Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. You know you're getting enough sleep if you don't feel sleepy during the day. The amount of sleep you need stays about the same throughout adulthood. However, sleep patterns may change with age. For example, older people may sleep less at night and take naps during the day.
Here are some things you can do to help you sleep better:
* Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, even if you didn't get enough sleep. This will help train your body to sleep at night.
* Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing every night before going to sleep. For example, take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you'll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy.
* Use the bedroom only for sleeping or having sex. Don't eat, talk on the phone or watch TV while you're in bed.
* Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. If noise is a problem, use a fan to mask the noise or use ear plugs. If you must sleep during the day, hang dark blinds over the windows or wear an eye mask.
* If you're still awake after trying to fall asleep for 30 minutes, get up and go to another room. Sit quietly for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. Do this as many times as you need to until you can fall asleep.
Tips to help you sleep
* Avoid or limit your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco.
* Exercise more often, but don't exercise within a few hours before going to bed.
* Learn to reduce or manage the stress in your life.
* Don't lie in bed worrying about things. Set aside another time just for worrying. For example, spend 30 minutes after dinner writing down what's worrying you and what you can do about it.
* Try eating a light snack before going to bed, but don't eat too much right before bedtime. A glass of warm milk or some cheese and crackers may be all you need.
* Don't nap during the day if naps seem to make your insomnia worse.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Inspiration {Y} - Yearbook
I am so sorry for being late with this post. Inspiration just did not strike on time! With the lack of inspiration and preparing for Christmas, it was not a good recipe for me being timely.
What could the letter Y inspire you to do? What word starts with the letter Y?
Year The period of time; the Calendar Year, containing 365 days or in a leap year 366 days. It is divided into 12 calendar months and reckoned to be from 1st January to 31st December.
Why not think about making a Yearbook for 2008? It would only have to consist of 12 pages after all or have as many pages as you wanted to fill. For each month you could take one or more photographs that signify what that month means to you. It could be your birthday, Valentine's Day, a special Anniversary, a holiday, something happening in the lives of your children or something as simple as a walk in the park with the dog.
It doesn't have to be a 12"x12" scrapbook, you could choose the other popular sizes of 8"x8", 6"x6" or 8.5"x11".
You could use a simple, wire bound notebook which you could decorate the covers of, as long as you didn't make the contents too thick so as not to close properly. This would give you loads of space for journalling your thoughts too.
Why not set yourself the challenge in 2008 to make yourself a Yearbook? It would certainly be a lovely reminder to look back on. Imagine making one each year as a wonderful reminder of your children's developments as they grow up. How treasured would those books become? By documenting with pictures and words, no memory will fade away, they will always be there to look back on and remember times past; good or bad.
If you make yourself a Yearbook, then why not share it with us at Bubbly Funk? We would love to see it.
What could the letter Y inspire you to do? What word starts with the letter Y?
Year The period of time; the Calendar Year, containing 365 days or in a leap year 366 days. It is divided into 12 calendar months and reckoned to be from 1st January to 31st December.
Why not think about making a Yearbook for 2008? It would only have to consist of 12 pages after all or have as many pages as you wanted to fill. For each month you could take one or more photographs that signify what that month means to you. It could be your birthday, Valentine's Day, a special Anniversary, a holiday, something happening in the lives of your children or something as simple as a walk in the park with the dog.
It doesn't have to be a 12"x12" scrapbook, you could choose the other popular sizes of 8"x8", 6"x6" or 8.5"x11".
You could use a simple, wire bound notebook which you could decorate the covers of, as long as you didn't make the contents too thick so as not to close properly. This would give you loads of space for journalling your thoughts too.
Why not set yourself the challenge in 2008 to make yourself a Yearbook? It would certainly be a lovely reminder to look back on. Imagine making one each year as a wonderful reminder of your children's developments as they grow up. How treasured would those books become? By documenting with pictures and words, no memory will fade away, they will always be there to look back on and remember times past; good or bad.
If you make yourself a Yearbook, then why not share it with us at Bubbly Funk? We would love to see it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas {Y} - Yule
Yule is a winter festival associated with the winter solstice historically and primarily celebrated in northern Europe, however Yule is currently celebrated in various forms in many countries around the world. Yule celebrations often coincide with Christmas. Modern Yule traditions include decorating a fir or spruce tree, burning a Yule log, the hanging of mistletoe and holly, giving gifts, and general celebration.
There is a custom that on Christmas Eve an enormous log of freshly cut wood called the Yule log would be fetched and carried to the house with great ceremony. On Christmas Eve, the master of the house would place it on the hearth, make libations by sprinkling the trunk with oil, salt and mulled wine and say suitable prayers. In some families, the young girls of the house lit the log with splinters from the preceding year which they had carefully tucked away. In other families, the mother had this privilege. It was said that the cinders of this log could protect the house from lightning and the malevolent powers of the devil. Choices about the variety of wood, the way in which it was lit and the length of time it took to burn constituted a genuine ritual which could vary from region to region.
Another take on the Yule log is a desert which can easily be made from a Swiss Roll cake, decorated with chocolate butter icing. Using a fork you can make 'knots' and 'bark' patterns in the surface of the icing. Sprinkle the finished cake with a little icing sugar to simulate snow.
When I was a child, my mum and I used to make a Yule log this way. She used to have some little plastic holly leaves and robins that she would decorate it with too. This is a very easy project to undertake in the kitchen with children.
There is a custom that on Christmas Eve an enormous log of freshly cut wood called the Yule log would be fetched and carried to the house with great ceremony. On Christmas Eve, the master of the house would place it on the hearth, make libations by sprinkling the trunk with oil, salt and mulled wine and say suitable prayers. In some families, the young girls of the house lit the log with splinters from the preceding year which they had carefully tucked away. In other families, the mother had this privilege. It was said that the cinders of this log could protect the house from lightning and the malevolent powers of the devil. Choices about the variety of wood, the way in which it was lit and the length of time it took to burn constituted a genuine ritual which could vary from region to region.
Another take on the Yule log is a desert which can easily be made from a Swiss Roll cake, decorated with chocolate butter icing. Using a fork you can make 'knots' and 'bark' patterns in the surface of the icing. Sprinkle the finished cake with a little icing sugar to simulate snow.
When I was a child, my mum and I used to make a Yule log this way. She used to have some little plastic holly leaves and robins that she would decorate it with too. This is a very easy project to undertake in the kitchen with children.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Inspiration {X} = eXciting
Well, its 1st December and the countdown to another Christmas really beings in earnest now.
December is such a busy month for most of us and if you are an avid crafter you will want to make some of your gifts. For a shot of inspiration take a look at the Bubbly Funk Forum where last weekend we had a CyberCrop and there are some fantastic classes available for downloading which will help your Christmas crafty mojo!
Also, the Guest Designer for December, Tracie Hudson, made some fantastic projects with a Christmas theme so go and take a look at the Articles on the Bubbly Funk Shop to get some more ideas........
The eXcitement of Christmas has begun........
December is such a busy month for most of us and if you are an avid crafter you will want to make some of your gifts. For a shot of inspiration take a look at the Bubbly Funk Forum where last weekend we had a CyberCrop and there are some fantastic classes available for downloading which will help your Christmas crafty mojo!
Also, the Guest Designer for December, Tracie Hudson, made some fantastic projects with a Christmas theme so go and take a look at the Articles on the Bubbly Funk Shop to get some more ideas........
The eXcitement of Christmas has begun........
Monday, November 26, 2007
Christmas {X} Page
For my X page I have done Xmas Stockings. I've introduced another way to hide a tag or journalling.
In this case I have added a photo but I will probably add a little bit of secret journalling too.
In this case I have added a photo but I will probably add a little bit of secret journalling too.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Inspiration {W}
For the Inspiration {W} I've chosen to do Watercolour pencils. I find them so versatile and in the right hands (not mine of course!) the results can be fantastic!!!
You don't have to spend a fortune on buying them, one set of mine came from WH Smith. You need a few brushes of different thicknesses - I have three; fine, medium and broad. I tend to use waterbrushes (the type that has a water chamber for the handle) but often use them simply with a pot of water. I say a pot but I keep two by my side; one for wetting the brush and the other for cleaning, that way you don't get any interference of colours.
Remember that water and paper/card does not normally mix too well, so remember to be sparing with the amount of water that you apply. You can always add a little more to blend your colours but you can't take it away very easily and still achieve a nice finish.
You can watercolour stamped images, backgrounds or even peel offs if you wanted to. I'm going to show you a few photos of how I've coloured in some stamped images. I've used Stazon ink as it's quick drying and not water based so won't run into your pattern.
Using your lightest colour first, colour in your image, gradually changing pencils and colours until your image is complete and the darker colours provide your shadows. You don't have to make sure that you colour every little bit of your paper as that's what the water will do for you.
Once you're happy with your colouring, wet your brush with CLEAN water and wipe against the edge of the water pot to remove most of the water from it. Starting with the lightest colour, gradually move the brush around the pencilled area until it's covered. I then move to the shaded area I'm working in as it normally contains colours that I need to blend together and the brush doesn't have to be cleaned. Colour the darkest area first, gradually moving the brush into the lighter area to blend the two colours. Remember not to make an obvious line but to keep the movement 'fluid' between the areas.
If you're then transferring to a different area and colour, remember to clean your brush. Repeat the above process until your image is complete, then allow to dry thoroughly.
You can use Twinkling H2O paints much the same way. As these are a cake of paint, I find you need to add quite a lot of water to start off with and let them stand for a few seconds to soften the surface. The more water used on H20's the more translucent the image, the less water the darker and more intense the colour.
You don't have to spend a fortune on buying them, one set of mine came from WH Smith. You need a few brushes of different thicknesses - I have three; fine, medium and broad. I tend to use waterbrushes (the type that has a water chamber for the handle) but often use them simply with a pot of water. I say a pot but I keep two by my side; one for wetting the brush and the other for cleaning, that way you don't get any interference of colours.
Remember that water and paper/card does not normally mix too well, so remember to be sparing with the amount of water that you apply. You can always add a little more to blend your colours but you can't take it away very easily and still achieve a nice finish.
You can watercolour stamped images, backgrounds or even peel offs if you wanted to. I'm going to show you a few photos of how I've coloured in some stamped images. I've used Stazon ink as it's quick drying and not water based so won't run into your pattern.
Using your lightest colour first, colour in your image, gradually changing pencils and colours until your image is complete and the darker colours provide your shadows. You don't have to make sure that you colour every little bit of your paper as that's what the water will do for you.
Once you're happy with your colouring, wet your brush with CLEAN water and wipe against the edge of the water pot to remove most of the water from it. Starting with the lightest colour, gradually move the brush around the pencilled area until it's covered. I then move to the shaded area I'm working in as it normally contains colours that I need to blend together and the brush doesn't have to be cleaned. Colour the darkest area first, gradually moving the brush into the lighter area to blend the two colours. Remember not to make an obvious line but to keep the movement 'fluid' between the areas.
If you're then transferring to a different area and colour, remember to clean your brush. Repeat the above process until your image is complete, then allow to dry thoroughly.
You can use Twinkling H2O paints much the same way. As these are a cake of paint, I find you need to add quite a lot of water to start off with and let them stand for a few seconds to soften the surface. The more water used on H20's the more translucent the image, the less water the darker and more intense the colour.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Christmas {W}
Winter is my favourite season and it just so happens that it has Christmas and New year in it! 
I have used a pattered paper and made 2 pockets with 2 extra pieces cut at different hieghts. Using my sewing machine I fixed the W onto the first pocket front before sewing on both pockets. The lettering was stamped on and I added some bling to the W.
I added winter photos and journalling to 2 pieces of card and inked the edges with white. Doodling was done using stencils.
I have used a pattered paper and made 2 pockets with 2 extra pieces cut at different hieghts. Using my sewing machine I fixed the W onto the first pocket front before sewing on both pockets. The lettering was stamped on and I added some bling to the W.
I added winter photos and journalling to 2 pieces of card and inked the edges with white. Doodling was done using stencils.
Inspiration {V}
I have chosen vellum for {V}.
Vellum is a versatile paper product that has a transparent/ translucent quality that makes it ideal for papercrafts. There are many different qualities/ thicknesses and finishes to vellum.
I tend to use a variety of white vellums,
although there are also choices of coloured
and pre-printed versions
Ways in which vellums are mostly used are;
for parchment craft
dry embossing
overlaying
wraparounds on cards
and also card inserts.
Here are a few examples of how I use vellum;
Embossing
And overlaying.
We would love you to share any of your ideas with us!
Vellum is a versatile paper product that has a transparent/ translucent quality that makes it ideal for papercrafts. There are many different qualities/ thicknesses and finishes to vellum.
I tend to use a variety of white vellums,
although there are also choices of coloured
and pre-printed versions
Ways in which vellums are mostly used are;
for parchment craft
dry embossing
overlaying
wraparounds on cards
and also card inserts.
Here are a few examples of how I use vellum;
Embossing
And overlaying.We would love you to share any of your ideas with us!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Christmas {V}
For my Christmas V I have used the word Victorian.
I wanted to include some facts about how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times so I made a simple layout and used pockets and mini books.
The finished pages look like this:
And here is the slide show. Hold the mouse over the pictures for instructions.
I wanted to include some facts about how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times so I made a simple layout and used pockets and mini books.
The finished pages look like this:
And here is the slide show. Hold the mouse over the pictures for instructions.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Inspiration {U} - UTEE
For {U} I've chosen UTEE or, to give it it's full name, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel.
This is such a versatile product to use, and it's not fussy what you use it on.... chipboard, metal brads and other objects.
To use it you'll need to have a heat embossing gun and an inkpad like a Versamark or other pad that stays sticky for a while. I use a cheap non-stick baking tray to put my item into to heat up my powders so that the end product doesn't stick to it. You use it pretty much the same way as you would embossing powder but it's a bit thicker and can provide the most wonderfully thick, glossy finish.
I've added a few photos to show you how it can be used.
I die cut a flower from some chipboard and painted it with gold acrylic paint. I then inked it and coated it in UTEE before melting the first layer. You can (if you're quick) pour some more UTEE on top of that layer, but as I've been burnt in the past by picking it up (and it is VERY hot!) I let it cool for a few seconds before re-inking and coating it again. The first layer tends to give an 'orange peel' kind of texture, becoming smoother the more layers you add. I find that 3 layers are adequate for a smooth, glossy finish.
On this one, I added some beads between the second and the final layer for a bit of colour and added texture.
This is simply a brad which has been triple embossed with UTEE to give a raised 'wet' look to it. Mind your fingers when heating metal - use long nosed tweezers.
It would be lovely for you to show us what you have made with UTEE. Why not post them over on the gallery {here}
This is such a versatile product to use, and it's not fussy what you use it on.... chipboard, metal brads and other objects.
To use it you'll need to have a heat embossing gun and an inkpad like a Versamark or other pad that stays sticky for a while. I use a cheap non-stick baking tray to put my item into to heat up my powders so that the end product doesn't stick to it. You use it pretty much the same way as you would embossing powder but it's a bit thicker and can provide the most wonderfully thick, glossy finish.
I've added a few photos to show you how it can be used.
I die cut a flower from some chipboard and painted it with gold acrylic paint. I then inked it and coated it in UTEE before melting the first layer. You can (if you're quick) pour some more UTEE on top of that layer, but as I've been burnt in the past by picking it up (and it is VERY hot!) I let it cool for a few seconds before re-inking and coating it again. The first layer tends to give an 'orange peel' kind of texture, becoming smoother the more layers you add. I find that 3 layers are adequate for a smooth, glossy finish.
On this one, I added some beads between the second and the final layer for a bit of colour and added texture.
This is simply a brad which has been triple embossed with UTEE to give a raised 'wet' look to it. Mind your fingers when heating metal - use long nosed tweezers.
It would be lovely for you to show us what you have made with UTEE. Why not post them over on the gallery {here}
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Christmas {U}
For the letter {U} I have had some fun by making a waterfall page about when Santa got stuck Up the chimney!
I love this song and have so much fun singing it with the children at work Instructions to make a waterfall card/ page are on this link HERE
I love this song and have so much fun singing it with the children at work Instructions to make a waterfall card/ page are on this link HERE
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Inspiration {T}
For Inspiration T I was going to do a bit about Templates and how to use them.
Instead though I am going to provide you with a link which says it all really. It shows how templates can be used and with a little creative imagination they can be an invaluable asset to your craft stash....
Click {here} .........
Instead though I am going to provide you with a link which says it all really. It shows how templates can be used and with a little creative imagination they can be an invaluable asset to your craft stash....
Click {here} .........
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday 23rd September {Christmas T}
For my Christmas T page I have chosen Trees and Tags. Another idea for T is also Tinsel.
I made some tags last year but didn't use them for gifts, too mean to give them away I guess. So I decided it would be nice to incorporate them in the journal. I also like the picture of my Christmas Tree in the conservatory and the colours went well with the page.
Here is the finished outer and inner views of the page:
I made some tags last year but didn't use them for gifts, too mean to give them away I guess. So I decided it would be nice to incorporate them in the journal. I also like the picture of my Christmas Tree in the conservatory and the colours went well with the page.
Here is the finished outer and inner views of the page:
Sunday, September 16, 2007
{S} = Sewing onto Paper
I love sewing into paper. Its so easy and fun!!
You can hand sew or machine sew. If you want to try it by hand just lightly pencil in the area that you want to sew, prick holes with a needle a certain distance apart and then sew. Backstitch is easiest although you can go for the messy look and miss stitches here and there.
Preparing in advance is the key for hand sewing.
Machine sewing onto paper is my favourite though........its much the same as sewing with fabric. Make sure you keep a needle just for sewing with paper. Don't try and use it with fabric because it probably won't be as sharp and work so well with the two mediums, so keep the paper one separate.
Always ensure your bobbin has enough thread to finish the job. If your bobbin runs out of thread half way through and you carry on sewing not realising, you will then have empty holes that you will have to try and re-stitch over. Easier said than done.
I know when sewing with fabric at the end you double stitch over and over to ensure it doesn't unravel, well don't do this with paper - it will look messy! Just finish the stitching, turn to the wrong side and pull the end of the thread through, tie into a knot and then I always cover the knot with sellotape just to make sure it doesn't come undone. Obviously you want to sew where the reverse isn't going to be seen, although if it is just ensure a neater finish.
Ideas:
- you can sew together different pieces of cardstock/paper to create a mosaic effect.
- its a good way to attach another layer - gives an extra dimension and makes it more secure
- stitch around lettering
- a good way to secure vellum as glue will show through
- attach a pocket to hold journalling
- straight stitch or zigzag for effect
You can do so much with stitches on paper. You can do a perfectly straight line - always a good idea to lightly draw a line with pencil first though unless you are mega sure of your sewing skills! Or go for a deliberately wobbly line - this is one of my favourites as it doesn't matter how wobbly you go as its obvious it was meant that way!
I sew onto paper so much now that to me a project doesn't look finished until I have sewn, even if its just around the edge to create a frame. Give it a go - once you start there is no going back though!! My sewing machine lives permanently under my desk now so I have easy access just to lift it up onto my desk ready for the next project!
You can hand sew or machine sew. If you want to try it by hand just lightly pencil in the area that you want to sew, prick holes with a needle a certain distance apart and then sew. Backstitch is easiest although you can go for the messy look and miss stitches here and there.
Preparing in advance is the key for hand sewing.
Machine sewing onto paper is my favourite though........its much the same as sewing with fabric. Make sure you keep a needle just for sewing with paper. Don't try and use it with fabric because it probably won't be as sharp and work so well with the two mediums, so keep the paper one separate.
Always ensure your bobbin has enough thread to finish the job. If your bobbin runs out of thread half way through and you carry on sewing not realising, you will then have empty holes that you will have to try and re-stitch over. Easier said than done.
I know when sewing with fabric at the end you double stitch over and over to ensure it doesn't unravel, well don't do this with paper - it will look messy! Just finish the stitching, turn to the wrong side and pull the end of the thread through, tie into a knot and then I always cover the knot with sellotape just to make sure it doesn't come undone. Obviously you want to sew where the reverse isn't going to be seen, although if it is just ensure a neater finish.
Ideas:
- you can sew together different pieces of cardstock/paper to create a mosaic effect.
- its a good way to attach another layer - gives an extra dimension and makes it more secure
- stitch around lettering
- a good way to secure vellum as glue will show through
- attach a pocket to hold journalling
- straight stitch or zigzag for effect
You can do so much with stitches on paper. You can do a perfectly straight line - always a good idea to lightly draw a line with pencil first though unless you are mega sure of your sewing skills! Or go for a deliberately wobbly line - this is one of my favourites as it doesn't matter how wobbly you go as its obvious it was meant that way!
I sew onto paper so much now that to me a project doesn't look finished until I have sewn, even if its just around the edge to create a frame. Give it a go - once you start there is no going back though!! My sewing machine lives permanently under my desk now so I have easy access just to lift it up onto my desk ready for the next project!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Christmas {S}
S is for stockings! The other options for this letter could be Santa, sellotape or sales!
Hanging out stockings is a tradition that has passed down through many generations. I remember hanging mine on the end of my bed(before stranger danger) and waking up to find it filled with a small pressie, an orange and some nuts. My children hang thiers outside thier bedroom doors and are so excited when they discover what's in them!
I have made the stockings with flaps which are hidden under the journalling to allow them to open.
Hanging out stockings is a tradition that has passed down through many generations. I remember hanging mine on the end of my bed(before stranger danger) and waking up to find it filled with a small pressie, an orange and some nuts. My children hang thiers outside thier bedroom doors and are so excited when they discover what's in them!
I have made the stockings with flaps which are hidden under the journalling to allow them to open.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Inspiration {R} Ribbon
How versatile is ribbon? Very. Here's a few things you can do with ribbon:
- Tie ribbon onto the book rings or spiral of books.
- Tie ribbon onto a paperclip for a fab embelly.
- Make a gatefold card or journalling space, set eyelets and then use ribbon in a lacing effect to close the gatefold.
- Use ribbon as a flower stem.
- Use short lengths of ribbon around a punched out circle to create a flower effect.
- Tie around a chipboard letter.
- Fold a short length of ribbon in half and staple to your project.
- Rubber stamp greetings onto a piece of cotton or twill ribbon.
- Use rub-ons on ribbon.
- Use dotty ribbon with stripey paper or vice versa.
- Add flowers to a length of ribbon to create a daisy chain effect.
- Fray ribbon ends for an aged look.
- Attach a charm to your page or card with thin ribbon.
- Create a pull-tag with a looped piece of ribbon.
- Thread thin ribbon through chunky buttons and tie.
Ooooooh I could go on and on. Ribbon is so versatile and I must admit I use it on probably every project!
Ribbon storage can be fun too. Find an old box, decorate and make holes to poke the ribbon through. Use a piece of wooden dowling across your workspace to hang ribbon reels on.
Or use messy baskets like me...........
Either way, have fun!!
- Tie ribbon onto the book rings or spiral of books.
- Tie ribbon onto a paperclip for a fab embelly.
- Make a gatefold card or journalling space, set eyelets and then use ribbon in a lacing effect to close the gatefold.
- Use ribbon as a flower stem.
- Use short lengths of ribbon around a punched out circle to create a flower effect.
- Tie around a chipboard letter.
- Fold a short length of ribbon in half and staple to your project.
- Rubber stamp greetings onto a piece of cotton or twill ribbon.
- Use rub-ons on ribbon.
- Use dotty ribbon with stripey paper or vice versa.
- Add flowers to a length of ribbon to create a daisy chain effect.
- Fray ribbon ends for an aged look.
- Attach a charm to your page or card with thin ribbon.
- Create a pull-tag with a looped piece of ribbon.
- Thread thin ribbon through chunky buttons and tie.
Ooooooh I could go on and on. Ribbon is so versatile and I must admit I use it on probably every project!
Ribbon storage can be fun too. Find an old box, decorate and make holes to poke the ribbon through. Use a piece of wooden dowling across your workspace to hang ribbon reels on.
Or use messy baskets like me...........
Either way, have fun!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Christmas {R}
Christmas {R}
For my Christmas page R I have chosen Reindeer. I have used some photos of some deer from our local park and also a special Christmas card received from some good friends last year.
For my Christmas page R I have chosen Reindeer. I have used some photos of some deer from our local park and also a special Christmas card received from some good friends last year.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Inspiration {Q} Quotes
If you fancy adding any quotes to your Christmas Cards or Christmas scrapbook pages then take a look through these:..........
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.
-- Unknown
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
-- Norman Vincent Peale
Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing the poor and lonely and sad, the more of your heart's possessing, returns to you glad.
-- John Greenleaf Whittier
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
-- Hamilton Wright Mabi
It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God Bless Us, Every One!
-- Charles Dickens
Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.
-- Mary Ellen Chase
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
-- Unknown
If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.
--Unknown
Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Because every buck is dear to him!
-- Unknown
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
-- Agnes M. Pharo
Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year's gifts.
-- Unknown
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!
-- Charles Dickens
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.
-- Shirley Temple
I do come home at Christmas. We all do, or we all should. We all come home, or ought to come home, for a short holiday - the longer, the better - from the great boarding school where we are forever working at our arithmetical slates, to take, and give a rest.
-- Charles Dickens
It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart.
-- Marjorie Holmes
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
-- Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol
Christmas is a race to see which gives out first - your money or your feet.
-- Unknown
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
-- Taylor Caldwell
The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.
-- W. C. Jones
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
-- Burton Hillis
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.
-- Grace Noll Crowell
Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.
-- Joan Winmill Brown
Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever.
-- Bess Streeter Aldrich
Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.
-- Helen Steiner Rice
Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered. What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.
-- Phyllis Diller
There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.
-- Erma Bombeck
I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
-- Harlan Miller
Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.
-- Freya Stark
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger.
-- St. Luke ii. 10-12
From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another - the warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.
-- Emily Matthews
Heap on the wood!-the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still.
-- Sir Walter Scott
Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display - so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.
-- Unknown
Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.
-- Helen Steiner Rice
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; it makes no noise at all, but softly gives itself away; while quite unselfish, it grows small.
-- Eva K. Logue
Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.
-- Augusta E. Rundel
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.
-- Washington Irving
The merry family gatherings - the old, the very young; hhe strangely lovely way they Harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all.
-- Helen Lowrie Marshall
He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.
-- Sunshine Magazine
The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.
-- Louisa May Alcott
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
-- Clement C Moore
Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
-- Alexander Smith
May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.
-- Ada V. Hendricks
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.
-- Unknown
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
-- Norman Vincent Peale
Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing the poor and lonely and sad, the more of your heart's possessing, returns to you glad.
-- John Greenleaf Whittier
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
-- Hamilton Wright Mabi
It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God Bless Us, Every One!
-- Charles Dickens
Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.
-- Mary Ellen Chase
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
-- Unknown
If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.
--Unknown
Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Because every buck is dear to him!
-- Unknown
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
-- Agnes M. Pharo
Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year's gifts.
-- Unknown
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!
-- Charles Dickens
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.
-- Shirley Temple
I do come home at Christmas. We all do, or we all should. We all come home, or ought to come home, for a short holiday - the longer, the better - from the great boarding school where we are forever working at our arithmetical slates, to take, and give a rest.
-- Charles Dickens
It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart.
-- Marjorie Holmes
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
-- Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol
Christmas is a race to see which gives out first - your money or your feet.
-- Unknown
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
-- Taylor Caldwell
The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.
-- W. C. Jones
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
-- Burton Hillis
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.
-- Grace Noll Crowell
Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.
-- Joan Winmill Brown
Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever.
-- Bess Streeter Aldrich
Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.
-- Helen Steiner Rice
Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered. What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.
-- Phyllis Diller
There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.
-- Erma Bombeck
I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
-- Harlan Miller
Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.
-- Freya Stark
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger.
-- St. Luke ii. 10-12
From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another - the warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.
-- Emily Matthews
Heap on the wood!-the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still.
-- Sir Walter Scott
Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display - so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.
-- Unknown
Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.
-- Helen Steiner Rice
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; it makes no noise at all, but softly gives itself away; while quite unselfish, it grows small.
-- Eva K. Logue
Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.
-- Augusta E. Rundel
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.
-- Washington Irving
The merry family gatherings - the old, the very young; hhe strangely lovely way they Harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all.
-- Helen Lowrie Marshall
He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.
-- Sunshine Magazine
The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.
-- Louisa May Alcott
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
-- Clement C Moore
Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
-- Alexander Smith
May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.
-- Ada V. Hendricks
Monday, August 20, 2007
Christmas {Q}
{Q} is a letter with very few choices of what it represents during Christmas. The only 2 I could think of were queing (in shops!) and the Queen's speech. I have done a very simple page about the traditon of the Queen's speech and how it used to fit into my life when I was younger.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
P is for Paints
There are many different types of paint but I’m only going to cover 3 of them here, Oil, Watercolour and Acrylic. Paints are generally manufactured in 2 qualities, Artist or Student. The Artist ranges are a much better quality but they do cost a lot more than the Student equivalent.
Oil Paints
As the name says, they are oil based paints traditionally thinned using Refined Linseed Oil and Turpentine but you can get Oil paint thinners from Windsor and Newton.
The most commonly used good painting surfaces for oil paints include Canvas and Illustration Board. Linen canvas is best but linen/cotton mix can be used. These and Illustration Boards are widely available from art shops and they are normally ready primed, although you can prime them yourself using something like Gesso.
A good colour palette to start would be Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber and Cobalt Blue. You will notice that no black has been mentioned, try not to use black or if you do, use it sparingly, its use produces muddy colours.
Generally when using oils you would start by doing an Underpainting using either very thinned down Burnt Umber Oil paint or alternatively Burnt Umber Acrylic as this is very quick drying.
Once you are happy with your underpainting a good guide is to then build up the colours working from dark to light, although this is down to personal preference, just have fun and experiment.
Don’t fret if you go wrong either, oils are very opaque if not thinned so mistakes can be covered quite easily.
Watercolours
Watercolour paints are, believe it or not, water based. They can come in tubes, a paste form, or in pans, solid paint until a wet brush is applied.
Paper is probably the best painting surface, there are an abundance of papers available in differing textures and weights.
The lighter weight papers will need to be stretched to prevent buckling. To do this, soak a sheet of paper in water for a few minutes and lay it out on a drawing board. Tape around the edges with wetted brown paper sticky tape.
A good colour palette for watercolours would be Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, Indian Red, Sepia, Cadmium Red, Crimson Lake, Prussian Green, Cerulean, French Ultramarine, Prussian Blue, Paynes Grey. Again avoid black if possible.
Watercolours have a beautiful transparency and painting is done with mainly washes of colour. Picking out details are normally done by dry brushing and a good rule of thumb is to work from light to dark.
To maintain the beautiful transparent look try to avoid using white, hence why it has not been mentioned in the colour palette.
Acrylics
Acrylics are incredibly versatile, they are used with either water or Acrylic Medium and they have the opacity of oils but are very quick drying as they are water based. They can also be used like a wash as in watercolours but once dry you are not able to blend them again as in the way as you can with watercolours.
Acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces, primed or unprimed, although it is better to seal wood before you paint. Canvas, illustration board and paper can all be used.
A good colour palette for acrylics would be Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Naples Yellow, Paynes Grey, Burnt Sienna, Chromium Oxide of Green and Lamp Black.
Tip for making black.
A good way to make black is to use Burnt Umber and Ultramarine Blue, more blue and you have a cooler black, more brown and it warms it up a little.
Why not get experimenting.
Oil Paints
As the name says, they are oil based paints traditionally thinned using Refined Linseed Oil and Turpentine but you can get Oil paint thinners from Windsor and Newton.
The most commonly used good painting surfaces for oil paints include Canvas and Illustration Board. Linen canvas is best but linen/cotton mix can be used. These and Illustration Boards are widely available from art shops and they are normally ready primed, although you can prime them yourself using something like Gesso.
A good colour palette to start would be Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber and Cobalt Blue. You will notice that no black has been mentioned, try not to use black or if you do, use it sparingly, its use produces muddy colours.
Generally when using oils you would start by doing an Underpainting using either very thinned down Burnt Umber Oil paint or alternatively Burnt Umber Acrylic as this is very quick drying.
Once you are happy with your underpainting a good guide is to then build up the colours working from dark to light, although this is down to personal preference, just have fun and experiment.
Don’t fret if you go wrong either, oils are very opaque if not thinned so mistakes can be covered quite easily.
Watercolours
Watercolour paints are, believe it or not, water based. They can come in tubes, a paste form, or in pans, solid paint until a wet brush is applied.
Paper is probably the best painting surface, there are an abundance of papers available in differing textures and weights.
The lighter weight papers will need to be stretched to prevent buckling. To do this, soak a sheet of paper in water for a few minutes and lay it out on a drawing board. Tape around the edges with wetted brown paper sticky tape.
A good colour palette for watercolours would be Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber, Indian Red, Sepia, Cadmium Red, Crimson Lake, Prussian Green, Cerulean, French Ultramarine, Prussian Blue, Paynes Grey. Again avoid black if possible.
Watercolours have a beautiful transparency and painting is done with mainly washes of colour. Picking out details are normally done by dry brushing and a good rule of thumb is to work from light to dark.
To maintain the beautiful transparent look try to avoid using white, hence why it has not been mentioned in the colour palette.
Acrylics
Acrylics are incredibly versatile, they are used with either water or Acrylic Medium and they have the opacity of oils but are very quick drying as they are water based. They can also be used like a wash as in watercolours but once dry you are not able to blend them again as in the way as you can with watercolours.
Acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces, primed or unprimed, although it is better to seal wood before you paint. Canvas, illustration board and paper can all be used.
A good colour palette for acrylics would be Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Naples Yellow, Paynes Grey, Burnt Sienna, Chromium Oxide of Green and Lamp Black.
Tip for making black.
A good way to make black is to use Burnt Umber and Ultramarine Blue, more blue and you have a cooler black, more brown and it warms it up a little.
Why not get experimenting.
Christmas {P}
For Christmas {P} I have used the word Presents. As my journal is getting a little fat this is a nice skinny entry. The tags were made last Christmas for a Bubbly Funk Design team challenge, I never used them on a gift so I thought they would go nicely here.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Inspiration {O}
Origami
Origami, literaly translated is "folding paper". Although we associate this with the Japanese art of shape making, we do it without realising in crafts such as teabag folding, lace and scrapbooking.
I like teaching children to fold simple shapes such as fans and airplanes to start then working up to more complicated ideas, but there is no limit to your imagination and creativity when it comes to folding paper!
The items above in the slide show were made using templates from this web site. http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/origami/index.html Have a go and see how addictive it is!!
Origami, literaly translated is "folding paper". Although we associate this with the Japanese art of shape making, we do it without realising in crafts such as teabag folding, lace and scrapbooking.
I like teaching children to fold simple shapes such as fans and airplanes to start then working up to more complicated ideas, but there is no limit to your imagination and creativity when it comes to folding paper!
The items above in the slide show were made using templates from this web site. http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/origami/index.html Have a go and see how addictive it is!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Christmas {O}
Ornaments
Decorating the house in preparation for Christmas is a special family time for us. I love making ornaments with the children and have kept all of the ones they brought home from nursery, playgroup and school.
I have used a paper printed with the song words to "O Christmas tree" and have made two pages of different sizes with plain bazzill in between. The photo on the tag is of Molly decorating the tree for Christmas 2001.
Decorating the house in preparation for Christmas is a special family time for us. I love making ornaments with the children and have kept all of the ones they brought home from nursery, playgroup and school.
I have used a paper printed with the song words to "O Christmas tree" and have made two pages of different sizes with plain bazzill in between. The photo on the tag is of Molly decorating the tree for Christmas 2001.
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