Revealed! My New product!

 

Well I am hoping I have finally cracked the problem with Blogger, by composing this in Windows Livewriter! I have tried this before but the pictures did not show, so I have experimented by uploading the picture into a photo album, here in WLW! I will only know if it is a success after I "publish" so here goes! Yes, I have a new product, a 3D Heart Seating Plan! I will be launching this at the Gisborough Hall Wedding Fayre on October 18th! Her is the very first one, at the Reception of Andrew and Katie's Wedding, August 29th. This was the night before we left for holiday and whilst I was attending here with Maria, an order for some Thankyou notes were being collected from our house. Talk about working up to the last minute? Would appreciate your comments!

Back Soon!

Creativity is a drug I cannot live without. Cecil B. DeMille (1851 – 1959) We leave for France on Sunday 30th August, returning on Monday 7th September. On Saturday 29th August, Katie and Andrew get married, Sunday Vicky and Craig and on 4th September Samantha and Ian also. I am currently working on their respective orders of service, seating plans, place cards, menus etc etc. I want to get everything delivered this weekend so I can then focus on holiday plans and start making lists and preparations. Watch this space!

ABC Wednesday....D

As many of you will know I design wedding stationery! My website is here I thoroughly thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is an important part of the contentment which I have in my everyday life. I am currently working on a seating plan which I must say is the most dramatic commission I have ever undertaken! My client wanted her guests to walk into the reception and be wowed by what they see! Well today I have been so so excited as the concept started coming together! I will be working throughout Wednesday and Thursday as my clients are coming on Thursday evening! I so so so enjoy a challenge! I will share photographs after the wedding as I know many of my clients and friends read my blog so I do not want to spoil the surprise! Watch this space, There is a guestbook on my website, so do feel free to leave a comment!

In my element for Teesside Hospice

Tonight my friend Steph is hosting a special event to raise funds for Teesside Hospice. I am going, along with my best friend Maria, Julie and her friend Lynne. I thought I would make some very special cards for the raffle.

I used dried flowers, together with an inspirational garden quote and some Laura Ashley paper.

Now my favourite part is to package these cards so they look the business!

My World, My Desk!

This is my desk as we speak! I am currently completing 45 Thank You cards for Luoise and Chris. I designed all of their wedding stationery and everything else for their wedding day. There is quite a lot of stationery associated with a wedding and I am in my element! The theme for the stationery was butterflies, so for the Thank You cards I have used a butterfly velum with a reverse of silver. This is a new experiment for me, with some Laura Ashley papers. I have decided to design a range of garden inspiration cards which I will sell through my website. I love the inspiration from my garden . The Thank You cards will be collected tonight. I then will start on a Table Plan and hand written place cards for a wedding which will take place on Sunday. When I am doing my calligraphy I have to do all 70 or whatever inone sitting so I ensure they all match. Just by changing my seating position alters the handwriting. Once completed the cards and plan will be collected by the bride and groom. I will then begin work on what must be the most elaborate seating plan commission I have ever undertaken. I am not daunted, quite excited actually! I will share my results after the respective weddings as I know my clients and their friends and families read my blog and I do not want to share anything just yet, so the WOW factor is kept secret! So what is going on in your world today? For others see here!

ABC Wednesday...S is for....

Stationery! Many of you will know I design and make wedding stationery. My latest commission is for a couple who are having the Wedding Reception aboard the Yorkshire Pullman Dining Car owned by North Yorkshire Steam Locomotive Preservation Society. The brief was to have a railway theme......so what do you think?

You can see more of my commissions here I am very busy with my wedding stationery right now, hence my lack of blogging posts, I just do not have the time. I have 2 commissions on right now which I want to complete and deliver this week so I can then start preparations for our visit to the TT on the Isle of Man. I do however keep up occasional bits of news over on Facebook, so do pop over some time.

ABC Wednesday...R is for...Ruth!

Ruth and Joe, last Saturday!

In our village church, check out the lovely dress!

Notice the flowers on the end of every pew, 20 in all.

The flower arrangements...euphorbia from our garden and lilacs from Ruth's grandad's garden, two houses up from ours.

I made the arrangements and posies, so now you know why I was so busy last week. I made the invitations and orders of service too. I am very busy with quite a few weddings right now but love every minute of it. Ruth's wedding was special however. We have known Ruth for nearly 20 years and were thrilled when she announced she was going to marry Joe. So to Ruth and Joe, congratulations, as the vicar said, two beautiful people. One of the hymns we sung was one which Jon and I had at our wedding. Apparantly it is called the "Engineer's Hymn" on account of verse 2, which is precisely why we chose it.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy, Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray, Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day. Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe, Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray, Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day. Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray, Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day. Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray, Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

To see more contributions to ABC Wednesday click on the logo in the sidebar, or simply go here!

This that and the other, catching up!

I noticed that this is my 875th post! If I looked closer I see there are some posts I have not published, just thought about only to decide later not to post. It was when Bob told me he was celebrating his 500th post which made me think! I dont seem to have been blogging much lately, as I am very busy with wedding commissions at the moment. My new website has had 569 visitors to date... wayhey! I have included a visitor's book for comments and it would seem people like the website layout etc. I am particularly chuffed as I made the website myself! Blogging tips helped me a great deal! So it is back to the desk right now and on with the commissions.... 125 place cards Table numbers Seating Plan 70 invitations 70 RSVP's 50+ orders of service..... Just this weekend! But....at least spring is on its way!

Daffodowndilly She wore her yellow sun-bonnet, She wore her greenest gown; She turned to the south wind And curtsied up and down. She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: "Winter is dead." AA Milne

Purple for Thursday!

We are so fortunate in having some wonderful purples on our very doorstep, in particular the Yorkshire Heather which really inspires my work. Heather is at its best mid August. Great quotations are always so appropriate to use, I feel this one by Vincent VanGogh says it all! For more Thursday purple inspirations follow the link from the sidebar.

ABC Wednesday...H is for

Homepage, my new website...see it here I have been so busy following the wedding fayre I had to take a break from my autobiography posts, but I will return asap. In the meantime check out my website and feel free to leave a comment in the guest book! To see more ABC posts click on the logo on the sidebar!

Black Jack? I wouldn't have a clue!

A Black casino chip for True Colour Thursday! THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN LAS VEGAS, BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS. NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED. SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS. THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN. THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS. YOU DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT COMING, DID YOU ? Had to share this! Well it is an understatement to say I am going to be busy over the next few days. This afternoon I have a meeting with a local hotel manager about a wedding fayre in March which I am organising. I am awaiting delivery of materials for a wedding commission I have to deliver by the end of next week, then I have another commission to undertake once current one is completed. Jon and I are at a wedding all Saturday and Evening Reception....I am taking the photographs. I have a new commission to sketch up some ideas for and meet the client probably Sunday, Friday night possibility. On Friday I am driving over to Malton to follow up six butchers re Jon's business... It is our godson's 18th birthday on Friday. I am cooking a family dinner for Sunday 25th! I am working on a powerpoint presentation as a surprise. I have lots of photos to scan! so if all appears quiet here you know I am too busy to get up to any mischief! Update! Delivery of Materials...11.30am today, so off I go to work!

5 more minutes!

This is the design I am using for my Christmas Cards. It is nothing like the type of commissions I undertake it is just a simple image which I will print off. I thought it was appropriate for todays colour, which is red.

What is Red? Red is a sunset Blazing and bright. Red is feeling brave With all your might. Red is a sunburn A spot on your nose. Sometimes red, is a red red rose. Red squiggles out when you cut your hand. Red is a brick And the sounds of a band. Red is hotness You get inside When you’re embarrassed And want to hide. Fire-cracker, fire-engine Fire-flicker red – And when you’re angry Red runs through your head. Red is an Indian A Valentine heart, The trimmings on A circus cart. Red is a lipstick Red is a shout Red is a signal That says, “Watch out!” Red is a great big Rubber ball. Red is the giant-est Colour of all. Red is a show-off, No doubt about it – But can you imagine

Living without it?

Author: unknown

For more True Colours this Thursday follow the link in the side bar.

In January I will start working on the wedding commissions which are in the pipeline. All very handcrafted and bespoke so for now I am happy to use simple designs for our own cards. I have had some printed of Jo which I have shared on many occasions here. After weeks of sniffling along a couple of days ago I developed a cough. This morning I kept looking at the clock and thinking..."Just 5 more minutes!" then I started rounding off the time and planning to get up "At half-past" then "quarter to!" I had taken a hot lemon as I really have so much to do and haven't got the time for colds or flu! I will boost up on vitamin C, eat plenty of fruit oh and pies too! LOL!

All Change!

Autumn Colors By Felix L. Perry Pressed between the bible pages it may fade Ironed between waxed paper softly laid Captured by the solitude of times past Seasons change but these memories die cast Autumn colours on a schoolroom wall dance Brighten young and old with every glance Swirling leafs giggle out side the window’s sill Of Halloween’s witches and goblins they tell Time to tuck beach memories away somehow As we applaud the summer’s closing bow The smell of burning leafs perfume the air Children frolic in piles raked up with care So glad Mother Nature sure knows what to do With sweet autumn’s colours just for me and you!

The leaves are now beginning to fall as Autumn places a firm grasp in the garden. The nights are drawing in and the weather is definately colder...but it was great to go in the garden to discover Today's Flowers!

I am particularly pleased with these flowers which are new to our pots this year. I am not sure what they are but I am sure somebody will know. I received some bulbs earlier in the year and planted them with others outside on the patio. Their vivid colours were a welcome sight this morning!

On the drive the nasturjuims are still giving us some good colour and it is great to see the primulas getting ready to give a good show!

Continuing with the bike theme for my monochrome here is my offering! It is of my new bike boots. We went to Hull on Saturday following a telephone conversation regarding some new leathers they had got in stock for me. We arrived around lunchtime and I must say I was thrilled when they fit like a glove. Yes, they need slight alteration as the legs were a bit too long, as were the sleeves, but we know a very good chap not far away who will work wonders on them! What a bargain too! I had tried some in York which were £595...but they were dull and didn't fit anywhere near as snug as the ones I bought on Saturday.......................for £189!!!!!

Finally my Odd shot Monday is of my boots again. Jon has the same! The colours match our bike as do our leathers. Our last leathers and boots lasted 8 years so we will have to see we always have a blue bike! LOL! To join in any of these Monday themes click on the links in the side bar!

Wilma and I had a good walk this morning and I felt so much better! The Wedding Fayre went well and we are meeting up with the manager in a few days time to plan some events for 2009. He is keen that the local businesses are the ones who he uses. Great news! Talking of local businesses, we are celebrating today. It was October 20th, 1994 when Jon first set up in business, so as of now we are entering into his 15th year of trading! I am so proud of him!

Busy busy busy!

The funeral of Jon's godmother, Auntie Kathy went well, as well as a funeral can go. Kathy was a regular church goer until she fell ill a few years ago and had to be moved into a residential home. Throughout the church service the vicar made it clear he did not know her as he had never met her. I thought this was a shame and surely could have found the time to visit her when she was in the home. I accept that he may be new, there may be reasons why he never met her, but he just mentioned it on quite a few occasions! Another thing too, he wore light adjusting glasses, so when he entered church from outside he appeared to be wearing sunglasses, he couldn't read very well, but once his lenses adjusted he improved. After the church service we drove to the crematorium and after a short service we spoke with Kathy's family. The vicar was there for a short time, we all shook his hand. My MIL, Mavis commented that she didn't think he wanted to shake her hand but she was determined to shake his hand! When I shook his hand I found he had a very very limp grasp! What does that say? Strangely there was no announcement about refreshments so Mavis Jon and I went out for lunch! The weekend is a busy one.....we are off to Hull tomorrow for me to try some leathers on, then Sunday I have a wedding Fayre where I am exhibiting! To be honest it has caused me grief due to lack of communication at the venue, but I will see how Sunday goes. I will be glad when it is all over I can tell you! Monday, I can't wait for Monday as it means the Wedding Fayre will be over! I have promised Wilma I will take her for a long walk as I want to pick the last of the brambles and elderberries I spotted up Handale Lane. I walk up the lane every morning with Wilma, sometimes for an hour. I keep noticing the brambles so with a clear head it will be a great way to let go of the stress which I am feeling! Monday is also the day the mobile library van comes to the village. I am quite hooked on crime novels right no, so I will see what James Patterson and Susan Hill novels they have. I may order some too! I want to catch up on visiting some blogs and finding out what everybody has been up to......after the weekend, after Sunday!

Busyness, a clever fellow Found his way to peaceful meadow Where he succeeded, in guise of fun To gain the trust of innocent ones. They thought at first He was a sight! His flashing brilliance, Full of excite In time they found That wear and tear Wrecked their bodies Impaired their lair Busy you see When accepted for fun Can transform to A vicious one Always demanding More to do Rejecting counsel From those that choose To pursue its lifestyle Such a curse! Unending cycles Of acts to nurse... 'Til finally those Exhausted and blue Sent Busy packing... And enjoyed the view! Wendy Price-Kirkham

Roll on Monday..............................when I too can enjoy the view!

Love is like a Butterfly!

Butterflies on Wedding Cake

The butterfly theme was carried through to the cake of Joanne & Simon

Love is like a butterfly As soft and gentle as a sigh The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings Love makes your heart feel strange inside It flutters like soft wings in flight Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing I feel it when you're with me It happens when you kiss me That rare and gentle feeling that I feel inside Your touch is soft and gentle Your kiss is warm and tender Whenever I am with you I think of butterflies Love is like a butterfly The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings Love makes your heart feel strange inside It flutters like soft wings in flight Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing Your laughter brings me sunshine Everyday is spring time And I am only happy when you are by my side How precious is this love we share How very precious, sweet and rare Together we belong like daffodils and butterflies Love is like a butterfly As soft and gentle as a sigh The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings Love makes your heart feel strange inside It flutters like soft wings in flight Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing Dolly Parton

Here they are at the Evening Reception which Jon and I attended.

I really liked the flowers Joanne held

Here they are, just married outside the church.

This is Simon's family, from the left David, John (Dad) Carol (Mum) Simon, Christopher. I used to teach David! LOL! And we were next door neighbours for 3 years too! We have had a great weekend, just busy. Today, Sunday it is raining! Will it fair up? We'll just have to see. For more Camera Critters visit Misty Dawn

Another of my Favourites!

A Photo a Day!

This was the parcel I delivered to Joanne and Simon on Tuesday night.......

Inside was the wedding guest book I had made for them as a wedding gift. Joanne was in tears, she hugged me and said how beautiful it was. I had tears in my eyes too. From a very early age I was in my element when creating something special. I strive for perfection and love to see the responses from not only my clients but my friends and family too. I create great masterpieces even with the packaging.... Guess what was in this parcel?

50 of these.... The Order of Service, yes it is the wedding tomorrow.

Each of the 50 HAD to be perfect in every way. I always work closely with the brides, we travel on a journey I guess. Joanne's preparations will come to an end tomorrow and the day will be here for her to enjoy, her very own day. I will be at the church ceremony and Jon and I are going to the Evening Reception. I will have my camera! Just as one journey is drawing to a close, so others are just beginning. I have two more brides as clients now. On Tuesday I had 2 appointments with new clients who want me to design their wedding stationery for next year....so the process begins all over again, and I will be in my element! For more wonderful favourites, visit Blue!

One of the great things about blogging is when somebody inspires you to do something and you can share what it is here.
I design and produce stationery for special occasions. I am currently awaiting the arrival of supplies so I can make some orders of service for a wedding commission I am working on. Remember the butterfly design here.

When I am working on a commission it is important that I work efficiently both with time and materials, this is what makes the profit.

Away from business however I do like to experiment with new materials and generally have a play. A few weeks ago Helena shared some of her craft projects she had been working on.
One thing which really got through to me was the response she had received from people who had received her cards, they had really appreciated the time and care she had put into her work.

This afternoon I decided to show a friend I really cared for her by making a special card.
Linda is one of my friends from Fat Club (Slimming World) she is very down as she has the C word.
She is passionate about her garden, so this is what I have made.

I really enjoyed faffing about, using bits and bobs I had lying around!
I hope she likes it.
It gave me some ideas for the garden cards I am working on for VP's fundraiser!

For more Thursday favourites, visit Blue!


The Things That Count
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox


Now, dear, it isn’t the bold things,
Great deeds of valour and might,
That count the most in the summing up of life at the end of the day.
But it is the doing of old things,
Small acts that are just and right;
And doing them over and over again, no matter what others say;
In smiling at fate, when you want to cry, and in keeping at work when you want to play -
Dear, those are the things that count.

And, dear, it isn’t the new ways
Where the wonder-seekers crowd
That lead us into the land of content, or help us to find our own.
But it is keeping to true ways,
Though the music is not so loud,
And there may be many a shadowed spot where we journey along alone;
In flinging a prayer at the face of fear, and in changing into a song a groan -
Dear, these are the things that count.

My dear, it isn’t the loud part
Of creeds that are pleasing to God,
Not the chant of a prayer, or the hum of a hymn, or a jubilant shout or song.
But it is the beautiful proud part
Of walking with feet faith-shod;
And in loving, loving, loving through all, no matter how things go wrong;
In trusting ever, though dark the day, and in keeping your hope when the way seems long -
Dear, these are the things that count.


Note............................
To any crafters out there I am having a sort out, do you want some bits and bobs?

ABC Wednesday! ....I is for....

Welcome to ABC Wednesday!

How to participate in ABC Wednesday.

1. Post your I picture on your blog.

2. Come to my blog and sign in on Mr. Linky

3. Enjoy the beautiful I pictures of the other bloggers.

There is a new Mr. Linky each week so you always have to sign up on the current one.
Please do not sign your name on Mr. Linky unless you have an I picture posted on your blog

Please leave a comment here and a link back to this blog.

Also, please vote in my poll...at the top of the sidebar! Thank You

We reached 80+ participants last week, so please be assured we will do our best to visit each blog, not necessarily on Wednesday, but it would help if you did leave a comment here

I is for.........

INVITATION 1.



Come into my kitchen.....dinner is served.

Every Saturday night I cook a special meal for Jon & I. I love white linen & simple flowers.
This was the only flower remaining from a bunch I bought to brighten up the house.
If I could have 2 luxuries they would be fresh flowers every day and fresh bed linen too.

Melon marrinated in a crisp white savaignon blanc!

Salmon cooked in Rocket Salad Leaves! I ADORE Rocket!

I made this recipe....
simply place a good handful of rocket salad leaves into the casserole dish. Place salmon fillet on top, cover with more Rocket leaves.

After 10 minutes turn over the fillet and add more salad leaves. Cook for further 5 minutes

Serve with New Potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. Oh and plenty of ice cold savaignon blanc!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

No deserts.....we don't do deserts on a Saturday....I am on a diet remember!
BUT if I did indulge it would be a selection of cheese and biscuits.

I am passionate about food. I love the whole art of the meal. The table, flowers, presentation. Love it.


I is for Invitation 2


This is my latest commission!

What do you think?

Enlarged to show the detail of the crystal butterfly.

The completed calligraphy one.....the bride chose 4 hearts.

I have to say I absolutely ADORED designing the butterfly commission.
I LOVE the boundaries I can push just to get the one design which made the bride cry in awe.

The calligraphy one was straight forward calligraphy. The colour chosen to match the dresses of the bridesmaids. I am passionate about handwriting too. As a child I would pracitse writing for hours on end., inventing and creating my own calligraphy styles.I guess being an arty type of person I am so passionate about art in most forms.

One of the wonderful joys of teaching young children is the various forms and mediums we can introduce them to.

Teaching is 99% passion & enthusiasm 1% knowledge, just my thoughts.

Predominantly I have taught in under-privileged schools. My main subject was always Art.

I had a mission to introduce the children to art and it's visions, often they did not have the experience at home.

When I taught in the city centre of Nottingham in a very socially disadvantaged school I often would take the children to the National Gallery in London, on a Saturday.



On one occasion, following on from a study of the impressionist movement we were queueing outside the Gallery in London.

I was standing with my charges, about 8 in all.

One member of the public standing just in front of us turned round, looked at the small children and "Tutted" loudly with an air of disgust and disdain.

One of my pupils picked this gesture up and said,

"Shouldn't we be here Miss?"

I had to fight the disgust rising in my stomach as I replied, in a somewhat raised tone....

"Ian, ( I remember his name to this day) this gallery belongs to the nation, particularly young people like you!

The lady in question looked right at me and tutted again.

I held her stare.....for quite a while, probably longer than necessary.



We filed into the gallery.

We were looking at one of Van Gogh's paintings, when the same Ian stated in a confident , resounding tone..

"You know Miss, you can tell this was one of Van Gough's early paintings!"

"Why is that Ian?" I replied.

"Well Miss, look at the dark colours. These were the colours he used before his brother Theo introduced him to the brighter colours which greatly influenced his works!"

"Well Done Ian!" I replied. (Tears of pride were welling in my eyes at the time, but I composed myself, and guiding my charges out of the room, I turned to see the member of the public who had behaved in such a disgraceful manner earlier. She was standing transfixed at what she had just overheard....

As I passed her, I once again nailed her with one of my stares and said "You tell me these children shouldn't be here now!

She looked away and bowed her head as I led my wonderful group of pupils into the next room!

My head held high with pride and emotion.

I strive to give to others a sense of sacredness,

because an art event is not just a formal fact but also a momentwhere you put a mark on your dedication.

You must have a feeling of joining a tribe where there is the stick of command, because you are in a sacred place with its rules.

Enzo Cucchi