LAVENDER TIME

Hi crafters !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Catch up again soon.

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Sandra

VELLUM WORKSHOP

Hi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hope you enjoyed todays updates and thanks for stopping by.

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Sandra

PUNCHART BLOG HOP - continued !!!!

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Hi there

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hope you like the finished result.

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Sandra

PUNCHART BLOG HOP - 23rd June

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Daisies

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

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

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Please continue on your way and enjoy the sites below.

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http://www.paperpunchaddiction.com

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http://www.dostamping.typepad.com

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

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http://www.kintakards.webs.com

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http://stampinreckon.blogspot.com

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http://www.thestampingstudio.blogspot.com

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http://www.stampwithlindawalsh.com

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http://www.kraftykateskupboard.typepad.com

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http://stampinwithj.blogspot.com

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http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/

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

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Happy Punchin' !

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Sandra

STAMPERS 10 PROJECT

Welcome back to another 'New In Colour' project that my Stampers 10 group made last night.

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What could difficult about two squares of card cut in half and a bit of folding !!! Sorry girls, I thought it would be easier that it was. I did stress at the beginning of the evening, this project does rely on accurate measuring and accurate folding.

1. Start with 2 pieces of Whisper White cardstock measuring 14x14cm.
2. Cut each piece in half lengthwise so you have 4 pieces each 7x14cm.
3. Score each piece in half down the centre lengthwise at 3.5cm and also in from each shorter end at 3.5cm.
4. Lay pieces on your cutting mat as in the picture. Apply red sticky tape as shown, in each of the 4 outside corners, taping from fold to the outside edge only.
5. Align both halves with tape closely together and, removing the tape from one section at a time, attach the other pieces crossways.
6. Your base is now done. Take a bone folder and firmly crease each fold in all directions.

.Once assembled it was a simple cutting strips to cover each section and then decorate as you wish. It is really important to keep the folds clear.

1. The folds should all be 3.5cm wide and the longer sections 3.5x7cm. I cut my DSP at 1mm smaller than the section itself.
2. Cut strip of DSP at 3.4cm. Then cut squares at 3.4cm and longer pieces at 6.9cm. Fix DSP with tape runner. Working on one 'face' at a time makes it easier.
3. Repeat for each of the other 'faces' using the photos below as a guide.

Once all covered, decorate with co-ordinating cardstock, stamps and matting and layering as you wish. It really is fun but if you are unsure, make a template using photocopier paper first to get the hang of it.
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Have fun and persevere !!
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Sandra

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