Valencian Championships

Before today there wasnt much to sing about in the Valencians for San Luis apart from Keith Roberts & Phil Morrachan getting to the semi final of the Mens Pairs.
Today has been a different story, we now have 2 Mens Fours teams in the semi final but they unfortunately have to play each other, but that guarantees us a finalist. Allen, Dane Howard, Mike Cox & Colin Highland will play Joe Johnson, Rod Wright, Trevor Vanner & Ray Robson.
In the Ladies Singles we had 4 entries. Sheila Cox had a brilliant game this morning scoring a four on the final end to beat Ann Holland, who had beaten her previous opponent 21-0. Unfortunately, Sheila got off to a slow start in this afternoons match against Spanish squad member Ann Eagle and never recovered, losing 21-14.
The other three ladies all progressed to the quarter finals, where Val Sherry will play against Ann Eagle, Mel Highland having beaten Sabrina Marks will play Maggie Furness & I will play Barbara Pilling. All these will be played tomorrow at 10am. Fingers crossed we can all get to the semi final.

Here We Go

Yesterday evening was the opening ceremony for this years Valencian Championships, which start today.
As well as competing this year I am also the organiser so there wont be much time to sit & smell the roses!
At San Luis I have 2 able helpers to look after the paperwork (OK so they were conned into doing it). Rod Wright & Peter Cox.
Now we start crossing our fingers & watching the skies hoping that the dreaded "gota fria" wont arrive & mess up the best laid plans.

Wedding Order

I have finally finished the order for Wedding Reception stationery.  Delivery tomorrow ready for the wedding on Sunday. In total I have made 108 place settings & 13 table numbers plus a table plan with 13 medium size settings attached to cerise pink card. Everyone of the 134 items had to be hand cut plus a rose for each one. Then organza ribbon was attached & finally a matching bow. It is the first time I have done an order of this type but am really happy with the final results.

The table numbers & place settings - couldnt photograph all of them so just done 3 of each. Luckily they are going to write everyones names on the place settings.

The table plan all ready for them to fasten on their typed table lists.





Carnations for Mum

One of the Craftuprint designers Robyn Cockburn has recently done a range of her designs with Carnations on. These were my Mums favourite flowers & I dedicate this post to her. It is more than 26 years since her death & I still miss her. So Mum wherever you are - this ones for you xxxxx



Brendas first hand crafted card

Brenda & Rod have been visiting us from Dorset.

While here their friends Nancy & John have been housesitting & looking after their dogs etc. Brenda has been helping cut out craft sheets for the cards I make & has made a thank you card for John & Nancy who are keen bowlers.

The picture shows Brenda proudly displaying her first ever hand crafted card.



Camera Club BBQ

Yesterday Allen & I went to a Camera Club barbecue with Rod & Maxine. It was held at the Grand Designs house "La Pedrera". We could all remember the house being featured on the TV show so it was interesting to see it up close.

The house has a large 2 tier swimming pool connected with a slide.

It overlooks a lake & scrubland with not a neighbour in sight.

Before & after the barbecue the men took part in a photo treasure hunt. They were given a topic & then they had 15 minutes to go take 1 photo, before returning & having it loaded into the computer. They did 2 of these before the food was served and another 2 afterwards. They will learn their fate on Tuesday evening at the last camera club meeting of the summer.

While we were eating there were a couple of largish lizards appeared & wandered around under chairs & tables. Of course with so many photographers there they must have thought they were film stars.









Orchids & Butterflies

I have just tried a new large easel design card by Carol Dunne & am really pleased with the finished result.
It features large orchids & butterflies. Enhanced with gold pearls & glitter Im sure it will be a big success.



Trial for Designer

I recently asked a designer to do me some matching inserts for some of sheets that I have. When she replied she asked me whether I would try out 2 new kits that she was doing to see what I think. Having agreed she sent me the kits through & I set to work.
Both are on the same theme of cascades for weddings. The first is a straight edge with curved banners. Based on a template from Carol Dunne.

The main thing I liked on this design were the individual letters to put onto the banners & although it makes a great card it doesnt for me have that wow factor. But......

This is the second design which has a scalloped top to the sides & straight banners. Now this one certainly has the wow factor. The decoupage work on both is the same.
I reported back to Deborah, sending her the photos & giving her the couple of small things that need changing. She has told me to chose a design from Craftsuprint and she will send it to me free as a thank you.
If you want to see more of my cards click on the link above. To see more designs by DEBORAH DAVIES click on the link then go to Card Making & select a designer.





Scalloped Broderie Anglaise Cards

Ann Marie Vaux has just released some new designs for a scalloped square card. These all have lace on & look great when completed. Have just done 4 & uploaded to Craftsuprint. If you want to view more great designs click on the banner at the top.



Wasp Sting

On Tuesday I got stung by a wasp. By the evening my leg was swollen & very painful so a visit to the clinic resulted in an antihistamine injection which they assured me would solve the problem.

DAY 1

Yesterday morning, not only had it not gone down but it was larger. I went off to bowl but it was very painful & I had shooting pains down the shin into my foot. After bowls we went to the chiropractor & by the time we left there there was a swelling from my knee to about 4 inches above my ankle & about 3/4 of the way around my leg.
We decided to call at the hospital. They were concerned that as the initisl sting was on a vein that it might have caused a thrombosis but after loads of tests they confirmed that it was a very severe reaction to the wasp toxin. I have tablets & cream to use for 6 days & keep it out of the sun.

DAY 2

It is slightly better this morning but not much. Just hoping that it starts to improve more & that the pain disappears.