And the winner is...................................

I wrote the names and cut them out...............
I put them in a lovely box.................

On went the lid and I shook them around........
And drew out the winning name......................

ANNIE-C !!!!!!

Congratulations Annie.

Thank you all for the lovely comments over the last week, and I'm sorry not everyone could win.

I'm also sorry that I didn't post the winner on Saturday as promised but we've had a nightmare weekend regarding the decorating. I won't bore you all with the details, but I will say that we have (I hope) turned a corner now.
If I have my way the bulk will be done by the weekend, but then again nothing has really gone to plan so far eeekkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be in touch with Annie via the Shabby Chic Cafe (I opened the draw there too for people without google accounts.

I must say it has been fun running the draw, so I might not wait a year for the next one so Watch This Space.

With love and blessings in Christ
Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Blog-a-versary to me!!!!!!

I can hardly believe it's been just over a year since I started my blog, it's gone so fast. I almost missed my Blog-a-versary we've been in such a tiz this last week, so I thought I'd wait until the weekend before I made this post.

I remember when I started I really didn't know what I'd say, or if I'd have anything to say, but here I am still plodding on a year later.

The last week has been a bit of a trial, nothing really by worldly standards, but trying for us never the less. I won't bore you with all the details, I'll just say we're decorating the living room and it hasn't all gone to plan (I'm sure many of you know that feeling!)

So, just to say thank you to all my readers for being there for me, and putting up with my ramblings, I'm having a give-away to celebrate the last year.

And here it is!


I designed the bag a month or so ago (probably more like 2) and this is (so far) just 1 of 4. Each has its own little quirk, (this one has a different button to it's sister) so there is only 1 just like this.
This one is made from a beautifully pattern baby cord and faux suede outside, and has long straps to fit on your shoulder nice and secure for shopping.
It's got a ribbon draw string, and 2 pockets inside, a large zipped 1 and a little phone pocket too.
It's quite roomy inside and fully lined (even the pockets!)
And so far none are "owned" (not even by me) so the winner will be the first to have this design.

If you'd like a chance to own the bag, just leave a comment and I'll pull a name from the hat next Saturday (27th September) and announce the winner here.

I'd also just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has left comments over the last year,
it really does mean alot to know others are out there, and I am humbled by the comments left, especially on my last post. Thank you all xxxx

Love and blessings in Christ
Elaine
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Tea and Friendship.......

................... What a lovely combination (or maybe coffee or herbal for those who don't do tea)

Just how precious can friendship be? To me it's very precious. And to think I now have wonderful people who are my friends and all because of the WWW.
If anyone told me just a few years ago that I could have become such good and close friends with people I had never met I would have told them they were, quite frankly, barmy!!!!!!!!!
After all, how could I, who knew nothing at all about computers, possibly have friends because I use a computer. Just unheard of.

I thank God for the day my daughter decided to get an internet connection, over the past few years it has been a lifeline sometimes. I have found inspiration, conversation, ways of spending money I'd never dreamed of (oooppppsss) but the bestest thing, and the biggest blessing, has been the wonderful friendships formed.

So I'd like to share this lovely award from Lacey
with all of you out there, the wonderful people who share the one thing we all have in common.
Internet friendship and companionship.

Of course I am supposed to pass on this award, so the first thing I'll say is
"right back at you Lacey" xxx
I have to include my lovely friends Angel and Rasp, and all my very first internet friends from the now de-funct RTV forum, some of whom I'm still in regular contact with after all this time.
(to name a few...Anne, HG, Pip, Janie, Nige, Doug, Paul)
I'd love to include my newest friend Martha, and all my lovely friends at the Shabby Chic Cafe.

I should think I've waffled enough now so I'll just say a big "THANK YOU" to you all.

With love and blessings in Christ,
Elaine xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Green is the colour

August's swap at Shabby Chic Cafe was "Green", so I decided to set myself a challenge.
How much could I make from one thrifted pillow case? It was just an ordinary, average sized pillow case, and this is what I come up with.

Firstly a simple peg bag

Next came these napkin rings

I added paper napkins

Then I made the pillow

I had a little bit of fabric left so I made a small scented heart. I haven't loaded that picture on because it was dire, but you can see the heart dangling from the peg bag in the top photo.

So here's my challenge to you.
How much can you make from a pillow case?
Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Love and blessings in Christ
Elaine
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