Finally, a new post!!

My camera has been out of action, the battery charger broke and I can't find the lead for getting the pictures off my phone so there have been no posts......... its true, honest!!
But, I have two little projects to show you, first the weather here is amazing so the deck needed to be spruced up a bit - I made paper bunting a while back (that could be anything from last summer to 2009!) but I can't find the piccys to remind you. Anyhoo, even though the deck has a roof the weather still got the better of that so this year I made it out of wood.

there is a distinct lack of plants on the deck at the moment, by June it'll be full of flower pots and colour.

You can't see it in the photo but the white spots are covered in Glamour Dust so they sparkle in the sun! As the wind whistles through here I screwed each piece onto the wooden fence so it doesn't blow away - hopefully it'll last longer than the paper version!

And........

Once upon a time I painted a plain wooden chest to be my sewing box.

and then yesterday I decided that I really didn't like it much and so I changed it......... my reason being that (fingers crossed) we will be adding a tiny extension to our home this summer which will serve as my craft room (studio will far too grand a word for it!)

We haven't even worked out how big it will be yet, but I already know how its going to be decorated and this sewing box just wouldn't match!

A little undercoating....

and removal of knobs.....

some paper, mod pogde, stick pins, lace, buttons and flowers ....

and there you have it, a new sewing box to match a room that has yet to be built!!

I hope you're enjoying the sunshine,
F xx

Treasure hunt!

Hello, have a look at the Etsy Ireland teams Paddys Day treasure hunt..... there are some great prizes, and you get to nosey around lots of Etsy shops on the way!
click on the shamrock in the link.http://etsyireland.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-treasure-hunt-2012.html

What a treat on a Monday morning!

Issue 8 of Crafting Ireland is out today, filled with all the usual goodness including a shadow box house which has now jumped to the top of my "next job to do" list (thanks Timi!!)
But, in the "Spotlight" section the featured crafter is......ME!!!!!! I have to tell you I was thrilled, like totally thrilled to be asked!!!!
So, here it is, enjoy!!

Open publication - Free publishing - More altered art

I've been thinking......

In our house it is "pre" exam season - they get to do mock exams for the end of year big ones. Zac is doing his Junior Cert, which is done in 3rd year but Molly who chose a round about route to education is looking at college courses for next September.
Anyhoo, this obviously means she will be moving out for a while, maybe to Bristol but maybe to Cork - either way its time for her to fly......

Being such a "Mum"  i'm half excited for her and half worried, which reminded me of the saying " Roots and Wings" - and so, this painting came about.......

If you can give them roots at home, to know where they are safe, and wings to fly off and find adventures, and if you can trust you've taught them enough then that is everything you could do for them.

I love art because.........

I love art because.........
Its like a diary of daydreams
I love colour
It is an escape when its needed
Art heals!
I have made so many "arty" friends
It opens up a world of possibilities
Its beautiful to look at other peoples art
It was a surprise to me!
The world is prettier when you really see the colours
It has lead me on a different journey then I expected
I heART art <3!

So, whats new with you???

Even though the rest of Europe seems to be under snow, we are enjoying very Spring like weather here in Co. Kerry. Now, I do feel sorry for all those people freezing their toes off but we had two miserable cold Winters before this, so our dues are paid!

Mr. Toby and I have been out walking and enjoying the fine (cold but sunny) weather, this is O'Sullivans Cascade, its a beautiful place at any time but especially on quiet Tuesday mornings when no one else is around.

I haven't been crafting much, so i've nothing new to show you, I've been painting though and spending far to much time browsing blogs and then there is Pinterest.........!

But, I did come across the prettiest website ever! its the home of Temporary Measure run by Emma. The picture below is taken from her interview with Beth Nicholls on Do What you Love 

As it happens i'm going to the Lake District in May so this is definately on my list of places to visit!

Go on, have a look it is so cute!
F xx

Love these!

I was messing around with my paint box the other day and came up with this...... nothing like I would usually do, but I love these colours together!

Thats it.... short and sweet today!

Byexxx!

p.s. - I have just taken over the "Tea & Chat " on the Etsy Ireland blog, so if you're a member of that team and fancy answering some questions then let me know ( I need volunteers!!!!) its a great way to advertise your Etsy shop/blog/youtube.