Chrsitmas, Villages, the Weather..it's all here!

So I've had this bargain pack of die cut decoupage images for a while. They're from the Crafthouse Press and come in a sort of lucky bag; there's a staggering amount of stuff - two decoupage characters per sheet and background sheets too. The packs will be available on demand from your local shops, but if you need to, visit the Crafthouse Press website for details and blahdy blah. Christmas cards in July hey? I know, and smug makingly easy - just a sheet of foam pads, one of those little Basic grey files and a basket full of characters waiting to be put onto card fronts. I'm sure other DT members do differently, but because the die cutting is 'kiss-cut', once I've pushed them out, I file off the little kiss bump tag thingy and get to the foam pad stage pronto. I don't know how you feel about decoupage, but if you like it but can't be facing it - try these, they're easy. And because they're almost a cardstock weight, you can add glue, glitter, embossing and other stuff to over jazz and christmas-ise as much as you like. Although of course, my photos don't show any of that. I'll re-take tomorrow with some tips offered by a chum and see if there's a reasonable enough difference to make a double posting of the same photos tolerable! I think there will be. After all, who can resist a little boy with a tea towel on his head playing a shepherd? Not me. Am forced to admit that I've been rummaging for some of Miss Dunnits Nativity photos to see if I can scrap them with extra characters!

I know lots of true decoupage junkies use silicone glue too - admirable. I cannot get the blobs to behave - that stuff strings like octopuses in my hands! I use the foam pads, happily. There's an incredible sense of achievement for me in a neat but perfectly formed hill of the peeled off squares! I know. But I like it. Same way that I get a real sense of satisfaction in actually using something to the point of it running out. Satisfying. Unless of course, I haven't foreseen my running-out-situation coming and then I'm not smug. I'm just cross because I've run out! Complicated, this crafting thing!

I had the pleasure of standing in for Shopkeeper Gal this morning (she thinks I'm doing her a favour!). I even had a delivery to unpack - some very desirable punches let me tell you, and of course the Doodlebug flock in colours to die for. For me. Back to that colour thing again. I'm currently 'working' on a Doodlebug house for a Saturday afternoon session type workshop, so I'm guessing I may well need some of that less than ordinary flock. Hmmm. And the trouble with the house? As it takes shape, I already feel the need for a neighbour, and perhaps a shelf to stand them on and oh lordy...a colourful village!

Have a lovely weekend. Make the most of the weather - as far as I can tell in the UK, you can either stay in and scrap because it's going to rain, or get out and enjoy the sun because it isn't going to rain. No change there then.