"Merry Christmas"

Hi...........and a Merry Christmas to you all.

I apologise..........I've let you down........I've not been an active blogger recently, but hopefully I'm over the worse; I'm the final person in this house, to go down with a bug. Today is the first day I've even had the energy, or felt awake enough to even think of crafting.........(it was that bad!!)

The decorations are up...........and yes Santa did call...............I'm so glad he's into crafting, because I got some lovely new 'toys' to play with!!

Earlier in the month, I had a Christmas Appreciation Day for my 'Monday Mob', we of course did crafting, played games and ate lots of naughty goodies!! I made each of them a little gift (glittered bauble) and wrapped it up in an ornamental box

Thank you ladies for joining me, I had a fab day; the cards are gorgeous and my plant is doing well.

This is one design of the Christmas cards I made this year...........it's a tent card using the Contempo Christmas set in Old Olive and Real Red.

A bit late to show now, but hey ho, never mind.

I did make my own crackers for the table, they're very simple with a 'character' from All in the Family depicting the person it was meant for............everyone picked the right one......so at least there were no unfortunate surprises in the crackers!!

This was Grandad.......LOL!!

My sons commencing the mayhem........you can tell that, cause there's

a clean carpet!!
Just, in case you're wondering..................

........my eldest was wearing his turkey hat.......it comes out every year.........and now I've embarrassed him again........LOL!!

Hope you've all had a great, relaxing, fun family day.

I will try to be good and blog later in the week, but I'm beginning to flag a little

Jane x

Consider it Cased!

Hi All,

Last Tuesday I attended a class at Jenny Moors.......let me tell you.......she is one talented lady and I'm so lucky to be a member of her team. This is the box we made........it's really quick and easy to make. (If you'd like the instructions to make one, just click here, and you'll be able to see some of her other amazing projects as well).

I'm a little bit behind with Christmas preparations.............can you believe it, I haven't even made my own Christmas cards yet!! But these boxes are just so adorable...........I just couldn't concentrate on card designs; until I'd made some more. What do you think? Cute or what?

I don't think I'll ever get tired of Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive.

The paper is 'Jolly Holiday' and the tags from the 'Delightful Decorations' stamp set.

These will definitely help with my packaging problems.

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Snow........Glorious Snow!!

Hi All,

I think we must be the last place in the country to get snow.........my boys were so excited, especially when when their dreams came true........and there was no school!!
Don't you find it amazing how different everything looks, when covered in white?

Out ancient fruit trees were were bearing the weight well, thank goodness.

I rushed out first thing to take photos before my boys and their mates could spoilt the royal icing look and turned it into the rough style that decorates my Christmas cake each year....LOL!
This is the view down our road..........it was quite eerily quiet.

Mad I know; but I even went out the back gate, so not to spoilt the snow in the front garden; there was only the fox 's footprints.

The back garden............

neat and pristine.........

before.................

.......the fun began..........and I inherited half the neighbourhood!!

My husband was of course the biggest kid out there!

A large snowman was built in the front garden..........but his head........was used as a large snowball and ended up are somewhere down the street..........hope no neighbours were buried....LOL!!

My youngest felt with all this snow about we really should have a snowman to show for it.........

I admit; I did a double take and burst out laughing when I saw his creation.........their snowballs were bigger than him.......LOL!!

Me, I stayed indoors.........provided the hot chocolate, food and repeatedly dried clothes. When everything is repeated tomorrow (schools closed again), I'm going to try and enjoy the log fire and do a little bit more crafting than I did today!!

Keep warm, happy crafting

Jane x

I'm Still Here!

Hi All,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but things have been quite hectic around here. It's a shame work has to get in the way!!
I have been working on some projects; which I'm afraid I can't show you just yet..........all I can say is.......... my fingers are stained a multitude of colours!!

So I thought I'd show you, a collection of gorgeous handmade birthday cards I received last week. Thanks everyone, it is always more special to receive a handmade card, don't you think?

I'd just like to point out.........that I'm not old enough to need a zimmer frame just yet; but my darling eldest son made the one with the dinosaur on..........he wrote inside......."I saw this and it reminds me of you".........least said the better.......LOL!!

Happy Crafting

Jane x

November - Thank You's

Hi All,

This is my simple, but straight forward 'thank you' card, for anyone who has placed catalogue orders with me this month. It's using the level one stamp set 'Punch Potpourri'. I stamped it first in StazOn and then coloured in the flowers using marker and blender pens.

The sentiment is from tiny tags and I had to add a rhinestone just to add a bit of 'bling'.

Hope you like what you see

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Christmas is Coming!

Hi All,

I received an order for Christmas cards from the Craft Fayre last week end, you may recognise them from last year; if you've been following my blog, for that long, that is.

It's using the Sparkly & Bright set. Each design was hand inked using the marker pens before being covered in Versa Mark, heat & stick powder and dazzling diamonds and then reset using the heat gun........it's such a useful way to stop the glitter from coming off with the slightest touch. I of course had to make a box to house them in.

I'd enjoyed playing and decided to continue with extra images, making them into little gift tags.

Thanks for dropping by

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Convention 2010 - Team Swaps

Hi All,

Finally, I've got around to photographing our 'Team 'Swaps. We each made a card, tag and 3D item and boy.........who'd have thought we could be so diverse in our creations.

From note books, mini albums, toiletries and chocolates..........even a Christmas wall hanging........I am amazed at the wonderful gifts I've received, I love each and every item.

I belong to such a wonderful and special group of people..........who all have one thing in common; we love to laugh, create (well that's technically 2 reasons!!), but most of all I value the friendship it has created between us, that I know will last and mature..........Thanks 'Team' it's great to have friends like you...........

Happy Crafting

Jane x

More Convention Goodies

Hi All,

I know I promised to upload pictures of the Team swaps I'd received, but unfortunately the light wasn't any good when I went to take the photos........I'll try over the next few days, but I don't seem to have any free time at the present.........you know that feeling, don't you?

So instead.....this is the gift I gave my upliner, we were sharing a room...........it's a small boxed scrapbook, so she can have a memory of her time away

It opens like a concertina, so both sides can be decorated.

As it was a personal gift, I didn't worry that a few of the items used are now retired.

Whilst at Convention, I wore these hair bands made out of the extra large fancy flower and

5 petal flower punches. It was a last minute decision and a necessity..........all my clips had either broken or gone missing

This purple one was still in pieces when I first arrived at the hotel.......it's amazing what a bit of double sided sticky tape can do.....LOL!!

Infact, I love them so much, I'm thinking of expanding my collection..............and making them in lots of different colours

Hope you've enjoyed

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Convention 2010

Hi All,

It had been decided within our 'Team', that we would all make a card, 3D item and a tag for each other. So as promised here are my efforts. I must say.....I got a bit carried away when making 3D items.........got no complaints though LOL!!

There were acetate templates to easily identify the size of block required when using the clear mounted stamps sets

My card was using the stamp set 'Growing Green'. I can count, and I know there are more cards here than required for just our team!!

Infact there's over 100; as I produced the same design for my general swaps with other demonstrators
This is my tag......it's using the 'Friendly Words' wheel and the gorgeous new colours of Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight along with Crumb Cake

A little extra 3D goodie............it's an extended pillow box, which can be hung from the door handle.....(I'm thinking of making a Christmas version) as who doesn't like chocolate treats on Christmas morning!
It's using gorgeous Rich Razzleberry cardstock and the Vintage Vogue stamp set, the leaves are made from the bird punch

This was really the 3D item I started off with 1st..........before getting carried away.....LOL!!

I wanted to make something different, that would be individual, useful and be a reminder of Convention, for most of our Team, it was our 1st experience of such an outstanding event.

They are memo holders, (made from Maple), I drilled out the centre, so that their initial and the words 'Convention 2010' could be inserted.

Not many of my friends know that I have dabbled in wood turning, (infact it's been over 2 years since I made anything.....and you know what............it felt good to play again)

I of course, thought it didn't include enough of the SU products.......so I made these box bags for them to go in. The bases of a few of the memo holders were too large for a 12" x 12" piece of DSP to go round, so I add an acetate panel to allow enough coverage and then a scalloped piece to cover the join

Hope you've enjoyed popping by to take a look..........I'll be back again tomorrow with the fabulous swaps I received from the rest of our team.

Remember, if you'd like to become a demonstrator and experience some of the friendship, creativity and laughter Stampin' Up can bring, then why not contact me

Jane x

Convention 2010

Hi All,

Yes..........I have returned from my 1st ever Stampin' Up Convention, and 'WOW' what a fabulous few days it's been!! I've never laughed so much, and made some great new friends along the way. It's a lovely way to meet fellow demonstrators; not only from the UK, but France and Germany as well.

These were the flags that lined the driveway to Addlington Palace, where the Convention was held.

The night before it all started, our 'Team' decided we would hide ourselves away and craft. Most of us had never met before, so it was a great way to get to know one another. It didn't take long and our resident comedienne 'Val' (AKA my upliner) soon had us all in stitches...........I'm so sorry for anyone who may have been in the room next door, and hope they were staying up as late as we were (or at least been sensible and brought earplugs!!)

Jenny (my 'Hero' and SU 'Granny'.......she'll hate me for that........sorry Jen, but I've seen you in the scarf!.....sorry......private joke), brought along her camping table and set it up in her room, so we'd be comfortable crafting the night away. We did get caught carrying smuggling all the chairs out of our room though.........I wonder if they've sorted them out yet; as I forgot to replace them all
..........oh well, too late now...LOL!!

They say every picture tells a story........I wish the husbands would take note: all they have to do is show us some craft.........and see how happy we become!
We did do an awful lot of laughing over the 3 days, and we may not have been the largest group by any means, but boy, everyone knew where we were, just from the noise we were making!!

There was the odd occasion, when peace reined.............look at the concentration..........

..........but not for long!

Thank you 'Girls' for such a fabulous time. It's lovely to think, that just by having crafting in common, so many wonderful new friendships have been made.

I'll pop back tomorrow and show you the swaps I made,

'till then,

Happy Crafting,

Jane x

'I Believe'

Hi All,

I'm feeling pleased with myself.........the boys have been off for half-term and I haven't even had a chance to craft! I've completed my team swaps, along with 100 other cards, to swap with other demonstrators at Convention........(it's now only 4 days away, so I better start getting myself into gear, sort the house out and make sure there's plenty of food.......I don't know about you, but the food seems to disappear much quicker if I'm not policing the cupboards.....LOL!!)

Here is something I've planned for my 'Crafting Buddies' next Monday.



I simply adore this stamp set, don't you? It's using colours from the subtles range, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery.


Happy Crafting

Jane x

Hi All,

I'm sorry..........I've no craft to show you today...........it's only 9 days until Convention (Yippee!!).......sorry for that outburst, I just can't wait.
I've been a busy bee though, preparing swaps of which I'm afraid, I can't show you yet or it'll spoil the surprise.

Last week, my eldest turned 15 (it makes me feel so old, when I write this!)
For his birthday we bought him a flying lesson.........

...........here he is, just about to take his flight. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and says it was far better than the bike he thought he was getting....LOL, I've a feeling birthdays may be come expensive from now on!!

Hope you've enjoyed, I'll try and post a crafty item soon,

Jane x

October - 'Thank You'

Hi All,

This is my Thank You card design for anyone who orders from me in October.
It's using:

• the beautiful 'I Believe' stamp set
• the new Marina Mist ink
• and ribbon (perfect size for tying bows)
• and not forgetting the new gorgeous edge punch
• along with the self adhesive rhinestones (they just save you so much time as you're not having to worry about where you may get the glue!!)

So, for anyone who ordered from Chris' workshop - catch hold of her.......she has your goodies!!

Happy Crafting everyone

Jane x

Congatulations!!

Hi All,

I told you it was a weekend of celebrations.
My dear friend Careen got married to Mark on Saturday; I knew the bridesmaids were going to be in a mixture blues, so here's the card and gift card holder I made for them.

It was truely a joyous occasion.............the sun was shinning upon them

...........and the young bridesmaids simply adorable. Here they are playing with the confetti outside the reception.

It was made even more special at the reception, as they had a live web link to Careen's family in the Philippines.............so they also could feel part of the celebrations

She didn't let on to them at the beginning, but........we were viewing them on an 8' x 8' screen (just incase they hid themselves away!!)

A memorable day, I thank them for allowing me to be a part of it

Jane x

Weekend of Weddings!!

Hi All,

My husband's nephew is getting married tomorrow...........I know I'm safe in posting a picture of his card and gift today, as he doesn't know of my blog!

It's using retired stock..........'Mr & Mrs' stamp set, the gorgeous 'Bride and Groom' DSP, even the pearls are from the retired 'Pretties Kit'!!

The clock has been made by my husband........I should have given him sizes, because I have had to let in a 1/2" strip of cardstock to the base of the box and cleverly hid the evidence under the ribbon!!

Here's to Phil and Connie, I wish them every happiness as they start their new life in New York together

Jane x

Straight from the 'New' Catalogue

Hi All,

Have you had a chance to gander at the new catalogue yet?
Such gorgeous things to tempt.......not just you, but me as well........LOL
To view on line......just click the image on my side bar; or contact me to either borrow or order your own copy.

I think this is by far, the best catalogue they have produced..........not only to inspire your imagination for what you can create - but even if you can't come up with anything of your own, then why not CASE (Copy And Share Everything) just like I've done.
You'll find it on page 70.

It's not a card I would have gone for before, normally I don't like ripped edges.........but I'm impressed with the outcome and like the simplicity of it.
It is of course adapted from the original, I'm still waiting for my supplies to arrive (please hurry Mr UPS man)

Happy Crafting

Jane x

Great Weekend!...........How was yours?

Hi All,

What a great weekend I've had........my sister came to stay and we got time to play!! Lots of chatter and visitors by the dozen!!

This is something I plan to show my 'Buddies' how to make tomorrow. They were fascinated with the rosettes on my Christmas Banner and wanted to know how to make them; so I thought I'd create a box for it to sit on. It's effective but simple to create; (I always say that and they don't always agree...LOL!!)

I know it's using some of the old papers, but I'll need to use up my stock to create space for some more!

They'd also seen a bag created by my up liner Val, and fell in love with it.........and set me the challenge of recreating it; (I'm not allowed the pattern, because of copyright - she'd bought it from someone else)

Well, I'm not showing my first version......it was more of a bucket bag......very bright and a little on the large side, you could say......I decided it was more of a day bag.......... as you could have fitted in the kitchen sink...LOL!!

This is what I ended up with....

I experimented by embossing basic black card stock and tried to get a more elegant look (such as the Groom DSP which is no longer available).
I'm pleased with the result.......and glad you didn't see the first creation, I may just make the handles slightly shorter next time.

What do you think?

Jane x