DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE - The longest day of the year

 

Good morning! I’m happy to report a small personal victory, I managed to stay in bed for a whole extra hour today.  With any luck, that means I’ll make it an hour later tonight too. Resetting the body clock is officially underway. Fingers crossed.

In other news, the weatherman has graced us with a warning that thunderstorms are on the way. Now, I do love a good storm, nothing quite like the drama of thunder and lightning from the comfort of a cozy chair when its warm but before the show begins, we (and by “we,” I naturally mean the royal we) need to spend some time in the garden for a bit of a tidy-up. There’s tying, staking and a whole lot of weeding to be done. Honestly, I don’t know what the weeds have been feeding on while we were away, but they’re having a party out there.   I also have lots of putting away in the house to get on with this morning too, oh it will all get done eventually, there is no rush.

Right then... it’s time. I’m beginning the emotional (and slightly chaotic) journey of parting with some of my beloved retired Stampin’ Up! goodies. Yes, they’re gorgeous. Yes, they still spark joy but it's getting a bit crowded in the Craft room and coming back from holiday made me realise, I simply can’t use everything all the time, unless I clone myself, and that’s just not going to happen.

So, I’ve added a brand-new page to this blog called 'Let it Go' No glamorous photos just yet, think of it as a soft launch, a humble little list that will grow (hopefully in reverse). If anything on it catches your eye, feel free to get in touch (my contact details are below). It is found on a tab at the top of this page.

These treasures will also be popping up on a few other internet sites, because, let’s be honest, my craft stash could easily fill a small village hall. It’ll be lovely to create some breathing room and maybe even rediscover the top of my desk!

We had a great morning at our Cuppa and a Card get together yesterday.  Here are the photos I managed to take.  I must remember to take my time and get better photos. 

Our next get together will be on Friday, 18th July but I will tell you about it again, nearer the time.

Thank you so much to reading my ramblings today.  Do leave a comment if you wish and if you can, I take so much pleasure knowing that folk are seeing the blog.  Tracey x

Upcoming Events

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.

We have our Derby Dabblers get together this Friday night.  Come along armed with something to keep you busy for a few hours, have a cuppa and a biscuit/cake.  Bingo half way through the night with Sheila.  It really is a lovely group of ladies and we always have a laugh. 

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 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.