Monday Morning

umm, now where did that weekend go?  Saturday I really was on top form, getting all the washing done and ironing it, oh yes.  Managed to get all the little jobs done in crafty space too, desk put up, floors swept, last bit of painting etc.  I do still have to find blinds in the next day or two.  We have lost my big shot cutting plates, magnetic plate and my multipurpose platform.  They were in the craft room but now *puff* vanished.  No trace of them.  We have spent ages and ages going through all the boxes, the bags, the shelves but nope, nada.  So I cant use my big shot for a while, boo hoo.

Katerina has had another couple of nights in her new place and there is a nightclub just outside the block of apartments and she is getting woken up at 3am and 4am.  I have told her to complain to the council, not sure what else she can do??

Yesterday Paul scraped, undercoated and painted the wooden window frames that we have. 
 
It took him all day, apart from a lovely lunch at son and daughter in laws.  They have just had a new kitchen, which is stunning.  It was great to see the grandchildren and have time to talk to everyone.

Here is my newly scrubbed work desk, well my afternoon work desk, my morning one is no where near as much fun

an area for chopping

 my su ink pads, close at hand

 my stamping area

 all the bits I need to the right of me

I managed to finish off two cards that I have had cut out and ready for nearly a year


If you would like to have a go at making these, I shall be having a "Joyful Christmas Evening" in the middle of October (as soon as I can find the tables for my craft room).  We shall decorate a couple of bags too.

I had best get breakfast ready and tootle off to work for a few hours.   Have a lovely Monday and thank you so much for having a read.

A box for Katerina

Well the weekend is here YEAH.  The day that I can have a lie in and at 5.15 *ping* wide awake.

I took Katerina back to the train station Thursday *so sad* and now the house is very quiet.  Fortunately a friend of hers caught the same train that  Katerina was on in Crewe so at least they kept each other company for a while.  Her roomie returned last night as did a friend of theirs that will be staying with her for a while.

It has been wonderful having her at home, laughing, doing things for her, spending time together and talking constantly.  Just under a week and we will be seeing her again.

I mentioned on my blog before, about her apartment in Preston, well this is what she was told she would get


This is what she got


And this is what we did with her room,








I am showing you the hand bag holder in this photo, of course Paul walked in just as I took the photo

And I made this for her to take back, it should match the bits she has in her room.

I am home most of the day today and all evening so, if you are free, fancy a cuppa, a crafty chat please feel free to call in.  I may be ironing or I may be doing a bit in my crafty space but always happy to stop for a cuppa.

Have a wonderful Saturday, whatever you are up to and thanks for having a read

Midweek Musing

Scrapbooking Saturday, Stamping Sunday, and Template Tuesday are just a few events that I shall be holding during October. As well as an hour or two of making Christmas bags, an afternoon / evening of embossing, I am busy planning everything in my diary and am frantically looking for crafting tables. 

Do you have chairs that  you no longer need and would like to get rid of them?  If you do please let me know and, if they are suitable, I will glady take them off your hands.  I am looking for a sturdy chair or two for ladies who craft to sit on.

We have had ourselves a jungle/den call it what you will but it has been a big piece of land, 20ft x 40ft that was just plants, trees, shrubs etc. etc.  

 Well all the plants have gone, more or less and we have this wonderful piece of land that we can completely clear and do with what we want.  Its wonderful.  Every day we discover something new about the house and this little area is just magical.  Here is Paul looking around

 Katerina had never used a lawnmower so Paul showed her what to do.  it was a bit scarey for her to start with as its a powered petrol mower but she soon got the hang of it, thank goodness we dont have any plants in the back garden yet.

Today will be her last day with me for a while....I will miss her.

So, we have some new weekly deals and here they are.

Sunday will be my next order date so if you fancy a little order of some Stampin'Up! goodies, just let me know.

I had best get a wiggle on, work for a few hours.  Thanks for popping in for a read and I hope you have a wonderful day

Tuesdays Twitter

Tuesdays Twitter and life is still busy but wonderful with it.  I love waking up in my new home even though we still have boxes in most rooms, no wardrobes and lots of jobs to carry out....the to do list is so long but hay, it doesnt matter, we will get them all done eventually.

We had a young chappie come to the house to give us a quote on Sunday to get rid of the jungle.  This is a 20ft x 50 ft area of overgrown trees, shrubs, plants and alsorts at the side of the house and its where I want to put the garden shed, greenhouse and tubs to grow veggies in next year.  There was just no way we had the tools to tackle this job.  Well, this young chappie gave us a quote and started work straight away and boy, what a worker.  He cleared the majority of the jungle but his van was full to the brim and he could do no more.  Very impressed and I would gladly recommend him.  We found him on rated people . com.  I will show you the photos tomorrow when I can get them downloaded....that is another issue.  So then we took Katerina out for Sunday lunch at tea time, came home and relaxed.  I watched the last episode of The Village and loved it.  I do hope that another series comes out in the future.

The weekend soon ended and it was back to work yesterday (yaks) and after that we nipped into town to get a few bits for the girls.  I have lots of washing and ironing to do today as Katerina will be going back to Preston on Thursday and needs to take everything back with her, washed and smelling of fabric softner.

We had another birthday last week and here is the card the I made for nephew.

The crafty space is just about complete now and the last boxes will be opened today.  I have a little painting to do as Paul put some window sills in for me and maybe, just maybe by the weekend it will be done, fingers crossed.  I have started to put everything for sale on a table in the middle of the room and I cant believe I was hoarding so much, tut tut.

I am placing a little order tonight for Stampin' Up! so if there is anything that you need (or think you need), please do get in touch and let me know and I can add it to the little order. Postage will be 50p delivered to me and then we can arrange for you to get your goodies when they arrive.

I had best get myself ready for the office.  Thanks for having a read and have a wonderful day, what ever you are up to.

Saturdays post

The Christmas card club last night was lovely, a bit chilly as the heating had broken, but so nice to see everyone.  We must have been really busy because it was sooo quiet at times, we were all concentrating.  The next one is the second Friday of October, why not come along?  Its only £2 for the evening and its a great evening.

We had another birthday in the family this week and here is the card that I made.


The craft room is progressing really well with a couple more units up and today we are going to purchase the last few and then that will be that.  We shall have to get a couple of window sills, put my desk up and a couple of shelves.  I am still looking for the tables for us to craft on.

I repainted this, waxed it to death, did the sanding, the cleaning and everything else.  I loved doing it and cant wait to do the next one.  I have been asked if I am selling it but, it isnt in the best condition so I will hang on to this one.  If there is a piece that I do and wish to sell, I will let you know.

I am starting to sell my cushions, for £5 each and I am also selling my candles in cups, again at £5 each.  I always sell my cards and I have to get a bit of a wiggle on as I have 2 Christmas Fayres booked.

My next Stampin' Up! order is going in tomorrow so if there is anything that you would like, do please let me know.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

The weekend arrived

We were in Preston on Wednesday with Katerina.  The apartment she has rented is not as it should be and the problems we have had well.  I cant write to much because of something called defamation so, she rented an apartment as she was told on more that one occassion, it would be like a brochure she was given.  In reality, furiture was not put in that was promised, it doesnt even have a bookcase although it is described as student accommodation etc. etc.  Fortunately we have been able to help and turn her room into somewhere pleasant to read and sleep in but even so, I am frustrated that we can not take this further.

Katerina came home with us and we are still continuing with sorting out the house.  The craft room now has some shelving units but, its also got boxes in there as we had to take them out of the spare room, for Katerina to use it as a bedroom.  No one told me that I would be moving one box from room to room for months on end....phew.

I really do need a few bits this week so, I shall be placing an order on Sunday.  Should the order reach the minimum of £150 then 5 lucky ladies will each grab a new ink pad in the new ink colours.  Should the order reach £200 then everyone will share the word stamps that are available this month, free of charge as well as the 5 ink pads being given away.  Here are this weeks weekly deal

 It was auntys birthday this week so off we went with card and flowers but no one home. mmmmm, what should we do?  We couldnt reach them on the mobile phone. mmmm, okay, so we left flowers and card on door step.  Sent another text message only to find out that they were abroad.  Oh no.  Off we went to collect card and flowers......they have gone!!!

Christmas card and chatter club tonight, I am looking forward to doing a bit of stamping.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely evening.

Tuesday Twitter

Another card that I have finished off and rescued from the "to complete" box.  There are a lot in there again and I am trying my hardest to get 2 or 3 completed each day, as well as continuing with the Christmas ones.

Ohhh we found a little mouse....where, there on the stair, where on the stair, right there.  sorry I couldnt resist and I know that my younger readers wont have a clue what I am on about.  The mouse was in my new bucket, along with lots of water....Paul moved it away.

Katerina arrives today whoop whoop and she will be in Derby with me for just over a week, how wonderful.  I dont expect to see much of her even though she will be in the same house....sleeping till lunch, breakfast, out with me for an hour, tea and then computer/tv all night, isnt that how they live?  I have missed her though and will treasure every moment we spend together (probably shopping).

The crafty space now has lots and lots of Pauls tools in there boo hoo as we had to move it out of the spare room, to put the bed up for Rina.  So I cant move in craft room again but never mind.  We shall have a week to try and sort out, maybe try and get a shed put up etc.  I really didnt realise that we would be constantly moving things around the house.  I mean it took up a whole day, just moving things from A to B and this isnt the final resting place, it has to be moved again.  I guess that means we still have too much stuff.

Have a lovely day xx

Mondays post

Good morning and who has this Monday morning feeling, isnt it awful.

Well my arm still isnt mended and Paul is going to take me to work today so that I can rest it a bit more.  4 hours and I will be home.

Sophia flew out to Athens yesterday, another change in her life.  As she is doing her studies in Cyprus, she gets the opportunity to have a semester at another university in the world, continuing the course she is on and she opted for Athens.  Her friends are there as is her boyfriend so it will be a good experience for her.  Obviously, we cant miss the chance of seeing this wonderful city so we shall fly out later this month and so will her sisters....wonderful.

Here is a Christmas card I made recently, a very busy one for me.



















I have used stash and more stash.  I am trying to use up the things I have rather than buy more.  I am on a Christmas theme for the next few weeks, getting everything done in plenty of time, well I can hope.

Thanks for having a read and I hope your day is wonderful.

Sparkly Butterflies

Yesterday the washing was in and then out.  In again and then out in total, 5 times throughout the day and guess what, it still isnt dry.  I had to wash all Katerinas clothes for her return on Tuesday and I still havent finished.  Fingers crosses we get a bit of sunshine today so that I can continue.

Here are the thank you cards that I made for September

I used two of the new In colours Blackberry Bliss and Tangelo Twist.  One of the reasons I love SU is because everything matches, here I used the ink and the 12 x 12 papers.  There is also ribbon in exactly the same colours. I have put nice, bright and sparkly diamonds on the body of the butterfly, unfortunately the photo doesnt show you how much they sparkle.....but they do.

Paul came home yesterday and managed to clear the side of the house that was my builders yard.  Hopefully I can get my pot plants put back and it will all look lovely again.

The craft room is really coming on now and the next bit, shelving.  I hope to get that all planned out today and then its a trip to Ikea, my very favourite shop but not sure when that will be.....I am so excited about going.  Paul is not to keen, unfortunately.

Off to start my Sunday, thanks for having a read and have a wonderful day.

All Sorts on Saturday

Up at 5am so I will need a nap later today.  I dont know if I am up early because I am excited that Paul is coming home or if it was due to the pain in my arm or, was it those pesky foxes?  Whatever the reason, I am up.

I have a day of washing today.  Rob, Nat and the girls came round yesterday and got me Katerinas clothes out of the loft so the washing continues.  She doesn't have anything to wear so I have to get these washed, dried and ironed....now how do I get them on the line with my dicky arm?  They are all so small.....

Some time ago I been ttied my hand at distressing and getting distressed.  I started off with this stool that got very heavily marked during the craft room renovations.  It went from this

To this with quite a lot of work.
 

 Do you like the distressing to look like foot marks?  I painted it the normal way, wash, dry, undercoat and matt gloss and didnt like it at all.  I just wasnt happy with the finish so, after more advice, research etc, I sanded it all down again and then I used chalk paint and a lot of waxing.  I am very happy with the result.  It looks really good in my new crafty space and is now being used as a table.

TAH DAH


This is what we made last weekend at SS in Peterborough.  It needs a bit more snow on it but I dont have any, it is coming in the post.  I loved making it and I would love to show you how to do it.  If you fancy a day of making this, bringing your own materials with you, please let me know, it will take a whole day to make it....yikes.

Did you know that Stampin' Up! have this wonderful board to make boxes?  If you would like to find out more about this product or purchase one, please let me know.

Are you a Stamperette or waiting for an order.......I have had a delivery and have lots of wonderful, fantastic, stunning products sat here all waiting to go to their rightful owners......kettle will be on all day today if you fancy a cuppa but be warned, it will look like a laundry.


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

Pretty Ribbon

Sat here full of smiles and so pleased that it's Friday.  It does mean that Paul will be home tomorrow YEAH.  These last few days have been a real struggle.  Hurting my arm last weekend and then hurting it in the night Tuesday night has caused me so much pain and discomfort.  I have not been able to do much at all.  I couldnt get dressed for two days as my arm wouldnt lift up without being in agony.  I have been in my nighty for 2 days pottering around the house but today, I must venture out as the cupboards are empty.

During my pottering I have emptied a few more boxes but nothing major.  If you need boxes, please give me a call, there are a few big strong ones available.

I have had these jars of ribbon bits for over 8 years.  I never use them, just store them and I am wondering why? 

So I decided to empty the jars, put all the ribbon where I can see it and use it up as quick as I can.
 
Did anyone start to watch the new drama on tv last night? Its called Chasing Shadows. I thought it was quite good and cant wait to see the next installment.

Here are a few more Christmas cards that I have made.  

 and a bit of a close up

 These all need the inserts in but I will wait until my arm is a bit better as it means a lot of cutting up and my arm isnt up to that at the moment.

Thanks for having a read today and I do hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Midweek Musing

 My poor cute pink slippers have been worn out.  Just goes to show how much walking around I have been doing.  Never mind, I got these new little pups, arent they cute.

WEEKLY DEAL from Stampin' Up! today is

If you would like any of these items, or anything else from Stampin' Up! please do let me know and I shall get it ordered for you.  You can get in touch by calling me on 01332 721877 or send me an e-mail tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com, I do love to hear from you.

I dont think I shared my new paper storage bins did I?  They are wonderful and perfect for the job.

 This one looks a bit like lace, its so delicate.
 
 I have lots and lots of tins that all need decorating so again, I covered this biscuit tin which holds all my ready made sentiments.
 
 It turned out like this.


My arm is giving me a lot of gip today, painful, throbbing and very restrictive.  Hopefully after a day of rest it will feel better tomorrow.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope that you have a lovely day, whatever you are up to.