A week on

Firstly, apologies for the lack of blog posts last week. Unfortunately, I was ill and although I made it to the computer most days, that was about all I could manage.

One lovely, restored aquarium (yes, I know the windows need cleaning but Stewie needs the algae!!

It has been a week since our disaster with the fish tank. With some tender loving care the fish that survived are just about back to their normal selves. I have been constantly monitoring the water and as everything had stabilized we cautiously bought some new fish this weekend. We specifically chose fish that had a low bio load (meaning they wouldn't cause too much extra work for the filter). We now have 5 baby gold Chinese Danios and 4 glowlight tetras.

Now, you know that things are getting back to normal when the fish, namely Stewie start doing the things that you have come to expect them to do . . . . this morning proved to be a classic example.

I have got behind with a lot of things because I have been ill. I have also got into the habit of regularly (possibly obsessively) checking the tank. This morning I discovered Stewie trying to get to a delicious bit of algae in the most awkward place, well, for him at any rate. He is a big fish, about 5” and he chose the smallest place to settle. As I had my camera to hand, I decided to try and capture his attempts!

I watched him manoeuvre his body into position, a series of perfectly executed reverse moves until his nose was it the right spot for a munch!!

Oshi has come to have a look to see what all the fuss is about!

Watching him extricate himself was something else entirely and I couldn’t photograph it as I was laughing too much!!

Well, best get back to it – have a great week and check back soon.

A quick update

A kuhli loach, believed to be missing in action can now be confirmed to be ALIVE.

Since Sunday, the tank has stabilized, we've added some more plants and the water is as clear as glass and sweet smelling too!!

The remaining fish are still showing signs of stress (who wouldn't - I am too!) and are slowly but surely settling down, the main thing being that they are still eating and swimming around the tank. (I know they are feeling the effects of the weekend as they are all showing some colour loss).

Fingers crossed, that the worst has passed and we can spend some time getting the remaining little critters back to full health.

I'd like to thank all those that sent e-mails and got in touch to offer advice & support - so very much appreciated, more than you will ever know.

Friday the 13th

I would never have considered myself a superstitious person. I don't walk under ladders, not because of superstition but because I don't want anything to drop on my head!

Now not being superstitious by nature, Friday the 13th shouldn't be a problem, so you would think.

The day did not get off to a good start. I got up as usual and began the morning rituals: put the kettle on, feed the cat, feed the fish. All fairly normal so far except when feeding the fish I found a dead one. DH was summoned from his slumbers to remove said fish and we all continued with the preparations for the day.

The postman arrived with a parcel at 8.20 (now this was unusual!!), DH & DS had left for work & school on time - so far so good.

Now most Fridays, and this one was no exception, I do what I have to for Krafted Keepsakes in the morning and then Friday afternoons I make a start on cleaning the fish tanks. I cleaned my tank, raked the gravel, clipped the plants and made sure everyone was happy. I then moved onto the big tank and that was when everything went rapidly downhill. As I switched on the light I noticed a dead fish at the bottom. I removed the lid of the tank and found another, floating on the top. Further investigation revealed 2 more - what was going on??

I removed the dead ones and then tested the water - nothing abnormal showed. Now the big question, what to do next? Whatever was going on it was killing the fish! After a quick call to DH we decided the only thing we could do was to do a big water change- which we did. Friday evening was spent pulling dead fish from the tank - this carried on until Sunday morning. We'd done everything that we could, water changes, adding chemicals, you name it we tried it! Still no improvement - we even phoned our friend on Sunday morning but between us we couldn't solve the problem, though it was appreciated that we had someone to call who understood our despair.

For some reason, the filter has stopped working. Now if the filter had been mechanical we could have fixed it (and quickly) but the filter relies on cultures of good bacteria that are built up over time. We decided that as we had so few fish left that we would do yet another massive water change. DH & DS set to and as the lid was opened DS exclaimed "that's what our school toilets smell like on a Friday!" BINGO!! toilet smell = ammonia. Our fish were being poisoned by ammonia. We completed the water change, added some bacteria culture and some furniture and plants from the small tank (which would also have healthy bacteria on them) and hoped for the best.

By midnight, the tank had stabilized and no more fish had died - finally we were getting somewhere. This morning was the same - no more casualties. Having spent the weekend in tears (caused by despair and frustration) I am now allowing myself to feel "cautiously optimistic".

All in all we lost 18 out of 23 fish (about EUR 100). Its not about the money, its about these little critters that we have bought and added over a period of time and have got to know and love for their own characters.

R.I.P.
3 x Cory's
5 x Red minor
1 x ott
2 x kuhli loach
1 x silver tipped tetra
2 x tiger barb (affectionately known as Tweedledum & Tweedledee)
2 x Moon Fish - known as Baco & Foil
2 x Glass Fish

From now on, Friday the 13th ceases to exist. The next time it happens I'm staying in bed!!!!!!



Paul said...

Hi Lesley, now I understand your comments in the email, it the very least it can be very disheartening but very sad when you them grow and adapt to the older fish in the tank. Our tank suffered in a very similar way and now we are down to only 4 fish two originals and a couple of the babies that our bronze Cory's delivered.
Hopefully you have read my email by now and woken up ...lol

Lots of love Hazel & Paul

19 November 2009 21:26

Variation on a theme

It is my cousin’s birthday today and I was stuck for an idea for his card. Having enjoyed making the green and blue card (see post 10-11-09), I wanted to make it again but of course, with a difference. I decided to personalize it and add the greeting – both cut using the craft robo (I am surprised that I can still remember how to use it!!).

Lest we forget

Birthday time

It was a dear friend’s birthday last week and this is the “creation” that I came up with.

The cat’s whiskers!

Last Saturday saw the birthday of our MLC Winnie. She has reached the great age of 20!

Regular readers will already know that our MLC was diagnosed with CRF back in February 2008 – so each birthday that Winnie makes, is an achievement. We know (and accept) that we are on borrowed time but we appreciate the time that we have had with her (and hopefully will continue to have for a while longer).

Not a reflection

Meet our glass fish and yes, there are two of them – it’s not a reflection!

It took them a while to settle into the tank, they took to hiding a lot of the time and as you can imagine, they are not easy to see!!

They can now be seen (if you’re lucky) swimming quite happily in the middle of the tank.

Tank Mates

As promised, here are some pictures of our beautiful fish that live in the big aquarium. Much to DH's disgust, I have a thing for naming the fish - he thinks that it is a daft thing to do (each to their own).

So, let me introduce to you, two of our most recent additions - Baco & Foil

They are Moon Fish and although the picture doesn't really show it, they are the most beautiful silver colour - just like aluminium foil, hence their names.

Now these two are bristlenose catfish, commonly called plecs. The big one, we have had for a while and he is quite a character (or a creature of habit). He is called Stewie (from Family Guy) but is also known as the Undertaker. He is the dustbin of the tank and has been known on occasions to whisk away dead fish for later consumption - YUK! Stewie has the knack of rushing to the top of the tank and creating a splash, almost always at feeding time, guaranteeing the feeder (usually me!!) a soaking!! The smaller one is a recent addition but has yet to be named.

The fish in my aquarium are a little camera shy, but as soon as I have the chance, I will get their mug shots too. Shouldn't be too difficult - they can't run off but they can hide!!

Cards for men

Cards for men always give me a headache! I find it difficult to come up with something different that's not been done before.

This time I went for a simple design.

I found the embellishments in my craft drawer and based the design around these. I cut three rectangles of silver paper, lined them up on a white card blank and then finally added the embellishments. Not a style I would usually do, but this time it fitted the bill.

A joint hobby

Two years ago we got our first tropical aquarium. I say we, but the aquarium really belonged to DH as it was his Father's day present. My role, initially was as the "scientist". It was my job to test the water!!

We had always wanted to keep tropical fish but never had the opportunity. However, once we had our first aquarium there was no stopping us. We were lucky beginners, and lucky to have good advice from our friend Paul (Bear Expressions).

This year we decided that we would like a bigger tank but planned on doing this in the New Year. Our plans changed when we received money from our friends and family for our 20th anniversary. We put the money towards a new tank. At the beginning of October, it was delivered.

Then came the performance of moving everything from the old, small tank to the new.


We made a list of how we were going to do this and followed it step by step. Our aim was to complete the move with the minimum of distress to the fish.


This is the new tank, in front of the old one, almost ready to be moved into place.


It took four hours, a couple of tantrums and plenty of coffee (for us, not the fish!) to complete the changeover.


The fish seemed happy enough in their new home but the problem was, what to do with the old tank? I soon solved this one by deciding to keep it for myself - so we now have two tanks!


The old tank, cleaned and prepped ready for its new inhabitants.








Check back later in the week to meet the inhabitants.

Dutch style

Here are some more cards with a Dutch theme. The first is another of my attempts using parchment and the second is made using some Dutch style wrapping paper.

I wanted this one to give the impression of tiles. I cut the images into squares, rounded the corners and mounted them onto a piece of shiney blue paper which I had embossed (again!) uisng my D'Vine swirls folder. This was then mounted onto a pearly dark blue card.

Another birthday - with a Dutch touch!

Today is my cousin's birthday - so firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her!

As you would expect, I made her birthday card. Ususally I would make her a card with an oriental theme but this year I decided to do something different.

As you know, I have been playing with parchment and I decided to combine this with a Dutch theme.

I have a lovely set of Dutch houses stamps, which I really haven't had the chance to play with. I stamped the house onto the parchment in white ink and took it from there. This is only my second attempt at this technique and I am pleased with the results.

Now for some other cards

As I mentioned in my last post, I do love using my Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Here is another of my efforts using the stylized flowers folder.

Again, I embossed the card blank. I then embossed a circle, carefully placing it in the folder so that I had the flower on it. I coloured the embossing with my pearly water colours and added the ribbon to the card blank. I mounted the circle using foam pads, carefully matching the embossing on the circle to the embossing on the card. To use one of my favourite phrases - simple but effective!

On a roll!

I love my Cuttlebug embossing folders and have phases when they are all that I want to use.

I bought my lace Christmas tree folder back in the early part of this year and have been waiting to use it.

I embossed directly onto the card blank, coloured the embossing with my pearly water colours and added the ribbon for the finishing touch.

Still in Christmas mode

Making the gift tags made me start thinking about Christmas cards.

I cut another oval and Christmas tree combination, this time from a burgandy coloured card stock. I then sat there wondering what to do with it.

This is what I (finally) came up with . . . .

I used a nice cream card blank, which I embossed with the D'Vine swirls embossing folder. I glued co-ordinating ribbon across the middle of the card. I discarded the Christmas tree that I had cut, leaving me with just the oval to play with. I added the ribbon at the top and bottom of the aperture (to match the placement of the ribbon already on the card) and then glued the oval to the embossed card blank.

Christmas is coming.

I finally decided that it was time to get on with some Christmas bits and pieces – better late that never eh? I always find it difficult to think of Christmas things when its mid-October and raining outside!

I decided to start with something simple – gift tags.

I began with an oval and cut a Christmas tree shape from the middle.

I punched a hole in both the oval and the Christmas tree.

Using my D’Vine Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder, I embossed the oval.

I carefully threaded matching ribbon through the hole in the Christmas tree and then through the hole in the oval. I intend to write the name on the front of the Christmas tree and our names on the back.

Well, I was pleased with the result ( but not pleased with the photo that I took!!)

Until the next time - happy crafting!!

Birthdays - part 2

As I have already mentioned, yesterday was our dear friend's birthday. I wanted to make her a different sort of card, one that would have something to with our friendship. I also wanted to try a new technique - pergamano (parchment craft).




Having never done this technique before, I trawled the internet for tutorials etc. and came across a template for a tea cup. Now this was the perfect idea for the card as my friend and I get together (often) for tea. I followed the instructions to the letter and for a first effort I was pleased with the result. I added the label from a teabag and mounted the cup on an oval card. I then punched holes through both the card blank and oval and secured them with a ribbon bow. A small heart above the teacup finished the design.

Birthdays - part 1

September is a busy birthday month here. First is DS, then DH and finally our dear friend has her birthday today.

I haven't played with the Robo for a while and I decided to put him to work to make a card for DH. I found the template on the internet and thought it would be a good one to use to get me back into the swing of using the robo. It is quite an intricate design and I think more time was spent pushing the little bits of waste paper out than actually cutting it! I added the gems as a finishing touch.

Anniversary Treat

We all know how lovely it is to receive a gift or card. We treasure it if someone has taken the time and trouble to make something for you, whether it be a card or gift. After all, that is why I do what I do. Now when someone takes the time and patience to make something for me . . . . well, I end up speechless and close to tears.


Now how about this for a creation:

Isn't it simply beautiful? This was made for DH and me by our dear friend and neighbour. It is absolutely stunning and the photo really doesn't do it justice. The detail is amazing and the colours are superb. The patience and time taken to make this is much appreciated, not just by me but any crafter would understand the time and effort that has gone into this beauty.

So, from deep in our hearts - THANK YOU for such a wonderful gift!

Sweet 16

Last week DS turned 16! He had a lovely day and we took him for his first beer (and before you all start to think that we are bad parents - it is legal here for 16 year olds to have a beer!!)

As you know from previous posts, DS is a brand slave. His favourite brand for now is Converse.

Using the Converse logo as a starting point, this is what I came up with for his card.

It is a swing card, shaped around the beer bottle - I added the 16 to the middle of the logo. The "cheers!" was cut with my Sizzix Alphabet (Night & Day). It was a winner with DS.

Cake stand - in action!

Following on from my previous 2 posts - this is why I wanted a cake stand.

I made individual Black Forest Gateau cupcakes, topped with a Dutch or British flag. I made the cupcake wrappers from doilies. The reason for the two flags?: well, we've spent half our married lives in the UK and half here in Holland.

We had a few friends help us celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and this was the centerpiece. It caused a few comments (all nice ones!!) and looked great on the table.

Recycling - part 2

Having prepared all the parts, I then began the fun bit - the construction.

The candle holder was glued, upside down to the largest plate.

I left this, with a couple of heavy books on top, for 24 hours before adding the next layer as I didn't want it slipping around.


I then glued the middle sized plate to the "base" (from above) and glued another candle holder - this time the right way up and left it 24 hours to dry as before.


The final plate was then glued in place and again left to dry.



I have one candle holder left over which I am going to use for decoration - maybe with a flower arrangement or simply a candle. I will post a picture of it next week, when it has been used for the reason it was made.

Don't forget to check back and see it in use.

Why not post a comment and let me know what you think of my recycling?

Recyling

I needed a cake stand but didn’t want to spend a fortune buying one.

Having just replaced my plates for some nice white square ones, I decided to use some of the “old” ones to make a cake stand. I selected 3 suitable plates but need something to go between the plates as the supports. I had some spare candle holders (the sort used for burning those scented oil candles).

Here are my raw materials:

I removed the metal bit from the candle holders and gave them a good wash.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of this project.

Strange but true!

Yesterday was not a good day. I woke up with earache. Not just the painful type of earache but I was also completely deaf in my right ear.

It is a busy time here at the moment - lots of birthdays, DS has his 16th birthday this week and our 20th anniversary is rapidly approaching plus all the normal stuff and of course Krafted Keepsakes. Simply put, I don't have time to be ill or not running at 100%!

I decided that rather than sit around and mope, that I would clean the kitchen ceiling - "why?" I hear you ask, because it needed doing and it was annoying me to look at it. This involved using the ladder, not a wise move when you have ear problems (as it affects balance). In my infinite wisom I donned my ipod, selected some fine music from Michael Jackon, whacked it up to full volume and set to.

Having finished cleaning, I removed my ipod and sat down for a well earned cuppa and to my amazement my ear went "pop" and I could hear again, much to my delight.

Now DH has a theory (as you would expect) and it goes like this:

As I had my music on full volume, it was possible that it had made my ear drum vibrate causing whatever was causing the blockage to be dislodged - could this be possible or just a coincidence?

Now this is not a medical solution that I would suggest to anyone else. This simply falls under the heading of "Strange but true!"

Now to get on with the million and one things that I have to do this week.

Check back soon for our latest news and for goodness sake stay healthy!!

New cards

Having made a card for a dear friend in July and having got such great feedback from her, I decided to make some similar ones for the shop. I used the same techniques, but instead of a greeting I added a bit of bling! I also added a few crystals to the feathers.

Why not check them out in our shop?

Back to school

The school holidays are over!!!!! DS went back to school today. Despite not being over keen on going back, today was the first day in living memory that he didn't have to be dragged out of bed - I wonder how long this will last.

I have spent the morning trying to get the house back to it's pre-holiday state (not going quite as well as I had hoped!) and making a list of all the things that I'd like to get done, now that things are back to normal, well, as normal as they get here.

I have a busy month ahead, several birthdays and our 20th anniversary to organize and a huge list of DIY to work through and of course I still have my Krafted Keepsakes work to do.

I'm looking forward to getting on with it all - watch this space!

To those whose offspring have returned to school today - "WELL DONE!! You've survived another summer holiday!!)

Wow!!

This year we bought a hibiscus for the garden. The label said that it would produce big flowers (XXL to be precise!!) Little did we know that it would bloom as well as this.

Each bloom is about 19cm across and it looks absolutely stunning!

Good luck & goodbye

It's a known fact, people come and go but it's always sad when a colleague leaves. One of DH's colleagues is moving onto pastures new and he wanted a special card to send her and her family on their way.

As they are moving abroad, I thought it apt use to use an aeroplane and from this thought I came up with the idea of adding the clouds. Mounted on a pale blue pearly card blank with the greeting below completed the card.

So here's wishing them well in their new life and may it be all that they want it to be - we know how difficult it can be making this type of move.

A special visit with special celebrations

This year sees DH and I celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and my Aunt celebrating her 80th birthday.

As my Aunt was over with us for a visit we decided that it would be nice if we could celebrate both occasions whilst we were together. I cooked a special dinner which my Aunt believed to be an anniversary dinner. However, the dessert gave the game away as it was a birthday cake with candles. This was followed by cards & presents for the "birthday girl"!

A lovely evening was had by all!!

Wedding time

A colleague of DH is getting married next week. The date and time have been carefully chosen - 09-08-07 at 6.05pm giving the following: 9-8-7-6-5!! How memorable.


Once again it back to the drawing board to come up with something different.


Chosing my materials was the easy bit (for a change), the design took longer and this is what I came up with.



















I cut an oval aperture in a pearly white card and used acetate to fill the gap.
The flowers were made with my favourite flower punch. The cake was made from an envelope stiffener, finished off with die cut hearts. It was my first time using acetate and I found it a challenge with the glue but all in all I was pleased with the results.

Hollandays!!

It's official - it's holiday time and in typical Dutch fashion, it's raining!!

Today sees the arrival of my Aunt for her annual visit, which makes for a special time for us all.

I always make her a card and I thought I'd share it on the blog. It is very similar to the blue birthday card that I posted last time, but with the sentiment "Happy Hollandays" (instead of holidays).

She hasn't seen her card yet but I am safe in showing it on here as she is currently sitting on a plane!!




















Until the next time - happy crafting!!

and now for some blue

Sometimes I see something and think "that would make a good card". This can happen anywhere, but usually when I am out shopping.

The inspiration for this card came from some wrapping paper. The wrapping paper was in the style of Delft blue tiles. Now I didn't want to just stick a wodge of wrapping paper on the front of a card blank, so I took my circle Sizzix die and cut some circles (clever huh?). I then mounted the wrapping paper circles onto larger circles in dark blue.


Then with my favourite Cuttlebug embossing folder (D'vine Swirls), I embossed a piece of white card.

The greeting was cut in white using my Sizzix alphabet (Cat 'n' Mouse).





The card was assembled using a pearly blue card blank.
Not bad eh?

Until the next time - Happy crafting!Y

Pink (& black)

I have had these feathers in hand for a while but had no inspiration as to what to do with them (please no rude comments!!) I needed to make a card for a friend. As I had no idea where to begin, I started by selecting the materials that I wanted to work with - the feathers, black paper trim and a pearly pink card! By limiting myself to just a few materials (and colours) I avoided the painful part of just staring at all the lovely things that I have to work with. I then decided that I was only going to work with the computer (for the greeting) and my lovely cuttlebug embossing folders (for the background).

I was pleased with the result and also pleased that I was able to get the card in the post the following day!













Until the next time - Happy crafting!Y

and the results are . . . . . .

PINK

Thanks to all those who voted either on the blog or via e-mail. It was nice of you to take part in this bit of fun.

DS is feeling quite smug about the results and DH is yet to comment - as for me, well I work with colour every day and what looks pink one day may well look red the next!

Until the next time - Happy crafting!Y

DH said...

Looks like I need to get some colour correcting specs! Pink it is then, must be due to the aging process :-(

29 June 2009 12:53

A bit of fun

Following on from yesterday´s post, I thought it would be fun to get your opinion.

POLL IS NOW CLOSED

(comments still welcome!)

Thanks to those who voted.

radiogael said...

i'm pretty sure they're burgundy, like a brown/red mix

25 June 2009 13:48

Anonymous said...

Hi Lesley, well Red? Pink? I'd say your both winding DH up ganging up on him to me they are like my cherries at the inbetween stage red going black ...lol.Paul

28 June 2009 23:18

Father´s Day Card for DH (with a twist)

A few weeks ago I asked DS what design he wanted for his Dad´s Father´s Day Card. In typical teenage fashion the answer was " I dunno." With time running out and inspiration having done a disappearing act, I was beginning to panic. Then DH gave me an idea. To make a long story short, DH bought himself some new earphones - he was sooo pleased with them (another of his bargains!), however, when he showed them to us he was just a little miffed at our response. DS said "what do you want pink earphones for" closely followed by my "was the light bad in the shop?" DH protested that the earphones were in fact red (and kept telling us this for the following week). Over the course of time they became "raspberry red" to which our response was raspberries are pink, strawberries are red. From this, his Father´s Day card came to be . . . . . need I say more!



























Until the next time - Happy crafting!Y

Happy Father´s Day

HAPPY FATHER´S DAY!

My creation for my FIL - Made using my new Cuttlebug embossing folders.

The same card - with a difference

I needed to make another anniversary card for today, so I took the card that I had previously made and added the couple´s initials.

I co-ordinated the initials with the colour of the printed text and the inked edges of the hearts.

Result: Perfectly personalised!


Until the next time - Happy crafting!Y




Anonymous said...

it's was a perfect card indeed!!
Thank you so much!

Greetings,
esther

25 June 2009 11:14

More to show

Having been busy recently making cards & keepsakes for anniversaries, I thought it was about time that I designed one for the shop.
I started with a pearly white card blank. This I embossed with one of my favourite Cuttlebug embossing folders. I added two simple white hearts, the edges of which I inked in lilac (not too clear on the pic). I added a strip of purple paper and added the gems.

The greeting was printed (before I embossed the card).

New Job

How lovely to hear that someone has got a new job, their first job at that. Of course that requires a card.

I didn´t have a lot of time to make this one and the tools are not quite the right ones - construction tools would have been more appropriate.

Still, I was pleased with the result.