Wednesday 14 March 2012

Hopping through March

Wow...what fabulous weather we are having this week. The afternoons have really felt like spring...gorgeous warm sunshine. Billy has loved it and in the mornings has basked in the early sunshine on my studio roof. Usually he stays in the house when I go to work but this week he has chosen to stay out in the sunshine.
My pots of bulbs in the garden are now racing away and I have seen my tulips are pushing up fast.


On the left is a parrot tulip which should be in flower in the next few weeks.



All my Tete a Tete daffodils are now in full flower and spend the day nodding in the sunshine. Every time I walk past them they make me smile.











What wonderful flowers they are and they just last and last. Some of my later varieties of daffodils are also in bud and I look forward to seeing them. 












Just look how contented my Billy is, basking in the sunshine. He is so funny, I cannot  take any photos without him coming to check out what is going on.


So all this spring weather has got me thinking about Easter, my second favourite time of year next to my beloved Christmas ( I know that will grate with so many people,sorry Vivienne ;0).  I realised  that I have neglected making some more of my bag charms for my Etsy shop so I managed to find some really cute rabbit charms and made this one;





I have popped it (or should I say it has hopped) into my Etsy Shop here
*** * EDIT 15.3.12** This bag charm sold immediately (thank you V). I have listed a new version here in my Etsy Shop. If you would like a specific colour made just email me or convo me via Etsy. *****





I also had a recent purchase of 6 of my handmade cards from one buyer in my Etsy shop so I am trying to re stock those too.








And also on the same theme I decided to make a card to suit and came up with this newest one.

She is another Gorjuss girl stamp..I really do  love these. I coloured her with my Promarker pens and highlighted with Prismacolor pencils. I used some really bright spring colours inspired by looking at all my lovely pots of daffodils. I  was able to use my new Martha Stewart butterfly punch to hand punch some spring butterflies. Even the Prima Paper flower is inspired by my garden pots.I think that there is also a touch of St. Patrick's day about my card.......





Here she is in close up. She will also be added to my Etsy shop stock.
I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Joanna Sheen March Challenge Spring is in the air
Simon Says Stamp A bit 'O Green
Divas by Design Citrus Colours #26
I love Promarkers Anything Goes #108
Crafting for all Seasons Use Green and Yellow #22
Papertake Weekly Challenge For the Girls or Mum
Paper Sundaes Feminine Flair #111
Cupcake Inspirations Shamrock photo inspiration #151
The Squirrel and The Fox Someone or something you love from all my recent posts you should be able to tell that the something I LOVE are daffodils :0)
Penny Black Allsorts  March Challenge Spring Time
Cupcake Craft Challenge Spring bouquet



The sun is still shining brightly as I finish writing this post and it's gone 5pm. I noticed yesterday that it was daylight until nearly 6pm and at this time of the year the daylight lengthens by 4 minutes a day. So if you are reading this post later in the week we will have gained nearly half an hour's daylight.....yippee!

I have a day in my Studio tomorrow as I have one of those rare "at home" non working days.  I must get on with the Bridal Jewellery for my daughter's wedding. I shall be making up the pearl earrings and hopefully my necklace and bracelet. There are 136 days to go but the time is now flying past so I really do need to get a move on. I have the glass lampwork beads for my MOTB necklace and bracelet (that's Mother of the Bride to anyone who does not have marriage age children....I had no idea what is stood for when I first saw it) made by my great buddy in the USA Lynn  My wonderful UK lampwork buddy Laney is in the process of making some totally gorgeous beads for the bridesmaids. They are all totally unique one of a kind beads which match the dress fabrics. What a lucky girl I am to be able to have such talented ladies tailor make me beads for the wedding outfits. I will share some sneak peeks but cannot totally give away secrets of my outfit or the birdesmaids. As for Milly's dress that is TOP secret ;0)  I may be able to show her necklace and earrings but anything else will have to wait until after the Big Day!

Enjoy the rest of the week and I hope some of our sunshine can reach you wherever you are in the world. Happy St Patrick's Day for Saturday and Happy Mother's Day to all the UK Mums out there for Sunday.
Thank you all for your lovely visits and the kind comments that you leave; they bring even more sunshine into my days.

Bye for now,

Jane x

46 comments:

  1. SOLD!!!! The bunny bag charm is mine, all mine! :)
    You are so lucky with sunshine Jane, we have been under a blanket of cloud all week. It has been mild and dry but grey. On the plus side being further north it is still light here now at 6.30 pm.
    Good to see Billy enjoying the sunshine though. :)
    Your card is so pretty and very springlike.
    Looking forward to seeing the wedding jewellery, I do know what you mean about all the secrecy!
    Have a lovely weekend and happy Mothers Day to you too.
    V x

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  2. I think that is my quickest sale! Thanks so much Vivienne...your bunny will be hopping over to you in the morning. It's a shame re your lack of sunshine, we have more than enough to share. Happy St Patrick's day and Mother's day my friend.
    Jane x

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  3. I knew Vivienne will snatch that charm the minute I saw it!!!! You, my dear friends, I have learned to know quite well over the years :)! Lovely work, Jane, both the charm and the card!

    And Billy, what a sweet (and brave!) boy he's inspecting your yard from that roof, and he's really enjoying the sunshine! I wish your soon-to-be-weekend is as beautiful also!

    And the wedding...I just can't wait!!!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  4. beautiful card love the image she's so cute thanks for joining us at PTW hugs Jill xx

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  5. Our Vivienne does love her bunnies doesn't she Mia! I shall get this bunny hopping her way tomorrow and put another in my shop after my studio day tomorrow. It is my quickest sale ever and I did wonder if I had left it as a draft listing in my shop as it vanished so quickly! She is so kind to give it a home ;0) Billy is loving the sunshine but it does look like rain is heading here for the weekend. We really do need it. The wedding plans are coming along so well..time is flying by.
    Jane x

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  6. Thanks for your visit Jill,
    Jane x

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  7. Awwww...she's so sweet! Lovely image and card! Thanks so much for linking up at Cupcake Inspirations this week! Good luck,
    Rene :D

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  8. She is a sweet image isn't she Rene, thanks for visiting,
    Jane x

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  9. beautiful card ...lovely details and colors

    Tina
    sweetie dt

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  10. I am so jealous of your flowers, but I've finally gotten some sunshine. I love the pic of Billy on the peak of your roof :) Looking forward to seeing your progress on wedding jewelry!

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  11. Hello Jane,
    What a pretty and fun post with Billy and your spring flowers. I love the colors and want some here. I know it will come soon. Vivienne was so lucky to pick up the charms so quickly. Lovely charms. I need to get one, I gifted the 2 I bought before. Your newest card is great. Love the little girl, the colors are so spring-like and yummy together.
    The Big Day will be here before you know.....but don't worry you have time!
    Have a great day off, xoRobin❤

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    1. Hi Robin. Vivienne was so quick ;-) The flowers are all looking so cheerful here in the sun. Sending some rays your way. Its bedtime here now....nearly studio time..yipee!
      Jane x

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  12. My flowers are such a joy Linda. Billy loves that spot....king of the castle:-) I am looking forward to my studio day in the morning.I shall keep you posted.
    Jane x

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  13. I love that pic of your cat on the roof. He's gorgeous.

    Your card is very pretty. I do like the Gorjuss girls. Thanks for taking part at I ♥ Promarkers this week.

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  14. Hi Jane, What a pretty spring card this is. I love the layout and colour combo. Thank you for joining us this month over at The Joanna Sheen Challenge. Good luck in the draw.
    Hugs
    Suzi x

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  15. You're so lucky to have some nice weather. We're in a rainy spell here in Oregon USA. I made a sterling silver wire wrapped Swarovski crystal tiara for my daughter to get married in.. and we got her some black pearl earrings and matching necklace too. I can't wait to see your wedding jewelry! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  16. I'm so happy for you Jane for having a wonderful weather! Enjoy with Billy!
    What a wonderful bag charm and card again - they help me to find eastern mood!
    Have a great, sunny weekend!
    x Teje

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  17. Forgot to say Congratulations for your sale!

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  18. Hi Lorraine, Billy just loves that spot and is right there this morning! Thanks for your visit,
    Jane x

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  19. Thanks so much Suzi,
    Jane x

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  20. The sun is shining again this morning Teresa and I am just about to head out to my Studio...watch this space ;0)
    Jane x

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  21. Easter is just around the corner now Teje, glad I got you in the mood,
    Jane x

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  22. ...and thanks for your 2nd comment too!
    Jane x

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  23. I enjoyed joining the challenge, thanks!
    Jane x

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  24. Happy pre-Mother's Day, Jane! And wow...MOTB is coming up soon! Exciting!! Love the photos of your dear Billy and those amazing flowers. Daffodils are some of my most favorite. And wow!! Wonderful re: your cards at the Etsy shop and your beautiful jewelry! You are on fire! : ) Thank you so much for your lovely visit..I am delayed at visiting but always enjoy seeing your posts. Have a lovely weekend!!

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  25. Thanks Shirely..I managed to get my necklace and bracelet made, all but the clasps, it took me ALL day as I kept changing things but I am really pleased with the results. Thanks for your kind wishes for Sunday...I will see my son but my daughter is working nights so will have to skip being with her this year. Have a great weekend,
    Jane x

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  26. What a beautiful card Jane. Those Gorjuss stamps are just great. Glad I found your blog, am now a new follower. Love Katie xx

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  27. Hi there Katie, thanks for joining in the fun here and a warm welcome to my blog. I love the Gorjuss girls, next to LOTV I think they are my favourites stamps. Have a lovely weekend,
    Jane x

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  28. Lovely to see all the spring flowers and sunshine in your post, Jane. And how happy Billy looks! I like your pretty little card! Hope the sun is still shining where you are and wishing you a Happy Mother's Day.
    Helen x

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    1. It poured with rain yesterday Helen but this morning the sun is back for Mothers Day. I hope you enjoy a sunny day too.
      Jane x

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  29. Ahhh you are so sweet to visit today, Jane! Thank you! Hedgepigs!! I've not ever heard that term before. How very interesting! Wishing you a lovely weekend with your hubby and Billy. It's raining cats and dogs over here but we surely need it. And have a super week ahead!

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    1. Hi Shirley your drawing was just so sweet!
      Jane x

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  30. Gorgeous girlie card. Thanks for joining us at Paper Sundaes for our feminine flair challenege
    Hugs
    Kat xx

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  31. Sweet card and gorgeous cat! Thank you for joining us at Cupcake Inspirations.

    Happy Crafting!
    Jen (JLJ Designs)
    My Blog

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    1. Thanks Jen for liking Billy and my card ;-)
      Jane x

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  32. Gorgeous card Jane.

    Thanks for joining us this week over at Diva's

    Hugs
    Jayne
    x

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  33. Lovely card Jane. Thanks for joining us this month at the Cupcake Craftroom.

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  34. Thanks and hi Jayne
    Jane x

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  35. Gorgeous card.

    Thanks for joining us this week at Diva's

    Hugs
    Jayne
    x

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  36. Thanks for stopping by Jayne,
    Janex

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  37. Fabulous card chick - I love your bit of green :) Thank you for joining us over at the Simon Says Stamp challenge. Hugs, Dawny x

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Jane x