tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91080122643190232752024-02-08T06:20:51.283+00:00Mishaps In The MakingRamblings of a clumsy male crafter!Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-67254429289887957092015-05-05T15:21:00.003+01:002015-05-05T15:21:45.309+01:00Finally made a blanket!Hi all, hope you are all doing well....just wanted to show off my newly learnt craft and first finished item.....a crocheted blanket.<br />
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It's only a small lap blanket for Maddy's dogs, but i used it to learn on and make my mistakes. It's a bit wonky here and there but nothing that notices when you use it.<br />
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Really enjoyed this, prefer crochet a lot more that knitting, lot less stressfull, so hopefully it will be the first of many.<br />
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Big thanks to Maddy as usual who taught me the basics, as usualy i almost made her tear her hair out whilst i tried to learn....but that's what blokes are for eh? :)<br />
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Made use of my new pen case too.....makes a great holder for my hooks and stuff. Bit more masculine than the flowery Kath Kidston types too :)<br />
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Take care everyone, hope you are all well and crafting......keep smiling.<br />
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Calv.<br />
Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-48280543720993276292015-01-05T14:14:00.002+00:002015-01-05T14:14:39.742+00:00Happy New Year everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a quick stop by to wish everyone out there in blogland a very happy new year for 2015. I hope all of my crafty friends across the world are keeping well and keeping crafty. <br />
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I've been seriously slacking recently, so biggest kick up the bum goes to myself, have a few crafty projects in mind so I hope to be spending some more time here. <br />
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Looking forward to catching up with you all soon, can't wait to see how many of your lovely blogs are still going.<br />
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Have a great New Year everyone, <br />
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Love Calv, Maddy, Rotty......and I suppose I should mention the big girls blouse......Calvin Mouse. :)Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-89285872719048182682013-10-17T09:56:00.000+01:002013-10-17T10:00:23.008+01:00Anyone here?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A big hi to all my friends in blog land, yes i finally dusted down the cobwebs from the blog door and jemmied it back open....long time overdue by the looks of it. I do tend to get lost from time to time in blog land and real life, but i always end up coming back at some point.<br />
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All is well here in the land of Calv, the kids are happy, Maddy's happy......can't ask for more than that really. Since losing my craft room to the girls, crafting took a back seat for a while. Music took over and is definitely here to stay, but the crafty pull is tugging again so i will be popping in more often to catch up on things. Whether it be outdoors, or in a small part of the house, i need to get that crafty space back again.<br />
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I hope you are all keeping well out there, i'll be getting round all of your great blogs in the next few days so if you hear a knock on the door and it's a strange man.....it will just be me. :)<br />
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I haven't seen Rotty for quite a while, i know he is still happy in his <a href="http://mishapsinthemaking.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/welcome-home-rotty.html">new house that i made him,</a> but you know what Rotty is like, it's like having another kid,....when all is quiet they are usually up to something! We'll have to see later on......<br />
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Good to see you all again......keep smiling, ......got a few things to be getting on with....<br />
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<span id="goog_407572371"></span><span id="goog_407572372"></span><br />Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-14275590140039246722011-11-28T11:31:00.008+00:002011-11-28T12:01:26.765+00:00Lorna's Kindle Kovers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgOhbxQvRJmHlAmjUBwrD59WEERzIf_05aXmQm6PuKWtIaGjaRn3Z0kv-Mr7WFGDJ55EIeAL0KhA6i80UPdLjEzkYcpQnsQFdTlUMSYl_1jbt_VeoeFGCCNPMLXqIFJjKTVE8i4tJmCIm/s400/IMGP3207.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgOhbxQvRJmHlAmjUBwrD59WEERzIf_05aXmQm6PuKWtIaGjaRn3Z0kv-Mr7WFGDJ55EIeAL0KhA6i80UPdLjEzkYcpQnsQFdTlUMSYl_1jbt_VeoeFGCCNPMLXqIFJjKTVE8i4tJmCIm/s400/IMGP3207.JPG" /></a><br /><br />They say in life, there are no such thing as strangers, only friends you haven't met yet...and this i'm glad to say has come true recently. I went to an acoustic night at a local Art Cafe, three artists playing thier music in a cozy and amazing setting. One of the artists was a singer/songwriter called <a href="http://jimchorley.com/home.html">Jim Chorley</a>, a lovely guy with great music to share.<br /><br />Then i discover that his partner Lorna is super arty crafty (in fact they both teach art at a school), and has a blog crammed with gorgeous makes. Her textile creations are just lovely and i couldn't help thinking of a few friends when i saw these great Kindle Kovers...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjTyN44lKwej3WyMvy7XikM4ZiguODbIN93uAuoxD86SubiBXJgFKAvaiNqa9T6F7OmEBCPmczO-JGHkwD5w-R6MmnmUPUCm00d_LKR8rMcBKqJtaBm2E645pnKYj5cjXXl8vR4lYstAK/s400/IMGP3211.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjTyN44lKwej3WyMvy7XikM4ZiguODbIN93uAuoxD86SubiBXJgFKAvaiNqa9T6F7OmEBCPmczO-JGHkwD5w-R6MmnmUPUCm00d_LKR8rMcBKqJtaBm2E645pnKYj5cjXXl8vR4lYstAK/s400/IMGP3211.JPG" /></a><br /><br />How cool are they?!!!<br /><br />You can see more of these on <a href="http://lorna-artymess.blogspot.com/2011/11/making-merry.html">Lorna's blog,</a> and she also has an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artymess">Etsy shop </a>here where you can get them.<br /><br />Jim and Lorna are the loveliest of people, so take a trip over thier blogs and have a browse. It's not often that you get people that have thier priorities in the right order, but when your life revolves around art, music and love.....you just know things will be good for a long time! :)<br /><br />So a big thank you to Jim and Lorna, it's people like yourselves that make the world a brighter place. :)Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-75820588996916839242011-11-20T23:47:00.010+00:002011-11-21T01:18:48.793+00:00Long time no see!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS0yX9nQo3oCbHuge5PGyqvSbDKrzOIPiEIfUod84dgUTdjb8632xJ9aW8XcMdUKyeOeHfPZr1dFsU1th4glBUcM23aEiX-2P9qG-TuSLYE_xv7vtZKErCe2CxFJE5kr7A1s23KCFkSUB/s1600/Picture+863434223.jpg"><span></span><img style="WIDTH: 296px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677237600641201810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS0yX9nQo3oCbHuge5PGyqvSbDKrzOIPiEIfUod84dgUTdjb8632xJ9aW8XcMdUKyeOeHfPZr1dFsU1th4glBUcM23aEiX-2P9qG-TuSLYE_xv7vtZKErCe2CxFJE5kr7A1s23KCFkSUB/s400/Picture+863434223.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Hello dear friends! No i haven't been abducted by aliens, and no you're not seeing things with my banjo fund pot there lol, all will be explained in good time.<br />.<br />So how have you all been? Behaving and still turning out fantastic crafty makes i hope? Well i've had a bit of a lull in the crafty activities latley, mainly because i have lost my beloved craft area! As some of you may know, one end of my daughers double bedroom was the craft area, but other things have taken over and it's been replaced. Sigh.<br />.<br />So what have we been up to? Well to say things have turned slightly musical in our lives is a bit of an understatement. I'm starting back with my guitar learning and am getting on pretty well. As a secret bluegrass music lover, i'm also looking to get myself something i've always wanted....a 5 string banjo!!! That is what my fund pot is for at the top. So far it's not going too well, but i'll get there....this is what i'll be getting....<br />.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.andybanjo.com/trolleyed/images/zoom/rbobg150fgt.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 700px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.andybanjo.com/trolleyed/images/zoom/rbobg150fgt.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Before anyone says it, yes i will be sat in my rocking chair wearing dungarees and scaring the tourists with a rendition of duelling banjos! :)<br /><br />As well as that, i bought myself a Ukuelele...but it's not just me that got one....<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ER7F55QXuC28lXDTX5x7VTj9QghdXZR3jbaFp0bd0rV6iIgCoN-w-iJIaHBsMdEmz0wTJ5Dc5bT8hZbMTPFfNCrEwo-NNJ8bgbNVMz2z0rwXJpw-FXkK4XMRs3dgCEWEiIFH2cN5D6je/s1600/Picture+863434153.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677234607526238354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ER7F55QXuC28lXDTX5x7VTj9QghdXZR3jbaFp0bd0rV6iIgCoN-w-iJIaHBsMdEmz0wTJ5Dc5bT8hZbMTPFfNCrEwo-NNJ8bgbNVMz2z0rwXJpw-FXkK4XMRs3dgCEWEiIFH2cN5D6je/s400/Picture+863434153.jpg" /></a> .<br />.<br /><br />Yes our Maddy is a dab hand at one now too! Maddy's always been musical though so she's got a head start on me, she can hold a tune on a violin and is learning the guitar with great results.<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjipDj-pVuQCmUxi-rTA66T3ICFsSknSl6yzyCDNbawh60X3iXLHQABdaVIEq-n6KCKdTcYITDOHZoN7Qv4KHCTbY2MGKS2DJ3MU-c2RadVzlHIuXaat-Nsxn7qR7WLJQU0yzLNmTp4nzk/s1600/Picture+863433988.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677234571687822242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjipDj-pVuQCmUxi-rTA66T3ICFsSknSl6yzyCDNbawh60X3iXLHQABdaVIEq-n6KCKdTcYITDOHZoN7Qv4KHCTbY2MGKS2DJ3MU-c2RadVzlHIuXaat-Nsxn7qR7WLJQU0yzLNmTp4nzk/s400/Picture+863433988.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At least my efforts are appreciated by Maddy's daughters dog, little Mojo...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvZZG4l6OTXqgTdf-Yiu_hyphenhyphenrcEkd19j84Fv5wELLledBX8JmkCsSQ7k96SEzUamf0KlKSEzB5NIeB2wBHSpmmicFwowfnax1X83OIp-yjSpb1odOdWJGRPARL1_WbVwpJwzhFotqwN50o/s1600/Picture+863434136.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677234585587183570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvZZG4l6OTXqgTdf-Yiu_hyphenhyphenrcEkd19j84Fv5wELLledBX8JmkCsSQ7k96SEzUamf0KlKSEzB5NIeB2wBHSpmmicFwowfnax1X83OIp-yjSpb1odOdWJGRPARL1_WbVwpJwzhFotqwN50o/s400/Picture+863434136.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />So are we good i hear you say? Well i'd like to say that the pic below is our new album cover...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3JT94tIcqUvxgK_xFv87n5pGQLiEG31Uf9Map39x-au9dTxEtCqf1ZSjh8uYtjpCMJTtNufAXzeNM_gUXI5zmYNaMlY0WmOOy3n88rW21HQnxT37Bh6-yXlIbiWbT2fbMYsvSDVaERFn/s1600/Picture+863434015.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677234563702971666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3JT94tIcqUvxgK_xFv87n5pGQLiEG31Uf9Map39x-au9dTxEtCqf1ZSjh8uYtjpCMJTtNufAXzeNM_gUXI5zmYNaMlY0WmOOy3n88rW21HQnxT37Bh6-yXlIbiWbT2fbMYsvSDVaERFn/s400/Picture+863434015.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />However it was just a pic from a day in the rehearsal studio we had up in Leeds. Lots of fun, and it really perked up my girls interest in music.....which means that the new gear like mic stands and amps for the bedroom has taken the place of the craft table!<br /><br />Maddy has been busy with her daughter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/georgette.hill#!/pages/Georgette-Hill/259824214051605">Georgette</a> too, she is doing really well with her music, she's performing at a lot of live gigs, on radio and is through to the Open Mic Uk area regional finals, if she gets through she could be performing at the O2 arena. So it's been all go here and very tunefull whilst it happens too. :)<br /><br />I hope to get back to crafting again soon.....as soon as i can find a place to do it! I hope you are all well, i'll take a trip round everyones blogs over the next few days and catch up.<br /><br /><br />Take care all,<br /><br /><br />Calv.Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-84819864024788458672011-06-23T17:17:00.006+01:002011-06-23T20:22:06.380+01:00Post-it note holder.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu-_K50PM0vEbLSH_2okRWY02ZeXxjXjVijQv7Cm6GX3FBpVRdsvvpB0UjC2yxlDhuL6QWh0nz3w2b4URqTMeWmGaowUT4UfxBvcsfXq-au-Wb3XdmVnySYmdjvGpXauLj9j8d0ivuYGy/s1600/Picture+863433547.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 396px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621454095563215634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu-_K50PM0vEbLSH_2okRWY02ZeXxjXjVijQv7Cm6GX3FBpVRdsvvpB0UjC2yxlDhuL6QWh0nz3w2b4URqTMeWmGaowUT4UfxBvcsfXq-au-Wb3XdmVnySYmdjvGpXauLj9j8d0ivuYGy/s400/Picture+863433547.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Hi all, hope you are keeping well and crafting loads?<br /><br />Today i finished off a little project i have been working on, just a simple post-it note holder, but i wanted to test out a couple of new stamps. I made this for my lovely neighbours, they are two of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, and i knew they would appreciate this make. The Wheel of the Year on the front shows the eight pagan festivals throught the year...i distress inked it, put a layer of UTEE on it and edged it with gold embossing powder...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_STpgpUtZc3qCfTA1ffwVuTQnp2mOGYPq7yi4jsUSd1hy6bW8U-QToyLWx-osk8YWWWUqWWU0Hms5miXIboINzRFi-cRoWmzAAxrVeqEGkB9Sx0RdfGaokSLMcNbM4yU1SQuWJeqVhJy6/s1600/Picture+863433550.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621454093856847378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_STpgpUtZc3qCfTA1ffwVuTQnp2mOGYPq7yi4jsUSd1hy6bW8U-QToyLWx-osk8YWWWUqWWU0Hms5miXIboINzRFi-cRoWmzAAxrVeqEGkB9Sx0RdfGaokSLMcNbM4yU1SQuWJeqVhJy6/s400/Picture+863433550.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I handstitched all the way around it with metalic multicoloured thread, always looks nice against a darker paper background. My neighbours love nature so i added a couple of brass leaf charms on small lengths of chain, and the antique brass srapbooking corner charms added to the nature theme with thier daisy design...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_rhGzNM-RXwt_2s9VKjKFWvDT1BP3HWHoSujsWmsfCjT0qGVqGKWUuJCw83SW_E-61eow0Pg5pnaf7Y9KWqgKcqtwTq3oMbNBtiPhFeRPIlJ6NY6R7sCsBFsh-AidHX34kuAmHQWxM7m/s1600/Picture+863433551.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621453450566460306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_rhGzNM-RXwt_2s9VKjKFWvDT1BP3HWHoSujsWmsfCjT0qGVqGKWUuJCw83SW_E-61eow0Pg5pnaf7Y9KWqgKcqtwTq3oMbNBtiPhFeRPIlJ6NY6R7sCsBFsh-AidHX34kuAmHQWxM7m/s400/Picture+863433551.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Inside, very basic, but i added another new stamp of mine.....The Green Man....<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWZ2c2lOANR4bOLSz19Zy2r_npgBiMJSef2OBFKbEJoHFln_yzncbVxQmUYkIAGavNDyLTKgzQQvbo1dnM1VPqYd523b0-IBOy-CIiIpA5IC9HSO1zQ5CAek0gOBj0R2_NRyMC9MoqMWG/s1600/Picture+863433556.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 347px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621453438100776770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWZ2c2lOANR4bOLSz19Zy2r_npgBiMJSef2OBFKbEJoHFln_yzncbVxQmUYkIAGavNDyLTKgzQQvbo1dnM1VPqYd523b0-IBOy-CIiIpA5IC9HSO1zQ5CAek0gOBj0R2_NRyMC9MoqMWG/s400/Picture+863433556.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is a beautiful stamp, very detailed compared to some of the Green Man stamps around, i got this one from the U.S....ordinarily he would be green of course, but as this was on a dark background i though i'd leave it plain....besides, unlike my girlfriend <a href="http://madimaginations.blogspot.com/">Maddy</a>, i colour like a drunk chimp, so best leave it be i think...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqV7T5koK6uJoi1o4q000zbMN1k4tkE4yO1Nwgu65OYZUOgJBlgDfOAU7uwGM-4oAjIcf_p-APOL-OCpRdyp2aoqsMBSIgztKyMfXiy8iHiUJNjx3uH6T3WM5JH0ly9yeEwd1X5ZJy7iF/s1600/Picture+863433558.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 366px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621453440322388546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqV7T5koK6uJoi1o4q000zbMN1k4tkE4yO1Nwgu65OYZUOgJBlgDfOAU7uwGM-4oAjIcf_p-APOL-OCpRdyp2aoqsMBSIgztKyMfXiy8iHiUJNjx3uH6T3WM5JH0ly9yeEwd1X5ZJy7iF/s400/Picture+863433558.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Popped another leaf charm and chain through the spine....<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShlD474j65xNeOPdeDCLt5EztNvvwcfwsXpOaqVsStkC5Q4QB9vdrfoyXotBgBYMKsJXNVX3sikq8kEtPer8bs_7WtYN_XnCnBOa14qI5wfT2h0GJo0A6dU9pMxqsA8EdkEtkYrRBeZ6o/s1600/Picture+863433560.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621453431581653410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShlD474j65xNeOPdeDCLt5EztNvvwcfwsXpOaqVsStkC5Q4QB9vdrfoyXotBgBYMKsJXNVX3sikq8kEtPer8bs_7WtYN_XnCnBOa14qI5wfT2h0GJo0A6dU9pMxqsA8EdkEtkYrRBeZ6o/s400/Picture+863433560.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>The whole of the edge of the holder is lined in gold embossing, looks real nice against a dark background. In case you've not made these before, the holder is just a piece of cardstock covered each side with your chosen patterened paper. </div><br /><br /><div>I enjoyed making this, not only because it got me out of my crafty dry spell, but i know it is going to a good home where crafty skills are appreciated. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm also going to enter these into a challenge, <a href="http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/06/anything-but-card-challenge.html">Divas by design "Anything but a card"</a> challenge...thank you to the Divas by Design ladies for the challenge. :)</div><br /><br /><div>Till next time...:)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Calv.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-22482553665027599832011-06-14T12:09:00.007+01:002011-06-14T12:40:59.481+01:00Guest designer for Papertake Weekly.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ3rXHbL6zNPcltI3zsGDylbFKxxx_ybQkLxVGvy_3G9EprselWAlT9p_aMjnrWsDZJNw_rtMxAuKSITRvoI6nTUlbR9_TDOAPWUdg-nhPlzMj2SAYUjFA8bxEwZu5TjQxWjkAXYqrmfJ/s1600/Picture+863433173.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 398px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618031570779034610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ3rXHbL6zNPcltI3zsGDylbFKxxx_ybQkLxVGvy_3G9EprselWAlT9p_aMjnrWsDZJNw_rtMxAuKSITRvoI6nTUlbR9_TDOAPWUdg-nhPlzMj2SAYUjFA8bxEwZu5TjQxWjkAXYqrmfJ/s400/Picture+863433173.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Hi all :)<br /><br />I haven't made anything too crafty for a while, so i was chuffed to bits when <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Dawny</a> from <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Papertake Weekly Challenge </a>asked me to be a guest designer for this weeks <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/2011/06/dads-lads.html">Dads and Lads </a>challenge.<br /><br />I've never been a great one for matching colours and papers, so i just did what i liked, i like to think it turned out ok. I used the Mikey download image from the lovely Karen over at <a href="http://www.charmedcardsandcrafts.co.uk/">Charmed Cards and Crafts</a> and then kept it simple with some chain and a few layers of paper and card ripped and edged with distress ink pads.....and you'd hardly notice where i got carried away with the Cropadile! :)<br /><br />Hope you like it, thanks again to <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">Dawny</a> for inviting me to take part in this, it was a pleasure. :) Why not pop over to the <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and see the great makes that her design team have made, and even take part in the challenges yourself? By the way, i did see that Rotty got his snout in the picture too....i thought for a minute he'd been up to mischief, glad to know he hasn't .<br /><br />By the way, for anyone new to my blog, i don't just talk about bees, trips to hospital and delinquant clay rats, i have on occasion been known to make cards and other papercraft items, proof being <a href="http://mishapsinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/01/handmade-bookmark.html">here</a>, <a href="http://mishapsinthemaking.blogspot.com/2009/05/back-with-card.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mishapsinthemaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/easter-elegance.html">here</a>! :)<br /><br />Thanks again...<br /><br />Calv.Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-69883626196591500342011-06-08T16:40:00.005+01:002011-06-14T12:45:54.615+01:00My bees are hatching!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjHey-bK09Ke39x4D-QB4XyimtY4c8sncWq5vqWRrTCmm4CV4i5yKc8qFlCUV5nAE_rIeWPQ5LaEp-VlRy7AbNzHsEWh22yjNz6pPI2VYM92oJXgFw0DtlvHwJNfi2p7p6rhZYljGSsKx/s1600/Picture+863433174.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615874816901485794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjHey-bK09Ke39x4D-QB4XyimtY4c8sncWq5vqWRrTCmm4CV4i5yKc8qFlCUV5nAE_rIeWPQ5LaEp-VlRy7AbNzHsEWh22yjNz6pPI2VYM92oJXgFw0DtlvHwJNfi2p7p6rhZYljGSsKx/s400/Picture+863433174.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As most of you have already read here on my blog, i've been playing host to some solitary bees for the winter, they moved in, made cocoons.....they were even on time with the rent!<br /><br />Well today i went out and saw that some have hatched and tunneled out of thier nests....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmusJAqWfMRqsJRw_DBKg6rGuG5VK98hfqAXyJyw8H45jMpGbnSCKgkRwcvOafNlA6vE8bs3My2esi2OKM4QB8pN4plhI5jLXUTqEHekIcisDWYTHgNN1kQMOkKdviQSGPo7O9K5vs7Yj/s1600/Picture+863433178.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615874809777870962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmusJAqWfMRqsJRw_DBKg6rGuG5VK98hfqAXyJyw8H45jMpGbnSCKgkRwcvOafNlA6vE8bs3My2esi2OKM4QB8pN4plhI5jLXUTqEHekIcisDWYTHgNN1kQMOkKdviQSGPo7O9K5vs7Yj/s400/Picture+863433178.jpg" /></a><br /><br />How cool is that?!!! There are about 4 0r 5 in each hole, i'm not sure if they've all emerged yet, i won't disturb them though to look.<br /><br />So tonight i'll raise a cuppa to them and wish them all the best on thier new journey. It's nice knowing i did my little bit to keep a few more bees around.<br /><br /><p>I took a video too, a bried one of one of the babies emerging after hatching....heres a link to the Youtube video...</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwyz_9CmJNU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwyz_9CmJNU</a></p>Thanks for looking.....i promise the next post will be about crafting. :)<br /><br />Calv.Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-13520028190626048412011-06-03T12:41:00.005+01:002011-06-03T12:58:15.083+01:00Look what i just bought!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEay3ut-btSzKpXntRksOJQwUfnNg4nzeG36Nz3mEW5HN2DGP5u_wWrUTcAoSfYFrTlr-IDG7QJe7Tn2bnuvWXiOPDwm1zfry5pwcutpXxE064j4y_Evik1PruoUtXoxZTwUix4oQAegM/s1600/Picture+863433130.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613959778950187090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEay3ut-btSzKpXntRksOJQwUfnNg4nzeG36Nz3mEW5HN2DGP5u_wWrUTcAoSfYFrTlr-IDG7QJe7Tn2bnuvWXiOPDwm1zfry5pwcutpXxE064j4y_Evik1PruoUtXoxZTwUix4oQAegM/s400/Picture+863433130.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I've been after this for ages, it's been sat in my local antique shop for a while and every time i've passed it i've stared at it like a kid staring at an ice cream! There are so many things i wanted it for, some crafty ideas. maybe some kind of storage, but most of all i envisaged it as a nice addition to my garden. </div><br /><br /><div>The lovely lady who owns the shop gave it too me with a big discount, which was much welcome as it was the price that had put me off getting it for ages.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiler8cz1KSv1q3C_af8wncSDR3fcsNtcdwBo-ryDpt1s_mekDXLq_OZgHdUceam7RDlZ2SkMeirKnNfKi6X9QjEZXvU-JXRTXdxJrvesVITJUsiLRMRtuXtRBnKQTZF3zAtI73L5pAQfZ6/s1600/Picture+863433134.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613959788873341714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiler8cz1KSv1q3C_af8wncSDR3fcsNtcdwBo-ryDpt1s_mekDXLq_OZgHdUceam7RDlZ2SkMeirKnNfKi6X9QjEZXvU-JXRTXdxJrvesVITJUsiLRMRtuXtRBnKQTZF3zAtI73L5pAQfZ6/s400/Picture+863433134.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>I thought i might put it in part of the garden where it could be used either as a hanging basket for trailing plants, or maybe something for the birds. I love the way the top comes off so i can access it easily for sorting out or cleaning. I think this will look even more lovely when it's weathered a bit.<br /></div><br /><div>What do you think?<br /></div><br /><div>Calv.</div><br /><div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-45456111071374367322011-05-26T17:02:00.003+01:002011-05-26T17:24:00.994+01:0012 x 12 storage and magazine rack.<div>Hi all, really quick post to show the easiest 12 x 12 project there is.....a wooden pallet rack that can take 12 x 12's and magazines, or indeed anything you crafty lot hoard these days. (Yes i know what a craft room gets like!).<br /></div><br /><div>So we have our humble wooden pallet....doesn't matter if some of it is beat up like this one, you're only using an end of it...<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2m2x0-qVe_A2CNTb-2KDuzg-0TTIl5yHdlwqb5tgSbaQWwg1Y3vsnCXV-LbTtoLzwtLwFbtN812JQ3ZsMyn0hz8TzSko15Db2XVvW6zHVVOjlhZ8YoRco7qLpnOZaEVwj3OBpZQPe2Ay/s1600/Picture+863432766.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611057340916029634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2m2x0-qVe_A2CNTb-2KDuzg-0TTIl5yHdlwqb5tgSbaQWwg1Y3vsnCXV-LbTtoLzwtLwFbtN812JQ3ZsMyn0hz8TzSko15Db2XVvW6zHVVOjlhZ8YoRco7qLpnOZaEVwj3OBpZQPe2Ay/s400/Picture+863432766.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Cut off an end that is two slats thick, you can do three if you want but it's a little too deep to get the paper out....</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo4rRxSKXM5twY6jaD5z3NkROqMPcuB9YB1xCnIGtkistTcdZWf6fRUqqoZfna0eAmXl4aYAecXKPfPVWy7LD1ixYOGt6_jxopipkiTUzNI06RnT-qo5YhaNXF8N8UVHxQAWs3yheH3gl/s1600/Picture+863432767.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611057348831599442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo4rRxSKXM5twY6jaD5z3NkROqMPcuB9YB1xCnIGtkistTcdZWf6fRUqqoZfna0eAmXl4aYAecXKPfPVWy7LD1ixYOGt6_jxopipkiTUzNI06RnT-qo5YhaNXF8N8UVHxQAWs3yheH3gl/s400/Picture+863432767.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Either leave it like that and give it a sand, or give it a little wavy effect with a jigsaw, i also carved a few notches around the edge and used a hole saw too as i like the way the colours show through from the papers and mags....like i say though, give it all a sand otherwise you WILL get splinters off of these rough pallets...</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwKah-eJr1fjqzdvOWrutLLw2w1YR-t2HM90JZ1VY-s-lc5bFKXBjd34QyfP5E23uHyx3ebF_mjnqT3x6WDy3yO9UutgBpesiLNqDC_AWhJIHOUkaxYCF_evFmyXhRvX5WlKt1ut10uDZ/s1600/Picture+863432769.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611057355648857858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwKah-eJr1fjqzdvOWrutLLw2w1YR-t2HM90JZ1VY-s-lc5bFKXBjd34QyfP5E23uHyx3ebF_mjnqT3x6WDy3yO9UutgBpesiLNqDC_AWhJIHOUkaxYCF_evFmyXhRvX5WlKt1ut10uDZ/s400/Picture+863432769.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Once thats done, give it a lick of paint, and hey presto.....one quick and easy storage idea...<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQad7wrZbLAkBRjRcOzXcWqw_D089dPxVqDjn6aoxbmmlkXeiJepTS2roGIfoHNgdzeW9EBwWvjJav46aUnjifrEd3zLcVY7qd9lHGGuElBMKmZAWs2CONs8NtHGyoaEvrwhzLjXc1pMGw/s1600/Picture+863432772.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611057360534341490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQad7wrZbLAkBRjRcOzXcWqw_D089dPxVqDjn6aoxbmmlkXeiJepTS2roGIfoHNgdzeW9EBwWvjJav46aUnjifrEd3zLcVY7qd9lHGGuElBMKmZAWs2CONs8NtHGyoaEvrwhzLjXc1pMGw/s400/Picture+863432772.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I fogot to say, i have'nt done it here, but don't forget to put some sort of base on the bottom, otherwise your papers will fall through....i didn't bother here as i wanted to blog it quick.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course you can fancy this up as much as you want, stamp on it, paint on it, do whatever you want. If it's too rough a project too have in your craft room, maybe use it in the garden or shed.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just an idea.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichXSZKDntrc7JaU0-op6yFYMy3Sgh9DFoRLuixhMNSaVRpiwRE8lAl0Ch1WrhwKf7fjQVPeM1m2DG6N5D1iLJZ68V8xDD6QgC0DMoaviiIcNSjvQg6gVHFS2PXsYzUepcRIx1pn_q3Foj/s1600/Picture+863432777.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611059929443726722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichXSZKDntrc7JaU0-op6yFYMy3Sgh9DFoRLuixhMNSaVRpiwRE8lAl0Ch1WrhwKf7fjQVPeM1m2DG6N5D1iLJZ68V8xDD6QgC0DMoaviiIcNSjvQg6gVHFS2PXsYzUepcRIx1pn_q3Foj/s400/Picture+863432777.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hope it gives you some ideas.....take care, </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Calv.<br /></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-60788389370039118822011-05-23T11:10:00.008+01:002011-05-23T11:54:53.099+01:00Wooden pallet potting bench<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn41i7ZmIdvCkP4FWo2rL9_xi7zlNjOs97Pxy_4RI9SV6B_7cp6dt5cuyAvyaPQD8HLo05HJ7MUiB_xOV7NziCt9PaxxSdVAICkBo19kijvGCMHcsl9CUTYw9oKcwCNqvReF0vJKJGZM8/s1600/Picture+863432759.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609862128745912770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn41i7ZmIdvCkP4FWo2rL9_xi7zlNjOs97Pxy_4RI9SV6B_7cp6dt5cuyAvyaPQD8HLo05HJ7MUiB_xOV7NziCt9PaxxSdVAICkBo19kijvGCMHcsl9CUTYw9oKcwCNqvReF0vJKJGZM8/s400/Picture+863432759.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hi all, hope you are all well...<br /></div><br /><div>Yesterday i decided to alter something, ok it's not really a crafty project but it kept me out of mischief for a couple of hours. I've often read about projects made from old wooden pallets, there are many ideas out there on the web if you search for them.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>So after my local hardware shop advertised free pallets, i picked up a couple and set about making a new addition to my garden....a potting bench. The project took just one pallet...</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3p_HRGsQ7mcgFy3WyMxwQIMUiuViUW7xVGVAz_Iu3krVrQXY3FTap__qUjZiEcy3ApqVOE5CjjufsQ78k0GbEQeIgfi1OLfNShSD9C7VCN8-3qko3qQxz7Fi1JP-dKvjtW58J7xKBnXE/s1600/Picture+863432761.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609855585919729186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3p_HRGsQ7mcgFy3WyMxwQIMUiuViUW7xVGVAz_Iu3krVrQXY3FTap__qUjZiEcy3ApqVOE5CjjufsQ78k0GbEQeIgfi1OLfNShSD9C7VCN8-3qko3qQxz7Fi1JP-dKvjtW58J7xKBnXE/s400/Picture+863432761.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>I then cut it lengthways, i made the top a little wider than the base...there were a couple of spare slats from another pallet so i used these as the supports either side and a couple more to slot into the gaps on the bench surface...</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxq6_SaoCLyzPbHo1aPtRCItNfIEEyr_M_-NgxIF_kUg_2HVXIWguuHUB6DhBL7JhjG89LDXtvU_ok5PJeTXyCyc4PxFF6xH_qI9sDnUkmUjJZghEClpnDDe6eDfF5PSXaDaFrDGw-MJe/s1600/Picture+863432745.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609857175284086466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxq6_SaoCLyzPbHo1aPtRCItNfIEEyr_M_-NgxIF_kUg_2HVXIWguuHUB6DhBL7JhjG89LDXtvU_ok5PJeTXyCyc4PxFF6xH_qI9sDnUkmUjJZghEClpnDDe6eDfF5PSXaDaFrDGw-MJe/s400/Picture+863432745.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>So thats the basic shape....i may put a middle shelf in there at some point but this is ok for now. I felt my garden was lacking in colour though, so i found an old pot of pale lilac paint in the shed...only did one coat as if it gets worn quickly it will add to a nice rustic effect...<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9goOW8nkF7OwDn_dn4A7HDhdIkgFagQnMcJ3eNjEek81Le2MsHOwA_QaX8pi00Z3exImFDMIhUmrAMv2_8UEeFhHuBnf6TE4gA1jZJwM6yMW4lzQNJ_GlELcAfFGORUjuN97nYHTxOXS/s1600/Picture+863432752.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609855590359779266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9goOW8nkF7OwDn_dn4A7HDhdIkgFagQnMcJ3eNjEek81Le2MsHOwA_QaX8pi00Z3exImFDMIhUmrAMv2_8UEeFhHuBnf6TE4gA1jZJwM6yMW4lzQNJ_GlELcAfFGORUjuN97nYHTxOXS/s400/Picture+863432752.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I was eager to test it out, so after adding a couple of hooks underneath to hold garden tools, here is the finished bench...<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15NcSJv1K8AG8eAC_0bL6cVJCrq3xSbVSIjad-fh4Z8G61WhSi74MhYjBgVpiNZ43K6EN7wmiwf-MK_k__oV2TU2UT4LBwu-L7kmtPUUnl82pDi3539TPafGKjBr4bIcRVbA4_wv0fBRx/s1600/Picture+863432759.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609855591962805218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15NcSJv1K8AG8eAC_0bL6cVJCrq3xSbVSIjad-fh4Z8G61WhSi74MhYjBgVpiNZ43K6EN7wmiwf-MK_k__oV2TU2UT4LBwu-L7kmtPUUnl82pDi3539TPafGKjBr4bIcRVbA4_wv0fBRx/s400/Picture+863432759.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Not bad for a quick little storage project for the garden. I'm just getting into gardening and it will be a great place for me to plant seeds and deal with plants. Yes i'm aware that it probably won't stay that colour long, but it's for potting plants, not for the catwalk...a little dirt here and there will be a nice addition i think.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Talking of storage, whilst i was chopping this pallet up, i looked at the holes between the main wooden supports and thought to myself, "They would make a good magazine rack". So if you look at the bottom shelf above, imagine that on it's own, turned on it's side so it's standing up, if you cut the pallet about 2 slats wide and put a base on it, it could hold magazines easily.<br /></div><br /><div>Maddy took one look at it, and said, "I wonder if it could take 12 x 12 papers?". Lets find out....</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruLgz7Lp9E0xpHy4_lUZshBqBjpYx0-J6m2_n0icsHT-zLBENThrYQTIPDuhjsCKoOAhWsqyvxa5DbssJc0zZVyf0WdxZpDKzkSJqZy5WBzYjQp3W3KkN-YgM-9TptfmQbe_oD29m3ZDP/s1600/Picture+863432763.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609855598573188242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruLgz7Lp9E0xpHy4_lUZshBqBjpYx0-J6m2_n0icsHT-zLBENThrYQTIPDuhjsCKoOAhWsqyvxa5DbssJc0zZVyf0WdxZpDKzkSJqZy5WBzYjQp3W3KkN-YgM-9TptfmQbe_oD29m3ZDP/s400/Picture+863432763.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>Would you look at that! The spaces are just over 13 inches wide, so your papers fit in there lovely. Again, picture this turned on it's side and a base put on it, you could store tons of papers here. I'll do a better tutorial for a 12 x 12 paper storage from a used pallet another day.<br /></div><br /><div>Thanks for looking, hope you enjoyed it. I'm now off to casualty to get my ankle x-rayed....whilst making this yesterday i twisted my ankle badly and it's black and blue and like a balloon!<br /></div><br /><div>Take care all...<br /></div><br /><div>Calv. </div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-5920509522305923192011-05-02T17:41:00.007+01:002011-05-02T18:45:52.874+01:00Better late than never...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePICIuzjET7MyO1eaSXuQzBUA9eYJjIT1tFdo8mVHXwUOBBLloeRBcKcE4amWkqp4tdNxY2UXC2xCFL23B2GQl37ioEgjfT81BGo-_lz9Anyy1Wf6SgmegXrRuE190ngb-bC1wgqbM1nv/s1600/Picture+86343234.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602164268760714098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePICIuzjET7MyO1eaSXuQzBUA9eYJjIT1tFdo8mVHXwUOBBLloeRBcKcE4amWkqp4tdNxY2UXC2xCFL23B2GQl37ioEgjfT81BGo-_lz9Anyy1Wf6SgmegXrRuE190ngb-bC1wgqbM1nv/s400/Picture+86343234.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I'm always late when it comes to planting stuff in the garden, my gardening year usualy starts around August time....i'll decide to do something with my flower beds and thats as far as the plan goes.</div><br /><br /><div>This year is not much different, however i have made progress with a patch i want to use for veggies. I'm so fed up with the price of basic vegetables, especialy salad leaves, so i'm getting into the whole growing lark. It will be major trial and error for me, but i have read up on a few tips from books and websites, plus i have a few people close to me who know what they are doing if i go drasticaly wrong.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO-O-y_EgDTM26fqJcCQnTry49fOHUpI30_EIeEJVKaY4g93SGbbUemOH8eLSDYjwewykdp-cktO9iLr0nYVmaU7xRJx9bt09pAOmC_wP-ysx5n3wr6-tLArAxAhMccNF-D7A1-g8cf_t/s1600/Picture+86343256.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602164261183274130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO-O-y_EgDTM26fqJcCQnTry49fOHUpI30_EIeEJVKaY4g93SGbbUemOH8eLSDYjwewykdp-cktO9iLr0nYVmaU7xRJx9bt09pAOmC_wP-ysx5n3wr6-tLArAxAhMccNF-D7A1-g8cf_t/s400/Picture+86343256.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>So after sifting through what seems like a weeks worth of roots and stones, i now have a few small beds prepared ready for stuff to be planted. I already have strawberrys and tomatos growing nicely in the jute hanging planters on the fence and in the hanging baskets. I'm trying some upside down growning this year....<br /></div><br /><div>As usual the bees were taking great interest, and i had my first new resident of my new solitary beehive (yes another one...i made this one myself), so he was packing his nest nice and tight with mud and leaves ready for his babies....<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUY68Rkx4Ndju-d42yrHRI1qRh7Tmn8PeQ6r86RiPI-mG_JLss4mtRYzFn6vQduZKdBI2bdU4VRerkB0pJBv3DVyF6EJ41MblsM6E2wz9tWz32VusGk8Yag3CNIXedug4FKmlzc4CEbwd/s1600/Picture+86343244.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 370px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602164245034062514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUY68Rkx4Ndju-d42yrHRI1qRh7Tmn8PeQ6r86RiPI-mG_JLss4mtRYzFn6vQduZKdBI2bdU4VRerkB0pJBv3DVyF6EJ41MblsM6E2wz9tWz32VusGk8Yag3CNIXedug4FKmlzc4CEbwd/s400/Picture+86343244.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>We now have a sunflower competition going on, me and my girls, and Maddy and her girls (and Maddy's mum all have a sunflower seed in a pot, even the dogs have one. :) I will be keeping a close eye on the growing to make sure it's fair...i'll keep you informed of thier progress.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PJM6hMlo7kAgCLPtJReoftKkx-rGigG3Bs1eX4_LQ-nsd1VYXGO4LDhP45-3VXvjD7rFsw1pFxx2_3BB5MDw5Cjvrd2dik6VjaovuZ_CEg9WwehX0kAB8_x37sktCWn7IpgyJEb-17IK/s1600/Picture+86343242.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602164282423919634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PJM6hMlo7kAgCLPtJReoftKkx-rGigG3Bs1eX4_LQ-nsd1VYXGO4LDhP45-3VXvjD7rFsw1pFxx2_3BB5MDw5Cjvrd2dik6VjaovuZ_CEg9WwehX0kAB8_x37sktCWn7IpgyJEb-17IK/s400/Picture+86343242.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>As for my kids helping me.....my youngest spent ages working her little fingers to the bone and produced some quality work to be proud of...<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HT6pY6hCTXVFsRNpsxhbvfqdPu0F3wY2rok66Rs24h_l4N0ypFAWxkF3Sq5A7EA0xHNnE-vsfOnHpCpe-5QM8mHoKRr9jvISS0GG9Ua2M5GJtaLY_6LrOMs1wA8RnfguiUF85DaeNVLb/s1600/Picture+86343254.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602164249420978706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HT6pY6hCTXVFsRNpsxhbvfqdPu0F3wY2rok66Rs24h_l4N0ypFAWxkF3Sq5A7EA0xHNnE-vsfOnHpCpe-5QM8mHoKRr9jvISS0GG9Ua2M5GJtaLY_6LrOMs1wA8RnfguiUF85DaeNVLb/s400/Picture+86343254.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ah well, they do say that gardening is all about love and care don't they?<br /></div></div><br /><div>Any hints and tips most welcome as i am very much a novice gardener.....also if you have any tips on how to slap blogger so it works properly for me....i'd be most gratefull.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for stopping buy....hopefully i'll have something crafty to show next time.<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-39515434971550907822011-04-26T22:59:00.005+01:002011-04-26T23:26:57.618+01:00My bee hive update...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkNIAxfFGpfYtkKAfGuFWfEf6DC2Sj17AwmX89tA8bos_jokk1vvxyXnmnT6PKNkxeX4oBVVg5QkK64TdSIAIgJBVbQdXWiFGdjHPT6QsYPMsmRsuTIU77vXHLHrRuHmUNDh5XSXB0eEE/s400/Picture+2543.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 349px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkNIAxfFGpfYtkKAfGuFWfEf6DC2Sj17AwmX89tA8bos_jokk1vvxyXnmnT6PKNkxeX4oBVVg5QkK64TdSIAIgJBVbQdXWiFGdjHPT6QsYPMsmRsuTIU77vXHLHrRuHmUNDh5XSXB0eEE/s400/Picture+2543.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Hi all, just popped in to give you a quick update on my solitary beehive that i've mentioned here before. As you may well remember, i bought the above hive and waited patiently for it's first residents....it didn't take long before i had some interest...<br />.<br /><a href="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8792/picture17607.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8792/picture17607.jpg" /></a><br /><br />.<br /><a href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9112/picture17591.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 296px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9112/picture17591.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />This was last year, the idea is that they make individual nests in there for thier eggs. So for the past few months they've been busy coming to and fro, and this is what they've produced....<br />.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix4q3Drdcq2y1H7_QY4rgETvkbxcyEG1_bPhGbGjyvuGKw7ZbzUdsP-oX6VnQLMZGCMV6QZoDys9UctzADz-2ZMvGuuwKmJrsFiJwSUg62R0OFHQXnsP39CFQ3lBIQ2jK8VLjIxDIZjoI/s1600/Picture+86343227.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600016499152289810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix4q3Drdcq2y1H7_QY4rgETvkbxcyEG1_bPhGbGjyvuGKw7ZbzUdsP-oX6VnQLMZGCMV6QZoDys9UctzADz-2ZMvGuuwKmJrsFiJwSUg62R0OFHQXnsP39CFQ3lBIQ2jK8VLjIxDIZjoI/s400/Picture+86343227.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />How cool is that?.<br />.<br />Each hole is full of this packaging....it is tiny bits of leaf that have been bitten off by the bee, then stuffed into the hole, then they have made little tube type things for thier eggs to go in. So what you are seeing here is about 5 bee eggs in each hole, each one carefully wrapped in leaf and pollen. Then the bee stuffs the end with leaves to keep it well protected..<br />.<br />My kids were fascinated by this, as was i too. This is what i liked about this kind of solitary hive, you can take the sections off to learn about how the bees store thier eggs. So eventualy these eggs will hatch and the new bees will emerge and the cycle will start again.<br />.<br />You can make these yourself, or just drill loads of holes in a log like i've just done today, it's just somewhere nice for the bees to find shelter for thier young. If the worlds bee population dissapeared we'd be in serious trouble...so i reckon this is a worthy project for the kids to folow in the garden.<br />.<br />See ya soon. :)Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-2022982314767278952011-03-06T23:58:00.003+00:002011-03-07T00:26:55.521+00:00My first ever painting.<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuklRL5ulLAi2NB-Ik2WxqgcgZjCaZ8a2GSL_oyPjyupI6evxy5IBPVnWwSUsY4ly1qm-eFiCh11jOCmpfpXYPHHqkf9h36xTYPyGqA2eswtSAlXiQv1tIurst02LagnNjQSvbSYXwK2z/s1600/Picture+863405.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581121793265263298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuklRL5ulLAi2NB-Ik2WxqgcgZjCaZ8a2GSL_oyPjyupI6evxy5IBPVnWwSUsY4ly1qm-eFiCh11jOCmpfpXYPHHqkf9h36xTYPyGqA2eswtSAlXiQv1tIurst02LagnNjQSvbSYXwK2z/s400/Picture+863405.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>Hi everyone, tonight is a first for me, i painted a picture for the first time in my life, and it actualy looks half decent!</div><div>. </div><div>For those who don't know me, whilst i can usualy knock up an ok looking craft project, when it comes to painting, i have always been useless. In fact, if i may quote the famous Blackadder for a second, when it comes to painting "I have all the artistic talent of a cluster of colourblind hedgehogs....in a bag!". I have never been any good with paint, so have avoided it any every oppurtunity.</div><div>.</div><div>Enter Maddy....yes Maddy spent the evening with me and my kids, showing us how to paint with acrylics on canvas. This is particulary funny because Maddy has never painted before either, so she made it up as she went along. The results were very pleasing for a first effort and it has certainly given me the enthusiasm to do some more. They were not copied from any picture or anything, just made up as we went along.</div><div>.</div><div>So the above painting is mine....here is my youngest daughters....she's 12 years old....enjoys art but is very self critical and like i say, has not painted like this before. If you are wondering what the "tyre tracks" are doing leading into the lake, i have no idea......they were intentional, she has a strange sense of imagination...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwzDAZVnONvWWB7dvkyatn5kfrfCE8MU10Ec_56XiWczLm6YeMy3sQm_W_ZFF8Njvcl0c3Oak_8diYkMVMIm7jXHDH-E_hjlW6qc1OcySa5GamnU_Er1mWy386KIZB_kEgSReBWXFz7xa/s1600/Picture+863402.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581121796071098034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwzDAZVnONvWWB7dvkyatn5kfrfCE8MU10Ec_56XiWczLm6YeMy3sQm_W_ZFF8Njvcl0c3Oak_8diYkMVMIm7jXHDH-E_hjlW6qc1OcySa5GamnU_Er1mWy386KIZB_kEgSReBWXFz7xa/s400/Picture+863402.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>Below is my 13 year old daughters first painting....she has never really been one for art, thinks she is rubbish at it and steers clear of art if she can. We always encourage her and with perserveranace she can accomplish bits she is proud of...takes some doing though....so she is chuffed to bits with this.</div><div>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj2TQuyJYEuz2saBX8UelqeaK4cqpwAxR2dqS7nYVe4S3eq0NQxHYXW-wpt8A9rgvaRPhnF6Ro9amzOxfQS82soM1YK19s8QvPKongos1WGvJ0j9sxLlxTNWs9yitxPv7g3WTsirZegCZ/s1600/Picture+863406.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581121803936769618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj2TQuyJYEuz2saBX8UelqeaK4cqpwAxR2dqS7nYVe4S3eq0NQxHYXW-wpt8A9rgvaRPhnF6Ro9amzOxfQS82soM1YK19s8QvPKongos1WGvJ0j9sxLlxTNWs9yitxPv7g3WTsirZegCZ/s400/Picture+863406.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>I am so proud of the kids paintings, they've done a few paintings at school before, but they were typical kids stuff. This is thier first try at something a bit harder. </div><div>.</div><div>Not bad first attempts considering all we used was some paintbrushes that i had in my shed which i use for painting my skirting boards with!</div><div>.</div><div>A big thank you again to Maddy for being patient enough to get us through these paintings, lets just say it was a bit challenging at times. </div><div>.</div><div>Hope you like them. :)<br /></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-24755276181216213692011-02-13T00:09:00.013+00:002011-02-13T02:17:28.915+00:00Welcome home Rotty!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzaYynigUKOS2rQvzfsYH92LKleiWzv9tYtGrS2yJXgmlxNuCmbM89iBA_J7XEY8V8uPanejt4vqHf3vkKDfD5uG_D12v0ut8vn-80PvWpOeAjULeGtKHs5h1xVQRXWkVCn88n8f-97RD/s1600/Picture+8622.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572967490343820514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzaYynigUKOS2rQvzfsYH92LKleiWzv9tYtGrS2yJXgmlxNuCmbM89iBA_J7XEY8V8uPanejt4vqHf3vkKDfD5uG_D12v0ut8vn-80PvWpOeAjULeGtKHs5h1xVQRXWkVCn88n8f-97RD/s400/Picture+8622.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Aha! Look what the cat dragged in!<br />.<br />Hi everyone. Well as some of you may remember, Rotty Rat has been up to all sorts of adventure over the past few months. He threw a tantrum because Calvin Mouse had a house nd he didn't, so in the end he left home. Needless to say, he's been in trouble as usual. Last week i had a letter from the police saying he had to come home. He was charged with stealing cupcakes from Calvin Mouse, and he is seriously on my naughty list!<br />.<br />"So then Mr.....how are you doing? Long time no see?"<br />.<br /><strong>"Oh, yeah...hi there boss...the police just dropped me off...said i had to come straight home."</strong><br /><strong>.</strong><br />"Home Rotty? Are you saying you want to come back here after all the trouble you've caused? Look at you, you've got to wear an electronic tag for a week due to your naughtyness!" I am seriously not impressed Mr!!!"<br />.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2c_MTi_-1lYB5AJJPJImr1fjWN-hmxISla5ImxZdbsTZvO3JVZrOk59QGv-OkjZXd5CjFT9OCXqPwSP7nWjQjNGbtyJ52xBqnL-OTm-EYliltSWRg5oVMxuJ97_rOAQjH97ECxRq27s5/s1600/Picture+8623.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966197156697570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2c_MTi_-1lYB5AJJPJImr1fjWN-hmxISla5ImxZdbsTZvO3JVZrOk59QGv-OkjZXd5CjFT9OCXqPwSP7nWjQjNGbtyJ52xBqnL-OTm-EYliltSWRg5oVMxuJ97_rOAQjH97ECxRq27s5/s400/Picture+8623.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div><strong>"Ah yeah but...i can explain boss....you see it's a funny story....."</strong></div><div>. </div><div>"Sorry Rotty..i don't want to hear it! You've brought embarrassment to my doorstep, i don't appreciate getting letters from the police through my letterbox! What have you got to say for yourself?"</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9331H1bFJfcHiYlwXXPawHcjPmAOjV_TVnkJiEDKWb1HconCb9G4RxMpkv5AjaqRrRyzHHUZdnoijZ1MO27cQC82YiDeT9wM-so4iVtRnBX5qXJM6S_xfZkAWw8HJZwwvlFveNWBXbtzt/s1600/Picture+8625.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966193045061282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9331H1bFJfcHiYlwXXPawHcjPmAOjV_TVnkJiEDKWb1HconCb9G4RxMpkv5AjaqRrRyzHHUZdnoijZ1MO27cQC82YiDeT9wM-so4iVtRnBX5qXJM6S_xfZkAWw8HJZwwvlFveNWBXbtzt/s400/Picture+8625.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>Yes i'd hang your head in shame you little scallywag! So you are expecting me to house a criminal? Really Rotty, i thought you knew me better than that."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"But boss, you need me to guard your stash from that thieving little Calvin Mouse. You know what he's like, he's got those evil eyes, and don't get me started on his ears!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Sorry Rotty, i've made up my mind...you can't stay here any more."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"But boss....i....sniff....sniff....i need a cuppa and a decent bed....sniff.....my tummy hurts."</strong></div><div><strong>.<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n74DcofZoB_47AVS_V7xRCqnU6pEYTTrESBICt4r1kkz9K7Ea2Kmyb2TZNQrBua-rySlNAPxcK9VpoV-p-cy7CmnJaGRbhXXi4et0Ju9PScdcEXgtm9xlF3pwzLrd-h8Frvpu3Bzj8Yo/s1600/Picture+8626.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966934014739570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n74DcofZoB_47AVS_V7xRCqnU6pEYTTrESBICt4r1kkz9K7Ea2Kmyb2TZNQrBua-rySlNAPxcK9VpoV-p-cy7CmnJaGRbhXXi4et0Ju9PScdcEXgtm9xlF3pwzLrd-h8Frvpu3Bzj8Yo/s400/Picture+8626.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>"Look Rotty, grab your stuff, i might know of a place round the back where you can stay for while."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Really boss? Does it have a bed...coz i need a good sleep....police cells are no laughing matter you know?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Yes Rotty, i hear it has a bed....come on Mr....this way..."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"So where is it then boss? Maybe i'll ask at this house here. Bit posh around these parts isn't it...look at the size of that place!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQoqe4X8uQ1zMjiEfaLX8288Do0KF4hJNB1rEXLk_pxh9RuJFSPOpztc3Egv0LV9N1awEDhUshJXVg9nObzTJy5ZdFezYVmABaj8F9UGSasQ5AFH2GFa_2DOmOgi9k7Zs2_ZhmU1HLrR/s1600/Picture+8630.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 398px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572973170071440338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQoqe4X8uQ1zMjiEfaLX8288Do0KF4hJNB1rEXLk_pxh9RuJFSPOpztc3Egv0LV9N1awEDhUshJXVg9nObzTJy5ZdFezYVmABaj8F9UGSasQ5AFH2GFa_2DOmOgi9k7Zs2_ZhmU1HLrR/s400/Picture+8630.jpg" /></a><br /><div>.</div><div>"Go and ask them then Rotty, you never know, they might even know of somewhere you can stay?.</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Hey look at that boss...that has has a plaque on the upper floor with initals like mine....how cool is that? Wonder who lives there?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTq2PsgWrKeYBo-IhN6k-E3l7EaEGpZXomGk0_59QXyh56yMC4oBR4RT-Bd3NthUWG3CJpimjORHpwKBF7GYTZY-yp7JhIY4jntXOtZZpuo7HrNlugaTm-lR4wb4c8D7qt_AXc2iyBp6X/s1600/Picture+8633.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 376px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572965185747086354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTq2PsgWrKeYBo-IhN6k-E3l7EaEGpZXomGk0_59QXyh56yMC4oBR4RT-Bd3NthUWG3CJpimjORHpwKBF7GYTZY-yp7JhIY4jntXOtZZpuo7HrNlugaTm-lR4wb4c8D7qt_AXc2iyBp6X/s400/Picture+8633.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Umm boss....i don't understand....i knocked and nobodys in, but thats not all....have you seen this door?"</strong></div><div><strong>.</strong></div><div>"Whats the matter Rotty?"</div><div>.</div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KgIb7ej_SNTzjOWXVUG0alB1T_z71rxf8a4cH3B6dhc8-cznnbPWtB3q3uhMvUWjTZjjmRP5GSs8Jygxy48omNstpu43zFhncwovIkytSzZtt5v8A4l5m7d2F198_uwa0Uclkjg3heVf/s1600/Picture+8644.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572965175728640146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KgIb7ej_SNTzjOWXVUG0alB1T_z71rxf8a4cH3B6dhc8-cznnbPWtB3q3uhMvUWjTZjjmRP5GSs8Jygxy48omNstpu43zFhncwovIkytSzZtt5v8A4l5m7d2F198_uwa0Uclkjg3heVf/s400/Picture+8644.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"The door plaque boss....look at the name on it..."</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ktWo8aXDtAjF0XNkNs2495wRtctPJ3JFXoIfCmlJ0VtNPdT-RG-ii17W1htj3lUvIAcq1bUYtfn9rrVRPc1LAEtM9S4SKmbSCUbvlsnG6R-vFRoyb3I6anosHmGQOdQrMsUWvXaMNo3b/s1600/Picture+8638.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572965182460661586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ktWo8aXDtAjF0XNkNs2495wRtctPJ3JFXoIfCmlJ0VtNPdT-RG-ii17W1htj3lUvIAcq1bUYtfn9rrVRPc1LAEtM9S4SKmbSCUbvlsnG6R-vFRoyb3I6anosHmGQOdQrMsUWvXaMNo3b/s400/Picture+8638.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>"That is strange Rotty....maybe you should take a look inside?"</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Ok boss....will do....you watch my back...."</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZd4b-ne4-lGGOcK-qj0fpQZJJMMDlgco3oZItk1u16aFhHfcrIHRcSKua6usC3pRXdp9f8OfTOUIJTlCwj55VqlsATZiDvMNhvOztv4uydE9mIlC6qw9WnW81v9l-n9tW_XGITZRcYaY/s1600/Picture+8645.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572963327187048866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZd4b-ne4-lGGOcK-qj0fpQZJJMMDlgco3oZItk1u16aFhHfcrIHRcSKua6usC3pRXdp9f8OfTOUIJTlCwj55VqlsATZiDvMNhvOztv4uydE9mIlC6qw9WnW81v9l-n9tW_XGITZRcYaY/s400/Picture+8645.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>"Why do i need to watch your back Rotty?"</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQaVCq3RP-qFh9oHvE5Yq5eHF9Jr8KWg6GPgi7torNieRoVqrnlyVISagv9PODy3v1raNz41KIVfVVdzGbh4elst5OY6cijDfRzhKHnFIuarAw2sP57RH-CCsgBx5TGiSzJDX6dJZnhYs/s1600/Picture+8648.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572963321313921826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQaVCq3RP-qFh9oHvE5Yq5eHF9Jr8KWg6GPgi7torNieRoVqrnlyVISagv9PODy3v1raNz41KIVfVVdzGbh4elst5OY6cijDfRzhKHnFIuarAw2sP57RH-CCsgBx5TGiSzJDX6dJZnhYs/s400/Picture+8648.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Well just incase the police turn up.....don't want to be caught raiding someones house again, that would be all i need."</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Rotty you doughnut...who's name is on the door? It would be difficult getting arrested for entering....YOUR OWN HOUSE!!!"</div><div>.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_itAo7xtLi0nH0oabpD-CAMFqCK8pUPDsFDgO7r1U_9eIASUYiDlyHlKfXniXAOPlSS5MIsP0yM0eWGZUMDny0kbU72siqtCaKZD5E0-71cxEtRSzXa2NLzgdzVH0Klac1-tydEMrTYq/s1600/Picture+8650.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572963318263849714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_itAo7xtLi0nH0oabpD-CAMFqCK8pUPDsFDgO7r1U_9eIASUYiDlyHlKfXniXAOPlSS5MIsP0yM0eWGZUMDny0kbU72siqtCaKZD5E0-71cxEtRSzXa2NLzgdzVH0Klac1-tydEMrTYq/s400/Picture+8650.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"WHAT?!!!! Say that again? This is my house? My very own house? You mean to say you actualy made me one in the end? I can't believe it!!!"</strong></div><div><strong>.</strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2JzPLJ8XVlV5wCXQv_ZGtv-l7VGk5-jzWRdk8fdMBjGbGXjt6C6WxAdA3r_R2x5wL7k-Y6GF6UfBShBLc-dT2fhB4ezF6OBfA62Adptla335rsT74jcpB8vqzyu22TbreNCd1oEOrme5/s1600/Picture+8649.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572963321684464882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2JzPLJ8XVlV5wCXQv_ZGtv-l7VGk5-jzWRdk8fdMBjGbGXjt6C6WxAdA3r_R2x5wL7k-Y6GF6UfBShBLc-dT2fhB4ezF6OBfA62Adptla335rsT74jcpB8vqzyu22TbreNCd1oEOrme5/s400/Picture+8649.jpg" /></a></div><div>.<br />"I sure did Rotty. Not that you deserve any treats after what you've put me through, but i did promise you a house a while back didn't i?"</div><div>.<br />"Go on then, go have a look at some of your things. It still needs some things to make it more cozy, but i think you'd like it. I wanted it to have that old feel to it, just like the places you like to frequent."</div><div>.</div><div>"Your very own flatscreen telly...i know you like your TV....made you some nice curtains too, and your very own furniture."</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq-V0hrvrFz0u09_G2saUeVb7sDPdmsHm5Tj2U4gsZ2g4QPhzD8skbDgzF7UCdR5QKBGMLsAecez8GWDAM1aRcY5hQixPAPmDHIh7SObKn7QlBX9fq092VfXc1YiNwx0B-gZ3oBbymMse/s1600/Picture+8654.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572963314133861346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq-V0hrvrFz0u09_G2saUeVb7sDPdmsHm5Tj2U4gsZ2g4QPhzD8skbDgzF7UCdR5QKBGMLsAecez8GWDAM1aRcY5hQixPAPmDHIh7SObKn7QlBX9fq092VfXc1YiNwx0B-gZ3oBbymMse/s400/Picture+8654.jpg" /></a> </div><div>. </div><div><strong>"Wow boss!!! This is amazing!!! Look....i got my own log fire too!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Certainly have Rotty, just what you need on a cold night. Already stocked up with logs and coal too...even made you a little stoker for the fire, and of course a broomstick to sweep up the mess."</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ISAcgrkO6ooSFzEUgpDL0r3MTKNO_r0pe4Dt79AlNHHqLK2YgBaHkO0uXKdGM3xBjf7CZrL9kZB_tmcuNjwR8xZt0gHuQh5sAqGA0JVL8fslBi91Bqh5bMEbnvNXzA8jB6G80z4ga7D/s1600/Picture+8656.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572962523704922834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5ISAcgrkO6ooSFzEUgpDL0r3MTKNO_r0pe4Dt79AlNHHqLK2YgBaHkO0uXKdGM3xBjf7CZrL9kZB_tmcuNjwR8xZt0gHuQh5sAqGA0JVL8fslBi91Bqh5bMEbnvNXzA8jB6G80z4ga7D/s400/Picture+8656.jpg" /></a><br /><div>.</div><div><strong>Oh my boss...is that what i think it is above the fireplace?!!!"</strong></div><div><strong>.</strong></div><div>"Yes Rotty....your very own piece of rat artwork by Banksy!" Just a print of course, it's hard getting him to do personal commissions."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Of course...i'll be the envy of the sewers with that!</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjAxRCANBlR5plvxlMfZku3PwN4UfXh1Rtx4cXpk2o6UrVPcUm53WLXzMh8cer6WVzIYSweEAGxZEHqK3JRTof_4L85djjHOcGWmczRiK38_6RtlanI1915wAvAJVRwD4U_p2ikcBR4vq/s1600/Picture+8660.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572962507846023026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjAxRCANBlR5plvxlMfZku3PwN4UfXh1Rtx4cXpk2o6UrVPcUm53WLXzMh8cer6WVzIYSweEAGxZEHqK3JRTof_4L85djjHOcGWmczRiK38_6RtlanI1915wAvAJVRwD4U_p2ikcBR4vq/s400/Picture+8660.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />"I also made you a coffee table Rotty, and a little something on it to help you get back on your feet again."</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2wtiqOrSD2Bp-ZA_yd6QDqo8Rpx5L9pLNXc6mhnJeuuyLoP7uhueM5vi0BHpvcGcFLsAq-fsGIDVmDm11197RmE4Dp0tXjkKKygWn4PUGZ-4yBGY_gYJyaEXiTKSnrvNMp8ckjJ8iFkj/s1600/Picture+8651.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572962506566195602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2wtiqOrSD2Bp-ZA_yd6QDqo8Rpx5L9pLNXc6mhnJeuuyLoP7uhueM5vi0BHpvcGcFLsAq-fsGIDVmDm11197RmE4Dp0tXjkKKygWn4PUGZ-4yBGY_gYJyaEXiTKSnrvNMp8ckjJ8iFkj/s400/Picture+8651.jpg" /></a><br />.<br /><strong>"Oh boss, i don't know what to say....it just doesn't get better than this when you are a sewer rat like myself!!! This sofa is great too...very comfy indeed!"<br /></strong>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfec4_pO4RdSJ9gZ3H59NUien0RA66Wwici2TW4RdBXoWQE3vMde8fePxvKT_d9tFpsvNvuuADIWgN-pUms0uW68NfiLGGA7TZYw-S5pNmelTu2iSTd2KUkbD8ksp7PsjkYyNJo4xywOj/s1600/Picture+8661.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572962503997600530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfec4_pO4RdSJ9gZ3H59NUien0RA66Wwici2TW4RdBXoWQE3vMde8fePxvKT_d9tFpsvNvuuADIWgN-pUms0uW68NfiLGGA7TZYw-S5pNmelTu2iSTd2KUkbD8ksp7PsjkYyNJo4xywOj/s400/Picture+8661.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>"Yes it is, and you have Maddy to thank for that sofa, she was kind enough to donate it to you."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Really? That was nice of her....Calvin Mouse didn't touch it did he? You'll have to disinfect it if he did you know?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"No it's nice and clean Rotty....now then, you might want to take a look upstairs..."</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoRf2bgKxtnDN083VDmfISZwOxerWTANCWfDI0Mk-6kvcqDyiFNNSxxgH94HdjiMVbxekMHKqp_FOmZbKatzOLpn76vg87yLUQmlHt58wcf3vHZyP6iBV66fiPNgk5W7CE19TLDtFBt65/s1600/Picture+8662.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572961611130885938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoRf2bgKxtnDN083VDmfISZwOxerWTANCWfDI0Mk-6kvcqDyiFNNSxxgH94HdjiMVbxekMHKqp_FOmZbKatzOLpn76vg87yLUQmlHt58wcf3vHZyP6iBV66fiPNgk5W7CE19TLDtFBt65/s400/Picture+8662.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"NO WAY!!!! I have my own bedroom!!!!! WOOHOOOOOO!!!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Yes indeed Rotty.....just look at those most excellent duvet and pillow sets that our lovely friend Nicki from Switzerland made you! Aren't they fantastic? You've also got another TV so you can watch telly in bed...and dartboard too, can't be a boys bedroom without a dartboard!"</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HLAeYpOpF6KaexmgYpdDen0YjLo2DxLQ2_1hyphenhyphenE5cSHRG7NN1xD7TDA8ma1uQyB36J6emlQ-JwSG4GNzupNTMQmUTk8212B-Tz0QXY9jMNFvtSTB6rr6KIHtd-yrRV95WxHbfCnsmJrOR/s1600/Picture+8663.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572961601832265778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HLAeYpOpF6KaexmgYpdDen0YjLo2DxLQ2_1hyphenhyphenE5cSHRG7NN1xD7TDA8ma1uQyB36J6emlQ-JwSG4GNzupNTMQmUTk8212B-Tz0QXY9jMNFvtSTB6rr6KIHtd-yrRV95WxHbfCnsmJrOR/s400/Picture+8663.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div><strong>"THANK YOU NICKI...i love them!!! xxx ....and you are so right boss... if you notice, Calvin Mouse hasn't got a dartboard in his room....so i'm seriously starting to have my doubts about him! I HAVE TWO BEDS!!!!!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Yes Rotty, just incase you have any friends over to stay".</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Oh boss this is way too cool, you wait till i tell the other rats in the sewer, they'll all want to come and stay!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>I'm sure they will, oh you found your teddy. Actualy Maddy made that little horse, i thought you might like it for a bit of company in your new bed."</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rDMZb7qwuUYOMz9liiUR6t_8BOES7Ohc_JpZeokRPgZiyLMLT4KDzlVOmVKIQTX0DlXlZwqReYAUGtZLCA3eRdrfXWiiDx4HKmjffzKXRCUfZrcmq7SsDmq8HwA35EM-9lf5c3f7HN-3/s1600/Picture+8664.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572961595646830274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rDMZb7qwuUYOMz9liiUR6t_8BOES7Ohc_JpZeokRPgZiyLMLT4KDzlVOmVKIQTX0DlXlZwqReYAUGtZLCA3eRdrfXWiiDx4HKmjffzKXRCUfZrcmq7SsDmq8HwA35EM-9lf5c3f7HN-3/s400/Picture+8664.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div><strong>"Thank you so much boss....i really like my new house....might change a bit of the decor here and there but you can't get everything right can you?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"I guess not Rotty. Now look, you have to take good care of this house ok? I don't mind having it in my craft room so you're a bit warmer, but no wild parties ok and make sure that fire is out when you go to bed! Deal?"<br />.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4kTtdD3MbXTLGDY5z1EIvdtqBgHwcrayoeOOnGsfFJamBUB-ZzFLCa7qxlqL0hqFRapgXTPuOL1SjMcgxXh3-iUFUpqIcSN6Ejkmj2rhkPxs2WCTj5O4FtAG9MrrAS1eBZU9VWS6EtEd/s1600/Picture+8668.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572961592763713554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4kTtdD3MbXTLGDY5z1EIvdtqBgHwcrayoeOOnGsfFJamBUB-ZzFLCa7qxlqL0hqFRapgXTPuOL1SjMcgxXh3-iUFUpqIcSN6Ejkmj2rhkPxs2WCTj5O4FtAG9MrrAS1eBZU9VWS6EtEd/s400/Picture+8668.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div><strong>"It's a deal boss....a rats promise even and you can't get better than that. By the way, i did notice that you didn't make my laboratory and gym that i asked for, but i'll let you off as you did such a good job. All in good time eh boss?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Lol yes ok Rotty...i'll say goodnight now and leave you to your new place."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Night boss."</strong></div><div>.</div><div>Well folks....thats that! Rotty has his house, and i think he's quite happy don't you? I hope he has as much fun in it as i had making it. It took a little while as it's my first attempt at anything like this, but i like to think it was worth it...don't you?<br />.</div><div>I wonder how he's getting on....lets have one last peek before we go eh?....</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc9b03BKcnQWFPPtBGIw6PwX81JR5tV1Z60FAbnLu6-XTtA5pyGwvMrtyzPyiWNSQrjJhPeEmZYdhxDeOzjSRDy30_GTchj_uosnkTAuwRI0U9Ts5O8V7ttBgQoHR4cLx_T2kR96aGUJq/s1600/Picture+8674.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572961581459218946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc9b03BKcnQWFPPtBGIw6PwX81JR5tV1Z60FAbnLu6-XTtA5pyGwvMrtyzPyiWNSQrjJhPeEmZYdhxDeOzjSRDy30_GTchj_uosnkTAuwRI0U9Ts5O8V7ttBgQoHR4cLx_T2kR96aGUJq/s400/Picture+8674.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>Big tough Rotty Rat eh....look at him cuddling that teddy lol.</div><div>.</div><div>Night all.....see you soon, i'll explain a few things about the build of this house in my next blog post. Thanks for popping in to take a look. :) </div></div></div></div></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-46162259467450127312011-02-11T09:52:00.011+00:002011-02-11T10:43:28.622+00:00Quick dry brushing tutorial.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPsJ_5sjOe3VVRUpTJAQzqkeRCrRb_aIVk3XyEC8h4YnQMhz9R8dnOdtvnMlrPg9Cgb6UwHg9sCu4fjh6RZNjj0uJVI3Tltt0DiYdd4JqqtTJ4HZy1bZJ8br6dHujqOsmNDa3czNlKvSp/s1600/Picture+8616.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572371281556750002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPsJ_5sjOe3VVRUpTJAQzqkeRCrRb_aIVk3XyEC8h4YnQMhz9R8dnOdtvnMlrPg9Cgb6UwHg9sCu4fjh6RZNjj0uJVI3Tltt0DiYdd4JqqtTJ4HZy1bZJ8br6dHujqOsmNDa3czNlKvSp/s400/Picture+8616.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Hi everyone. :)<br />.<br />How do you like this stone box i found? Just kidding, i am making something and needed to do a bit of dry brushing on it to get a slate effect, so i thought i'd take a few pics along the way to show you how easy it is.<br />.<br />Many of you will already know how to do this, and i'm sure you can do a better job as there are some most excellent tutorials out there. These are great for giving a stone effect to anything, especialy scenery or houses built for kids. No reason why you can't use it on cards though.<br />.<br />Firstly, i bought one of those cardboad boxes (are they cardboard? Papier mache maybe? i dunno).<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4J7Lhk5HZt1iQ9GKK09bOAaciyDhrRTJyikBTnjEPJA5aJVE3se9gWaaUddzznq2I07y7zAHIBISvkejhyL-mTJc9YYbYZztM7vKGVGUQpIsQLQ5DaO0oIvaRzZe-HoM2HMmhu_5wYzd/s1600/Picture+8603.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572373089689383266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4J7Lhk5HZt1iQ9GKK09bOAaciyDhrRTJyikBTnjEPJA5aJVE3se9gWaaUddzznq2I07y7zAHIBISvkejhyL-mTJc9YYbYZztM7vKGVGUQpIsQLQ5DaO0oIvaRzZe-HoM2HMmhu_5wYzd/s400/Picture+8603.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Now we need to give it a base coat of black matt paint. I just used some old black acrylic paint, you can also get a really nice matt black spray base coat from places like Games Workshop or other scenery or modeling shops.<br />.<br /><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572373091403360034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5zQu33LnF7n2PhD41tTZiGuQTh3zpKilcCEk5vGLm34oG0bxIEyL07oB0fkK1vm93nz0RV2j6JTSI_8jMAEMoopO539m4L_mKZPhdJP6zY5EmWctNGn2fiuR1RHAcz6fPuy00NRWaqK0/s400/Picture+8605.jpg" /><br />.<br />Now for the dry brushing. You'll need a stencilling brush. They come in many sizes, so depending on what size your project is depends on how big a brush you'll need.<br />.<br />Get yourself some tissue paper, and get a blob of white acrylic paint. Now dip your paint brush in the while, but just a tiny bit, you'll see why in a second...<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXX8AF4YNTyo4wUA3T6YQ7g6CUrzbXvsZEjvbMQP4qb9cP17YTxQVS9D-Pc7vFMe6cNPlpQrcwXEqwbAAYyqCE8_9KaH8pUYb80Tz13EPdB5b0u-hr3Y_018pdPSU9HVkkv2W2QTqIOp3/s1600/Picture+8606.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572371306229132690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXX8AF4YNTyo4wUA3T6YQ7g6CUrzbXvsZEjvbMQP4qb9cP17YTxQVS9D-Pc7vFMe6cNPlpQrcwXEqwbAAYyqCE8_9KaH8pUYb80Tz13EPdB5b0u-hr3Y_018pdPSU9HVkkv2W2QTqIOp3/s400/Picture+8606.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Now you need to take all the paint off again. Sounds stupid i know, but you only want a hint of the white to dust over the contours of the black. So take the paint off by brusshing it clean over the tissue. Keep going until you think there is literaly nothing left on the brush.<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb6IvKkFw36Zus2WLfKDkAUe-xdqOdMg-3VKhmUs-BZfNOq-JTu1F3so0dWr510u8Z_xKSO_fjxEBAnisTenTTEOYifZ4uXepVWf9ejh2vHLRtQ1fMI9ROlkowwiIfP_YnanTCF6P0LCz/s1600/Picture+8608.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572371301602706002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb6IvKkFw36Zus2WLfKDkAUe-xdqOdMg-3VKhmUs-BZfNOq-JTu1F3so0dWr510u8Z_xKSO_fjxEBAnisTenTTEOYifZ4uXepVWf9ejh2vHLRtQ1fMI9ROlkowwiIfP_YnanTCF6P0LCz/s400/Picture+8608.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />It should be virtualy clean...<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8v6-_XBKrXyIgUkaeqjUB7bRmyGuPvELTM0VQFtYq4jwO4aQGBe1RmfmVWJpq9BCOXAhIB_t4FNjUXMa81lzacInbEX9jW9MVWcHT5zjKxdZGqsCvyzSN9VOqL9XH7F3lWxhKoGaX1Zm/s1600/Picture+8609.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 342px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572371292178483298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8v6-_XBKrXyIgUkaeqjUB7bRmyGuPvELTM0VQFtYq4jwO4aQGBe1RmfmVWJpq9BCOXAhIB_t4FNjUXMa81lzacInbEX9jW9MVWcHT5zjKxdZGqsCvyzSN9VOqL9XH7F3lWxhKoGaX1Zm/s400/Picture+8609.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Now to dry brush. Holding the brush so it is upright and the flat bottom of the bristles are on the project, i just flick it around lightly over the black paint. Very lightly, you are after just hitting the raised surfaces of the black paint so you are only dusting the surface.<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaKFUxrZO-F9O7JfSLeITcKXLCxY_hy85smfVsjIS6bCZCEWzD_J8ltzV9jbcYmF5qUznGtpuEsxvhHWwNTGrKO9Amg9-vsg1R4wPAgzm3WVEQGUufzHDbEwZAtsyC0wn6pO19Ez6YO2P/s1600/Picture+8612.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572371295607795218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaKFUxrZO-F9O7JfSLeITcKXLCxY_hy85smfVsjIS6bCZCEWzD_J8ltzV9jbcYmF5qUznGtpuEsxvhHWwNTGrKO9Amg9-vsg1R4wPAgzm3WVEQGUufzHDbEwZAtsyC0wn6pO19Ez6YO2P/s400/Picture+8612.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Eventualy you'll see a white powdery hint coming to the black paint which gives you a stone or slate effect. You'll know if you still have too much paint on your brush, it will leave whiter marks on your black surface. If you really mess it up, just recoat with black and start again.<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUutAZL6dJRfWh8BlkoWNIlcUbX_LQnNTQ8W9vK1IgBbYs6J03YUVvSP3t_e0qUKAtCeB7EzpVTK8UT_heh9HD4BB836lHa3HDUnBpD8RcjogtYWdmrKR396X0q-OG-sy9RAz08mWZLl9/s1600/Picture+8619.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572377448841478722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUutAZL6dJRfWh8BlkoWNIlcUbX_LQnNTQ8W9vK1IgBbYs6J03YUVvSP3t_e0qUKAtCeB7EzpVTK8UT_heh9HD4BB836lHa3HDUnBpD8RcjogtYWdmrKR396X0q-OG-sy9RAz08mWZLl9/s400/Picture+8619.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Easiest technique ever. Like i say, this one was done really quick, so you can get a better effect if you take your time and really clean that brush off well. You can see a few places where i had too much paint on, it's too white.<br />.<br />This would be a great thing to do with your kids on a weekend, get one of those chipboard houses from any of the craft shops, and try some dry brushing. You can also add other colours to give different effects, on Rotty's house that i'm doing, i drybrushed with brown on top of this to give a tile effect.<br />.<br />A big thank you goes out to <a href="http://madimaginations.blogspot.com/">Maddy</a>, as she showed me this technique many years ago.<br />.<br />Thanks for looking and i hope it comes in handy. :)Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-60303131640879812832011-02-04T01:03:00.007+00:002011-02-04T02:04:14.383+00:00A letter from the police!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hyphenhypheneXPdZ8C1CVKjPqxEYa7fBMB8LY5BRfjODUcs6jlG6QDHs1TE_pkm1MXrhDDO5O_VpR8kh7OV6G2NSo6GB-wX2O57J2e27TNwh-A-oJd6NRv_YihthN9nVMIjksssbfsMVsqdMnjA-d/s1600/Picture+8576.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569640998550485010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hyphenhypheneXPdZ8C1CVKjPqxEYa7fBMB8LY5BRfjODUcs6jlG6QDHs1TE_pkm1MXrhDDO5O_VpR8kh7OV6G2NSo6GB-wX2O57J2e27TNwh-A-oJd6NRv_YihthN9nVMIjksssbfsMVsqdMnjA-d/s400/Picture+8576.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Hi everyone.....this is quite an embarrassing day for me......i've had a letter from the police!<br />.<br />It would appear that a certain little man....or should i say rat.....has finaly got his comeuppance after being caught with stolen cupcakes. Guilty as charged it seems.....i'll let you read the letter yourselves....click on the image if you want it bigger.....<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoRp8EI39Mv43gLPigRhE0jkx4gtq-8gF5AjeEs2cdh_hnemmF1v_93WUKRSaag4OAKexVu4aZ9-T5lxlO39Jkfd3hJ34kdRoWh6VwC84o92k9styrRQ7ZxTmEFn8Css72b6D0OlaKTk3/s1600/Picture+8579.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569646131788048370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoRp8EI39Mv43gLPigRhE0jkx4gtq-8gF5AjeEs2cdh_hnemmF1v_93WUKRSaag4OAKexVu4aZ9-T5lxlO39Jkfd3hJ34kdRoWh6VwC84o92k9styrRQ7ZxTmEFn8Css72b6D0OlaKTk3/s400/Picture+8579.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />I can't believe it! Oh well, i'll have to get the place ready for him i guess, i'm sure he'll be glad to get back home, he's been away for quite a while if you remember.<br />.<br />Who knows, i may even have a big surprise waiting for him when he gets back...not that the sack of mischief deserves it!<br />.<br />Thanks for stopping by, stay tuned for Rotty's return....and a much awaited present. :)Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-73551674126915092572011-01-08T15:43:00.004+00:002011-01-08T16:33:57.605+00:00Handmade bookmark.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcutIq5zUqqXp0ewPb9wvGD0C4Ib7PDYnIOK06Do5X841QGGZZyfRTFyml__mxP9G_ELSvYfEREOw2WdHut8W0tNaTLnGAI7XfJ7SZUduH1dIktZujuSmQqdpEPSyVldOygZC_yZ4jjTCP/s1600/Picture+8523.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 255px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844279108461778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcutIq5zUqqXp0ewPb9wvGD0C4Ib7PDYnIOK06Do5X841QGGZZyfRTFyml__mxP9G_ELSvYfEREOw2WdHut8W0tNaTLnGAI7XfJ7SZUduH1dIktZujuSmQqdpEPSyVldOygZC_yZ4jjTCP/s400/Picture+8523.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>Hi all. :)</div><div>.</div><div>Ok, first make back after a long break, i thought i'd better make it simple. No not like me thank you. :)</div><div>. </div><div>My usual tactic when deciding what to make goes something like this...</div><div>.</div><div>1. Think that i have to make something amazing.</div><div>2. Think it has to be something big and complicated.</div><div>3. Then i get stressed to bits with the whole cuffudle (yes thats a word down our way) of ideas in my head that i don't even make a start.</div><div>.</div><div>So Maddy told me to just keep it simple...they do say that behind every good man is a woman rolling her eyes, so i thought i'd listen to her this time. :)</div><div>.</div><div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_qDB_umrx3H6j_dhVVh1Q81jKopr4J5hh8FocdEhCa_nt2w-QUylUn2tHS-EzWxSqFQYIdgdRg83DfcQhT5yUPGY_Jp3C0aiVpX3Z6haKIaTjwlIsowljfyjworCqr3HaKnJogFq-d3X/s1600/Picture+8524.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 323px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844284046343730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_qDB_umrx3H6j_dhVVh1Q81jKopr4J5hh8FocdEhCa_nt2w-QUylUn2tHS-EzWxSqFQYIdgdRg83DfcQhT5yUPGY_Jp3C0aiVpX3Z6haKIaTjwlIsowljfyjworCqr3HaKnJogFq-d3X/s400/Picture+8524.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>A basic card piece covered with some 12 x 12 paper i had from The Far East selection (DCWV). I have used a stamp from a old writing stamp set i have, due to the textured paper, the image didn't come out too well but not to worry. </div><div>.</div><div>I dotted some holes along the side with a dart, yes a dart as i've lost my pokey tool, then sewed along the sides and middle with a double strand of metallic embroidery thread.</div><div>.</div><div>The different colours give quite a cool effect don't you think? Oh yeah, i used a little gold embossing powder on the edges...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd7mznd4LYBdijy7hdlCfQAoZ4OeWzlkUBvHnFGHXFrCzewBBLtUhmU37T8J-hchZgFYu68gLeRM-YhvkBMo-LO5A0huWfEv_BrKMgxZTje0I-DU4tBRKh2rFzz8eDw-gbre_kw_LP-L2/s1600/Picture+8525.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 372px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844287763804850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd7mznd4LYBdijy7hdlCfQAoZ4OeWzlkUBvHnFGHXFrCzewBBLtUhmU37T8J-hchZgFYu68gLeRM-YhvkBMo-LO5A0huWfEv_BrKMgxZTje0I-DU4tBRKh2rFzz8eDw-gbre_kw_LP-L2/s400/Picture+8525.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>I was going to add some tassles at the top, but instead i used some old chain i had left. Added a button to it and it works great for some weight drooping over the pages when the books closed.</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUs_KvM0us4TZK5YSXQf31iTxdhWUR9LGUXoTC_fE_94IBspJpf3Tvt7Su8-HELvx0HWyuZGKDLtbE9FMIchYH-c_7Sr8fnsnnAmlEF1SJuNZuFqAhGEeV6vChjWTz6ctS1dfuqBxcB3Y/s1600/Picture+8534.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844656565998050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUs_KvM0us4TZK5YSXQf31iTxdhWUR9LGUXoTC_fE_94IBspJpf3Tvt7Su8-HELvx0HWyuZGKDLtbE9FMIchYH-c_7Sr8fnsnnAmlEF1SJuNZuFqAhGEeV6vChjWTz6ctS1dfuqBxcB3Y/s400/Picture+8534.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>Had to test it in use of course....</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQr3k7XRydzQSQ2ywPJ3Tn-hapkpjF_b722-8uhDCsR4TY3lQCaLp3_la8Yc3UOQ5N1Q5AVcQbLsts1FIHqoo4P6PSkgjT8nIwFlsuHpYICyh6A2VL0bfb8J7OEGPC4KMwuGO_hbYlyws/s1600/Picture+8528.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 397px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844298031718706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQr3k7XRydzQSQ2ywPJ3Tn-hapkpjF_b722-8uhDCsR4TY3lQCaLp3_la8Yc3UOQ5N1Q5AVcQbLsts1FIHqoo4P6PSkgjT8nIwFlsuHpYICyh6A2VL0bfb8J7OEGPC4KMwuGO_hbYlyws/s400/Picture+8528.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>So thats is, a nice way to slide back into the blog again. I do a fair bit of reading so another bookmark is always welcome. Thanks for looking. :)</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV59OUK6kyxOI8hhYDqMczsKAkU4jgyMd7hHWhFVS5jIFsEvIqu3OKq_O7OTKve_N6VglREM43OgN5OaNVbDRx-5m2SwVq3UXBrF33VGqxDwP_k0dYccpD6XgogZXLkgykkMm9upmE22Kk/s1600/Picture+8532.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559844300820261378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV59OUK6kyxOI8hhYDqMczsKAkU4jgyMd7hHWhFVS5jIFsEvIqu3OKq_O7OTKve_N6VglREM43OgN5OaNVbDRx-5m2SwVq3UXBrF33VGqxDwP_k0dYccpD6XgogZXLkgykkMm9upmE22Kk/s400/Picture+8532.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-72621365319739073842011-01-02T17:02:00.008+00:002011-01-02T18:44:24.984+00:00Happy New Year everyone!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-yUPJNoRFKL5NTOZ1xA4p0tCmvMTwybi1PFFbOz67Vxl0szjR1IYIyaOFfFCguyl7MV-4HKryki4Q49XNxWIxw0VlQkynqMn3A0uFxxKr2AhZ_WocJD2o8xG0LllY56LEQQ2ctBq-v_4/s1600/Picture+8519.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557635846990606498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-yUPJNoRFKL5NTOZ1xA4p0tCmvMTwybi1PFFbOz67Vxl0szjR1IYIyaOFfFCguyl7MV-4HKryki4Q49XNxWIxw0VlQkynqMn3A0uFxxKr2AhZ_WocJD2o8xG0LllY56LEQQ2ctBq-v_4/s400/Picture+8519.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Happy New Year everyone!!!<br />.<br />Firstly, i hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. I hope Santa brought you everything you asked for, and that most of you who were probably on the naughty list got at least a little something. :)<br />.<br />I must apologize for my absence from the blog over the past few months, many excuses, but i wonlt bore you with them. Luckily Maddy has kept me informed with all the crafty goings on so i know what you've all been up to. (Yes even that!) :)<br />.<br />We had a great deal of snow and ice here, we weren't as bad as most places in the UK, but it did make for a few lovely pictures.....heres one from my village....<br />.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQmRDQeV_wIEEsqyCIaPwuQoLxaxIVusn9Pl-w3ZL2idd-AzTqR3PLnCqflN822ptub7ORGmEEhA8s3nFZ_jnfdCo90v4WpzIWBZUcze2Zac6QszJEK8HHf8fkgBNUWdzdhjDA3mMvCg_/s1600/Picture+8477.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557637114987052178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQmRDQeV_wIEEsqyCIaPwuQoLxaxIVusn9Pl-w3ZL2idd-AzTqR3PLnCqflN822ptub7ORGmEEhA8s3nFZ_jnfdCo90v4WpzIWBZUcze2Zac6QszJEK8HHf8fkgBNUWdzdhjDA3mMvCg_/s400/Picture+8477.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Rotty is nowhere to be seen at the moment, there are a few rumours circulating the sewers regarding his whereabouts.....none of them great i'm afraid. One said that he was staying at Maddy's house, another was that he'd left there and was involved in the "catering business" down in the underground sewers of London again.....something that worries me slightly after reading this article recently...<br />.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7N-4Sp-uBjn9guj8y5RNgJql7nBFpgKQsNEf0uXoEHbWlZbUUlC5eCNjYyw07mXqkyPIie8_5daG-YbAYsWJcTwOtnwr9D_bNK1M1sxgmNlkHA7hsfftGAqzrvdt7T0N-fO0wjnJw0Y/s1600/e8fc4a02eab348ac9c9ecbc7f785402f_0.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 370px; HEIGHT: 399px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557642087983664018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI7N-4Sp-uBjn9guj8y5RNgJql7nBFpgKQsNEf0uXoEHbWlZbUUlC5eCNjYyw07mXqkyPIie8_5daG-YbAYsWJcTwOtnwr9D_bNK1M1sxgmNlkHA7hsfftGAqzrvdt7T0N-fO0wjnJw0Y/s400/e8fc4a02eab348ac9c9ecbc7f785402f_0.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Hmmm i know....concerning eh?<br />.<br />Rotty's house is nearing some kind of completion, the paint job on the exterior didn't quite go to plan so i will be working on that in my spare time. So don't fret....Rotty will get his house soon!<br />.<br />Other than that, i look forward to getting back into the swing of things with the crafting and getting around all your blogs. I hope you are all well and are enjoying your crafting, wishing you all a great 2011.<br />.<br />Oh yeah, i have a couple of resoloutions, some of the normal ones, some a bit different, but the main one is to keep in touch with friends more often. I love writing, and there is nothing better than a handwritten letter through the door......one without text talk too! So if you get a letter with a wax seal on the back...it may just be from me. :)<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSngL9_XGSvJ4WMGFc99MWOhiEbwQBNTfu-50rnAi3oHoY7UwBh_X1JOAi_RSzR6yCeU5Le5IoKDC-dB_W38r42xxlLNFUDoQrdDaNaHvYcmrqvRd6vPySd2lTaysuQ37zWfcMIB3lm1vI/s1600/Picture+8516.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 390px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557637118669222898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSngL9_XGSvJ4WMGFc99MWOhiEbwQBNTfu-50rnAi3oHoY7UwBh_X1JOAi_RSzR6yCeU5Le5IoKDC-dB_W38r42xxlLNFUDoQrdDaNaHvYcmrqvRd6vPySd2lTaysuQ37zWfcMIB3lm1vI/s400/Picture+8516.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Oh yes, one final thing.....i would like to give a big shout out to the numerous spammers that have graced my blog whilst i've been away. I always enjoy reading my friends and followers comments, but nothing gets me all warm and fuzzy like a whole host of random spam posts linking people to sex sites and the likes.<br />.<br />So to any spammers out there, one day i hope we'll meet.....i promise i'll give you a personal up-close tutorial on another use for a pokey tool!!!Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-14360526778470174992010-07-13T10:24:00.005+01:002010-07-13T10:45:20.643+01:00What a nice crafty suprise!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4pHyMhwZrfYJx_os66rszrb-53AHpUYA7CeG-6dRpWsOGs0tBEijMB97ITZXjB7Aa1_fsP_wqGPfvQvgkvwb2XplB72Oab5Qa7Q3yhEs9kmHwdd4h35Y_8ffZXb0fzhjy-wyBjuDN5H0/s1600/Picture+7361.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 365px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493320481497139890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4pHyMhwZrfYJx_os66rszrb-53AHpUYA7CeG-6dRpWsOGs0tBEijMB97ITZXjB7Aa1_fsP_wqGPfvQvgkvwb2XplB72Oab5Qa7Q3yhEs9kmHwdd4h35Y_8ffZXb0fzhjy-wyBjuDN5H0/s400/Picture+7361.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Who doesn't love receiving post through the letterbox that isn't a bill? Well today i had the nicest of surprises when i opened a letter to find a beautiful handmade card from the children at Kids Company. Some of you may remember i knitted some scarves for the kids last winter, and this was a lovely thank you from them. :)<br />.<br />They'd obviously put a lot of work into the card, a gorgeous seascape theme to it and lots of little details that outshine my cards lol. I love this spray they've used on the gold card, it would also look good in a snow scene...<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU29ZLer7wCzvpbp5JLTteFqbFdrgx3Qc8XEZ5sNRMpa9V3-zJPA-Gd_3iE_HRVBmB5yUIYqB0CbScmiLQLRNzsMF13Oz7hNd6K-G3qtcxPO8GhDsJ7QRv6_9ypCuQWqtVPHOSjhR-d0N6/s1600/Picture+7358.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493320477833017954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU29ZLer7wCzvpbp5JLTteFqbFdrgx3Qc8XEZ5sNRMpa9V3-zJPA-Gd_3iE_HRVBmB5yUIYqB0CbScmiLQLRNzsMF13Oz7hNd6K-G3qtcxPO8GhDsJ7QRv6_9ypCuQWqtVPHOSjhR-d0N6/s400/Picture+7358.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />The little sailing boat is just great! Almost makes you think you are there under that blue sunny sky with the big white clouds...<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu196n84DAMoeuCv_UELUauIKglq3oXMLCLRMYYKMUH0iv1yZWQVQtRtYvjNhxB9aGev4zgwTHrSUmfnsUm-V_vzFl3cby0nUO-GmfmobuP-kYHbUSA3YSsJc_LM67tpWDrGzhZTpKmpi/s1600/Picture+7357.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493320791526725138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu196n84DAMoeuCv_UELUauIKglq3oXMLCLRMYYKMUH0iv1yZWQVQtRtYvjNhxB9aGev4zgwTHrSUmfnsUm-V_vzFl3cby0nUO-GmfmobuP-kYHbUSA3YSsJc_LM67tpWDrGzhZTpKmpi/s400/Picture+7357.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />On the back of the card it says, "Dear Calvin, thank you so very much for knitting warm wears for our children, you made them very happy last winter."<br />.<br />Makes all those years of me getting stressed whilst trying to learn to knit worthwhile doesn't it?<br />.<br />So a huge thank you to the children at Kids Company (and of course the staff too) for sending this, it really has made my day. :)<br />.<br />For anyone else that is interested in making or sending donations or items for the kids, my friend <a href="http://sharingcolourandcomfort.webs.com/">Nicki's website </a>explains it all in great detail.<br />.<br />Bye for now...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-88927390115061196322010-06-28T20:55:00.002+01:002010-06-28T21:57:38.116+01:00Peeks around the door...<div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGr-XolBBEy-jrqWr_0l7UQABqBFMPB6mIMe0jSOx0LtQUDxp_LB0ttwQ7FA-qZwLqoZXQNMAd6ZAOtqCk49fAukhFRVX_6AaUjbjBjB5GySVMyVeRk-r7M22EQ7DkdW9qwfV-qvGA1Op/s1600/Picture+311.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487920665408170194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGr-XolBBEy-jrqWr_0l7UQABqBFMPB6mIMe0jSOx0LtQUDxp_LB0ttwQ7FA-qZwLqoZXQNMAd6ZAOtqCk49fAukhFRVX_6AaUjbjBjB5GySVMyVeRk-r7M22EQ7DkdW9qwfV-qvGA1Op/s400/Picture+311.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>Hi everyone. :)</div><div>.</div><div>I thought it was high time i showed my ugly mug around here, i've had one of my longer than average breaks from crafty life but as usual i am feeling the tug of blog land again.</div><div>.</div><div>Not that i have much in the way of makes to show, but i have a couple of pics you might like....first one being Maddy above being throttled! I did try myself but she punches harder than me so the job was left to the Ghost Walk tour guide Dan who entertained us on a lovely trip to York recently.</div><div>.</div><div>It's been pretty quiet round here otherwise, Rotty's house is being painted at the moment, i messed up the initial colour, so i'm now re-doing it. Don't worry, it will be done this century!!! Not that he's fussed though, last i heard he was putting on a proper cake belly at Calvin Mouse's house.</div><div>.</div><div>I do have a couple of new visitors here....</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVI3EsodemrysZPcUjCZY_UMGU6THgpEMgfJNHn2weckYrjK5QbRnpOrvvJBS_qVul8C0-DZzYdtWDWbCEcsmWP0HWOJLWBMD25HhDqfI4tSohElwjHT137CX4W9FblO-jePkWtDqPmzC/s1600/Picture+613.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 342px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487920681861670242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVI3EsodemrysZPcUjCZY_UMGU6THgpEMgfJNHn2weckYrjK5QbRnpOrvvJBS_qVul8C0-DZzYdtWDWbCEcsmWP0HWOJLWBMD25HhDqfI4tSohElwjHT137CX4W9FblO-jePkWtDqPmzC/s400/Picture+613.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>Yes i have a few frogs now in the garden pond thanks to my kids. They rescued a load of tadpoles from a dried up ditch in the forest, so back to the pond they came and are thriving now. </div><div>.</div><div>Curious little things they are too....no sooner had i got the camera out.....</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbdO0vWOwm7p1zQJ4QOcc4l0h11YGgdd-DraSrL9efpupII-NUfxCQnqP3IYkXaIi_NQ9IYVVCK8n7kDT1h1hpLe2YiGBgzi5oQBUqxgXCLT-kUbpbhVVESOeAEsBmwAuCqNrewUCU27x/s1600/Picture+622.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487920671602174402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbdO0vWOwm7p1zQJ4QOcc4l0h11YGgdd-DraSrL9efpupII-NUfxCQnqP3IYkXaIi_NQ9IYVVCK8n7kDT1h1hpLe2YiGBgzi5oQBUqxgXCLT-kUbpbhVVESOeAEsBmwAuCqNrewUCU27x/s400/Picture+622.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>Also the Bee & Bee is filling up nicely, theres about twelve in there now....here's the newest arrival arriving back home after a night on the honey!</div><div>.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoqo_VYCUiQHqdRXwCzs-IQdRXucI9R8efhafb49eXT2AOMO4KUtQiHUsWYLczgp5ZZHfa5atZtzmiX7fhmShvTIygimOakLZ91Y5EDHWhVhyphenhyphenv3qzIhcdfaKHlphe6HeVrBSyI5enxo_G/s1600/Picture+688.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487920653925683794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoqo_VYCUiQHqdRXwCzs-IQdRXucI9R8efhafb49eXT2AOMO4KUtQiHUsWYLczgp5ZZHfa5atZtzmiX7fhmShvTIygimOakLZ91Y5EDHWhVhyphenhyphenv3qzIhcdfaKHlphe6HeVrBSyI5enxo_G/s400/Picture+688.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>So now you're all asleep i'll say goodbye for now, and pop off to look around your blogs. I apologise for not being around, sometimes real life events get in the way....as they say, "Excuses are like backsides....everyone's got one!" :)</div><div>.</div><div>Take care all, i hope you are all ok and i look forward to catching up with everyone.</div><div>.</div><div>See ya...</div><div>.</div><div>Calv.</div><div></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-81968245339788004822010-05-01T10:27:00.002+01:002010-05-01T10:36:07.017+01:00Blog candy shout out.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQKG8fLrbYzAgxLIN3nrizWrf3peN74bg-jVGhGUE52mbv5OPM7Pt8d9bFNfqmEHcQ2x_f1rkl13sef8eBDujaSjVeGUlw9SOjYiy0tZ-eP1jCfo4kmaF1X4y7Niv_dXP49LQx8Q0XeA/s320/May_Candy.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQKG8fLrbYzAgxLIN3nrizWrf3peN74bg-jVGhGUE52mbv5OPM7Pt8d9bFNfqmEHcQ2x_f1rkl13sef8eBDujaSjVeGUlw9SOjYiy0tZ-eP1jCfo4kmaF1X4y7Niv_dXP49LQx8Q0XeA/s320/May_Candy.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hi everyone. :)</div><div>.</div><div>Been a bit busy lately, hence the lack of makes here, however i just wanted to give a heads up for a great blog candy that <a href="http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/">Karen</a> is doing over at <a href="http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/">Crafty Goings On</a>.</div><div>.</div><div>As usual Karen has put together a lovely bundle of goodies for you, including the new Tim Holtz book which i can thoroughly recommend for beginners and experienced crafters alike.</div><div>.</div><div>So pop on over to <a href="http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/">Karen's </a>and try your luck! Thanks Karen. :)</div><div>.</div><div>Hopefully i'll be back soon with something nice to share with you, the weathers just too nice to miss out on with the kids at the moment though. Need to get my night time crafty head on maybe? :)</div><div>.</div><div>Take care all.</div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-72657543951461565382010-04-03T23:07:00.003+01:002010-04-03T23:53:47.383+01:00A double suprise for the absent Rotty!<div><div><div><img style="WIDTH: 360px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456040640126637506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVITyHAoH9QiOlJs50UqxlVvmn5tYGSNy0ZCmjLjdui3YhdyRnX8y-4BaFVZli8sNSO7yEExnAmbmvxewVNO1RIKdgihTYjw6UEcU8F3g-jB5B6YP9qVm0uFp6psdm2-qpALOAk1c02Vm/s400/Picture+145.jpg" /></div><div>.</div><div>Trust Rotty to do a dissapearing act just when he gets some goodies through the letterbox!</div><div>.</div><div>Yes bloggers whilst Rotty is off on his travels to lands unknown, i had two fantastic presents arrive today. First was a huge box of Easter eggs from Maddy's daughter Sophia. Now Sophia never does anything by half, so i had a wonderfull suprise when i opened the box to find an egg for me AND Rotty!!!</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bAyAvYtqYGkVjguAZXEfLqzcMRRf4Kk_YBAs9-vYwRwSRr3A_3dG0SPb3ZyRsEMXI7n4L7He3PU-veSsz2JFBuRsBGOeDb3057_HqlNDxkzix27tuuw3OUM4ZEh-8rRE02C3Ndcroxgm/s1600/Picture+146.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456040651807511890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bAyAvYtqYGkVjguAZXEfLqzcMRRf4Kk_YBAs9-vYwRwSRr3A_3dG0SPb3ZyRsEMXI7n4L7He3PU-veSsz2JFBuRsBGOeDb3057_HqlNDxkzix27tuuw3OUM4ZEh-8rRE02C3Ndcroxgm/s400/Picture+146.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>I have to say my half didn't last long, well i had to make sure it didn't melt....you know how it is? Do not panic though, i have kept Rotty's half for whenever he decides to return from his travels. A big thank you to Sophia for the eggs, we all loved opening them and of course, making them dissapear! :)</div><div>.</div><div>Meanwhile over at the house build, i spent the afternoon making him a couple of beds for his room, one for him, and one for any friends he has sleeping over....they are a bit covered in glue and still need a little fancying up, but you get the idea...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOtFxXDcYsgi3hc8K53YcIF6kzmhJWb3BLjREO0YhCOGofqmIU05BQJvF-0-2lkMezj-dXLdqiJ0XrUz_ZsDSWTNMw8Maz3AQCS2h6daOrBp0MkVWD84RfnHDYqDKwfLbh8TKnmc7uRMC/s1600/Picture+148.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456040661429649410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOtFxXDcYsgi3hc8K53YcIF6kzmhJWb3BLjREO0YhCOGofqmIU05BQJvF-0-2lkMezj-dXLdqiJ0XrUz_ZsDSWTNMw8Maz3AQCS2h6daOrBp0MkVWD84RfnHDYqDKwfLbh8TKnmc7uRMC/s400/Picture+148.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>The only thing i have to sort out for him is bed linen. Being a hardened rat from the rough end of the sewer, he wouldn't be seen dead in the kind of girly stuff Calvin Mouse sleeps in (pink satin nightie, hair curlers etc), so i wondered what i could get for Rotty? I needed something that showed off his tough exterior, coupled with his love of adventure and travel?</div><div>.</div><div>Now i did say i had a couple of suprises through the post today, my good friend Nicki from Switzerland who is an absoloute diamond with a needle and thread, send a little gift for Rotty...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQOeY2AsFVumKgya8TlUhnxUey_wKlvaNfQXnLD2Grpv3ff6WvUg5NuGNinjVkvolC432iCPv3Ca2BfrZxKnlg-La7nFsHGBhKKEKVZcPzW-tz2CfzLtBvbguCOAIexpCl60YHNiqe4r/s1600/Picture+168.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456040668372914242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMQOeY2AsFVumKgya8TlUhnxUey_wKlvaNfQXnLD2Grpv3ff6WvUg5NuGNinjVkvolC432iCPv3Ca2BfrZxKnlg-La7nFsHGBhKKEKVZcPzW-tz2CfzLtBvbguCOAIexpCl60YHNiqe4r/s400/Picture+168.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>How cool is THAT!!! A gift just doesn't get more fitting than that! Two sets of miniature duvets and matching pillows. Camofladge one side, and a gorgeous map of the world fabric on the other. </div><div>.</div><div>I made the beds to fit the duvets...i can just see Rotty and a mate snuggled up under these with thier torches, planning their next mission against Calvin "big girls blouse" Mouse!</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTmNP8IzkQG106sJnQzfFUM2ILDK_vnwBtw4aasDo0vChnzxAGfEmxacYRFGuqLDwi9JpV3YoPRDpy5Wgyvu60U9k7YsjoVdtS43-qkKowq_YIu0TBb6QlcaR_BI1J71wMsFIlSj4UV9m/s1600/Picture+172.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 361px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456040672989259954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTmNP8IzkQG106sJnQzfFUM2ILDK_vnwBtw4aasDo0vChnzxAGfEmxacYRFGuqLDwi9JpV3YoPRDpy5Wgyvu60U9k7YsjoVdtS43-qkKowq_YIu0TBb6QlcaR_BI1J71wMsFIlSj4UV9m/s400/Picture+172.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>So the biggest thank you going out to Nicki in far off Switzerland for these, you are total star and i know that when Rotty gets his furry little backside back here, he will fall in love with them for sure!</div><div>.</div><div>Have a great Easter everyone, eat lots of chocloate and don't forget to tell Rotty he has some here if you see him.....where on earth can he have gotten to?</div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-4262010553331334012010-03-31T00:30:00.008+01:002010-03-31T19:02:33.613+01:00Rotty's in the news!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3uUShjrFjbfZqkDCzYU7xQIFB6v6PXlPN9wdnRjuSQJl0WME6YaUFlsWHn9CzyfrmuhsVS2XHVMXYUSrgA7YSV2ndaYjFmNa32jsfru06HWrkEjQ8RZMvuIpCy8zbtlmjny3UBV17VnE/s1600/rotty+paper.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 370px; HEIGHT: 399px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454859434005676418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3uUShjrFjbfZqkDCzYU7xQIFB6v6PXlPN9wdnRjuSQJl0WME6YaUFlsWHn9CzyfrmuhsVS2XHVMXYUSrgA7YSV2ndaYjFmNa32jsfru06HWrkEjQ8RZMvuIpCy8zbtlmjny3UBV17VnE/s400/rotty+paper.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>.</div><div>Would you believe it folks! Rotty appears to have hit the local rodent headlines again, this time with his silly antics....by that i mean walking out in a huff! He's almost as big a drama queen as Calvin Mouse!!!</div><div>.</div><div>I did try and tell him i was making him a house, but he is so stubborn, i wonder where he'll end up with his so-called "streetwise survival skills?</div><div>.</div><div>"Ah look who we have here....Rotty....what are you up to?....are you telling me you've only got as far as my rubbish bag in the garden?"</div><div>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3ajumkREB-wdZYZD_uXZ_G8Q21HIno14mFRZi6Aw6QDzoYK6TglfLpGPFiRwamEtm2nQosY2Ytqp0L7vC_TusBjmolpIq-FSV8BTnv3Y1pKUR5wkvJK8BLMok_b9KjdWE7WxA7QUXaf/s1600/Picture+130.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 357px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831930238275410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr3ajumkREB-wdZYZD_uXZ_G8Q21HIno14mFRZi6Aw6QDzoYK6TglfLpGPFiRwamEtm2nQosY2Ytqp0L7vC_TusBjmolpIq-FSV8BTnv3Y1pKUR5wkvJK8BLMok_b9KjdWE7WxA7QUXaf/s400/Picture+130.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Yeah well it's better than false promises of houses...and the foods not too bad either!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Rotty my old mate, why don't you come on in, i'll show you how i'm getting on with your house."</div><div>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU6qXkCQmf4YfEBoZ1Q9aG-pws7y0F5TrDjaby1hPGn4OqvdZR3xYErJdKOnc133NYen91f5pQCLWhXSxn2YfvM5dNDzKvV5B7scXyYkCBrRYHYyx8kM734SLw7DRn_v2xHa9zWiZyB7Y/s1600/Picture+132.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831935555174082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU6qXkCQmf4YfEBoZ1Q9aG-pws7y0F5TrDjaby1hPGn4OqvdZR3xYErJdKOnc133NYen91f5pQCLWhXSxn2YfvM5dNDzKvV5B7scXyYkCBrRYHYyx8kM734SLw7DRn_v2xHa9zWiZyB7Y/s400/Picture+132.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Likely story, actually i only stopped here for a quick nap, then i have to get some things together and i'm off!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"Oh really Rotty, and where might that be eh? Next door's garden bin? Quite the adventurer aren't we Captain Scott!"</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Very funny, i have somewhere in mind, don't you worry about that".</strong><br /></div><div>.</div><div>Hmmm i don't like the sound of this, i'd better follw him....</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtAgH0Ewt_wlDbM9F8kZDh8ls14mGYvHcZQ8GfHt3tFkzzqaelyjDySgqWDQO_QGaSkK1dXnE9TOpwc2QtxJODic3KuAgfvckb-HZ8UJp-wlmHO-5kymHtzCRpQ85w9JqCLGZmCPwzjWk/s1600/Picture+113.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831948433073122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtAgH0Ewt_wlDbM9F8kZDh8ls14mGYvHcZQ8GfHt3tFkzzqaelyjDySgqWDQO_QGaSkK1dXnE9TOpwc2QtxJODic3KuAgfvckb-HZ8UJp-wlmHO-5kymHtzCRpQ85w9JqCLGZmCPwzjWk/s400/Picture+113.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>" Rotty what are you doing here at the train station? These are dangerous places you know."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"I told you, i'm off to stay somewhere, i have contacts up north."</strong></div><div><strong>.</strong><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpF0hch77w36hQNH5-LK0_fF6UZuGrPeykefVzLDWqDgBU6b_pzMbwkiiDeULr7BcIbEtWR8LWQloI-yMmNPHl-zHPOtJ-KvnF1OLV0kkD4C9PfdUx5ICfqTsVjkNN2slk5RmpC1JUp76/s1600/Picture+114.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831958767609842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpF0hch77w36hQNH5-LK0_fF6UZuGrPeykefVzLDWqDgBU6b_pzMbwkiiDeULr7BcIbEtWR8LWQloI-yMmNPHl-zHPOtJ-KvnF1OLV0kkD4C9PfdUx5ICfqTsVjkNN2slk5RmpC1JUp76/s400/Picture+114.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>"Oh really Rotty, you have friends nationwide now do you?"</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Yep, well kind of....now if you don't mind i have to catch a train..."</strong></div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA-cGgPhZsA4wXmPq-kuVZ2VafnCZsuJ0RNX2x6cUEW_Ui_SxWEAQZRNlR2FB4QREfiuUH_jgL6NMCkT7BaLnz87eUHqUEkQP5JHT1_Gcxt-6olGFw9qERhsHTwZ6CApw7G-7T4X5m6OA/s1600/Picture+126.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454832256169658274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA-cGgPhZsA4wXmPq-kuVZ2VafnCZsuJ0RNX2x6cUEW_Ui_SxWEAQZRNlR2FB4QREfiuUH_jgL6NMCkT7BaLnz87eUHqUEkQP5JHT1_Gcxt-6olGFw9qERhsHTwZ6CApw7G-7T4X5m6OA/s400/Picture+126.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div>"Oh Rotty, i really wish you wouldn't go, you have to be carefull on trains, there are lots of big people around that might step on you....see that police lady just missed you!"</div><div>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha79xapwmsL0d1swhZJzZ55vmShVS6Kwf6zjBlMYk2xUvt5QdaiDwifDkZIIyRpLDTZCc1wDQmjgWpyvlTbD67ajBZegIy4W4Nbao6k6tHZqPK3_KSejDjcHSy7rpJoP8jypke3RSBahrW/s1600/Picture+128.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454832264896667234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha79xapwmsL0d1swhZJzZ55vmShVS6Kwf6zjBlMYk2xUvt5QdaiDwifDkZIIyRpLDTZCc1wDQmjgWpyvlTbD67ajBZegIy4W4Nbao6k6tHZqPK3_KSejDjcHSy7rpJoP8jypke3RSBahrW/s400/Picture+128.jpg" /></a></div><div>.</div><div><strong>"It's ok, i gave her the slip...ah here's my train now....byeeeeee!"</strong></div><div><strong>.</strong></div><div>Well folks, that looks like he's really gone this time, i just wish i knew what he was up to, that train goes half the way up the country....who on earth would take in a stray rat?<br />.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTgbfUeQJJ0Qqp1jNLEnJRX8fM9jfE13Nv90EwEsDZ_1o5fORpnDEvCl9fVDm0bMXaEQGGda5lHOCmcu82T8jFwS-EiKYEY6LhNAdTF6nnYEM1asTerkx1DZmHQwTvXgNV2va8TxOHJ2l/s1600/Picture+112.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831958978456882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTgbfUeQJJ0Qqp1jNLEnJRX8fM9jfE13Nv90EwEsDZ_1o5fORpnDEvCl9fVDm0bMXaEQGGda5lHOCmcu82T8jFwS-EiKYEY6LhNAdTF6nnYEM1asTerkx1DZmHQwTvXgNV2va8TxOHJ2l/s400/Picture+112.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div> </div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108012264319023275.post-42530847180434413752010-03-19T23:22:00.006+00:002010-03-20T00:17:39.031+00:00Rats it!...I'm off!!!<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6DBgBmSacx4e2FwzLvkxoy1dYm7BEAJMPxL_ZqJxOsIW6eNM5FQNDjJqRFOeYqu9Y6YI_Rs58M7hWMT15M0GGuPg4VupswPxo3ilX9zHtqT8XlNwZwiEYWkRxeDiSoGj87YwT0SJX1sQ/s1600-h/Picture+059.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450492320038760690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6DBgBmSacx4e2FwzLvkxoy1dYm7BEAJMPxL_ZqJxOsIW6eNM5FQNDjJqRFOeYqu9Y6YI_Rs58M7hWMT15M0GGuPg4VupswPxo3ilX9zHtqT8XlNwZwiEYWkRxeDiSoGj87YwT0SJX1sQ/s400/Picture+059.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div>Hi folks, tonight i wanted to show you a couple of new additions to Calv's residence.....well the garden anyway. My new birdhouse, which i bought.....and my new beehive which i made.</div><div>.<br />I love the birds coming into the garden, so do the kids, so i thought i'd treat them to a nice box i'd seen on the net, they are going to love this little beauty...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZ0Y8_pvlsAYKmTNo5m8f_fZxOuW9DlrqwPtezAIRtwsoy9Scy4MciZnDGqOLzzxWz8hbXuYmNxNBkWFMXlKmHt5qYmqKrA6RmE_YrQHyl3ej9XRdZULHiDqS2XCAtwk_7nlUH-w3C2n/s1600-h/Picture+060.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 337px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450492318204922258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZ0Y8_pvlsAYKmTNo5m8f_fZxOuW9DlrqwPtezAIRtwsoy9Scy4MciZnDGqOLzzxWz8hbXuYmNxNBkWFMXlKmHt5qYmqKrA6RmE_YrQHyl3ej9XRdZULHiDqS2XCAtwk_7nlUH-w3C2n/s400/Picture+060.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>Some of you may remember that last year i bought a solitary beehive for my garden. It's for the bees that live on their own so you don't end up with a huge nest and swarms. Anyway i wanted to get another one, then when i looked at my other one i did what any crafter would do and said, "I could make one of those!" </div><div>.</div><div>So i did...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlrFxCBVYnuras-JnZHPtsY0vDKLbtgpq2x_bFFEiYJNKmUA_Q_P1PL4E9rlXLiPBtIjAVcdYnW7BXoaTeptc0U_eKv8kITspF5p3gVULa_bHPFYprR8I4xBYly6bQF2oZdFYDM8da-4n/s1600-h/Picture+065.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450491879299555794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlrFxCBVYnuras-JnZHPtsY0vDKLbtgpq2x_bFFEiYJNKmUA_Q_P1PL4E9rlXLiPBtIjAVcdYnW7BXoaTeptc0U_eKv8kITspF5p3gVULa_bHPFYprR8I4xBYly6bQF2oZdFYDM8da-4n/s400/Picture+065.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>The individual bees make tiny nests inside the holes, it just gives them somewhere to stay. What with all the decline of bees going on in the world, i thought it would be a nice gesture. The hive is not finished yet, i want to decorate it a bit more, but i'll show you when it's done.</div><div>.</div><div>Uh Oh! Look what the cat dragged in.....and he doesn't look too happy! "Hi Rotty, hows things?"</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPMD00Bbf4efKr3Om56lELyqgshRxeGD7l-s3QpE2TUM3IueK8mPSHSa2qWvf-FrSO_tRDDyoDucd8AXrHII41sEDkpLsrHoYQHpiqACDbA21iwbam7Pc8e6GhsR2Hb-xRCMTaPniSKXa/s1600-h/Picture+083.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 386px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450491872486837090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPMD00Bbf4efKr3Om56lELyqgshRxeGD7l-s3QpE2TUM3IueK8mPSHSa2qWvf-FrSO_tRDDyoDucd8AXrHII41sEDkpLsrHoYQHpiqACDbA21iwbam7Pc8e6GhsR2Hb-xRCMTaPniSKXa/s400/Picture+083.jpg" /></a> </div><div>.</div><div><strong>"UNBELIEVABLE!!! What the heck do you call these then?"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"What? The bird house and the bee hive? Yes they are pretty fantastic aren't they? What do you think of them Rotty?"<br />.</div><div><strong>"I'll tell you exactly what i think boss! I think you have gone too far this time! You buy a house for those flippin flappin things, all they do is flap about and eat things...and i'm sure they purposely aim for me sometimes yanno!"</strong></div><div>.</div><div>"But Rotty, i can explain."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Then theres the bee hive!!! You must have spent ages making that, when all they do is sting me on the backside all the time!!! Then theres Rotty here who has waited what seems like a lifetime for a certain house that i was promised!!!"</strong><br /></div><div>.</div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7JDdR94sGQ_TPsZ_2cEv-xrbB42pQq2Qjsrze_VvlW4DPV3VMIEI3Vmtjp447t-VHdjDNiNlYQA_YtXjWRJpvawnkLEjAfISIM7JfUNXN7vunXeQAopLZ-MQGvCd-5VApUK-volmQrf_/s1600-h/Picture+085.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450491862828578594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7JDdR94sGQ_TPsZ_2cEv-xrbB42pQq2Qjsrze_VvlW4DPV3VMIEI3Vmtjp447t-VHdjDNiNlYQA_YtXjWRJpvawnkLEjAfISIM7JfUNXN7vunXeQAopLZ-MQGvCd-5VApUK-volmQrf_/s400/Picture+085.jpg" /></a></strong></div><div>.<br /></div><div>"Oh come on now Rotty me old mate, it takes a little while to make a house good enough for the likes of you".</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Yeah yeah, i've heard it before boss..well thats it.....I'm OFF!!!</strong></div><div>.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i07sbGB3nfqtQqpRcrKtQCv3JqwciN4QXyv28EfRFcy-yNsvyfJCC0vB0lsdcYaFLFSu130z-9VImz2i88RY-AdDuDpSLh_O2eRJrVWWDpeUcQ1bVuVg3DEqIMaumtwjuIEmbaYPTcQu/s1600-h/Picture+086.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 347px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450491857618754354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i07sbGB3nfqtQqpRcrKtQCv3JqwciN4QXyv28EfRFcy-yNsvyfJCC0vB0lsdcYaFLFSu130z-9VImz2i88RY-AdDuDpSLh_O2eRJrVWWDpeUcQ1bVuVg3DEqIMaumtwjuIEmbaYPTcQu/s400/Picture+086.jpg" /></a> </div><div>. </div><div>"Rotty don't be silly mate, let's talk about this, i have started the house i promise."</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Boss, it's too late for words and idle promises, i've seen your handy work, let's just say i'm not entirely convinced you've even thought of my comfort lately have you? I'd have probably ended up in a cardboard box like all the other rats!"<br /></strong>.</div><div>"But Rotty....where will you go.....it's a big wide world out there".</div><div>.</div><div><strong>"Bye boss....I'm a sewer rat remember, streetwise and tough as old boots, you just think about who is going to look after your stash now!"<br /></strong>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKwI-w2eS2kykUQSPY3Zu0p5qwFE3DayQe1D6kay9baiXpxHMgZX6dHKP6rsNT2Aq3-oJGETlWKqoaRB0_ZZIlxW3uf_8p9UKnbTq_tmpwPaKInsJE3A8O6Et1VDhLZmRkIiLKgTDK_Fn/s1600-h/Picture+088.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 380px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450491847564132162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKwI-w2eS2kykUQSPY3Zu0p5qwFE3DayQe1D6kay9baiXpxHMgZX6dHKP6rsNT2Aq3-oJGETlWKqoaRB0_ZZIlxW3uf_8p9UKnbTq_tmpwPaKInsJE3A8O6Et1VDhLZmRkIiLKgTDK_Fn/s400/Picture+088.jpg" /></a><br />.<br />Oh well folks, that's him gone..for now. Yet another over reaction from the drama queen that is Rotty, i'm sure he'll be back when he gets too hungry. If he had shut up for five minutes and let me get a word in, i might have given him a peek at a certain "residence in progress"...</div><div>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGpmUsBaPWwjU8Trio-VjctwwuofSmlKpZ9LKBdhE6vpJkbgsY18T9c8px9WxNeIOPsUZ8bT1PskvCEJXFQbGmRQzv7wmjodRosFEzUFG3-_RqCzqwAkX0_3-jOAVW-BzwM1fTxd7Cuxp/s1600-h/Picture+074.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450499814946809154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGpmUsBaPWwjU8Trio-VjctwwuofSmlKpZ9LKBdhE6vpJkbgsY18T9c8px9WxNeIOPsUZ8bT1PskvCEJXFQbGmRQzv7wmjodRosFEzUFG3-_RqCzqwAkX0_3-jOAVW-BzwM1fTxd7Cuxp/s400/Picture+074.jpg" /></a><br />.</div><div>I'm sure when his little toes get cold, i'll have something here to warm him up again some day soon :)<br />.</div><div><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450499821952105922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjRc8nkRA6skSJzU_dfAXQwU7QNGUm3x97wtVombm8DzQGbafh_pLO3X3FxYgTiXMYn7Z00NB3Du1NYSD0EmG7P7DVMvWD9WA0Y2x1F0KISeYhiuZFj5xPi0Rzugy95GNfFTwiCRW-OUA/s400/Picture+079.jpg" /></div><div>.</div><div>Thanks for stopping by, and if you see a struggling rat down your way starving and pretending to be streetwise....give him some food please. :)</div><div><br /> </div></div>Calvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980436207670722585noreply@blogger.com13