Rain, Rain...

...go away!!!

It's back to work after a lovely long weekend and it looks like I'll be arriving at work looking like a drowned rat...it is pouring down and it is way too windy to use an umbrella so my walk to the station is going to be a rather damp one.

The Bank Holiday weekend started so well but by yesterday it was clear that the lovely sunny weather had moved on to somewhere else.

The forecast for this week is not good - lots of wet & windy to come.

Oh I do wish Summer would hurry up and arrive......................................................

This weekend is...

...flying by.

There I was, looking forward to a lovely long weekend and in the blink of an eye it is Sunday already.

I may not have achieved much in the crafting department (apart from a lovely bit of retail therapy at Pinnacle Crafts Members Weekend) but I have had a chance to try Ian's new range of candles and reed diffusers now available from Naked Flame.

He is hoping to have four sizes of jar candles but at present his supplier is out of stock of the largest size. However, from the other three sizes I picked the middle size and this is it burning merrily away...

 ...the wax has a fabulous smooth consistency and the wick is very good quality...

...no smoking or mushrooming. I had the candle burning for 7 hours and there was no need to trim the wick at all and there wasn't any debris floating in the liquid wax either.

As for the fragrance - I went for Lemongrass & Ginger. Wonderful scent. Strong enough that you notice it but not a 'slap in the face' type. I burnt the candle in my kitchen and the scent was filtering through to the lounge creating a lovely overall fragrance.

There will be a range of 6 different fragrances in Ian's Naked Flame range and I can tell you they all smell wonderful but the Lemongrass & Ginger is my favourite.

There have been a couple of additions to the dressing table as well.

The "Golden Sands" holder matches my wax warmer perfectly...

...I just love the way the light catches the golden shades in these glass pieces. The other addition...

...a Lemongrass & Ginger reed diffuser to replace the wooden container one you can see in the previous photo. One of the things that I've always disliked about using reeds is the need to faff around remembering to turn the reeds - these reeds don't need to be turned and they deliver the fragrance very quickly once they have been inserted into the liquid.

So at the moment, my home is smelling wonderfully of Lemongrass & Ginger.

The sky is looking very hazy so I'm not sure what the weather is intending in my neck of the woods.

For those of you in the UK, I hope you are able to enjoy the longer Bank Holiday weekend.

If you live in the Essex area (or near by), don't forget that it is still Members Weekend at Pinnacle Crafts and if you are a club member you can get a whopping 30% off most of the crafting goodies that they sell (there are exceptions - details are available on their website).

Disclaimer: Although Ian asked me to give him my opinion about his new products, it was my decision to share my views here on my blog. I also regularly promote Pinnacle Crafts as I think we have lost far too many craft stores in recent years and I like to support my local retailers.

Have a great weekend everyone.......................................................................

What did I expect...

...well, I'm not really sure.

However, thinking about it I think I was disappointed with the Clock Face garden at Canary Wharf for a number of reasons.

To start with, the name conjures up the image of an unusual garden.

I think you will all agree...

...this is not a garden and there is certainly nothing 'unusual' about it.

What I think I was expecting was something like this...

 ...clocks hidden in shrubs and flower beds. Lots of different clocks creating a sort of Alice in Wonderland type 'feel' to the place - after all, who can forget the white rabbit racing past with his pocket watch declaring "I'm late".

Or even something like this along with the 'real' clocks...

...but perhaps I'm showing my age with this one as I can remember there always being something like this at our local park and most towns would have a 'clock' flower bed somewhere (near the council offices, police station, rail station) and it would often be planted to show the name of the town.

I'm still not exactly sure what I expected. All I can say is that it was not what I saw.

Isn't it disappointing when a word or a phrase conjures up an image in your head and the reality comes nowhere near.

Have you been somewhere where the reality did not match what you expected (good or bad) - do tell..................................................................................

If you are a Pinnacle Crafts Club Member...

...don't forget it is Members weekend, this weekend.

This year has been flying by and I can't believe that it will be June next week. However, before then, we have a lovely 4-day chance to have a Crafty (take that any way you wish) spend - 30% off subject to the normal restrictions.

If you are a club member (you could join on-line) and can get to Barleylands (or place an order by email from Friday to Monday), please see the message from the Pinnacles crew below...

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder from us that it is

Pinnacle Crafts Club Members

Discount Weekend

THIS WEEKEND

Yes, it’s another 4 day’er

Friday 27^th May 9am – 4pm

Saturday 28^th, Sunday 29^th,

& Bank Holiday Monday 30^th May 10am – 4pm

Introducing...

...Lexi's "baby".

If you visit from time to time you will have 'met' my Sister's dog Lexi - she was a rescue dog and has now settled in very well and is such a sweetie.

About a week ago, Lexi found herself a "baby" whilst out on her walk. In the long grass at the edge of the green where she has a run, she found a baby kitten. My Sister pulled her away not wanting to disturb anything in case 'mommy' cat was on her way back. However, on returning to the green on their way home the kitten was still there and mewing. My Sister was concerned because the green is right by the side of a busy road and to make matters worse - the Council workmen had just arrived with the big industrial mowing machines. The kitten was 'rescued' and has taken up residence.

This was Lexi on Sunday when I visited...

...she was standing guard over her "baby"...and this is the little bundle of fluff...

 ...who just wanted to play with the camera lens so it was very difficult to get a reasonable photo...

 ...she is very happy in her travel cage as although Lexi has taken to her, she is a lot bigger than the kitten and could hurt her unintentionally...

 ...although saying that - this little bundle is quite able to 'bash' any inquisitive doggy noses that come too close...

...and in the space of a week, this little madam has grown considerably - probably because she has been getting food on a regular basis...

...isn't she a cutie...

...she is also so amusing to watch. The yellow felt mouse that you can see in the photo was given a good 'killing' and then thrown in the litter tray to be used as a pillow.

Lexi has found that she can get her tongue through the cage and can reach the food plate - it was quite funny watching her 'clean' the remains off the plate whilst squidged up as close as she could get.

Since my Sister has had Lexi, it has been clear that she is not fond of cats. She and Kiya (my Sister's Persian) stay away from each other. However, perhaps because she 'found' this little one she seems to be quite taken with it.

So now you have been introduced to the latest addition to the family and Gizmo (yep, that's what she has been named) is settling in nicely.......................................................................

Getting my...

...GROOVI on.

I have said before, I love Parchment craft but I am not a 'Parcher' - I don't have the patience. However, when Barbara Grey brought out the GROOVI plates I thought here was something that I could do as I used to enjoy light-box embossing and over recent months I've acquired a plate or three and a few parchment tools. I've only dabbled but I've enjoyed what I've done and surely that is one of the main reasons to craft - to enjoy it.

Joanne Pearson teaches parchment craft at Pinnacle Crafts and she mentioned that she was having a GROOVI plate lesson. I booked a place and Saturday was the day.

Starting off with a selection of plates and tools...

 ...as you can see here (Platemate, Holly border, nested shape and a winter scene plate) and using some parchment paper...

 ...some glitter paper and a few water-based pens. This is what I came up with...

 ...a Winter scene of my own making. This is where the fun of using the GROOVI plates is, because you can mix & match plates taking bits from different designs to create the effect you are aiming for.

I think if I do this scene again, I will make the snowy areas a bit 'whiter'.

My second piece was a mix of a frame plate, lettering from the Platemate...

...and a mix of snowflakes from the Winter plates that I got last year (just before Christmas).

This piece isn't finished as I need to add some sparkle.

Both pieces were "cut out" using an edging tool - first time I had tried this. I wouldn't say that my edges were the neatest but it was fun learning something new.

I may not have been the most productive individual there but I did enjoy the day - thank you Joanne, it was interesting doing something outside of my normal comfort zone..........................................

The Clock Face Garden...

...was rather disappointing.

The area between Canary Wharf station and the main road was called the "Clock Face Garden"...

 ...but as you can see, it is a paved walkway with clocks on top of posts...

 ...and all the clocks are exactly the same. I actually found the view of these two skyscrapers more impressive...

 ...as the clouds, sky and other buildings could be seen in the reflections on the sides of the buildings. Even the domed entrance to the station seemed more interesting...

...as it didn't actually look like a station.

It must be about 20 years since I last went to Canary Wharf and things have certainly changed. I'm just glad that the weather was good enough for me to enjoy my wander and I was able to get a few photos.

I wonder how many years will pass before I visit again.............................................

Water music...

...in the City.

I think I was so concerned with finding where I needed to go that I completely missed this lot in the morning.

The sound of this cascade was quite loud...

 ...but it created an area of calm in amongst the traffic...

 ...the water was certainly gushing with some force. Behind the wall of cascading water was a large open area...

 ...with this huge fountain...

...the sound of the water was lovely - what a lovely thing to be able to look out at from your office or go and sit by just to enjoy the dancing jets and the sound.

If I hadn't wanted to get home, I could have stayed and enjoyed this for much longer..........................

What topsy turvey weather...

...we are having lately.

It makes it so difficult to know how to dress when the Weather Folk are getting it so wrong all the time. It is also very off putting to be told all week that the weather is going to turn bad only to have the forecast change right at the last minute or for it to come as a surprise to the 'experts' that what they predicted didn't happen - The week before May Day Bank Holiday weekend was a prime example. The so called experts forecast "snow" on what turned out to be the hottest day so far at that point of the year.

So you can imagine my problem on Monday, the forecast wasn't good but it turned out to be a glorious day.

I had to attend a meeting at Canary Wharf and I wasn't exactly sure where I was going but I had my map and printed instructions and it turned out to be a very pleasant walk. On the way I came across this...

...I'm not exactly sure what it is supposed to represent but it looked quite impressive in the middle of the road. This pretty flower bed and statue were part of the gardens at Westferry Circus...

 ...the flowers were fabulous...

...and there were quite a few folk sitting out in the sunshine. This was the view looking back the way I had just come...

 ...the heat was causing a haze around some of the taller buildings. Back at the entrance to the gardens was a monument type pillar either side of the walkway...

 ...the tree-lined West India Road looked lovely in the sun and the haze couldn't diminish the view of the main tower block at Canary Wharf...

...I could have quite happily spent the day sitting in the gardens but unfortunately, I had a meeting to attend. I did get some more photos on my walk back to the station but I'll save those for tomorrow.............................................................

"Golden Sands"...

...and "French Lavender".

As promised, here are some photos of my dressing table so that you can see my new lamp.

In this photo, the old cream lamp is still in place...

 ...and it is still working but looks rather 'tired' (I think a new lampshade and a move to another room is in order). As you can see, I have a number of pieces of amber coloured glassware on the dressing table so that was the colour scheme I decided to go with when looking for a new lamp.
This is what I have replaced it with...

...an electric wax warmer from the "Golden Sands" range of accessories by Woodwick that are available at the Fragrance Boutique in Barleylands.
These warmers work really well and the wax melts quite quickly...

 ...so you end up with a lovely scent in the room where it is. However, they also make lovely table lamps...

...so you get 'two for the price of one'. Unfortunately, my photo doesn't give a very good representation of the lovely warm colours that the gold & amber glass give.

At the moment I'm using a mix of Colonial Candles "French Lavender" and Classic Candles "Lavender Vanilla". I'm not a fan of vanilla (I usually find it too sickly and overpowering) but this seems to be just enough to 'soften' the lavender scent making it perfect for the bedroom.

It has certainly helped with my sleeping, which has to be a good thing when it is so busy & quite stressful at work at the moment.......................................................................

Sunday mornings...

...are a time to 'chill'.

But this Sunday, Mother Nature meant it literally.

Boy did the temperature drop. Although, once you got outside you realised that the sun was actually quite warm - it was the bitter wind that was making everything feel so cold.

Still, after a good night's sleep and a lazy latte...

...whilst catching up with emails & a bit of  'blopping' it wasn't too bad when I finally ventured out.

Did you all have a good Sunday?..................................................

Candles...

...create a lovely atmosphere in the home.

This week I have been burning a Village Candle in the fragrance "Gingerbread Cookie"...

...it is a lovely comforting scent and gives a homely touch to the house. This was a Christmas gift that I hadn't started on yet but certainly was worth the wait. The gentle flickering glow and the scent were just what I needed each evening after some very busy days at work.

Last weekend I bought a new wax melt warmer from the Fragrance Boutique/Naked Flame at Barleylands (see the website here). It has the lovely name of being part of the "Golden Sands" range of accessories. I bought it to replace a lamp in my bedroom as I have quite a bit of 'amber' glass dotted about and thought this would match beautifully (and replace an old table lamp that has seen better days). I'll let you see it at work once I've managed some decent photos (yeh, I know. With my photo skills that could be a while LOL).

Anyhoo...

Do you have particular fragrances that you prefer?

Do you like floral, food, fruit, spice or fantasy type scents?

Is there a reason for your favourite smells?

I suppose that most of my candles fall into the food/fruit/spice range. I love Christmas scents and this is normally for the hint of spice that they give off creating the 'warm' cosy feel. Food smells can be very comforting and 'homely'. Whilst the fruits can give a bit of a fresh 'zing' to things.

I would love to know if you have preferred scents in your home and what sort of 'feel' they create for you - do share..................................................................

Pen storage...

...and some new additions to my 'pen' collection.

At the beginning of the year when Tim Holtz announced his new products at CHA, I was very taken with the storage tins for the Distress markers. As you can see...

 ...I now have three of them and they are perfect for what I am storing in them. In tin one...

 ...are my Distress crayons. Now you could argue that these are not 'pens' but they are pen-shaped so I think they "fit the bill". There are currently 18 crayon colours that come in 3 wallets - they fit very comfortably in the tin still in their wallets and there is plenty of space for the additional colours that Tim was hinting at.

My Distress markers have lived in the clear tubes that they arrived in and if I hadn't misplaced the 12 shades that came out the year of the "Four seasonal" releases, they wouldn't all fit (the 12 colours for 2015 have made the clear tubes very snug)...

 ...but here they are all together in a single tin and there is still room for my water brush and a few more pens should Mr Holtz come up with some new colours.

My third tin is home to my latest addition to my pen collection - the Zig Clean Color pens...

 ...which are a bit shorter than the other items I am storing in these tins as they are single ended. So far I have 20 (there are 80 colours in the range) and the brush nibs are lovely for fine detailed stuff right up to broader strokes for covering larger areas. The pens come as singles or in a variety of packs - 4pks, 6pk, 12pk, 24pk, 36pk, 40pk, 60pk. Unfortunately, although it works out cheaper to buy the pens in the pack configuration, there are duplicates of colours across the packs. I bought a 4pk (pales), the 12pk and 6 singles - and managed to duplicate two of the colours without realising.

I was surprised that I couldn't find a blank colour chart on the Kuretake website so went hunting on Google and found a link to Jennifer Mcguire's blog where she kindly offers some printables...

...these are arranged in colour groups and are a nice handy size for carrying with you whilst adding to your collection - they also fit nicely into the tins.

I've only had a brief 'play' with these pens so far but I do love the brush nib. I'll let you know how I get on when I put them to a bit more use..................................................................

I'm not sure...

...what to do with this image.

Do I shade the parchment to create a white-on-white image or do I shade a little and then add some colour (probably with distress markers) - decisions, decisions.

The image is from Aurora Wings and is the "Holly Sprite"...

...and so far all I've done is to scribe the outline onto parchment, do a bit of stippling on the fur edging of the sprite's outfit and created a furry look to her muff.

I know that which ever way I decide to proceed, I will wish I had picked the other method.

Oh well, looks like I will have to do two of these so that I can try both options......................................

One last image...

...from my weekend away.

This is a Stampendous image...

 ...isn't she sweet. She makes me think of Springtime...

 ...with her bunches of primroses...

...I was very pleased with the way she 'came together' and she didn't actually take that long to colour.

The 'neighbours' didn't seem to be aware that we would soon be on our way...

...but it was clear that the best of the weather had been & gone.
 Phil took a photo of the crafting gang (I think I need to invest is some hair colour - far too much grey showing)...

 ...packing complete and cars loaded and ready to go - and "Arun" wished us a fond farewell...

...whilst trying to stay out of the drizzle.

It was my first time away at an informal retreat - there wasn't anything planned. There weren't too many of us. We just let things take us wherever...and it was wonderful.

Thank you Carol for suggesting the idea and for organising it all. I can't wait for the next one................................................................................