Having fun hand-painting with Blake

Just been hand-painting with little two-year-old Blake this morning.

We did lots and lots of pictures for his friends and grandparents. Plenty of splodgy hands all over some cards and finished off with more splodgy hands all over the envelopes. 

We both had a whale of a time until it came to clearing up. The lovely bright orange hands you see in the photo are still orange! Child friendly poster paints it said on the tub!

Blake was not amused and asked me several times if I could ‘keen them Mummy’. I explained that they were clean but it would take a while to come off. ‘Mummy I want them keen now’. Oh dear…

In the workshop with Dad

This weekend saw me spending some quality time with my Father at his workshop.

I like to spend time in there experimenting with new jewellery and belt buckle designs, something I've done since I was very small.

I've spent the last six months honing my techniques with a new form of metal but it's really expensive so I can't be too experimental with it! 

I'm cutting several new buckle designs that I've never done before so my skill is being tested big time with the file. I've made Steven a beautiful pair of cufflinks and I'm in the throes of making a matching belt buckle (but he doesn't know this yet and it could take some time). 

Actually, since spending time with Dad and talking over his business I've decided to piece together all the history of his work and produce a book. 

I'm looking forward to this project as not only will it be interesting but it's sure to be a cathartic experience for the whole family. 

I'll keep you updated on its progress.

See you soon.

Claudia
X

Take a look at my sledge crash on the slopes

Here I am braving the slopes during my New Year trip to Chamonix, France.

It's definitely one for the 'You've Been Framed' archives.

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New Year's resolution

I have only one New Year's resolution and that is to work hard on my fitness levels. I’m already quite fit and a very healthy eater and with three children lead a very active lifestyle but my plan is beyond that, almost a bit extreme.

I’m going to work hard every week to get to a fitness level that is more than I have ever been. I want to be able to pull my whole body weight up over the pull up bar in my gym and to squat my body weight. 

There was a time before Blake was born when I was training hard three or four times a week! Our producer Geoff will remember this as he would regularly give me updates via my earpiece whether I’d put more muscle on (which is really hard when you’re naturally a stick insect!). 

I have this fantasy of being a Miss Universe type without the steroids, beard and flat chest!!! Call me bizarre but that’s my motivation this New Year. 

What's your New Year's resolutions?

See you soon,

Claudia X

New Year break in France

Hi everyone, Happy New year,

Christmas was exceptional this year with everything nice and organised. Although, I don’t know quite how I managed it as the run up to it was pretty hectic. 

We spent New Year in Chamonix in France which was wonderful. There was plenty of snow, in fact it snowed more or less for the entire week. Arriving home we found snow again and a big fat anonymous snowman on our drive!!!