DAY TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY SIX - A bit of a catch up and a card made with Sally

Good morning, my favourite day of the week! Friday has certainly come round quickly this week.  So, what’s been happening since I last posted? Well, Wednesday we went to bingo, which was as funny as it always is. I even managed to win a Sunday lunch for two, although no actual cash made its way into my purse.  Still, it was lovely getting out and about and catching up with the same familiar faces and at least the rain didnt pour down on us this week. 

Also on Wednesday I went with a friend to visit a very big shop.  It has everything and anything in there plus lots of things you didnt even know existed.  We both had shopping lists so at least we knew what we were supposed to purchase.  It was a mouch round, if you know what I mean.  Time to look at things, touch them and put them back.  Well at one stage, we turned a corner and came across row upon row of Santas, all different colours, designs and sizes, it was wonderful. So I am sorting out my Christmas decorations this weekend to see what, if anything, I need to purchase for this Christmas. And the prices are so reasonable.

Yesterday, I tackled the clothes wardrobe. Oh my goodness, the things that have found their way into the charity bag.  I now have empty coat hangers, which means there is room for a little wardrobe shopping. Not too much, mind you, as I have made some rules for myself. I think I only need a couple of winter tops for the next season. Let’s see how long that resolution lasts.  And of course, it is finding the shops that cater for someone who is larger than a size 6. 

My physiotherapy session yesterday didn’t quite go to plan. My usual physiotherapist was busy with somebody else, so I was passed on to a colleague. Unfortunately, people kept coming in and out of the room I was in to use the computer, disciussions were held and at one point one of them decided to clean some equipment with an alcohol-based solution. Every time he bent down, his bottom was inches from my face.  You can imagine I wasn’t a particularly happy bunny. When I got up off the bed my back was most uncomfortable bordering on pain and I didn't visit them due to an issue with my back.  Needless to say, I haven’t booked another session just yet. I’m going to continue with my exercises at home and see how things go.

The weather is certainly changing. It’s still quite warm here today, although I know it’s going to be wet and windy back home. I think I might just enjoy a little more of this sunshine while I can.

With all the ups and downs of a busy week, it’s always lovely to have a little time to sit down, get creative and enjoy some crafting, which I hope to do later today.  Speaking of which, I thought I’d share a card I made at a recent crafting get-together. 

Sally showed us how to make this one, and it was something completely different from anything I’ve tried before. It was lovely to step outside my usual crafting comfort zone and give something new a go. I have to confess that I really enjoyed making this card, and it has now been sent off to its birthday girl, and hopefully it brought a little smile to her face. After all, handmade cards are all about sharing a little love, aren’t they?

A little reminder, too, that today is the LAST DAY of the Stampin' Up! Flash Sale.

Select dies and die cutting tools are available with at least 15% off. If you click on the image above, it will take you to the page where you can see what’s still available. If there’s something you’ve had your eye on, today is the day to have a look.

Today will involve catching up with a few household chores for me today, having a bit of a rest and I’m sure a little crafting will find its way into the day somewhere. Then, this evening, it’s time to enjoy those little arms, little legs and lots of cuddles with the little ones.

Thank you so much for having a read. I hope you have a lovely Friday and a wonderful start to your weekend, whatever you’re up to. Tracey x

 

 

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE - An updated Last Chance Section and some more finished cards

 

 

Good morning and an early start it was.  Hubby got up before 5am and he isnt the quietest of folk.  Oh well, a nanny nap or two will be needed throughout the day.

After an amazing weekend with the family it's back to a start of a new week, which if truth be told, I do enjoy.  I took the decision to do no housework except what is necessary today, a great way to start the week.

Mum and Dad had their Flu and Covid injections on Friday, one in each arm.  Well mums didnt agree with her and Dad had to get some help in Friday evening as mum wasn't good at all.  I am pleased to say that she is a lot better now, thankfully.  I wonder if anyone else has had any reactions at all.  Unfortunately, she is struggling with finishing a sentence, forgetting half way through what she was trying to say which is extremely frustrating for her.  Dad is doing what dad does best, everything that he can to help.  But I do worry about him too. 

I thought I would share another few cards that have all been finished off and are in the box for sending out to folk.  Can you believe I now have 6 boxes of cards all complete, yikes.   So, if you are in need of a handmade card or two please, do keep me in mind x

 

Have you checked the Last Chance section lately?  Just a little heads-up that it’s been updated. A few more goodies have been added, and some products have had their prices reduced, making it a lovely opportunity to grab a bargain and find a little crafting inspiration. 

If you fancy a browse, simply click on the image below and it will take you straight to a whole page of crafty delights. You never know what little treasures you might find! 

If you’re able to collect your goodies from Derby, just let me know and you can join my group order. I’ll organise the shipping, with just 70p postage and packing for you to pay. I’ll let you know as soon as your order has arrived and is ready for collection.

I’ll be placing the order tomorrow at 6pm, so there’s still time to have a browse and see if anything catches your eye. 

I have been wondering how many Stampin’ Up! demonstrators there are around Derby and the surrounding areas who might fancy an informal get-together? I’m thinking less “official Stampin’ Up! event” and more… bring your craft bag, bring whatever you’re working on, bring your ideas (and probably far too many supplies) and let’s spend a morning, afternoon or even a day crafting together.

A chance to share ideas, show each other what we’ve been making, keep caught up on Stampin’ Up! News, have a play with some new things, learn from one another, have plenty of chat and, of course, drink copious amounts of tea and coffee. But more than that, I think it would be lovely to create a little local demonstrator community, if that was possible.

Sometimes being a demonstrator can feel like you’re doing your own little thing in your own little corner, and I’d love to change that, to have people nearby who understand the crafting world, who we can bounce ideas around with, encourage each other and simply enjoy being creative together, especially with some changers that have been happening lately in the background. 

I have a date of Sunday 15th November so, if you’re a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in or around Derby reading this and you think you might fancy a morning, afternoon or day with other demonstrators, get in touch. You never know, this little idea might turn into something rather lovely.

Well, I had best get on with my day before it runs away with me. Thank you for having a read. Tracey x

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE

 

Life is certainly keeping us busy at the moment, and although I keep telling myself I need to slow down a little, somehow there always seems to be something else happening.

We’re retired, which should mean life is a little more relaxed, shouldn’t it? But actually, we seem to be busier than ever. There’s always someone to help, something to organise or somewhere we need to be. And, if I’m honest, I do enjoy being busy and helping other people, even if I do sometimes think they could probably do things themselves.  

I’m also trying to make sure we leave plenty of room for the important things too, getting out and about, spending time together and making some lovely memories along the way. I suppose it’s all about finding that balance, and I’m still working on that one.

We now have two poorly little ones.  The big one has laryngitis and the little one has Coxsackievirus, which I have never heard of before.  Let's hope they both get better soon.  

Anyway, enough about all of that. Let’s have a little chat about what’s happening in my Stampin’ Up! world at the moment.

There’s a special joining offer running throughout October, and it’s actually a rather lovely one. I know joining Stampin’ Up! isn’t something everyone will be interested in, but I also know there are lots of people who have wondered about it over the years and never quite known what it involves.

For £95, you can choose £125 worth of Stampin’ Up! products for your starter kit. And that’s not al, once you’ve joined, you’ll also receive an extra £50 in Stampin’ Rewards to use on another order within your first three months.  So you’re getting £125 worth of products straight away, plus another £50 to spend afterwards, all for the £95 joining fee.

And if you’re completely new to Stampin’ Up!, there’s a Welcome Box too, packed with some lovely Stampin’ Up! goodies, along with an exclusive eight-card kit to get you started. I think that’s a rather nice way to begin your Stampin’ Up! journey.

The really lovely bit is that you get to choose what goes into your starter kit. You’re not given a box of products that someone else has chosen for you. You can pick the things you actually want and know you’ll enjoy using.

Maybe you’ve had your eye on some new stamps, dies or pretty papers. Perhaps you just want to stock up on some crafting goodies for yourself and enjoy the discount that comes with being a demonstrator. Or maybe you’ve wondered whether being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator could be something you’d enjoy and where it might take you.

There’s no need to know what you’re doing and certainly no need to have grand plans. You can start simply by enjoying the products, crafting with friends and seeing where it takes you.  There are other benefits too, including your demonstrator discount, early access to new products and publications, and opportunities to take part in training and creative events.

The offer runs from 6–31 October, so there’s plenty of time to have a little look and see what you think.

And if you’re curious but not quite sure how it all works, just give me a shout. I’m very happy to explain it all over a cuppa, answer any questions and let you decide whether it’s something you fancy. No pressure and definitely no hard sell.

And talking of things that are a little bit different, Paper Pumpkin is another thing I’m really looking forward to.

If you’ve not come across Paper Pumpkin before, it’s a monthly crafting kit that arrives with everything you need to make the projects inside. There are pre-cut pieces, stamps, ink, embellishments, adhesive and instructions, so you can just open the box and get crafting.

And one thing I really wanted to mention, because I know this has put some people off in the past, is that you don’t have to commit to three months.  You can choose the pay-as-you-go option and take it one month at a time. So if you fancy giving it a try, you can simply order the kit you fancy without having to sign up for a three-month commitment.

I’m planning a Paper Pumpkin kit night at The Craft Room on 13th November, where we can get together, open our kits and make them together. I think it will be a lovely excuse for a bit of crafting and a chat.

    

And, of course, there are two new kits to choose from at the moment and the really good news is that they’re both Christmassy.  So now I’m wondering… do you have a favourite?

I have a feeling choosing between the two might be harder than it looks.

I had best get a wiggle on, I should be going out in two minutes, poppas.  Thank you for having a read,  Tracey x

 

Let me tell you about the October joining offer because this one is rather lovely.

From 6th–31st October, if you decide to join Stampin’ Up!, you pay £95 and you get:

£125 to spend on products of your choice

PLUS 

£50 in Stampin’ Up! Rewards 

So that's £175 worth of Stampin’ Up! goodies for your £95.

And the best bit?  YOU get to choose what you spend it on.

So if you've already got your eye on some stamps, dies, pretty papers or something that's been sitting on your wish list whispering “buy me”… this could be a rather good time to treat yourself.

The £125 product coupon and the £50 Stampin’ Rewards can be spent on anything in the online store, including products that haven't even been released to customers yet.

The £50 Stampin’ Rewards are added to your Stampin’ Up! account after you join and you've got three months from your sign-up date to spend them.

And that's before we even get to the other demonstrator perks…

 Your initial demonstrator discount

 Early access to new products and publications

 Demonstrator training and events

 Being part of a lovely creative community

 And, if you fancy it, the opportunity to build a little business around your crafting,     

    at your own pace.

And there's one more little bonus for first-time demonstrators…

 THE WELCOME BOX

And I've had a peek… It's rather fabulous, if I do say so myself.

There's a lovely selection of Stampin’ Up! goodies in there, plus an exclusive 8-card kit.

If you've got any questions about joining, just give me a shout.

And if you're thinking “Ooooh, I might actually fancy this…” then I can send you the join link once it goes live tomorrow.

No pressure, no hard sell…

Just message me or give me a call and we'll see if it's something that would suit you.

DAY - TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY EIGHT - Monday and my World Card Making Day box

 

I do think that Mondays come round far too quickly but, after a wonderful weekend I am not complaining.

We have had some lovely family time, trips to the park, out to eat and lots of memories made.  The grandsons are really growing fast and so comical.

Of course I have sorted out a few cupboards.  If you dont know I am a bit of a declutterer if there is such a word.  I do try not to hang on to things if they are of no further use, much to my hubby dismay and he is a bit of hoarder.  But we compromise so it works.  

Unless of course if it comes to crafting products.  They will always come in handy for something, 

Speaking of crafting, lots happening in my Stampin' Up! world. For those that may not know... the Stampin' Up! year starts on 1st October. It is all behind the scenes, where everyone starts afresh, calculations are made, announcements come out around the 8th of the month and any changes happen within the first week but, as I said, all behind the scenes. 

However, Stampin' Up! are offering 

• a new joining offer/starter kit launching on 6th October. A new way of joining/getter the starter kit and, you will get an additional £50 worth of rewards to spend within your first 3 month.
• New Kits will be launched on 6th October.
• New Product of the Month costing just £5 for October and it is an amazing set of dies (with a £70 purchase).

It was World Card Making Day on Saturday and to celebrate, I got to make this amazing Halloween House Teat Box, the first of 15 of them. 

This is from a kit called Sweet & Spooky and once it is filled with sweets, I shall pass a few on to neighbours and to my daughters to give to their work colleagues.  It was very easy to put together and I think it looks wonderful.   I do like making Halloween treat to pass on.

Its coming up to the deadline of the Septembre-October Paper Pumpkin Time

This months kit co-ordinates with the Neutral Noel Suite Collection and of course, dont forget the add ons.

Happy to share more information about the Paper Pumpkins if you would like it.  

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

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT - Happy Friday, birthday card and a look at the two new kits

My days seem to be flying by quicker than you can imagine, which must mean that they are all pretty busy because, honestly, I don’t seem to know where the time is going.

We’ve been spending lots of time with our daughters and their little ones, and they really are just a pleasure to be around. The eldest is now two years and three months and has just started nursery school. At the moment, he is going in for an hour or so in the morning, with the hours gradually increasing as he gets used to it.  He seems to be really happy and is enjoying himself, which is lovely to see. Of course, Mum and Dad both have to work, so we’ve been stepping in where we can to help out and have some Nanny and Grandad time with him. It can be hard work, but it is also so rewarding and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

His little cousin is a complete whirlwind.  So funny, so energetic and always on the go. The two boys absolutely adore being together, and it really is lovely watching them play and interact. They certainly keep us on our toes though.

All of this does mean that there hasn't been quite as much time for crafting lately. But hey, we can’t have it all, can we? Family time has to come first and the craft room will still be waiting for me when life eventually slows down a little.

I did manage to make this card using some pieces I had left over from a get-together we had. We all made cards using the Stampin’ Up! Balloon Festoon stamps and dies, and as it was my nephew’s birthday, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to use some of those leftover pieces.

This is such a great set for masculine cards. Once you’ve got the design sorted, the hardest part is probably deciding which colours to use. I really enjoyed putting this one together and I do hope I get the opportunity to make some more cards along the same lines when I have a little more crafting time.

On the health front, I think I am finally and well and truly over my cold/flu/cough… whatever it was.  The tests confirmed that it wasn’t Covid or anything similar, so thankfully it seems to have just been a good old-fashioned common cold.  It has, however, left me rather “congested”, so I’m now on the hunt for some sort of decongestant. Finding the time to actually go and look for one is proving to be the tricky bit.  Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to nip into a chemist later today and see what we can find.

Do you ever have one of those days when absolutely everything you do, touch or say seems to go wrong?  Well, yesterday was definitely one of those days.

Sometimes a difficult situation, or even a moment of tension, can really affect the way you think and react. It has made me stop and wonder whether it is always the situation itself that is the problem, or whether perhaps it is also about how I choose to deal with it. Maybe there are times when I could step back, take a breath and look at things a little differently before reacting.  Something for me to think about, anyway. We’re all a work in progress, aren’t we?

I’m off out early this morning to meet a few folk who, I hope, may be able to help me with a little quest I have on the go. After that, I think a Nanny nap will definitely be required. I really can’t seem to manage without one at the moment.

And finally, have you spotted the Stampin’ Up! Kits this month?

This is called the Floral Promenade Kit.  A watercolour-style florals, printed card bases, and pre-cut sentiments come together for cards that feel warm, thoughtful, and truly heartfelt. It’s an easy, meaningful way to send comfort, care, and love when it really counts.  It creates 8 cards but once you get going, I reckon you create a few more.  As well as a stamp set you get a clear stamping block, a Barely Blush Premium Stampin' Spot of ink, step by step instructions and everything you need to create the cards.  

Get into the Christmas spirit with the Merry Manor Kit, a nostalgic project that brings a festive home together piece by piece. From garland-trimmed windows to charming trees and storybook details, every element helps create a cozy scene full of seasonal warmth. Follow the included instructions, then add your own creative touches to make it feel merry and bright. It’s a project to enjoy with loved ones as you count down to Christmas.

The kit enables you to make one house and a glue gun is required to complete the project, which is not included.  There are step by step instructions and the finished size is  8" x 9-1/2" (20.3 x 24.1 cm)

I thought I’d give you a slightly closer look at them, as there are two lovely new kits available. They are perfect for those days when you want to make something pretty but perhaps don’t have the time (or the brain power) to start from scratch.  Of course, these are just the new ones.  There are plenty more in the kit section to have a browse through. 

Right, that’s enough from me for now.   Life may be flying by at the moment, but there’s certainly plenty going on to make it interesting.  Thanks for having a read, Tracey x

DAY - TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE - A pretty birthday card

 

Finally, I’ve managed to find a little bit of time to sit down and have a bit of a catch-up.

I know there probably isn’t anyone sitting there refreshing the page, waiting patiently for me to type something new, but I do get such pleasure from writing my little blog and keeping it all up to date. It’s one of those things I really enjoy, yet somehow the days seem to whizz by and the things we enjoy doing can so easily get pushed further and further down the list.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this. I regularly tell myself that I’m going to slow down a little and make more time for the things I enjoy… and then along comes another day and off we go again. Perhaps one day I’ll work out how to fit those extra hours into the day. If anyone discovers how, please do let me know.

Anyway, here I am at last, having a little tidy-up of the blog and trying to make it feel a bit less cluttered. And while I’m here, I thought I’d share another birthday card that recently made its way to its new home.

Now, I’m going to be completely honest and admit that I haven’t got the faintest idea what the name of the stamp set was that I used.  The card was planned and created quite a while ago and then finished off ready to send a couple of weeks back. With so much happening in between, those particular brain cells clearly decided that this information was no longer important enough to retain.  Oh well… these things happen.

What I do remember is that I thoroughly enjoyed making it, and even more so when it was finished and ready to be popped in the post. And really, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? The pleasure of sitting down, getting creative, playing with pretty things and then being able to pass something handmade on to someone else. There’s something rather special about that.

I think I’ll leave it there for today and pop back again in the morning for another little catch-up.  Thank you, as always, for taking the time to have a read. It really is lovely to know that my little corner of the internet is still being visited. Tracey x

STAMPIN' UP! DURING SEPTEMBER

Have you had a chance to have a proper look through the new Stampin’ Up! September–December Catalogue yet?  If not, I think you’re in for a treat.

This catalogue is going to keep us inspired right through until the end of December, with lots of gorgeous new products, beautiful Designer Series Papers, fabulous colours and, of course, plenty of Christmas crafting.  There are new stamps, dies, embellishments and all sorts of lovely things to tempt the crafty fingers.

If you don’t have your copy yet, do get in touch and I can arrange for you to get one.  In the meantime, You can always have a browse online by clicking on the brochure image below.  A new page should open up for you.  Do get in touch if you would like any help as I am always happy to help if I can. 

Product of the Month

I'm delighted to introduce the Stampin' Up! September Product of the Month for September.

Throughout September, when you place a Stampin' Up! order of £70 or more (before postage), you'll have the opportunity to purchase this month's featured product for just £5.  The Product of the Month is exclusively available with a qualifying order and is limited to one per person. As with all Stampin' Up! promotions, it is available whilst supplies last, so once it's gone, it's gone!

If you're planning to place an order during September, this is a great opportunity to add an extra product to your collection at a fantastic price.

To see more details about this, click on the image below and a new page will open up for you.  

 

A Little Bit of Christmas Crafting Magic

If you love a little surprise with your crafting, then this is rather special.  The limited-edition 12 Days of Creativity Advent Calendar is a wonderful way to add a little extra excitement to the festive season. Inside are 12 never-before-seen crafting goodies, including dies, patterned paper, embellishments, tools and lots more.

And that’s not all… it also includes an exclusive 15-piece stamp set.

Each day brings a new little crafting treat to discover, all designed for all-occasion crafting and none of which you’ll find in the Stampin’ Up! catalogues or online store. It really is a lovely way to count down to Christmas, with a little creative surprise to open each day.

This is a limited-edition release, so if you have your eye on one, don’t leave it too long… because when they’re gone, they really are gone.

Last Chance Products

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 you can have a browse in this section.  

Please do get in touch if you have any queries or if I can help in any way. 

Paper Pumpkin for September

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 September kit but only until 10th Septmber.   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.

 September Kits

Two new Kits have arrived Floral Promenade and Merry Manor

Two very different themes, but both look like they are going to be fabulous for some happy crafting.

Kits are perfect when you fancy creating something lovely without having to spend ages deciding which colours, papers and embellishments all go together.  Everything is there to get you started, leaving you to do the best bit, the creating.

If you click on the images below, a new window will open up for you to have a look at these in more detail. 

    

Stampin’ Up! Virtual Card Retreat 1st–3rd October 2026

The retreat kit includes everything you need to make 15 cards, including two stamp sets, a die set, Designer Series Paper, Two-Tone Cardstock with the cutting guidelines printed on the reverse, pre-cut printed images, embellishments, envelopes, Basic White Cardstock and a sheet of gold foil.

 

There is also a lovely crafting community that goes along with it. You’ll have access to an exclusive Facebook group where you can meet other crafters, share what you’re making, ask questions, see everyone’s projects coming together and generally enjoy some crafty company.

 

During the retreat there will be LIVE sessions on Facebook, including presentations from members of the Stampin’ Up! team, including CEO Sara Douglass. And, because we can’t always be sitting at our craft desks at exactly the right time, everything will be recorded and available to watch afterwards, so you can craft along at your own pace.

You’ll also receive detailed, step-by-step instructions for all the projects before the retreat, so you can have a look through everything beforehand and check what you already have in your crafty stash. There may be a few additional supplies needed, but you might find you already have many of them tucked away in your craft room.

Click on the image below and a new page will open up with more details. 

Foiling System

The new foiling system from Stampin' Up! has its own brochure, which can be seen below.  Just click on the image and a new page will open up.

 

 

 

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.