IT'S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS....

Every week Julia asks 'What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday?' Well today mine is full of Christmas papers and packages. I have started to make Christmas cards:

 

and to put together my album for JOURNAL YOUR CHRISTMAS. This is a online course run by Shimelle Lane and I have 2 completed albums but I gave last year a miss. I don't want to do that again so this time I am trying to make it more manageable. I have decided on a chunky album because I know I get carried away, and I have made hinges that I will add the pages to as I complete them.

 

 

 

The pages are actually blank cards and more stash that I am using up. I will attach one end to the hinge, leaving a double page that folds back on itself so that each 'page' gives me four sides. I have added a double fold in the centre to give depth as I will also add flaps and pockets.  It will evolve as I make it as I have no firm plan.  I like to allow the element of flexibility and learn as I go.

 

 

I have chosen a selection of papers and chipboard shapes and I am continuing to try and use up what I already have.  Today I hope to put the first 4 pages together including a Manifesto.  My plan is to keep Christmas simple, to make as much as I can, and to spend time with friends and family.   

 

 

And last on my workspace are my new dies. I wrote last week how I had ordered these and this morning they finally arrived. I can now make more cards as I have been eagerly waiting for these to arrive!

 

 

Have fun with your own Christmas preparations and to see what others are up to pop over to Julia's here.

5 in 5 - December 2013 - GRAFTON WATERS

           Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th of

 each month I post 5 photos that I have

taken in 5 minutes. 

 

 

Recently I went to Grafham Waters for a creative retreat.  The weather was dull and overcast most the time and I missed one or two photo opportunities of a rainbow or the sun breaking through the cloud and sending a ray of light on the water. Grafton is an outdoor centre and from our window we looked across a reservoir where sailors were wrapped up warm and bracing the elements.  Not for us... we were cosy inside with good food, company and much laughter.

It is good to get outside though, just to move around. And so I braced myself against the chill and took my camera out for some '5 in 5' photos.  I always try to choose an spot where there is much to see without too much walking because taking as many photos as you can in 5 minutes does not allow for much distance unless the photos are plentiful....

And here are my photos for December.  As the colour was so dull and dreary I have made a quick adjustment to some of them and I like how they are now so bright. It completely changes the mood and atmosphere.

 

I love the bright colour of these ropes.

 

Even the pirates were warm somewhere else....

 

The sailors appreciated the breeze though....

 

And after my five minutes of photo taking I was pleased to run back into this warm room and continue making my Christmas Advent! 

 

There are so many photo opportunities this time of year I may come back with '5 in 5' of my Christmas Decorations. They are still in the loft as I write and  I need to get organised. As always there is so much to do but I am determined to resist pressure and to keep this Christmas simple, fun and time with friends and family. 

And if you fancy bracing the elements or sharing other photos for this months challenge you would be VERY welcome! Here is the plan:

1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a mobile timer for 5 minutes.

4.  Take as many photos you can until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool.
   You have until the 25th of the month to add your photos. 

 

If you want to know more there are details here.

And one more thing - when you use the link tool, please click on your post title.  This will show the web address. Please right click, copy and paste this as your link.  This will take readers directly to your '5 in 5' blog page and be easier for them to find.
  
Thank you to those who have taken part so far. I have loved seeing your photos and hope you will be back with more. 

And don't forget, you have until 25th to post your link!