Soul saver

As i type, this is the view on the sofa, a cat dreaming of who knows what. He is nicely chilled and has been wonderful company whilst my son is at school.

He may not give hugs, but as i stroke his fur, it's someone helping my mind go elsewhere whilst my depression is in full takeover mode. He's 'helped' with my ribbons as i tried to sort out the chaos that is crafting supplies. Later i hope the chaos will be nicely finished and i can start on enjoying some time to make cards.

Card-making has been a savior these last few days. Not really on FB anymore, it's not helping my head right now, so a break i have decided is the best course of action, and concentrating on home is more important. I've been slowly exposing myself to the outside world, by doing small amounts of gardening, nowt heavy, just a prune here, a tidy there and the odd plant being planted.

I've also been trying new things in the cooking area, more fresh veg and fruit to try and remove this extra, i have gained. At the same time i have been dealing with the side effects of medication, not agreeing with me. Cotton wool brains and a bobble head is not good when you are a mum! So the tablets have been put back to the lower does, and i find my head starting to clear in my creating again.

A simple card of elegance, a picture from days long gone, and the statement of love which i hope she got to find and enjoy in her lifetime. She was a beautiful lady when the photo was taken, and i wonder what she saw in her lifetime, how much change, how much happiness?

So now i must depart, chores and sorting need doing, before my young lad comes home.

Happy Crafting, whenever you get the chance

Time out...and change

A break from the normal is what is needed sometimes, and the last few weeks have been tough on the body and soul. My health has hit the stairs in another fall, and right now i'm recovering from cracking a rib whilst fighting fibro and depression. Pain is quite high, and to say i'm dizzy would be an understatement. As i sit here and type the world is spinning quite well. Thank goodness for gravity!


Our garden is a delight , the cherry tree in full bloom and from my pink themed bedroom, the view of this tree is a daily delight, especially first thing in the morning, when the only sound is birdsong and the odd car passing by.

Today i have been resting, but also crafting. Punching out flowers and then making little blooms for future cards. I guess the spring feel to everything is coming into my crafting too. It's been lovely to see the sun, and the bite there was in the air is starting to slowly move away. Even the cat is liking outside so much more now, and right now, his main resting area is in the herbs that get the sun in the afternoon. Sadly the greek oregano has become his bed for reasons only a cat would understand, and i'm hoping that the twigs i have put around it will save it's fate and a summer of herbs will be well ahead of us. Nothing like a greek salad with fresh herbs and some crumbly feta on a summers evening.

And talking salad, we've made a change in this house, and now buy our fruit and veg from a company called Abel & Cole. All the items are organic and only what is in season is delivered. You can choose a box for your household size, but also decide whether certain veg that you really can't palate, will not be included. No artichokes here! We have been really enjoying the surprise of opening the box and seeing what is on the menu this week. Purple sprouting broccoli anyone? Have to say it's lovely and fresh and oh so tasty! I feel it's a good change and with the fact that fruit and veg from the main supermarkets seems to have such a short life once you bring it home, i felt the change was needed. Not disappointed so far.

Now it's time for me to rest myself some more, the evening drawing to a close and bed is calling, though sleep will be sometime away.

Happy crafting, even if it's in your dreams

Just a card.

As a reader and crafter, the Mollie Makes magazine has opened my eyes to other crafters, whose livelihood depends on people buying their art and creations. I'm a big fan of Etsy too. There are some very talented people out there who create beauty in so many forms, each one made with love.



So the  Just A Card campaign is something i feel passionate about. Too many big firms have started to add their "handmade" style in their products, which is taking people away from the smaller businesses which depend on every single sale they make. Both my parents had their own businesses, and to this day, my mum is still doing hers. Imagine a day where you just made enough to pay the rent for your stall, but haven't made enough to cover the fuel to get there, and no extras for every day things.It's a tough life, and getting harder into today's climate.I have often been told my makes are good enough, it's my mental health which is making me fear the thought, that maybe, just maybe they are something people might want. I admit i have no confidence even though each project i do, is filled with love, and the urge to create something so beautiful. Yes i enjoy crafting, but for me it is so much more, it's a chance to forget the pain for a little while, it's a chance to take my minds of the bad thoughts that linger in my head on a daily basis. A chance to forget the fear of the outside world, and just create.

Happy Crafting , whether it's for yourself, a love one or to sell.