Est Journal Page - W.I.P

So today I heard that the European Street Team are inviting members to create a journal page, a folded A4 sheet, first leaf 'about me', inner spread 'artwork' and the back 'my shop'. Each one will be stitched into a unique journal by Kreativlink. The finished journal will then go on sale in the EST shop to raise funds for charity. So this is what I have come up with so far....

I've gone really doodle crazy with this funky neighborhood, nestled under the stars and the Klimt inspired tree. What I really want/desperately need is an inspiring quote for the 'hill' - any suggestions people? I'd really love to hear them :)*

Favourite Finds : : 'amber falls'

Here's another treasury from me, featuring some amazing talent from all over, not to mention a very good friend of mine, Miss Eggstudio! :)*

Here's the link to view and comment,
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=23343
Have an inspiring day!

the finished article...

Today, I have learnt that I'm much better with paint than I am with wood varnish - god help us, its such a pain to get right. This is 'PatchWork' which has been mounted up with 2.5" off-white board and a 12" wooden frame. I need to make more art for these walls, but I am really happy with the way it came out - very dapper dan :)*

J a z z f l o w e r

...another one of my crazy altered cd's - I'm experimenting with lots of different shapes and fun colours for christmas! This one is ideal for bling happy people - I can think of a few!

Front Page Happiness! :)*

I made it to the frontpage of etsy.com!!! Thankyou Ioulia for picking my 'PatchWork' for your beautiful treasury!!! I'm going to wear a mad silly grin all day now :)*

My First Treasury...

It took me a while to figure it out but I managed to snag a treasury over at Etsy. I've called it 'My Happy Heart' and it features a handful of my favourite finds. I only wish I could have picked more - it was tougher work than I thought!

I've recently been featured here and here - must make more stuff! :)*

I'm seeing S*t*a*R*s....

Today has been a really good 'idea day'. This little beauty is called 'nitebrite' and it has been constructed out of compact disc. I think it would be perfect for the home all year round, for hanging in the window, over a door handle or as a gift for someone special - I'll be making more of these in lots of different shades and finishes for the holiday season!

*Thankyou Gezza for the helpful brainstorming session - you little peach you!*

Just Listed...

I'm already in Autumn mode and I really wanted to make something scrumptiously seasonal for my etsy.

Its called 'PatchWork' the idea evolved from the rolo that I made for Shelly - Its made from umpteen different materials including, flocked handmade papers, embossed card, wallpaper, coffee filter paper scraps which have been highlighted, distressed, painted, inked... you name it! Colour and textures galore!

There are three panels altogether - I've made an extra for my living room, I'm just waiting on the varnish to dry... I'll show you all when its ready :)*

I O U ! !

Rolo's!!! Christina, Asta, Karen, Mireya and Shelly these are for you! Sorry for taking an age, I hope you'll like these! :)*

Lend Me Your Ear....

After all the buzzin' around here and there, I decided to check into etsy. I love visiting the treasury which is curated by fellow sellers and is absolutely stuffed with unique items. I was busy flicking through and there I see a little yellow star - well my heart jumped.

Kraplap, a member from the Etsy European Street team selected my 'sketch' earrings for her 'Lend Me Your Ear' themed treasury! Its up for another couple of days** so theres plenty of time to check it out. Thankyou so much Kraplap!

>>> Happy Days :)* Wherever you are I hope your having a good one!

the rolling stones...

We've just arrived back from England after visiting as many friends and family as we could pack into 5 days. We started out in the ferry to Wales, drove up to Cheshire, then down to Essex and London, then all the way back via Lincs to catch the ferry again. Both of us had an amazing time catching up with all of you!

Thanx go out to Pat & Simon, Paul & Louise, Gill, Alex, Megan {the jumping bean}, Linda & Paul, oh and Kerry & the girls too for putting us up and being such gorgeous hosts. It was a real pity to go home but I must admit I missed my dog, my girls and possibly my bed way too much...

Love n' hugs - T & Mr. Mac xxx :)*

Artsy Gemini is in da house!

Sandy B aka Artsy Gemini, has just jumped into the world of blog. This is one of her amazing pieces that I was delighted to receive in a swap over at AFA - her work is really something.

Pop over to http://www.artsygemini.blogspot.com/ and say hello! ... I hear she has cake :)))

P o p - *Summer Est Challenge*

I finally got around to finishing my summer project for the european etsy team challenge very late last night. I've added lots of gilded stamens and little details to add a bit more movement to the piece. I've really fallen in love with this one - I only wish I could take better photographs!

*Available to purchase at my Etsy store http://www.tanyamac.etsy.com/*

What goes up...

Yesterday, myself & Mr Mac were on the lookout for some adventure. We decided to travel north to Carlingford, in the hope of climbing Slieve Foye, a stunning 589m peak in County Louth.

Mr Mac carefully packed all the info, maps etc. needed for the 'relatively straightforward' walk ahead. Ok, he's the dependable sort, you know - strong, silent, determined etc. etc. I'd trust him with my life if I had to. The weather was expected to be bright, sunny with the 'occasional' shower. He packed the waterproofs just in case.

20 mins in, we are lost, then we find our way onto the track again, then we get lost again {It later turns out the map was the size of a thumbnail and not really that useful - oh dear} back on the track and fired up with caffeine and jaffa cake we sped up the winding trail, bravely pushing upwards and onwards from the Colwyn Gap to the impressive summit of Slieve Foye.

"Now that we're here, how about some more coffee?" pants Mrs Mac

"Ok" says Mr. Mac

"I think I'll take off my boots, my wee feet are achin'" moans Mrs Mac.....

"Ok" sighs Mr. Mac

>>>(((totootooddoooooooookkkkkoooootttoooodoooo!!!!)))<<<

*roll of thunder/lightening flash/torrential rain crashes from the blackened sky onto the bewildered hikers below {including the silly one perched on the rock with no shoes on}*

We carried on wearily seeking shelter here and there, trudging and squelchin' as we go. Mitzi, the poor dog was saturated, tired (this dog is never tired) and hungry. At this stage we should have been safely making our way down the mountain track heading to the warm and cosy car.... but wait! where is the track? and how the bloomin' hell do we get back down?

* this went on for a little while, slipping and sliding occasionally on our backsides as we debated to go this way or that *

Roll on five hours (yes five more hours) of squelching, snapping, tumbling, shouting, whimpering and sniffing {still sniffin' today} we finally gain access into a forested area where we happen upon {oh joy of joys} a way marked trail bringing us back to Carlingford Town. Roll on another 2 mile trek and we are safe - I've never been so happy to see a car park in my whole life!

{To see more pics from the Mac's bogus adventure - go to the 'Irelands Eye' folder on my flickr photostream} :)