T is for Teeyore

Free BOM I found.

2008-12-10T18:14:00.003+10:00

I found this lovely free mystery BOM on Simone's blog. You can look at it here. It is designed by a lady named Esther Aliu. She has designed it to be done in reds and creams and to be used as a stash buster. I'm not sure what colourway I am planning on uusing yet. The first block looks lovely. I am going to try and make it and try and keep up each month as the next part of the pattern is released.

I'm off to try out Yoga tomorrow. I have always wanted to try Yoga and I think it will be very beneficial in destressing me and making me more flexible. I hope I will be able to move afterwards.

Terri xx

Blog Award

2008-12-09T21:26:00.002+10:00

I forgot yesterday when I updated this blog that the lovely Katie Howard had nominated me for a blog award. I feel very honoured. So to receive the award I have to nominate five people, so here goes:-
Niss - you know that I also love seeing what creative exploit you are up to

Ronnie - Your scrapbooking layouts are just fantastic

Sandra - You are such a creative soul and a lovely person to boot.

Dot - you are the reason I got back into fabric crafts....your work is just gorgeous

Sorry I could only think of four people....bit late in the day for me.

So now people who have won an award are able to put this award on their blog, nominate 5 people to receive an award and the links to their blogs and also a link to my blog. You also need to leave a message on their blogs that they have been nominated for this award.

Terri xx

Big Blog Update

2008-12-08T19:34:00.011+10:00

Well it has been a while since I updated this blog and I have a bit to share with you. First up is that I have finally finished my university course. I got my results to day and am so happy as I got 3 High Distinctions and 1 Credit. It is such a nice feeling to have it finally over and I can now spend more time playing with all my craft supplies.

A few weeks ago I attended my 20yr Highschool reunion in Wauchope, NSW. It's hard to believe that it has been 20 years since I was at school....I don't feel that old. It was a tradition in our school that when you reach yr 11 the form had to adopt a name and it was used in sporting matches against the grade 12's, fun days etc. After being cooped up for ages in a hot school hall (no air conditioning in those days), we decided to name ourselves the 'Yoghurt Blowflies', a name we wore with pride as we defeated the 'Limespiders' in various events.

Here's a photo of the girls, Julie, me, Kirrily, Kylie, Melissa (Biddle) and Lisa in the front.

Here is our class photo. It was a great night and most of the gang I hung around with came.

Now on the craft front I have been working on a new doll. Her name is Babette. She is all hand embroidered and has beading and button detailing. I have a few minor modifications and then will have her for sale in me etsy store. Let me know what you think of her.

My friend Niss has gone button fairy mad. Check out her blog here to have a look at what she's been making. I think they are so cute and inspired me to create a stitchery version of a button fairy.

I think she has turned out to be quiet cute and I had a lot of fun making her. I've drawn up a few designs version of her and plan to make some more.

Speaking of Niss, she is very fortunate to work in a thread and bead store. I popped in for a visit last week and they were having a sale. I stocked up on a whole heap of beads, threads, wool (I'm making a felted bag) and needle felting equipment (always have wanted to give it a go).

Here is the beads I bought. Don't they look yummy??? I can't wait to start creating with them. I have so many ideas in my head and things I want to try. My two weeks annual leave over christmas will largely be spent crafting. I have a heap of different things in various stages of production....some for christmas presents and some just because I want to make them. I am hoping to get them finished this week and then I will be able to share them with you then.

I'm off to bed now to do some reading. I started reading the Twilight series of books a couple of weeks ago and I am totally obsessed. I've nearly finished the third book in the series and can't wait to read the 4th. My son has also started reading it as well and is also enjoying it.

Until next time (hopefully it wont be as long as it took to write the last update),

Terri xx

Pay it Forward

2008-10-29T14:27:00.003+10:00

I found this lovely idea on this blog. The idea is that I will make some lovely handmade item for the first 3 people to comment on this blog., and they have to be willing to do the same for another 3 people. Everyone has 365 days to make their items (I think that will give everyone enough time). So what do you think?....come on join in the fun and spread some joy to another person.

The Big Sing and Big Assignment

2008-10-26T19:45:00.006+10:00

Well it's been a funny old time since we lost our dog Benson the other week (see last post). I still get sad when I think about him but it is getting easier. My other dog Mischka continues to be spoilt. Turns out she is fully housetrained. We've had her for 9 years and never thought she was. So we have been having her inside with us more and more. Locky (our labrador puppy) has really got his nose out of joint about it though. It's just like having two naughty kids fighting at times. The only problem is Mischka is so small and Locky is so big, so when she runs under the cofee table he tries to follow her and everything ends up getting knocked over.

Here's a photo of Kiara nd Mischka having a smooch. She is such a loveable little puppy and Kiara is treating her like a little baby.

The flu bug has hit our house this past week. Kiara was the first. It hit her pretty hard and she had most of last week off school. Her friend Maddy was also quite sick with it as well. I felt so sorry for them as they had their big dance exams on Thurdsay. They both felt they went pretty good....we get the final results next month.

I was next to get it and it has made me pretty sick as well. Unfortunately as I am doing the bed manager's position for the next few weeks fulltime as the girl I job share it with is on leave, I had to still go to work (noone else knows how to do the job). Luckily it wasn't too busy as I just have not had any energy at all. At least I wasn't working on the ward....It's too hard to look after sick people when you feel sick yourself.

Even though I've been sick I still managed to get my last big uni assignment completed...just emailed it to the lecturer just now. Only one presentation and one big 3 hour exam to go. 24 more days and then I will be free!!!!! I can't wait. I have so many craft projects in various stages of production that I want to get finished and a whole heap more designs in my head to make. I also want to alter my Amika dolls a little bit. And I have a heap of sewing etc to get done for Christmas presents. No photos to post however as everything is not finished as yet.

Today I was determined not to miss out on the BIG SING, so I forced myself out of bed and am so glad that I did. The BIG SING is a day of music workshops in which a heap of choirs get together with a few conductors and learn new songs and then put on a concert at the end of the day. It was incredibly hard work but so much fun. We had to learn about 8 songs, some quie complex with 6 part harmonies. We sang no stop for 6 hrs and I just couldn't believe how we managed to learn everything and the perform them in only 6 hrs. I haven't done anything like that since I used to go to music camp at school. I can't wait until next year.

That's it for me for now.
T xx

Saddest day of my life.

2008-10-12T12:57:00.002+10:00

I mentioned a few posts back that my dog Benson had to be taken to the vet for a tumour on his back foot. Unfortunately it had continued to grow at a rapid rate and bursts open yesterday. It meant that he now was is pain and had the possibility of having it become infected and him developing septicaemia. So we had to make the hardest decision I have ever had to make and have him put down. I have had Benson for 14yrs and I could never imagine how much I would be greiving for him. It was just so incredibly hard taking him into the vets, knowing that he was never going to be coming home with us. He looked so happy to be in the car, and I felt just so awful.

I can't even find any photos of him to post here to show just how cute he was. My other dog, Mischka, who is 10yrs old is just looking for him everywhere. She has never known a time when Benson wasn't around. It is just so heartbreaking watching her look for him. Lockyer, the labrador puppy we got 7 months ago, doesn't understand I don't think, but he knows something is just not right.

I was to perform with St Aiden's choir tonight, but my heart just isn't in it. I have never had a close friend or relative pass away before so haver never experienced the pain of losing someone....it is not pleasant. I feel as if my heart is a heavy weight...I know it will get better with time, buit at the moment, I just wish he was back with us.

My Fair Lady

2008-09-28T08:22:00.008+10:00

I spent a lovely 4 hrs yesterday with Lyn & Kate (girls from work) as we were entranced by the delightful stage production of My Fair Lady. I absolutely love going to see musical productions and this was certainly one of the best shows I have ever seen. We were seated in the fourth row so had a wonderful view.... the bonus was that two small boys were seated directly in front off us so I didn't have to contend with a tall man's head obscuring the view (this usually is what happens to me).

The cast were just wondeful and Reg Livermore certainly made Professor Higgins his own....I hadn't realised how talented he was. The sets were magnificent but the costumes were the ultimate.

Here is a sketch of one of the fabulous creations from the scene at Ascot. The hats were just incredible and so big. No two costumes were the same. It was such an amazing site to see so many of these wonderful creations all together. Lyn, was so excited and couldn't stop talking about them on the drive home.

Here's another example of Eliza Doolittle's costume at Ascot.

Everything was so well thought out and everything was colour coordinated to perfection. It was a wonderful way to spend the last day of my mini break....back to work today. Eight more weeks of university to go. I haven't been as diligent as I should have so it is going to be heads down until then....may not get much stitching done (but I will certainly try).

Until next time.
Terri xx

Lots of Stitching to Share

2008-09-26T16:29:00.010+10:00

I have stayed true to my word and have spent the last five days leave from work, stitching my heart out and recharging my batteries. As a result I have quite alot to share.

Here are some stitchery matryoshka dolls that I made using a pattern I found on Rachel's (sorry I don't know her last name) blog. She offers this pattern for free and has a link so you can to email her to get it. I just added some of my own detail to make it more my style.

The following photos are of stitcheries I have done using Lynette Anderson-O'Rourke's free Noah's Ark block of the month. Lynette is avery talented and well known international designer and has designed this little stitchery to celebrate a year of blogging. If you click on the Noah's Ark image at the right of my block it will take you to the design and Lynette's photos of the stitchery quilt. She has also put links to others who are making her design and it is really interesting to look at the different colourways and styles everyone has used. I have another three to stitch up and then I will be up-to-date with the blocks.

I chose to use bright fabrics in my quilt as am a bit addicted to these colours at the moment. But Lynette has used a more tradtional country colourway. Some ladies have done the stitching in just red or blue threads and some have coloured the images in with pencil.

I have also been inspired by the beautiful embellished birds Dot has been making. You can see them on her blog here. I wanted to make it in the style of a stitchery but to also make it a bit dimensional. Therefore I have used beads and buttons. I also padded the bird lightly and sewed the birds wing seperately and used thick interfacing to make it stand up without being floppy. I am really happy with how this has turned out and am now going to make some as christmas gifts for my friends and family in their favourite colours.

In a previous post I showed the beginnings of a stitchery quilt I have designed. Well I have now completed one and a half of the stitchery blocks. Here's one of the blocks completed. There will be four blocks in total and I am now looking for the perfect fabric to use as the sashing between the blocks. I want something a little different and quirky so am thinking of a green polka-dot print.

I just spent the day with my friend Jo teaching her how to do redwork stitcheries. She is going to make up one of my original designs as a present for her friend's birthday. And tonight, my friend Milly has just phoned to say she wants to come over and have me teach her to make dotee dolls. What a wonderful way to spend the whole day and night, being with friends and sharing my love of craft. I love helping others discover their own love of craft.

Now I can't end this post without sharing a photo of Lockyer going for his first swim in our pool. At first he was scared and kept going to the side, but after a while he started to enjoy it and we couldn't get him to get out of the pool. Mark will kill me for putting this photo of him on my blog, but it was so cute seeing him teaching Locky to get used to the pool. Mark doesn't have any kids of his own (although he treats mine like they were his own), so this puppy is very much his baby. I love watching the two of them together.

Well I better get going. I want to have a shower before Milly arrives and the stitching continues.

Terri xx

Update on Benson

2008-09-25T07:44:00.003+10:00

I mentioned in the previous post that I was taking my dog Benson to the vet. Well the vet wasn't too sure about the lump on his foot, but thought that it is most likely cancer. She thought it might pay to get it cut off and amputate part of his paw.....all for $1000.00. But she also said that if it was cancer it would have spread throughout his whole body by now.

As the lump isn't causing him any concern at all and the fact that he is quite old and may not survive the anaesthetic we decided to do nothing for now, but just to watch it. If he was in any pain or wasn't able to walk properly we would do it.

I'm off shopping with a friend today. As I have had this week off from work I've had the redecorating bug and have been rearranging all the furniture in the house (much to Mark's annoyance). I bought some vases, candles, lampshades and a new rug yesterday and now want to find something nice to put in the centre of the dining table.

I've also been sewing but haven't taken photos yet....I'll do that today and post them later tonight.

Terri xx

Flowers and Some Sewing

2008-09-23T08:06:00.012+10:00

Last week was my first wedding anniversary. Yes, Mark and I eloped last September to Long Island in the Whitsunday's and got married. We then spent a wonderful10 days on the island and at Airlie Beach. I love it up there, it is just so beautiful. If we could we'd move up there in a heartbeat. Hopefully we'll get to take the kids up there next year.

I was very spoilt and received some beautiful roses, a card and a willow tree figurine. Aren't the roses just beautiful? He isn't much of a flower buyer so I was really surprised.

This is the beautiful card he gave me. Doesn't it look like a scrapbook layout?

On the sewing front, I have been having a lot of fun. I haven't sewn anything that wasn't my own design for a couple of years so have had fun sewing from patterns. I've been getting up early and going into my craft studio before anyone else wakes up and having a lovely time locked away in there by myself.

This is a chair caddy I made using a free pattern from Helen from Hugs n' Kisses. She has started a wonderful project called a Stitcher's Angel. It was set up as a swap where prominent designers designed free projects for people to use, you could join as a swap member or just use the available free patterns. The patterns so far have been lovely and include pin cushions, totes and a scissor keeper. You should go and have a look. There is also a link to the flikr group and it is interesting to see everyone's interpretation on the pattern.

I would have loved to have been a part of the swap but just didn't have the time. So I made this arm chair caddy using the free pattern, but added my own stitchery to it. I also added a thread catcher to the design that can be removed if needed. I used some lovely Heather bailey fabric as well as red and aqua polka-dot fabric I had in my stash.

I just love it and it is very handy to have all my threads etc at hand while I am stitching.

I am also working on a new stitchery quilt design using some very pretty and girly fabrics I bought off etsy. I've been enjoying doing this stitchery. Here it is with the design drawn on one of the blocks just before I started stitching it. I'll post some more photos when I've stitched some more.

I have a week off work and although I need to get on top of my uni work (can't believe there is only nine weeks to go). I am planning on catching up with friends, sewing, tidying up around the house and enjoying having time to myself to do whatever I want to do. Mark will be working and the kids have gone to Cairns for a holiday with their Dad, so I will have the house to myself. Yippee!! It will be bliss.

Well I have to run and take my dog Benson to the vet. He is a 14 year old shitzu-pomeranian cross who has a rather nasty lump on his back paw. It has been there for a while but has been very small. I just noticed yesterday that it is now the size of an egg and looks very vascular and is starting to spread his toes apart (do dog's have toes?). So I hope it isn't anything too serious. He's a bit of a pain as he has never been a very affectionate dog, barks alot, is deaf and incontinent, but I still love him and wouldn't like anything to happen to him.

Terri xx

More Dolls for Sale

2008-09-07T18:28:00.008+10:00

Well I've finished another few Amika dolls to sell in my etsy shop. I just love making these little dolls.
Amika Doll No.2

Amika Doll No.3

Amika Doll No.4

Here's a closeup of the beading detail I did on this little doll.

I find it very relaxing....although this time I spilt the whole container of these tiny seed beads on the floor and spent ages picking them all up before the dog ate them.

I spent a lovely morning yesterday with all the girls at work at a little patissrie in New Farm. Michelle is one of my co-workers who has successfully fought breast cancer twice. A couple of years ago her fight resulted in her having a mastectomy. She has been saving since then to have breast reconstruction surgery and is scheduled to have the procedure this Thursday. Because she will be off work for a few motnhs we went out to celebrate. I took my camera with me but as I had just finished night shift was a bit scattered and forgot all about it....so don't have any photos.

I ordered an italian hot chocolate (I don't drink tea or coffee). I had never had one before so wasn't sure what it would be like, I thought it would be like every oother type of hot chocolate. Well it wasn't. It was a cup of the thickest, yummiest chocolate I had ever eaten....so much for my low carb diet...must have had about a months worth of carbs in it. It was so thick I couldn't drink it. I had to eat it with a spoon. Here is a picture I got of the net so you can see just how thick they are.

It was nice to get together with everyone away from the hospital....and we all get on so well. Michelle was very excited to receive the bag, nightie and robe we all had bought her. I also gave her a special pink dotee doll to take to hospital for goodluck.

Well I have to run....have uni work I keep putting off to go through.

T xx

My New Etsy Shop

2008-09-04T13:47:00.018+10:00

In a previous post I mentioned that I was designing a softie doll based on the Japanese Kokeshi dolls. Well I have finally perfected a version that I am really happy with. I call them Amkia Dolls. Amika is a japanese name which means bright & beautiful, which I believe these dolls to be. I have finally opened up my new etsy shop.....t is for teeyore. See it here. There is only the one doll for sale at the moment but she has 5 sisters almost ready to go on sale, just finishing the embellishing on them.

This is the original Amika doll that I made....I'm not selling this one as she has very special importance to me.

This is the first one I have for sale in my etsy shop.
Amika Doll #1

A girl at work wanted me to make her one in soft girly colours. Not what I would usually do but I think she turned out quite pretty.

Here is the first batch of these little ladies, waiting to be sewn together and stuffed. Don't they all look yummy together?

And here they are waiting for the finishing touches....beads, buttons, trim & ribbons. This is the best part of making these little dolls. It is so relaxing sewing on the beads and other details.

I also finished another Ruby Doll. I love these little dolls.

I made this special round dotee doll as a surprise for a very special person. I really hope she likes it. I loved the brown & pinks on this fabric.

While I was sewing in my studio I looked up and saw all these pretty dolls.....and thought what a lovely view.

Here is a photo Kiara took of Lockyer. Not really immpressed that she put him in my bed..... but he does look cute doesn't he?

Well that's about it for this blog post. I have some more dolls waiting to be embellished.

T xx

Lots to Share

2008-08-15T14:15:00.010+10:00

Doesn't time fly. I had promised to update this blog more frequently but before I knew it it had been a few weeks. Well I've got a heap of stuff to share, so grab a drink, sit back & relax.

First up I need help. Uni has restarted and I just can't get motivated enough to get going on any of the assignments that are due. I'm finding myself so easily distracted. I have a big essay due next week so I really have to cranking.....but I keep wanting to sew!!!!!

A few weeks ago we had an all day scrapbooking crop for Ronnie's hens day/night. We started at 10am & finished sometime after 10pm. I had had night shift the previous night but I managed to stay awake for 42hrs. I didn't feel like scrapbooking and was going to digi scrap but then I thought 'what the heck I'll be a rebel' and ended spending the day creating my very first Ruby Doll. This is a free pattern that the very talented Jhoanna Monte Arenaz has designed and provides on her blog. Have a look at her.... isn't she pretty.

I had so much fun sewing all the beads and trim onto her. I have nearly finished another one in a blue and green colourway which I will share with you. They are very addictive. If you want to have a look at some other versions people have made check this out.

Here is a dotee ATC that I made for a swap on swap-bot This little item should have arrived in the USA by now.

I really love the orangey pink against the teal background.

This gorgeous duo also arrived in the mail last week for me.

They were made for me by the lovely and talented Niss after I was flaked on in a mummy & baby dotee doll swap. Niss kindly agreed to be my angel and I think she has done a wonderful job. Thankyou so much Miss Niss, I love them both and have them hanging up in my studio.

I also received one of Dot Cristian's Amelia dolls in the mail this week.

I have long admired Dot's work and unfortunately she has closed her blog so can't provide a link to it here for you. It is such a shame as she does some amazing art which is very inspiring. Dot sells these dolls on etsy. If you haven't looked there please go there is such wonderful and creative stuff to buy or just look at to gain inspiration. I love the colours and all the beadwork on this doll ans she now takes pride of place on a shelf in my studio.

I was also lucky as Dot also sent me a dotee doll kit (she also sells these on etsy). Love the colours, beads and charms she has included. I am looking forward to making a Dot version of the dotee doll.

Now some of you may know that I used to have a stitchery design business. It was starting to generate some success and had shops locally & in NSW stocking my products. Unfortunately I wasn't able to give it the attention I would have liked due to work and family commitments and of course Uni this year, so ended up closing it. However, the plan is to relaunch it next year (when I've finished this course) under a new name with a new website. I have been steadily working on some new designs (when time has permitted) and here is a sneak peek of my latest design which will end up being a small quilt. The stitchery is redwork and I'm planning to team it with some pale blues and all sorts of 3D embellishments.

Another project I have been working on is creating some small siftie dolls based on the japanese Kokeshi dolls. I really would like to have a go seling these on etsy. Here is the first version I created on the weekend. I haven't completed all the embellishments as I'm not sure if I'm happy with the overall shape. I'm thinking of making her head just a bit bigger so you can see more of the fabric that it's made out of. What do you think? Am I stark raving mad and should just quit while I'm ahead? Please let me know your thoughts.

I have also acquired a new toy which arrived in the mail this morning.

I am such a gadget geek but I really need this item this time (really I do). It is a PDA and with everything going on in this house, work, uni, kids, etc I was starting to feel like my brain was going to explode as I tried to remember dates etc. Now I realise that diaries have been around for ages and people use them all the time. Believe me I have tried to use one, but keep forgetting to write stuff down in it. I really think that as I love gadgets that I would be more inclined to use this as opposed to a paper diary and it also does alot more. You can buy add ons programs that organise your budget, keep track of your diet & exercise (which is handy as I'm in the process of ridding my body of the excess weight I've gained this year), write shopping lists etc. Now I just have to wait for it to charge up so I can start playing with it. I hope it's easy to use. I may love technology but I hate it when it doesn't work easily.

Well that's all for now, Kiara has to get to dancing and Brady has to get to work.
T xx

Some Shopping & Other Stuff

2008-07-24T17:53:00.011+10:00

Well a couple of weeks ago I went on a bit of a shopping spree on etsy and bought some yummy new fabrics. I was so excited when they all arrived this week. They all look lovely don't they? I can't wait to get creative with them.... I have so many ideas but not sure when I'll get them all done as University has started back this week and it looks like it is going to be difficult.

I also received this cute cupcake themed Dotee doll from a lady named Martha Hannema from a swap-bot swap.

Martha also sent some cute cupcake fabric and cupcake ribbon as well. She is currently hanging up in my craft studio.

On my spending spree I also bought some new quilting tools.

Looking forward to playing with these new goodies.

My little baby turned 11 years old this week. All she wanted was a trampoline (she's actually been wanting one since she was 4yrs old but Mark thought they were too dangerous). She was so excited when she came home and saw it set up in the backyard (as you can tell from the mile wide grin on her face). She didn't have a long time to play however as she was running late for dance class. Happy Birthday sweetheart.

And finally.... an updated photo of Lockyer.... he is getting so big and at times very naughty. We keep finding him asleep on the good lounge chairs, he now can get up on our bed and looks very put out when you make him get off. He is still very cute though and very much loved by every one in the family.

Until nest time,
Terri xx

Learning about web design

2008-07-15T21:02:00.002+10:00

Well not really but Bruce (a very patient man who has put up with me asking dumb questions about websites for a while now) showed me how I could add some more colour to this blog. So I made this patterned side border..... do you like it? I think it jazzes the blog up a bit. It took me awhile to get it just right and I'll most probably change it later but for now I'm happy with it.

Just received this semesters course work and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. It was just the same at the beginning of the year. I'm sure I'll be alright once I get started but I have really enjoyed having the last few weeks free to do what I wanted. I plan to try and stay a week ahead of the course work..... only time will tell how successful THAT goal will be.

I have also joined St Aiden's Choir. I used to be in school choirs all the time when I was younger and also enjoyed singing in groups and the fun involved. We'll be meeting every Tuesday night so am really looking forward to it. One of the managers at work is also in the choir so it will be nice to have a familiar face when I go next week.

That's all for now, I have to hop into bed as have an early start in the morning.

Terri xx

Neglect = My Blog

2008-07-13T13:30:00.008+10:00

Well since I've been pretty neglectful of this blog I thought I would spruce it up with a new colour scheme & banner. Do you like it? These are my favourite colour combo at the moment and are the same colours of my craft studio.

Since Uni is on break I have been enjoying haveing free time to do what I want. I started off by redoing my craft studio, cleaning out all the stuff I've accumulated over the years, rearranging my organisation & having designated work stations. I'm pretty happy with the results and just love spending time in there. The colours are bright and make me feel happy. I really want to replace the green chair with a red one but will have to wait until I have more time and money to make a trip to Ikea.

I've also made my very first matyroshka doll. It is from a pattern created by Maize Hutton. I have always admired Dot's versions of these dolls so spent a lovely afternoon creating one just for me. I really enjoy adding the beading to these little dolls..... it's my favourite part.

I've also made a cupcake Dotee doll for a swap-bot swap. Hasn't turned out exactly as I wanted but I think she still looks cute.

Another swap I'm in is for dotee ATC cards. Here is my first one. Had fun making this and am planning on making a heap of different fabric ATC's card to go on a 7 gypsies ATC rolodex I got at a retreat this year. I already have one for paper ATC's so thought I'd make a fabric version to sit on my coffee table.

I've also found a renewed love of stitcheries and have been designing some new ones. No pictures yet, but will take some soon. I started a pattern business a couple of years ago and had moderate success with it but due to work and family commitments couldn't put the time into it that it required. I know my dad is disappointed that I didn't continue with it then. However, I decided to take a break this year while I attend uni and am planning to relaunch it next year. So will have a new name and web page when it happens.

I also found an online site where I can get mini buttons a lot cheaper than I've been buying them for at Spotlight. Here is the order that I received the other day. I know I bought a lot but I just couldn't help myself.... they are so yummy aren't they.

Well that's enough from me today. I am planning to blog more frequently.... i know that I've said it beore but this time I mean it.... I know I've said that before as well but I really, really mean it this time.

Terri xx

It paid off!!!!!!

2008-06-23T17:58:00.005+10:00

Well after putting in a heap of study time (and sacrificing any scrapbooking & sewing time), I was really pleased to find out that I got 82% in the end of semester neurological exam. I'm so happy and glad that I put the time into doing the study. But now we have a four week break so I am planning to get stuck into my sewing. I have a few dotee doll swaps that I have to get done. I am also working a quilt design using the amy butler fabrics I bought off etsy a while back.

Even though I had to study, I managed to get away and go to a crop for Jen's Birthday. I decided to digi scrap as it was easier to just pack up my laptop, external harddrive and graphics tablet instead of trying to decide what to take from my scrapping stash. We had been at an eisteddford the previous weekend and I was able to take some beautiful photos of my daughter that I used to scrap.

I also used a photo of Lockyer when we first got him.... he's a fair bit bigger now.

I'm still tired from the weekend. A few of us from work flew down and back to Sydney for a neuro conference on Saturday. It was really good and I learnt a great deal but doing it all in one day made it an 18hr day with a 3am start so I was completely exhausted. Luckily I didn't have to work Sunday.... I don't think I would have been able to.

That's all from me for now, Kiara has a dress up day at school so I need to go and get her pirate costume all sorted out.

Take Care,
Terri

Sorry for the absence!!!

2008-06-01T18:14:00.002+10:00

I can't believe that it has been a whole month since I posted here. Time has just flown by. I've been so busy with work and uni that I have had no time to be creative at all. My boss is away for 7 weeks and Matt & I are job sharing the managers role and I'm still doing the hospital bed manager's job as well. We've been at it for 3 weeks so far and it has been the longest and most difficult three weeks ever. I have acted in the manager's role for extended periods before but this time it has been so hard. We have some newish staff that are just not coming up to speed and what they think they can get away with had been very frustrating and perplexing at times. Unfortunately we've had to start disciplinary action with one and performance managing three others....not nice but has to be done and just takes it out of you emotionally as well.

Uni is starting to come to a head. We've got just under 3 weeks until our final 3hr exam for this semester. I haven't done a 3 hr exam for about 15 yrs so am getting a bit stressed about it all. I have just finished a 4500 word take home exam and need to list the 47 references I've used before I email it to the lecturer this week...then I need to knuckle done and study hard. I received 2 of my marks back this week. I got 75% for my case study and 74% for the critical literature review...I'm really happy with these marks.... but I am soooo looking forwrad to a few weeks off before next semester.

Since I've been so busy I haven't had anytime to be creative (which is killing me). I find myself daydreaming about beads and buttons, designs and redoing my craft room (yet again!!!). So since I haven't made anything I've had to be content with buying some stuff for when I get the time. I've bought some beautiful fabrics of etsy and found a site in the USA that sells this gorgeous tiny buttons (had a bit of a spend up there). As I'm not using my computer I haven't got the photos to post here but will try sometime this week. I so wanted to only do posts with photos but just can't do that tonight.

Mark is still on crutches..........which he is finding really frustrating and I severely strained the major muscle attached to my hip a few weeks ago while dancing at a friends wedding so have been having trouble walking (we look like such a great couple at the moment). Lockyer our new labrador is getting bigger everyday and has managed to eat his dog beds, the other dogs bed, the cord of Brady's air hockey table and the mat out the backdoor. He's tried to steal a few dotee dolls out of my basket but I've been able to save them in the nick of time. He is still cute, just destructive. We start puppy school on Tuesday so we'll see how he goes learning to behave.

Until next time,

Terri xx

Recovering from the Retreat

2008-05-02T19:59:00.011+10:00

Last weekend saw a bunch of go to the Scrapbook City Retreat. It was 3 nights of scrapping, eating (oh...the food), laughing and having fun. I was in the same room as last year....Room 20 with the SBC forum girls....who are alll so lovely and we always have a great time. On Friday night we had the annual dress up. This years theme was movie characters. We had a red carpet event. Room 20 decided to go as the Wizard of Oz. Niss was dorothy, I was the scarecrow, Jen was the tinman, Sue was the cowardly lion, Ronnie was the wicked witch of the west, Jo was Glinda the good witch, Debbie was a munchkin from the lollipo guild, Carole & Milly were the flying monkeys and Meg was the yellow brick road.

The team from SBC went as Austin Powers etc, we also had Marilyn Monroe, and the pink ladies & T-birds from Grease. I was a tonne of fun.

With working fulltime and trying to do this Uni Course (which is proving to be extremely hard), I haven't had as much time to scrap as I would like. So at the retreat I decided to concentrate on makng some mini books or albums. The plan is to have a cane basket on my coffee table full of these little albums. I suceeded in making 4 complete albums and a good start on the 5th. We also did a lovely 8x8inch album, a 3D layout by the lovely Carole Janson, and started a really special 7 gypsies revoloving ATC album (I'll put pics of these up as I get them finished).

This is an acrylic album I made of my wedding photos. I was a bit nervous about starting this as you have to so careful that it looks good on both sides of the page as they are see through. I really wanted to keep it delicate and really show off that it is clear. I was happy with the past results and entered it in Jen's fundraising competition she was having to raise money for her neice who is only young and has liver cancer. I ended up winning and received alovely pack of Kaiser products and a tote bag.

This little album I made to show of my first lot of dotees dolls that I made.

This is a little album I made using some papers from Kaiser. The bird on the cover page was cut using the new accucut that SBC has. I was addicted to using this giant diecut machine and also this bird shape. I cut it out of chipboard, bazzill and then cut it out of some laminating sheets. It is a great machine and will get a heap of use out of it as I joined the club.... which means I can use it anytime I want to at the store.... will come in handy for making Christmas presents.

Before I went to the retreat I did some shopping from http://www.etsy.com/ I am really keen to start making some fabric page books and art dolls so bought a few items to use. They arrived this week.

Now I can't wait to get on top of all this uni work I have to do soI can get creating with these new goodies. I have so many ideas in my head and things I want to make..... makes me regret agreeing to do the course this year....I suppose it will be worth it in the end but I think I'll have a minor breakdown before I finish.

That's all for this extra long post. I've still got a heap more things to talk about, but they will have to wait until another time as I'm pretty tired now and hanging out to hop into bed.

Meet Our New Baby.........

2008-04-20T05:53:00.004+10:00

Meet our little labrador puppy 'Lockyer', (yes I know the name's not the best but Mark named him and it is his dog.... we call him 'Locky'). He is 8 weeks old and we picked him up on Friday night from Kym at Barkooli Labrador Breeders. Mark has wanted a labrador for as long as I've known him so I thought I'd surprise him. It's been about 16 weeks of secret emails, talks with the kids etc. Everyone we work with knew of the surprise so it was so good that we all managed to keep it a secret for so long.

Well Mark's reaction when he first saw him made it, and the expense all worthwhile. He actually cried.... which was so heart warming. He has fallen in love with him right away.... as have the kids and I.

Locky is a bit of a sook, especially when he's being scolded for trying to chew on my craft basket or coffee table. We've had a few wee & poo accidents, but otherwise he seems to be fitting in really well. Fitting in! He is ruling the house. It is so like having a new human baby in the house.

That's all for now.

BLOG CHALLENGE #5 - Sweet or Savoury

2008-04-10T17:18:00.004+10:00

OR

Sweet or Savoury? Good question. I would say that I love a little bit of both. If it's that time of the month or if I've just eaten a spicy curry, I always crave choclate.... expecially top deck from Cadburys. If it's just for a treat or a pick me if I've had a bad day the potato chips are the things I need. Especially Smith's Chicken or Salt n' Vinegar chips.... I don't like the thins or ruffles just the classis cut ones.

Of course I know that I shouldn't really eat any of these things but you can't be good all the time right? Wouldn't be so bad if I could just stop at a few pieces of chocolate or some of the bag of chips but I usually start eating it and then end up eating the whole lot!!!!!

BLOG CHALLENGE #4 - what's in my handbag

2008-04-10T17:07:00.004+10:00

I am so far behind posting these challenges which is pretty silly as I'm the one setting them. My handbag is usually either a red leather backpack or a brown leather backpack. I prefer these as I am able to have my hands completely free when out & about.

My bag usually has my wallet, phone, lipgloss, navman, nintendo DS lite, ipod,(I am such a gadget junkie!!!) pens, carkeys, hospital ID & drug & locker keys,and some payslips.

I have a heap of handbags, at last count there was 25 but don't use them hardly ever. I usually buy them just because I like them. Some are practical and some are funky and some I have no idea why I bought them but can't part with them.

At the moment with uni, I am lugging a big black briefcase/laptop case to work with me everyday. It's not very pretty but it holds documents, textbooks and laptop ....can't wait for this course to be over.

Some New Dotee Dolls

2008-03-13T10:57:00.001+10:00

Well I've been busy making some new dotee dolls. They are just so addictive and so fast to make so they are really good therapy when I'm a bit stressed.

This is a fairy dotee I've made for a swap-bot swap.

Below is a close up of the bead detail on her head (this is my favourite part of making these dolls)

I've also made a dotee for another swapbot swap.... 'a dotee for my daughter'. My partners daughter gave me a complicated list of likes including:- monkeys; crazy patterns; chopsticks & the letter 'M'. So This is what I came up with. I hope she likes it. It's going in the post to a place called Dry Ridge in the USA.

I hope she likes this little monkey dotee.

I started to make this dotee for my sister-in-law but have fallen in love with the colour combo so am keeping this for me and will make her a purple on as she loves that colour.

I started to then get a bit creative and experimented with my own shape of doll. Below is an eggy-doll that I created.

I love the shape of this doll and had fun sewing the beads around the perimeter.

And big new this week is that my son, Brady started work at McDonalds. he really enjoyed it and has been rostered on for a few shifts this week already. He's really looking forward to having his own money although the rule is that he has to save half of his pay each week.

He hates having his photo taken so I was pretty lucky to get this shot of him in his uniform. (Now I'm starting to feel old).

Well that's all from me at the moment.

BLOG CHALLENGE WEEK 3 - "when I was a little girl I couldn't wait to grow up so..."

2008-03-11T18:10:00.002+10:00

When I was a little girl I remember watching my two Aunties who were in their 20s getting dressed for work everyday when I was staying with my grandparents. I used to watch them putting on their makeup and perfume. Betty, was an Avis renta car girl and looked very sophisticated in her uniform & Cathy was a nurse. I used to love the smell of the cosmetics and couldn't wait to be old enough to own some for myself. I rember thinking how glamorous it all seemed. Well i am a grown up now and yes I do where makeup most days. I never go out with out some makeup on, however I don't apply eye shadow & eyeliner. Just some foundation, blusher, mascara, and lip gloss. I still love the smell of cosmetics though.
Well that's my answer for this challenge this week.

Calendar Wallpaper

2008-03-07T21:07:00.001+10:00

At SBC the lovely Carole Janson has a monthly calendar page challenge going. I thought I'd take it a step further and create a digi calendar layout that I could have on my laptop as the wallpaper. I plan to make a new one each month.

I'm pretty happy with it. I've used elements by Vera Lim, Tracey Ann Robinson, Melissa Rose and Audrey Neale.

I've mainly spent this week getting uni stuff sorted out. After having a mini breakdown last week when we got the assignments and the first weeks worth of learning I am much more calmer now. I must admit I've been slack on my days off this week.... having trouble getting into the study.

At swap-bot I'm in a 'dotee for my daughter' swap. We have to make dotee dolls for our swap partners daughter based on stuff that they like. The girl I have to make a dote for is in to highschool musical, chopsticks, monkeys, crazy patterns and the letter 'M'. Will have to put my creative cap on to come up with something suitable. Will post a pick when I'm done.

Well that's all from me at the moment

Terri xx

Blog Challenge Week 2:- 'What makes me laugh'

2008-03-04T17:49:00.003+10:00

The theme for this weeks challenge is 'what makes me laugh'.... when I set the challenge I thought it would be an easy topic.... but I'm having trouble.

WORK:- I know that may sound funny but some of the things we get up to at work really makes me belly laugh. A hospital can be a really funny place (especially if you have a warped sense of humour). Some things patients, other staff & the doctors do is just so stupid that you can't help but laugh. I have a lot of fun at work and have a great laugh most days I'm there.

PIPER (my niece):- She is 3 years old and some of the things she says, thoughts she has and the faces she pulls are just so cute & funny.

KIARA (my daughter):- She is 10 years old and has her own opinions and thoughts about the way the world works. She says some of the strangest things about certain subjects but is so adamant that what she's saying is indeed fact... I can't help but laugh.... although it gets hard sometimes not to laugh in front of her.

FRIENDS:- Hanging out with friends can make you laugh. It's always fun to have a good giggle with friends.

SCOTT (my brother):- Always end up laughing whenever I spend time with him. He is so funny..... especially when he's hanging s..t on our mum. She thinks he's being serious which makes it even funnier. He is also good at sending people up. He was hypnotised at a show once and the video of that is just the funniest thing I've ever seen.

JASPER (my budgie):- He thinks he's a bat. We always finding him hanging upside down on his perch. he also fights with his swing. It's funny to watch him try to push it out of the road and then have to duck when it swings back so it won't hit him & knock him of his perch.

WILL SMITH:- I love him and think he's gorgeous. I really enjoy watching interviews that he gives as he is just so naturally funny.... always makes me smile & laugh.

MUSIC:- When I hear certain songs it reminds me of my teenage years and what we got up to.... that always makes me laugh. We had so much fun as kids but didn't realise just how lucky we were at the time.

That's about it for now as I've got to go and study. I think when you're older your study ethics change.... I know I never was this dedicated when I was a young, fulltime uni student. It's quite ironic really, I'm studying the anatomy of the brain and end up with a headached after doing so.

That's me done for now.

2 posts in one day - OMG!!!

2008-02-28T17:48:00.004+10:00

Well I've gone from being the world's worst blogger to haveing two posts in one day. I've just finished my March calendar page for the lovely Carole Janson's challenge at SBC. I've still got to do the January & February one to catch up.

I went to use my Cricut Design Studio but it kept wanting me to reformat it. Very frustrating. Have emailed customer support so suppose I'll just have to wait for a reply from them. Like I said in my 'favourite things' post.... I love technology but hate it when it stuffs up.

Went into SBC and paid the balance of my retreat money.... now just have to concentrate on saving spending money for the retreat. Got to say hello to Katie, Ang, Leisa & Kerrie. Also picked up my clear acrylic album. I think I'll work on this at the retreat. Just need to think of a theme for it. Also bought some Kaiser craft felt borders.

Here is the large dotee doll I made to sit on my sofa. Was fun to make a big version.

Have to run Kiara needs collecting from dance class.

Digi Layout - {LOVE}

2008-02-28T08:43:00.003+10:00

I thought I'd have some fun and play around with a different style of scrapping. It is still a digi layout though but a bit more funky than I usually do. This photo of my Dh & I was taken last week on our mini break in Caloundra. Not too bad a shot as my 10yr old daughter took it.

CREDITS:- TraceyAnn Robinso; Debra Tope; Corina Neilson; Gypsy Chick, Dielle Designs; Michelle Bowley and Tara Dunstan. Layout created using Adobe Photoshop 7.

Hope you like it.

New Digi Layout - 'KIKI'

2008-02-27T20:55:00.005+10:00

Here is a new digi layout I worked on this afternoon. It is of my daughter Kiara who is called Kiki by all her dancing friends.

Credits:- Vicki Stegall; Vera Lim; Melissa Rose; Sue Cummins; Dielle Designs; Corinne Neilson; Cristina Renee; and Jen Wilson. Layout done using Photoshop 7.

Blog Challenge Week 1:- Favourite Things

2008-02-26T04:17:00.002+10:00

I started a weekly blog challenge at SBC to get us all motivated to update our blogs. This weeks theme is..... Favourite Things. My favourite things are:-

To Relax:- Reading, Stitching, Scrapping. I really love when I have the house to myself on a Saturday morning and I can watch back to back craft shows while I stitch.

Space:- I love my craft room.... it is my sanctuary. It is now just the way I want it to be. I have a TV & DVD in there. I can sew, design, scrap, draw & paint, or sit at the computer and look at craft sites or blogs on the web to my hearts content. Sometimes I just come in here if I'm stressed and sit and I am instantly calm.

Threads, Ribbons, Buttons and Fabrics:- It may seem silly but a pile of these things to me is like a kid getting a big bag of lollies. I've collected so much of this over the years that now when I have an idea or see something I want to make I can start the project right away as I have it all at hand. I just love the colours, the textures, the way it all looks in glass jars on my shelves. Yummy!!!

My Ipod, Laptop, Graphics Tablet, Nintendo DS & my Navman:- I am such a techno junkie. I love gadgets. I often look in places like WOW & JB Hifi to see what new stuff is out there. Of course I hate it when technology mucks up.

Rocky Road Overload Ice Cream:- I know it's not healthy but that is just the best ice cream. I don't have it that often but when I do I DO NOT share it with anyone!!!

Getting my nails done:- Now I don't actually enjoy sitting there while the lady does my acrylic nails but I love having nice nails. It is really the only beauty indulgence I partake in on a regular basis.

Dotee Dolls:- These are becoming my new obsession. They are so cute and so easy to make. Each one ends up with it's own little personality. It's amazing how playing with beads and fabrics can make you feel so happy.

That's about all I can think of for now.

Back from Mini Holiday

2008-02-24T19:23:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone. Well we just spent a lovely three nights in Caloundra. We stayed in a cabin at a little caravan park that had it's own toilet & shower, was right on the water & had a BBQ at the front door. It was such so nice to get away with the kids for a few days. Kiara was funny. As soon as we got there she set her bed up on the top bunk, laid out her sleeping bag, put her Hello Kitty rug on top, her pillow and her teddy bear. We spent some time out in the boat.... I'm so sunburnt despite putting sunblock on. We also went to the air museum which was interesting. Mark and the kids did a bit of fishing and I had some time to relax and read a book.

This is a picture of the kids taken at the lookout at Caloundra.

Photo taken at the Queensland Air Museum..... the kids loved it.

I took my laptop & external hard drive and was able to do some digi-scrapping as well. I've decided to get serious about losing weight and have decided to make a digi-scrapping diary. This is the first page stating the goal weight I will be losing. I'm not sure if I like the page or not (as was tired when I did it), so I may even redo it. One of the things I like about digi-scrapping is that if you don't like the L/O you can start again and haven't wasted any products.

That's it for now. I've started a blog theme challenge with some girls from SBC. This weeks theme is..... my favourite. I'll put that post up hopefully tomorrow.

Valentines Day!!!!!

2008-02-14T15:53:00.005+10:00

These are the beautiful flowers my husband surprised me with this morning. Mark is not the most romantic man but every now and then he does surprise me. I felt a bid bad as we don't normally worry about Valentines Day as my birthday is only two days before, so I didn't get him anything this year.

Speaking of birthdays, I had a nice time despite the fact I had to work. One of my friends at work brought in a yummy coffee cream cake which I had to break the diet for (....it's not an excuse really.... she would have been insulted if I didn't have a piece), Mark gave me a nintendo ds lite that I wanted and some money that I'm not sure if I'll spend it at Scrapbook City, buy fabric or buy more Pandora beads. Mum & Dad sent me money so I could get more beads for my bracelet which I got today. I got a cute little teapot, a mobile phone and a cupcake with a cubic zirconia on the top as well as another aqua coloured murano glass bead. Sorry no photos as it keeps getting lens flare when I tried to take a photo. I'll put up a photo when I work out how to avoid that. The kids got me a CD and I'm pretty sure my brother & sister-in-law have also got me beads for my bracelet.

My Dotee Doll obsession has kicked off in a big way. They are just so addictive. I only discovered them on Friday night but since then have now made 6 of the little girls. Two are for a swap I signed up for at swap-bot.com they are so cute.

I have these sitting on a table in my lounge room and they look so cute. I think I'll need to get a bigger bowl to put them in though. I'm planning on making a really big one to match the colour of my lounge room so it can sit on the sofa amongst my scatter cushions.

My son Brady got his first job. He will be working at McDonalds afterschool. He has orientation next Saturday. He is so looking forward to getting some money of his own. They just grow up so fast don't they. I'll have to get some photos in his uniform when he gets..... he'll protest I'm sure, but I'll get them anyway.

That's about it for now..... have to get Kiara of to dance class.

Dotee Dolls

2008-02-09T11:28:00.000+10:00

While browsing through various blogs at work last night I stumbled across this site where the lady, Dot (who is Austalian) has designed this free little doll pattern that is fast becoming an addiction for heaps of people. People are making these and swapping them with other people all over the world.

I'm going to have ago at making some of these. I've already got heaps of fabric, felt, beads etc in my craft room already. And as always when I get addicted to something I've gone ahead and joined a fairy dotee swap. I found this great site www.swap-bot.com where you can search for and sign up for all sorts of swaps. I haven't checked if there is any scrapping swaps as was son engrossed looking at dotee dolls.

Well I have now been awake for 30hours as got up at 05.30hrs yesterday and couldn't sleep and then did night shift. I then couldn't go straight to sleep as had to take the kids to their fathers and then I got all excited about starting to make dotees so have spent the morning sorting out all my beads, charms, fabrics etc so I can start making one tonight at work.

Until next time.

Welcome to my new blog

2008-02-08T13:54:00.000+10:00

Hi and welcome to my new blog. Now you may be wondering why it is called "T is for Teeyore". The answer is that a few years ago, after we had been out for a family dinner my 3 year old niece yelled out to me 'Bye auntie Teeyore!'. She was obviously having trouble saying Terri and the name has stuck as a bit of a nickname. I also tend to use it as my username on forum boards.

For a little bit about me..... I am a nurse on a neuro & ortho ward and also work parttime as a hospital bed manager, sometimes I am the staffing manager and will also be after hours hospital coordinator when they need leave relief. This year, I am also going to be a Uni student. The hospital is paying for me to do my Graduate Certificate in neurosurgical Nursing through RMIT in Melbourne. It's all due to start in March and I am getting nervous as the time fast approaches. Just not sure how I will juggle everything.

I love scrapbooking. I have met some wonderful people and made some good friends through the world of scrapping. I have been getting more immersed in the world of digital scrapbooking. I think it makes more sense economically as the kits you buy can be reused time and again and also be altered to create many differing looks. With hybrid Scrapping (combination of paper & digi scrapping), I've made some lovely projects and presents for family and friends.

Stitcheries and quilting is another love of mine. I started a design business last year but with the increasing workload at the hospital and the kids haven't been able to get it where I want it. I had grand plans to relaujnch it this year but now I'm at Univeristy may have to put it on hold until the end of the year.

My husband is a security officer at the hospital. My daughter is very involved in dancing and is at the studio 4 nights a week (as she's only 10 I have to be up at the studio a lot as well). My son is a SES cadet and hopefully will get a partime job soon (more running around for me).

Now I have been known to be a pretty bad blogger, but I am planning on changing this. For this reason I wanted to start afresh with a brand new blog. I'm not promising to update daily but am going to aim for at least a weekly update. I hope you check back from time to time and please leave you blog details so I can have a look at yours. I love looking at other people's blogs.

Till next time.