SPRING IS NEARLY HERE!!

A rare occurance happened a couple of weeks ago! It had actually stopped raining and there were blue skys, so I was able to hang the washing out on the clothes line. While I was doing this I could smell something beautiful
and sweet and glanced over at my jasmine and YES there were tiny bunches of flowers just coming out. To me that is alway my sign that spring is on the way. YAY this has to be one of my favourite times of the year, blue skys, warmish breeze and the beautiful smell of jasmine. Hopefully we will start to have less cold, wet, windy days. I find that I have more energy and motivation when the days are like that.
As a result I have been quite busy crafting and designing. I even unearthed the sewing machine! I have finished the set of Christmas cards that will go as a kit with the waterfall card that is in the last blog entry.

In this set of cards I have used 4 12x12" pieces of cardstock. Red, light green, dark green and cream. There is also a sheet of Bo Bunny christmas paper, 3 sticker sheets, and a packet of red diamentes, with a bit of organza ribbon.
My aim with this kit is to teach the girls the waterfall card, but then show them how to use the leftovers to create quick , effective cards. I was quite frugal with the leftovers, using up all the little bits to make the tags, and also to put the transparent stickers onto and cut out.

I also used a TORN, yes girls, you have to go out side the comfort zone and not be precise and actually take a risk and tear something, music sheet. I think I brought the old music book at an op shop while on our travels at Whyalla! You can sometimes find great crafting things in op shops, much to my daughters disgust !! (she hates op shops). I have also done a bit of stamping and used a lot of red and green tim holtz distress inks. On a couple of the cards I have distressed the edges and inked them. The sheet of Bo Bunny paper is great for cardmaking as the pieces are all in blocks and only neet to be cut and placed. I even made 4 tag cards from the sheet, so it is definately a very economical piece of paper. Hopefully the classes will enjoy making this set of cards and learn some new tecniques. You better come home Irene so you can do this set of cards!!

This is just a sneak peak at a christmas stocking I am making at the moment, it just has to be sewn up now. Last year I suggested to my classes that we each make a small christmas item and exchange it as a kris kringle on the last lesson of the year. The only criteria rule is that it has to have a christmas theme. Sounds like a good idea .....Hmm ....... I forgot they all only have to make one and I have to make 8 !!! One for each class. I remember the rush and stress I was under last year, so thought I would get a head start !! I can only give you peaks of each one as it is supposed to be a surprise.
I loved the colours of this fabric, as they are not the traditional christmas colours and really pretty. As I love doing crazy patchwork I decided to use that for the design of the stocking. Along with lots of stitching, beading and sparkly,  frilly bits and pieces. Sorry about the photos they are quite dark when I look at them. I think my photographic skills could do with some improvement, but it is hard when it is to wet outside to take photos!
Well I think that is all for now, I had better get on with the other 7 suprise gifts ! In the next blog I will hopefully be able to share with you the Fathers Day cards I have made. Have a great weekend wherever you may be.

Debbie