You’re late! You’re late!

I'm late, I'm late for
A very important date.
No time to say hello, good-bye,
I'm late, I'm late, I'm late
I'm late and when I wave,
I lose the time I save.
My fuzzy ears and whiskers
Took me too much time to shave.
I run and then I hop, hop, hop,
I wish that I could fly.
There's danger if I dare to
Stop and here's a reason why:
I'm over-due, I'm in a rabbit stew.
Can't even say good-bye,
hello, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.

Courtesy of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

I guess the words Time Management should spring to mind but…. I say, better late than never! This post was supposed to have been posted yesterday, but hey ho!!!

At the moment, apart from the usual hectic day to day stuff, my dear daughter is very pregnant and due mid August.  However, since her regular visit with the midwife a couple of days ago she has learnt that due to the position of her baby she might have to have a C section in a couple of weeks.  So we now have frantic activity to get the last minute things in place for the exciting event.  At least we have been told that a boy is due but I think colours are still being kept to a neutral shade.

Knit Bunny Mugrug by Blazingneedles

Beautiful Aqua Blue and White blanket by Stitchesbyjulie4kids

Crocheted Baby Moccasins by MagdaleneKnits

Lavender Hearts baby bracelet by Meredithbead2

Baby Mint Poncho and hat by Bagsandmorebypam

Nesting doves by Sixsisters

Well, I could go on and on picking out some really cute baby items from the BBEST team.  That’s the trouble, you end up wanting to buy everything don’t you?

I think I have made you all ‘coo’ and ‘aaaaah’ enough.  Now it is just waiting for the announcement and the flurry of activity.  Then life changes for ever!  Can’t wait!

St George for England!!!!!

St. George's Day is on 23 April. It is England's national day.

Who was St George?

St. George is the patron saint of England. His emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. St George's emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.   

Like England, every country within the United Kingdom has its own patron saint who in times of great peril is called upon to help save the country from its enemies. For instant, Wales has St David, St Patrick for Northern Ireland and St Andrew for Scotland.

Who was the real St George and what did he do to become England's patron saint?

St. George was born in Turkey sometime in the third century. At the age of seventeen he joined the Roman army and became renowned for his bravery and feats of arms. The most famous story of St. George is that he slew a Dragon somewhere in Libya. On one of his missions, St. George was sent to England. While in England he heard about the horrible persecutions of Christians in Rome. Returning to Rome, George pleaded for mercy for the Christians, but in the end was himself beheaded when he refused to renounce his faith. In 1222 AD, the Council of Oxford declared St. George as the Patron Saint of England (replacing Edward the Confessor).

St George is always depicted as a knight carrying a shield with a red cross (or a banner with a red cross), generally sitting upon a horse and always killing a dragon. 

How does England celebrate St George's Day?

By tradition, 23 April is the day for a red rose in the button hole, the national flower. However, unlike other countries, England does not celebrate it like Americans celebrate 4 July with fireworks. In fact, you are more likely to see big St Patrick parades in England celebrating Ireland's National Day, more than you would see any sign of St Georges Day being celebrated.

For most people in England St George's Day is just another ordinary working day.

Factoid!

Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564 and he died on the same day in 1616.

Whilst not all of the following, strictly speaking, have much to do with St George and the Dragon you will have to admit they do have something to do with dragons!

 Pink Dragon Silk Scarf by AltheaP

 New Dragon’s Blood Soap by AJs Country Cottage

Sewing Pattern – Little Fairytale Dragon by Fantasy Creations

Vintage St George and the Dragon by Nonnie’s Treasures

Red Vintage Dragon by  ByTheWayside

Like what you see?  Why not ‘pop’ over to see other fantastic items from the BBEST Team on Etsy!

A wonderfully unexpected present!

I had been out and on my return home found an official note from the Postman to say he had tried to deliver a package but it was too big to push through our letterbox and so I would have to make arrangements for a later delivery.  This was Friday afternoon before our Bank Holiday weekend.  I thought and thought about whether I had ordered something that I had forgotten about it or what on earth was I due to receive?  I just drew a blank all the time and all through the weekend my mind kept coming back to what it was the Postman had not been able to deliver.

Through the internet I managed to arrange delivery but it wouldn’t be until the following Tuesday!!!  The whole weekend my mind worked overtime!

Then Tuesday arrived and the door bell sounded.  I ran down the stairs, opened the door and smiling acknowledged the Postman!  Amongst the normal mail he passed to me a squarish looking package.  Then I saw the name and address of the sender!  The excitement juices were really working now!!!!

Rushing up to my workroom I picked up my scissors to carefully unwrap this well packaged parcel.  The brown paper came away to offer a box that gave no clue to its contents.  Carefully I opened the box which revealed a beautiful parcel in pink tissue paper tied up with a gold ribbon thread.  My fingers were shaking I was so excited!!!!

Carefully I removed the tissue paper, ribbon and all was revealed!  The most beautiful stained glass ACEO and stand.  I was speechless!

I won’t go into the story as to why I was the incredibly lucky recipient of this ACEO but suffice to say it made me so happy!  It was ‘Nonnie’ from a group called Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team (or BBEST for short) who had so thoughtfully sent me the ACEO and its very own stand.  She is such a talented artist which I am sure you will agree when you have a look at her shop called  ‘Nonnie’s Treasures’.  And, above all a thoroughly lovely person too!

THANK YOU, Nonnie!!!

 

 

____________________

Nonnie specialises in custom and commissioned stained glass.

What the postman put through our letterbox today!

A couple of weeks ago I began a dialogue with someone I had met through one of the groups I belong to (BBEST) whose shop is called Clingingimages.  Here you are able to purchase designer window clings with stained glass effects.  This seller has many in her shop but also enjoys custom designing.  This is exactly what I wanted.

We have a window half way up our stairs in which the previous occupants of the house had placed some clings.  These over the years had faded and, although still attractive, I wanted something more akin to our own taste with a design with our stamp on, so to speak.  After several communications to describe what I wanted, giving the dimensions etc I received an email with a selection of clings from which I could choose.  How cool was that?

My husband and I decided which one was our favourite and placed the order.  Without further ado the clings were produced to exactly the size I wanted and followed the description beautifully.  So, when they arrived today I just couldn’t wait to open up the envelope.

There, beautifully packaged with full instructions on how to apply, remove and care for the clings, were our new clings!  Straightaway, I cleaned the window panes so that they would be squeaky clean and allow me to place the clings carefully where I wanted them. 

I so enjoyed working on the ideas for these clings and this was made all the more enjoyable an experience with the great communications prior to settling on the final version.

Now to stand back and admire!

PQ

The wonder of swaps!

Still on the subject of the ‘Spring’ swap the ACEO created under my OAW banner was created in the encaustic medium or painting in wax.  Using my trusty travel iron and hot stylus for detail I imagined this stream running through some rocky crags with plants rearing their heads gingerly as Spring approached.

Firstly from Hemlock came this beauty.  She even used rocks (pebbles!) from her creek.  Very pretty!

I think this was a ‘first’ and hopefully, not the last.

Personally, I thought it was a wonderful way to introduce ACEOs to creators new to this format.  To some ACEOs can be very daunting; to have to work in such a small piece of art can be challenging when you are not used to it.  However, these two folk had never attempted this before and there were many who have realised what a fun and interesting size it is to work on!

PQ

A March ACEO swap!

A super team on Etsy.com that I belong to is called Boomers and Beyond or BBEST for short.  You may have heard of us or, certainly, read about the group in this blog.  Do check out the group blog link above to find out more about them. 

Each month we have an event and for the month of March members were asked to join in and create an ACEO (an item measuring 2.5” x 3.5”) in any medium they wished but the theme was to be Spring.  Quite a few of us signed up and as the ACEOs were created they were posted on this site for all to admire.  The fun of this swap is that you are given the name and address to whom you are to send your ACEO but you have no idea whose ACEO you will receive in return.  Of course, I did try to suggest that all ACEOs could easily be sent to me!  Somehow I think that request fell on deaf ears, can’t think why?  Anyway, as many as possible are always encouraged to join in the fun as it is such a brilliant way of communicating with each other and learning more about other artisans in the group.

Several members had never created anything so small or in this format but it just goes to show that if you decide to step outside of the box you will surprise and surpass yourself!

In my capacity of PQ I wracked my brains for quite a while before I came up with my Spring ACEO.  I had some old buttons which I wanted to feature.  Then came the idea of using the buttons as flowers with an embroidered sun.  I even found a butterfly!   See what you think? 

OK, you will want to see what I received?

Today the postman stopped by with a package from Milton Keynes.  That would have to mean something from Makeyourpresentsfelt!  If you remember from the Flickr gallery pictures you might have spotted the chicken already.  I had already mentioned/suggested that it come to me….. well, it did!

It is so cute!  But, not only was I lucky enough to have won this ACEO but Chrissie also treated me to another using her felted expertise to create an ACEO entitled Spring Seedlings.

As if that wasn’t enough look at the pretty envelope that held them safe from the outer wrapping.

I would love to tell you who is due to receive mine but it would spoil the surprise.  I do hope they like it!!!!!

 

 

PQ

Who was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is well known for all sort of stories like the belief that he rid Ireland of all snakes.  Totally untrue and merely a result of many years of folklore and handed down stories that were often exaggerated. For your information Ireland never had snakes but it is thought that the meaning came from the fact that St Patrick was to eradicate all pagan beliefs!

It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century.   At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity.  Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice which he believed to be God's, spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.

To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation; an angel in a dream telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.

His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

So, are you feeling Irish?  Why not find out how Irish by completing the Irish quiz at this link?

Meanwhile I thought I would search through Etsy to find some Irish related items that had been created by the Boomers and Beyond Street Team (BBEST for short!).  Here goes…….

Irish Eyes Earrings

by

J Stinson

 

 

4 Knit Shamrock Mugrugs

by

Blazing Needles

 

Dichroic Shamrocks Brooch

by

Designs by Christine

 

 

Neighborhood Girl - Original Watercolor ACEO

by

Six Sisters

 

 

St. Pats Day Can Cozies

by

Bags and More by Pam

 

Why not take a scroll over to Etsy and search for more wonderful items from the BBEST team?  Follow the BBEST link or just type in BBEST when you do a search and see what comes up!  I think you may be amazed by the talent in this team, but then I am biased!!!

May the roads rise to meet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A GAELIC BLESSING

 

Happy St Patrick’s Day to you!

PQ

Spring is in the air!

An Etsy team called Boomers and Beyond or BBEST for short, are having a new swap challenge this month is to create an ACEO with the theme entitled….. Spring! 

I love sitting back to see what comes out of the woodwork.  Truly inspirational pieces are being created in all manner of mediums.  The excitement is always that each person who contributed is given a name of their swapee but they do not know who will be sending them an ACEO.  To remind readers, an ACEO has only one rule.  That is, it has to measure 3.5” x 2.5”.  It can be created in any medium.  You will note there are glass based ones, fabric, painted ones.  The list is endless.

What did I create?  Well, under the name of Precious Quilts I decided to create an ACEO depicting Spring in the form of the sun shining down on some pretty flowers made with cute little buttons I had in my stash.  For the centres of the flowers I added some seed beads to enhance the image.

Oh yes!  I love butterflies and have one in my avatar  on Etsy so, of course, I had to include a pretty pink one to complete my picture composition!

Now, I urge you to follow this link to see the other ACEOs offered for the March BBEST swap.

Hard to choose my favourite and even harder is the waiting and wondering which ACEO I will be lucky enough to receive!

Some wonderful quilt items

It's snowing outside, cold and wet so what better time to go internet browsing!  I decided to see what I could find in a team I belong to called Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team or BBEST for short!

Since we are experiencing above average snow fall for UK I thought I would turn my thoughts to finding quilted items whether they are useful or just really attractive and pretty.

 

Circles 'n Squares Small Textile Art

Liz Plummer, who hails from the UK,  describes this quilt as a small quilted wallhanging which  is a colourful, playful one which would look great in a child's room or to brighten up a gloomy room. Particularly if you like sweets/candy!

 

Another form using quilting is from Libertybelle's shop

 

Flower Fairy Fabric Postcard

This pretty fabric postcard is made with flower fairy fabric and has been embellished with cute little pink heart buttons. It is finished with lace and hand embroidery.

I don't know about the title of this one except winter flurries might be more appropriate!

 

 

Art Quilt Autumn Flurries

by Artmixter who explains that this hand dyed cloth is raw edge applique'd onto a rich blue velvet base, sprinkled with sequin leaves that spiral in the painted and stitched spiral of the wind, with a golden flower in the centre.

No amount of chat etc would allow this team to focus away from one important influence.......

.... that of chocolate!!

Karen Quilted and Beaded Bag in Chocolate and Blue

Chocolate brown and blue 100 percent cotton fabrics, long brown and pink beading, and silver metal accents make the Karen bag one you will grab often thanks to Kimbuktu

 

Since you now have the chocolate, how about a nice warm cup of tea?  The tea would have been kept warm by placing the teapot in this cute tea cozy by Nonnie60.

 

Quilted Mini Tea Cozy - Country/Folk Art Design

This mini-tea cozy was designed and sewn by Nonnie using a quilted cotton fabric in a country or folk art design. It was designed specifically for the nesting 2C pot and cup, which when assembled stand approximately 6" high. It also accommodates any 1C mini-pot. as shown in the main photo. It can also rest on top of a large mug to keep coffee or tea from cooling off too quickly.

Tempted yet?  Why not browse some more?  You will be amazed at the talent in this group!!!

Happy New Year to all!

Yes, it's that time of year when you can follow the party around the world.  By now New Zealand and Australia have already celebrated and as the hours pass by another country celebrates.  Other countries such as India have celebrated less opulently due to security issues.  The leader of Dubai in the Middle East has cancelled all outdoor festivities due to the Middle East conflict in Gaza.

London is waiting patiently. The temperature is set to slip to a cold and very frosty night but the bright colours of the fireworks planned by London Eye will help overcome the chill of the night.  Of course one of the most famous part of the world regarding Hogmanay will be Edinburgh in Scotland where 100,0oo revellers are expected to turn out in sub zero temperatures.

2009 awaits us all!  With sadness we leave 2008 with all we experienced whilst with nervousness and excitement we look forward to 2009. What will next year bring us all?

A wonderful original painting by Sixsisters entitled Joy!  "Their joy is apparent as they move across the floor. Time stands still for a few moments as we look at them and feel the music and the lightness of their steps. This is the perfect painting for anyone who appreciates dance or the love of it."  I expect a few of us will be dancing the night away, or wish we did/could!  However you see the New Year in, let it be joyful and fun - even if the zzzzzz are being pushed up!

Thank you to all my wonderful BBEST friends, my faithful followers of this blog and to my new readers I would like to extend my warm wishes for a happy, peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Christmas comes but once a year - or does it?

The saying does say, Christmas comes but once a year! However, today Tuesday 7 October it was Christmas for me!! Our Postman could not believe it and wondered if it was my birthday?

Last month my favourite team, Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team (BBEST for short) had a swap. The theme as that of butterflies. The reason being that my avatar is that of a butterfly and I stood down last month from being the group's leader. With the team now 300 strong I decided that to continue on my own was taking up too much of my time. So, I have handed the leader's baton over to three lovely ladies, Chauncey, Sixsisters and Joonie. It was their idea to base the theme on my avie as a thank you! To make the swap even more interesting it was decided to put a twist at the end. That twist was revealed on the last day of the swap and meant everyone was told which member to send their swap to!

My lucky swap came from Dayna from Scottieacres in the form of a lovely mauve sweatshirt with an amazing decoration consisting of a Christmas tree collage adorned with different coloured butterflies along with colourful jewels with the tree being topped by a bright yellow star. An awful lot of work went into this gem! I have tried to take a close up photograph to show you all the lovely butterflies.

Thank you so much Dayna!!!!

The swap I made went to another member who I cannot name yet nor can I show you what it was - I will as soon as I know they have received it safely! Otherwise it won't be a secret or a surprise anymore so that will be another post.

Meanwhile, for me there was another twist! Our three new leaders chatted amongst themselves and decided to show their swaps at the last moment. However, their twist was that their items were not for swapping but were being sent as a gift to me!!!!!! That was such a generous idea and today I received not only Dayna's sweatshirt but also a wonderful plaque from Chaunce.

First of all Chaunce, apologies for the lowsy picture but this is gorgeous!!!!! At the top are the words... Thanks PQ. You're the bbest! Underneath a basket of beautiful hydrangeas with some butterflies hovering. It came with a very handy stand.

Thank you Chaunce!

Then I opened the next package! Again, the camera has not really done the painting proper justice. This most beautiful butterfly came from Six and will find itself being framed and hung on my wall.

Thank you Six!

Now I had to ask Terry to take a picture of me wearing and holding my wonderful pressies, didn't I! Hopefully the pressies will detract from my scruffy appearance, no make up, messy hair, yukky!!!

For good measure, and I know you will be able to laugh with me here.......

I asked Terry to take a picture of me holding my new treasures in our new shower!!! We haven't actually used it yet since we want to wait until the whole shower is totally complete before doing so. But I just couldn't resist a picture in the shower, so check this out and have a giggle!

I also received another present but I want to thank the sender before I mention anything about that in this blog post. Gosh, another post to look forward to!!!! The excitement must be overwhelming.

However, my team..... and especially those mentioned above... You are simply the BBEST!