My Sir Tim Box is Finished

Well, it has changed a little.  I've moved the birdcage (I want to know where I can get those - they are gorgeous) and put the little bird close to it.  I might make a little bird to sit inside the cage so at the moment it is not stuck in.

I had a bit of a tussle to get this car stuck in - it just refused to stop rolling its little wheels.

I just love that light!  That's what made me do my ooh's and aah's as soon as I walked in the room and saw it in Tims box.  Lynne (aka Cheryl Cole) assured me I was going to get one for mine (love Cheryl).  Oh the excitement!

I really liked the effect of these grungeboard letters on the tiles - they look just like printers blocks, and I was pleased that my bottle top was "Root Beer" because Chas enjoyed that when we were in America so I was sure he would like the link he had to my configuration box.

I used my piece of wire netting rolled up in this box along with one of the light bulbs I just had to buy.

Think this was the first box I worked on and I really enjoyed doing it. The little pearls did a bit of a roll about but I managed to get them in the bottles - it pretty much fell into place quite easily and stayed the same throughout.

As I said before, I just love this birdcage.  I have seen them somewhere on the internet but certainly not in the UK  and what a shame we have just got back from America.  Not to worry.  Loved the tiny cotton reel and coat hanger and was thrilled when the addition of the buttons I had at home looked ok.

This is the main box and I removed the birdcage and put the pearl in instead.  This was because I wanted to feature my badge which I had worn (thanks Mark) for the day - to me it was something that would remind everyone of where I had done this artwork.

The label is from one of Tim's dictionary pages and features the plant 'sarsaparilla' - I quite liked the idea of using that rather than the label which I wanted to use on another bottle.  Just realised that you can't see the chain with the letter "N" on - sorry.

Now, just to prove that the back is decorated as well, here it is - and what is that you spy?  Yes, I got it signed by Tim Holtz himself. Something to treasure.

Like Alice's White Rabbit ...

... "I am Late" ... but with my posting about my day at Artsy Crafty which included a whole workshop with the one and only Sir Tim Holtz!

Set off Wednesday afternoon via the train to meet my friend Lorraine at Manchester Piccadilly - saw Freema when I got off the Bolton train, which was crowded.  Despite having reserved seats Lorraine and I sat with Freema in another coach, got a taxi at Milton Keynes (rip off - always ring for one - don't get the guys sat outside - £4+ dearer) and made our way to the hotel.

A little later, Lorraine and I met up, as arranged, with Janet and Wendy for a delightful Chinese meal at The Magic Wok and an evening of girlie chat.  (No, didn't ditch Freema she elected to stay and eat at the hotel with her friend, Kay)  I did take my camera along but was so busy catching up with the chit chat and eating that I forgot all about it until the food was gone.  Anyway, back to the hotel and an early night.

Thursday dawned at last - breakfast, registration at 9.30 (ooh what a fab shop! need to spend some monies) and before long into our first session with Lin and Leandra.  Now you will know from past blogging I love the Artsy Crafty weekends.  We always do some fab things but I also like meeting up with the Ladies.

This was my "Make" this time

Exclude the bar at the back

Sorry about the bar at the back - nothing to do with what I made but so eager to get posting I just took it wherever I could.  Here's the sample with one door closed:

A slightly different colourway to mine.  The ladies had worked so hard to get us to do this three hour workshop into two hours (well ok, two and a half) so a lot of the prep was done for us - thanks Ladies - you know who you are (special mention to Karen, Queen of Kits).  It was great to play along with the Tissue Tape, a roll of which I had bought in America but not used.

All too soon the session was over and it was time for lunch - but wait ... Sir Tim was the next session - wonder what we are doing - will we be right in our assumptions?

Yes, it was a CONFIGURATION BOX!  Yeah, Hey!  We saw one or two people walking about clutching theirs as we eagerly awaited admission outside the door.  Yes, I am afraid Lorraine and I were early in the queue, but to be honest it was because where we had sat before in LL's class the lighting had been poor.  This time It "had to be right".  And who is this in the queue - it was Gayna, a friend from way way back who I rarely see - great to catch up and see photos of her ... four year old!  Enough of others ...

Well, here he is:

and that smile stayed all day!

You know, that guy never ceases to amaze me - he is so personable.  I remember last year being at the back of a huge huge queue at CHA waiting to get my greedy mitts on a free die he was giving away.  Even though the queue was massive, and he no doubt had to go and work on the Ranger stand, he stood and answered individual questions, had photographs taken and all the time he was patient with each and everyone of us.

Well, this time, busy as he was with the workshop, as groggy as his throat was getting (yes, he seemed to be starting with a cold - no wonder with his schedule in the UK), he still had time to smile, answer probably the same query over and over again, go and get something that someone wanted .... I could go on an on ... and pose for endless photos and sign endless items.  Nothing was too much trouble - and we had music - and chocolates!

Anyway, we each got a large configuration box - and a bag of goodies to put inside it - Big Screams!  I'll show you how far I am with my C Box later but here is what is left over from my baggie

Tons of Vintage Ephemera

Feet & Corners

But that was not all ... each of us got a little kit to use and keep (my Glossy Accents is missing from the photo)

Courtesy of Alain, from Ranger

Thanks Alain!

Just like the Artsy Crafty Staff had worked so hard putting kits together for us and doing some of the prep the peeps at Ranger had worked hard too.  All the papers we needed to fit into the different sized boxes had been cut and scored ready for us to just slot in.  Count my boxes and multiply by 200 and you have some idea of what was involved - remember to add more because there were spares for mistakes we might make.

Well we arranged, cut, swapped papers, glued, tissue taped and assembled and here is mine in it's still unfinished state.  Just three boxes to fill, corner pieces to attach and feet to put on (will no doubt post in all its glory when complete).

Oops, my car has fallen over my Charlotte Doll is missing and the darned photo is not focussed that well, but hey ho - wanted to get this blog up and running.

Time for another Tim photo?  Here he is with Alain and Mario:

And here is my favourite Essex Girl - Cheryl (aka Lynne) who always has a smile and a cheery word when we are on the Artsy Crafty weekends.  Sorry I did not get a photograph of Courteney, Leandra and Mark's delightful daughter, who sported the most terrific hair colour and style.

Now for some of the other contestants (sorry ... students)

And Tim had Prizes!

I didn't win (boo hoo)

All too soon it was time to go - where had four hours gone - I was sure I had only done about an hour!  So clutching my box, my bits and pieces all safely tucked away in my bag I made my way out.  But not before I had tripped, smacked and stood on Lorraine (my EX friend) who was now the proud owner of none other than Time Holtz's Pokey Tool.  I won't go into detail of how that happened but it is yet another example of a good company standing behind its products.

Down to the lounge where I met Anne who was on the Friday session, goodbyes said to Wendy and a sit down with a Diet Coke whilst we waited for our taxi to the station.  

Freema, Me, Anne, Lorraine and Janet

Two FAB workshops - a Great Day - Lots of Friendships renewed - Lots of Friendships made - and WHEN CAN WE DO IT AGAIN LIN/LEANDRA?

THANKS EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED IN BRINGING THIS TO FRUITION - FABULOUS!

Just one more for all you Timmie fans - this time he is signing something (got my box signed and my pinny - whoo hoo!)

Why no photo of me with him - as usual - I do not like the one of me.  Look at last year's from CHA - the best one ever and that's not flattering me enough.

Just For Fun Challenge

Just back from Milton Keynes - more on that later - am shattered and just scraping in before midnight.

Had to enter the Just for Fun Challenge as I am enjoying all that they do and so this time it is "Angel Wings".  I had made a card for a friend whose birthday I was late with and it just fits in with the theme - Jean should have her card by now so it is ok to publish it on here.

It is a stamp by Jen Lowe - one of her Lucy McGoo sets which stamp beautifully each time and are such fun images.  Jen is a very talented crafter and a beautiful lady inside and out.  Hopefully she is also, first and foremost, a friend.  I did not see her at CHA this year as her husband, Kerry, has been in hospital again.  You can read as to what is happening in her life on her blog and perhaps put Kerry on your prayer list as he has had a rough two years.  So I have not seen Jen for just over a year, we did hope they would make it to England last year and she would come and stay but it was not meant to be due to Kerry's health issues at that time.  Jen and Kerry - you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anyway, back to the card - the image was stamped with Momento Black and then coloured in with Promarkers.  The wings are stamped and embossed, in Gold, on acetate which had first had Butterscotch, Caramel and a touch of Gold Alcohol Ink pounced on it.  I then cut them out and slit the main image inserting the wings.

Hope Jean likes it.

WOYWW

This is a quick look at my desk as it was the other day for all you WOYWW'ers.  This is when I unloaded the suitcases from our recent trip to America.  Too late to include last week as we did not get home until Wednesday evening and it was some time on Thursday or Friday when I "dumped" my stash.

This is my work area - EEK!

And to the Left

Don't ask me what I bought as I cannot remember and in order to clear some space to work in (yes, I had cards to make this week) most of the stuff is lined up against the wall in the hallway waiting to be catalogued (I have to stop myself buying duplicates) and put away. Put away?  Where???

Not time to let you see anything else as I am off on my travels again. This time only to Milton Keynes but it will be a girly night out with my lovely friend Lorraine so we will no doubt have some laughs together tonight.  Also meeting up with Janet and Wendy and going to the Chinese for our evening meal.

I say, only to Milton Keynes, but it is so exciting as we are taking a workshop with - da da .... drum roll please ... the one and only Tim Holtz.  Plus of course those two wonderful ladies Lin and Leandra.  yes, I managed to secure a place on this workshop which sold out in next to no time.

So check back here at weekend - hopefully there should be some photographs.

Whilst you are here - for those who saw my earlier posts about my friend, Mary, falling and breaking her knee cap whilst we were staying with her in America - the good news is she has had her op and is back in the land of the living.  Mary, bless her heart, had Maria ring me (all the way from America) as soon as she came out of the op and they were told she had opened her eyes.  Tears of relief came I might tell you.  Now eagerly awaiting an email from someone - anyone - to tell me how she is and, hopefully, that she is home.


Here she is with Maria, Carole, Becky (her sister) and that's Mary in the wheelchair.  She had gone out to look at one of the glorious sunsets and I just had to get my camera.

Busy Bee

I have been a busy bee today but cannot show you all what I have been crafting just yet.  However, here is a photograph album I made for my friend Naomi.  I made one for myself ages ago to put photographs of her darling daughter in (love her to bits) and her mummy wanted one.  Never got around to it, but as it was Naomi's birthday whilst I was away and I didn't make her a birthday card (shame on me) before I left,  I thought I had better do the album instead when I got back home.

I sprayed some Mulberry Paper with Tattered Angels and covered the mountboard to form the outside.  Then I put some cardstock inside and fixed it all together with my Cinch (better tell you, I had forgotten how to use the Cinch so Jane had to help me - excuse is I had jet lag).

Today I dyed some ribbons and lace and began sticking flowers on.  They were so annoying - they kept popping off.  It still looked quite plain compared to mine but I didn't want them too much the same and then I found some tiny dragonflies and added more flowers.  That is it.  Put to bed now and fingers crossed Naomi likes it.

Jet Lag and a Challenge

In more ways than one ...

Saturday night I had a good sleep and could have slept on but I wanted to go to Jayne's Stamp Day so I got up and went and had a lovely time.  Didn't do much of Naomi's Album - spent my time nattering.  Think Jayne didn't get much of her project done as she was busy in the kitchen delighting us all with her Corned Beef Hash and her Potato and Leek Soup - yum yum!

Here's a couple of photographs from the day

I was sat next to Lorraine and she made this beautiful card in next to no time.  Not like me!

Mo brought her beading and made some sales - not a clue what she is going on about here.

A long shot down the hall - missed quite a few folks off sadly.

Tried to get a closeup of Paul - guess the camera isn't up to it.  One day ...

Well, now about the jet lag.  You may not believe this but I have not slept all night.  Got up in the wee small hours and tidied my craft room.  Mind you half of the contents I tidied are sitting on the hall carpet.  But at least I had room to craft and so I decided to join in with the Just For Fun Challenge.  It's a new Challenge Blog and I love it so I entered the first week whilst I was in America but events took over and I missed the next one.  Decided to do the current one which is following the monthly "Wings" theme set by Sam and is "Wings of a Bug".

It started off as an ATC and ended up as a card.  Now my other half just didn't get it so for all you folks out there I will explain - the little mouse has bought a pair of wings and today they just don't work.  He went back to the shop but they explained that they won't work in the rain so here he is trudging along with his umbrella.

I used my favourite inks (Distress) Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge for the background with the raindrops stamped in Rusty Hinge.  The image background is Crushed Olive at the bottom and Tumbled Glass at the top.  The mouse and his umbrella are coloured in with Promarkers and his butterfly wings with Gel Pens (slot in his back and inserted through).  The words are computer generated.

I was really "miffed" at having missed the week before ("Time Flies") so I made a hanging on a computer disc and although it is too late to enter it here it is:

This is an image I bought from Mary whilst in America because I just fell in love with those ladies (Art Impressions).  The image is coloured in using Promarkers, the wings are grungeboard coloured with a gold Dabber and the words "Time Flies" were done with my Dynamo.  The other writing is my own with a pen.

I had great fun doing this one but now am feeling sleepy so will leave it there.  There's still time for you to join in with the Wings of a Bug Challenge - go along to the blog and read all about it - sounds exciting what they have planned.  

Maybe more tomorrow - perhaps Naomi's album will be completed.

You Know!

When it came to it I had not many photographs of the Taco Party to report on.

David sent out for some Nachos, Tacos (chicken, beef and cheese), the most wonderful Guacamole, sour cream and all the things that you just love to eat when over here in sunny California.  Of course, there was the obligatory Margaritas as well - Pomegranate ones for a change.

This is the love of my life - Matthew - and my how he has grown.

Maria and Neil - a mixture of Scottish and Irish

Becky and TC - I adore these two

Kim and Neil

and someone who wishes to remain Anonymous

As you can see it spilled out into Mary's retreat, the stamping room and the kitchen and there was more tonight.

Becky & Rob decided to give us a "leaving party" Monday evening so this time it was Italian with the most delicious Spag Bol cooked by Rob.  Unfortunately Mary slept through it so missed all the chatter. tears and fun.

Spaghetti Boy

(No he is not eating fir cones)

Robert, David and Rob

Great I got these two to stand still for me

Another Mystery Guest?

This one looks trouble!

 Uh Oh, the Missus came and  sorted him out - Hey its Rob!

 Unfortunately I did not have my camera and missed out on a photo of Drucie and Tim who called to say goodbye.  Maybe because Drucie had me in tears.

Then I missed out with Kim who looked beautiful.  She had been working until 7.30 pm but still found time to come across the Park and have some food with us when almost everyone had gone.  Needless to say, as soon as I heard the door I knew it was her and the tears came.

Maria and Neil were the last to leave - more tears - mind you Maria had had them on and off most of the night. A super holiday but tinged with sadness that Mary had a fall.  The good news is that we took her to the hospital today and they are going to operate within the week.  Shame I won't be here to take care of her but I will leave part of me with my family in Sylmar.

A Fabulous Day

It was a working day for me today (read Sunday here as I am still in California) but what a fabulous time I had with some old friends (not in age) and some new friends at The Stamping Party.  Maria came over early because Chas and her husband, Neil, were off to the Ronald Reagan Museum (they had a fab time - got a great photo to remember the day by) and helped with all the food.  Because she knows how Mary likes things set out at her parties the food table would not have happened without her.  We opened dips (and I MADE an onion one), crackers, chips (crisps to the UK) etc and I (once again - but with directions from Mary in her bed) made Iced Tea which was soon demolished.  Everyone attending brought food and pretty soon the table was groaning under it all.  We had cookies, cakes, chocolates (someone had made one in the shape of a heart in honour of St Valentine), salads, sandwiches, more dips, the most delicious potato salad, fresh strawberries and choux buns and just about everything you could wish to eat.

After a bit of dipping into the food it was time to start stamping.,  Chas had left without fixing the computer up to the tv so we had a bit of a panic but soon Kim, bless her heart, had it working.  Unfortunately we could not get the volume up so I had to talk it through.  Mary managed to get in her wheelchair to supervise and make sure I did not step out of line.

The girls were divided into small groups and each given a project box which I had prepared for the week before, thankfully with the accident!  Eagerly beavering away they made at least six cards.

Cathy & Kim working on colouring

Maria avoided the camera but Jan gave me a big smile

Carole & Carrie worked diligently

Valetta and Rose look so engrossed

As do Belinda and Sandy

Rose had a break to do some shopping

Whilst Robin carried on regardless

and Karen and Kim studied what they were doing.  Kim, on the right was the computer guru who got us linked to the video - three cheers for Kim!

All in all it was a super day for me and to finish off we all made a little tag book from one piece of 12 x 12 paper.  It was getting late by this time so some ladies took theirs home to decorate with embellishments later.

I did manage to fit in a demonstration with Smooch paints where you drop a little into some water making circles, then smoosh it around and dip your paper in to make pretty marbelled backgrounds.  They all enjoyed this quick demo.

All too soon it was time to go home and so bags were hastily packed and goodbyes said.  I think they enjoyed it and do hope so.  I even entertained them with my pronunciation of "water" with a "t" instead of "wadder" like the Americans pronounce it.  There was one other word but for the life in me I cannot remember what it was.  Some great friendships were formed and we have now been invited, next time we are here, to spend a few days with Jan's friend, Beryl, in North California.

The evening finished off with a raffle, prizes donated by Mary who had the honour of pulling out the winning names and everyone went home with a little gift.  I am sure Mary felt she had had a "full day" but she did so enjoy seeing all the ladies - I hope it perked her up a little but I guess she is now very tired.

Phew!  It was over and only clearing up to do - but hold on to your hats ladies - we then had a call to say David was bringing Tacos over for dinner so another party was soon in full swing.  Think I will leave that until tomorrow to blog as my 'patient' probably needs her bad leg lifting into bed.  She needs tucking up!

Before I go I will leave you with a shot of the 12 Tags of Christmas which Sandy brought along for Mary to see - beautiful work as always from Sandy who does the most amazing books - sadly I did not get time to see any of them this time.

Taco Party tomorrow for you all to see.