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About Me

Married to my soulmate with 2 beautiful girls,and our English Springer Spaniel, Suki. Living a country life in Cambridgeshire, whilst baking, gardening, and photographing our daily lifes, where they find a place on my scrapbook pages.

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My little place on the web

This blog is just that, my little place on the web.You will find my daily (or not so daily, hehe)life, my love for my new vegetable garden, baking, photography and my scrapbooking!

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My Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a way of life for me now.It has been for over 4 years. I love journaling, taking photos of my family and love colour and texture, these are all part of my everyday life and scrapbooking.

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Paper Flower Tutorial

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/12/2010 11:19:00 PM 12 lovely comments
As you may have already noticed, I am a sucker for flowers and most, not all my layouts have a smattering of flowers on them. I am always looking for new flowers and new ways to make flowers using my basic stash supply.

Please note :I am not claiming originality on this at all, I am sure these have been done before, but here is my way of making them.

Firstly go gather that circle scallop punch, some light weight pattern paper, I used Jenni Bowlin, some brads, buttons, adhesive and some twine of embroidery floss!




Punch 5 circles




Layer them and make a hole






and add a brad.




Now start scrunching each layer




until all the layers are scrunched up like this.






Now unravel each layer
dah dahhh, you have a cute ruffled paper flower.



Add a button or just leave with a brad



I have been making lots for upcoming projects, so easy to do sat infront of the TV of a night!


You can now jazz up your flower with glitter and ink if you wish, and why not try old newspapers and book pages.

Here is a layout I did of Lilly, using my paper flowers, how pretty do these flowers looked grouped on a page;










Supplies :
Bazzill cardstock
Jenni Bowlin Papers
Creative Imaginations paper
Vintage lace
Brads
Mellisa Frances buttons
Tim Holtz ticket
Metal photo corner
JB journaling tag
Hambly overlay
AC Thickers
Feathers
Maya Road flower and velvet leaves
Blue flowers Crafty Stash

Please post a link to your paper flowers, would love to see.

Thanks for stopping by
Anna x

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Pat a cake pat a cake

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/11/2010 09:47:00 PM 3 lovely comments
Well I was suppose to be baking today with my new toy Nana handed down to me, but like most Mondays, they never quite go as planned!

I have always wanted one of those plush, all singing, all dancing Kitchen Aid, but with a price tag of about £350.00, i kinda don't think its going to happen any day soon. So what do you think I said when Nana turned up yesterday with this Kenwood food mixer! I was overjoyed , is what I was!!! So much so, that it is my 365 photo of the day LOL!




Lets hope tomorrow brings some baking time! I still ahve some frosting in the fridge left over, so cupcakes and cookies could be on the menue!
Hey, did you notice we are loading much faster now? Thanks Ania xx


By the way, I have been making some very cute paper flowers today! Go grab a small scallop circle punch, some light waeight paper scraps, (JB is ideal), brads, buttons and some thread. Come back tomorrow for a step by step tutorial!

Book update: Due to Christmas and New Year holidays and now the bloomin snow, I am looking at a new release date of mid/end January.


Thanks for stopping by
Anna x

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Pencil Lines and 365

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/10/2010 08:30:00 PM 5 lovely comments
Pencil Lines is live with guest designer Susan Dupre. Susan is a lovely lady and I have had the pleasure in bumping into her over the past year or so, on various forums and DT's. It is with great pleasure that she is our guest this week.


Due to poor health I decided not to beat myself up about not doing this weeks sketch, it happens, and to be honest, with all the amazing new designers we have on the DT I am quite glad I didn't! Do pop on over to see the new DT line up, you will be totally inspired!


I love this sketch though, so I can see me using it for an upcoming assignment!

This weeks digital template is available to download for free here.
Do email your layouts to the readers gallery if you use the template, I would love to see your interpretations.

Finally, here are my weekend 365's. Yesterday we went out into town do do some chores and I am in desperate need for some new books to read, and this is what I picked up.



I am a pretty quick reader so if you have any recommendations please post in the comments, I would love you to share.

Today we had Nana over for a Sunday Roast, and although I had planned to take a photo of our Roast Beef, I realised once the plates were clean of food that I had forgotten!



This is a photo of Nana's hands. She is riddled with arthritis, and we all have a laugh, Nana included, that she is the only person we know that can point round corners, LOL. I am sure there will come a time when this photo will be treasured.


How was your weekend? Any more snow? We are all clear now, all back to normal. I have a new toy, thanks to Nana, which I will be playing with tomorrow!!!

Thanks for stopping by
Anna x

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365 catch up

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/08/2010 09:44:00 PM 8 lovely comments
Feeling rough again, full of cold, head pounding, whilst I feel like someone has their hands wrapped round my throat.

But I have still managed to take my photo a day. I am loving Pioneer Woman's, new and updated actions, which are FREE!!. My favourite at the moment is "seventies" and "homeland".
I am using "seventies" on my 365 photo at the moment.






This batch of photos have all been snow inspired. Its quite unusual for us to have snow that stays around and all white, so I just had to record this. Although we have not had anywhere near the amount the rest of the UK has.

A quick question; is my blog loading slow?? It is so slow for me at the moment and I wondered if it was the same for you,

and if it is then thanks for taking the time to stop by, I know how frustrating ti is to wait for a page to load!...

Hugs

Anna x

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Top 10 of 2009 - Layouts

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/06/2010 05:36:00 PM 2 lovely comments
I though its about time I set to work choosing my favourite 10 layouts from 2009. I found this quite hard as most of my favourite layouts are yet to be seen as they are sitting in my book! I also realised I don't think I scrapped as much as I would of liked, maybe I didn't make as much time for me as I had hoped, note to self; make more time for me in 2010!
In no particular order:


Sienna - Layout for BadGirls Kits DT. I just love the Prima papers. This was a stitched paper that I hand cut.




Thank you - Pencil Lines DT layout sponsored by Cosmo Cricket. OK I totally fell in love with Cosmo Cricket papers, and had a layout splurge with them last year!




Izzy and Linda - pencil Lines Dt layout sponsored by My little Shoebox. Firstly I love this photo of Izzy and her Auntie. My little Shoebox sponsored us for all of August, and I was lucky to get and play with lots of their goodies. In fact 3 of my top 10 are from that month!




A True Friend - Layout for Shimelle's online class, using her printables.




Don't be fooled by my Smile - Pencil Lines DT Layout using more scrummy MLS!





Learn - Another Pencil Lines DT layout using MLS!




Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Pencil Lines DT layout. This photo shoot was such a laugh with Izzy, Holly and a chair!




A - DT layout for Bad Girls. Prima loveliness




Once Upon a Time - Sassafras Goodies!



Miaow : Pencil Lines DT layout. What can I not love about this. The photos make my heart melt everytime!

I hope enjoyed re visiting my favourite layouts!
Thanks for stopping by
Anna x
PS: Will upload my 365 tomorrow

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Tuesday Twitters

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/05/2010 04:23:00 PM 3 lovely comments
First day back for the girls and I. I think we managed to get through the day, LOL.
I cannot believe that I left work on the 15th December due to illness and I returned back today head pounding and throat aching! But I am not going to let this beat me, and back to work I went.

Finished up some deadlines this afternoon, all sketch related. I am really looking forward to seeing my first sketch for Scrapbooking Memories Aus in print and the DT interpretations, it is so exciting! I am also doing some sketches for the UK magazine The Scrapbook Magazine, as well as DT gallery work this year.


Still waiting for my proof copy of Pencil Lines the Book, and until I receive that and approve it, my stock copies will not arrive, will keep you all posted, it really wont be long now....!!

I have also been working on the behind the scenes stuff for Scrapping Angels 5th retreat, held at Wyboston Lakes off the A1 Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire. The date is April 24th-25th and this years teachers have been confirmed as;


Anna Bowkis (me!)
Tracie Hudson
Sandie Vincent
Michele Mogford (MJM)


I always keep the retreats small and intimate, and there are a couple of places left, if you do fancy a weekend of scrapping bliss with like minded ladies, good food and fantastic company, and not forgetting the spectacular shopping, by 3JollyScrappers, then I suggest you pop over here for further details and price options.




Photo for today is what my book looks like, a dongle and a mountain of paperwork! And any day now my copy will pop through my letter box, looking like a proper book! And I am sure that sight will be my photo of the day very soon!

So whats the weather doing where you are? We have had some light snow showers, and i have heard that we are expecting much heavier snow tonight, fingers crossed, hehehe

Keep warm and thanks as always for stopping by.
Anna xx

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Pencil Lines and a new 365!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/04/2010 02:12:00 PM 1 lovely comments
Pencil Lines sketch 168 went live last night with our returning guest designer Dina Wakely. Adore Dina's style and hope one day to actually meet her IRL, and maybe take a class of hers.





This week our new designers Sasha and Karola joined us, so do pop over and check out all the inspiring layouts.


I used photos of Lilly in the snow, being a model!





Supplies:

Bazzill cardstock
MME Christmas papers, chipboard ( oh so very cute!), and diecuts



This weeks digi template is a free download, you can grab from here.


I also forgot to upload Pencil Lines sketch 167. I covered my Bazzill cardstock with the Cosmo Cricket chipboard snowflakes and table confetti.






Supplies :

Bazzill cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Christmas papers
Cosmo Cricket Chipboard
table confetti snowflakes


After 2 years of doing challenges, I have decided to take a year out. With so many people offering challenges who are probably a lot better organized than me, LOL. BUT, I am doing a 365 challenge just for me! Feel free to join me if you want. Because its just for me, the pressure is off just a tad!

I have decided to take a photo a day... not themed, not a self portrait, no prompts, just a photo that is a snapshot of our family life!It may be of me, the girls, even Peter, or it could just be a snapshot of an area in the house, a trip, a scrummy lunch, anything that takes my fancy.

So far so good, I have snapped a photo a day, pure candid snapshots! (Ok maybe day 2 was bribed with a hot chocolate and biscuit at Cosco's!)








If you fancy joining me, pop by each day to see what i have taken and do link me to your photo a day also. I love to see a glimpse into your daily life.



Its back to school for the girls and tomorrow. Whilst I am frantically catching up on paper work and such, the girls are chillin and painting! Oh why can't the holidays last for eternity!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment

Hugs

Anna x

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Hello 2010

blogged by me domestic goddess On 1/03/2010 08:53:00 PM 2 lovely comments
So we are here, a New Year has began and I wonder what it has in store for us all!!. I always look to the New Year with both trepidation and excitement, its the not knowing part isn't it? Each year, I join Ali Edwards and many blogger's alike, choosing a new word. Now the word that carries with me each year is "BELIEVE", one I find very hard, so it comes with me each year.
The new word for 2010 is " FOCUS". This is going to be a tough one. I am so easily distracted and the worlds worst at prioritising! Peters favourite word. I am going to try hard to "FOCUS" on what ever the task is at hand; whether it be cooking a meal, time with the kids, exercise, or working on an important project, i must learn to "FOCUS".
As is always the tradition in the Bowkis household, we celebrate the New Year in style, LOL. Some my not quite agree, and I will leave you to decide on that, but what can be said, is a good time was definitely had by all!
My Lilly was Charlie Chaplain, her hero! She had the walk, the cane twisting and the little mustash twitch as well!
We had lots of characters!!!

WARNING: Very unflattering photo of me, I am sure I am not that HUGE!! Oh well, New Year, New Week tomorrow, LOL

Royalty






Funny Ones!




Film Characters...







We had Super Heros and Villians...









Hope you had a good NYE. Have you chosen a word for 2010? Do share.


Hugs and thanks for stopping by
Anna x

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Christmas in photos

blogged by me domestic goddess On 12/31/2009 02:22:00 PM 4 lovely comments
We had a wonderful Christmas, very relaxed and chilled. Christmas day was spent at Nana's and Boxing Day was at ours.
To sum it all up, food and drink was consumed in large quantities, presents were wrapped and unwrapped, I believe the best pressie of all was Lilly's Lego which we have all played with :), then we played pictionary and probably ate more food, LOL.


It is now operation New Years Eve Party.

I have cooked and baked to my hearts content.

We have:

Mini orange and cranberry cupcakes with orange frosting , aka Primrose Hill bakery
Brownies
Mince Pies
Honey coated chicken drumsticks
Chili
Homemade sausage rolls

Later we will have:

Blinis topped with creme fraiche and caviar
Blinis topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon and dill
Tortilla chips loaded with chili cheese and jalapenos aka Nigella
Dates wrapped with bacon

and the usual sarnies, cocktail sausages,and our fav, cheese and pineapple, hehehe.

Last night we tested out some of Peters cocktails, always a treat.....NOT! Boy what a head we had this morning!!
I am going to print a cocktail list for Peter to offer our guests!

As usual it is a full on Fancy Dress, I have changed and am now a Queen (see last post for some clues on our fancy dress, but ignore the Southern Belle now!)

The paper lanterns have arrived, thanks to Sue, and we have fireworks. All in all I think we are pretty much set, just to decorate the house and finishing touches!

What do you have planned tonight? What ever it is, have a wonderful evening with friends and family
From all of us, to all of you, We wish a very Happy New Year

Lots of love
The Bowkis Family

xxx

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Oops!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 12/31/2009 01:34:00 AM 2 lovely comments
I was supposed to be updating with crimbo photos and such, but instead have been tasting new cocktails concocted by Peter, and cooking in the kitchen for tomorrow nights party! ( actually I think its tonights party from the time!). Anyways I am going to bed now and will be back later....
Sleep well
Anna x

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They think it's all over

blogged by me domestic goddess On 12/30/2009 12:17:00 AM 2 lovely comments
As New Years Eve approaches, I am back to manic chores around the house. Today was spent attacking everywhere with a duster and a bin liner, you would think it was Spring around here, as I have been "spring cleaning" like nobodies business!! As well as the cleaning , the kitchen will be beckoning me as I prepare food for our party guests. Once again we are hosting a fancy dress party, and I am glad to say the girls will be participating this year!!
Tomorrow I have a King to collect, a Southern Belle, some guns, a bowler hat and mustache....
Any guesses who we are all going as?? I am sure I can conjure up a little RAK for the most correct answers.
Clue : we are not related

Be back tomorrow with Christmas photos!
Thanks as always for stopping by,
Anna x

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