Finishing what I started..

I often find myself having to walk away from a layout that's not working for me, but it is rare for me to not go back to it at some point.

I actually find that sometimes leaving it alone (sometimes for weeks!) helps me to focus on where I want it to go. It's a little like doing a crossword puzzle for me, I often find that answers I've struggled with sometimes leap out at me the next time I go back to it.

So here's one I started and struggled with at my last crop, this is my gorgeous grandson Elliott enjoying what can only be a rare moment of sunshine!!

busy, busy,busy!

Would you believe that already this year I have done no less that 16 layouts?! I think it's mostly down to the weather and not being able to venture out into the thick snow (that's my excuse anyway!).
I have decided that this year I WILL get around to all those layouts I have had on the back burner and I WILL complete all those I started and never got back to! (If I say it enough I might actually believe it myself!)
I have kept up with last years resolution to use up all my old stash and make it up into kits and I have found this really helpful and even enjoyable! Although weirdly my stash pile still isn't showing any signs of dwindling, although my albums are getting fuller!
Here's one of my recent efforts:

Still here!

I really am going to keep my new year's resolution to blog at least once a month ... I know you've heard it all before!!
So, to start off as I mean to go on, here's a quick layout:

Wanted!!

The latest addition to the Oakes household! He really is the cutest little convict there ever was!!!

celebrating friendship

Another layout from last month's retreat, this one is about my friend from school, even though school was a hundred years ago we're still in touch and still friends!

my first, my last....

admit it, you're all singing along now!! :)

and another...

This one was for one of the classes taught by my good friend Jemma, if you haven't checked out her blog then can I recommend you go have a look? She really is a very talented lady!
Despite the time it took to sew all those letters, I really enjoyed doing this one and thought the lovely bright papers worked really well with the photo of my granddaughter, Lexi.
Sadly I can't remember what the papers were, I'd had them in for ages, but aren't they wonderful?!

and some more...

my posts are becoming like buses, you don't get one for ages then two come along together!!

Here's another couple of layouts from the retreat

This is Gracie-Mae again, this time caught raiding the cupboards for goodies!! Judging by her face I'd say she found some!! There is such a mix of products on this layout from daisy Ds, fancy pants, K &co and BG - I told you I'm determined to use up my old stash!

and this layout is a celebration of the fact that we now have ten grandchildren! The papers I used were actually freebies from a scrapbook magazine, teamed with a few buttons and some kraft cardstock.

Still here!

It's been a while, and although my resolution this year was to update my blog more often I realise that I failed dismally!
Guess what next year's resolution will be?
Anyway I'm here now, so I may aswell mention the fab retreat I was on recently! Most of my team from UKScrappers were there along with some other friends - we even Skyped one friend while we were there.

Despite the accomodation and food being pretty basic the scrap room was fantastic, light and airy and plenty of space to spread out! I managed a staggering 14 layouts - unheard of for me! That's probably more than I had managed for the last 6 months!

Aswell as being productive it was also really relaxing, I came home feeling more chilled and relaxed than I have in a long time and we all had such a laugh, I didn't want to come home!

So I better post some layouts then!!

this one was quite cathartic for me, I came across this photo recently and asked my brother if he knew where it was - turned out to be my old school - now I either didn't recognise it because I atempted to spend as little time as possible there or I'd blotted the whole dismal memory out altogether. The school isn't there anymore, but I promise it wasn't me who knocked it down! Although had they called me I'd have been available to lend a hand!

On a more cheerful note....this is my adorable and cheeky granddaughter Gracie-Mae, I'd had these Karen Foster football stickers in for ages - I'm on a mission  to use up all my old stash....................I could be some time!!

Sneak peaks

It's mine turn again over at the Sarah's cards blog and I've been in a stiching frenzy!!

Here's a small taster of what I've been doing

why not pop over there and take a look?
Doods x