Chunterings......

Crochet bracelets

2011-08-29T23:31:00.000+01:00

I thought I would share some of my makes...

I have really got into playing with crochet and found a couple of fab blogs that have patterns for bracelets with beads:

Firstly, Mrs Micawbers Recipe for Happiness
So here are some bracelets I made, I have since made a few more. They are made using 4ply cotton (a bargain in John Lewis, I asked if she had any odd balls and the lady brought a box out from the store room - all marked down from £5.20 to £1.50 - so will pop back)

and secondly (this was the pattern that got me started) - see post from May

Future girl

These are more of the same like the first one I did - made by the pool in Jamaica :) Using crochet cotton - same size beads so they move a lot more as the cotton is much thinner. I bought the pink beads just before I left and on the web site they were much pinker, so mixed them with the blue as I didn't have as many of those:

Photo cards

2011-05-12T18:00:00.017+01:00

I have been walking at the weekends a lot recently so have started taking local pictures, and decided to make them into cards. I had already shown the one that I swapped with Melis, and here are a few more in the same idea. Sorry the camera one is out of focus and I don't have it anymore to take another pic...but do have more planned. Would love any ideas that I could theme some more. I nipped down and took some of the allotments and also a friends garden, that maybe I can add some garden embellies to them.

Double up swap

2011-05-11T17:57:00.002+01:00

My challenge - I have already put this on the forum but thought I would add it here - this is what I was sent from Melis:

and I will admit that I struggled with this as it was such a 'blank canvas', and so much paper just didn't know how to incorporate it all on one card! So I decided to make some roses by cutting spirals using deckle edged scissors and rolling them up from the outside in - iykwim. I added some glitter and then used a brad for the centre of the flower.

All became very clear once Melis had showed me her creation, what a fab card:

Bracelet

2011-05-10T17:42:00.001+01:00

I saw this link on one of the crochet sites, and just knew I had to give it a go.

I have the crocheted cotton from long ago, but didn't have any suitable beads. I managed to get some when I went to the NEC recently, and so finally got around to finishing it this morning, as I was off out to lunch with Sue and Clare, and it matched the top I was wearing!

I did need to make it a few more rows longer than the pattern - not sure if it is because I have large wrists or tight crocheter...I assumed the second reason....

We met up in Baldock for coffee wandered to Scrap Revolution and Wool n Things, then went back to the coffee shop for lunch. It was sunny enough to sit outside :)

Double up swap

2011-05-03T18:20:00.000+01:00

Net organised this on the forum, and I have been partnered with Melis. Melis has made hers and sent me all the bits - which I keep staring at....and I made mine and sent my bits to Melis and she has made a brilliant card.

So this is the one I sent - which includes a picture of a walk in Ampthill Park, I did leave the 'title' off the one I sent so that Melis could use the card without it being too far away for her!

This is what I sent:

And this is what I made

Flitwick Moor

2011-05-02T14:20:00.000+01:00

I have vowed to get out and about a bit more and see the countryside, and also get a bit fitter. So for the past few months each weekend I have been going on a walk with a friend, and we do try and go at a reasonable pace, and then I have been doing occasional walks - more of a stroll with the other half!

So I have been taking pictures and not really doing much with them, although I have made some cards which I will have to put on a post. So I thought I ought to put some of the walks on here....

Today it was a stroll around Flitwick Moor and also some information here

I have never been before so we drove to the car park, if you are not sure where to turn off the Maulden Road - it is literally the track by the farm buildings. On arrival the car park was empty, and we commented how quiet it was. We walked into the wood to be greeted by a 'marshall' and was told there would be about 140 runners just going past - apparently the Flitton fun run :). None of them were laughing and joking so not quite sure that it was fun......We let them go past - puffing and panting - and then continued with our walk!

The actual Moor is quite small and won't take long to follow the paths around, there is a longer walk entitled the Two Moors Heritage Trail, and I hope to do that another day.

We just followed the paths around the Moor which takes you out to the meadow, and then brings you back into the Moor once more. I really have not learnt much about the history around here and was fascinated to read that peat was extracted here up until 1967.

The land is iron rich and so the streams running through are coloured orange - just like the Worsley Canal in Manchester. The place is indeed very boggy, and the reeds are starting to grow and in the summer I am sure the place will be much more interesting, if you have not been it is well worth a visit.

Banana Muffins - decorated

2011-04-06T18:00:00.000+01:00

I put up the recipe a while back but have now decorated them for the Country Markets. They are a great way to use up squishy bananas - the squishier the better. I do find I can't plan to make these as the unripe bananas will not work, so it is a case of what the fruit bowl looks like.

this was the first time I made them for the market - and the top picture was the second attempt. I used choc chips as that was all I had around.

Mother's Day card

2011-03-31T14:01:00.001+01:00

I actually got around to making some cards for Mother's Day, but for some reason I didn't take a pic of them all - clearly a senior moment. I have managed to sell a few on Ampthill Country Market stall - I still sell cards for £1.50 - I probably should ask for more but tbh I just want to get a little bit of money back from all that I spend as I like to 'craft' :)

The first one was a bit of a cheat as the papers were already glittered and patterned. Bought them in a sale last year, some are far too girlie for me, but managing to find a use for quite a lot of them. The stamp was free with the new craft mag that is out.

The second one is an image I got from a swap on the forum some time ago - I think from Susanne - I am sure they are Penny Black stamps.

It has been really windy today - big gusts - although the sun has been out too. I planted some daff bulbs from Poundland in the veg patch at the end of last summer and have just picked some and brought them in to the conservatory. I reckon it is cheaper to buy them from the supermarkets - but it was a nice achievement! My rhubarb is looking excellent this year it is now its 3rd season so should be big and strong!

I have started using Picasa to crop/edit my photos this year, and have put a little watermark on them - bit of fun really - maybe I should put the full web address down.

Another new outfit for Sindy!

2011-03-25T18:00:00.001Z

I got this lovely yarn from the knitting machine shop and I just had to make Sindy a new dress with matching bag! I think I have officially gone mad! Having said that it gives the Country Market stall a bit of interest - I took her along and she modelled a dress and lots of people noticed.

I shall wrap it up and see if anyone will buy it!

Lemon Cake - take two

2011-03-20T18:00:00.001Z

This is a slightly different recipe to my previous one - no idea if it would work just as well. But this one I decided to bake in a square tin which is around 18cm/ just under 8 inches square. I then cut it into 4 portions to sell on the market - I reckon each portion is enough for up to 4 slices depending how big you like them!

4oz 125g butter or narg
6oz 175g sugar
2 large eggs
6oz 175g self raising flour
2 lemon (I reckon 1 big lemon would be enough)
sugar approx 2 ozs

Oven is at 180c 350f gas 4

cream together the fat and sugar, add the egg and beat. Add the grated rind of one of the lemons, and also the juice of the lemon (or half if large lemon). Fold in the flour. Bake for 30 mins.

Now there are several ways to finish this. You can melt the sugar and lemon juice and poour over the cake whilst warm. You can mix the juice of the lemon with the sugar and pout on the cake whilst warm. You can add lemon rind to the mix too.

Forum birthday

2011-03-13T20:00:00.000Z

This weekend is the forum birthday - it is 9 years old awww! Glad to see that people enjoy visiting being part of a community, so here is to the next birthday which will be double figures. So if you have not stopped by in a while, pop in and say Hi.

Not got anything to show today - although I have actually made some cards - just not taken any photos.

I ventured out into the garden yesterday as we had beautiful sunshine, and pleased to see lots of the plants are emerging after a cold winter.

Red Cabbage

2011-03-10T18:00:00.001Z

DH is a pickled cabbage fan so thought I would give this a go. I don't really understand all the difference between all the different vinegars, so for a first go - I used standard brown malt vinegar. The recipe is dead easy.

Basically you chop the cabbage finely put layers in a colander with salt, and leave over night for some of the liquid to come out. Give it a rinse. Pack loosely into sterilised jars and top with the cool vinegar.

Pickle your vinegar - I used 1 tablespoon of pickling spices and 1 tablespoon of soft brown sugar to 1 pint of vinegar, simmer for about 5 minutes and let it cool, and strain.

Apparently you need to eat within a couple of months otherwise the cabbage will lose its crunch.

Hair clips

2011-03-05T18:05:00.000Z

I have been making crocheted flowers, and decided that they could be used as hairclips - hairclips seem to be 'in' at the moment. So yesterday I spotted the clips in Poundland and thought I would give them a go. You get 30 and are several colours. You can also get plain silver, gold or black.

I wasn't quite sure how to attach so I blobbed some glue on first and then used the ends to sew them. I have made some brooches too - and will put up some pics later.

I love this yarn - it is so pretty, it is the end of a spool designed for knitting machines, and cost me £1 and I have loads and loads. I must pop back to the shop to see if they get any more.

I actually cropped this photo in Picasa as I was looking how to do it for someone on the forum and added a watermark too! It was quite easy to use. I also found out that it will scan every photo on the PC and find every face so that I can name them - like you do on FB and Friend Reunited etc - once you start putting names to faces it will start searching through and come up with suggestions - not always right - but often is!

Chutney

2011-03-03T18:00:00.000Z

More from last year....

I had a bit of tomato glut, loads of green ones...so I decided to make green tomato chutney. I hunted around and in the end used Clare's recipe on the forum, and realised it was the same as a book I had. Funnily enough I didn't find any on the internet like this though.

4lb green tomatoes
1.5lb onions
1lb cooking apples
1 pt vinegar
8 dried chillies
1oz dried root ginger
8oz raisins
1lb sugar
2tsp salt

Chop first 3 and boil 30mins with half the vinegar.
Add spices (in muslin) and raisins and simmer about an hour.
Add sugar, salt and rest of vinegar and cook until thick and all liquid has boiled away.

I use this as a basis and it is probably different every time I make it!
I have never used dried ginger (never see it these days) and just replace with about 4tsp dried ginger or some grated fresh. I usually use dried chilli flakes or powder/cayenne straight into the pan - again just whatever I have to hand. I have also added garlic which works too.
Malt or distilled malt vinegar is fine - never tried cider vinegar, but I think with chutneys you don't need as strong a vinegar as you do for pickling so no reason why it wouldn't work just as well. Brown sugar as it gives a nice dark colour and a slightly richer flavour I think, but not necessary.

I tweaked it a bit and added garlic and sultanas as I had no raisins, and not so keen on chilli.

Then the green tomatoes that were left on the side all ripened so I had a glut of those!

I made red tomato chutney - which is sweeter than the green, but perfect with a strong cheese. Again I searched around for a recipe and did one similar to the green, but put a couple of eating apples in instead of all cooking apples - as I had a couple of dodgy ones in the fruit bowl. I put in slightly less sugar, and I think I added some paprika.

I made more labels - as I gave several of these away for Christmas. This was my first adventure into chutney making and enjoyed it.

Chocolate Orange Squares

2011-02-28T18:00:00.007Z

...I will admit I have found some posts that I never made they have been sitting here as drafts - no idea why! So it seemed a shame not to share - so will post them over the next few days - they are all recipes:

I have done this recipe before - but I reduced it by 1 third and replaced some of the milk for fresh orange juice, although you can't heat the juice as it curdles the milk. I will try it with all juice next time and heat it up. I also grated some orange zest into the cake.

I baked it in a square tin I think just over 7 inches

Hot Milk Chocolate Sponge

Makes a 7 inch cake
3 eggs
8 oz Caster Sugar
4 oz Plain Flour
2 tbsps Cocoa
2 tspn baking powder
4 fl oz milk
1 oz Margarine

Chocolate Butter Icing:
3 oz butter softened
8 oz icing sugar
2 tbspn cocoa powder 3 tbspn boiling water, mix and cool

Whisk the eggs and sugar together really well until the mixture is thick and pale. Sift flour and cocoa and fold into egg mixture. Sprinkle the baking powder on top of the mixture. Heat the milk and marg together (I do mine in the microwave), make sure all the marg has melted and the milk is hot. Pour this on top of the mixture and allow to froth up, fold together. Pour into two 7 inch sandwich tins.
Cook at gas mark 4, 180c or 350f, for about 40 mins, cool on a wire rack.

Piccalilli

2011-02-25T18:00:00.000Z

I saw Pam (the Jam) on Hugh FW Riverside Cottage make piccalilli and it looked dead easy and as Paul often eats it I decided to give it a go. At the end of the last summer I had a glut of courgettes, so I bought a cauliflower, and there were radishes marked down in Waitrose (Pam had used these in the TV program), and I also added some chopped onion.

Pam's Piccalilli recipe

2kg washed, peeled vegetables - select 5 or 6 from the following: cauliflower or romanesco cauliflower, radish, green beans, cucumbers, courgettes, green or yellow tomatoes, tomatilloes, carrots, small silver-skinned onions or shallots, peppers, nasturtium seed pods
100g fine sea salt
60g cornflour
20g ground turmeric
20g English mustard powder
20g ground ginger
1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
2 tsp crushed cumin seeds
2 tsp crushed coriander seeds
1.2 litres cider vinegar
300g granulated sugar
100g honey
Method: How to make Pam's piccalilli
1. Cut the veg into small, even, bite-sized pieces. Place in a large colander over a bowl, and sprinkle with the salt. Mix well, cover with a tea towel and leave in a cool place for 24 hours, then rinse the veg with ice-cold water and drain thoroughly.

2. Blend the cornflour, turmeric, mustard powder, ginger, mustard seeds, cumin and coriander to a smooth paste with a little of the vinegar. Put the rest of the vinegar into a saucepan with the sugar and honey and bring to the boil. Pour a little of the hot vinegar over the blended spice paste, stir well and return to the pan. Bring gently to the boil. Boil for 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavours into the thickening sauce.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully fold the well-drained vegetables into the hot, spicy sauce. Pack the pickle into warm, sterilised jars and seal immediately with vinegar-proof lids. Leave for about 6 weeks before opening. Use within a year.

I checked out my book of preserves that I have had for years after I made this and note that they added 2 crushed cloves of garlic and used less sugar 175gms

...I didn't add the honey or cumin as I didn't have either, but I think I did the rest. It tasted lovely - I don't normally like it. The veg was actually recognisable, unlike supermarket stuff that is all diced. Having said that it was quite chunky for a sandwich!

I gave some away for presents - and realised I was an 'l' short in the label! It was very much liked :)

Tea cosy - crocheted

2011-02-22T18:00:00.000Z

I have made a few of these using double wool and a 4.5mm crochet hook. The fluffy wool makes it a bit different and is dead easy, rather than having to make a pom pom or something else. Unfortunately it looks like the fluffy wool is not made any more so I won't be making too many :( I was lucky enough to get an odd ball on the charity stall in Ampthill for 50p last week, so that should some in handy.

I basically started from the top, and then split it in two once I reached the handle and spout and worked on one side, then went back and finished the other side. I joined both halves together with a couple more rows of crochet, and just added a few chain before attaching to make it a bit wider.

2 friends gave them for Christmas presents, so I have made another couple - but not really sure if there are too many people into tea pots and tea cosies these days.

My friend took me out for afternoon tea at the Inn at Woburn recently for my birthday, and I notice that they could have done with tea cosies as by the time we were onto our second cup it was going cold.

Cards

2011-02-19T18:00:00.019Z

I have not been making cards recently I seem to have quite a stock of 'general' cards, but needed to make a couple of specific cards this week. They are pretty much a matching pair as I had the papers out, I decided to kill two birds with one stone as it were! The one with the heart was a Valentine for Paul, I actually gave a pressie too - a DVD and a bar of chocolate!

The paper I bought when I went out to lunch with Sue & Clare - they are 'old' but tbh I don't think the recipients will notice :) Love the colours.

What a rubbish weather day it has been - it is the start of half term as well, not very inspiring...so just been mooching around indoors and can't get motivated. Still trying to decide where to go on holiday!

It is the so will have to get a few things ready for the
Ampthill Farmers market next Saturday 26th Feb, Country Markets stall, and I have offered to put up a banner tomorrow in the Prince of Wales car park. so don't forget if you are around and about in Ampthill - come and visit. It is just opposite Waitrose.

Not sure I will keep this blogging up - but still have a few more things that need a photo and putting up here, so watch this space!

Blackberry Jam

2011-02-16T18:00:00.006Z

I made this in September last year and have already eaten most of it. I did two batches the second included elderberries :) I don't like lots of pips in jam, I find that as the fruit is cooked down the pip ratio goes up as opposed to eating them fresh, but wasn't fussed about making proper 'jelly'. So wandered around the internet, and after much searching came up with these quantities:

1 kilo of blackberries and 1/2 kilo of windfall apples chopped up whole - that someone had for free down the road and some water...

Made juice by cooking for a while and then I sieved the lot.

It basically made 900mls of juice - read somewhere to go for 75gms of sugar for every 100mls. Boiled it up using the normal jam making process - it wasn't perfectly clear like jelly, but no pips is what I wanted!

I guess I should show some out of the jar.....

I made labels as I intended to give some as gifts - but I have eaten quite a bit so kept it all to myself :)

More Barbie - well in my case Sindy

2011-02-13T18:00:00.002Z

Another dress for my Sindy with a broken ankle - you can't see it - she just can't put too much weight on it. Luckily she is super slim and barely weighs anything....

So this one is dead easy - I wandered around the internet and saw loads of patterns and this was a conglomeration, I made one in yellow 4 ply (I had given to me from when Mum knitted stuff - probably for Owen!) and sold it on Ampthill Country Market before Christmas, just for £2 - wasn't really sure how much to charge....

The frill is just knitted in garter stitch, and after a while reduced down to 30 stitches - then it is st st and then rib for the top. But this was the first time I had done it with this particular 4 ply, and I really needed a couple more - so did increase it to 32.

I managed to find this ball for £1 at Hexton Village Hall - Country Matters. They have an eclectic mix of handmade items as well as other bits and bobs like wool. It is run as a co-operative, and well worth a visit if you are that way. They have a lovely tea shop - with a roaring log fire and homemade cakes. I thoguht they had a web site - but I can't find one now. Also in the village is the Bothy.

Hats - more knitting and crochet

2011-02-10T18:00:00.003Z

I settled down and made a few hats to put on the Country stall market in Ampthill for the run up to Christmas, unfortunately we just don't get loads of the custom, so I didn't sell them all - but I did sell a few, not that I priced them that high - it was really for something to do and kept me out of mischief, and used up some yarn that I had for a while.

I made them in all sizes for babies right up to adult, mainly crocheted, but knitted a few. I gave some for presents and I also crocheted a couple from wool supplied to match scarves that my friend had woven, you can see some of her scarves on Ampthill Country Market, which is a little site I put together for them. Doing them in double crochet gives a close texture similar to weaving and matched in nicely.

So I guess I made around 15 of them but I do have a few left if anyone wants one :)

My jumper

2011-02-07T18:00:00.002Z

DH bought me the yarn for Christmas it is chunky and I only had 4 balls, so it was a challenge in itself to find something I could make with it. So I manage to find this pattern - which should have taken more than 4 balls - but I made it a bit shorter. TBH I could have made it in a smaller size as it is quite big on me...somehow it is making me look bigger - or maybe I really am that size now :(

I went to buy a button for the centre and in John Lewis they were £3.50 - you could have knocked me over with a feather! So managed to find this one on the market for 60p.

Hot water bottle cover

2011-02-04T18:00:00.000Z

So here is another yarn project - you may already have seen it as I posted it on the forum.

So today's show and tell of past projects - was a quick crocheted cover for a hot water bottle that I bought in Poundland - I gave it to my Mum for Christmas. Sorry not the best picture - I have always been doing things in a hurry, and the light was not so good :) I made the pattern as I went along, and decided to start with a chain where I worked into both sides, so I didn't have to sew it up and went around and around. When I got to the top of the bottle I decreased it a bit just so there wasn't so much to gather, but you can still take the bottle out of the cover easy enough.

Kindle cover

2011-02-01T18:00:00.001Z

I got a Kindle for Christmas with a beautiful bright pink leather cover, which stays attached to it. But the cover is quite bulky and heavy, so when I read it at home I like to use it without the cover. So I decided that I needed to make a slip cover for it. So out came the knitting needles, and this was the end result. I made sure that the rib was a bit smaller so that it can't slip out. I didn't want to put any buttons or hard items onto it in case it damaged it, so just finished it with a couple of crocheted flowers.

..the first yarn project

2011-01-29T20:26:00.000Z

So as promised I thought I would add a few things that I made over the last few months, when I have been playing with yarn, as I have been sitting on the sofa watching TV. Note - I started doing this to use up some of the bits and pieces I have had hanging around for years...then I saw some bargains and then DH bought me some for Christmas and so I have twice as much as I started with! Isn't crafting always the same!

So today's show and tell -

... I have been playing with....fashion dolls clothes...

I have a Sindy all of my own that I bought for a friends daughter back in the 80's, I had the brilliant idea of making clothes for her then - and managed to break her ankle! I didn't take it back as I had bought it direct from someone that worked for Hasbro at the time and was all too complicated - so the upshot of it I have a limping Sindy, that can model anything I make for her - but clearly has problems walking up and down :)

So here are a few bits....

Side picture - she has a 'boob' tube under the jacket

Fluffy scarf and hat

I quickly packed this up when I was away, so wasn't the best card - but did make a bag to go with it! Someone bought it on the market stall :)

And these are tiny placemats that are crocheted using crochet cotton

Oh dear - been off my blog for ages...

2011-01-27T17:56:00.002Z

...OK I admit I have completely forgotten about this, I just don't know how that happened!

So I thought I would make a quick post to let you all know I added a few pages to the web site, and I am determined to make the odd post on here from time to time.

This picture is available to download for free from the website. A little bit different - I hope that you can make use of it. I have been busy knitting and crocheting - so I will have to show some of my creations on here in the next few weeks.

Sue has also put up a time to create recipe or template - pick what you fancy..the recipe is:
as many as you like of the following:
butterfly
circle
gem

So you can make a card, do a layout, decorate a box - or whatever takes your fancy.

Time to Create for Christmas

2010-09-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

Sue has put up a great challenge to get us all started on our Christmas cards....so why not log on to the forum and join in :)

TTC006 - getting into Christmas

she started with this:

So what I want you to do is make a CHRISTMAS CARD or a TAG the challenge? - well you HAVE to use punches or dies you can use additional items as well BUT you MUST use punches and /or dies any style and from any machine.

So I have dug out some dies that are suitable for Christmas, I don't have too many. This is an old Quickutz die, with some ribbon that I have had for ages....left from the shop.

I have made another - so will add it on later.

good to see the sun out on my day off, but I need to bring up to date some boring paperwork....think I need to get outside in a minute though!

Oh dear

2010-08-30T13:07:00.000+01:00

I just forgot about this - always posting on the forum and adding pages to the web site, and somehow my little blog has been left!

I hope that normal service will be resumed in September :) In the meantime I didn't post here that I had updated the website, hopefully everyone received a newsletter.

I put a FREE digital image - these victorian girls - isn't the picture lovely. Check out the web site to download it.

New stuff

Around Ampthill - down :(

2010-05-23T19:53:00.001+01:00

We have been to MiL for the weekend and would you believe it but the http://www.aroundampthill.org/ has gone down. It has been reported now - but I guess thay won't fix it until tomorrow. :( but worth checking from time to time.

Phew a hot weekend for us here - and we have sat in a card for over 8 hours in total!

Local Craft Matters

2010-05-12T18:00:00.000+01:00

There is a local publication that is produced for the Milton Keynes district, I was lucky enough to write an article for Carole for this issue, the third I have added - but it was extra special this time as it is printed in colour:

localcraftmatters.wordpress.com/

It is not available on line yet - but it is distrubuted widely around the MK area and reaches Bedfordshire as well - so look out for it in a craft shop if you are local to me. It lists local clubs and classes as well as shops, and lots of craft articles.

The Garden – a little tidier

2010-05-11T18:00:00.000+01:00

So we have had the paving around the conservatory tidied up now, and a patio re-laid where the shed used to be – it is all looking much better. But still loads to be done.
I smartened up the furniture – I won’t be buying new things for the outside this year – the bench is definitely on its last legs though – but I reckon it will see another summer.

The gravel brightens it all up – we just reused paving slabs that we already had….sadly I did not think of this until a lot of them had gone on the skip..I will clean them up soon.

My card from the recipe

2010-05-10T18:00:00.001+01:00

I have no idea why I found it so hard to put an arrow on my card….but I managed to do this in the end. This was from a free download that I got from Amber Ink – she has some great sets – she has been doing stamps for a while and is just branching out into digi images.

The flowers are once again from the vast stock I have Flowers for Sale….the leaves are cut with the Robo using a QK silhouette file.
The sun finally came out here and I did get out into the garden and managed to plant a few lettuces that I bought a while back, apart from that just did loads of filing…I really don;t know why I let things pile up really. Has anyone seen my driving licence?
I have taken a few of the garden (again) will share tomorrow.

Windows live writer

2010-05-09T13:40:00.001+01:00

Today I have just installed Windows live writer and I just wanted to have a play and see what it could do. It has more than my standard blogger editor although I must confess I have never checked to see if I could install more on there.

It certainly lets you link to previous posts so easily and it even lets you some styles around your photos

link test, and it lets you select it to a new window - yay sale

This is a drop shadow

Rounded corners – and even a watermark – any font any size any position – you need to click on the advanced tab when highlighting the image

The preview is a proper preview as well – how it will actually look on your blog.

Looks like there are loads more plug ins – will have to have a proper look later. I might even be able to post something new next time.

SALE

2010-05-08T14:35:00.000+01:00

I made this card the other day using a beautiful bright green Prima flower. and I used some of the many paper flowers that I have...it may take me a while to use them all - but I have started trying! Sadly the light isn't as bright so the photo looks a bit dull.

SO as I have so many I thought I would pass on a bargain to you guys out there - they were already cheap as I have had them for a while - but can see they are back in vogue - so have listed: paper roses and tiny ricrac on the forum - such as these lilac open paper tea roses, at 40p a bunch - who can resist:

I have also some lovely organza bags - which are ideal for gift wrapping you small craft projects - perfect for jewellery.

So do you have "Time to Create"? Well pop on over to the forum and see the fantastic recipe that Sue has launched for us to follow on the forum - your creation must include the following:

a leaf
an arrow
bling

Here is the card she has made - she has also added a scrapbook page - isn't it fab

Summer card

2010-05-03T16:11:00.000+01:00

We had a stamped image swap on the forum a few weeks back and I made this card with one of the images. I foolishly have stuck it all down and forgot who sent me the image - but isn't she sweet? The edge was cut with the Robo - and the free file is available here if you want to use it.

The prima flower was from the collection given to me as a prize from Tracy at Creative Treasures.

I have not been up to much - just working, gardening, and things - I have made a few cards this weekend - but somehow keep getting sidetracked on the computer!

I have been looking for a squirrel proof fat ball feeder - but as yet not seen anything I fancy - they are all so expensive - so have now started looking for a bird bath instead!

Around Ampthill - back up

2010-04-25T17:22:00.000+01:00

I forgot to let everyone know that it is back up....see you there

www.AroundAmpthill.org

...the weekend has flown by as usual - next weekend is another long one yay! Will do a proper update later.

Digi images

2010-04-23T18:00:00.000+01:00

So do you like digi images? I have only recently started using them, I do find sometimes that the ink will run if I get the images too wet, especially if the image has quite a lot of printing. I stumbled across this blog recently that has links to lots of free images. Particularly useful if you have not tried before....

..some of them are just not for me - there is a wide variety out there. What I have found is the ones that I do like when I go to save them there is rarely anything in the filename to indicate who it was from - so I have been changing the names as I save them, so that I can revisit their blog/shop/site and see all of their images. I have only realised that I should have done the same with all the free downloads that are available on the site - so I will have to gradually get around to changing them!

Some do seem to have strict copyright notices, but others are happy to share freely. I am not sure how you keep track of a copyright notice once you have saved the image - and as there are loads to choose from - I have decided to steer clear of any that won't allow me to publish or sell my cards, that way I can't make mistakes.

Here is the site:
http://freedigitalstamps.blogspot.com/

And the card here is a bear from wendymade check out her blog and download him for yourself. He can be made into any size you fancy...I just chose him to be small and cute

Site update

2010-04-19T18:13:00.000+01:00

I have just started sending out a newsletter for the CraftsbyCarolyn - there is a copy here if you want to take a look. I have just released this image for you to download for free, I hope you like it. Please let me know if you have any problems - I have never done anything like this before - so bear with me while I am learning :).

There are also folded cards, scrapbooking and some papers all in the update - if you have not already registered for updates (or the forum) - enter your details on this form, also I have a market research form - would be lovely to hear your views about the site.

I am now getting the hang of this blog lark again - how long will it last!

Just a quick note

2010-04-16T19:55:00.000+01:00

AroundAmpthill.org - is not available at the moment. We are taking the site back on - so while it is being moved it will not be available. so call back in a few days time and it will all be back to normal

Swapped images

2010-04-15T18:00:00.000+01:00

I organised a stamped image swap on the forum recently with a summer theme and have used a few of them already..and this is one of them. I can't remember who sent it - and not sure what the stamp is - I really like it and may end up buying it!

I chose the papers first and then coloured the image to match, It is just done with watercolour pencils and water after.

Denami

2010-04-13T17:58:00.000+01:00

Sue introduced me to the Denami stamps - they have some lovely designs. I don't have many but love to keep up with their blog and see the designs - Denami Blog The shoes in this card are a set of 3 stamps, and I often find they just fill a 'gap' if not make the entire card....you can never go wrong with shoes!

I know I had a some comments on this card: http://craftsbycarolyn.blogspot.com/2010/02/another-robo-file.html this is another Denami.

You will love Sue's new chickens...as well as beautiful creations - well worth a visit :)

At home and in the garden

2010-04-11T16:00:00.000+01:00

A lot of my time has been taken up with non crafty things for the last few months as we have had a conservatory built...which has led to work in the garden, and other things indoors. I sat down and made a very long list of things that needed doing, and I am amazed at how much we have got on with :) There is still a lot of work in the garden to be done - but it is starting to take shape and some of the shrubs are now growing back after a severe haircut!

this was what it was looking like:
http://craftsbycarolyn.blogspot.com/2009/11/getting-there.html

We have taken out old shed down (the pile in the corner - now needing to be disposed of!) and painted the new one, sowed grass seed on patched of 'flowerbeds' that have been removed (the big brown patch in the middle of the lawn). I now need to plant some new shrubs etc at the top...so here it is so far - still very much work in progress...but now that the plants are coming into leaf it feels better already.

So now we have a big space where the shed was.....

I have put some pics of the conservatory here if you fancy a nosy.

Blogs

2010-04-10T18:12:00.002+01:00

So what do you like to see in a blog? I thought I would occasionally post some links to blogs I enjoy wandering through - often may include a freebie or two!

This time I thought I would let you know about the Silhouette blog. This is a machine that is the same as the Craft Robo but has slightly different software...the software is free, and there are literally thousands of files that can be bought for 99c once you have installed it. I have written some guidance all about it here: CraftsbyCarolyn.co.uk

And on their blog they announce free files from time to time - and well worth keeping in touch with it:
Silhouette Blog

This skier was a freebie - although I actually didn't realise until I went to pay for it!

Don't forget to stop by the forum to see what we are up to! :)

I am back

2010-04-09T18:12:00.000+01:00

Back from where....well actually nowhere I just have been posting on the forum and doing other things! So how is life with you guys out there? I never actually know what to put on a blog....I tend to use the web site for posting all of my creations on there, but never sure if the same people visit. So once again I thought I would try to remember to post here too!

So on the forum we have started a new section "Time to Create" - everyone wants to 'challenge you' but I thought it would be nice just to craft and share creations. Hopefully we will come up with some themes to give us a start on what to share, and maybe with a few other items thrown in. We will put up a new one probably fortnightly, but again no strict rules - just time to have fun and get inspired.

SO to start with I have chosen lilac as a theme - this must be the main focus (can be more purples etc if necessary). I started with one card and have now made another to share.

It would be lovely for anyone taking time out to create with us...follow the links to the forum and join in.

We broke it...but now it is better

2010-03-08T22:46:00.000Z

I have no idea why the forum went wrong - but it locked last night and was down for today....sorry everyone - but it is all mended now...and the challenges are back on :)

so come and join in there is still plenty of time.

http://www.craftsbycarolyn.co.uk/craftforum

BIrthday celebrations

2010-03-05T20:14:00.001Z

The 8th birthday celebrations of the forum have started...pop along and see. The first prize has gone already - donated by Rachel B - a great gift from StampinUp.

Sue has put up some excellent challenges already plenty of time left to join in with them and I know there are some fun quizzes planned, or why not come along and start your own game. There will be a prize every day :)

So how has your week been? Mine was a bit different this week - as I had a small op to remove a 'blob' on my cheek - near my eye. Apparently a form of skin cancer - but nothing to worry about...tis all gone now and stitches have already been removed. Just got a nice 'cut' about an inch long that needs to gradually disappear.

So I have not been up to making cards this week - I did make this one a while back and as the sun shone in the conservatory I could take some photos...the border and the scalloped edged message were cut with the Robo.

Ski-ing

2010-02-25T14:37:00.000Z

The husband of a friend is keen on ski-ing, so decided as he was off on a ski-ing holiday on the day of his birthday this would be the ideal subject for a card. I search the QK Silhouette site and found this, it was free as well - not sure why....so I cut it on the craft robo..

I am sure if I had time I could have incorporated the greeting with the cutting - but tbh I had left it a bit late and it was a last minute flash of inspiration!

and yet another

2010-02-24T22:37:00.000Z

OK it may not last but thought I would do another post today. I have have just spotted that Sally-Ann from the digi-stamp boutique is offering some blog candy, her designs are lovely. I still use her stamps that I bought ages ago.

As Mother's Day is fast approaching I thought it was worth reminding you that I did some word circles for you to print and then punch them out - here is one that I used with one of Sally's designs:

DON'T FORGET 5th March will be the day that Sue will be start the birthday/spring week - there will be loads of things - it would be lovely to see you there.

Tickets

2010-02-23T20:59:00.001Z

Last year I had a play about and made cards using tickets. There are rubber stamps available, but you can't personalise them - so I thought it would be fun doing them in MSWord so that you can custom make your own. Did any of you have a go - or even see the article?

As well as the downloads there are some useful links to other ticket makers along with some lovely tickets and cards made by Ruthie .

I have just looked back over last year and can see I made no mention of them on the blog....so you might have missed them.

I hope that I have managed to send everyone a newsletter by now - it was a real struggle this time - I had many problems - and I am sorry if I have sent you it twice.

Another Robo file

2010-02-19T14:15:00.000Z

Just letting you know that I have added another file - this one is for scallops and printing too, and also some lovely borders. No need to worry about getting a punch now...Scallops and tags

I have made some cards with the borders - but need to get them photographed - so will show them later. so what are you up to?

New pages and freebies

2010-02-18T20:38:00.001Z

I have updated the web site today with new Craft Robo templates and also some other projects. I still have more cards to add and will hopefully do another quick update, so check back soon.

craft robo template

I am now clearing my craft room out - as I am going to swap rooms with Owen - so I seriously need to downsize and get tidying - I can't see it being done overnight, but I really want to get tidy...my stuff has got too untidy and sprawling. If you have any ideas for my new room let me know.

ONLY 2 weeks since the last post

2010-02-01T14:17:00.003Z

...I am at home full of cold today, so been vegging out on the sofa, I guess I was guaranteed to be struck down with it seems everyone I know had been poorly!

I made quite a few cards a couple of weeks ago - I took some down to the Leanne at Flowers with Flair in town, and thought I would share a couple with you. As usual...simple....I just love this stamp of the Edwardian couple, and stamped in sepia with the prima flowers it looks fab. I borrowed Sue's several time and eventually tracked it down and bought my own.

I bought this pretty dress at Stamp Addicts on my birthday as it was half price, it is just so cute - my kind of thing...shame I don't have any little girls to share it with!

I hope to update the site fairly soon - I did manage to do a little change around on the Robo menus a few days ago and have added a new file there for Robo/Silhouette and other GSD file users - I would love to know if you make use of it:

Scallops - borders and messages

We have a frosty day here, seems like a lot of the UK is the same, judging by the traffic news - not that I have ventured out here but can see that the conservatory roof was very frosted, not that I spent much time out there, sitting on a deck chair isn't that much fun unless you are on the beach! I have ordered my furniture for the conservatory - so can't wait for it to arrive so I can sit out there.

Valentine Cards

2010-01-17T13:04:00.006Z

I decided to make a few Valentine cards, I hope to put them in the local florist of she likes them. I made them fairly simple to keep the price down, and just used Robo cut words, along with die cut hearts that I embossed - or didn't whichever took my fancy. I like to try and sell some cards - that way it pays towards all of the 'stash' that I feel compelled to buy, but as you will all know it never actually 'earns' money just a small contribution towards costs! BUT at least it means I can make a few more which I like to do, so I hope she likes them.

My cards are mainly simple and 'less is more', I don't see many like this around these days...so thought I would share! As you can see I made them all similar - I just had a box of bits in front of me...and it was quicker that way.

So what style do you like to make?

The Robo lettering is available on the web site - and I can provide a complete sheet of the words if you would like - let me know I will pop them on the web site too. I did them all in white and inked them in different colours.

Don't forget to pop by the forum and have a natter - we are a friendly bunch and always happy to welcome new 'friends'.

There is a local free magazine called Craft Matters - if you see it pick up a copy - it has loads of information on local shops and classes. I had a piece published in there last time and may have another editorial in there this time.

MORE snow

2010-01-13T09:04:00.004Z

We have had more snow it came down very fast this morning - although tiny little flakes...and once again the "Woodlands" estate in Ampthill have been stranded unless you have a 4 X 4 - I tried our hill from Rushbrook Close, then did try and do a 'run up' by going from Ailesbury - but my (and most other cars ) were having none of it. Lots of unhappy people losing money/holiday just because they can't get out. Why we can't have the grit bucket back at the bottom of the hill I don't know.....here are a few snaps of 3 attempting to do it....they are in order....so you can spot the differences which way they are going!

Where I was standing to take the photo there were a queue of cars all waiting to take a turn...apparently someone made it in a Fiesta - but I didn't see that....just a Land Rover and a pick up

IT is still snowing steadily now - so I hope it clears as I need to get to work tomorrow instead of today now.....

2010 - already

2010-01-09T16:21:00.005Z

My updates have become very sparse...I am still busy and am always on the forum and keep adding new bits to the www.Craftsbycarolyn.co.uk web site - but just never get around to updating my blog/facebook/twitter.....

Today I have made some quick and easy Valentine Cards and will take some pics when they are dry....I thought I would share my little Christmas cake that I made in a muffin tin - I made 4 small cakes like last year and there was enough mix left to fill 2 muffins tins. I spotted this polar bear on Kirstie's homemade Christmas - I am sure he looked better in real life.....I really got behind this year with working 4 days a week and having the conservatory and bathroom done. We finally had the floor fitted in the conservatory on 23 Dec, and we had our Christmas decs out there, which we put up on Christmas Eve. We had our Christmas dinner and lots of time out there...but have to say it is pretty cold out there now that it has snowed, and I guess it still needs some drying out time and in this weather it isn't getting it.

So like everyone else in the Uk we have had some snow this week - I walked into town on Wednseday - and there was this much snow. We have not had much more thankfully - although it is so cold it just hasn't gone, and this road is still treacherous. I didn't go to work on Wednesday - and went in on Thursday and Friday...very icy was glad to be back home!

Just found out that one of the 'celebs' in Dancing on Ice is living in Ampthill - Emily Atack - so Ampthill is on the map again!

If you are bored and fancy making a card I have posted a Gingham challenge on the forum.....challenge

getting there...

2009-11-05T18:34:00.008Z

Well after loads of decision making we are getting there, and the bathroom is almost finished - just need to decorate the little bit that hasn't got tiles, and get the flooring down. The conservatory is up and almost finished, just needs some power and lights and other bits and bobs. I think we have decided on the floor....it has a fantastic glass roof, it doesn't show on the picture I will have to take some more later.

We now have lovely new windows on the back as well.

We also need a patio laying, the shed pulling down (well I think it will fall down!), and I have loads of work to do in the garden...although have made a start. The new shed is going further up the garden too and I have even ordered that! I have never made so many decisions all at once!

This was what the garden looked like a few summers ago with the shrub bed in the middle:

And I have now dug up a lot of them and will put grass down...and plat a bigger border at the top. The trellis has gone too - but I did that after the pic!

Life gets in the way

2009-10-03T14:17:00.005+01:00

...ooh dear sorry bloggers not been posting for a VERY long time - I am busy - not sure what at! I have made loads of decisions and am having a new bathroom, new conservatory and got a new car...Got promotion too - so you see not been letting the grass grow under my feet.!

I have not updated the web site in ages now and am looking for new content - anyone want to write a project for it? I can soon sort out a goodie bag....

If you have not visited the forum in a while then pop along and have a natter....

I have made a card this morning and decided to challenge you to make a card using a doyley....or to have that effect....I have used glimmer mists on mine - but you can't see that very well in the photo

Long time no post...

2009-08-23T11:57:00.003+01:00

I am so sorry - just never seem to find time to update this as well as the site and other things. Today this is just to let you know that the site is down - I am not sure why yet - but have reported it and hope it will be back soon.

When you can get in - don't forget there are new pages on the site and new challenges on the forum: A competition run by Carolines, a christmas challenge, scrapbook challenge, stamped image swap, monthly ATC swap - lot's more besides.....

A card

2009-05-29T17:55:00.002+01:00

So have you all managed to download your free birthday papers. I have downloaded them all and have had a play with a couple and came up with this, I got the tags out that have been in the shop for a while and have had a lovely time stamping up a few. I have lent a little elephant stamp to a friend and need to get it back as he fits nicely on these tags. The pic is maybe a bit too bright as I took it in the sun!

I will have to make a few more with these tags - making a lovely change - you do forget what is in the cupboard!

Twitter

2009-05-20T09:23:00.002+01:00

OK - I am not sure why - but I have joined twitter - I feel left out so thought I should give it a go...have now installed TweetDeck, but no idea if I can keep it up!

I am CBCarolyn on there...maybe I will see you there.

Lovely to see the entries coming in for the Wordsearch - it is nice that people read the newsletter and join in, makes it all worthwhile. I must get downloading Kanga's card kit too.

The newsletter is here in case you have missed it.

Lots and Lots to see

2009-05-15T23:01:00.002+01:00

I just thought I would let you know that I have added loads of new pages over at Crafts by Carolyn there are projects, free downloads, craft robo files, templates and more - just check it out and see. Also the forum is keeping busy with a variety of activties, challenges, swaps, and chat and lots of advice. There is more to follow...and hopefully a prize or two...

Crafts by Carolyn forum

A BIG thank you to all the contributors...if you have something to offer I am always looking for more content - so let me know.

A wanderer returns

2009-05-10T16:13:00.005+01:00

Where does the time go - all you blogging guys are amazing that you find so much time for this!

Well the forum seems to have settled down and I think I have got it as folks like it. I have just changed something so that you can choose another style if you don't like the standard one, not sure if I will keep it - will depend on what you guys think!
Crafts by Carolyn Forum

So I have finally made a few cards - we had rubber stamped image swap on the forum and I got these two yesterday. The top one I did and then realised it fitted Nikki's challenge on her blog

The next one is one of Nikki's stamps that hs been drawn by Sally-Ann - I just love her designs. Isn't he cute. I don't do many kids cards - so was a bit stuck tbh - and have made it look a bit grown up!

We have some new sponsors on the forum now - and a really nice selection of people - a lot that make and design their own products so are very unique...check out them here

I have been busy getting some new web pages together, a bit of everything - some have already been seen on the forum - but I need to get all the menus sorted out. So hopefully by next weekend I will have everything together and will send out a newsletter.

Finally I have been playing with the craft robo and set up this - you can use it for post it notes - or just a card...details to follow later. Along with a template for you to trace and cut

I DID IT

2009-04-14T09:29:00.002+01:00

Well I have amazed myself - with only a little bit of help from Paul I have upgraded the forum to a nice new shiny new home. It is the latest version of phpBB3 so it has lots of new features and I decided to go for a new colour scheme.

I has a new destination and is at http://craftsbycarolyn.co.uk/craftforum - so if you have it bookmarked you need to change you bookmarks - and also your 'blinky' if you have one on your blog.

I am still tweaking it and happy to take on comments - I really hope you like it.

Ok so I haven't posted in a long while...

2009-04-12T13:26:00.003+01:00

I just don't know where time goes - I do keep things up to date on the site and the forum and don't always post on here as well!

So today the weather is yuk and I am going to attempt to convert the forum to the latest version - so it will be unavailable for a little while....so if you are desperate for a chat you could see if anyone stops by the chat room

and if you are bored the latest challenges are:

All that glitters - CBCC094
This stamp was given to me in a swap - isn't it fab.....she just had to be glittered up....so your challenge this week is all that glitters.

I used metallic watercolours from The Works and some H2Os to paint her, that paper is a big cheat and is from a DCWV stack that DH gave me for Christmas.

Pop your entries in the gallery or link the picture from another hosting site if you prefer but we'd love to see them! You will be entered into a draw for a CBC CREW FABULOUS prize each time you show us a 'never seen before' project for this challenge.

If you add your card to the gallery enter keyword CBCC094 and we'll be able to see the Entries

Sheer Elegance - CBCC093
I thought that this card was pretty, and worth putting up for a challenge...so many things I could have asked you to do but decided on "sheer elegance"....and will let you read into the title what you want.....

I stamped my card with versamark - although nor sure it shows that well in the photo, and also used glimmer mists for the pink centre card.

March

2009-03-04T17:32:00.002Z

Wow spring already - amazing how the snowdrops and crocuses are flowering after all of the snow. We even have some tiny daffs just coming into flower in the garden.

I played with the Robo at the weekend, and did these cards. The files are available on the forum - I will add them to the web site fairly soon. I must admit to wandering through M&S and noticing that a lot of their cards had the greeting as the design, and thought this idea would be perfect for using the Robo. Anjim posted a great link to the new version of inkscape, showing you how to make swirls. I have yet to download the version yet as it was still beta...but it certainly looks great fun and perfect for the Robo....so it is still on my list to do!

I would love to hear from other Robo users and hear what they are up to.

SPONSOR CALL
I am also looking for some more sponsors if you fancy joining in and getting your site noticed, for a small investment. Around 200 people visit the forum everyday...

Site update

2009-02-25T14:43:00.004Z

I have added new pages to the web site - so if you have not visited www.craftsbycarolyn.co.uk in a while it is worth stopping by to check out the new stuff. I have added some pink papers that I have used for this card.

SPONSOR CALL
I am also looking for some more sponsors if you fancy joining in and getting your site noticed, for a small investment. Around 200 people visit the forum everyday...

Craft Robo files

2009-02-15T14:00:00.005Z

I am still busy adding craft robo files to the web site - so this month I have added some for Mother's Day, I have made one into a PDF file, and would be interested if they are of any use. I forgot I had these flowers so dug them out from the back of the cupboard and thought they were ideal for a spring card for Mum.

I have started making Mothers Day cards early this year - I am determined to have some in time this year for the Country Market stall and work!

I have also added new pages to the web site - and will hopefully add a few more soon.

We have not had a recipe challenge for a long time on the forum - so I have added this one today, I hope you have a go at making it:

So you must make a card with the following:

2 different ribbons
checks
flowers (more than 3)
the colour green somewhere in your card

This week I did a demo at the Maulden WI, which was great fun and the ladies there seemed to have a lovely evening.

Even more Snow!

2009-02-06T15:44:00.006Z

Today I had to take my friend to hospital in MK - we were supposed to be there for around 7:45 - so we set off at 7:15 (a bit later than intended but they had assured my friend that we didn't need to be there that early in the end!) We arrived at 8:15...it wasn't snowing when we left but was soon becoming quite a blizzard by the time we arrived....I then waited until 9:15 as the Doctor hadn't arrived. BUT all was well and she had arrived - so I went off to work.

The first pic is of my journey in MK from the hospital - although it was pretty much like that all the way..

However the journey home was much better - I did leave at 2:15 as they were threatening more snow, I followed the gritter lorry with a snow plough attached to the front up to the motorway.

The final picture is the hill down into our estate - a little hair raising driving on the slush...and the last piece of my journey was completed with the aid of two men and two shovels - as my little car was having none of being put back on the drive.....

More snow

2009-02-05T20:42:00.012Z

I can't believe that we had more snow today, I was due to go into work - but it apparently MK was as bad as Ampthill, and the boss suggested I stay at home.

I have taken some more pics - some are the same as the last except with more snow!

I walked into town - the Country Markets had set up a stall under the shelter of Richardson's the jewellers as there were no market stalls. The Fish man had made it down from Grimsby though!

Check out Jennies blog for some great candy...it includes one of those Tim Holtz Rulers.....

So the first few pictures are in the town:

A big turn out as everyone is at home!

Here is Owen - but he couldn't be bothered to walk into Ampthill with me.

these are the back garden and beyond the same as Monday - but more snow

followed by views out the back - looked the other for this one - and can see the trees towards the Church

The very last photo is one of the Lime trees out on the 'Meadow' that we look at from our bedroom window - looking very spooky

A Mother's Day card

2009-02-03T21:53:00.005Z

So as promised here is a Mother's Day Card!

I have been playing on MSWord again and made these little circles - I have put them on the web site if you want to use them. I have put them under free downloads - themed paper packs - but will probably find a better home for them eventually...!

I used one of Sally Ann's downloads for the cupcake - it looks good enough to eat!

I have made a few more so will have to get some photos together.

So the snow has started to melt, a big change between driving to work and coming home this evening. I didn't even take anymore photos - was kicking myself that I forgot to take the camera out this morning as it was glorious, the sun was shining, so pretty.

Snow

2009-02-02T14:51:00.005Z

Well it looks like a lot of the country has been hit by snow. I umm'd and arr'd whether to go into work as the snow wasn't too bad and the roads were apparently ok with care. I was concerned having travelled to MK I would end up just coming home soon after as the weather was forecast for more snow. Well they weren't wrong - it has been snowing for most of the day on and off now.

Here are a couple of pics the first one in our back garden from the bedroom window....I have not ventured outside!

The next picture is looking over next doors garden to the 'meadow' beyond, the trees certainly look fantastic. i was hoping it would stop snowing and the sun would come out - it made a brief appearance for 5 mins or so and that was it!

I hve actually made some cards you will be pleased to know....

Mother's Day card

2009-02-01T10:24:00.003Z

Now you would think from the title I would have some Mother's Day cards to show you....well I sat down yesterday to make some and go hopelessly sidetracked on helping Maddy make some 'blinkies' for her blog for Calvin Mouse Fans!

I have posted them below as they will appear in the tool bar on Maddy's blog - I had no hand in the last one just a bit of resizing - hence it looks a lot more artistic!

Copy the code and paste into a new html page element

Copy the code and paste into a new html page element

You just need to scroll through the code highlighting as you go. Was great fun doing them - I always promise myself that I will sit and learn Paint shop but never get around to it. I did do an online course once. If anyone has some links to tutorials on Paint shop pro would love to hear.

So it is back to the cards today - I did get some stamping donw but no actual construction!

Infrequent blogger

2009-01-28T17:06:00.005Z

I just don't seem to remember to post on here as well as on the forum! I have no idea if the visitors here are the same or different....so I apologise if you have seen/heard it all already!

Last week I took Friday off as it was my birthday, and I decided it would be nice to have a lazy day rather than working. I posted on the forum that I was doing nothing and Clare suggested lunch - so that seemed a good idea to me! I had already arranged to go to Bedford in the morning to see Sue at a pottery cafe called The Kiln. She wants to stock some of my cards as she has just taken over the place. She has some lovely new ideas and is really friendly so I hope that the business does well. Needless to say she was too friendly and ended up chatting far too much and was a bit late for Clare oops. We had a lovely lunch - and the weather even brightened up. I had a lovely lot of cards from the forum - which are now proudly on show.

Paul bought me my own DSLite in blue - so I can now play with Owen.....

I have been busy making cards - but nothing too exciting - as I needed to get some stock up. I made a batch of Golden Wedding cards - using the Robo to make the number 50. Was dead chuffed to discover that I could stick gold tissue paper onto card for cutting, as all of the metallic card I had was very thick, and I am sure the Robo wouldn't go through it. I stuck to simple designs - I do find if I go too fancy for this occasion they are not as popular.

I have also launched a couple of challenges on the forum - a pocket one and a Valentine one without red...so come along and have a play.

Owen is at the age where he has to choose his options - wow it is hard - and all of the subjects seem so different to 'in my day'....not sure how he will choose really

Christmas all finished

2009-01-06T21:45:00.002Z

Well that is another Christmas finished - the decs came down Sunday and we were all back to work and school today - well I worked last Monday, but only one day!

Mum is still not recovered so they are both here and so I have not managed to get my crafty hat back on properly. I did manage a little spend at Stamp Addicts on Saturday - as it was the last day of their sale, just some Woodware clear stamps and some basics like stamp pads.

...I have been wandering around blogs and notice that mine is beginning to look the plainest of them all....so maybe when I feel lively I ought to give it a change.

The snow is still hanging around here - although I notice most of it had gone in Milton Keynes today, wow it is cold though.

We are getting busy on the forum - and have started some challenges and some swaps - so if you fancy something to do pop along and join us :)

Coconut Ice

2009-01-02T11:29:00.008Z

I made some more coconut ice as promised for my Mum, and used another empty jar (the Syrup in Tesco's comes in these and they are a nice size for filling0. Mum was really pleased, she also had one of the Christmas cakes and some homemade chocolates. Unfortunately, she is really poorly now and in bed, and seems to have caught this dreaded bug and the doctor is due to call later today, so not such a nice end to Christmas.

I did do some crafting in the run up to Christmas and did all of Sue's challenges - I did show them all on the forum, but have added a couple of things here. The photo card was one where you had to incorporate a photo into a christmas project...and the jar was supposed to be a gift bag - well I really didn't need a gift bag so I cheated with another jar.

I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and that 2009 will be a great year for you. We have started the challenges again on the forum - so if you have had some new craft stash - break open the packaging and get using it! I have some prizes to send out as well so will have to sort those out for everyone.

gems, scrolls and blooms

2008-12-15T20:24:00.011Z

this was the challenge on the cbc forum as part of Sue's Countdown to Christmas - so I used my new stamps (the scribble flowers), I bought them when I met up for lunch with Sue and Clare last week at Scrap Revolution.....they were reduced :) and a bit different for me. I was wandering around the internet last night and spotted Sharon's (Willow Designs) template challenge - which was wayyyy different for me too - so decided to combine them both - the template is here.

So I still have loads of challenges to do 4 tags, a Christmas dec (I have no idea what to do for this), something with a photo, and a gift bag.....wow! Not sure if I will manage them all tbh - but will continue trying!

Almost finished my shopping - it was amazingly quiet around MK this lunchtime

Christmas cakes

2008-12-11T17:41:00.003Z

I used Net fab idea on the Cooks Journal - to use steamed pud tins to make little cakes - and these two are about 4 inches. I am giving them as a gift to parents, I know they won;t buy a cake but I hope they will appreciate the handmade gesture. I still can't decide whether to add stars in the middle of the cake or not - I think we will have to a vote on it tonight.

Still have some gifts to make - so will have to get on and will write my cards tonight as they ought to be in the post pretty soon.

CBC forum

2008-12-10T19:10:00.003Z

Well it is busy over on the cbc forum, Sue has been setting us a daily challenge - I have to admit to be lagging behind - although I have planned a few just not done them...this is one I did do which was a recipe - I used my new stamp - and made it into a robin...although once I finished the card I realised it didn't fit into all of the criteria.....

I have managed a couple of others - the one below, sadly the photo is not the best quality - it had to have red, green and gold on this one - and I managed that!

I have also been setting a daily teaser challenge - which is proving good fun.

I guess you are all preparing for Christmas...or maybe preparing in your head like me....!

For anyone from Ampthill visiting Paul has set a great picture quiz on the Around Ampthill Forum - even I don't know the answers, he went out Sunday morning and took the pics - I went to the Christmas Tree Festival at the Church, I have added some pics to the gallery on the site.

Catching up as usual

2008-12-10T18:54:00.003Z

Firstly I will start with a recipe - I wanted to have a go at making coconut ice, really to make for presents. So I searched around for recipes and there seemed to be two main types, boiling sugar and water/milk, or just making it cold with condensed milk...so after a lot of searching I found a recipe on believe it or not it was on cbc forum and had been posted by Jake. So here is her recipe:

Coconut Ice

Makes about 50

2 1/2 floz milk
2 1/2 floz water
1lb granulated sugar
4oz dessicated coconut
1/2oz butter
1/2 teasp vanilla essence
pink food colouring

Pour milk and water into a pan and bring to the boil
Add sugar and butter, heat slowly, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts
Bring to the boil. Cover pan and boil gently for 2 mins.
Uncover and continue to boil, stirring occasionally for 7-10 mins or until a little of the mixture, dropped into a cup of cold water forms a soft ball when rolled gently between thumb and finger. Temp on a sugar thermometer should read 116C or 240F
Remove from heat, add coconut and vanilla.
Beat briskly until mixture is thick and glossy.
Pour half into an 18cm (7inch) square tin lined with greaseproof paper.
Quickly colour the remainder pale pink and spread over white layer.
Leave to cool until firm and cut into squares

I have to say I only made 20 squares so not sure why that was - Owen tested it and he said it was nice. It was a bit crumbly on the edges, and I did have to work quite quickly with it...I have wrapped it up and am going to see if it sells on the Ampthill Country Market stall tomorrow.

Talking of the Country Market I have done a little web site for them - to try and raise our profile as we really need some new members....Ampthill Country Market

I made some flapjacks last week and decided to package them differently as flapjack bites - well if M&S can do it....anyway they seemed quite popular. I could do with finding a supplier for good price 'sweet bags'.

I will start a new post for the rest of my catch up.....

More wool stuff

2008-11-23T18:43:00.004Z

I have been making cards, and entering the challenges on the forum...but this weekend I made egg cosies. It was a pattern in Quick and Crafty earlier on the year - I stumbled across it Friday night and have been busy whilst travelling to and from Taunton this weekend, and also whilst I was there!

I wonder if they will be the sort of thing people will like? I thoguht I would put them on Ampthill Country Market Stall for Christmas 'stocking fillers'

Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmers

2008-11-13T16:16:00.005Z

A friend of mine has been making these so I searched around the internet to see what was about - every pattern I looked at seemed to be knitted in the round - which I have not ventured into! So after visiting lots of places I decided to cast on 32 stitches on 5mm needles using odd bits of double knitting wool I had lying around, as you can see I didn;t have much of anything. Well apart from loads of navy blue - which was very dark. I livened it up with a bit of cable on the backs - the thumb holes are just a gap in the seam.

I see that the fluffy wools etc seem to have lost their popularity this year - I love some of the multi coloured wools that are around. I have since found a ball of oatmeal type of colour, so will make another pair!

Hopeless

2008-11-12T22:50:00.003Z

What am I like I just seem to do so many other things I forget to up date my blog. So much has happened - half term came and went...we popped down to Bognor for a few days and had a lovely day out in London - did the Science Museum, Covent Garden and had a Pizza. I also left the boys in the Museum and nipped around the V & A - it was a bit of a whistle stop tour, but worth it while I was there, as they def wouldn't have enjoyed it.

We had a lovely firework party on Saturday - although it did finish rather promptly as it started chucking it down - but we had done everything by then so was OK.

This week over at cbc forum H has been hosting a BIG challenge - and it has been great fun - I have been busy making loads.

One thing I made which I forgot all about including paper was this coaster. I bought a jigsaw puzzle from the Hospice stall on Ampthill Market and so turned a piece into coaster. I did back it with some green felt I had in the cupboard.

The other thing that was fun to make and would be great to make with kids was this peg fairy - Maddy has put all of the instructions on how to make this on the forum. So give it a try. Ubfortunately I didn't realise there was a mark in the wood of mine until I dressed her - so she has a big scar down the middle of her face!!!

Card for Dew Drop Craftz

2008-10-19T17:33:00.004+01:00

There is a challenge over on Nikki's blog so as I was in a playing mood today I made this card.

As usual quite a simple card from me - I inked the backgrounds with distress inks, and used one of Nikki's stamps as he went nicely with the colours. I thought it would be a good 'man' card. Cute but 'manly'!

Apparently this is my 300th post....although maybe not a regular poster...sticking with it!

Owen got off on his holiday today with the school - so it is very quiet here today - I guess we will be lost without him this week! Although, if I turned on his Xbox and shut his bedroom door I could pretend he was still here!

Autumn Saturday

2008-10-18T11:27:00.004+01:00

Well I am not sure what it is like your way - but Autumn has taken hold here - and we are knee deep in leaves. Hopefully we will have a few windy days and they will blow to the end of the road! Such beautiful colours - it is a really pretty time of the year. This card is for the tag it challenge that is running over at the cbc forum and has a nice autumn colour feel to it.

We had a small crisis this week - Owen got stung by what we think is a hornet (or is maybe a bee)...the pesky thing popped into his shoe when he was doing PE and he reached in to get his sock out and it stung him on the hand. It was apparently a huge sting - Owen said he thought it was a thorn at first. It cam up nice and puffy and red. so I had to get him from school on Wednesday. Then on Thursday I decided I ought to take him to the doctors as his gland under his arm started hurting....after a major episode with him ending up in hospital after chicken pox and the same symptons I though I had better not take any chances....!

But he was OK we have just continued with the anti-histamines and it is finally down this morning.....just as well as he is away with the school tomorrow.

So that was my drama....

However my friend Jane still came round as planned on Thursday and she had an afternoon learning to stamp...I made her some butternut squash soup and cake as well, and she went home with 3 birthday cards.

I am now the proud owner of a set of Stitchel stamps from Jennie over at The Artistic Stamper as I was drawn for a prize for my PGTips box - if you have not seen Maddy's project - you need to go and check it out - it is fab. I am just about to put it on the web site - but you can see it on the forum.

There are loads of challenges on the forum at the moment - so I hope you can find some time to pop by and join in with a couple.

Toffee Cookies

2008-10-15T17:31:00.000+01:00

These were suppose to be toffee apple cookies - but I didn't have any dried apple, I have included the quantity they suggested.

Makes 18 - heat oven to 180c/350f/gas mark 4

Cream together
150g butter
180g soft light brown sugar
90g caster sugar

then add
1 egg

then sift and stir in
75g Plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bicarb of soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

stir in the following
250g oats
50g raisins
50g dried apple chopped
50g chewy toffees chopped (I wouldn't increase this quantity)

Put little heaps onto a baking tray and cook for 12 minutes. I increased the toffee and raisins to cover the lack of apples - but there was too much toffee really.

Saturday

2008-10-11T10:03:00.009+01:00

So I have woken up to alovely sunny day again - isn't that lovely? DH is in Taunton as MiL was burgled earlier on in the week, so it is just me and Owen. That means I am on football duty tomorrow.....he did wake me up with a cup of tea in bed - that is the first time he has ever done that! We have got to book a badminton court and play this afternoon - so I should be worn out by the end of the day!

I have not put any cards on here for a while - as I tend to put them on the site or do them for challenges, but I guess I should show them on here as well...so this is kind of a catch up post! I will have to do some more

The first card is made using the CB embossing folder - but turned over and then traced with a black pen. I did this partly for the Cuttlebug page on the CBC site, and also for the 5 Olympic rings challenge on the forum. I hope that you make use of the information on the site - there is certainly a lot there - and I have more to do, with a special thanks to those people that send me things to put on there. I keep a list of the items that are added so that you can see what is new - just check the "what's new".

The next one I did as I was playing with punches and wanted to do a few samples for the page on the site earlier on the year - I have always had punches - I had them for many years before I had a die cutter. And they can be so useful and so quick. So I thought I would put together a pageful of simple ideas on the site back in May....today I thought it would make a good basis to set a challenge. I bet loads of you have punches - and maybe now that you have die cutting machines they don't always see the light of day. So get them out and get making...

to see the page follow this link - but click on the 'home' button afterwards - to get a click on my counter!

I will put up a post on the forum tomorrow - so that you can show me you creations on there.

My final card I made at the beginning of the summer - I thought I would say goodbye to the summer by putting it on here. I did make it for a competition but alas it wasn't worthy :) I guess I need to brush up my skills...but I did have fun making it and it has already gone from my box of cards - so someone liked it

Never know what to say

2008-10-09T18:13:00.002+01:00

...well these days I seem to have run out of things to put on here that I haven't already added to the cbc forum - and I know for those of you that visit the forum that is quite boring!

However if you have not visited the forum in a while - you really should! It has been quite lively with a few great projects on the go - in particular Maddy has done a fabulous project to cover a PG Tips box into a great gift idea.

I am doing a bookmark swap and the bookmarks I have received so far are fabulous - I will have to get them scanned and show them on here. There are ATC swaps as well.

Chocolate Chip Crumble Muffins

2008-10-09T17:59:00.000+01:00

I made these the other days. They looked really nice with the topping on - but the topping didn't add much to the flavour if you know what I mean. They were very yummy though!

It makes 12 muffins - set oven at 200c/400f/ gas mark 6

Make the topping first
Rub togther the following
50g plain flour
1 tablespoon of cocoa
40g cold butter chopped
then stir in:
2 tablespoons of caster sugar

Now to make the muffins....
rub together the following:
250g Self Raising Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
50g cold butter cut into small pieces

stir in
100g soft light brown sugar
150g chocolate chips (I mixed plain and milk)

In a jug measure
225ml milk
then add
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
...mix together

Now add this to your dry ingredients and stir until just combined, do not over mix.
Divide the mix between your muffin cases and sprinkle on the topping.

Cook for 18 - 20 minutes...delicious whilst still warm...mmmm

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-09-25T18:46:00.001+01:00

As promosed here are the chocolate chip coolies that I made the other day. They seem popular with my son, I like to ring the changes and try different recipes.

I make 18 from the recipe - it does say make 36 - but they would be pretty tiny.

Set your oven at 190c/350f/ gas mark 5

Weigh out
175g/6oz Plain Flour
pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp bicarb soda
75g/3oz butter or marg

...rub together to form fine crumbs

stir in
50g/2oz soft light brown sugar
125g/4oz choc chips

3 tbspn of golden syrup (I make this just over 3 ozs)

This should now bind together to form a soft dough.

Divide into balls and flatten slightly.

Pop in the oven for 12 - 15 minutes

I have been busy making cards over the weekend - so will get showing some of those. There is a fairy challenge on the forum launched today - it would be lovely to see you join in. AND Maddy has launched a fabulous decorated box - with fantastic step by step instructions on the forum.

Savoury Turnovers

2008-09-20T17:37:00.007+01:00

We sell quite a few savoury items on the Country Markets in Ampthill, and a lot of people are looking for something for their lunch, or even to nibble there and then.

I have a glut of courgettes so I decided to knock together these turnovers. I rolled out a pack of puff pastry (half at a time), and cut into 12 squares in total.

I chopped an onion and fried it gently and added a diced courgette. I then put this mixture from corner to corner, and then added some diced feta and some sliced tiny toms. Folded over the two corners, and sealed with milk. I brushed with milk - maybe egg mixture might be more interesting - I will have to have a go. Then I cooked them for 15 mins in a fairly hot oven. They all sold - although I did keep a few back for us to try first and they were very nice.

I wonder what else I can put in these? I wonder about dicing a butternut squash - I would love to hear you comments. Pop along to my foodie forum and add some suggestions. The Cooks Journal

I have loads of bananas - so if you have any fav recipes....lmk!

Update

2008-09-11T22:46:00.002+01:00

I have just sent out the newsletter for the latest updates to the Crafts by Carolyn Site. I hope that you have got yours if not pop along and check out all of the new competitions and new pages.

Summer Pudding

2008-09-06T14:25:00.006+01:00

During the school holidays Owen and I went and met my friend Gill in Takeley. We had a lovely day swimming, lunching out, visiting friends and also visiting the local PYO farm. We picked blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. The strawberries were particularly easy to pick and we managed to pick quite a lot! So we eat some, froze some and then I made two things. Firstly, I made this summer pudding.

I put all the fruit into a saucepan with some sugar, and a tiny drop of water. I heated it up until some of the juices came out, not too much as you want the fruit to keep its shape. I took nearly all of the fruit out of the saucepan and left a bit in the saucepan, I mashed these up and made more sauce. I then roughly lined a pudding bowl with cling film leaving the edges out.

Then it was a case of using sliced white bread to line the basin. I found a saucer than fitted on to of the basin so that it would squash the contents down. Leaving the slices as complete as possible and just filling in the gaps. The outside of each of the pieces was dunked into the sauce and put back into the basin. Then pile the fruit into the basin so it is full. Then make a sliced bread lid - again dunking the outside in the sauce.

Then pop the plate or saucer on top so that it squahes it down, and put a tin of something on tap to weigh it down.

leave over night.

The pic is a slice with some clotted cream icecream (not homemade!)

I also made my first ever jar of jam. i just did it in the microwave using a recipe for the internet. I amde just under 2 jars and it is delicious. I stll have not made homemade scones to go with it!

Back

2008-09-04T10:08:00.004+01:00

I had the summer off as I was busy doing all sorts that I never got around to posting. so now I don't know where to start.....

We had a lovely holiday in Cornwall - the sun shone for most of it too - so that was good! We also went to Bognor for a few days and the sun shone again :)

As for making and baking...I didn't do much on the card making front during the summer but did do lots of watercolouring stamped images on holiday and have just started making them into cards now. I went to Stamperama in August too - and had a lovely time with Carole.

Baking I did make some lovely choc chip cookies and will have to pop the recipe up, and today made some savoury turnovers for Ampthill Market - so will have to pop the pics up later.

We have a new challenge going up later today and Jennie from Artistic Stamper has luanched a new competition for September - so check out the forum for details. Basically you can't use patterned paper in your creation - just stamping and inks. My sample is on this post!

so I will pop some pictures up later...and will try and be a more frequent blogger

Craftability craft week

2008-07-19T16:35:00.005+01:00

I popped over to Craftability this week - twice in fact. I nipped in earlier on in the weeky as I wasn't expecting to be around today, but as I was unexpectedly available I went down there for an hour and it was realy enjoyable. If you live nearby it is well worth popping over. I have now managed buy two new stamps, an embossing folder and some brads...oh dear and I was determined not to buy anything else....

Jane had rang so I met her there, and we sat and watched Anna Davenport cover some fab chipboard albums. She is into a bit of cooking so I have suggested that she stops by and tries some of the recipes. Another lady (sorry I forgot her name) was showing her stamps from Willow crafts, and Jane had a go at stamping and painting Wilfred Rabbit...who I just happen to buy....

There was jewellery and Trimcrafts products being demo'd as well.

Great afternoon - and a great way to see some new products being used.

In the meantime I have made some cards - I caught up on some of the challenges on the forum. two simple ones...the first was to use an image from clip art or similar, so this cute baby pics was from Karen's Whimsy - thre are some really fantastic images on there.

The other is for a sport at the Olympics and as I had this sailing stamp it seemed the obvious choice. Then I found the Chinese character stamp that I have had for years and means wind - so I thought a perfect match.

Both are fairly simple cards - but suitable for the occasions.

Shopping

2008-07-11T17:11:00.006+01:00

Today I didn't work as I worked yesterday.....I went in for a special meeting that was cancelled when I got in.....tee hee

But it worked out well in the end as Sue was free and we went off to Stamp Addicts ....now I know this will surprise you all but I spent more than Sue...although I think she may have spent more than me in the previous week or so! So I treated myself to two new stamps and the new look Craft Stamper mag and a couple of other bits. We then had a nice Lunch at the Chequers just outside Ampthill, on the road to Bedford.

Not had time to play with anything yet and one was a Christmas stamp.

I have finally finished all of the updates to Crafts by Carolyn for this month and I hope that you like all of the new stuff and all of the changes - if you aren't on my mailing lists here is the newsletter. I am off for a lie down now....

So I have not had much of a chance to make many new cards, although have sold a few over the last few weeks...so I have just this one to show you - this is using the FREE download paper on the site.

BTW MikeH is now running the AroundAmpthill.org site and I am still in the forum, but not in charge :) So if you live in or around Ampthill pop across and see what is going on.

Bread Pudding

2008-07-11T15:36:00.002+01:00

after loads of trawling around the internet and asking on my forum I managed to work out a recipe that works for a traybake. I have now made it a couple of times and use mainly the crusts from our loaves.

Bread Pudding
Bake 1 hour in a traybake at 170c
15 oz Bread soaked in
14 fl oz of Milk (can do some water)
3oz Sugar
10oz Dried fruit
2oz or 3 oz margarine - melted
1 egg
I add some Mixed Spice and some nutmeg

Basically soak the bread for at least half an hour, mash completely – I use a use mixer to get it smooth
Add everything else and bake
Line the tin with silicone paper not greaseproof it sticks!

And you should have some nice Bread pudding. I sprinkle with sugar on top. This quantities are very 'loose'!

I cut it into 15 as I have laminated card marked out for this as standard - these are nice sizes.

Tuesday sun

2008-07-01T22:49:00.004+01:00

Today was a lovely sunny day - sadly as we have now moved offices we don't see the sun much, as we are in a sort of basement. However I did go for a wander at lucnhtime and get some sun. The garden is growing nicely and my 'food' is growing. I have been picking loganberries - not many but there are loads on their way.

Crafting has taken a bit of a back seat as I have been updating the site, I will send out a newsletter soon...I have also been doing other things - although I did have a play and make some cards with charms for someone at work. Such a shame she wanted 18th birthday card and not 21st! Never mind I can change the it in time!

I also made a card for the challenge - there are loads of great challenges on the site - some fantastic ideas - pop along to the forum and join in it would be lovely.

Around Ampthill

2008-07-01T22:03:00.002+01:00

You will be pleased to know that MikeH has taken on the forum and you can now pop by for a gossip....

Ampthill Forum - quick update

2008-06-20T17:51:00.002+01:00

Paul decided that he didn't want to continue running the forum - but sadly didn't actually check when it was due to expire properly and it went.....HOWEVER it looks like there maybe a couple of people that are willing to take it on and it maybe up and running again. If you want to help or just offer some support then you can email me on ampthill@craftsbycarolyn.co.uk and I will pass on your emails.