The Day of Balloons!

 Hi All,

WOW...........what's happened to the weather this week!

I've got a couple of quick cards to show you, before I head back out to the garden.
It's using the 'Pedal Presents' stamp set (a hostess set from the summer mini)

I just love it..........you can alter the image so easily by just adding an item, here and there, to your hearts

content; my stamp-a-ma-jig has come in really handy.

I know that was quick..........but thought you'd like to see what else we've been upto today.............can you guess?

Thanks Susan,  those water slings you gave them for Christmas have really come into there own........(good for the stomach muscles). You can see I was the target!!

I apologise to our neighbours that back onto us and anyone passing by..........they can reach great heights; even over the house!!
Of course boys will be BOYS.........however 'big' they are and they decided that if 2 people held the foot straps up high they could put even more tension on it!!
Sorry about the blurred picture only I was trying to move out of the way as the balloon was showering us from up high..........I just love the look on Robert's face...........so much effort...........(he won't be happy if he knows I've blogged this one.......oh well he's embarrassed me enough in the past - time to get my own back!)

It's all too much for the old one though!

The garden is a calling..........thank you for dropping in

Jane x

What's This?

Hi All,

Can you believe it?..............just had to take a picture............my husband using stamps.......he must be feeling poorly!I mustn't get too excited, it had nothing to do with paper craft........he's cleaning off an old alphabet set after labeling some of his machinery in the garage!!

Untill next time,

Jane x

I'm Back!

Hi All,

I decided to continue the holiday mode and took a break from blogging..........did you miss me?

I had a great couple of weeks away with the family, camping in Herefordshire. How could you not get relaxed..........waking up to this view from your tent, in the morning. The sun was just coming up, unfortunately you can't see the moon in this photo, but it was so large, round and gorgeous......it made you feel great to be alive.

The sunsets were great too.............this was taken on our last evening...........just after we'd heard about the floods back home!

Anyway back to craft. I have still been crafting, but forgot to photo much of the items.........sorry.
This simple card is a good example of how to use up those small scraps of ribbon, you always end up with

Promise I'll try and post more often................the holiday's over!!

Thanks for hanging in there

Jane x

OOps!!

Hi All,

The 'good news'................

I had a fab time today,crafting..........it was part of an all day 'hen party', all of the group apart from one were non crafters.
They all produced a scrapbook...........it had a basic layout in which they could change the page designs as they wished, and boy they didn't disappoint..........it was great to see how creative they were; each of them created something special to keep and they were all very different.

Now the 'bad news'...............

I know I promised you pictures of this project............well, I could have shown you...............if only I'd taken my camera!!
I'm so sorry; but as Jill helped me out today, and with the overall design.......I let her keep the scrapbook. Hopefully, one of the girls will forward the pictures for me to share them with you.

I am planning on making one for myself, so, if it rains as forecast tomorrow........I'll try and reproduce it.

Hope I can be forgiven, better start my rain dance!!

Jane x

Computer's been sick!!

Hi All, So sorry about the lack of posts........my computer's been ill.........caught a bug! It had a short holiday and now feels refreshed! I on the other hand have done little crafting; the weather's been drawing me into the garden, and I'm now slowly re-organising the flower beds. Will be back shortly with the pics I promised. Jane x

Crafting Fun!!

Hi All,

Well what a fabulous end to half-term I've had!!

I left Hubby in charge and I just got to go to Stamping Up's regional training in Fareham; meeting lots of 'like minded' people who just love to craft......stamp.......and generally have a great time swapping ideas!!

There are going to be some fabulous things ahead...........(which can't be seen till April).......so stay tuned!

Being part of the 'Stamping Up' family, is more than just crafting.
I belong to such a wonderful team and have made so many new friends; get togethers are a bonus, and always such fun.........of course.......we always make sure to craft in between the laughter!!
If you'd like to experience the friendship and support; then why not join the team and find out for yourself. Just drop me a line, I'd be happy to help.

Anyway.......back to business, I will show you the swaps I received from my other team members later in the week........but..........we are uploading them on our own 'downline blog' first, so I don't wish to spoil the surprise for those who couldn't make the training.

On Monday, I met up with some more of my 'Crafting Buddies' and we made some 'Vintage Vogue' cards in a collapsible box. The box came from Jenny's Extravaganza last year; it is such a great box to do, if you wish to send it through the post.

They are relatively simple cards, 9.5 cm x 9.5cm..........

.....with maybe a gem or two thrown in for that extra sparkle

This one maybe a tad trickier to do; it requires masking and the use of stamp-a-ma-jig

.......but I thought it was apt, as I've spent so much time crafting with friends this weekend!

'Thank You' for dropping by, happy crafting

Jane x

Sale-A-Bration

Hi All,

You may be aware..........as you cruise on other blogs..............that Sale-A-Bration has begun. It runs until 28th February 2011.

It is a fabulous opportunity to get your hands on free stamp sets.
There are 4 sets in all, and will only be available whilst the promotion lasts.
Interested? Then here's how:

• For every £45 spent (before p&p) earn one free Sale-A-Bration set of
  your choice
• Host a party/workshop of at least £300 (before p&p), and earn one free Sale-A-Bration
  set in addition to any other generous hostess benefits
• Join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration and choose a free stamp set (excluding
  hostess sets) from the Idea Book & Catalogue (valued up to £44.95)
  

I do have catalogues showing the Sale-A-Bration sets on offer, so you can either contact me directly or click on the link below, to view it on line

http://www2.stampinup.com/gb/images/SAB11_UK.pdf

If anyone is interested in holding a party/workshop.........either during the day or evening, I'll be happy to try and arrange a time to suit.

I'll be back!

Hi All,

Sorry I've not been posting lately, mixed fortunes for the New Year.

Hassles with the car's suspension over the holiday period had me running around in a very rattly Nissan Micra, but at least I could get from A to B and to work!

The sudden death of my Godfather, came as a bit of a shock.
He had many interests and was an active member of the community.
I will remember him with fondness, always cheerful, smiling and a wonderful chuckle.

.........And me, I'm finely feeling better, although I still have a persistent and annoying cough........I now feel like crafting, so things are looking up.........I'll try and pop back later with a project...........'till then

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

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

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

Do You Fancy Becoming a Stampin' Up Demonstrator?

Hi All,

Just to let you know, Stampin' Up have a great promotional offer on at the moment.

From now until the 7th May 2010, they have reduced the price of the Starter Kit by 10%.

This reduces the kit from £139 to just £125!!

The kit contains products and business supplies worth £240 - that's a saving of £115!!

You can choose to adapt the starter kit to meet your needs; by changing the stamp sets, cardstock and inks

• It doesn't matter if you just wish to be a hobby demo; (and feed your crafting habit like me)
• or treat it more like a business and build a career from it

There's no pressure - if you're interested in joining and wish to learn more about becoming a demonstrator in my team, why not send me an email: ja.craftnut@googlemail.com

Jane x

New Addition

Well Hooray,
the day finally arrived, and we picked up our new car on Friday

For those of you who know me, realise that since the end of November, I haven't been very mobile; and although I'm sorry to see the old one go - it's been great to be out and about in the sunshine this weekend (without worrying about mileage, over heating, or topping up with water every few miles - even the central locking started to fail towards the end!!)

May I say a massive 'Thank You' to all my friends who have constantly ferried me around for the past few months...

Jane x

Happy Birthday Peter!

My youngest son turn 12 today, I can't believe how quickly time goes by.

My morning started just before 6am, when I woke up with a start and remembered I hadn't made him a card!!


Bart here..........was hastily thrown together, just in time for him getting up...............Thank goodness for the Scouts meeting last night - it normally helps him stay in bed just that little bit longer in the morning (LOL)!!

The cake, had to be chocolate of course (for anyone knowing my son, would tell you), and very delicious it is too - I've been munching on maltesers whilst I've been waiting for the photos to upload!

Till the next time,

Happy crafting,

Jane x

Craft Fayre

Since starting with Stampin' Up almost a year ago, I've been hoarding all my cards and 3D projects in boxes under the bed!! I decided, time had come to take control, so yesterday I braved the weather - bucked up the courage, and held a stall at Bournemouth School for Girls.

I have never done anything like this before, (I've always helped behind the scenes at school Fayres before) and was beginning to wonder what I'd taken on.

My fears were unfounded, and I enjoyed the day; met so many lovely people who were interested in what I'd been making, and even having a go at what I was demoing.

Not only that, I've covered my costs and have more room to be able to create new projects!!


The candy canes were a big hit.

My sister was great, helping me to set everything up, and friends popped by throughout the day. Thank you to Val (my upliner), who helped after lunch and assisted me back to the car before everything could blow away!!

Happy Crafting

Jane x

ARHHHH!!

Sorry All,
My computer has done some updates and now for some reason my "blogger doesn't seem to what to let me up load any photos!!
I'll keep trying - hang in there
Jane x

Wow, What A Night!!

GOOD MORNING LADIES

and thank you so much, for such lovely evening last night. I hope you enjoyed it, as much as I did.

I have a few individuals to mention, because without them, I'm sure it wouldn't have been such a success.

Firstly Pam, who invited some of her church group to a craft night - with a difference. She was interested in making as many different items as possible, either for a 'Shoe Box Appeal' or things that could be sold to raise money towards helping post the boxes over seas.

Secondly, a BIG THANK YOU to my upliner Val and my downliner Di, who I roped in to help........well you did offer girls!!

It was actually my first 'live demo/workshop' - I was a bit daunted, as I wasn't expecting 18 of you lovely ladies, when Pam first approached me!!

These are some of the ideas I put forward. We actually split into 3 groups. Val's group made magnets, pocket calendars and book marks. Di's made a pizza box with 4 cards and I covered bag-a-lopes, cheese boxes, sour cream containers and a no cutting box.

I'm off to sort out all my stuff, it just got dumped on the dinning room table, when I got back last night!!

Happy crafting

Jane x

Home Again

Hi All,

I'm back.
Just enjoyed a lovely 2 week camping break in Devon. Here's the motley crew I shared the tent with.



Family time, sun, and relaxation was on the menu. I didn't take any crafting stuff with me (don't know where I'd have packed it - if I had!!) But boy, it was sure pleasurable when Val popped round on Monday morning - I didn't realise how much I'd been our craft sessions!!

Now that everything is getting back to normal, the sorting out camping gear and washing etc conquered - I hope to be able to craft and blog once more.

Till the next time. Happy crafting,

Jane x

Lack of Posts

I'm so sorry, I thought that because it was the school holidays, I'd have plenty of opportunities to slip away and craft - how wrong, could I have been!!
Life's never been so busy. They say " there's no peace for the wicked" - well I must be well and truly wicked!!

For this reason, I don't plan to post anything until the kids are back to school. I'm not saying I won't, but this way I won't disappoint anyone - if I don't.

See you in September

Happy crafting (for those of you who are more organised than me)!!

Jane x