Machine stitched cards

I have been wanting to try machine stitching on cards for a while now but with my sewing machine tucked away at the back of the understairs cupboard............ However, having become thoroughly bored as I have had two days lying with my leg elevated - phlebitis - I decided that enough was enough and dragged it out.

The first card has straight stitching

and I got really adventurous with the next card and used zig -sag.

I really like the effect and although the stitching isn't perfect I'm quite pleased with the result.

Papers: Basic Grey on first card, K&Co on second

Stamps: PTI Pond Life  and Mixed Messages

Inks: Clearsnap Chalk Inks

Feel like Chris Hoy!!!

Well, without all the effort.....but......I've been awarded

the Artepico Award three times. Thank you Karen, Joanie and Cazz. 

I have to pass it on so need to do some thinking.

Bonnie Scotland

Have just spent the weekend in Scotland. Angela has lots of family near Glasgow and as many were unable to make the wedding they put on a Scottish reception for the newly weds. We all got to dress up in our wedding finery again and had a really nice evening.

Then on Monday my sister and I met up with Liz - McLiz - who showed us some of the wonderful architecture and squares in the city. We had a lazy lunch and a wander round the shops and finally said our goodbyes on Central Station - not for long though for Liz and I as we will be room sharing in Manchester for the craft weekend in just a couple of weeks.

 

Broke the trip home to stop for coffee at Gretna Green. Having visited Scotland on a number of occasions thought it was time we stopped and had a look at the famous Blacksmith's where so many eloping couples have tied the knot, although I think that most of the weddings there now are planned well in advance with family and friends making the trip too. 

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Thank You Card

Now that I've had time to recover from the wedding I've made the first draft of the 'Thank You' cards. The flowers at the wedding were initially burgundy and ivory but James and Angela added sunflowers - we all love them, real smiley flowers - so the final arrangements looked like this....


As I had used burgundy and ivory for the invites etc., I have used the sunflower with burgundy frame and sentiment for this card.



The bridal pair haven't seen it yet though it is flying off to Las Vegas via Louise's mobile so this may - or may not - be the final design.


The other card I have made today is rather more sombre, my cousin died last Friday and this is for his family. He was in his late eighties so although it is a sad time we do feel that he has had a good life.


Thank You card:

Anna Griffin stamp, Kraft card PTI

Sympathy Card:

PTI stamps

The Wedding

This day has been amazing. After all the wet weather we have had, the day dawned bright and sunny, and stayed that way. The venue was beautiful, Fountains Abbey, and the ceremony, held in the Great Chamber of Fountains Hall, was a delight with friends and family contributing with readings that had significance to the bride and groom.




My two grandsons read 'Us Two' from 'The House at Pooh Corner' and they did a great job.

This is my younger son James and his new wife Angela.

The best man is my elder son Sean.



I'm in the middle with my daughter Louise in red and my son's partner Clare on my other side.



And this is the cake I made and iced.
I was so thrilled as the chef sent a message to 'whoever had made the cake' saying that it was the best wedding cake he had cut in a very long time. Must have been the regular feeding with brandy that did the trick.

I'm so glad that everything went so well for them. What wonderful memories they will have of their wedding day.

Storing Ribbons

I saw this idea on a US site and decided it was the perfect way to use those lovely coffee jars that I always hate throwing away - did consider Ikea jars but doing my bit for recycling and the financial situation!!

I love the way they look, just like those old sweetie jars in the shops when I was little. Still need more large ones as not all my colours are in them yet, and, you may notice, one is a kilner jar - was getting a bit desperate.

I have all my spools in a drawer - I do admire folk who have lovely clean houses and can leave their card and ribbons out, my house gets so dusty they would spoil (I blame Murphy for bringing all the dirt in, three and he still hasn't mastered wiping his feet before he comes in).

Can't believe it is so long since I posted, blame this wedding, cleaning, gardening and icing THE cake have taken over my life. Haven't made a card for weeks.