Make it Work

Another weekend done and dusted.  Wish they would last longer, although, even if they did, I would still complain they weren’t long enough.  This weekend has been restful and relaxing, with beautiful weather and nowhere to be.  No plans or schedules.  Nothing more taxing than walking down the shop for some milk.  I even watched some bad TV, which I rarely do, and slept in without guilt, went walking with a friend (arranged at the last minute) and had a couple of crafty days.

On Friday night I went out with friends from work.  I was suffering with a headache and a bad case of the “I really don’t want to go out and be sociable” blues, so wasn’t the best company for anyone.  We went to dinner and a pub in the city and then on to a comedy night.  It was ok.  I kinda get tired of the same old dirty jokes and swearing.  I’m not a prude (*stamps foot and pouts*) but I do think it is lazy when comedians use bad language and jokes about sex in order to get a laugh.  It’s just a bit…predictable.  We also had a group of hecklers in the audience which was VERY annoying.  There is nothing uglier than a bunch of middle-aged women, drunk as skunks and twice as obnoxious.  It’s just embarrassing.  And, as I said, annoying.  The comedians managed to get the last laugh on them in the end but it still spoiled much of the acts.

Yesterday I got stuck into K’s order for more jewellery.  I finished everything she asked for – hope she likes them all but of course I will change them if not.  I made :

…a wood and ceramic necklace with K’s red coral beads.  Not sure if I like this one – but it’s not for me so maybe K will like it…

…ceramic and coral earrings…

…and a shell and polished stone necklace.

I also had to fix a couple of things for her and put a clasp on another necklace.  I made a few other pieces (for my own stock) as well including :

Then I decided to have a change and try and make some cards.  I haven’t had much luck with them lately.  Nothing I make seems up to standard, so I was determined today to make something half-way decent.  I just need to MAKE THINGS WORK, even when I am unsure of them. I started with a card I am making for a friend at work who is having a baby (girl) soon:

I’m quite pleased with it – I didn’t want to use just the typical girly pinks…

…so I used a combination of pastels and brights and some bold text and buttons.

Then I attempted a more “shabby” card.  I have always preferred that kind of style, but just lately I haven’t been able to create anything I’m even remotely happy with.  I didn’t do much better today, but it’s a start.  So I made this “blooming tree” card with some vintage text and lace:

…it’s ok, not my best effort, but alright!

Lastly, I made a card using some papers that I was given – colours I would not work with normally.  I thought I would try and go fairly simple (I have a tendency to just keep on adding things) and stick to the two main colours of orange and mauve.  I added some liquid pearls and a stamped sentiment right at the end (I also added another bubble/blob as you can see in the last two photos – it was unbalanced otherwise):

So, not a wasted weekend and one of much rest and solitude.  Back to work tomorrow – looking less and less forward to work days as August progresses and the big relocation of 90% of our staff to a new building begins.  I’m going to miss everyone (but not the politics) and just don’t know if work will be the same from now on.  But I will have to MAKE IT WORK!  I need to  suck it up and do my job and live my life with a little less whinging, and a little bit more backbone and tenacity.  I have always been scared of change and this last year has showed me that I CAN survive it and even learn to embrace it, if I just hang in there.  With the divorce coming up, I am a little more fragile than usual and needing support more than ever – but I will have to be my own cheer squad and try to just remember that I actually have things pretty good and will be ok 🙂

Hope your weekend has been happy x