tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74795254907995660672024-03-14T03:23:40.283+00:00The Crafty NinjaCrafting like a ninja...TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-5602448744564673472012-06-08T17:08:00.000+01:002012-06-09T16:27:03.256+01:00And now, for something a little different from me...I should have done this step-by-step with pictures, but I wanted to share a recipe with you. I'm calling it poor-man's sausage casserole, because there are only 5 ingredients and it's super-easy! AND you can do it all in one pot!<br />
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Equipment:<br />
A stone casserole dish with a lid - pyrex dishes are also good.<br />
A wooden spoon or your preferred stirring implement.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 sausages. Good meaty ones are best. I'm using low-fat ones as they're what I had ready.<br />
A tin of chopped tomatoes - 400g<br />
A tin of baked beans<br />
A couple of handfuls of mixed veg (if you like, you can used fresh veg and add whatever you like. Mine is a frozen mix of broccoli, carrot, cauliflower and peas)<br />
A large onion, diced (again, I'm cheap so I use ready chopped, frozen onions)<br />
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Method:<br />
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat the oven to about 180-200 degrees C</li>
<li>Put the sausages into your dish. You can spray it with a little oil if you prefer, but I (try to) use stoneware that's pre-seasoned, so I don't need to. Brown them off in the oven.</li>
<li>When the sausages are done, take them out of the oven and chop them into pieces, you can generally get 4/5 equal sized pieces out of each sausage. Put the sausage pieces into the lid of your casserole dish (just to save that extra bit of washing up as you'll need the empty pot for this next bit)</li>
<li>Put all the other ingredients into the pot. Beans and tomatoes first, stir them together, then add your onions and other veg.</li>
<li>Add a little water to make the sauce less thick, then add the sausage pieces and stir them in.</li>
<li>Put the lid on the pot and cook in the oven for about 45 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<div>
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<div>
(I will add a picture of the finished result later on!)<br />
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EDIT: Here it is! I think I'd also add a little seasoning in there. Some herbs and spices, etc. But it was still pretty good!<br />
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<br /></div>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-27270228848110752312012-04-10T17:21:00.001+01:002012-04-10T17:21:17.145+01:00Pinterest Love!Have you discovered <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> yet? If not, where have you been?! It's been one of my best sources of inspiration since I opened my account late last year. Seriously, I have found some awesome tutorials and learned so much about crafts that I thought I was experienced in - turns out no matter how much you think you know, you can always learn something new!<br />
<br />
So, for a while (read: a LOOOOONNNG time, maybe even more than a year...) I've been working on a t-shirt knitting pattern for my daughter. The pattern was in a UK based magazine and I had a LOT of problems with it. I won't name and shame the company, but I ended up blagging my way through the pattern as it was so badly written for the size I was making. Today, I finally finished knitting the main body of it and ended up with something a little like this:<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/535629_10150653631651743_107269991742_9873229_1960211672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/535629_10150653631651743_107269991742_9873229_1960211672_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wasn't entirely happy with it - not that I expected to be with the amount of trouble I had with it - but I thought it just needed a little something to add to it. So, I began my quest. I knew that I wanted to add a crocheted edge to the sleeves and the bottom, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. Eventually, I stumbled upon <a href="http://knotgarden.blogspot.co.uk/2009/03/simple-picot-edging.html" target="_blank">THIS BLOG</a> and decided this was just what it needed. It's simple to do and yet so pretty, it really finished off the sleeves nicely. I HAD to share this little gem of information, so I "pinned" it to my<a href="http://pinterest.com/thecraftyninja/crochet/" target="_blank"> crochet-devoted board</a> on Pinterest and within an hour, over 40 other pinners had repinned it, too!<br />
<br />
So, here's what I did with this lovely tutorial:<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/533338_10151471338475328_606995327_23540951_1332172124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/533338_10151471338475328_606995327_23540951_1332172124_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So far, I have done this on both sleeves and am still doing the bottom part (there's almost 300 stitches in that round and I apparently cast off fairly tight...) but I'm really pleased with it and I'm also so pleased that I had the chance to share this information with so many other crafters!<br />
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You don't have a Pinterest account? Don't worry! Just drop me an email on thecraftyninjauk[at]gmail[dot]com with your preferred email account to use for registration and I'll invite you as soon as I can! I will warn you though, it's VERY addictive. Hope to see some of you there really soon!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-32322731937237038172012-03-29T17:00:00.004+01:002012-03-29T17:16:22.396+01:00April fool...?I know I haven't posted in ages, I really do apologise for that. I just sometimes don't have the motivation to even craft, let alone blog about it!<div><br /></div><div>But, something BIG is happening for The Crafty Ninja!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have written my very first crochet pattern - only a simple baby hat - but it's all my own pattern. AND... this is the big news... It's going to be published in an online magazine! Excited, much?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Released on 1st April (really, NOT an April Fool!), issue 3 of crafter...oo magazine has a fabulous source of information for all crafters alike! It's only £1.50 per issue and you can purchase past issues by signing up to the forum (registration is free!) and clicking <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/board,103.0.html">this link</a> and following the instructions.</div><div><br /></div><div>How fabulous does this cover look?!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc327/pennydogaccessories/coverb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 760px; height: 877px;" src="http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc327/pennydogaccessories/coverb.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>Do you think YOU have what it takes to be in the next issue of crafter...oo magazine? Positions are now open for submitting content for issue 4, scheduled for release in July. Just pop on over to the <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=forum">crafter...oo forum</a> and sign up to express your interest!</div><div><br /></div><div>And please make sure to purchase issue 3 on April 1st to find my baby hat pattern and lots of other fantastic, crafty talent and inspiration!</div>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-74000876544946243002011-11-17T19:45:00.001+00:002011-11-17T19:45:27.645+00:00Sneaky peek at something I'm working on...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0o_IwuJRQGWRX5w0i3W63FsMp7_3GsNEnJED2QudciXwTltpmmy1NDrRhxhjBVdSyQI1kSAC72G7xCzAVKiIqwZetUZwbLmdMpzB4gS01dKKIb_YVgQj3HULQfHIoDIzVybGKCDKrvg/s1600/IMAG0621-727646.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0o_IwuJRQGWRX5w0i3W63FsMp7_3GsNEnJED2QudciXwTltpmmy1NDrRhxhjBVdSyQI1kSAC72G7xCzAVKiIqwZetUZwbLmdMpzB4gS01dKKIb_YVgQj3HULQfHIoDIzVybGKCDKrvg/s320/IMAG0621-727646.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676053239372061202" /></a></p><p>Yep, I'm a tease ;) enjoy!</p> TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-9109982785336540542011-11-16T21:06:00.000+00:002011-11-16T21:07:00.988+00:00Sneaky peek at something I'm working on...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cW9H-yC0jL9Zd2BFGMDmq7qrxbuhVnM-KZZ0TGqwVhmkys59s5ae0W_-lM1qlu-hW3khBZxwVF_muJd1IR73o637AyxNl0WrMvdjusx9aT2-OBUPz1dgq2ac7S5j_ZZweKhhhmXECAw/s1600/IMAG0621-720989.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cW9H-yC0jL9Zd2BFGMDmq7qrxbuhVnM-KZZ0TGqwVhmkys59s5ae0W_-lM1qlu-hW3khBZxwVF_muJd1IR73o637AyxNl0WrMvdjusx9aT2-OBUPz1dgq2ac7S5j_ZZweKhhhmXECAw/s320/IMAG0621-720989.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675703170583651218" /></a></p><p>Yep, I'm a tease ;) enjoy!</p> TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-35499102592987556652011-10-26T20:07:00.004+01:002011-10-26T21:13:58.787+01:00Crafter..oo magazine - Mystery Package Challenge!<div style="text-align: center;">Well, it has been a while, hasn't it?! Honestly, I have had the roughest year you could imagine - I won't go into details as it will not do anyone any favours and well, my personal life is just that - I do not cross it with my craft life.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Anyway, this blog post is about the <a href="http://http//www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php">Crafter..oo Crafts forum</a> who have put together an online craft magazine which has been put together by members of the forum and I am going to be involved in the second issue of it which is due to be released in Jan 1st 2012. If you'd like to take a sneak peek at issue #1, you can do so <a href="http://http//www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,8765.0.html">HERE</a> (I think you may have to sign up for the forum to be able to buy it, but it's free to sign up) and if you go on to purchase it, it's a fabulous bargain price of just £1.50!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div>So, what's my contribution? Good question - I need your help! I am taking part in a Mystery Package Challenge - how exciting and intriguing does that sound?! But quite frankly, I'm a little bit intimidated by the contents of this package! There are several different materials - pretty much none of which I am experienced in using - EEK!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, these pictures are what's in the package. I'll explain a bit more about the challenge afterwards.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the entire contents of the package.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzoyR7xh-6JlLeSCHI5TRTn7MLP63wJ6xnmzzRe2gLU1SVlVp0rkXv1uoQG98uGcvwkksBaiXqioGbjdVEQIPhZk8u04MioV0ybNozy1pyzpNF0VK6mMr-hZNsAaFmGnxbbR24cYtyLc/s320/IMAG0548.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667888815241403858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Firstly, there's a page of a book. It's printed on both sides and has some German text on one side (as shown) and what looks like an appendix or contents page in English on the other side.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaqWFu1lfS3pyj5uy2sEONYci-thgn7hF1gdKiYuPX-8P7Nz__jHsjLrnL4-DXgvvA7Q2CVmR89rKzWJT8uQJ8x58F7R_DrmMJ329_mUVOS0oLloiwvy6ct8556DbMuCTTN_z2STUAfs/s320/IMAG0549.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667889686735604850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center;">Then we have this beautiful selection of beads, buttons and charms! They're SO pretty to look at! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXhvbwMOGEIjJAHCKmfakejHnQPwwApQtkiNqLdoyxyYMBZTlyf_RGRbClYgyUUSRW9FPrNeOIM_-Kb27pWE0F2OiwSpMtgiZo72i7ICzBbJBqt_p1ZJNRNS_3LLTn5jwIFa656SM0AE/s320/IMAG0554.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667889691303169810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div></div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>And finally, there are three different types of ribbon - a thin strip of pale blue satin-y ribbon, some white-ish organza-type ribbon which is a little wider and some white lace edging-type stuff. Oh, and that piece of grey/brown fabric is also part of the package!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div></div><div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkrA9np2PDLqUBaGk_cLprkUKNxMgMHRFkOojfwQbWqipT2ntpVMqxvlJuXqLVnC0Hb5atxFK2paKVGf_TGTPg3QoUhlogpxnBRgZTLNdFWkqwd_0XumtKN9FfHRztYjnsgzeE7iYkKo/s320/IMAG0558.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667889687371873186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I apologise for my lack of technical terminology in the descriptions - but as I previously mentioned, this is NOT the kind of stuff I am used to working with! And this is why I need your help. The rules/guidelines we have to follow for this project are:</div><div><ul><li>You may blog WIP pieces as a tease, as long as they do not give away too much about the final piece</li><li>You agree <u style="font-weight: bold; ">not to post pictures</u> anywhere on the web of the final piece until after issue 2 hits the shelves (or web, I suppose!)</li><li>You may use supplies from your own stash, but please let the supplies in the "Mystery Package" be the main focus of what you make</li><li>You do not need to use all the pieces that are in the "Mystery Package", but please try and use as many as you can.</li><li>You can make more than one thing</li></ul><br /></div><div>Anyone who knows me or my work, knows that I primarily focus on yarn arts (knitting and crochet) and paper and card crafting, so this is completely new to me! Ideally, I'd like to try to work the items in this package into something covering those areas. I don't want to have to go out and purchase lots of expensive extras to be able to make this work - it's far too close to Christmas(!) to be thinking about spending my money on anything else so I want to use things I already own as much as possible too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have maybe a couple of basic ideas, but am not really sure how to make them work. If anyone has any ideas that may help me, please do comment. I will gladly consider anything you can suggest - although I won't be able to let you know whether I use your suggestion or not! And I don't want to steal whole ideas either, so please bear this in mind when commenting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much to every one of you who reads this. You're so supportive to me all of the time and I appreciate it more than you know! <3</div><div><br /></div></div></div>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-9193174834226309562011-08-06T11:26:00.004+01:002011-08-06T11:43:58.075+01:00And the winner is!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJwOsd19MrFKQ8k-Te6wAXnOO15UBlgV86F7m9j8doQm2qED4DHe25AGH3cbkD-J79u-SIrQCXihu5ZiBT2cGwfauXhAa9mUWRfjoIUTkeo0Cr7nhFMSVfYDYlrz8iypCastYjD7u2H0/s1600/067.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />As chosen by my daughter, the process of which is shown in pictures as follows ;)<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>First I wrote all the entries on a piece of paper:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-a7FsvSa3Oa5DLGW6Q5dJY52c9HiztPdMO5oWE0EIsR5nGpcAxKcLutee_CCSog2FKSX74RWZbKEtLNhASLNkrgBqN4KVsuMZR8fwnZM88jNb0xLPAPMcBsasBJHNbzH5jf5p7HqUw0/s320/063.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637687809068255506" /><br /></div><div>These were cut out and folded with the help of my daughter and put into a "pot" (aka a roll of sellotape on my bed!):</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-7laFfVYvnlAwkSw31fDMADGI8bVWm7-73dg0zXAFBs68Mle0XPOaH2vqrPa3HEaNCsLa_V34GA-4Q5S-jJN5TOcia3kO73bX9bfVHlS0BCJIHbLFZeLYJH7ZbFn-HeYOKmxPLnIk1o/s320/064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637688273864184002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She put her hand into the "pot" and chose one name at random:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3fi82JOlZz16FfFwxajfzm_EKtpj5byZodsL1EpnHCuVKxGHxR9LUcNFYoWGfMQ0wtmDzeDESRufJ3DR6FN77mAxLi456SrpUFYtN2WYMz_MVbk02rJvgMQP6ZqTiIeFf5jUqiKof5A/s320/065.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637688275684308130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the winner is..........</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJwOsd19MrFKQ8k-Te6wAXnOO15UBlgV86F7m9j8doQm2qED4DHe25AGH3cbkD-J79u-SIrQCXihu5ZiBT2cGwfauXhAa9mUWRfjoIUTkeo0Cr7nhFMSVfYDYlrz8iypCastYjD7u2H0/s1600/067.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJwOsd19MrFKQ8k-Te6wAXnOO15UBlgV86F7m9j8doQm2qED4DHe25AGH3cbkD-J79u-SIrQCXihu5ZiBT2cGwfauXhAa9mUWRfjoIUTkeo0Cr7nhFMSVfYDYlrz8iypCastYjD7u2H0/s320/067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637688284311553858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div></div><div>Anice! Who would like a bear the same as the one in the picture! Congratulations Anice, please email me at kaceysmom@gmail.com or contact me via my <a href="www.facebook.com/tcnfans">Facebook Page</a> before Wednesday 10th August at midnight GMT!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you weren't successful this time, don't worry! If you love these little bears, they are available to custom order (please give at least 4 weeks notice!) at just £5 each plus postage. You can contact me on the email address above or again, via my facebook page - link also above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much to everyone who entered and for all your continuing support!</div>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-71718721975601695282011-07-25T10:17:00.004+01:002011-07-28T16:46:59.435+01:00A giveaway!Did you all hear the news? Thanks to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sendinthetroops">Send In The Troops</a> on Facebook, my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tcnfans">Facebook Page</a> hit over 1000 fans! Can I get a "HELL YEAH!!" :D So, naturally, I'm going to celebrate this awesome feat and one of you lucky, lucky people gets to have your own custom crocheted bear! These little bears normally retail for £5 each, but you could have one entirely free!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197920_10150117791561743_107269991742_7155144_5772998_n.jpg"></img></center><br /><br />Awww, isn't he cute? The variables are the colour of his (or her!) body - the main bear colour and the colour of his shirt. You can have the shirt sleeveless, short sleeved or long sleeved and the length of the shirt can be altered to be the length of a dress, if you so wish!<br /><br />All you have to do, is comment on this blog post and let me know what colour(s) YOU would choose if you won your own custom bear! Bonus entries available for sharing this post on Twitter, Facebook and Google+, but please post each entry as a separate comment and link to the post that you shared it in!<br /><br />NB: If you are entering from outside the mainland UK, I would ask that if you are successful, would you please cover the cost of postage? Customs charges can be a pain!<br /><br />PS: One other thing! I forgot to put a closing date on this post before, so I shall leave it open until.... 5th August at midnight GMT. So still plenty of time for you all!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-88852548951492659792011-07-13T12:25:00.001+01:002011-07-13T12:25:16.416+01:00Testing, testing!<br clear="all">So, apparently, I can update my blog via email, which will be brilliant, especially as my smartphone (currently in for repair) is linked to google too....! Here goes, give me a shout!<div><br></div><div>Oh and I have also optimised this page for mobile use, so if you are on a phone, let me know how it looks!<br> -- <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tcnfans" target="_blank">The Crafty Ninja</a> - Handmade cards and other crafts Facebook page!<br><br><div style="padding:0px;margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;overflow:hidden;word-wrap:break-word;color:black;font-size:10px;text-align:left;line-height:130%"> </div><br> </div> TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-17281784089535269302011-02-14T18:24:00.002+00:002011-02-14T19:01:23.534+00:00Almost a year later....Yes, I have decided to write a blog post again.<br /><br />I haven't really got a good enough excuse for not posting, other than laziness, but I hope I can be forgiven.<br /><br />I don't have time to catch up with all the projects I have done over the last year or so, but as a little background, I have had a VERY trying last few months. A big change happened in my life last November and it's thrown me out of sorts a little bit - actually - a lot. I won't go into detail here, I know some of you who may be reading this know the story, but I don't want to rehash personal issues on what is mainly a craft blog.<br /><br />So, I have been crafting a lot more recently. I'm finding therapy in it, it takes my mind off of more poignant issues and have a lot more time for it too. I have taught myself to crochet quite effectively now and have been focussed on crocheting small items, whereas this time last year, I was knitting more.<br /><br />Today, I have been blog-hopping to find small crochet items which can be used as embellishments for my cards. The one card I managed to complete today features a crocheted butterfly, with gems stuck on to decorate the wings. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I have had some positive response on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tcnfans">Facebook</a href> page so I'm feeling more positive about it. Please feel free to leave any comments.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecraftyninja/5445385751/" title="DSC00063.jpg by The Crafty Ninja, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/5445385751_996111c24a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSC00063.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So that's my post for today. I really hope I can blog more often and once again, I apologise that it's been so long!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-64691751646821607992010-02-27T13:07:00.002+00:002010-02-27T13:20:07.248+00:00I'm soooo sorry!I'm a terrible blogger, I really am. And you are all welcome to punish me. Facebook has been my main source of self-promotion, so if you want to see what's been going on, click the become a fan link just over on the right hand side of this post!<br /><br />My last post was about the cardigan I knitted for DS. I managed to complete all parts of it, but I got really lost trying to do the button and buttonhole band, but my OH's mum is also a keen knitter and she has offered to complete that part and sew it up for me! So once it is done, I will get another picture uploaded. I just hope it will still fit him when it's done - he's 2 now and his age 2-3 clothes are getting small already!<br /><br />I've also been knitting a few small toys. I made DS a small teddy which went down very well! DD now wants one too, but I'm making her a ragdoll which I'm sure she will love even more. At this point, all I have to do is knit the second section of her dress before sewing, stuffing and embellishing!<br /><br />And I promised I'd update on the craft fair I did towards the later part of last year. For me, it was successful, but I could have done better! I had about 40 cards set out on the table, all OOAK and the table cost me £5 for 2 hours, which wasn't too bad, was only a small village thing. But two tables down from me was another cardmaking stand with 4 owners who were all making cards as thy sat there and had huge filing boxes full of cards. And there was me on my tod with a pair of scissors! So most people were buying from them which was disconcerting as I knew how much work I had put into each and every card. I did, however, sell 5 cards making £8 in total - a profit of £3. Not great, but it was a start!<br /><br />I now have a Cuttlebug die-cutting machine too and I am hoping to get more organised soon and be able to churn out a few more designs :) For now, I'm sticking cardmaking on a backburner as a hobby.<br /><br />Sorry again for not updating sooner!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-42076372117108987222009-11-15T17:00:00.002+00:002009-11-15T17:01:45.603+00:00Update on DS's cardigan<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecraftyninja/4106383860/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4106383860_de03e705de.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecraftyninja/4106383860/">004</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/thecraftyninja/">The Crafty Ninja</a></center>.</span></div><p>I have just under a month left until DS's 2nd birthday and this is how far I have managed to get with it so far. One of the front pieces is sewn to the back piece, but the other side and the sleeve aren't as yet. I'm about 1/3 of the way through making the second sleeve as well. So far, I'm really pleased with how it's turning out! I think it should fit him for a long time ytet as well - I sized the pattern for age 2-3 years which he wears already, but this seems pretty big so I'll be pleased if he gets a years use out of it!</p>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-71125894521170574632009-10-26T18:12:00.002+00:002009-10-26T18:31:50.634+00:00Facebook, commissions and craft fayres - OH MY!!Well, I know I said I would update this more often, but it has just totally slipped my mind. I HAVE been doing a fair amount of crafting, I just... well to be honest, I haven't had the motivation to blog it! I was considering joining in <a href="http://www.nablopomo.com/">NaBloPoMo</a> next month too but I really don't think I'll be able to keep it up! It would defintiely be an inspiration to do more cradfting, which I definitely need to do as I have been invited to hold a stall at my very first Craft Fayre! It's on the 28th November at Hamstreet Village Hall, Hamstreet, Nr Ashford, Kent from 10am-2pm and I'm so excited about it! But, it's half term, and my main focus is keeping the kids - specifically DD - occupied for the week.<br /><br />Anyway, if you're a regular on my blog, you may have noticed the Facebook fan page link just over there ----> see it? If you click on it, you can become a fan of The Crafty Ninja on Facebook if you aren't already! A few weeks back, I gained my 100th fan - the lovely Kathryn. I offered her a free commission, which she accepted for her mother's birthday. She gave me a little info about her mum - what interests her, etc - and I came up with this:<br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/4047513232_8d2cd28215_m.jpg"></img></center><br /><br />I have no idea why it's so small, but you can see more pictures of it from after Kathryn received it, her review and a lovely flattering post about me at her own blog <a href="http://futurequeenjewels.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-won.html">Future Queen and her Crafty Ways</a>! A big thank you to Kathryn and everyone who helps support me, you are all fantastic!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-87178831589031613652009-08-12T23:37:00.002+01:002009-08-12T23:47:48.093+01:00I know it's been a while again....<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26847662@N04/3816170236/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3816235106_e5e3428b90.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26847662@N04/3816170236/">2009-08-12 22.48.08.jpg</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/26847662@N04/">grazedelbows</a>.</span></div><p>This is actually a commission for my sister. Though we are both attending our cousin's wedding on Saturday, she asked me to make her a card. She picked up the embellishments and let me know what colour scheme she wanted, so I rustled this up for her! I'm really happy with how it turned out, especially the sheet of polyester laminate on the top to give it that extra professional edge!<br /><br />And just to say, that now I have discovered how to use Flickr's editing suite and can upload directly to here, I will almost definitely be blogging more often!</p>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-35197408427478664082009-08-12T23:10:00.002+01:002009-08-12T23:13:00.129+01:00FlickrThis is a test post from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/r/testpost"><img alt="flickr" src="http://www.flickr.com/images/flickr_logo_blog.gif" width="41" align="absmiddle" border="0" height="18" /></a>, a fancy photo sharing thing.<br /><br />EDIT: Oh my word - I may actually have to use this now! How nifty is that? I never realised I could post my pictures directly from flickr to the b log! Of course, I'll have to see if I can get the fancy editing and border tools I've used on Photobucket before now, but wow! Colour me impressed!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-25649713359587027862009-07-01T21:27:00.002+01:002009-07-01T21:44:35.332+01:00The bug has bitten!This last week or so, I have been crafting much more often than is usual for me. Most of the time, unless there is a big occasion coming up, I have no reason to, and the kids rarely permit me to - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DS</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">moreso</span> - just because he's 18 months old and wants to be in everything - I think my craft cupboard must be like a treasure trove to him. To me, it's MY treasure - and also a danger to him because of all the scissors, knives and pens lying around.<br /><br />Anyway, my evenings, I usually spend messing around on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">facebook</span>. It's my vice, I need to quit. But ANYWAY! I have been crafting. A lot. So here's 3 new projects for you to feast your eyes on!<br /><br />This is my first one. My DD will be leaving nursery in a few weeks to go on to Primary School (*sniff, sniff* Don't get me started on my baby girl going to <i>school</i> already - it's not true, I won't admit to it *sob*). Ahem, excuse me, sorry. So I rustled up this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">thankyou</span> card from some freebies in a magazine - but the arrangements and ideas just sort of came to me. I'm really pleased with this one.<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=004-2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/004-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />These next two are for my older sisters birthday, I don't see her very often but my dad wanted me to pick up a card for her from him too. Pick up a card, me? Screw that, I'll damn well make it myself! I'm really pleased with this first one. I had barely any ideas, they just all came together. I actually had the decoration ideas made up beforehand - then when I looked in my card blanks and found one that was almost the <i>exact</i> colour of the detail - yeah, exactly!<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />I rushed this one really. I don't know, I just had run out of inspiration for one night. Maybe one card a night is my limit, maybe I will build it up as I get more experience. I don't know, but this is going to have to be labelled: "It'll do".<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=093.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/093.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />So hopefully this crafty bug will stay with me for a while and I'll be able to show some more of my creations much more regularly!<br /><br />Oh and as a last note, I got a brand new 10mp camera recently too, so hopefully my photo quality will be a bit better than has been before!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-7527033998492790252009-06-10T13:16:00.002+01:002009-06-10T13:49:01.222+01:00It's a girl... or TWO!The ex-DH rang me to say our old next door neighbour had given birth this week to identical twin girls! Of course, I remembered I had LOADS of baby bits in my craft stash, just DYING to be used for something, so I rustled up this little thing! Really pleased with how it turned out and I hope the new parents and their new 5 piece family are enjoying their babymoon!<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-8124321566620881132009-05-26T16:10:00.002+01:002009-05-26T16:17:03.383+01:00Update on the cardigan for DSYou may remember I started to make a cardigan for DS a few months ago [see <a href="http://thecraftyninja.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-been-while.html">this</a> post, a few images down]. That picture was the back of the cardigan, which now looks like this:<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />And now, teamed with this [the left front panel]<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />Shold look a little something like this:<br /><center> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=065-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/065-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />I am now working on the first sleeve, which is the same kind of yarn, but in a contrasting colourway to set off the raglan pattern. Keep watching as I update with more pictures soon!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-69707442080891315412009-05-25T15:08:00.002+01:002009-05-25T15:15:03.518+01:00Darren's cardAs many fellow cardmakers know, making cards for men is HARD. It's so easy to find flowers, hearts and butterflies, or any kind of paper or decorations for female orientated cards, but to make a card for a man is a challenge every time! Especially if it's a last minute job. But, I think I was pretty successful with this one. It suited the recipient to a tee and he had to double-take on receiving it - he thought it was shop bought!! I'm really pleased with how this turned out as well.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=dazcard.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/dazcard.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-89703259295541375982009-05-07T14:27:00.002+01:002009-05-07T14:36:30.672+01:00A commision, part 1My brother asked me to make some cards for his friends. The first one, I was told, was for an 18 year old girl who is very girly. I had bought some butterfly peel-offs that day as I'd seen a demonstration using them and acetate to create an effect. I also had bought some polyester sheets [much cheaper than acetate and does the same job ;)] and created this:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />You can't tell so much, but the wings have been coloured in with pens too. My brother said his friend would love it - the word he used was "perfect", which made me a little proud :)<br /><br />The next commision hasn't been started yet, but the other friend is 'girly emo' - so watch this space!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-38911636666707830612009-04-24T16:02:00.003+01:002009-04-24T16:25:16.406+01:00BARGAIN of the year!I've had a lovely day today. Really, lovely. My DD was off mursery yesterday with earache and still felt under the weather when she woke up today so I kept her off again. As it was such a lovely day, we decided to spend it outside. I'm feeling a bit broke today, but realised that as today is the last Friday of the month, we'd take a trip down to our local Sure-Start Centre where they hold a coffee morning for cloth nappy users. She was happy to have lots of dressing up things and a giant beanbag to play with and DS was happy enough playing with some of the kids his age too. I soon discovered that the two ladies there were also keen crafters and they begun showing off their recent crochet projects! I was stunned - they were AMAZING! I would love to be that talented and it made me feel determined to improve on my knitting and crochet.<br /><br />After we'd finished, the kids and I set off to town where we had lunch and DD was an angel! We were about to go home, but I felt like I needed to do one more thing, so I told DD I wanted to look in a charity shop and asked her which one we should go to. "The one next to McDonald's!" she told me, so we set off towards the British Heart Foundation.<br /><br />As she was looking at the toys, I spied a charity sack with some writing on it. "4 for £1" it said. I peeked inside the bag to find it was about half full of different sized balls of yarn, different colours, mostly acrylic, but almost every ball had maybe scraps taken from it - some were clearly old and some were brand new. I asked the lady behind the desk how much for the whole bag. She phoned her manager on the intercom and I was shocked at the reply. "£4 for the bag"! Needless to say, I snapped the whole lot up!<br /><br />And here is the mega stash in all its glory!<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=003-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/003-3.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></center><br />That's TWENTY-SIX separate balls in total. You can NOT say that's not a bargain if you ever saw one! Now, what to make...TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-1147695705711271912009-04-22T21:41:00.003+01:002009-04-22T21:48:36.739+01:00Rob's BirthdayRob is my kids' dad. We separated very amicably in September last year (Remember the post titled "Pause in Life"? That's what was going on.) and are still great friends. His birthday was in March and I just found his cards. He's forgetful and keeps leaving them here.<br /><br />This is the one I made for him:<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />The basics are all bits cut out from kits and various ready made papers, except the bits inside the "pocket" - the pen and mobile phone are cut from scraps of black card and the detail on the phone is cut from plain white paper and hand drawn on by me.<br /><br />And DD wanted to make a card too, so she chose the colours and I let her pick from my birthday appropriate peel-offs. She stuck them all on herself, though I arranged the letters on the table in the correct order for her. I'm very pleased with her effort!<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=025-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/025-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-24582401699150769432009-04-21T20:48:00.002+01:002009-04-21T21:02:20.518+01:00Hopelessly late...You may remember I blogged about some swaps I was participating in and promised to post some photos...<br /><br />Well, this is my apology. I'm a rubbish blogger and just kept forgetting and when I finally remembered, I realised I'd lent my camera to a friend so couldn't take photo's of my outgoing swaps.<br /><br />However - I really enjoyed both swaps, and now I present to you, my received items from <a href="http://www.blottedcopybook.co.uk">blottedcopybook</a>'s Time for Tea Swap. Many apologies to Vonnie who writes that blog as she's been chasing me for ages to blog this but I'm so forgetful. But I'm emailing her as soon as I post this blog up!<br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=004-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/004-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br />My swap partner was Fiona from Scotland [who I believe doesn't have her own blog] and she sent me the above delights - as well as some lovely scottish wafers, which aren't in the pic because my DD and I scoffed them before I got the box home *greedy*. But the items you can see include some lovely patterned paper for my cards, some cupcake shaped stickers, a pack of pink napkins with cupcakes on them, a blue mug, a box of Scottish blend tea [pyramid bags! Oh and the box is empty by this point, the tea was delicious!], a handmade cupcaked-shaped felt pin badge and a handmade miniature felt cup of tea on a keyring!<br /><br />In my personal life, I am finally starting to get really organised, so hopefully I will be able to keep up with my blog a lot more efficiently!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-7953493289823152652009-03-25T22:28:00.002+00:002009-03-25T22:54:33.835+00:00It's been a while!Here's some of what I've been up to!<br />Firstly, I picked up some wallpaper offcuts from the local DIY store, including a disney princess border. I put one of them into a frame to go onto my 4 year old daughter's bedroom wall.<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=050-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/050-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />I also bought a cheap scrapbook from a pound shop - it looked a bit bland so I decorated it up and am going to work on filling it soon. Here's the cover:<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=003-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/003-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />And on a book-cover-designing kick, I designed the front cover of a notebook for my daughter as well. What little girl doesn't like, flowers, hearts, pink and GLITTER!!??<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/001-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />I also picked up my knit-sticks again, to make "Little Chuckles" from Issue 27 of Simply knitting Magazine. I have completed a bit more of this now, but here's an earlier WIP photo:<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=019-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/019-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />And finally...<br />Call it a commission if you will, except I'm not getting paid for it ;) My sister asked me to make a card for a 3 year old girl and I rustled up this!<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, very sorry for not keeping up to date with this. I've been very busy with numerous swaps, mainly <a href="http://www.blottedcopybook.co.uk/">Blottedcopybook's Time for Tea swap</a> and the <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2729.msg25766#new">Secret Easter Chick Swap</a> Which is being run by the lovely <a href ="">Incy @Incywincystitches</a> - both of which will be blogged after their intended recipients receive them!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479525490799566067.post-46493949869812748462009-02-25T20:39:00.002+00:002009-02-25T20:59:48.495+00:00I've been slacking, but not in the making dept...Yeah, I've been slacking in updating this thing, but I have been semi-busy over the last few weeks too!<br /><br />February 14th was of course Valentine's Day and I created this card for the boyfriend. It wasn't my best piece of work, but the whole thing was my own idea and everything except the backing paper on the inside was hand-drawn/coloured - so it was actually almost 100% handmade. I was pleased with it anyway and I got some pretty good feedback from it.<br /><b> </b> <a href="mailto:kcnn.ashford@gmail.com?subject=kcnn.ashford@gmail.com"> <strong title="mailto:kcnn.ashford@gmail.com"><center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=003-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/003-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /></center></strong></a><br /><br />It was also my best friend's birthday on the 13th. I haven't actually given him this card yet, so I hope he doesn't read this regularly ;) Being a guy, this card took some thought but I really liked the outcome, I hope he does too.<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=007-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/007-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I decided to make a donation to the <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/CrafterooShop">Crafter...oo Comic Relief Shop at Folksy</a> where all items are handmade by members of the <a href="http://www.crafteroo.co.uk">Crafter...oo Craft Forums</a> and all money made from the sales of these items goes to <a href="">Comic Relief</a>. The following submission was sold last week, but I shall be adding at least one more card to it in the near future, so watch this space!<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/?action=view&current=010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/originalpunkster/craftyninja/010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />Please check out the shop and donate to a very worthwhile cause!TCNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785574724330363565noreply@blogger.com1