Wednesday, December 06, 2006



This is the cover of my Christmas Journal. I'm really enjoying this and feel rather festive.

Page 1 will follow shortly. Yes I know I'm already behind - no surprises there! :{

Friday, December 01, 2006

Christmas Journal


Manifesto: Noun. A declaration of one's intentions.

Starting December first, I will keep a Christmas journal. In it, I will write something every day to reflect on the season of my past, enjoy the season of the present and dream about the season of my future.

To some, this will be a stack of papers and trivial scribbles, but not to me. I am taking back my Christmas, I am letting it be something I relish and, most importantly, I am giving at least fifteen minutes every day to myself no matter how crazy this season becomes. I hope you will share, encourage and understand as I make something with my own hands, my own words and my own memories.

I may post some or all of my entries here. Other artists are doing this with me, and you can see their work here Or you may join

Above all: enjoy the season. I will.

Sonja

CC






What a great weekend hope you like some of the layouts I did

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

UKS Cyber Crop

Woot another exhausting weekend coming up. UK scrappers cyber crops are brilliant fun and this one is the biggest ever. Basically we scrap and chat all weekend. It starts a 5pm on Friday and finishes at 5pm on Sunday.

What about this for a fun weekend -
Friday 24th November
5pm Welcome Chat
Meet up in the chatroom as we prepare to get started
6pm class Notions and Potions
You’ll be a stamp addict after this stunning class with Mystik Nat
7pm challenge Charms
8pm KIT CLASS MagicalLynz puts those sequins to magical use in this class from Memory Avenue
9pm Chat
chance to grab a quick coffee before getting stuck in again to some classes
10pm KIT CLASS Spellbound Smiles
Grab those lippy chick books and make something special with Tracie from Little Cottage Crafts
11pm Chat
still up and busy? ome for a chat whilst you await the next challenge
12am midnight challenge Marauders map
Saturday 25th November
6am early bird Chat
wakey wakey rise and shine
7am early bird challenge Olivanders
8am KIT CLASS Golden Snitch
dig out those beads as allyf shows you how to make your own golden snitch bracelet
9am Chat
if you’ve had an early start you’ll be ready for a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich about now
10am challenge Divination
11am class Its Magic
You’ll need a quote to go with this gorgeous layout from Lousette
12noon lunch
time to take a break
1pm KIT CLASS Magic in the MiddleA fresh look at composition with Shimelle
2pm challenge Transfiguration
3pm tea break
time for tea and more chatter in the chatroom
4pm class Bewitched
Have a go at this creative class with Debbie70, you’ll never look at a sketch in the same way again
5pm challenge Madame Malkin
6pm Chat
early evening chat
7pm KIT CLASS Diagon Alley
a new take on the minibook with Gill from The Scrapbook Shop
8pm Saturday Night Games
to be announced nearer to the weekend
10pm Class Wishes
try a home made transparency with mei_lye
11pm Chat
late night chat session for all you night owls
12am midnight challenge History of Magic
Sunday 26th November
6am early bird chat
meet up in the chatroom for some early morning coffee and chat
7am early bird challenge The Burrow
8am class Herbology
Have a go with some paper layering in this stunning class by Kazc
9am chat
morning coffee time
10am Class Professor Sprout
A super class in hand cutting/sewing by Gertie
11am BINGO
Meet in the chatroom for our favourite cybercrop game.
12noon class You’re Magic
Stuff shows some hidden magic on this fabulous layout
1pm lunch
short break for lunch before our final afternoon of cybercropping
2pm class Magic Mirrors
A fabulous distressing class by Karina
3pm chat
time to grab a quick cuppa on our final afternoon break
4pm challenge Ancient Runes
OR
Double Potions
5pm upload deadline
7pm kids chat
clear the chatroom coz the kids are taking over for a while
9pm End of Term chat
meet up in the chatroom for the End of Term Party and to find out who won the school awards

I've managed to buy 3 of the Kits and I can't wait to get started. Hopefully the family will understand my enthusiasm and leave me to get on with it (in my dreams). BTW I'm in

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A gift for Joanne Ward ...


I don't know Joanne but I was inspired to create this LO and send it to Kirsty (I know know her either)! Kirsty posted an appeal on UKS asking for happy 6x6 LOs she could give to her friend who has Cancer. She has collated all the LOs and will present them to Joanne on 10th November. Kirsty's Blog show the over whelming response she has received


Unforunately I didn't get a wonderful photo and the LO has now been sent :(
(The pile picture is Kirsty's - better give credit where it is due as she is a photographer!)See her blog - http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 06, 2006

Shimelle's classes

I have done virtually nothing with Shimelle's 'You think you know me class' I loved the prompts and work book but I really found it difficult to be inspired. The advantage with Shimelle's classes are that you receive a pdf so you can save the prompts and do them at any time.

The dilema I have now though is do I sign up for Shimelle's Christmas class. This includes 37 prompts! It sounds like great fun - BUT and yes it is a big BUT as I have never yet finished one of her classes should I really be signing up for another?

Friday, October 13, 2006

What a week!

I'm so glad this week is nearly over. Its been so so busy at least I have Shimelle's new class to look forward to - it starts Sunday :)

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Shimelle's September class - Page 4


This blue sticker says "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. Les Brown" My added text says Today I learnt, I can get ahead with my studying if I apply myself.

I'm studying for my second financial planning exam and I'm finding it really tough going. The exam is Monday! :{

Emotions

I received the workbook for Shimelle's latest class today. Talk about extremes - I have to think of so many different emotions and describe the actions, prompts that create them, my reactions, smells I associate with them ... Thank goodness I have a few days to think and mull over them before the class starts.

So what smells do you link with happiness, fear and anger? and why?

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Page 3


Page 3 - they say a picture says a thousand words - most of these were blue - not because my car is blue!

The little blue strip says learn from your mistakes.

What a day - I had rushed all the way over the Urmston to pick up the cardstock and flowers I needed for Shimelle's class. I had to take the kids with me so I was rather hassled trying to shop. Hannah was in tears as Thomas had kicked her she had tried to avoid the kick and banged her head. So I was not in the best of moods as I tried to leave the car park! As I swung around I forgot to check all 4 corners! This poor little car has been mine for less than a year and already I've had 3 incidents in it! At least they have all been minor and it's only the car that need repairing.

Page 2


As Shimelle is starting a new class on 15th October, I've promised myself that I can sign up if I finish the last one. This may be tricky as I'm only on page 8 out of 30!

Anyway here is page 2.

The little blue strip says The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself - Mary Schmich.

I found this quote really thought provoking and went in web search for its origins. It is from a Newpaper article which was made into a pop song - Wear Sunscreen. The words are great - look them up sometime!

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Grief it's October

I've been so so busy. I'm supposed to be studying for my 2nd financial planning exam but I've given up as I'm losing the plot! So everything has gone on hold - shimelle's class, UKS, scrapping, altered art, family life, LIFE - well its not actually that bad but it was grim. So I've now resigned myself to the fact that I'll fail but gosh don't I feel happier.

I also start working 4 days next week - this should help me take some of the pressure off. I have actually been doing a days work for my Mum for the last year so Thomas won't notice any difference but I'm actually looking forward to building my career - failing the exam won't help this - but I can resit in January so I'm aiming for that. I keep promising myself I won't leave it to the last minute - lets hope it works out that way.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Page 1

Well I'm only 4 days behind ... this is the page Shimelle set us for 1st September! I'm really pleased with it. Hopefully I'll catch up this evening.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Shimelle's Class


I have finally finished the cover of my album. Its not a wonderful picture but it was difficult to scan as the spiral is so big. I'm hoping to get loads done this evening as I'm now 4 days behind. I've promised Stuart I will study before I do any scrapping - as he puts it - work before play. I have set myself a target of 9 pages - this will probably take about 1.5 hours.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Yet more projects ...

I've signed up for Shimelle's latest course (see course page on link ->) also UKS have started blog prompts - here is todays

Treasure chest: you have a small chest and you’re going to place things in it that symbolise who you are, important milestones, etc. so that someone years after you’re gone will look at it and see the essence of you. For example, you might place a stethoscope if you’re a doctor or medical student, a Bible if your faith is important to you, etc. Which five items would you choose and why? No photographs (though you could use a camera if you're a photographer)...just symbolic items.

I'm going to have a really good think about this ... first thoughts -
marriage course notes (this covers two areas - church, who ran the course and my 16 year marriage)
my scrapbook albums these surely show my life
my computer? shows my interests
my work contract - its where I seem to spend most of my time - either at the location or studying for it!(oh I forgot to mention that - is it a project? supose so - I have a FPC exam in October)

I'll come back and update this when I have thought about it - if I find the time ...

France ...

What a holiday! We had great fun but 3 sites in 2 weeks is just too much.
Paris was great - Hannah loved Euro Disney and the city.
Tours wonderful area with so much to do.
Rouen - wow what a city. I would definately recommend this - the history and sights are amazing. We picked up a walking tour leaflet free from the Tourist Information and had a brilliant day. Actually the place was so brill we went back the next day!

Friday, August 04, 2006

Keswick

The Keswick Convention - wow what a buzz! Not only did we have great weather (a first) but we also had a really great time. Hannah had a wonderful time as her friend from last year, Elspeth, was there. They had kept in touch via Email and Elspeth had said they would not be there at the same time - but - surprise, surprise at the first service there she was. Hannah was over the moon! We hardly saw her again except meal times :)

I had a great time as Stuart looked after Thomas most of the time which freed me to attend all the services. It was so revitalising to attend church/bible study three times a day! I was also able to share them with my Dad so I had someone to talk them over with.

I'm now running around like a lunatic trying to wash, iron, work, sort, pack, clear sewing and artwork ready for our next holiday. Grief - who was it who thought it would be a good idea to only have a week in-between!

Monday, July 10, 2006

So now I'm 39! I'm going grey - What's all the fuss?

OK my birthday has been an gone - I'm 39! Age has never bothered me - I really can't understand the hang up with age. I certainly don't feel 39 - I suppose I look it. LOL I'm going grey - am I bovered? NO! I really can't see the point of trying to kid everyone and dye my hair!

Over the weekend Stu took me out for a meal - whilst I was waiting for the meal I looked around me - I noticed 2 ladies with natural grey hair - did they look ancient? did they look out of place? No they look great - good for them I thought! If they can do it so can I!

As I had just had my hair cut on Friday the grey is now more prominent. When Mum saw it she commented and said I should dye it. Grief even my own mother doesn't know me enough to realise I really don't see the point. Does this make me a slob - someone who doesn't care what they look like?

Why oh why can't people look their age?

Friday, July 07, 2006

Sewing free ......

Yay the outfit has gone in the post today.

Hannah finishes school next Tuesday so I really need to finish the teachers scrapbook - hopefully the children will have sorted themselves out and will give me their pages today.

I recieved the Altered Art kit yesterday and I'm now wondering what I have got myself into! The kit came with two project sheets which uses less than half the stash. I have no idea what to do with the rest!

Anyway tomorrow is another day - hopefully full of wonderful surprises!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

JULY!

Where is the year going to? I'll soon be 39 :)I feel much less. Stuart has been asking what I want for my birthday - he doesn't seem to have picked up the hints about a craft robo.

Craft wise I've been working hard on the Christening outfit for my godson. I've finally finished the draft and nearly finished the shoes. Hopefully I'll get it in the post tomorrow so I can get some feedback over the weekend and start the actual outfit.

I also need to get a move on with Hannah's teachers scrapbook. I have asked all the children in her class to scrap an A4 page of themselves - from a class of 25 I have received 9 so not too bad. I now need to put it all together and add a few general pages.

I've also signed up for a jigsaw swap - to make matters worse its an altered art swap. Two firsts there! Rather sad, but I'm quiet excited. Every day I get home hopeful that the kit has arrived but the post seems to be sooooo slow.


I have ordered the July kit from www.3djean.me.uk


Maybe today it will arrive?

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Sports Day



Hannah had her first Sports Day at her new school - it was the first I have enjoyed. Each child was grouped according to their ability so Hannah felt it was worth trying rather than just going through the motions. Also, as there were only 3 people in her group she was able to win a medal for each event. This was very diplomatic of the teachers as it encouraged those less able!

she achieved 3 bronze and 3 silver :)

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Time passes me by ....

I can't believe it's been so long since I updated this.

I'm soooo 'angry' with Lemon! :) she has shown me another project I fancy http://everyoneisspeshal.blogspot.com/
I can't believe it. I am trying to be so good and UKS keeps throwing me ideas. I also think Paul has a lot to answer for as he has incouraged my interest in Altered Art.

I'm also on yet another diet and the crop I attend are have a crop and bake day with cakes, cakes and more cakes!

Doh - I give up .............. how is a girl suppose to fight temptation?

Monday, May 15, 2006

Bonanza

Well I survied Bonanza - a Scrapbooking event at the NEC. I spent a fortune on altering and distressing products so watch this space for a new style!

I'm off to another show at the weekend this is a general craft show. As I spent up at Bonanza I'm going to have to be very good :)

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

The {21} Day Challenge


I mentioned before The {21}Day Challenge, well Rhonna (see link)is running round 3 which I'm going to follow if not join in. It has really sparked my imagination with digital scrapping. As when I get a few minutes :) I'm going to look into it!

Cyber crop

Post UKS cyber crop I'm so disorganised but I had great fun. The theme was Mardi Gras and here is a mini book I made





I didn't manage to do much over the weekend but had great fun as Hannah joined in.





Dad even did the blokes challenge

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

OH NO! I feel another project ....

I spotted this on UKS A 21 day challenge - I'm trying so hard to ignore it but I keep feeling it tugging!

With all my other projects I'm rather snowed under.

I finally managed to finish my first scrap book last week and all ready have the next ready and waiting.

The great news today was that Hannah passed her Grade 2 piano. This was really unexpected as her teacher and myself weren't expecting much. Anyway she just managed a pass so onwards and upwards - she now has her sights on Grade 3 singing? Doh more practising!

Monday, March 20, 2006

What a great weekend

For a change we had a brilliant weekend. Saturday I woke up full of energy and ready to go. I rushed around cleaning and tidying and managed to do the whole house and bathrooms in just over an hour! I'm sure the pull of the all day crop inspired me to move fast. So off I went and scrapped my heart out. I had a great day and actually completed a LO with picture! Only problem is I spent all my Bonanza savings - I've now 8 weeks to save again.

Sunday we went to the park. Hannah and Thomas both had a great time running about and playing. We definately need to get Thomas a ball as he beelined them every time he saw one. Great idea for Easter rather than an egg! In the afternoon we had a great time playing at home whilst Stuart was a real love and washed and cleaned the cars.

TV wise it was J LO weekend. We watched Shall we Dance and Maid in Manhatten. The first was OK but the latter was very funny - even Stu enjoyed it. Last night I ironed to Love Actually - brilliant film - I never seem to tire of it.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Counting the days until Easter!

I made a very rash decision and decided to give up bread for lent! Big mistake - HUGE mistake! Gone is the quick lunch option of butties. I now have to plan ahead and prepare lunch the night before as I stuck with either soup, salad or pasta. I'm also trying to support Hannah who has given up chocolate. So I can't have any chocolate at home - not that I eat that much - but the Bailey's chocs are burning a hole in the pantry, even though they are on the top shelf. Out of sight/out of mind theory is not working. They are a definate magnet at the moment!

I suppose the big saving grace is that I do appear to be losing weight although extremely slowly. The scales tell me this but my clothes don't!

Monday, March 06, 2006

Another reminder that time files ....

I can't believe I've been married for 16 years!! Stuart has really spoilt me by buying 16 roses and taking me out for a meal.

The roses are beautiful and make me smile every time I walk past them.

The meal was great - we tried somewhere new - real gamble - it was great. The food was brilliant and the service worth every penny.

We are supposed to be buying each other a printer but this is proving tricky as Stuart has no idea what to go for. Having studied Which magazine we have finally agreed on one which will hopefully product decent photos. I've loads of scrapbooking pages sat waiting for the pictures.

The family tree is growing very rapidly with information coming from all angles. Its great fun but seems to take loads of time and money!

My AJ has sliped to the bottom of the pile - hopefully I'll get some inspiration this week and I'll catch up with the missed weeks.

Friday, February 24, 2006

Time Flies

WOW I hadn't realise how long it was since I updated my Blog. So much has gone on. Thomas had his opperation and is now a happy chappy. Its amazing how different he is - great fun and I am really enjoying being with him now.

I've just returned from Watford where I visited my best friend - she has just had her first baby. What a sweety! I had a long cuddle - luckily I didn't get broody. Couldn't bare the thought of starting again or all the stitches!

Anyway I was delighted to be asked to be Godmother! Hannah was thrilled also as this sort of makes her God daughter! She has never let me forget that she wanted this couple as Godparents. Even though they are Thomas' Godparents they treat both my children the same. So now the relationship is even closer - I'm so thrilled. I've started a scrap book for the baby. Once I get the parents permission I'll post some pages.

Oh yea I forgot to add that I the family tree bug was too strong. I got hooked - I'm a real push over! Anyway Stuart's Dad was really pleased and turned up with loads of info. Just another hobby to add to the already too long list. Actually Stuart says he wishes I had hobbies instead of obsessions.

Hopefully I'll have time with all my 'obsessions' to not leave updating this for too long.

Have fun all

S x

Friday, February 03, 2006

Office Move

Having been told that we would not be moving offices until next week I turned up to work in a skirt and 3inch heels. Guess what - I'm now trying to pack boxes and run up and down the stairs - I hope they have good insurance as I'm sure I'm taking my life in my own hands. Luckily we are not moving the boxes until Monday when I shall come appropriately dressed. Hopefully the weather will be warmer too!

I'll certainly need to put my feet up tonight. Shame the diet doesn't allow me a glass of wine. However, with all the exercise I'm sure a Balieys coffee won't go amiss.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Back Home

Its my first day back home since Monday - I've been staying at my parents. I'm not sure where to start - should I be really good and do the cleaning or the ironing - or start some of my scrapping/AJ/card making? I've loads to do. Emm I've also some sewing to finsh for a wedding in 2 weeks.

I've decided I've too many hobbies - I've partly done projects all over the place. Perhaps I'll list them this weekend and prioritise them - I'm sure I'll get a shock how many I've started.

Without searching I know I have 5 scrapping pages to finish, a star book to finish, 2 AJ pages to do, a CJ to finish, this years calender to finish, the wedding sewing already mentioned, a valentines card to make, I've no idea how much knitting, cross stitch, beading, 4 cutains, trousers to take up ...... the list is endless!

I'm off to iron and clean so the house is reasonable for when Stuart gets home. Maybe I'll get some projects done this weekend - or maybe it will take me all weekend to find and list them.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Families

Having just watched Julien Clary trace his family tree I wonder about my family. Stuart says its a shame that our Grandparents died with so much knowledge which we never bother to ask them.

Dad tells me that my Great Grandmother, Eleanor Sidebotham, was never married when she had her first child, Nelly and her partner, Frank Drabble died in the war at the Dardenells, Turkey. That must have been a real scandle. Appartently the Salvation Army helped her.

On my Mum's side of the family my Grandmother also had a child before she married. Again the Salvation Army stepped in to help.

Its no wonder our family have such strong links with the Sally Army!

In 1805 James Firth Thomas was Christened in Manchester Cathedral - he was on my father's side - my Granddad, also James Firth Thomas was born 1908.

I find it amazing to hear and would love to do some research - but wonder when I shall find the time!

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Kids!

Talk about cranky kids. Hannah was such a nightmare this evening - she had such an attitude, arguing and being really difficult. God help us all when she gets to teenage and hormones kick in too!

What a day!

I finally went back to my second job (administrator for my Mum) after the Christmas break. Wow I was busy! Loads of catching up to do - but the day went very quickly.

I forgot to mention I had my weigh in yesterday after my first week of dieting - 4lbs lost! I'm sure it would have been higher if I hadn't been socialable and drunk wine at weekend ( I blame Fiona!). I was also stunned when Stuart bought me a vanilla slice. After nagging me since Christmas to loose some weight he bought two cakes! I was very good and shared mine with Hannah.

I'm struggling with my AJ this week. I'm now a week behind and have no idea what to do. I was trying something new and arty but it was a real disaster so I'm back to square one. Hopefully I'll snap out of it soon and start being creative.

Monday, January 30, 2006


One of the pages from my AJ prompted by Shimelle Laine. Check out the link to see mine and everyone else you has signed up.
Nothing spectalular happening today. I'm working and trying to clear my desk ready for moving office later this week.

After work I have my normal Mondy evening rush - Hannah's piano lesson, Hannah's choir practise and my choir practise. Somewhere in the midst of all this I must organise tea, homework and pick up Thomas! Stu is away so I'll probably stay at M & Ds and use their computer. I really need to get some printing done for my AJ.

Weekend

Saturday was very busy - I felt like Cinderella! Stu had promised I could go to a Crop if we managed to get everything sorted! This meant him going shopping and me tidying the house. With such a great incentive I ran around like a manic! I completed the tidying, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms be fore Stu arrived home. I think he was rather dubious that I had done a good job.

After finishing everything I realised I didn't actually fancy the crop and wanted to find supplies for my Art Journal (see shimelle link). I went to an Art shop which had nothing for me and ended up in my fav craft shop. Unfortunately, I ended up wanting too much and had to borrow some money from Hannah!

Friday

Well Friday was rather uneventful after me swapping my working day. Took Thomas to the hospital for his re-med assesment only to be told the Doctor was not avaiable. He had his hearing tested again - and surprise surprise there was no change! I wonder if they were expecting a miracle? Well the outcome was that if he doesn't catch Hannah's cold or any other infections the op will be on 7th Feb.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Lets get started

OK my first ever blogg and I have no idea what I'm doing ....
I think this will be a very steep learning curve so watch this space!