Wonky Whimsical Birds!

I made these birds using bits of scrap paper I had on my desk. I randomly cut them into vague shapes of birds, adding their legs, beaks, feet and wings/tails. I also glued on a wiggly eye. These birds measure around 2 1/4  inches to 3 1/2 inches in height. Total fun to create! Once again, I didn't "think" too much about what I was doing. I didn't want them all "neat and tidy". They are supposed to look a bit "messy".

For the funky bird above, I cut out a white daisy from a piece of scrap paper, and attached it using a yellow dotted brad. This bird I have titled, "Shackled by Christmas"! As you can see he has a pair of handcuffs around his legs!

They were a tad fiddly to do, especially the legs which are very thin strips of paper. So this is what I was making at 5.30 am this morning! I think my favourite one is the one with the handcuffs on his legs!  The humour of it tickles my fancy! Theres videos on you tube of these birds. Just search for Whimsical Wonky Birds. The video I found was not clear to see, it was quite blurry. I didn't follow her instructions, just looked at the birds and thought, "I can do that", and I did!

Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day! 

Celebrating 2 Birthdays!

 

Romeo turned 16 yesterday, and thinks it's all one big yawn! We celebrated with tea and cake! Well ok, so I had the tea and the cake, lol!

Today is my 69th Birthday -more tea and cake! I mixed my Christmas cake this morning. It's an old recipe from my Nana, my dads mother, and it makes a big cake. You mix all the ingredients and leave it to stans overnight. You bake it for four hours the next day. By leaving it to stand overnight, it allows all the flavours to permeate the cake. When I bake it tomorrow, it will make the entire house smell yummy! I managed to cut my right index finger quite badly earlier. I had reached into the sink for a teaspoon, and instead grabbed a very sharp spiral blade that goes in my hand chopper thing. So now I can't use my hand properly, so the crafting I had planned to do has been put on hold while my finger heals. Bummer!

Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Just Having Fun!

 

For the cards below I have used some Tracey Evans stamps. I just wanted to 'play' and used some bit of card that were on my desk. 

The bird on the left (top photo) has a piece of rice paper on his body. I just wanted to see how it looked! As I mentioned, I was just 'playing' and really didn't 'think' too much. 

For the card below I used a Clarity Crafts stamp, and I used my water colour markers to colour it. I had already written on ith before I took the photos, so half the card is not shown. The card it the size of a post card. I made two of these cards.

For the card below, I used another Tracey Evans stamp. I also have a stencil of the lights. There's a pencil mark on this card which I cannot erase. Too bad, I like it anyway! As I said, I was just 'playing', and just wanted to create without over thinking things.

I feed the wild birds each day. All kinds of birds come, but there ae some Blackbirds that are very tame that let me know when they are at the seed trays. For some  years I have fed the raisins, as they seem to like them. The photo shows Mr. Blackbird filling his beak with some of the raisins, and he flies back to his nest to feed the babies. Mrs. Blackbird also comes to eat the raisins. It's not a very good photo as I had took the shot looking upwards. The Blackbirds have always trusted me, and I can sit 2 feet away from them and they don't mind. If I am inside when they are here, and I haven't fed them, they will let me know by chirping until I feed them!

Before I go, thank you to Robyn D for the beautiful (early!) Birthday card I got a couple of weeks ago, and for the gorgeous Christmas card which arrived a few days ago! 

Thank you for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

Flat Pack Adventure!

I haven't stamped anything much lately. Too much stress, too humid, and just lacking motivation and/or inspiration. We are well in to Summer, and boy it's been  hot and humid 24/7. Summer arrived early, it's not usually this humid until well after the New Year. February is (usually) or hottest most humid month. Anyway, here is a mobile shelf/drawers thing  I put together this morning. I started on it last night, then realized I had put the drawers in the wrong way. Bummer. 

So early this morning while it was cooler, I removed the drawers and turned them the right way round. I hate flat packs, but I wanted to get this done so I can store my Big Shot Switch and my Scan n' Cut machines on it. I had them both on desks, which was 'ok', but the problem was the desks weren't near any power points. This meant I had to run extension cords across the floor to the nearest power point.

This way I can just roll the desk to the nearest power point. It was a 'challenge' getting it together, my hands didn't want to hold the Allen key, so I kept dropping the Allen key, all while trying to make sure the shelf thing didn't fall apart while holding it with one hand! Quite a feat I tell ya!

There was a fair bit of, shall we say, blue language! There was 2 issues. The first one was the instructions. The description of what bit goes where was basically missing, and I had to keep looking at the picture of it on the box it came in, and hope I got it right. Which luckily I did! (Well, it hasn't fallen apart so far, lol!) The second issue was, a couple of the pre-drilled holes where the screws go, were actually on a slight angle. So putting some of the screws in was not easy. I've had that issue with other flat packs, and it really makes things challenging. I had no way of fixing the crooked holes, so I was glad I got it all together- even if it did test my patience! As you can see in the photo above, it has a platform on one side that you can use if you need extra space. I haven't put anything in the drawers yet, but was thinking I might put some cardstock in one of them. 

My art room - AKA Dining room - has 3 big big windows, so I can easily roll this cabinet to one of the windows if I need extra light. I also have a small tv here if I want to watch something!

I have lot's going on at the moment, and as I said, I really haven't done any crafting. I'm finding Christmas stressful (again) and have not sent many Christmas cards at all. I just can't do it. Andrea B I sent your card yesterday, I hope it arrives in time for Christmas!

I think I've sent 2 cards. I'm focusing on creating art/cards etc that I like, for 'me', for my  own personal enjoyment. And I hope no-one is offended by this. But as I get older I want to do things that are fun, things I enjoy. I still have a few cards to do, ones which can be hand delivered. Thoe special people in my life will still get a hand made card from me. Ok, I'/m babbling on like a fast flowing brook! My health is good at the moment, and I haven't been in hospital for 7 weeks which is great! Hopefully things have settled down now. Fingers x'd! Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

I'm Not A Victim, I'm a Survivor.

A week ago I had gone to a local shopping mall to do some shopping. I arrived just before lunch time, so thought I would have something to eat first. I took my lunch to an area just a few feet outside the mall and sat down on one of the benches. Within a few seconds and older man came and sat on one of the benches, and said to me what a nice day it was. I agreed that it was a lovely day, and carried on eating my lunch. Then he said something disgusting to me and quickly got up and left. I threw my lunch back in my bag and took off after him. He was moving fairly quickly and when I got to the carpark close by, I lost sight of him. Then I saw a car reversing out of a carpark right in front of me. I was sure it was him, so I memorized the number plate. I had to go into a nearby store to borrow a pen and paper to write the number plate details on. The assistant was concerned as she could tell I was in shock. She asked me if I was ok.  There was no-one else in the store, so I told her what this guy had said to me. She too was disgusted and said to me that I must go to the Police station and report him. The Police station is not far from the mall, but too far to walk in the heat we had that  day. Because I was in shock I couldn't think how I was going to get there. In the end I jumped in a taxi because that way I wasn't going to have to wait for a bus. (I don't drive, so I catch  buses and/or trains.) I was stressed and my hands were shaking as I walked up to the counter at the police Station. I hoped that I would be able to speak to a female Officer, as I felt more comfortable than having to tell a male Officer what this guy had said. The officer took the details, and a copy of what  I thought was his number plate. After I had given her all the details of what he said and what he was wearing, and any other details I could remember, she said to me that I had correctly identified the owner of that car. By the time I left the Police station I caught the train home. I was exhausted and still shaken. One of the Officers called me on Sunday, two days after this incident had happened, and just went through, with me, what I had remembered. I was still pretty shaken, and talking with her gave me goosebumps. Once again, she said that I had described the guy who owns the car I reported, to a T, and that someone would be in contact with me sometime through the week.  I have just had a call from the Police and they are coming to see me this Sunday to show me some photo's to see if I can recognize the guy. Fingers crossed I correctly identify him. I am  still shaken about it, this sort of thing doesn't happen to me, it's stuff that happens to other people but not ME. Before Sunday I need to clear my art desk because my art room is in my dining room. I will need a clear space for the Police to lay the photos on. I will also need to make sure Romeo doesn't walk across my desk while the Police are here! He has a habit of walking across my desk often! He sleeps on the window ledge  thein the sun, and then walks across whatever is on my desk. (A lot of 'stuff')  I'm not sure what happens after I do a photo ID, but I will post it here. There may be a court case, we'll see. 

I (still) haven't done any crafting, 😥 mainly because I am not 100% well. I still have really low energy levels, and just feel sooo tired all the time. I see my GP next Tuesday and hope to find out if I need blood tests to check if it's low B12 levels, low Cortisol, or something else. As far as I know it's the after effects of  having Covid, complicated  by the fact that I have Addison's Disease.  Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!                                                   

I Shouldn't Have to Beg For Medication That Literally Keeps Me Alive.

Due to being unwell and in hospital with an Addison's Crisis I have not done any crating for awhile. I was in hospital for four days, and it was not pleasant at all. I was denied medication that literally keeps me alive. Without it I will die. One morning I didn't get it. I had begun to feel very weird and like I was about to pass out. (this is the first indication that I am going into a coma that I will not come out of.) I asked the nurse for the medication and was told that I had already had it. I knew I hadn't had it.  I asked another nurse and she too said I had already had it 3 hours ago. I told her his was not true. By now I was feeling very unwell, and went to the reception area in the ward I was in, and told them I had not had the medication and that I need it asap as I was about to pass out. She too said I'd already had it 3 hours ago. I was trying to tell her I had NOT been given it when she interrupted me and said they don't have it on the ward and would have to get it from the pharmacy. I told her I needed it urgently because it literally keeps me alive. I was very dizzy by now and went back to my room to lay down. If i was going to pass out it was safer for me to bed on my bed, rather than hit the solid floor in reception. My room was next to reception so I went to lay down. Within a minute a nurse came running in with my medication, 3 1/2 hours late. Once I took the medication I knew I would be ok. The nurse told me she was out of breath because she had run to bring me the medication. My reply was, 'well better that you're out of breath than me literally dying!'  It wasn't a pleasant experience at all, and I just wanted to get out of there and go home. The challenge is, the Doctors and nurses in general have not idea how crucial it is that I get my medication on time. Addisons Disease is very rare and can quickly turn fatal. I shouldn't have to beg for medication that literally keeps me alive.  Luckily I was ok and was discharged the following day. I am still struggling badly with lack of energy/low Cortisol, which is from having Covid. Yes, I have the new release form Lavinia Stamps (The Faelight Chronicles) but I haven't even used them because I have no energy. I just want to sleep and block out the World at the moment. I often sleep during the day just to re-charge my batteries. If only it was that easy! The cats, Romeo and Wookie, think it's great, they both come and join me on the bed! Yesterday I had gone into my room to sleep. When I woke up an hour later, there was Romeo sleeping on my left hand side, and Wookie on my right hand side! And both cats were snoring!

There's been other stuff going on as well, and I just haven't done any crafting lately. I want to, but I just don't have the energy. Hopefully things will get better soon, fingers crossed! My Doctor said it's the after effects of having Covid, and  how having Addison's has complicated things. 'Just have patience] he said, and 'rest when you need to.' It sounds oh-so-easy, but I am struggling with that! I am not one to sit and do nothing!

Ok, that's it for now, I need to go and rest/sleep. Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shone bright each and every day!

I 

 

More Andy Skinner stamps and Cards And A Thank You!

For the 2 cards above, I used some white cardstock. On a piece of scrap card I put 2 pumps  of hand sanitizer, then some blue water colour ink and some pink water colour ink. I mixed them with my fingers until I was happy with the colour. I then put my stamp on top of the mix and stamped onto the white cardstock. This is the result I got. I was experimenting and am happy with how they turned out. Another idea from Andy Skinner. The hand sanitizer does have a smell, so  make sure the room is ventilated when you use it. It dries very quickly as well. 

Below is how the stamped image looks once I paint over it with the Matte White chalk paint. I keep the stamped card on a stamp platform so when I re stamp it (after paining it) the image is in the right place. Sorry if my explanation is challenging, but I am extremely tired and have very little energy. This is the after effects of Covid. I am struggling badly.

Another two new images. I added a touch of red to one of the cards, and put some clear Glossy Accents on the bubbles.

As I mentioned, I am extremely tired and struggling to do things. Just wanted to post these cards. Before I go, a big thank you to Andrea B, and Robyn D for your beautiful cards you have sent me! Such a nice surprise! Thanks for dropping by!  Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

My 1st Andy Skinner Stamp Card!

Above. So here I am clutching my parcel of Andy Skinner which just arrived this morning! They weren't due until late Wednesday, but here it is Monday, so I am not complaining! It was a very exciting moment!

Above is the VERY sturdy binder that came with the stamps. It's really solid so I will decorate it eventually.

Here are photos of the stamps I got. They measure about 4 inches by 2-3 inches, and each stamp comes with a sentiment stamp.

Above shows the stamp inside the Binder, and below is the card I made using the stamp. I also used the sentiment which says, "Let the adventure begin." The card I made may look 'ordinary,' nothing special. Here's how I created it. I stamped it on to SU Soft Suede cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink. I used my stamp positioner.  I left the stamp on the stamp positioner. (Very important to leave the stamp where it is for now.) I removed the card and using some Matt White Chalk Home Decor paint, I carefully painted over the boys shirt. I completely covered the shirt with white paint. (I forgot to take a photo...)I also painted the tummy white on the Teddy Bear. Once the paint was dry I re-inked the stamp using the same black ink as before, put the stamped card back in the stamp positioner and stamped over the shirt. This puts the details (in black) back on the shirt. The shirt has lots of tiny details on it, and I would never have been able to paint the white around it as the details are so tiny and close together. This is one of the techniques Andy Skinner uses in colouring his images. I just had to try it! It isn't perfect. If you're looking for 'perfection', leave now and find another blog 'cause this isn't it! I did a couple if things wrong, and I am ok with that. This is the first time I have ever used this technique. The main things is, I had fun! Each stamp is on a piece of plastic and has the stamped image on a piece of card. The stamps are all deeply etched red rubber. So this is what I have created so far today! There are other techniques to colour the images, and I hope I can master them all as time goes by! Of course, you can mix and match the sentiment stamps as you like. I used the one that came with this stamp. Hopefully my instructions are easy enough to follow. Check out Andy Skinner and his awesome stamps on you tube to see more of his work. I am totally hooked!

Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

 

I Am NOT A Pincushion! I'm Going Home!

 I don't have anything to post here, I have a card half finished, but run out of energy and ended up having to go back to bed to sleep. I will finish the card maybe tomorrow. I had to go and have blood tests done this morning. I was supposed to go yesterday but had a sore throat and didn't feel like going out. What a waste if energy, none of the nurses could get blood because my veins are stuffed. Having been in hospital 4 times in the last month, I have bruises on bruises on bruises, on both arms. I am NOT a pin cushion, and I am SO fed up with nurses being gung ho and thinking THEY can find a vein, and failing, leaving me bruised and annoyed. It's happened SOO many time and I am fed up. While I was in hospital recently, they ended up getting and Anesthetist Technician to come and put a needle in my arm. She was brilliant! She put some anesthetic in my arm using a very fine needle, then she used the Ultra Sound to scan my arm for a viable vein, and then  put the needle in. NO pain, NO stress No bruise, and NO grumpy Sunshine! She said  to ask for an Anesthetist Technician next time they have issues. So I left the blood lab mumbling that I am NOT going back again and the hospital will have to do without my blood. They wanted to see how low my Haemoglobin levels were, as they were very low when I was in hospital. So I got home (exhausted) and my phone rang. It was the hospital saying they think my levels are ok (due to other tests they did) and that I don't need to have any more blood tests!! Best news I've had all day! I am so glad I don't need to go back for more needles. They all want to "Practice" on me, and they all 'think' THEY are the one who will get blood from my vein. I am learning to say 'no', please find someone who has experience, and please use the Ultra Sound. This 'ain't my first rodeo and I am not a pin cushion! I have nothing against nurses, I support you and know how hard you work, and you are often understaffed, but still do a great job. It's just that...I'm not a pin cushion and I've had enough.

So, I have recently discovered some new stamps, and a new (to me) Artist. His name is Andy Skinner. Have you seen his stamps? Have you seen him create with them/ And do you have any of his stamps?! I ordered some the other day and I am super excited to get them! They'll be a short while as they are coming from the UK. A local craft store her in NZ has them, but they're out of stock. They take for ever to get stock in and I want my stamps 'now'! Gosh Andy is super talented with how he colours the stamped images, and I've watched several of his videos. Let me know if you have used his stamps, and I would love to see what you created! I first saw some videos that Amanda Branston did using his stamps, and I was intrigued. You can find Amanda on FB under Amanda Jane Crafts. She was with Lavinia Stamps, but now has her own channel and does some awesome art work. Ok, that's it for now. Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Uh Oh, Here I Go Again

 I woke up at 3.30 am this morning, with a very dry sore throat, and feeling very nauseous. I got up and took some Paracetamol, and something for the nausea. I was supposed to have blood test today, but don't feel well enough to go out. I am home under the Hospital In The Home scheme. This means a Nurse/Doctor will call me each day to check in on me. I told them this morning that I am not well and don't feel well enough to go out. They are ok with that and hopefully I feel better and can have the bloods done tomorrow. They need to check my Haemaglobin levels, as they were too low while I was in the hospital. They think it may be due to having had Covid. if my levels are still low I will need to have a blood transfusion. I'm also back to feeling extremely tired again. A friend came to visit me while I was in hospital a couple f weeks ago. Lovely to see her as she lives  hours North of here. She wasn't well at the time, and when she went home she did a Covid test, and it was positive. She waited TWO WEEKS before telling me she had Covid. She knows my immune system is very poor, but she never said a thing. I feel really disappointed and somewhat annoyed with her. It's sad when things like this happen, it's left me feeling that I cannot trust people/friends anymore. We've been friends since we were 10. Just feeling annoyed right now. But...I have made another card last night! 

This is Penelope with her aunt, Esme! As the sentiment says, they are 'out in the elements' looking at the Moon! (As Witches do!) This card measures 3 1/4 by 5 inches, once again done on water colour card. I've used another one of the Ravens. Nothing compares to standing on a hill at mid night, staring up at the full moon! Of course, if one of those Witches was me, I'd have my camera hoping to spot a UFO...!  Thanks for dropping by! have  SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

"Penelope" #2

 

Here's another version of "Penelope". I made this card using water colour card, as I did in my previous post. It's about the same size as well. I've also used 'Specter', the Raven, as well as Mini Rune the cat.  I've used similar stamps to create with and added some water drops as I did on the other "Penelope" card. This one has turned out a bit more 'messy' than I intended, the background is quite 'busy'. But I am having fun and it feels good to be able to sit and create for awhile. I still can't stand for very long, due to weight loss and being unwell for weeks, and am having issues preparing proper meals.  Before I left the hospital I asked about getting help to either prepare meals, or where I could purchase nourishing meals from. Well that didn't work at all. English was not the nurses first language, and she did not understand what I was asking. She came back with a note saying to buy food to cook, online from a local store. I tried to explain to her how much weight I had lost, and how standing for too long was not easy for me, but she didn't understand and wasn't interested. I kept insisting I needed help and was not leaving until it was sorted. Eventually she left and came back with 3 frozen meals. I wasn't happy but could see I wasn't going to be offered any help, so I left and came home. I heated one of the meals when I got home. It was revolting and inedible. Ditto for the second on I tried to eat yesterday. To feed someone who has lost so much weight and been so unwell for the last month, food that is tasteless and has no nutritional value what so ever is pretty darn shocking if you ask me. I have since ordered some frozen meals that are prepared by professional chefs. They arrive either later today or tomorrow. They're not cheap and I really hope they taste great. From what I read online, they seem to be quite popular and are nutritious. Yes I could have ordered frozen meals from my local supermarket, but having tried them before I know they don't have much nutritional value, and they make me sick. The good news is I was weighed before I left the hospital and have put on 4.5 kg in weight. So I have another almost 4 kg to go to be back to my normal weight of 48 kg. I have very little muscle tone at the moment, and I'm hoping I can re-gain all the weight I lost. Feeling annoyed and disappointed with my own Doctor, who did nothing about my weight loss. I saw him twice at that time and he said nothing about my weight. Not having scales at home, I wasn't aware how much weight I'd lost. When they weighed me in hospital 3 weeks ago and said I was 42 kg I almost collapsed. I asked her to check again in case she mis-read the numbers. She hadn't. Since coming home I'm with a scheme called Hospital in the Home. (HITH) This means  each day for the next week, a doctor or nurse from the hospital call me to check I'm doing ok, or if I have any new symptoms. I have blood tests done tomorrow and from there a doctor will assess me. There was an issue with my Haemoglobin levels being too low, and possibly needing a blood transfusion.  This is what they are checking for tomorrow. I just had the nurse call me from HITH and I mentioned to her about meal preparation and how the hospital was not helpful. She's going to look into it and agree'd that I should have had more help. Has anyone had  CT scan before? I had one while I was in hospital recently. I'd had an abdominal x-ray done which had come back with some anomaly which needed sorting out. A Doctor came in and said I needed an urgent CT scan because she thinks I have a twisted bowel. And if that was the case, I was going to  be rushed off to another hospital immediately to have surgery that night! She was not a doctor I had seen before, and stressed the hell out of me. She was convinced I had a twisted bowel and MUST have the CT scan immediately. She said I would have dye injected into my veins, would feel hot for a short time, and would feel like I had pee'd my pants! She said I would go into this doughnut shaped thing when they did the scan. My panic button went off because with my primary health issues, any stress, shock can send my body into a crisis. (I will explain about that in another post.) I refused to have the scan, not knowing if I was allergic to the dye, not having had it before, and told the Doctor about my Primary health condition, and how stress/shock affects me. (I have no control over it). Long story short the scan was put on  hold, but she still pressured me, which ended up with me almost having a panic attack because she was so abrupt in her delivery of what she was TELLING me I HAD to have done URGENTLY. Eventually she changed her approach and after I spoke with my nurse, I said I would have the CT scan done, even though I was very anxious and concerned I may need urgent surgery. The scan took about 8 minutes from go to whoa, and I was taken back to my room. Dinner came and I never saw that Dr again. Next morning another DR came in and said my bowel was NOT twisted, and the anomaly on the x-ray was due to...flatulence...a bunch of stuck farts!! So much for her being convinced I had a twisted bowel. But I 'knew' my bowel wasn't twisted. I let that Doctor know that her abrupt approach didn't sit well with me and how it had made me feel. I also mentioned that she might want to change her approach in her delivery of what tests/scans she wanted her patients to have. Rushing into their room and just dumping it on them does not always work, and is not being mindful of your patients, who are unwell and may be vulnerable. It sure as heck doesn't work for me!  Ok, so that's it for me today! Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

'Penelope"

 

This is Penelope, one of the new Witch stamps from Lavinia Stamps. My new stamps arrived about a week ago and this is the first I have used any of them. I made this card yesterday. I used a scrap piece if water colour card and used a brayer to colour the background. (Soft Cygnet Elements ink, and a bit of Russet Orange, also Elements ink). I Then stamped Penelope and her 2 cats Mini Rune and Mini Jinx. I added the hill and then the moon. I used an LS stamp to stamp the circle of stars around the moon. I can't recall the name of the stamp as it's not on the package. Leave me a comment if you want to know which stamp it is and I will reply. I flicked on some water drops, added some sparkle and some gold glitter, then found some LS stickers for the words. The card measures 2 1/4 x just over 3 inches in size. This was great fun to create, and I'm totally happy with how it turned out. I added some yellow to Penelope's lamp and also a bit around the inside of the moon. You can't really see the little bit of sparkle but it's there. There is another stamp of Penelope, and I hope to create another min card with her. I'm a bit tired, but I'm ok. It's nice to be able to make a cup od tea when I want one, and not have to wait for someone to make it for me. I didn't sleep too well last night, it was so quiet! I had gotten used to hearing beeps and alarms going off! Hopefully I sleep better tonight. Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUSNSHINE day! Always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

It's Been A Journey...

 Well here's some good news...I am HOME!! I was discharged this morning. I had another Covid test early this morning,  and it came back negative! Unknown to me I'd had it for about 10 days. I had no symptoms except for being ultra tired and needing to go back to bed and sleep during the day. I am so grateful that I am ok, as I have a very compromised immune system and had been cautioned about getting Covid. This is why I self isolated when there were outbreaks. It wasn't fun being at home and not being allowed to leave the house.I was lucky though, I had several people All strangers except one) who happily did all my shopping for me, and dropped it in to me. I then paid them online. It was all based on trust. I trusted them and they trusted me. It taught me a lot about people, people who were literally strangers. There are some awesome people out there for sure.  It's great to be home! Romeo was so happy to see me, he wanted lots of pats and cuddles...and food! In return he gave me lots of kisses and cuddles! It was a surprise to be told I can go home this morning, I wasn't expecting that at all. I had a lovely sunny room with two big windows overlooking one of the wards below. Tonight, or to be exact, at 2 am in the morning we here in NZ put our clocks back an hour, as we go on to Daylight Savings. Luckily all my clocks etc automatically change, I don't need to do anything. I really don't feel lie waking up at 2 am to change the clocks! I need my sleep! Instead of hearing beeps and alarms going off, I can hear birds chirping and children laughing. Ok that's it for now. Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Oh Bummer.

I've just tested positive for Covid. First time I've had it. No real symptoms except for being very tired at times. I'm on meds for Covid having a compromised immune system. I had a CT scan as they were concerned my bowel was twisted. It isn't so that's good news. Turns out it was a bit of flatulence, aka farts!! Omg I'm having a time of it. I will be here a few more days while they sort a couple of things out. I have to be home before Thursday as Sarah, Wookies mom and family are going away and they are feeding Romeo for me. I don't have anyone else who can feed him. Fingers crossed! Andrea, thank you for your comment you left me. Not sure if it published but if not I will sort it ehen I get home-thank you! I start on the Covid meds soon. I've done well not getting Covid until now. I had to isolate many timeshare home when it first hit. Thankfully they have medications i can take for it now. I have a bunch of NEW Lavinia Stamps and stencils and I almost bought them with me just to look at@ Would have kept mu brain busy! Oh welk, they'll be waiting for ne when I get home. I hope Romeo hasn't played with them and made a card for Wookie! I've had dinner and a lovely cup of tea, and it's dark now. We go off Daylight Saving Saturday at 2 am. I hope I remember to change the clock back an hour or I'll ge on the wrong time, lol! My Haemaglobin levels have dropped, and I may need a blood transfusion. They will check my bloods again tomorrow and will know what to do then. I think I'm falling apart! Ok that's all for now. Thanks for dropping in! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Oh No!

Here I am back in hospital again. Dehydrated and not well. It's not where I want to be, but it's where I need to be at the moment. I came in last night and haven't had any sleep, so I'm feeling tired. I've had all kinds of tests and don't want to see another needle. But I know they need to put a line in so they can give fluids. I won't be crafting for awhile, but I just wanted to update onvwhats happening with me at the moment. If you believe in prayer, feel free to pray for me and my health. I would appreciate that. I'm  missing Romeo so much. Thanks for dropping by. Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

A Little Bit Of Crafting!

 

Above is a photo I took of Daisy, the Hospital cat, that I took when I was in hospital recently. She has the run of the hospital, and visits patients. She often sleeps on their bed, and spends time in the Maternity ward making sure the new mums and babies are all ok. She visited the ward I was in and I took a couple of photos of her. She's a real treasure and likes to spend time in one of the offices curled up on a chair. When I called her, she came running down the hallway meowing! After a pat and cuddle he wandered off.

I haven't touched my stamps for ages due to being unwell. I'm still recovering at home, and having lost a lot of weight, I am now trying to build up my muscles and put the weight back on. I lost 6 kg (13.4 lb) which wasn't intentional and was way too much for me to lose. I've had issues being able to stand/walk, due to being so weak. But I'm slowly getting my strength back. I do have some new stamps/dies which I will post here as time goes by. While I was in hospital my kidneys stopped working I was so dehydrated. Everything is fine now, thankfully. While I was in hospital there was a nurse/doctor strike for 2 days. They had managed to put a line in my arm, but had to wait for the Doctor to sign the form so I could be given the  3 bags of fluid which had been ordered. Unfortunately because of the strike, there was only one doctor available at that time and he was really busy with two patients in Resus. Then I was moved to a ward, and they still couldn't find the doctor to approve the fluids. This went on for 2 days, and because I was vomiting I wasn't able to eat or drink. Long story short, by the time the doctor signed the papers, and they tried to get the IV fluids going, the IV had become blocked and they couldn't clear it. They tried to find another vein but  my veins had disappeared due to being so dehydrated. Both my arms were covered in bruises, and I was sick of being stabbed with needles. They got the Ultra Sound machine to find a vein, but each time they found one, it wasn't suitable. It was a nightmare, and then they told me my Kidneys had stopped working. They gave me something to stop me vomiting, and it worked well eventually. Then I was able to eat and I started to drink. For some weird reason I craved ice! Once I was drinking small amounts my Kidneys started to work again, which was great! I had a message from a close friend who lives 4 hours North of me, and we don't often get to see each other. Her youngest daughter (who  lives her in Auckland, not far from the hospital I was in) said that she was in Auckland as her daughter wasn't well. She asked me what I was up to and I told her I was in hospital. Ten minutes later she arrived for a visit! That was great and cheered me up. We've been friends since we were ten years old and used to go roller skating together. 

She stayed for several hours which was nice. I asked for a walker so I could get to the ta room to make myself a cup of tea. It felt weird walking after being in bed for 8 days and being so weak. Luckily the tea room was only a few steps away from my room. 

The next day I saw the Kidney Specialist who said he was sure my kidneys were working again, and would I like to go home?! Of course I said yes! I sent my friend a text and told her the good news. She said she would come and drive me home, which she did. By then I'd been in hospital nine days. Way too long, usually I'm in and out in 2 days. However, this time I had an infection and a high Temperature. I  had Campylobacter - food poisoning from some chicken I had eaten. (Chicken is now off the menu!) It wasn't pleasant and I had to have a 5 day course of Antibiotics. Most people don't need the Antibiotics, but because of my existing medial issues, I had to have them. It took the hospital a few days to properly check why I had such a high temperature due to a lot of the staff being on strike. They did their best with the skeleton staff they had, and I am grateful to them for all their help. The meals were great, and I have no complaints about the food there. So yeah, it's been a journey and I am SO happy to be home! Poor Romeo was overjoyed to see me, and he follows me to bed and sleeps tucked up against my chest each night! I felt terrible being away from him for 9 days, but I really had no choice. I needed medical help. 

So I am slowly getting back into crafting, I don't have a lot of energy, and still find standing and walking a challenge. I also get tired quickly, so I try to pace myself. Luckily I sleep ok at night. 

Thank you for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!

Health Issues.

I'm just dropping in to let you know that I have been in hospital for nine days, with a serious infection and kidney issue.  I am now back home. I've lost 6 kg which is way too  much. It happened over a few weeks, and I am very weak and have trouble standing up and/or walking. I have to keep sitting down. I was seriously dehydrated and ended up with my kidneys not working too well. I get tired quickly and spend a lot of time resting. I don't think I will be creating anything for awhile. It's a long story. 

Some good news though, Ebay have fully refunded me for the stamps/dies and missing embossing folder, so that's great. Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

A New Card, and a Missing Item Update!

Apologies for all these updates. I have received a reply from the seller on Ebay USA. Sadly she is not really interested and didn't seem concerned the item was missing. I have not been able to leave her feedback because I cannot find how to do it. I went into my history and found my orders, and found her feedback, but there's nowhere to leave feedback for her. I won't be buying anything more from ebay after this experience. I've been ripped off big time and it has cost me a lot of money. On top of paying for the bundle I have also had to pay for the new bundle which will arrive next week sometime. I am still waiting to hear back from NZ Couriers, they actually delivered the package to me, and have asked for the stamps and dies, and package they came in, and are looking into things. With a lot of luck, they might refund me, or maybe "find" the missing embossing folder. Seriously though, who ever stole it needs to have a die cutting machine to be able to use it. NZ Couriers will contact me once they've looked into it. I love on hope! I'm just annoyed that someone would steal something that is not theirs. And I am disappointed with the seller, her attitude stinks, and I will never buy from her again. And I will let people know about it. Ok, that's it, I will stop my venting, and let The Universe sort it all out! 

I have managed to contact the seller about the missing embossing folder, and am waiting to hear back from her. It may take a day or so due to the time difference.

Breaking News!!! My amazing SU Demonstrator, Jacque Williams (Gold Elite) here in NZ, has located a new Bundle for me!! IT will arrive next week. I had tried for some time to find the bundle here, before ordering from Ebay, but to no avail. Ok, just wanted to update you guys with the good news! 

I created this card with a retired Stampin' Up! set. (Leaves and orange images) I die cut the leaves and other foliage using various Tim Holtz die sets. A month ago I had seen these cards on the internet and wanted to create some Christmas cards using it. It's actually a Bundle, it has the stamps, dies and hybrid embossing folder. I wasn't able to find the bundle here in NZ, so I purchased it from Ebay. I was excited about receiving it and it finally arrived 2 days ago. Unfortunately the package had obviously been opened before I got it and the Hybrid embossing folder is missing. It hadn't opened by Customs, as they always stamp it saying it had been opened by them, and they re-seal the package with tape that says it's been opened by Customs. The seller had enclosed all 3 items when it was sent to me. I was not happy. I have been in contact with NZ Courier who delivered it to me, and am waiting to hear from them. E post Global were the first courier who sent it from USA, and then once it got to NZ, NZ Couriers handled it. You can see the side of the package has been cut open and re-sealed with tape. I opened it from the right hand side, looking at the photo). Someone is responsible for opening the package and taking the embossing folder, and I am trying to sort it out and get compensated for the theft. E Post Global are not interested in my complaint and have closed my enquiry. I paid a lot of money for the bundle and I am entitled (by law) to be financially compensated. The Hybrid embossing folder is part of the set, and it's missing. NZ Couriers have collected the stamp and dies set, and the packaging and I am waiting to hear from them. To be honest I don't hold out much hope as it is going to be hard to prove who cut the parcel open and took the embossing folder. The Bundle is three items - I only have two of them. I was really looking forward to using this set, and did make the one card before sending the stamp and dies to NZ Couriers. So yeah, I am not happy and feeling a bit annoyed. Why do (some) people feel they have the right to steal from others? I don't get it.

The photo above is the   stamps and die's I got, the photo after that are of the package, and you can see it had been previously opened. Bottom of photo.

These next two photos are of the leaves and foliage I die cut while I was waiting for the package to arrive. Ther's a lot of work in those leaves etc! I coloured and cut plenty so I could create a few cards.

Thankfully I have a Big Shot Switch machine, so the die cutting was much quicker. It was still a big job though, and I have to admit, I did have a few 'lunch' breaks in between! I know I've been 'missing' for about a month, but I've been dealing with some health issues, and have had a sore throat for almost 2 weeks. I think I'm almost over it now. Thankfully I did not end up in hospital, although it was close a couple of times. Our weather is warming up as we head into Spring in a few days! My Spring bulbs have been flowering and make me smile every time I see them! Spring can bring some sneaky rain showers, so I have my fingers crossed that we don't get too much rain. We've had plenty during Winter!

Thanks for dropping by, have a SUNSHINE day! Always be your authentic self and shine bright each and every day!

 

Another Snowman!

I used an Inky Antics stamp set to create the card above. (113905c Snowman Maker). Its a clear stamp set and the hat, 3 faces, words and scarf are separate stamps. I stamped the hat, face and words directly onto a piece of card, I then stamped the scarf onto a scrap of card and cut it out. Once I had coloured everything, I glued the scarf into place. It was a bit long, so I cut it down a bit. I didn't define his face, as I like it how it is. I glued on the tiny swirl things, which are plastic. I layered it onto red then white card to finish it. He was fairly quick and easy to create! Not that I am in any hurry for Christmas to arrive! But I have a thing for snowmen, lol!

I stamped this hat on to a piece of special card stock...keep reading! It was some I got from Temu.

And look what happened to it when I painted it with some water colour paint! It puffs up and explodes! Below is the card I made. I used a stamp set is from AALL & Create #1034. (Purrfect Paws) It has a cat, a hat and a couple of sentiment stamps. Once the hat was completely dry I glued it to some white card, then on to the pink dotty card. There are about 8 small (3x4 inch) pieces of card. It was advertised as 'card' but to me it looks and feels very much like a kitchen sponge, once it is dry. It goes very hard and solid and is very light in weight. I was fascinated by it at first, but having put it on a card, now I am not too sure if I like it or not! I think I will have another play with it before I say yes I like it. It looks ok in the photo here, but irl the white card has buckled a bit and isn't 'flat'. Maybe I stuck the hat to the white card before the hat was properly dry. Anyway, I thought I would post it. Lets just say it was 'interesting', and something definitely 'different'!

Thanks for dropping by! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and ever day!

 

My Lavinia Stamps Have Landed!

 My new stamps arrived, and here they are! This is the Twilight Tea range. 

Ooops, I forgot to take a photo of the other Sunflower stamp! 

Below are two of the new Rice Paper packs. They are much nicer than this photo shows.

Two new ink pads, and a white pen, plus another pen that is for masking. It writes like a pen and gives much finer lines than a paint brush does. I found it easy to use.

Below is a card I created using some of the new stamps. First of all I cut and glued a piece of the Rice papers onto a piece of LS cardstock. Once it was dry, I used various stamps to create a scene. I used a stencil brush to brush on some colours of Elements ink, just to give it a bit more colour. The Rice paper takes the inks really well and doesn't bleed. It feels very soft kind like suede! So that's my new stamps! As I create cards etc I will post them here. I hope you enjoyed seeing the new stamps!

Thank you for dropping in! Have a SUNSHINE day! Remember to always be your authentic self, and shine bright each and every day!