This last month has seen me have a bit of a mid life crisis of sorts. I have never really had a burning ambition in life that many do, I have loved travel, art and knew I always wanted a family but other than that didn't really know what I "wanted to be". With Maddie now at school full time I have had a bit but not much! more time to myself. I have started to ask myself what I want out of life and what I will be remembered for when I am gone. Hmmmmm not much at this point other than a wife and mother. I don't mean to put down these roles as I know they are important and worthy in their own right but I just feel that I need to find me Helen Shields and what I want.

I have been seriously considering going back and taking my teaching degree as I really enjoying the role I have at school of teaching the children sewing, I enjoyed my time in Scotland when I went into the nursery with Jill and taught art once a week. I looked into courses but couldn't decide between the general age ranch of 5-11 year olds which would make me a jack of all trades as such and the specific job of art teacher at secondary level. Because John is not here much during the week and with his iminent move to Staff College in September I would be taking on the role of mother, student, housekeeper, gardener and general dogs body all by myself. My greatest fear was that I would have to put the kids into care morning and night just so I could attend college. Euan has just started to settle down and maybe make a move towards flourishing and I am petrified that he would take a backwards step if the main "rock" as it were was to be moved slightly. The girls I think would adapt better to the change but I don't know how I would, would I become to tired and thus cranky about the general things in my kids lifes, I know it would only be for a year of two until I qualified but then what, would I take full time teaching or a part time and where. Am I looking for issues where there are none? I have saught advise from all sorts of friends and the advise has come back so varied. Some say my children are still so young I should just take a breather and enjoy life with them before it is all gone, others shout at me that I should do something for myself before it is too late. Many say that my talent lies in what I create and I shouldn't give that up, my response unfortunately is that it doesn't pay the bills! I do enjoy sewing and creating but I don't seem able to sit down and perform it like I should with a job. I so desperately want an answer to all of this but just seem to get deeper and deeper into confusion. I can feel tears welling up as I type this which is silly really . The main comfort I take is that I am not alone, through some of the wonderful ladies in blog land I have found out that I am not alone, I think it takes an arty mind to be this confused ;) and so frustrated with my direction. So bare with me as I navigate this current chapter in my life and hopefully you should have some better crafting viewing in the up coming weeks. I have been creating just not photographing and sharing. Hilary my love don't worry I am still plodding on with your request and you will see my labours soon.

Sorry to be so miserable but thank you for reading!

Take a look at my boy go!

So proud of my little boy - will he play for England to his Grandfathers pride or for Scotland to his Father's Pride? Rugby has brought his such confidence and although bias Ithink he is really rather good and quick at it

CD Mukoksy Class with Chepstow Pink ScrappersThe week before last I went over the bridge again to Chepstow to take a class with CD Mukosky courtesy of Chepstow Pink Scrappers. Lousie, Pam and all the comittee are great at organising high profile people in the Scrap book industry to come and teach at Chepstow. We completed an album titled Angels. You had to take along 10 pictures of people that you consider to be angels in you life and some journaling to add. I haven't taken pictures of mine yet even thought I did manage to finish it the following day, miracle of miracles for me! I need J to bring home his laptop so I can download from my camera.
It was a brilliant evening as usual with all the familiar faces who are always so friendly.

Mini Swap Goodness

Last month we signed up to a Mini Swap through Mommy Coddle's blog and we were partnered with The Severson Family, Stephanie, Quinn, Claire, Tatum and their dog sam. My children were so excited about swapping with a family in the States. The parcel arrived and I was cruel to the girls because I made them wait until Euan cvame back from numeracy group so they could all open the parcel together.
We scored some fabulous goodies with knifty knitting looms, littlest pet shop, star wars, sweets and some fab books. I got some great american magazines and fabric.
Ellie's favourite with the Webkinz unicorn which hasn't been out of her grasped since it arrived (much to Maddie's annoyance she wants a go). I haven't seen these before, they have a code which you input in the computer and you can play games online with them.

Our package went out a little late due to my ill health and then the post office wanting to charge stupid amounts for one large box, apparently if I packaged it in four it would go a lot cheaper, which I did and saved myself £16. Must make sense to someone!
I forgot to take photos of what we put in the bags oops! Each of the children drew me a picture which I scanned and copied onto fabric paper and then made up a drawstring bag. Quinn had a dragon, with a book, sweets, lego kit and a welsh flag which is in the post seperately.
A hamster drawing by Maddie with a book, sweets, pen, magazine, littlest pet shop and hand made hamster.
Ellie drew a pony and this bag contained a book, magazine,pen, sweets, littlest pet shop and a handmade mouse and bed.



It was a lovely thing to take part in and I think next time I might put more emphasis on getting the kids to make some things.

Still Sick

We seem to have been sick in this house for a long while now. The kids brought home a virus that has been doing the rounds at school and as it does, it went round all three of mine. Then J and I got it and seem to have taken really bad with it. Last week it was all I could do to raise my head off the pillow and ended up at the doctors surgery on Thursday almost in tears as the pain was so bad. The doctor thought it was a virus but that I now also hada sinus infection and the nice man gave me some drugs. I was suffering with hot and cold sweats like none I have had before and also this strange dizzyness which I can only liken to being drunk without the fun alcohol consumption beforehand! I still feel pretty rough now to be honest with you, focusing on one thing for any portion of time is difficult.

The kids are on half term this week which is a shame because I really don't feel fit enought to take them out anywhere. I have a mini swap which is 80% together that needs a few last bits sorted but I can't seem to pull my finger out and get it done. In fact I think I shall sign off now my eyes are starting to blur just looking at the screen. A few photos from before the bug which still need to be uploaded to etsy. Hope everyone else is not been struck down with this yucky virus season. Helen

Lined Robot Drawstring bag

Heart Bunting



Heart Cushion in denim and cotton

Another week has gone by and I am not sure what I have done with it!

I have been busy with the sewing machine. I have made a few more pear doorstops as below, I have also finally got around to making a roman blind for my work room. It had got to the point where I couldn't work in my room at night because everyone would say they watched me through the window - hmmm not nice! Now I have a wonderful blind I can drop down and create in peace. I also have a cushion sewn with denim and red, it was the first time i had made my own binding and attached it. I was quite pleased with the results. I will post pictures once J brings his laptop home so I can download them. I finished a little scalloped edge bag for Maddie's room and a scallop edged carrier bag holder for the kitchen. Red and White bunting with hearts on for my etsy shop which I hope to update this weekend.

A Bob the Builder and JCB peghook which were both orders.
Today should be a day where I get on and design some new images. I have had robots on my mind for a while and feel the moment has come where I should develop it a bit further. I find there is always lots of things for girls but very little for boys.

The last picture is of my sweet little one Maddie. Last week J called me upstairs to come and look at something, I had just sat down with a cup of tea after a long day and really didn't want to get up again. "is it important" I asked " you don't want to miss this" he said. I trundled upstairs mumbling under my breath to look into Maddie's room. At first all I saw was her legs hanging out of the bed as usual, not much to see there but then J said look at her head, yep she was fast asleep with the ear defenders on. We got these ear defenders for the girls at firework time as they don't like the loud bangs. So sweet I couldn't stop laughing. The wind was particulary bad that night and she doesn't like the sound it makes around her room so obvious solution block it out! This picture has definitely made it onto a scrapbook page.

Right I had better go and do something before I get sucked into the void of blog land. Hope you are all having better weather than us today, take care H. x

Another week has whizzed by and I forgot to blog again! sorry. Nothing much has been happening her past the usual madness. We have been baking up a storm in the form of cupcakes, sunflower seed rolls and flap jack. God help my figure there is no hope!

Miss Ellie enjoying some cake madness.
my boy is back to the rugby again (I cheated this was actually taken before christmas at an away game in Marlborough) The washing of the kit has been a nightmare the last few weeks, I am not sure where the mud stops and the boy starts!

My other beautiful boy who is going so grey around the eyes now. I cannot believe he is going to be ten this year. We have had some good walks the last few days as I am car less. A long and negative story (not don't worry no accidents just annoying husbands and mechanics).


We did however have a lovely but very fleeting visit from Maddie's Godmother, Auntie Di. We hope to see you again soon my love and for longer.

and then there is the little one who causes holy terror in the house, no i don't mean John :)

I have had a buzy week at the sewing machine finishing things off for orders and getting some bits sewn to take to show Mary Howard when we have our meeting this Saturday.

School tomorrow and another hand sewing lesson for my poor students. I hope to get a few more sewing bits and pieces done this week as well, however a trip to Cribbs Causeway on Thursday might throw a spanner in the works ;) Does anyone know where I can get thick fleece from?

Right Leslie I am going to call you now before I forget.

Little bath Pixies

Fantastic Holidays and New Years Resolutions

I must have composed a million blog posts in my head but just never made it to the computer. We have had a fabulous Christmas, the kids were thoroughly spoilt by Santa and so was Mummy. I received a new Canon 400D slr which I totally love. Still trying to get to grips with all of the gadgets on it but hey it is fun playing. John had a new xbox 360 which meant that I didn't see much of him and Euan! Maddie has been busy with her pink (yes pink!) digi camera and Ellie has started her teenage years early by holing herself up in her room with her new IPOD at full blast. Euan's room now looks like a Lego shop which started at 3:10am on Christmas morning :(

We had a relatively quiet but well needed down time over the holidays with the odd trip out here and there but nothing manic.

Mum and I have officially gone into business now and are hoping to do the Mary Howard Show in Hullavington this year. We had wanted to do Country Living but to be honest the cost just to get there was beyond us this year. As you can see I have updated the Etsy shop with a few bits and pieces for Easter and valentines, hopefully there will be some more in the coming weeks. If you are in the UK and want to purchase anything let me know by email and I can arrange a cheaper postage deal without being in US dollars.

As for New Years resolutions, well it is very quiet in my house now as Maddie started full time which means that I need to get by butt in to gear and start making things. I am hoping to try and keep my making day to school hours and then spend some time in the evenings for me. We shall see if this works but that is the plan for now.

One of my new years resolutions is that when the kids get home from school I want to spend some time with them, not just doing homework but putting that extra little bit of effort in to do something one on one. Monday was story time,Tuesday we made cupcakes. Did you like that Ellie?

I think that is a yes!

Euan concentrating on how many sprinkles he can get on one cake,
Maddie well, yes the usual she was just eating the icing!

We have also been trying to spend some more quality time together as a family. This usually entails Fergus and Westonbirt or some other muddy location.

followed by nothing better than a hot chocolate of course.


some of the shop updates for you to peruse.

valentines felted eggs
romantic tin vessels

pretty peg hooks



heart felt angels

cheeky chicks



Prancing cockerels



coloured eggs

Wednesday was spent playing the Peter Rabbit game with a lesson for Euan in not winning ;) mum enjoyed that one(not much). Thursday Euan went to play at a friends and Maddie had here friend Molly around. They decided they wanted to make some more cupcakes which was fine by me. Tonight we shall see Euan has asked to watch a movie, which to be honest wasn't quite what I had in mind but they are all tired after their first week back and I am out with the girls tonight to celebrate Vanessa's birthday. Daddy is home early to which will be nice as he has been in London today.

Another resolution was to stay up to date with my scrap booking. I say up to date but I really mean starting from now. I managed to do over 25 layouts over Christmas and loved it. Not all of them are stunners but I feel so much better for playing. I made a promise that I would scrapbook at least three pages a month or scrapbook my photos as I take them this year so I don't miss life. I have been trying to go back and make up the children's albums but I feel so sad that I have totally forgotten so much about their baby years. It really hit home that I only have these children for a short time before they will be out till all hours or moving to university.

Weight will forever be on my resolution list but not sure if time will allow this year again. If we do get a slot at Mary Howard I think it will be all hours at the desk working. J was planning on climbing Mt Kenya this year but that doesn't look likely with the current political environment, so he has turned his attention to Ben Nevis with Euan in the late summer.

Not much else to report, hopefully I can pop in here at least once a week to try and update. Happy Belated New Year to all!

SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN POSTING, BEEN RATHER BUSY!

Sorry for the long delay in blogging but I have been rather busy just lately. We have had Ellie's birthday, half term break with a trip to the London Eye and Disney on Ice with the kids, my craft night, bonfire night, character day at school and many other activities.

Yesterday I had a wonderful time with the girls of Chepstow again, I have come back fully relaxed yet desperate to scrap. Kirsty Wiseman came down for the day to teach THREE yes you heard right three classes. We had a house layout below, I still need to add my photos of the family.

House front opens up to show the photos inside. I still need to add my title.

a lovely simple layout with punch out buttons which we tied on with thread. I still need to add my title which will be Cpt. Jack as this is a picture of Euan on Book Character day at school. He went as Jack Sparrow.


and best of all a Christmas advent. I loved the papers immediately and the project was just Divine.
above is the outside of the advent and below you have the inside. I still need to write or print my numbers on the little pockets. I think I am going to write a little bit of something each day to remind myself of what we did in 2007 at Christmas. If you ever get a chance to take a class with Kirsty grab it with two hands. We got all of this and teaching for £25 total Bargain. Kirsty is such a lovely lady who is so willing to share what she knows with you. If you live in the Wales area Chepstow Pink Scrappers is definitely the place to go for scrap booking.

Louise bless her invited me over for dinner again which was just Divine. I have commented on her house and shop before it is like a sweetie shop with eye candy everywhere. I don't think there is a piece of bridgewater pottery made that she doesn't have and I am so jealous :) We had a fabulous dinner of Moroccan Lamb pie with delicious cheesy potatoes, sticky toffee pudding, warm cheese dips and lime drizzle cake, gorgeous if not totally fattening! Considering this is only my fourth time with these ladies, I feel like I have known them a lifetime they are so giving and caring. Ailsa best of luck with the diet you are doing so well. Maz lovely to have met you again, good luck with the photoshop and t-shirt nipples! Kirsty I look forward to seeing you on the 8th if you can fit us in :) pretty please.

Right I shall attempt to upload a few more of the recent photos over the coming week in between filling orders. Now I need a shower and start the usual house clean and laundry sweep.

Love to all Helen

Do you ever seem to have so many things to do you get paralyzed?

I have a to do list the length of my body, I don't seem to be getting any further forward in fact just further back! I went out into the garden at the weekend to simply cut back my lavendar as it had got to the point that when it was raining you couldn't walk up the path without being soaked. I thought I could do this quickly and then plant my bulbs that arrived last week while I still remembered them, as past years some have gone very soggy before I got around to the task. Well five hours later and six bin bags of garden waste later I had a very nice tidy lawn and beds but the bulbs were still sat in the box on the bench :( One job seems to lead to another and create another ten that need doing before you can do the original job, are you still following me?

Anyway, last week was a right off as on Monday Ellie was sent home from school with the stomach bug Euan had had last week. Bless her after only being home thirty minutes she was throwing up and looking really peaky. She headed back to school on Wednesday and saw me heading off to the dentist. Well I made the dentist only to find myself home in double quick time with the very stomach bug but tens times worse. Not to be to graffic but I ended up on the toilet with bucket and not to great :P I had to call J home from High Wycombe to take care of me and the kids (who's harvest festival I missed:( and who I had to call several friends to pick up for me). I took me a good few days to get over it which I spent most of asleep in bed and for those who know me know that this doesn't happen often.

Sickness done and we hit the weekend again and the usual round of birthday parties to attend (does everyone else seem to get twenty invites a month?). Sunday was spent visiting my grandma who is 93 years old as my Mum was out of town and wanted to make sure she was okay. The girls and I went to visit while J took Euan to rugby and I was so shocked how much she has deteriorated in the last month. She looked so frail and I just wanted to cry. I am not sure how much longer we have her for but I made a promise to get over to visit with the kids more often as she loves seeing her great grandchildren.

Yesterday saw me attempting again to plant bulbs but that was side tracked when a friend came around in a great need of tlc. My Mum popped in on her way home from visiting my Godmother and Aunt and that was another day over! I did manage to get some invites started for Ellie's birthday party next month.

Below are a few pictures of some trading cards for my year to remember class which needed to be sent off quickly. We had to take a quote and pop it on some cards with our own design ideas.

The quote reads "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." by Carl Sandburg.

This really got me thinking about how I seem to be unable to say no to those asking for my help or time and made me realise that it is my time and I should really think carefully how I choose to spend it. Take yesterday, my friend needed to talk and I stopped what I was doing to give her that. Don't take me wrong I don't begrudge her that time, but now I feel on the back foot I am rushing to get things done, the weather has changed and the bulbs aren't in which in turn is stressing me out. The chain continues on to the kids when I get ratty at not being able to get my things done for my craft night because I have household stuff to sort out. I feel rightly or wrongly that I should take care of the house, garden and family issues before I do my crafting, even though that crafting brings in a little extra to the family coffers each month. I put myself and my "craft" last in the order. Is it right, who knows but I just get a bit grumpy from time to time about how my "time" is dictated by others and other things. Boy I bet you wish you hadn't popped in for a look:)

All the cards have been sent off and I should be receiving 10 different ones back next month from other course members.

Bunny invites close up - I used the basic shape from a Making Memories Chipboard. I cut out all the faces then inked the edges, cut out and inked ears and noses, then Ellie and Maddie helped me find and stick on pairs of buttons for the eyes. We hand wrote the invite on the back. We are having a Rabbit Cupcake Decorating Party, since the ladybird one last year was such a hit. (plus it is a new bunch of girls since the move so no one has done or heard of this yet!)
All thirteen (yes I am mad) invites ready to be handed out tomorrow.

Tonight I have been working on the name tags for the party bags, carrots of course! I have bought barbie sprinkles, a rabbit cookie cutter (in pink) and some chocolate bunnies for the party bags. I thought I would type out a cookie receipe and put that in the bag. Do you think it will be enough? I can't stand the usual rubbish you get home in party bags, I think it is such a waste because it all ends up in the bin usually within a day. I managed to get hold of some cute little stuffed rabbits for party prizes, which hopefully we wont have to spend to long playing if they get involved in the cupcake decorating. Last year it worked really well even if it was majorally messy!! Angelia I need your help again you were great last year please come for a visit ;)

Right it is 11 oclock and I should head to bed as I am grumpy Mum again today, even retail therapy didn't help :0 I have teaching tomorrow afternoon and a tag rugby tournament to attend. Love and good wishes to all and to all a good night.