tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37988318357420735662024-02-15T07:09:59.460+00:00Doda's Creative WanderingsThe creative wanderings of a children's poet living in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland.Dodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04674812616431635024noreply@blogger.comBlogger578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-87451127221466547332021-09-03T12:44:00.000+01:002021-09-03T12:44:03.352+01:00Pebbles and Peanut. Our beloved bunnies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXfHg9ESdiIVMh9_4550c9g31clgeoGHg6coAyXtMf-zrGMMt_xKWUdBedNqHPuMFpM03D61NO4ron3_AsxaO4nVpLhFYSwz0O8RFgZB-AxQRxM7lfYXRnWGE9Mq5N3GZgks0WOUHGNE/s2048/20201020_135434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXfHg9ESdiIVMh9_4550c9g31clgeoGHg6coAyXtMf-zrGMMt_xKWUdBedNqHPuMFpM03D61NO4ron3_AsxaO4nVpLhFYSwz0O8RFgZB-AxQRxM7lfYXRnWGE9Mq5N3GZgks0WOUHGNE/w640-h480/20201020_135434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I haven't used this blog in a long time, but I am using it today as I need to put down my thoughts and feelings into words. It's my way of processing.</p><p>I was a reluctant pet owner no doubt about that. My husband also. We have three children, now 30, 28 and 15. Our first two children would have loved having a furry pet when they were young, but we never succumbed. It never felt like the right time for us. There were always more than enough other things to cope with. We let them have fish, but lets face it, fish are not particularly cuddly and their personalities don't tend to impact your day to day life. </p><p>Our son since leaving the nest is on his second and third dog and now knows the joy of having fur babies. Our older two had been out the house for sometime and our youngest daughter had been begging us for some bunnies. We fought against it. Too much inconvenience. Too much expense. She even presented us with an essay on why it would be a good idea to have bunnies. Lets face it 2020 was not the best year for anyone. After much discussion, we began to look for a reasonably priced hutch and run as a first step towards becoming bunny owners. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EE5v9PXrlq_NwuQ9yxxmgbkwlck07SuU0a0Uv3p7npF3ipvBbb_8NmNcJPxez1i6T-j7X0y76z-8KABJsibzHLfHcHUsoEpdQGxNjmAv1UG3Fyofb0BRqoUfGhFHWRpHJbt1d2GL-O4/s2724/20201128_195032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2467" data-original-width="2724" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EE5v9PXrlq_NwuQ9yxxmgbkwlck07SuU0a0Uv3p7npF3ipvBbb_8NmNcJPxez1i6T-j7X0y76z-8KABJsibzHLfHcHUsoEpdQGxNjmAv1UG3Fyofb0BRqoUfGhFHWRpHJbt1d2GL-O4/w640-h580/20201128_195032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>An advert popped up in our local Facebook pages. Free hutch and run. Well, you can't get cheaper than free can you, so we responded to the advert. The lady quickly got back to us and informed us that she actually had two little bunnies also looking for a home for a very reasonable price. She had young children, and the bunnies were not getting any attention. My husband said lets go for it. So we organised a day for collection, and off we went. My daughter knew we were getting the hutch and run but not the bunnies. When she first saw the hutch she was pleased, then when we told her to look inside she was absolutely thrilled to find not just one bunny but two. It was love at first sight for sure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdi5JPGISw6R7NVtnz9PApETxS5Erhag8hqLo37ihgO128Hqfi0uUIG3HBdbjosW7UD-u7fLmWSnIlBaGTxPnRq-4O-oeYZxfzFnW4op8N1wkaWfo2nX50AQOhBMCGvVVi4jGtZQMeQ0/s3024/20201128_144104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdi5JPGISw6R7NVtnz9PApETxS5Erhag8hqLo37ihgO128Hqfi0uUIG3HBdbjosW7UD-u7fLmWSnIlBaGTxPnRq-4O-oeYZxfzFnW4op8N1wkaWfo2nX50AQOhBMCGvVVi4jGtZQMeQ0/w640-h640/20201128_144104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>So on the 23rd September 2020, 2 of the most beautiful bunnies entered our lives. My daughter named them Pebbles and Peanut. They were kept in a small hutch with a small run attached. They had only known a tiny garden with a little astroturf in their run, so we placed them on the lawn where they were ecstatic nibbling at the fresh greenery and enjoying their new surroundings. Such sweet natured bunnies. Peanut very friendly from the start and Pebbles a little more cautious. My daughter quickly built up their trust and used to go lay in the run with them and play with them. It soon became clear that we needed to build them something with a bit more space, so at quite a lot more expense than ever intended, we had a lovely 6ft by 9ft shed custom built for them which we then insulated and lined. </p><p>It was beginning to get chillier by this point in the year and so the bunnies really were mostly shut in their shed with the occasional outing in their run outside. It was getting to around November and there was talk of another Covid lockdown. My older daughter decided that all things considered, she'd be as well moving home to the Highlands from Edinburgh as she could work from home with the new job she had procured. We were thrilled to be blessed by her moving home again. It was something we never expected to happen, and it was going to be wonderful for her younger sister too. Our older daughter had always fancied having a bunny when she got her own place, but now she was getting to come home and share in the care of two gorgeous bunnies. She was delighted about that and very quickly loved them just as much as her sister did. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a1YOmTtpmGa1kstsOp31KI2XnrxZl4ysFxsTuFTDVE78_LUiEJ9BQeSb8Ex2bvJyzPq0Ix2VcNn7ARfbSsHEkd5KHqsdt3fkIrB8wmfWd6KUa-ZKkO1nTQOp9wipZo7wntkipkg63bo/s4032/20210110_120434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a1YOmTtpmGa1kstsOp31KI2XnrxZl4ysFxsTuFTDVE78_LUiEJ9BQeSb8Ex2bvJyzPq0Ix2VcNn7ARfbSsHEkd5KHqsdt3fkIrB8wmfWd6KUa-ZKkO1nTQOp9wipZo7wntkipkg63bo/w480-h640/20210110_120434.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The bunnies seemed to train themselves, They used a litter tray in the shed and only occasionally peed on anything else. Pooping is another story, but anyone who has had a bunny will know just how innocuous bunny poop is, so you don't really mind at all. The weather was getting colder and colder. One evening the girls went to check on the bunnies and their water bowl had frozen solid. It was decided then and there, they were moving into the utility room in the house until the cold weather passed. All their little bunny bits and bobs were duly moved in to the house All my paint pots and other junk had to be very quickly stashed elsewhere. Ah well, it's only temporary I thought, we can make it work. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;">The bunnies loved being in the house right away. During the day they stayed within the confines of the utility room with occasional supervised trips to some other part of the house. After our evening meal, we opened their gate and closed off the hall giving them freedom to come and go into the lounge. They loved it. And so did we. They never pooped or peed in the lounge. It was like they realised this was our territory, and they were always so well behaved. They very quickly settled into a little routine. They lounged on the corner of the rug by the tv while we watched. Somehow they were happy to stretch out and sleep while shoot 'em ups and car chases and explosions were playing out in front of them on the screen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgS26T4xvqLNmcGR5QktORyn6NG6fpxPnGE5Qw8MPmO1D9XKc6rAdypDfCzehQfj3BJ8cw2FVPLnOcy61HIRdhA8qPWDuWQeIF2JGHfPsltBS408pwV9PNztRZXtUeXqaSnR_JQuEg1U/s4032/20210618_193902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgS26T4xvqLNmcGR5QktORyn6NG6fpxPnGE5Qw8MPmO1D9XKc6rAdypDfCzehQfj3BJ8cw2FVPLnOcy61HIRdhA8qPWDuWQeIF2JGHfPsltBS408pwV9PNztRZXtUeXqaSnR_JQuEg1U/w480-h640/20210618_193902.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>But if they heard a rustle of a bag or someone got up to go the the bathroom, they were up, circling you like vultures in case you had brought them a little treat...which of course we often did. Sometimes they were up on your seat before you could get to it trying to get the snack from you. If you dared to try to eat an apple, then you would have two bunnies on your lap with tickly whiskers in your face trying to get a bit of apple from your mouth. It was one of the loveliest experiences. We really got up close and personal with our little bunnies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wd5PijHKjrjbOwUyIx0zFSprR49v9RUqB1aJsEVaB0RHxSIkOsro5AD1Wt_XJcDhjxvdTn8wXWcKQKZHDo5fSEMoj2ATAY6x4gAIXPCIH5JfLcmVmU7nbhP4_StuAE5qxFjhmqodu54/s4032/20210613_200515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wd5PijHKjrjbOwUyIx0zFSprR49v9RUqB1aJsEVaB0RHxSIkOsro5AD1Wt_XJcDhjxvdTn8wXWcKQKZHDo5fSEMoj2ATAY6x4gAIXPCIH5JfLcmVmU7nbhP4_StuAE5qxFjhmqodu54/w480-h640/20210613_200515.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Peanut was the real sweetie of the two. She was willing to be held and was so patient. She always had one ear up and one ear down which was just the cutest thing ever. She had learned to hop up onto my daughters back whenever she went down on hands and knees and would then take a ride on her back around the room. Our very own circus. That's not a cushion she is sitting on in the picture below, it is my daughter's back!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCPMIrttDPPAzQO7ok5MpSJ544JrIIZhOwbPV7ayjwtg1P_Sb44I9oCr8rySLLe0BR-OhcCrFvkKGwEn515KziAMHgp4MNZYGqN3yf8PZUK7uqGJ9kZWuov1WiF4CmC1hniOG0zuq15g/s4032/20210621_211847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCPMIrttDPPAzQO7ok5MpSJ544JrIIZhOwbPV7ayjwtg1P_Sb44I9oCr8rySLLe0BR-OhcCrFvkKGwEn515KziAMHgp4MNZYGqN3yf8PZUK7uqGJ9kZWuov1WiF4CmC1hniOG0zuq15g/w480-h640/20210621_211847.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Pebbles was a little more fiesty, but we loved that about her. If she didn't want a head rub, she would do a funny little head move which told you that she was not a willing participant, but on other times when she felt like a head rub, she literally melted onto the carpet like a flat bunny, relaxing as you petted her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWVaWhNC7Q-5mR1gR2IZbhBseZsVb6W5NUG-3MjUNx9W_28Ys8udJ_feTI4L0wYfXFqtKiT75jDORvYZL7fLqz_g8sSLV7uVQmietf35wjV_vRfbEat9uRs72oK2EhA7NiJ1fKKUiPUI/s4032/20210523_195439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWVaWhNC7Q-5mR1gR2IZbhBseZsVb6W5NUG-3MjUNx9W_28Ys8udJ_feTI4L0wYfXFqtKiT75jDORvYZL7fLqz_g8sSLV7uVQmietf35wjV_vRfbEat9uRs72oK2EhA7NiJ1fKKUiPUI/w640-h480/20210523_195439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> And they were just so very beautiful. I think they got more beautiful every day we had them. We got them when they were 6 months old and looking back on older pictures we can see that they had little baby faces back then. So many happy , happy memories. Below Pebbles is looking rather pleased with herself that she managed to hop up onto the piano stool.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHa6RdDoKF_XIwYg09LfPOvOi2eF4kI7wQno1n8DWIdYoh8BzA9_RODVuJjfHbrLVLoGYYnX3SmE-csSQ5rSNdfxnCW2Y5KUc6qMM-lILRmSqH0r8Gl5fvQcCo6lgVGZFgUgQOUFgVL4/s4032/20210412_205330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHa6RdDoKF_XIwYg09LfPOvOi2eF4kI7wQno1n8DWIdYoh8BzA9_RODVuJjfHbrLVLoGYYnX3SmE-csSQ5rSNdfxnCW2Y5KUc6qMM-lILRmSqH0r8Gl5fvQcCo6lgVGZFgUgQOUFgVL4/w480-h640/20210412_205330.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Watching both my daughters playing with them and laughing at their silly antics. So much joy they gave us all. This reluctant pet owner here grew rather attached to them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHjQCVB98bzu3GpN6L4ja5YMq-2fpM7Xz4b-hvB__aK_eIP505nAiHJUUTMp52fFxNPyHacskJuGPKO8jEGrknzjH49dMiLWVVnt1C7rqU4UqHm-DPBKZu5XSVxVClxoZwgq7tWXgTkg/s4032/20210424_110716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHjQCVB98bzu3GpN6L4ja5YMq-2fpM7Xz4b-hvB__aK_eIP505nAiHJUUTMp52fFxNPyHacskJuGPKO8jEGrknzjH49dMiLWVVnt1C7rqU4UqHm-DPBKZu5XSVxVClxoZwgq7tWXgTkg/w480-h640/20210424_110716.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>When the weather improved we all decided they would not go out to live in their shed all the time. On nice days they were out in the shed which by this time I had customised further by building them a nice platform with bunny steps up to it to increase their space to play. Also I added some good ventilation and most recently ( completed only in the last couple of weeks) a nice new safe outside run area which I was just about to add a roof to. So, the bunnies still came in and sat with us every evening and then at night they slept in the utility room. They knew the routine. When the girls went to get them from the shed, they didn't usually run off too far and just came hopping into the house straight to the lounge. The girls would then bring all their bits and bobs in the from the shed daily, putting them out again the next day. It was a bit of a palaver, but we all enjoyed having them with us so much that it was worth it. We enjoyed a very nice life with our bunnies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPVcfCAOiwGMGnChVFDRgwmXKC3NS_4Xbi5k8uLxprO5q70NHmiCJlXWTnoxcQXYU470R759K2hBAaQB6HVmMnVjD1nJ3uIppJVT9095d0FK46PGcJ_QxOWcx6umaHoIyFsJhbEBt3pE/s4032/20210211_123525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPVcfCAOiwGMGnChVFDRgwmXKC3NS_4Xbi5k8uLxprO5q70NHmiCJlXWTnoxcQXYU470R759K2hBAaQB6HVmMnVjD1nJ3uIppJVT9095d0FK46PGcJ_QxOWcx6umaHoIyFsJhbEBt3pE/w480-h640/20210211_123525.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Watching them interact was beautiful. Pebbles was the dominant rabbit. You would often see Pebbles dashing about and Peanut lolloping behind her with her ears flippy flopping as she bounced about. Watching them groom each other was adorable too. Pebbles could be quite demanding, putting her head down flat under Peanuts to demand a good licking. When Peanut tried she often just got a couple of licks and then Pebbles would attend to her own fur. They were happy to stretch out beside each other often mirroring each others position. They were just an absolute joy to look at. I don't think I have ever smiled so much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZdyNzYC-NDOMTGimy90qz0nLjsFq90HqK_kCqlzjJybwmnmT1upLCBx1DkwuzyUKtMWnz6BNAQ7tG1ZovSWofz0WufhDviIg4wS7jcfUrnY89qvRnpuYUNmoU4iRgId_a_1_axYlQkM/s4032/20210814_200209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZdyNzYC-NDOMTGimy90qz0nLjsFq90HqK_kCqlzjJybwmnmT1upLCBx1DkwuzyUKtMWnz6BNAQ7tG1ZovSWofz0WufhDviIg4wS7jcfUrnY89qvRnpuYUNmoU4iRgId_a_1_axYlQkM/w360-h640/20210814_200209.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p>Fast forward to the weekend at the end of August this year. Just this last weekend. As usual at around 8 o clock in the morning it was time to bring a little bowl of leaves for their breakfast. The usual scenario was that when you opened the door , you had to be so careful not to trip over them as they circled you desperate for you to put the bowl down so they could tuck in. If you were not quick enough, Pebbles would give a little thump or two to show her displeasure. This morning something was clearly up. Pebbles dashed for the leaves as usual, but sweet little Peanut was hiding in her favourite cardboard box and would not come out. I tried to tempt her with a leaf, but she was not interested. Knowing that GI Stasis can start like this, we quickly phoned the vets and took her in. Initially we took Pebbles with her as it is always best to take bonded rabbits together, but they were going to put her on a drip so thought that Pebbles would try to bite it and pull it out, so we decided it was best to take Pebbles home with us. Our hope was that we caught the GI Stasis quickly enough and that the medication would soon help her to do better. She seemed to be perking up during the day a bit and at 6.30pm, the vet rang and asked us if we would like her home. We decided that would be best as she would be with Pebbles and we could continue to give her medication orally and feed her with special critical care food in her own environment where she would feel safe. When we got her home, she was so sleepy and listless. She would barely take any food. We managed to get a little bit in her mouth but not much. Pebbles gave her some really good grooming. She licked and licked at her to get all that nasty vet smell off her. She was being well loved and attended to by Pebbles. During the night we went into her to see if we could get her to take some more food. She would not take any. The last time I went in to see her was around 4 in the morning. She had moved and was now sitting in a favourite spot beside the water bowl. I thought this was a good sign...perhaps she had been thirsty and had a little drink. I had taken in a leaf for each of them, to try tempt Peanut to eat. This time Pebbles wouldn't touch her leaf either. This was very unusual. The next time we went in to check on them, Peanut had passed away. Pebbles was sitting looking very sad with her back to her. She must have by this time spent time with her trying to get her to move and realised that she had gone. We were devastated. Our older daughter was away for the weekend and not returning until monday. We did not want to tell her while she was away as that would have been horrible to have to travel being so upset. That morning my husband buried our precious little Peanut. She is now in the field next to our home where wild bunnies hop and play. Our focus was now on taking care of Pebbles and making sure she was OK. Pebbles would not eat. Initially we thought perhaps it was grief that was causing it. We spoke with the vet who said that it would be ok to give her some of the same medicine just to keep her guts moving while she was not eating properly. We managed to get her to take some water, and later on that day we managed to get her to eat a few leaves from a willow tree - we had hope. We talked about finding her a new companion for company, we thought she might make it, but she would not touch her hay and was clearly very upset. We stayed with her all that day, we didn't need the gate on her enclosure as wherever we put her, she did not venture away. That night our younger daughter took her and her things up to her bedroom so that Pebbles would know someone was with her. She made it through the night. We had a little glimmer of hope. After that though, she clearly went downhill. She became very tired and listless. For the last couple of hours of her life, we held her on our laps and loved her. We stroked her and sang to her and prayed for her, and told her how much we loved her. She slowly slipped away. It was only in the last few moments she was clearly in discomfort and we cried out to God to take her quickly. She went shortly after that. And then it was over. They were both gone. </p><p>Talking to the vet afterwards, she wondered if perhaps it might actually have been a virus, so there was nothing more that could have been done for them. I never imagined what a huge gaping hole I would feel. I had a dog when I was a child. A cute corgi cross with a lovely bushy tail. Her name was Mitzi. She was a sweet dog. I can't remember when she died but |I must have been a teenager at the time. I was sad at the time of course, but I got over it fairly quickly as far as I can remember. Nothing prepared me for the way I feel right now. We had to tell my older daughter when she arrived home on monday afternoon. That was pretty awful . She had left behind two beautiful little furry friends and came home to a very empty feeling house. My husband came home and he and our younger daughter laid Pebbles next to our little Peanut. </p><p>So many things in this house remind us of them and pull at our heartstrings. A favourite stool, a preferred cushion, the curtains where they liked to play behind. We joked that we need to move house now. Our younger daughter was an absolute rock, clearing out the utility room and moving many of their things to the shed because we just couldn't bear to do it. She has been grieving in her own way. We each do I guess. It is hard to look at the tv and see the corner of the rug where they used to lay. In time I guess it will bring a warm happy memory, but for now it is just so painful. It is like a agonising empty feeling inside. I feel guilty for it in a way. So many people I know have been through so much and experienced real grief of losing a loved one. This time of Covid many people have lost someone special and are struggling with moving on. Here am I feeling so awful for the loss of two little bunnies. It feels a bit pathetic really. But they were, I am convinced, the most special and precious and beautiful bunnies that ever there was. I know anyone reading this who has loved a pet will understand , and I know that time will heal and it will get better, but at the moment it is really hard. I hope that by writing this out, it will help me to get some closure and maybe help someone else who has lost a pet. </p><p>I think I am not just grieving because I loved them so much and feel their loss, but also grieving for the life we had, and knowing that all those happy times watching my daughters interact with their bunnies has ended. I think I am feeling just not grief for myself , but for them too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba5a6RbCqBZImtGLBsuM0sjVLyW6sPnp_C5N7ntVAfuTSgNXwMYE0jviS-Fu2EuY9NNi21aAjYIAAqZl6r_7kUtX9TNi1JKWz3PT9HaYPKtpFTD-uxDaTzMB42FciA6dnTcpzLD4WK6c/s4032/20210822_192234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba5a6RbCqBZImtGLBsuM0sjVLyW6sPnp_C5N7ntVAfuTSgNXwMYE0jviS-Fu2EuY9NNi21aAjYIAAqZl6r_7kUtX9TNi1JKWz3PT9HaYPKtpFTD-uxDaTzMB42FciA6dnTcpzLD4WK6c/w640-h360/20210822_192234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I am so thankful to have had these beautiful creatures in my life, even if it was just for a fleeting time. I was so blessed by their presence. I got to experience so much beauty at such close quarters.</p><p>The plan is to at some point get another pair of bunnies for my daughter. Too soon just now, but we have a lovely shed and all the bunny gear and a loving home waiting for them for when we are ready. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExnSHdaq_d98sS4WnJxDqus8sVgQQe3vQsieca9YzGGEGCoI9Ja-ljUMRW30xVW0siDXld0Et4BhhYNg8TipGuIjOYcUfY7fuC6ZH-ok6UONSzgBC-GBaSWgONHVJDvz_0rs_L2cMqkk/s4032/20210419_182305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExnSHdaq_d98sS4WnJxDqus8sVgQQe3vQsieca9YzGGEGCoI9Ja-ljUMRW30xVW0siDXld0Et4BhhYNg8TipGuIjOYcUfY7fuC6ZH-ok6UONSzgBC-GBaSWgONHVJDvz_0rs_L2cMqkk/w640-h480/20210419_182305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>But no bunnies will ever be as special or as wonderful as our precious Pebbles and Peanut. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtPYBMVShLSIprlfgvTYJCgQ9MoMp3xPhL5s4VZvKYhBzdlnIyssTB2WQJuP91SEOd5Gtf9AVhXCgoYvBTDOyJEACx3I_OgO0-0EaqBsojYxutRNhaiJqBvD_642VBDxiSHkIAmqJMq4/s4032/20210103_152325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtPYBMVShLSIprlfgvTYJCgQ9MoMp3xPhL5s4VZvKYhBzdlnIyssTB2WQJuP91SEOd5Gtf9AVhXCgoYvBTDOyJEACx3I_OgO0-0EaqBsojYxutRNhaiJqBvD_642VBDxiSHkIAmqJMq4/w480-h640/20210103_152325.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UYLf0S1y7H0i2Z9L1dFfolU2bBrv0yJuo99tccBX-9deIdtnv7f07_-l3IFU4BOFcAgDieGxK_ZKNC2gLRG-TGccvdNC0SI_JQikpAo8xGCPQWZpuHCTyGNcPbI2qGwQuP3k8nLX0Iw/s4032/20210407_174439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UYLf0S1y7H0i2Z9L1dFfolU2bBrv0yJuo99tccBX-9deIdtnv7f07_-l3IFU4BOFcAgDieGxK_ZKNC2gLRG-TGccvdNC0SI_JQikpAo8xGCPQWZpuHCTyGNcPbI2qGwQuP3k8nLX0Iw/w480-h640/20210407_174439.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Dodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04674812616431635024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-44119726248051909102019-03-07T14:44:00.004+00:002022-01-06T15:46:40.428+00:00Lepidoptery Jewellery Drawers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjZwij9BdCKeEAckEnjfN_yyfR3Qqn3v73KF0wGtL88QIsOeBBky7p4asFXDEXpk13a68ju28rU_gbW_fdbeuMkE8DBo6i57cS7Cyaf97AEpUJNeLMp2O63LU4kn1QRLWEMrmJpy_8R8/s1600/d1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjZwij9BdCKeEAckEnjfN_yyfR3Qqn3v73KF0wGtL88QIsOeBBky7p4asFXDEXpk13a68ju28rU_gbW_fdbeuMkE8DBo6i57cS7Cyaf97AEpUJNeLMp2O63LU4kn1QRLWEMrmJpy_8R8/s640/d1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This the latest thing I have been working on. A beautiful quirky little set of drawers decoupaged with antique natural history illustrations of moths.<br />
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I have paid great attention to all the details. I have given her beautiful lush velvet lined drawers for protecting your jewels.<br />
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She has gold burnished edges and is ever so pretty.<br />
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Just look at her elegant little gold feet.<br />
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She's a beauty for sure. <br />
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Even her back is beautiful. I hope you love her as much as I do.<br />
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Have a wonderful day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-20213847836204410112018-11-27T15:00:00.002+00:002018-11-27T15:35:45.935+00:00Just figured this out!Hello, yes, it's me again,<br />
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I wanted to share something that may be of interest to you if you are arty - or even if you are not.<br />
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I was on <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" target="_blank">Paperless Post</a> sending a couple of cards to friends the other day when I discovered something that I didn't know could be done.<br />
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I can actually use my own artwork to make a virtual custom card to send. What fun! I can now send virtual cards with my own designs. I'm just a bit excited by that ! Could you tell? Here is one of mine with my fox illustration.<br />
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PP give you guidelines for the image sizes, so make sure to follow them. You can then add text, choose a background image, add an envelope style and liner and even a virtual stamp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcx2gs2PXM07GcHr0Ii2zjM9-e9PrpTOJeZ1KVpyDfe9ByWlDaKnfzx8XTVBMiEuDWEsq_GaHyedWimWIo76MvDPB69znB_1GlxVN_pyeynE-P6qFSBgNsUFXnVD7hU_OJovOEvzugjI/s1600/fox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="800" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcx2gs2PXM07GcHr0Ii2zjM9-e9PrpTOJeZ1KVpyDfe9ByWlDaKnfzx8XTVBMiEuDWEsq_GaHyedWimWIo76MvDPB69znB_1GlxVN_pyeynE-P6qFSBgNsUFXnVD7hU_OJovOEvzugjI/s640/fox2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To send a card with your own image just go to Paperless Post and search for custom. Of course you could use photographs if you don't draw or paint so that you can really personalise your card. They give you a few different options for the shape of the card and then you can create your own masterpiece with your own message.<br />
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It really adds a special touch when you send a card with your own artwork and also gives you an idea how it might work as an actual greetings card. Now I know that you can do this, I'm going to be on there even more! It's a great way to send a card.<br />
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Have fun.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-71139635753760595512018-11-27T13:48:00.002+00:002018-11-27T13:48:39.118+00:00Hello, remember me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I know. I'm a pathetic blogger these days. I agree! I've been pretty busy, but I usually just put what I am doing on my Instagram account these days and I forget to update the blog.<br />
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So what have I done since I was last on here? The course I was on at the beginning of the year really helped me to focus my ideas and see what it is that I want to do, so that has helped me to set myself various projects which I am working away on. It is good to have goals.<br />
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I've been working on a collection of watercolour mushroom among other things. I've been editing a collection of my dad's poetry that he wants to give to each of the family. I've also been renovating furniture, looking after my family doing all the usual things one has to do. I don't know really...time flies past.<br />
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Well, I have a long to do list for the day, so I better get on with it.<br />
Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-55313876968685784212018-03-25T15:31:00.000+01:002018-03-25T15:31:28.808+01:00Make Art That Sells - MATS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am currently in the third month of a five month long course call MATS Bootcamp. It is designed to get those creative juices flowing and help you put together 5 pieces of work suitable for an illustration portfolio. I have to say I am loving getting back to my art. It has been far too long.<br />
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Above is my portrait of Belva Lockwood, a famous American suffragist. I have discovered in doing this that I really enjoy researching for an artwork. She is quite a character.<br />
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Last month we designed a journal cover. Mine was based on Tea Leaves.<br />
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And then in January we designed a non-fiction childrens book cover based on a celebrity chosen for us. Mine was Tina Fey, who in fact I had never heard of, so it was a good challenge. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone. However, I think the biggest benefit so far from the course is that it has got me back to creating art when for so long it had been put on the back burner. I have loads and loads of ideas now of things I want to paint and make and I am just itching to do them. I can't wait to see what our next topic is going to be.<br />
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Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-60780892168659341792018-02-26T11:23:00.000+00:002018-02-26T11:33:24.353+00:00Paperless Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Paperless Post. What on earth is that ?" I hear you ask.<br />
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As you probably know I have made one or two paper cards in my time, and I am a keen papercrafter. I mean, who doesn't love paper?....what's that? You don't? And I thought we were friends!<br />
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Anyhow, you might be wondering why on earth I would want to use Paperless Post when I love paper so much. What is Paperless Post? It is an e-card website where you can customise their vast range of cards and then email them to whoever you wish.<br />
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Does it cost? Yes, but not too much, and it's certainly way less than using snail mail.<br />
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It's not that I am against snail mail, I am most definitely for it, but there are those times when you hear of a friend needing a word of encouragement, or a birthday that you almost forgot, or you just want to send a little message to a friend for whatever reason , and you can't get out to the Post Office. Then Paperless Post is perfect for these times.<br />
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As it happens, where I live, I don't have a Post Office I can walk to , and so Paperless post is perfect for me. Especially for sending notes to friends and family overseas.<br />
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They have a really huge selection of cards. This isn't your average e-card kind of set up. They have a wonderful range of card designers and artists to choose from. They are very tasteful.<br />
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You can send cards or invitations , or little notes, and you can customize everything from the envelope to the backdrop to the fonts to the stamp to the colour to the....yeah, ok, you get the idea.<br />
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When the recipient opens your e-card, they get a lovely animated virtual card with an opening envelope and then the front and inside of your card. It really is the most tasteful e-card available out there for sending.<br />
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You can save all your addresses for sending out more cards another time. I love it!<br />
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When your card is sent, you get an email notification, and then you also have notification of when your card has been opened.<br />
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So, if you have never tried it, go on..<a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" target="_blank">Go to Paperless Post</a> now and give it a shot.<br />
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Well, I'm off to send a card to a friend now.<br />
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Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-4850550449575757532018-02-24T14:12:00.001+00:002018-02-24T14:16:50.943+00:00TV cabinet from an old sideboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I realised that I never posted this little upcycle I did a few months ago. I purchased a really solid good quality but rather dull sideboard from a local lady who runs a junk business. I get the goodies delivered to my door, so what could be better. That's the way to furniture shop!<br />
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I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to stage the cupboard prettily for a photo shoot before it came into use as our TV cabinet, but you get the idea.<br />
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This is what it looked like before...<br />
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As you can see, solid, but not very interesting. I gave it a sand, refinished the top with Polyvine wax finish varnish, and the base with Sarah Jayne Chalk paint and affixed new handles to it, which gave it a much classier look. It's not that I didn't like the handles that were on the drawers, I'll save them for another project. I just wanted a change of look. Plus, the doors didn't have handles and I thought it would look better with.<br />
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I love to paint my own artwork, but I also enjoy using vintage graphics, especially on furniture. This design is from the Graphics Fairy. There are tons to choose from on her site, and even more if you go for a paid membership.<br />
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I traced the design onto the doors using carbon paper, I then hand painted it using a mix of chalk paint colours to make this soft grey.<br />
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I'm rather pleased with it!<br />
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Lots of other projects waiting to be done still...as always!<br />
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If you want to check what I am up to at the moment follow me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dodasmith/">https://www.instagram.com/dodasmith/</a><br />
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Have a lovely day<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-5712961683974468452018-02-04T16:20:00.001+00:002018-02-04T16:26:23.854+00:00A Fox on a Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you know me, then you know that I have a bit of a thing for making and decorating pretty little boxes , often using antique Natural History illustrations.<br />
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I am currently taking an online course to get back to my painting and illustrating and I have long been intending to create my own images to decoupage. So I gave myself a bit of a push and went for it. I created the fox illustrations with watercolour and coloured pencil.<br />
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For the body of the box I have used some Sarah Jayne chalk paint which I was sent at the end of last year to try out. This is me getting around to it now ! Too many things on my list!<br />
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These are the little project pots, they will keep me going for ages.<br />
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It went on smoothly and easily, and I love how there are no nasty fumes.<br />
I used Royal Navy for the outside of the box, which is a gorgeous lapiz lazuli shade.<br />
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Inside and underneath I painted the box in Stardust, which I have to say I am really impressed with. It has a highly metallic sheen and I will be using this for more boxes. (This started as one of those little papier mache box blanks that you can buy, and I have added the cute wooden feet.)<br />
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On top of the Royal Navy I have splattered Stardust and a small amount of Mercury. The fox is standing on some silver snow which is Nuvo gilding flakes from Tonic Studios.<br />
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It turned out quite cute I think. There may be more foxes on boxes in the future. This one is going to be a gift, but I think now I had better make something foxy to go inside of it! An empty box might be a bit of a disappointment.<br />
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Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-38026590837130391062017-11-23T13:38:00.000+00:002017-11-23T13:38:36.381+00:00Oh yeah, I remember now, I have a blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yeah, so, it's been a while since I was here. Sorry about that. It's not that I haven't been busy creating things, just that I tend to use Instagram more nowadays than the blog. However, I think I shall have a shot at getting back into the swing of blogging for a while and see how it goes.<br />
Here is my latest endeavor. I made some cute little labels for a friend's hand knitted garments which she sells through a local craft shop.<br />
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I was able to use my Tonic Studios dies for this, it makes for a very cute little tag don't you think?<br />
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You can't really tell from the picture, but I have a strange way of doing the printing on my inkjet printer which results in a cool raised printed effect.<br />
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Unless you have a top of the range inkjet printer, the inks will run if the label becomes wet. I want to avoid this for labels and make them a bit longer lasting. I do this with embossing powder.<br />
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As my printed card is coming out the printer, I sprinkle embossing powder over the inked areas. Because the printer uses pigment ink, the embossing powder sticks to the printing. I then tip off the excess into a big plastic tray I have for the occasion and use my heat gun to heat the embossing powder as you would do normally.<br />
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This can be a bit messy and you have to be careful not to trash your printer. But it works for me anyway.<br />
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Anyone else do this?<br />
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Have a lovely day !<br /><br />
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<br />Dodahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04674812616431635024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-30165343691375507962017-05-22T16:40:00.001+01:002017-05-22T16:40:57.476+01:00Highland Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May is often a really good month for us in the Highlands. No exception this year. We have had several weeks of beautiful warm dry weather. Hopefully June and July won't be too bad...often the best of summer is right now !<br />
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I was able to make my first ever gate. I am quite pleased with the result. I am working on gate number two just now.<br />
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We already have a few strawberries ripening, although this one looks more like a bug or an alien.<br />
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I finished painting my Welsh Dresser and I am enjoying using it in the kitchen. I used Everlong Chalk Paint for this. Now onto the next furniture on my list. Finish upholstering a couple of dining chairs and then paint a bed frame for the spare room. My list is long!<br />
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Plus we have been working in the garden slowly developing new flower beds which I am excited about planting up. Too much to do and not enough time!<br />
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Plus I entered my first Spoonflower fabric design competition. The remit was Whimsical watercolour insects. I decided on Cobalt blue beetles. I'll be very pleased if I make it into the top 25 fabrics for my first attempt.<br />
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Hope you have been having a good May.<br />
Have a lovely day wherever you are.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-896387398206068372017-04-04T11:44:00.002+01:002017-04-04T11:44:37.622+01:00Watch the Birdy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We still have much work to do on our new garden, but we have been enjoying the varied bird life we get. This handsome fellow has visited a few times now pecking about at the bottom of the bird feeders.<br />
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Isn't he gorgeous!<br />
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Goldfinches and greenfinches are a plenty, sometimes the neighbouring tree is all a chirp with birds waiting for a turn on the feeders.<br />
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This is a lesser Redpoll. He comes from time to time.<br />
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I think the goldfinches are one of my favourites though.<br />
There are signs of spring in the garden too, but being in the Highlands we are a little behind lower regions of the country.<br />
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But it is lovely to see things come into bloom.</div>
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It makes me feel like painting, but I have so many other things to do ...sigh!<br />
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Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-50070344605722481962017-04-03T09:47:00.001+01:002017-04-03T09:47:31.687+01:00A little plaque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z-5fwvuxH9cEaztr5A-vnvpyKurF2xGRqh17NtJpv1J4TtHLPYtx44iMeu_P8Stj42ZC86NgNPnWWKqwdeQYU5GvS3oTdcqKPVzWDlBfkNXy4WDNUuw_mHldVdSIfxH4zGBLXfDhyphenhyphenoc/s1600/q1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z-5fwvuxH9cEaztr5A-vnvpyKurF2xGRqh17NtJpv1J4TtHLPYtx44iMeu_P8Stj42ZC86NgNPnWWKqwdeQYU5GvS3oTdcqKPVzWDlBfkNXy4WDNUuw_mHldVdSIfxH4zGBLXfDhyphenhyphenoc/s1600/q1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I had fun trying out Tonic Studios lovely letter dies on this plaque. This is the Postal font I have used. It's a really nice set of letters to play with. I have also used the layering hexagon dies to make the background using up some scraps of paper. The buttons are from some past die sets.<br />
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Handy hint. Once you have laid out your letters where they are to go, glue them one by one, and do not...I repeat...do not hold up your plaque halfway through to see how it is looking. (Not that I would do that or anything !!! ) Ha ha !<br />
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Have a nice day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-92096543972740955572017-03-27T10:45:00.001+01:002017-03-27T10:45:22.031+01:00'Shell' Paper butterfly earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my last post<a href="http://dodadidit.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/paper-butterfly-brooches.html" target="_blank"> here</a>, I showed you my "paper" butterfly brooches which were decorated using Nuvo drops butterfly prints my daughter and I made. I mentioned that the waste did not go to waste as I used a paper punch to use up the scraps. The ones done with Nuvo pearl drops look so like mother of pearl or some other shell I decided to make earrings from them. Each earring is made from 7 layers. The middle layer is cut in half and a thin strip taken out the middle to allow an earring wire to be glued inside.<br />
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The ones with the frosted glass blue beads are my favourite ones. I've worn them already.<br />
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They look so much like shell you could easily be fooled. I don't think anyone would guess what they are made from.<br />
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I had such fun making these, and now I am thinking of what other paper accessories I can make.<br />
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I hope this inspires you.<br />
Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-43450439889434619502017-03-21T11:45:00.001+00:002017-03-21T11:45:29.853+00:00Paper Butterfly Brooches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Glancing at these brooches you wouldn't have guessed they have been made from paper would you? Well, thin card to be precise. Here's a little view of the backs so you can see that they are indeed brooches. I have die cut some felt to cover over the brooch pins and make them look neat and nicely finished. Not that I am OCD or anything. ;-)</div>
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Each brooch has been made from gluing together 8 die cuts. (using Tonic Studios Rococo butterfly die from their die and stamp set). You'd be amazed at how sturdy a brooch this makes.<br />
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Do you like the effect on this one. Very pearly isn't it. It's been made using Nuvo pearl drops.<br />
My 10 year old daughter had the absolutely brilliant idea to make "butterfly prints" with a selection of the Nuvo drops. The effect was so lovely that I knew it would be perfect for paper jewellery.<br />
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This one was made using the glitter drops and also the black crystal drops. Once this was dried I applied a glaze of jewel drops to the whole area. Having tested this out on larger areas before I knew that as it is not designed for large areas it tends to crack and so it produces a wonderful interesting patina for jewellery.<br />
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I am considering adding another level to these brooches with some polymer clay words, but I have a few things in progress on my desk just now so that will have to wait until I make space for some clay time.<br />
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Here are some of our butterfly prints made with the drops. You can see which ones I chose to use for these brooches. And the scrap around the die cut areas did not go to waste either as I made use of a butterfly punch.</div>
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Just wait until you see what I made with a few of these. </div>
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Are you going to give this a try?</div>
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Have a lovely day!</div>
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Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-42091697908849955082017-03-14T14:13:00.000+00:002017-03-14T14:13:07.010+00:00Mother's Day Frame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why not use your Tonic Studios dies to make a pretty little Mother's Day frame like I have. The great thing about a box frame is that you can 3D your diecuts as much as you like and know that they will be protected by the glass. It gives you so many options.<br />
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BTW, that's one of my favourite butterfly dies. (Rococo butterfly die and stamp sets)<br />
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Hope this has inspired you.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-3314539895225311332017-03-03T13:32:00.000+00:002017-03-03T13:32:04.420+00:00Books and BoxesI have been trying out a few things lately and been creating some boxes and decorated notebooks to stock up in my Folksy shop which hasn't been active for some time. I am still working on a few ideas and haven't uploaded very much as yet, but here are some of the things I have been playing with.<br />
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This is a little wooden box I have painted in an Oriental style. I had great fun with gilding flakes and crackle glaze on this one. (Tonic Studios products)<br />
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Then I have been making some other little trinket boxes.<br />
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I bought some adorable little wooden bun feet to give the boxes some character. They are really cute!<br />
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And I decoupaged a tray for my own personal use...<br />
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And a little key cupboard...<br />
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And made some little decorated notebooks...<br />
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And a few other things I haven't got pictures of yet. Plus I finally got around to finishing painting my Welsh dresser, (apart from stencilling the door ) which may or may not happen. Plus, I am in the middle of varnishing a top for some drawers in my craft room to make a new desk.<br />
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But apart from that, not been up to much ;-) You?<br />
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Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-68930534067142567152017-02-08T15:16:00.000+00:002017-02-08T15:16:32.610+00:00Pearly Pink Valentine Heart Box Tutorial<br />
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It's time for a little tutorial using some wonderful Tonic Studios products. Create this decorated heart gift box and make someones day with this special little trinket box made with love...<br />
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First you will need a little paper mache box to decorate, just like this one, plus a sheet of smooth white card for painting and die cutting. (A little suggestion - when choosing your papier mache box, always pick one with as loose a lid as you can find to allow for the thickness of your paint and paper.)<br />
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<b>Tonic Studios Supplies...</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Nuvo Acrylic Paints in white and metallic pearl white</li>
<li>Nuvo embellishment mousses in peony pink, lilac lavender, cornflower blue and aquamarine.</li>
<li>Tonic Funky Glue</li>
<li>Nuvo Glimmer paste in Moonstone</li>
<li>Nuvo Crystal Drops in Wisteria purple</li>
<li>Paper for lining your box. I used some 12x 12 Tonic paper I had (Romantic Cottage paper pack)</li>
<li>Essentials Die Set - someone special</li>
<li>Verso - First Crush Die set. </li>
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<b>INSTRUCTIONS</b><br />
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Prime your box with one coat of white acrylic paint .<br />
Once dry, mix metallic white pearl acrylic paint with the embellishment mousses and paint your box and sheet of white card alternating the colours to create a variegated pearly effect. Use mostly pink with splodges of the other colours. Once dry, smooth some glimmer paste with your finger all over the sheet of card which you will use to die cut your embellishments.<br />
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When totally dry, diecut your embellishments and glue to the box.</div>
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To line your box draw around the base of the box and then draw a line around 2mm insidewhich will be your cutting line to allow for the thickness of the box sides. Cut two strips to fit neatly in the sides. You can either repeat this for inside the lid, or paint inside the lid as you prefer. </div>
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Decorate the edges of your lid with Nuvo Crystal Drops. </div>
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I also glued some of the little hearts from the die cut onto the lid of the box. </div>
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Now all you need to do is find a suitable little gift to go inside the box. Or better still...make one! </div>
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There are other lovely heart dies from Tonic Studios that would work just as well for this project. Why not check out the full range on their <a href="https://tonic-studios.co.uk/" target="_blank">website. </a><br />
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Hope this gives you some ideas.<br />
Have fun.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-66150353333682503412017-01-27T09:24:00.000+00:002017-01-27T09:24:37.192+00:00White on white birthday card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello. Hope you are having a good day. Another card today. I am quite partial to making white on white cards with a gentle touch of ink just to highlight the edges. I think they can be really effective and it shows what can be done with only one shade of cardstock and Tonic Studios Dies.<br />
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Here I have used dies from September Harvest, Pinecone Season and Sunray Scene from Tonic's Faith collection. I couldn't resist adding a few little jewel drops to finish off the card.<br />
Have a creative day !<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-83197056955437470532017-01-25T13:16:00.002+00:002017-01-25T13:16:56.788+00:00An Anniversary Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello. I've been having a bit of a card making sesh before I clear my desk and get back to my watercolour painting for a bit. I've made a cheery anniversary card for my mum and dad for next month. (It's OK, they don't read the blog.) This happy floral paper from Tonic Studios was just begging to be dotted all over with Nuvo drops don't you think? The pretty leaves are from their Fallen Leaves collection.<br />
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The vintage image is a free one from The Graphics Fairy. I love combining vintage images with Tonic Studios die cuts.<br />
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Hope you are having a wonderful day wherever you are.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-13911817788673644132017-01-18T11:08:00.001+00:002017-01-18T11:08:16.136+00:00Tonic Studios Faith Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These lovely Faith dies from Tonic Studios are perfect for cards and more. I have made this little card/bookmark combo to send to a friend who is going through a particularly hard time right now in hospital. I know it is her faith that is keeping her going and that she will appreciate the thought.<br />
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I inked the diecut layer for a soft, pretty effect. The beautiful little dove is cut from Tonic's Mirror card.<br />
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The bookmark is cut from three layers of card for strength, Two from the outer die and one of the decorative filigree design all stuck together with Tonic's Funky glue (of course.)<br />
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The bookmark fits perfectly inside the card making it ideal for popping in the post.<br />
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I hope this gives you some ideas, or maybe gives you a nudge to drop a card to someone to let them know they are in your thoughts.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-24082441024267612782017-01-11T09:46:00.003+00:002017-01-11T09:46:45.175+00:00A Birthday Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone. And a very Happy 2017 to you all. I hope this is a wonderful year for you.<br />
We've had a good holiday with family visiting which has been wonderful, then I came down with a nasty cough virus which has not been so good. I finally got some sleep last night so am now posting about this cute little birthday banner I rustled up for my daughters friend .<br />
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I used lovely Tonic Studios papers...my daughter helped to pick out which patterns she thought her friend would like. Then using just the outer dies from their fabulous number dies, I cut out the numbers from Tonic's mirror card. To adhere the numbers I used removable sticky dots in case she wants to use this as a pretty banner in her bedroom long after the birthday celebrations are over.<br />
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Of course you could use make any number you need and you can use your own choice of papers. It's a great way to make some pretty party decor. Hope this gives you some inspiration.<br />
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(Oh and if you want to see more of what I am up to, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiogilead/" target="_blank">Instagram .</a> )<br />
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Have a lovely day.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-76187462045983775582016-12-06T13:28:00.003+00:002016-12-06T13:28:49.642+00:00Paint and gilding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For some time now I have been procrastinating about starting my art again. Well...I finally got around to it. I've been wanting to try this combination of watercolour painting with Tonic Studios gilding flakes for some time now too. I think the copper background looks quite effective with this Small Copper butterfly.<br />
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This is a pair of little frames that came from Ikea with a pre cut mount. The first butterfly I painted was the blue one with the silver gilding flakes, then I decided that I would do away with the mount and go slightly bigger with the copper one. I have now turfed the blue one out of it's frame and am in the process of making another larger one with a copper background so I have a pair of little coordinating butterfly pictures.<br />
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This is another little artwork recently done. This time with coloured pencils. But I decided to add copper accents when it was finished.<br />
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It's hard to capture in a photo, but it shines nicely in the light. Such fun using the gilding flakes. I'll be doing more of this!<br />
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If any of you out there are a bit arty, I hope this inspires you to try something different.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-41548009071047135322016-11-22T12:21:00.000+00:002016-11-22T12:21:02.380+00:00Make your presents felt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was keen to test how the Tonic Tangerine Die Cutting machine handles felt. I was impressed. It cuts through it like butter. The felt I like to use is a wool mix felt, not too thick. I used the Kings Cross Case die to get the general shape for this bag. I trimmed off the flaps that are there for gluing and used blanket stitch instead to make this mini tote bag which is just the right size for a gift card.<br />
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The top flap of the bag I tucked in and used running stitch to hold down. The creases that are indented by the die make it easy to fold at the right places. I had fun embellishing the front of the bag with this little oak leaf design from the autumn leaves die sets.<br />
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I have a feeling this will become a handbag for my daughter's rag dolls.<br />
Why not try cutting some felt with your dies. The Tonic Studios verso dies are perfect for this as you can use the outline dies to cut your felt. I hope this gives you some ideas.<br />
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Have a lovely day<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-18129818441829749692016-11-09T10:44:00.000+00:002016-11-09T10:44:02.836+00:00Chair AddictHello, my name's Doda and I'm addicted to buying second hand chairs. Is there perhaps a group for those so afflicted? I find it hard to pass up a bargain. Doesn't matter if it looks pretty shabby, as long as it has good bones, I can't help myself.<br />
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I've picked up some pretty good bargains over the years. I usually don't spend more than £10 a chair. Most have been cheaper. My poor patient husband sighs when I tell him I've found another chair needing a home. Trouble is, many of them are still awaiting a makeover. Anyhoo, here are a few of my more recent finds....<br />
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I bought 3 of these chairs last week for £10 in total. Actually only 2 of them are solid, the third has problems with it's joints- (I know the feeling!), so I bought them for £5 each and the seller threw in the third one for free. I am sure I can do something with it. The two good ones will go in the kitchen as I have an ecclectic mismatched chair collection going on in there that these will work well with (I think I will cover them first though ;-) )<br />
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Then I just got two of these absolutely lovely chairs for the bedroom, they were only £10 each and I am sure I can do something pretty with them...eventually.<br />
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I have seen a fabric I really fancy that would work nicely on these. I love anything with butterflies and beetles and bugs for some reason.<br />
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While we were parked under the most gigantic monkey puzzle tree at this amazing old house picking up the two bedroom chairs, the lady who was selling them offered us another 4 mixed dining type chairs for free which she said were going to the dump if we didn't take them as she was moving the next day and didn't have room for them all. Well, OK then ! They're not amazing but they are nice enough. Each one different. So, that's another few to add to my list of projects. I also already have a couple of classy wooden armchairs in the garage awaiting my attention. So many chairs, so little time...I think there will come a point when I renovate and sell some of them. But we are still finding the right furniture for our new house. Juggling things around to see what works best for us. It's a process.<br />
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Right...I have a chair to upholster, got to go.<br />
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798831835742073566.post-31174618293251590522016-11-09T10:13:00.000+00:002016-11-09T10:13:10.624+00:00A little notebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A decorated notebook makes a lovely small gift item and is a fun way to use your Tonic dies and embossing folders to create something special.<br />
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I was delighted when I saw that the Tonic Studios Kings Cross Case die included these little corner pieces as they make perfect book corners. The little label from the same set is so cute too. It works so well on a notebook.<br />
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I cut the Fallen leaves design from my old favourite craft material - <a href="http://dodadidit.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/frugal-february-jar-fun-little-project.html" target="_blank">tomato paste tube. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GSdX21-fci6T9zEFCQZ-x2viD8_MWtLkIdMeeLoNfNPNNLnPjKNCawnavK6dydPvgTgW-gMoi67XFLGOKCGCdz8SuF-UthdiAoD-7Qsgu1JTFyFA7gTalhBxTOLmDDhSYnBC8wldfUQ/s1600/note1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GSdX21-fci6T9zEFCQZ-x2viD8_MWtLkIdMeeLoNfNPNNLnPjKNCawnavK6dydPvgTgW-gMoi67XFLGOKCGCdz8SuF-UthdiAoD-7Qsgu1JTFyFA7gTalhBxTOLmDDhSYnBC8wldfUQ/s1600/note1.jpg" /></a></div>
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And I love the Layered Leaves embossing folder . A really classic design I know I will use again and again.<br />
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So, don't pass by a plain little notebook in a shop because you can make it into a real beauty with your Tonic Studios dies.<br />
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Have fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbg_wwIKhnr5gCuEZeahUfbIFoDEV6vHW9fQtwnGgY3vVtq0k0XKXEQrGYgkQI8r7kKAf4Xv7vt90El6cEDrvPNaF_Z66-DcLQV0kSPMUFFcBMg7FxLJ2wGI5HwgoOrQ6zY0t9hwYhpI/s1600/dodax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbg_wwIKhnr5gCuEZeahUfbIFoDEV6vHW9fQtwnGgY3vVtq0k0XKXEQrGYgkQI8r7kKAf4Xv7vt90El6cEDrvPNaF_Z66-DcLQV0kSPMUFFcBMg7FxLJ2wGI5HwgoOrQ6zY0t9hwYhpI/s1600/dodax.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Doda Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06869586505421418643noreply@blogger.com0