Summer Crafting Weekend - Doncaster 2012

Cake decorative painting by Stephanie Weightman 2012

What an honour it was to be invited to go with my Mum to the Summer Crafting fare at Doncaster Racecourse (hosted by QVC). It was a brilliant day out and well worth the drive. We had a brilliant time and had so much for our eyes to take in that we had a hard time deciding where to go first. But my Mum - as organized as ever - kept us on the straight and narrow... But the highlight of the day was having the privilege or meeting the queen bee of QVC Stephanie Weightman. She is absolutely lovely!
My Mum had told me lots of good things about her but I'd never, consciously, seen her work before. As my Mum had the "special silver pin" we were allowed access to the VIP lounge where we got a hot drink. However, when we looked around the near empty room, Stephanie was sat waiting to be interviewed by Craig Rowe (a lovely presenter on QVC). It was fascinating and exciting to be able to watch them both be filmed for a future show on TV. They were both so professional and relaxed it mesmerized me! It was also encouraging to hear what she had to say. She is so genuine and passionate.
After the interview she was mingling with the other crafters in the lounge and later on my Mum and I were able to say hello. She gave me some advise and encouragement that I will never forget. Thank you Stephanie! :) What an honour!
Later on my Mum and I were drawn to the cake stalls (if you know me you know that I'm addicted to baking cake and eating it!) After being introduced to an amazing product - that I shall post on here when I use them - we realised Stephanie was behind the stall doing a demonstration of painting onto cake (the edible paint was part of the product they were selling). I was fascinated by how easily she painted. I can't paint very well so it was amazing to watch. So simple but beautiful. After the demo she gave me this sample to take away. Wow! It's like an edible Cath Kidston rose!! Now that's pretty hard to top on my awesomeness list! Ha!
Anyway, it was a great experience to go to such a craft fare. The atmosphere was so positive and friendly. Thank you for inviting, driving and taking me Mum. I think I have the bug for craft fares and shows now :) I hope I get to go to more in the future. Exciting times.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Look what I got!! Yes I've been told that it's not right as a Graphic Designer to have a Kindle but I still said I'd like one. My wonderful husband and a a few other family members clubbed together to get me this for my present. I'm so excited and can't wait to use it. No more heavy bags from massive Harry Potter books! Wooooo!! Yes I'll miss turning the pages but I'm prepared to compromise here.
I wonder what book should be honoured and put on first? NIV study Bible I think! The Lord goes first :) Then probably HP6? Let's see...
Thank you to all who contributed to this I really didn't expect to get it! Thank you thank you thank you!! x x x x x x

The Genius that is Graze.com

I can't pretend that this is an original post but I'm still excited to do it. After a couple of people I know posted about their deliveries I thought now that I've finally been introduced to Graze.com (about a year later) that I'd show you mine! I love it just for the packaging and presentation! How exciting.
It's also making me try new things. Interested? Why don't you take a look for yourself!

Colourful Quotes

Esther Orridge 2012

Esther Orridge 2012

For a while now I've wanted to make some quotes into graphical pieces. I wasn't sure how I'd do it but this shows my first attempt. A friend came out with a good one this week which was "I love epic!" and immediately I wanted to create a graphic to capture this forever. Each quote I have in mind has a specific story or meaning behind it. They are quotes from people that have impacted my life in some way or that I just have to record somehow. The top one is from the wife of a Pastor who is connected with my church. It's one of the quotes I try and live by because when I'm tired my attitude can stink!!
I also have another typographic idea up my sleeves but as with this idea I'm not quite sure how or when I'll be able to do it. So when I figure it out I'll pop it up here for you to see...
P.s I have no idea why it keeps changing the colours when you click on the images. If you have any ideas I'd appreciate the heads up please :)

Blooming Lovely!

Made for You by Me! 2012

It's not the best photo but it's the only one I have. These are the beautiful flowers that we (my sisters and I - and our husbands) bought for my Step-Mum's birthday. They are by the same florist who did my wedding flowers. Forever Green Florist is fantastic and I will always go to them for any flowers that I require. The owner of the shop is a genius with flowers and she has such a passion for both the work she does and the customers she so enthusiastically serves! Honestly, if you live in the Huddersfield area she is worth checking out!

Cartier Advert

This has to be THE most epic TV advertisement I've ever seen. I will definitely never forget it! What an amazing brand!!
We went to a friend's house after a meeting last week and they randomly said "Oh my word you HAVE to see this...!" and got it on the TV for us to watch. It lasted the whole of the advertisement break for the program it was recorded on. This is the cut version - I can't find the original.
It's worth sitting through it just for the gorgeousness of the graphics and design! Beautiful!