HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know I have been a horrible blogger in the past three months since I started my new job. I do miss you all a great deal, and wish I could spend hours every day like I used to, visiting blogs and being inspired so much by your beautiful artwork and stories that made me smile and sad sometimes, too.

Just wanted to come here in the last hour of 2008 to wish you all the happiest 2009. Times are hard for many people right now, but I hope that in the midst of whatever you are facing, that you remember to treasure whatever small miracles there may also be amongst the ashes. I have had some very difficult times myself in the past seven years, so I know something about it, and all I would say if you are also going through tough times is please try, try, TRY to be as positive as you can. It really does help.

My miracle came when I stopped looking down at the mess I was in and being angry, stopped looking at what I didn't have, and started instead to look up and realise that I still had so much and started thanking God for it. I know it sounds really cheesy, but that really was the break point. Whatever you make of it, I believe that something was released... broken.. call it what you will, and blessing was allowed to come in. I had a new job within two weeks.

So, anyway.. a bit preachy, I know, but y'know what? I'm not sorry. If it helps one person, it was worth the mockery of others.

Once again, I wish you ALL a very happy 2009. Keep looking up.

God bless..

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing you all a very merry and blessed Christmas!

A Belated TOOT!!

This is for my mega, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, "I'm not worthy" talented Funky Hand DT mate, Kath Stewart, who has only gone and won the Cardmaker of the Year 2008 comp in the Simply Cards & Papercraft magazine!!! Yaaaayyyyy!! You go, girl!

I can't imagine that anyone in crafty blogland won't have heard of Kath or visited her blog, but - just in case - you'll find a treasure trove of wonder HERE.

Congratulations again, Kath. :o)

Hugs,
Chris xx

Funky Birthday...

Bet you'd all thought I'd dropped off the planet! Nope, still here. This is my birthday card for my lovely Funky Hand DT-mate, Jozza, whose birthday is today! Happy Birthday, matey!! Hope the card arrived on time. Check her blog. She is a super-talented and well-published cardmaker.. You may recognise her work from the Crafts Beautiful magazine.

The paper I've used is from the wonderful new 'Funky Daze' CD-rom from Funky Hand. Fab!

New Blog... I mean, 'FLOG'!! ;o)

Like most people these days, I need to supplement my income a bit, so I have decided to start a slow clearout of - well, just about everything, lol - from jewellery, clothing and surplus craft supplies, to more obscure items, like some of my dad's old RAF uniform and mess kit, to some bits of old mechano! That's pretty obscure, wouldn't you say? ;o)

So... I have started what I am calling a 'Flog'... Craftling's Flog. HERE.

I have started this evening with some items of diamanté jewellery.

Tip Top Toppers' Blog Candy!

Hi, all.. Just to spice things up a bit around here, wanted to draw your attention to some fab blog candy up for grabs on my Funky Hand DT mate, Ruth's blog HERE. She is celebrating 5,000 visitors, and wants you to share your proudest crafty moment with her. Some lovely things on show.. Go see!! :o)