Autum/Winter Catalogue ends today

Another night of howling wind and AT  4am  I just had to get up as the noise was howling around the house.  So the washer was on extra early and I have been pottering around the house doing some little jobs.

 Well today is the very last day to order from the Autumn/Winter catalogue.  If there is anything that you want from here, please let me know and why not have it delivered straight to your front door?  That does mean that if the Autumn/Winter catalogue ends, the Spring mini will start on Friday.  You really do need to get a copy of this, there are some wonderful things in it.  Here is another card that we made last Saturday at Helens get together using some of the new goodies.





Tomorrow night its Derby Dabblers, that is the social crafting evening in Allenton Derby.  We are having a February Fuddle, why not come along and have an evening of crafting, chatting and making some new friends?  If you would like more information, please let me know 01332 721877.

Thanks for having a read today and I do hope that the wind doesnt cause you any problems.

Just received a cancellation - Saturday Stamping

We have just received a cancellation for Saturday Afternoon crafting.  Full details are on the Events page. 

Midweek Musings, last Wedensday of January

Oooeeerrr I was really afraid last night.  I have never heard the wind howl and wail so much and being home alone didnt help.  Not much sleep was had.  I didnt sleep too well Sunday night nor monday  so today, I am already shattered.  It will have to be an early night (if I dont have a nap in the afternoon), after gym of course.

Here is another of the make and takes I did on Saturday, a bookmark.  Loved doing this but I wont use it, its too nice.  We used a stamp set from the new Spring mini, oh yes, as the Autumn/Winter mini finishes on Thursday, there is a lovely new Spring mini (not so mini) starts on Friday. 
 
I put my new addition in the craft room last night and had a bit of a sort out.  With getting everything ready for Saturday the craft room looked like a bomb had hit it and I couldnt walk in there.  I seriously cant function properly if it isnt all sorted so, sort it I did.  Looking a lot better and here is a photo of new addition

 I have always wanted to decorate pegs, okay so you are shaking your head but, its something I would like to do.  I have made a start with these, I put lovely papers over the pegs

 

Then I got to sanding it all down, have you tried the SU Sander wow, its amazing,














Then I punched out quite a few butterflies, love this punch

 

Which I have put on these, all ready for Saturday
 

But I really would like to do more with them.  Paul has helped me seperate some, which I painted.  When he put the gubbings (inards, springs, whatever they are called), back onto the peg, the white paint got scratched, so I have to paint them again.  Not too sure what else to do with them.  Have you ever decorated pegs?  If you have, please share your photos.

Thank you for having a read today and I hope that the wind hasnt had any bad effects on you.

Happiness in a jar

Another start to another exciting week. This week I am putting the finishes touches to all the card kits for Saturdays Stamping Afternoon.  We have had one cancellation so, if you would like this place, all the details are on the events section of my blog.  Dont delay as I am sure the space will soon go.

On facebook, lots of people have happy jars and I decided to make one myself.  This is where you put little notes of what makes you happy as and when it happens.  At the end of the year, or on 1st January next year, you have a look through all the notes in the jar, happy memories.
Here is the jar that I made, using pink which is my favourite colour, a jar that used to contain a fresh linen candle. lacy ribbon and buttons, really girly.  It is now getting notes put in almost daily, so I must be a happy person.


I was also busy making on Saturday.  I tried to get to a stampin up demonstrators meeting but unfortunatly, the snow on the roads had me beat.  However, I did manage to get there at lunch time, say a few hellos and then I did a few make and takes.  Here is a card that I made using one of the Sale A Bration sets, (there are 17 items that you can get free in Sale a Bration).

 

Did you know that Sale a Bration is on until 22nd March?  I am taking party bookings for afternoons and evenings so if you fancy having a crafty party, let me know, fancy a party but you dont have a venue, I may have the answer.  If you would like to order anything or just get a catalogue, get in touch.

Its Derby Dabblers get together this Friday, the first one for 2013 and we are having a February Fuddle.  If you fancy coming along, we meet at St. Martins Church Hall, Flint Street in Allenton from 6.30p.m.  It would be great to see you.

Thanks for having a read and I do hope that you are coping with first the snow, then the rain and now the wind.....cant wait for Summer.

Hello - its Friday

Ohh I definately have that Friday feeling, do you?  How do you explain it?  I am not sure but I know I have it.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at gym and loved it. I will be a very regular visitor there so something else has to give and that is going to be weekly shopping (now to be done on line).  Cleaning the house from top to bottom mid week, this will only be done on a Friday, plus another few little bits and pieces. I must say though, I am struggling with the stairs this morning, a few aches and pains in a muscle or two that I didnt know was there, ouch.

Tonight we are having a re run of the cancelled crafty week class.  If you fancy crafting the evening away and are local to Derby, give me a call on 01332 721877 or drop me a line to book your place tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Here is another FREE, oh yes I did say free, stamp set as part of the Stampin Up Sale a Bration

This is called Feeling Sentimental and here is a  card I have made using the telephone box.

 

The insert
 
Close up of the image

Well thanks for having a read today, I hope you manage to stay warm, dry and snow free. 

First Sale a Bration Card

It doesnt look as though Derby had it as cold as was expected last night but, at 8.50pm I did go out side and put down salt.  I am still keeping my path and drive clear as well as the pavement outside my house.  Life is so much easier for me and any visitors that I have if we dont have to worry about slipping.

Getting the work, home life balance is starting to become a bit of a juggling act again. I guess if life was all plain sailing it would be boring though.  There are so many things that I would like to do that even with working part time, I dont seem to be able to do them.  There must be an answer somewhere, perhaps you know what the secret is?

So Sale a Bration started, I bet if you follow a few blogs, everyone is talking about this at the moment.  If you would like a Sale a Bration brochure (leaflet), please let me know tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com and I shall put one in the post to you.  Alternatively, just give me a call on 01332 721877.

Here is one of the 17 items that you can get for free
 

This is a stamp set called Patterned Occassions and is available  in wood or clear.  There are 5 stamps and I have had a good play with my set. Being a demonstrator I was lucky enough to get this prior to the sale a bration starting.  I made a few cards and matching tags, here is the first.



More to come later in the week.

I am off to the gym today and tonight I shall set up the table for another crafty night tomorrow.  Unfortunately a few people had to cancel last week due to the snow so we have rescheduled for tomorrow night.  If you would like to join us, there are three places available.

I hope that all of those that are poorly make a speedy recovery and a big thank you to everyone for having a read. Have a lovely day

SALE A BRATION starts today

Tuesday and a little bit of normality, phew.  I say this because the last few days have not only been hectic but I am suffering with internet itus.  There is something wrong with my internet and whilst Paul has been trying to sort it out with Virgin Media, we are not having much luck.  Everything is extremely slow, so slow that I get 'timed out' and I wasnt even naughty, honest.  It is very frustrating being on the internet, trying to blog, trying to answer emails and to be honest, I dont know if things are getting posted nor being sent so its just a case of fingers crossed.

The weekend flew by, we had a cardmaking session on Saturday, Sunday we caught up with the family and yesterday I spent the afternoon crafting with a friend (starting to get everything ready for our next event on 2nd February), so you see, the days just wizz past and I am making sure I enjoy each one.

So today Paul has gone away for a few days and I am continuing to get things prepared for Stamping Saturday - if you fancy making 5 cards with 5 inserts, meeting new friends, lots of chatter, laughter and an afternoon of fun, there are just 4 places left.  Please see the events page at the top of my blog for more information.  It would be great to see you.

So today SALE A BRATION begins and this is such an exciting time for Stampin' Up!  If you are not sure what Sale a Bration is:

Customers

Get a free item from the SAB brochure EVERY time you spend £45!

Hostesses

Hold a £150 party and get your usual hostess benefits plus a pack of Silver Glimmer paper to celebrate Stampin’ Up!’s 25^th anniversary!

Hold a £300 party and get hostess benefits, Silver Glimmer paper and a bundle of THREE Sale-a-Bration items: Designer Series Paper, a stamp set and a ribbon and button bundle!

Thinking of signing up?

There’s absolutely no better time than now. Join now and, for the usual Starter Kit price of £99, you’ll get a whopping £162.50 of craft products of your choice – that’s 25% extra in honour of our 25^th anniversary! You’ll also get a pack of business supplies, including catalogues. Give me a ring on 01332 721877 for a no obligation chat and I can tell you all the ins and outs and answer any questions that you might have or, we can arrange a get together and talk about it over coffee and cake.

There are 17 items that you can pick from as your FREE ITEM and if you click HERE you will find out more.

Book your party, hold a virtual one or just let me know if you would like to place an order tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Now it wouldnt be right to leave without sharing a card, a very last, last, last minute card.  Its Charlottes birthday and as she is 1, she wasnt on the calendar (she is now).  Thank goodness I had some toppers ready and waiting.

Tomorrow I hope to share some of the Sale a Bration cards with you.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely evening.

Sunday Catch Up

Good morning from a rather white Derby, its chilly and the snow is slushy.  I am so fortunate to have a husband who makes sure that the paths are all clear and salt has been put down.  Mind you, earlier this week it was me out there with the spade for a while.  The snow is due to be worse tomorrow it seems but hay ho, what will be will be.

The snow created a few disrupptions for me this last week as we couldnt spend a couple of evenings crafting, so sad.  I do hope that we can plan to get together with with ladies that couldnt make it and have a night of crafting very soon.

Here is one of the cards that we made, used the Henry wheel and the Albert wheel and I love the way the card turned out.  Its a great one for using up bits of patterned paper. 

I am busy getting ready for a Stamping Saturday afternoon on 2nd February.  We shall make 5 cards and 5 inserts.  If you fancy taking part, please get in touch as soon as you can as there are only 4 places left.  Full details are on the events section of my blog (just click on the events button on the top).  I am looking for a couple of volunteers for the afternoon too to lend a hand.

Tuesday is the start of Sale a Bration which is perfect for Tuesday at Traceys so, weather permitting, if you can pop round for a cuppa, see what all the fuss is about and have a look at a few samples.  I hope to see you then (just let me know if you need the address).

As my internet has been very hit and miss this last week, I hope to catch up with all my emails today and lots of other interesting little bits and bobs, ready for another wonderful week.

I hope that you have had a good week and thanks for having a visit today.

Sunday and is that snow or is it ice?

Good morning and I really dont know if it is snow outside my front door or ice.  I am not about to go and look just yet brrr, too cold for that.

I have another action packed day ahead of me, out on the town, a little hairdressing and perhaps an hour or two in the craft room.

Here is another card that I have finished, for the box.  I hope to put the receipients name on the little tag, when its the right time of course because I am not sure who this is for just yet.

I hope you manage to stay dry and warm today, the forecast is for sleet (Christiana, that means some snow mixed in with rain).  Thanks for having a read and please, do feel free to leave a comment or two.

Patchwork Draught Excluder - a bit different

The first working week has gone by without too much of a hitch.  I must say that I am shattered even though I have been going to bed at 9 for the past couple of nights.  I havent been getting up early either.  Are we all ready for the sleet/snow tomorrow and the snow on Monday.  I am sure that it will be here just in time for me to go to work, yaks.

So today is my sister in laws birthday and this is what I made for her. It is a draught excluder

 
 
I have been up to the house, put it in place and, it fits phew.  It matches lovely with her curtains, chairs and cushions and I am told that she will be having warm feet at breakfast now.  I loved making this and I know to those of you who do sew, it wasnt very difficult but, for me, it was a very big and daunting project.  I shall be making another one at the end of the year and hopefully I shall know a little more about sewing and it will be easier.

So for the rest of the day its household chores.  Whilst I dont really like doing the chores I do like the end result. I love walking into a room and its all dust free, smelling of polish and nothing out of place.   I am also getting the table set up for crafty week next week.  Please feel free to give me a call on 01332 721877 to book your place on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. 

The cling stamps are still being put into boxes and if you would like any of the DVD/Stamp boxes which are 50p each, let me know next week and we can get some ordered for you.

Have a wonderful weekend, stay wrapped up warm and keep everything crossed that the weather men have got it wrong and we dont get snow.

missed WOYWW

I totally forgot it was Wednesday and WOYWW.  I will have to set a reminder for next week.

Today is birthdays YEAH.  Millie my grandaughter or granddaughter (still dont know which is right and which is wrong way to spell this) is 9 today and a friend of mine Liz, also celebrates her birthday.  Here are the cards that I have made.


 

BeYou went well yesterday.  I met Nigel, who is going to be my new buddy.  We are both off to the gym next Tuesday afternoon and then its swimming in a couple of weeks.  He thinks that I need to get the strength in my knee before I go to some excercise classes so I will see how that goes for a few weeks.

We had lots to talk and chat about last night too, the days are flying by.

Off out again this afternoon, I am hardly at home these days.  Have a lovely afternoon and evening and thanks for popping in.

Tuesday at Traceys

Tuesday at mine, I love Tuesdays.  I have a lot of SU orders here and hopefully I will get a visit or two tonight.

Look what Santa got me

 a new tea pot and trays, ohhh who is lucky.  Hope to use these tonight.

I am off to BeYou this afternoon.  This is something I have joined to try and help with the weight loss and I will let you know how I get on.
Here is another one of the cards that can now go into the finished box.  I take cards into work too, so I always need a lot.
 
Fancy a night of crafting?  Next week is my crafty week and there are a few places left if you would like to make a couple of cards and spend an evening of crafty chatter and laughter.  Home made cakes and tea/coffee will be available.  Please send me an email to tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com or give me a call on 01332 721877.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day

First day back at work

Monday morning and its back to work for me.  I shall also be answering any emails, phone messages etc. today, being a back to work day.  I shall also be baking a cake and some biscuits because tomorrow, it Tuesday at Traceys.  That is an open house tomorrow evening, anytime after 6p.m. for a cuppa, some cake and a natter.  A perfect time to catch up on everyones news and, if you would like to place an order, collect and order or talk about an order, the perfect setting.

Here is one of the the many cards that I am trying to finish.  As mentioned before, there are lots and lots of boxes in my craft room with unfinished cards and so I am trying to do at least 5 a day, which will keep me in good stead for the shows and events I want to attend this year.

 

Did you know that Stampin Up have a Valentines offer?  Its only available for a couple of weeks.
Now if you know of people that are into crafting, this is just the perfect present for a birthday or special occassion later in the year
 















When you purchase My Little Valentine Stamp Set (clear), which are 4 stamps




You will get this FREE.
 

Call me now on 01332 721877 to place your order which is going to be submitted tomorrow, Tuesday.

Thanks for having a read and have a great day

Happy Birthday Lesley

It's Lesley's birthday today and I hope that she has a wonderful day.  Here is the card that was made for her, loved doing this.

Yesterday I spent the whole afternoon, the evening and some part of the night making a present for my sister in law.  I cant show it you now, just in case she sees my blog.  I now understand the saying "labour of love".  I am so proud of it although it isnt perfect.  Today I have to clear up the mess I made oh yes, it trailed from the kitchen to the dining room to the living room as I was stuffing in there.  I dont mind the mess I just wish that I hadnt done the hoovering in the morning but, I will learn.

Sunday is the day of rest but, I am hoping to nip into town this morning and then do a Sunday Lunch when I get back.  Lots of veg which is all good for the diet.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely Sunday, hope yours is a day of rest.

My cup isnt half empty, its full

Good morning from a very warm Derby.  The weather forecast for the whole weekend is quite warm with some sunshine, that is perfect as I really would like to try and get outside to tidy up the garden.  First of all I must tidy up inside, I am so messy at times.

After the shopping yesterday I had an hour to myself to play and this is what I came up with

 For those that dont know me, I have a bit of a liking for china cups and saucers.  I have quite a few of them and add to this collection most weeks.  I am always very grateful of any cups that people give me too as I use them so much,  Well, I wondered what else I could do with them and this is what I did.  I know they are not perfect but I just love them and the more that I try and put flowers in, the better they will become.  Here is a close up.

 

 

Now I dont know a lot about flowers in the UK (having been in Cyprus) for quite a few years and I know even less about all the green leaves and plants so I thought I would ask the local florist.  Well what a disappointment.  I have not met anyone who was less helpful and the price she charged me for a few green twigs was disgraceful and really, I should have left the shop empty handed.  I shall be going to a few different florists for their help and advise and see if there is someone who is more helpful.

The Stampin' Up! order arrived YEAH.  I have sorted it out and here are the first 2013 Thank You cards.



All SU products and I loved making them.  If you would like to make these or something similar, just let me know and I would love the show you how I did it.

The next Stamperettes group will start at the end of February.  If you would like to know more, just get in touch tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com and I can tell you more about it.

The diet went well yesterday and as it was Friday, I had a treat.  A cadburys cream egg ohhhh.  I love them but how small they have become.  I am also really pleased to say that on the scales this morning, I have lost 1 and half pounds how good is that. 

*waving* to everyone that I visited yesterday.  Thank you to you, for reading this and wishing you a lovely weekend.

Happy Birthdays

The first of the January birthdays today.  Its Elvies and Paulines and I hope you both have a wonderful day, you deserve it.

Here are the cards that I made and can now show you, although you cant really see all the glitter.

Fingers crossed that the postman arrived in time, but he should have.

Yesterday didnt go as planned but hay, it didnt matter.  I managed to get my accounts done for the year and now I shall be out taking them to the mr. accountant man.  I will also be going all over making deliveries, charity shop, changing clothes etc.  A lovely day out and, the weather is forecast to be nice too.

Diet went well yesterday again, I just ate my 3 meals with a couple of yoghurts in between.  Lots of tea and coffee though but next week I will cut down on that and...... replace the sugar for canderel and replace my semi skimmed milk for skimmed. 

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a wonderful day

On my travels

Oh what a day I had yesterday.  I was in the states, Canada, all over the UK and a couple of places I dont even know where they were...all of this on Julias WOYWW.  I really had a lovely time looking at other peoples crafty space, seeing what people are making and certainly being inspired but that does mean that the chores have to be done today, boo hoo.  I will also be looking up a few crafting items that I have never heard of before, oh thank goodness for the big wide web.

I also managed to have two very lengthly conversations with my youngest and my eldest daughter.  Again, thank goodness for the internet as both calls were free via Skype.  Its wonderful to catch up on all their news and they had so much to tell me too.

I am trying to get as many cards finished as I can as I have boxes (yes plural) boxes of cards that have been started either in a class, in Cyprus or at other times but not finished off.  Here is a Pocket Silhouttes card in Marina Mist and More Mustard (M&M)...

It a lovely card that I enjoyed finishing and can now be added to the FOR SALE cards or written out for one of the 100s of birthdays that I have throughout the year.  I get such a sense of satisfaction when a card has been finished.

It will soon be crafty week.  If you fancy coming along to make a couple of cards and spend an evening with like minded people.  Please do get in touch to book your place.

During my daily sort out - oh yes the sort out will happen each day, no matter what - I have come across a few books that I no longer need.  Paul and I have our garden looking exactly as we like it and I have a very large flower/plant encyclopedia that I am keeping, should I need to look anything up.  If you would like any of the books below to help with your garden (not to sell on), please let me know and I will put them to one side for you.

Day 2 of diet went well.  I ate 3 meals and no treats and there was lots of going up and down the stairs.  I also went out for a little walk to the shops and post office.  

*waving* at my latest follower on the blog, thank you for joining.  Off to start those chores and then I can get back into the craft room tonight. 

Whats on your workdest Wednesday - 187

Here is day 2 of 2013 and the first WOYWW for the year.  I love looking at everyones crafting area and although it takes me a few days to get around, I do my best.  If you are not sure what I am on about, have a look HERE Julie explains it all so well and there are links to lots of other crafting areas which is wonderful.  I cant always manage getting a photo on each week but, I shall certainly try a little harder this year as its something I love doing.
 
Here is my rather untidy desk, lots of cards ready and I have to get my skates on to get them into the post today.

Paul has gone back to work and I am lucky enough to have another couple of days to catch up with all those little things that need doing.  I have a few little trips to make too and am starting to love going out and about.  Here is one of the coffees I made him over Christmas, trying to get the little coffee stencils right, I didnt do a great job but they say practise makes perfect.

Here is a little Christmas Tag we made on our last visit to SS in Peterborough which reminds me, I must book my hotel to go again in a couple of months.





The diet on Day 1 went well, fingers crossed that Day 2 goes just as planned. 

*Waving* at my new follow and thanks for joining.  A big thank you to everyone that visits today and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, whatever you are doing.

UPDATED -  It seems that there is a problem with leaving comments and that a message comes back saying undelivered.  I am not too sure what to do about this.  Has anyone else had this?

Day 1

Wishing everyone a very happy 2013.  I hope that this year will be your best yet.

Last  night was a quiet one for us which means that I dont have a hangover to put up with, unlike some others that are reading this, oh yes, I know who you are.

Today we are off for a walk around the crem, that will blow away the cobwebs and then some lunch out.  Its boring ironing this afternoon as a certain person has to pack his case.  That leaves me 4 magic days to craft, craft and do some more crafting before going back to the big office on Raynesway.

New Year Resolutions well I havent made any but, there are 5 things that I am going to change this year

I AM going to lose weight and today is day one of that journey.
I AM going to visit people and talk to them rather than send emails and text messages ( so be warned)
I AM going to go and learn lots of new skills this year, I want to make a cake and decorate it with a big bow made from icing, I want to learn how to make roses and pretty decorated cakes never mind about all the sewing I want to learn too.
I AM going to go to Ireland to see my friend and give her a big hug and have tea with her and I am going to try to meet lots of face book friends that I have never met before.
I know that this is only 4 things but the 5th, well I will tell you more about that another time.

As usual, on the first of the new year, I have a little look back at what I have done in the craft room last year and these are photographs of my favourites

JANUARY
 
FEBRUARY
 
MARCH
 
APRIL
 
MAY
 
JUNE
 
JULY
 
AUGUST
 
SEPTEMBER

 
OCTOBER
 
NOVEMBER

 
DECEMBER
 

 Thank you for having a read.  The events page is up to date for the next couple of months so if you fancy some card making with me, get in touch or if you just fancy a cuppa and a chat or would like some more information about Stampin Up you can call me on 01332 721877 or send an email to tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com.  Hope to see you soon