Ramblings of a Robo Rebel

Where does the time go

2011-03-18T21:18:00.002Z

Been such a long time since I posted here, has taken me nearly all day to try and remember my login details. Have been inspired to start blogging again though by my friend Leza aka Krewella Kreations. who have recently started blogging herself

Not done as much crafting as I'd like too over the past few months, but gradually I'm doing more and more each week. Am looking again at using my crafting to make a few extra pennies. A friend of mine recently started a cupcake business and I'm looking at making some embellishments and cake wraps to add to her amazing creations. Got some samples to do over the next couple of weeks, will look at adding some pictures here when they are done.

Connections

2010-04-05T00:31:00.002+01:00

It's funny isn't it with life sometimes how people and situations are connected and you don't even realise it.

I've been thinking lately then I need to do more in my life than just work, work, work.

Had considered volunteering to help out perhaps at my local Rose Road or similar(there is one just over the road from where I live), or helping a friend of mine with her scout group, but I'm not really a "people person".

I thought perhaps I could look at supporting a charity by donating a percentage of the sales I make on eBay to them - but then I'd have to decided who I was going to support and don't sell all that much these days.

Then today on facebook there was a post on the Chelsea's Angels page (you may remember I posted about Chelsea just over a year ago) with a plea for people to donate hand-made cards to be sold at a table top sale in a couple of weeks time.

A bit later on a post also appeared on the UK Scrappers forum asking there too. Proof of what a small world it is - I had no idea that Michelle from the Chelsea appeal was a member of UKS.

So I've contacted Michelle and will hopefully be sending her some cards that she can sell. Time is short so they will probably only be some basic cards using printables, but at least it will get me crafting and will hopefully help raise some money.

If you are able to help then please contact Michelle - the main web site is www.chelseasangels.co.uk

Oh where oh where have my tweezers gone

2010-02-24T23:54:00.002Z

Last year I got myself a set of 4 tweezers, can I find them anywere - nope!!!
I'm sure they are in a lttle silver case, but where I've put that is beyond me.

So yesterday I thought I may as well give up the search and bought another set - well I was up The Range anyway. Actaully I didn't spend too much, I was fairly restrained and only parted with about £8.

Can't wait for my time of work in a couple of weeks. I have lots to sort out at home but I also want to really have some dedicate crafting time.

I've got lots of card ideas floating around in my brain and want to make some up and take them into work - I work in a very large department so may as well take advantage of it and see if I can make some extra pennies.

Already have some A6 card blanks but want to get some A5 ones too so that people have a choice.

Think I need to make up a shopping list over the next few days then if I need to order online I can order a few days before my leave starts so it should arrive whilst I'm off.

Also have some things to list on ebay so think I will sort that this weekend too.

Oh I hope the next 9 days goes really quickly.

Lions, and Tigers and Bears - oh my

2010-02-10T23:20:00.003Z

Ok so there aren't any animals in sight but neither has their been any activity on my blog for many many months now.

I have pretty much got my craft room all up together now and have started doing some crafting again - must take some pictures when everything is sorted. Have a week off work in March so will be able to get lots more done then.

I'm no longer working 50 hours extra each month, so have a lot more free time, and I've just altered when I have my half day - mainly so that I can pretty much guarantee that I am going to get my afternoon off the majority of the time.

Yesterday afternoon I actually worked on a Robo template that has been just an idea in my head for many many months, I've cut out the 1st prototype and it just needs a little tweaking; once it's completed I'll see about adding some pictures.

As well as Roboing I've also started branching out in some other crafts. I've always wanted to paint but never have time to go to classes, so I picked up in Hobby Craft a set to learn the basics of Water colouring. Hopefully the techniques I learn will also be usefull for colouring in my rubber stamps, which I have quite a few of but never use.

I've told myself though that I'm not allowed to buy any more craft items except for the basics like glue, tape etc. But I definately don't need any more papers or inkpads, and I have quite a lot of card stock too.

I really must use it. So when I have my half day I will pop and do my mid week shopping and then back home for a crafty afternoon. Think I'll also set aside time at least one afternoon at the weekend.

Maybe this year I'll actually get around to making my Xmas cards - and not 2 day before whilst watching Die Hard.

Best plans and all that

2009-08-03T22:08:00.003+01:00

Well I decided that I'd make a start on my main bedroom this weekend so have dumped even more stuff into the Craft Room. I'm taking up the very old carpet and putting down laminate flooring, will prob. take me a couple more weekends to sort, but then hopefully by the bank holiday weekend I can work on the craft room

Also managed to get myself a nice bit of work surface to go in there. One of the companies doing a lot of the refurb. at work have a piece that is slightly damaged and they were gonna throw out instead they said I could have it, and one of the chaps is gonna bring it round for me - aint that nice

Now all I need is an electrician who will do the rewiring in my apartment, and a plumber to install a new bathroom - all for free of course lol

What a naughty rebel I am

2009-07-27T23:41:00.002+01:00

Can't believe it was March when I last posted anything here - took me 30 mins just to log onto my account as I couldn't remember even the email address I'd signed up with; got there in the end though

Life has been kind of hectic, work manic as usual. However, I am now trying not to bring work home at the weekends - I've managed to achieve that once so far in the last 8 weeks.

My craft room is a mess at the moment, the plan for the weekend is to take pretty much everything out and dump it in the hallway, then only put back what should be in there. Need to do that to all the rooms in my apartment but plan to start there and work my way along - I can see my hall getting extremely cluttered lol

Really need to make a start on Xmas gifts and cards, if I can get myself organised (yes, I know) then I may be able to sell a few things using up the stash I have as don't really have any spare money to buy many new supplies. Have got a few ideas floating round in my brain just need to put them into action - easier said than done

I think once I have the room sorted then it will be easier, I've got myself a new TV to go in there and a guy at work today said he may be able to help me out with a bit of work-surface they may have laying around, so that would be good - certainly a lot nicer than the old door I'm currently using :0)

Comic Releif

2009-03-13T19:49:00.002Z

So today is Comic Relief Day - AKA Red Nose Day.

Personally I never give to large money raising events like these - yes they are for very good causes, but personally I like to give to individuals whose story's touch me.

Today I've been reading about a very brave little girl called Chelsea who is only 3 and has a rare form of cancer. Her family is raising money so she can go to the US for treatment as it's not available here in the UK.

With Chelsea's story though there is a very cruel twist of fate; last month her cousin Zach was also diagnosed with the cancer.

You can read there story here

If you wish to give the family support then join their Facebook group the Cherish Chelsea Appeal

I think I'm gonna need a bigger boat

2009-02-14T17:41:00.004Z

So today I was in the local DIY store by 9am getting a couple more shelves and brackets.
They are now all cut to length, up on the wall, and the filling has begun. Think I am going to quickly run out of space though and so already have plans to put up some more

Decided I need to get a nice wall clock, or maybe I'll make an altered canvas one.
There are lots of other things that I would like to buy too so I can really organise things, but I think I'll have to buy a little each month

Also decided that I really do need a bigger cutter - the Robo Pro is definitely out of my price range so I think I'll have to start saving my Penny's for a Pazzles. Very nearly bought another machine last year that could cut up to A3 in width, so glad I didn't though as I've heard others have had problems with them.

Did cut my template today for a little magazine holder; last year there was a a blog with a template on so I Robofied it but with a few adjustments; as soon as I get a camera sorted I'll take some pics.

It's Alive, It's Alive

2009-02-12T22:47:00.002Z

Actually got Mr Robo out this evening to cut out some vinyl lettering - that was after I spent 20 minutes looking for a cutting mat!

We are organising the holiday chart at work and we ran out of colours so I thought "I know what I'll do, I'll cut out some little N's in vinyl on my Robo". Was so easy using the Array option in DesignMaster to fill the page and so I now have over 170 little blue N's ready to go on the chart if/when I book some leave.

Am really determined to get my craft room sorted this weekend. I'll go shopping tomorrow evening for the week and then I'll not have to go out all weekend and can really get stuck in without getting too distracted - lol easier said than done :D

Confession Time

2009-02-10T22:04:00.002Z

My name is Nix and it's been 6 weeks since I last used my Robo - What a bad little crafter I am

It used to be that I'd use it every day, but now I just don't seem to have the time to do any crafting or am just too tired when I get in from work to even think about it

Have managed to get the brackets on the wall in my craftroom though ready to put my shelves up (just need to cut them to length) then I can get my things all organised and will be able to really get on and do some crafting.

Did mange to do a couple of templates from ideas I saw on Split Coast Stampers, once I've made them up I'll see about posting some pictures, though only have the camera on my phone now to take pics

Yes, I am still Alive

2008-09-30T21:36:00.002+01:00

It's been a long time since I last posted here. Been working so many hours the last few months, don't have a lot to show for it though as all the extra money has gone to pay bills, I seem to get a new one every month on top of the ones I already have.

Did buy myself a new toy the other day and it arrived this morning - I am now the owner of a Dreamkuts machine, but if I use it as I plan to then I can combine it with my Bind it all and make items to sell. Also did get backpay of £50 in my wages from the tax change so that has paid for it

Really must do some crafting over the next couple of weeks, Christmas cards and gifts being at the top of my agenda.

Got my lovely Penny Black Christmas stamps and stacks of backing papers, so really there is no excuse

The Range

2008-06-02T21:55:00.002+01:00

so I had to do a detour on the way home from work today which meant I had to drive past my local branch of The Range, so of course I just had to pop in because, well, it's the law!!!

However, really not sure why I bothered as it was quite a disappointment. For starters it really is a mess in there, especially the craft section. It's like they just throw everything up in the air and hope it will land in some sort of order. They have rubber stamps in about 3 or 4 different sections, and all the Bind It All stuff is just dumped on a shelf totally un-reachable as there was a load of other rubbish in front of it

So I walked round and round and ended up leaving empty handed. Not good, not good at all

It's so frustrating

2008-06-02T00:23:00.002+01:00

when it's a Sunday evening and ones mind is buzzing with ideas.

I really should be in bed fast asleep as I have to be up for work in about 6 hours. But instead my mind is racing and I just want to be crafting.

I've designed 3 templates all ready to cut out, but not only will they have to wait because it's too early in the morning/late in the day, but also I am getting very low on card stock - I do have some but typically not the right colours for what I want to make.

Need to think more carefully about the colours that I buy too. I'm not very good at mixing and matching and so tend to stick to plain block colours and using 2 different shades of one colour. I also buy packs of patterned background cards and papers but worry that they may be to "busy" for my designs.

Some may find it hard to believe but I am quite a reserved person; wear mainly plain colours like black (I own a lot of black) and don't tend to do things that will draw attention to myself etc. I think this is reflected in my crafting.

The ideas are there but I look at my finished cards/designs they just seem to lack something, but I'm not sure quite what, and often when I add to it it's just not right. Then I end up wasting my stash, getting frustrated and completely changing the design that I originally had in mind.

So the challenge I am setting for myself is to be more adventurous, well at least when it comes to crafting

Now I definately don't wont to go to work tomorrow, I want to go shopping and then stay home and craft

I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate my job. Ok so I don't really - well not all the time! lol

It's a Miracle

2008-05-26T19:26:00.002+01:00

I actually made a card today!!!!

Worked this morning, yes I know it's Bank Holiday Monday, but there is so much to do that I just couldn't not go into work - besides bring in the extra pennies too.

Then came home and cut out a template that I designed a few weeks ago. Didn't quite have the card stock colours that I needed but it's not too bad. I would post a picture but it's for someone who may read this blog, so maybe I'll wait until I've sent it to them

Really need to take a trip to my local Paper Mill store, but petrol is creeping up more and more each day that I have to factor that into the budget too. Would have a look online but I'm a bit picky about my cardstock and I like to feel the texture of it and match my colours.

One thing I really need is some cream card-stock. Out of all the colours I've got, cream isn't one of them - crazy.

Maybe I'll pop over to Just a Memory and see what Lorraine's currently got in; closer to me than the Papermill and I'd rather support one of the sponsers of UKScrappers - yes believe it or not I do shop at other places other than just Tina's lol.

Being the rebel that I am

2008-05-20T22:33:00.002+01:00

I'm going to post completely off topic today - yay you're all thinking, she may actually say something interesting

Today I just wanted to share with you all a receipe from the Martha Stewart site for Outrageous Chocolate Cookies. These certainly do look rather yummy and could tempt me to actually do some baking - well, maybe! lol

There are lots of other yummy recipes there and tons of other craft ideas too, so certainly worth having a browse around the place.

Work is still very hectic at the moment, but that does mean more over-time money coming in - I'm just too blooming tired to think about spending it. Those bills must come first anyway - darn, I could have had a field day spending it all.

Nag, Nag, Nag

2008-05-11T21:12:00.003+01:00

Ok so have been pretty busy at work the last couple of weeks, just keep thinking of all the extra money I'm earning; not going to pay off the national debt, but every little helps

Seems some people though who shall remain nameless, but happen to run Forever Memories for You, are still nagging me to up-date my blog, despite the fact that I'm working about 60 hours a week and am pretty wacked.

You know I love you really Tina, oops just named her didn't I lol

Anyway, I still have found some time to do a bit of crafting, or at least design a few templates, which is better than nothing.

Need to make a belated Birthday card in the next couple of days though as I relised tonight that I forgot my sister's birthday - oh dear!!!

Not got her a present either, will have to get her a plant or something, which would actually tie in nicely with one of my new cards

Just need to add a few leaves I think, a little re-arranging of the flowers and perhaps a bit of distressing or something on the plant pot

So when is a Pomanda not a Pomanda

2008-04-27T20:17:00.006+01:00

well, when it's a balloon of course

I've always wanted to be able to fly, and a ride in a hot air balloon is something that I dream of doing one day.

Have been wanting to make one for a long time, so when I saw Tina's pomanda I thought there's a template I need. Instead of having the frills on the outside I folded them in to make the shape of my balloon, and of course removed the pattern on th e panels other wise I don't think it would have got off the ground

This is a work in progress and terrible

pictures because I still only have a very naff camera, but I have several ideas on how I can improve it which I will work on over time

And at least I can say that I have finally made something this month. All work and no play was really making me very dull.

Oh Dear

2008-04-14T21:55:00.002+01:00

I'm not very good at keeping my blog up-to-date am I, but then I've hardly done any proper crafting over the past few weeks either

Spending most of my time at work at the moment still as there is so much to do, and then most evenings I'm just too tired to do much of anything when I get home; can't even be bothered to watch the TV - I have it on but the sound is muted; mind you with Bianca Jackson back in Eastenders, sometimes that's a good thing

Anyway, I'm going to set myself a challenge and by next Sunday evening I will have made at least 2 cards and one other craft item which I've been meaning to make for the last few weeks but just not been in the mood for

I will make sure I report back to let you know if I've completed my challenge

oh goody I can all hear you saying - not !!!!

It's ok, I know I'm not the most entertaining blogger in the world, I can be funny sometimes just not everyone "gets" my humour - hey even I don't get me most of the time lol

Just another Manic Monday

2008-03-24T21:18:00.004Z

Am so tired today and my little feet ache, but I don't recall doing all that much today.

Just trying to talk myself out of buy the POTD on Ideal World/Create and Craft. I don't really want it but thinking it may be nice to split it up and give part of it as a present

Did pick up a little bargain today, went to Hobby Craft and got a set of 30 mini inkpads for £6.99 instead of £9.99. Also finally got myself a nice pair of tweezers which are really going to be helpful in my crafting and they cost me a grand price of 99p. See it's the little things in life that excite me lol

Back to work tomorrow, and it's going to be a very bust day. Just myself and a temp trying to do the work of 3 other people as well as my own work. But I wont panic now, will just see how the day goes and get done what I can

And on that note I really must go to bed so that I'm bright and refreshed for the morning, and if I am well that will be a first lol

I'm Bored!!!!

2008-03-23T18:11:00.003Z

Do you remember when you were a kid and it was the school holidays. You'd sit around feeling fed up and not really wanting to do much of anything but wanted to do something but didn't know what, and if things were suggested to you it would be "no, that's boring"

Well that's how I feel today. Went to work first thing for about 5 hours, would have stayed longer but I got bored!!

It's not that I don't have anything to do, I just can't be bothered to do it - lol - there's no hope for me is there.

2008-03-22T01:39:00.001Z

Seems like it's been forever.........

2008-03-20T22:15:00.004Z

.....since I last updated my blog. Been so busy at work I come home most night and just sleep - am going to be going in for at least one day over the long weekend, but I just keep thinking of the extra money and that gets me through the day

Have had a bit of time to play with some templates - think I'd go mad if my life was totally all work and no play. Made some Easter gifts and will upload some pics soon, but also been working on a little favour box I've been making for a friend

Does need a little tweaking so it folds a bit more smoothly but it's getting there - I do like making boxes especially when, like this one, I start with a completely blank page on the screen and just work out where all the cut and fold lines go.

Yay - no more work for 9 days

2008-02-29T23:08:00.003Z

Have some things to sort out around the flat but I'm going to make sure that I get some crafting done next week.

Been reading too that the PaperMill shop is launching a new range next week so will have to put that on my list of somewhere to visit during my leave; my nearest branch is only about a 20 minute drive from me (welll that's if I don't get lost). Don't think I'll go until at least Wednesday though as they will be probably putting out all the new stuff at the beginning of the week.

May also pay a visit to lorraine's shop Just a Memory Been there a couple of times before and it's the sort of place that I like to walk round at least once first of all to browse and then I look to buy, otherwise I'll pick up one thing to buy but then see something else I want more but won't be able to afford it all.

Think I need a treat after the week I've had, which unlike some weeks which get worse as the days go on, mine seemed to get better.

Finally spoke out to manangement about a woman who has been bullying me for years and treats my like I'm a 5 year old. It is going to be difficult having to see her when I go back after my week off as that's when she's going to be spoken to about her attitude towards me, but I just have to keep remembering that she is the one in the wrong not me, and she if anyone should feel ashamed and awkward it's her.

Also had a meeting with Big Boss Man and he wants to develop my role further too, which is most likely to mean a re-grading. Just have to put together a new job description and get then it will be evaluated, I have some people ready and willing to help me with that, so that is a bug bonus.

Then I came home today to find that one of my neighbours had left me some flowers to say thank you as I also cut them out a "No Parking" sign as people are blocking access to thier garage too.

So although I have a stinking cold at the moment, things are in a way starting to look a lot more positive for me - knowing my luck though something is bound to happen to turn it on it's head, it always does!!

Why

2008-02-25T21:17:00.003Z

Not really sure how I started crafting, think I've always been a bit of a paper engineer, taking pieces of paper, folding them into different shapes and see what results I get, this then lead to other things and card making became a bit of a hobby; as well as some other crafts along the way like cross-stiching and beading.

Why I do it though is because of the life I have outside of my crafting world. My job is very stressful and I get put upon a lot to sort things that aren't actually my responsibility but still I get lumbered. Today I again had to put my own work on hold to cover someone elses job becasue that persons team leader is a total waste of space. So now the pile of work that was sitting on my desk at 7:30am today ready for me to get on and do, is still sitting there waiting for me to tackle it.

So after a day like today when I come home feeling very lonely, dejected and thinking "why do I work so hard when others seem to just class my work as unimportant", I can just get out some of my crafty bits and do something that I want to do, and at the end of it hopefully accomplish something that I can feel proud of as it's my own work.

It's also something that I can do on my own which for me is a big bonus as I don't really got on well with other people. Too many people just seem to use me and put me down, and when I try to go to someone just to get my frustration out, they let me down, when I really needed a shoulder to cry on as I could have done with today.

Oh well, think I'm just going to have an early night tonight, hide under the duvet and pretend that the world outside just doesn't exist.

No such thing as an original idea

2008-02-24T21:34:00.005Z

Finished my new template today, and cut it out to make a sample card. No decent light though to take a photo. I do also worry though in case anyone thinks that I have borrowed someone elses idea - but fortunately it's a pretty generic shape so something anyone could come up with really

I do often notice though with some fairly unique ideas that a lot of times people copy things others have done and far too often don't give the other person any credit. I visit a lot of forums and craft places on the net, as I'm sure lots of crafters do, and many times I'll see someone show a design of something, and then a short time later someone else will post pretty much the same thing elsewhere which you can tell is copied from where you originally saw it, but there is never even any "inspired by" credit given

Also more and more I see people being "insired by" templates that others sell. I know they say that Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but sometimes I wonder whether it is simply imitation. Perhaps it's coincidence, or maybe even the lowest level that someone can sink to - just pure theft. Strong words I know, but it happens.

Finally

2008-02-23T22:03:00.002Z

Today I managed to sit and design a new template. Need to do a trial cut of it before I can complete it, and may need to make a few alterations, but it looks good so far!

I plan to be home from work by 1pm tomorrow, so I think I'll have a play then and see how it goes. Not my usual sort of template but something I've wanted to try for sometime.

May upload a picture, or may not. I sometimes get a bit self-conscious about showing off my designs just in case others think they are a load of rubbish. Maybe I'll be brave one day, and I can always blame a bad photo for not showing it off properly lol

Go on - tell me I'm stupid

2008-02-23T00:09:00.002Z

I'm always saying that I never have enough time to craft and do things for myself, so what have I done this week - I've only agreed to lose 1 weeks holiday that I was due to have in March and also work a load of overtime.

This will of course mean that I'll have even less time for crafting, but on the upside of it I will get paid extra for the weeks holiday and of course time and a half for the overtime. So there is plus side to it - a BIG + as I really need the dosh.

Just annoying that a lot of it will be deducted in taxes, but hey ho that's the way it goes (think I'm gonna make that my new catch phrase)

Of course one thing I have to do is make sure that I don't spend the extra money I make, or should I say, don't spend it on things that aren't important. Know I'm going to have 2 bills at least coming up soon, and yes I do have money put aside for them , but I do like to make sure that I always have a little bit extra in my account for emergencies.

May give myself one treat though cause I will be working hard for my extra money, but will set myself a limit otherwise I'll just go crazy and spend it all, and trust me I could very easily.

Think I will start to make a want list and then narrow it down from there cause there are a lot of things that I want but some, ok most, are things that I don't really need (isn't that always the way)

Phew thank goodness for that

2008-02-18T22:33:00.002Z

Opened up my blog this evening and the picture of my chicks was gone, fortunately the page just needed refreshing and they came back - for a moment thouhgh I thought somone had chicknapped them and that would have been disasterous. I've gone quite fond of the little guys, they make marvellous pets.

They don't need feeding or taken out for a walk, and best of all they don't make any mess - can make enough of that myself.

Got my feedback on ebay today for the book I sold last week, and so now I have a few spare pennies I'd like to treat myself. Tempted to go and look at my mate Tina's site Forever Memories for You, but everytime I go there I want to buy everything, may not get around to using all her templates, but still handy to have just in case lol

Still not made up the "card" for my work friend, good job she's not due for a little while yet, but I really must get going on that. I'll post a pic when it's all done. Oh and my Easter goodies, would have helped of course if I hadn't eaten all the mini chocolate eggs I'd bought, will just have to buy some more and maybe hide them from myself until I need to use them.

It's a Crafty Crafty Crafty World

2008-02-17T21:05:00.002Z

One good thing about crafting (and the internet), is that like many other hobbies it can bring together people who wouldn't have usually had the opportunity to meet in life.

I have made many friends that I chat online with almost daily; not just about crafting but about general everyday events that happy in many of our lives. I know I often open up to people that I've never actually met, more than I can to people that I may see almost every day.

Then there are poeple who message me either on the forum I mainly chat on or via the message facilty on my main Robo Rebel site. They can be people from all around the world who ask for help and advice and I try and help as much as I can. Or some jsut message me to say Hi which is always nice.

On the flip side of the coin though there is sometimes a bit of a nasty side in the craft world. Some people can be very jealous of others work and acheivements. There are sites out there where bascially all they do is slag off people who have done well. Some hate it if they are not at the centre of attention and will do all they can to put the spot light back on to them.

It's like being back at school sometimes with the playground bullying, bitching and little snide comments that they sneak in. Why can't people just be happy for others instead of trying to compete with them to be top dog

Beware the chicken guy

2008-02-16T18:14:00.005Z

Mananged to get some little chicks today for my Easter projects. Just hope Hugh F.-Whittingstall doesn't come after me because they are all crammed into their little cage, don't worry they aren't real. Not bad for £1 - may just have to pick up some more if I get the chance, cause you never know when I may need more. No Niki, you don't need anymore, 36 little chicks is more than enough.

Also discovered that if I connect my camera to the PC , using the software that came with it, I can take still pictures that save direct on the PC. Fab too because it's then powered via the USB port so no batteries needed; I never have any charged up ready to go. Some functions are limited like I can't use the zoom, but hey ho that's not important for most things I want to take a quick snap of - hopefully it will mean I can add a few more pics here

No true crafting done today, but did cut out some vinyl letters saying NO PARKING to go on my garage door. My stupid neighbours keep parking opposite my garage making it pretty much impossible for me to get my car out as it leaves me less than half a cars length to manouvre, not good when you are trying to get to work at 7:30am. Lets just hope it helps as I dinged my car the other morning getting out, so next time I may have no other option but to go round all the flats until I find the owner. Problem is, the other residents are going to be more annoyed with me knocking on their doors so early in the morning than they are at the person responsible.

Has it really been that long

2008-02-15T22:52:00.003Z

Can't believe that 5 days have passed since I last used my Robo. Have some ideas for this weekend though for some projects I want to get done.

Got to pop to the local shopping centre tomorrow to hopefully pick up a few bits and bobs I need, then once I've done some housework and a few other things I can hopefully get some crafting done

Think I need to set aside some dedicated time, even if it's only once a week, purely to craft. At the moment I'm just not getting any done.

I did say a couple of months ago that I was going to craft on a Friday as I finish work at midday, but I usually do my main weekly shop then - but that only takes an hour or so, so no excuse really well except for that fact that I'm really lazy

Oh well, really must go to bed soon, have an ebay parcel to sort first so I can get it in the post tomorrow morning. If I don't do it now I'll have to do it in the morning before I got out, and if I don't go shopping first thing it will be too busy later on in the day

Just remembered I need to get some petrol too - must learn to start writing lists then maybe I wouldn't be so disorganised. Mind you, last time I did that I just kept losing the notebooks I was writing the things down in that I didn't want to forget

Did I really expect this year to be any different

2008-02-14T21:14:00.003Z

No Valentines for me today,
not one single card has come my way

Not a rose in sight or even a weed,
or any other plant I can forget to feed

No soft-centered chocolates for me to nibble on
Or a bar of fruit 'n' nut that wouldn't last long

Even a simple text just to say hello
It wouldn't have taken much,
but did I get one - No!

So I'll spend my evening all alone
on yet another Valentines Night
Wishing that he was here with me
to kiss and hold me tight

But alas it seems he doesn't care
No sign of a gesture from anywhere
And just like last year I get to say
No Valentines for me today

What a day

2008-02-12T23:47:00.000Z

No crafting done today, too much going on with work and I didn't get in until late; I wont bore you all with that though.

Sometimes I think that it would be great if I could afford to give up my day job which is certainly not 9 to 5, more like 7 to 7, and craft permanently as a job. I think doing that though would take away the enjoyment as one of the reasons I craft to help take me mind off my job and de-stress, so if crafting was my job then I wouldn't have that.

Besides if I didn't have to go out Monday - Friday to go to work then I'd hardly go out at all, probably just to do shopping, though 99% of that can be done online there days, and I'd have to go out on the odd occasion to go to the post office and such like

Oh well, tomorrow is here again already so just 7.5 hours before I have to go back to work. Do have another craft project to work on tomorrow evening though as I've been asked to make some toppers, so hopefully that will be a few more pennies in my pocket.

From Dusk til Dawn

2008-02-11T22:30:00.000Z

Often I can be sat at work trying to put together a report to analyse some data, but then I get distracted thinking about a new project and wishing I could go home and put something together.

Then there are the countless nights when I lay awake and just can't get an idea out of my head so I have to grab the laptop and put down a rough design that I can work on at a more decent hour rather than at 3am. I used to just us a scrap of paper and sketch something on it, but this way is so much easier.

Of course making digital templates also means when I have a bad day and can't move more than a few feet because I ache too much, I can still sit and make templates ready for when I'm a bit more mobile

Have to get crafting later this week though as I have a "New Home" card to make as a friend of mine has just moved, and then a special something for someone who is leaving work to have a baby soon, but with the speed that I craft at, the kid will probably be leaving school by the time I come up with something :-)

The Slowest Crafter in the Land

2008-02-10T18:49:00.000Z

Most things in life I speed through, dashing around getting things done as quickly as possible so they are sorted. But when it comes to crafting I seem to take forever to make a card or a crafty gift.

I think my main problem is that I'm forever changing my mind and the design I initially have in my head is never what I actually end-up with.

Friday evening I started to make a card for my Boyfriend's birthday next tuesday, and I finally finished it just before midday today, but the finished card was nothing like my original design. I'm still thinking now of ways I can change and improve it - something to work on another day I think.

Maybe I ought to start making this years Christmas cards now then I may just get them finished on time

The Ramblings of a Robo Rebel

2008-02-09T16:16:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I can ramble on and on and on and on (well you get the idea) but the one thing that I can talk about more than anything is crafting, especially when I get to use my Craft Robo - which is most of the time

So I decided the time has come to share some of my ramblings; oh goody you're all thinking, what fun.

But you see that's one of the good things about a blog, if you want to click the link to enter then please do; you can close it just as quickly once my ramblings get on your nervous, and I'm sure that wont take long at all.

I'm going to shut up now - well at least for this post anyway, don't want to frighten you all off before I've even begun. I will be back very soon though to ramble as only I can