What a lovely day.

Recently Rob and I went to visit Dad and Bev.  The wind was perfect for kite flying so when we found an open field it was too tempting.  We had a lovely time.

 Here's Rob giving Dad a lesson on how to move the kite around.

 It Didn't take long to get the hang of it.

Ayla and I enjoying the fresh air.

MotoGP Phillip Island

Last month Rob and I had our first trip to Phillip Island to watch the MotoGP.  I was so excited!

The noise, the thrills and spills!  I really didn't understand how fast these guys go until I saw it for real.  Rob really enjoyed dusting off his camera and taking these photos.

 During qualifying Jorge Lorenzo  got a sea gull stuck in his bike!  Despite this he still managed to secure pole position.

 My favourite Marc Marquez.  I've been following Marc for a few years so yes I did buy a Marquez tee shirt!

 Cal Crutchlow is great to watch.

 Dani Pedrosa broke his collarbone earlier this year, but once again wasn't off the bike for long.

 With the biggest fan base Valentino Rossi is by far the most popular rider.  With 9 world champions under his belt it's easy to see why.

 Nicky Hayden the 'Kentucky Kid'

 Here is Hayden with Andrea Iannone close behind.

I've also been following Bradley Smith since he was quite young.  This is his first year in MotoGP and I'm pleased to say he has been holding his own.

Lorenzo gives the crowd a wave.

Marquez giving me a wave. 

It was a real treat to see Casey Stoner doing a few laps of the track.  

A little excited to be walking on the track.

Rob having a laugh riding his MotoGP bike.

Right on the coast at Phillip Island.  The weather was bitter and wet when we arrived.  With sideways   hail we really thought we were in for a cold weekend.  Then we got up the next day to this wonderful blue sky.

Trip to Queenstown

Recently I went to Queenstown for work.  Pat, Sam and I had some girly fun while we were down there.

 Here's the view from our hotel room.  

 We spent a bit of time in the Remarkable Sweet shop.  I think I'm absorbing the sugar by osmosis.

 The hotel lounge bar served some wonderful desserts.  Nothing like chocolate and a warm fire.  Sam treated herself to a special coffee too.

 Pat and I went for a little walk.

 And found a nice place for a drink.

 We took in some of the beauty.

 And fresh air.

Here is where we stayed,  The Ridges Hotel.

Alice in Wonderland

Last weekend I went to a hens party for my lovely friend Kayleigh.  The theme was Alice in Wonderland and we were all asked to dress up.  I must admit at first I wasn't too keen but in the end i decided to go all out and make my own costume.

So here is my dress.  

I used the black cards from 8 decks of cards which I have sewn together.

First I made a skirt pattern.  Here's Marsh helping me.

Then I placed cards on the pattern and kept them together with little bits of masking tape.

Very carefully I've sewn them together.  As I didn't want to risk them coming apart I ran duct tape on the back to strengthen the skirt.

 I used my punches and die cuts to make flowers with playing cards and SU card which I hand sewed on. 

The back 

Here we are with Kayleigh (Alice).  From left, Julie, Yola, Anna, Lynda, Clare, Jenny, Niki, and me. Kayleigh and Helen in front.

We had a great night!

No outfit is complete without accessories.  I made this bracelet and a handbag.

Here is my little bag.  It's just big enough for my purse, phone and a lipstick.  

First I made a pattern out of paper which I stuck the cards on to.  

My lovely friend Kim laminated it for me.  I hand stitched it together with embroidery thread.

Two more cards

Recently we had two events to celebrates the first was the 50th wedding annaversary of my dear friends Norm and Pat.  We had a lovely afternoon with them.

 I cased this card from Michelle Zindorf.  I am getting better with the brayer but would love to attend one of her classes for some tips.

The other event was my fathers birthday.  I'm not sure where the instructions for this fish came from but it makes for a great man card.

JAI Colour challenge JAI#161

This weeks JAI challenge is to use colour.  Specifically Midnight Muse, More Mustard and Rich Razzleberry.  

I decided to use water colour paper for the first time!  I added colour with the direct to paper technique. Thats where you just rub the ink pad on the paper.  I then sprayed the paper with water to give texture. Thanks to Charlene Merrich for the inspiration for this card.