Piece of Cake

Good morning.  Well I did manage to sort out the craft room yesterday.  It just needs a hoover and a good mop of the floor.  I will get that done today in between lots of visits  and calls that we have to make this morning.

I sold my car.  Yes the Honda Jazz went.  We took it to "we buy any car dot com" in Derby and it was a very easy thing to do.  As hobby craft was just around the corner I walked over to buy just the one calendar for 2019, you know the one where you tear off the months, just so that I can make myself something for the craft room as I do every year.  Well they didnt have any, I couldnt believe it.  So I had to buy something else.

What bargains I found.  Stamps and die sets for £3, half price card and envelope packs and canvases at £1.  I was well pleased with myself and Alison is letting me have a calendar as well so I will get my fix too.

Thank you for the visit yesterday Alison, it was lovely to see you and your cake mmmmmmm.  It is so yummy, Rob and the grandchildren loved it too. Thank you.

Whilst I was in the craft room I did have to have another little play.

Do you like this?  No sentiment as yet as I am not sure who it is for but I loved making it.  I may have to do one with a blue hue later today.  This is from a new stamp set called Piece of Cake and it has 21 stamps in it.  This will be available in just 3 days time whoop whoop.  And as a bonus, it has a matching punch too.

Dont forget to come along to The Craft Room for an hour or two on Saturday afternoon.....it will be lovely to see you.

Thank you for having a read today and I hope you have a wonderful day.  Tracey xx

By the Bay Bird card

Good morning and it is still quite mild outside, I do hope that it lasts.

I went to clean the craft room yesterday but didnt do it, instead I ended up making this.

It is from a new stamp set that is available on 3rd January, just a few days away.  On this date Stampin' Up! bring out a new Spring/Summer catalogue as well as a Sale a Bration Brochure.  For every £45 you spend with Stampin' Up! you get to pick something FREE from the Sale a Bration Brochure.  If you would like to collect this catalogue and brochure from me please do let me know.

I am still keeping busy and it is helping, really it is.  I am determined to get that craft room cleaned once and for all today.  I will let you know how I get on.

On Saturday afternoon there will be a get together in the craft room from 1.00 - 4.00pm  If you would like to pop along, have a cuppa and have a go at making a card please do.  It will be lovely to see you.  There should be cake, a few samples of projects for you to look at as well the new brochures to pick up (while they last). 

Thank you for having a read today and I hope you have a smashing Sunday.  Tracey x

Sending a Note

Good morning and the weekend arrived.  I was up at 5am but was in bed by 9pm last night so I have had enough time in bed.  I am not too sure if it is too early to go into the craft room.....to tidy of course.

Do you like this?

It is just one of the stunning noteletts that are available in the Sale a Bration starting next month.  You get 8 in a pack and you dont need anything else to create these, they are all in a kit with everything that you need.

Yesterday I managed to get all the washing done which means I have the pleasure of ironing it all today.  I really am keeping myself busy and that helps so much.  If you are around please do call in.  I am not too good with the quietness and the not knowing what I should be doing so company is always welcome.

Wishing you a great Saturday and thank you for having a read x

P.S.  I am putting a Stampin' Up! order in today.  If you would like anything, please do get in touch.  If you dont have a demonstrator local to you, let me know and I will get copies of the brochures out to you as soon as I can. xx

A bit of a brayer

Good morning. Yesterday I kept myself busy and the day just wizzed past.  We had quite a few visitors in the morning, which was lovely and in the afternoon I managed to have a little play with one of the Sale a Bration sets coming out at the beginning of January.  I was in the craft room to try to clean it but that didnt happen.

I did some brayering with the sponge brayer and 3 different inks.  Not sure if the colouring of the actual scene is right but it kept me busy and that is just what I wanted.

Which means that later today I have to go and clean up the craft room, not only the mess that was in there but also the mess I made whilst making this card tut tut.

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

Christiana

I am tip toeing into the blog this morning, not too sure what to write.  My emotions are quite all over the place but I really wanted those who read my little corner of the web to know that in the early hours of yesterday, Christiana, my eldest daughter,  lost her fight against Scleroderma. She died very peacefully in her sleep.   This awful condition has taken over not only her life but the life of everyone around her for the past 17 years.  She was such a fighter and we all did what we could but it was just too much for her.

I am sure that we all deal with these sad times in our own way, just as we will.  I take solace in knowing that she wont be suffering any longer and I am taking comfort in all the messages that I am receiving. 

Christmas was always Christiana's favourite time of year.  She would want the house decorated with Christmas trees, ornements and wreaths from November until the end of January if she could so this photograph of her, is just perfect.

Thanks for having a read and I will be back soon.  x

Ready for Santa.....phew

Good morning, I do hope you are enjoying the weekend leading up to Santas visit.  Paul was really brave and offered to go and do the Christmas food shop yesterday.  We didnt need much but I always worry about all the extra bits that he brings back with him.  Bless him he is a 'just is case' kind of chap.  He goes up and down each and every aisle in the supermarket, just in case he sees something we may need.  I am not complaining though.  He came back with enough food to feed the army so if you are out and about today, fancy a cuppa and a piece of cake/mince pie, please do feel free to call in.

I managed to do some more Christmas shopping last night.  I had been up since 3am yesterday and knew that I was tired but it is so important to me to find the right gift for everyone.  Fortunately I knew what I was looking for so as soon as we had a little help at home, I went out.  Okay so it was 8.30pm and it was only an hour but I was so pleased.  I came home, wrapped everything and now the big chappie in the red outfit can come and visit when he is ready. 

I didnt make it in the craft room yesterday but I certainly got a crafting fix.  The Stamp and Deliver man arrived (with 2 children in tow).  OH WOW.  What beautiful handmade cards  I received and lots of them too.  Such a cute one Liz, love the background and the photo is amazing, traditional ones, pink and purple ones all so pretty.  I am so grateful for the time and trouble eveyone has gone to.  Thank you.

Today I am cleaning the oven and I do hope for an hour or two in the craft room.  We dont have any help coming in today but between us we hope to grab some time as I would like  to start getting some sample cards ready for our next crafting afternoon.

It would be lovely if you could join me for an afternoon of crafting fun, have a go with the make and take,  find out about joining the next Stamperettes, see the wonderful offers when joining my Stampin' Up! family, catch up with all that is happening in The Craft Room, Derby.  On top of that the sale dresser is full of crafting goodies looking for a new home.

It was brother in laws birthday recently and here is the card (pulled out of the box) that was made for him.  

Obviously with all that has been happening, I didnt get chance to personalise it but I do hope he liked it.  A couple of stamp sets were used on this one including wetlands, a very popular retired set.  There may be something very similar in the one of the new catalogues ........... you will have to wait to find out.

Time for a quick shower and to start my day.  Thank you for having a read and I hope you have a lovely Sunday.  Tracey xx

Good morning although to be honest, we didnt get a lot of sleep so it does still feel a bit like night time.  However, with the weather, cold, cloudy and rain, it still looks night time outside.

Lovely to catch up with Sallyann and Ruth earlier this week, thank you so much for your visits and putting the sanity back into my day.  I cant tell you how much visits are appreciated.

I have even managed to get into town, collect my orders and began wrapping them all up.  Just a little more to do and to pop the neighbours cards in their post boxes.  I do enjoy doing that.

Another Christmas Card made, well a few of them the same actually.  I just adore this bow and believe it or not, the card has glitter, lots of it.

Today I shall be in the craft room from 2pm until 4pm so if you have orders to collect, to place or just fancy a cuppa and a crafty chat, please do call in.

Off to get breakfast and start the day the correct way.  Thanks for having a read and wishing you a lovely day.


Product List

Wishing You Well Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[147864]

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

[147090]

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

[147083]

Very Vanilla A4 Thick Cardstock

[144238]

Stampin' Trimmer

[129722]

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

[133751]

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

Tremendous Tuesday

Good morning.  I was woken up by Christiana at 6am.  We have got into the habbit of having a morning cup of tea each day and thankfully she remembers this.  Once we have had our drink she sleeps for an hour or two but that really is the only sleep she has in 24 hours.  She dozes but nothing more.

It was Pams birthday over the weekend and here is the card that I made for her.

I know I get bogged down with Christmas cards at this time of year as we all do so it was very nice to make a birthday card. 

Today I am off into town for an hour.  I have ordered lots of things to collect as I dont have the time to wander around.  It will be nice to get out and about for a while.  I do hope it wont be too busy though.

There are quite a few special offers on the Stampin' Up! clearance rack.  Please click HERE  to have a look.  Would you like something ordering?  If you havent already got a demonstrator to help you I would be more than happy to help.  Just give me a call, send me an email or a message and I will gladly help. If you would like to pop in for a visit, I shall be in my craft room on Thursday from 2.00 - 4.00pm and it would be lovely to see you.

I had best get showered and ready for my day.  Thank you for having a read and I hope you have a Tremendous Tuesday.  Tracey x

Lovely as a Tree at Christmas

Good morning and at 3 degrees outside it is a cold morning too.  I do hope you have had a lovely weekend.

Here is another of the Christmas cards that I have sent out, I do hope you are not fed up of the Chrsitmas cards yet

On this card I have used the sponge rollers to create the background and the good, trusted favourite stamp set, Lovely as a Tree.  As usual my photograph doesnt show up the sparkle but it is there.  I am really pleased to say that I have written ALL my cards and they are with the mail people, stamp and deliver and to be hand delivered.  I do love writting them though although this year they are not all hand made tut tut.  Well I couldnt finish off making my cards as Christiana needs quite a lot of my time so I am sure that friends and family with understand.

My Mum seems to be doing well now that she has her infections under control and her magnisum levels are back up to normal.  She will be having more Chemotherapy tomorrow but only a couple of more session to go.  My treatment hasnt had any side effects this week and I am being very positive about it working.......because I have to and I know it will work.

If you are in the area this afternoon between 2.00 and 4.00 I will be in the craft room.  Christiana has someone with her so I am taking the opportunity to clean up, sort out and get the new catalogues shown to everyone.  If you have orders to collect it would be great if you could pick these up or why not just come for a cuppa and a slice of lemon cake.  Not sure where I live, send me a message and I will pass on the details.

I shall be having a SALE A BRATION afternoon on Saturday 5th January so please, save the date.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a great day.  Tracey x

Penguin card

Good morning and here we are, Sunday already.

I am still writing and posting Christmas cards but am determined to have the last of them done today.
Presents are being purchased per person per day.  That way I am not getting overwhelmed and it seems to be working quite well.  Here is a card that is making its way through the Royal Mail

I am expecting visitors tomorrow afternoon so today I baked and why not.  Christiana has been after a lemon sponge cake for so long and I couldnt find one in the shop so now we have two home made ones.

I shall be placing another little Stampin' Up! order towards the middle of the week so if you would like anything please, do get in touch.  I also have some new brochures for you to have a look at.  Just get in touch and I shall get them out to you, they are the Sale a Bration brochure as well as the Spring Summer Catalogue.  I think that they are wow.

Right, off to make a move, got a lot to do today.  Thanks for having a read Tracey x

Christianas work of art

Good evening, another late entry to the blog.

Well I finally went to the hospital and got the very first injection that is going to help me beat Rhuematoid Arthritis.  She says confidently.  We met a lovely lady called Susie and my next door neighbour was there too.  Of course we had to pick up a prescription at the end of the session from the pharmacy at the hosptial but as the waiting time was 50 minutes, a costa cuppa and mince pie was needed.    No real side effects, feeling okay so far but very tired.  A big thank you to Sheila for helping me out today.

Of course Paul got to stay home with Christiana and we had a lady there helping out too.  Christiana has had a good day and even managed to do a little painting with a lovely lady from whifle pig.

She created this by using different types of sponges.  Of course it has been non stop since I got home but I do hope to get in the craft room for an hour soon.  It needs warming  up, a tidy and to let everyone know that the SU orders have arrived, whooop whoop.

I should also be writing a newsletter and I will get round to it soon, I promise.

Thank you for nipping in for a read and I hope you have a wonderful evening.  Tracey xx

Terrific Tuesday

Good morning and today we are being very brave.  We have been given some help for 6 hours today, so Paul and I can have a little free time.  I am not sure what will do with it but we wont be going out for all of that time.  I cant leave Christiana alone for more than an hour or two.

Here are another batch of cards that have been completed and made it out to the post man/Stamp n Deliver man

I loved making these little fellas and they will be made again next year.  We shall be having our monthly get together 'Christmas Card Stamping Swap evening' on the second Friday of each month starting in January.  Hopefully everyone will come along with a Christmas project to make and for the stampers, if we all have one Christmas stamp we can swap throughout the evening giving us a variety of cards to colour in ready for next year.  It is always good to plan.

Just in case you havent taken a quick look yet, Stampin' Up! have quite a list of items that are discounted .  Just click HERE and it will take you to the Stampin' Up! page.  I shall be placing orders each week throughout the festive season so if you would like a little something, please let me know.  If you collect your goodies from me in Alvaston, the p+p is 50p.  However please feel free to order online yourself and get it delivered direct to your door if you you wish.   If you have any questions or fancy a crafty chat, please get in touch as I hope to be in the craft room later this afternoon for a couple of hours.  It needs a good tidy up so if you do come along, you may be mucking in.

Off to distress some edges as Christiana has nodded off to sleep and Paul is having his tea in bed.  Thanks for having a read and wishing you a terrific Tuesday.  P.S.  This new computer is alright xx

HOPE YOU LIKE THE NEW FESTIVE LOOK TO THE PAGE

Early Christmas Present

Good evening and here I am, using a new computer, an early Christmas present.  It is supposed to be faster and super duper but it will take me a few days to get used to it.  Lots of new and exciting things can be done with this computer but I cant tell you what they are yet as I dont know.

I do know that Mr. Postman is on his way with some Christmas cards.  Thank goodness for our monthly Christmas Card and Chatter evenings as I managed to get quite a lot of cards nearly finished so I am now finishing them off in batches as times allows.  Here are the first ones that are in the post.

They have been coloured in with Stampin' Up! inks, blends and they do shine with Stampin' Up! Dazzling Diamond glitter, although my skills with the camera still lets me down as you cant see the sparkle.

I had a couple of hours out this morning, blood tests taken and a quick nip into B&M.  Christiana was feeling a bit off last night but after a few hours sleep this morning and another few this afternoon, she is up and about again.  Goodness knows about how she will be sleeping tonight though.  This afternoon we had a really nice catch up with Sallyann and my sister.

Paul is cooking tea now, leaving me to do a little more adhering in the craft room.

Thank you for having a read, I hope you had a lovely Monday and for the Stamperettes, orders are arriving constantly.  If you fancy a cuppa please let me know when so that I can put kettle on.

Lovely Floral Dynamic Embossing Folder

Good morning, well actually it is nearly afternoon.  Christiana is just having a nap so I thought I would take the chance to let you know that I am still here.  I am not getting much time in the craft room unfortunately but I will, we are just trying to get into some sort of a routine.

I managed to have a play with a lovely Embossing Folder a while ago and came up with this card.

No sentiment as yet as I am waiting for the right one to add.  I used a dauber with white ink to highlight the embossed image on Berry Burst card.

Did you know that there are still lots of lovely items that are about to retire as well as some products that have been reduced.  I shall be putting an order in later this evening. If there is anything that you would like please, do get in touch.  Click HERE to see the Year End Close Out Deals.

I will be at home most of this week if you fancy a coffee, a catch up and a crafty chat.  Do get in touch first though, just to find the best time to catch me.

Thank you for having a read and I wish you a spectacular Sunday, despite the weather.  Tracey x

Product List

Lovely Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[148048]

Berry Burst A4 Cardstock

[144249]

Stampin' Trimmer

[129722]

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink Refill

[101780]

Uninked Stampin' Spots

[141822]

Sponge Daubers

[133773]

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

Big Shot

[143263]

Whisper White A4 Card Stock

[106549]

Monday Morning

Good morning, a new start to another week and another month.

It is wonderful having Christiana home.  She stays in bed most of the day but we are having the odd hour in the conservatory, watching tv in the sitting room for the odd half hour and of course we are in mums bed at least twice a day while I clean my room or dry my hair.  I think all children, no matter what their age, feel good being back in mums bed.  If anyone does wish to visit us, please feel free to. 

Here is a card that I made a couple of weeks ago

This was one of the samples for a crafty get together that didnt happen.  But everything is ready and as soon as things are settled, we hope to do some crafting.

DONT FORGET these wonderful Christmas papers that are available to purchase.  At £10.25 they are perfect for all Christmas projects, cards as well as 3D items including the Jubbly do you remember those?  I guess I need to make a couple to show you what I mean.

My next order will be going in on Wednesday.  If you would like to order these papers or anything else, please do let me know.

Yesterday I had an hour out to visit Paula and Sally at their Christmas stall and it was wonderful.  The table display was so pretty, the cards, boxes and everything else on the table looked so bright and cheerful and most definately Christmassy.  The event took place in a pretty location and to top it all off, I took daisy out for her first trip.  Daisy is my new car, I have had her for over a week and she hadnt been anywhere. 

Well, time for me to get ready for my day, lets see what it brings.......thank you for visiting and having a read and I hope you have a lovely Monday.  Tracey x

She is home......phew

Good evening and I do apologise for the lack of posts.  I am sure that  you will all agree that Christiana comes first and I am so happy to let you know that she is home, after more than 8 weeks in hospital.    The antibiotics got rid of her pneumonia and all she needs now is lots of TLC, bedrest and to take it one day at a time.

All this is very good but phew, it is a bit of hard work.  I still dont have 5 minutes to myself but I do hope that over the next week or so we manage to get into some kind of routine so that I can visit my craft room at least once a day.

Christiana is hopeful that she will now get a few more visitors, we know that hospital hours, parking and the inconvenience of it all makes it difficult but we dont have visiting hours at home.  We hope to eat at 8am, 12 noon and 5pm for an hour each time and apart from that, the days is ours and all visitors are welcome.  She still gets a cough and rather upset at perfumes/strong smells.

In between all the running around we have have done, getting her home and everything else, we received two wonderful advent calendars from our Son and Daughter in Law.

Paul loved his beer tonight, what a great calendar and me, well, a little chocolate before bedtime never hurts.  I cried when I got this, so thoughful.  Any sign of kindness has me in tears these days.

Right, time for an early night but I wanted to share our happy news with you.  Thanks for having a read and I shall be back soon.  Tracey x

Pretties

Good afternoon.  It has been a rather hectic couple of weeks.  Christiana is still in the hospital and is on a slow road to recovery from her pneumonia.  At the moment I am at the hospital from around 7pm until 11am daily and then I come home, have a drink and bite to eat and sleep for a few hours.  Up, shower, eat and back to the hospital so not a lot of spare time at all.  We are still taking one day at a time. Her dad is here in Derby and Sophia arrived for a couple of days.

Mum is doing well with her Chemotherapy and is also visiting us at the hospital in a morning.  As Christiana is in a side room visitors can come and go and they please as long as we are all quiet, well yeah, right.  Last night there were 8 of us in her room, a bit of a squeeze.  Mum only has another couple of sessions left but her magnesium levels are being topped up most days.

Here are some special swaps that I received at the last Stampin' Up! On Stage get together

They were all lovely and I am so sorry that I havent yet had time to investigate even further.

Did you know that Stampin' Up! have a sale on, well I am sure you do.   If you nip over to the website you may find one or two things you fancy.  I shall be putting in an order towards the end of the week (may not make it in time for the sale items so would suggest you order these yourself, just to be sure you dont miss a bargain).  If your order can wait, please let me know what you would like and I shall get it arranged.

Thank you for having a read today and I will be back soon.  Tracey x

Hearts come Home

Good morning and hello weekend.

Another swap that I made (with the help of Sheila and Sallyann) using the wonderful Stamp and co-ordinating dies from Stampin' Up! called Hearts come Home

But this time, instead of popping them on a card or a scrap book page, they were put onto a shadow box with wonderful lights behind.   I just adore these and if you would like to make something similar, please do get in touch and we can arrange a date and time to suite.

Christiana didnt get discharged from the hospital as she was told she would as, in fact, there was no plan for her to come home and someone spoke out of turn grrrrr.  We now have a coming home date of next Tuesday so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this happens as she is struggling so much after being in hospital for so long.  She would love lots of visitors if you are free, she is getting fed up of telling mum the same things day in and day out.  It isnt a physical struggle but a mental one.

Mum is having problems with her magnesium levels due to the chemotherapy and is at hospital having blood tests and then infusions of magnesium.  She is struggling with this but soldiering on, as you have to.

Me well, what can I say.  I went to the hospital on Thursday to start my new treatment (for the third time) and was turned away (for the third time).  I am now back on an increased dose of steroids and a two week course of very strong antibiotics as this leg wound is just not healing. 

However my new car is in England and in just 9 days I am picking it up.......at last.  I was told everything comes to those who wait.

I am up early so I can get some bits and pieces finished in the craft room as next week is CRAFTY WEEK.  Thanks for having a read and I wish you a smashing Saturday.  Tracey x


Product List 

Hearts Come Home Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[145416]

Hometown Greetings Edgelits Dies

[144671]

White Vellum A4 Card Stock

[106584]

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

[133751]

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

[101406]

Stampin' Trimmer

[129722]

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

Simply Shammy

[147042]

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

Clear Block Bundle

[118491]