Sunny Sunday and Stampin' Up! butterflies

I have had a bit of a lie in this morning, which is good.  Waking up to a blue sky, a bit of sunshine and the birds singing is wonderful.

Today I am off into town for a little retail therapy.  Of course, its treat time after all the hard work I have put in the last few weeks and, because I had some vouchers for my birthday that I havent yet spent, I shall treat myself to a couple of bits I need.  I do have a little shopping list and knowing me, I will be home after an hour or so but that's fine.

I have lots and lots of cleaning up, putting away and sorting out to do today, after my lovely day yesterday.  I need to make a list of all the retired items I have for sale and, if you would like to see what there is, just let me know.

Lots of new things to look forward to in the new catalogue and, if you havent got your catalogue yet then I would be very happy to send you one in the post, first class.  These are not just catalogues to see what items you can purchase but they are full of inspiration, ideas, colours to put together and tips all the way through.  A really good investment.  Of course, if you are in the Derby area and would like to collect a book or you would like me to drop one off, I would love to. 

Stampin' Up! have some wonderful coloured card.  There are also inks, ribbon, buttons, pens, patterned papers and lots more that are all the same colour as the card and sometimes, I get a little confused as to what colour is what so, I spent a few hours making my own  12 x 12 colour board

This has all the reds together, all the blues, all the pinks etc. etc. so that I can see at a glance the colours.  I must admit that I work better this way and have all my card organised in colour groups, rather than the families.

To make my colour board I used a punch. There is a tiny butterfly punch that Stampin' Up! have that is just a MUST HAVE to anyone who likes butterflies.

But then I got hooked on butterflies and made this card using Papillion Potpourri which has 6 butterflies in the stamp set.  There is also a punch that co-ordinates with the set so cutting out just wasnt an issue.

If you would like more information about anything that you have seen on my blog, please do give me a ring or send me an email.

Thank you for visiting my blog today and I hope that all is well in your world.  Have a lovely day and please, do let me know if you would like a catalogue.

Super Saterday

What a smashing day I have had today.  It started at silly o'clock as I wanted to bake the cream horns as fresh as fresh could be, it was worth it

 And of course, they werent the only treat on the table.

Then it was a clean up of the kitchen and get everything ready for my open house, tea and coffee to order all day long with cake, cake and more cake.  Can you believe that I havent had any yet, my treat for later.  We have laughed, chattered, put the world to rights, oohhhedd and arreeed over the new catalogue and then it was silent.  So here I am, sat all alone it total silence......

Well thank you for all the comments everyone gave about the card samples but guess what, we didnt really discuss in great detail, Digital Crafting.  Oh yes, very very soon you can get the digital studio, date is to be advised.  I must admit that I am a total novice to this so, with a little help from me friends (I do hope you know who you are), you can come with me on this wonderful journey of going digi.

Here is a set of cards, notebook etc. that I have made using the Secret Garden Stamp Set and Framlits. 

If you would like to make this set as well as other cards using Secret Garden just let me know and I will be very happy to show you and your friends how to do these, in your home.  It will take a couple of hours and I am free in an afternoon as well as an evening and as I love to travel, it doesnt really matter where abouts in the area you are.  Give me a call on 01332 721877 to find out more as I would to spend some crafty time with you.  I will come armed with everything you need, all you have to do is have somewhere to craft.  Nothing could be easier.

Its now time for a cuppa, a bite to eat and put my feet up for the evening.  Thanks for having a read today and I hope you have a lovely weekend, well what is left of it.  *waving to everyone who visited* cause I know they are waiting for it.

Fun Friday

Well it is rather overcast here but being Friday, that's okay.   I dont mind what the weather does on a Friday as it is still a happy day for me.

I had a lovely night last night crafting the evening away so all that rain didnt bother us at all.  We ate cakes too, naughty but nice but everyone deserved the cakes as they did make 3 cards.

Here is a card I made recently when we went over to Leeds.  I cant wait to make more of these, so bright and sunny.

I say today is going to be a fun day because after I have done my 4 hours at work, its time to nip to next to collect a couple of bits that I have ordered, food shopping and then another night of crafting.

Tomorrow is a cuppa and cakes all day long as I am having my open house, lots of samples, lots of colours, lots of people and dont forget, if you havent been before, come along to find out what Stampin Up is all about.
I have you have a lovely day today and thanks for nipping in and reading the blog

Wednesdays Mosiac Madness

What a lovely day we have today in Derby, a lot better than the last few.  Fingers crossed that it lasts as it would be really nice if we could sit outside on Saturday.

I am having an open house on Saturday and if you have an hour or two spare, it would be wonderful if you could call in for a cuppa, some cake and a look at the new Stampin' Up! catalogue.  I have a few samples ready, some new products to look at, a raffle and hopefully, lots of crafty chatter.

There are lots and lots of new bits and being a demonstrator, I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on some new stamps to have a play.  Here is a card I have made

Just one of a few cards made with this new stamp set, new punch, new papers and new embossing folder.

If you would like my address to call in on Saturday, please give me a ring on 01332 721877 or send me an email to tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com and I can tell you were abouts in Derby I am.  It would be lovely to see you.

The blog has taken a bit of a back seat at the moment as I am busy getting ready for the open day as well as Crafty Week, this week.  If you would like to make a couple of cards on Thursday evening or Friday evening, I have one space available Thursday and 2 on Friday so do get in touch as soon as you can.

UPDATE - Class is full tomorrow.  If you would like to come on Friday, there are 2 places available.

Thanks for having a read, have a lovely evening.

Wet and Soggy Thursday

A right wet and soggy start to Thursday.  I trundled into work, red hot and wet through, I couldnt believe that the skies opened just as I got out of my car, typical.

The afternoon soon passed and as soon as the food shopping was done, down it comes again, just in time to get me soaked once more.  Never mind, I am home and dry now.

 Look what I have, all ready and waiting.  Did you notice what stamp set I had used to decorate the parcels?

Not sure what they are, well they are the new Stampin' Up! catalogues for 2013 - 2014.  I have had lots of little deliveries so maybe, just maybe, your Stampin' Up! goodies are here ready and waiting for you.  If they are I shall give you a call tomorrow.

Here is card I made recently at a class





Speaking of classes, I have just one space left next Thursday at 7.30 to make a couple of cards.  More details can be found on my events page.  Just click the little tab at the top of the page and it will take you there.  3 spaces left for the Friday event and lots and lots of room on Saturday 29th for my open house.  You dont have to book and if you dont know where I live, just let me know and I will give you details.  It would be lovely to see you.

Right, off to finish a card or two, thanks for having a read and I hope you have managed to stay dry today.

Happy Birthday Ollie

I did say that yesterday was  a little different.  Well it is neice's sons 2nd birthday today and here is the card I made him.  I just loved making this, from all different stash in my craft room.

We went to his birthday party yesterday, which is just next door, so not too far to walk.

He had hurt his eye but that wasnt going to stop him from blowing out his candles.

That is why yesterday was a little different, it ended with a party that we didnt know was going to happen.

I have a busy morning at work and then its more Stampin' Up! cards this afternoon and this evening, once the chores are done. 

Thanks for having a read and I hope you stay dry today, the forecast is for rain again, which is great for the garden.

Fathers Day and Cream Horns

Well that is Monday just about done with.  I really do not like them although today was a little different.  I will tell you more about that later in the week.

Yesterday was lovely.  Mum, Dad and Mum in law came for lunch and then, I had a play with making some cream horns.  I had all the 3 adults watching me, a bit like a tv programme I think, well here is the pastry I made earlier, here is the cream I am going to whip etc. etc.  Then surprise surprise, the son and grand children arrive, whilst I am in the middle of making these.  So that is the adults plus 1 and 4 little girls as well as hubby all waiting for cream horns.  It took an age to make them and everyone was waiting for a little taste.  Having never made these before, I was quite impressed with myself and I am pleased to say, everyone loved them.  Paul took 3 into work today so the lads got a treat too.
 

As it was fathers day, I made this card for dad.  I did cheat a little though as we made these cards in one of the card classes a month or so ago.

 

He loved it, said it was unusual and how clever was I.  I couldnt tell him that there are lots and lots of these cards on blog land because I think he would ask me directions on how to get there.  So thanks to everyone in blogland for your inspiration.

If you would like to make a couple of cards next week, I have  a space available on Thursday 27th and 3 spaces available of Friday 28th.  If you cant make either of those evenings, why not come along on Saturday 29th June to my open house.  Even if we have never met before you are most welcome to see what all the card making, crafting, scrapbooking and Stampin' Up! is all about.  Just get in touch and I will give you directions on how to get here.  01332 721877 or email me at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

I am busy making samples for 29th June and catching up with hubby as he is still here YEAH.  He was due to go away last week to work and hasnt gone yet so that is great for me.  We are sorting out lots and I must say, the garden in very inviting. Plants are growing, its looking clean and tidy and the bumble bee hive really is a hive of activity.

Well thanks for popping in and I hope all is well in your world.

Friday and its Mums birthday

Its my mums birthday today. She is in her 70s and here is the card that I made for her



I also got her this


And made these

Along with the customary flowers I put a little envelope in for her to treat herself next time she goes out anywhere.  We are all off out for a family meal tonight but, the chores and food shopping have to be done first and the weather is awful.

Nevermind, the weather wont spoil a Friday and what a week it has been.  I have been so lucky to make a few samples for 29th June, my open day.  All welcome, old friends and some new ones too.
It is a free entrance event, lots to look at, the new catalogues on sale, lots of retired products will be sold, a raffle every could of hours, home made cakes and refreshments.  If you have made anything using your SU products it would be great if you could bring it along with you.

A new Stamperettes will be starting on 28th July so find out all about it at the open house.  If you want to know more about any Stampin Up products, let me know in advance and hopefully I will have time to show you.

Right, Henry is calling me (the hoover).  have a lovely afternoon and I do hope you stay dry

Wet and Windy day today

Hold on to your hats today.  The forecast today is for rain and blustery showers, up to 50 miles an hour wind in the Derby area. Now in Cyprus its going to be just 28 degrees, bliss.

Yesterday I did manage to get a couple of cards made and I am just loving the new Crushed Curry ink.  It seems to be going wonderfully with some other new colours.  If you fancy having a good look at the new stuff, save the date, June 29th.  I hope to have quite a few samples, a few new bits for you to look at as well as the new catalogue.  Orders for the catalogue are coming in thick and fast already.

I thought I would share this rare photograph with you.  Two of my daughters were bridesmaids at their cousins wedding on 1st June.  How did they manage in those shoes all day.  I am sure they wont mind me sharing this with you.














Here is another card that we made last week, love those colours.




Well its a short but sweet post.  I have to get to work a bit earlier today but wanted to make sure the blog was up and running before I left so now its time for breakfast. After Mr. Blogger playing up I didnt want to risk it again.

Thank you for visiting and I am sorry that there is something wrong with the comment boxes, I will look into it tonight.  Have a lovely day and I hope you manage to stay dry.

Wednesdays Post that should have gone out on Tuesday

Mr Blogger has been playing up as I was hoping that this post would have appeared yesterday, never mind, better late than never.
I had a few minutes of fame on Monday.  I was on the radio.  It was really frightening but hay, I did it.If you want to have a listen, its on i player and this link may just work  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0192jyz

I was telling everyone about Derby Dabblers, the craft club in Derby and a bit of scrapbooking.  It wasnt exactly as I thought it would be but it was a lovely experience meeting more new people and who knows, I may just get asked back again and, be more prepared for it.  Well that was Monday but what about the rest of the weekend?

Well I can tell you on Friday I sweated blood and tears to get the downstairs de cluttered, sorted, straight and put to rights and boy, did I do it.  Everywhere was lovely and I was so proud of myself, new nets, clean windows, all glass cabinets shining etc. etc.  I went to bed very content and happy.

Saturday I went back to Leeds, getting into a bit of a habbit.  I went along with a couple of friends to a class. Yes it was all cut out, all ready and waiting for us and it was a smashing day.  We made quite a lot of cards and here is the first.



Again, more lovely ladies were met and now I have to try and figure out how to add them as facebook friends?  Even Paul doesnt know how to do it but I am sure I will get there in the end.  Saturday night it was feet up, in front of the telly phew.  I did come home to a wonderful steak, bless Paul, he looks after me so well.

Sunday was mad panic.  Oh yes I had to get everything ready for my radio station visit.  I was up and down the stairs all day, puttting this together, packing that.  Sorting out stash for a scrapbook page, sorting out items we made at dabblers and it took the WHOLE day.  We nipped out for lunch, cook? who had time to cook when I was getting everything ready?  At half past 11 Sunday night I was done.  It wouldnt have happened if Paul hadnt have been here taking care of things but hang on, what happened to my lovely clean downstairs with shiney windows, plumped up settee cushions, sparkling floor etc. etc.?  Mustn't complain though, Paul had been gardening, shopping and washing pots.

So then it was Monday, at work for 7 and off to radio visit, yesterday it was try and sort out a few little chores and chat with with the girls.  As well as try and keep on top of the garden and wow, that sunshine has done it the world of good.  I hope I dont bore you with these photos but I am so proud of how everything is turning out.
 
 



And here are my table and chairs, just ready for the sunshine, a coffee and a friend to share it with.

Now just where did the days go?  Rushed by in a flurry so this week, its time to take things easy for a change and just catch up.

Today I am hoping to get a few samples done for my open house on 29th June.  It would be lovely if you could come along and join me in a cuppa and some home made cake.  There is no charge, it is a FREE event.  Right, best get a wiggle on as mum in law is coming for tea and there is nothing ready and then, play time in the craft room.

Thanks for having a read and I hope all is well in your world

Sunny Saturday

Up bright and early again today as off for a day out.

I think I beat the heron again this morning as it came down and went off again more or less at the same time, which is good but, he did leave his calling card, dirty bird.

Yesterday I caught these little doves sitting on the fence, sunbathing, honestly.  If you click on the photo to make it bigger you can see for yourself.  They were there for nearly an hour, bless

 I have been very brave with my out with the old regime and just to prove it, here is a tin that has to go.  Yes, my tins and boxes are making an exit because I have too many, I dont use them and, if I want a tin in the future, I will buy one full of biscuits.  The more empty tins and boxes I have, the more I am filling them so, if you need any tins or boxes, let me know.

 Another few things that are going are, this card stand.  Not a good photo but its a twirly card stand and fits lots of cards £30.  It is in 2 pieces and you should get it into your car.

My Craft Room kit, over £60 worth for £15

 The Crafters Companion Ultimate, £10

Arent I good?  There are another 4 boxes all piled up ready for my crafty day on 29th June, I am getting all excited about it.  Lots of samples being made.

Well thanks for having a look, I hope you have a great day.

Out with the old day - but keeping hubby

Good morning from a very sunny Derby.  It is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far today
 and the sun is already starting to make an appearance.  A bit like the heron.  Oh yes I got up early to discover the heron on the garden shed roof.  Thankfully we still have the net over the pond so we won today, the heron lost.

Well I am starting to get things ready for my open house on Friday 29th June and having fun doing it.  Paul isnt too sure about all the boxes that are starting to appear but when I told him that they are boxes of retired items that have to go, he breathed a sigh of relief. He thought I was trying to get more stuff into my crafty space lol.

We dont have a Derby Dabblers get together tonight which is very sad.  The caretaker called to say that the parisheners have a cream tea tomorrow so they have to get the room ready today and there wouldnt be tables for us to use.  I am rather frustrated by this as we have had the hall on the first Friday of every month for a few years now so they could have told us earlier or, asked us to bring tables.....grrrrrrr.  moan over.

There are a few ladies calling in to my house around 6.30 this evening to collect their SU goodies so if you fancy a coffee (sorry no cake), you are welcome to pop in.  Hopefully we can sit outside.

I received this from a friend at a recent training event, isnt it lovely.  Jacqui has made this from the SU designer series paper pads and attached it to a peg with magnet.  I think its stunning, thanks Jacqui I am using this in my craft room. 

Off to start my out with the old day today.  Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

A little bit of me time

A few days off has done me the world of good.  Not only a few days away from blogging but cleaning, washing and ironing, arent I the lucky one.  I just thought a little me time would do me good, and it has.  But today I do have to do some cleaning and some chores but never mind.

Here is a little chore I loved, my little door stops which I use to hold the kitchen door open have seen better days but I love them, they are very special to me so, a lick of paint and they are more or less as good as new.

Before

 After

 With all this wonderful sunshine I have been sitting outside quite a bit with lots and lots of visitors, which is lovely.  I have been really looking after this little lupin as it didnt do so well last year but you can just see a tad of colour on it.  I shall show you another photo in a few days when it has had some more sun.

 Here is a card I made at the weekend.  A few of us went for a day out up leeds way. 

It was a wonderful day, lots of sunshine, brilliant company and I think we may just be doing something similar this weekend....I will keep you posted.

Stampin' Up! orders are going in left right and centre.  Lots of offers, lots of new stuff and lots of things for me to make.  If there is something that you are after, give me a ring on 01332 721877.

Lots of Stampin' Up! items have been delivered too.  If you are waiting for a little parcel with some bits in, it may just have arrived.  I have lots and lots of goodies here, just about to sort them out now.  More are due later today too.....lucky me getting to open the boxes.

SAVE THE DATE - 29th June.  The old catalogue is having a party.  Last chance to buy some stamp sets, certain inks and other little bits and pieces and of course, the new catalogue will be making an appearance.    Lots more information in the days to come.

Right, must get on now with those dreaded chores.  Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day.

Sunny Sunday

Some sunny news for a sunny Sunday morning.  As part of  the 25-year anniversary celebration of Stampin' Up!, yes they have been around for 25 years, they are bringing back some of our favourite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into five sets, which will release-one set per month- until October 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image! Obviously, we havent seen some of these stamps before but this months is wonderful and I cant wait to have a play.

If that wasnt enough, how about some single stamps from S.U.  goodness lots of things to choose from this weekend.

I shall be placing my next order on Tuesday evening.  If you would like this set, plus anything that is left on the retirement list please let me know by 7pm Tuesday night.  Again, if the order reaches the minimum value then 5 lucky ladies will all receive an ink pad in their choice of colour.  If you need help with an order then why not come for a cuppa on Tuesday at my house.  Dont know where I live, just give me a call on 01332 721877 or drop me a line at  tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com   I will give you my address.  Kettle will be on around half 1 ish and then again around half 6 ish.  It really would be lovely to see you, even if we havent met before.

Off for a day with hubby but back tomorrow with news on what's been happening in my world and a card or two to show you.  Have a great day