DAY NINETEEN - Stampin' Up! Birthday Card and a Challenge for the week

 

Good morning,  well the common cold has now developed into Flu A, which is currently an epidemic here.  The symptoms are rather serious and I am just so fortunate that I managed to have my flu jab in December as I am told it will save me from getting 75% of the symptoms, especially as I am classed as 'compromise' with having Rheumatoid Arthritis and taking Biological Medication, yikes.  I do hope it has all passed in a few days and I am no longer contagious, imagine travelling all this way and not able to attend my own daughters wedding..gulp.  Keeping fingers crossed and staying very positive.  I will just take another test in 2 days time to see if I am okay, and then take another one two days after that if need be.

So it's to be another day of rest and recuperation today, pottering around and sorting out a few more things.  I did manage to do some decluttering yesterday, always good for the soul.  No crafting got done even though I did plan on doing some, lack of concentration but it will be back soon. I do have a couple of cards to finish today as the youngest grandson will be 1 tomorrow.  

If you fancy a bit of a crafty challenge, nip over to Stampin' Up! in The Craft Room, Derby - Craft Forum on Facebook and share your makes as well as be inspired by what other wonderful creations appear.  .  This weeks challenge is.  A pretty packet of embellishments is sent out the winner that is picked at random (UK only I am afraid). 

This little card finally had its moment in the spotlight a few weeks ago, celebrating a very special birthday over the weekend. It’s one of those cards that was made some time ago, then carefully tucked away, patiently waiting for just the right occasion and I do love when that happens.

It uses a folding template that has become a firm favourite in The Craft Room, one that many of you have made alongside me. It’s one of those designs that looks wonderfully impressive but is such a joy to put together, especially when you start playing with beautifully co-ordinated papers.

I’ve started keeping a small stash of cards partially finished, ready and waiting for when inspiration (or a birthday!) strikes. It means I can add the sentiment, personalise it, and finish it off just when it’s needed and it’s proving to be a rather satisfying habit.

This is also the perfect excuse to dive into those gorgeous Designer Series Papers where everything already matches so beautifully. Add in ribbons and embellishments in the same colour family and suddenly the card almost builds itself. A little layering here, a pop of texture there, and before you know it, you’ve created something truly pretty and every bit as enjoyable to make as it is to give.

Thank you for having a read today, I hope you have a wonderful start to your week.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! news and offers   

The Stampin' Up! Online Exclusive Range has received a delightful refresh and it's brimming with creative promise, Think of it as a treasure chest that lives online only, full of fresh designs, inspiring products and stash. This refreshed collection is sure to spark new ideas, rekindle your creativity and tempt you into just one more project (or two).  Do have a look at what's on offer.  If you click on the image above, it will take you straight to the Online Exclusive Range.

Here are the kits for the month of January but, if you click on the image below, a new window will open with all the kits that are available from Stampin' Up! today.

Dont forget, grab your kit (or kits) and join us on 13th February at 6pm for an evening of putting the kits together in The Craft Room, Derby.

A brand-new Stampin’ Up! mini brochure has fluttered in, just waiting to be explored. It’s brimming with gorgeous ideas, dreamy colour combinations, clever card-making templates, and, of course, those irresistible sparkly embellishments we all adore. With 76 pages of pure crafty delight, everything beautifully co-ordinated and bursting with inspiration, it’s one you’ll want to linger over. You can browse the brochure online by clicking on the image above or better yet, pop into The Craft Room, Derby and pick up your very own copy.

Did you manage to have a glance ot the updated Last Chance list? If you click on the image below, a new window will open up and you can see at a glance what is available.  If there is something you would like, I wouldnt hang around too long because once its gone, thats it. 

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own.

 

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE 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.

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 SEVENTEEN - Cards, get togethers and more

 

Good morning no lie in today as I have the lurgy and was so thirsty when I woke up. I visited the doctor yesterday and have the most awful medicine to take, twice a day but if it works, it will be worth it.  He reckons I have a common cold but I am not so sure.  I am afraid that my tickly cough will go to my chest but he says that chest/lungs are all clear.  No antibiotics as they are not easily prescribed here, lots of posters everywhere you go about the perils of anti biotics.  Fingers crossed a day of rest, staying warm and drinking only cold drinks (no hot drinks with a sore throat I have been advised), I will soon start to pick up.

I have to ready and raring to go next week as it is THE big day.  Sophia, my daughter is getting married and I am so excited.  I am hoping to be able to sort out so many things for her that I need to be 100%.   Of course, feeling off it, I cant put my injection for my arthritis so it's going to be an interesting week, to say the least.  

I wasn’t sure whether I’d already shared this card with you, but I don’t think I have. Another dear friend celebrated a birthday recently and this is the card I sent, hand delivered, so it arrived just as intended. 

This style of card is absolutely perfect for showing off the gorgeous papers that Stampin’ Up! do so well. Just a few score lines, some carefully cut designer paper, a simple centrepiece and that’s all it needs. Even better when everything comes from one pack of Designer Series Paper, because you know it will all co-ordinate beautifully, ideal for a paper share. Oohh, I feel a paper share brewing and I’m already imagining a whole morning of making cards just like this at the beginning of March.

 

If you fancy joining us to create some of these wonderful cards, do let me know, We shall make them on 2nd March in The Craft Room, Derby and have a paper share to use too.

I think it’s well and truly time for a One Sheet Stamped Wonder Day in the craft room, don’t you? A whole day dedicated to ink, paper, creativity, and a good old natter sounds just about perfect.

This is your invitation to step away from the everyday, grab your lunch, and spend a relaxed, joyful day crafting with me on Monday, 2nd February. We’ll catch up, laugh, get inky fingers andcreate a lovely stash of cards ready for all those upcoming occasions that have a habit of sneaking up on us.

Once you book (and yes, booking is essential!), I’ll send out a suggested product list so you can gather your supplies and feel beautifully prepared. We’ll kick off around 10am and craft our way through until about 3pm-ish, no rushing, just creating at a comfortable, happy pace.

It’s the perfect excuse to dust off those gorgeous stamps that haven’t seen ink in far too long. Stamp on card, Basic White, coloured card stock, or even Designer Series Paper, there are no rules here, just possibilities. And those sentiments you’ve been saving for “something special”? let’s finally give them their moment to shine and make your cards really stand out.  And if you’re more in the mood to simply create the stamped sheets to turn into cards later, that’s absolutely welcome too. This day is about crafting your way.

So pop the date in your diary, gather your crafty goodies, and come and join me for a day of creativity, connection, and crafty magic. I can’t wait!

Are you joining us for Kit Night in a few weeks time?  If so, do you want to order a kit to have ready and waiting for you?  I shall be placing an order next week and will happily add a kit to it for you.  Just get in touch and let me know what you would like.  You can see all the kits currently available by clicking on the kits link below.

   

Stampin' Up! news and offers   

The Stampin' Up! Online Exclusive Range has received a delightful refresh and it's brimming with creative promise, Think of it as a treasure chest that lives online only, full of fresh designs, inspiring products and stash. This refreshed collection is sure to spark new ideas, rekindle your creativity and tempt you into just one more project (or two).  Do have a look at what's on offer.  If you click on the image above, it will take you straight to the Online Exclusive Range.

Here are the kits for the month of January but, if you click on the image below, a new window will open with all the kits that are available from Stampin' Up! today.

Dont forget, grab your kit (or kits) and join us on 13th February at 6pm for an evening of putting the kits together in The Craft Room, Derby.

A brand-new Stampin’ Up! mini brochure has fluttered in, just waiting to be explored. It’s brimming with gorgeous ideas, dreamy colour combinations, clever card-making templates, and, of course, those irresistible sparkly embellishments we all adore. With 76 pages of pure crafty delight, everything beautifully co-ordinated and bursting with inspiration, it’s one you’ll want to linger over. You can browse the brochure online by clicking on the image above or better yet, pop into The Craft Room, Derby and pick up your very own copy.

Did you manage to have a glance ot the updated Last Chance list? If you click on the image below, a new window will open up and you can see at a glance what is available.  If there is something you would like, I wouldnt hang around too long because once its gone, thats it. 

Here is the Annual Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own.

 

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE 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.

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 TEN OF 2026 - cards and so much information

 

 

 

 

Good morning and what a morning it has been.  We left rather early to go and have a coffee and a catch up with my sister in law.  It was lovely just to sit, to stop and find out what has been happening with the family over the last few months,  I sometimes forget how the youngsters have grown up.

Then we nipped into a couple of shops before visiting eldest grandson who has a very sore throat and has Flu A.  This is a highly contagious respiratory virus and it's the only type to cause pandemics infecting both humans and animals..... I didnt know that.  The symptoms are a sudden high fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and sore throat.  It can often lead to serious complications such as pneumonia so I am keeping away.  We saw him for a few minutes, outside as his mum needed a bit of shopping and her hubby is currently abroad.  He seems to be okay, on medication but is quieter and looks very pale.

The other grandson needs looking after for an hour this evening as mum has a dentist appointment and her hubby is also abroad so its nanny to the rescue, with grandad of course.

I see and hear that there has been lots of the white stuff in and around home, yikes.  We got to view lots of photos that folk sent on the Facebook which was lovely.  I do hope it doesnt last too long, snow, ice and fog really do make sure I stay home.  

 

I made this little aperture card for a birthday girl last month and it reminded me just how long it’s been since I last played with apertures. Clearly, that needs fixing.  With a much larger collection of dies now waiting to be used, I’m quite sure there will be some aperture-making fun happening in the coming weeks.

There was a fair bit of fussy cutting and stamping involved, but I have to say, I was rather chuffed with how it all came together in the end.  I know I can share this as Birthday girl has received it (hand delivered).

So with lots happening in the Stampin' Up! world, here is a bit of a summary

It's time for one of Stampin' Up's most loved promotions BONUS DAYS.  Because let's be honest, what could be better than being rewarded for crafty goodies you were already panning to treat yourself to?

When you shop between now and 2nd February, every £45 you spend earns you a £4.50 coupon, a little thank you that feels like found money for future crafting fun.  Be sure to tuck those coupons somewhere safe because you can redeem them between 3rd - 28th February.  

And the magic doesnt stop there, if your basket reaches £70 or more you can add the Product of the Month for just £5. That is lots of layers of lovely value wrapped up in one very happy promotion.

Product of the Month for January is the wonderful Fabulous Sayings Stamp Set.  11 Photopolymer Stamps with sentiments that can be used all year round.  This set is only available whilst supplies last and you can only order one.  

The Stampin' Up! Online Exclusive Range has received a delightful refresh and it's brimming with creative promise, Think of it as a treasure chest that lives online only, full of fresh designs, inspiring products and stash. This refreshed collection is sure to spark new ideas, rekindle your creativity and tempt you into just one more project (or two).  Do have a look at what's on offer.

As you may know, Stampin' Up! release a couple of kits at the start of each month well, this month, there are 3 wonderful kits to choose from

Dont forget, grab your kit (or kits) and join us on 13th February at 6pm for an evening of putting the kits together in The Craft Room, Derby.

A brand-new Stampin’ Up! mini brochure has fluttered in, just waiting to be explored. It’s brimming with gorgeous ideas, dreamy colour combinations, clever card-making templates, and, of course, those irresistible sparkly embellishments we all adore. With 76 pages of pure crafty delight, everything beautifully co-ordinated and bursting with inspiration, it’s one you’ll want to linger over. You can browse the brochure online, or better yet, pop into The Craft Room, Derby and pick up your very own copy.

Opps, off out again now, more updates to follow.  Thank you so much for having a read, enjoy the rest of your day,  Tracey xx

DAY ONE OF THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE of 2026 - Happy New Year

 

 

Happy New Year! Oh my goodness, 2026 has arrived and I’m so excited to step into another year doing what I love each day… well, as many days as life allows.

One of my favourite things to do is potter away writing my blog. But here’s a little confession, I never quite know how many lovely souls pop by to read it or have a wander through. So I thought I’d ask a tiny favour… if you do visit, why not leave me a little comment to say hello? It would make my day and let me know you’ve stopped by for a read.

Did you notice that I put DAY - ONE of THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE at the top of this post?  Last year I managed to write 105 posts so let's see if I can do a little better this year.  

We saw the New Year in with family, laughter and lots of chatter.  A great way to end 2025 and to start 2026.  We shall all be eating together at lunch time and then snoozing for the rest of the day.  I am so shocked that I managed to stay up last night, it was well worth it. 

I didnt make New Year Resolutions last year and I am not doing that this year either.  I did have a small list of what I was NOT going to buy and I stuck to it for the whole year.  I didnt purchase any pens, notebooks, post it notes nor jotters for the whole year.  I shall be sticking to that again this year but adding to it also.  So to kick it off, I will not be purchasing any more baking equipment until I have used up everything I already have.  Really, now many cake cases does a normal person need?  I intend on trying out a new recipe every month and will share them all with you here.  I have a lovely friend who has inspired me in the past so I shall turn to her recipes to see what I can come up with, for the month of January.

I must say that my turkey pie was just the bees knees....we loved it.  I am hoping to make it again using chicken.  It is one of the BBC Food recipes and to be honest with you, I have never gone wrong with their recipes.  

This little card had been quietly waiting in my stash, patiently unfinished, so I finally sat down and gave it the love and finishing touches it deserved. I must confess… it’s not alone, I seem to have a small gathering of half-finished cards whispering my name every time I step into the craft room.

It does make me wonder, perhaps we need a whole day dedicated to finishing things. Imagine everyone bringing along their “nearly there” projects, crafting together, cheering each other on and finally ticking them off the list. I always find that kind of shared creativity wonderfully inspiring.

This particular card was destined for a lovely friend who lives quite a few miles away and celebrated her birthday just last week. With a smile and a little flutter of happy post, it made its way into the mail, carrying crafty wishes across the miles.

 

To start off the New Year, I would like to say a very big thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you for your incredible support throughout 2025. The crafting world we’ve built together is truly something special, bursting with creativity, kindness, encouragement and a whole lot of paper joy.

It's not just about the paper, ink, projects, stamps and makes (though we do love all of those), it’s the friendships that mean the most. The laughs, the shared moments, the chats and the moments of cheering each other on that have made this year unforgettable. That's the real treasure. What we have created together is second to none and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
I can’t wait to see where our creativity takes us next and what wonderful things we’ll dream up and make together in 2026. There are going to be a few small changes but nothing scary, that I am looking forward to sharing with you.

Here’s to more crafting, more friendship and plenty more crafty magic ahead.Lots of things to tell you about Stampin' Up!, what's happening and some small changes but, that can all wait until tomorrow.  For today, I am off to spend it with the family.  

Thank you so much for having a read and I hope your first day of 2026 is a wonderful one.  Tracey x