September 27, 2005

Self Portrait Tuesday: Body Parts

In a hurry.

Posted by Maxine at 08:17 PM | Comments (1)

September 20, 2005

Tie One On Submissions

This months theme was a godsend. Straightforward, no complications, easy peasy. The only challenge was to find a dishcloth/tea towel that was worthy enough. I hunted high and low and eventually came across this lovely lot. I am really pleased with how they turned out. The tie on the back is the same for both (in fact I did a third one from the pack, which is grey and white stripey - but without a pocket). I added the pockets in felt and for an extra touch the blackberry made from buttons.

I think these will soon become gifts for someone. Unless there is anyone out there who fancies a swop?!

Posted by Maxine at 07:22 PM | Comments (2)

Self Portrait Tuesday: Body Parts

You can't beat pink shoes.

Posted by Maxine at 03:01 PM | Comments (2)

September 16, 2005

Out of Action

Finally I have managed to get online this week. We still haven't worked out what is wrong (when I say we I mean Warren! my futureboy!) something strange is going on with airport and now, in a makeshift, 'have to check my email and newsfeeds before I go crazy' way, there is a lead in the back of my machine, up the wall over one doorframe and through another! I am also sick at the moment (just a run down kinda cold thing) and W reckons its cold turkey!

So hopefully everything (including myself) will be back and raring to go very soon. I have even six squares cut out, ready to do some bag mass production.

On another note I have been totally angry this week at all the crap going on here. We were supposed to be going out tonight and just to be on the safe side we have to stay in. To avoid recreational rioting, hijacking of cars and obvious danger attached to these situations. The annoying thing is that it might be fine to go out, but we just don't know and if they start barricading roads then we could potentially be stuck in town. I can't even begin to explain how angry it all makes me. I think maybe its because I'm not originally from Belfast , so I have an outside perspective. A lot of people have had to just 'get used' to this type of thing over the years. But I'm afraid I can't do that. I don't want Emily to grow up with that kind of 'put up with it' attitude - I want the best for her. This is unusual though and we normally don't see trouble at this time of the year and it hasn't been like this in the 8 years I have been here (well maybe once, at the start).

So I'm hoping that things calm down and it all goes away and we don't have to feel like prisoners in our own homes. We are lucky because we live in a quiet area, so we are safe. Its just if you want to go other places. I wish they would all just stop the mindless thuggery and realise what a beautiful country they are spoiling.

Posted by Maxine at 07:06 PM | Comments (1)

September 13, 2005

Just a couple of things

Firstly I have discovered the origination of Self Portrait Tuesday, check out the site for more information and to find out how to join in.

Secondly arc & mav from Port2Port are generously offering the first sixty people to contact them, one of their first limited editions postcards printed on their letterpress. They say its just a fun mailer but I am sure it will be just wonderful. Such a great idea!

Posted by Maxine at 07:25 PM | Comments (0)

Self Portrait Tuesday

I have been toying with the idea of joining in with self portrait Tuesday for a while now. A lot of other blogs that I read take part and I am not exactly sure where the idea originates. I first became aware of it through Angry Chicken.

So here is my first portrait. Nothing illustrates my day like rolling around, having fun with my almost 2 year old daughter, Emily.

Posted by Maxine at 02:13 PM | Comments (1)

September 08, 2005

Fixed Now

Just thought I better mention that my very observant hubby, Warren, noticed that the 'syndicate this site' link wasn't working properly. It is now fixed. If you have recently subscribed I would advise you to do it again just to be on the safe side.

Posted by Maxine at 07:44 PM | Comments (0)

Illustration Friday "Roots"

Its been a long time since I participated in Illustration Friday, so I am pleased to have something for this week.

This weeks topic made me think of my family tree. I often think that it would be great to look back over generations and find the roots of the family. But then my family is so complex (I suppose who's isn't?!). It makes me think 'if you want to go digging around you have to be prepared for what you might find'.

Posted by Maxine at 02:53 PM | Comments (3)

September 06, 2005

My First Ebay Purchase

You may be wondering why on earth I would buy 8 little teddies from anywhere let alone Ebay but there is a reason. Emily is coming up to her second birthday and I am planning a teddy bears picnic style party for her. It might not be quite a picnic, depending on the weather (and also our back garden is still in aftermath of extension build) . So I will be sending out teddy bear invites, decorating the house with teddy bear balloons, and these little teddies, along with some other teddy related goodies will be in the party bags for Ems chums to take home.

I am also trying to get my hands on 250 teddy bear stickers on ebay at the moment. Its exciting this ebay lark, although W thinks I might end up going crazy on there!

Posted by Maxine at 02:26 PM | Comments (1)

September 01, 2005

Back at Last!

Finally I am back! It has taken a bit longer than expected. I was so exhausted when I got back and then poor Emily was sick for a while and all I wanted to do in my spare time was lie on the sofa and watch TV (current favourite is Lost, with re-watching X-Files in second place - although this is starting to disappoint with the hammed up episodes of season 6). So any motivation I have had has been replaced by the Tivo remote, cushions and blanket (no matter what the weather).

My trip away was great and Emily mom and I did lots together, which was great because we don't get to see each other very often. As you can see from above photos I managed to bring back a few car boot treasures. The aprons were 10p each! Practically free, so I bought all 5! Sorry about the photos but its better I get them up while I have a burst of enthusiasm. The orangey one is definitely my favourite and I couldn't believe that these were 90% sewn by hand! Just so you know the one of Emily was actually a present sent later on from Nanny and Grandad but I thought I would put it in for good measure. In fact Emily got a huge pile of toys from the car boot sale, to keep at my moms house for when we visit, the bargains were totally amazing, the best being a tricycle for 50p!

I don't feel so guilty about missing the past 2 'Tie One On' themes now, although this months theme is quick and easy so I have no excuse!

The fabric I think I will use for an evening of bag mass production. The green is actually a duvet cover so I will get lots from this (I am so into green at the moment). The bottom one is made up of tiny circles with white outlines which is really great, but this is only a pillow case. And lots of twill tape for bag handles or apron ties!

I feel better now. I can go have a cup of tea and watch TV guilt free.

Posted by Maxine at 08:39 PM | Comments (1)