The Craft Room, Derby

Monday

DAY EIGHTY NINE - Part 2 All about Stampin' Up! Paper Pumpkin™.

There’s a little bundle of crafty delight fluttering its way to us, and it’s called Paper Pumpkin™. Loved in the US for years, it has now arrived here in the UK and across Europe, bringing a monthly dose of creativity straight to your doorstep, with shipping included, which is always a treat.

Each box is like a present waiting to be opened… beautifully curated, perfectly colour co-ordinated (of course!), and filled with everything you need to create something rather lovely. Inside you’ll find an exclusive stamp set, a Classic Stampin’ Spot™, pre-cut elements, embellishments and easy-to-follow instructions. It’s all been thoughtfully designed so you can simply sit down, relax and enjoy some creative time.

And the fun part? Whilst you’ll get a little sneak peek each month, the full contents remain a surprise… adding to the excitement of that happy delivery day.

If you click HERE, you can get a bit more information and see some previous Paper Pumpkin™ kits. This will open in a new page.

As a subscriber, there are a few extra perks too, access to exclusive refills, co-ordinating add-ons released throughout the year, and even a lovely Welcome Kit with your first box, including a clear stamp block to get you started. There are also dedicated Facebook groups and YouTube videos showcasing previous kits, so there’s always plenty of inspiration to dip into.

Even better, every kit earns you Stampin’ Rewards, making it a crafty treat that keeps on giving. The subscription is wonderfully flexible—you can pause or cancel at any time—so you can choose what suits you best.

Subscription options:
Pay-as-you-go – £30 per month (billed on the 11th) Earn up to £2.10 in rewards per kit

3 months – £90 Earn up to £6.30

6 months – £180 Earn up to £12.60

12 months – £360 Earn up to £25.20

Just a little note… you’ll need to subscribe by the 10th of each month if you’d like that month’s kit.

Truly, a little box of creativity landing on your doorstep each month feels like such a well-deserved treat. If your crafty heart is feeling tempted, you can log into your Stampin’ Up! account to get started. If you don’t yet have an account, I’d be more than happy to help you set it up.

Here is a link for you to subscribe

Only a few days left to sign up for this month, do get in touch if you would like a little more information.

DAY EIGHTY NINE - Cutest Crew cards

Good morning, well, I seem to have won the jackpot with a glorious 10 hours in bed… so today I’m positively brimming with the joys of spring—how delightful! However, the doctor has put me on some new medication for my blood pressure (this is the third one for me to try). It does mean that they also work as a duiretic oppps. Hopefully with a little weight loss I can stop taking them, thats the goal.

It looks like we’re starting the day under a blanket of cloud in my neck of the woods, but with a little sunshine promised later, so I’m quietly hopeful that the “royal we” might make an appearance in the garden for a spot of fresh air and gentle pottering. There will, of course, be a crafty fix at some point (well, it would be rude not to).

Mum seems to be having a good few days. She seems to be well and dad is doing an amazing job keeping on top of everything but he is still refusing any help in the house. Sis and neice do the shopping as dad still cant drive. He had to have a couple of eye proceedures and is waiting to have yet another one before he can get behind the steering wheel but, to be honest, I am not sure that he wants to drive anymore. Time will tell.

So as I write this, the new bread maker is on once again, another wholemeal and seed loaf and the smell is so tantalizing, but I am happy with the one slice in an open sandwich followed by yoghurt and fruit.

Last week in the craft room we spent some time creating with the absolutely delightful Cutest Crew stamp set from Stampin’ Up! (you’ll find all the details at the end of this post). It’s such a charming collection, filled with sweet dogs, playful cats and pretty little birds, perfect for so many occasions.

Today I’m sharing a few simple cards featuring the dogs and cats and I truly think these designs are ideal for all ages. Sometimes it’s the simplest projects that bring the most joy, just a little stamping, a touch of trimming and some gentle colouring. Such a lovely, relaxing way to spend some creative time.

I chose to keep these cards beautifully clean and uncluttered, without adding embellishments, allowing those adorable images to really take centre stage.

Have you heard of Paper Pumpkin? I think will write a whole new post to tell you all about it but the exciting thing is, we can subscribe in the UK today and for the next 4 days to get the April kit. To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open. But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

Well I had best get a wiggle on and start my day. Thank you for having a read and I shall be back with more information about Paper Pumpkin. Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

The Last Chance List has been refreshed and its filled with beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts. There are incredible bargins to be had with ephemera, stamps, Designer Series papers and stunning stamp and die bundles which are really discounted when purchased seperately. It is the perfect opportunity to snap up pieces that you may have had your eye on and add them effortlessly, to your co-ordinated elements which you may already have in your stash. Its a wonderful chance to treat yourself because once they are gone, they are gone. If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Did you know that every Peach Pie, Summer Splash, Petunia Pop, Pretty in Pink and Shy Shamrock will be retiring soon? If any of these are your favourite colours, I would recommend that you grab them whilst you can, especially the re-inkers.

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own.

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE 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 receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know. I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials. Always lots of new friends waiting to be met.

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

Product List

Cutest Crew Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167146] £18.00	Cutest Crew Dies [167148] £29.00	Cutest Crew Bundle (English) [167149] £42.25	Basic White A4 Cardstock [166781] £14.00
Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] £16.00	Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock [121685] £14.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] £7.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Refill [133456] £6.25
Clear Block Bundle [165674] £56.75	Paper Trimmer [152392] £27.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue [154974] £5.75	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] £4.00
Stampin' Mist [153648] £13.00	Stampin' Scrub [126200] £20.00	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673] £65.00

Sunday

DAY EIGHTY EIGHT - Easter and a bit of a catch up

Good morning, wishing you a very Happy Easter, however your day unfolds. I’m planning a gentle day of pottering and getting a little ahead, with a cosy Easter lunch and some lovely time together with my hubby, just the kind of simple joy I adore.

Here is how my run up to Easter has been, it started off with a few Easter cards. I had intended on making quite a lot but I have been suffering with artheritis in my hands and it has made doing any crafting rather difficult but I did get to create these cards

Then I made a few of these which are rather cute. I have already pencilled in a get togther in February next year to share how they are made. Easter in the UK is late in March in 2027

Three of these Raspberry Cakes were created within the week, yes 3. They dont last when there are folk around, one of the best recipes I have discovered. Do let me know if you would like me to email you the details.

And finally the surprises, eggs, chocolates, Welsh Cakes, cards, crackers, note books, pretty flowers and containers. Totally spoilt and I cant thank everyone enough. The chocolate will get eaten bit by bit over the next few weeks, the Welsch Cakes wont last 5 minutes. The plants have had to have a couple of nights in the greenhouse. It has been so windy I have been afraid that they will get blown over. The cards, are smashing and so full of inspiration.

For those that have asked about my photos, I am pleased to say that I got rid of a few thousand and I am not sure if I am bothering with the rest. We are now having photo books printed out because at the end of the day, when we are gone, no one is going to look on a computer at old photos so both hubby and I are going through them all, year by year, picking out the best and getting the books printed and up to date.

Here is the card that I made for my daughter in law who recently had a birthday. I am quite liking the fun fold cards so I have made a note to myself to create a few more.

You can still earn rewards, to be used in the future, should you purchase Last Chance products.
You can grab the product of the month should you place an order of £70 or more for the price of £5

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own.

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

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

Thank you for having a read today. I hope you have a wonderful day, Tracey x

Thursday

DAY SEVENTY ONE - Pop Up Petals Galore

Good morning. It seems that its going to be quite nice weather wise in my neck of the woods today which does mean a little more gardening will get done. I am really pleased to say that the seeds that we planted some time ago seem to have taken and are sprouting. Not too sure yet when we need to plant on but it wont be long. Unfortunately the lawn isnt looking too good. There is so much moss in it but with all the rain we have had and are still likely to get, its a bit early to do anything about it.

Mum had a fall on Saturday, not long after we visited and unfortunately, she took dad down with her too. They were both very shaken and it was a case of inches missing the wooden tv stand and what ifs. She has a bruise to her leg and she has scratched her arm and cut it. Dad has a bruise on his arm but they were both very frightened. Last night I dont think mum remebers it happening but dad was rather frightened by it all. They got tangled in the zimmer frame and it has broken. Fortunately, brother in law had one so he took it round to them.

For those that have asked, yes, I am still working on my photos on the computer. I currently have over 36,000 and am deleting the ones that I no longer want. I cant pass the photos on the the girls when I am no longer here on a stick but I do wonder if its all worth it though. I am going to try to spend less time sorting them out but getting some photo books made, so that I can pass on books as no one is going to look at the computer when I have gone.

These are some of the cards that were created in February using the Pop Up Petal Bundle, which includes both a stamp set and coordinating dies. It is such a lovely set to work with and lends itself beautifully to colour-coordinated designs. I began by creating the inserts. A charming planter was stamped and paired with some of the new designer series papers that feature a soft woodgrain effect, which adds a wonderful natural texture to the design. The flowers from the stamp set were stamped directly onto the insert, with a few extra blooms added for a fuller arrangement. One of the sweetest details is the little butterfly, perched on a piece of acetate so that it gently hovers when the card is opened, creating a delightful surprise.

Once the inserts were complete and adhered inside the card bases, attention turned to decorating the fronts. For these I used the brand new Lazy Daisy embossing folder, which creates such a cheerful pattern and adds a lovely layer of interest. It is a delightful folder and I am very much looking forward to spending more time experimenting with it.

The stamp set includes two vase designs. For some cards the vase was stamped first and the flowers were added using a little simple masking to create a neat arrangement. On others, additional flowers were stamped separately and then layered around the vase.

Each card was finished with a touch of linen thread and a few coordinating embellishments to tie the colours and textures together. Some of the cards include sentiments, while others have been left without one so they are ready and waiting for the perfect occasion.

Details of what I have used can be found at the end of the post.

Kit Night is happening in The Craft Room tomorrow evening, and you would be very welcome to join us. If you already have a kit that you’ve been meaning to make, bring it along. If not, that’s no problem at all as I have a few kits available on the sales dresser ready and waiting.

The evening is really all about the social side of crafting. It’s a chance to spend a relaxed couple of hours with like-minded people, catching up with friends, meeting new ones, and enjoying some creative time together. The projects may all be different, but we share the same lovely thing in common, a love of crafting. If this sounds like your sort of evening, do let me know. It would be lovely to have you come along and spend some creative time with us.

Well I think I had best go and start my day, got a busy morning ahead and then we shall have fun in the craft room. Thank you so much for having a read. Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Oooo, it's all rather exciting in the world of pretty paper and perfectly paired colours. Stampin' Up! have sprinkled even more loveliness into their Online Exclusive Range and it's a feast for anyone who adores colour co-ordination, beautiful details and a whole world of crafting possibilities just waiting to be explored. This dreamy combinations, delightful embellishments and those "oh my goodness I need that" moments we all know so well. If you click on the image above, you can browse all the brand new arrivals. Of course, should something catch your eye and you would like a closer look, please do get in touch as I am always happy to help.

Three wonderful new kits on offer from Stampin' Up! If you click on the image above, a new page will open with details of all the kits currently available. If you need more information, would like to see a kit or to find out more please, do get in touch. I am always happy to help if I can. There are also a few kits available to purchase in the Craft Room.

I do have a few kits for sale in The Craft Room, Derby should you be looking for one.

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own.

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

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

Product List

Pop Up Petals Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167041] £23.00	Pop Up Petals Dies [167043] £27.00	Pop Up Petals Bundle (English) [168010] £45.00	Basic White A4 Cardstock [166781] £14.00
Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] £16.00	Lazy Daisy 3 D Embossing Folder [167196] £10.25	Wood Grain Wonders 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [167428] £11.75	Pretty In Pink A4 Cardstock [163794] £14.00
Pretty In Pink Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [163824] £10.25	Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin Pad [163807] £8.50	Berry Burst A4 Cardstock [144249] £14.00	Berry Burst Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [161681] £10.25
Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [155518] £10.25	Pool Party A4 Card Stock [124391] £14.00	Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [147107] £8.50	Pool Party Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154894] £10.25
Soft Sea Foam A4 Cardstock [147012] £14.00	Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [147102] £8.50	Darling Duckling Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [165288] £10.25	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] £7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Refill [133456] £6.25	Linen Thread [104199] £4.75	Clear Block Bundle [165674] £56.75	Paper Trimmer [152392] £27.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [154974] £5.75	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] £4.00	Stampin' Mist [153648] £13.00	Stampin' Scrub [126200] £20.00
Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673] £65.00