Dunham Massey.

I've been away for two weeks visiting and looking after my Mum while my sister and bro-in-law went on holiday.
My niece took me out one lovely sunny afternoon to Dunham Massey along with her three kids. We fed the ducks, looked at the deer and my great-nephew jumped in the muddy puddles! We all had a good time and now I'm back!

Decadent Dolls.

Whats On | Decadent Dolls | ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn

I booked this workshop and I'm looking forward to it.
The only doll I ever made was a fabric Halloween witch - but with this doll you mould a papier mache head.
I like the idea of that!

A busy morning at Harmony Hill.... and some visitors.

Our group had some visitors today, thanks to Patsy and her contacts!
The collectif brodeuses 19'. We are all invited to their exhibition


Patsy entertained us all with her Brooch Workshop.
Using a piece of silk painted pelmet Vilene as a base, this was then cut into shapes and painted Bondaweb was applied with an iron. To this you could add foils, and smaller shapes cut from the Vilene, to build up layers, always remembering to add Bondaweb to each layer to act as an adhesive. Patsy added a top layer of chiffon and the edges of the brooch were finished with a heat tool.
Then the fun part began - embellishing your brooch with beads, wire or whatever decoration you choose.

This is a brooch that one of our members, Maureen, made earlier!


Our visitors - a Paris based group of embroidery enthusiasts - collectif brodeuses 19'.
That's Yvonne in the middle and they are admiring her excellent machine embroidery.


Sylvia finished her tea cosy and I think it's lovely.

Some gorgeous knitting from our newest member, Norma.


Thanks Patsy, I think we all enjoyed this mornings activities, judging by the noise!

Two today!

My little grand-daughter is 2 years old today!

Gingerbread Men.

I made some Sticky Ginger treacle cake from a recipe in 'The Campervan Cookbook' by Martin Dorey.
When I chose this book in the library I hadn't realized that it was also a new cookery series on t.v. 'One Man and His Campervan.'
Anyway, it got me thinking I could make some gingerbread men!

Annual exhibition.

Looking through the new Arts Centre programme today hoping to find a workshop that I would like to do..

..and looking to see the forthcoming Exhibitions.

Can you see it?

'The Elements'

Like an afterthought at the bottom of the page.

Not impressed.

Another thing to learn..the I Pod.

The I Pod -- it is baffling me at the moment!
My son gave me his old I Pod and I am using it to write this post for my blog as a test.


It worked!

(I had to post the photo the usual way using my laptop - so how can I get photos from camera to I Pod?) Grrrrrrr!

Knitting.. some Stitching.

This is supposed to be Abi Ballet Bear from my 'Knitted Bears' book by Val Pierce
Finished up looking like Ballet Bears Mother. Overstuffed, I fear!
I'm hoping a little someone might like her for their birthday.

Knitting .. not Stitching.

It occurred to me today while I was sorting out for the umpteenth time that I never do any stitching. All I do is move things about and tidy up. I collect - and don't have room for it all - and I can't get near my sewing machine without shifting a load of stuff.
While I was moaning about all of this this my huz pointed out that I had made the paper biscuits recently and that was 'art.'
Also I've been knitting cupcakes.....but now I'm getting STITCHY fingers.

The Dentist.

I don't think anyone likes going to the dentist but just sitting here, in this clinical waiting room, would make you nervous.

And down that passage on the left hand side..... that's where the dentist hangs out.