DAY TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THREE

 

Good morning and whoop whoop it is Friday, I do love my Fridays.  Sadly it is my last Friday with my daughters, son in laws and the grandchildren and a few friends.  A very sad day but, I will put a smile on my face, keep myself busy when I get home and count down the days until next time.

The weather has certainly improved today and my early hours visit to the beach was most pleasant.  Even though we were slightly later today, the 'gang' were there having their breakfast.

A few more 'committee' issues popped up after we got back from the beach trip, just some emails to send and a bit of head-scratching involved. Hopefully, we’ll have it all sorted within the next 12 hours.

The complex has security gates at the drive entrances that require key fobs to get in and out. After years of use, the gate motors were starting to wear out, so new ones have been installed. Naturally, that also means new key fobs for some residents—cue the inevitable dramas (which you can probably imagine).

To help manage any issues, a key press has been installed with mechanism keys inside. A few residents have been given access so they can open the gates manually if needed. However, not everyone has access to the key press, so it could get interesting over the next few days.

Did you grab something fun during the recent Stampin’ Up! kit sale? If not, no worries. There’s still a whole world of creative kits waiting for you. Whether you're crafting for yourself or gifting a little handmade joy to family and friends, there's always something inspiring to dive into.  Need a little spark of inspiration? I’m full of alternative ideas to help you get the most out of your kits!  Get in touch, whether it’s a quick chat online or a cozy catch-up in the Craft Room (kettle’s always on), I’d love to help you get creating!

To find out more about all the kits Stampin' Up! have, just click on the image below and a new page will open up for you.  If you have any queries, please get in touch. 

Here are some cards that were made from one of the Stampin' Up! kits and which I put together in Cyprus.  

Are you free for a couple of hours next Friday for a cuppa, chat and a bit of card making.  You are most welcome to pop in to see us and have a look at what we get up to.  

Stampin' Up! news and offers

You can flip through the new catalogue online by clicking on the image below or even download a copy to keep. 

If you would like to collect a proper copy from the Craft Room then get in touch.  I do have a few that I will happily pass on to you. 

Click the image below to browse the full collection in the Online Exclusive range of products, look out for the "new" stickers to easily spot the latest additions.

 

There are still products available in the Last Chance section of the Stampin' Up! Website. If you click on the image below a new page will open up and you can have a browse.

 

 

 

 

Here is the latest Scrapbooking Brochure that was released in January.  At the moment it is only a digital brochure.  

 You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

This is a new Starter Kit offer from Stampin’ Up! that is the best I have seen.

You have a choice of one of the following  two great value options either 

Option 1 Get £130 worth of products for £35 

or 

Option 2 Get £194 worth of products for £99 

You can customise your Starter Kit by adding any  Stampin’ Up! products, including items from the November Online Exclusive pre-order, the newly refreshed Last Chance section and new kits in to your basket and pay the option that you have chosen.  Plus, your Starter Kit will be shipped to you free of charge and will include current catalogues/brochures.

Here’s more of what you can enjoy during your first 6 months:

• Early access to the January–April 2026 Mini Catalogue (PDF available in November, plus pre-order privileges).
• Pre-order perks for the 2026–2027 Annual Catalogue
• Option to register for OnStage (March 12–14, 2026) — a fun and inspiring Stampin’ Up! event!
• Access to the Quick Start Programme, offering extra rewards for new team members.
• Discounts on your own orders and/or commissions on orders that are placed by others as well as Stampin' rewards on qualifying orders. 
• Join our wonderful community of crafters where you will find so much inspiration, lots of ideas and whole bunch of new friends, worldwide.
• Get togethers in The Craft Room, Derby and / or online.

To learn more, click on the image below or get in touch.  You can always come along to The Craft Room, Derby on October 15th at around 6.30pm to find out more over a cuppa or join us at Insomnia Cafe, Shelton Lock on 17th October between 10.00am - 12 noon.  

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWO

 Good afternoon, what a day we have had so far. As usual it’s up around 5.30am to 6 am as at 6:30 we go to the beach. It’s only four minutes away in the car and we sit and admire the view, have a bit of a stroll and I take a few photos,  here are the photos today, in the rain. 

Just before you get to the beach after you get out of your car,  you can hear the chatter and the laughter or what we call ‘banter’ from 15 to 20 people that are out in the sea swimming. This group of people (who I believe are all of an age where they have been long retired), are there every single day and you hear them before you see them. I think they have been doing it for years as they are all so comfortable with each other and telling each other stories, it’s one of those relationships where you believe they have all grown up together and stayed friends. Around 45 minutes after this we pass the café on our way back to the car and there are the same 15 to 20 people sat there sharing bread, tomatoes, olives, cheese and Cyprus coffees. Still lots of laughter still pulling legs sometimes we hear the happy birthday song. The best thing about it all is, the café isn’t open, it’s too early.  Everyone around the tables has put fresh bread, cheese, tomatoes etc. for each other to share.  It makes me smile every day and I feel extremely privileged to witness such friendships.  

Once we get back to our apartment we are met with one or two complex issues, one of the joys of being on a complex committee.  Today is was checking the levels of cleanliness of the swimming pool, sorting out the lack of water supply and helping the weekly cleaners.  All this is before breakfast.

That got done, breakfast ate and off to get my nails painted.  There is a lovely young lady that I have been seeing for a while now, she is a friend of the girls and looks after me so vey well.  There is something about having pretty nails that makes me feel lots better about myself.  Due to the medication I take, my nails need looking after a little bit more than others.  They don’t grow, they split and it’s so difficult to have them looking nice with all the ridges but Stavroulla brings them back to life.

As it was lunchtime hubby suggested a burger at a posh hotel, now who am I to turn that down?  Even though I hadn’t showered nor washed my hair, as we hadn’t got any water…. Oh well.  

Burger eaten and then off to see what the situation was at the apartment.  Another problem or two to sort out which is still ongoing.  But yeh, the water was back so at least we could shower.  It was time for weekly injection, washer on and a well earned cup of tea.  After face time chats with mum and dad and sister, it was then time to get ready to go out……now where did my day go?  

No time for crafting, painting nor reading but I am making precious memories and that is what life is about.

More about what is happening in my Stampin' Up! world tomorrow.  Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a wonderful evening.  Tracey x

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR - A new Stampin' Up! Year and all the latest news

 

We have started a brand new year in my Stampin' Up! world.  It runs from 1st October - 30th September and boy, what a way to start it off.

First of all, the Last Chance section has been updated with further reductions and more products added.  As usual, by clicking on the image below, a new page will open up with all the offers that are currently available.  I wouldn't wait too long though as things are selling out rather quickly.

Three new kits have been added to the store, Remembering Christmas Kit, Nutcracker Tag Kit and Calm & Bright Kit.  As usual, if you click on the images below, a new window will open up and you can find details of all the kits.

And there is more.  Starting today, you can purchase the Stampin' Up! Virtual Class.  The first one will be The Traditions of Christmas Craft Class

After you purchase the Craft Class, you’ll receive an email with a link to an exclusive Facebook page. The live class will stream on the Facebook page on 23 October at 9:00 p.m. Once you’re on the Facebook page, you can download the instructions for the projects you’ll make during the class.   More details can be found when clicking on the image above.

I have saved the best offer until last.  This is a new Starter Kit offer from Stampin’ Up! that is the best I have seen.

You have a choice of one of the following  two great value options either 

Option 1 Get £130 worth of products for £35 

or 

Option 2 Get £194 worth of products for £99 

You can customise your Starter Kit by adding any  Stampin’ Up! products, including items from the November Online Exclusive pre-order, the newly refreshed Last Chance section and new kits in to your basket and pay the option that you have chosen.  Plus, your Starter Kit will be shipped to you free of charge and will include current catalogues/brochures.

Here’s more of what you can enjoy during your first 6 months:

• Early access to the January–April 2026 Mini Catalogue (PDF available in November, plus pre-order privileges).
• Pre-order perks for the 2026–2027 Annual Catalogue
• Option to register for OnStage (March 12–14, 2026) — a fun and inspiring Stampin’ Up! event!
• Access to the Quick Start Programme, offering extra rewards for new team members.
• Discounts on your own orders and/or commissions on orders that are placed by others as well as Stampin' rewards on qualifying orders. 
• Join our wonderful community of crafters where you will find so much inspiration, lots of ideas and whole bunch of new friends, worldwide.

To learn more, click on the image below or get in touch.  You can always come along to the craft room on October 15th at around 6.30pm to find out more over a cuppa or join us at Insomnia Cafe, Shelton Lock on 17th October between 10.00am - 12 noon.  

Have you registered for World Card Making Day yet?

There is still time to register for the one hour virtual event that Stampin' Up' are holding to celebrate World Card Making Day.  Just click on the link below and if you can't watch at the time it is shown, at least you will be able to see it on a replay and Stampin' Up! will pop something in the post to you to say thank you for registering. 

https://mailchi.mp/stampinup/worldcardmakingday

Well, I think that is about all the news we can cope with for one day, so much to take in. 

If you need any help at all please, do get in touch.  Looking forward to spending more time sharing makes with you during the next Stampin' Up! year.  Tracey x

 

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOUR - a bits and pieces post

 

Good morning, another Sunday and today we are off out to a 'green area' in a village not too far away but somewhere we haven't been to before.  After putting my injection in yesterday, feeling loads better today and we have positive polly back.  The injection does have side effects for the day but at least I am always prepared for them and know that the benefits far outway the discomforts of one day.

It is Derby Dabblers this Friday night.  I can't believe it will be the last Friday of the month, already.  If you fancy coming along you will certainly receive a warm welcome.  We play a game of bingo half way through the night too.  Lots and lots of laughs and such a warm friendly bunch of folk.  If you want a bit more information, let me know.  There is a Derby Dabblers Facebook page where you can go and see what we get up to.

Stampin; Up! are introducing virtual Craft Classes.  The first one is available to watch on 23rd October and you can purchase it from the store in advance from 1st October using the Traditions of Christmas Suite of products.  You may purchase it after 23rd October also.  If you would like to know a little more please, do get in touch. 

Here is a favourite card of mine that I have made quite a few 

This is one of those that I made quite a few of, all slightly different but I didn't put a sentiment on them.  As soon as I have a birthday for a gent, out they come, the sentiment is stamped and I am sorted. 

Just 2 days left and we can order the Stampin' Up! 12 days of crafting Advent Calendar, I can't tell how excited I am about this.  The products in the Calendar are for the whole year, not festive (or not just festive) as I still dont know what they are. 

I have pencilled in 12 days of crafting events, in the Craft Room, to ensure that I use all the products up over the year.  Should you purchase your Advent Calendar from me, you will automatically receive an invite to join me.  

Now that I have seen this advent calendar, I have stumbled across so many more for make up, perfumes and everything else you can imagine, who knew that there were so many available, well I didn't.

Did you know that one of the things that I have been 'into' for the last few months are products from a company call Templespa?  Have you heard of them?  I hadn't but lots of my friends have.  I have been benefitting from Palm Balm hand cream that makes my hands all soft, smooth and feeling nice.  Nail and cuticle cream to improve my nails, Sole Balm for my feet, oh wow, you can't believe how all these little things are making a difference.  It's a little self indulgence but well worth it.  Do let me know if you would like to find out more about it.  I have a bit of a pamper session most months for folk to try things out, it's amazing what you learn.  I didn't know that some friends hate the smell of Lavender.  Another friend can't stand the smell of roses... we are all different aren't we?

Well, I had best go and get a wiggle on.  Thank you so much for having a read and I hope you have a smashing Sunday.  Tracey x

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWO - All sorts of news, advent calendars, world card making day and a card with the Sunflower Embossing Folder

 

Good morning, I love waking up on Fridays, there is just something a little special about them.  It must be the thought of the weekend.

I have already had a bit of a wander.  I haven't been managing to walk too much lately but put my best foot forward to day with hubby.  

It was so very very windy and I managed a few steps.  Hopefully try again tomorrow and do a few more.  I am babysitting for half an hour later this afternoon, not quite sure where the half an hour will start or end but I am so happy to be asked to do it and really looking forward to spending time with Alexandros

A card that was made using the wonderful Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder. It is in Strawberry Slush and I love how it turned out.

I ran the piece of card through my embossing machine but I first spritzed water over the card so that the filers break down a little easier. It really does give it a lot more definition. I then got a white ink pad and gently rubbed it over all the raised areas. It works amazingly well on darker coloured card stock.

I know that the birthday girl has had this so I can now share it.

Well Stampin' Up! have given us lots of surprises this week, I am really not too sure where to begin.

Let's start with the Advent Calendar, yes you read it right.  There is a 12 day crafting  advent calendar. Each day of the calendar contains never before seen dies, paper, embellishments and even more items that you will not be able to find in any of the Stampin' Up! catalogues nor in the Online Store.  There is also an additional stamp set that comes with it.

The advent calendars are available to purchase on 23rd September, in just four days time and the expectation is that they will sell out very quickly as there is a limited amount of stock.   They do make the perfect gift for any family member or friend who is also a crafter.  I shall be up at the crack of dawn to purchase my own and if you would like me to add one to the basket for you too, please get in touch on Monday at the latest.  The cost is £94 for 12 doors to open, as well as an additional stamp set that co-ordinates with the products.  It does mean that if you are signed up to the Stampin' Rewards programme,  you get £9.40 rewards to use on a future order.  That makes each window (and a stamp set) £6.51 each. 

To ensure that I use all and everything in the calendar, I plan on holding an event for everyone that purchases the advent calendar once every two months to create wonderful projects on a Saturday morning for a couple of hours.  

The problem that I will have will be, do I wait for Christmas to open it or do I open it straight away... what would you do?

World Card Making Day is on 4th October.  Stampin' Up! are holding a free virtual event and you can register to attend at any time between now and 3rd October.

Registration is free.  You do need to register to receive a link to view the event.   As the event will be recorded, you may be able to watch the recorded programme once the event has finished.

To register and find out a little more, click on this link 

www.https://traceyrossos.stampinup.net 

Once you have registered, you will get an email confirmation.  If you are struggling, do let me know. 

Well, I do think that this is enough exciting news for one day, I dont want to overwhelm you.  Thank you so much for having a read and please, do feel free to leave a comment.

Have a fantastic Friday.  Tracey x

 

2025 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER MINI BROCHURE

 

If you click on the image of the Mini Catalogue below, a new window will open up for you to have a browse through

If you would like a proper paper copy, please get in touch so that we can arrange for you to collect one

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE

 

Good morning, up quite early, silly o'clock really so there will be plenty of Nanny naps later.   I have been having a few issues with the internet so a lot to catch up, which isn't a problem as I have the time to do it.   A few chores in the house to do this morning too so it's a bitting and bobbing kind of day.  This evening, as it is Wednesday, we shall go out for a bite to eat followed by bingo.  Of course there will hopefully be a few cuddles to catch throughout the day too.    

My poor legs, which have lymphoma are so swollen, puffy, achy and sore.  Bright red it places and very dry so I have to look after those in-between everything else, as us women do. 

I do have some very good news, in my Stampin' Up! world I have just been promoted.  WHOOP WHOOP.  I have a title of Silver Elite and that isn't possible without my crafting friends, I just have to organise a crafting event to celebrate, how exciting. It takes quite a bit of work to get to this stage and I am so very happy about it.  

THEY ARE BACK

The Stampin' Up! Water Painters (168253) have been out of stock for some time. It was difficult for the supplier to find the materials to make them, something we are all being affected by one way or another lately. However they are now back in stock and ready to purchase. I wanted to share this fantastic short video from Stampin’ Up! It demonstrates a couple of fun and creative ways to use the water painters, hope you enjoy it, (fingers crossed the video works).

Do you fancy gathering your watercolour card, water painters, a couple of ink pads and a stamp set or two for a little play session on the afternoon of 16th October in The Craft Room, Derby? Do get in touch if you would like to join me.

I was reading through my blog from 10 years ago and it was such a happy reminder of what was going off in my life at that time. I was searching for a photograph and I soon found it. I must try and be sure that I have all the photographs saved somewhere.

Thank you so much for having a read, I hope you have a wonderful day today. Tracey x

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR

 

White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits.  And so September arrives just as quickly as all the other months, but I don't know where they all went.  Time certainly passes by quickly, which isn't a complaint.  I remember my mum always saying that when you get older, the weeks go past a lot quicker and it seems it is true.

Well, what have I got to tell you, quite a lot really.  But let's start off with Stampin' Up!  Did you know that Stampin' Up! have a storage solution for the ink pads, refills and markers?  Did you also know that the markers are currently on the Last Chance list?   

If you click on the image below there should be a little reel with more details, keeping my fingers crossed it works.

So all the Stampin' Write markers are on the Last Chance List.  Should you click on the picture below there is a link that will open up a new page for you to see them all.  

We had our monthly Derby Dabblers Craft Club get together on Friday night and what a laugh, but then it always is.  There were lots of crafty folk knitting, card making, crocheting, reading magazines, scrapbooking etc. etc.  We played our usual game of bingo with Pam at the realm this time as Sheila couldn't make it.  The next one is on 26th September if you fancied coming along, here is what we got up to.  

Lots of crafting has been taking place but, not as much as I would have liked.  I had two weeks of Jury Service so that threw the spanner in the works for our usual get togethers.  I couldn't believe how tired I was at the end of each day.  Mum isn't the best although she does seem to have picked up, which is always good news.  My health is getting better bit by bit and as I have a few weeks of relaxation ahead of me, I am hoping to put it to good use in looking after me.

Here is a card I made for a lovely friend (well all my friends are lovely really) but this was a recent birthday and I loved making this card.  The sentiment is one of my favourite and sums up the special day just perfectly.  

Well I had best get on and start my day,  thank you so much for having a read x