Just A Minute JULY

I've taken a step back from blogging for the past few weeks and have been off enjoying the great British summer! We've had such beautiful weather that I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to miss out on some much needed time off. 

The past few weeks have been packed full of some really exciting things. I've relived a childhood memory and spent some time in Wroxham, which is a superb little part of the norfolk coast full of some cute little tourist shops, traditional British fish and chips, beautiful waterways and fab wildlife. I used to spend loads of time there as a child, and loved seeing the great british public enjoying a traditional summer holiday once again! 

In other news, I've also picked up a new skill in the form of contemporary floristry, and am officially a level one qualified florist! I totally loved the whole experience of being in a leaning environment, and creating once again. It's such a fantastic skill and hope to take it on further later in the year, as it's something that just totally inspires me. Considering I've never done anything like it before, I was really pleased with my creations! 

July has been full of 'firsts' and another first for not only July, but additionally me, was going to see my local football team playing at their home ground. Okay, so I'm not fanatical about the sport or really had a clue what on earth was going on the entire time, but it's one of those 100 things I've always wanted to do, and surprisingly really enjoyed myself! I'm pretty sure I spent half the time watching the sunset and taking in the atmosphere rather than watching the actual match, but hey, it was a fab evening! AND they won!! 

July has been fantastic, and have got so many more exciting plans for August that I can not wait to share with you all! So keep checking back bloggers as I'm totally excited. 

Exhibition A Month: June

I can't believe the fact we are already half way through the year, which means half way through my exhibition a month bucket list. I am really loving getting back into art and design after such a long time away from it all ( Would you believe it that one year ago I was blogging about my graduation?)

This month I was totally lost for ideas of exhibitions I could visit, so eventually settled on The Wonder Of Birds, which is a local exhibition currently in Norwich's Castle Museum. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, and am still fairly confused after spending near two hours walking amongst the exhibits and reading the information plaques, about what and who the exhibition was aimed at. Comprising of paintings, sculpture, taxidermy and fashion attire all very beautiful and unique in their own right but somewhat confusing as an exhibition. Although, all in all, I'm glad I visited as it was wonderful to see so many 'lost' crafts in one place!

On a brighter note. Next stop... July! 

Au revoir Two Peas

It saddens me to say that my favourite scrapbooking website has announced it's closure. Since discovering Two Peas over three years ago, I have been totally addicted to the scrapbook world. I was totally in shock to hear the news like many other scrapbookers who engage themselves in the Two Peas bubble. 

It has been a huge source of inspiration, and have learnt so many things from all the members and Two Peas garden girls, without it I probably wouldn't be as inspired to create with paper as I am. I certainly wouldn't have discovered the amazing talents of Wilna Furstenburg and Shimelle Laine who are huge inspirations to me as fellow scrapbookers, and their videos never fail to open my eyes to new techniques. I certainly wouldn't have purchased my Sillouhette Cameo if it wasn't for their wonderful tutorials. 

It will be hard to say farewell to the forums, galleries and sense of community that Two Peas has always embraced. National Scrapbook Day will not be the same without it, especially as a UK scrapper. I love everything about it and will be a hard to goodbye to make! 

Big big thank you to Kristina, Jeffrey and all the team for all the hard work they have put into Two Peas over the years! 

Trend: Pineapples

Pineapples are not the first thing you think about when it comes to design, however, they are EVERYWHERE right now. I really am loving this surprising trend. It's super cute, and super summer!

Pink. Pin. Picks.

Happy Monday bloggers, and to celebrate heres a post dedicated to this years most wanted colour. Pink!! It is totally trending right now wherever you go, and has definitely caught my eye while flicking through the pages of Pinterest. 

Here are a few pink, pin picks and a cute little pink quote to match..

'I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.'

Audrey Hepburn 

So much love for pink right now it's incredible!!

(All images are from Pinterest, none of them are my own.) 

What's on my desk?

I've had a busy weekend working because of the bank holiday so heres to a week of relaxing and being creative. Oh, and of course more blogging!

I have recently seen loads of bloggers post about whats on their desk and workspaces. It's definitely made me think about mine, and how i'm not fortunate enough to have a workspace that I can solely call my own, instead have a small desk in the corner of the garden room. It's not huge but it gives me a place to reflect, organise and create to my hearts content. What's currently on your desk?

My Imac

Various jars filled with pens

One 12x12 scrapbooking album

Kodak printer

Paintbrushes and scissors

Various unfinished layouts

Two Orla Kiely storage boxes

My organiser

Silouhette Cameo and cutting mat

Welcome back.. Finally!

Ok, so once again I have abandoned my blog although i've got a pretty good excuse this time, am now a proud mummy to a fantastic electronic cutting machine! I've been super busy making and creating all kinds of beautiful paper cuts from some really wonderful scrapbooking designers. Its been wonderful to see my layouts come to life with a simple cut out title or cute little embellishment or frame. My only regret is I wish i'd bought one sooner. Am definitely in love! Heres a little sneak peek of some of my latest layouts, paper cuts included!

Because i've been so useless with updating my blog, i've decided the only way to have a proper catch up is with a 'Just A Minute' update. Enjoy!

In May I am

Listening to..

DJ Cassidy Calling All Hearts (feat. Robin Thicke and Jessie J). Its so summery and pink! It just makes me want to dance especially with all this beautiful weather we've had lately! Summer 2014 is definitely upon us folks.

Visiting..

Exhibitions. So, April and May consisted of some great adventures to some great exhibitions. John McLean stained glass, Artists Textiles: Picasso to Warhol, Wedding Dresses and The Glamour of Italian Fashion. Being a V&A Member means some fantastic benefits including free entry to all exhibitions, and special members events. I was fortunate enough to join just in time to receive a cute little canvas tote. 

Drinking..

Starbucks caramel macchiatos. I'm totally in love with them right now, and the cute little straw is just too adorable. 

Adventuring..

Out and about on my bike. When I got it last year, we didn't have great luck with the weather, so a few weeks ago I pumped up the tires and just went out for a leisurely cycle in the countryside. Perfectly peaceful.

Looking forward to..

More time with my cutting machine. I've only just scratched the surface but am totally captured by it, just can't wait to learn more tips and tricks and design my own cut files. 

Feeling..

Really happy right now. I don't know if it's the fact the sun is shining  or whether its the possibilities of the cutting machine making me happy but right now, things are happy happy happy!

Fingers crossed I won't ditch my blog for quite this long before my next post. Despite my new found love for cutting!!