Smashing Saturday

Yesterday was THE day that I hired a hall, invited lots and lots of people and with a lot of help from friends, held my first demo day. It was smashing. So many people turned up. There was a make and take, retired products for sale, lots of tea, coffee and cake and so many cards, boxes, handmade items for everyone to look at, new punches to try, a raffle, treasure hunt and everyone went into a free prize draw.

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who helped to make this go so smoothly, I really couldn't have done it without you. Not just the day but all the preperation as well, ohh just wait till I show you all the fantastic cards and other items that everyone made for the display tables

Over 30 people came to look at all the cards, boxes, creations that everyone had made for the day. The atmosphere was great even if it was a tad hot. You can never tell with church halls if its going to be too hot or cold, there really isn't an inbetween. We had a lovely little cafe area and it was constantly busy so everyone caught up with each other, learnt the lastest news and gossip (which I just cant repeat). All in all it was wonderful.

Here are a few photos of the event








So many people asked, when I shall be holding another one, well the answer is March, if I can wait that long.

The raffle was drawn at the end of the last make and take and the winning number is ...drum roll please

65

If you have this raffle ticket, please let me know so that I can get your prize to you and Congratulations. Hazel won the door prize and I shall be getting this over to you this week. The Treasure Hunt entries are due to be in by Tuesday so I shall annouce the winner on Wednesday.Lots of pictures over the next few days of all the stunning display items so please, pop back and have a look.

Today is a day for putting everything away. Hope you manage to stay dry and have a great day x

STAMPIN' UP! PARTY and SALE

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SATURDAY 29th October 2.00 - 4.00
St. Martin's Church Hall, Allenton, Derby, DE24 9BG
Make and take, free prize draw, lots of sample cards, make a Christmas tag or two, unusual way to wrap stocking fillers, little bags, SALE of retired SU products, Coffee and Cake whilst placing orders, raffle, details about joining the SU team and find out about holding your own party
I am holding a catalogue launch and SU party and SALE and it would be fantastic if you could come along during the two hours on Saturday.

The make and takes are being held at 2.00, 2.45 and 3.30 Booking the make and take is a must.

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Sue made this

Had a lovely evening out on Tuesday with family to celebrate Brother in Laws 50th birthday. I must have been shattered as I came home and went straight to bed but an early night has done me the world of good.

Last night it was rushing around and getting everything sorted for Saturdays big day, I bet you are fed up of me reminding you all about it arent you. Ooops. Mum in law came for tea, the usual pie, chips and veg, scrummy. Then it was cutting up some new 12 x 12's, sorting out retired papers and retired stamp sets and seeing what else I need to take with me. Of course, I just have to put this is my box for the display table.

This is what Sue made for the Papermax Show, isnt it wonderful. Sue will be there on Saturday and she can tell you how she did it.

Hope to see you there

Anne made these

I hope everyone is managing to stay dry, we had a lot of rain last night and even more to come today. That wont bother me too much as I will be in an office all day and crafting all night. Tonight is the night to get everything finalised for my big day on Saturday, it would be so much easier if I could just take my craft room with me instead of sorting everything out. I am getting very excited about Saturday but nervous at the same time. I do hope that lots of people will nip in and say hello.

The card is cut for the make and take, the stamp sets are sorted, the items for sale are all ready and the display items are being looked at one by one, just to check that everything is still in the new catalogue. The treasure hunt is printed as well as the wish lists, just the prizes to wrap.

Here is a drawer box that Anne made out of the new In Colours, you make have to click on the picture to get a better view, she is so clever.

And here is one of the cards that Anne made with one of the current hostess sets.

Lucky me to have such wonderful friends who can help me out with all card making for displays, I dont know what I would do without them. If you fancy helping me out with cards/boxes/bags etc. you are most welcome to.

Thanks for having a read and have a wonderful (and dry) day

Tree Treemings Christmas Card

Good morning from a very mild Derby. Its 12 degrees this morning.

A big hello to all my faithful followers *waving at you this morning* Thank you for everyone's lovely comments on the adhoc posts I make, it really is wonderful to know that people are actually reading what I put and having a look at the photos.

I had a lovely day catching up with friends yesterday in Peterborough. It was so nice to see everyone again, Elizabeth, Carol, Jacquie, Pauline, Janice and Andy. I didnt realise that it was March the last time we all got together.

Pam picked me up early in the morning and off we went. Quite an uneventful trip until we saw a pheasant at the side of the ride and both did the "ARR" thingy. Then out of nowhere this brown thing flew from the side of the road and hit the windscreen, both our hearts racing, both aghast. We still dont know what it was except that it was brown and it didnt land in the road behind us. Hopefully we just stunned it and it flew off, silly thing. I did joke to Pam that it was still on the roof of the car clinging on but it wasnt really.

Today I am off into town to an art exhibition and to buy Katerina a few bits and bobs she needs. I managed to do ALL her washing and ALL her ironing, lucky girl. I never thought, she should have done it while I was out yesterday, why do I still treat her as a child in some things and as an adult in others? I guess thats just being a mum.

I still haven't show you all the cards we did at the stamp a stack so, here's another one. Its made using the Trendy Tree stamp, vellum and a little green ribbon.


I saw this card on the net quite a while ago and thought it was lovely but I didn't have a go at making it as it looked so hard to do. Well it wasn't hard and I love this little card. If you want to know how to make it, just let me know and I will happily show you.

Just a few days to go until my Stampin' Up! event at St. Martins Church Hall next Saturday. Hope that you will be able to make it. Until next time x

More Welcome Christmas

The week has been and gone so quickly but its been a good one, now its the weekend. Paul and Katerina were waiting for me when I got home last night and how lovely it was to walk in and find them both here. It was a quick rustle up of chicken, yushpud studding and the trimmings as they were famished. Washer went on (you cant believe how much washing the pair of them brought with them) then it was time for Katerina to have her hair cut and coloured. It looks smashing. Sarnies made for today and a relatively early night, well it was for me. Up with the larks today as getting a lift at half 7 to go to Peterborough.

Here is a little card that I made last weekend, using the Welcome Christmas stamp set

I have used Bashful Blue, a little Pretty in Pink and some Marina Mist. I am really happy with the way this turned out to look as though the children were on a ridge. I was inspired by Michelle Zindorf and all the wonderful scenes that she has created, a very talented lady.

Have a lovely Saturday and remember, just one week to go before my 2 hour crafting event, I do hope that you can make it. More details are at the start of my blog.

Mid Week Musings

Half way through the week and just another couple of days before the big W is here again. The big W being the weekend. I already have a busy weekend planned. Paul and Katerina arrive home Friday night and as usual, it will be roast chicken, mash potatoes and yushpud studin, Katerinas best food in the whole wide world.
Saturday I am out for the day visiting two lovely people, Andy and Janice.....its ages since I have seen them and I will be meeting up with Pam, Pauline, Jacquie, Elizabeth and Carol. Sunday we are off to an art exhibition, posh.... and out for lunch, really looking forward to the whole two days....now where do I fit in Katerinas washing and ironing? Or the food shopping??

I am busy getting ready for crafty week next week. There are a few places available if you fancy a couple of hours crafting, 3 places on Thursday and one on Friday.

Isnt this box in a bag wonderful.
It was a present from Sue and full of my favourite goodies, no not chocolate lol. Thank you Sue, it was lovely to receive it but you shouldn't have xx
With the weather being as glorious as it has been, my plants outside are still in flower and here are a few pictures of them




Fingers crossed that the frost doesnt come just yet.

More cards to show you tomorrow, I have to take some photos of them but to do that, I have to clean my desktop and to do that....you know the rest. Have a wonderful evening and thanks for having a read.

Tuesday Twitterings

Monday went without too much of a hitch. I went to work, had quite a good day and got home around 5ish. I managed to print out, stamp up and address all the envelopes to advertise the Stampin' Up! event on 29th. I hope that from the 60 cards I am posting some people will be free to come along.

Sunday Afternoon I went for lunch at my sisters and the time just flew by. I was so lucky to spend time feeding and playing with this little tot. This is Ollie, my nieces baby

I promised I would show you some more cards with the Welcome Christmas stamp set and here are two cards using 3 of the stamps in the set.We made these at the stamp a stack event last week and I am really pleased that everyone loved this card

This was made using Bashful Blue and Wild Wasabi. The edging around the words looked a lot softer using the Wild Wasabi Stamp n Write Marker rather than the red that is shown here but still, I love the colour combination.
The same stamps again but using the more traditional Old Olive and Real Red, oppps, my bow looks a bit scewiff, sorry.

Three months earlier than usual, my orchid has got buds and flowers, we dont usually see these until just after Christmas but its a stunning colour. Hope Lesley is proud of me for looking after it all these months, even though it did look like dead twigs in my kitchen window
I have put this picture of the orchid on so that Paul can see what he is missing, just 3 more days left and he is home, bringing Katerina with him.
Hope the weather isnt too bad where you are. Have a lovely day

Welcome Christmas

Monday and a brand new week. A full day at work and then who knows what tonight will bring.

I currently have a SU Pen Share Running. This is for 48 Stamp n Write Markers including the In Colours. The cost is £16.70 per month for 7 months. You will get a selection of pens each month and on the last month, you will get the carry case to put them all in. There are 3 places left in this share. The Stamp n Write Markers are not just for the finishing touches of your projects, you can also colour in stamps and stamp them out, instead of using ink pads. You can colour one stamp with different colours, write around the edges of your scrap book pages and lots more. If you would like to join this share, please give me a call on 01332 721877 or email me.

I have been going a little bit silly with the Welcome Christmas stamp set. This is the set, just in case you missed it in the catalogue. Brilliant Value for money at £21.95 for 5 beautiful stamps, that works out at £4.39 each and every one of the stamps can be used on their own.
There are so many cards that you can make with this and I just cant leave it alone. Yesterday I said I was having a 'day off' from crafting, well I didn't. I went to clean craft room and I just made it a bigger mess because when I went to put this stamp set away I thought "what if" and 'didnt I see something on the net that looked a bit like this'....well I am sure you all understand.
We made this card at one of the Stampin' Up! parties that I did recently, using the wreath from Welcome Christmas and silk Real Red ribbon. So yesterday I sat and made a few more cards with this set, which I shall share with you this week. Well I do need a few for Christmas dont I? If you would like to receive one my Christmas cards, please let me have your name and address and I shall pop one in the post to you at the beginning of December.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely Monday

Polar Party

That's another week gone and we are getting closer and closer to Santas visit. After the hectic week I have had I have decided to stay in pjs this morning, before going out to lunch at my sisters. I shall finish the weekend off with a game of bingo this evening, what a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
Stamp a Stack was a hugh success yesterday and a big thank you goes out to Sue, Lynn, Margaret, Sandra and Elvie for a wonderful time. The ladies went home very happy.
Here are some photos of everyone busy at work on Thursday and yesterday.




I have updated my events page with classes for November. There are still a few places left for Crafty Week next week so if you fancy a couple of hours of crafting, please give me a call 01332 721877 and book your place.

One of the 10 cards (yes 10), that we made during Stamp a Stack
This is from Polar Party, a new stamp set in the 2011-2012 Catalogue and Idea Book, one of the 9 stamps in the set.
We stamped it twice onto watercolour card and coloured it in using the watercolour crayons or pencils with blender pens and then added touches of colour to the baubles with the stamp n write markers. The sentiment is from the same set and of course, we just had to put some glitter on it too, well it wouldnt be right, a Christmas card without glitter would it? We coloured and cut out one of the trees to pop into the bottom right hand corner. If you would like to order this set, or anything else from the new catalogue, I shall be submitting an order next Friday. Plenty of time to get in touch. If you havent got a catalouge yet, just let me know.

Thanks for having a read and dont forget SAVE THE DATE of 29th October to come and say hello at St. Martin's Church Hall from 2.00-4.00p.m.

Sunny Saturday Santa

Although the temperature has dropped the sun is shining so it's a sunny Saturday. I have my second Stamp a Stack this morning YEAH. The first one took place on Thursday and we all had a great time, this was the first one I did. I think that everyone went home happy, but tired. I learnt that 10 cards in a few hours was perhaps a little too much. I shall modify it for the next Stamp a Stack event. A big thank you goes out to Brenda, Julie, Wendy, Jayne, P.Ann, Diane and Jane for coming along and letting me try out this event.

Here are some of the little treats I made for everyone


Can you see the little cadbury chocolate sticking out. Do you remember the chocolate machines we used to have at Christmas? Well me and my sister used to get them at Christmas,
The chocolates from this little machine fit perfectly sandwiched in between the two large tag punches and the santas coat stamp from the stamp set Tags for Christmas. A lovely little treat and if you punch a hole in the tag at the back, it will hang on the christmas tree.

I am placing a SU order at tea time today, if you would like to add anything to this order, large or small, just let me know, 01332 721877 or email me at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Have a lovely Saturday and thanks for having a read

Brownies, Macaroni de Funo and SU Cards

The new SU Catalogue is so good that I have spent nearly the whole week having a play with some new stamp sets, naughty me. Here is one of the new Hostess Sets that you can purchase for £12 if you are a hostess at your own party. I havent put a sentiment on this yet but it's in my box ready and waiting to go....along with the other few in my box.

I held my first Stamp a Stack last night, we sat and made 10 cards, yes, 10 cards and everyone had a great time. I have another one tomorrow which I am looking forward to.

These photographs are for Christiana. She had a small accident in her car this week, she was sat at an island waiting to cross it and a lady drove into the back of her. Fortunately Christiana and Panayiotis are okay, the other driver said that she didnt see the car...........so why is she driving??? Now they have to go through the insurance routine which, as I am sure most of you know, is a nightmare. Sophia is enjoying her uni in Cyprus and seems to be managing with Uni and work at the minute, which is great for her. Katerina is loving her uni in Preston. She has met a great group of friends, her room is okay, she has student hours, up after lunch and bed early hours of a morning, loves wetherspoons, its just the lectures she is not keen on.

Katerinas Macaroni de Funo which is absolutely fantastic. I kept a piece at home for me and loved it, I guess I will be making some more next week.
My first attempt, sorry, OUR first attempt at brownies with cream cheese. Not quite like the ones you can buy in Cyprus but still scrummy. Katerina took 20 pieces back with her, they were gone in two days as she ate them with her friends.
One of the cards we made during last months crafty week. The next Crafty Week starts on Monday 24th October. If you would like to come and make 2 cards there are more details on the events page on the blog.

Off for a mornings training and then work this afternoon. Tonight its put my feet up time.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

Sunday's News

A box in a bag is something that I have been wanting to have a go at for quite a while and I was really pleased at what seemed to be something so difficult, turning out to be quite easy to make. I was lucky enough to show everyone at Dabblers how to do them, I just forgot to take my camera to show you, trust me. Here are the two that I made using Stampin' Up! new papers called Timeless Portrait. I have put them both against some other SU papers, Just Add Cake. The new papers are lovely.

Katerina is home for the weekend and yesterday afternoon we spent a couple of hours making some food for her to take back to uni. She is living off McDonalds, Wetherspoons and coco-pops at the minute but I guess that can be said for all new students. Here she is (still in pjs at 5p.m.) holding the Macaroni de funo that she made cough cough - well she did read the instructions and help with the pot washing.

I hope you have a lovely day, despite the weather

Monster Week

YEAH it's the weekend and what a MONSTER week I have just had, not a complaint though. I was poorly for a couple of days with a tummy bug but I am pleased to say that I am feeling a lot better now.

Here is one of the cards we made at our last Crafty Week.
There are so many cards made with this perfect stamp set and I am so pleased that it has made it into the new catalogue. For children and for adults, it can be used for lots of occassions, more samples will follow in the next few days. It does go perfectly with my little monsters that Sue made for me using the SU material.

The next Crafty Week starts on Monday 24th October. If you would like to spend an evening of crafting, please get in touch as I do have some places still available.

Below are even more tags for Christmas, at least I shouldnt have too many to make when I start the christmas present wrapping, for Santa to take away,


And a card using one of the tags, again.

I have Katerina home this weekend, a bonus for me. We are going to be cooking and baking as she wants to take some homecooked food back to Uni with her, that will be a laugh especially as she was home (Cypriot) food. She seems to have settled in, says she is enjoying it, made a few new friends, the only problem is....she doesnt like the lectures/classes!!! What more can I say.

STAMP A STACK - ONE PLACE REMAINING on Thursday 13th October. Please give me a call 01332 721877 or send me an e-mail. if you would like to make 10 cards, 5 different designs in two different colours. This is being held in Allenton, Derby.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope you manage to stay dry, the weather forecast is for rain all day, lets hope they have got it wrong.

STAMPERETTES SERIES 7

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Just one more month to wait because on October 28th the Stamperettes Series 7 will begin. This is a club 10 group - 10 ladies spend at least £15 per month on Stampin' Up! products for a period of 10 months. During these 10 months everyone will be a virtual hostess of their own Stampin' Up! party and get all the hostess benefits for that month. If you would like more details, please get in touch. This will stay at the top of my blog until all places are filled, which I dont think will be too long.....

THIS IS NOW FULL

Series 8 will be starting in November. If you would like to join Stamperettes Series 8, please let me know.

2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Catalogue Blog Hop

Good morning and welcome to this amazing Blog Hop. Lots and lots (over 30) UK Stampin' Up! demonstrators have all got together to show you some fantastic new products from the 2011- 2012 Catalogue and idea book. I am sure that you that get plenty of inspiration from what you see.
If you didnt already know, Stampin' Up! now have some wonderful co-ordinating material in the new catalogue. I have been so fortunate to have a fantastic friend who can sew at the drop of a hat. Sue made me these two Monsters which are the cutest things. The material matches SU papers and SU stamp sets.


Next it's the Tags til Christmas stamp set.













I sat down and made all these tags in a jif, so easy as Stampin Up have the co-ordinating punches. I make so many tags to put on the Christmas pressents and it usually takes me hours, with this set I am sure I can get them done in next to no time. And they are not just for tags, you can make lovely cards with them and use them on scrapbook pages. I shall be showing you more samples later in the week.
The Hostess Sets rewards system has all changed and there is no longer the level 1, 2 or 3 system, it is so much easier to get the hostess sets that you want and as many as you want (depending on your total order sales of course). Here is a table of how it all works

The hostess now gets £££s and can spend these £££s on either the hostess sets or any other products in the catalogue AND if party sales reach £300 or more, the hostess will also receive 50% discount off products. So, what are you waiting for? If you are in the Derby/Derbyshire area, give me a call, book your party today 01332 721877.
Your next port of call on the blog hop today is PATRICIA Thanks for having a read and dont forget, drop by later in the week to see more samples from our new catalogue.

Full list of participants in the Blog Hop

1. Lauralou http://airingcupboardstamping.blogspot.com/
2 AlisonP www.craftyalisoninlyon.blogspot.com
3 Glittermum http://www.mygroovystampinup.blogspot.com/
4. Theresa M http://my-next-chapter.blogspot.com/
5. SarahLP http://stampingobsession.com/
6. Sassy Stamper (Elaine) http://www.thesassystampers.blogspot.com/
7. Sarastamper (http://craftingandstamping.com)
8. JJ66 http://jan-crippin.blogspot.com/
9. Evy c http://evyscraftycreations.blogspot.com/
10. DonnaM http://www.head-over-heels-by-dlm.blogspot.com/
11. Scrappydiva http://www.stampin-divas.blogspot.com/
12. Natalie http://www.natalieoshea.co.uk/blog.html
13.Dawn http://www.tartanstamper.blogspot.com/
14. Vicky www.vickylouscorner.blogspot.com
15. Maggie (maggiemae) http://thefineartofstampin.blogspot.com/
16. Julie H (The Crafty Bug) http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com
17. Elizabeth (Stash Fairy) http://elizabethscraftroom.blogspot.com/
18. Michelle (ShellieStamps) http://michellescraftypaper.typepad.com/
19. Keren. http://www.kerenbaker.wordpress.com
20. Emma (Daisydaye) http://emma-daye.blogspot.com/
21. Rachel (Rachel) http://www.stampingurl.blogspot.co.uk
22. Valerie (valmoody) http://stampingwithval.wordpress.com/
23. Kara (KaraM) http://karascraftycorner.blogspot.com/
24. Sarah (IOW Sarah http://www.stampinsarahiow.blogspot.com/
25. Tracey Rossos http://www.derbyshireducks.blogspot.com/
26. Patricia (Beckscraft) http://stampinbeckscraft.blogspot.com/
27. Sarah-Jane http://cardsandacuppa.blogspot.com/
28. Claire http://stampinupscrapper.blogspot.com/
29. Cupcake http://pinkycardsandcreations.blogspot.com/
30. Kimf http://kimfeecrafter.blogspot.com/
31. carolineskinner http://stampinupandbranchingout.blogspot.com/
32. Emma_H http://www.emma-letsstamp.blogspot.com/
33. Sally - Pink Sky. x http://pinkskysu.blogspot.com/
34. Carolyn http://stampaholix.blogspot.com/
35. Tina http://littlewhitehousecrafts.blogspot.com
36. Hayley (craftydevils) www.mycrafthaven.blogspot.com
37. allyf - http://serendipitypapercuts.blogspot.com