Why I'm not sure I trust Blogger

What with the announcement by Google that they're closing Google Reader down in July I find myself becoming increasingly distrustful of them. So much so that I've been heavily researching moving this blog from Blogger. I think Google has become too huge. And a little bit evil. They're massive enough that it doesn't matter to them if they annoy their customer base. After all we're all just advertising targets. So I don't trust that they won't scrap blogger as just another way to try and force us to use Google +. Google + can't be everything Google - it's getting really annoying now.

I decided the best option was to self-host using wordpress' software. If it wasn't for the fact I was struggling creating a theme/layout that I liked and didn't make me want to cry I probably would have done so already. I decided to postpone it until a time I'm actually earning money as all the hosting and the like was adding up. I don't mind spending money for freedom but it seems wasteful to commit to it when I don't actually have any coming in.

If you're thinking of switching then I highly recommend reading through this website that I found. It's called 'Blogging with Amy' and has loads of useful tips about switching and self-hosting.

A beautiful new fashion accessory

Oh what a beautiful new fashion accessory for the crafty lady!

It really adds a special something to this outfit.

The year of the Dragon

This is what I spent today making. A new portrait of two special people. The baby isn't on fire. It's supposed to be in a dragon suit. Tee hee!

This is my friend 'Ling Yun' whose amazing and beautiful jewellery can be seen and bought here. Actually it just occurred to me that I really should have included one of her necklaces on this portrait as she always wears great ones.

The rise of a felt zombie Scotty Dog

"Bones...bones...boooooooones"

So, I have a new product in my Etsy shop. Oh yes. It's a felt zombie dog. I haven't named him yet. Any suggestions?

He's SECURELY glued to a plain white card.

 "Who would want a felt zombie dog birthday/wedding/christening/Christmas card?" you may be asking. 

Who wouldn't want one? 

He is totally awesome. And fiercesome. But don't worry - I used strong glue. There'll be no escaping from this little fellow. He's a bargain and there's only one of him so if you want his merry company be quick. 

I may also make some zombie brooches....

When crows go bad.

NO Dagger! BAD!

Honestly, I don't know where he got that from.

Oh God, I've just remembered that a group of crows is called a 'Murder'.

I think it might be time to find Dagger a new home. Any takers?

Chirpy and Dagger

Chirpy and Dagger

I have a week off because it's the Easter holidays here in the U.K.. I'd planned all kinds of wondrous projects to complete in this time. Sadly though, with my talent for bad timing, I became sick and have spent most of this week huddled under a blanket, feebly clutching a hot water bottle and whimpering. Oh, and watching some truly terrible films (Wolverine).

However, in amongst my bouts of feeling sorry for myself I did make these two chaps. They have brooch pins on their backs. They're made from a pattern of my own design and despite the pattern being identical Dagger has come out looking evil. I think it's because his eye turned into a French Knot.

I named him dagger because he's always eyeing Chirpy as if he'll stab him in the back if I'm not there watching over them. And because he looks evil. When it comes to crows, always judge by appearance.

Dagger wanted me to call Chirpy 'Cloak' so that their names together would sound 'cool'. Sorry Dagger but there is no way Chirpy can pull off 'Cloak'. He looks like if you even gave him a cloak he'd get trapped in it. What he is, at best, is mindlessly optimistic. So I have named him Chirpy.

Just look at that photo. Two minutes on the map and Dagger is already entirely in control of Brasil. And Chirpy is in the ocean. This says it all. I think it may have been a mistake to let Dagger have access to the Atlas. I think he's getting ideas. He's certainly looking quite schemey.

Happy 21st small one

(Cartoons are done in a similar style to Hyperbole and a Half)