The eyebrow dance- CADBURY!!

I love this advert!!!!!

Swapsies, secrets and schedules.

I've just finished packaging up my swap items for 'I'm a ginger Monkey's fat quarter swap'. I cant show you what it is yet as it will spoil the surprise for Kitty.....but I can tell you that its all wrapped up in tissue and ribbon and ready to be posted on Monday.

I also have a great idea for my mug swap but you will have to wait to see that too......sorry ;) for the mug swap we only know who we are to send to not who will send to you, which I think makes it all the more exciting. In addition to the mug I will be including a new handmade item.

Saturday morning we are travelling up to my parents as we are going to see Russel Brand at the City Hall, Newcastle. The tickets were a gift for both mine and Chris's birthday, so we're really looking forward to it. Its also a nice excuse to see my family again (not that I need one).

Things are so busy at the moment with still finishing the extension, converting the loft space, work, crafting, housework (lots of ironing **groan**) that the weeks seem to be flying by. There are lots of new items on the horizon for bagladee....I'm just itching to get the loft finished so that I can get up there and really get sewing. Getting impatient doesn't even begin to describe my mood but I'm trying to space out the fun of buying for it, that should pacify me for a while :)

Back to the beginning....

Have you ever wondered how it all started?

As promised here are some photo's of my very first bag (no laughing mind!) :) this is the result of having just moved to a new city, being unemployed and not knowing many people!!

Out of sheer boredom I wandered into the nearest charity shop and bought a few things....one being a green padded, what I would call fishing jacket. After making a VERY BASIC pattern and lots of unpicking stitching, the jacket was transformed into this little bag. The main part of the bag is the outer layer of the jacket, the brown panels are ribbon (also found at the charity shop and the little piece of netted material was from the lining inside the jacket.

Inside...no lining and has Velcro fastening :) You can see how small it is by the size of my hand at the side (unless you thought I had gigantic hands :) ha ha)

I was very naughty today.....went and bought 2 books on crafting spaces/organising :o/ oh well they'll be put to very good use.

Be more Organised Part 1 1/2

With all the sorting I've been doing over the past couple of weeks, things are finally getting there.

The Ebay pile is growing fast as well as the rubbish bins over flowing. I've even started getting stuff together to go into the sewing room/studio. While I was filing some receipts and samples away I came across all the business, thank you and post cards that I've kept from fellow crafters that I've bought from. Before I put them into a pretty little keepsake box I thought I'd take a photo as I think they look quite nice all laid out together.

I'm really starting to enjoy all the organising and sorting, I'm not a fan of clutter and I like to see things shut away behind closed doors. And then there is the nostalgia part of having a clear out....coming across all those things that you've kept because they have meaning behind them.

Speaking of which I came across the first bag that I made before bagladee was born, it was made from a padded fishing jacket I bought from a Charity shop. I will try and take some photo's this week and show you.....you will laugh bless it :)

Ideas, odd jobs and anticipation!!

No photos of the loft as of yet I'm afraid, the weekend has been spent building the cupboards and various little jobs that needed sorting up there.....so not a lot to show.

I spent this morning catching up with a friend we went to Starbucks for a Machiatto and a blueberry muffin (yum, yum!!). And then whilst sorting some bits out to update my website and etsy shop I thought I'd catch up on some blog reading......I was so pleased when I stumbled across this post by Shabby Vintage Mom entitled "Craft room ideas and inspiration" oh what luck!! I've added that particular page to my favourites so I can go back later and have a good read. I've also been looking at the groups on Flickr for some ideas. I'm just itching to get up there!!

I'm praying for good weather so that we can get the skylight in and get cracking!!

Spend more time with friends and family & *New Fabric*

Now all the house work is out of the way I can concentrate on getting back to crafty stuff. Last week I ordered some new fabric from Etsy. I love buying new fabric (yes I know slightly addicted!!) and I especially love it when the post man delivers it :)

I'm planning on making some new bags out of this gorgeous little lot which I bought from luckykaerufabric.

Then I saw this and thought they would make some lovely purses/pouches. I bought this stash from downshadowlane.

Going back to my New Years resolutions No.4 was to 'Spend more time with friends and family'. Yes I am amazed too that I am still trying to fulfil them!! So far not doing too bad with 2 & 3 :)

Anyway to help me keep in touch with friends and family more (as most of them live up north) I decided to treat myself for my birthday and buy one of these!

It's a note book so its only got a 8.9" screen and is the size of a note book. Small and compact and perfect for Internet, email and other basic programs. So easy to set up too, within about 10 minutes I was up and running and talking to my Mam on MSN.

Great for on the go, meaning I can always keep up with my blog reading, sometimes I find it really hard to always read my following blogs....and I hate missing out. Not any more :)

Some major work going on in the studio/sewing room this weekend so I will try and post some photos on the progress. Have a fab weekend. xx

Ooo Ooo Shiny Buttons!!

Cast your minds back to before Christmas (I know it seems like such a long time ago now, doesn't it?) when I said that I had some gorgeous ceramic buttons to show you. It was on my list to blog but there's so much going on at the moment I hadn't had a chance to do a post on them.

I was kindly reminded today about them by Louise, the lady who gave them to me. Aren't they the most gorgeous buttons you've ever seen?? I don't think the photo's do them justice....the colours are so yummy and they have gold dots painted in the indents.

I'm feeling quite smug about them :) as these are prototype buttons and not for sale yet.....they are going to go through some vigorous bagladee tests to see how robust and durable they are. Oh what fun.....first I get to make something special with them then do some washing tests etc to see how they are against the elements :) thank you so much for letting me play with them Louise, I still think the green ones will look amazing on my black coat!

Are you itching to get your hands on some?? Well maybe if you pop over to Louise and David's website maybe she can help you out.

Isn't this a pretty cool reminder though!! It came in the post today its a little package from Louise with a note and one of the gift tags they make. I bought a couple of the Christmas ones when we were at the craft market. They are such a lovely touch to a gift.....and they can be kept forever and ever!!

This one was inspired by 'ME' :) because I am a Geordie and I say MAM instead of MUM. If you are reading this Louise, thank you so much what a lovely thought. I will be sending you a little note in the post. And as soon as the buttons have been tried and tested I will let you know.

We went to Ikea last night after work and bought some units and shelves for the studio, we were also going to get a desk that I saw but it wouldn't fit in my car :( so we'll be going back with the van next time.

Eeeeee Awwww!!

Just a quick post before I collapse into my bed. Tonight has been an exhausting but rewarding night. Before I get into that I thought I'd show you a little of the other half's birthday gift (which was on Monday). Well for something different this year I thought I would adopt a donkey for him. Don't worry its not in our back garden!! Its one that you can visit at a sanctuary. Anyway as I little gift to go with it I made this little felt thingy to go with the presentation tin.

It started out like donkey colour felt!! :)

And then after all the pieces were cut out, these 2 little fella's pop up and said hello :)

They haven't got names yet but were open to donkey name suggestions.

Back to tonight, yesterday evening and this evening was spent sorting through all the crap that had accumulated in the loft....very ruthless we were. And at the end of the night we were left with a charity shop pile, a pile that we are keeping (its very small), a very big pile of rubbish........and a lovely clean and tidy loft!!!!!

Also went to Ikea but I will tell you all about that tomorrow...I must go and sleep. Zzzzzzzzzzz

Sunshine and blogging posts :)

Wow, I got up this morning and there was this big orange ball in the sky....oh yeah I forgot its the Sun!! Its that long since we had any clear skies and sunshine that I was actually surprised when I saw it.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes, I had a lovely day I received lots of cards and I decided to treat myself and bought a Net book with the money I was given which will be going in my other birthday present (studio/sewing room). I've been so lucky this year, I really am grateful.

Speaking of said studio here are some more photo's that I promised......now don't expect anything too major we both have full time jobs so Saturdays are the only DIY days we have.

As you can see from this photo we've got all the insulation up in the rafters and ran an aerial cable through for the TV, there's also a gap been left for the sky light.

It looks quite cosy with all that cotton wool looking insulation, shame it leaves your skin all prickly....Ouch!!

Even just at this stage its made such a difference to the warmth of the loft and the rest of the house. We actually had to turn the heating right down yesterday!! Were hoping to get the window and plaster board up maybe next weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Oh what a to do......blog, blog, blog!!

I have so much I want to blog about I think I might burst :) Now what shall I post tomorrow??? Maybe I'll show you the progress pics of the soon to be Studio/Sewing room!!

BLOG OVERHAULIN'

I had decided before Christmas that in the New Year I'd like to change the look of my blog. I like what I had but I wanted it to be more linked with my website. If you click here you'll know what I mean.

After a few hours of messing around with it yesterday this is what I came up with. What do you think?

There's a bit more progress going on in the studio/sewing room conversion so I'll have some more photo's for you soon.....I think I maybe getting a little ahead of myself as I've been sneakily looking at bean bags, chaise longs, already whittled the wallpaper samples down to 3 favourites, storage out of the Ikea catalogue....and anything else I can find on the net :)

We had a bit of a trauma yesterday involving the other half's car, a VERY misguided youth and the police which resulted in us not going out for a meal last night :( maybe we will go next weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PART 2

I can contain myself no longer!!!! Ever since I said "I cant say just yet but I am getting the most AWESOME'EST present for my birthday, I'm so excited about it I could throw up!! :) Its mega!!!" I have been bursting to tell you all!!!"

I'm getting a sewing room/studio! Arrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhh :) There I said it....

We had decided that we were going to re-lag all the loft to make the house warmer and more energy efficient....but when I came home on Friday my other half asked me how would I like it as a sewing room/studio. Well I was so excited I didn't know whether to throw up or squeal with delight! So it was the squealing :)

We have a really tall roof space which is ample room for a small studio.

The flooring is all down and the roof is in the process of being done.

The plan is to box off part of the bottom to create a bit more storage, add a sky light, plaster all the walls/ceiling, add spot lights, wallpaper the back wall, paint the others, carpet, add a desk, flat screen TV, chaise long.......and its all mine!!!!!

I cant wait, I'm beside myself with excitement. I will be showing the progress as we go a long, this is just the best birthday present ever!!!!! Isn't he lovely my fella :)

I'm now off to get some food, he's cooking me dinner too.....where on earth did I get him from?

P.S. If anyone knows of any good photo's of amazing studio spaces please post links I'd love some inspiration for decorating, thanks. x

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PART 1

....to me. Who have thought 29 years would pass so quick? Even though I've had to work today I've had a lovely birthday so far. The post man left me some cards so I opened them before I left work. I want to say a big thank you to Rachel from Contented who sent me the cutest birthday card!! It has a little kitten on the front its soooooo cute, thank you Rachel it was really thoughtful of you :)

I also opened cards from my family and then when I got to work there were a pile of cards waiting for me on my desk and we ate lots of cake today!!! And when I say lots of cake I mean lots!!! This is only half of my day and now I'm looking forward to going home and having a nice dinner with the other half.

And maybe some more cake ;) ha ha.

Be less stressed!!

Even though its only the second working week into the year- being less stressed is proving to be more difficult than I thought. My day job is one of those jobs where when its not filled with obstacle upon obstacle I do actually enjoy it. Its challenging in its own way and I do get job satisfaction out of it, but there are times when I wonder what on earth am I doing there!! Since the Christmas break I just cant seem to shake the "back to work blues".

I would be so grateful of any suggestions of de-stressing techniques or meditation, I just want to get back to the pre-Christmas "not so stressed" me.

To help de-stress a little I'm currently working on a little something to go with my other half's birthday gift.....who's birthday is 4 days after mine. Quite good really because we celebrate it together in the days between. I cant reveal what it is yet as I don't want him to see it but after the weekend I'll show you what I made.

Be more Organised!!

OK back those resolutions! No.2 on my list was 'Be more organised' so the plan started on Friday, after work I headed into town with a list of things I wanted to get.

Which were:

*A4 Folder

*Poly pockets

*Dividers

*A Journal

*Scrap Book

I got a funky lime green folder and the bits and bobs to go in it, so that I can file all my patterns properly and organise my other folder instead of everything just being shoved in anywhere :o/ these just came from WHSmiths where I also purchased this months copy of 'Sew Hip'.

I then took a walk to Paperchase (my joint most favouritest shop in the whole wide world-Along side Hobbycraft!!) where I bought the most gorgeous journal/notebook and another for scrap booking.

I love the cover on the note book its flocked (book on the right), as soon as I picked it up I couldn't resist stroking the cover (Sad I know :)) this is going to be my 'To Do' book (i know its progressed from a list to a book now, crazy) I'll write all the things I plan to get done and make notes on things I want to write for my blog etc.

The book on the left as you can see has gorgeous brown paper pages inside, this is going to be my scrap/ideas book, I have so many pieces of paper with drawings and ideas on, I thought it was only right that they be documented properly rather than lying around everywhere!

Oh and I bought 2 mini pens.....yes the pink one does write in pink ink!! (*squealing with excitement*)

I cant say just yet but I am getting the most AWESOME'EST present for my birthday, I'm so excited about it I could throw up!! :) Its mega!!!

January Sales and Bargains

I've been really good this year in regards to 'Sale Shopping', normally I am a mass of frenzy, hurtling round the shops buying up as many bargains as possible- which in reality results in having a load of stuff that you wouldn't normally buy that sits in the in the wardrobe being unworn.

I know what a waste :o/ (It does eventually get passed onto a new home via family and charity, before you think I hoard things or I'm a spend thrift).

But definitely not this year!! I refrained from the usual trek to the shops and even when I passed a sale it was a quick glance in the window and off :) very proud of myself.

I did however use this to my advantage this year, its my birthday next week and wanted a nice top to go with my black jeans to go out for a meal so I found this top on the Internet for £6.....I know I can hardly believe it myself!

And then I thought I really need to get a dress for my friends wedding in the summer and spotted this lovely jade green dress for only £8 and I already have shoes and a bag to go with it :)

And last I couldn't resist buying this elegant black tunic top, I love to have a black top with a little bit of detail as I like to accessorize with some colourful and funky shoes, bag and jewellery. This was also £6.

And it has these lovely applique flowers on the shoulder and hem line to the left (sorry the photo isn't that great.)

TFI Friday tomorrow :)

Because I am fed up with this week at work......please be over soon so I can get back to the luxury of the weekend :) where I can be free to do fun stuff like crafting.

I'm taking part in.....

The New Year Mix Up Your Stash A Bit Swap

(click on image to go to I'm a Ginger Monkey's blog to take part.)

The rules are: You will send your partner 2 fat quarters of high quality cotton quilting/sewing fabric, a treat - something little like a bit of ribbon, or some thread, or buttons, nothing big and fancy, just a little token of kindness, wrap it up all pretty, and write a note to send with it.

And what luck my swap partner is: Kitty I follow her blog so I kinda know a little about her. Cant wait to see what we both swap. Hi Kitty **wave** :)

Your blog is fabulous!!

Sorry to take so long to get round to it Ruthie, but thank you so much for the 'Your blog is fabulous' Award :) its so nice to have someone say that my blog is fab I'm very touched, thank you. Go check out her blog its Fabulous too.

OK to play a long the rules here I have to say what my 5 addictions are and my 5 fav blogs that I think are fab too. So here goes:

5 Addictions:

1) Funky Fabrics (my collection has grown so much, some has had to be stored away in boxes in the garage!! Eeek!)

2) Handbags (whether made by me or bought it doesn't matter I LOVE THEM ALL!!) :)

3) Shoes (Obviously, to go with the bags)

4) Coffee (bad addiction I know, but from Latte's to espresso's I just cant get enough. I have a great coffee machine)

5) The Internet (I love writing on my blog, reading others, browsing and buying.....I have just been reminded by my other half that I prob spend more time with my laptop than I do with him) :o/

And now for my 5 nominations:

1) A bit of this and that

2) Bug and fishes by Lupin

3) Circles are forever

4) Jelly Beans Art

5) Kittys bloggy bits

Into 2009.......

Surprisingly I am feeling extremely motivated......it has nothing to do with work! Oh No! First day back today was depressing and disheartening, I knew it wasn't going to be easy after having a 2 week break but it just seemed to drag on forever today.

The motivation is all coming from bagladee and what 2009 holds for her/me :) I feel the need to get 'my house' so to speak in order, organise everything and enjoy myself.

I thought today would be a good day to show you what I made for the other half for Christmas. Its a small version of a messenger bag and I made the pattern from scratch. As far as manly but funky patterns go I quite like this fabric, its silhouettes of famous faces through the years....at a good guess I can spot a very young Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis, Twiggy.....any others you can recognise?
Its quite a roomy over the shoulder mini messenger with internal pockets and a thick comfy strap. I was a little unsure if he would like it, but a sigh of relief was exhaled when he saw it.

And you are now looking at the new addition to the bagladee family....I'll be making a few adjustments and adding a couple of features but this is the next item to be making its way onto the website.