Wednesday 18 August 2010

Christmas Is Coming With Random Ramblings!

My apologies, this post goes on and on and on …….
santa-christmas
I have decided to start my Christmas posts from 9th September – if you’re like me, you’re looking for your ideas NOW.  I have put a few things together already ……but I am a bit worried  that I used up a lot of my ideas last year …. fingers crossed for divine inspiration!
 WHAT’S IN MY SHOPPING BAG THIS WEEK?
……. Not a lot! I have just had a really good sort out of my craftroom and I really do have too much stuff. 
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So I am going to try to “do” Christmas by only buying what I really, really need (famous last words!) It’s going to be tough and there will be temptation …. but I will be strong!  I will allow myself a once a week splurge in Poundland/Poundshop when they start putting their Christmas stuff on the shelves, but I will tell myself that I only need 5 packets of “must have” 3D Christmas stickers instead of 10, and I am praying that Accessorize Christmas stickers will be pants this year, as they could be my undoing!
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But ….. I have done a little shopping in the last week or so.  This stencil was a bit of a disappointment, (£3.99), it said on the bumpf that it could be used with most die cutting machines, well I tried it in my BigShot and Sizzix Boutique embosser (with extra layers)  but the effect is very flat and hardly visible, BUM! I thought it would look brilliant with assorted coloured gems in the centre of each snowflake …… I have since learnt that I need an "Impression Mat" to use this stencil properly ...... DOH! If you pop over to Lisa's blog, http://craftfairy.blogspot.com/2010/08/christmas-cards-made-using-metal.html     she has used it properly and brilliantly, unlike my own good self!

 Crocodile Stickers
These small fabric type stickers were 99p, so cute – I feel a “Snappy" birthday card coming on!
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These jewelled stickers were also 99p a pack. I thought I might try to doodle bodies that will fit onto the smiley faces …… not sure how that will go!

TALKING OF MY CRAFT ROOM …..
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I have finally got all my ……. (pardon the expression) fairy balls up!  How beautiful are they? I got them from a gift shop in Chester earlier on in the year and had just left them in the box, stroking them occasionally, but with my tidy up, they are now in place, I just love them.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THESE?
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I got these for 49p a packet from HobbyCrafts Christmas sale a couple of years ago, but they are only a real bargain if you know what to do with them.  I think they are great, but don’t have a clue how to use them, other than sewing them on a “festive waistcoat” for Monkey and Darrell.  Any ideas?
Talking of Monkey and Darrell ………
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If you are thinking about getting someone a Monkey for Christmas there are always a couple on e-bay.  I have just “won” two for 99p and 89p plus P&P – BARGAINTASTIC!  You need to look for one that measures 16/17ins.  Newborn or 3-6 months baby clothes fit them perfectly or charity shops have brilliant finds.  Primark baby shoes are great too.
But remember a monkey is for life not just Christmas!!!