a bit more arty stuff

A few more of my pictures following the She Art class


I “collected” the quote on the first one when we went to the eden project last autumn.  I think it was a “what I wish I’d known when I was at school” quote.  How true, and I wish I had known it…

This next one I’ve done for my sister’s birthday, I hope she likes it…


I’m trying to move these towards “my style” – not sure if I’ve quite got it yet, but I’m enjoying the journey

…and another hobby

So, I have another hobby that I haven’t told you about.  This one is totally outside my comfort zone.  It doesn’t involve a creative bone in my body.  There’s no paper, no glue, no fabric, no wool, no paint… and definitely no scissors.
I’ve started running.  Those of you that have seen me in real life, or perhaps just had a tiny glimpse of a blogged photo, will know that I don’t have a runner’s physique.  I have been heard to say in the last few weeks, that the last time I probably ran, was for a bus, in 1989, and I probably missed it…
So why have I started?  Well, I had a conversation at a family birthday celebration at the end of January that, briefly, followed this train of ideas

• my brother’s two brother-in-laws both ran the Birmingham Half Marathon last year
• my brother, while he was in hospital,  said that he would run it this year
• he thought that they would forget this conversation
• they didn’t
• Paul’s sister-in-law also got roped in
• then they asked me

Obviously I dismissed the idea, and had another slice of cake.  But, after I got home, the idea played in my mind.
Could I? 
I did a bit of googling, and decided that it is do-able.  I have until October to go from sitting on my lardy bum, to running 13 miles.  The next morning, I put my trainers on, went to our local cycle route, and walk-jogged for half an hour – as suggested.  And, you know what?  I did it!  it was –3.5 that morning, with a beautiful thick frost, and I managed to go faster than my usual gentle stroll.
I’ve since found a series of podcasts, called C25K, that are really helping.  I have an intermediate goal of a 5k run in June, and then the biggie, the half-marathon in October.  I’ve registered my interest in it, and I’m telling more people that I’m going to do it, and you’re next on my list of telling people… 
I will be asking for sponsorship closer to the time, probably for Macmillan Nurses, but I’ll do what Paul wants – because that’s why I’m doing it, to raise money for the cancer charity of his choice.  And, don’t worry, I won’t be in anybody’s face asking for money, that’s not my style.  But, if you think you might sponsor me, let me know, and I’ll get back to you later in the year…

she art workshop

Want to see what I've been up to this week? I've been getting messy with this workshop.  And I'm having a ball!!  Learning lots of techniques, and being inspired by a fabulous group of artists in the She Art Community.

I've been following the techniques outlined in the lessons - but I'm already starting to feel my way towards what is more my style.  I'm sure I'll have more to show you in the future.  But, if you fancy having a go, there are some tutorials on Christy's website, and I believe the workshop is running again soon.

I'm off now to get my bags ready for Saturday's 12 hour cropaganza at the Bromsgrove crop, with 3 classes being taught by Kirsty Wiseman
 

california gurls

I did these LOs a couple of weeks ago, but thought you might like to see them.  California Gurls is mis-spelt because of the Katy Perry song which we sang a lot when we were in California last year.  Mark took the photos on his phone, and there's not a "good" photo amongst them, but when all put together, they show just how much fun we were having at Disneyland, and it's not often that we get our photos taken together.

 

I did take a photo op - and made the girls sit in Mickey's car.  We had to wait a couple of minutes, because there was another family taking photos, we got chatting, as you do...  And the mom told Mark that he was really lucky to be married to me - because I have such a cute accent! Those of you that know me, as well as those that don't, are allowed to laugh at this point...

And, finally, a card that I made for my sister-in-law's birthday...

speak soon, sarah x

i need another hobby like i need a hole in the head

Two posts in one day, wonders will never cease...

So, a couple of weeks ago, I came across this workshop, it played in my mind, I got some paints and stamps out and had a dabble, and then I signed up.  The workshop opens tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it.  I'll let you know how it goes...

friday night project

It's been half term around here, the girl's mostly do their own thing, but on Friday I took the day off work, and we went to Worcester for a mooch around.

There are loads of charity shops, where Lou got a couple of items, and independent shops, including a couple of old-fashioned sweet shops, where Phoebe bought quite a few different types of sweets.  And, of course we had to pop into the scrapbooking shop...

I was very restrained, all we bought was a house/shelf thingy each...  We came home and started to decorate them straight away - instead of leaving them hanging around...  Three people sat around one table came up with three very different items.  

Lou painted hers - complete with stars in the night sky in the roof, and a garland of daisies.  She added some paper flowers and bling from my stash. And it is now home to one of her my little ponies.

Phoebe painted hers white, and then added some Amy Butler papers. We came up with the idea of adding some hooks to the bottom, for some of her necklaces, and she added some bits and bobs from around her bedroom.

I painted mine white and added some Sassafras Indie Girl papers, and some stuff from my stash...

hope your week's been good, as well...

the good stuff

Last week my sister and I had the same day off for the first time since last year, so we went out for the day.  Worcester was the destination, to go to this shop

Went to the Bromsgrove crop on saturday, and made this card with the very talented Deb

One of my recent discoveries - who knew these were so yummy!  Made me happy, I thought I didn't like peanut butter, probably still don't, well, not on sandwiches anyway.

What's making you happy?