The day I ate beef...

This is my secret for Thursday - I hope you like it. I have so much on tomorrow: looking after kids in the morning, going shopping for boxes, organising my room, making a sewing machine cover, making chutney and then going to a dinner party. Somewhere in between all those things I also need to make myself look beautiful and stunning and just a little less post-christmas rotund. I am wearing this really lovely green dress which will hopefully look nice before, the very distinct probability that, I spill something on it. This secret was created by using a very cool bronze marker pen, a red fineliner and some letter stencils. Enjoy!

The day we came home...

Ooh the metallic glue pens that I used to make this are my new favourite thing. I am going back to my normal art shop to buy some more in different colours because they are so cool. While I was away I read a whole book...which on the face of it doesn't sound that impressive (especially for an English student). This book was, however, the first book in about half a year that I have chosen to read and has not been prescribed on some reading list. There is nothing like the thrill of finishing a book and that is strange for me because often it feels closer to relief. Enjoy!

The day that should have been Tuesday...

Here is my secret for Tuesday. This one was created by using some really fantastic letter stickers I also bought from the art shop (spot the penniless student). Enjoy!

The day that should have been Monday...

I am back. It was really lovely to get away from home but that much quality time with your family can drive you slowly crazy. It is probably a good thing then that I have plans for New Year which don't involve them. Thank you for the lovely comments you left while I was away and sorry for not posting at all. This is my secret for Monday - it was created by using some really stunning hand-painted gift paper from the new art shop. It is sad that I am this happy to be blogging again? only a few days without internet can do that to you. Enjoy!

The day I saw her...

Here is my favourite secret from the sunday postsecrets, go see them at www.postsecret.blogspot.com. I chose this one because it is something I think both about postsecret and about AI. Now I know that postsecret actually has the ability to change things with the huge readership and published books but I would love AI to have even a fraction of the same effect on people. There is a big difference between the two and that is anonymity so while postsecret may be able to change things on a wider scale I think AI has already started to change my life and maybe at some point my relationships with other people. Enjoy!

The day we went to Devon...

Isn't this postcard the cutest? I have had it for ages thinking I would use it for AI at some point but never really getting round to it. I am off to Devon tomorrow with my parents and then to Cornwall a few days later. I should be back on Wednesday, which leaves me with a little dilemma - do I post before hand, post afterwards or try and work out how to do scheduled posts? Probably the latter, but that requires so much effort. I will think about it and come to some conclusion tomorrow morning before we leave. Anyway, I hope you like this secret + are looking forward to postsecret tomorrow. Enjoy!

The day Celia was still in the box...

Here is my secret for boxing day. It is made from some really beautiful kitsch wrapping paper my grandfather used to wrap our presents, isn't it cute? I am in a bit of a hurry because we are going to see family today so this is going to be a bit of a short post. I hope you had a great day yesterday, enjoy!

The day we had champagne and variety cereal...

Here is my Christmas secret, I hope you like it. This secret was created by using a really beautiful card I bought over a month ago. It has this really beautiful cut away design on it which I painted black and printed onto this piece of card. The star is a red sequin and the base is made from a piece of red card. There are so many things I wish I could still believe in, and everything that goes along with Christmas is definitely one of those things. I have started a new book, and as is tradition with the beginning of each new book a new title must be created. Please don't laugh at my poor computer design skills, I tried. Have an amazing day, make the most of the food and the drink and the presents. Enjoy!

The day there was Turkey...

I really hate turkey. A little bit of a weird tradition for my family, but we have our christmas roast on christmas eve. So tonight we are having turkey, bleurgh. This secret was created by using a card I bought from the ashmolean museum. I went to an art shop I have never been to today - it was incredible. I can't go back for a while because otherwise I will have absolutely no money. I hope you like this secret, and I hope you are spending christmas with your family. Enjoy!

The day before Christmas...

So this is really bad, but, a few weeks ago I was given an award by a very lovely fellow blogger...and I completely forgot about it. Which, though not unforgivable, is still very bad. So a big thank you to Shibby (from www.shibbysthoughts.blogspot.com) for the award. I always find it weird being given blog awards, partly because I have no idea how to respond to positive feedback about AI and partly because I have no idea what to do with them. The rules seem pretty simple though - I have to display the award (check) and list seven personality traits (see below):

1. Sarcastic. It is my fall back - an uncomfortable situation, or just any situation really, and I will be there with some wildly inappropriate quip.

2. Clumsy. My mother would completely agree, the first thing I did upon returning home was spill coleslaw all over (and under) the fridge.

3. Introspective. Of course...this one is pretty obvious, you just need to take a look at my blog for a few minutes to see that I spend a lot of time thinking about myself and my relationship with other people (hopefully more of the second one).

4. Happy. I really am happy, most of the time, and I have reason to be. It might not always be conveyed properly via my secrets but generally I am quite a happy person.

5. Insecure. I relate this one to bravery too, I don't think of myself as someone who is brave...although others who read this might argue otherwise. I hope I am growing and developing a fearlessness that could only serve to strengthen the quality of my secrets.

6. Deceptive. Despite being entirely honest with everyone I post on here (I have never posted a secret that was in any way untrue at that very moment) in my day to day life I lie all the time. Mostly just insignificant harmless lies to entertain myself and to confuse my friends - sometimes bigger lies but hopefully not big enough to hurt other people.

7. Lucky. This one applies more than any of the others. I consider myself to be lucky that I have such a great family and an amazing group of friends. I consider myself lucky for the positive feedback I have had for AI and for this award which, although a little bit late, is greatly appreciated.

So I hope that wasn't too dull to read. When I read blogs that other people write I am always fascinated to hear what they have to say about themselves and to find out a little bit more about each person. However, the format of my blog means that you already know more than enough about me, or at least I think so. Now I need to pass this award onto someone else...this is the really tricky part for me because I don't really know that many other bloggers and I don't read enough blogs to know what is good and what is not. So basically I would like to return this award to someone who has previously nominated me for one, Kelley Anne from http://kaleidoscopicrefrains.blogspot.com/. This is a really lovely blog, with incredible photos and really beautiful clothes. I hope you like it as much as I do. Enjoy!

The day I figured it out...

My first on time/early post in about forever - this is actually, sadly, quite exciting. I had to make this secret in advance because I will be working all day tomorrow and then potentially going out in the evening. Being such a busy lady brings with it the inevitable draw back of not being able to spend the hours and hours I would like to on making each secret. This one was created by using a variety of lovely pens and some white paper. I hope you like this one, have a great day tomorrow. As always, enjoy!

The day I actually unpacked...

This is my secret for today, what do you think? I created this AI by using some black card, a white gel pen (so amazing) and a silver pen to write with. I hope you like this one, it took a while to perfect the white lines. I have spent the last hour in the bath so I feel super relaxed right now + I am going to see a friend this evening so that should be fun. Have a nice night, enjoy!

The day you did it again...

Here is my secret for today, I hope you like this one. I created it by using a variety of pens and some little sequin letters I purchased a while ago. You can't quite tell with this image but the letters are different colours too. I really love being at home but I miss my friends so much, even more because we live together in Oxford so I see them every day. I am going a little bit crazy readjusting to doing nothing at home after a hectic term and an even more hectic admissions period. I am sort of throwing all my energy into blogging and my secret project now which is a good thing. Let me know what you think and thank you for all the lovely comments about the flower secret, enjoy!

The day I unpacked...

This scanned in way better than I thought it would, although there is a bit of shadow and blurring it looks quite good considering how weird my scanner is. This secret was created by using a technique called quilling. You take long strips of paper and curl them with your fingers to create various shapes. I then used a purple fineliner to finish it off. Have a relaxing Sunday afternoon, I'm off to see a friend and get drunk (finally). Enjoy!

The day I made decorations...

Here is my favourite postsecret from today - I hope you found your own favourite. This PS stood out to me because I think it represents my own life goals - to correct the mistakes I have made along the way. It isn't always possible but I feel as though AI is bringing me one step closer to that point. My own secret in a few minutes. Enjoy!

The day it made me angry...

Here is my secret for today - it has taken so long to upload it because glitter glue takes forever to dry. Anyway, I hope you like it. The little dots are glitter glue and the words are written with a gold gel pen. I seriously need to stock up on craft items but I think I will wait until after christmas when the sales are on and then I can get some bargains. I am working on a little project at the moment which will hopefully turn out the way I want it to. It is a present for a friend of mine and I really hope they like it. I would show you it but firstly I know this person reads AI and secondly I drunkenly lost my camera before the end of term. Oh well...maybe I'll scan a few pages and keep it for after christmas - enjoy!

The day I came home...

Sorry this secret is late...again. I caught up for a brief moment and then on Friday I moved EVERYTHING back home and was way too exhausted to think - let alone blog. I have so missed being at home and I think my family missed me too - especially my mum because one of the first things I did was spill coleslaw all over the kitchen floor (she is pretty used to that though). I went and did all my christmas shopping this morning, which is pretty good progress for someone who has an inability to make decisions. I also bought myself a load of exciting clothes + stuff, so I am pretty happy today. This secret was created using an image from ASOS magazine and a silver pen, simple but hopefully effective. Enjoy!

The day I went babysitting...

This is my secret for today, I hope you like it. It was created by using a very cute little bird sticker and a blue pen. As always my scanner has made it look a little bit weird, but it looks normal in reality so don't worry. I can't believe that interviews are ending today and I no longer have to work insane hours for less than minimum wage. I will miss it - in a very weird way. Anyway, speak to you tomorrow. For now, enjoy!

The day I went back to 189...

Finally, here is my secret for today (uploaded on the right day). Not being able to blog has driven my crazy so I am really glad I am all caught up now. I hope you like this secret, it was created by using some coloured paper, pens and some pearlescent glue. Have a nice Wednesday evening, enjoy!

The day I wanted to...

Here is my secret for Tuesday - I hope you like it. I have been showing more and more people my blog recently and I feel as though I needed to make a secret that better represents the way I would always like to make them (intricate and time consuming). I spent a couple of hours sticking these little triangles cut away from stars onto the paper. I feel as though I haven't been able to give as much to AI as I usually do so I now feel a little bit better. Enjoy!

The day I forgot, again...

Here is my secret for Monday - sorry it is so late. I am going to make some more now. This secret was made using an incredible postcard I got from a Dali museum in Catalunya 5 years ago. I have kept it all this time and finally have found a use for it. Enjoy!

The day after...

I totally forgot to show you my post secrets from Sunday. The first one is the one I have chosen to put as my background for the week. I often think about people who are an important part of my life now and wonder what role they will play in my future, if any. The second secret is one that speaks to me as someone who thinks about what my secrets mean all the time. I love the idea that they can take on different meanings, and hopfully cease to be secrets too. I am sorry this is so late, enjoy!

The day I remembered I am Welsh...

Here is my secret for today - a little bit late, I know. I really enjoyed making this secret, teeny tiny little things to stick down is right up my alley (which you can imagine I do quite a bit of). This secret is one I ponder over quite a bit - when and where I will meet the man I will end up marrying and having kids with. I probably think about it too much, but it is always there somewhere in my subconscious. I hopem you have had a nice day, and that you are close or getting closer to finding the one person that you are destined for. Enjoy!

The day before it started again...

Here is my secret for Saturday - we are one week into the interviews and hopefully it won't be as stressful as the first one. This secret was created by making a white paper snowflake, I glued this on top of a background covered in white glitter (it is really hard to see because my scanner doesn't like white things). The edges are coloured in with a silver pen and written on with a grey fineliner. I hope you like this one, let me know what you think. Enjoy!

The day I had more sleep...

This is my secret for Friday - I hope you like it. I wish I could write some longer posts for you but I am rushed off my very, very sore feet. This secret was complicatedly made. Basically I used some fineliners and went over them with a white marker pens which kind of merges them and almost makes them look like they are painted - it is pretty cool. These were then cut into squiggles and layered over a white background, the words are just grey fineliner. Leave me comments if you want, they brighten my very, very long days. Enjoy!

The day I really did lose my voice...

Here is my secret for today...finally! It was created by using a gold marker pen to colour the background. I then use an image from a magazine (you can't quite tell but it came from the sex advice pages of Marie Clare and I think it might be a mouth...) to make the heart, some red glitter glue and some white pearlescent glue to decorate. I also used some black card, and a gold and white gel pen for the writing. I will hopefully post again tomorrow, I am still really busy but things will hopefully ease up in the next few days - fingers crossed. Enjoy!

The day it got better...

Here are two of my birthday guest secrets left over from, well....almost a month and a half ago when I turned twenty (god how I hate saying that). They were very sweetly spread across my room and each secret has been made about me. They are totally awesome and I hope you like them too. My secret for today to follow, sorry it is late. Enjoy!

The day it started to get to me...

My secret for yesterday, sorry for being so behind. This secret was created by using a really beautiful image from a magazine, a black biro and a white marker pen. I will post this evening when I get a chance.
Enjoy!

The day I couldn't post a secret...

This secret is kind of appropriate right now. With all the hours I am doing and all the stress of the applicants which I take on as my own burden I am pretty close to tears when I crawl into bed at about 1 am at night. I would never cry in front of friends/colleagues if I could avoid it and hopefully I won't be reduced to tears in front of my team of undergraduate helpers. Anyway, isn't this image beautiful? it was taken from a magazine and the writing in white is my own. I hope you like this one and feel free to leave me a comment. Enjoy!

The day it didn't happen...

Here is my Sunday postsecret as promised a couple of days ago...I have not had a chance to do it, that is how busy I am. By not had a chance, I mean I haven't had a chance to do basic things like pluck my eyebrows or go out to buy new shampoo. Please don't think this is the lowest of my list of priorities, because it absolutely isn't, but I think basic human needs like washing dirty hair come first. I love the original postsecret that this message has been written over, a year ago when it was originally posted on Frank Warren's site I had it as my background for a week. I have always remebered it and when I saw it again it instantly gave me those similar feelings of complete happiness. If you go to www.postsecret.blogspot.com you can find a commented response from the person who created it, which is really nice to read. I hope someday to have as big an impact on someone with my secrets as this original secret had on one romantic individual, and also me. That is a pretty big dream, but hopefully it could happen. Enjoy!

The day I worked all day...

Oh my god. I have never been so stressed in my entire life. On Saturday I worked from 8.00 am until 10.00pm, didn't eat anything all day until 6pm and then had to move all my belongings from a room 20 minutes away from college into a room in college. Needless to say I am exhausted, add on top of that a 15 hour shift today and a 7.00 am wakeup all tomorrow and you have got a pretty good idea of my life at present. Anyway, I will post my favourite postsecret (it is a really good one) just before I go to bed tonight...which isn't for the next hour at least. Oh, and on a final note this secret was created by using some images from various magazines. Goodnight, enjoy!

The day they arrived...

My secret for Saturday is being posted so early because tomorrow the admissions process begins. All the applicants are arriving and I am going to be working a 12 hour+ shift trying to get everything running okay - arghhh. This secret seems strangely appropriate considering I made it a week ago. It was made by using some coloured paper which I cut into little strips to create a sort of fringe effect and I then used some coloured pens to write the secret. My favourite strip is the middle one because it was cut out from the inside of an envelope and has tiny little numbers all over it, click to enlarge and you might be able to see them. I hope your Saturday is as stress free as possible, then some balance might be regained in the universe. For now, enjoy!

The day I moved away...

Here is my secret for Friday, I hope you like it. This secret was created by using some silver ink for the background and some glitter glue for the words. I used a butterfly stamp (kind of like a hole puncher) and various different materials. This applies to any kind of street performer...they make me feel really uncomfortable and like dogs I think they can smell fear - what freaks you out? Have a happy friday, enjoy!

The day term ended....

Here is another of my birthday guest secrets - it is really difficult to read, so it says 'Perhaps it is our only similarity - I love bubblewrap too!'. I hope you are enjoying seeing these as much as i enjoyed finding them hidden around my room. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

The day I thought about the way you make me feel...

I made this when I went home so it feels a little bit weird seeing it now. I created this secret by using some gold leaf, an image from the newspaper and some sequin letters. It is late and I am going to go and have a bath and then tidy stuff up a little bit, sounds like fun right? My life is becoming very middle aged - often I would rather relax with a cup of tea than have a wild night out, but I guess that comes with having a crazy work load. The term is almost over, and I think it has probably been my worst term so far...but hopefully it will end on a high note with the interviews. They will undoubtedly be stressful but hopefully really rewarding too. I miss home so I am looking forward to that too...and Christmas! This bath won't run itself, enjoy!

The day it ended...

This is my secret for today. It was created by using some incredible wrapping paper which has been in my house since I can remember. My mum was planning on chucking it out so I decided that it could be used to create something that might just last a little bit longer. This is not a secret to most of the people who know me but to others it might come as a surprise. Have a great day, enjoy!

The day I struggled...

This is my secret for today, I hope you like it. I am feeling rather delicate at the moment, last night was our college christmas party...and I may or may not have lost my camera. The last thing I feel like doing today is work but clearly term cannot be completed without yet another essay crisis. This AI was created by using some cotton thread and a load of pva glue. I also used a marker pen to write the secret. The end of term can't come soon enough for me. Enjoy!

The day I felt awful...

Here is another one of my birthday guest secrets for you to admire. This one was created by using some stuff cut out from, what I can only assume is, amnesty magazine. I hope you like this guest secret as much as I do, enjoy!

The day the hills were alive...

Here is my secret for Monday, I hope you like it. This secret was created by using a selection of coloured fineliners and that is really it. I rarely draw things totally from scratch because I am not that good at drawing, so here is a rare insight into how artistically challenged I truly am. I love this secret anyway though, because it is pretty much what everyone wants to say when they break up with someone but what they actually invert. For me it applies to a series of bad relationships...maybe it means the same thing to you, maybe it doesn't apply. Either way, enjoy!

The day I should have woken up earlier...

This is a secret that I had never really given much thought to before I saw it on postsecret today. It is certainly one that rings true for me, I imagine the day I get married to be a huge part of my life and I cannot imagine my father not being there. The likelihood of him dying before I get married is pretty slim, partly because he is absolutely fighting fit and is training for his second marathon at the moment, and also in part because I hope to get married pretty young. Despite this secret being one that will most likely never effect me it stood out to me as one of my greatest fears. Go and visit www.postsecret.blogspot.com today for some inspiration of your own. Enjoy!

The day I thought of her...

My secret for sunday was created by using some bits cut out from various magazines, a silver sequin star and some pens. This secret is one that is really important to me, the person it was written about has already seen it and I am so glad she liked it...so I hope you like it just as much. Maybe go and share it with someone important in your life. I hope you all have a nice sunday and are looking forward to postsecret. Enjoy!

The day I thought of leaves...

It is only a week until term finishes and I am so excited! The day when I finish my last essay will be the most amazing day. I am also really looking forward to the interviews, I hope it will run smoothly and that the applicants aren't too nervous. This secret was created by using some amazing glittery + textured wrapping paper which I bought from the art shop in Oxford - where most of my student loan goes. I hope you like it and at some point you can see it for real (and touch it). Enjoy!

The day it began...

I realise this one is a little bit tricky to read, it says 'I want a tattoo (I am too scared)'. I created this secret by using some henna and a piece of card. The henna is pretty cool, it comes in a little tube and you just draw whatever you want...on skin it goes hard and rubs off to leave a orangey pattern that fades. On card it just dries hard and stay - I think it looks kind of awesome, even if my design is a little bit rubbish. I love discovering new materials to work with, it is easier when I am at home because I have a bit more time on my hands and it is also easier to cover stuff in paint and not worry about it. Anyway, I hope you like it. Enjoy!

The day I caught up...

This is my secret for Thursday, I hope you like this one. It was created by using some black card, brown paper, silver sequin letters and some black sparkly glitter glue. It reminds me of something that I can't quite retrieve from the back of my mind - suggestions on a postcard. This secret is a weirdly confusing one for me because I find myself both alone and completely surrounded by people at the same time - I'm not sure I understand it so it makes sense if you don't either. Enough midnight rambling from me, enjoy!

The day there was frumping...

Here is another of the wonderful birthday secrets I have been slowly uploading for you. I would really like to own a penknife, both my parents have always had them on their keys and I used to be obsessed with playing with the tiny scissors. I know this sounds like a bit of a dangerous hobby for a child but if you knew more about my childhood it would make perfect sense. Anyway, this secret was created by using a picture from a magazine and a pen. It is true that I have most of the things people generally need, I carry an emergency pack around in my handbag with a load of random objects I believe might be useful at some point. Enjoy!

The day I thought of you...

Here is my secret for Wednesday. It is really late, but I don't feel sleepy weirdly. This secret was created by using a piece of card coloured black by a marker pen and then cut away with a craft knife. I layered this over a piece of card underneath and filled in each segment. You can enlarge any secret by clicking on it - that might help if you can't quite read what it says. I hope you like this AI, and as always please feel free to comment. Enjoy!

The day it dried...

This is my secret for Tuesday. I created it by using a gold pen and some fineliners - I drew the circles by hand so they aren't quite perfect which annoys me, hopefully you can't tell. I am posting it a little bit earlier because I am really exhausted from all the travelling etc. It is strange to be back in Oxford, but hopefully the next few weeks won't be too bad. Enjoy!