DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE

 

 

Good morning! It’s a bright and very early start today. The blackbirds kicked off their morning chorus just after 3am, long before daylight! I suppose they somehow sensed I was back. It was lovely, though I do wish they’d waited a few more hours. A nanny nap is definitely on the agenda later, but only after I’ve had another coffee (can’t fall behind on the café culture), enjoyed a birthday lunch outing, and then I will be refreshed for some time in the craft room.

I have lots and lots of lovely things to sort out in there later today and will attempt to make a card using the brand new In Colors from Stampin' Up! as I haven't managed to have a play yet.

It was my great Nephews birthday earlier this week.  I wasnt quite sure what card to create for him as he is in his teens and I dont know what he is 'into' these days so I thought I would stay safe with this card.

 

It was created with a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set but its a set that I wont part with.  Its perfect for any age in my opinion and for lots of different occasions too.   I have used this layout with it for quite a while and it still puts a smile on my face. 

Just a reminder that later this morning we are meeting for a cuppa and card making.  If you are free for a couple of hours, it would be lovely to see you.

While I was away (reading, family time, escaping the Wi-Fi signal and social media pings), I had a bit of a crafting epiphany. I realised I’ve been spending far too much time doing what I think I should be doing and not nearly enough time doing what actually sparks joy. So, here’s to a little creative rebellion!

Expect a few subtle changes around here. I’ll be diving back into the things I truly love—like making cards, pottering around in the garden, and, of course, rambling away on this blog. The promotional posts, endless social media hustle, and pretending I understand the algorithm gods will get less and less.   I

Also, I’ve noticed that while I’ve been glued to my crafting deadlines, hubby has sneakily taken over the garden.  I’m reclaiming my plant pots, people, slowly so he doesn't realise as its a bit unfair to expect him to do it all.

So stay tuned, things might look a little different but definitely a lot more me.

Thanks for reading my news today.  I hope you have a brilliant start to your weekend, I know I shall.  Tracey x

Its time to open those drawers, dig through the boxes and give your embossing folders a little dust off.  If you would like to join me in The Craft Room on Tuesday 24th June at 1pm for a couple of hours we will find a few ways to use the embossing folders and give them a new lease of life.  Do get in touch with me if you fancy this, my contact details are below.

Stampin' Up! news and offers

To find out more about all the kits Stampin' Up! have, just click on the image below and a new page will open up for you.  If you have any queries, please get in touch. 

The Stampin' Up! Suite Sale and is on until the end of the month. Click on the image below to find out more.

When you purchase a suite - or any crafting products from a suite - from the Stampin' Up! catalogue or the Online Exclusive section, you can get another suite (or products from a different suite) at 50% off. The discount will be applied to the lower-priced item.

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep. 

If you would like to collect a proper copy from the Craft Room then get in touch

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY - Lovliest Tree Stamp Set and Stampin' Up! Markers

Good morning, today it is Bank Holiday Monday in Cyprus and everyone is celebrating Kataklysmos which is the Flood Festival.  Everything is centred around water and whilst it is also the sign that Summer has arrived as well as 50 days since Easter it is also reported that this is the sign that Noah received to build the ark due to the impending flood.   So it is cultural, religious and everything else in between.  

As it is going to be such a very hot day today, we haven't made any plans yet at all. Just to say that it will be a relaxed day.

I shared a card I made for my uncle a couple of weeks ago using the Loveliest Tree stamp set.  I created the image for this card using my Stampin' Write Markers.  I scribbled all over the foliage on the stamp with the Old Olive marker and then added bits of Mossy Meadow on to it.  Pecan Pie and Early Espresso were used for the tree trunk.  I then 'huffed' over the stamp and placed it on my card.  I kept it in place for a little longer than I normally would and then lifted the stamp off.  With a damp paintbrush I went over the stamped image and blended things in.  As you can see, I had a play with various different shades of things and now have a few more 'images' ready to create more cards with.  

Its time to open those drawers, dig through the boxes and give your embossing folders a little dust off.  If you would like to join me in The Craft Room on Tuesday 24th June at 1pm for a couple of hours we will find a few ways to use the embossing folders and give them a new lease of life.  Do get in touch with me if you fancy this, my contact details are below.

Stampin' Up! news and offers

To find out more about all the kits Stampin' Up! have, just click on the image below and a new page will open up for you.  If you have any queries, please get in touch. 

The Stampin' Up! Suite Sale and is on until the end of the month. Click on the image below to find out more.

When you purchase a suite - or any crafting products from a suite - from the Stampin' Up! catalogue or the Online Exclusive section, you can get another suite (or products from a different suite) at 50% off. The discount will be applied to the lower-priced item.

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep. 

If you would like to collect a proper copy from the Craft Room then get in touch

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE - Painted Wishes Kit Birthday card and Stampin' Up! News

Not too much happening for me today.  For those that may not know I suffer with Rhumatoid Arthritis and have to give myself an injection once a week - 10 days or so.  Yesterday was that day so today its a quiet day as I do have side effects that last for a while.  I can happily cope with these side effects as it gives me a quality of life for all the other days. 

If I am up to it, I will pop along to the local bar and have a game of bingo.  Its nice to mix with other folk and listen to the chatter. 

I dont believe that I shared this card with you which was sent out in the post recently. It is from a Stampin' Up! card kit called Painted Wishes which I think is really lovely. 

A few of us get together once a month for an evening of making up Stampin' Up! kits in company of like minded folk.  If you fancy joining us (and you dont mind a bit of a laugh) you are most welcome.  Look out for the advertisement, the next one will be on July 11th.

To find out more about all the kits Stampin' Up! have, just click on the image below and a new page will open up for you.  If you have any queries, please get in touch. 

The Stampin' Up! Suite Sale kicked off yesterday, and it’s an incredible opportunity.  

When you purchase a suite - or any crafting products from a suite - from the Stampin' Up! catalogue or the Online Exclusive section, you can get another suite (or products from a different suite) at 50% off. The discount will be applied to the lower-priced item.

It also appears that suites and their products from the Last Chance section are included in the promotion as well.

What a fantastic deal, especially if you decide to go for two full suites.  If you need any help with this please, do get in touch.

Thank you for having a read today and I hope yo have a wonderful day.  Do leave a comment if you have time as I love to read them. x

Stampin' Up! news and offers

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep. 

If you would like to collect a proper copy from the Craft Room then get in touch

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE

Good morning, another start to another week .  I only just managed to get June planned yesterday, its something I normally do in advance but with one thing and another, I only just made it yesterday.

I’ve got a few lovely things in mind: some creative catch-ups at The Craft Room, Derby, a meet-up at Insomnia in Shelton Lock on the 20th and of course, the Derby Dabblers get together towards the end of the month. But before all that, I’m kicking off June somewhere very special,  Cyprus, with my daughters and their boys. I can’t think of a better way to start the month.

Once I’m back, I’m hoping the longer days and (fingers crossed) warmer weather will help get my creative energy flowing again. I do love this time of year, sunshine and light evenings as long as it’s not too hot!

On a less cheerful note, I had a bit of a fall a few days ago and hurt my right knee. The pain’s been pretty intense, but I’m happy to say it’s slowly easing up. I’m planning a gentle walk along the seafront this morning, a bit of sea air always helps lift the spirits.

Here’s a card I made for my sister, Diane, a few weeks ago. I think I may have already shared it with you, but it’s one I really enjoyed creating.

Someone recently asked me how I managed to get the word “sister” so straight inside the card. The honest answer? I didn’t! It’s a handmade card, and in my eyes, it’s not perfectly aligned  but that’s part of the charm. Handmade pieces are never flawless, but they’re made with care, attention, and a whole lot of love  and I truly believe that’s what matters most.

We can be so critical of our own work, can’t we? Always spotting the tiny imperfections no one else would notice. I just hope Diane loved the card... though, she hasn’t actually said!

 I punched out the word sister and laid in on  grid paper as straight as I could get it. 

 I put a post it note on top of the letters so that they stuck to the sticky part.

I added glue to the letters whilst they were still stuck to the post it note

Keeping the letters on the post it note, I stuck them to the top of the card where I wanted them placing.  As you can see, this is where I didnt pay enough attention and they moved slightly.  

At the time I didnt think about it but I could have used the adhesive tape from Stampin' Up! so that is what I shall do next time and I have made a note to myself to share the results with you.

I stumbled across this.

It really is part of a boat and is on the very edge of the beach In Larnaca.  It has had some shelves added, painted and a cover put on it and each day the cover is lifted and anyone and everyone can help themselves to a book or two.  All that is asked is that you replace the books with something else you have read, what a great idea.  Its lovely to see ladies and gents browsing the books and chatting to each other.  

Stampin' Up! have a brand new event happening in July.  A month by month Album Retreat.

The Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 is happening from 17th–20th July, and although it’s based in the U.S., you can still take part here in the UK, it just means the live sessions will be running overnight for us.  But don’t worry if you can’t join live, all sessions will be available on replay, so you can catch up at your own pace. And during the live event, there will be fun prize giveaways too!

This virtual retreat is hosted by Stampin’ Up!, and it's packed with inspiration. You'll be guided through creating a 12 double-page layout album, that’s 24 beautifully designed scrapbook pages, all using the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 kit.

Here's what's included

• Exclusive stamp set
• Pre-cut designer papers
• Cardstock
• Embellishments
• And more

Please note that the Album is not included. 

When you purchase the kit you will get free access to a private Facebook group whee the live sessions will be streamed, along with replays and community support. 

The Kits, priced at £233 are only available whilst supplies last.  Do let me know if you would like to know more.

I have sent out the June newsletter which gives more information about whats happening in the Craft Room, Derby, other crafty get togethers and the promotions from Stampin' Up! this month. If you would like me to email it to you, just get in touch and I will get it sent straight out. 

Right then, off to test that knee.  Thank you so much for having a read, hope you have a brilliant start to your week.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! news and offers

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep. 

If you would like to collect a proper copy from the Craft Room then get in touch

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

To see all kits that are available, just click on the image below and a new page will open up. 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR - Weekend mode

 

Good morning, phew, the weekend arrived. Now, I may have left the working world behind a few years ago (thanks to a rather dramatic entrance of Rheumatoid Arthritis, it truly knows how to make an impact), but I still get that little thrill when the weekend rolls around.

Today’s plan? In theory, it's a relaxing one, an early morning stroll by the sea, a dabble with some paints and the occasional domestic chore... very occasional.

I’m also doing my best impression of a couch cushion and resting my legs, Lymphoedema is being extra dramatic in this heat, as it so often likes to be. Honestly, whoever said getting older is golden clearly never had to deal with ankles that swell up like inflatable armbands.  Still, it’s a new day, the kettle’s on, and I’m here for the little joys. 

So, I've been down the rabbit hole lately, reading up on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lymphoedema, and all the other delightful things my body has decided to collect over the last few years.  And do you know what keeps popping up as a common thread? Yep... weight. Or more accurately, having a little less of it.

Now, I won’t pretend I’m a “skinny mini” (I mean, where’s the fun in salad every day?), but after a very honest chat with myself, the kind that includes raised eyebrows and a lot of sighing, I’ve come to a simple conclusion, if I can lose just one pound a week for a year, it could make a world of difference.

Less pain, fewer swollen legs and maybe even no more weekly injections? Honestly, that sounds like a trade I’m willing to make!  So here we go: it’s time for Operation- One Pound at a Time. Slow and steady, with a side of humour and probably still the occasional biscuit wish me luck. 

After all the waffle, here is a card that I made for one of my most dearest friends who has been on my creative journey from the very beginning.  I know she has received the card so I can share it.  It is a design that I have used lots and lots and it works with every single Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper I have used.  Dont ask me what this paper was called as I really cant remember.

I do recall how much pleasure I had making the card and fussy cutting the birds.  I do adore the way it turned out.  I put a panel on the reverse side of the card for my greeting and it all folds up into one of our C5 envelopes that we use in the UK.

 

 Right, I had best get on with my day before it runs away with me.  Have a super Saturday and thank you so much for having a read.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! news and offers

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep.  If you would like an actual copy do let me know and you can pop in to pick one up or I will be happy to send one to you. 

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

To see all kits that are available, just click on the image below and a new page will open up. 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.