Wednesday 25 June 2014

Decisions....Decisions.....



This week so far it has been all about decisions.





Nope, I didn't find my flask. Even after turning the whole house upside down. I just have to resign myself to the fact that I never got it....and the memories I was kind of sure I had to do with it, were in fact, ficticious. It's just not here. So, I make the decision to draw a line under it now and move on. But if I ever see one again, I'm getting it, and making darn sure I remember getting it! By the way, my mum's Tapestry turned up. she said she searched her whole house and it was staring her in the face all along. At least one missing (or maybe not) item was found! 

I'm deciding to make a weekly list to time manage myself, in a bid to pack more in. I am an avid list writer, but they always get written and left. I think it's actually more to do with getting stuff out of my head than having something in front of me to act upon. My time management is seriously pants though. I'm scatty and airy fairy and I really need to be more organised. I was giving a lecture to Middle Bear yesterday about being more organised with his mornings, his school bag, and his equipment for school lessons, and I thought to myself 'I'm such a hypocrite'.

I started another ripple blanket. In my usual slap dash, gun ho, no planning or forethought way, I have realised it's a fairly massive blanket I've started. I've spent about 8 hours on it. Two rows uses up about 60g of yarn. It's going to be a yarn eater. Do I want another BIG blanket? I have to make the decision to rip it all back and make it smaller, or carry on and have another bloomin' big'un. 



On that note, I'm deciding whether to get rid of a few blankets. I will see if any of my family want them first, if not, then I'll donate to a charity shop. I am finding I'm having blanket space issues, and if the latest blanket is anything to go by, I'll need more room. My first blankets, although looking decent, I'm not sure how well my end weavings were (being a newbie to crochet), so how well they'd stand up to rigorous daily wear. No chucking them on ebay then to get rid of them. They just lay for a while on a bed end and now spend their time in a cabinet. Can I bear to part with them though? Will I regret it?

Decisions....decisions......





I have to decide to be strict about my eating. I just have no will power at the moment. I'm usually good in the summer. However, this summer my sweet tooth is out of control and my waistline is increasing at an alarming speed. Why is it though, that as you get older, you seem to gain a few pounds just staring at tempting food? Then when you try to get rid of just one measly pound, it takes weeks of hard work. Well it does for me. Even being active during the day isn't helping. Well, I'm sure it is, but it doesn't feel like it or motivate me any more.

Because of this fact, I've decided not to bake for a while. The Rocky Roads were such a huge hit (hardly baking but you know what I mean), the Bears are begging/pleading with me to make more. I made such a huge batch last time, but oh my, I just love them so too. I have the biggest weakness for marshmallows. Although I was good and only ate a teeny end bit. I also seem to have a tub of candy floss in my cupboard. I am being so good and saving it for when I lose half a stone! Snort, no time soon then.


I am also having to decide whether to watermark my photos. I've thought about this many times over the years I have been blogging, and always decided 'no'. However, something happening this week has brought it to my attention once again. I have never really liked the 'distraction' of a watermark. I've also never felt that my images were really any good either, so what was the point? I found though, when I was on Instagram, that lots of my pictures were ripped and replaced on peoples feeds posing them as their own. It was weird and really opened my eyes to what goes on. Some I watermarked and they were ripped and cropped and photoshopped. I guess it's a massive thing that goes on, and for the most part we are unaware, unless we stumble upon it or are alerted to it. The only way to better safeguard an image is to watermark through the whole picture to make it harder to rip, but that then destroys the whole picture in my opinion. A 'Con' for watermarking. I had to make the decision a while back to pin the odd pic (especially crafty ones), posted here, on my own Pinterest boards. Whilst it makes me laugh, feel a little uncomfortable and perhaps make it seem a little narcissistic, the reality of it is that my images get pinned, and by putting the pics on there myself, the proper link links back to my blog where the image originates. I've seen some of my images on there with no links and innocently with someone else's name as its credit. I guess it's my small way of trying to keep my images to link back to where they came from. And, if they had have had a watermark on them, then even if they didn't link back, it still says the images are mine. A 'pro' for watermarking. 












Okay, not the best pics to work with here, but time is scarce today. My sink view and a blanket image. The first three images above are watermarked. They look less 'in your face' and less detracting from the image, but they can all be easily cropped or edited out. The last two images are watermarked where it is harder to edit, but they look awful. I love searching on Pinterest and finding images that inspire. Images that send me off into a world of imagination, or wonder. Now, I'm not for one moment suggesting my pics are like that, but that a flippin' great big watermark stuffed across it, just spoils my enjoyment of an image, whatever it is. Yet, I understand it's the only way to, as best you can, safeguard your property.

I just don't feel comfortable with it all. It just shouts 'Look at Me', and I'm a person who has spent my life whispering 'Look Away'. But I guess I have to face reality. To be on here, in this cyber domain, you open yourself up to the world.

However much I would like to have a naive view that it's all fluffy and rosy, that people read, move on and leave it at that, it's not like that. I don't post my kids and am quite sketchy about my private space too for that reason. What I do photograph and post is all about colour, and texture really....and stuff I make for my home and others. Just stuff that appeals to me and lifts my spirits in a world of general mundane. But I do realise, after having my eyes opened on Instagram, a need to protect what is yours, to the small degree that you can. Wasn't there a student who walked into a clothing shop and saw one of her blog photos on a t-shirt? Crazy. I'm fighting the need to be realistic with the need to shut my eyes, cover my ears and shout lah lah lah lah. I'll decided on it further.





I've decided to hack down my beloved rambling wild rose bush at the end of the season. A couple of years ago with the wettest summer and winter ever, it got black spot, and I just can't stop or control it. It has put on a good bloom this year but the leaves have all dropped off and it's looking rather sad and sorry for itself. All the soil has been infected with fallen leaves taking spores into the ground. Bleurgh. Hacking it right back to almost nothing and completely re-soiling to try and eradicate the problem is my last chance of saving it. It's infecting other rose bushes. My beloved L'aimant rose bush  (in first image) is very disease hardy, but at the rate the black spot is going, I'll be gutted if it cannot withstand the disease onslaught. My heart is heavy. It gives such a beautiful burst of mediterranean colour in the summer. My garden is small and colour is sparse, so to not have this big burst of colour would make a big difference. If any green fingered soul has any hints and tips to save it, I'd welcome them wholeheartedly.




I am deciding what to make for tea tonight, pea and pancetta risotto, or chicken fajitas.


Decisions.......Decisions.....



xxx







67 comments:

  1. Isn't life all about decisions? Hehe I just started another ripple blanket too, but it began much too small. Please don't get rid of any of your blankets - your images of them all stacked high are so inspiring! They store really well in those vacuum bags if you have to put them away, but one day you'll want to be surrounded by their colours again.

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    1. Oh my I do love a ripple so much! I wish I had that problem of making it too small! I NEED small! I could divide half mine and it wouldmake two good sized single blankets! Eeeek. I'm not sure I even have space for vacuum bags, but I might just try and palm them off with family. At least then they would still be in the family.

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  2. I do not think you should get rid of your blankets!!! They are so beautiful so rather use them somewhere else, like over the couch or in another room or hang them over chairs!!!! I think I have just added to your decision making, haven't I? Sorry!!! Have a fab week!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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    1. Ha ha yes, you are confusing me more! I have already delegated some to cars for car blankets. Some are picnic blankets. Some are bed blankets, some are throws, and I still have a cabinet full of blankets! Oh dear!

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  3. I agree with Mel (above) vacume bag them and store them. Please don't get rid of them! That photo of them is too glorious! As for the decisions, just do what ever makes yo feel right in your gut. Then you can't be wrong. Any hesitation means its thew wrong decision!

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    1. Oh I am torn! My heart would like to keep them, but the reality is, space is such an issue. Yes, I will just go with my gut!

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  4. I am not sure that I could part with any of my crochet unless it was made with that intention as a gift for someone! I don't have a problem giving things that I make for others, but if I make it for me or my home, I feel that I want to keep it always. It is a very hard thing to decide on isn't it! Could you use them for in the garden or picnics or something even if they are not so suitable for looking beautiful on a bed or sofa anymore? About the watermarking I wonder about this too. I am not aware that anyone has taken any of my images, but the might well have and I would have no idea. It is a tough one isn't it. Hopefully you will find a way through it - and that flask for sale somewhere in a shop! xx

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    1. Yes, it's a difficult one. I would like to keep them but space really is an issue in my house. I have spread as many as I can about but I still have piles of them. I guess I just don't really realise how many I have made over the years, and can you believe i still have about 5 on my wish list to make?! crazy!

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  5. You should vlog? there is serious growth in video blogs (and money!) and no issues with people copying you! just a thought, I'm just back from a conference on this and it's such a major growth area, even if you are shy :)

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    1. Oh my...never heard of vlog. Must find out what it's all about!

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  6. Mel et Anne-Marie ont raison : Please don't get rid of them!
    Good luck for your weight! I have the same problem.
    Lucie x

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    1. I would love to keep them all, but space is such a big issue in my little patch. When I do reach my weight goal, I'll have the biggest meal to celebrate! ha ha!

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  7. Your photos are stunning. We don't mind the watermarks in the middle, I think unfortunately it's necessary nowadays in order to keep the credit to yourself. There have been far too many instances where people have taken non-watermarked pictures for whatever they feel like, usually to try and sell substandard copies

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    1. Yes, it's definitely one to think about. I'll still have the original unblemished, it's just such a shame to mark an image really. I guess I just need to face reality.

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  8. I do love that photo of all your blankets! I would say if you can store them then do you may regret at some point giving away your beautiful blankets. Though I do understand space issues.

    As for food and weight loss well I came to a decision a while ago not to let it get to me. The more I stress or worry the more I myself reaching for the nearest and badest snack. I try to move more and think about the choices I make. I doubt I shall ever see a size 12 again or check 14 again but if I feel comfortable in my skin then it's the right decision for me.

    I can understand your dreams about watermarks I have put some across the odd photo if my girl's are in them and I have put them on my blog. Which is rare and one of the reasons I changed my blog and stripped my old one. I always felt uneasy about having images of my girls out there. Though it's hard when they are such a big part of my life. It is a tough choice I am sure you will make the right for you and your blog.

    I enjoyed your post today and the beautiful images.


    P x

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    1. I'm just annoyed that nothing fits me in my wardrobe! I cannot justify buying a whole new one! Also, I'm short and small boned so even a little bit of weight makes me look and feel awful. I just need to get a grip and start a good routine. I'll be okay once I start, I'm just lacking enthusiasm to get me going!

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  9. I'm absolutely the same with lists - more often than not splurging the contents of my head onto paper is enough to set things right again for a while. There is an art to a good list I think, not too long, must be achievable - crossing things off is so satisfying. I don't envy the watermarking decision and I have a separate board on Pinterest for all my pins that link back to my blog (that way people can choose whether or not to follow). I never get a "look at me" impression from (carefully) watermarked photos, I think most people understand the need for work to be protected in this way and wouldn't think anything of it. xx

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    1. Yes, I think it's more about getting it out of your head than actually writing it and ticking it off. I feel once I write it down, then I can carry on with my day and not be distracted. Still never get half of what I need to done though! I'm rubbish! I was interested to read your watermarking comments. It's nice to see other peoples views on them.

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  10. No! No! No! Please do not give your blankets to a charity shop. One day your sweet boys will be grown and married and they will make perfect wedding gifts. Your new daughter-in-law will be thrilled! I know this is a ways off, but trust me (from experience!) one day you will be glad you kept them!

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    1. Yes, I'm wondering if i'll regret it. I just know space is such an issue at the moment and the big blankets are not helping!

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  11. What a great post. I'm a list writer too - mainly to get it out of my head. I try to do what's on the list too though that doesn't always happen! As for weight - well I empathise with you completely. I seem to put on weight just looking at food. I be really good and when I weigh myself, instead of losing a pound or two, I've gained a pound or two. Keep your blankets if you possibly can. Every time I make a blanket to give away my husband persuades me to keep it. So I end up having to make another one! Which doesn't bother me in the slightest!!

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    1. Gosh i'm so the same with weight. It just doesn't motivate me when I am being so good with what I eat and I exercise and I don't see nay benefits. Maybe i'm just impatient, but even the slightest little amount being lifted would motivate me!

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  12. I'm not very good with making decisions myself, and I feel your hesitance with all of these issues. The watermarking is probably a good idea but I understand your feelings about it. I've wondered whether I should be doing it too, because I see my photos on Pinterest rather often. I agree about the way it seems to be shouting "look at me" and I'm the same way, I'd rather they looked away from me. I am sure your new blanket is lovely but if you have too many already, it may be best to frog it. I need to get rid of some very old crocheted blankets and replace them with new ones. I would love to keep them, as they were made by my husband's grandmother, but they are unraveling and full of big holes and very pilled. It will be nice to work on some fresh ones. I hope your decisions come together and you feel good about whatever you choose. :)

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    1. I'm so glad to said to frog the blanket. I needed to hear that! I cannot justify another huge blanket. I'd be satisfied with a smaller one. Often it's just needing to get the blanket idea out of my head and into reality. I just am in a habit of making substantial blankets, but that doesn't need to be the case. Small ones in the pattern I want to make will be just as rewarding!

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  13. I'm in agreement with some of the others, I think you should watermark. I could hardly see the large one, it is very subtle. I actually think it gives your work (and others), the importance it deserves by watermarking. I love your blankets, and have just started a ripple too, inspired by your happy scrappy! Thank you.

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    1. Thank you for you thoughts on watermarking. It's been really interesting to hear what others think on the issue. Oh I love a ripple! There really is something very satisfying about making one.

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  14. FYI, one way to protect your photos from being used without your permission is to add a 'no pin' code to your blog, which blocks Pinterest pinning. It's fairly easy to do this on Blogger (or at least it used to be just a matter of copying an pasting a bit of html into a widget.) Of course, people can still steal you pics, but Pinterest seems to be where they are most likely to find them.
    Sad that there is so much theft of intellectual property on the internet—I come across so many bloggers that mimic other blogs (that are more popular and well established than their own) in layout, photo style, theme, etc. Very little originality these days.

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    1. Yes, I have thought about it too, but, by the time I came across Pinterest, I saw that many images of mine were already out there. I decided that there was not really any point if my images were already circulating. And i'd feel a little hypocritical, as I love pinterest and get a lot of enjoyment out of finding inspirational pictures in all areas of life.

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  15. The rose is stunning I'll keep my fingers crossed that cutting it back works, it did for the rose by our front door a few years back.
    Clare x

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    1. I hope I can fix it, i'll be gutted if I can't control it and have to get rid of it altogether.

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  16. Please don't ask me to make a decision. I know what you mean about watermarking, and that the 'best' way to do it is the most obtrusive; it gets in the way of the pictures. But how to protect the goods otherwise?

    And fajitas sounds good tonight.

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  17. Don't get rid of your lovely blankets! (Well, you can if you want... don't let me boss you around, but you might miss them!) What the hell is wrong with people - passing your images off as their own??? I just can't comprehend the mentality - do they have no shame or morals? Hmm not sure what you should do. It's a shame to blemish your beautiful pics with a watermark, but it's not right that people are stealing your images. Difficult one.
    Maria x

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    1. I think it will take a while to come to a decision on the blankets. Heart says keep them, head says I need to get rid of them! I am not good at making decisions!

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  18. I have enjoyed reading this post. Firstly, don't chuck out the blankets - you might regret it later. Have you got somewhere to store them? I am a bit blanketed out as well. I have done three large ripples (no wonder I've got a funny elbow) I don't think anyone would pinch my photos, but I see where you are coming from with yours. I used to be a part owner of a quilting shop, and the number of people that would try to take photos of samples so that they could avoid buying our patterns! Gggrr. The watermarks don't detract at all, so I would use them :)
    www.thequietstitcher.com

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    1. Three large Ripples?! Wowzers! Bet they are gorgeous tough! I loved hearing your thoughts on watermarking. It's good to hear what others think on the issue.

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  19. I think you should keep you blankets - people ask how I can sell my quilts, but blankets - never! They're always keepers. Don't know about the watermark thing - can't imagine why people do that. You have the original unblemished ones, so just let everybody else share the ones with a great big watermark. I think you should just trim your rose after flowering and then give it good regular rose feeds. Not sure how it works - doesn't exactly cure the blackspot but does make the rose stronger so it isn't susceptible. That's my theory anyway but I have no idea whether it correct. It does seem to work for me though. Would be a shame to take out such a beautiful rose. Enjoy the sunshine.

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    1. Ahhh that's good about the watermarking issue. You are right. I have the originals, perhaps then just share the big watermarked ones in cyberland. I think I am such a visual person though, it'd be tough doing it!!!!!!!

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  20. theres a wonderful charity called kazzyloves hehehehehe, only kidding! donate to a proper cause ;0)...i do love your photography and i found your images sooo perfectly colourful and they always bring me joy~ there are people out there that crop/copy/steal images that clearly dont belong to them which is just sooo stupid in many ways because someone will one day see through the fakery...and pretty sad really not to have their own identity. Actually, without knowing i pinned a pin on pinterest and it said 'by me' on it...well, the owner was not happy with me saying it was not my picture...i was very apologetic and said it was my error and i was not in any way making out it was my image...but like you say ive seen my images on others boards saying 'my home' ~ i realize these simple mistakes can be made in a click of a button. But cropping and chopping and going out of your way to steal, copy another creative persons image is just unacceptable!... i just dont like watermarks, names , emails across a beautiful image, i actually did do it myself but didnt like it so went back to not having copy rights on images, but i get why people do it.
    i write lists all the time...but rarely stick to them...i walk into a supermarket and think 'oh yes that listy i spent half an hr writing is sitting at home while im standing there in the isles thinking what did i come in here for????"...somedays i write a list and realize ive had a coffee and put the washing out and oh' done nothing else on the list hehehehehehe...then other days im running around like a headless chicken trying to fit everthing in... ;0) decisions, decisions... what to do next xxxx

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    1. Oh you get me Kazzy. You know, that's my only big annoyance with pinterest, that if you pin, you often pin other peoples descriptions on a pin. And if someone pins their own pin with the words 'my' on it because it is theirs, these then get re-pinned. It's innocently done and i've been guilty of it myself. It's registered with my brain after i've pinned something that it's said 'my' on the comment or the comment is not something I would say at all and I forgot to delete or change it. I've gone back to images pinned to correct things. I make a note of just putting my blog name on my own pins, then there isn't an issue with confusion over 'my' in the comments box when they get re-pinned. I just don't think people are aware of that when they pin their own stuff.

      I am such a visual person just like you, and hate getting distracted from an image with emails, slogans or watermarks slapped across them, which is why I think it's a big issue for me. Decisions hey! And boy I do that all the time, spend half an hour making a food shoping list, but do I EVER take them with me?!!!!!! Useless!!!!!

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  21. Not easy about the watermarks. I feel like you and don't like them, nor can I really be bothered to find out how to do it to be honest. I've seen my ideas copied and not acknowledged as well as my photos. I only told one person I was irritated and they were so lovely I ended up apologising, so?
    Worst copying of my photo was by an employee of my husbands who was a psychotic loon. He wanted to sack her and kept waiting for her to go as she was so inept. I never mention my blog as we work with people on the edge of society, but you can find me if you google my name. She did this and then used pictures of our home in a lesson on the whiteboard without asking. I found out as students were asking if we lived in a museum. Boy did I rip into her. She left eventually and I used to keep all the doors locked in case she turned up, that's how odd she was.

    On the other note, blankets. I'd say keep them as I think you will regret it. But if not why not do ate to children's homes. A bit of handmade love would be really appreciated I'm sure. X

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    1. Glad i'm not the only one who finds watermarks a distraction to an image. Also, a little bit of me is quite lazy and doesn't relish the thought of having to spend extra time, in a time short world, faffing about putting them on every image. I fear it might make me not want to bother photographing much. Yes, I am THAT lazy!!!!! Seriously though, using pics of your home in a lesson? Oh my.

      You know, you have prompted me to think on the whole blanket thing. I do love making blankets, and I still have a massive list of blankets that I want to make and get out of my head. I like the idea of making one small blanket a year to either auction for charity or maybe donate to a clothing and furniture bank. I hope I can time mange myself better to be able to achieve this.

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  22. Such a shame that your photos have been taken and used, I really don't know what the solution is. The small watermarks are quite unobtrusive though. I need to be stricter about eating, I know exactly what you mean. I made a vast amount of millionaire's shortbread a while back, and then I ate a vast amount of it as well. So now I'm trying not to make any. I think you should try and keep the blankets if you can. Imagine how many great-grandchildren you will have, I know they will all want at least one each to pass on down to their children!

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    1. I made a ton of that too recently as the Bears love it, but luckily I don't so my waistline didn't suffer from that! Snacking is my downfall I think. If I'm out and about i'm ok, but if I'm at home then i'm terrible.

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  23. I agree with your thoughts on time management (I'm a huge procrastinator at moments, and when I can't motivate myself I really have a hard time doing something), good luck! On the watermarking, it's such a shame that it's necessary. I have sort of given up to think that all my pictures will be properly credited. I just try to prevent dead links on facebook by already adding the pin-description in my pictures and to pin a few pictures myself as well.
    I would definitely keep my blankets btw! Even if it is for al the work you've put into it :)

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  24. Ah thank you for your thoughts on this! I need to hear others views!

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  25. Yes, I think you have to realise that once you release an image into cyber world, you will not be able to keep track of what happens to them, but I think it's maybe just about doing your little bit to try and lessen any pilfering!

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  26. Whenever I pop over to catch up with your blog your images do strike me - they are so clear, have beautiful colours and almost an unidentifiable coco rose aura about them. It's a shame you have to take action to protect them but I certainly understand why you would. Whether you realise it or not, you have a talent for taking beautiful pictures and that is not easy for other people to do (I certainly can't). Protect your property - we'll still love your photos and enjoy your blog! J9 x

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    1. Awe thank you Janine for your comments. It's nice to hear what people think on the watermarking issue.

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  27. I think I am a bit naive about pinning photos on my Pinterest boards. I thought photos pinned were automatically directed to the originator? Is this not the case, because I have been pinning away for a while with images to inspire me for future projects. I feel really bad now. I think if this is the case then all photos should be watermarked with their originator so full credit can be taken. Kindest regards Tracy

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    1. About 95% are so don't worry! But some are pinned from sources other than the original source and other credits given, often innocently in the comments box, and then these get re pinned over and over!

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  28. Please, please don't get rid of your blankets. My mum made my kids bed-size crochet blankets when they were little and when they grew up, they didn't want them because they weren't 'cool', so I gave them to a charity shop. Now they want them back, which is obviously impossible, so I have to crochet my little heart out to replace them. Stash them in the attic just in case. X

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  29. Hello Vanessa!
    I found your blog a little while and every week I come to visit you, read your post and I identify with them ...
    You have awakened in me the desire to take classes in crochet, crochet makes my mother very well, but I could not learn from it explaining ... I bought books and I do not know .. seems complicated ...
    But on their blankets I also feel for not having them closer to me, but I think you could do a drawing that already so many people admire your beautiful work, that both enchants and awakens joy and infects people!
    An idea perhaps? think good to distribute among your family, and for charity, everyone would like to have a beautiful blanket yours!
    Good luck with your decision ..
    A big hug from Brazil ...

    Priscila

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  30. I love your blankets and wonder how you have the heart to give them away!!! such a lot of hard work goes into a hand crafted piece. But its also good giving to charity so you win both ways!!!! I've kept my first quilt and hoping to give it now to my grand daughter after making it 25 years ago!!!! it still looks good.

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  31. I may be in the minority here, but I actually like it when photos are tastefully (as I'm sure yours would be) watermarked. Not only does watermarking protect your photos but when I see photos I like online (via Pinterest or wherever), watermarking helps me trace where it came from if the site doesn't link back to your blog. Just a thought! :)

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  32. Decisions, ha, I'm not very good at those at all! You're going to make a handful of people very happy if you give away some of those beautiful blankets. I'm sorry you've had your images stolen, there doesn't seem to be an easy solution. If the watermark is quite subtle I don't think it detracts too much from the image, but I can understand why you don't like to do it. Perhaps the Pinterest route? As you say you can make sure the image can be traced back to you. I hadn't really realized this was happening, I'm new to blogging, Pinterest, etc., but I doubt whether anyone will be taking my images as they really are not worth it. I have been through my Pinterest boards though to make sure my pins are attributed accordingly. Blackspot is such a nuisance. If, like me, you are an organic chemical-free gardener then I think the only way to try to control it is to clear away and destroy infected leaves as soon as you see them. Sometimes it can be seen on the stems as well and, again, removing them is the only way, so perhaps your hacking back plan is the best way to go. It's a stunning rose. Sorry, went on a bit there. Have a good weekend.
    Jane xx

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  33. I would definitely watermark if I were you. Your images are so beautiful, you need to get the credit! As a dedicated Pinterest browser, watermarks do not bother me at all. Their a bit like "white noise" .... I see the image without them. A pic can still be very inspirational even with a watermark. I would also go for the complete watermark rather than the smaller ones as they are easy to get rid of (like you say), so defeats the object. The harder you make it for people to get rid of the watermark, the more likely they are to go off and find someone else's image to copy!
    So sorry about your rose.... we've had similar problems and eventually had to replace them ..... good luck!
    xxx

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  34. The watermarks don't bother me at all, i think they can be done tastefully. It shows pride in your work, in your photos. And I pin all my makes to a board called "I made this" just because I'm so damn proud of them, not because I think they are especially good. I can't believe people ripped off your photos on IG, that's shameful! Don't they have any original ideas of their own?? Clearly not. I'm sure whatever your decide you'll find a way to showcase your beautiful makes and talents creatively and tastefully, but hopefully less people will rip off your ideas. xx

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  35. I gained a pound just look at the photo of that rocky road ;-) Yum, it wouldn't last in my house!

    I have always been wary of posting pics of my kids online but then I joined Instagram and it was so easy to just post a pic of the boys here or there. That is until I heard about 'role playing' where (usually) young girls were stealing pics of kids and making up awful stories about them, often pretending to be adoption agencies. I promptly removed all images of my kids. Now I only post pics of them where their faces aren't visible because hopefully it makes the images less desirable. The internet, such a funny old place.

    I don't have an issue with watermarks. You should use them - your photos are beautiful! I hope it discourages people from ripping them off.

    Colleen

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  36. I just discovered your wonderful blog! The watermark issue is interesting, as I have had the same internal debate. Also, I wanted to fess up that I had used a photo of yours (your beautiful ABC sampler) on my blog - but I did credit your blog on the picture, I hope that was okay. I was looking for some embroidery inspiration on Pinterest!
    Something I am considering doing is having one of my cards featuring my logo in the picture somewhere too -much harder to crop out, especially if it's at an angle. And it won't work for all pictures. And depends on the logo. Just a thought.

    I am now going to put the kettle on and read through your archives!

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  37. Yummy rocky road! my partners favourite. Oh no what a shame to have to give away some of your blankets hopefully you will be able to pass them on to family. I'm sure whoever they go to they will be treasured. Beautiful rose photos x

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  38. I wouldn't get rid of the blankets. They're heirloom you can pass to your children, even if they're boys.

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  39. Decisions decisions! about the watermark - I completely understand. I felt also that my pictures/silk painting were not masterpieces so did it really matter if someone pinched my pictures, but then I thought yes, it does matter because the paintings on silk take blinkin ages and are my small way of being creative, so I like to share but don't want someone to make out they did all that hard work! I have a watermark on some of my silk paintings for that reason. But I also feel I must look like I'm showing off off and am 'up my own a**e' doing so! I don't use PInterest anymore because I read that in doing so I am giving them some kind of ownership and that bothered me too. Re the roses, what a terrible shame - I hope this might help, I have recently been experimenting with bicarbonate of soda for cleaning and all sorts and have read that if you mix it with water and a little handwash soap and spray your roses it will stop the black spot - you need to do it after you have cut the rose back and repeat it as the mould spores apparently come during wet weather and grow every 3 weeks - so best time to attack the black spot is the early Spring. I wonder if just sprinkling the bicarb from a shaker pot will do the job as I sprinkle it on all my plants to get rid of slugs and creepy crawlies and the plants don't mind it at all. (p.s. you can buy the bicarb cleaning quality (not for cakes) in hardware shops in 500g boxes. Good luck. Betty

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  40. p.s. your blankets are beautiful - something to keep for your grand children, for that campervan or gypsy caravan we all dream of owning one day - dreams can come true so hang on to them! :)

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  41. Totally with you on the watermark issue! It's so annoying when your images get used by other people without credit. I decided a while ago to put a small web address on the corner of my pics I use on the blog, but am fully aware that anyone could crop them. I dont bother on my Instagram pics- it kinda takes away the instant-ness of it all, otherwise.
    Lovely to catch up with your blog. Gorgeous pics as always,
    Sarah xx

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  42. I Absolutely Love your Blog and I Definitely think it deserves the Very Inspiring Blogger award. Here are the details:

    http://www.annoocrochet.com/p/award.html

    Thank you and keep up the awesome posts!

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  43. From my own experience I do understand the space issue ;-), but noooo, please don't get rid of those gorgeous blankets!

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