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.  

HAVING A LITTLE UPDATE

 

DAY-TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT - More finished cards

 

 

 

Well, apparently the weather man is promising us a warm and cloudy day today, which sounds rather nice after all the rain and wind we’ve had. I’m hoping to get outside and do a little sweeping up in the garden. It really has been given a bit of a battering lately, and there seems to be leaves, twigs and bits of garden everywhere! A little fresh air will do me good too.

Mum isn’t having the best time at the moment. Yesterday she didn’t know who I was and was very quiet, which is always difficult to see. I think she was feeling rather confused, but thankfully she was happy enough and we did manage to have a few little giggles together. Those moments really do mean so much.  I have to take my hat off to Dad. He is coping amazingly well, although I can see that he is getting tired. I know none of this is easy for him, and it really is such a terrible illness that affects so many families in so many different ways.

Today I’m hoping to do a little catching up around the house as well as spending some time in the craft room. At the moment, I seem to be going backwards rather than forwards, I tidy one thing and somehow create three more things to do.

So, I think a little plan is needed to get myself back on track, and what better place to start than with the blog? I really do love sitting down each morning and writing this. It’s become such a lovely part of my day.

I can share a few cards that I’ve finally finished off and added to my ‘box of cards to go’. Sometimes it really doesn’t take much to turn a nearly-finished card into a finished one, a couple of sentiments, an insert and an embellishment here and there, and suddenly they’re ready to go.

I’m definitely adding “share a card or two” to my daily routine. It’s rather lovely looking through the box and seeing the finished cards all together, and it also means I’m actually making use of all those cards that have been sitting around waiting for those final little touches.

 

Since my little mishap, I seem to have become very easily distracted, which is rather unusual for me. I start off with one job in mind and, before I know it, I’ve wandered off and am doing something completely different. The procrastination seems to be getting worse rather than better too, so I think a little change of routine is definitely needed.  Perhaps sharing a card each day will help keep me on track… although knowing me, I’ll probably get distracted choosing which card to share.

Speaking of change, I started taking a collagen supplement a few weeks ago and I have to say, I’m rather surprised by some of the little differences I think I’m noticing. My joints seem to be feeling a little happier, apart from the ones I keep managing to damage, my hair seems to be growing thicker and my nails are certainly getting longer.

I wasn’t expecting to notice anything really, so I’m quite surprised. Whether it’s the collagen or simply one of those things, I’m certainly feeling a little better in myself, and that can only be a good thing.

So, today’s plan is simple… fresh air in the gardening, a little catching up, a little crafting, a card or two to share, and hopefully considerably less procrastinating.  Let’s see how long that lasts.

Right, time to get the day started and see how much I can actually achieve… although I’m making no promises.  Have a lovely Saturday, whatever you’re up to today and thank you for having a read.  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.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY - TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY SEVEN - Lots of Stampin' Up! news and a Christmas Stocking

 

Another Friday,  and it just happens to be my favourite day of the week.

We’re expecting a little more rain on and off today, but that certainly won’t dampen my spirits. I have a few chores to get through this morning and then I’m hoping to spend the rest of the day in the craft room, catching up on a few things. I do have some emails and messages waiting for replies too, so I really must make the most of my coffee break later this morning and get those done!

The photo today is of a mushroom growing in my garden, and I really can’t tell you just how big it is.  The grass seed has taken quite well, the covers and fleece have now been removed, and that’s when we discovered the mushrooms… along with lots of clover.  The grass is still rather patchy, but there’s not a lot we can do about that at the moment. We’ll just have to leave it for a few weeks and see what happens with the weather. Hopefully the foxes won’t return either, as there does seem to be some activity happening at the empty house next door, so we’ll have to wait and see.

There is SO much happening with Stampin’ Up! during September, and it really is a fabulous month for anyone who loves crafting.

A  brand-new Stampin' Up! September–December Catalogue has been released and it is packed full of gorgeous new products, fresh inspiration and lots of ideas to keep those creative juices flowing right through to the end of December. If you haven’t got your copy yet, please do get in touch. You’re very welcome to come and collect one from me today or tomorrow.

But that’s not all.

The Online Exclusive range has had a fabulous update too, with lots of lovely new products joining the range. There’s a brand-new Product of the Month featuring the gorgeous Foliage Speciality Designer Series Paper, as well as two brand-new kits – Floral Promenade and Murray Manor.

And for those of you, like me, who love having a Paper Pumpkin kit drop through the letterbox each month, you can get the Aspen’s of Gratitude Kit by placing your order before 10 September.

The Last Chance section has also been updated, so there are plenty of bargains to be found too.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the fabulous 12 Days of Creativity Advent Calendar to look forward to, plus a Card Retreat at the beginning of October.

There really is something for everyone this month.  All the details of these can be found at the end of this post, and I shall keep adding them at the end of every post throughout the month but should you need any further information, please do get in touch. I’m always happy to help if I can.

I also wanted to share this gorgeous little treat that I received at my recent Stampin’ Up! get-together. It was made by fellow demonstrator Gill Priest, who is based in Bristol.

 

It was made using the Quilted Season Stamp & Die Bundle, along with the Stitched Season Designer Series Paper. Isn't it just gorgeous?

She added a small box to the back of the stocking for a little treat, and with the twine, it could just hang on the tree.  Perfect. 

Well thank you for having a read today, and I hope you have a lovely Friday, whatever you’re up to.  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.