Keepsake Kollections - from Focus on Life

Teacher card

2008-08-10T10:40:00.007+01:00

Aw my very good friend Nicola-Jane finished work on Friday as she's off to pastures new, training to become a teacher

We had a lovely last day scoffing her home-made cakes and enjoying the delights of "walk in a funny way day" - well done to all those who joined in - shame on you if you didn't - ha ha!

Here's some piccies of the card I made her - its a tri-fold card with a curved top - the decoupaged teacher has lovely auburn hair like my pal (ok, yes, its really ginger!) - with some inspirational teaching quotes lovingly pasted onto pieces of patterned velum and textured paper - topped off with various cute embellishments, a little padded gold heart, a flower button & my fave, the little teeny tiny clothes peg!

So here's wishing you all the very best in your new career Nicola chuck, I know you'll keep me posted how you're getting on babe

...until next time, share what you've learnt with someone who'll appreciate it x

Libby's Blog

2008-07-26T21:15:00.003+01:00

Isn't it wonderful how young and old can now share their talents and thoughts through the amazing world of Blogging!

I just paid another visit to my buddy's at the Craft Forum and just wanted to share this new Blog with you, made by the young daughter of my good friend Nat http://libbyart.blogspot.com/

Well done Libby, your work is lovely, a crafting artist in the making! Keep up the great work and, most of all, enjoy being creative. It's a lovely road you're on

...until next time, I hope you find the joy of making something for someone you love x

Dear Dad

2008-07-20T17:53:00.007+01:00

Well our Dad gave us a bit of a scare on Friday night, whisked away to hospital in an ambulance he was, suffering with chest pains - but after an ECG and various other tests ruled out a heart problem, the doctor thankfully said it was muscular so he was released and sent home

Luckily my niece Tina is a nurse at the same hospital and, although she's finished work recently awaiting the imminent (3 weeks!) arrival of her first baby, she managed to join my brother in law at the hospital so she could help make sure her Grandad was seen to and looked after as quickly as possible

Dad's a very young 80 year old with a health record that a man 20-30 years younger would envy so it was quite a shock at first, followed by relief that he just has to rest and take painkillers then he'll be back to his usual, sprightly self

Here's a piccy of the man himself and his youngest (moi!) at his recent 80th party...

...and a photo of his Take It Easy card we're dropping round when we visit tomorrow night...

...until next time, if you feel the need, take it easy too

Told you I made a card!

2008-07-15T20:48:00.005+01:00

Hee hee, as I just told my crafting pals at http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261, I've made a card at long last so I just gotta show you the evidence...

...yes you guessed it, the recipients a copper so I chose a funny photo of real sleeping policemen - then mounted them onto (no, not horses) a gatefold card with some torn linen papers and used (at long last!) my velvet papers to make the feely-funky-fifty numbers

Hope you like it Les, Happy Birthday!

...until next time, dont fight the law, cos the law wins

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-06-15T13:14:00.006+01:00

Woo hoo! "Happy Birthday To Me"

42 years ago today little Shaz came into the world, what a momentous occasion that was, did you see it on the news? :)

Hey I'm not a football fan but at least it makes my 1966 birth year a memorable one for lots of people

Well my Bongo got fixed last week, had a new front differential, good as new again now!
And Dad's 80th party was lovely, he was very surprised and I'll show you some piccies very soon.

...until then, take a look at this wonderful card I received in the mail from my very good crafting pal Ruth from Tip Top Toppers http://www.tiptoptoppers.co.uk/ she's put my Billy Bongo on, how cool is that! Thanks Ruth lovey x x

Hi there

2008-06-01T10:50:00.004+01:00

Hi Blogland! Long time no speak!

Oooh I've had problems in Bongoland the past couple of weeks!

Its similar to Blogland but everything has 4 wheels and 8 seats and guzzles diesel and my particularly lovely Bongo is poorly at the minute - first my tyre went completely flat about half mile down the road and it turned out the valve had gone so it just blew all the air out in one blast! - then we heard very uncomfortable noises and the mechanic says it looks like we need a new wheel bearing and seal

But I'm lucky enough to have a vehicle that has a Fan Club! So I've been visiting the wonderful Bongo Fury and getting a lovely welcome and some great advice from the forum members here http://www.bongofury.co.uk/ so if you're intrigued and fancy looking at what these Bongos are all about, take a look!

And at long last I've done some crafting! Just a card for my neice and for my workpal Nicola BUT my camera is still having to share batteries with my puter mouse so I coudnt take piccies before I had to give the cards out! - maybe I can borrow them back and blog some photos

And I'm due to make an NLP presentation to Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council on Wednesday so I'm really looking forward to that, cant wait - hang on, yes I can, cos I need to do the prep work first - 2 more days will come in handy!

Last but far from least, its Stanley's 80th Surprise Birthday this evening so I have his photo cake sat in my kitchen - so I'll steal these mouse batteries when I've said bye bye then I'll be ready to take some snaps this evening and show you

...until next time, whenever that may be, dont forget me and see ya soon! Bye bye...now where's that mousey?...

Chit chat

2008-05-17T15:59:00.003+01:00

Hello again, hello...didnt a song start like that once?

Just a quick catch up on what's going on in the Focus on Life world at the minute!

Looking forward to Dad's Surprise 80th Bash on 1 June, cant wait to see his face when he sees his personalised Kaleidescope invitations and matching cake! Watch this space for piccies

But before that, dont forget to pop along and see me on Saturday 24 May at the Craft Fair being held at Falinge Park, Falinge Road in Rochdale. I'll be taking along my framed pictures and also some personalised invitation samples as suggested by my Craft Forum buddies. Be great to see you in person, come say hi!

On the Neuro Linguistic Programming front, I had a meeting last week with a Mental Health Manager from Oldham Borough Council and I'm really pleased to say he's hoping to include my name on a list of approved Practitioners who can be brought in to to do a variety of Workshops for a variety of different audiences with different needs (hey, I'm different too so I'm just the girl for the job!). We're going to start with a presentation to his team quite soon so I'll definitely keep you posted on how that goes

And on the subject of all things cerebrally-related, I'd love to share this further Stress article with you from my friend and colleague Paula Heap of the Life Coaching Practice which is part of our ongoing Health features on Christine's wonderful AboutMyArea website - there's even a quiz for you to take too, give it a try here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/93860-Stress-Prevention-and-Stress-Test

...until next time, dont stress out...work out!...or go out!...or freak out! x x

Personalised Invitation Service

2008-05-07T23:36:00.003+01:00

I've had such lovely feedback about my Dad's invitations from my work-mates and my Craft Forum buddies here http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261 and a suggestion that I take some samples along to my next Craft Fair as they think there could be a market for them

Thanks guys and I'll definitely take your advice, the only ones I'd done before these were my own 40th party invitations with various photos of a tiny Shaz on! I must try to dig out some copies of those to show you soon, gappy grin and all!

...until next time, nite nite, sleep tight, dont let the bedbugs bite x

Stanley's Surprise

2008-05-05T20:59:00.009+01:00

My lovely dad Stanley will be a very young and sprightly 80 on 7 June bless his little quick-quick-stepping toes!

As part of his present, I've designed and produced his party invitations - although he doesnt know it yet of course cos its a SURPRISE PARTY

So here is step one - scanning in the photo I used

...step two was producing his very own, unique Kaleidescope design

...and step three was bringing it all together into an invitation...I've had to scan in a copy of the original as the programme I used to bring it all together wouldnt download to Blogger

The real life invitations are much nicer than this image portrays, theyre printed in best photo quality onto nice glossy paper and I really like the little motto in red which you might not quite be able to read clearly - it says

...may you always have old memories and young hopes...

So I'm about to get the old guillotine out and will be dropping them round for my step-mum tomorrow so she can get busy sending them all out

...until next time, note to Shaz - remember my camera on the night so I can post you some photos!

Bye for now Maddy

2008-05-04T18:17:00.002+01:00

Aw, I just heard yesterday that my brother and sister-in-law had to say goodbye to their much loved dog Maddy recently too, a blow made all the harder as they lost her mum Casey just recently too (http://focusonlife-shaz.blogspot.com/2008/04/bye-for-now-casey.html)

Our pets give us such unconditional love and devotion, its no wonder we grieve their passing as we would any member of our family. I remember Casey having her pups and they kept Maddy, so named after Madonna as she slept flat on her back with her paws wide open...

Bless her little heart now in heaven - a big part of me cant help thinking she and her mum just wanted to run together again without pain

...until next time, welcome to Doggy Heaven Maddy, Casey wags a big hello to her baby!

Mini Me

2008-04-30T21:20:00.002+01:00

How cute is this? If I do say so myself of course!
One of my UK Crafts Forum buddies came across this website which allows you to make little "Mini Meez" of yourself and what fun we've had with them!
Not only can you select your own build, facial features, hairstyles, accessories, clothes, shoes etc but you can also choose different "attitudes" which is a lot of fun!
Our most ardent Craft Forum mini meez fan has even made some famous Mini Meez and we're playing guess the famous person...do we have too much time on our hands I hear you ask?!...not a bit! We just ignore the cleaning, ironing, washing up and all the other boring jobs...

So say hello to Mini Shaz and, if you've met me in person or seen my photo on here, let me know how she compares? Aside from not being able to choose a 4' 11" titchy mode, I think she's pretty spot on!

If you'd like to play along and make your very own Mini You, just visit www.meez.com

...until next time, when we may have a Mini Community!

It's weekend

2008-04-26T14:38:00.006+01:00

And what a lovely weekend it is so far, I hear the weather forecasts are good, I hope that stays true for you wherever you are

D'ya know I was at home on Wednesday and completely forgot to say Happy St George's Day! So although I know this is late, I just wanted to share with you the wonderful celebrations that were held in Morley, West Yorkshire http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7351194.stm

I had every intention of making some St George's Day greetings cards to try and start up a trend for them and never got around to it this year - maybe next year, especially if we could drum up some local interest in marking the day somehow - keep you posted!

And just in case its raining in your heart, take some tips from my friend and colleague Paula from The Life Coaching Practice and read her second article about Stress here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Bury/BL0/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/91901-Cures-for-Stress

...until next time, remember you can make your own fair weather every day, take care

Stress

2008-04-23T19:44:00.003+01:00

Oh yes, we cant deny it, the S word hits most of us at some time or another doesnt it?

So I wanted to share with you the next instalment in our AboutMyArea articles written by my good friend Paula and published by our good friend Christine http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/90947-What-is-Stress

...until next time, "you gotta have friends"

Mental & Retail Therapy

2008-04-20T17:45:00.004+01:00

Is that another week and weekend almost passed by again? I'm sure my internal clock is running fast lately, I feel like I'm in a Stephen King tale called "The Langoliers" where I'm standing still and everything and everybody around me is moving really, really quickly because I'm in a different timespace than everyone else!

...OK so thats really just an overly-dramatic way of saying I've been a bit busy LOL

Regular readers will know I'm also a qualified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and it seems to be about time I re-jigged my Beloved Blog a little to give some more space to my "Paul McKenna" skills alongside my Keepsake Kollection pieces...I was thinking of something like...

"Where else can you get mental and retail therapy?!"

My latest collaboration is something I've touched on in a previous post, namely writing some regular NLP related articles for our local AboutMyArea website. I'm very pleased to say that my first feature on "insomnia" has been featured here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/90050-Insomnia and I'd like to say a big thank you to Christine for inviting me to participate and I'm really looking forward to working with both Christine and Paula from The Life Coaching Practice whose article on "stress" I'll share with you next time

...until then, for mental and retail therapy, who you gonna call?...Focus on Life!

My crafting helper

2008-04-14T21:05:00.005+01:00

So it was great to participate in another Fair on Saturday...

...and the good news is I've booked a Rochdale Craft Fair in May now too...

...but the bad news is (there has to be some or it feels left out) I just havent been able to steal any time of late to make something new! Ggggrrrrr

So until I get back with the programme again, I just thought I'd share my little crafting helper with you

Yeah you're right, he doesnt look like he's helping much does he? Hmmmm

...until next time, I promise faithfully with hand on heart that there will be not a trace of ginger and white hair in the card I make for you!

Heywood visitors!

2008-04-13T14:37:00.005+01:00

Craft Fair photos, originally uploaded by Susan Margaret.

Hey this is me and my lovely Craft Forum friend SusieQ who came with her hubby Bob to visit me at the Heywood Craft Fair yesterday!

I was doubly-blessed by visitors yesterday as another Forum buddy Goldy also came to see me, how lucky was I?!

I've posted this link before but here is where we all hang on a regular (very regular!) basis if you fancy joining us - you'll be made very welcome http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261

The fair itself was pretty quiet sadly but we did have rain, rain, rain all day - until it was time to pack up ironically - ggggrrrrrrr

But I do wanna thank my stall neighbours Lorna & Karen for their great company and lovely comments on my work and great tips about upcoming events and all sorts of things. Thats the lovely thing about participating in Fairs. No matter how many or how few potential customers visit on the day, you can always rely on meeting some wonderful crafty like-minded folk and the ideas and information that are exchanged on the day are worth their weight in gold

If you're a new visitor to my Blog and especially if we met at Heywood, a big HELLO and WELCOME and THANK YOU for dropping by and I hope you find something here to inspire or entertain you

...until next time, enjoy the rest of your weekend

Heywood Craft Fair this Saturday

2008-04-10T19:59:00.005+01:00

Ooh things are still a bit barmy about these parts - I had a great meeting on Monday evening which will result in Focus on Life (AKA me!) writing regular NLP related articles to appear on a local community website soon - watch this space for more news!

But until then, I did just want to remind you that I'll be at the Craft Fair at Heywood Civic Centre this Saturday so here's a bit more info about the venue including the postcode if you need it, it'd be lovely to see you http://www.venues.org.uk/profile_page.asp?VenueID=1810

When you come and say hi, if you shout "Shaz I've seen your Blog" at the top of your voice, I'll even give you a discount on your first order just because you've given me and my neighbour stallholders such a laugh!

...until next time, keep those Keepsakes handy, you never know when you might want me to make them even more special than they already are

Bye for now Casey

2008-04-06T15:33:00.018+01:00

Before I tell you who Casey is, I just thought I'd do a "catch up" of what I was up to last week and why I was AWOL from my beloved Blog more often than usual for me!

Monday was my first day at my new job and I've had a thoroughly enjoyable first week. Not only are all the people really warm and helpful but the whole environment is very rewarding. My department are speech therapists so they help those with communication challenges and we also have Service Users helping out in the office 3 days of the week and its so lovely to see them enjoying carrying out whatever tasks they can in the office and getting such fulfillment from it - well done and thank you Oliver, Suzanne and Johnny!

Tuesday evening saw a great turnout for our Valley at Work special event with our guest speaker (see my Enterprise Island post)

Wednesday I dived into helping out with the phones at work. One of our girls was away ill and it was the busiest phone day and actually quite fun for me just learning who on earth everyone was. That might make me sound like a bit of a saddo but, for someone who'd been at her old day job for 17 years and knew the world and his wife, it was quite refreshing to be the new girl learning everything from scratch! If the chance arises to learn something new, try to take it...

Thursday evening was absolutely brilliant! I was chuffed to be invited by http://www.startup-lancashire.com/index.html to a Kickstart Your Marketing seminar from http://www.mercurymarketing.co.uk/ and I cant praise it enough. Geoff is a wonderful public speaker bringing a wealth of marketing experience and tips in a fun and informative way. I even chatted with Geoff about my business and Blog during the interval and that speaks volumes for how approachable he is, I very rarely do that with public speakers! I hope you'll visit his site and try to catch him if he's ever in your area, I can highly recommend his events

and Friday evening I went to a great 2nd Birthday gathering for our local online community forum http://www.rossendaleonline.co.uk/index.php Lee organised a brilliant night in Rawtenstall with food laid on for us and we got the unique chance to put faces to forum names. We ate chilli and garlic bread together and some of us even exchanged tattoo viewings!

Sadly yesterday I heard that my brother and sister in law had said goodbye to their beloved dog Casey who passed away on Friday after going downhill for some time (but well enough for the vets to allow her to stay with them during her final weeks). So bye bye for now Casey and everyone will take care of your daughter Maddy until you run with her again in Doggy Heaven. This is for you sweetie...

...until next time, take time to say "I love you" to those you love, human or animal

Enterprise Island

2008-04-02T20:21:00.009+01:00

Where have I been? Off on a little entrepreneurial (is there such a word?) holiday to Enterprise Island!

We had our first special Valley at Work event last night, something a bit different to our regular monthly meetings. We were enlightened and entertained by Iain Scott, the man behind Enterprise Island.

Iain's most definitely a man worth listening to - and meeting - in the flesh. Being a "corporate escapee" myself I could not fail to be instantly enamoured with a man sporting a kilt and the most unique non-corporate hairdo I've seen in, well, ever!

And anyone who dispels the myth that entrepreneurs must be "born" goes on the good guy list in my book

As regular readers will know, I've been a member of the Valley at Work business group since its inception in September 2007 and we're going from strength to strength in Rossendale with members now totalling the 100 mark and aims to double in size.

You can visit the Valley at Work site here http://valleyatwork.co.uk/default.aspx

And I can highly recommend you visit Iain here http://www.enterpriseisland.com/

...until next time, you may well be an entrepreneur too and just not know it yet!

My Angel in Disguise

2008-03-30T19:18:00.006+01:00

Oh pesky batteries are still in my mouse instead of in my camera...so until I get around to taking a piccy, I'll retype this little verse for you which was inside the card my baby bought for me whilst I was having my job interview on Friday

When everything seemed hopeless

You helped to pull me through

And nobody will ever know

How much I owe to you

My life was full of sadness

And I needed setting free

I was searching for a saviour

And you were there for me

The thought of everything you've been

Brings tears to my eyes

My strength, my truth, my wisdom

My angel in disguise

...until next time, I hope you're an angel for someone special too

Clocks forward

2008-03-29T16:06:00.003Z

Have you all remembered? Spring forward, Fall back?

So as its (apparently?) Spring and tomorrow Summertime begins (????) dont forget to put your clocks forward tonight - well at 2am Sunday morning if you want to stay up really late and do it right

Dunno about you but I like to put mine forward before I go to bed, then I feel a bit "naughty" cos I've stayed up even later than usual - and I dont miss the lost hour next day

Out of batteries in my camera (had to steal them for my mouse!) so keep you posted on those piccies of my card and gift I got off my darling yesterday

...until next time, enjoy your last day of spring

Result

2008-03-28T22:50:00.006Z

How's this for service?

I thought I'd consider doing some temp work for the first time as it could fit in so well with my plans for Keepsake Kollections, my craft fairs, my NLP articles (forgot to tell you about that yet!) and my Valley at Work commitments etc.

So off I trot yesterday morning for my agency appointment, did my tests, did very well, happy so far, trot off home - the same afternoon, the agency rang me to ask if I could attend an interview this morning.

So off I trot again this morning for my interview, lovely place, lovely people, I start on Monday!

Who managed this feat I hear you ask? Well with a little input from me (LOL) all this was accomplished by Justine at the Rochdale branch of http://www.mpeople-recruitment.com/index.html so thanks Justine!

...until next time when I'll share with you the congratulation card and present my baby bought for me whilst I was having my interview (yes, he has that kind of faith in me!)

Foiled again

2008-03-26T17:55:00.003Z

Did I tell you about the instructions that came with my new Continuous Ink System kit?

No? Well, to me, they read and looked like Dr Jekyll's laboratory - bottles and caps and syringes and tubes all over the place! - and never having seen it set up in "real life" before I was stumped! - especially when it mentioned screwdrivers! - screwdrivers?!

So today our friends, who use the same system, very kindly visited to help install it - but the whole kit has to go back cos there are two "twiddly bits" broken off and, after much deliberation, the consensus of opinion was that these "twiddly bits" being intact could be pretty essential to the process...

...so for the time being we're still printer-less until further notice and our Velvet Andy Warhol inspired creation will need to wait just a little while longer to be born

All the more to look forward to when we're back up and running though!

...until next time, I just hope your twiddly bits are fine and dandy x

Craft Fair 12 April - Heywood, Lancashire

2008-03-25T14:34:00.002Z

I just spoke with a lovely lady called Evelyn at the Heywood Civic Centre, Heywood in Lancashire and booked a stall with her for the Craft Fair theyre holding on Saturday 12 April 2008

So, as ever, I'd absolutely love it if you could come along and say hi!

Big thanks to my very nice stall-neighbour (Rae?) who mentioned this event to me whilst we were chatting at the Bacup Craft Fair on Saturday

...until next time, keep smiling

Missy Legs

2008-03-24T15:11:00.009Z

So Missy Legs is Bonny Lad's sister and I thought I'd share some of her photos with you today. There are usually more of him cos, well, frankly he does more daft things than she does...err usually...

The bar is open!

I love you!

...well you did leave the door open

I can see it - why can't I get it?

Oh it's nice to have company when you're not well...

...until next time, if you suffer from insomnia, make like a cat!

Bacup Easter Fair

2008-03-23T14:08:00.007Z

So here's a little piccy of my table at yesterday's Bacup Easter Fair and yes, the bar was open!
And so was the food bar where I got my lovely giant cheeseburger with onions & ketchup, yum. And in case he's reading this, I must apologise for teasing the guy who didnt get cheese on his cheeseburger....I subsequently wafted my cheese-ful burger under his nose on the way back to my stall, we did laugh!

If you're one of the lovely people I met yesterday and you're reading this, a BIG THANK YOU for popping along to my Blog too, I'm so pleased you dropped by. It's been running since Feb so please have a good look around cos each post will either show you some of my work or sometimes the work of another talented crafter but hopefully you'll find something to entertain you in one way or another

...and before I sign off, take a look at our snow today! Here's the view from the back bedroom

...and a couple of views from the front bedroom window

...until next time, Happy Easter Sunday!

Britannia Coconutters

2008-03-22T15:47:00.005Z

Oh we've had a fine old time at our Bacup Craft Fair today! Met lots of lovely people, had a giant cheeseburger for my dinner and to round off a great day, the famous Britannia Coconutters danced right outside the hall where our fair was held. It's the first time I've seen them doing their stuff and it was brilliant, here are some photos - spot the airborne Coconutter!

...until next time, hope you're enjoying your Easter weekend!

Whether to heed weather reports

2008-03-21T09:31:00.003Z

In the Valley yesterday we had rain, RAIN and more RAIN!

Yet just look at the spectacular view from my back window this morning...

How much do I love living here? Answers on a postcard please!

Dont forget to get to Bacup Leisure Hall tomorrow if you can, I'll be there and it'd be great to see you in real life

...until next time, hope the sun's shining on you today, wherever you are

Velvet Paper and other goodies

2008-03-20T20:30:00.008Z

How pleased was I this morning when my latest craft supplies order was delivered? I havent ordered anything for ages but, when I saw printable, stampable, colourable, punchable, cut-able and draw-on-able Velvet Paper for sale, I just had to get some!...

...it also came with a bumper pack of beautiful beads and embellishments in a gorgeous range of colours...have a sneaky peek...

So tomorrow I will be making the first thing I envisaged when I saw those wonderful velvet papers - my photographic homage to Andy Warhol! - so watch this space for a photo when its done!

...until next time, what's keeping you out of mischief?!

Easter card & box

2008-03-19T17:26:00.004Z

Oh its almost Easter weekend, how nice! Except I have a Craft Fair on Saturday and havent made a single easter-related item yet?! Oh well there's still tomorrow & Friday and for the time being, I thought I'd show you the matching card & box I made for my darling last Easter

The six-sided box was embossed and painted and had plenty of room to store the lovely chocolate mini eggs I put inside for him (although I did help him eat rather a lot of them!)

I then embossed and decorated two more panels for the matching feature on the greeting card but cut the top layer into four sections leaving small gaps so you could glimpse the layer beneath

See, I can make things that dont have photographs on them! Although I do love the ultimate personalisation using a photo brings, you just cant beat it

...until next time, enjoy your Easter preparations

Another before and after

2008-03-18T21:01:00.006Z

Bumping into my good friend Pauline in Rawtenstall by chance today has prompted me to share her before and after with you...

...so here's the photo of Pol and her beautiful boy Aiden BEFORE
...and here's the AFTER

...this is one of the "kaleidescope" baubles, done in a pinwheel effect, and is double sided and has a blue ribbon to hang it....well, just about wherever you want to!

I actually made this as a sample piece for my Craft Fairs but, when Pol saw it, she had to have one! Next time she comes to trim my hair, an exact replica of this will await her!

...until next time, please report me to the Exclamation Mark Support Group, I need help!!!!!

Happy St Patricks Day

2008-03-17T16:56:00.001Z

Hey up, I just remembered in time before the day is over!
Happy St Patricks Day everybody
Kiss that Blarney Stone, it'll do you good (although hanging around in this position for too long might not?!)
Blarney Stone
...until next time, be good

Easter Saturday Bacup Booty

2008-03-16T11:04:00.006Z

Just thought I'd remind you I'll be at the Bacup indoor craft and collectables sale next Saturday and I'm so looking forward to it! I dont have the full postal address just yet but we'll be at the Bacup Leisure Hall from 10am-2pm and its easy to find - from the centre of Bacup, take the Burnley road and its not too far along there with plenty of parking. Hope to see you then!

Because its Easter we'll also have the famous Britannia Coconutters Boundary to Boundary Dance taking place, a great reason to visit if you havent seen them before. They're a traditional folk dance troupe with a history that some say comes from pagan or medieval backgrounds, their faces blackened to disguise them from being recognised by evil spirits afterwards!

You can read more of the Coconutters history and see their dance route and some photos here http://www.coconutters.co.uk/

...until next time, make a diary date to Come See Me & The Coconutters! x

Doggie Diet Card

2008-03-15T12:06:00.004Z

So my sister and brother-in-law have had to put their two Yorkshire Terriers (Whiskey & Brandy!) on diets - they look like little brown barking barrels bless em! - and here's the birthday card I decided to make for my bro-in-laws birthday on Monday...

That's winging its way to him in the post, I think it'll make them both laugh when they get it!
...until next time, think about using your own photo on cards, the ultimate personalisation!

Remote control cat

2008-03-14T10:26:00.003Z

I just had to show you this, my Bonny lad after a hard days TV surfing!

...until next time, have a great weekend! x

Halloween

2008-03-12T16:16:00.006Z

Confused you there didnt I? You expected me to mention St Patricks Day or even Easter but, hey, I'm different! All the specialists tell me so...LOL

Because I've only just got around to photographing it, I wanted to show you the very first 3D picture I put together. It's a photo of me & my old workmates celebrating Halloween a few years ago (I'm the witch sat on the table at the front on the right!)

It's 7 layers deep and curved, which perfectly suited the curved table we were perched on!

...until next time, when we'll be back on the same timezone as everyone else!

Our Deepest Fear

2008-03-11T12:07:00.002Z

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure!
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you.
We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

...from "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson

...until next time, let your light shine bright x

Speciality Horseshoe Keepsakes

2008-03-10T14:41:00.010Z

Before I settle down to make my brother and brother-in-law's birthday cards (two days apart!) I just wanted to share these wonderful celebratory horseshoes with you.

Made from real horseshoes, they're a beautiful gift for any occasion - not just weddings - the pink one is for a baby girl's christening, how lovely is that?

They are the work of my UK Craft Forum buddy Janice of ttp://www.freewebs.com/clipclophorseshoes/ and I hope you'll visit her to see her other photos and read a little about how she came up with the idea in the first place.

I'd love to think they'd fit into my Memory Boxes or even my large A3 recessed frames to make up a wonderful Keepsake Kollection special with a featured photograph!

...until next time, stop horsing about and buy HANDMADE! xx

Before and After

2008-03-09T11:44:00.007Z

Well we've had "Now and Then" so I thought I'd show you a little "Before and After"...no doubt this subject will come up again in many future posts!

This is my beautiful neice Abbie, aged 6, although she wont thank me for fondly remembering her toilet training days when she insisted "no nanna, want auntie shawon take me!"

...and below you can see the close up of just one corner of my large (A3) framed Xmas Special where her photo has been turned into a flower shaped Kaleidescope...

Kids especially love seeing their image in a Kaleidescope, it amazes them. Mind you, I'm reported to be a grown up and I confess I love it too! See how her jean-clad knee has turned into a flower shape in the centre? And how the light reflecting off the fire surround has made its own interesting effect in the piece? And how you cant see the mess on the floor anymore!

The big picture is full of detail, like a giant framed scrapbook page, and can be seen in more detail here http://www.flickr.com/photos/23781019@N08/page2/ or by looking through my sample slideshow at the top right of this Blog page

There's a Pyramaged photo of Abbie's little sister Holly - and a 4-layered "3D" image of us all together - and the thing that makes the whole piece a Keepsake Kollection special - their little xmas present thank you letter to their Auntie Sharon!

...until next time, preserve your little ones in a stunning new way!

Missing Pets

2008-03-08T12:42:00.011Z

I'm constantly proved there are no such things as coincidences in life!

At a meeting last Tuesday evening I was introduced to the guy who runs http://www.rossendaleonline.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2291 which is a great forum for anyone who lives in Rossendale, used to live in Rossendale or who just plain wants to know whats happening in the area.

Whilst having a look around the forum on Wednesday night, I found a post about a local missing dog (aw!) and discovered a brilliant website offering great help if you're in that situation.........

...........and the very next day, my babe's beautiful husky Jet escaped from the garden and went missing!

COINCIDENCE? Personally I think not.

Thankfully, just after I spoke with the lovely lady at DogLost, Jet was found by his 4 strong search party - but I do hope you'll take a look at their site (after checking out my work of course!) here http://www.doglost.co.uk/forum.asp?ID=11892

It's not only an invaluable service and support if your beloved pet is lost but you can register (FREE) to become a Helper - I'm one now! - and you'll receive an email when a dog living in your area has been reported missing so you can look out for them and even print Missing posters from online photos to aid the search

Fear not cat lovers (I have two feline companions as regular readers will know!). I also found this site which helps us too http://www.missingpetsuk.com/?gclid=CMnY8f6X-5ECFQ8gQgodyXUiyA

...until next time, I pray all these owners and their much loved pets are reunited soon x

Now and Then

2008-03-07T09:59:00.006Z

Well its Friday and my boiler is having a personality-crisis! Currently thinks its a tap and is dripping water like mad. So the gasman cometh!

Thought I'd share this picture with you, its the same three boys when they were little dots (bless em!) and when theyre not-so-little (one is 6' 3" now!)

I've cut the backgrounds from each photo and replaced it with the same colour to bridge the 15 year gap and tie the two pictures together.

You can also see from the shadows that they've both been given the 3D technique for added effect

...but I do want to re-shoot the bottom photo again, methinks one or two of them had been on the tiles the night before so theyre not quite looking their handsome best!

This would look great in a 3 aperture recess frame if you have generational photos. Can you just imagine Gran & Grandad in the top recess, Parents in the second, Grandchildren in the bottom? What a personal and heartfelt gift for any member of the family, old or young

...until next time, have a lovely weekend x

Insomnia

2008-03-05T08:48:00.004Z

Well I really, thoroughly enjoyed doing my NLP presentation last night. I've been focussing on Keepsake Kollections for such a long time now that I'd forgotten just how creative NLP is but in an entirely different, therapeutic arena - no wonder I love it so much!

I was asked about insomnia last night so thought I'd share a slightly unusual technique with you.

If you're a sufferer, friends & family will always be able to offer suggestions they've tried before or solutions they've heard about from other people or read in books - lets face it, there's no single solution that works for everyone, just like there's no single, miracle technique to stop smoking

But as a therapist, we're taught to help you find the answers from within yourself.

So let me ask you "what do you get from not sleeping?"
The first response to that question is usually "what do you mean? what do I get from it?"
So I'd respond "what do you gain from not being able to sleep? What does it give you?"

Now once you start focussing on the positives, just some possible answers are:
a) well I do get some good business ideas when I cant sleep
b) it does give me time to review the day to see if there's anything I've forgotten to do
c) I sometimes find the solution to a problem by having all that time to consider options
... and a very honest and enlightening one some people face is:
d) it gets me lots of sympathy from friends & fellow sufferers, we have a common problem to talk about, we help each other by trying out different remedies

Once you've exhausted your list of what insomnia does for you, then you can begin to "negotiate"

So for options a-c negotiate with yourself - if I make more effort to find time to come up with those business ideas or do my daily checklist or make a pro's and con's list during the day - then I'll be able to rest easier at night

For option d, once you've come to this realisation, the very first thing to do is not beat yourself up about it. In fact, congratulate yourself for being so honest, most people aren't that brave. After all it's nice to have a common subject to share with other people. It feels good to have people sympathise with you and want to help you. And just the way celebrities argue bad publicity is still publicity, getting attention because of something negative is still attention...but now you know what it is, you have the power to change it...or decide its no longer useful to you and discard it...or realise you have something positive to share with your friends instead of something negative...

I hope this sets you thinking...but hopefully not in the dead of night!!!

So you see I gained something from being awake until 2am this morning! My NLP Practitioner side reminded me that, had this been a client, you'd have had this technique pre-planned for their first appointment!

...until next time, make love, not sleeping tablet Company profits!

Angel

2008-03-04T10:48:00.005Z

OK, so before I get busy typing up my notes for tonights NLP presentation I just thought I'd share my Angel with you!

This is my one & only tattoo! She means a lot to me, more so because I drew her - not on my own back of course! - the tattoo artist did that bit.

The only part he changed from my original drawing were her wings (and I think that was more to do with copyright than anything).

The artist was Louis Molloy http://www.tattoos.co.uk/ who is famous in his field and was done in his post-Beckham but pre-London Ink era at his studio in Middleton, Manchester close to where I used to live

...until next time, may your Guardian Angel always be with you too!

Busy busy busy

2008-03-03T12:28:00.011Z

Oh I've got some lovely orders that are just waiting to be started! Thought I'd give you a preview:

A large navy veterans framed piece - I'm very excited as my customer has now chosen 3 war medals, a bosun's whistle and 2 B&W photos ready to go into her piece! And I've bought the frame so all systems go!

A Christmas themed Memory Box (yes, you heard right, christmas!) - I'm chuffed to bits cos this is my first order for the new Memory Boxes - the main element will be a 3D multi layered photo of 2 little tots sat on santa's knee, bless em!

And as a gift for one of my UK Crafts Forum buddies http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261 , I'm very keen to start her "Pins & Needles" group card!

Sam from http://www.incywincytogs.co.uk/ makes gorgeous baby, toddler & nursery items and also runs a Flickr special interest group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/pinsandneedles/ and has sent me a selection of beautiful photographs of her colleagues' handcrafted items. As a thank you for letting me (a non-sewer!) join their group, I'm making a special card featuring their work and we've done a deal - Sam gets the electronic card and I get the original to display at my Craft Fairs!

...but I cant start work on any of them until Wednesday as I have the honour of doing a 20 minute presentation tomorrow evening to my http://valleyatwork.co.uk/default.aspx business network group and I havent got a thing set down on paper yet! It's on Neuro Linguistic Programming so not exactly the simplest of subjects to decide what to include in my agenda! I'm really looking forward to it though

So...until next time...its LOVELY to be so busy!

Happy Mothers Day

2008-03-02T10:45:00.004Z

To all you mums out there!

....until next time, enjoy your special day!

Poppy Puss & Rossendale Radio

2008-03-01T19:21:00.006Z

So did anyone propose to their unsuspecting men yesterday?! Tradition says that 29 February is the day for the female members of the population to break with stereotype and propose to their menfolk so I hope some of you went for it, be nice to imagine lots of gobsmacked gents stammering their replies!

Couple of things to share with you - firstly I want to thank Jayne from Poppy Puss Creations who's very kindly featured my work on her website!http://www.poppypusscreations.com/index.htm
Amongst other things, Jayne produces a lovely range of soaps & bath products made to order so I hope you'll visit her to to look around

Secondly, an update to my previous post, we've just heard that Tony from http://www.a1creative.net/ has been successful in his application to secure a new Rossendale Radio station licence! So now the work begins to get everything set up and, you never know, you may just hear my dulcet tones reading a radio advert or two...

...until next time Smashy & Nicey better watch out if Shaz comes to Rossendale Radio!

Mothers Day

2008-02-28T18:55:00.007Z

I'm sure you've all remembered it's Mothering Sunday on 2 March!
Sadly my own mum passed away many years ago but I do have a lovely stepmum and thought I'd show you the card I've made for her today.
I've mounted the main photo (her dancing with my very suave-looking dad, what an attractive couple they make, doncha think?) onto some nice textured coordinating paper and the background paper is a striking repeat close up of my stepmum Margaret. It's finished with a handmade Happy Mothers Day greeting tag secured with a lovely gold brad. The card insert is personalised and printed in the same typeface to match the greeting tag
...now I KNOW she isnt going to receive another card quite like it!

Orders for your own personalised photograph greetings cards, announcements or invitations can be made by just giving me a call! As I like to say - handmade is special - adding a name makes it personal - using their photo makes it UNIQUE!

...until next time, please treasure your mum!

Focus on Crystal Velvet Weddings

2008-02-27T17:04:00.004Z

How lovely to hear my Wedding Special has been featured on another great Blogsite, check it out here http://crystalvelvetweddings.blogspot.com/

Karen designs beautiful bespoke tiaras and jewellery and her Crystal Velvet Weddings blog features not only her own designs but a wonderful selection of all things weddingy - a perfect place for the bride to be or her friends & family to visit for inspiration and suppliers

Karen's work can also be found here http://www.crystalvelvet.co.uk/ and here http://www.beadsbydesign.co.uk/ so I hope you'll pay her a visit and enjoy looking at her beautiful things

...until next time, thanks for featuring Focus Karen!

Perfect Kaleidescope Designs

2008-02-26T17:30:00.007Z

Kaleidescope effects can be used to create all sorts of innovative gifts - from unusual double sided hanging baubles like the one shown here - to multi layered baubles giving a more 3D effect - to framed Kaleidescoped pictures - or as a striking and uniquely personal feature on a handmade greetings card, invitation or announcement for a special person or occasion

Some tips for selecting the perfect photo to submit for your Focus Kaleidescope gift are:

* most subjects can be used - people, animals or perhaps a child's drawing to create an unusual keepsake

* I can re-size your photograph when making the Kaleidescope so dont worry too much if you think the image is too small, you'll be amazed at what can be achieved

* similarly, if there are items in the foreground or background of your photo that you don't like, fear not! The Kaleidescopic nature of the design often makes a lovely pattern from the most mundane everyday items within a photograph!

....so until next time, see your photos with a new eye...then give me a ring to discuss your order!

Perfect 3D Photographs

2008-02-25T16:00:00.005Z

Just thought I'd post some tips and ideas for selecting the perfect photos to submit for your Focus on Life 3D design!

* group photos are always good and 3D techniques give them a whole new life & dimension
* not just weddings - school photos, sports teams, stag/hen groups, family events, club groups...
* having other items in the foreground/background is even better - eg trophy presentations
* if the group looks great but your background is poor, dont worry - I can change it!
* so just think, you could be outside the off licence...but I can put you outside a manor house!
* 3D techniques can still be used in a photo with just one or two people in, we have the power!

I hope this begins to show you why each design & quotation is personal to you. Your photograph will dictate the number of "layers" that can be used - and of course, more layers gives an even greater 3D effect. Your own taste dictates the materials that can be used in the design, you may like simple, modern lines or simple embellishments - or you may like a touch more detail or glamour with gemstones, sequins, ribbons, glitter, Flowersoft etc

....until next time (when I'll share some Kaleidescope design tips!), subscribe for your regular email update from Shaz! Thanks for dropping by x

Foolish Friends

2008-02-24T21:41:00.005Z

Here I am with just some of my samples at the Craft Fair organised by Foolish Friends in Lostock Hall, Preston yesterday. Big thanks to Lindsey & Geoff for organising such a lovely event, not only were there lots of wonderful and innovative craft stalls but we had live entertainment no less! Folk musicians, clog dancers, first aid demonstrations from St John's Ambulance - there was no end of interesting things to look at (not least my stall!)

I certainly hope they organise another but, until next time, a big hello to everyone who took part and visited us on the day...who knows, you might be reading this Blog right now, you know who you are! Thanks, Shaz x

Cats

2008-02-22T15:05:00.008Z

As I'm busy getting ready for tomorrow's Craft Fair, I'll just leave you with a couple of funny photos of my cats - Missy doing her ET impression amongst the cuddly toys! - and Bonny trying his best to get the last poppodom out of the bag!
...until next time, enjoy your weekend

Wedding Special

2008-02-21T19:59:00.005Z

I try to be a girl of my word so, here it is, a photo of the Keepsake Kollection Wedding Special I promised you.

I love these frames, theyre a nice big size (A3) with a deep enough recess to make a striking feature of the memories from any special event.

Here the bride's garter has been put under glass (instead of in her knicker drawer!) and a real box of confetti is raining down on the happy group!...

...and I hope this close up side-view of the wedding party gives you just an idea of how the photograph can be brought to life using careful cutting and layering techniques - believe me, with this many people in the shot, it takes some doing! But its a labour of love and the finished effect is well worth the effort.

...until next time, make your life a labour of love! x Hippy Chick!

Traditions Craft Fair, Preston - 23 February 10am-4pm

2008-02-20T14:44:00.007Z

Just a reminder that we'll be appearing at the Traditions Craft Fair this Saturday 23 February at the Lostock Hall Community High School, Todd Lane North, Lostock Hall, Preston (PR5 5UR if you're entrusting your journey to a sat nav!). Thank you to Lindsay from Foolish Friends who's organised the crafters for this event, I'm really looking forward to it!

I'll be bringing along my first Keepsake Kollection Wedding Special to show everyone on Saturday. These are the BIG recessed frames (imagine A3 size and you're pretty much there) which can take not only my multi-layered 3D photograph designs but real keepsakes from the day, making them an extra-special gift for the bride & groom - or their attendants - or their parents - after the big day

....if the lighting's right tomorrow, I'll post a photo of this first sample so you can see it, just in case you can't get to Preston to see it in the flesh. If you havent already, please register for your FREE email subscription, then I'll email you as soon as it's here

...until next time, make today your special day!
Shaz x

Grandparents Memory Box

2008-02-19T15:23:00.004Z

Well here it is, the first Focus Memory Box finished! I currently have the boxes available in this silver colour and a bronzey/gold finish. Theyre lovely, deep, substantial boxes with opening fronts and a nice clasp with the word MEMORY in big letters on the glass

On this sample, the old black & white photo (of my grandparents!) has been decoupaged to 5 layers and mounted onto bright pink card and embellished with a bright pink brad. The colour photo of them in their later years has been turned into a background effect and mounted onto silver mirror card to match the box. As a final embellishment, I mounted a small version of the colour photo onto stampboard which had first been inked in coordinating colours

I'm SO looking forward to making these for babies with their first little shoe or dummy or another keepsake inside, how sweet would THAT be?...

...and for weddings with the garter featured and any other mementos from the day

...until next time, remember its important to remember...oh, I've forgot what I was gonna say now!

Memory Boxes

2008-02-18T19:58:00.003Z

I've started work on my first Memory Box piece this week so watch this space for a photo as soon as its done (subscribe for a FREE email update so you get to see it first!)

I'm really pleased with the boxes and cant wait to see how they look made up. They're not only great for my "3D" photo designs but, with a particularly deep recess and opening front, they're perfect for holding keepsakes and mementos that are fairly bulky - like a baby's first shoe or dummy or a christening gift or a wedding horseshoe or 21st keys, the opportunities are endless! - and theyre going to be perfect for veterans designs where hard-earned medals can remain accessible for anyone who wants to take them out to examine up close

...until next time, preserve your memories, they're priceless

Craft Fair Sat 23 Feb!

2008-02-17T16:36:00.006Z

Oh my giddy aunt, I have a craft fair THIS Saturday, I really need to knuckle down and get some new samples made! All my work is made to order so I like to try and display different ideas of how I can use your OWN lovely photos in a new and interesting way. Or better still, how you can give other people's photos back to them in the form of a card or gift unlike any other they'll ever receive, the look on their faces is amazing and well worth that extra effort!

So, until I get some brand new things made up, here's a sample I'll be taking along to Preston on Saturday - a multi layered hanging bauble of my little neice when she was a tiny person with a matching card - the card has its own mini bauble attached along with a tea-bag embellishment that matches its background design and card-insert

...until next time, cherish your tiny-people, they wont stay tiny for long!

(except for me of course, I'm only 4' 11")

Vera

2008-02-16T11:36:00.004Z

Ooh it looks like Spring is springing, we have yet another beautiful weekend here in the Rossendale Valley!
Just thought I'd share this lovely image of my mum Vera in her wartime uniform. Sadly she passed away many years ago but I just love this modern twist on a classic war-years photo, the kind we all have of our parents & grandparents - for me it evokes memories of the old and new in one glance
...until next time, remember there are lots of ways to keep your loved ones around you x

Rossendale Radio

2008-02-15T10:54:00.005Z

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day but, if you're smarting from a lack of love tokens in your house, remember there are 364 other days you can give & receive love!

I want to say a big THANK YOU to Tony Nixon of A1 Creative here in Rossendale who graciously spared me hours of his own time yesterday to demonstrate just how a high-tech radio advert is produced!

Having never seen the inside of a production studio before, I now have a new-found respect for the work and skill that goes into producing even the shortest of jingles and advertisements we hear everyday - not only on our radios but in all sorts of other places - even entertaining us whilst we're hanging on the phone!

Tony is spearheading efforts to secure a local radio station for the Rossendale area and I'm sure you'll join me in wishing him every success, he can be found at http://www.a1creative.net/ if you'd like to ask him about the new station, advertising opportunities or your production needs

...until next time, have a lovely weekend x

It's almost Valentine's Day!

2008-02-13T16:43:00.014Z

Besides trawling through lists of craft fairs trying to decide where else to go & when, I managed to make my babe's Valentine's card today. It's a star-shaped card in bright colours tied open with a coordinating ribbon with 3 little kaleidescoped pop-out photos of yours truly inside so he can gaze at me lovingly whenever the fancy takes him! I know he's gonna like it, I hope you do too!
...until next time, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Shaz x

Sample photos

2008-02-12T18:30:00.000Z

Well I've spent the whole of this lovely sunny day photographing some of my samples for you to have a look at, I really hope you like them. Just click on the Flickr link below. They're in no particular order but you'll see a range of framed "3d" multi layered pictures, Kaleidescoped designs in pictures and on 3d hanging baubles, layered Pyramid effects - but ALL made using real photographs of real people (and animals!) - this could be YOUR family, friends & pets!
...until next time, dont snap at your friends, SNAP them with your camera! x

Flickr: Photos from focusonlife42

TUP Parties

2008-02-11T17:27:00.000Z

Did you have a 70's flashback to Tupperware Parties when you read that?!
New for 2008, Focus on Life are about to launch our Truly Unique & Personalised Parties
Why give the special people in your life a card or gift that's mass-produced when there are so many talented crafters out there who can design and make a truly unique personalised item for you?
If you're within a (reasonable) travelling distance from Rossendale in Lancashire and would like to host your own TUP Party in the comfort of your home and receive a FREE personalised gift as a Thank You, please give me a ring on 01706 870379. We'll even provide you with personalised Invitations to send out before the event.
Over the coming weeks, I'll be posting pictures of not only my own designs but those of guest crafters from around the country, just to show how special a hand-crafted item truly is. Subscribe for email updates to make sure you dont miss them.
...until next time, make your life a party!
Shaz x

Jet Li

2008-02-10T11:25:00.000Z

...and just to round this gorgeous weekend off nicely, here's a photo of my darling's beautiful playful loving Siberian Husky Jet...

For a snow dog, he does love his creature comforts!
...until next time, MUSH!

Filing Cat

2008-02-09T10:33:00.000Z

It's a beautiful, trying-to-be-spring, morning here in the Rossendale Valley. The birds are singing and the sun's shining throwing all manner of lovely shades and hues on the hills.
I hope you like this picture of one of my cats, Bonny, who decided he'd help me out filing my paperwork...

...needless to say, this was a perfect memory for a 3d picture and, when my samples are back (soon), I'll post a photo of the finished picture for you to see. Click onto "get email updates" and pop your email address in so you don't have to remember, I'll email you whenever there's something new to see, and it's FREE!
...until next time, remember, cats leave paw prints on your heart x
(WHY NOT LEAVE YOUR PAW PRINT? ADD YOUR COMMENT ABOUT THIS POST BELOW)

Day Two

2008-02-08T13:51:00.000Z

Well here we are again!
Just to keep you posted, all my samples are currently "on loan" to a customer who's asked me to produce a framed memory piece for her hubby's Birthday in August. We'll be incorporating his war medals alongside some carefully selected photos so I'm looking forward to designing something really special for him! Once all my samples are back at Focus HQ, I'll start getting some photos on here for you to have a look at.
Why not subscribe to my Blog and receive an email to let you know when a new post has been added? It's FREE and you'll be the first to hear of new designs, SPECIAL OFFERS, updates etc. Just type your email address in the box on the right, click on "get email updates", and everything else will be taken care of automatically, it couldnt be simpler!
Last thing for today, I want to thank the Valley at Work network group at http://valleyatwork.co.uk/ who're working hard to bring as many Rossendale business folk together as possible. Co-ordinated by PEER (People Encouraging Enterprise in Rossendale) we meet monthly to share knowledge, experience and a few laughs along the way. Special thank you to Diane & Sheila who invited me to participate in my first ever craft fair and have asked me to join the Easter Fair on 22 March. More news on that in future posts.
...until next time, laugh long & loud
Shaz x

Welcome!

2008-02-07T22:10:00.000Z

...to my first Blog, I'm so pleased you've called! Settle in with a virtual cuppa & a biscuit and take a look around...
...now as this is the first entry, there may not be much to look at YET but please stick around & call again. I'll be adding photos of my samples very soon so you can get a glimpse of the type of work I produce. There's bound to be several photos of my cats Missy & Bonny creeping in, likely as not, more often than they should! I'll also show you some views of this beautiful Valley I'm privileged to live in and any other random sights (and sites) I hope you might like to share with me.
I'll also let you know the very latest Focus on Life news as it happens and tell you which Craft Fairs I'll be at as it'd be lovely to see you in real life. The majority of my pieces are "3d'd" in one way or another so the very best way to view them is with your eyes AND hands!
I just want to end (and start!) with a big thanks to the boss & all the guys at http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261 for their ongoing advice & support to every Crafter who's lucky enough to find them. If you havent met them before, use this link and they'll know Shaz sent you, I can highly recommend a visit and it's FREE to become a member. As I figure the technology out, I'll share some of their work with you, you're right to be on tenterhooks!
...until next time, be happy
Thanks, Shaz x