my week on instagram

Just a quick round up of my Instagram photos from this last week. It has been about tiny bits of sunshine, organising, daft dogs and fab new craft supplies in Wilkinson's.  Did you know they now sell washi tape and baker's twine?

You can find me here on Instagram.

chalkboard art

source: Little Baby Garvin

 

Lately I've been obsessed with chalkboard art. I've spent many hours on Pinterest looking up beautiful creations. It all started with the Little Baby Garvin blog. Every week Jessica would chart the progress of her pregnancy with these marvellous chalkboards. She draws (chalks?) all her artwork freehand. She has a tutorial on her blog, just click either of the links above and you'll find it from there.

source

It wasn't long before I came across the work of artist Dana Tanamachi.  Her work is truly beautiful.

source

This piece which she created for a wedding is fab. How fun would it be to try this? I mean, all you need is a mahoosive piece of hardboard,a tin of chalkboard paint and Bob's your uncle, lol! Although I suspect that if I tried I would create something similar to a child's chalkboard drawing!

source: LilyandVal on Etsy

I've got to have a go. I have a great chalkboard which I made from an old framed print. I painted the gold coloured frame white, removed the print and glass, and then painted the backing board in aqua chalkboard paint. I'll post the results after I've had a practice (or two!).

Have you tried chalkboard art? Any tips for a total beginner??

happy new year!

As we approach the end of 2012, how was it for you? Mine has had its share of highs and lows. I achieved things I never would have thought possible, including a 10k race and a half marathon!

That's me in the blue top at the front of the photo! During this year I managed to lose some weight and have kept it off.

In September we watched the amazing competitors in the Ironman event. My husband has almost decided to do it next year. I just need to keep nagging encouraging him to enter ;-)

Another thing wich I managed to do this year was to finally get to see The Killers in concert. They were everything I had hoped for, amazing!

I managed to find time to make some fab things this year. I have lots of ideas for new projects for next year. So many things on my 'must try this' list for 2013! Also, I made some fab new crafty friends this year. Even better some of them ran too so we'd chat about Etsy shops etc whilst out on our runs.

2012 also threw me a few curveballs which were testing to deal with. Hopefully they taught me a few lessons on the way and I'm a better person for it.

I hope 2013 is good to you. Let's raise a glass to whatever it may hold!

Happy New Year!

beautuful christmas decorations

don't you just love this time of year?

pembrokeshire instagram loveliness

Pembrokeshire is a beautiful place to live and with the addition of an Instagram filter it is just even better. We have so many picturesque areas to choose from it seems we are quite spoilt. Above on the left panel we have a view towards the Bishop's Palace in St Davids. St Davids is the smallest city in the UK with a population of less than 2,000 and it has a magnificent 12th Century cathedral.  Top right is the coastal town of Tenby with its colourful Georgian houses on the harbour. Bottom right is a photo of Saundersfoot harbour at low tide which I snapped with my phone whilst out on a run.

Wiseman's Bridge has got to be my favourite beach, especially in the winter. It is really unspoilt, has great rockpools for exploring, a pub at the end and free parking right next to the beach. If you are visiting there is a caravan and campsite just across the road. I enjoy running down here too; the coastal path snakes around here through the old mining tunnels to Saundersfoot. It is my favourite beach for searching out seaglass. I look for hours until I go cross-eyed whilst the menfolk are doing manly things like digging trenches in the sand.

Even when the sky is dark and brooding and full of rain Pembrokeshire still looks magnificent. This is Fishguard harbour taken from the headland.

This building isn't in Pembrokeshire and strictly speaking shouldn't be included on here but I couldn't resist. It's only over the border in Carmarthenshire so not too far away. I love the old tin clad building in Llansteffan. I have no idea what this building was used for but it is ageing very gracefully (just like we all wish we can!). I dread to think what would happen to it if a property developer got their hands on it *shudders at the thought*.



Are you on Instagram? Tell me your name on there and I'll give you a follow. I am nelliedean1 :o)



  

lego straw toppers printable

On my previous post about the Lego straw toppers here I didn't mention where I downloaded the printables. I'm pleased to say I have found the link again and they are available to download here. The Aussie Pumpkin Patch blog has put together a fab download which includes invites, colouring in pages, wrappers for bubbles and raisin boxes and party bag toppers. All available in one download. Awesome, as my 7 year old would say! 

For the Lego heads all you need to do is print off the sheet, cut out the heads, cut two slits on each head and slip over your straws. Easy peasy!

Have you organised a Lego party? I'd love to hear about what you have planned.

I'm still here!

Just a quick message to say hello & that I'm still here! I hope you're all having a good summer. There's been lots of tv watching here lately - we have all been glued to the Olympics. So proud of Team GB and for London hosting a fabulous games.

I've been doing something quite shocking lately. Running. Yes, you heard right, I've been doing actual exercise. I've found out its actually quite fun if you stick at it. I may be the slowest runner in town but who cares? I've even entered a half marathon in October. Madness, I tell you!

I'll leave you with a gratuitous photo which I took on my iPhone whilst out on a run. I needed evidence that the sun was shining and the rain had actually stopped!