Mum........why did you put petals on my shoulders?




because, darling daughter, it was your birthday yesterday! Why do babies get so big so quickly? She is taller than me already. I liked this photo of her straddling 2 haystacks but I couldn't leave it alone, could I? The background was sanded and painted over. Then I added some silver stamping with the word love, a layer of Alchemy paint in purple for some shimmering, bling added to the dots and a gold painted crown as she is the Queen of Everything (or thinks she is...!). And darling, they are wings, not petals!

Colours of Venice Flickr Mosiac

After watching an old Katherine Hepburn movie called Summertime adn set in Venice, I am in love - with the city. One day, can I go? Please? In the meantime I think Flickr was invented for virtual traveling.

http://bighugelabs.com/photos/d8e32dc67597a6a174cf7dfdd4d15402/mosaic8868183

[url=http://bighugelabs.com/photos/d8e32dc67597a6a174cf7dfdd4d15402/mosaic8868183][img]http://bighugelabs.com/thumbs/d8e32dc67597a6a174cf7dfdd4d15402/mosaic8868183.jpg[/img][/url]
Why is my code showing????? I'll worry about that later. I'm off to have a curry while pretending 6 girls aren't running wild all over my house at a sleepover. Later..........

Just because it's sunny....................................................................................Seriously, I've been getting into autumn mode lately as it has been so wet, cold and dreary. I have bought a lovely red crochet scarf. I'm thinking of wearing my fav suede coat again. Now we are having a heat wave. Will it last more than a day? Doubt it so we had better head to the beach while we can. Here is my DD shadow dancing.......it's her birthday tomorrow. Where does the time go? That means my recent mini-crafting sessions have been done in secret. She will hate what I have done with her photo! Am I bovvered? Err, no.

Donna!!!

Yes, Donna Layton is the lucky winner of my little Artful Blogging Party giveaway. It was great party adn I've still got more visits to make and enjoy. There were so many techniques and art shared that it was hard to take it all in a one go. A huge thanks to all who visited here and who left comments.Maybe I am shallow but it so nice when people say hi!




Holy Island of Lindisfarne -upturned boat shed - literally! The island is a little paradise for the camera.

Sarah McLachlan - Building A Mystery

Love this woman's voice. And this was the song that made me realise how good she is. All you Crusaders out there - enjoy!

Within Temptation - Ice Queen

Another one from Dutch Goth rock band Within Temptation

What another Artful Blogger Tea Party post? Yes. Get over it!



I have been visiting many of Kari's artful bloggers and joining in and leaving some comments. I'll be visiting, enjoying and commenting over the next few days too. There are so many talented and generous ladies out the in Blog World. So to thank all of you have visited, and hopefully future visitors, I'm going to offer a giveaway too. Sorry no photo at present but I am thinking it will be a goody bag of some vintage paper, a carte de visite or two, A Vitorian and Edwardian stamp ot 2 and maybe some art. Who know yet. I'll put it together tomorrow after work. Anyone who leaves a comment on any of my (many) Party posts may have their name picked out of the "hat" by one of my kids on Saturday.

And did I mention that this week's Altered Pecillines is now live? Go check it out too.

And just because Michelle's noise crusade is so fun, I'm off to find something else from You Tube for your enjoyment.

Kari's tea party Wednesday!!

I made my posts a bit early but it's here! Enjoy!!Pick some fresh flowers, scroll down for the music foor Michelle's noise crusade, and my favourite arty technique. Blogspot does put things in upside down sometimes.

Catch up after work. Let's get this party started.

KT Tunstall Hold On Video

Boppy music choice for karis' tea party. This is K T's new single and I'm really looking forward to the album. She has agreat, versatile voice adn a sense of humour, but then she is from Fife!

Within Temptation - Memories

Kari's tea party - music!! Listen to this lovely song, with a Doctor Zchivago type video. Sharon has a fab voice and a great taste in dresses too. See an earlier post about a very cool black frock!

Karis' Artful Blogger tea party!!



Basic equipment- above
Some results below


Tea party? Yes! Kari over at Artsy Mama, as featured in Arful Blogger, is hosting another tea party. So put on a fancy frock, choose a nice cake or cookie, have some great music on in the background. I'm offering 2 superb choices from Within Temptation and K T Tunstall from YouTube for your enjoyment. As Michelle Ward's Street Crusade no 11 is to share music, perhaps I'll add a few more later.

For now, let's talk art! Pour a cup of something hot and tasty. Kari suggested we all share a favourite technique. One of mine is something I picked up from Karen Michel's Altered Imagery book. It's very simple. Take a piece of supporting card or board, cover it with torn up newspaper or book pages, and paint with gesso. When that is dry, and it won't take long, you are ready to do some art with watercolour crayons. I like to rub them into the gesso with my fingers or with a baby wipe. It's cool to see swirls and finger prints. The colours are so vivid. Here's an example from a mail art card and a book cover. Enjoy.

I'm looking forward to visiting with a great many of you and saying hi!