#Mix It Up Monday

Good morning. Mr. Weatherman says Derby is going to be a mixture of sun and clouds today and hot at 23 degrees.  Phew, that means that I have to put my factor 50 sun cream on as even nipping in and out of the house with this temperature and taking the medicine I am taking is not a good combination.

We had a lovely weekend and I hope you did too.  I did a little shopping with George in a crafty shop with a lovely explanation and play with some pixie dust from Lyndsey followed by a cuppa and cake (well it would be rude not to). Then it was home to food shopping, a bit of gardening, a few visitors, a Sunday lunch and puff, the weekend has gone.  

I thought I would join in with a couple of challengers this week and the first one is #Mix it up Monday, I can play now I found the # key.  On a mac this is not obvious and I had to look it up.    This is the colour combination set by Helen and HERE is the link if you want to play along.

This is the card that I came up with, Calypso Coral card base with a mat of Basic Black and Pool Party.  Piggy was stamped on to Shimmer White card and coloured in with Powder Pink ink taken from the ink pad lid.

      I actually cut the sentiment away from the stamp, something I do often but I know not everyone likes to do this.

But it does mean that I dont have to mask off the stamp to get the sentiment inside the banner from the Number of Years stamp set.

I painted the edges of the banner with Powder Pink ink and cut out the oval for the piggy using the Stitched Framelits.  I realised that the Powder Pink edge banner clashed with the Calypso Coral so I had to stamp out another one and ink it in Pool Party, again with ink taken from the ink pad lid.

This is everything together but not the best photo of the card, my photography skills are still terrible but I am sure that doesn't matter.

If you would like to find out more about this card or any of the Stampin' Up! products I have used please get in touch.

Thanks for having a read this morning.  I hope you have a great day whatever you are up to.  Tracey x

Vertical Greeting Notelett Set

Good morning and it has been forecast to be a rainy day today so I will be taking my mac (raincoat for the girls in Cyprus, not computer) out with me this morning.

I started a few Christmas cards last night but my arm is suffering this morning as I did a bit of colouring in with the SU sponge brayer, I am impressed again. 

I hope to get the cards finished over the weekend so will show you what I created next week.  The sponge brayer was perfect for the background. 

I am not sure if I showed you the Vertical Greetings set that we made a few weeks ago, here is the set, with the box. 

 

If you would like to find out more about this set, please get in touch as I always like to help, if I can.

Did you know that Stampin' Up! currently have BONUS DAYS for the month of July?  Please let me know if you would like a little more information about this.

Why not pop in tomorrow (Sunday) or on Monday for a cuppa and a natter about this.  You could also see what is on the Sale Table too.

Thanks for having a read and I do hope you stay dry today.  Tracey x

Crafting Forever

Good morning and the clouds are still in the sky.  Forecast is for a warm day with no rain.  A few plants have taken a bit of a battering with the downpour we had yesterday so will have to get some sticks to prop them up.

Here are some more cards that were made a couple of weeks ago.

I really am loving this stamp set and wish I could play with it a little more.  It is called Crafting Forever and I used the watercolour pencils for some adult colouring, I did quite well considering my fingers were not the best.  If you would like to purchase this set, you can do so online through the store and the stamps will be delivered straight to your door, if you need a hand to do this, just get in touch.

Our kitchen saga is really getting difficult but I hope we have found a solution. We would like a new kitchen, one of the two projects planned for this year. After months and months of searching, we thought the Ikea kitchen was perfect. Before it can be installed quite a lot of building works are required, re-plastering half the kitchen, lowering the ceiling, drains built at the side of the house, current breakfast bar/wall knocking down, new radiators and pipework to be installed, new pipework for water to the other side of the room for washing machine. Not too much but enough and we explained this to Ikea. No problem Ikea said, the company that will fit the kitchen will undertake all this extra work. Great. Company contacted, appointment made, they cancelled it 10 minutes after they should have been here. Next appointment made and then cancelled as he had an accident on his way here. Next appointment made, chappie changed the time by an hour a few minutes before he was due to knock on the door. He turned up and was here for 2 hours. He explained it wasn't his normal role within the company but he was helping out? We got a quote though the post and there were lots of additional bits added. We called and left a message, not heard from them for a week. We called again, nothing and that was in May. Had our holiday and called again well this has gone on for a month now and we are getting no where. Ikea say they are a good company but we feel that we are being fobbed off. Do you know when you get a 'gut feeling' that something is wrong, well this is how I feel.  Went to see a local kitchen company earlier this week after 4 friends recommended the same guy. He was lovely and we are now waiting to hear from him......kitchen is on hold. Phew.  I will keep you posted.

All SU goodies have arrived, are sorted and kettle is on all day and evening today.  I have sent emails and left messages so I hope everyone has got these. 

Tonight it is the Christmas Card and Chatter night.  You bring along all your own crafting supplies and sit with like minded folk to either make Christmas cards or just sit and chatter.  Lots of room, lots of biscuits (cant bake today as hands are not too good).   If you fancy coming along, just get in touch for venue details.

Right, off to start my day, fingers have warmed up a little

Tuesdays Twitter

Good morning and what a difference a day makes. We have rain in Derby this morning. The rain started yesterday and has been coming down on and off most of the night.  This is great news for us as it means that all the new plants we put in have had a good soaking.

Yesterday was a bit of a disaster *giggling*. I had to go for a blood test and Paul wanted to go to the local tip to get rid of bags and bags of garden waste so we decided to combine the two trips together. We set off for the tip but Paul needed the pharmacy first, opposite direction. We got stuck in traffic and a 5 minute journey took nearly half an hour but never mind, off to the tip. Just before we pulled in, a chappie stopped us to say that there had been an electrical fire at the tip and it would be closed for about an hour......we would return, so off to the hospital for blood test. I know I can have a blood test in lots of places but the old hospital in Derby have lots of people taking blood, they dont hurt me and I have got to know them.   Well we turned up and there wasn't a seat to be had, the queue was amazing and I was told it would take about one and half hours to get seen, so we left.  Finally went to another clinic and I dont recall anyone being so rough with me before, very painful, took ages to get the blood out and then we had to wait until I stopped bleeding. You should see the bruise I have this morning, ouch.  Back to the tip, queue was worse and so it was home.  Let us hope we have better luck today.

Thank you cards have been made using the Daisy stamp set.  This again is so popular that the punch is currently out of stock.  This is due back in stock around the beginning of August. You can purchase the stamp set though.  I have used navy and Old Olive for my cards.  The wonderful papers are again from the Daisy set, I cant get enough of them.  If you would like more information about these cards and matching tags, please get in touch.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day, despite the rain.  Tracey x

Morning Monday

Good morning, hope you have had a good weekend.  Weather here in Derby was smashing and we, (the royal we that is) have managed to spend a few hours in the front garden making it look even better than before. Here are just a few photos

There are still some gaps but as we have garden center vouchers we shall take a wander over to see what we can find when I am up to it.

This little purple lavender is a special one that Tricia gave us, it is called "Christiana" how wonderful is that.  There are lots of plants and shrubs that have been given to us by many friends and they add to making our garden look lovely, thank you.  There is even one plant that we dug up from the previous house as P.Ann gave it to us and it is doing so well.

I also managed to do a some more towards getting the craft room back to normal.  I didnt finish it as Anna came to visit in the morning *waving* and we got waylaid in the garden in the afternoon but today is another day.

A photo one of the Make and Takes that was available a couple of weeks ago to do. 

I finished off cards that were cut out but not used and now they are ready to send out with a little note inside.  Arent those little itty bitty ribbons pretty.  They are self adhesive too.

Dont forget it is Christmas Card and Chatter Club this week.

I had better get in that shower and get myself ready for the day.  Thank you for having a read and I hope you have a magical Monday.  Tracey x

6 month Pen Club

Good morning and another warm one.  Yesterday evening really was TOO hot.  We had 31.9 in our garden and not a lot cooler inside.  Woke up to 23 degrees today but no breeze and just where is the rain and the T storms.  Yes that is right, T storms *laughing*  Mr. Weather man said at 6pm last night T storms would arrive but they didnt.  We ran out of time to water the lawn and plants yesterday so this afternoon they will get a good old soak, if it doesnt rain.

I saw my GP and the works doc yesterday.  Things are progressing slowly but there is some slight improvements.  I think the Steroid injection has help though.  It seems that now that I have been off work for about a year, my employers dont have to have me back.  My Team Leader has always told me that as soon as I am able, I can go back so its rather confusing.  Can I physically go back and work?  I think I would like the opportunity to try.

I have updated the crafty get togethers in Alvaston, Derby which wouldnt go ahead if it wasnt for all the help that is offered, so thank you ladies.  Just look at the bottom right hand side of the blog page and you can see what is happening and when.

I finally managed to get all the things I took out of the craft room back in, with the help of hubby of course.  This does mean that I have far too much in my crafting space as I shouldn't have to clear the units and tables each time I want to display things so, another ruthless clear out is needed.  I still don't know why I hoard keep things, just in case but there is comfort knowing that I am not the only one.  Now I just have to tidy up in there over the weekend.

6 MONTH PEN CLUB - PEN SHARE

There are only 2 spaces left on the pen club, pen share.  For £20 a month, for 6 months you will get ALL SU stamp n write markets plus, 2016 - 2018 markers plus, 2017 - 2019 markers plus the carry case to store them all in plus, 3 classes on using your markers and if that wasnt enough, you will be a hostess for one of the six months and get £15 to spend on any current Stampin' Up! goodies.  If you would like more information, please get in touch.  The first 2 people to say they wish to join this will take the last places, sorry.

Nothing from Christiana to share with you today.  She needs to go and get supplies but as it is too hot, it isn't comfortable for her to do this plus, she is waiting for folk to pick her up to go to the shops.  Fingers crossed she manages to get some bits soon.

Well, I guess I need to go and try and potter for a while.   Thanks for having a read.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend Tracey x

Love Today Planner

Morning and who was up with the larks today?  The air was still, no breeze, nothing, not a complaint though as it was quite cool outside.

Can you believe that I still havent got the craft room put back in order *laughing*  you may ask "what am I messing around at" but the hours are just whizzing by.  Fingers crossed I get it done today after my visit to the doc and after my visit to the works occupational health department.  What with the hospital, doctors, nurses and occy health, I have no time to go back to work but then I guess that if I am at work I wouldnt have all these medical appointments, mmmm food for thought.

 Christiana has made another wreath

A very Summery one which I really like.

I have started to use my new planner.  It is a crafting one only so that I can keep ahead of the game, well at least I can try

If this is something you would like for yourself or a present (especially with Christmas coming up) please get in touch so that you can come and have a peek at mine.  It really is beautiful.

Thanks for having a read today.  I have to rush off to get ready to see the Doc.  Wishing you a terrific Thursday Tracey x

Midweek Musing

Morning.   It got a bit warm in Derby yesterday.  Today the forecast is 23 degrees which will be lovely.  The girls are struggling with the temperature in Cyprus at the moment.  The last few days have seen it rise up to 44 degrees and Christiana has said this morning that she is pleased that it is going to be cooler today, just 33 degrees, gulp.

Here are a few cards made with the Delightful Daisy bundle.  These were made at a crafty get together last month.

Here are some more ideas taken from the catalogue

You can purchase the stamp, the punch and co-ordinating papers and card and it will qualify for the bonus days promotion.

 Please let me know if you would like more information.

Christiana has been busy with her wreaths, not a lot more she can do in the heat.  She needs to stay in during the day so she is having fun with making different things.

 Quite a few of her friends want one of these balloon wreaths.

I am continuing with putting the craft room back together today, I didnt manage too much yesterday as not feeling the best.  Then it is off to the hospital for me this afternoon. 

Thank you for having a read and I hope you have a lovely Wednesday.  Tracey x

Happy Birthday Gorgeous

Morning, a late start for me today but that is okay.  It was injection day yesterday so a little out of sorts at the moment.  Hopefully I shall pick up as the day goes on and I will reply to emails and messages a little later.

I still havent put the craft room back together.  I took it apart for last weekends get together and moved lots of things out.  It will be fun putting it all back in place again.

I totally forgot to put the winning raffle ticket on the blog and other places so I will rectify that now.  Paul did the draw and the winner is

526

If you could let me know if you have the winning ticket, that would be great. Your prize of 12 x 12 double sided papers, ribbon, notebook, pencils, sander etc. are all here ready for collection.  I am sorry I cant offer to drop it off but I am not driving at the moment with my hands being affected by R.A.

Here is another stamp set that saw ink recently

This is a wonderful set called Happy Birthday Gorgeous and at £19 for 32 stamps, it really is good value.  I shall just wait a few days for the hands to be less painful and have another play.

Christiana has been busy making her pom pom rugs and other bits and pieces.  Here is her latest creation

I think it is great and I am really proud of her making these wreaths.

Off to start my Tuesday, wishing you a wonderful day and thank you for having a read Tracey x

Soft Sayings

Good morning.  The sun is out so it is bound to be a nice day.

We had a wonderful weekend, lots of visitors from crafty friends and it was great to see everyone and have time to sit down and chat.  I am really sorry if you couldnt make it but if you fancy a visit anytime this week please let me know so that we can arrange a day.


This is one of the card kits from Stampin' Up! using the new In Colours.  As well as a stamp set, acrylic block , washi tape, ink pad and so many pre cut shapes, you get 20 cards that already have designs printed on them.  This is my current favourite.

It is a great set for you to use or to give as a present to a crafty friend and at the moment, it is one of my favourite. 

I hope that this link below will work and take you to a video showing you a little more detail about this kit.

As this kit has a refil as well, I think it is well worth it.  If you would like to find out more please, just get in touch and pop round to have a look at the actual kit over a cuppa.

Off to start my day, thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful Monday.  Tracey x

Lazy Sunday Morning

Good  morning and after 11 hours of being in bed, I should certainly be feeling good today. 

3 years ago we left our previous house and moved here.  I still wake up every day and feel as though I am on holiday.  I love this house so much and will love it even more tomorrow when it gets a good clean.

We all had a lovely day yesterday, plenty of visitors in the craft room, samples oohhed and arred at, lots of inspiration for future projects.  The make and takes were made and taken and the chit chat was accompanied by cakes and laughter.  It was a wonderful day and thank you to everyone who took the time to come along and be a part of it.  A special mention to Sue who visited for the first time with Daughter in Law Alison and she is going to join us later in the month on a crafty night.

Of course, if you didn't make it yesterday and fancy a crafty afternoon today, please do pop in anytime after 2pm.  Kettle will be on, makes and takes are ready to be made and lots of cake too.

Sheila had a great time cutting out these lovely little animals and then coloured them in for me to cut up and put some delicious chocolates inside. 


I shall be making cards with the stamp set for a party that will take place later in the month.


Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day.  Tracey x

Delightful Daisies

Morning, I wanted a lie in today but I woke up very early and couldnt get back to sleep, oh well, perhaps a nana nap later will help.

A wonderful evening was had last night, thank you to all the lovely ladies that I shared evening with.  A few cards were made, drinks were had, cakes were courtesy of Mr. Spencer and Mark as my fingers wouldnt allow me to bake but they were nice.  I dont think we have all laughed so much for so long, it is good for the soul.

A Delightful Daisy card was made.  These daisies are everywhere on the internet and I can certainly see why, very addictive.

On this card the daisy stamp and punch were used as well as the papers.  Night of Navy and Daffodil Delight were the ink and card colours and of course, to do the colouring in, the lovely Shimmery White Card Stock was used to punch out the daisies.   The card front was finished off with a faceted gem, which are so very sparkly.  If you would like more information about the card and what was used to make it, please get in touch.  A very big thank you goes to Julie H and Sheila H for all their help, without it we wouldn't have been able to get together last night.

Thank you for popping in for a read and, if you fancy popping in for a cuppa and a catch up tomorrow, there will be lots happening in the craft room all day, it would be lovely to see you. Tracey x