DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE - Brighten Your Day Birthday Card

 

 

Good morning, we are having a bit of a blip with the car.  On Sunday we drove up the mountain, round the mountain and back down the other side. The car ran smoothly.  We stopped off for a drink and when we started it up again, it wasn't too happy.  Anyway, we crawled over to the son in law, who is a mechanic and he said it needed a new battery.  On Monday the battery went in but it didnt cure the issue.  Yesterday it had some pipes and tubes cleaned out  (I was surprised at how clean the engine actually is) and hubby drove it around the block and it was fine.  After a visit to one of the daughters (and to get a few cuddles from the little one), we left and the car misbehaved again, drat.  It is just when it is at slow speed, it just decides to stop.  Such a worry but, we shall try it for a few days and see how we get on.

I only went and pulled the muscles in my bum, groin area and all around my hip again last night, getting up from the sofa.  The pain was excruciating.  So it is back to the zimmer frame and painkillers today although we should be looking after little ones from 1.30 - 2.30 and then the bigger one from 4pm - 6pm.  Let's see how this will work out.

Here is a birthday card that I handed out for a birthday girl that is celebrating today,.  It is from the Brighten Your Day Kit.  It doesn't look exactly as the instructions given for making up the card as we all had a get together and made 36 cards rather than the 9.

They all turned out wonderfully and are a great addition to the cards that I have on hand whenever I need one.  No panic at all, it's such pleasure to pick one out. 

After a busy day yesterday, we got home to a queue of people waiting for us.  One gentleman wanted a key fob to open and close the gates to the car park.  That was soon sorted.  Another gentleman had no electricity, oh my.  All the obvious things in his apartment were checked so then it was down to the big electricity cabinet and lo and behold, there was his electricity meter all tied off.  Opps, he had obviously not paid his bill, yikes.  

The other gentleman waiting was a different story.  He is going to do a few little jobs around the pool and he wanted to confirm all the details so we did that, in the dark but it was nearly 9pm by the time we sat down.  Our planned dinner was a tasty freshly cooked chicken kebab and salad from the local kebab shop which we had been looking forward to all day.  Sadly we thought it was a little late so we grabbed a couple of slices of toast and a cup of tea whilst watching the latest drama The Cage.  

Right, I had best get myself sorted and see what the day brings.  Thanks for having a read, Tracey x 

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 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. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

 

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subscriptions are now for the June 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.

 

 

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.  

 

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE

 

The sun rose this morning and boy has it been hot.  Fortunately we were out and about very early, babysitting.  We had a couple of hours with the eldest grandchild who is such a pleasure to be with.  His English is really coming on and the words he is coming out with is wonderful.  Grandad is now a good boy *laughing*.

Then it was off to the capital with the youngest grandson.  I sat in the back of the car with him happily chatting away, laughing and teaching him a few words, which he soon picked up.  We played peek a boo and he has now added the word boo to his vocabulary.  We grabbed a coffee before having a wander and it was soon time to come home again.  Good job really as it got extremely hot.  I have had an hour with feet up and an hour with friends.  Tonight it's catching up on the Martin Lewis show from earlier this week which we missed.  

Here are some book marks that were made prior to the new Stampin' Up! catalogue launch.  I still have some in the craft room and if you are local, you are most welcome to collect one on 20th June when I have my next get crafty chat and cuppa in there.  I do love days where we all catch up.   Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can spill out into the garden.

 

 

 

 

Stampin' Up! Promotions

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the May 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.

 

 

Here is the May - August 2026 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.  

 

 

 

DAY- ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT - Lots of news and birthday cards

Good morning, you may want to grab a cuppa, this is turning into such a long post, oh well.  

It's a day of rest today.  I over did it slightly yesterday so I am not doing too much today.  The sun is shining and we have already had a few steps down on the beach.  My hip is rather bad but I am hoping with a few steps each day, trying to increase them, it might make things a little better.  I dont particularly want to seek medical help but if I have to, I will.

it is always quiet at this time of the day.

It's been quite a busy week in the Stampin' Up! world with lots of new things happening.  I must get the updates done on the blog so that you can see the changes but, one thing at a time.

The new catalogue was released whoop whoop. It is bursting with inspiration from cover to cover with 88 beautifully designed pages. You’ll discover an incredible collection of new stamp sets, co-ordinating dies and the stunning new In Colors, all perfectly paired with matching ribbons, embellishments, card stock, Stampin’ Blends and gorgeous Designer Series Papers.

Everything is thoughtfully colour co-ordinated to make creating effortless and truly eye-catching projects.

This catalogue isn’t just about products, it’s filled with timeless layouts, inspiring card designs and creative ideas that you can return to again and again, simply by switching up colours, papers or embellishments to suit your style.

The catalogue is available from now until the end of August, giving you plenty of time to explore, plan and create. You can browse it online using the link below, or if you prefer the feel of a beautiful catalogue in your hands, I’d be delighted to get a hard copy to you.

https://issuu.com/.../docs/may_august_2026_catalogue_gb...

Ready to start creating straight away? You can shop directly from the catalogue via my online store:

https://traceyrossos.stampinup.net

If you have any questions at all, I’m always here and happy to help, just get in touch. And why not come and see it all in person?

If you are local to Derby why not pop into The Craft Room on Saturday 20th June, anytime throughout the day. Have a browse, pick up your catalogue and enjoy a relaxed, crafty chat over a cuppa while discovering all the gorgeous new products together. I can’t wait to share it all with you.

There are two wonderful looking kits available for the month of May called, Pretty Party Kit and Serene Scenes Kit.  Both are just £24—and I have a feeling they won’t be around for long.

Have you discovered the Stampin’ Up! Online Exclusives yet? Oh my goodness… you are going to LOVE these! 

These fabulous products are only available online, which means they’re not found in the catalogue, like a little hidden collection of crafting treasures just waiting to be discovered.
New Online Exclusives are released throughout the year, bringing you fresh inspiration with beautifully co-ordinated stamp sets, dies, Designer Series Papers, embellishments and more. As always with Stampin’ Up!, everything is designed to work perfectly together, making it so easy to create stunning, professional-looking projects with that signature style, quality and colour co-ordination we all adore.
For those of you who prefer to flick through something at your leisure, I’m more than happy to send you a PDF of the latest Online Exclusives, along with the previous two releases, so you can really get a feel for everything that’s available.

And if you’d like a little help, I’m nearly always available whether it’s placing an order for Online Exclusives or any other Stampin’ Up! goodies or answering queries or unsure how to use what you have just purchased. 

Take a look and be inspired, you never know what creative gem you might find. 

Oh my goodness… let me tell you about these gorgeous new ink pads
Not only do they look beautiful, but they’ve been thoughtfully re-designed to make your crafting even easier and more enjoyable. These new style ink pads are slightly larger, giving you more surface area for effortless inking, perfect for those larger stamps and smooth, even coverage every time.
And here’s the clever part… they feature a magnetic closure, keeping your ink pads securely shut while still being so easy to open when creativity calls. They also stack neatly together, helping you keep your craft space organised and looking oh-so-lovely.
Even better, they’ve been designed to work with your current storage, so you can slot them right in with your existing collection, no need to change a thing!

Introducing the five stunning new In Colors:
Barely Blush, Crisp Cantaloupe, Golden Glow, Peaceful Pine and Hydrangea Hue, a beautifully balanced palette that works perfectly together and across so many styles of crafting.

As always with Stampin’ Up!, these colours don’t stand alone, they come with a whole suite of co-ordinating products, including ribbons, card stock, embellishments, Stampin’ Blends and gorgeous Designer Series Papers. Everything is designed to mix, match and layer effortlessly, giving your projects that polished, professional finish.
And just to make them even more special, these five In Colors are the only ones available in this brand new ink pad format this year, making them a must-have for your collection.
They are priced at £14 each, or you can purchase them all for £63 but be warned, the stock is getting low.
If you like the idea of colour co-ordination and would like to get one colour each month for five months, ink pad, A4 card, Designer Series Papers, Ribbon and embellishments, and can collect from The Craft Room Derby, why not join the In Colour Club for £23 a month to build your collection. There are currently 4 spaces remaining, leave me a message below and I will get back to you.
Beautiful, practical, perfectly co-ordinated… what’s not to love.

So much to take in isnt there, hopefullyI can pass on more information over the weekend.

In amongst sharing all the beautiful new colours and gorgeous new products that Stampin’ Up! have released, I still have quite a few cards made over the last couple of months waiting patiently to be finished.

You know how it is… they just needed that perfect sentiment, a finishing embellishment, an insert or those final little touches to bring everything together. I must admit, I am a little bit guilty of leaving cards half finished while I move on to the next exciting project. Anyway, I recently spent some time completing a few more birthday cards and added them to the box. I am so pleased with how they turned out. Here are a few of the latest finished creations.

 

If you managed to get to the end phew, sorry about all that.  Thank you so much for having a read, Tracey x

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR - Thank you card

 

 

 

Good morning, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is slightly better today than yesterday but only because it is Monday which means wash day.  I dont think you can beat washing blowing dry on a line in the wind.  It  certainly decided to make an entrance today The first thing I knew what the electricity going off twice in the night. Not so much of an issue unless you rely on it for a CPAP machine, guess who woke with a start (or a choke) twice.

Then it was the rain, rumbling thunderstorms and winds with a mind of their own! It got so blustery that a cover was whisked straight off my daughter’s roof and sent flying into her garden table… which, I might add, used to be one beautiful sheet of glass… used to be.

After a lovely day yesterday of not doing a lot except for a wonderful time with the boys, today is the start of a new week and we have a few official visits to make at lunch time.  Babysitting for an hour this evening and who knows what else in between, let's hope a little crafting is involved.

Here is a card that I made using one of the Stampin' Up! kits, long retired now, I think it is about 2 years old.  It was called Hello Hollyhocks and I just loved the layout of the design.  I must admit that I have copied this layout for so many other cards too.

I have about 8 boxes half done kits in my cupboard and it is my intention to get them all finished off by the end of July.  I so enjoy getting creative with them and especially now as we have Paper Pumpkin available in the UK too.

We have a kit get together most months in The Craft Room and the next one will be on Monday, June 22nd at 10.00am.  If you have a kit or a Paper Pumpkin why not save the date and come along to The Craft Room and join us. 

Thanks so much for having a read, Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

The Last Chance List has is 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 bargains 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. It's 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 you can have a browse.

 

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

Paper Pumpkin has arrived whoop whoop.   I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the May 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.  

 

 

 

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse. This will be ending on Monday 4th May, tomorrow..  Then there will be a new catalogue available. 

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE - More Finished Cards

 

Good morning and we have rain. It has been steadily raining in my neck of the woods since last night but it's not cold.  It does stop us doing lots of things with the boys but never mind, we shall just change our plans and meet up and make memories in other ways.

I didnt manage to get any crafting done yesterday but I can share these lovely cards that I recently finished.  I added inserts, some with sentiments and left some blank, waiting for just that perfect occasion when it may be needed.  These are now in my box, ready to be sent out.  There is something quite wonderful about having a selection of cards you can put your hands on straight away to send.

 Did you know that there are only two days left before the Annual Catalogue closes its pages for the very last time?  On Tuesday a brand new catalogue will go live, new colours, new products and lots of inspiration.  Of course it doesnt mean that you have to discard all the items you already have, you just enhance them by adding a few new pieces that will co-ordinate perfectly.  

As well as the new catalogue there will be

a new craft class you can sign yourself up with

a starter kit offer

a brand new product of the month with a £70 spend

new kits for you or to purchase as a present, they really do make ideal gifts

more online exclusive products - happy to send out an email of these

Such a lot, so much to look forward to.

Thank you for having a read today, wishing you a smashing Sunday.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

The Last Chance List has is 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. It's 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 product will be retiring in just a couple of days?  If any of these are your favourite colours, I would recommend that you grab them whilst you can, especially the re-inkers.  

Paper Pumpkin has arrived whoop whoop.   I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the May 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.  
 

 

 

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse. This will be ending on Monday 4th May, just a few days time.  Then there will be a new catalogue available. 

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO - One sheet wonder birthday card

Another day of lovely sunshine in my little corner of the world, and today I’m declaring it a “catch my breath” kind of day, the gentle sort, with a bit of this, a sprinkle of that, and plenty of pauses along the way. A slow ease into the weekend, letting the day wander wherever it pleases and hopefully remembering what it feels like not to be rushing from one thing to the next.

It’s been a wonderfully full few days though, time with family (the very best kind), plenty of chats, a few things ticked off the list and lots of catching up with people who’ve wanted to see us. Busy, but in a good way.

With a little luck, I might even sneak in some crafting at some point today, fingers crossed 

On the mend too, which is good news. The hip is slowly behaving itself, and I’m managing a little walk here and there although I may have been slightly over-optimistic on Thursday, lesson learned, ouch indeed.  The warmer weather means the compression socks are making a regular appearance (not the most glamorous of accessories, but they’re doing their job).

As for the diet… well, today feels like a good day to give it another proper go. Fresh start, fresh mindset.

So all in all, a gentle plan, a hopeful heart, and a day to take things as they come 

 Here’s a little card I created for a lovely lady who celebrated her birthday yesterday. It’s a One Sheet Wonder card in the ever-beautiful Misty Moonlight — such a gorgeous colour to work with, and a technique I always have so much fun playing with.  There’s something rather magical about stamping a one sheet wonder and turning this one simple sheet into something so lovely.

I had the pleasure of handing it over in person, which is always the best part, and I do hope it added a little extra sparkle to her day.

 Thank you for having a read today, Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

The Last Chance List has recently been refreshed and it's 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. It's 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 product 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.  

Paper Pumpkin has arrived whoop whoop.   I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the May 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.  
 

 

 

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse. This will be ending on Monday 4th May, just a few days time.  Then there will be a new catalogue available. 

  

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. 

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.  

 

 

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE - Fun fold day with the stamperettes and FLASH sale tomorrow

 

 

Good morning, white rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit etc.  How on earth did we get to the first of May already?  

We have had a couple of days full of travelling adventures and we find ourselves back with the family.  Travelling in a wheelchair is something very different and whilst most of the time folk are really helpful, other times I was just totally ignored.  At one stage a man who nearly walked straight into me gave me a look as if it was my fault that I was in his way.  He was so engrossed in his phone as he was walking and was not aware of his surroundings tut tut.

But we made it, minus my kindle.  I left it on the plane.  I am so sad about this as I have had it a while and it was a present.  I have written to the both the airline, lost and found and everyone else I can think of but, it's not been handed in as yet but I can hope.

How wonderful it is to be back with the little ones and what a change.  Its great being able to see then each day with the technology available to us all now but in person, wow.  They have grown and got their own personalities and such a pleasure to be around.  

Waking up to the sunshine and not too hot weather is such a bonus.  My legs have been behaving until yesterday.  We had to go to a funeral and I was stood up for far too long and of course, they decided to swell and become painful but, its back to the routine today, gentle walks (as much as the hip allows), pottering and putting them up and then repeat.  Lots of glasses of water and hopefully in a couple of days, they will have recovered.

At a recent fun fold get together we had a go at a card template that a fellow demonstrator Jackie Bolhuis shared on how to create and here they all are.

 

 

 Here is a little more details of the pretty hidden folded piece where you can write your message.  This wonderful be the only card I shall be making using this template.  

 

This design felt like the perfect match for the "something old, something new" challenge.  The "old" comes from a much loved stamp set Inked and Tiled, which may have retired some time ago but still brings that timeless charm and beautifully co-ordinated style we all adore.  The "new" is this fabulous fun fold,  shared by Jackie Bolhuis, a fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, it was such a joy for us all to learn this fun fold and create it together.    A wonderful blend of classic and fresh, all wrapped up in colour co-ordination and quality, exactly what makes crafting so special.

Tomorrow is World Card Making Day and to celebrate Stampin' Up! are having a FLASH SALE.  Click on the image below and it will take you directly to the Stampin' Up! shop and you can see all the offers yourself.  Dont hang about though as items are only available whilst stock supplies last. 

Thank you so much for having a read today.  I had best get myself ready to start my day.  x