Happy Birthday Rob

It was my partner Rob's birthday last week.  He is my biggest critic when it comes to my cards so I always want to make him something special.  For those of you who know the movie Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy you will understand the significance of turning 42 or at least the number 42.  

 While making the card I found myself humming "Good bye and thanks for all the fish".

 This is one of the characters Marvin who always makes us laugh.  I made a black silhouette then overlaid it with white pieces of card I had sponged to make the shadow and dimension.

If your in the mood for a completely senseless movie Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is fun.

My sister Chantell made this lovely card for Rob.  I just love the colours she has used.

Patting a Lion in Paradise!

This week Mum and I had a wonderful day at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park.

The park is a beautifully presented New Zealand trout, bird and wild life park, along with a pride of African lions.  While walking through the beautiful forrest you can feed the trout, take a tree top walk a pick out the native plants.  You can get up close to Kea for a little chat (but watch your hand bag around these clever parrots) and pat a possum.  

The animals are all very friendly, especially if you have something yummy for them to eat.

Mum feeding the trout. 

Then came the very exciting experience of going into the cage with a lion cub.  Thankfully they both had full tummies so it was nap time shortly after we arrived.

Starting to drop off to sleep this 6 month old boy still gets to feed from his mummy (thank goodness she was in another area).

These great big paws are surprisingly soft.

Mum and I spent quite a bit of time talking to the keeper.

Unlike the babies these adult lions were much more imposing.  It was hot so they were all just having a rest until the keeper arrived with lunch.

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.