So Long to My Legend...

Blogs are great for many things...those things you already know without me having to fill you in. However, one thing that they are good for, but which I don't use mine for that often is letting all your inner feelings out about something that affects your whole being. Hope you don't mind me using my blog for this purpose just this once. I promise normal cheerful service will be resumed soon after!

It's really hard to say how I feel right now...right at this moment in time as I type this. I suppose the right way to put it is a mash of emotions - shocked, but not shocked, distraught yet together. For someone I 'know', someone who I grew up being completely infactuated with has gone to hopefully a better place. However, I didn't really know him, so why do I feel such a loss?

Micheal Jackson was such a great influence on my life from when I was about 10 years old, and from that day when I first bought Thriller with my birthday money my life has never been the same. To say that I was infactuated by him is putting it mildly. I was always listened to his music, bought all the posters (one of my favourite is the picture above), scarves, even a white glove. I Wore the white plasters, and the black arm band, sewed the patches onto my jacket, cut out his picture or any article about him from magazines and put it into a scrapbook. I also suscribed to 'The King magazine' - all about Michael, written by his fans, for his fans. I had more arguments than I can remember defending his name with the others at school that just didn't like him. Whenever a new single came out, I just HAD to buy it in 7", 12" and special edition 7" and 12" formats. My mum used to think I was mad! She said if I spent as much time on my school work as I did on Michael Jackson I'd be sorted. he really was my whole world.

When I was 17, Michael was touring with the Dangerous World Tour and I couldn't wait to see him, for real. I went with my best friend, Anne Wood, and I remember us practicing running as fast as we could to make sure that we would get to the front of the crowd! As I reminice now, it seems so silly, but at the time it made perfect sense. I saved and saved for that concert, and bought every t-shirt, poster and souvenir catalogue going to declare my love for the King of Pop. The atmosphere was electric, and I remember when it was time for the concert to start, and the music started, I cried like a baby, and nearly fainted. I didn't thank goodness, as Anne said " get a grip or you'll miss him coming on!" It was without doubt (up to that point in my life anyway) the best three hours of my life.

Of course, as I matured, went to University and subsequently got a job, my infactuation for Michael waned somewhat, but I still bought his CD's and was lucky enough to go again to see him in the 'Blood is on the Dancefloor' Tour. He was still as spellbingingly magical as always.

When 'those' allergations came out, I stood by him like any good friend should. I (again) got into heated discussions with family and friends, and in the end he was found innocent. When some of my friends and family, along with the media were on a witch hunt out for his blood, I listened to the edidence and yes, I think he was naive, and badly advised, but I still believed in him. I don't think he every really recovered after that.

Now he is gone, and I feel just as I did back then, loving him so much. My feelings seem so irrational, but then he was a huge part of my life. He got me though some bad times, bullying at school and the like, but when I got home his songs were always there. Can you mourn someone you never really 'knew'. In my opinion I think so.

So back then, when he was out of favour with the press, after the Martin Bashir Interview and the trial, the media still in my opinion treated him like he had been found guilty of those terrible things. And now...well, now they can't wait to put his image on the front of thir papers and tell stories about what they found at his postmortem cancerning his cosmetic surgery, his hair - on the cover of one paper they even boast about an 'exclusive' last picture of Michael in the ambulance, intubated and probably gone. How callous and severely distasteful does someone have to be to stoop so low as to even think about taking a picture of a man in his final minutes of life? SHAME ON THEM. As far as I'm concerned they are the lowest of the low, and if they are a member of the emergency services as I suspect, they should be struck off for such a terrible betrayal of a man's right to privacy and dignity. Please, let's just stop this media circus that has surrounded him all his life and treat him with some respect.

I plan to remember him as I have always done. A genius, an extremely talented, kind individual. I will miss you every day Michael, but your music and your lagacy with be with me forever. Thanks for some great memories. This video says it all - Gone Too Soon.



all my love,

Clare x

Hi Honey, I'm Home!

Arrived back from Oz a few days ago, and so far I haven't had a minute to draw breath, never mind upload my photos onto my computer to share with you. I'm soooo sorry and I'm dying to share my pics on here (and I will) but I'm a little pre-occupied with prep and planning for QVC.

I'm on there on Tuesday morning (23rd June) at Midnight, and then at numerous times throughout the day, so you don't have to be Derek Acorah to work out what that means do you? also I've taken this piccy from the Do Crafts website which will give you a clue to what we'll be demoing, need I say more?

I'm so excited, I'm practically buzzing, but there is so much still to be done. I went to London Tarn yesterday for a rehearsal and some promo filming, which is all very exciting, but tiring, especially spending 7 hours of a day too-ing and fro-ing on a train. I also had to book a hotel for two nights too, no mean feat when I realised that Wimbledon starts on Monday too and everywhere is booked up. Ah well, Lizzy Windsor has a few spare rooms in her house and she says I can have one of those, as long as I don't mind sharing with the corgis and trotting them for a walk when changing of the guards finished.

Well, better get on!

Love, Clare x

G'Day from Down Under!

Well, here I am! I arrived safely, although mega tired! I don't sleep on planes and this time was no exception! I tried my best - but it was no good. I got a taxi to the hotel (it was 7.30 am on a Saturday morning after I had set off on Thursday evening at 5.30pm - how mad is that?), and we were nearly involved in a car accident, we were two behind the car that must have skidded in the rain and hit a barrier. Looked right a right off to me. Hope they're okay, as the taxi driver reversed out of the traffic jam and carried on his way, so I don't know!

I've arrived three days earlier than Phil and Richard (My colleagues) in order to do a little sight seeing. After checking in, I went to have a look around Sydney Harbour (my hotel is literally on the harbour front - I mean, you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from my hotel room - how cool is that!) and it really is stunning - the Opera House and Bridge in it's full glory! Got LOADS of pictures which I'm sure you will be begging me to stop showing you when I get home. Found a little market in the Rocks (the oldest part of Sydney and really the Birthplace of Modern Australia, as this is where the first settlers landed back in...along time ago.) and bought myself a gorgeous solid silver ring as a way of a memento of my trip. Went back to my hotel room and thought I'd have a little nap... when I woke up it was 5.00 on my watch, but I didn't know which 5.00 - am or pm? It was just getting dark - or just getting light, and I was completely confused 'till about an hour later when I ventured into the lift and the Date and time was displayed. Jet lag really does do funny things to you - I really would have believed you if you told me it was 5am on Sunday morning - or 5pm Sunday night, as it felt like I had slept forever!

The next day I went to Sydney Wildlife World, and did something I have always wanted to do... have my picture taken with a Koala! I've had them put onto a disc so I can put them on here when I get home too - can't wait to show you - they are sooo cute! Also spent time with Kookaburra's, Kangaroos and Possums, plus load of other animals from all over Australia. They are kept in surroundings which reflect their natural environment, and the enclosures were pretty big too, so they got my seal of approval.

This morning I went to get a closer look at the Sydney Opera House, and of course took some pictures in colour and black and white for some good ol' scrapbook pages! Also took the ferry to Darling harbour and walked back. I feel like I've walked for England this last two days!

Richard and Phil arrive tomorrow, and it will be great to see them and talk to a familiar face. Everyone is very friendly here, but it's nice to share an experience with someone you know isn't it? Then it will be up to Brisbane on Wednesday for work, and I'm really looking forward to it! Apart from a bit of colouring on the plane, I haven't done any craftig since Wednesday last week and I'm craving a bit of stamping, cutting and sticking!

Anyhoo, I'd better get gone and get ready for dinner... see you all later - next time with pictures!

Love, Clare x

Just One More Sleep....

...'till the mammoth journey to Australia begins! I'm rather excited, but whenever I'm going any place further than my back door I tend to worry that I've forgotten anything, until the age old phrase that my mum says jumps into my mind..." As long as you've got your passport, tickets and bank card - you can buy everything else"...and that settles me for a while, well at least until I take another breath.

Just before I turn off my laptop for the next two weeks, I wanted to share a few cards with you that I have been prepping for the show in Brisbane. I don't know whether I'll be bringing them back with me, so I have taken pictures of them now.

For the cards and scrapbook pages - I know, me - a scrapbook page!) I have used the Papermania Touch of Teal and Touch of Pink kits. Can you guess which one is which?

On this card I have used the Touch of Teal kit, and added soome black organza ribbon and brads.

I've kept this card very simple and only added brads to the kit.

I really enjoyed creating this scrapbook page. The Statue of liberty is one of my most favourite monuments, and I thought these black and white photographs worked well on the teal colour scheme. the skyline was vut from my quickutz Silhouette SD. LOVIN' that machine!

This one is from the Touch of Pink Kit (you don't say!) I added some Anita's black grossgrain ribbon, and the greeting is from the Clare Curd Ssignature Range Sentiments Stamp Set. I created the black scalloped edge by using small punched circles.

I think this card shows the beautiful papers included within the pack, which also includes double sided cardstock. Also there are beautiful stickers and other embellishments. I've added a greeting from the CCSR sentiments stamp set, which finishes the card off nicely.

The main rose embellishment on this card was cut from a gorgeous sheet of patterned cardstock, and I decoupaged using silicone glue. The greeting is from the Daisy and Dandelion Message Set.

My final offering to you tonight is this scrapbook page, which again I had so much fun putting together. Who would have thought it eh? The gorgeous frame around the photograph was cut from...yes, you guessed it - the Silhouette SD! The cute lettering is all included within the lit, and I tarted up the lettering with Anit's 3D clear gloss. I love that stuff! it really brings out the glitter already present on the letters.

Anyhoo, I'd better spend some time with my much neglected but cherished Husband. Have a wonderful couple of weeks, and hopefully I will get to blog over in Oz!

Stay safe and keep well!

Love, Clare x

Shop 'till you Drop!

How much can a girl need for a trip!

I mean, it's not like I never go anywhere, and just sit in my jogger bottoms and an old t-shirt in the house on a daily basis (okay, well it is like that, but still). I have shopped for England today, seriously, if it was an Olympic sport, the British Olympic Committe could do worse than to put me on their team.

Today I have managed to get my hands on: three pairs of trousers/cropped trousers, about three tops, a pair of smart flip floppy sandals, a small bag, a flight bag, a passport holder, a travel document holder, numerous toiletries, including pro plus (positively essential when travelling to the other side of the world), travel sized shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (for usage whilst mid travel) travel insurance, plug adaptor, a new lens cap and filter for my camera (my old one broke), ....and I just know there is more but I just can't think!

Whilst shopping, a very embarrassing thing happened too. I was stood, minding my own business choosing a shower gel from a shelf in Boots, when the whole (top) shelf collapsed and thus caused a cascade of shower gels to fall at my feel. I stood there, not quite knowing what to do, trying to hold the shelf up whilst still grasping for dear life onto the shower gel of choice. The racket that that the shower gels falling to the floor made brought a good few people to my aid, luckily one being an assistant who swooped into action, and a number of kind hearted people who just stopped what they were doing to come and help. It's kind gestures such as these that restore my faith in the Human Race. And a number of people gathered around also helps to disguise who was the guilty party.

Anyhoo, off to have a little relax after all that excitement before I go to bed. There is a new challenge tomorrow on the Stampin' Chic blog, so why not have a look and see if it takes your fancy?

Love, Clare x

Do You Live in a Land Down Under?

Then as the song says " you'd better run, you'd better take cover!"

What, I hear you ask are you talking about - have you gone completely Bodmin (can you tell I'm watching my Doc Martin DVD as I type this?)

I have had the most wonderful honour bestowed upon me, and I'm bursting with excitement and trepidation.

Do Crafts are starting to supply all their wonderful products to Australia, and I've been asked go to Australia and, amongst other things, demonstrate at the Brisbane Scrapbook and Papercrafts Expo! How exciting is that!!! This job sometimes takes up all my time, but I wouldn't have it any other way, and I thank my lucky stars to be doing a job that I love.

I fly out next Thursday and arrive in Sydney on Saturday, and then I have three days of sight seeing. apparently the hotel is right by Sydney harbour! Then the work begins, when a couple of my colleagues will join me and we travel to Brisbane.

Got lots to sort out for the trip, including card samples for the booth and then there's sorting out my luggage (I need new) and ordering dollars etc.

See you later!

Love, Clare x

Doc Martin, I presume?

Well, what a lovely week it's been! I'm on the last day of a lovely week's holiday, we went down to Cornwall and stayed in a caravan in Perranporth, which was lovely, although windy at times (being on top of a hill by the sea in a glorified tin can)There were moments when I preyed the chains holding down the caravan would hold on, or we would have flying through the air like Dorothy's house in the Wizard of Oz.

Of course, David and Joesph were wax lyrical about the fact that Saturday was definitely the best day weather wise, how they'd sat on the beach and built sandcastles and generally frolicked. I missed that day of the holiday, being at the Glitter Pot, but I also had a wonderful day, covered in craft goodies (and maybe taking a few home with me too ;).

We packed in quite a lot over the week, and mostly the weather was kind to us, I only think it spotted down with rain for about ten minutes once, and that can't be bad for a British Holiday in May. However, without a doubt in my mind, the highlight - the shining moment for me was visiting the sleepy, but utterly stunning little by the sea village of Post Isaac. I have wanted to visit this part of Cornwall for some time now, and I got my chance. In fact, sad as it may sound for a village that's about the size of a football field, with only a scattering of quaint little boutiques and nick nacky stores, I visited twice - once with David and Joseph - and again on my own (I knew David couldn't hold back that look of boredom for a second time).

The Harbour at Port Isaac

Look at that gorgeous sea!

So why was there a uncontrollable magnetising force to visit this unspoilt sea side haven, you may ask? well apart for it being utterly beautiful etc etc, it's also where one of my favourite programmes of all time - Doc Martin is filmed. And Guess What. They were there. Filming. While we were there. OMG.

Doc Martins House/Surgery

Hellooo Doc, are you there?

View from Doc Martins Surgery (I know he's not real, but he's a lucky beggar all the same.)

Okay, so I didn't get to see anything, as they were filming inside at the rear of Miss Glasson's house, but we could see the filming lights and we heard them shout 'CUT!' And I didn't get to see Martin Clunes (who, by the way I find dead droppingly gorgeous as the Doc), but just the thought that he may have walked round the corner and given me one of his grumpy looks was enough for me. That's probably why (well, okay - it IS) the reason I went back; to try and catch a glimpse of the Doc in the flesh so to speak, and maybe even have a photograph with him, and a bit of a chat...but when I went on the second visit, even thought the weather was better than the first day there, there were no signs of filming movement at all.

'Cup Cakes' Cafe

We had lunch in a gorgeous little cafe called 'Cup Cakes', which we found tucked down a windy little side street. and it was heaven just walking around the narrow paths and streets, taking in the laid back lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the tourist traps. To say this place is on TV, it was surprisingly quiet - however, this is the start of the summer season, and I can imagine it a lot busier at the height of summer.

It really made my holiday to visit Port Isaac (can you tell?), and I can't seem to get the memory of it out of my head. You know when you have a impression of a place, but when you get there, you're let down, well, this was completely the opposite for me. If you ever do get the chance to visit, please do take it- you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be visiting again, and maybe next time I'll get a chance to meet the Doc and touch him - for real (I think I've lost it!).

Be back later - hope you enjoyed looking a the photos!

Love, Clare x

Fun at the Glitter Pot.

Things certainly do sparkle at the Glitter Pot!

I had such a great day at the Glitter Pot today! I arrived nice and early, just so I would have a chance to have a looky-looky around. I visited the Gllitter Pot a couple of years ago, and it was a gem of a shop then, but since they have expended the shop by about two thirds and now - well, it's the Crown Jewels!

My demo table was in between kay Carley and Stamping Caz! Wow! What an honour. After I'd set up I had a good look around and I couldn't wait until I could get out my purse and spend, spend, spend! Then Paula Pascual arrived, and it was really lovely to see her again. Julie Hickey was also demoing at the event, and she was truely an inspiration to me when I was new to crafting and now, so it was lovely to be working along side one of my crafting idols.

The day was very busy, and it was lovely to have a good old natter about all things crafty and hopefully pass on some tips and little tricks. I was demoing the Daisy and Dandelion Stamps which are exclusive to the Glitter Pot, and they proved very popular!

This is one of the cards that I created using the exclusive stamps. I've simply masked the centre rabbit image, and then stamped dandelion and bubbles to overlap. When the mask is removed it appears that the are standing behind the rabbit. As a Meerkat would say... "Simples"!

The paper and velvet spotted cardstock is Doodlebug.

Well, better get back to watching Dodgeball, and then get some shut eye for tomorrows demos. Thanks for visiting, have a great Sunday and Bank Holiday!

love, Clare x

stampin' Chic Colour Challenge #3 Turquoise and Yellow

Well, here is my offering for the Colour Challenge over on the Stampin' Chic Blog! it was Sheila and Kath's turn to set the challenge this week, and again as lots of the other DT members have said, yellow is not a colour I would normally reach for, but knowing Sheila very well, she LOVES yellow. She even has a yellow car (which is super easy to spot in a car park, making it a doddle to locate your car!) I created the main image using my new crafting bestest friend - The Quickutz Silhouette SD. I cut out the branch from one of the files, and added the stamped flowers which are from the flower border stamp from the Doodles Stamp Set. I also cut the tab with the Silhouette, it's so great how you can resize things to get them just the right size for a greeting or anything! The greeting of course is from the Sentiments Set. I finished the flowers off with some Anita's 3d Clear Gloss, my other crafting best friend.

Well, I hope you like it, I really enjoyed making this one too! Thanks for a great challenge also Sheila and Kath, I shall certainly be using this combination again!

Supplies: Papers: Papermania Clare Curd Signature Range 'the Big One'. Doodlebug Bumblebee la fleur, Core'dinations Cardstock in white and aqua; Stamps and Ink: Papermania Clare Curd Signature Range Doodles and Sentiments, Colorbox Amber clay chalk ink; Embellishments: branch and tab from Quickutz Silhouette SD electronic Die Cutter, Doodlebug Swimming Pool Boutique Trims.

Love, Clare x

What's Going On!

I really can't believe it's been so long since I last posted, so much has happened since then. I have had my computer sorted (Domestic and General came up trumps and gave me the contact details of another repairer who was able to sort it out over the phone), and off I went to QVC and back home again on Friday for the Papermania hour which was tiring but great fun!

Now I'm busy prepping for the demo weekend at the Glitter Pot! I'm so looking forward to it I can't tell you. I'll get to see Paula Pascual again (even though I saw her on Friday!), and I'll get to shop at one of the most amazing Craft stores in the UK! I'll be demonstrating (amongst other things) an exclusive Daisy and Dandelion stamp set, only available at the Glitter Pot (photo to follow), as well as my range of stamps and the Forever Friends Range. It would be really great if you could come along, and do say hello if you can make it!

I've also got to do my cards for Clare's Corner of the Do Crafts Creativity! Magazine and also the workshop using the fantastic new Quickutz Silhouette SD. I've had a bit of a play with this little baby, and I absolutely love it! I could fill a magazine just with this machine!

Anyhoo, better get on. Hope you're all well and enjoying this gorgeous weather we're having.

Love, Clare x