A bit of Waffle and Rhyme.

I am having a break for a couple of weeks and so this blog will lie dormant in that time. Well... unless the deprivation gets too much and I decide to add some waffle and a bit of verse.
Mainly though I will be off relaxing and not thinking about anything computer related at all. I may not even do any crochet, although that is less likely. I`m not sure I could actually do nothing at all although I will give it a try. I have plenty of reading material to catch up on but for this time I intend to try and have a complete break from it all.
I`ve been doing this daily blog for over 18 months and it is hard work at times. I do love it too but it does tend to become an obsession, checking views, being up early to do all the promoting and spending a few hours each day preparing it all. I may well do less of them in the future, maybe cut out a couple on the very quiet days, especially during the summer.
I will have to see. Perhaps you could let me know what you think, keeping it clean please, on the merits of producing daily or every other day or just cutting out a couple of days.
Or maybe on two days I`ll just waffle on, a bit like now, and do a little ditty.... or do that every other day....... hmmmmm.
I know, I know.... this will make you all groan. Or maybe leap up and down with delight... who knows. Whichever makes you happy.
I shall leave you with some poems and bits of poems I have written.
Will also add two that were put on a thread on Folksy several weeks ago in an ode to the sales fairy. Hope you find them amusing. The first is by another seller and the second is mine. (Sales fairy ones)
All other poems are my work.


Looks like it`s going to be another nice day
great for holding winter at bay.
Went to a great party last night
some probably won`t feel too bright.
Lot`s of laughter and talking
then plenty of walking
to the bar and back again


But that one step in the great outdoors
was icy cold, there should be laws
against such false representation
there is, not for those that represent the nation.
We all know they tell big fibs
they should all wear very big bibs
to catch the dribble that flies everywhere
as they splutter how they really care.
This year though the lies must end
as people power may very well send
them all to a remote outpost
making sure it`s far from the coast.
Ooops, how did I get so far from sunny weather?
Not sure, but I know we`ll weather any storm together!


The sun is shining but the rain is falling
and I sit and stare, the view calling.
Will there be a glorious rainbow
calling us with its beautiful glow?
The jewel like colours glowing bright,
oh, I love to see this wondrous sight.
It`s always such a magical sight
often bringing a strange light.


Clouds clouds just go away
don`t come back another day,
Why not return at night
then we`ll miss the sight
of the rain falling down
smearing make up like a clown.
Hair bedraggled in rats tails
all because the weather fails
to organise itself just right
and only bring the rain at night!


Here comes the sun gently rising
the sharp frost very surprising.
Sparkling in the early glow
as the sun makes it`s slow
rise into the deep blue yonder
making us gaze and wonder.


Hope you all have a relaxing day
not much more that I can say.
Except sun please come back
else essential vitamins we will lack.
we really need the bright sunshine
mainly because it makes us feel fine!

The sales fairy rhymes.

here’s evidence
and DNA
She’s here abouts -
not far away…
And she’s been spotted,
that’s for certain -
I saw her feet
poke from a curtain!
But now she’s gone
we know not where
It’s like she vanished
in thin air!
I hope, since Valentines’
passed unnoticed,
That she returns
refreshed and focussed,
Bringing with her
that other hunny,
The laughing bouncing
Easter bunny!

We weep and wail, beat our chest
never mind raising the vest.
That would scare one and all
they wouldn`t like that at all.
I clarify here, that I mean me
to raise mine you see
would put them all off their dinner
then I wouldn`t be a winner.
They wouldn`t come near me and buy
and I would be left to sigh
as my clothes fell into rags
and I despondently flipped through mags.
Maybe I should make bunnys
to bring in lots of moneys.
If I could follow a pattern I would
and now I wish I really could.
Why not take pity on me
and come to my shop for a look see!

Hope you enjoyed these little rhymes and will come back to visit upon my return.

New Creations #FolksyFriday

Rather than a particular theme as such I decided I would show new shops today. Well new or fairly new anyway. These are all certainly new to me. I started off looking at the new listings on the forums and then decided to look at the front page where I spotted a new link for new designers on Folksy. I decided to have a nose and found some beautiful crafts that I thought I would share with you.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Yesterday I took two of the grandchildren to the cinema and we went to see Pirates. It was very enjoyable and amusing and both children enjoyed it too. We did of course have to force down drinks and popcorn as it is obligatory. Well that`s my excuse and I`m sticking with it.
I posted a parcel off to Canada, a set of glass covers with matching coasters. They do seem to be popular this year already and summer hasn`t arrived yet. Good job I have more in the making and some already to list. There are a few just waiting for beads as well. I think I am going to be glad I made more.
I`m not listing more at the minute, until I come back off holiday. I know I don`t go for a few days, but I don`t want a last minute order that I can`t get posted. So from later today all my shops will be on holiday. The Not On The High Street shop has been on holiday for a few days already.
Last night I had a girly time with my younger daughter trying out her new gel nails kit and doing mine ready for my holiday. Woo Hoo!!!
Are you getting the idea that I am looking forward to it. Hoping the house sitter remembers to water the plants in the green house. Not fussed about hoovering etc, just don`t want to lose my new lemon and lavender trees.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

With all this endless drizzle
you don`t want to twirl and twizzle.
Endless grey and endless rain
enough to turn us all insane.
I know it`s something that we need
water is vital, yes indeed.
We`d hate it to be dry and dusty
making everything smell so fusty.
I like to see all the green
it`s quite something to be seen.
When spring really gets underway
that is a very happy day.
Then we know Summer will appearing
and hopefully skies will be clearing.
April is living up to it`s name,
playing the changeable game.
Bright one minute and dull the next
it`s certainly making me very vexed.
We are also having quite a chill
and this doesn`t give us a thrill.
May should come in like a lion
and have us all sighin`
until it`s lamblike as it should be
and we can finally relax and see
that summer will be soon be here
and the outdoor fun get`s into gear!



Super Cute. Sew Stylish.

THE MCPHAIL COLLECTION. The Utility Room.

Ajar. Jenni Phillips Ceramics.



The Shady Lady. TheCarvery.

CAROL`S BEARS. The Swallow Glass Studio.

Star Pottery. Feathered Friends.



Waggy Chic. RufusDog`s Crafty Shop.

Rupert Blamire Ceramics. WINDOW LICKING GOOD.

Your Country Home. The Inklings of Tess.

Hope you enjoyed todays gorgeous display of creations from these wonderful sellers on Folksy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Enlightening Buddha #Etsy

Instead of diligently doing this blog I went to a talk I had forgotten about. I was invited a few weeks ago but had forgotten the date until my younger daughter reminded me.
I am not a Buddhist, nor do I follow any organised religion but I am open to hearing about such things and incorporating parts that resonate with me into my own life. I had never been to a Buddhist talk before and was struck with the lovely atmosphere and energy that was palpable.
The talk was about Compassion and Kindness, given by His Eminence the 7th Dzigchen Rinpoche, one of the highest lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. I discovered that Rinpoche means `precious one`.
The man himself struck me as very down to earth talking about the way he was trained from a very young age, about the responsibilities of his job. A job that never ends and fills every waking moment.
Rather like being a parent I suppose. You get good parts but you also get endless responsibility, worry and stress.
Anyway I`m digressing, shocking I know. The first part was more a reminder of our responsibilities as human beings being kind and compassionate toward others regardless.
The second part was telling us of the need to relax and realx completely, mind, body and spirit. Then when we are completely relaxed it is easier to make wiser decisions and through those decisions we become happier. It all made such perfect sense. He also said that breathing in and out through the mouth in a slow and deep way was very relaxing.
Now this surprised me as most relaxation techniques teach circular breath, in through the nose and out through the mouth. I did however try it and discovered he was right, it was very relaxing and easier to get into than the circular breathing. Interestingly I did this before going to sleep and dropped off very quickly into a deep sleep. I was so relaxed I didn`t want to get up this morning, so this blog is getting later and later.
I found the entire talk very interesting and enlightening. It was good to be reminded about such things as kindness and compassion and hear it put in a new way that makes it easier to take on board. All done with such humour too. The whole part about relaxation all made such sense and for me was very enlightening, it struck a chord and made me look at it all very differently. I had thought the goal was relaxation but it`s not really. The goal is to bring happiness and good things to your life as you make better and wiser decisions through being more relaxed.
So in honour of this talk, that I found so interesting, I went off to find pictures of the Buddha and crafts related to Buddha. I think it makes a nice change to see something different like this.
I hope you enjoy this today as much as I have enjoyed sharing this new experience.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Kindness should be the only way
we interact with others every day.
Compassion for those in need
as a part of life not a good deed.
We also forget about getting relaxed
resting properly so our brain isn`t taxed
by the many things that bombard us daily
by all the messages flung at us gaily
by those that ought to know better.
What happened to the silent letter.
Now radio waves fill the air
blinding our auras with the glare.
Technology does have it`s place
just not constantly in our face.
I am reminded relaxation is the key
to everything and me being me.
Easy to forget is this harried world
our caring and love become tightly curled,
tighter and tighter buried inside.
There it remains and does abide
until a gentle reminder does much
too dig down deep and touch
the part buried and uncover the compassion
and with it brings back the real passion.
We learn to relax, meditate and be wise
with our eyes always on the prize.
The prize is a much better and happier life
filled with all that is good and less strife!



Rivaleka`s Konjure`s. HalstenburgStudio.

ThePersonalStash. Thousand Beads.

Sevgi charms. BAGANUS.



Spirited Woodland. Nepal Bead Shop.

East Coast Organics. A Fine Light.

Enchanted MushroomLand. MEHANDI MEHAL.



Stitch & spoke. ShaNickers Wall Decals.

RLM DESIGN INC. Adrien Art.

Ajmer by Jodi. Life Force Energy.

Hope you enjoyed todays wonderful array of Buddha related crafts from the fabulous crafters on Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Artisan Crafts #Folksy

Thought we`d have a little trip to Folksy today, namely the April Artisans listing club. It`s been a little quieter on there over the holidays mainly because people are busy enjoying spending time with their families and friends. Which is just as it should be.
Life, I think, should be all about balance. I`m not always good with the whole balance thing as I tend to be an all or nothing type of person. I am working on that aspect of myself though and beginning to acheive a bit of balance.
I think it can be very tough for crafters to achieve a perfect balance. We do tend to spend an awful lot of time promoting, but without it we would rarely sell anything. The trouble is you can end up spending so much time promoting that you don`t get a chance to do as much crafting and the whole point of it all is to craft because we have the need to craft and absolutely love it.
For me, creating something new, working out the way to make it by trial and error and finally having the finished piece is wonderful. Then if someone wants to buy it, it`s even better. That someone wants to own something that you`ve made validates what you do and makes it all worthwhile.
Oh dear, I seem to have gone a bit philosophical, but it is all true so I`ll leave it there.
Yesterday I took a trip into the city. I had several things to do for my holiday next week and I`m pleased to say that I got them all done. Picked up my new glasses and sunglasses too. So now I`m fairly well set..... I think.
I saw the grandchildren briefly too which was lovely.
I did some sewing for some more shoe clips. I have discovered that the more sewing I do the less of a chore it is, especially when it comes to making my creations. Which should mean that in the future I won`t have things waiting months for lack of a button or a few stitches.
Anyway, that`s enough waffling for now. I had better think up a rhyme.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

What is a crafter I hear you say?
Someone who combines work and play,
using materials to create something great
even if they have to stay up late.
The muse takes over and they carry on
even when the day is long gone.
Sometimes working through the night
oblivious to the dishevelled sight
that they present to the rest
of the world, having little interest.
The craft is all because it consumes
every waking thought and then resumes
at night when we try to sleep
getting up tired enough to weep.
In the throes of creation
we don`t belong to any nation.
There is only the burning need
the very great urge to feed
and build, then stoke the fires
with anything that possibly inspires.
A shape or colour is enough
to start mapping out in the rough
an idea that`s started to grow
as creativity begins to flow.
It is the very breath of life
no matter how much strife
it causes, it is our art
with which we just cannot part!



Handmade by Edwina. NOfkants Curios.

Leanne Woods Designs. Maxine Veronica Handmade Jewellery.



PollyKrafts.

Adien Crafts. Quilting Demon.

Dab and a dash. Meezer Meezer Design.



Yarn Away Knits.

Dottery Pottery. Cuttlefishlove Kanzashi.

Kozmic Dreams

Hope you enjoyed todays gorgeous array of creations from the fabulous crafters in the April Artisans listing club on Folksy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Hearts and Flowers #Etsy

Having joined the Craft Britannia team I thought I would do a Treasury for the Shop of the Week, `Sunny Crystals`. Then once I had done it I realised that I might as well put them on my blog too, thereby saving some time. Not a lot of time I have to say, but a little.
There are members from other teams too as I had a look through items I favourited first, before looking further afield. Nice to include other teams too. Of course there are quite a few that overlap as well and belong to a few of the teams.
I hope you enjoy my selection today and if your weather is as awful as ours, that it adds a bit of brightness to your day.
It`s been a busy weekend here but like all good things it has come to an end now and real life takes over once more. Nice to have that slice of fun and excitement while it lasted. Now I`m looking ahead to my holiday which isn`t too far away. It will be really nice to have a break to be right away from the computer and really relax. Yay!!
Let`s see, what am I making? Still making a black sparkly wrap, that hasn`t got any further. Been making more shoe clips but the weather has been so dire that I haven`t had a chance to take any photographs. I found some watercolour board that I had looked for and been unable to remember where I put it. That`s really good as now I can do more painting.
Enough waffling, time to rhyme.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Hearts and flowers the language of love
they always seem to go hand in glove.
One or the other given as a love token,
without need for words to be spoken.
Either will be seen as a treasure
showing a love beyond measure.
Give any of these to your Mum
I bet even your Dad would like some.
Give to a friend, special or not
I bet they find them, oh so hot.
All of these make a beautiful gift
will certainly give the recipient a lift.
Whatever it`s for a beautiful flower
gives an occasion special power.
A heart says `I love you`
so maybe a present is due.
All of these from wonderful crafters
shout quality and love to the rafters.
What more could you ask for?
They give all they`ve got and more!!



SunnyCrystals. Phoebe dreams.

 Briars Designs.

Designs by Christine. Martgalita.



Moody Cow Designs. Audrey`s Cat

Artisan Leather. Morning Glories.

AppleWhite. NC Beads N Bags.



HandmadeByLauraB. The Cheshire Cat Craft.

The Beaut Boutique. Lynwoodcrafts.

TaylorStitched. GreatGreenDreams.

Hope you enjoyed todays gorgeous array of Hearts and Flowers from the fabulous crafters on Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.