Weekend Retreat in Mablethorpe

WOW, what a fantastic weekend !!!!

Emily and I have just held our first Stampin' Up! Craft Retreat Weekend with a lovely bunch of ladies, including a car load travelling from Suffolk who took a slight detour to a craft shop, some of my Stampers 10 group from Thetford, plus others from Wellingborough and Branston in Lincolnshire.

Using Emily's large house, kept our costs lower which of course benefitted our crafters in keeping the cost low. The 5* guest house next door provided accomodation for some of our guests, plus full English breakfasts and buffet lunches for everyone.

Those sleeping at Emily's were lucky (or not so lucky given they helped with her Convention swaps) to enjoy extra crafting time, being made to feel at home by Emily. I am an early bird but even I was surprised to go to the kitchen at 6:40am to find two of our ladies in their PJs catching up on unfinished projects from the day before.

Everyone had a fantastic time and we were really pleased with the feedback received. I think everyone will be back in October 2012 for another Retreat.

Emily's son Caiden enjoyed all the fuss from the ladies !!
Unfortunately I can't share details of the projects we made as we have a repeat of the Retreat Weekend on 3rd - 5th February 2012 and need to keep the surprise for another group of ladies who we are looking forward to spending a fun-filled weekend with us. I'm sure some of our projects will make it on here later in February.

If you are interested in attending a future Stampin' Up! Craft Retreat Weekend, please get in touch with me - my contact details have been updated on the tab at the top.

Many thanks for popping by and look forward to catching up again soon.

Sandra

Guest Demo at local craft group

Last night I was really pleased to have been invited to be a guest demonstrator at a local craft club that meets fortnightly in my 'next door' village, Foulden.

Although I have previously joined them a couple of times as a customer, unfortunately then I was working long hours and travelling so couldn't make it a regular commitment. I was thrilled to be asked to teach a group of 17 ladies of various ages and abilities.

This is the project they made .........

I was keen to create a project that they could reproduce at home on their own. The box lid was created using the width of an A4 sheet of card, making into a 21cm square and scoring at 7cm intervals all the way round. The bottom of the box was made exactly the same using 20.4cm square and scoring at 6.8 intervals all the way round.

We all had a wonderful evening and many of them asking me to go back in the New Year after their winter break.

Sandra

WEEK IN PORTUGAL

David and I have enjoyed a 'chill out' week on The Algarve, Portugal with sister-in-law and her hubby. We were extremely lucky with the weather too. Chatting to the taxi driver on our journey from the airport, he said they had the same heat wave experienced in the UK at the end of September, with the Vilamoura having their usual July and August temperatures.

Vilamoura Marina

We have been to Villamoura a few times now but this was our first time in a self-catering apartment. Mandy and Glyn were in the one below. This gave us more freedom and there was still a pool adjacent if we wanted to use, although with lovely beaches and warm water both sides of the Marina, we didn't bother.

David and I managed to fit in a couple of excursions to see the sights inland.

We also managed a couple of visits to my favourite Thai restaurant, sitting outside on the veranda. This is simply the best Thai food anywhere !!

David, Glyn, Mandy, Sandra enjoying a cocktail @ bar on Marina

Rui's bar is a small bar just off the Marina where Brits tend to hang out. The resident singer is a Scouser and we think he has been there for some 15years !! When he sang The Hole of the Moon by The Waterboys, we were all reminded of the Interpretive Dance artist 'David Armand' and impulse made us do all his interpretive movements !! Yes, OK so we had had a few drinks. For those of you who haven't seen or heard of him, I highly recommend Googling his name and looking at the many You Tube links. He is so talented and has so much energy. For an even greater laugh, play the clips to your friends / family without the sound on and see if they can guess what the record is.

David chatting to Manager of the Champagne bar

Mandy has a bit of a passion for Champagne, so we had to visit the Champagne bar a couple of times.

This is one of those holidays we choose to just chill out although I did take the laptop and fit in some craft planning ......... well it was a really bad time to go away on the day the New Ideas Book and Catalogue launched !!! Well that's what you get travelling with and fitting round other people.

A lovely relaxing break and now back to the grindstone.

Sandra

IT'S THAT EXCITING TIME OF YEAR AGAIN !!

The waiting is now over !!!

It's always so exciting to receive the new Ideas & Catalogue book each year. As an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, we get to see the preview one month early but with so many new items, it's difficult to have to wait until 1st October to be able to order.

Stampin' Up! have introduced many new changes this year. The biggest one being the NEW HOSTESS BENEFITS. There is no longer a 3-tier hostess level gift reward ... I know everyone wants to earn the level 3 and how difficult this can be to achieve.

How fantastic would it be to choose ANY of the exclusive Hostess gifts. Well now you can. You will now recieve Hostess Pounds which you can spend as you choose. If you do not wish for a any of the exclusive Hostess stamp sets, you can simply spend your money on any items in the catalogue. How fantastic is that !!!!

The next HUGE benefit is that for a £300 party, in addition to your £50 FREE SPENDS, you can choose an item from the catalogue at HALF PRICE. Yes, that really does mean, choose the most expensive item you wish and you will only pay half price. (I can tell you my choices are already made and I will have a doctors bag to keep my Big Shot on it's way to me today - I can't wait.

SANDRA's NEW CATALOGUE SPECIAL

I am really excited to be ordering many new items to share with you at my upcoming classes and I would like to share this with you.

Throughout October I will be placing orders every Sunday evening. For OCTOBER, I am offering all my lovely customers a fantastic offer to help you get your hands on even more new items. For every £30 of product ordered from today, you will receive a raffle ticket number for entry into my FREE PRIZE DRAW to earn fabulous gifts from the New Catalogue. Prizes will be Hostess benefits from that week's orders and you will be able to choose your gifts. If orders are over £300 in any particular week, there will be an additional DRAW for the HALF PRICE ITEM. So make sure I have a telephone number I can contact you on or leave me your wish list in order of preference !!

Please note - this is not a Stampin' Up! offer but my personal offer to you. It does not apply to Stampers 10 commitments as this is a regular commitment where Hostess for that month receives benefits and any individual orders over £150 as you will receive full hostess beenfits for the total of your ordrer.

BOOK A PARTY NOW

With such fantastic offers to be earned for FREE, why not contact me to book your own party now ? I would love to hear from you so please contact me on 07806 616704 or email sroberts07@btinternet and I will get back to you ASAP.

If you haven't yet got your hands on a copy of the New Ideas & Catalogue book, click on the image at the top left of this blog until I can get one to you. RRP is £5.95 but I am selling at £5 posted to your door.

Happy craftin' till I see you next.

Sandra

LAST CHANCE BLOG HOP

Thank you for joining us today and welcome to our LAST CHANCE Blog Hop featuring stamp sets and accessories that are sadly retiring from the current catalogue this month. Hurry though because with several bargains at 25% and 40% it is only while stocks last and already items are selling out. Please feel free to give me a call on 01366 728407 or 07806 616704 to place your orders and enter my draw for free hostess gifts.

Now, you may have just joined from Elaine at http://www.thesassystampers.blogspot.com where I'm sure you've seen some wonderful projects. If this is your first stop, grab a cuppa and enjoying a short break from the Saturday morning chores whilst browsing through some demonstrators blogs and 'hop' your way back to your starting point.

My first project today is one I made using the charity set 'Strength & Hope' with £1 from every stamp set sold being donated by Stampin' Up! to help raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A very worthwhile cause and beautiful stamp set.

This fancy fold card also featured a greeting from Occasional Greetings which is currently at 40% discount.

Also featured is the Springtime Vintage DSP that appeared in the Mini catalogue on 1st April and will also sadly be waving goodbye by the end of this month.

The card below features Baby Blossoms, again from the Mini catalogue, a delightful set of 18 stamps featuring our two-step stamping technique.

The vase here is made by punching an oval and using the 'hole' to sponge through. I used the punched out image to place in the neck of the vase to give a curved shape.

Lastly, here is a card I have seen lots of times in 'blogland' recently. Use any leftover DSP and punch squares using either the 1-1/4" or 1-3/8" square punches and layer onto card, running through Square Lattice Big shot to give a quilted effect. Here I have used some more of the Springtime Vintage that is retiring this month.

The NEW Stampin' Up Ideas & Catalogue book is released on 1st october and will contain even more pages of exciting craft goodies. Be sure to contact me to reserve your copy and be among the first to receive over the next week or so.

Now, to continue 'hopping' around blogland, click here to join Natalie http://www.natalieoshea.co.uk/blog/html where I'm sure she will have posted some amazing projects as always.

Happy craftin' and thanks for stopping by today.

Sandra

Retirement List - BLOG HOP

In a moment of madness I added my name to the list on our forum IN LOVE WITH STAMPING for a BLOG HOP featuring Stampin' Up's Retirement list items. Little did I realise just how little time I had and when could I fit it all in !!


Sometimes it's good to work under a 'bit' of pressure and as I had problems with Blogger last time, I'll be back tomorrow with a few of my projects using items that are sadly retiring.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

Last Chance list

It's that sad time of the year again when we have to say Goodbye to some of the stamp sets and accessories retire from the current catalogue to make space in the warehouse for all the NEW supplies in the Ideas & Catalogue 2011-2012 book available on 1st October 2011.

Many items are reduced with some even 25% and 40% discount but hurry, they are only available while stocks left and will completely disappear on 30th September !!!!

For a copy of the current Retirement list click http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-GB/Availability_en-GB.pdf

As an extra bonus, as soon as order reach £150 I will submit and do a draw from all those customers in that order to earn the FREE hostess level 1 stamp set. So, make sure I have your contact details......

Have fun snapping up those bargains.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

Doesn't time fly .....

As always I can't believe how time is flying past at such a fast rate in my busy life !!

I apologise that since my holiday I've not had the time to devote to the electronics and 'blogging'. Rest assured that behind the scenes I have still been extremely busy planning and prepping classes.

I'm pleased to say that I am still very busy with my classes with many being sold out and September places all full in all locations and even a waiting list.Some classes have not been able to be advertised as they have sold out in advance. So, if you are interested in joining me at one of my forthcoming classes, please call to reserve your space on 01366 728407 or 07806 616704. Bookings being taken right up to the week before Christmas.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Happy Craftin'

Sandra

BLOGGER IS BACK ..........

........ and so am I !!!!!!

Hi crafters

.

Yipee, I have finally got my Blogger back.

.

Some of you will no doubt be aware I've been on holiday for two and a bit weeks in the South of France with a bunch of Honda Goldwingers.

.

I had posts scheduled for while I was away which didn't work and sadly I had to withdraw from an ILWS Blog Hop scheduled for Friday 1st July as I couldn't Blogger to save posts without throwing out error messages. It really was a bit silly of me to think I could squash something else in when I got home, in addiiton to catching up from two weeks of work and having two all day classes Saturday and Sunday to prep for, without realising Blogger was going to play up. This is the first opportunity I've had to try and sort it out.

.

David and I headed for Maidstone Premier Inn the first Friday evening to meet up with 26 other fellow Goldwing traveling companions from all over the UK. A good trip down for us until the M25 - onto the M20 and the heavens looked as if they were going to open. Pulling up under a flyover, waterproofs on .... well at least the weather should be better the other side of the Channel !!

Late snack for lunch in the bar and of course a few drinks (well the holiday hads started), meeting new faces and getting to know each other then a nice relaxing evening meal followed by an early night ready for the long ride the following day.

Bright and early the next morning we were all at the tunel and, heading for our first week in Narbonne, we stopped overnight half way across France in Toures.

Continuing on the following morning to Narbonne, we spent a week touring round some stunning ride outs including Carcasonne, Millau Bridge - the tallest in the world, castles and chateauxs and stunning scenery.

I was pleased that we had CB radio linked into our headsets and intercom. With 14 trikes and solos travelling in convoy, at times we probably stretched over 1/2 mile. Travelling for ride outs when not on the motorway, going through towns and villages it is hard not get seperated at traffic lights, roundabouts etc. CB allowed us to keep smaller groups together until on the open road once again.
.
Moving on for our second week, we set off for Lourdes on the 'scenic route', which took us over mountains and up in to the clouds. Unfortunately waterproofs on again but it was only the heavy drizzle from being so high up in the clouds and not the great British weather following us.

Arriving in Lourdes and the French/Spanish Pyrennes scenery was even more beautiful. Taking over the top floor of the hotel Dame De La Sarte, we had fabulous views from the balcony overlooking the Pyrennes, with snow still visible on the highest peaks ........... yes, in June.
.

Our first ride out from here took us on parts of the Tour De France route and included lots of number of hairpin bends as we made our way up and down various mountain passes. David doesn't like heights and with very few barriers to stop accidents, we were so grateful we were on 3 wheels not 2. In total there were 6 trikes and 8 solo bikes travelling.

.

The next couple of days we travelled up more mountain passes, including taking a cable car from the ski resort to Pic Du Midi to the 'space station in the sky', having stopped at supermarket for picnic lunches.

.

We experienced some thunder and lightening behind the mountains one evening - sitting in the Irish bar next door to the hotel, we weren't in the least bothered, it was very refreshing after reaching really high temperatures. It was very picturesque watching the white lightening disappearing behind the Pyrennes.

.

Overall a superb holiday and definitely the best way to tour. So much fresh air, I slept extremely well and wasn't awake at stupid o'clock like I am at home. Just as well really because luggage space for two weeks was very limited and therefore no space for crafting materials. I defnitely suffered withdrawal symptoms. LOL

.

Having heard about the French toilets, this was not something I was looking forward to. I am so pleased to say I worried unecessarily as I managed to survive the whole of the holiday without having to endure this unbelieveable experience !!! Thanks Helen for the warning though.

.

Pop back soon - I hope to be back into normal routine soon.

.

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP

For todays, top tip, how would you like to have another punch without spending any extra money ?

Punch a Scallop Circle. Stick on a Post-It note and re-insert into punch.

Line up so that each scallop is the the middle of the next one and punch.

I love the new look punch, hope you do too.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

BIRTHDAY CARDS

Today I thought I would share some of the birthday cards I received last week.

When I first started crafting I only had the odd one or two handmade cards. This year I had loads, including some from my Stampin' Up! customers, class members and a small birthday club I joined. It is always lovely to see the different designs from fellow crafters.

Here are just a few of my favourites :-

Parchment is a beautiful craft which takes many, many hours to create masterpeices. This beautiful card was made by Pat, one of my SU downline and also my unofficial 'adopted Mum'.

A close up of the parchment flowers.

This gorgeous card was sent by another one of my SU downline, Emily. Here she used Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake, colouring the white organza ribbon using the same ink.

This lovely card was from Jean from AJs Card Craft in Stamford where I have Stampin' Up! classes alternate months. Jean recently visited family in the USA and brought a few SU goodies home with her !! This stamp set is not one we can get here in the UK (at the moment). The brad in the middle swivels round to point to whatever you like.

This beautiful card was from Cathi, a lovely vintage style using one of the old oak from Lovely As A Tree. This is a really versatile set but this is the stamp I use the least. I need to give this one a go.

This one was from Sarah who is loving her new Owl punch and looking forward to next repeat of OWL EXTRAVAGANZA CLASS in Norwich on Sunday 24th July. If you are interested in joining the group, please get in touch with me.

This one is from Angie, a fellow SU Demonstrator featuring the beautiful butterfly. The effect was so shiny, I thought it was on accetate.

Thank you all once again and to all the others, too many to post.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP

Don't you just hate the red sticky tape for being so static and not being able to shake off your hands ?

Well when doing lots of crafting, I make a loop of masking tape or selotape on the corner of my craft mat or desk. Simply stick red backing tape here and it will accumulate without any annoyance - when it is full, just turn over and use other side of loop or replace.

Emily's Top Tip for this is to stick it on your fellow crafters skin as this does the same thing !!! Sorry, should have taken a photo on Saturday.

I will leave that one for you !!!!!

Happy craftin'

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP

Today is a very quick 'Tuesday Top Tip'.

I had to laugh this week when a couple of my customers shared that they have adopted one of funny habits :-)

When watching TV (especially the crafting channels) and you see something you like, pause the TV. Then go and grab your camera and take a photo of the TV screen. OK, not everyone has this facility - it works on Sky+. This way, whatever has caught your inspiration can be captured and used later when you are crafting.

I have even taken a photo of a blouse/top that a TV presenter was wearing because of the colour combination. This is not copyright, just colour inspiration. Of course, I take care not to include the person themselves and once the idea is used the photo can be deleted.

OK, so I am addicted to my crafting............ that's not such a bad thing.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

Mummy ...... I'm helping .....

It's fatal to leave the craft room chair unattended with the door open !!

Here is my little Princess 'Smudge' trying to help Mummy getting class ready earlier this week.

:-)

Bank Holiday Weekend

Ok, so an unusual post this evening.

We have had an elderly Aunt in hospital in Manchester for the last 3 weeks and whilst David has managed to visit several times, unfortunately this was my first weekend that I could visit too.

I'm pleased to say she is much improved to when she came in very very poorly. We are staying overnight having visited and run shopping errands and back at hospital tomorrow.

For those of you who know, David is a Machester United fan and we are sitting in the hotel bar with a score of 3-1 down. David (and many others) not a happy bunny !!!

Luckily I have brought the laptop with me so sitting here amongst the footy supporters playing online with free Wi-Fi :-)

~~~~~

On a sad note, we have a very good friend in the village who is a Harley Davidson bike rider. He had an unfortunate accident last weekend at Brandon Creek and is still in Addenbrookes Hospital. We heard very sad news Wednesday that he has lost the fight to save his leg. Our love and thoughts go to Steve and his partner Cristel during this difficult time.

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP

Today's Top Tip has been suggested by my downline Emily who reminded me of something I do with my Big Shot machine, which you might be interested in.

I am using the Big Shot even more now that SU have introduced lots of Dies and Embossing folders.

Most of us know the BS cracks and groans as it passes through the machine and also leaves cuts in the plates. These are unsightly but accepted as being part of the machines functions.

Sometimes these cuts can actually embed into card when going through embossing folder if you have part of the card outside the embossing folder.

To stop this happening I invested in another set of plates and labelled with permanent marker pen "EMBOSSING FOLDERS ONLY" on each plate. This way, these plates are staying pristine and don't leave unsightly marks, leaving the scratched ones for cutting Dies. I have advised all my classes using the BS and they are respecting why I have done this and so far (!!!!!!) with no accidents.

I know of a couple of other demos who have now done the same and some customers who are also following my Top Tip already.

A small investment but I feel it is worth it.

Happy Craftin'

Sandra

Daisy, Daisy

Here is a quick sample of a card of some daisies we did on my Big Shot Day last weekend.

When the new Mini was released, I was hesitant as to how many Dies to purchase. However, I'm taken in by all of them and keep gradually adding to them.

The Flower Daisies #2 Die #114520 is so versatile and creates beautiful results.

Sandra

RETREAT WEEKENDS ............ Watch this space ........

Emily is coming to spend this weekend with me in Norfolk to finalise our two Retreat weekends planned for September and November. Lots of ideas are jumping backwards and forwards by text and email already and we're so excited by this new venture and the interest that has been shown already.

Places will be strictly first come, first served and will require a non-refundable deposit.

Pop back on Monday for the finalised details.

:-)

TUESDAY TOP TIP

Welcome back to Tuesday Top Tip - and today there are a few Top Tips in one project !

When the 2011 Mini was announced, SU Demonstrators were given a FREE set of stamps at the launch training Itty Bitty Bits. Several people were cautious as to whether it would be popular or not. I eagerly awaited the matching Itty Bitty Punch Pack and matching Itty Bitty Buttons.

TIP 1 : Yesterdays card firstly used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. Each of the dimples were punched out using the small flower punch to make small flower heads. Don't forget to think outside the box and use for other purposes.

TIP 2 : For a different way to make a faux layer, cut a piece of scrap card the same size as project you are working on. Punch required shape - here I used the Wide Oval punch, positioning where you wish to make a template. The Whisper White card was placed underneath the template and then gently sponged through from the outside edges inwards.

To make stems, cut thin slithers of Old Olive cardstock free hand with scissors. Nature is not perfectly straight, so you don't have to be either !

TIP 3 : To make the leaves, I then punched one small flower in Old Olive cardstock and cut in half, then into segments as in photo above. OK, so they're fiddly to stick down but using a previous tip for the cocktail stick and blob of Tombow as a pick-up tool, it was easy. Again thinking outside the box.

Pop back again soon for futher Top Tips.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

ITTY BITTY PUNCHES

Here is a quick post of the card I made for the East Coast Stampers Get Together yesterday.

I love my punches and decided to make a CAS (Clean And Simple) design using one of the Itty Bitty Punches.

Please pop back tomorrow evening for 'Top Tip Tuesday' and I will show you a couple of techniques used on this card.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP - Recycled flowers

You may remember a Blog entry at the end of last year when I shared a birthday card I made with a beautiful flower ? Well, todays Top Tip will share another recycling idea together with a Tutorial on how to make these flowers.

Some of my regular customers will already have seen this technique. You may have seen lots of versions of this type of flower in 'Blogland' but this is a good way to recycle in a beautiful way. Apologies this wasn't posted previously but I found this in my saved 'Draft' entries this morning.

Stampin' Up! deliveries are very well packaged and padded with lots and lots of brown packing paper which used to fill up in my recycle bin !!

Much to the annoyance of my husband, I do like to recycle and when I think something may 'come in useful for crafting', it makes it's way into to craft room. (That's probably why it is filling up again, LOL)

Here is one of the cards from my workshop in January.

You will need to punch approximately 12 scallop circles from waste brown paper. It is easier to punch 2-3 layers together rather than one at a time. If you find difficult, try sandwiching between some scrap paper - no need to waste your printer paper, use junk mail !

Hold all layers roughly together and make a hole in the centre using a Cropodile or Pricking Tool. Insert a brad through and secure underneath.

Screw up each layer one at a time - don't be tempted to cut corners .... it really won't be the same as the layers need to be seperated.

Gently tease layers open. Grab your ink pad and 'scrub' the edges of the flower !

I like to pierce a hold in the project I am making and very gently partially undo the back of the brad to insert through hole to secure to my projects but be careful they don't all jump off !! This way you can hide the legs of the brad neatly underneath your project. Alternatively you can apply some red sticky tape or strong adhesive to the back.

Once you've had a go, I'm sure you will be saving all sorts of papers to recycle....... I found some lovely thick grey flecked tissue packing a pair of shoes.

Have fun playing and pop back soon !!

Sandra

BIRTHDAY CARD

Here is a quick peak at a birthday card I made for one of my downline. Instead of using her favourite colour, I was trying to think 'out of the box'.

The card uses the Friendly background stamp, stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Pink Pirouette cardstock. I have added some 1-1/4" Striped Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon which was ruffled by pulling a thread gently, a technique we used at both my classes this weekend. The envelope is one of our fabulous Stampin' Up! punches Petal Card and the two images are both from a Hostess Level 2 gift called Cute By The Inch.

I hope you like.

Sandra

TOP TIP TUESDAY

Today's is an embarrassing one .... but I need to warn you .......

At my last Stamford all-day class I was concentrating on the punchart piece I was holding for yet another OWL CLASS and, holding too close to my body, it nipped me !!

Now, to do this once was painful enough and you would think 'once bitten, twice shy' but no ....... I did it again later in the day, much to the amusement of the class.

You have been warned !

:-)

RETREAT WEEKENDS

The news is out ..................

16th - 18th September, 2011

or

4th - 6th November 2011

Emily and I are really excited to confirm we have been busy planning our first RETREAT WEEKENDS in Mablethorpe !!!

Due to the interest showed initially from our customers, we had to quickly add a second repeat date. The dates have now been shared with those attending our classes and also at the Sincerely Yours show last Sunday. With outline details well underway, we will confirm the final details Mid-May when Emily will be visiting Norfolk for the weekend so we can plan all the projects for the entire weekend.

The reaction at the show was tremendous and therefore indications are that spaces will go very fast. If you are seriously interested in joining us on either of the above dates, please let us know to avoid disappointment.

We will be asking for non-refundable deposits to secure places once we confirm exact details.

Please reserve these dates in your diary and watch this blog for further details in the forthcoming weeks.

Happy craftin'

Sandra

ANDRE RIEU CONCERT

David and I both enjoy the music and rapport that Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra have with the audience. When we said last year we were booking tickets for Birmingham LG Arena for Good Friday, David's sister Mandy and her husband Glyn wanted to join us.

Returning from staying with them for a couple of days in Bridgnorth, catching up with housework, gardening and now my emails, I am sitting typing this evening for my blog, David turned on the TV to find Andre Rieu in Concert on Sky !!!

What a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend and still one day left to go .......... hopefully a bit of crafting in there somewhere tomorrow. However, if it is hot and sunny the Goldwing Trike will no doubt be out for a spin somewhere. Since last season, I need a bit of a refresher before we drive it to the south of France on holiday.

Sandra

SINCERELY YOURS - THETFORD SHOW

Last Sunday, Angie and I attended the Sincerely Yours event in Thetford again, ably assisted my crafting friend Sarah who visited for the weekend to help out. Another fab show and we were pleased to meet lots of new faces.

We had 100 people join us during the day to Make & Take the card below using a stamp Set called Strength & Hope which is featured in the new Mini 2011 catalogue, released on 1st April 2011.

Stampin' Up! are donating £1 for each set sold to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Angie and I both matched this for the show, deducting a further £1 from both the Clear and Wood mount sets.

The card was made in Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette card stock and matching ink. The background was stamped repeatedly using the words from the stamp set in the same Melon Mambo ink. The Pink Pirouette card stock was stamped again using the same matching Pink Pirouette ink and the swirl stamp three times as a gentle background (sorry the photo doesn't pick this up very well). The butterfly image was then stamped over the background and edges sponged edges in Melon Mambo ink. The Hope topper and mat layer were both punched with the 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" square punches. When I purchased these, I did think it was a bit of a luxury as I could cut with trimmer however, I have no regrets, the precision, speed and ability to punch image in centre of square, makes them well worth it.

If you wish to purchase any of the items listed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

My Owl Extravaganza all-day workshops have proved extremely popular and my next repeat class has once again sold out, within a few days of the show. I am currently re-scheduling yet another date and will be contacting those on the waiting list shortly. If you have missed out and would still like to attend, please email me or give me a call on 07806 616704.

Finally a warm welcome to all our new visitors from the show. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Please pop back here for some more updates soon.

In the meantime, Happy Craftin'.

Sandra

TUESDAY TOP TIP

Well, today's Top Tip is following an idea from my downline Emily.

When buying the CLEAR MOUNT stamp sets, if not using the waste rubber for one of my previous Top Tips, in true crafting style, don't throw it away !! Remove the backing and mount into the plastic case.

Having mounted all your stamps, they will fit neatly into the shapes and easily show if any are missing ........ heaven forbid !!!!

Happy craftin' everyone !!

Sandra

CATCHING UP !!!!

I need to apologise to all my followers, I have been extremely busy lately so my blog posting has suffered.

For those who know me well, I have been busy with several classes, lots and lots of OWLS flying around, playing in the orchestra pit for a week long production of Crazy For You' in Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, visitors (both crafting and non-crafting), and of course all this on top of working full time. I am so grateful for all the Bank Holidays coming up.

The blog hop post below shares with you some of my OWL creations and also fantastic ideas from lots of my fellow demonstrators, using products from the NEW MINI CATALOGUE.

There are more exciting things on the horizon too that are taking a lot of my planning time. The first one being SINCERELY YOURS - SUNDAY 17th APRIL @ THETFORD. Angie, Sarah and myself will once again be at this regular crafting event so please do pop by and say hello and join us for a Make & Take project.

The second one will be released formally mid-May however guaging initial reaction from last Saturdays class and word of mouth, it looks like a further repeat date will be announced at the same time. It is very exciting and the suspense will be worth waiting for. If you are attedning any classes in the near future, you will find out first hand. And ......... if the suspense is just too much, give me a call 07806 616704 to find out more !!.

Please pop back soon and I hope to have caught up with all the Tuesday Top Tips which are in my head but just not made it to computer.

Bye for now and Happy Craftin'

Sandra

2011 MINI CATALOGUE BLOG HOP

Welcome to our 2011 Mini Catalogue Blog Hop. Today we have over 50 Stampin' Up Demonstrators who have sceduled posts of projects on their blogs for 10am this morning, using items available from the New 2011 Mini catalogue which was released yesterday.

You may have just joined today from Amanda http://thecraftspa.blogspot.com. I have an all day class but can't wait to have time to 'hop' round myself. So make a cuppa, grab a pen and paper for your Wish List and enjoy surfing.

I think this is the best Mini Catalogue we have had so far. The BIG news being that Stampin' Up! have released the BIG-SHOT Die-Cutting Machine. Together with this there are 27 Dies and Embossing folders, 21 of which are UNIQUE TO STAMPIN' UP!

Today I am featuring the new OWL PUNCH. I first fell in love with this little fellow when it was first released in USA and was so pleased to hear he was joining the UK Mini 2011 catalogue. There is just so much that can be made from him. I've already held my first OWL EXTRAVAGANZA ALL-DAY CLASS which Emily attended and has now also become totOWLly obsessed with this little fella. Together we have lots more ideas planned for a sequel so, if you are interested in attending repeat classes currently being added to my scheduled 2011 class list or purchasing a kit and/or owl punch to make yourself, please give me a call on 07806 616704 or email sroberts07@btinternet.com.

The tree template is totally unique, having started myself I enlisted the help of Pat, one of my lovely downlines, to finish. The leaves were made using the Sizzlits Little Leaves Die. The small owls were made by inking the owl image from Punch Bunch (Sale-A Bration set - now sadly retired) and stamping onto shrink plastic and heated which shrinks images to 1/7th of their original size and worked perfectly for this project.

I was pleased to be able to share the clouds and bushes technique with my downline. These are made by punching some scallop ovals and circles and making a template to sponge against.

This would make a lovely 'welcome new home card'.

My next project has been in my head for some time but didn't quite know how I was going to make ! It is a slider card, using the word window punch to cut slit and a 1p each side of a foam dot to fix the penguin on. The penguins are also made from the owl punch - simply cut off his ear and feet for his body, punch feet from a scrap of pumpkin pie card for feet and beak.

My next project was inspired by a video I saw from Valita's fresh folds, demonstrating how to punch the owl body to make tulips. She made a single purple bloom with glitter and mounted onto a nestability frame.

Here I have used the new Square Lattice Textured Embossing folder to create a basket work effect for the background.

The 'Twoo-lips' have been punched in Daffodil Delight cardstock and sponged edges in Real Red ink. The centres are made from the Small Oval punch.

I couldn't let you leave today without seeing the NEW MOTORBIKE stamp. I've had several people say to me they think of me everytime they see the Motorbike stamp in the Mini catalogue ! I can't imagine why. Hubby is away tomorrow, taking our beautiful Honda Goldwing Trike to Wootton Bassett. I'm sure you will see it on the news tomorrow - they are expecting 10,000 motorbikes and David will actually be one of the 45 Trikes taking soldiers on the back.

Here I have stamped one image in Basic Black towards the right hand edge of the card and stamped repeatedly, each time moving approximately 1/2cm to the left. The background is stamped with the Sanded Background stamp and embossed with the Square Lattice Textured Embossing folder to give a tyre tread effect.

For your next 'hop' click this link to see the lovely projects that my lovely downline Emily is sharing with you today - http://stampinmermaid.blogspot.com/

If you wish to take a 'hop' round the other groups, I have added the links below.

Group 1 - http://twintroublescreations.blogspot.com/

Group 2 - http://sparklycards.blogspot.com/

Group 3 - http://ritasstampinblog.blogspot.com/

Group 4 - http://seriousstamper.blogspot.com/

Happy crafting, hope to see you back here soon.

Sandra