Guest Design Team for Fernli Designs January 2017

I have had a bad few weeks health wise but Lou from Fernli Designs sent me out a massive box of products to work on and I just loved working with them all x 

I have chosen a few items and I want to share them with you now x

A project share video is live now HERE on my youtube Channel

First up

I made this Basic Open Top Box

which I am now using to store my tools and things in and I adore it, the size is just perfect.

This I also have a tutorial on which is available to watch here

I primed the box initially with american decor acrylic paint which is a chalk finish and the colour was Lace, I then chose the papers from Floral Muse by Dovercraft and adhered them with mod podge, 

I used 2 different pages of the paper one is a larger floral design with butterflies and the other is a smaller floral design pattern which I used on the 2 short sides 

and the full inside of the box including the base,

The outside I kept very minimal design wise as I knew it was going to be used for a functional purpose and didnt want it to get grubby and have bits getting in the way, so I chose a 2" Lace and to disguise the seam I added a sage green coloured satin ribbon, where the ribbon joins I have added a small flower applique, and the center is a small green flat back pearl. Around all the edges I used Inka gold in the colour old silver which is a very pale champagne type colour I also used that along the top edged of the box. I love how it turned out.

Next up is the Tooth Box (Is adorable)

This is the design when you build it

(this picture is © Fernli Design)

This box is being made specifically to hold my grans wedding ring

which is something I cannot wear as my fingers arent as nimble as my grans were,

Anyway lets talk you through what I did once I had built the box

was painted it using Artiste Acrylic paint in the colour Linen 

I then used a small floral design paper (I have no idea where I got it I think it must have been a freebie with a magazine as it was only a small a6 size piece) but I used it to line the outside of the box and also the inside bottom side of the lid and the base of the box

I then chose a small gathered lace and added 2 layers of that and a strand of 6mm cream flatback pearl trim, for the top to decorate I used 3 flowers which I dipped in a solution of pearl spray I made myself from water, alcohol ink (cant remember which colour) and pink gumball perfect pearl powder.

it has gave the flowers a lovely subtle pearl shade in pink very understated just stunning.

I then cut an applique and used 3 leaves and added them next to the small cluster.

I then to finish it off added the sage green accent around the rims I used artiste acrylic paint in the colour sage to get this effect, I think it has worked out perfect.

Then we have my mixed media project

Artist Palette made into a decorative plaque,

I painted the whole palette with American Decor Paint in LACE (the colour)

I then added a thick layer of Dreamweaver crackle paste and left it to dry for 24hrs (doesnt need that long but I had other projects to do so gave it the extra time to set properly)

I then added the napkins with mod podge and then using my finger soaked in mod podge to make it slick I made sure the napkin was worked in properly to the cracks and that once dry they would be visible the napkin once dry was very dark print in places so using the same paint I used for the base coat I added a little bit to water and gave some of the napkin a wash with the watered down paint to tone it down a bit and it worked beautifully. I then took 2 hearts also from Fernli and a butterfly from my stash and added paper to them and sparkled 2 of them up the small heart I used stardust stickles and then a layer of glossy accents to seal it, and the butterfly I used ice crystal glamour dust glitter paint and again sealed it with glossy accents.

the larger heart I didnt coat as I wanted different textures and feel to the whole project.

I decided to accent the project using the same Green as the tooth box Artiste Acrylic paint in Sage Colour, I added that to the clock hands which I then adhered using a stickpin, that I pierced through the palette and bent the pin on the back it worked out perfect. the center of the stick pin I added a white flatback pearl. I also painted the outed rim of the palette and all the wooden bits (hearts and butterfly) I then again watered down a touch of the sage paint and added touches of it to the napkin just to add some more definition to the background.

I chose flowers from my stash in pale cream, white and a soft peach and clustered them some around the hearts and a larger cluster at the bottom opposite corner I added some leaf appliques to that just for the softer look and feel. I then used the ice crystal glamour dust glitter paint and added some sparkle to the flowers.

The tag I used a stamping up paper in a colour that blended with the colour I used as my accent, I chose some sage seam binding and made a small bow, I added a small white satin bow on top and finally added an acrylic leaf and beading trim to the top just as a little more decoration.

This was a LONG project and took me 3 days stopping and starting to complete it as I did do it in stages. But I adore it and the sentiment I chose as it tied in the butterflies (which are my favorite) and the time, it was just perfect.

Lastly we have for now....

The Glue storage tray

I used papers from floral muse, and the paint was latte from Artiste Acrylic I coated the inside 

the paper on the top I sanded back LOTS as I wanted that very worn and distressed look that just works perfectly, I added the inka gold in Old Silver to the edges and around all the circles and then buffed them all x it worked out beautiful, it has no added lace or trims because it is a very functional item and I fully intend on it being well used. 

I hope you enjoy all these products please do pop over and place an order with Fernli, it is a family run business which has amazing customer service and AMAZING prices.

Lots of love and crafty hugs Karen xx

Kidney Infection

Thursday 5th Jan, I was in a lot of pain but Ian was working so had no-one to take me to the surgery, he got home early and I rung the surgery at 4pm and got told to come round at 5pm, was saw by the GP and diagnosed a severe kidney infection, gave me a 3 day course of antibiotics and told to drink plenty of fluids.

Friday I was completely out the game and the days a bit of a blur, Saturday I felt a bit better just drained but the pain had easied a little, then on Monday I rung the surgery as I had finished my course of antibiotics and still didnt feel right, so she said there was another 4 day course sent to the pharmacy on Friday for me, (the GP phoned the house to tell me but I was asleep) 

So Jordan collected them yesterday, todays the first day I have been on the pc long enough to update everything, normally it is check my emails and back to bed.

No idea when I will be back to full health but when I do I promise my blog will be back to normal x 

Lots of love and hugs Karen xx

Happy New Year 2017

Plans for 2017

As we are closing the door on 2016 (Im bolting mine closed)

I am trying very hard to start off on the right foot I have bought myself a diary/planner

I had one years ago and used it daily when I worked 2 jobs, ran a home, brought up a young child and everything else involved with the above. And my life was very organised and I knew what I was doing and when etc and I really did notice a huge difference in my organizing from simple things like bills and making sure they were paid on time, budgeting for birthdays and Christmas and holidays.

As well as the obvious work rota as when I returned to work after the birth of Jordan he was 18months I needed adult conversation and interaction and I missed working full time, so my plan was to go back to work in the nursing home part-time and cover any staff shortages little did I realize how short lived it would be as unknown to us at the time, mum and my younger sister had agreed to help with childcare in the spring-autumn while Ian worked and they were happy to help but no sooner had I gone back to work that mum was moaning or ringing me to ask when I was finishing or when Ian was collecting Jordan being in the nursing home if staff for the next shift failed to show up or there was an emergency on the unit you had to stay and do what you could, you dont just clock off like a factory when you are working with people, so after just a few short weeks I had to speak to my boss and dropped my set hours and just did bank nursing, covering sick or holidays when I knew Ian could do the child care. I was livid at the time with mum, but only weeks later mum collapsed with a brain aneurysm and that was why she had been so short tempered and was so drained looking after Jordan who despite his teenage nonsense was a brilliant and content child.

But my diary then went from shift patterns to EVERYTHING, as I was running 2 houses, a toddler a partner who worked, caring for my siblings who was then 17 (going on 7) and 14 and my dad still had to work full time to keep money coming into the house so it was full on, trying to remember everything was impossible, so I jotted in everything from banking needs for both houses, bills for both houses, shopping needs for houses, appointments for mums consultants and care team, figuring out childcare while I had meetings and even when mum got home I was up and dressed me and Jordan were in a taxi to mums for 8am to make sure my younger brother was out for school on time and then make sure that mum was organised for her care team doctors and nurses, and physio it was 24/7 and making sure that dad was ok to get home from work get a decent meal and then I went home in time to bed Jordan down and collapse myself. 

If it wasnt for my trusted diary I would have been still spinning around trying to do it all x

But I got through it and was still standing (all be it just lol)

But for 2017 I have decided it is time to get back to that headspace and hopefully having everything jotted down will give my brain some rest periods.

So my first project for my youtube channel is already uploading as I type to be scheduled for 2nd Jan 2017 it is a lovely simple card that emanates just what I hope for 2017 for all my family and friends x

Details for the card tutorial

Nitwits Collections Happy - https://goo.gl/2NjagR

Card 280gsm 100 sheets for £7.25 - https://goo.gl/nxTZPb (does other card weights also)

The card base measurements are 8" x 4" scored at 4" to make a 4" x 4" square card

The 1st mat layer is 3.5"x 3.5" 

the second mat is 2.5" x 2.5" 

I used one topper from the "li'l bits" folder

and I used the bling button embellishment from the "Fat Quarter" folder (these will make sense when you buy the collections)

for the bling button I used a 1" circle punch to punch it out and 

then added Stickles in "crystal" to bling it up

I then added a bit of wink of Stella to the florals and the Large S in "smile" to give it a little twinkle.

All my cards are also stamped with my personalised stamp which I bought from stampingallday - this is the one I use simplistic but efficient http://www.stampingallday.co.uk/stampingalldayshopfront/prod_1349579-Bracket-Frame-personalised-stamp.html

Also made a birthday card for my sister it is her birthday tomorrow (Hogmanay AKA new years eve)

Lovely easel card, using paper from the country garden collection, some pale pink seam binding, distressed the edges with tattered rose distress ink, and used a decoupage floral topper that I added stickles to and gave it a bit of sparkle, then added some small pearl with metal rim embellishments so cute x 

Also made this project, one of ians customers had an extremely bad house fire last year and they have only recently moved back home and I made them a wall hanging using a vintage chair back

lots of vintage colours and textures just beautiful

lots of different materials burlap, cotton, muslin, seam binding, lace, feather, chiffon, just tons and I love it I am going to add to the top 2 small tabs for the hanging and vintage up a coathanger using some trims and muslin, x sorry the photo is a bit pants but I'm sure it gives you the general feel for the project x

until next year x 

Happy Crafting xx

Merry Christmas

Where is the time going?

This week has been hectic,

I have celebrated my son turning 18yrs old

(gosh that was a shock to the system)

We went out for a meal on Saturday night in Paisley to the Bobbin Mill

(it used to be really busy but a newer one opened across the street so it is now much more peaceful)

So we all all had a lovely time,

Jayden ordered Chicken Goujons, chips and beans 

and for dessert it was a make your own sundae, which he LOVED

Jordan ordered chicken wings in a BBQ dressing,

and Cod & Chips (he is not a veg person)

Ian ordered Tomato and Basil Soup and Rump Steak Fajitas

I got Tomato and Basil Soup and Hunters BBQ Chicken

we all sat and had a good blether and Ian and Jayden had a game of Pool.

Ian went to Asda and got a case of beer for him and Jordan when they got home, we dont tend to keep drink in the house, as none of us are big drinkers.

but they had a good night putting the world to rights.

Sunday we went over to my mums and my whole side of the family was there to wish Jordan a happy birthday. my brother and SIL and the 2 kids Jack and Leah, my sister and niece Mirin, and my parents I am not doing great mentally just now so there was a lot of hilarity and I really struggled to keep myself from exploding but I managed to hold it in, but when we got home I headed to my bedroom to get some space.

Monday morning I had the GP at 8.30am for the nurse to get my bloods checked for my diabetes, while there she decided I needed the flu jab and the pneumonia jab too so got them done also, then Wednesday the receptionist phoned me to say my bloods were high and was to make an appointment to see the GP but I know why the bloods are high I havent been taking my meds correctly because I am struggling mentally I am finding things hard to remember and my 3 x a day has ended up once a day occasionally 2x which isnt enough :( so no doubt going to get a lecture when I see her tomorrow.

Also yesterday I made a START yip I hadnt bought one thing for Christmas, So Jayden has got speakers for his PC, and jenga, a few PS3 games (no idea which ones Ian chose them) and money for boxing day

Smellies and pjs, Jordan has smellies and pjs and just money, my niece Mirin got money plus I have made her a canvas and altered ballet shoes.

My sister I have got lots of little bits and bobs, socks, candles, sister banner and a keyring and have made her a jewellery set,

Mum a jewellery set and also box of chocs

Dad got some books and chocolates (black magic)

my niece's Leah has some disney activity books and a jigsaw, Olivia got a jigsaw plus an activity set, my nephew jack got a neon colouring set and a street magic kit.

the rest of the kids got money due to them being babies or being older and can buy what they want.

so it is all just needing wrapped now.

I have took some time out from Facebook at the moment and deleted it, just need to get some space and away from other folks happiness (which sounds bad but when you feel as bad as I am just now other folks joy just makes you feel less hopeful not that you wish they didnt have that joy and happiness) so deleted it last night but have kept messenger to stop people freaking out about me lol.

anyway x I will come back on before Christmas and wish you all a Merry Christmas x

Apologies for being MIA

Wow where has the last 2 wks gone???

I have been really busy and kept occupied with swaps on Scrimpys and also coping with my health at the moment which has been a bit of a struggle.

December is just hectic and this year has been worse than usual with my eldest having problems with his impending court date, I was struggling with that but he was at a pleading diet last weeks and the trial was due to begin on Tuesday but they have postponed it until February 6th as they need to gather more evidence and his solicitor needs time to work on his case, so I am relieved that at least Christmas he will be with us all x 

I have been making TONs and TONS of butterflies using the itty bitty Butterfly punch and the Elegant Butterfly Punch from SU along with the papillion potpourri and made so stunning embellishments x

Also as part of Scrimpys I took part in a handmade altered box (which is my thing) and filled with handmade flowers which I made in abundance x I loved making them all x 

This was a project I made to add in one of my swap parcels I love to gift handmade beautiful items x 

An Altered Doritos Dip Jar so pretty and shabby even though it isnt PINK lol 

Handmade pearl bling, I have a tutorial on how to make these on my youtube channel x

Some Pin wheel Embellishments again an added extra for swap group x

The paper used for these was County Garden so pretty and shabby chic feeling x

The box I made for my handmade altered box for Scrimpys

Some of the lovely flowers I added to the box 

Altered Butterfly x

A make a card monday card using the same county Garden paper pad

A wall plaque using a shadow technique I just love it x 

Altered paper flowers (the green is original and the blue is revamped)

Todays project I was filming it for youtube but my wonderful neighbour has her roof being redone and the workers decided 10mins into my process video to start using a hammer drill so had to turn it off x but I so love the effect of it x so pretty and girly x 

My agenda for the rest of this week tomorrow I need to ring the GP (annual diabetes check is overdue) then on Friday I need to make Jordans birthday cards.

Saturday is Jordans 18th Birthday, so hopefully we can go out for lunch and let him have his first legal pint x then on Sunday we are over to my parents for them to give Jordan his birthday my sister and brother will be there also I think x 

Also this week my niece Jean and her husband Adam gave birth to my newest nephew Jackson AJ Crawford he was 7lbs 7oz and was born 10.21am 9th December 2016

Adam, Jean and Jackson

Baby Jackson going home

and big sister Hailie-Jayne waiting patiently for Mummy, Daddy and Jackson to come home.

I am incredibly blessed to have such a HUGE family and to be blessed with so many little ones to keep us all young (I wish lol)

Anyway will be back very soon I promise to share my birthday boys 18th with you all xx