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

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Yipee, I have finally got my Blogger back.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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 :-)

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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