Tuesdays Twitter

Good morning, Mr weather man says 10 degrees for us here in Derby wow, that is going to be good.  I may try to get into the greenhouse to see what is happening.  We are also going to get some rain so does that mean that Spring could be on it's way?

Yesterday I met Rosa *giving you a wave*.  It was lovely to have a cuppa with you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. 

Here is a card that was made recently for uncle Joe who I believe is 86.

 I didnt realise that there was a glare of light when I took the photo but you all know by now, I am not the best photographer.  As I was asked by my sis to make cards for him as well, I do have more to share later in the week.

Up a little earlier today but still suffering when I get up.  Once tablets kick in, the day gets easier and soon, when the injections kick in, there will be no stopping me.  I have heard so many positive stories of people that have RA and have come out the otherside with this condition under control.  It is just finding the right medication.  I am also learning that foods you eat can also hinder you if you suffer from RA.  It seems that processed foods have an impact so I am going to have an all fresh food week this week. Obviously the problem there is preparing the food to eat but hay, I am going to give it a go.

I had best make a move and go and start my day, I dont want to set (yes standing up can be an issue in the mornings too).  Thanks for having a read and if you are out and about today, fancy doing a little cutting, I shall be in the craft room this afternoon.Tracey x

Aunty Sandras Birthday Card

Good morning, a little warmer today says mr weatherman and some rain tonight.


Not the best of days yesterday and Saturday so lets hope today is an improvement.  Joints are rather swollen in fingers, wrists, elbows and ankles so getting around is a little tricky.  I shall just do a little bit at a time. 

If anyone is off to the Range at the beginning of the week could you let me know please.  I have ran out of a couple of things and I haven't been driving for a while.  My hands are just not strong enough to drive in the case of an emergency. I dont want to put me or anyone else at risk.

It was aunty Sandra's birthday yesterday and here is one of the two cards  I made her some time ago.  One from me and one from sis.  Note the tag, it is one from the stitched framelits and I cant tell you how handy they are.

As there are 3 shapes and 4 sizes of each shape of framelit they fit onto most cards for sentiments.  If you would like to have a look at them, in the flesh, please do pop in.

If there is anything that you would like to order from Stampin' Up! please, do let me know.  I shall be submitting a little order tomorrow for Kim *waving* .

Off to get ready for my day, it now takes me well over an hour to get dressed and make the bed.  I am seriously thinking of asking someone to come in for an hour or two each day in the morning to give me a hand when Paul is away, just to stay on top of things until my hands have improved.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a great Monday x

Saturday's News

Good morning a bit of a damp one today I am told.  I guess I will stay in wrapped up and warm then.

Well I did it.  I went and had my first injection on Thursday.  Side effects were a headache and feeling a bit icky in the evening but I did as I was told and I came home, had tea and put my feet up. Had a folic acid tablet yesterday and today I am up feeling very yakky.  I will just keep soldiering on with a few tv pauses I think. 

Here is one of the cards that I have made using the Beautiful You stamp set.  I can not get enough of this set.

Pinterest has 100's of ideas, themes and samples of what you can do with this set.  It is still available to purchase and if you would like your own set please, get in touch and I shall order it for you when I place an order tomorrow.

It was Birthday Card Night last night.  There were 4 of us and we had a lovely and productive evening.  I think 6 - 8 cards were made by everyone and now we shall look forward to the next get together.   If you would like to make a birthday card or two, why not do it in the company of like minded crafters.  From 6.30ish until 9.30ish in Alvaston, Derby, the next get together is on Friday 24th February.

I am  really sorry to say that my Cypriot mum (ex mother in law who was always like a mum) closed her eyes for the last time on Thursday night.  She has been in hospital for weeks, had one operation after another and doctors were always hopeful that she would be going home but that wasnt the case.  The funeral is this morning, yes it is a lot quicker than the UK.  I feel so sorry for the girls but I know that they are all looking after each other and the rest of the family will take care of them too.  I have years of wonderful memories of her which I shall always treasure.

Wishing you a dry Saturday, thanks for having a read and I shall be back with you again on Monday x

Happy Birthday Tracy (without an e)

Good morning. It is a very late one for me today but that's okay.  We all deserve a lie in now and again.  I did have a later than normal evening last night, I sat and watched the NTA awards, the first time I have watched an award show in years.  I really enjoyed it.

I am off to the hospital later, wish me well.  I am really hoping to start my injections and just dont know what else can go wrong with this, first it was a cough, then a cold, back to a cough, then the hospital cancelled, then out of date blood tests.  The RA in my fingers and legs is very bad and I unsure of what else I can do for the pain and the swelling while I wait for the injections to kick in but I am sure they will tell me at the hospital later.

Today is Tracy's special birthday and here is the card that I made for her.

I hope she has a very special day.  It is a LOTV creation.  No numbers and no glitter.  The sparkles are all from stickles as Tracy doesnt like glitter.

Katerina is off for an interview today so I am keeping my fingers crossed for her.  Sophia starts work on Wednesday at job No. 1.  There are another 2 jobs that she may be doing as well....I will let you know more in another post.  Cyprus mum in law is still very poorly.  She is still in hospital and the girls are with her daily, as are her cousins, children, friends and family.  She has already had 2 operations (in 1 week) and then there is talk of a 3rd.  I do hope that she recovers from all of this.  Christiana has started coughing again, she is looking forward to coming home but obviously, she wants to see her grandmother as much as she can. 

This afternoon, if all goes well, I shall be pottering in the craft room.  I have some tidying up to do and just generally putting things away as best I can.

Tomorrow there is birthday card night.  Once a month we have Christmas Card and Chatter night and now we have started the Birthday Cards.  I am not sure if I can actually make anything but it is an evening of like minded people getting together to create birthday cards.  If you fancy coming along, just let me know.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope you have a lovely Thursday.  Tracey x

Mr. Scarecrow

Good morning and rather slow today oops.  Hands are getting easier but the knees, they just dont seem to want to move.  So it will be a day at a slow rate lol.

The sun is out, which makes me want to go and sort out the little fairy garden so I may try to do that in a while.  The window cleaner is here at the moment so I shall wait until he finishes.  He usually does a great job of the windows although he only does bungalows as he is afraid of heights on ladders.  oh well.

Meet Mr. scarecrow

Cute isn't he?  He was made using a curvy keepsake die from Stampin' Up!  I would say this is THE one thing that I use all the time for all occasions, my best ever buy.

Thank you to everyone that came round last night, it was a lovely evening and I really enjoyed it, cant wait until we do it again.

Thank you for having a read and wishing you a wonderful Wednesday x

Tuesdays Twitter

Morning,  goodness I thought it was foggy yesterday but today is even worse.  Please be careful if you are out first thing this morning.

I went for blood tests yesterday, it took the young lady 3 attempts and she failed.  She had to call in a supervisor who took it out of my hand.  If I had known she needed a supervisor, I wouldnt have let her jab me but still, it is over now.

Here is a card that I made for one of our Nieces youngest daughter who was 5 yesterday, a very grown up 5.

I do hope she liked it.  I loved making it, despite the time it took.  This is one of the new frame dies. There is a lot of glitter on it, I just cant capture it.

Off to hit that shower.  Thank you for having a read and hope you have a lovely Tuesday x

Mediterranean Monday

Good morning and it is a cold morning. Mr. weatherman says it is going to be 6 degrees but at the moment it is 0 out there. 

I had a nice weekend, lots of visitors, lots of putting the world to rights.  Early nights and early mornings.  RA in fingers, knees and ankles has restricted me doing too much this weekend but I shall keep going.  I just hope that the medication I am supposed to start on Thursday soon kicks in. 

Here is a card that has been made using the Mediterranean Stamp set.

This set is very popular at the moment and I love colouring it in, when I can.

I have noticed lots of new green shoots popping up in the baskets outside.  Isnt it too early for crocuses? 

Off for a shower and breakfast.  Thanks for having a read and wishing you a lovely day. x

Thank You's

It is the weekend and no plans as yet.  Not sure if I will be able to drive anywhere, depends on how the hands and feet go throughout the day.  I dont mind another day at home, lots of pottering to do and lots of crafty room sorting I can do, if my hands dont allow me to craft.

So, Thursday I went to the hospital.  I didnt have the injection as my blood tests had ran out of date.  It seems that you have to have blood tests prior to the injection....... I cant tell you how disappointed I was.  Not only is it another week without any medication, another week that I am not going to work, another week before I can etc. etc.  Never mind, I have waited this long I can wait another week.

On the positive side, thank you to lots of friends that I saw last night.  I had a wonderful evening, it was lovely to see everyone.

During Sale a Bration you get to pick a FREE item when you spend £45 on products in the Catalogue.  I managed to get hold of these Thank You pocket cards, they are in a kit form and all you have to do is unpeel the sticky tape and stick together.

You then add the sentiments, which are also self adhesive.  Ideal little cards for anyone to make and wonderful to receive. I enjoyed making these.

Thanks for having a read, have a lovely Saturday x

Make a Wish

Good morning, the hands are behaving a little better today so at least I can type a little bit.  Yesterday they were not quite right so I took a day off from everything.  Oh Oh it is foggy out there as I type this.  Mr. Weatherman says it will be 8 degrees today which isnt too bad.  I do hope the fog lifts soon.

Today is THE day.  I am off to have my first session of injections in the hope that we can control this silly illness that has decided to take over my everyday life.  Wish me luck.

I wasnt able to send out a birthday card to Liz in time for her special day but the postman should have delivered this by now.

I hope you are on the mend too Liz.

I thought I would remind you that Stampin' Up! still have the amazing offer of joining for £99.  You not only get £130 worth of goodies for £99 which could buy you this (just a suggestion photo as you do get to choose all the goodies that you want)

but you also get the chance to purchase another 2 stamp sets up to the value of £93.  Then you get FREE delivery to your door as well as a £45 office kit of brochures, order forms, invites etc.  It really is the perfect time to start your own crafting business or become a hobby demonstrator where you purchase goodies just for yourself.  If you would like to find out more please, do get in touch.  You could be making all your own birthday cards and special occasion cards very soon.

I had better hit that shower.......thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful day x

Tuesday's Twitter

I love writing Tuesday's Twitter, which has been going for quite a few years.  I first came up with the post title as I saw lots of birds, sitting on a telephone wire making a noise and it just looked liked they were twittering, anyway good morning, it is silly o'clock but I am wide awake.  I am sure I will be needing a nanny nap later or an extremely early night at least.  Mr. Weatherman says it is going to be 6 degrees today, cloudy with some sunshine, that will fine for me.

Framed Stitches are in stock and are shipping.  If you have been waiting for these please, do give me a call to order them as I know that there is a little order going to be placed later today. If you have already ordered them, it wont be long until they are here.   As a reminder, here they are

I am using them lots and if you need more details or if you would like to come and have a look at mine, please do get in touch.

It is Jane's birthday today and this is the card that was sent out.  This one is I'm bringing birthdays back No. 5

There is another crafting event coming up in a couple of weeks, something a little different.

You may need to click on the image to make it bigger so that you can read it properly.

 

It is an afternoon of crafting using the Everyday Hero stamp set as well as games of bingo to start and end the event.  Places are limited so if this is something you would be interested in, please get in touch as soon as you can.  If you order the Everyday Hero Stamp set before 24th January, you will get a 10% discount and the stamps will be waiting for you on the day of the event.

Thank you for having a read today and if you are out and about in Alvaston, please feel free to pop in to say hello. x

A wonderful start to the week

Good morning and it is a good morning.  No snow or ice, it has stopped raining and the temperature is already at 7 degrees, not a bad start to the week.

As it is Monday I shall have an hour or so on the accounts, trying to keep everything up to date, one of 2017 promises.

I am also going to give Wash Day Monday a go to see if this works for me.  Thousands of women always used to wash on a Monday and they couldn't all be wrong.  Not so sure if I can peg the washing out thought.

The wardrobe clearance went very well last week.  The bedroom drawers are being sorted during this week, goodness know what I will find.

Yesterday I managed a while in the craft room and, armed with pinterest, I made a few cards.  I didnt share the makes of Friday night with you, 3 sizes of card and some tags that still need to be coloured

Quite productive and with a little help, I managed to start the Chrsitmas cards  They need glossy accents, glitter and sentiments but it is a good start. Our next get together is on 10th February, if you would like to come along, just let me know.

Well I have all these little tasks written down so off I go to do what I can, in my own time.  Thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful start to the week.  Tracey x

Saturdays little bag

Good morning. I thought we would have lots of white stuff phew, nothing yet. That is a blessing. Not like Cyprus, the mountains are closed as too much of the white fluffy stuff.

Earlier in the week  I ran out of special K and so nipped to the local Co Op and purchased a small box which wasnt at a small price. I opened it up the next day and lots of little bits came out. Breakfast was okay.  I put some in my bowl the next day and wasnt too happy as it was mostly little bits but on day 3 it was all bits. 

So I wrote to Kelloggs telling them that a 300g packet of breakfast contains 196g of bits but they want even more information.

Yesterday was the Christmas Card and Chatter night, I guess it was too cold for lots of people to go our but there were 4 of us and what a start on the cards we have made. Very pleased with what I could do, thanks Liz *wink*.

Isnt this a cute little bag from Sheila

I received it at Christmas and I think it is wonderful.  I wouldn't mind making a few of those at some time in the future.

FRIDAY 20th January is the next event.  Please get in touch if you would like to join in, find out more details or get directions of the venue.   The evening starts at 7pm for a cuppa and crafting starts at 7.30pm. 

Right off toput pjs on and catch up with some TV.  Thanks for having a readx

Happy Birthday Gail

Good morning and want a strange sky we have today?  It looks like very thick clouds or is it snow waiting to fall, I hope not.

It is sister in laws birthday today and here is the card that I made.

She loved it as she has already called to tell me.

Some disappointing news today, the hospital have cancelled my appointment for this afternoon.  Not enough staff to run the training, I guess with all the illness around it is not surprising.  Never mind, another week and I shall start so no coughs or colds for me this week.

Paul is due to travel tonight so I will get the heating turned up, the snuggle blanket ready and some soaps on the TV for this evening.

It is the Christmas Card and Chatter night tomorrow, I am really looking forward to that.

Thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful day x



UPDATE - I am not sure why but my post from yesterday only appeared today?  I shall have to investigate.

Midweek Musing

Good morning and it is hold on to your hats day today.  Goodness it is blowing out there, I have to go for my walk soon so wish me luck.  The weather in Cyprus isn't the best, yesterday was very windy and today it is very cold.  Christiana is improving daily and it will soon be time for her to come home. 

I have just had confirmation that I can have my first jab tomorrow whoop whoop.  Only a small dose but even so, here we go, on the road to recovery we hope.

Yesterday was a lovely day with lots of wonderful visitors *waving* at you.  Thanks for your visit, it really cheers me up and it gets me motivated too, which I love.  Friday night is the first 2017 Christmas Card and Chatter night.  We just meet up, make Christmas cards if we can, sit and natter, drink tea and eat cake....what a way to end the week. So if you fancy an evening out, please do let me know and come along with your Christmas supplies.

Mum is on the mend.  She has been given some different antibiotics and lets hope these work and last a little longer.  It was only 2 weeks ago that she got the all clear from her urine infection.  It is such a surprise what side effects this can cause.  Thankfully she is a lot better but she does need to get her outstanding tests done as soon as the infection clears up so I guess I will be ringing the hospital to see if they can help.  They really are very good and we are so lucky to have the hospital.  She is also going to sign up to the med alert scheme so if she does have a fall, they will get in touch with one of the family to go and help her.

The wardrobe task is complete.  It has taken 3 days and I have a lot of garments to dispose of, that should be fun.  The next task to start tomorrow is the drawers in my bedroom....sometimes you just have to be ruthless.

Paul didnt go away today, he will leave tomorrow instead so we do have an extra evening together, which is always a bonus.

Here is a card that we made last weekend when Alison and I went over to see Helen.

It is using lots of new products including Hey Chick from the Sale a Bration and the new textured plate to create the chicken wire effect.  I think I will be using quite a few more stamps from this set as it is wonderful.

A big congratulations to Alison who has joined my small Stampin' Up! Team. Claire is on the brink of signing up too but a little hic cup with her not using anything electonic.....

Thanks for having a read x

Happy Birthday Millie

Love this quote and it is so very true.

Good morning on this warm Monday morning.  Yes it is warm at the moment but the forecast is for wind and rain. 

Today is the 13th Birthday of one of our grand daughters, Millie and here is the card I made

I loved this card so much that I made another couple for the box....as you do.  It is an older stamp and I watercoloured it.  The sentiment has been typed but then I used the stitches die from Stampin' Up!  These are just so handy to have around.  I do hope she likes this card.

Christiana is still in the clinic, she is a lot better, breathing is fine but she does require some help through a nabuliser now and again.  Fingers crossed that she will be discharged later today, thanks to everyone for all your kind wishes.

Yesterday I got loads sorted but still a few piles to go through, yes I am a pile person, it looks tidy and I can always look through the things later.  Well these piles are about gone.  We did a little visiting too but the day flew by.

I am having a wardrobe week this week, something that is well overdue.  I shall be going through my wardrobe and be really ruthless.  It must be  "clearing out season" as lots of friends have told me that they are having a good sort out of different rooms, ....unless it is a virus and catching.

Tuesdays at Traceys tomorrow, it will be lovely to see you if you have some time free.  If you need my address, just let me know.  Thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful day.

Sorting on Sunday

Good morning on this Sunday.  The temperature is going to be around 9 degrees today but we are going to get some showers.   Last night at around 8pm the temperature got up to 10.2 degrees for a while.  Not sure what is happening out there weather wise but as there is no snow, I am a happy bunny.

Alison picked me up yesterday and we had a drive over to Helen's team meeting where we met up with other ladies in the Stampin' Up! team.  It is always nice to have a get together with a cuppa and cake.  We did a make and take and caught up on all the latest news too.

After that it was lots of bitting and bobbing in the house and the afternoon/evening flew by.  Today is a sorting day, I need to sort out lots of different things and as sorting takes me a lot longer than before, I guess I will be doing it for the whole day.  I do feel better afterwards though.

Here are the thank you cards and tags that I have made this month, night of navy is the colour.

 

The papers are so scrummy and I have had to order another pack, before they retire.  I keep wondering if I need just one more pack, just in case. 

 
I made quite a few of the cards, all very similar and, as I like them so much, I turned a few of them into birthday cards, for the box.  My boxes are getting full so if you are looking for a hand made card or two, please do call in.

Christiana went out for the day yesterday with her friends.  They drove to a town called Limassol, it is another seaside resort and went for lunch.  It is about 40  minutes away from Larnaca on a busy road but if you time it right, you can do it in half the time.  Anyway, she had a nice day out despite the rain.  Unfortunately later in the day, while she was out visiting family she had a turn and couldnt breath properly.  She has ended up spending the night in the clinic with oxygen, a drip and lots of tests.  I have been talking to her constantly and she is feeling a lot better this.  Thank goodness for today's technology where I can just video chat with her. 

Dont forget Tuesday at Tracey's this week.  I can make the tea but not sure about the cake, I will have to see how the hands are on the day but not to worry, we do have biscuits.  It will be lovely to see you for a cuppa and a chat either in the afternoon or the evening.

Right, I had best hit that shower and get ready for my day. Thanks for visiting x

Wetlands Birthday Card

Good morning and it's the weekend whoop whoop.  I know I am at home during the week at the moment but it does still feel exciting when the weekend comes around and I do still have that Friday feeling.

Yesterday was lovely, after a few errands I got to catch up with friends that I dont see too often.  We had a cuppa in wonderful surroundings at Denby Pottery. 


This is in a small Derbyshire village and the pottery grounds  have changed so much since we were last there.  There is a farm shop, a gift shop and of course, the Denby Pottery shop as well as the restaurant. 

I then came home to unpack the Stampin' Up! delivery.  I placed the order on Wednesday and it arrived on Friday so ladies, the Sale a Bration goodies have arrived. 

It was Lesley's birthday yesterday and this is the card I made.

My plan of getting ahead  with my birthday cards is quite impressive.  I have a few more to make over the weekend, if I am able to, then all those for January will be finished.  There will also be another dozen or so added to the box so, if you are in need of a handmade card please do call in. 

Today I am being picked up and I am off to a Stampin' Up! morning.  I am going to see some new products in action. 

Thanks for popping in for a read today and I hope you have a wonderful weekend whatever the plans.  If you have any crafting queries, please do get in touch in the afternoon, I am always happy to help if I can.  Tracey x

Calendar - How to

Good morning and it is a cold one.  It has been freezing during the night, everywhere is white over but the temperature at the moment is 0.01 brrrr.  The highest it is going to be today in Derby is 6 degrees so I guess I will have to wrap up warm.  Yes I am venturing out today, hopefully.

Well, I put this photo on facebook and everyone loves the calendars.

It really makes me feel so happy, so thank you to everyone who has liked it.  I have had lots of requests to let people know how I made this, so here goes.

I used the subtles range of cardstock together with the subtles range of DSP as you know that they match perfectly, just one of the many benefits of Stampin' Up! products

I started off with a piece of card that measures 9 1/4" x 6" (you can then get two calendar bases out of a 12 x 12 sheet of card).

Score the card, along the long side at 3 3/8, 6 3/4, 7 3/4 8 3/4

 Using a bone folder, burnish the score lines as shown in the picture below.  They are all valley folds with the exception of one, which is a mountain fold, as you can see.

This will leave you with the calendar base.  I would suggest that you put an X on the side that is the front, so that you know which is which, it could help with the first one you make.

Take a piece of black card that measures 5 7/8" x 2 7/8"   and place this onto your calendar base.  If you are happy with the size take a piece of DSP that matches your cardstock and cut this at 5 6/8" and 2 6/8" Place the patterned paper on top of the black card and double check that you have a small black border all the way round.  If you would prefer to have a larger border, just trim the DSP a little more.   Stick both of these together.  I have used wet glue so that there is a bit of wiggle room. 

Take your little date calendar and stick it onto a piece of black card stock that is slightly bigger than your calendar so that it gives you a little black border all the way round.

Lay the calendar with border onto your patterned piece and measure the area to the side of your calendar. This will give you the size of the next black piece of card.

Cut out a piece of Shimmery White card to fit onto the black card at the side of the small calendar dates and stamp the dancing lady from the Beautiful You stamp set onto this, using Stampin' Up! archival ink.



You can colour in the lady using the new watercoloured pencils

Or you can stamp her out again, onto the same patterned paper that you have already used

to cut out her dress

Then stick the dress onto the stamped image using wet glue so you can wiggle it if you need to.  Stick this to the black card so that the image has a small border.

 You then place both the image of the girl with a small black border

and the calendar that has a small black border next to each other on the base and if they all fit, stick them down.

 Then you stick those, onto the base of the calendar stand.

 Put wet glue onto the small tab of the calendar stand, bring the calendar base round and press together, holding for a few seconds to ensure that they have stuck together

If you need any help or further explanation, as always you can pop in to visit me if you are in the Derby area or get in touch by email, tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Maybe I should take the plunge and do a 'LIVE' facebook post, something to ponder over the weekend.

If you dont already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I would be very happy to help you with any Stampin' Up!  queries or orders that you may have whether you are local to Derby or not.

Thank you for popping in for a read, wishing you a wonderful day.  Tracey x