Spring

As we travel through February, and hopefully most of the winter is behind us I find myself looking forward to the spring.
For my 10 on the tenth I thought I would share why spring is my favourite of all the seasons.

1.  The days are getting noticeably longer, I hate leaving for work and returning home in the dark.

2. I love spring flowers, they seem a little less showy than those summer blooms, and as they are long awaited  all the more lovely.

3. Following from 2, it's bluebell season, so pretty, beautiful scent, can't wait!

4. Easter chocolate. There are a few new sweets on the market, currently loving Malteaster bunnies!

 5. Lime green, wall to wall in the late spring.

6. The sun starts to feel warm at last, giving hints of good weather (we hope) to come!

7.  I can leave my coat off some days, and just wear my cardi!

8.  So much easier to take photos when the light is good and I can get out and about.

9.  Wisteria.... I know I said I liked the less showy flowers, but I love this one.  We used to have a glorious plant growing up the front of the house, but had to take it down after a few dry springs caused the clay soil the house is built upon to shrink, and cracks appeared inside.  Sadly, the insurers blamed my beautiful wisteria, and it had to go... I still miss the late April scent on leaving the house.(and no, this isn't my house!)

10. And it's my birthday!!!!

What's your favourite season?
If you want to see more 10 on the tenth posts visit Shimelles blog.

Christmas cards

I know many crafters have been making their Christmas cards for months, but I only got mine finished (and started!) last week.
Here are 10 of my favourite festive makes from the past.

Sizzix Santa in green from 2008

My favourite stamp about the true meaning of Christmas

 White mistletoe embossing on pink from 2009.

Sizzix embossed reindeer from 2010

 Santa suit, I've used this stamp set almost every year I've made cards!

Stamped background Theresa Collins) from 2011

Tree strips cut from a 12x12 sheet 2011

and a sneak peek from 2012; Anna Griffin with stamped background

and trendy kraft with Papermania Home for Christmas

...and my favourite card of all, one made by Harry for his friend when he was 10.

For more 10 on the 10th blog entries visit Shimelle's blog.It's amazing looking back, how my card making has changed over the years.  What do you think of your earlier crafting efforts?

Birthday Cards

Before I was a scrapbooker (over 8 years ago now) I made cards, and still make a few today for special occasions. As October is a month of many birthdays in our house I thought I would share some of my favourites I have made over the years.

A 50th card for a cat loving online friend; Sue Bubbles... I'd forgotten I had those cute embossing folders!

 For my Dad's 70th

 An 18th card for my nephew, men so hard to make for....

A 70th card for my MIL

Handstitching on Katie's 15th birthday card

Another card for my Dad, he was a bus driver and a Londoner.

A card with a fancy front for Hannah cut using my Sizzix eClips.

Another eClips card for Kevin

A card for my Mum, embossed and stamped.

And the card I probably spent the longest ever upon, for Hannah's 18th.  I wasn't working at the time, so had the leisure to make this shoe all from Amy Butler patterned papers. It still sits in the lounge today!

Do you have a craft 'on the side' as well?
If you want to see more 10 on the 10th posts then why not visit Shimelle's blog?

10 on the 10th

As we are well into the school holidays, here are the ten things I love most about the 6 week holiday....

1. Switching off the alarm clock

2. Staying up late

3. Drinking wine mid-week

4. Picnics when the weather is good

 

5. 3 weeks in Dorset

6. Reading a book in a day

7. Getting the chance to properly clear and sort the house

8. No make up days

9. Spending time with the family

10. Having time just to stop and be me.

I know lots of parents hate the summer holidays, but for our family these were the times we got to spend with the kids, without the pressure of work.  For most teachers it's the summer break we live for :)

And if you want to see more 10 on the 10ths, take a look at Shimelle's blog; when she updates it later there will be links to lots more.

10 on the Tenth.. chocolate

As I love chocolate so much I think it deserves a ten on the tenth to itself.

Here are some of my faves :)

Raspberry and white chocolate anything!

Chocolate fondue

Hot chocolate with cream

Twirl

Flake

I know, the above two look very similar, that's why I like them!!

Salted chocolate; sounds weird, but you've got to try it!

Chocolate brownie

Chocolate nuts and raisins, I know the choc is usually naff, but they bring back fond memories of going to the pictures as a child!

Chocolate orange (milk)

and my all time fave (no idea why!) Mint Choc Aero!

Note: chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream are missing.... yuck!!!!

If you want to see any more 10 on the tenth collections visit Shimelle to find the links!

What's your favourite?