When they are gone, they are gone

The weekend is just about here but today is quite a big day in the Stampin' Up! world.  Lots and lots of items go on offer and  a list of everything that will be leaving the current Annual Catalogue is published.

For a full list of 100s of stamps and accessories that will be leaving  click HERE for the stamps and HERE for the accessories.  When they are gone, they are gone and I can tell you, they soon get snapped up.

If you would like to order any items that are retiring, please give me a call on 01332 721877 or email me tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com.  The first order will be going in tomorrow night and if it reaches the £150 minimum to get £25 hostess gifts, 5 lucky ladies will get a free ink pad, colour of their choice, from the colours that are available currently.  If the order total reaches the next level, than the number of ladies that get a FREE inkpad increases etc. etc. 

It is also exciting because as a demonstrator, you get to choose a few items from a list of new products that are going to be in the 2013-2014 catalogue AND, oh yes, there is an and, if you reached targets earlier in the year, you get to pick your FREE goodies too.  So if joining the Stampin' Up! team is something you are interest in why not let me know and I can tell you more about it.
Today is also the day that we get to order the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue.  I am taking orders for these already so, if you would like to get your hands on a copy as soon as they are available, get in touch soon.

Must get a wiggle on and get ready for work.  Have a great start to the weekend.

Thursdays update and a Bug Me card

Oh Oh, there have been a few problems with the on line ordering that I told you all about.

As soon as the little gliches have been sorted out, I will let you know.

Although it was raining yesterday, I thought I would brave the weather to show you the flowers that are out, I have to look up how to spell them.  Rhododendrons, that is what they are.

They are only out for a short time but what a stunning display.  Also Paul gets to see what he is missing.

At the front of the house, usually hidden by Paul's car we have the acer which is stunning and these little white flowers that love the sunshine




And of course my rose, which is just outside the front door.  This has started to get lots of buds and is just starting to flower. Fingers crossed that this will last the whole of summer

Enough of the garden photos, even in the rain.  We have been told that sunshine is on its way which is great news.

Here is a card that we made at another recent class using the Bug Me Stampin' Up! stamp set.

I made little tags to go with it but can I find them?  no.  They are in my nice tidy craft room where everything has been put away....it just needs a hoover later.

Best get my skates on for another busy morning at work and then its off to visit mum this afternoon.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for visiting.

Midweek Musing

The weather had been wonderful over the Bank Holiday weekend but what a difference it has been the last couple of days.  At least I dont have to water the garden. I did manage to get it all tidy, a bit more dead heading done but the flowers are looking lovely, even in the rain.

It was crafty week last week and I made cards with some wonderful ladies *sending you all a little wave*.    Here is one that we did

 I saw this on the big wide web and I cant find it again but I loved the look of it so thought we would all have a go.

Supplies - all Stampin' Up! of course
Create a Cupcake Stamp set
Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Pink Piroutte card
Marina Mist Ribbon
Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip Ink
Subtles designer series 12 x 12 pad 
Create a Cupcake Punch
White Gel Pen
Pricking tool and Mat

After a crafty Saturday morning Paul and I took our eldest grandaughter into town.  We went to a few shops and then had a coffee at Patisserie Valerie in the Westfield Centre.  It is a lovely place to go for a treat and here is a photo of the pair. 

 
I am sure that Beth enjoyed herself and I think we may have started a new tradition for the grand children.  Beth managed to purchase a few little things with her birthday money too.

We then nipped in to see Mum who has just had an operation on her shoulder.  She is in a lot of pain but putting on a very brave face.  Sunday was a day of sorting, packing (Paul, not me) and getting a few odd jobs done.    I have managed to get quite a lot of ironing done, stamps for sale sorted out as well as lots of crafty bits given away.  The charity shop has had another couple of bags and the rubbish man will be having some more.  I dont know where I keep finding it all from but, I do feel a lot better and, I am starting to wonder if I am enjoying the sorting, cleaning and putting away rather than sitting down and creating?

It is that work/home balance thing again isnt it.  Its such a fine thing to keep balanced and sometimes we have to do a bit of tuning to make it work.  So I have had a few days off from the blog whilst I catch my breath.  Getting everything ready for crafty week really does take up a lot of time as does putting it all away again, phew.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope that you have managed to stay dry.

The weekend is just a few hours away

It's arrived and how happy am I.  Friday that is.

I have crafty classes today at 2pm, tonight at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 10am.  If you would like to join us, just let me know.

Yesterday I nearly got run over whilst walking by the local shops.  I was so frightened, two young girls helped me and a crowd gathered round, I was really embarassed.  A man in his very late 70's early 80's maybe, just missed me as he was travelling around 15 mph on an electric scooter and as he passed me he shouted "move out the eff ing way" WHAT. The pavements were so crowded, he actually caught my shopping bag and that is what the shock was, I thought someone was trying to grab it.  People shouted at him and told him to slow down, to which two fingers went up in the air.  It is funny now and how lovely for all the support I got from everyone but what can we expect of our youngsters when they see this behaviour.  Moan over

I baked last night, bero book is brilliant (as is Ruth for making these originally), I think I may have an addiction to them

And here is another card that we made last Saturday,

Sorry this is short and sweet but got to go and get ready for work now.  Have a lovely day and please, do get in touch if you would like to make a couple of cards later today.  01332 721877 and leave a message on the answerphone or email me at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

By the tide

Just one more day to go and then its the weekend phew.  Not that I am wishing my life away.

The sun is out, even so early this morning and the forecast is rain, again.  We keep being told that its going to rain but it hasnt done over my house.  I had to water all the plants again last night and wow, they are really growing very quickly.

Today is mum in law and grandaughters birthday and I didnt photograph the cards, how could I not?  Silly me but I do have this card to share with you.

We made this at our training event last weekend using Comfort Cafe papers, Soft Suade card and ink as well as By the Tide stamp set.  Lovely Neutral button sat there too. 

Well I had best get a wiggle on and get myself sorted for work.  I hope you have a great day today and thank you for having a read.

Midweek Musings

 Well we didnt get the rain we were promised so that means that my plants will need a water today.  Ohh I know that spring is here because look what has started to bud.  This is two weeks later than normal and it is a lovely sight when all the flowers are out.




Unfortunately the camellia has finished flowering, the majority of the flowers have now died and it will just get watered for another year, until it starts all over again.

It was a friends birthday earlier this week and here is the card that I made for her using Stampin' Up! card, buttons, linen thread and pieces of paper.  The writing I did on the computer.  If you would like to make a couple of these next week please give me a shout as I have a few more to make to take to the girls in Cyprus. 



Sophia has her first exam today.  She has done a lot of studying for it and I wish her well for today.  I am sure she will do just fine but she does suffer with the stress of it all, which is hard for such a young person.  Soon be the summer holidays for her though.  Katerina has a job, oh yes.  She has only been home a couple of days and she is starting work in a lawyers office for the Summer.  Unfortunately she wont be getting paid for this but it is all experience.  Christiana is doing well, not putting on much weight but starting to be a happier a person so at the moment, all is well in my world.

Paul came home, YEAH, so I have some company again, although having said then I havent seen much of him.....music studio tut tut.

I have been using 2 of these for a while now


but now that the drawers are in and the room is getting tidy, I no longer need 2.  So I am selling one of them.  This is what I call my craft storer and it turns around.  I dont know what I would have done without it.  The rrp is £18 but as this is used and still in perfect condition, if someone would like it for £7.50 please let me know.  I did have two lamps as well, lovely pink ones from Ikea but Paul has said he can use them in his study

Have you heard the latest Stampin' Up! news?  Well, you can now order on line, from the comfort of your own home any and all items from Stampin' Up! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Oh yes, if you are a midnight crafter or want something NOW and I am not ashamed to admit it, there have been times when I wanted something yesterday.  All you have to do is click a button which hopefully, I shall have on my blog tonight.  Exciting and scary all at once lol.  Of course, this doesnt mean that I am not placing orders or that I am not here to help you in anyway, it is just in addition to everything I do.  Fingers crossed that I can understand all the technology to get it sorted.

CRAFTY WEEK UPDATE - there is just one place left on the 2pm crafting session on Friday, 2 places on Friday evening starting at 7.30 and 4 spaces on Saturday morning starting at 10.  Please do get in touch if you would like to join us on any of these events as it would be lovely to see you.

Have a lovely day and thanks for having a visit.

SHOPPING LINK UPDATE - I have managed to get the shopping link added on the right.  If you have any problems, please let me know and I shall try and sort them when I get home this afternoon. 

Tuesdays Twitter

Good morning.  Wasnt the weather strange yesterday.  The sun just never got through the clouds but it wasnt cold, thankfully.  I think we are in for a bit of a storm today.  No Tuesday at Traceys because I am off to Little Eaton Garden center for a quick coffee, quick catch up and a quick nose around.  If you fancy coffee I will be there about 1 ish for an hour.

Isnt this wonderful?  Well I think so too.  It is a "to do" book and I got it for my birthday. I am using it constantly.  It is too big for my handbag which is a good job really although, I could buy another handbag??? thinking about that one.  Well it is a very posh "to do" list.  I write in it on a Sunday and update it most evenings.  It really does help me and it is better than the wilkos one I usually have out on the side in the kitchen.

Katerina left on Sunday night, boo hoo.  We spoke every day sometimes two or three times and she is such a happy child that she made me happy when I put the phone down to her.  I just hope that she gets time to face book me now and again as I shall miss her lots.  She has done so well living another year in Preston and we are now waiting for her exam results, fingers crossed.

FANCY MAKING A COUPLE OF CARDS TOMORROW? - I shall provide everything to make two cards, refreshments, cakes etc. etc.  You just need to bring £7, some sticky tape (I can provide this if you are a beginner and dont have any) and lots of enthusiasm.  We start at half 7 but you are most welcome to arrive at 7 to meet your fellow crafters.  Lots of items on the SALE TABLE.

Speaking of sale tables, I have these to give away to a good home

not a very good photo is it lol.  Basically there are quite a few magazines, some stamps and a couple of folders.  Just let me know if you want them.

At our get together on Saturday we all made a card using SU crepe paper.  I havent used this before but it will be on my next order that's for sure.  We made a card very similar to this one (this is Helen's) and I just love it, hope you do too.  

If you fancy having a play with some crepe paper and make a couple of cards, let me know and I will organise a get together in a couple of weeks, it could be fun.

Thanks for having a read today, hope you are well and as usual, have a lovely day x

Happy Monday

Here we on another fresh start to another week, dont they go by very quickly.

Its going to be a lovely week this week, well arent they all.  I have crafty week, that means I get to craft 3 or 4 times with wonderful ladies.  If you would like to join us, there are a couple of place on Wednesday evening, Friday afternoon and evening as well as Saturday morning.  Please give me a call on 01332 721877 or drop me an email at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com and I will give you more information.  This is for new and experience crafters.  We shall make a couple of cards, lots of time for a natter, homemade cakes and refreshment.  It would be lovely to see you if you can make it.

As promised in yesterdays post, here is the card that I made for my sister for her birthday.

I am not sure if you can see all that glitter but there was plenty of it. Another stamp from my stash and I have made another couple exactly the same but not for my sister of course.

I have finally got my hands on THIS and THAT from Stampin' Up!  I really dont know how to start this because its so lovely.  All I do is keep looking at it, going through the papers and then putting it away.  I am determined to start it this week, sad I know.  If you are not sure what I am on about,  her are the details

	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	9.95
	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	5.50
	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	4.50
	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	4.50
	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until May 31st	29.24 15% Off Retail Value

 

  Well I really must go and start the day job,  Thanks for nipping in.  I do hope that you are okay and that all is well is your world.  I know that not everyone can leave messages to let me know you have visited but so many people tell me they have been.  Happy Monday

Decoupage and congratulations me

Good morning from a fairly warm Derby.  The forecast today is for a fairly cloudy day but with temperatures up to 20 degrees so maybe, just maybe I can get outside and do a little more cleaning and pruning.  I say cleaning because the heron has returned and is leaving its calling card everywhere.  I walked into the kitchen at some ungodly hour this morning and there it was, just sitting on the edge of the pond HA, you cant get my fish cause there is a big net over my pond.

Yesterday was a very busy day, it was birthdays and birthdays in my family, again.  It was dads and sisters and here is the card that I made my dad, a bit different for me.















Supplies Used
Stash that I have in my craft room

I shall share sisters card with you in the week.

I  went to a little village called Horsely Woodhouse (after getting lost) and met up with lots of other fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators in Helens team, me being one of them.  It was lovely to see some new faces and catch up with people I havent seen for ages and ages and ages.  I have certainly been inspired to make a few cards today so this wont be a long post but I wanted to share this with you.

I was given this by Helen

 
 I just love these papers, they are from the Stampin' Up! Paper Stack.  You get a whole pad of 12 x 12 double sided papers (quite thick they are too, so you can use them for wrapping paper), 4 designs of every colour in the colour family, that's a total of 40 sheets.  At £19.50 they are a bargain because you use all the papers in the pad, honestly, you do.

Did you figure out what it is?

DaDa


How bright, summery and cheerful is this WOW.  I love bags, I have a different shopping bag for every day of the month, yes that many as I cant say no to them so this, is extra special.  Thank you Helen.  Why did I get it? oh I got promoted in the world of Stampin' Up! YEAH *jumping up and down and waving arms* My name was in print in a Stampin' Up! magazine and I will be able to get FREE, oh yes that is the right word FREE Stamps from Stampin' Up!  It has been a wonderful journey in my Stampin' Up! life and I look forward to the next stage of it.  If you would like to get the opportunity to get FREE Stampin Up! goodies, get in touch and I can hopefully explain how, here is my email address tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

After our meet up I stayed for an afternoon of crafting, more to share with you later this week.  Then I nipped in for a quick coffee with a friend and saw the amazing Big Shot Pro, WOW, impressive. It was then over to dads to give out card and pressies before getting in and putting feet up.  I am sorry to say I didnt have a Eurovision Party, I didnt watch it this year at all.

So now its the boring stuff like washing as I need clothes for my morning job, hoovering and polishing, an hour of fresh air and exercise in the garden and then sort out the drawers in the craft room so that I can craft....such a hard life he he he.

Thank you for having a read and have a wonderful Sunday.

Happy Birthday Uncle John

The weather forecast for yesterday was rain, rain and more rain but, it was lovely in the afternoon, some sunshine but it wasnt too warm.  The rain never came.

I tried to sort out the craft room with my new drawers but I didnt get too far, never mind, hopefully I can get it done soon.

As well as it being my birthday on Tuesday, it was also my uncles and here is the card that I made for him

We did this in one of the classes and I just love all the colours that go with crumb cake ink.

Today I shall be out all afternoon and evening busy, busy, busy.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day.  What are you up to today?  it would be lovely to know.

Midweek Musings with lots and lots of photos

Umm, where did the sunshine go?  It really feels cold today, so cold that I have had to put my heating on, good job Paul is away and he wont know.  And yes, I have got a cardigan on too.

Well what a hectic few days.  Monday after work was a mad clean up, lots of ironing and lots of visitors because yesterday it was my birthday.  Unfortunately Paul had to go away yesterday morning (that is why I had to do all the ironing) but we did have breakfast together and what lovely presents he got me.  I am so lucky as he really is thoughtful.  As well as the 3 drawer units and flowers, I got a tiny box of chocs, a dvd that I have been wanting to see, well actually we went to the cinema to watch it to find out it had left.  That was the second time we had done that, how embaressing.   Then I got a box of J20, some wonderful little candles, a new china mug and mat for when I sit outside in the sun, yeah okay and a birthday cake.  It was lovely to spend an hour with him before he went off on his travels.  Then I went off to work armed with  georgraphy cake, blueberry muffins, shortbread biscuits and brownies. 

 The afternoon was filled with friends visiting, then more friends and more and, before I knew it, time for bed.

I have received some wonderful birthday cards

So then I cut the cake Paul got for me and we sat and chattered and laughed.

I have such lovely friends who spoilt me rotten with thoughtful presents, thank you to everyone.  Thanks for making my day so special when I thought I would be spending it alone as not only Paul left to work away but my parents are away as is my sister.

My daughters, who are split everywhere this week got my birthday organised between them.  Katerina sent me this card from all the girls

And clever Christiana organised Amazon to deliver this present, from all the girls.  A little girl with a dog from the Willow collection.  The box was even wrapped up ready for me to open.
 

Her present matches the one that Katerina organised for mothers day. A little girl with a cat from the Willow collection.
 

I have to show all these photos as I am not sure if all the girls have seen all the cards and presents, if you know what I mean but ssshhh, dont let the girls know lol.

So now I am an older lady who should be taking things easy but do I, oh no.  Today I am putting the finishing touches to the craft room and then its the finishing touches for next weeks crafty week.
We shall be crafting on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and at the moment, there are some spaces available.  If you would like a little more information about making a couple of cards, joining in the fun and laughter, eating home made cakes and biscuits,  just get in touch.  The card making is for experienced crafters as well as beginners.

Thank you for having a read, right to the end and have a wonderful afternoon and evening.