DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWO - A bit of gardening and how to keep letters straight

 

 

 

 

Good morning. So much happening at the moment, I am unsure where to start.  Let's start with the amazing painting above. We discovered this on one of our recent wanders to one place, going slightly off track as we thought it may be a shortcut and we were amazed about all the street art, I have more to share on another day.  We have no idea who painted it but it's stunning.

I can also mention the gardens on the complex which are in need of a little attention, particularly one area that has become rather neglected. To get a better idea of what we were dealing with, we asked a local handyman/gardener to pull out the dead plants and weeds so that we could lay a water pipe.

To be fair, he did most of the clearing, although he left us with quite a bit of tidying up to do afterwards. Once everything was cleared, we made a surprising discovery,  there was already a water pipe installed beneath the soil.

Curious to see if it still worked, we carefully unearthed it and laid it on top of the ground so we could inspect it properly. The main supply pipe was still intact, but the smaller irrigation pipe that was meant to water the plants had completely perished. A little gentle investigation soon turned into gushing water everywhere as the old connectors gave way!  The handyman assured us he would sort everything out. New connectors, new irrigation pipe, a standpipe and a timer were all promised, so we left him to it.

A few days later, everything appeared to be in place, apart from the timer, which hadn't quite been set up correctly. That was quickly sorted, and feeling optimistic, we headed off to buy some new plants.

Armed with plants and enthusiasm, we began digging holes, only to discover that one of the new connections was leaking. Not just a little drip either,  enough that the newly prepared planting area was sitting in water.  So, for now, the remaining plants are waiting patiently while we wait for the leak to be repaired. It seems that every time one problem is solved, another one appears. Still, we're getting there... eventually.  The purchasing of the plants is another story.

How do you line up names and sentiments on your cards and projects?  I have been doing mine this way for many years and as I was asked to show someone how to do it, I thought I would share it on here.  Using my alphabet set I die cut out the name Alex 5 times.  The reason I do this is that I want the name to stand out and I get all 5 layers, stick them together and leave them to dry.  I then line them up on my grid paper so that they are straight, most of the time..  

 

I grab a post it note and with the sticky side on the name I make sure it is still straight and give it a little press down.

 

 I turn the post it note over as can be seen below, so now I can move the whole name at the same time.  Add glue to each of the letters.

 

I place a ruler across the card, making sure that it lines up with the grid paper underneath and you get a straight light, as can be seen.

 

Pick up the post it note with the letters on and place them directly above the ruler, which should mean that they are in a straight line.  As there is glue on them also, they should stick down, straight.

This worked out perfectly for me, it doesnt always but it does for the majority of the time and I find it easier that sticking one letter at a time or having a pencil mark that doesnt get quite rubbed out. 

I can reveal the whole card tomorrow, as the little chap will be two years old, where did that time fly off to?

Did you know that there is FREE SHIPPING for the next couple of days?

If there has been something on your wish list, or you simply need to top up your crafty essentials this is a lovely opportunity to save on postage. And what about the Last Chance section? Have you had a look in there lately?

Don't worry if your order is only small. I am very happy to combine lots of little orders together to help everyone reach the qualifying amount. Whether you need a single ink pad, a packet of glue dots, a stamp set, a bundle or a few items from the Last Chance section, they can all be added together.
And there's an extra little bonus too. If your personal order comes to £70 or more, you'll qualify for the Product of the Month for just £5 and its such a wonderful cute stamp this month.
There is absolutely no pressure, if you'd like me to add anything to a combined order, just drop me a message and I'll be happy to help. 

So today we are off out for the morning and have folk popping in this afternoon,.  Dinner with the family tonight so thats something to look forward to.  Thank you so much for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 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. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

JUNE PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Here’s a little sprinkle of crafty magic.  When you place your own qualifying order of £70, you’ll unlock the chance to grab the Product of the Month for just £5, how lovely is that? A special option will magically appear, inviting you to pop it straight into your basket. Do note that this treat is only available whilst supplies last and can  only be added once per person, so dont dawdle too long. 

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK, I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

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.