Balboa on the Promenade

So I'm back from a weekend of dancing in the south of France.  Although lots of flights were cancelled I'm never lucky enough to be on one of them and get an extra day or two off!

I don't think I've ever danced as much on a dancing weekend as I just have.  I haven't danced (apart from practising my footwork alone in the kitchen) since December, so I was most definitely raring to go.  We had to audition to make sure we we're in the correct class level and woo hoo I was given a band to stay in level 5 (there were only 6 levels - 6 being the highest).  I think this gave my confidence a boost and I just kept dancing - 10 hours of workshops and 4 nights of parties.  I also got to meet lots of fabulous people from all over the world, plus eat great french food - a totally fabulous weekend.

The weather was a bit mixed but when you're inside dancing it doesn't really matter.  We did venture out in the sunshine on Friday morning before class.  Here's Big Pete (my fabulous travelling and dancing companion) and Michaela, on the beach on the way into Cannes.

It's not often you see a poster about swing dancing but the evening entertainment was big news and well supported by the local community.

Baby and beyond

Here's a quick baby card before I'm off on my travels.  This one was inspired by this weeks challenge at:

Quixotic Challenges - Oh Baby

So where am I off to?  Mandelieu in the South of France to go to Balboa on the Promenade.  So a long weekend of dancing with my friend Big Pete and lots of other lovely people.  I'll share some of my adventures when I get back.  Bon voyage xxx

Happy Birthday Gwyneth

Today is the birthday of my wonderful friend Gwyneth - happy birthday lovely lady.

I thought I share the card and little gift I've made for her.

The card was inpired by the challenges at:

Papertake Weekly - sketch challenge

Cupcake Craft - recipe challenge, 3 papers, 3 ribbons, 3 flowers - the third ribbon is tuille under the bottom flower 

This little box was made to house a little present - I love making boxes.

As soon as I was making 3D flowers last week I knew I wanted to make a gift for Gwyneth and here it is.  A box frame with flowers and decorated to match.

A couple of cuties

Here's a couple of cards with a couple of cute characters.  First up is the lovely Popcorn the Bear, I don't think I'll ever tire of colouring him in.  This card was inspired by the challenge at:

A Spoonful of Sugar - furry friends

I've left him without a message, so I can use this card for any occasion and just write a message on the inside of the card.

For this card I got my PTI products out.  The inspiration for this card comes from:

A Passion for Papertrey - Friends

The Secret Crafter - Friendship

This card will go to a friend that needs a hug in an envelope x

The Faraway Tree

I've felt so pleased to be in the company of good friends today, it was just what was needed.  I've had quite a productive day but can't share most of it on my blog just yet.  But here's two cards that have been inspired by the challenge at:

Stampin' for the Weekend - getting to know you through your favourite book

So what's the book, The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton of course.

Such Sad News

Today's post is just too sad.  We heard this morning that Harvey (our nephew via a rather convoluted route) has been killed serving in Afghanistan.  Our thoughts go to his Mum, David, his sister Elizabeth and her family, his fiancee Claire, the rest of the family and all those that knew him.

Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, was only 22 and will be missed by so many.

Creative in Caversham

This weekend I'm lucky enough to be visiting the Harper Household in Caversham, Reading.  It means I get to sit at their dining table and craft with my lovely friend Jean and be fed and watered by her wonderful husband Richard and entertained by their fabulous son Nick.

Whilst Jean was busy scrapbooking the school theatre productions, I got on with some homework - articles for magazines.  But once I'd finished that I had time to make a couple of cards.

This one was inspired by the sketch challenge at Totally Papercrafts.  As soon as I saw the sketch I knew I wanted to make a card that opened at an unusual angle.  The little birdie is stamped and then paper-pieced.

Then I decided to have some fun with some shaped easel cards.  These were inspired by challenges at:

Meljen's Designs - show us your shape

Allsorts - animals

Daring Cardmakers - shaped easel card

Jean and I also found time in between the rain to have a visit to a local craft fair, where as well as buying a new jumper I also got to meet Oscar the Owl!

Happy Bank Holiday weekend bloggers xxx