Lazy Bug Day

I just have to share this with you. This morning Jamie (5) said to me, ‘Mum, its bug day’. ‘Bug Day?’ I replied. ‘Yes, it’s insect day’ , he explained. ‘Ohh, INSET day’ I laughed! Two of my younger ones are off today and that makes all the prep I needed to do for a craft party tonight just a leetle more complicated!

I had to get a little decorated notebook and covered choc bar done in super quick time! That meant super simple!! The piccies show what the hostess gets as a little pressie from me and also the choc bar which is the prize in a draw for all her  friends. My children were very disappointed that I wasn’t taking them on a thrill-filled day. Sorry kids- you’ve been SU’d!! We have done some fun things, just staying in the house! William (the littlest) thought it would be a good idea to miss the paper and colour in the table. It’s a small wonder I’ve got anything done this morning.

      I am feeling a little tired

today- think I could do to start saying no to things a bit more! I joked with a friend that I should start running things by her and she could tell me whether to do it or not!!

This weekend is going to be hectic too- cleaning the hall where our church meets, baking, radio interviews and all the other stuff!

I’m dreaming of a rest…..  xx

Project recipe. Stamps, Cardstock and ribbon  (all Stampin!Up’). Papers, K & Co and Laura Ashley 

 

How come it’s Wednesday?!(or duct tape and staples!)

What is happening to the days? Is it me or are they actually losing hours?!

This week has been so amazingly busy , take for example today! My Mum came with me to scour the fabric shops to find some plastic coated fabric (similar to oilskin!). We found this fabric tucked away and it was £1.75 a metre! Its for making bags with – but no ordinary bags; NO sewing required! The bag design is from a super talented woman called Jodi Kahn and I first saw her on the Martha Stewart website . (Don’t get me going about that website- its of the ‘sucking up all your spare time’ kinda site! www.marthastewart.com).

Anyway, we knew we had to prep 50 bags in readiness for a Girls Brigade evening where I’m teaching them how to make these holdalls so they can give them to the old ladies at the church for Christmas (how lovely!!). So– when we looked carefully the material only had gridlines to show exactly where to cut for the bags!!! I’m amazed- it was like it was waiting for us. There was also exactly the right amount on the roll!! £1.75 for 3 bags; bargain!!

I can give you the details if you ask me- but in 10 minutes (or less!) you have a cute bag using only a ruler, scissors, duct tape, material and a bit of nylon webbing for the handles. My tweenage daughter thought is was ‘yucky’!- but I’m sure the ladies will love them. Here’s a close up of  Peaseblossom and that gigantic bee! Not sure I’d be tickling a bee quite that close!!

Need to get on doing some more prep for a Stampin’Up! party on Friday!!

Happy making xxx

Be Prepared!

And no, I wasn’t a boy scout but I did do the Brownies and Guides. I have to admit loving a bit of organisation. Well, having 5 kids kind of demands it. My hubby would love me to be more organised but, hey, I’m clinging onto as much spontaneity as I can!

I’ve been doing a fair bit of preparation for parties. I’m still trying to get a system in place with regards to what I’m doing and how I’m doing it. Hostesses are thinking ahead and asking for Christmas projects to do at the parties. It’s really rewarding convincing people to make something when they reckon they can’t and then seeing their amazement and satisfaction when they’ve created something ..If you could bottle that feeling!!

If you fancy a great night in with friends with the chance to earn some fab crafting goodies contact me..

If you’re looking for a great part time job to fit around other committments and the chance to meet some great people? Oh, and did I mention the rewards; great discount off Stampin’Up! goods and the opportunity to make money.. get in touch..I’d love you to join my team!!

Happy creating xx

Card recipe;  Season of Joy- Green Galore, Whisper White and Real Red card. Basic Black and Green Galore ink.

Wedding Cards- the season is not yet over!

Are you a sucker for weddings like me? I just love the romance of it all and the idea of two people beginning a new life together. Ok, so maybe I’m a hopeless romantic and just maybe I’m a believer in all thats best about marriage.

I’m doing a stampin’Up! workshop tomorrow and the hostess (who is particularly fab!) wants me to bring along some wedding cards for a wedding she’s attending. When you’re the hostess- how can I refuse such a nice request!

So here are two of the four choices she has; I love this colour combo- very sophisticated. Thanks to Michelle Last who suggested it! Black and grey and white are quite subtle and elegant don’t you think?  Have you been to any weddings with unusual colours for the bridesmaids or bride?!!

Well, I need to go and do some preparation for this party. My hostess has invited no fewer than 70 people!! Wow! If they all turn up, it could be quite a crowded house! Let’s hope I ‘ve prepared enough ‘make and take’s’ for them!

Until then, happy crafting! xxx

Card recipe; all supplies- Stampin’Up!       Stamps- Mr & Mrs and Hostess set ‘ A little bit of happiness’.   Vellum, black and grey cardstock.                                   

A Card for a Dreary Day

It’s raining again, isn’t it! Summer flew outta the back door and here we are- seemingly in full throttle autumn. It’s tempting to get a little sad and wonder where summer went but no- we must remain positive!- Autumn brings sooo many benefits- you just got to remind yourself of them. Here goes;

1. No need for bikinis (like you were ever gonna catch me in one!)

2. Every need for warm cuddly jumpers- which brings me nicely on to point 3

3. No need to obsess about your figure; you’re wrapped up under layers and the ‘michelin man’ look is bound to be cool one of these days!!

4. Food gets much better; do you want salads in autumn? Are you kidding? I just think of puddings (ok, you have me on that one, I think of puddings most of the time!) and warm soups and comfort food.

5. Colours get more subtle- nature provides the most beautiful autumnal landscape. Everything seems to be more chilled (naturewise!)

6. Lots of puddles to splash in- which I suppose is a greater benefit for my kids than me, but still you have to love puddles!

7. More time stuck in because of darker nights- more time messing with ink and card and- oh-i know, any excuse!

8. Countdown to Christmas- now she’s gone too far- I hear you shout, this Christmas love is getting outta hand. Bear with me folks- Christmas is too important to be stressed about, hurried over and rushed through.  

Well I’m stopping the list there for the moment- I could go on although I suspect you think I’ve done that already!

The card is making me smile. A bit of brightness peeping through a dull day.

 

All supplies; Stampin’Up.   Stamp set- Season of Joy, whisper white ribbon and cardstock. pixie pink card and ink. Black ink .

Folded Boxes

This week is a week of firsts; first full week of school, first day at our new church, first time I speak about losing our daughter Natalie publicly and first time making swaps to send to other Stampin’Up! demonstrators. They are a great bunch I’ve met over at ‘www.Inlovewithstamping.com’ .  I know the website title sounds a bit unusual but its just a place where lots of likeminded people including SU demonstrators meet. Anyways, some of them are doing me a big favour by letting me see some of the exciting new stamps that SU! are launching in October. In return, I send samples to them.

This is one of them; a little triangular box for putting little treats in. Cute and small and any excuse to put sweets in! Hope they like it.

Well I need to go now; need an early night as its going to be a busy week ahead xx

 

Box recipe; All supplies by Stampin’Up, Stamp set- Crazy for Cupcakes, ribbon, whisper white,  cardstock, pixie pink, blue and purple.

First Workshop!

Big Phew!!

I’ve done it! My first workshop was last night! Wow! I’m still recovering! Make and takes for 21 people takes some engineering although to be fair only about 20 cards were made and in two sittings.

Thanks to all my wonderful friends; we had a great night and I loved demonstrating. Kinda wish I had a secretary for the less glamorous but equally important ordering bit, but even so I can look back and smile!

You learn so much by doing and risking! One lovely girl came who’s just starting with Stampin’Up! just like me and despite the mutual fear that the other would turn out to be dangerous or not  who they said they were, it all turned out fine and dandy!

Now for the waiting; the parcelling up of all those lovely SU goodies and the planning for the next one!

I’m think I’m gonna like this- (maybe even a lot!).

Excitingly, Stampin’Up! has just issued a ‘Last Chance List’ which includes some items at up to 50% off. It’s just to make way for all the exciting new stuff arriving on October 1st- so take a peek and snap up a bargain.

I’m holding an Open Evening on Friday 2nd October to celebrate the launch of the new Catalogue! I’ve had a sneak peek and I can tell you that it’s gorgeous! Not long to wait…. why not come along or book your own fun workshop for the chance to earn eclusive hostess stamp sets AND  free SU goodies.

Contact me to book a free workshop to see what all the fuss is about!

 

Card Recipe; (all supplies from Stampin’Up!)

Stamp- ‘Season of Joy’  ,Cardstock- Real Red, Bashful Blue and Gable Green, and Whisper White grosgrain ribbon.