Happy Day!

It is always a happy day when things go right. I did have a muddled morning, one of those when you just can't get going.   After I'd got myself into gear, with the help of a bacon butty,  it was off to the craft table.  First task was to use the new paints to see how they worked,  I think I've got the hang of them now, but first attempt was a mini disaster, just need to practice with them.

Next it was time to use a new template for a dove on my arch template as I wanted to use the lead liner and not the relief paste. 

Then it was onto this beauty, a Celtic knot, all done with the lead liner,  its not quite finished, still got some pieces to put in.   This is the new and thinner lead liner, so it bends more easily.  I do like the thicker stuff for framing, so I'll be using the two.  I did this on a clip frame that I picked up in Hobbycraft, only £2.50.  There is an awful lot of work in this, I also need to number the  pieces when it comes to painting otherwise I'll get lost!

This is a design I reworked using the lead liner. Previously I'd used the relief paste for the petals and buddha.  I now prefer it with the lead liner, I even managed to persuade the lead liner to bend enough for the buddha.  He has since been painted white.  Just a few more bits to do to this. It's nice having a few things on the go as the paint takes time to dry.  The water based paint is quicker,  but each piece has to be placed on a level surface.   The new relief paste also takes an age to dry,  I'm taking a break from using it as I'm having problems with my right wrist and having to squeeze the tube/bottle is proving painful.   Plus the new lead liner goes a long way,  there are ten metres to a roll, but you split it into two, so that makes 40 metres!

Now to the wonky picture!  And the new 'dove' while the cross has gone.   There is still a lot of painting to do,  but now that I am happy with the design it will be done this week.

Tomorrow I have horrible stuff to do, like tax the car, which always makes me grumpy because of the state of our roads. The forecast isn't very good either,  more wind and rain. 

Hard to believe it is the end of the year.   My favourite moment of the year was watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon.  The worst moment was losing my mum,  but out of that loss I discovered how many good friends I have.

That's all for now, I hope to start some painting on the Celtic cross tomorrow, and get a bit more done on the other pieces.

Thanks for stopping by

A belated posting

Seems ages since I blogged.   I wanted to hunker down and get through Christmas.   I spent the day on my own as I wanted.  In the morning I went for a lovely walk,  and was amused by the antics of the dogs on their morning walk.  It was a typical winter's morning, cold, frosty, bit of a nippy wind and sunny.  I did get quite a few 'Merry Christmases' along the way.  When I'd left the house there had been only a trickle of traffic, when I returned it was in full flow.  That caused me to remember all the Christmases I'd spent travelling to and from places - and I hated it!   I always thought how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning and NOT have to go anywhere.  I was glad when the day was over, had a few tearful moments,  but not the turkey dinner,  I chose Toad in the Hole.   I also got myself into a tizzwozz with the glass painting.  Didn't like what I'd done, so ended up taking it all off.   I did though have a nice surprise on Christmas eve, finding that at last my claim had been successful, so I had money!  The first thing I did was pay a few bills.  Then on Boxing Day I went to Hobbycraft to indulge myself,  just got a few glass paints and some relief paste.  Then I ordered some lead liner off Amazon,  and was still wondering what had happened to my CnC order, which I discovered was coming from America.

In the early hours of Friday morning the storm hit us, so there was no chance of me stepping outside the front door.   I went back to the glass painting, but was having no success.  I knew I was trying too hard, so I called it quits.   Then at 8pm my parcel arrived,  no I couldn't believe it either, felt sorry for the poor chap as he looked shattered.  But I was very happy to have my goodies at last.

Today I had a long lie in - 10 a.m!   A spot of supermarket shopping,  it is a bother that we run out of stuff like milk and bread!   The postie brought me my lead liner, wow that was a fast delivery.  So I sat down to the glass painting,  this time it went well.  The new lead liner was thinner than what I had been using so I was able to do finer work with it.  The new paints are tricky, but they are nice to use, as is the relief paste that came with it.  In fact I've checkd it out on google and I can get a much larger bottle of it!   The afternoon was well spent,  I got a lot done, and managed to improve one picture by using the lead liner instead of the paste.   I may be able to bring some pictures tomorrow.

I am also glad that this year is almost at a close,  and I have things to look forward to next year, more art therapy,  a visit to my friend who lives in Hampshire.   Last New Years eve was so bleak,  it was a really horrible day with the family managing to upset first me, then mum, with their job done off they went to their respective New Year celebrations and not giving any thought to the damage they'd just done.   I think I've grown stronger since then,  it hasn't been an easy year, and not just for the obvious reason,  I just feel as though I've been tested to my limit.  On Christmas eve I tried counting my blessings and realised that I had far more than I thought or could count.   I've found that it is my friends and cousin who I can count on for support, and who care about me.  I can't thank them enough for what they've done for me this year.    I've also found out a lot about myself.   More of that at a later date. 

I'll end it here, and I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas, I hope none of you were affected by the bad weather, and if you were then know you were in my thoughts and prayers.  I'll be back tomorrow, thanks for stopping by.

Just having a lovely time

I've been wanting to pick up a paintbrush for some time and just paint.   Trouble has been the moment the brush is in my hand I tense up and the confidence drains away.  A few weeks ago I started my art therapy and little did I know that I'd be introduced to something that would grab hold of me - glass painting. I'd wanted to try it, but I didn't want to paint glasses or vases, nor did I know how to get started with it.  So I was delighted when our first project was glass painting.  Then I was presented with an A3 piece of perspex,  yikes!   I realised that I had no need to come up with a picture,  but a design, that freed me up and I did the Mandala.  I took a quick look on youtube to learn how to use the materials (what did we do before youtube?),  I was rubbish to begin with, as you would expect.  I wanted to run before I could walk!  But I did practise and gradually I got used to handling the relief paste.  I started with small pictures, aside from the Mandala, but I had an urge to do something big.
This idea, the bird of peace came to me a couple of weeks ago and I found a large piece of glass (another butchered frame!)    I took my time drawing the design, quite unlike me, usually I rush these things,  but I seemed to have acquired some patience.   I wanted a stained glass window, and for it to have some religious significance.   Making the window was the easy bit, then I had to find some free clipart for the bird.  I played around with the size until I was happy.    I felt a bit nervous today when I began the painting,  but as it went on the picture started to come alive.   I know I need to fill in that huge space, it is just to large to paint, so my next task is to create a pattern. 

I also did another flower, I want to make three, then find someway of hanging them together.  I know I can drill into the glass, but have to treat it like drilling into a tile.  These flowers are also good for practising the relief paste work.  I'm going to add a little more to it, so watch this space as they say!

CnC also told me that my paints are on their way,  can I hope that they will arrive tomorrow?  I am thinking it will be Tuesday,  never mind at least they are in transit.

I thought I'd watch Mandela's funeral, thinking foolishly that all the speeches were done and dusted.  Wrong, once again the politicos bored the pants off everyone.   The service should have lasted 2 and a half  hours....  tradition dictated that Mandela had to be laid to rest at midday, but they trampled all over tradition so they could keep waffling.  One chap was determined to name and thank each dignitary who had turned up!   I feel sorry for the people of South Africa, they've been kept at arms length,  even the funeral procession sped by not allowing any to pay their respects.  Some of the weeks antics  have left a nasty taste in the mouth,  seems some set out to exploit the situation,  only Obama's speech was memorable.  Nor should there have been any speeches at the funeral,  just a eulogy and the service. 

I'm still struggling with the whole Christmas thing.  I wasn't expecting it to affect me this much.  I did some shopping at the supermarket yesterday and just had to get out of the place.  I've never liked the build up to Christmas, it starts far too early,  everyone is in a rush,  then as the big day approaches the prices get slashed.  I noticed yesterday that all the crackers were at half price!   It was the same last year, which is why I always waited so I could get the posh ones.   Now the supermarket has a large bin, they're asking people to buy a toy and donate it.  Why not also ask for food donations, perhaps hampers could be made up for the elderly? 

I also had a nice surprise yesterday, while flicking through the channels I found that True Entertainment had a whole afternoon and evening of The Waltons!   Yes I know, sentimental, but who cares,  it makes a nice change to watch something that doesn't involve violence towards women,  no murders,  casual swearing or general nastiness.   I really don' t understand why anyone watches Eastenders, it is so gloomy and has no credibility.  Corrie always finds a balance, the sad stuff is offset by some humour,  just as it is in life.  Haley's story has been very touching,  the two actors deserve Oscars for their performances.

Just watched Strictly,  I think Susanna will win.  She's not the best dancer,  but she is the one everyone identifies with.  She's also a working mum,  quite a few of the others have not had any other work to do, or juggle a family.  She also tries,  I can't warm to Natalie, she is very good,  but her performances are clinical,  dance should be about passion. 

Anyway think that is enough waffle,  saw the forecast on Countryfile,  it doesn't look good for the week ahead, especially the end of the week, and I am supposed to be driving down South.  If the forecast proves to be true then I think I'll be staying at home.

Stay warm and safe, and remember, Christmas is not about buying expensive presents, or going into debt. 

Finished

Well I think it is... can't help wondering if it does need something added?   Oh I am talking about my mandala, today I edged it with more lead,  and then painted the trim.  Ah, I think I know what it needs!   Watch this space.

It was a hunker down day, weather was filthy, then I realised it was also Friday 13th,  and after my week I wasn't taking any chances.   Though the lead I bought, that I worried about not being up to the job, proved to be excellent.  I'd got the window lead, which was thicker than I'd been using, but actually I like the finish better.

I also saw some nice glass paints on CnC, since I had my ten pound voucher I decided to put it to good use.

This is a piece I've been working on for the last week.  The design took a while,  then of course I had to wait for the lead to come.    The tricky bit was using the relief paste for the bird, but to my surprise it went without a hitch.   I'd kept on telling myself that the more I practised the better the work would be.  Of course we never believe that, we just want to 'do it'.  I was like that with stamping, when I first started I either over-inked or under inked, pressed down too much, or not enough.  Although I also think that stamps have got better in quality, which always helps.   I also noticed that Sheena, who loves pebeo paints, prefers the Cerne relief paste.   I hope at some point she does some glass painting as then she will bring out some amazing kits.

The leading took pretty much all day,  with all the smoothing and cutting it can be quite fiddly.   I'm thinking of adding a cross behind the bird,  or some scenery.

Still no sign of an end to the PIP claim saga.  I looked around a few forums to see if there were any useful addresses and I found one, the head of customer services at ATOS.  So I emailed him,  I wasn't expecting to hear from him until next week, but to my suprise he got back to me, and for the first time someone has actually apologised!   There is still all the waffle about bringing in a new benefit etc,  the truth is that ATOS have no guidlines, as the DWP haven't provided any.  They keep moving the goal posts as too many are qualifying for the benefit.  In the meantime people are suffering,  even the terminally ill, who should be fast tracked, are being forced to wait.  Meanwhile back at the ranch Iain Duncan Smith has his head stuck in the sand and is refusing to bring it out.   I once had a sliver of respect for IDS,  but no longer,  he is a spineless piece of jelly who has realised that all his theories and 'good ideas' are impossible to put into action.  So instead the public is fed a load of propoganda, told that thousands are better off on benefits, the truth is very few are,  fraud is also minimal,  there are actually very few benefit tourists.    I don't agree with someone continuing to have children while on benefits,  pay child benefit for the first two children only, that is how it used to be.  And do you know why we have child benefit?  It was brought in to help women,  often women had no money to feed their children,  some men kept all of their earnings,  so the government of the day decided to introduce child benefit payable only to the mother so she would have some money, there were restrictions.   And what of the poppy seller who had his benefits stopped for not seeking work, well technically the department was correct, except the poppy seller should have said that although he was selling poppies he was continuing to seek work.  Yes I'm back on my soap box because it seems no-one gives a damn,  the public are swallowing the propoganda,  I found myself countering everyone of a friend's misconceptions about benefits.   Could you manage on less than £80 pw?  Think about it, you may get your rent paid, but you have to pay for everything else, electric, gas, food, water,  don't expect a feast from the food bank, it is the basics, and you have to show you are in need of help.  Many people get caught up in the system, their benefits stopped for no good reason,  someone has input the wrong information.  That happened to me when I claimed HB,  some twit assessed me as having over £200 pw in income, I wish!

Off soap box....  back to glass painting tomorrow, well after the shopping I put off doing today - yuck.

Have a good weekend.

Yesterday I got myself into a right old tizz.  I was meant to meet a friend for coffee, only she was a no show.   Felt like it was the last straw to a bad few days.  Managed to resist going straight home,  drove around and ended up at a garden centre which usually has a fantastic Christmas display, but it was all rather tired looking this year.   I spotted a white bisque owl,  which lit up,  so bought it as a little treat for myself.  Got home, thumped a few things,  had a rant, and a cry, then I made this picture.  I was amazed I did it, as for the last few days the crafting has been awful, nothing has gone right.  I wasn't that sure about doing this, as it meant a steady hand, but I got there.  

I mixed the paints this time,  just to lighten them. I was really pleased with it.   Felt it still needed some finishing off, but had no more lead.

Then today the postie brought me a little parcel, it was the lead I'd bought off ebay.  A little wider that what I'd been using, but just as flexible.  So I decided to give the flower a frame, even managing to mitre the corners!   I took it with me to art therapy,  everyone liked it.   Sadly there were only four of us today,  and two were leaving as it was their last session.  I felt really sorry for one lady,  you could tell she really didn't want to leave.  The tutors had made her a lovely card, and had got everyone to sign it, even us newbies.   I know she is going to some of the other groups,  so I hope she draws comfort from that.   I also learned that for our next project we'll be doing some silk painting - wow!    And making an aromatherapy cushion,  I can't wait to get going. 

My mood was much better today,  helped by lots of good wishes from friends, and a lovely phone call from my cousin.  And there I was feeling very unloved yesterday!     The friend who should have met me for coffee had a problem with her car,  she'd also lost my landline number, and my mobile has died.  She had sent me an email but I hadn't switched on the PC, so it was a case of confusion all round.  But things happen for a reason, and I believe I was being told to reach out.

I finished most of the painting on the mandala,  I brought it home to finish it off.   I think it needs a bit more lead work on it.   Did have a chat about the relief paste, the tutor said that they do vary in quality,  and not to go for the cheap stuff.  I'm sticking with the Cern or marabu.  Still got my party to look forward to next week, and a newsletter to read, and lots of things to sign up to if I wish.

Thanks for stopping by to read my witterings,  it is much appreciated.

Boxing clever?

Today I decided to get on with box making.  That was after the housework,  well you can't ignore it forever!   My wrist wished I had, because after a bit of dusting it was so painful I had to stop and take some anti inflammatories.  Wonder which bit of me will start to ache next?

I also had a bit of a tidy up of the craft space...  I was down to a corner so thought perhaps I should put away the stuff I wasn't using.    So with the space cleared, a ruler unearthed, had been wondering were it had gone!  It was time to decorate the boxes, and make a couple of lids.   Yep I guess I could have done some stamping before putting the boxes together, but I have dies so why not use them?

As with this one, it had to have a greeting, so one tag, and a stamp.

On the other three sides is this nifty little number,  just a big and little die,  mirri and glitter card.  What could be easier?   Box lid is made of gold mirri,  and them embossed, to give it a luxury look, topped off by a poinsetta.   Oh almost forgot the bit of ribbon at the bottom,  some that I had left from last year. 

I don't buy any Christmas stash, no honest I don't.  I bought quite a bit when I started crafting, and now I find I've got quite enough.  I opted to buy classic stamps, trees, wreathes etc,  and stick to gold, red, green,  white and blue.  I have indulged in the odd kit now and then, but for the most part I go with white card, with a topper, keep it simple I says.   Last year I made mum an all white card,  with a white poinsetta, she really liked it.  I've not yet made one card, not a single one,  this year I've bought some.   But I refuse to buy boxes as they are usually overpriced, also if you make your own you can tailor it to the gift.

This is the last box, it contains the wooden box I decorated.  The lid is made from a piece of kanban patterned mirri, which I bought yonks ago from QVC.   I used the same dies, well the big die and the middle die for the decoration. 

Who needs a box maker, I used my ruler,  glass cutting mat and my paper trimmer, which comes with a scorer.   I'm only saying that cos I was watching a bit of CnC this morning and they were flogging box maker gizmo. 

I had been wondering what had happened to Dawn Bibby, one minute she was on screen then she seemed to disappear for ages.  I have discovered that she has two slipped discs,  one is bad enough,  they do calm down after a few weeks, but boy are they agony when they first slip.   I was thinking that one of the contestants in SCD also had a bulging disc,  mmm,  must of cleared up as she won the lindy hop marathon, being flung round in all directions.   I was glad that Susanna made it through,  I think the audience are identifying with Susanna,  she tries very hard and is very good, unlike the others she is working, and has 3 boys to look after.    I can't warm to Natalie, she is very good, maybe too good,  but I don't feel any passion from her.     It is odd to be watching it without mum,  she really enjoyed it, though I'd have to make sure she stayed awake. 

It's been a sad day, I don't know why, just felt really fed up.    I am sick of being kept waiting on the PIP claim,  and yet there is nothing in the news about the delays or huge backlog.  There are message boards full of people complaining about how long they have been waiting.   ATOS seem to think they have all the time in the world to process these claims.    I wonder how MPs would react if it took 8 months for their expenses to be processed?   And I am sorry, but I am now tired of the whole Mandela thing, our parliament spent a whole day to allow MPs to reminisce.  I think Mandela would have preferred that they got on with their usual business. 

Best get off my soap box, and need to make a Christmas card list.

Battling on

I am continuing my battle to master glass painting!  Yesterday I went to The Range to get some self adhesive lead strip,  sadly they didn't have the roll, only the strips.     It was an interesting drive along the coast road,  saw the detrius from Thursday's storm,  there was a very high tide, so lots of seaweed dumped on the road.

On returning home I painted one of the glass outlines,  was sort of happy with it.   This morning I looked at it and thought: yuck.  So stripped it all off and began again.  I used only the outliner, this time I used the lead strips,  I think it makes it look more impressive.   So happy with that I sat and thought about applying the paint,  I'd been flood filling the spaces, but I realised I'd over done it. I guess less is more.

I'm much happier with this one, but no idea of why the purple is acting like it is, as the other colours seem to spread evenly.  I'm leaving it as it is, I was tempted to fill the whole thing, but actually like the lead being left plain. 

I'm currently designing another picture,  and a head full of too many ideas.  

I had to really search to get the Cern outliner, ebay sellers were being far too cheeky with their postage,  luckily I found what I wanted on... guess were, yep Amazon!   And with free postage, the outliner was a bit more expensive, but it is on its way to me. I tried to use the outliner I got from ebay, it is just way to runny and impossible to use.   I'm not blaming the seller, the tubes were in a sealed pack, but I won't ever be using it again! 

Such sad news about Nelson Mandela,  yet was it really necessary to keep broadcasting for several hours non stop?  Both the BBC and Sky went OTT with their coverage.  Of course it had to be the lead story, but at the same time there was a major storm happening, people losing their houses and no mention of it on either news channel.   Mandela was a great man, but also a human being, he would be the first to say he was no saint,   he acheived a peaceful transition from apartheid to racial harmony.  Yet poverty is still rife in South Africa, the gap between rich and poor is wider than ever,  people are still living in tin shacks,  they are still being shot in cold blood... it still has a long way to go and needs to find the person who can fill Mandela's shoes, and Zuma isn't that man.

The Christmas cards are starting to fall on the mat,  I'm dreading getting those that don't know about mum.  Must get my act together and start sending some out.   No idea what will appear here tomorrow,  I really have to make a couple of cards and finish off a box, so guess they are top of my list.  Oh had a sneak peak at the Christmas telly, the usual dire stuff,   films galore,  a few gems,  but not many.   When will the planners learn to not mess about too much?   Daytime TV is often better than the evening stuff, but what happens every bank holiday, all the programmes are taken off - why? Think I'll stick with True Entertainment for the day, or Youtube.

All for now, thanks for stopping by.

Art Therapy

Well it was, as forecast, howling a gale today, lots of rain, sleet, hailstones, flooding in some parts.  I watched a few wheelie bins go flying past at one point.  The most hilarious moment was when I caught sight of our street cleaner, I watched him struggle to pick up a small piece of litter, while all around him there was paper, cardboard etc, he placed the piece he'd picked up in his bin and then walked off... leaving the rest of the mess behind him.    I wished I'd been able to film it as it would have been a hit on Youtube!   Two ariels are currently precariously dangling from their wires on house opposite, wondering when they'll come crashing down!  Also, we were all warned, so why do drivers in high sided vehicles still venture out?  One poor man lost his life, they should be banned in conditions like this,  then perhaps tragedies could be avoided.

I was also at my Art Therapy class, only three of us made it,  one chap was moving house today, but not sure what happened to the others,  just hope they were safe.   I got on with my mandala, and this time I remembered to take my camera.  I finished off the outlining, and made a note of which outliner I was using (cos it is just lovely) and it is Cern, so that is what I am sticking to!    See pic above for the Mandala,  I used the lead liner for the outer and inner circles, it is really easy to use.  The paints were water based, another point I made note of, as it means not messing with brush cleaner.  It also seemed to give a better finish.   We had to finish a little earlier as one of the tutors had to get away handy, otherwise I would have managed more painting.  

It was all so relaxing, had a good natter with the tutors.  I showed them some of my work via the digi camera,  they love the thought of gilding flakes and mica powders.  We also had a chat about mandalas,   I've got a work book on them which I bought last year, the aim being to work my way through it.  However it proved impossible with caring for mum,  it meant meditating, and I could hardly do that when mum might need me at any moment.   So that is on my to do list for next year, or Vision Board, as one of my friends calls her resolutions.   I think I may make my own, and see how many goals I achieve.

Also had some success with ATOS.   I was so angry last Friday that I sent off an email, and to be honest I didn't expect much from them.  But to their credit they did apologise, sort of,   and explained that it is the government who has asked for the audits to be done, hence all the delay.  They have though asked for my case to be fast forwarded,  I think they were also agreeing (tho they didn't admit it) that waiting 8 months is far too long.  I sent them a reply to say thank you, and also suggesting tha if they kept people informed then perhaps we wouldn't be so stressed.   It really annoys me when, say you are on a train, and suddenly it stops, nothing is said, you just sit and wait, and wait...  and all you want is for someone to tell you what is going on, and perhaps offer free tea and coffee.    I've found if you tell folk what is going on then they are generally well behaved and patient.   Anyway I hope to see an end to the PIP saga sometime soon, now would be preferable as my gas/electric bill arrived, though it wasn't too bad.

So I am off on a hunt for cern outliner tomorrow.  I could get it from ebay,  though would you believe some of the sellers want nearly £4 in postage,  for a 25ml tube of outliner!   I know postal charges have gone up, but even so, £4! 

Stay safe tonight... thanks for stopping by

Not a good day

A painful day today. I got down the Christmas decorations.   I was confined to the flat as I was waiting for a parcel to be delivered for a neighbour.   I put the tree up, put the lights on and then the tears started. My heart really wasn't in it, but I don't want to avoid Christmas, and I know mum wouldn't want me to. So I ploughed on,  the tree looks nice, just put a few more decs out,  and then called it a day.   Funny how grief grabs you,  sometimes it is with warm memories and you feel happy, at others it is the sad stuff.

I finished off this little glass tree,  I painted it yesterday, just had enough outliner to do it. I put some little gems on,  now I'll hang it on the tree.  Mum had bought some really pretty glass ornaments a few years ago, made sure they are on the tree.

Next project was making a box to fit a small pillar candle.  I looked for a template, then abandoned that idea and started measuring!  To my astonishment I did it!   Well after I'd remembered where I'd put my 12x12 cardstock, and a bit of fiddling with the measurements.  I made a separate lid, which I'll take a pic of tomorrow, damn these dark nights!   But the box fits the candle perfectly.

Here is the candle.  I got the idea from one of those little magazines that are stuffed into the Saturday supplements. I still had some decal paper from the wedding stuff,  so all it took was some printing.  I've also made one for mum, and another for my niece with 'Granny' on it.  When I saw the candles in the catalogue I just thought it was a nice idea.

I've made all my ATC's for the swap, but they'll be going with some ready made cards.  A rather sinful thing to do for a crafter, but who cares.   My heart isn't really into making Christmas things this year. 

I'd also been wondering where my advent candle was,  so I checked the order to see when it had been sent and... doh, guess who forgot to 'check out'?  Yep!    Just about sums up my state of mind right now,  scattered is probably a good description.

I was also hoping that the glass outliner would arrive today, the chap sent it first class on Monday, from Manchester, but no sign of it today.  Hopefully it will fall through the letter box tomorrow.   I also had a nice surprise tonight,  my friend has got us tickets to a Christmas party,  it is a Kim Wilde gig in London, but at a small venue.   I felt a bit awful for not sounding terribly enthusiastic, so I explained what I'd been doing today and all was understood.   This is not going to be a great month.

Nice way to spend an afternoon

Well yesterday I stocked up on some glass paints and brushes.  I'd spotted a 25% off voucher for Hobbycraft, so with voucher in hand I hot-footed it to the shop.  I got four paints, blue, purple, turquoise, green,  oops five, and white, plus a relief outliner,  plus brushes. 

My first discovery was what a difference using the better relief outliner made,  it went on so much easier.    I chose a simple design,  didn't want anything too complex.  It was so hard to choose as there are hundreds out there!   I've picked out a few others for later projects, but I still intend to make my own.   I found an A5 piece of glass, which I thought would do nicely for my first attempt.  I spent yesterday afternoon getting the hang of the relief outliner, and came back to the project today. 

The outliner took about 20 or so minutes to be dry enough to start the painting. I'd checked on Youtube to see how to apply the paint, and was glad I'd got the proper brushes.  Part way through flood filling the first bit I realised my craft table has a slope...  not good for this sort of work.  So I moved it over to my computer desk.   I really got lost in the whole thing,  it was very relaxing.    I can say with total honesty this is one craft that has me hooked.  I love painting,  and I love glass, so here I have the perfect combo.   The paint is almost dry and I can't wait to see it in the daylight. 

I have ordered more relief outliner, but from ebay,  found a chap selling 3 tubes for the price of one.  I've also sourced some self adhesive lead strip,  which is also cheaper than on the craft sites. 


I've got another project to do,  just need the outliner, which won't be here till Tuesday.   The second project is a present for a friend,  Xmas present, apart from one gift all the rest have been handmade.  I've only got one more bracelet to make.  I hope to make more at some point, when I've got some money.

I've got stuff to do, like made some ATCs and a few cards, so I can get on with them tomorrow.  On Tuesday it will be back to the glass painting.   I guess I'd also better think about the Christmas decs.  A few people round here have had them up for weeks, which I think is just ridiculous.  The staff in the corner shop have protested at having to listen to Christmas music, so have the customers, so a happy medium has been reached. 

That's all for now.  I've just seen the forecast for this week, best get out the winter woollies as it will be freezing at the end of the week!   Stay warm