WELCOME TO MY FIRST BLOG HOP !!!

Hi everyone and welcome to my Blog.

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I was on a waiting list to be included in this 'blog hop' and only picked up email advising me there was now a space available yesterday morning whilst out hosting a Workshop !! So, last night once I got home (after fish & chip supper and socialising), I ended up with only 12 hours through the night to make these cards and create my scheduled post by 10am Sunday !!

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Hopefully if I have done everything correctly to join this 'hop', you may have just joined me from http://www.natalie-oshea.blogspot.com/. Natalie creates some stunning work and I was lucky to be able to attend one of her 'Stamp With Us' camps in March. Everyone had a fab weekend, so much fun and laughter whilst enjoying our hobby. Now I'm booked on September as well - there is still room in the car if anyone would like to join Angie and myself and share transport from Norfolk.

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I hope you are all enjoying your tour round and getting some inspiration for projects using the New In Colours Stampin' Up! launched here in the UK at the beginning of May.

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Anyway, at the 11th hour, here is my selection of cards using the New In Colours.

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To make the plaque on the right hand card above, I used a 7.5cm square of Rich Razzleberry cardstock and punched once in the centre of each side of the square, using the Eyelet Border punch (see close up below).
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To get the extra flowers on the right hand card below, I stamped flowers from Simply Said in Rich Razzleberry Ink.

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I then squeezed ink pad to get some onto lid and painted with watercolour brush (see below).

Here I introduced some of the Old Olive Satin ribbon from the Mini Catalogue.

To make the Word window 'mat' layer on the right hand card below, I have found that if you cut a piece of cardstock 4.8cm x 1.3cm and corner round, it fits perfectly. A technique my classes have been using since the new window punch was available.
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I hope you have liked todays post. I'm sorry that time got the better of me and the box was not finished by the deadline. If you hop back again later this afternoon, I hope to have it added.

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Please continue with your 'hop' and follow this link for some more fantastic inspiration from Dawn at http://www.tartanstamper.blogspot.com/ .

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Thanks for 'hopping bye'.

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Sandra

PIGGY REQUEST !!!

I am making a 6"x6" scrapbook as a leaving gift for my boss from all of his work colleagues and pupils. He is absolutely 'pig' mad and also admitted to being an avid Charlie Chaplin fan.

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Every page is going to have a pig featured somewhere so if anyone can send me any stamped images, links to free downloads or anything which may be able to help, please drop me a line to sroberts07@btinternet.com and let me know.

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Here is a punchart one that I have made previously with one of my craft groups, using a selection of Stampin' Up! circle punches, Word Window and 5-Petal punches. He is quite cute and so much better that the first one I made - that turned out looking more like a pink cat !!!

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Many thanks for your kind help.

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Sandra

WORKSHOP CHALLENGE

The ladies at todays Workshop were set a challenge.

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I passed round the card posted below on 2nd June and offered a bundle of New In Colour Polka Dot ribbons if anyone could guess how I made the background for the card. They had to give me their suggestion on a scrap of paper so no-one else could hear, by the end of the day.

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With lots of wrong answers offered, I gave the clue that no water was involved.

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Congratulations to Gina and Grace who both finally guessed correctly.

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I will be demonstrating this technique at Moreton Hall in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday 10th June, 7-9pm so the same applies to anyone attending. If you can guess corectly, there will be a small prize - if more than 2 correct answers, I will draw names from a hat !!

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Pop back after Thursdays class to see more pictures and technique explained.

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Happy crafting

Sandra

THE SHOW MUST GO ON ............

and it did .......

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I had a slight mis-hap early this morning .... I fell down the stairs !! It was quite a tumble, landing heavily on my Coxix, sliding on my back down the stairs with carpet burns on top of leg, grabbing for bannister on the way down and wrenching my shoulder. I ache all over and it's so uncofmortable to sit down. I texted my friends to say I was on my way, moving very slowly, but all went ahead as planned and on time.

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My Workshop today was another meeting in Stamford at AJ's craft shop with my lovely friends Alan & Jean who moved there last year from Bury St Edmunds, together with a host of regular customers I have got to know really well. (They really do need a bigger room for Workshops ....... how we squash 11 people in there, I still don't know). Everyone was on form and, despite being in discomfort from my mishap, they didn't take pity on me, so the friendly banter continued as always. Everyone had another lovely day, placed their orders and can't wait for the next one.

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Anyway, I have found out today that the waiting list I was on for an ILWS Demo bloghop scheduled for tomorrow, now has a space and I need to create 2 cards from the New In Colours and schedule publish of blog entry for 10am tomorrow !!! I have my work cut out as it's so last minute and with only 12 hours to go, but hey ........ it is my first blog hop so must give it a go. Good job I don't need much sleep !!

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Please pop back tomorrow and follow all the links to get some fab ideas for the New Products. Don't forget to look at earlier entry on this blog for a special sample kit I am offering to customers.

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See you tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY .... to me .... and ....

Last summer I found out I share my birthday with our lovely Stampin' Up! UK Manager, Paula Gorry. This is the card I made for her using Night of Navy base and Taken with Teal which is sadly retiring from our colour range at the end of September. There is also a bit of rock 'n' roll technique between Ballet Blue with Night of Navy and also Ballet Blue with Taken with Teal on the smaller flower.

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Those of you who have already done my Black & White workshop with the Vintage Vogue stamp set, will recognise it is very similar and yet so different !! Both the background and the rock 'n' roll technique will be shared at my Bury St Edmunds class Thursday 10th June, 7-9pm.

HOT OFF THE STAMPIN' UP PRESS !!!

Morning everyone !!

I've logged on this morning to find that Stampin' Up! have released another great offer for June & July !!

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For every party/workshop totalling £250 or more up to 31st July 2010, the Hostess will earn an extra £20 in free merchandise. How fab is that .......... Sorry the flyer is not very clear when enlarged. I will have copies with me when I see you or I can email to you so you can read/print PDF file.

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Now, as an extra incentive to get those parties rolling, I will be holding a draw of all the qualyfying hostesses during the 2-month promotion and will giving away extra freebies - the winner will be given a selection to choose from. As a blog incentive, those who mention seeing this entry on my blog, will also receive a free stamp.

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So what are you waiting for ......... I am permanently attached to my iPhone and ready to receive your emails/texts to check diary and book in your party or give me a call (outside office hours 8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri please).

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Speak to you soon.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Yesterday was David and my 3rd Wedding Anniversary.

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We spent the evening at the village pub with our special friends Eric & Lorraine, for a meal and the fortnightly pub quiz. It was good to see two of my other crafting friends Lillian and Hilary who won last time and had to set the questions for the evening. They have both been in the wars recently and Lillian has now passed the crutches over to Hilary !! The whole evening was general knowledge questions except the handout round in the middle. Very good quiz ladies............ WE WERE THE WINNERS !!!!!!! This means we now have to set the quiz for 9th June.

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Anyway, here is the card I made for David using a white 15x15cm base card, Simply Said and Curvy Verses stamp sets, Full Heart and Eyelet border punches and the Black & White DSP from the mini catalogue.

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I hope you can see on the 2nd photo how I dangled the 2 hearts over the top of the card using a piece of the lovely polka dot accetate.

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Bye for now.

INSPIRATIONS .........

I have lots of people talk to me amazed at how I appear to live and breath my card-making hobby. There is no shame in the fact I love my hobby and therefore my enthusiasm no doubt shows as workshops are enjoyed by my many customers !!

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When I'm not out crafting somewhere anyway, if the football or motorbike racing goes on the TV, I adjourn upstairs to my craft room. This suits David as he can't stand the soaps so I have Emmerdale & Corrie recorded on series link so I catch up while I am crafting and never miss an episode.

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I do find myself constantly inspired by life around me. My notepad and camera are nearly always in my handbag for me to capture colour themes, styles, ideas that jump into my head whilst driving - and yes, I have even pulled over to jot something down. Even with no notebook, I frantically search for an envelope or something to write on, the front, the back and even the inside when I run out of space !!!!

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I have been known to photograph pictures on a hotel corridor walls for colour inspiration (brother-in-law's 50th birthday), part of bed-spread design in a hotel (staying over after a Christmas 'do'), bathroom tiles in the hotel (whilst at SU Convention in Germany), a tissue box in a hotel room (whilst on a course 2 weeks ago), displays in shop windows..........

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The latest additions were whilst queuing in Tesco Express to pay for milk and biscuits for last Saturdays workshop !!! The queue was down the crisp isle and I was facing the checkout where there 'Bags for Life' were hanging - both of which had ideas buzzing round in my head so just had to buy. They are now photographed into my inspiration folder on computer to work on later (the crisp contents have all gone of course).

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The only trouble is, I have far more sketches and ideas than I have time to make !! I envy my retired friends and customers who can craft 24-hours a day but my Uncle E.R.N.I.E. has not been generous enough to pay off the mortgage yet so I continue to have to work for a number of years (not that I'm wishing my life away, you understand). If only I had been card-making whilst on 6-months gardening leave from Barclays in 2004 ...... ooohhh. At least my recent change in job has restored the work-life balance 100%, enabling me to get a bit more crafting / workshop planning time each day.

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Anyway, here is one of my inspirations.

Keep popping by for other little gems that will appear from time to time.

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:-)

STAMPERS 10 - May 2010

Wow !!!! What another fab evening. Here is the project we made this month - a pouch with 4 cards made in Rose Red and Regal Rose.

... and with a selection of different Rose Red Designer Series Papers, strips of Rose Red and Regal Rose Cardstock, Large Oval, Oval Scallop, Eyelet border and Scallop border punches and Oval All stamp set greetings of their choice, here are the 40 different cominations the group made.
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Many thanks to the whole group for allowing Lynette to photograph to share here on my Blog.

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Another very enjoyable evening. Don't forget 3rd June is an 'extra' card making evening for the SU10 group following on from feedback that a month apart was too long to wait! There will be no commitment to order on this night, just paying for materials and contribution each for the hall. Don't forget it's a 3-hour class, starting at 6:30pm.

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It is essential to let myself or Jo know ASAP as any spaces will be let go to others on a waiting list.

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See you there. Must be my turn to buy the sweets .... and not the hard-boiled ones that make me look like a hamster when I'm trying to talk you through another helpful hint !!!! Thanks ladies.

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Sandra

What .... Us ??????

As you can see the cats are keen to help with the crafting.

Here they are in one of the smaller SU boxes. For those of you who know Barney, you will realise he can only just sit down but had to stop Smudge getting in !!!

FLUTTERBY WORKSHOPs

Saturday was the last of my scheduled Flutterby All-Day Workshops. There may however be spaces available on a condensed evening class version should you be interested, so please do get in touch.

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How wonderful to see yet more new faces and I look forward to seeing you at other workshops soon. Thanks again to Jo for all her help - she is a real star !!

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It is lovely to receive emails from complete strangers telling me how they have heard of my fantastic workshops from friends and want to book without even knowing what the subject is !! I have been busy writing more workshops for other dates already booked and will be back to update the list soon.

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Also, there are people waiting to join my next Stampers 10 group in Thetford. As soon as we have 10 names, my second monthly group will start so, if you know anyone who might be interested, please pass on my details. We will decide which evening is best once we have final list.

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Following a very busy weekend, I am hoping to finally have a chance to 'play' with the New In Colours over the next couple of days so please come back soon and have a look at my samples.

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Bye for now and Happy Crafting.

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:-)

WEDNESDAY'S SCRAPBOOKING CLUB

Hi

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Just a quick thank you to Mandy and all her scrapbooking group for Wednesday evening. It was lovely to see such a large group of you at one party! From the feedback I received everyone had a lovely time and I am looking forward to coming back to host an all day workshop for you later this year. Here is a picture of the Make & Take that we completed (yours was adapted to 10x10cm).

I look forward to seeing you all again soon, but in the meantime, should you wish to join any of my other classes / workshops or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself or via Mandy.

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Sandra

STAMPIN' UP! 11 NEW PRODUCTS

Hi fellow crafters

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I hope you are all well and looking forward to the warmer weather. I have some latest news from Stampin' Up! which I simply must share with you.

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Stampin' Up! are changing their colours in the new catalogue which will be launched on 1st October 2010. Lots of new colours to look forward to but sadly some are retiring too.

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The hot news for May is that they have introduced 11 new products with 3 New In Colours. Now not all of the items are guaranteed to be in the new catalogue and some only be while stocks last (remember last years mini catalogue with the oval punches and stamps ..... well they were such a sell out success, they just had to put them in the next main catalogue).

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These are such wonderful colours and the Design Series Paper were some I was trying to get from Stampin' Up! USA.

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One of my lovely Stampin' Up! colleagues from 'up North' is splitting up packs to allow customers to purchase a fantastic sampler kit for £25 which she has allowed me to offer to you too. This will include :-

SIX 6" x 6" PIECES OF COTTAGE GARDEN DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

ONE OF EACH COLOUR INK PAD

Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede

SIX SHEETS OF EACH COLOUR CARDSTOCK

Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede

ONE PIECE OF 6" X 6" FLOWER FANTASY WINDOW SHEET

..... AND SAVED THE BEST TILL LAST ......

2m OF EACH COLOUR POLKA DOT RIBBON

Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede

I know I can't wait to get my hands on this collection. I'm watching out for the delivery man and will then make time to blog some cards for you.

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Please contact me if you wish to place an order for your own sampler kit for just £25.

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Catch up again soon.

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Sandra

CRAFTERS VERSE

I was looking through my archives to send a handmade card to a fellow crafter and thought you might appreciate this.
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If crafting is a petty crime,

then I will soon be doing time.

If crafting is against the law,

then I'll do time for ever more.

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I sit and craft from morn 'til night,

my husband does despair,

but armed with heat gun, ink pads too,

I really just don't care.

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The more I see, the more I want,

I cannot see an end,

to sticky pads and funky foam,

I have to spend, spend, spend.

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I made a candle, just last week,

it turned out quite a mess,

I think I'll stick to making cards,

'coz that's what I do best !

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(Adapted from Karla's, found online)

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Don't forget, if you are copying anything someone else has created, it is common courtesy to give credit to the person you copied from, no matter whether it is a verse or card design etc.

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Unfortunately not everyone is this honest !

KRAFTY BIKER TAKES CONTROL !!!!!

Hooray !!!!!!!! I finally got the opportunity to ride the Trike on a proper drive out, not just round the village !!!

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Just got back from this months Goldwing Club meeting at Trimley St Martin near Felixstowe. David pulled over on the way there for me to swop over but I was concerned we might be late, as I know I won't drive as fast as him. Well after all, he has been riding bikes for years.

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So the return journey, once we got off the dual carriageway at Woolpit, the machine was mine and David was the back seat driver ........ ouch !!!!

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Lovely day for it but strong cross winds to contend with (no not the chilli David had for lunch in the bar !!!!)

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Sorry no photo as no-one around with us !!!

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Won't be long before I have the confidence to go out on my own I'm sure. Sorry Angie, I wouldn't dare take it down your road.

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:-)

BLACK & WHITE WORKSHOP

Here is one of the cards we will be making at tomorrows workshop in Bury St Edmunds using products from the New Mini Catalogue.

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Vintage Vogue was one of my favourites from the new mini catalogue.

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Here I also used the new Speciality Designer Series Paper containing 10 sheets of DSP in black and white and also 2 sheets of polka dot accetate featured above.

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Hope you like. Remember, if I'm not seeing you tomorrow you can always book for 3rd July when Angie and I are repeating this Black & White workshop in Norwich. All materials and full instruction sheet are included.

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Hope to see you soon

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:-)

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

Hi everyone

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At long last the list is ready to publish !! In order to give you plenty of planning time, the following are dates where relevant halls have already been reserved for my classes & workshops for the rest of 2010 :-

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BURY ST EDMUNDS - Monthly @ Moreton Hall, 10-4pm

Sat 10th April - BLACK & WHITE WORKSHOP including new Mini Catalogue items

Sat 8th May - MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PUNCHES - A whole day devoted to clever ideas with your punches including cute Punchart which will amaze you !

Sat 26th June - (theme TBC)

Sat 10th July - (theme TBC)

Sat 14th August - (theme TBC)

Sat 18th September - Christmas is Coming

Sat 9th October - (theme TBC)

Sat 13th November - Quick & Easy Christmas ideas

Sat 11th December - (theme TBC)

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Regular monthly evening classes held at Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds from 7-9pm generally on the last Thursday of each month subject to availability. Dates confirmed so far :- 29th April, 27th May, 10th June, 29th July, 19th August, 30th September, 28th October, 25th November.

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THETFORD - Quarterly @ Riversdale, 10-4pm

Sat 15th May - FLUTTERBY WORKSHOP

Sat 7th August - (theme TBC)

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NORWICH - Quarterly 10-4pm (joint with Angie King)

Sat 24th April - FLUTTERBY WORKSHOP

Sat 3rd July - BLACK & WHITE WORKSHOP

Sat 2nd October - (theme TBC)

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CHARITY CRAFTING DAY

Sun 4th July - In aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance

Bury St Edmunds, Moreton Hall, 10-4pm (in main hall)

There will be a separate blog entry advising more details for this......

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NEW 2010-2011 CATALOGUE LAUNCH

Fri 1st October - Morning & afternoon sessions (venue TBC)

Evening session @ Riversdale Centre, Thetford 6pm-9.30pm

Reserve this date ...... you will not want to miss it !!!!!

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STAMPERS 10

We have recently got our first 'Stampers 10' group off the ground, meeting in Thetford for 2hrs once a month. Each monthly class is FREE OF CHARGE however you commit to spend £15 of your choice each month, from the catalogue. Each month one of the group takes in turns to be 'Hostess of the Month' and receive all the usual hostess benefits and free gifts. This is an excellent way to build up crafting supplies on your wish list. Other people are now waiting for another full group to commence in various locations so if you think you may be interested and wish to know more, please get in touch. .
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If you wish to book yourself on to any of the above classes/workshops, please contact me to reserve your place - Home 01366 728407, mobile 07806 616704 or email to sroberts07@btinternet.com.

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By adding yourself as a 'follower' to this Blog, any updates will be fed to you immediatley.

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Happy crafting and hope to see you at one of my events soon.

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Sandra

NEW MINI CATALOGUE

Well here it is at long last .......

For those of you I haven't seen yet, I will be bringing along your copy to next class/workshops. For those who can't wait, simply click on the icon further down on the left of this blog page and you will be forwarded to view the complete catalogue. If you prefer for one in the post, please let me know.

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I have some lovely samples to bring along and more goodies arriving any day.

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My NEXT WORKSHOP is on Saturday 10th April @ Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds from 10am-4pm and will be a Black & White Workshop. You will be able to play with the Extra-large Two-Step bird punch featured on page 6 and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

WHAT A WEEKEND !!!

Well what can I say......... Angie and I attended the Stamp With Us Retreat at the end of March in Stratford on Avon and had so much fun. Starting at 8am Saturday and not finishing until 10:30pm was a long first day but when we crafters get away from everything to craft for a whole weekend with like-minded people, we need to cram in as much as we can.

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Sunday started early again with doors opening at 8:30am and first project finished by the time most people get out of bed on a Sunday morning !!!

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Our hosts, Monica, Natalie and Zoe were all full of so much energy and fun, I think we are nearly all booking for the next one. I heard the last one in July 2009 was themed 'Christmas in July' and dressed up as Santa Claus', playing Christmas carols etc.

Our first project was Monica's folded box card and earring set.

Zoe (Mrs Wonka) loves her chocolate and couldn't resist this nice Easter project. Here we decorated a pot and clear film with white Staz On. Decorated tag and embellishment matched a beautiful Easter card.
Natalie's decorated accetate box and 4 card set - the cards were all the same design but used totally different colours from the Pink Flamingo DSP pack.

Crafting not finished for the day yet .... we were given the option to join the 'party evening' ...... yes more crafting from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Zoe's decorated photo album cover, Natalie's covered notebook with paper rose and Monica's 3D card with ladybirds (or sausages ... you had to be there for that one !!!!).

Raffle time and more goodies to add to our FREE stash. I was lucky enough to win the SU Hostess Level 3 gift - Queue Up. Everyone was given a free ticket for the evening to win a FREE Sale A Bration set - there was enough for one each. The book 'CARDS - Spring 2010, was kindly given FREE to everyone - Natalie is now the Editor of the publication !!! The Best Wishes & More set was FREE on each work station on arrival and included in cost of the Crafting Retreat. With several SU demos and customers attending, how the team managed to pick a set that none of us already had, was amazing !!!

.... and so to bed ..... tired crafters all adjourned to our beds having finished the last project at 10:30pm and found our wonderful hosts for the weekend had got the evening staff to deliver a beautifully decorated bath bomb to each of our pillows. Such a kind gesture.

This is Zoe's Butterfly card set. The Tri-fold card just needs the finishing touches.

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This is Monica's handbag and card set (There are 3 cards in the set and I still have 2 cards to finish off)

This is Natalie's canvas project - the photo doesn't do the project justice - I still have to cut out words and fix on ribbon.

This is Monica's mini album project - inside were 12 mini scrapbook pages to complete (probably not until Easter weekend).

We have received confirmation of the dates for 4th and 5th September 2010 at Haslemere. Angie and I reserved and paid our deposits on the release date. There will be 2 spaces in my car should anyone else wish to go too. We plan to leave about 9am Friday morning with a view to arriving lunch time to relax and catch up with others. Classes start from 8am Saturday and therefore want to arrive fresh (not racing there through rush hour traffic after work late Friday evening). Give me a call if you think you might be interested. I'm sure your will not be disappointed !!

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For more information, keep an eye on their blog http://www.stampwithus.blogspot.com/

MARCH 2010 PROMOTION

PERFECT PAIRS

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From 1st March - 31st March 2010 anyone buying a qualyfying stamp set, will receive the co-ordinating punch for 20% off !!

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Also, you can be the first to purchase the brand new Full heart punch which is now available in the UK for one month only (or while stocks last).

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I have added the link to the information flyer on the left (under SU catalogue). Just double click on the icon and it will take you to the full information and details of the qualyfying sets.

UPDATES TO PREVIOUS ENTRIES

Apologies for my lack of info lately. We all lead very busy lives, however, mine has just changed ..... for the better.

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I started my new job on Monday, just 1 mile up the road and loving every minute. It is everything I expected and my new colleagues are all so very welcoming. I don't miss working long hours and the 1hr travelling each end of the day at all !!!!!! Worklife balance has truly been restored and will no doubt spend a lot of this extra 'free' time for crafting and blogging.

Anyway, here is the Make & Take from the Sincerely Yours event recently. I have also made in a couple of other colours.

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Here we used the very popular Pocket Silhouettes and the Whimsy Jumbo roller.

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Drop by again soon

Sandra

STAMPERS 10 - THETFORD

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Well I am so pleased to announce that our first Stampers 10 in Thetford finally got off the ground Thursday evening. I already have a few names interested in other groups too, so please forward me any friends you feel may wish to be included.

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I am so grateful to Jo who has been a tremendous help in organising our wonderful venue. I will bring bottled water next time and we will try and find out how to turn down the heating !!!

This is the card we made for our first meeting. Everyone had the 'wow' factor when I showed them what we would be making. This is a style of card I was shown by my friends, Jean and Vicky, when I was running a class in Stamford last Friday - they had some wonderful examples to show me.

I will also be demonstrating this card at Hethersett group on Sunday 14th March.