Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year !!!

Well didn't December go quickly !!! Every year I say I will have all my Christmas cards made, addressed and stamped ready for posting on 1st December .... and every year I fail, with many catching the last posting day !! However, I have a plan in place for 2011 ........ watch this space !

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Here is a picture of some of my Thetford Stampers 10 group enjoying their Christmas meal. Unfortunately not everyone could be there and of course we had the lovely Janet taking the photo. A lovely evening was had by all and the food was terrific.

Hopefully everyone has survived the bad snow falls and had an enjoyable Christmas with their families. David and I have just returned from Manchester having taken David's 83yr old Auntie back from her fortnight Christmas holiday in Norfolk. I must admit he was a real treasure, spending Christmas Eve putting together the new storeage units for my craft room !! DIY is not his strongest talent ..... hence the additional shelves that I put up, with some 'supervision' of course. He did admit that the only reason he did it then was because the delivery arrived at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and was filling our hall so no-one could move. Well, they did promise delivery before Christmas.

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So as we all prepare to see the New Year in, may I wish you all a very Happy New Year with lots of crafting !!

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Catch up again very soon.

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Sandra

HOW MUCH SNOW HAVE YOU STILL GOT ??

Well much as I love to see the countryside all white, it's now gradually disappearing. I should have been at the Stamp With Us day on Saturday near Crawley but unfortuantely the weather prevented us going - the thought of being stuck down there or on the motorway. Natalie reported 14" of snow and I know some areas were even worse.

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Being disappointed that my weekend didn't go as planned, at least I have something to look forward to tomorrow. Another day off work - this time to wait in for a delivery. My craftroom walls will not expand any further and so I have decided to invest in some wonderful new storage. If any of you have bought craft magazines lately, you may have seen full page adverts for crafts4storage and the Really Useful Boxes. The units themselves count as 'furniture' and therefore on a 21 day delivery, however the boxes themselves should be delivered tomorrow so I can start filling them and get organised. The units should be here by Christmas so I can get everything put away before the festivities begin in the Roberts' household. How's that for starting the Spring cleaning early !!

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Today I have put up some more shelving, the sort where you can adjust the height easily. Where I thought I could only get two shelves, I can now get another one so back to Focus this week when I pop into Thetford to get my hair cut.

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It's all so exciting as I love my craft room but so desperately needed that extra storage space. I was so pleased when Stampin' Up! introduced Clear Mount stamp sets in the NEW catalogue in October. This is a not only a great cost saving but more importantly so much lighter and smaller to store. Many of my customers prefer them as they can see where to place their images without using a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

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Every year I aim to have all my Christmas preparation finished by 1st December but somehow it just never happens. Oh well there's always next year. Back to writing Christmas cards and sticking on stamps ready for posting.

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Bye for now, keep safe and warm.

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Sandra

1st DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Well, here we are on the 1st December and Christmas is approaching all too fast. I still have so much to do.

Firstly, a big thank you to all those who ventured out in the snowy conditions on Saturday to attend our Christmas Jingle workshop at the Anglian Sports & Social club with Angie and myself. Whilst the journey in was a little scary, I was pleased we had wonderful sunshine all day with no further snow fall, and hope you all got home safely.

With half of a Simply Scrappin' Christmas Jingle kit, plus some extras, there were 24 samples on display and attendees were able to use their materials plus additional stamps, punches etc to make whichever designs they chose and also to vary as they wished. Here are a few of samples :-

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In addition to this, our class had a CD calendar to make and decorate. This was a project that Angie and myself completed when we attended a 'Stamp With Us' weekend earlier in the year. Apologies no picture but I need to find my sample which is buried in my overflowing craft room. I have ordered some new storage and will hopefully be starting to re-organise soon, so will keep you updated in another blog post later. Will add photo as soon as I find. Weather permitting, we are off to another 'Stamp With Us' day on Saturday, so pop back here next week to see what we got up to.

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Secondly, I would like to share the birthday card I made for Julie and Sarah who both had birthdays last week. I have seen this flower created by several different people but this is a slight twist on a variation.

My December Workshop is Bury St Edmunds is a further Punchart class, learning how to make fun creatures with punches but also alternative ways to use those punches that you may not have thought of. This will be completely different projects to a similar class earlier this year.

If you are interested in attending on Saturday 11th December, 10am-4pm at the Moreton Hall Community Centre in Bury, please give me a call on 07806 616704 to reserve the last few spaces. I look forward to you joining us.

Please keep safe and warm in this snowy weather.

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Sandra

Stampin' Up! goes to Disneyland Paris

I would like to just share with the fantastic time I had at the begining of November at Stampin' Up! European Convention.

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Following on from the first European event in Frankfurt last year, it was lovely to meet up with Shelli, Eileen and other SU staff again, together with friends both old and new, at Addington Palace near London, our venue for 2010.

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When Demonstrators get together at any events, they always like to 'Inspire, Create and Share' and this means swopping card designs with each other. Here is my card design, unfortunately the photo does not do it justice but I have used the Cherry Cobler and Whisper White cardstock, Sparkling roller with Whisper White Kraft ink, Contempo Christmas stamp set with Cherry Cobler ink and Ornament punch. The bauble hangers were from Tree Trimmings, stamped in basic Black ink and the finished background was sprayed with SU Champagne shimmer paint mixed with isopropanol alcohol to create a lovely sparkle.

At the end of the event, not only were we given the dates for next years Convention on 18th and 19th November 2011 but also the announcement that the 2011 event will be held at ................ Disneyland Paris !! .The roar of excitement from the 300 Demonstrators from UK, France and Germany who attended this year, was fantastic. Everyone is so excited and many, including myself, are already planning to stay for a few days longer.
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ALL Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are able to attend, so if you fancy becoming part of my team, and joining me on a trip to Disneyland next Autumn, then please contact me to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Whether you wish to purchase products for yourself and close friends at a discount price, whether you like to meet people and demonstrate at a few parties/workshops or whether you wish to pursue career propects within Stampin' Up!, there is always a place for you.

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Please do not be put off by thinking there may already be a demonstrator in your area. There are no territories or boundaries, as we all know different circles of friends and acquantancies and share different ideas. Remember, Stampin' Up! does not just have to be limited to your immediate local area but can be shared across the whole of the UK.

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Our low cost starter kit has been reduced even further to £119 and contains over £230 of product, which you can tailor to suit yourself. With a small quarterly minimum to remain active, there really is nothing to lose. Even if you only wish to buy products for yourself, a few friends or your local craft club, there are many savings and free products to benefit from.

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For those of you who attended the recent show in Bury St Edmunds, I have been busy firming up dates for the whole of 2011 which I hope to publish very shortly and mail to you. This will also include details of an Opportunity Event to find out more about benefits of becoming a Demonstrator and a Special Recruitment offer which I will be launching for January 2011.

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In addition to regular classes in Thetford, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and Stamford, I would like to hear from anyone interested in attending FREE monthly evening classes. My Stamper's 10 group in Thetford has been very popular and I am now looking to start additional groups at locations near you. Please contact me for further information.

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Happy Crafting

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Sandra

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Tel : 07806 616704 or Email to : sroberts07@btinternet.com

BUNDLE UP FOR CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

November & December 2010

This Christmas season get an exclusive package of ribbon for FREE when you purchase a Christmas gift-giving bundle!
Choose from :-

Gifted Bundle
Gifted set and Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper £35.70 Wood / £30.70 Clear Mount

Welcome Christmas Bundle
Welcome Christmas Set and Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper £36.90 Wood / £31.90 Clear Mount

Season of Joy Bundle
Season of Joy Set and So Swirly Stampin' Around Wheel £36.45

Delightful Decorations Bundle
Delightful Decorations Set and Ornament Punch £37.45

Then choose one package of ribbon absolutely FREE worth up to £11.50.

Unfortunatley I have not been able to get the image large and clear enough to show here, but if you are interested, please drop me an email and I will forward by return.

Remember this offer runs until 29th December.

Whilst the ribbons are in our festive colours, they do not contain Christmas images and can therefore be used all year round.

Contact me today to place your order or schedule your Christmas Workshop.

Sandra

Tel : 01366 728407 / 07806 616704 / sroberts07@btinternet.com

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NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFERS .....

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Just popped onto the Stampin' Up! demo website and seen they have just released some fab Special Offers for Christmas bundles during November.

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Sorry must dash for work but will update on here later.

SUFFOLK PAPERCRAFT EVENT

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One of our local craft shops, Stamp Hut in Bury St Edmunds, organised a large craft event yesterday (similar to the regular Sincerely Yours events held in Bury St Edmunds / Thetford) and I was invited to have a Stampin' Up! stand at their Suffolk Papercraft event.

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As always, it was extremely busy but having done two similar events, we were well organised and prepared !!! I was so grateful to have Emily, to help me. She is a lovely lady who also recently signed up as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator having attended her first all day workshop with me in Stamford !! She has just moved to Mablethorpe so if you have any family or friends in that area who may be interested in learning more about Stampin' Up! or classes/workshops, please let me know and I will put you in touch with her.

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Here is the Make & Take that everyone made at the event. Due to the sheer volume of visitors to our stand, it was a slightly easier adaptation of my swops for the Convention this weekend. These ones were made in the gorgeous Rich Razzleberry colour and using the baubles from Delightful Decorations and Contempo Christmas. Everyone was impressed by how quickly they could make such a wonderful Christmas card. Our youngest participant was 4yrs old, the oldest was 90yrs old and yes .... we did encourage some of the men too !!!!!!

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Our Free Prize Draw was won

by Frances from Cambridge

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She was absolutely delighted when I telephoned that evening to give her the good news and will be dropping off her prize on Thursday morning on my way to Convention.

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We thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many new faces and to be able to have the opportunity to introduce you to the fantastic Stampin' Up! products available. There was lots of interest in classes I run locally and I will be contacting everyone that entered our draw in the next couple of weeks, just as soon as dates and venues for my 2011 classes & workshops have been finalised. For the ladies out of this area, I will be doing my best to contact demonstrators local to you so that you don't miss out.

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In the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me for further information. My husband will tell you that since January I have been glued to my iPhone as I love the convenience of being able to collect emails 'on the run' so to speak.

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Email : sroberts07@btinternet.com

Mobile : 07806 616704

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So ....... please feel free to pop back over the weekend to see photos and details of the swops I am sharing this weekend in London.

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Happy stamping !

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Sandra

CAROUSEL ... the Musical

Hi folks,

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Well, what a busy couple of weeks ..... I played Clarinet in the Orchestra pit in Bury St Edmunds for the Bury St Edmunds Amateur Dramatic Society production of the Musical 'Carousel'. Sight reading Monday evening for Dress rehearsal and then the show ran Tuesday to Saturday, plus a Saturday matinee. I wasn't able to help them Thursday evening because of my Stampers 10 and Saturday Matinee as I had another fun day running a Stampin' Up! Workshop for in Weeting, so, five performances of the same show and I can't get the tunes out of my head !!

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Friday and Saturday this week is Stampin' Up! Annual European Convention, this year being held at Addington Palace in Surrey. I so was pleased and proud to have been able to attend their 1st Euopean Convention in Germany last year. It doesn't seem possible that a year has flown by.

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Last week I was on a mission to finish my 250 swops for the event, which I'm pleased to say I achieved. As of today, it's now only 3 days before Angie and I leave and still quite a bit to do. I had a day off work last Friday and spent the whole day crafting with my dear friend Pat, who I refer to as my 'adopted' Mum and is also one of my Stampin' Up! downline. We always have so much news to catch up on and so much crafting to enjoy, that we don't want waste time to stop for lunch.

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I'm pleased to say that we finalised my design for my CMC swop (90 now all made just the photos to add) and also my Card Candy Swop (10 of these to make). The designs are scheduled to appear here on my blog over the weekend so I can keep the surprise for the other demonstrators receiving them this weekend. I have never done a Card Candy swop before and we had lots of fun creating some masterpieces. Pop back at the weekend to see these explained in more detail.

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Happy crafting

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Sandra

SOUTH LOPHAM CRAFT FAIR

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This weekend I will be back to the village where I grew up for their Annual craft fair. Unfortunately I was unable to make last year as, due to the renovations, the venue and date were changed.

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Typically in the past there has been wood-turning, spinning wool, terrific plant and cake stalls together with lots of individual arts and crafts stalls.

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ST ANDREW's CHURCH, SOUTH LOPHAM

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Saturday 16th October, 10am-5pm

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Sunday 17th October, 11am-4pm

(not 10am as originally posted)

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Here is one the boxes we made at my last workshop, Boxes, Bags and Tags. I have made a few different variations but adapted the size to fit a small bottle of wine to make an ideal small gift. I'm hoping these will be popular Christmas gifts over the weekend.

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Everyone is falling in love with this new colour 'Cherry Cobbler'. Here the Stampin' Up! white Craft ink looks stunning against the dark card. Of course you can add Dazzling Diamonds to give it a bit of sparkle too. This is a great way to use up all your non-Stampin Up card to make space for the wonderful new selecton of colours.

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As always, time has run away with me and haven't had the time to make as much as I would like for the fair and tonight I have more candles to make. These have both been going down a storm at recent Workshops, everyone is so proud of what they have achieved.

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This weekend is always a good opportunity for me to spend 2 days actually crafting at the table and demonstrating. When it is quieter I may try and put together my 250 Make & Takes for the Stampin' Up! Convention in 3 weeks time. I then have 90 beer mat (mini scrapbook album pages) swops to make and 10 other Card Candy swops.
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Look forward to seeing you at the weekend if you are popping by.
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Sandra

HOSTESS GIFT

This is the swop that I made for High Wycombe training event in September using the new Hostess level 1 gift, Punch Potpourri. The colours on the photo are not too clear but this is using the NEW Pear Pizzazz and Early Expresso.

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.YOU COULD EARN THIS SET

**** FREE ****

My favourite Hostess gift as all four images have a corresponding punch. Simply stamp, punch and create.

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If you would like me to come and demonstrate a workshop in your home or local community venue, please contact me. Let me talk you through the benefits you could earn being a hostess or even have a 'virtual party' yourself. I can provide a catalogue and order forms for you and providing orders are a minimum of £150, you can earn a FREE hostess gift and minimum of £15 of FREE product of your choice to spend in the catalogue.

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Pop back later for some more ideas.
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Sandra

WHOOOOPPPPEEEEE !!!!

THE NEW CATALOGUE IS HERE !!!!

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Hi crafters

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For those of you who couldn't join me on Friday or Saturday, please click on link to browse through the new catty in a lovely page turning format, so you really think you have the real thing in your hands. Please let me know if you wish to purchase a copy, it's bigger and better than before !!

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There are some fab new things to point out to you all.

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Firstly, we now have CLEAR STAMPS. Many of you will realise these work out much cheaper. I know many crafters already have clear blocks but I really do like what I've seen of the new Stampin' Up! ones. They have a finger groove all the way round, nice ronded corners and light which make them very comfortable to use. Of course, being clear they help you position exactly where you want to.

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Secondly, the 14 NEW PUNCHES, turn to pages 104-106.

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Thirdly, well if I said there were 64 NEW RIBBONS you would just have to jump to pages 96-97.

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Last but not least, the wonderful 16 NEW CORE-COLOURS and 5 NEW IN-COLOURS. Turn to pages 80-85 to browse these.

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There are loads more fab items but I'm still browsing through myself.

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I have some lovely new samples to show you that have been under wraps as we were not allowed to show on our blogs until the official launch date. Pop back later and I will be adding some through the day.

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One happy crafter !!!!

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Sandra

FURTHER REDUCTIONS !!!!

Well I've got home from my stampers 10 group this evening and found FURTHER REDUCTIONS on the Last Chance list !!

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Hopefully this link will work to give you 7-pages of reductions. If not, please contact me and I can email you.

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http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-GB/Lastchance_en-GB.pdf

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Remember these products will only be available while stocks last or until 30th September.

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I will be checking tonights order carefully and if you have ordered an item which has been reduced further, I will issue a refund with your delivery.

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With even more 25% and 50% bargains, it really is worth another look. Some that were 25% are now 50%.

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Please contact me if you wish to place an order.

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Tomorrow I am attending an SU Training evening so look forward to finding out more hot off the press information for you all.

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Bye for now.

SO EXICITED ...to meet ........ Tim Holtz

Well what can I say .....

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For those of you who know Tim Holtz' fantastic work will realise what a privilege it is to be able to meet with him in person for a Workshop in Milton Keynes when he visits the UK next February.

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Tickets went on sale at 8pm Monday evening through http://blog.paperartsy.co.uk/2010/09/artsycrafts-class-with-who.html and Angie and I have both had our tickets confirmed so we have two very happy little crafting bunnies !!

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If you are interested, take a look but I would expect that both days will probably sell out very quickly.

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Although I do have lots of his products prior to joining Stampin' Up!, I find that lots of his styles can be used with my Stampin' Up! ink pads and refill inks so looking forward to sharing some of these with you all next Spring.

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Sandra

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS

Hi

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Don't forget that 'Christmas Is Coming' and not many people I've spoken to have started making their Christmas cards !!

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I have a Workshop in Bury St Edmunds this Saturday 18th Sepember from 10am-4pm and also Saturday 25th September in Stamford. Both classes will be using the cute and versatile Christmas set called 'Sparkly and Bright' together with other Stampin' Up! products.

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Booking is essential so if you are free and wish to attend, please contact me.

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Happy crafting

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Sandra

SUNDAY BLOG HOP - Retirement list

Hi crafters

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Today I have joined in a quick blog hop with some fellow SU Demos to showcase some of the stamps and colours that are retiring from the Stampin' Up! catalogue at the end of September. Many of the items have a discount of 25% or 50% and there are some real bargains to be had.

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You may have just joined me from http://www.stampingaway.co.uk/ so welcome to you and hope you enjoy your hop around our blog sites.

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Here I have used Taken With Teal and Brocade Blue. You may have seen an earlier post where I used these colours with Night of Navy with my shaving cream technique. Here I have used Bloomin' with Beauty to make a bookmark.

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Here is a close up of the clouds made from sticking together a few scallop circles and oval scallops and sponging - I hope you can see better on the close up.

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This is the back of the bookmark, using a template on ILWS which I believe originated from Caz. I will shortly be updating to the 2011 calendar.

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Now, if you are viewing this on Sunday morning, Angie and I will be attending the Stamp With Us weekend. The idea for covering this notebook came from our last Stamp With Us weekend back in March 2010. Here I have used the Bride DSP with Brocade Blue ink using a brayer. The shiny pattern embossed into the surface resists the ink and looks great in any colour. It is such a shame that the Bride, Groom and Bridesmaid DSP are retiring as they have been so popular. At the bottom I have wrapped a piece of Brocade Blue ribbon and used a greeting from Circle of Friendship which is also retiring.

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I hope you have enjoyed my entries today and hope you continue your 'hop' by clicking on to http://www.craftyalisoninlyon.blogspot.com/

Regards

Sandra

STAMPIN' UP ! RETIREMENT LIST

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So here it is ... the list of items retiring from the current catalogue and mini catalogue to make way for the new BIGGER catalogue launching on 1st October.

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There are 7 pages of items for you to browse, many of which have 25% and 50% discounts. Unfortunately I cannot manage to get it uploaded here. Anyone wishing for me to post or email to you, please contact me.

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As a Demo, we get a chance to see the catalogue online and yes, I can confirm it is bigger at 118 pages and loads more stash to collect. There are many more punches and we also have clear mounted stamps which are cheaper and take up less storeage. There is mixed feeling on these but I will be able to show you some of each come 1st October so you can make up your own minds.

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Please give me a call on 07806 616704 or email sroberts07@btinternet.com to place an order or book a party and reep the benefits.

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Happy shopping.

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Sandra

BACK FROM HOLS

Hi crafters

David and I are back from our hols in Exmore and Cornwall with the Goldwing Trike. Needless to say those of you following the weather will realise it wasn't the best weather for camping.

We had wonderful sunshine in Minehead and moved to Wadebridge in Cornwall on Tuesday. We went to Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday and luckily had arranged to get a taxi both ways. Here is my David with his Singapore Chilli Crab - a stir fried whole crab with garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander - the menu said "Very much those who love eating with their hands and getting gloriously messy". The waitress advised him she would bring him 'tools' to help him.

Mine was the Indonesian Seafood Curry with Monkfish, Squid and Tiger Prawns and was wonderful !!.

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On Thursday I took the trike on my own down to St Austell to see my fellow SU Demo Abi and spent a few hours crafting. Take a look at her blog http://cornwallcraftystamper.blogspot.com/ to see the photo she took of me and what the people of Devon and Cornwall call tourists !!

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The rest of the week at the British Goldwing Treffen the weather improved and even interspersed with some really hot sunshine and excellent weather for our journey back without a single shower.

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Sandra

***** SALE TIME *****

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1st September Stampin' Up! will be publishing their 'retirement list'. This will be all the items in the current catalogue and mini catalogue that are not making it into the NEW CATALOGUE which will be released on 1st October 2010. Last year we enjoyed many of the retirement items at 25% and 50% off so please make sure you pop back to this blog on 1st September and check to see if the list is out. You will have to be quick as these fantastic offers will be 'while stocks last' and I'm sure will sell out fast. I will be placing my first retirement order on 2nd Septmber, giving the early birds amongst you 24hrs to view.

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We have some information sifting through from the SU Home Office and the words 'EXPANDED CATALOGUE' have been shared. Now I'm not sure by how much, but does look like it is going to be BIGGER than before. WOW !!!!

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September and October are extremely busy months for Stampin' Up! so what better time to join my team. The starter kit is going to be £119 - that's £20 less than before and still valued at over £230.

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I already have the lovely Emily raring to go in Rutland. Perhaps you also anticipate having a long wish list from the new catalogue and may be interested in getting them cheaper, please get in touch with me 07806 616704 or sroberts07@btinternet.com..

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I will be attending a training event on 17th September and will no doubt be able to share lots more with you after this date .... good news for all those attending my 'Christmas Is Coming' Workshop on Saturday 18th September (only a few spaces left).

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Happy Crafting and don't forget to pop back on 1st September !!!

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Sandra

SUNSET BRAYERING

This is the card I made for my lovely downline and 'adopted Mum' Pat who celebrated her 70th Birthday on Monday.

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Pat is a very talented lady, making some equisite cards, parchment craft, lace making and many other crafts.

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To make this sunset card using the Brayer, I used Stampin' Up! ink pads in So Saffron #110086, More Mustard #110073, Pumpkin Pie #110080 and Bravo Burgandy #110061. You will be pleased to know that none of these colours are retiring when Stampin' Up! update their colour families in the new catalogue on 1st October.

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Anyone wishing to purchase a Brayer, the Soft Speedball Brayer #113663 in our Stampin' Up! catalogue is extremely competitively priced @ £8.75 (+5% P&P). Recently I have seen selling as much as £13.99 (+£2.99 P&P) elsewhere. Such a Bargain, just contact me if you wish to place an order !!

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I am now offering my full colour, detailed tutorials, with lots of hints and tips by mail order. If you are interested in learning how to make this card and another 8 projects using the brayer, please drop me a line to sroberts07@btinternet.com or give me a call on 07806 616704 for more details.

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Happy Crafting !!

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:-)

BRAYERING WORKSHOP

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Here are a couple of cards we made on Saturday at Bury St Edmunds at my Brayering Workshop.

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Whilst planning the class projects, my lovely friend Jo got herself a new job and everyone was so pleased for her. This card was similar to the one I made for her Congratulations card and to introduce her to the art of Brayering. She couldn't make the workshop but has ordered a brayer at our Stampers 10 group and is now itching to have a go ........

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Here I used the large swirl from the Baroque Motifs stamp set #113490 with Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive. The greeting was from Sincere Salutations #105156.

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The next one was demonstrating how to use brayer to merge two ink pads and create a two-tone effect. Here I used Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery from the Soft Subtles colour family with the large stamp from Fresh Cuts #111634. I haven't used this stamp set for some time but thought it was ideal for this technique. Now I want to try in some more colour combinations.

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Hope you enjoyed todays cards. I will be posting my favourite from the Workshop in the next couple of days so please pop back and take a look.

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Thanks for stopping by today.
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Sandra

DE-BUGGED !!!!!!!!!

I'm finally back up and running ........ and de-bugged !!!!!

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Finally had time to remove functions and re-apply and was afraid I would mess up the whole thing but hey ......... I didn't lose anything (only the horrible brown screen and the nasty floating box).

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Pop back shortly and I will have some latest updates.

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Sandra

"BUG IN THE BLOG"

Sorry folks, I have been trying to find out why there is a floating box covering text and why screen has gone dark brown all the time.

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If anyone has any suggestions, please can you let me know. I have a call out to my friends PC whizzy son but still waiting for him to get back to me.

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The only alternative at the moment is to try changing the design on it and see if that clears.

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Please bear with me while I try to get back to normal.

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Thanks

LET LOSE .... AT LAST .........

Here is one slightly sun-burnt and sun-stricken crafter (despite the sun tan lotion being sprayed liberally) !!!

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David and I have just spent the weekend camped out at Weeting Steam Rally with the Broadlands East Anglia Region (B.E.A.R.s) Goldwing Motorcycle club showing off our Trike and trailer combo with our fellow club members. It was a lovely weekend and despite a few short showers on Saturday, the weather was great. Saturday evening we held the usual 'Mad bikers tea party', well BBQ, but the line up looked more like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.

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We had 6 sessions to show off the bikes and David allowed me to do the main arena, once with him on the back and then with a friend from the club. Amy kept shouting "girl power" as I was the only female rider in the ring !!! However, with David on the side lines, it did mean I got the first piccie of me riding the mean machine. He wasn't too happy when they decided to do a proper 'display' with no practice or briefing and doing the criss-cross in the centre of the ring, alternating bikes crossing. I was also the only one towing the trailer round to show spectators how we travel in style with all the mod cons. Not bad for my first attempt at towing ever ..... car or bike !!

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Weekend over and camping gear packed down, David offered to drive my car home and let me take the Trike and trailer. OK so it was only 4 miles, but as we are going to Cornwall for the British Treffen soon, I needed to practice towing the trailer on the road.

Catch up again soon with some more crafting banter.

Sandra

COOLING SUMMERTIME LEMONADE

Here is another card from Saturdays Shaped Cards workshop @ Bury St Edmunds.

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This card was nearly included last month for the Vellum Workshop and is just the answer for the wonderful summer weather we are having at the moment.

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I saw first saw this card by Dawn Griffiths in USA. Here I have used different papers and chosen not to colour the vellum but leave as a frosted glass. This is Carol's adaptation as she has added a wonderful parasol to her summer drink. Isn't it fabulous !!! She is a very talented lady who regularly wins wonderful prizes for her creations. Thanks to her grandchildren for allowing Vicky to supply the straws !!

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I will be demonstrating this card to the Hethersett group on Sunday 15th August.

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Sandra

LAVENDER TIME

Hi crafters !!

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My doesn't time fly. Don't know about you, but I find it so hard to craft in this heat. Apart from preparing for regular workshops & holding classes, it's difficult to find energy to craft after a days work.

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Still, since my last post I have had another two wonderful workshops, firstly repeating my Black & White full day workshop that has been so popular, this time in Norwich with Angie, and also my Shaped Cards Workshop for the regular Bury St Edmunds group.

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The feedback from our Norwich ladies was wonderful and thank you for taking the time to give us us your thoughts but ......quarterly is not enough was a common reply !!!! We are currently seeing what we can do but in the meantime the extra day that was confirmed was Saturday 27th November.

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Here is one of the inspirations from yesterday .....

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At this time of year the lavender bushes are in abundance, full of bright lilac flowers and I immediately thought of one particular bloom from Stampin' Up! Pocket Silhouette stamp set #111672.

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Changing a standard 10cm square card that I have previously made, here we used Nestabilities to make the outer shape and hinge the top of the card. The sweet little butterflies are from the Oval All Stamp set #113790, just inking up the small butterfly on its own with Stampin Write Marker pens and stamping randomly through the lavender. The oval style was Julie's adaptation - I love the differences in shape but with the same style of stamping.

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Catch up again soon.

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Sandra

VELLUM WORKSHOP

Hi

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Here is one of my favourite cards from Saturdays Vellum Workshop at Bury St Edmunds. This was made using a Night of Navy base card, Sparkling roller #116444 with Bashful Blue ink, Season of Joy stamp set #110384 (my favourite and most versatile Christmas set) with Night of Navy ink, strips of torn Vellum Cardstock #109897, Dazzling Diamonds #110194, Clear Rhinestone Brads #113144, Large Oval #115156 and Scallop Oval #115429 punches.

It was wonderful to see new faces and to hear the positive messages that are advertising my classes & workshops. It is very important to book those monthly spaces early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited and are being snapped up. I now have more people interested than there are spaces so it is important to book early.

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From the lovely chatter round the room, it was evident we need to seriously review numbers for the next Stampers 10 group, agree which weekday evening in the month is convenient to everyone and that the hall is available. My Thetford group say that once a month for Stampers 10 is not enough and have booked some normal classes for the fortnight in between !! This would be in addition to the last Thursday evening in the month as this evening is for any topic/projects that we wish to use, not necessarily Stampin' Up!

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When I arrived home from a very hot day, my hubby had bought an ice-cream maker, one that you leave in the freezer and then, when ready, churn the ingredients for 20 minutes. Well 20mins on the buzzer and we served up our homemade strawberry ice cream. No additives or other artificial ingredients ...... wonderful. Only trouble was it could have done with a few more minutes churning, chilled glasses in such hot temperatures and camera ready first as it melted very quickly !!! I did sneak a spoonful later from the freezer after it had firmed up. It also doubles up as an excellent wine cooler or ice bucket !!!!

This then reminded me about the card I entered for a Stampin' Up! competition last summer. There were two categories, once for customers and one for demonstrators. Even though I didn't win, I was very pleased with my entry using the Tart & Tangy stamp set #111514.

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The next all day workshop in Bury St Edmunds in on Saturday 10th July and the theme is 'shaped cards'. This one will now be added and as always, all the templates we use will be given with your full colour instructions for the days projects.
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One last thing ....

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HOT TIP OF THE DAY - I was explaining how valuable 'Pringles' lids are and the many uses that crafters can make of them. Jennifer uses hers in the garden over her glass of wine to stop those annoying little flies getting in. It works a treat and they fit my wine glasses perfectly. Wonderful idea and thanks for sharing with us.

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Hope you enjoyed todays updates and thanks for stopping by.

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Sandra

PUNCHART BLOG HOP - continued !!!!

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Hi there

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Finally this is the card I was desperately trying to finish for yesterdays Blog Hop.

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The tractor is one I have seen online made by Boni @ swapping4fun@yahoo.com. She demonstrated this creation way back in 2009 and I made last year for my Dad who was a farmer all his life until he retired and used to own a John Deere tractor in these colours.

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Now this week I amended slightly to incorporate the tractor but the top of the fence posts were made from Stampin' Up's Medium Jewelry Tag punch #117190 that goes with Tiny Tags stamp set #118091 in the mini catalogue. Trouble was, I wanted to lengthen them so was really pleased to find that the Word Window punch #117406 was exactly the same width so this was used for the bottom of the posts and also the cross bars. These were all punched from Designer Series Paper Tea & Crumpets #111911 which worked very well as there was a wooden textured effect paper in the set.

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The sky was a piece of Designer Series Paper in Bashful Blue #113648 and one of the sides was plain blue. The grass was simply a piece of torn Garden Green Cardstock #109992.

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I then went on to have fun with the clouds and the bushes using Scallop Circle #109877 and Scallop Oval punches #115429 from scrap card and used to sponge against, Whisper White Kraft ink pad #117361 for the clouds and Always Artichoke ink pad #110052 for the bushes. The camera unfortunately does not pick these up very well.

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I adapted to add 2 black buttons from Earth Elements & Neutrals # 103981.

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Hope you like the finished result.

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Sandra

PUNCHART BLOG HOP - 23rd June

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Welcome to my 2nd 'Blog Hop' in just a few weeks and a very big hello to our friends in the USA and beyond. Unfortunately, here in the UK, we still do not have the range of punches that you have in the USA. I am eagerly awaiting our next catalogue on 1st October and hope they give us a few more.

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In the meantime, we still have fun playing with what we do have. I am regularly amazed on my surfing trips at the inspiration I get from the many Punchart creations.

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One of my regular customers, Vicky from Harringworth, has no internet access so I promised to share her recent Punchart here on my blog.

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Unfortunatley, time has run away with me since volunteering for this blog a few days ago. Today I will now be sharing with you a couple of floral inspirations .......

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Each day I receive inspiration from life around me and whilst driving home from a workshop with my friend, we passed this gorgeous field of poppies. Now for some time I have had an idea to experiment with punches to create these wonderful flowers.

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POPPIES
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1. Here I have used Stampin' Ups! Butterfly punch and to make 3 butterflies in vellum card stock.
2. I used Ruby Red ink and sponge with circular motion to colour vellum. Allow to dry.
3. Punch 1/16" hole in centre of each butterfly and set aside.
4. Don't laugh, but this was the easiest way to do the next bit ......Take clear crystal brad and attach to top of pointed lid of Crystal Effect bottle !! Gently squeeze Crystal Effect round rim of brad and then fill centre.
5. Gently 'dip' brad into Stampin' Glitter Galaxy - Black to completely cover. Leave to dry completely.
6. In the meantime, take a 10 x 10cm Ruby Red base card and mat 9.5 x 9.5cm layer of black.
7. Take 9.1 x 9.1cm square of Ruby Red card stock and stamp flower stems from Garden Dream in Black ink. Sponge edges if you wish.
8. When Brad is dry, remove from lid and use to assemble 3 layers of vellum poppy petals together, finally going through red card. Mat onto prepared base card.
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   DAISIES

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This photo was inspired by the punch 'Boho Blossoms' as I knew there would be many kinds of flowers to create from the 3 small images.

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Daisies

1. Start by punching 2 of the largest Boho Blossom shapes from white card.
2. Snip alternate petals, not quite to the centre.
3. Snip the ones in between but not quite so far in.
4. Punch 1/16" hole punch in centre of each one.
5. Sponge pinky colour of your choice round edge of petals (take a close look at daisies !)
6. Lay on a piece of kitchen paper and spritz gently to allow to shape slightly.
7. Dab off any excess moisture - shouldn't be enough to make ink run.
8. Place small piece of Snail tape runner in centre of one flower and stick together, slightly off centre so that petals alternate and with centre holes matching. Put yellow coloured brad from through centre (here I used Apricot Appeal but you could use So Saffron.
9. Take piece of white card 9.1 x 9.1cm. Stamp with stems of your choice from Pocket Silhouettes and Autumn Days, random stamping between Always Artichoke and Old Olive.
10. Pierce holes where you wish daisies to be on finished card and stick brad through to fasten.
11. Take 10x10cm Always Artichoke base card and attach 9.5 x 9.5cm Old Olive card stock.
12. Mat white stamped card with daisies and brads on to base card.
13. Stamp greeting in Always Artichoke Ink.
14. Put a mask of copy papier round brad and stipple with Black Staz On ink to give dimension to centre of daisy. (I used rough side of bath sponge).

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I do hope you have enjoyed my contribution. Although we do not have the full range of punches that the USA & Canada have, I'm sure you will enjoy being 'wowed' at the rest of the blog hop.

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Please continue on your way and enjoy the sites below.

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http://www.paperpunchaddiction.com

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http://www.dostamping.typepad.com

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http://astampabove.typepad.com/my-blog

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http://www.kintakards.webs.com

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http://stampinreckon.blogspot.com

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http://www.thestampingstudio.blogspot.com

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http://www.stampwithlindawalsh.com

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http://www.kraftykateskupboard.typepad.com

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http://stampinwithj.blogspot.com

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http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/

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Thanks again for 'hopping' by and hope to see you again sometime.

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Happy Punchin' !

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Sandra