BUONPOMERIGGIO.

I'm learning Italian and find all sorts of ways to put it into practice. Bounpomeriggio means good-afternoon. I love the way Italians are so expressive.
I know I will never get it just right but I'm having fun just learning.
I've always had an interest in learning Italian and when I read of a class at a local Community Centre, I couldn't wait to get there. Mind you, I'm driving everyone mad with my fractured attempts at the words I have learnt.

I want to say "benvenuto" or welcome to new follower, Jean of Jean Day Miniatures. I'm so pleased that you have joined my little blog. I encourage each of you to visit Jean's blog and web-site but be warned, you will spend quite a long time there as her work is stunning!

I am so tired of this hot weather, just hoping for cooler nights at least so we can get a few hours sleep. Oh well, it's a good excuse to sit at the computer saying "ciao" to each of you or looking in Ancestry to find new relatives.  My tree is growing almost every day. You can read more about my journey on my other blog, Life's Good.

Buster says hello too, he's laying right next to me under the ceiling fan.

Blessings,
Vicki.

HELLO AGAIN.

 I feel very sad because I haven't kept up with regular posts. There was a lot happening here in the last couple of months of 2012. Some happy and some not. Christmas was enjoyable though, spent with family on two separate days. It's difficult to fit everyone in because we all have such full lives and many relatives to catch up with!

 I wanted to show you some of the things I've been making lately. I've given my Cuttlebug a good work-out, it's one of the best craft "machines" that I have ever bought. So versatile too.
 Our Probus craft group ended last year with a lovely day finishing off a milk bottle top covered Christmas tree. I can't show you a photo of it as all my decorations have been safely packed away.

We made a start this year with me showing the members how to make a burnt edge fabric brooch. These are six that I've made so far and I will make more because I've been invited to demonstrate the process to another craft group in a couple of weeks.

I enjoyed doing the stitched canvas items, I particularly like the cross in the pocket. It also has a printed prayer that goes inside, you can keep it in your purse or bag.

We also made zipper brooches one day. I'm not happy with mine and don't know if I will make any more. You know how some crafts just grab you and others don't?

I gave this card to a dear friend for her 90th birthday, she loved it. One of my favorite dies is the rolled rose.
I could make a whole flower bed with it!!

More rolled roses. This one was given to friends for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Some of the Christmas cards from last year.  I had recently bought the "Lovely as a Tree' stamp set from Stampin Up. Another versatile craft item to wear out!

 I made the tree and wreath cards by punching out LOT"S of little leaf shapes and gluing them down. It looked really effective.

Apart from all this crafting, I've been spending lot's of time with my little dog, Buster. He's found a permanent place in our hearts and when we take him for a walk, he just loves it if people stop and pat him. He's got the sweetest personality.

I hope you haven't forgotten me,  'till next time,
Blessings,
 Vicki.

SAY HELLO TO BUSTER.

I want to introduce you to our dear little dog, Buster. He's a five year old Maltalier which is a Maltese Terrier/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  I just got him today. His owner wasn't able to keep him and we have missed having a dog in our family.

 

He's the most affectionate, funny little dog and has settled in very well so far.  One of my cats, Harry seems to like (or tolerate) him but my other cat Bella isn't at all happy. Her inquisitive nature will get the better of her before long though.

I knew that one day a dog in need of a home would find his way to our house and heart and Buster is just the dog I have been praying for.  He's beautiful don't you think?

I will post some more photo's later. He loves attention and tummy rubs and he will get plenty of both in our family.

 

Blessings,

Vicki.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD-BYE TO MY DEAR LITTLE DOG.

I just wanted to let you know that my sweet little dog Nicholas went to sleep on July 2nd.
I'm so sad and lonely without him but thankful that I have my two beautiful cats to love and cuddle.
I have written more about it on my other blog, LIFE'S GOOD, plus some photo's. I do hope you will read what I have written about Nick, he was the sweetest little friend and everyone who knew him misses him too.
If you are the fortunate owner of a pet or pets, give them an extra hug because they are a blessing in our lives.
Hugs,
Vicki xx

I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE.

No, dear friends, I am not having an affair,(well perhaps that's not exactly true).  After much thought and looking on the internet, I have bought a Cuttlebug and I just LOVE IT!!
My fiend Sandie from Scrappy Snippets has one. I had been inspired by some of the lovely cards on her blog. Also the wonderful ideas online really got me excited me so I decided that I couldn't possibly live much longer without  one myself.

I can't believe just how versatile these machines are.  With just a few embossing folders and dies you can make such lovely cards.  Of course there are way too many to choose from and the temptation to spend the grocery money is quite easy. I'm only joking!  I usually look on Ebay for the "buy it now and free post listings but have also purchased a couple of items from online stores.

 

These are only first attempts on inexpensive cards with just the papers I found in my stash. When I improve, I will buy more expensive cards, the finished article always turns out better if you use good quality papers. I have also made two of the "tag" shapes by hand drawing the shape on paper, gluing it on thin perspex (I used the perspex from the pack that the dies came in) and carefully cutting it out. Then it's easy to draw around the shape on the back of your chosen paper with a pencil and cut it out. That's how I made the tag in the card above.

I was quite happy with this black and white card. I have three sympathy cards also but they aren't finished yet.  I'ts hard to see but I've put some tiny red gems on the tag and the flourish.  I'm still mastering the art of  very gently sticking down the "flourish" die-cuts. They are so small and delicate, I love them.

A QUICK HELLO

I have just posted an update on my other blog,  Life's Good and though I should say hello here as well.

My time has been taken up in recent weeks with family and friends.
 My little dog Nicholas had a large cancerous lump removed recently and he's now fit and well thankfully, but it was a very worrying time for us and the nursing care he needed when he came home kept me busy.

I have also recently lost a dear friend. Ruth was a special person and we all miss her so much.  It's hard to believe that we won't see her again.

I have been busy with a variety of crafts but don't have any photo's organised yet.  ( Note to self,  get them sorted out)  I never seem to have enough hours in the day or am I just dis-organised?

I bought a Cuttlebug machine just a few days ago.  It hasn't arrived yet but some of the dies and embossing folders that I also ordered are here so I'm really looking forward to playing with it.  I've looked at so many ideas on the internet that I might have to stay up all night to try all the lovely projects!

A warm welcome to new friends who have joined  recently.  I promise to at least try and say hello more often.

Blessings,
Vicki xx

ANOTHER NEW FRIEND.

Goodness things work fast in blogland.  No sooner had I welcomed three new members on my other blog,  Life's Good,  but I see that Helen has also joined me here so a warm welcome to you and I hope you like finding out a bit more about me and my other interests.  There's always something new to discover and try out so there will be plenty to find out about here
.
Take care,

Vicki x