile, so although I have never met the residents, I decided to make them a card Saying...... Great Job! letting them know how much their hard work, is a delight to others x Leigh x

UPDATE: (22ND DEC) - I have just received the most amazing email from this couple, saying how much the card and sentiment means to them! And I am to stop by, if I see them in the garden to say hello x And of course you know me............ I am not shy and of course I will be doing so when next year x Leigh x

Charity cards!

2010-12-18T22:14:00.004Z

Hi all, I have made the following cards for my charity batch..........

Want an idea for a stocking filler or token gift x

2010-12-18T21:39:00.003Z

Hi all, I wanted to buy small token gifts and decided to get charity badges and pop them in the persons card or pressie! You can even get childrens ones. It is a good idea if you dont know what to get someone or just want to make up the cost of the present a little x Leigh x

Lovely Lindas donation in lieu of Christmas cards!!!!!

2010-12-17T21:46:00.003Z

Linda over at Jazzlins and Linanna Design blogs, has been so very busy this Christmas with her craft classes, family and local craft shop, that she is stretched to make many of her own cards this year and has given me £10 as a donation for Felsted Aid (on my sidebar) in lieu of Christmas cards she hasnt got time to make and send.

This has really touched me, because Linda is always giving and leaving herself without enough time left to do as many cards as she would like is typical of Linda putting others first and yet she still finds a way, to turn that into a kindness to others by donating to my charity in lieu of Christmas cards not sent................................. I have never been so pleased to not get a Christmas card in my life!!!!! he! he!

Anyway thank you Linda, it is all on there and my grand total is now £100!! for Felsted Aid and

if you would normally get a card from Linda and dont this year x Please read the story of what Felsted Aid achieve, and it will bring a smile x
Also I would like to say a special thanks to Linda for all the donations of craft materials given to me x

Thanks Linda x

The big issue is.........................Make someone smile!!!

2010-12-13T17:23:00.003Z

Hi all, I thought I would share with you a special moment I had today, I went out to do a little Christmas shopping in Chelmsford and I saw a big issue seller, well, I stopped to have a chat, and we had quite a giggle actually, and I bought a copy of the Big Issue. I did a little more shopping and stopped to have a hot chocolate and sat down and started to read my Big Issue. When I was reading it, I realised that the poor sod who sold it to me, was still outside, and it was really cold (this man had something wrong bronchially too) and I felt a little sad, so I thought I well, you cant exactly invite a strange man, to come in the warm, and have a hot chocolate with you (My hubby wouldnt be amused anyway:@) so I decided to take him one, a nice big HOT! frotthy hot chocolate, so I got one and walked back to where he was.............. And he was gone! Oh well, hopefully he will be warm now, so I started to make my way back to the car, but felt guilty because I had a very big (expensive) hot chocolate, and didnt want it wasted, so I had a little word with my "Angels" (I have this belief if you ask for help there is something/someone out there that will try to help - which I call my angels - and yes I am just a tad bonkers he! he!) so I asked: Please dont let me waste this sentiment and hot drink, so then within minutes, I saw I was walking towards a different Big issue seller, who looked elderly, he was quite frail, and looked frozen, so I stopped and said, here you are hun a hot chocolate! x The smile and surprise on his face was brilliant! x It made my day! x I just wanted to share that with you x

Make someone smile!!!!!!!!!! It is so rewarding x Leigh x

I had fun!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-10T21:16:00.000Z

I did my free Christmas card making class at an elderly residential home today, well! that was an amazing experience, it was a cross between, Vicar of Dibley, Only fools and horses and Last of the Summer wine! I had to sit my family down when I came home and share the experience, as there was so much to tell! I came away feeling a little sad (at the loneliness of some older generation in homes), uplifted, I had some wonderful conversations, and had a real laugh, and so very aware of how lucky I am to have the few people that love me. We made many cards, and had fun, and as for one "Gentleman" well he wanted to send his card (which had to say: BAH HUMBUG!) to Santa!!!! On that note I leave you with a smile x Merry Christmas x Leigh x

SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS

2010-11-30T12:16:00.003Z

Whether we agree with the wars or not, our service people are giving their time and in some cases their lives in the most difficult circumstances. Even if it is just to save your used postage stamps or buy something from their shop or the current single, please support our troops.

Parcels, Letters of Support, Get Well Cards, Hand Made Cards, Used Postage Stamps or Donations may be sent to -

Support Our Soldiers
84 Topping Street
Blackpool
FY1 3AD

FEATURED BLOGGER! What you can do with a Ferrero Rochet wrapper

2010-11-17T18:52:00.005Z

Hi all, Monica over at Handmade cards with love is an avid crafter for charity x Lives in beautiful Indonesia, is a very busy mum, wife, daughter and friend (to name a few!), she recycles, among many things, and yet she still finds time to help me, and others x I just thought those who dont know about Monica would like to know a bit more, and heres an example of her resourcefulness, see what she did with a Ferrero Rochet wrapper! (I know what I do with the contents but cant show you the evidence has disappeared He! he!) x

I think it is beautiful! Then her work is, and her daughter Zeenya is giving us all a run for our money too!

..........................................................................................................................................................................

Below is what Susan (A previous featured blogger) did with a Ferrero Rochet wrapper,

in my past post here

Here is the original post from Sues blog

WHAT VERY TALENTED LADIES!!!!!!

I have been featured on another blog!!!

2010-11-17T12:23:00.001Z

Hi all, Ruth with a few blogs all so very different and really good fun x and has featured me on her kindness of crafters blog *blush* x I am thrilled to bits x I believe us crafters have enormous power through our networks, resources, imagination and being kindred spirits to do so much good in this world, and it is what I like to refer as "The ripple of kindness!" x So please stop by this new little blog x I am sure I will be seeing one or two of you on there, as there are so many kind crafters out there!!!

Thanks Ruth x

200 cards for a charity!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-16T23:27:00.002Z

You might remember me mentioning that I have promised a charity (Felsted Aid for deprived children - see sidebar) some Christmas cards, in order for them to be able to thank their donaters, and raise their profile and hopefully bring in some more aid and donations for next year. When they said 200, after choking!!! I was determined to keep my promise, but knew I had to cheat, so I bought a set of good quality card, with matching inserts and envelopes and the card was pre-scored, and decided all I could do was print them. Hubby helped and we put a bit of Sakura clear glitter (pen) on the stars on the top of the tree, and here they are................. And boy are we relieved they are finished x Leigh x

Easter, birthday and Christmas cards

2010-11-03T23:27:00.002Z

Hi all, I thought I have neglected my charity batch! So I had some free papers (which was still in a magazine given to me) and have a set of nestibilities I got for a bargain x so with some computer printed sentiments and some card candy sent to me, and I was away..........................

Overcoming difficulties x

2010-11-02T21:03:00.001Z

40 Kits! and samples!

Recently I made up a donation of crafting materials for a local residential home, and the young lady who come to pick them up, was explaining how difficult it could be trying to organise crafting for the elderly residents that they could enjoy on such a low budget and with little help x So I offered to help x I volunteered to do a class for Christmas card making x it wasnt until I was committed to it, that I started to realise the difficulties involved x after talking to the young lady I started to realise some dilemmas,

1) There were approx 40 people in the care home, and although all wouldnt participate on the day, it was important noone was left out.

2) The residents suffered varying degrees of health issues, that may impair their ability and enjoyment of crafting, from Alzheimers, vision and hearing problems, how could I offer them all the opportunity to craft if they wanted to in a way that they were comfortable with.

3) how to do all this, without being patronising, as I was sure I would meet people that could teach me a thing or two!!!!!

4) Zero budget!

This is how I am approaching it.

1) Residents will get several sessions, and I have made up 40 kits of varying degrees of difficulty and have made some samples for them to see how they can look, also offering some random choices of embellishments and sentiments for people to add or change their card (in kits) for individuality.

2) I was worried about the sticking! as wet glue can cause problems and tape guns will be far too expensive to buy enough, and can be tricky, double sided can be a pain to get the backing off, so I decided to "Xyron" each and every piece in the kits, take the top film off, so it will be easy to peel off and stick. Also providing shop bought cards, for people to sign or have signed, for those that do not wish to "Make" cards but would like help sending some.

3) I think the kits, giving varied choice, with the samples showing different examples of finished cards, offering lots of extra embellisments and sentiments for individuality, and shop bought cards and having fun x

4) Zero budget, well I have won a blog candy or two, and had some lovely donations that I can utilise and I am lucky enough to be able to purchase the Xyron cartridges at cost!!!

SIMPLES (NOT) he! he! but I hope I have covered all aspects, if you have any advice please let me know, I will post further after the event in December of how I got on x

Leigh

A little tearful today x Goodbye Amanda Mary x

2010-10-24T15:03:00.014+01:00

Hi all,

I always said I wouldnt put any negative stuff on here, as my blog is my own little ray of sunshine, but today is different. I have just heard that Amanda Mary over at UKScrappers has passed away, it is all rather sudden, and although I never met Amanda, she was my friend on UKS, we spoke often, she supported my charity work, sent me regular donations for my charity crafting and was the kindest, most encouraging, non-negative, inspiring, person you can imagine x She has 3 sons and hubby Alan.

I have been so tearful, and keep telling myself not to be silly as I didnt "Really" know her, but you know what? I knew her well enough, to know she touched my life x So You go Amanda and scrap in peace wherever you are x

AMANDAS FUNERAL IS: Monday 25th at 11.15am at Swindon Kingsdown Crematorium, he is happy for either flowers or donations - Amanda's favourite charity was Animal Asia Foundation which dealt with cruelty to bears.

Amandas favourite charity was Animal Asia foundation, especially rescuing and caring for bears, their site is here and you can donate and/or buy from their gift shop x Amandas husband Alan, has mentioned it as a place for donations if people want to x

Amandas subtitle on her UKS profile she says...........

scrapping in the moonlight..twilight.. any light!

Here is a link to her blog Paper butterfly

So I know wherever she is, she will be scrapping. Here is some of her work:

People at UKScrappers are going to each contribute pages to a scrapbook, that (when finished) will be sent to her family, which I will be contributing to (and will post my page and if poss the book on here) and I have made a condolence card (See below ~ and which I will put the link to this blog post in so family and friends can see and participate if they want to) and with this blog memorial post sadly that is all I can do, and will be leaving this post at the top for a while.

This is the card I made to send to Amandas family and friends x

A pic of Amanda with Michael Ball!

Thanks for listening xxxx Leigh xxxx

What have I been up to today?

2010-10-23T23:15:00.002+01:00

I am entering this into the Stamp something challenge "Digi image" here

Ellephantastic challenge "Halloween" challenge here

A second halloween card, with my sweet treat cups x Mummy digi image cuddly buddly crafts and the Boooo ( I am not sure sorry!) x

which I love to do so much I had to create a "SWEETIE CORNER" for

And some beautiful flowers from my husband, although is he trying to tell me something?

Look at the witch in them............... He! He!

He is getting crafty though, as when he arranged the flowers for me, he cut off the cellophane with pumpkins and bats so I could use them on my cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And last but not least, a special card for my charity batch x

I KNOW I AM CHEEKY BUT.............................

2010-10-20T22:10:00.006+01:00

Hi all,

I am trying to promote my blog in anyway I can, I cant hold blog candys as all the crafting items I buy, are donated or win are much needed for all my different charity crafting, holding free classes, craft boxes for housebound, chernobyl victims, residential homes, young carers scrapbooking, cards and projects I make for charities fundraising etc., so I am looking for people to consider putting my blinkie on their blog for me? with a link back to my blog (And a big thank you to those of you that already do).

Or would you consider donating a blog candy prize for me, (or digi image or stamp etc.,) I would of course do a blog post all about your blog/business and display your blinkie in return x

I also sell labels with all the profit going to charity (And I pay the postage out of my own pocket to increase the donation) x (Thanks to those who have bought already) x

Its cheeky I know but worth a try.............................Thanks for reading x

Here is the address of blog for the link: http://www.charitycrafter.blogspot.com/

Hi all, free digi scrapbooking kit named after a special little boy Easton

2010-10-20T21:21:00.001+01:00

Hi all, over at Sumertime Designs blog where Summer makes and gives away free digi scrapbooking sets, her blog is a delight and so generous, well she has a very special one that is named after a special little boy called Easton

Why dont you take a look, I did and I am glad I did x

Go on take a look!!!!!!!!!

A card for 2 young carers

2010-10-19T18:14:00.001+01:00

~A lady in my course at college is disabled in a wheelchair and her 2 children were nominated and won a carer of the year award ~ she is quite rightly very proud of them, and I made them this card ~

Cards lovely cards x

2010-10-13T21:06:00.002+01:00

This is a card for a friend who is going through rough time at the moment, using papers and flowers sent to me by my friend Karen, The punch is EKSuccess from a blog candy win from Mariannes craftroom here

Thank you so much x x x

This is a card made from a donated materials for my charity batch!

and this.................

Hope you like them x Leigh x

ARE YOU CHARITIABLE?

2010-10-07T01:31:00.003+01:00

Hi all, are you a charititiable person? Wanting to help make a difference? On my blog I advertise loads off opportunities to make a difference, and in so many different ways, and most of them are free or hardly costing anything, here are just a few..............

Give blood ~ Help save lives!

Save your bottle tops ~ For a wheelchair and to re-cycle!

Save postage stamps ~ To Support our Soldiers!

Make a butterfly ~ Send it to the holocaust wall in memoriam of the 1.5 million children who died in the holocaust

Make cards ~ send them to charities for them to sell for fundraising

Donate surplus crafting materials ~ to myself or other charities or care environments

Send cards to sick children ~ Please see sidebar below the posts for details

Please see all the details and links on my blog .................. Thanks for reading x

More cards for my charity batch x

2010-10-06T21:46:00.003+01:00

My good deed for the day!!!

2010-10-05T23:07:00.001+01:00

Hi all, just a quickie post, I went to see a friend today (Wini) who is housebound, and I was racking my brains what to take with me, and of course CRAFTS! So I made up a goody bag of card making sets and some old magazines for inspiration and popped them over, dont you just love crafts!!!!!! They fit into most scenarios x Wini was chuffed to bits x And I suspect the next few people she sends cards to will get some homemade ones x Leigh x

woooooooo!!!! Get me!!!

2010-09-28T17:53:00.006+01:00

Hi all, had to share with you, my latest news x I got a telephone call from our local childrens centre today and they wanted me to do 2 x scrapbooking classes with the mums and a Christmas cardmaking class with the mums and tots x (ALTHOUGH ALL IN DECEMBER!) x (a while ago I offered to do scrapbooking and/or card making classes with the young mums x I live in a village and it can be a bit isolated) x

I dont charge and the centre can only afford minimal expenses (they are a charity), so I am able to do this, because I have the donations of items and a couple of prizes I have won!!!!!!!!! I am really pleased.

Also I am soon to start the first of 200!!!!!! Christmas cards for the charity UKAID to send to everyone, in order to raise their profile a bit! 200! I must have been mad! But I found a deal on ebay for really nice quality white card, inserts and envelopes, which I am going to keep simple, so hopefully I will have some time to do my own x I will pop these cards on this blog to show you when done x Leigh x

Isnt this the cutest thing???? A fish ribbon tutorial x

2010-09-22T00:08:00.002+01:00

Hi all, over at Lings Design studio blog here

Vera Ling has made this wicked gold fish from

ribbon x She is a clever lady x Pop over to her blog to see how easy she makes it look for us to do x

DOING THE RIGHT THING WITH A CHEEKY TWIST RAISING £50 FOR CHARITY!

2010-09-07T15:21:00.005+01:00

Hi all, as many of you know, I love a boot sale, and I recently got a pen set, pictured. When I got it home and looked through it, there was a message saying if lost please ring and a number, I felt it obviously wasnt meant to be sold, so I rung the gentleman on the card, and asked if he wanted them back, he said yes.
AND HERES THE TWIST! I cheekily asked him if he would donate to "MY GIVING BUTTON" (On the right of this post, top of my sidebar), for my expenses of buying it and sending it back and he said YES!And offered £50!!!!!! As you can see he kept his promise, and they are winging their way back to him, everyones happy!!!!!!

Dont you just love it when a plan comes together????????????

I am one happy bunny today!!!!! Just call me a charity entrepreneur!!!!!!!!

Sharing !!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-06T14:27:00.003+01:00

Hi all, due to the fact I have had quite a few donations lately, been craft shopping a few times and found quite a few boot sale bargains too!!! I decided it was time to share, so I made up donations for children to craft in the scouts and church, a childminder, residential home, and hostel for young adults needing support. This is the childrens one, hope you approve!!!!

Recent makes for charity

2010-09-05T16:35:00.005+01:00

One of the wonders of working with crafting materials donated to me by crafters from their stash, is the different choices of materials that I get to work with, instead of just my own choices. I am still in awe of people that send me (a relative stranger) their beloved craft items in a quest to support my charity crafting, but the thrill of opening a box is immense, and getting to work with so many different choices of craft materials makes it feel like Christmas every day!!! Here are just a few x Leigh x

These are all made from donated items x I hope I have done them justice x Leigh x

Make cards that you don't know what to do with??????????????

2010-08-26T17:07:00.014+01:00

Hi crafters!!!!!!

I have had a post (below and on my sidebar) where I have requested donations of cards

for GSD lifeline to sell for fundraising

well you know me...........

always ready to put my money where my mouth is

so here is my donation, about to wing its way to help those lovely dogs!

Can you help too?????

Please send donated cards to:

GSD lifeline

20 Bondfield Avenue

Hayes

Middlesex

UB4 9HZ

Please contact Tom (email address at bottom)

or through the website (through here or address also at bottom)

Thanks for reading x Leigh x

You can email the organiser Tom here

griffintom1@aol.com

Thanks for reading x#

UPDATE:

Lovely Monica over at Handmade cards with love

who amazingly is sending a donation of 20 cards from INDONESIA!!!!

Can you believe that amount of kindness??

Doesnt it just restore your faith in mankind???

Here they are................

Thank you so much Monica xxx

CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP????

2010-08-22T23:45:00.007+01:00

This is a post from UKScrappers, a fellow crafter needs cards donated and here is what Tom says.................................................................................................................................................

I am involved with a small group of people that rescue dogs, mainly German shepherds, but also GSD crosses, we are trying very hard to raise some funds, as such we are setting up a stall outside a dog groomers in Swindon in the near future, I intend to sell some cards, with all proceeds going to the cause, just wondered if anyone would like to donate a card or cards to help out?

YOU WILL BE HELPING TO SAVE A DOG'S LIFE THANKYOU SO MUCH

website is http://www.gsdlifeline.com/

Address to send the cards is

GSD lifeline

20 Bondfield Avenue

Hayes

Middlesex

UB4 9HZ

And Toms email address for any queries is: griffintom1@aol.com

Thankyou very much in advance

Tom

NOTE: I am sending cards for them to sell, can you spare some? Many thanks x Leigh x

CARDS DONE TODAY

2010-08-22T22:33:00.006+01:00

Sunflower cards

2010-08-21T15:04:00.001+01:00

Hi all, I had a lovely donation of sunflower card kits x And these are some of the cards made for my chairity batch from these kits x Leigh x

♪♫♥ CHARITY CRAFTER! ♪♫♥

QUICK BIT OF CRAFTING

Happy New Year!

Back to crafting!

what do you do when everything is going wrong? Have a party! x

where have I been, experiencing the Mad, Bad, Sad and Glad life I lead!!!!!!!

My craft social

My precious grandaughter crafting! Stamping, painting, drawing and decorating!

my latest workshop

**THE RIPPLE OF KINDNESS** Please read! x

The miracle of cards!!!!

My new silhouette cameo!

BEAUTIFUL NAPKIN ART! AND INTERESTING STORAGE SOLUTIONS!

Thought for the day!!!!!!! I should take my own advice!!!! Not craft related x

Hubbys newest storage invention!

I AM NOT! AMUSED!

Trick or treat goodies plus others too!

Romantic gesture from husband!

Lampshade making workshop

Beautiful flowers x

Underwater theme card workshop

CRAFTING HELPED PROVIDE BRONAS EDUCATION FOR A WHOLE YEAR!

Beautiful ribbon box storage

Presents! Presents! Presents!

Scrapbooking session a success! Money raised to sponsor a child's education x

Sending big THANKS!

Hubbys 1st jam batch x

My shabby chic art !

Beautiful Paper Artsy paints!!!

I have neglected you prepare for the onslaught!!!

STEAMPUNK CARDS!

Beautiful paper bag album x

sons birthday cake!

New challenge blog - and I am on the Design team - would you like to be?

BEAUTIFUL NEW PAINTS FROM PAPER ARTSY

I am featured on crafty storage blog!

Steve is home!!!

DECOUPAGING EVERYTHING FOR A FRIEND!

BEAUTIFUL RACHEL

TOMORROW IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY!

Please take a couple of minutes and enjoy this music video

ooohhhh!!! ££ for charity x

Thought for the day x

And I would like to add to it...........The ultimate revenge on another is for you to be happy!

My first picture and more decoupage

More decopatch and decoupage

LOOK WHAT I DID!

Decopatching!

Decopatch fun weekend!

Saving Daisy x

A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

CANCER RESEARCH BATCH

A LITTLE BIT OF UNDERSTANDING

Quick card for charity batch

My easter cards to send to children in a hospice

Could you spare some easter cards for sick children

x 7 charity cards at craft social 2 weeks ago x

♥ February is "Red Month".....Supporting the British Heart Foundation ♥

I am featured in Crafts Beautiful ~ CRAFTERS WHO CARES AWARD ~

♥ Card drive for Stacies Aunt at All things crafty blog ♥

Variety

Scrapbook class x

Cards for Luke

Very different cards x and a wonderful crafting get together x

I have had a brilliant morning!

What do you do with last years Christmas cards?

Just a quick chat from my poorly bed!

Want to do something special at Christmas???

PRESENTS THAT COST ZILCH!!!!!! And a thought for Christmas!

Making someone smile at Christmas!!!

Charity cards!

Want an idea for a stocking filler or token gift x

Lovely Lindas donation in lieu of Christmas cards!!!!!

The big issue is.........................Make someone smile!!!

I had fun!!!!!!!!!!

SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS

FEATURED BLOGGER! What you can do with a Ferrero Rochet wrapper

I have been featured on another blog!!!

200 cards for a charity!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter, birthday and Christmas cards

THE RIPPLE OF KINDNESS Please read! x