Laura Rumble - Crafter

One of my Secret Santa stocking swaps had so much green paper-y ribbon-y goodness in it that I couldn't help but start creating on Boxing Day! One layout morphed in to two layouts - you can watch exactly how it happened... I ended up only adding the gold word stickers, gold washi and gold glitter alphas to the goodies from the stocking - it was such a complete 'kit' that I didn't need many extras. This was my first experience with Heidi Swapp's texture paste.  I didn't use it for texture on this occasion, but when it comes to it, I'll be trying to layer it as it seems a little looser than the texture pastes I am used to.  Fabulous colour and sheen though! I love the wooden hearts covered with paper. These photos don't really pick up the shine of the paste - I expect it will be tricky to capture on camera (I already have this issue with Shimmerz products) but in the flesh it is super. I wonder if any one has any tips for sewin...

As part of my Secret Santa gifts I wanted to include something hand made.  I knew my lady loves bats so I set about making a ribbon bat.  I used 25mm black grosgrain for the body.  I painted the back edge of the wing ribbon with matte medium so I could cut to a scalloped edge without causing any fraying. For the body of the bat I used 10mm grosgrain and super strong double sided tape.  A couple of dark grey swarovski crystals for eyes and a deep V cut to represent the ears... and I added a plain hair grip (bobby pin) et viola! I'd love to hear what you think!

Secret Santa.  Blooming brilliant things to be a part of!  I was involved in two online Secret Santas, one run by Carmen and one by That Craft Place . Here is my haul from Santa Suzie ... Whilst opening these I was asked, "How does she know you so well?" by my Pet Crocheter.  It was amazing, everything was spot on - so very me. and here is my haul from Santa Virginia via Carmen ... Tons of stash!  And Virginia included this beautiful hand made mini album.  To be honest it is so awesome it needs a post all of it's own, which will follow when I can dedicate it the time it deserves! Brilliant!  Thank you That Craft Place , Suzie , Carmen and Virginia ! You can read about what I sent (in Carmen 's swap) to K on her blog here . x

I'm going to let you have another peek at some of my wrapping... Envelopes needn't be boring... Wool works as well as ribbon (although ribbon is still my first love!) Little pegs can close gift bags and hold tags and pretty things! All bells are good!! As are little card bags and home made tags. I think I like wrapping more than unwrapping!!  :)

Last year I was quite low in November and when I saw Carmen was running a Secret Santa I wanted to join in.   I had a look at posts from the previous years and decided I needed to join in.   So I did.   When the swap came through I discovered I was buying for the boss!   Well, you can’t get much scarier than that!   I did some gentle stalking and made a list (I do like a list!)   Here is what Santa parcelled up and sent off to Carmen: In return Ally was my Secret Santa.   I can’t say thank you enough to Ally .   I appear to have forgotten to take a before photo…   I unpacked the parcel and found beautifully wrapped presents.   10 !   Thank you Ally!   I put them under my tiny tree - here is the tree minus the presents… On Christmas Day I opened a few and as the day wore on and the ME started biting I put the others aside and opened them on Boxing Day. Here is what I was lucky ...

It’s the first day of 2014.   Everyone is filling blog posts and statuses with reviews of last year and hopes and dreams and resolutions for this New Year…   I’m not going with that.   I’ve not decided how to approach the New Year yet.   I’m just going to try and get back in to the swing of blogging and creating and commenting on friends blogs.   And it just so happens to be Wednesday so I’ll start the year off with a WOYWW . Oh boy!   It’s messy! (Nothing has changed there then!!)   Today’s task is to write my thank you notes for Christmas presents I received.   It was also yesterday’s task but it didn’t happen – the M.E. appears to have stolen all of my focus at the moment.  (Then, maybe, a little tidy up?!) If I can harness some thinking power I will blog about my Secret Santa tomorrow :) (Ali’s famous ribbon bag sale is on)