In the Spotlight + Mini Challenge... Elaine Langford-Pugh

Hi everyone! I am known as Elaine aka Ellapu in Blogland. I am 54 and live in Hampshire, UK. I work full time as an Investigator for Revenue and Customs, UK. I have been in the job for 15 years and love it. 

I suffer chronic pain through having 2 types of arthritis and also suffer with bi-polar - some days I don't make it to work and for the rest I struggle to do so.

I have had 3 abusive marriages - so much so have lived on my own for 16 years. In this time I went University and studied for a degree in Social Policy and Criminology, graduating in 2003.

Not all bad though as I do have an indoor rabbit (Bluebell) rescued from a breeder of snake snacks- I spend much of my time talking to her however without response (much like a man I suppose - hmmmmm!

I have 3 grown up children of whom I am very proud, all trained chefs but not one meal has been made for me but I think that's because I don't like a messed up kitchen lol. My gorgeous children combined have given me 7 beautiful grandchildren - ranging from 8 to 2. The youngest 4 include a set of twins but not identical. Real fun when they all in same space lol. I just love them all so much. (They wear me out!) Pics below.

Alanna aged 8, Blake aged 6, Aiden aged 4,
Harvey and Lili-Mae aged 2,

Freya aged 2 and Mason aged 2.

Recently, November 14th, for Children in Need, I was sponsored to have my hair clippered and wet shaved in my place of work - I raised £2000. The pic below shows myself, being silly along with a colleague who was partaking in ''Movember''.

I have only been into crafting for approximately 7 years starting with card making and I then dived head first into mixed media/altered art. I just love to get messy but not so keen on getting the paint from under my fingernails. Just thought I would share a few of my fave pieces.

All can be found on my blog - HANDCRAFTED BY ELLAPU

I will never be able to sell my creations on a regular basis as I know many people do not appreciate and look down their nose at ''Handmade Gifts''. I will never be able to afford to set up my own business so for the long term I live in hope that someone out there will like my stuff enough to be recognized. No hope and Bob Hope as they say - so many talented people out there. That's fine through as I find it relaxing and therapeutic-so gratifying for oneself.

Anyway that is enough about me and now onto

the mini challenge for January 2015.

I have chosen the theme of  ''SHABBY CHIC''.

I chose a mini ornamental shoe to alter. I painted it with gesso for the basis and over top with rose chalk paint. 

I covered the front, parts of the sides and the sole using mod podge and a paper napkin (beautiful tiny rose design) I used inka gold over the raised bobble part to make it pop. 

I adhered some mini guipere lace and pearl string. 

I then decided to make the shoe practical by covering some wadding with a print fabric and the same lace for the end product - a pin cushion!

Well that is it ladies and gents - I do hope you come join us here for this mini challenge. I for one need to see your creations to inspire me. Please link up your projects below via Linky.

Remember you only have ONE WEEK for this "Shabby Chic" Mini Challenge.

I would love to know how my post inspired you!

~ Elaine

An InLinkz Link-up