Finally some progress...

Today I finished the final project in the project book, and therefore my first task! The original was called Just Because, and was designed by Sue Wilson. Here is hers

One thing that I was missing completely was the white embossing powder needed for the background, so I changed it completely, by using clear embossing powder and black card. After changing that I decided to change a few more things, namely the stamping in the centre to resist card, and taking out the sentiment at the bottom. Here is my version

I inked the resist paper with fired brick and ...yellow? (I've forgotten the name!) distress pads

As you can see, using the same technique and tweaking things ever so slightly can produce a completely different card. I love this card. Can't say anything else about it!

I've also made a birthday present this week, for my little brother. He is comic book mad and quite the artist, so I decided to use this as a basis for his present. My friend Louise gave me some crafty stuff for my birthday and, amongst the stash, was a woodenn box filled with felt shapes. I painted the box, then printed out small images of characters that he had drawn himself. I glued them to the box, then used UTEE (in the oven as I don't have a melting pot) to coat them. Here is the finished result. 

It's not perfect (a small amount of black UTEE got into the clear and there are some bubbles on the edge where it overheated ) but it is good and it is unique. Off topic - how amazing are these pictures? He has some real talent.

I've also been working on the starry night cross stitch. I can almost see the end in sight!

Spending wise I've spent a little more this month than the previous months. On 21/3 I bought some kiwis, bananas, apples a cube lunch box and a water bottle for £9.80. I'm trying to stop snacking at work so the lunch box and the water bottle is supposed to help with that. It's working thus far.

I also spent a fair amount online the other day. My boots that I've been relying on to get me to and from work had to be thrown away, so I bought skechers as alternatives. I actually bought two pairs, as in the review somebody said they were good for plantar fascitis, which mum suffers badly from. Total was £69.99 for the both of them. I also bought a kettle bell. I've started using my exercise bike again but I didn't think it was enough so the kettle bell is to build up strength. It is a 10kg one and cost £18.99. Finally, my Mountain Warehouse coat is falling apart (would not recommend their coats or their shoes if I'm honest) so I looked around for a new one. I've always loved the 50's style long coats, so looked at a few companies that sell those kinds. I found a gorgeous one from Hell Bunny, costing £69.99. I then decided to shop around a little and found one in my size in navy blue on ebay for a whopping £30 off! So £39.99. It came yesterday and is absolutely gorgeous. 

All this means that I have a grand total of £390.26 to add to my ISA this month, making a grand total of 34%. Obviously less than previous months but I've not wasted money, and I can't expect all months to be the same.

I've already decided on my treat for completing task 1. I'm actually getting a bonus tomorrow so I'm going to Plymouth on Monday and doing some guilt free shopping. 

Finally, onto the tasks

1. Starry night cross stitch (see pic)

2. Complete project book (DONE)

3. Book plans (some progress)

4. Read and review 100 books (49/100)

5. Make 14 christmas presents (no progress)

6. Make 11 birthday presents (8/11)

7. Make calendar, box and tags (some progress in designing)

8. Hit minimum savings target (34%)

9. Kili cross stitch (no progress)

10. Write 50.000 words (no progress)

Happy crafting 

Ems