Friday

Magnolia

Good afternoon and what a lovely afternoon it is.  Temperatures are up to 19 degrees in the back garden but it is rather cloudy.

As usual, life has got a little unsettled and the blog does suffer but I hope to keep up with at least 3 posts a week.  Emails will get answered as soon as I can.  You are always welcome to give me a quick call at any time.

I went for a little stroll this morning and saw this wonderful Magnolia tree which must be of some age.
I couldnt get my hands up any higher to get a better photo but the fence is a 6ft one.  

We have got a magnolia in our garden now but it is a smaller version, still pretty though.

 
After my stroll I came back to find mr. blackbird gathering twigs and grass.  I cant tell you the amount of times he has been coming and going today.  It is going to be some wonderful nest.

Here is a card that I made for Robert for his birthday last week

 I havent been able to do anything else in the craft room this week but maybe I shall tidy and sort over the weekend.

I cant believe that it is the last day of March, the last day to get your Sale a Bration, the last chance to get over £200 worth of SU products that you choose for £99.  If you would like to place an order, sign up or have a chat about crafting, please do get in touch this afternoon.

Right, I am off to do a little more pottering. 

Thanks for having a ready and I hope you have a wonderful Friday afternoon x

Monday

Monday



Good morning, I do hope you had a good weekend but didn't it go quickly again.

As the weather was good we spent a few hours in the garden on Saturday and on Sunday.  Lots of hoe ing done, a few new plants put in and both lawns cut.  They need doing again but I believe it is a little at a time in case we have more frost.  I must say the garden at the front is starting to look very nice.

I managed a couple of hours in the greenhouse too.  That is the marigolds planted up and some african sun flowers.  Okay so they may not be called african sun flowers but that is what they look like to me.  Guess what everyone is going to be getting for their birthdays this year, especially if they all turn out like my tomatoes.  Paul said we had to put all the seeds in as only a few will grow.......he said that about the tomato plants.

Hello Kitty

This little sweetie was made last week and I think she is very cute.  I am still working on Garfield, I cant get the eyes right but I will not be beaten.

If there are any Stamperettes reading this, can you get in touch with your order please.  They need to be submitted tomorrow.

LAST FEW DAYS to sign up to get the amazing offer from Stampin' Up! of £99 for over £172 worth of products including FREE postage, 2 FREE stamp sets, FREE admin pack and £130 worth of goodies that you choose for yourself.  Please do get in touch if you would like more information especially if you are a crafter, need lots of new inks and cards, fancy having a play with bundles, enjoy sparkly bits etc. etc. 

Thanks for having a read today.  Wishing you a wonderful day.

Saturday

Plum Tree

Good evening, a little late for me to be posting.

Here is a card I made for Kellys birthday earlier this week.

No get together later today I am afraid.  There is a craft show in Doncaster that lots of ladies are going too and the dates clashed so the project board will be made in April / May.  I will keep you posted.

I was at the hospital yesterday morning and they are pleased with my progress so far, which is good.  They would like me to increase my doseage of MTX but as my body is not yet used to the current dose, I shall be continuing on this for 8 weeks and then increase it.  I have still got the usual aches and pains this morning but the nurse examined me yesterday and ouch.  I am still suffering with some joints that she touched in my neck and back this morning.  Never mind.

Paul and I are hopefully going to be sorting out the garden today at the front. whoop whoop.  I shall do what I can to help but we have a few things to put in to make it look a little nicer and the weeds need to be gone.
The white flowers on this plant in front of the tree look lovely.  For the last couple of years I thought it was jasmine but the flowers dont smell.  Last year we discovered that it is a plum tree, opps.

Thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful Saturday.


Wednesday

More bits on that bookcase

Good morning.  Brr it is a bit colder here in Derby this morning.  I have 4 layers on and am just right but havent been outside yet.  Mr. Weatherman says a maximum of 8 degrees with rain and showers.

If you fancy a cuppa and a catch up, I shall be in the craft room all afternoon today.  There is cake too.




Are you free on Saturday morning and fancy a little crafting.  How about making 13 pages to display on a chalk board.  Everything is included in the kit except sticky stuff.  A whole library of stamps to choose from to embellish each page as well as alphabet dies to cut out words for your pages if you dont want to use what is in the kit.  You will need to bring a sandwich or something for lunch as I am not sure how long this will take.  Please get in touch if you would like to come along or if you would like more information.

No get together this Friday night to make birthday cards.  I have had to cancel this months get together I am afraid.

Here is another card from the Bookcase Builder stamp set



I have lots more ideas for this stamp set, I just need the time.   The trick to this one is to stamp out the lower shelf first, that way you know where to put the higher shelf.  You dont need to have all tall things on the shelf, leaving room for the stags head.  I havent put a sentiment on this as I am not sure who it is for you.  This stamp set has a great 'congratulations' stamp in it, which I used on the insert.  TOP TIP When using this stamp set for the first time, I would recommend that you stamp out the shelf on scrap paper first.  Add each item to your practice shelf first as you need to bring the stamps lower down than you think so it looks as though they are sitting on the shelf.  If you would like to come to try it out first, you are more than welcome.

I had best get this day started before it turns into tomorrow.  Wishing you a wonderful day, hope you manage to stay dry and thanks for having a read x






Monday

World Happiness Day

Good morning, ohh I feel so much better after a weekend off.  I havent done much at all over the last couple of days which is good as I havent been up to much.  I had a surprise on Saturday, Paul came home but only for a couple of days.  He took me out to dinner, out to buy birthday presents and to visit family so all in all, a very lovely weekend but here we are, Monday morning and a wet one in Derby.

It wont dampen the spirits as today is World Happiness Day.  This little pot and seeds made me happy yesterday.



I just couldnt leave it on the shelves, so I purchased it.  I hope today I can get it planted up and when the flowers appear, this pot will go in the fairy garden.  What makes you happy?

Bookcase Builder was on my desk last week and here is another card I made using it.

Perfect for those chappies that some of us struggle to make cards for. I can certainly recommend this set as it is great for all occasions.

Thank you so much for having a read today, wishing you a dry day.

Friday

Baby Card

Good morning but not a very warm one.  This is what Mr. Facebook weatherman tells me




I cant believe it is Friday already, that week went rather quickly. 

I had another little play yesterday with the build a bookcase stamp set and with the help of Pinterest, as you do, I made this. 
 
Boy card on its way when I can.  I believe that this is a really versatile set and look forward to playing with it a bit more.

The works Docs visit went well yesterday and he gave me a bit more information about RA.  He seemed to be quite up on it which is encouraging. But when your own GP tells you one thing, the hospital nurses tell you something different and then the works Doc says something different again, it gets rather confusing so I shall just let nature take its course and see what happens.

Off to start my day as I have 101 things to do but I will only manage to sort out 2 or 3 of them slowly. Thanks for having a read x




Thursday

New Home

Good morning, only just.  I woke up very late, had breakfast even later and by the time I am dressed, it is nearly lunch time.  Never mind, it was a rough day yesterday.

Thanks for popping in to see what is new, it is appreciated.

I have been attempting to have a play with Build a Bookcase from Stampin' Up!, it is my new favourite.

How about a New Home card for a chappie.



I just love the simplicity of this, not everyones cup of tea I know but I do love this set.  Why havent I used it before? 

Wasnt the sun wonderful yesterday.  I managed a potter outside, I didnt do much but I made a start.  I now have to look for long handled gardening tools, especially something to help get out the weeds.  The lawn needs mowing and it will be one of the first jobs that Paul does when he gets back at the weekend.

It is crafting night tomorrow night and there are a couple of places available if you would like to come along.



Please get in touch if you would like more information or book your place.

I had best get off to start my day before it ends.  Have a lovely day x

Monday

Nailed It

Good morning and it is another Monday at the start of another week.  

Thanks for popping in for a read, it is appreciated.

The sun has got his hat on in Derby and it looks lovely outside so I am going to have a little potter in the greenhouse, if I can.  It is jab day today which is fine, it means I have a lovely cooked lunch and then a little play in the craft room afterwards, to take my mind off things.

I managed to finish off all the cards we made last month so here are just a few using the Nailed It stamp set.


Not too sure if I shared some of them with you already but never mind, if you have seen the same card a couple of times, it is good to jog the memory.

Not too long left if you wanted to grab the special offer of £130 + for £99 when you sign up with Stampin' Up! to become a hobbist.  That is someone who wishes to buy Stampin' Up! goodies without actually holding parties nor demonstrations.  It is the same amazing offer if you did fancy a go at holding craft parties.  I am always happy to explain further over a cuppa.

Off to see how my winter plants are doing. I havent managed to plant up any new seeds yet but there is still lots of time.

Wishing you a wonderful day Tracey x

Sunday

And SOW it begins

Good morning, not so much of a lie in today, shoulders hurt.  No, I am not carrying the world on my shoulders but they do ache.   It is murky outside today, gray, damp, drizzle and not looking too nice at the moment but never mind, we shall put our coats on and go and do a bit of prunning, the royal we that is.  I shall watch and Paul will cut.

Yesterday I finished off 4 special cards which I shall share later in the month and I managed to finish off this one too.

Another one for the box.

I also managed to clean, tidy, potter and sort out the greenhouse, even if it did take nearly all day.
 

It is now ready for the sowing of the seeds to begin.  I just need to get a chair in there now, for those little breaks I may need.  We have put quite a few established plants in the greenhouse over Winter but I am still wondering if it is too early to plant them up yet.  We could still get some frost, couldnt we?

Off to start my day.  Thanks for having a read and I hope your day is as lovely as mine is going to be x

Saturday

Birthday Tea Cakes

Good morning, I hope the sunshine comes back soon.

We had a lovely evening at the Christmas Card catch up last night and I sat doing some colouring with pro markers and copics.  It was very theraputic.  I was very impressed by Ruths crocheting, wow she is making a wonderful throw/blanket.  Pam made a couple of cards and Lesley did some watercolouring.  A great chance to catch up, put the world to rights and have a relaxing evening.

Today I am doing a few chores with Paul, little things that I cant do on my own in the week and then hopefully it will be back in the craft room. 

Another card in the box and ready to go

Just a simple birthday tea card for young or old.  Again, lots of glitter which doesnt show up, but you get the idea.

I have a bit of a quiet week coming up this week as Paul is off on his travels again on Tuesday. 

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

Friday

On your bike

Good morning.  It is a bit cloudy today and it isnt as warm as yesterday but I shall keep my fingers crossed that it stays dry.  I may try to do a bit more in the garden later if I can.  It is a struggle but I do keep trying.  I cant cut anything, I cant really dig but a little bit of a hoe and a sweep makes me feel a lot better. 

*waving* at everyone that made it yesterday, it was lovely to see you and ladies, thanks for all the help in clearing away pots, it was appreciated.  I will give green tea a go later Jean.

Another boy card added to the box, my boxes are overflowing again.

It is a good job we have lots of birthdays this month and I think that I have most of the cards ready.  One of the advantages of the framelits is that I can type out a name, cut it out and then add it on to any card that I have previously made making it a personalised card.  It is great for when my hands are not so good.

Blood test today so I am trying to drink lots of water again, it is supposed to help.

A little tidy up and off I go.  Thanks for having a read and tonight it is Christmas Card get together.  Hope to see you later.  Tracey x

Thursday

Fingers crossed for a sunny day

Good morning and it really is a good morning.  I am feeling a lot better today and very positive, always a good sign.

With a little help yesterday I baked for any visitors that may call in later.  Chocolate cake and a orange/lemon cake.  Kettle will be on from 1.30 if you fancy an afternoon cuppa and crafty chat or from 6.30pm tonight for a couple of hours.  I did manage to clean the craft room but it got a bit messy again so I will go and tidy again later.

Another card made using those stitched framelits.  Lots of glitter on this one but as usual, my photography skills dont show it off, never mind.

The sun is out today and I could do with it being out all day, it does make a difference.

Off to do a few chores before putting kettle on.  Have a wonderful day and, if you would like to pop in but need direction, please let me know.  Tracey x

Wednesday

One for the boyx

Good morning on this Women's Day.  I realise it isnt celebrated so much in the UK but it is in Cyprus and I know the girls will all be doing something tonight.

The weather forecast was wrong yesterday wasnt it?  It was 14.8 degrees in my back garden in the afternoon, just right for me to do a little pottering in the fairy garden.  I think I need to go out and buy a few more fairies, mushrooms and bits....as you do.

Today I am having a clean of the craft room as it hasnt been done for a couple of Sundays and tomorrow is Thursday at Tracey's.  Oh it wont be spotless I know that as I just cant get it quite like that but it will be clean and tidy. 

A card for the boys today, again I have used the stitched framelits, I really cant get enough of them.

They have come in useful for so many projects and if I have something I want to personalise, it is so easy to do now.

Do you know that there are only 23 days left to get yourself a Sale a Bration item or two and just 23 days left to sign up to grab that £130 worth of products, plus another 2 free sets all for £99.  If you would like a chat about this over a cuppa, why not call in tomorrow afternoon or evening,

Thanks for having a read today and I hope your day is lovely, whatever you are up to.  Tracey x


Tuesday

Tuesdays Twitter

Good morning.  We are expecting around 9 degrees today in Derby but if it is anything like yesterday, it will be lovely.  It was a really sunny day and really lifted my spirits.  I managed a bit of a potter outside and the fresh air was wonderful.

April still hasn't had her baby.  I have been following April the giraffe for over 19 days now, on and off throughout each day.  It is amazing how many people from all over the world visit the web cam.  I am not sure I want to see the actual birth but I would like to see the calf.  I know that some of you reading this also visit, isnt it lovely.

We had a very family orientated weekend with lots of folks popping in to see how I was, thank you.  I can say that I am coping and I think bit by bit things are improving, very slowly.  Obviously today is an off day as I had the injection yesterday so I will just keep pottering, keep myself busy and take my mind off things.  I know that as the day goes on I improve.

I saw something on you tube from Barbara Gray, which she created and was selling in her shop,  so I went to see about the cost.  Less than £5 so I thought why not but the postage was £3.00.  I found the same item on Joanna Sheenes site, 1p more than Barbara Grays site but postage was 71p, no choice.  So I am now waiting for postman, naughty me.

I am not sure if I have shared these Mediterranean Moments and Beautiful You cards with you but I believe that these are the last of what has been made.




I did have a couple of cards with the cat sat on the chair but these are nowhere to be found.  I am unsure if someone popped them into their crafty bags when they visited by mistake or if they are in the card box.  I am sure they will turn up somewhere.  These are the most popular stamp sets at the moment and, if you would like to see more cards made with this set then please, do feel free to pop in for a cuppa on Thursday.

I am having a Thursday at Tracey's this week, just a cuppa, a catch up and crafty chat.  If you are free and have time please, do call in between 1.30 - 4.00 or 6.30 - 8.00, it will be lovely to see you.

Stampin' Up! Stamperettes facebook page has moved.  If you havent had an invite to the new page but would like one, please let me know.  I think I invited everyone but I have a feeling that one or two may have slipped through the net and the invite didnt go out properly via facebook. 

The garden is starting to get a little colour.  I hope to go and take some photos to share with you later today. Right, off to get showered and dressed and feel a little more human.  I may need a cup of tea first though.

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





Saturday

Sale a Bration card

Good morning and what a morning it is.  The weather forecast says 8 degrees and rain.  I guess it is all good for the garden.  The tulips are sprouting, the daffs are starting to appear so I do think that Spring wont be long.

Dad had an op on his hand Thursday which means he cant drive for the next couple of weeks.  He is hoping that mum will be able to drive but I am not so sure.  She is getting better after her hospitalisation  but she isnt there yet.  At the moment she is getting around using a 3 wheeled pusher.  I am not sure if I can drive for them but we will take one day at a time.

Paul is still busy building his wall and he thinks that the wall will all be finished over the weekend. That means that he will be working on the ceiling next.

I hope to be doing a bit of crafting this weekend, depending on my fingers, wrists, arms and shoulders of course.  I will let you know how I get on. But, I can show you these




They are the thank you cards for March along with the gift tags.  I saw something very similar on Pinterest on an organic daily post but I cant find the maker of the card to give credit.  As I really wanted a banner for the sentiment I tried to use the SU banner punch but my hands wouldnt allow me to use it.  I didnt give up though because I used the heart punch, upside down, just popping the tip of the heart over the edge of the card and pop, it was perfect.  Give it a try.

A bit of a catch up this morning with hubs helping me and then I hope to be back into the craft room later today. 

Wishing you a wonderful day, whatever you are up to.  Thanks for having a read and if you are in the area this afternoon and fancy a cuppa, please do feel free to call in.  It will be lovely to see you x





Wednesday

Hello March



Good morning.  9 degrees today and afternoon showers.  I guess I will have to have a go at sweeping up all the moss that fell last night before it rains.  Pesky birds.  I feel very cold today so I have put the heating back on for a bit brrr.

I dont want to say it too loudly but apart from a some discomfort, hand not quite straight and a little pain,  I am feeling quite good today. I had the 'jab' on Monday and do you know what, it is still very daunting before and afterwards.  I get rather upset about having to do it and then I think of what I am putting into my body.  On the other hand, if it works, it it stops these awful pains and gives me back my quality of life, it is worth it.  I have had quite a few friends tell me such wonderful and positive outcomes of family/friends getting though these terrible times with RA and coming out on the other side to lead near normal lives that it really inspires me.  I do still have side effects from the jab nausea and light headedness but I am trying to cope with those.

Not been able to do any crafting as usual but I will be warming up the craft room this afternoon to try and do a bit of tidying up.  If you are in the area and fancy a cuppa, you are more than welcome to pop in, you may end up putting a box or two away.

Can you believe it is the start of March?  There is just 4 weeks left to grab yourself some of the sale a bration items or, if you want a really good bargain, join Stampin' Up for £99 and get £130 worth of crafting items PLUS 2 more FREE stamp sets all delivered, free of charge to your front door.  If you would like to know a little bit more about this just get in touch.

Here is a card that I made some time ago with the wonderful Mediterranean Stamp set.  I have added an extra layer onto the image here and there.



 Here you can see the extra layer on the scooter and 4 bits on the foliage.
What I did was get a A4 piece of black card and cut it in half, length ways.  This was then scored in half to make the base card.  On the top piece, I scored it again in half and gave it a mountain fold.  I stuck the front decorated panel onto this piece of mountain folded card.  The very pretty brad helps the front panel to stand up.  It all lies flat to put into a normal envelope.
 Again but this time in Real Red
 I have stamped out the chalk board and foliage a second time to colour them, cut them out and stick them on raised pads.
 Here is another shot of the side of the card so that you can see what I have adhered the front panel.  The sentiment is keeping this panel stood upright.
If you would like to find out more about these cards, the watercolour crayons used or the stamp set, please do get in touch. 

Thanks for popping in for a read and I hope you have a lovely day.  Tracey x