Dolly's Dreamings

There's bound to be a good one soon!

We were at the cinema today again and another poor film we thought. The Farewell - why do they have such poor lighting in films? Why hadn't I appreciated it was subtitled before I went. Why did we go! We must hit a good one soon I guess!

In other news, my sunflowers at almost two weeks old are going strong and I love them.

 

 

 

and my first felting efforts at Robins (with clips on for the tree) and penguins

 

 

 

 

 

and finally, a scrapbook page as well made for the weekly challenge on UKS

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• feeling better the last couple of days - fingers crossed we have found the right formula for continued good days
• chilling out
• my new silhouette - I cut some files today and am thrilled

 

 

What a lovely weekend for a wedding and a fair

It's beenalovely weekend in every way. 

Saturday was THE WEDDING and yes we are ardent royalists and we devoted the morning and early afternoon to seeingHarry and Meghan get married - and lovely it was too. 

 

We loved seeing everyone arrive, we loved the service - all of it - and we loved being able to deck the balcony all out in bunting and even sit and watch from there (we can see the TV from the balcony!)

Just fabulous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday we went to a Royal Garden Party artisan market in Bournemouth where I was exhibiting for the day. It was a lovelye vent and I was one of very few people seeling things other than paintings. Consequently I did rather well.

However for the first time I was also selling art work (I didn't sell any but then many of the proper artists sold nothing all day) but I was finally brave enough to have it on display and to be offering pet portrait commissions. Watch this space.

 

 

There was a lovely saxophonist who played all day

 

The mayor and Mayoress came (and oddly enough someone dressed like the queen)

I saw lots of people I knew - mostly that was nice - and there was even a children's colouring wall that kept Nigel occupied.

A lovely evening in with a bottle of wine to celebrate my sales

However this seems to be the demanded scene in my bedroom every night

 

 

Today has been beautiful too.

We meandered - late - to starbucks, sat by the sea then came home and had lunch ont he balcony before going to the cinema to see Deadpool 2 (Not our favourite movie of the year)

I have new scrapping to share and am prepared to be flamed by Star wars fans 

 

 

 

 

I am afraid we just don't get it - and don't want to. And we are not keen ont he emphasis on Star wars at Disney

 

Today I am thankful for

• a lovely weekend
• chill out time as well as work (It was hard yesterday)
• good sales
• courage and sticking to what we believe to be right

 

 

 

 

Production Line

After the maddness of NSD - well the whole weekend - the last few days have seen a different sort of crafting. I have a stall at the new opening of the Bournemouth pine walk gallery and so have been a veritable sweat shop production line of beach hut pictures, plaques, frames and cards.

If I don't see another beach hut for a while I will be happy, but I have lots of new stock made and ready.

 

We also had a nice trip out yesterday with work, visiting Dorchester and Verwood which was nice in the sunshine. Oh we also had more windows work. I am sick sick sick of it. I really am. They replaced the sill they had damaged and it is kind of OK but in replacing one of the panes of glass the pane shattered and so we still have the old back in. Not complete yet. I swerI am then done done done with workmen int he house. I really am. Everything seems to go wrong so I just want to be workmen free. 

 

I managed to get Polly out of the garage today too. I am struggling as she is bigger than I am used to but actually getting her out was easier than getting her in. I am growing in confidence with her. It will just take me a while. But I do absolutely love her.

Onto scrapping now. These are some more pages I made for NSD for various challenges. I did say I scrapped a lot!

 

This was one of my favourites as I love the picture of Fiki peeping out of the top bannisters

 

 

 

and  this was one of my favourite shots of Nottoway Plantation where we stayed. It was a truly stunning place

 

Today I am thankful for

• stall work completed. New stock good to go
• a walk in the sunshine
• an unexpected bonus

and some very clever words which are pictures. You will see what I mean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your reap what you sow

Oh my how true that is in all aspects of life.

Today it refers to the struggle I had with a page and it served me right. I help to organise things over on UKS and have managed the weeklya nd monthly challenges, amongst other things, for the past 11 years or so. When needs must and I cannot organise willing volunteers I set challenges myself and I set the April monthly challenge which you can find here

It seemed like a good idea at the time - and was a challenge that used even numbers when from a design perspective odd works better. 

I thought it was quite a simple challenge - until I tried to make my page, and I struggled.

 

This is what I came up with

 

 

Although the elements were evn numbered I found myself still clustering in threes and the old triangle shape.

The photos were taken in Krakow.

 

 

 

Maybe I will have a go at a page before I set the challenge next time!

 

Yesterday we had date day which was lovely. We went to Hobbycraft and, I rarely buy stash these days, I bought quite a few new bits there and at the range. Then we went to eat at Frankie and Bennys and then to the cinema to see Ghost Stories which was really very good.

 

I was at a craft fair today which was, quite frankly, a bit of an awful day. We were having the washing machine delivered and so Nigel had to stay in. It was just 5 mins drive so he came with me to get the heavy stuff out of the car. It was meant to be open for stall holders by 9.30. We were there at 9.15. Closed. The driver rang to say he was almost at our house with new washing machine at 9.25 so Nigel had to leave. By 9.40 still nothing, by 9.50 still nothing. By 10.00 Nigel was back and they opened the doors at 10.05. Not a table in sight, nothing to work with and we opened at 11.00. Very poor organisation really and despite advertising, no  footfall. If there were 40 people through the door who were not stall holders I would be amazed. I did cover my table costs but it wasn't a productive fair and I packed away early at 1.30 as it seemed a bit pointless continuing . You live an learn. I wanted to do it as it was for the local community, but it was a wasted day really. Ah well. There were lots of nice people to chat to there so it didn't matter.

 

I have a new digital page to share too made for one of the mojo challenges on Pickleberrypop ... it was the template challenge so pop over there and you get a free template to play with

 

 

Today I am thankful for

new dryer installed and working

friends to catch up with

hopefully a quiet night in and then tomorrow - I am playing with my new stash

 

 

 

A fun few days

It's been filled with fun here the last few days. No scrapping but lots of happiness.

Friday saw a busy day for us (remember we are retired so it is a relative term!)

I met a friend for breakfast at the park. Lovely sunny day and views whilst we ate and chatted

 

 

Nigel took me out for a picnic lunch onto the ranges in the Purbecks

 

 

and in the evening we went down to Poole Quay to see some of the festival of lights and have dinner down there on the quay. Dinner was lovely. The lights were, to say the least, a little disappointing. The only one we really liked was the squirrel, though the Guildhall looked good all lit up

 

 

 

 

Saturday saw a local craft fair

 

 

and yesterday saw a lovely day. Nigel had to meet someone from another speedway club that he has been giving advice to (he is the becoming a go-to guy  in British Speedway and has helped many clubs) so they agreed to meet at Paradise Wildlife Park (where there was a festival of speedway on and reduced admission) and it happens to be close enough to some good friends of ours, Dawn and Paul, for them to meet up with us. 

It was a lovely day - despite the terrible traffic on the way home where the journey took us twice as long as the journey up). Nigel was able to conclude his business and we spent time with our friends, enjoying chatting, catching up and seeing the animals and a lovely meal after the park. It is just a shame we live so far apart and don't get to meet up often enough. Personal promise ... I will do better!

 

 

 

 

 

We are suckers for the tigers. Paradise is where we had the privilege of meeting the gorgeous cuddly Bruno an incredible 22 years ago!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were all taken with the amazing sculpture of the Clockwork Lion. Time is running out for lions - and for so many other animals - and this was all made from clock pieces and was pretty darned incredible.

 

 

 

The white lions were stunning and they have really good viewing areas. The male looked like he had had his mane washed and blow dried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all a lovely few days.

 

I guess you are ready for some scrapping now though. Two pages today.

 

This was made with Dawns new goodies My Heart is Full elements,   alcohol ink papers and solids and henna and stamps

 

and this is what I made

 

 

and another page made re-making the pages of my Mom and Dad ... a picture of my Mom and Dad when I was on the way.

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• good friends
• great days out
• our home town
• animals - all kinds, all shapes, all sizes

 

 

 

 

 

A good weekend

Yesterday we were at a craft fair - our most local - just down the road really - probably only a mile and a half away.

It was a lovely community event with choirs singing, dancers and great atmosphere. The Major of Poole and the Sheriff of Poole also attended and they spent time with every stall holder and even bought from my craft stall which I was pleased about.

 

I got some photos of the event and scrapped them this afternoon.

 

 

I have also got a new addiction - this weekend I have spent a fair bit of time watching Grey's Anatomy - I have seen Series 1 and most of Series 2. It totally passed me by. I think because I saw the first episode of ER and hated it as it was so frantic and thought Grey's would be the same. It isn't and I am hooked. Thankfully all 12 series are on NOW TV so I am binge watching whilst I scrap as well as whilst I veg in front of the TV.

 

There are worse things I am sure.

 

I have started my walking for recovery programme so we also built in a walk today - not too far as I have been given strict instructions to take it easy and build up slowly so having been on me feet for about 5 hours yesterday at the fair this was just a 3000 step walk - little compared to what we are used to but a good start.

 

Today I am thankful for

• a lovely weekend
• Grey's Anatomy
• NOW TV and box sets you can watch in every room including whilst scrapping
• British strawberries. Coming to the end of the season a bit now but we have loved them all summer

 and finally some more of those amazing photos

 

 

 

This is too cute - looks like a tapestry but it is the mesh bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling proud

I am very proud of myself today. I managed to get through a craft fair feeling well poorly and even managed one of my best days ever for takings. OK so I am not going to be a millionaire, but I did well and was very pleased.

 

I had a lovely time last night too at a party. My best friend finished work yesterday and it was wonderful to celebrate with her and her hubby and champagne was partaken of!

 

Orinoco has been up to his shennanigans again today and I think he overstepped the mark a bit. In our house we have three nativities but none of them have a baby Jesus in until Christmas Day. As a little girl that was always so special when Jesus went into the crib. Clearly Orinoco thought the space between Mary and Joseph was going to waste and so plopped himself there and I think hugging them is a little over familiar.

Oh and you might wonder about Mickey (a gift from Samanatha) Apparently in our kitchen nativity the Christ child was given gold, frankinsence, myrrh and a heart from Mickey Mouse!

 

 

I have new scrapping to share today made with a lovely collection called XOXO by Bellisae Designs at Picklberrypop

 

and this is what I made

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• friendship
• Nigel and I supporting each other
• honey and lemon
• a lush new handbag

 

 

 

 

 

Busy then quiet

Yesterday was busy busy busy with the penultimate craft fair of the year and it was a good one too. Lots of people didn't do well so I was quite pleased we did. However, I always say a craft fair is hit and miss and you sell what someone happens to be looking for that day!  I have been to fairs and sold 8 keyrings and no frames, other no keyrings and all frames etc etc It just depends and there is no predicting it. It is never going to make me money but it covers the cost of much of my crafting and it is the crafting I like so I figure it is a win win.

We do tire easily thought - we were zonked by 9 pm. Oh yes - living the dream baby!

Today was a lovely chilled day and I made my Christmas journal for this year but shhhh - it is a secret for a couple more days

 

I did make this today though with Exception by Reginafalango

 

 

It features Jo's gorgeous girlies again - they really are stunners

 

 

 

 

And don't forget Dawn has a super amazing sale on through this weekend and into cyber Monday

 

I absolutely adore these words

 

There is much more on sale so be sure to check out her store and grab a bargain.

 

Today I am thankful for

• a quiet day
• a successful 'very different' Christmas journal
• Nigel putting our lights up ready for the big switch on (we do love our lights)

 

 

 

 

Pop up popped up again

Another day another dollar

Another craft fair

Dolly's Designs pop up shop popped up again - this time in Wimborne so closer to home.

 

 

I WONDER WHO THAT IS THAT YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE DOORWAY!  I do believe it is my marketing manager and PR man!

The fair was opened by the town crier - so that was pretty cool.

 

Not the best fair we have done but it was fun. We also put the last of the new plants in when we came home.

 

There is a new colour scheme today over at The Great Scheme of Things - so look out for more lush designs all week. Do come over and play along

 

 

And I have a new page today made for a challenge on UKS and as part of my CT work at Pickleberrypop - don't you just love it when things work like that.

 

It uses - A delightful moment by Fanette

 

and this is what I made with it - definitely a summer page

 

 

Today I am thankful for

• Nigel and I doing things together - and doing them well.
• Saturday - of course

 

 

 

 

Sherborne Sunday

We had a lovely day today. The forecast was rubbish and it was raining wen we woke, but the sun came through so we decided to head off out.

There was a craft fair at Sherborne Castle - a place neither of us had been - so we headed off there. We live in what has to be the prettiest county in the country. Dorset is unspoilt by a single motorway and is full of beautiful countryside and pretty villages. Just lovely.

It was a craft fair I had details of to exhibit at, but at over $100 it was a huge no no. It was £5 to get in and was a complete and utter rip off. There were fewer stalls than the fair we did at New Milton and they were not inspiring. There was expensive jewellery and stuff and some nice clothes - the sort of grungy long tunic things I love but they were twice high street prices and certainly NOT hand made and craft fair goodies. Very very very disappointing.

This was the only nice view of Sherborne Castle too

 

However, we headed into Sherborne, a place we had never really visited - and to the Abbey which we had heard was lovely.

And it was.

 

 

 

 

It is noted for its vaulted fan ceiling, reputed to be one of the best in the country and it was magnificent.

 

 

How did they make this all those years ago and without the benefit of modern tools and equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

It was Sherborne's festival of music this weekend and there were concerts on and we arrived just before one called Ziimbe which was - bizarrely - African spiritual and jazz combined. Sounds terrible but was very beautiful and the coral parts were amazing.

 

We then had an amble around the town - very quiet and very pretty with lots of very old buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and we drove home through lovely countryside and ended up having a late lunch early tea at Salterns.

Not only was dinner delicious but so was pud!

 

If you have shopped at PBP you know they have a free Express Yourself kit on offer with purchases this weekend and this is one of the pages I made with it. I also used the companion DIY collection and it seems apt to share this when I have written about craft fairs.

 

 

The kit just went perfectly with one of my butterfly brooches.

 

Today I am thankful for

• a beautiful day out
• Dorset countryside
• Talented artists
• Beautiful buildings
• heritage
• sticky toffee pudding