New Zealand Continued

Hello my crafty friends,

Tonight I just have a few more photos of our recent trip to New Zealand.

It is such a beautiful country, and the people there are so friendly.

On our trip to NZ 18 months ago, we did not have time to explore the Coromandel

Peninsula, on the east coast of the North Island, so this time we spent 4 days there.

We were rewarded with glorious weather, stunning views, and beautiful beaches.

We stayed at Thames and this photo was taken just north of that little town. For

much of the drive on the west coast the road hugs the coastline.

On the west coast of the Peninsular is Coromandel Town. It is a darling little

village with beautiful environs. These 2 buildings are the butcher and

general store.

Still in Coromandel Town...isn't this the cutest laundromat you have ever seen.

The town relies heavily on tourism, and it was easy to see how much pride the 

residents take, and how they have embraced tourism without 

becoming 'tacky', as so many places unfortunately do.

On the north-eastern side of the Peninsular is the famous Hot Water Beach.

One can dig a hole and lie in a pool of water that seeps up through the 

sand. The water temperatures range from slightly warm to scalding, 

depending on where the hole is dug (sometimes less than a metre apart).

A beach at Hahei, not far from Hot Water Beach. 

We had a beautiful lunch at Hahei.

Simpson's Beach on the outskirt of Whitianga, 

on the east coast of the Peninsular.

The Botanic Gardens at Hamilton are a 'must-see'. John and I had intended

to just have a quick look, but spent 4 hours there instead. Outside the

Information Centre were massive tubs of mixed flowers (above)...

and as a rose lover, their Rose Gardens 'blew me away'.

Just south of Hamilton is a town called Otorohanga, and there are large

statues of kiwis in several places. This one, made from corrugated iron

is at the northern entrance to the town. It is huge, and just after I took

this photo, some adults stood under it (comfortably),

 while a friend took their photo.

If you ever get the chance to visit New Zealand, I am sure you would enjoy 

it. John and I think the North Island is beautiful, but so many people have 

said that the South Island is even more so. I guess we will have to visit 

there next time to see if they are correct.

I hope you are all well, so until next time..."happy crafting",

Hugs, 

Jennifer. x

Return to New Zealand

As promised, I have begun to sort out my photos from our recent trip to 

New Zealand, and have a few to show you. I spent hours last night trying 

to choose just a few, but have finished up with too many

 for one sitting, so will show you half tonight, and 

the other half tomorrow night.

I love full moons, and on our first night in NZ, it was almost full moon.

I was thrilled to find that we could lie in bed and look at the incredible

sight of Auckland's Sky Tower under that moon. This photo 

was taken about 11pm, from our motel room.

When we were in Auckland 18 months ago, I did the Skywalk, and 

was so excited to have the chance to do it again. The walkway is

192 metres, or 630 feet high, without a handrail. The views are 

breathtaking, and this time I was not even slightly 

nervous - just exhilerated!! 

The Skywalk goes right around the Skytower, and although the wind was

strong on the east and north side, it was VERY strong on the west and 

south side. At times it was difficult to stay upright, and I had to hold on

to my rope. The guides can take up to 6 people on a Walk, 

but this time I was the only person.

The massive crater of Mt Eden, an extinct volcano, overlooking Auckland's

CBD. There is a path around the rim, and John and I did the entire walk.

If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you will see tiny black 'spots' on 

the path. They are people, so that will give you a better idea of just how

big the crater is. The views were 360o, and spectacular.

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a guide at an historic Fort

(Fort Scratchley), in Newcastle, Australia. Before this trip to NZ, I arranged

to visit the Forts guarding Auckland Harbour. I had a wonderful afternoon

with a lovely gentleman from the Society that looks after the Conservation

of those Forts. He is a retired Army Officer, and very generously gave 

me an almost 4 hour private tour, taking me to many places 

that the public never see.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing just a few of my many, many photos...I will return tomorrow night with some more, so until then, take care,

Hugs, 

Jennifer. x

Lavender and Lace

Can you believe we are almost into February. At this rate, we'd better start

Christmas shopping, and dragging out the decorations for the house!!!

No??...you're not too keen on that idea, I hear you cry. I agree! lol.

 Speaking of how fast the days are speeding by, it is once again Thursday, and

you know what that means...it's time for another challenge at Crafty Little Fairies.

This week it is the turn of the Pink Fairies to invite you to join us in the theme of

'LAVENDER AND LACE'

I'm sure many of you will love this challenge, where you can unleash all your

girly creativity.

Our lovely sponsor this week is Stamp and Create, who are offering a 

generous prize in the form of a gift voucher.

Remember, you must use a stamped or digi image on your creation to be

eligible for this great prize.

I am ashamed to admit that early last year I bought several gorgeous Wild Rose Studio 

stamps, featuring this oh so cute little elephant, and none have seen ink until now.

Oh dear, methinks I just heard a very loud collective gasp of horror from you all!

A closer look at Wild Rose Studio's Bella With Flowers, 

coloured as usual with my Promarkers.

Inside my card matches the front.

Challenges

Animal Friends#10 - 'Dies/Punches'

Brown Sugar #78 - 'Embossing'

Craft-Dee Bowz - 'Anything Goes With A Handmade Bow'

Crafter's Cafe #48 - 'Use Ribbon or Lace'

Fan-Tastic Tuesday #20 - 'Make It Cute or Sweet'

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #256 - 'Purple'

Incy Wincy Designs - 'Ribbons and Pearls'

Inky Chicks #21 - 'Bingo' (Lace, Swirls, Butterflies, Ribbon)

Loves Rubber Stamps #88 - 'Use Lace'

Pile It On #4 - 'Animals'

Vintage Stamping/Flonz Craft - 'Lavender and Lace'

Image - Wild Rose Studio Bella With Flowers

Colouring - Promarkers

Paper - Prima Meadow Lark

Sentiment - free with a magazine

Embossing - Couture Creations Trellis

Dies - Spellbinders Classic, Scalloped, and Lacey Circles

Punch - Martha Stewart corner punch Butterflies

Scissors - Fiskars Victorian (to cut around sentiment)

Viva Perlea Pen - Creme

Lace and Ribbon from my junk stash

For a chance to win a lovely prize, why not visit us at Crafty Little Fairies, 

and enter our 'Lavender and Lace' challenge.

Hugs,

Jennifer. x

Hedgy in a Hurry!

Good morning, all my crafting friends. I know I have been fairly 'light' with my posts in the last 2 weeks,

but I do have a good excuse. I have been on holidays in beautiful New Zealand. John and I are sitting

in the departure lounge at Auckland airport, waiting for our flight to be called. I guess by this time 

tomorrow our wonderful holiday will just be a very happy memory...clothes washing, cooking, and

house cleaning will take care of that.

 While we were in New Zealand, one of my Crafty Little Fairy design team mates, Lisa (who lives in

England) celebrated her birthday. It was my turn to send her a card, so this is what I made for her.

I used one of my all time favourite Penny Black images. Sorry I can't tell you the name of it, but

of course I didn't bring my stamps with me (although John said I brought enough "junk" with me).

Edited Thank you Pauline...it is Hedgehog Bouquet.

A closer look at the little hedgy, coloured with Promarkers.

The inside of my card is very simple. I bought the gorgeous set of ivy dies for my birthday

a few weeks ago. I used the larger one in the set for the inside of my card, and the smaller 

one for the front. It was love at first sight, as I always love trailing ivy, and my beloved

grandmother's name was Ivy. Once again, I cannot remember the brand, so I will update

my products list when we get home. Edited Marianne Ivy Corners.

Challenges

Animal Friends #10 - 'Punches/Dies'

Crafting For All Seasons - 'For The Girls'

Passion For Promarkers #231 - 'Ribbon, Lace, or Twine'

Penny Black - 'New'

Sentimental Sundays #190 - 'More Than 3 Layers'

Stampin' For The Weekend - 'Happy Birthday'

The Crafter's Cafe - 'Funny or Whimsical'

Image -Penny Black Hedgehog Bouquet

Colouring - Promarkers

Sentiment - Penny Black

Paper - First Edition Blank Canvass

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles, and Rectangles; Marianne Ivy Corners; Cheery Lynn Butterfly Trio

Stickles - Star Dust

Ribbon and lace, from my junk stash 

As you can imagine, we took lots of photos during our holiday. When I sort them all out, 

I will post a few of my favourites, so until then..."Happy Crafting".

Hugs,

Jennifer. x

In The Kitchen

Wow, it's hard to believe that it is 10 days since I last posted on my blog. However,

tonight's the night (as Rod Stewart would sing), because it is the pink fairies' turn at 

Crafty Little Fairies to bring you a new challenge. Our theme this week is an unusual one,

'IN THE KITCHEN'

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for this week, 

and 

Nana Connie won a prize voucher from Delicious Doodles in December, and as

she is on their Design Team, she kindly reoffered her voucher, so this week we

have two prizes. Thank you, Nana Connie.

Remember, your entry must have a stamped or digital image to be eligible

for the prize of a stamp of your choice, or a voucher.  

My lovely blogging friend, Pauline, has just started a second blog to display her new-found

hobby, baking. At Christmas, Pauline sent me one of her stunning card creations, and a 

fabulous set of LOTV clear sentiment stamps (I have used one of them on this card). 

They cover so many occasions, so will be very versatile. Thank you so much Pauline. 

I wanted to send Pauline a "thank you" card, so when I saw that the theme of the 

challenge was 'In The Kitchen', the timing was perfect. 

Isn't this image adorable!, and so perfect for a card to Pauline. I am very sorry to tell

you that I do not know the brand of the stamp. It was on a sheet of clear stamps

that were free with a magazine I bought on one of my visits to London several 

years ago. I also cannot remember the name of the magazine...Perhaps one 

of you may recognise the image, and enlighten me. All the other images in 

the set are equally cute. 

Edited : While having a big 'tidy up' of my MASSIVE collection of magazines,

I found the one that had the free sheet of stamps!! It is Cardmaking and Papercraft,

Issue 103, and the stamps are designed by Adam Pescott.

The very appropriate paper was also free with yet another magazine I bought

in London, but cannot remember which one. I put Glossy Accents on the 

cherries, but this does not show up in the photos.

Challenge

Animal Friends #10 -'Punches/Dies

Image & Sentiment - Unknown (free with magazine) edited: designed by Adam Pescott,

in Stamping and Papercraft, Issue 103

Colouring - Promarkers

Paper - Unknown (free with magazine)

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Ovals and Circles, Corners

Punch - Martha Stewart PATP Hearts

Embossing Powder and Glossy Accents from my junk stash

I have had a 'big' day today...(I can't tell you why yet, but will reveal all in a week or so), so will soon be off to bed.

For a chance to win a lovely prize, why not visit us at Crafty Little Fairies, check out all the gorgeous creations by my lovely fairy team mates, and enter our 'In the Kitchen' challenge.

Until next time, "happy crafting",

Hugs, 

Jennifer. x

Favourite Eight

Hello all my fellow crafters,

Judging by the huge numbers of new posts on all your blogs, it doesn't look as if a lil' ol' thing called Christmas and New Year slows you down too much. You are all well and truly into new creations and challenges.

I know this is a bit late...I had hoped to join in playing 'Favouite Cards of 2013' on New Year's Eve, or Day, but 'life' got in the way. As 'they' say..."better late than never". It was really difficult to choose, as like many of you, I am super-critical of my work, and can always see something that I should have done differently. Basically though, I thought it was fun going over the year's creations, finding cards I had forgotten, or re-visiting ones I loved making. However, there were a couple that caused me exclaim "what was I thinking!!!"

My list of about 20 cards has been reduced to 8, so, deep breath...here goes...not in any particular order... (if you want to see the original posts, just click on the title, and the link will take you there.)

True Love

Memories of Velvety Roses

Bubble Bath

Pretty Bouquet

Guest Designer

Bear, Butterflies and Roses

DIY Handyman Mouse

It's Your Day

Hope you have enjoyed my selection. Do you get the impression that I love pink (and maroon) and flowers??? lol.

January is a fairly busy month for me with lots of birthdays (and a birth soon), so I am off to my little crafty-hole, in a converted stable, to wake up my mojo, after its little holiday.

Until next time, "happy crafting",
Hugs,
Jennifer. x

Starting Over

Happy New Year everyone...

I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and Santa was kind to you with lots of  

new crafting goodies to add to your stash. Due to a serious family crisis, we

had a very quiet Christmas and New Year. My birthday fell between those days

(29th), so John and I went to a seaside town 2 hours away, where we had a lovely

light lunch, a long seaside walk, and a fabulous dinner. Between lunch and dinner we 

had 2 shopping expeditions...John bought me a new handbag, then went for a drive 

while I spent 1 1/2 hours in a scrapbooking/craft store, where lots of 

goodies 'fell' into the shopping basket.

I suppose you couldn't help but notice, I have updated and 'prettified' my blog. 

Of course I had an awful lot of help from my wonderful, and very clever John.

That's enough of my rambling on...let's move on to more important things!

After a break over the festive season, Crafty Little Fairies is back with a new

challenge to start 2014 off. How appropriate that the challenge title is

STARTING OVER 

Your creation can feature a new house, new job, new baby etc. Remember, you

must use an image, either stamped or digi, in order for your creation to be valid.

Our lovely sponsor this week is 

A dear friend's daughter is due to give birth to a little baby girl in 3 weeks time, so I

made this card for the mother-to-be and her husband.

A closer look at this adorable baby bear, by LOTV.

Inside my card with plenty of room to write my personal message.

Challenges

Ready Teddy Go - 'New Beginnings'

Really Reasonable Ribbon #86 - 'New Beginnings'

Image - Lili of the Valley Little Sleepy Head

Colouring - Promarkers

Sentiment - LOTV accompanies the image stamp

Paper - Forever Friends New Arrivals

Dies - Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Squares and Circles; Memory Box Night Sky Border
Punch - Carl Sakura
Stickles Star Dust
Ribbon and gems from my junk stash

For a chance to win a lovely prize, why not visit us at Crafty Little Fairies, and enter our 'Starting Over' challenge. Don't forget to use an image on your creation.

Until next time,
Hugs,
Jennifer. x