Yesterday was St Swithin's day and it rained, so according to tradition we are to expect another 40 days of rain. But seeing as this is England, that just means just business as usual. So far this year we have been lucky with some amazingly sunny weather so I guess we should count our blessings. But, cursed with hair that frizzes if someone just mentions rain, I have my fingers crossed it dries up soon.

Or maybe I should go and live in Tucson?

Today I am off to Chelmsford for lunch with my sister and seeing her go for the final fitting for her wedding dress. I have got her jewellery all done so she can try it on at the same time and see if it needs changing etc. I can honestly say seeing your baby sister try on her wedding dress is a weird experience. Goodness only knows that I'll feel on the actual day.

The rain is horrendous today so all travelling is a nightmare and despite hoping to be back in London to see my friends at bead group I have no such luck and get home hours later than planned absolutely drenched.

My evening is spent in catching up on TV and as I'm scouting around looking for something I can do at the same time (something which is physically close to me is my main priority as I am feeling very lazy) I remember my paper-cutting from the other week and decide to work on a new one. Fortunately I managed to bring home another of Suzy's templates so get to work on that. Before I know it I'm all done, but itching to make another one. Dare I try my own design?

I debate this for ages as the thought of putting pen to blank paper and coming up with my own idea seems a bit overwhelming and scary- I am no good at drawing. But seeing as I want to make another one I decide to be bold and dive in.

Soon my first original paper-cutting design is drawn and I can begin cutting it out. Once done I'm really pleased with it as it's better than I thought it would be. I can see where I could have balanced the tree more but it's convinved me that it's not as scary as I thought and just as soon as I get some more paper I might just design some more...