Joppy.co.uk

  Everywhere is an abundance of moss at the moment and it looks so ancient and peaceful so I decided to check out what moss was all about and did some research. As always the research turned up lots of interesting facts. I did consider whether to do an indoor display of moss but I think it looks best outside. One of the interesting things I came across is that there are actually some inner city moss 'trees' being created to help absorb pollution! Moss requires shade and water to thrive and so not usually found in the city BUT somebody has worked out how to make a structure or even sculpture with some shade and water reservoir and these have the ability to soak up more pollution than hundreds of trees.  The photo above looks fabulous it is on one of my walks with Wallace and its part of a bridge next to a stream where Wallace often jumps in for a drink (I know he has to jump in to drink!!) It is castellated so it looks great all covered in moss. When I was a Brownie Guide I was

My little craft room has a fishy theme with fish curtains and pictures and so when I saw the Whale of a Time stamp set with matching punch in the catalogue I had a little think about how to use it to decorate. The papers that go with the set make great backgrounds. Of course - The set can also ne used to make cards. The card above is a small square notecard and I made it using the papers cur into waves following the lines of the pattern by hand - then I stuck the paper so that I could hide the little whale down into the card. Then I made 8 little note cards and decorated envelopes to match. I used two shadow box frames joined on one side with magnet closures at the other to make a cute box to present them in.  I may need to put something across the corners as they keep falling out! I have made a video on how to make the shadow box frames and box but I am waiting for a visit to a friend to be able to upload it as my internet is lacking!!  Take care  JoP x

I like these papers soooo much I decided to put them in full view in my craft room where I can enjoy them every day. After all, craft purchases should be used and not stashed!! I know lots of people don't agree with me but at the risk of being controversial ... what is the point of having drawers filled with stuff you only occasionally look at - or sniff!  The paper I used is from the Beautiful Promenade dsp pack by stampin up - you can buy a pack from my shop - just click on shop in the menu above and then click on the shop button and search through the designer series paper which is 12x12 inches.  If you cut the paper and arrange it in the same order it is a lot easier on the eye. Also you can use it to make a puzzle later!! I cut the pieces and glued to the IKEA drawers using Tombow - or PVA glue  When dry sand the edges the bits of paper overlapping the edges then meet exactly and the edges that don't meet the edges of the wood take on a shabby chic sanded

 I have been off line while changing Internet provider so not posted for nearly a month!! I have been very busy decorating my house ready for a sale when the spring arrives - I hope! I was not planning for 'decorating' to include the craft room but then .....I spotted this lovely shelf unit and Si made me some cubes to match underneath and the paper partitions to measure with a little drawer for my framelit and thinlit dies and space for ink bottles under ....and then I moved the old shelves out and discovered the wallpaper ripped behind ...soooo needed to wallpaper and then it looked so shabby it all needed painting! So I ended up with a complete craft room refurb and boy did I chuck a lot out! I am now a very much slimmed down version of the craft room - so much so I can get my rocking chair in and Aggi - my mums old dressmaking model. (fondly known as Agatha - Aggi for short). Its great having such a clever man to make made to measure cabinets and paint them to match!

 I love doing a bit of DIY and this weekend I am so proud of how my new curtains came out I decide to show them on my blog. I did make them and while there was some material left over made 6 matching seat pads. The dining room looks great. It has no pictures or cushions yet so I will enjoy sorting out some works of art over time to adorn the sofa bed and the walls! I am also working on a couple of other projects at the moment. Here are a couple of things lying on my craft desk. My knitted cardi is nearly finished - just fell in love with this wool from Nat King Cole. And I rescued this label from my boyfriend's new jeans. It looks to me like a label that needs a purpose - or repurposing!! Stay tuned as I am sure it will be posted on my blog when it is done! And just on the side is some black ribbon rescued from a dress I bought - it is the ribbon sewn under the armholes used by the shop to keep it on the hanger. Very lovely useful black ribbon! Enjoy the rest of your