The Weather Outside is frightful . . . .

Well although the weather is awful i'm managing to stay focused and crack on with some of my Christmas designs . . . Snowbuddies is a brand new range of stitcheries which will include co-ordinating fabric bunting and stockings but just to give you a sneak previoew here we have a welcoming wall hanging and decorative pillow - the 'Be Jolly' pillow is something I finished a couple of weeks ago but haven't managed to take a decent piccy due to the lack of daylight in my crafting hours!

That's all for this week . . . pop back for an update real soon!

Love, Laughter & Friendship

I just had to show you what arrived in the post this week from my dear friend Sharon, now as a huge fan of Sharon's work and someone who is lucky enough to have an ever-expanding collection of her work around my home I'm always struck for words when I sit back and admire each piece . . . this one which has (excuse the bragging) been painted with me and my long awaited for kitchen in mind and blown me away . . . it is stunning, the wording is perfect and the theme and colours are spot on!

Sharon is the wonderfully talented lady behind nosyrosydesigns although I have been up to visit Sharon and her lovely family in Westcliffe on Sea and have admired her beautiful home and treasures I've not had the pleasure of returning the gesture of a long weekend break for Sharon in South Wales . . . but hopefully we'll get to arrange something real soon!

So until this time Sharon, you'll have to make do with seeing my wonderful sign on my blog in all it's glory!

Fabulous giveaway offer at Purple Sparkle Crafts

For a great chance of grabbing yourself some calorie free chocolates with a difference why not pop over to Becky's Blog http://purplesparklecrafts.blogspot.com/ to find out more!!

It's been a year since Becky's gorgeous store openened and it's also 'Chocolate' week ~ pop on over and leave a comment and whilst your there why not take a peek at some of the goodies on offer in her on-line store http://www.purplesparkle.co.uk/store/Default.asp

~*~ JiNGle aLL tHe wAy ~*~

Jingle All The Way - Hand-Stitched Pillow

Angels Among Us - Hand-Stitched Pillow

Christmas seems to come around all too quickly and no matter how many times I promise to be better prepared 'next year' I still never seem to get ahead with my new designs!

As many of my friends know, I stay up way too often until some unearthly hour frantically trying to balance a full-time job, the demands of family life and designing and creating new stock - which is at times darn near impossible! So from time-to time I need reminding that being creative is a love and my escape from all the other stuff!

Over the next couple of weeks I will be sharing my new ranges with you from my 'Jingle all the Way', home decor range to my seasonal gift ideas, 'Santas Coming' . . . I promise there will be something for everyone.

~*~ Hug Swap ~*~

I'm over the moon to be a part of this fabulous Swap hosted by Jenny from (Jenny of Elefantz) and Vicki (Tozz’s Corner).

The main purpose of this swap is to make it a beautiful but inexpensive swap, especially for people like myself who is not always able to participate in as many swaps as i'd like due to high shipping fees.

A fabulous idea . . . thanks ladies, I can't wait to get cracking!

~*~ It's only a number ~*~

Ah well, another year older and a little wiser as I celebrate that last of my THIRTIES (picture a sulking Lisa not looking forward to turning the BIG 40 next year) . . . please tell me that the saying is true to word!!

Well my week off work has flown by in the blink of an eye and I'm not looking forward to returning to the daily grind next week . . . especially as the children are still off School, i've so enjoyed spending time with them catching up on their 'to do' lists which are not yet finished due to the lack of sunshine we've had this summer.

In preparation for some quality craft time over the coming months i've grabbed myself a couple of new patterns and books which are bursting with ideas to try . . . here is a taster as I share some of the pages with you!

Pretty little patchwork arrived this morning and is bursting with 32 projects to tempt and inspire with a twist of vintage chic.


From pincushions to aprons, to coasters to tote-ally cute bags i'm sure I'm going to be stuck for choice on what to make first!






100 flowers to knit & crochet (best get learning to crochet hadn't I!!) is literally packed with a delightful collection of flowers that can be used to embelish just about anything.

For anyone considering purchasing this book it has a thumbs up from me as it is presented beautifully and full of inspirational ideas from simple roses, pretty poppies and elaborated layered blooms with clear pattern instructions and information on yarn requirements.