Computer says No!!!

Have been out of touch for a little while for several reasons. The biggest of all was a series of computer problems. Firstly my PC had virtually ground to a halt. It was so slow that it would have been quicker to write things up by hand rather than print them. So it went off for a holiday to my cousin, and has come back slightly improved, but with a poor prognosis. It's just getting old and needs to be replaced. Sorry to all those who were looking forward to the card party - I will be making a new date soon so watch this space.

On top of that, my laptop went into meltdown (with me not far behind) and wouldn't let me log on!! Computer definately was saying no at this point - told me it couldn't find the user profile. Have managed to get it sorted now, but all this has put me behind on sorting stuff on the website, and on getting the new stock sorted.

And to cap it all off, last week was a write off for me physically- felt very run down, exhausted, had a cold and almost constant indigestion pains. Started feeling better on Saturday, which was just as well, as I was due to attend a Sheen Douglass "Paint Fusion" workshop on Sunday.

With all these technical problems, it meant I missed the first birthday of the Blog!! So belated happy 1st birthday to my blog!! In a way, it was a good job I missed the actual date. I was very maudlin at that point due to not feeling well, and I was on a right downer with regards to the website. So it would have all been very negative.

But, due to a great day on Sunday, I am now fully inspired yet again!! Problem is, being inspired usually costs me money as I just have to have everything to do the new techniques NOW- and this weekend was no exception. And, as ever, I have to buy in bulk because I always have such grand plans. That's why I have drawers full of stuff just waiting to be made!! If I crafted non-stop for the next 5 years I'd be lucky to use up all the stash I have!!!

Have to say, I had the BEST day at the workshop. Sheena, as ever, was totally inspiring. We completed three projects - two of which I have posted photos of . The other one has to remain under wraps for a while!! Say no more!!!

Paint Fusion is a style of painting based on folk art. The fusion bit is because it's about combining it with all the other crafting things we usually do, like heat embossing and distressing to name just a few!!

I haven't done any serious painting for over 15 years - I used to love watercolours and still have all my stuff. This is using acrylics, so am getting used to using a completely different medium. There is so much scope of what can be fusioned - literally any surface that will take the paint - and I have a lot of things already lined up and waiting!!

The first of the projects was the lavender bookmark. This is using pre-cut mountboard. The background was crackled first, then the lavender painted on top. Walnut Stain and Black Soot Distress Inks were used to give it a more aged look, then the edges were embossed with Sheena's Gold Sparkle WOW Embossing Powder.

The second was the bouquet on watercolour card (300gsm). Of the two projects, this is the image I prefer, although I love the bookmark shape - have bought a few blanks to play with so hopefully will come up with something I like for them.

I will leave you with the though that I am working hard on lots of new stuff - so check out the website for new updates coming soon!! Happy Easter to you all. Cxx