Friday 29 January 2010

Just a little catch up

You know, this is about all I seem to have time for recently! lol.

Firstly though, can I thank you all who travelled around our ILWS blog hop this last week. I have been round the two lots of blogs myself, and WOW! There is alot of inspiration out there. There are also a few projects I'm going to try out myself too - when I get a chance. If you haven't been able to visit the blogs on my list of hoppers, then you must. All the projects are made using the Sale A Bration sets from Stampin Up, which are out for another month, and then they're gone, gone, GONE! Never to be seen again... so if you want them, check further down my blog.. or up on the top.. or even on the sidebar for further details.

Now then. What have I been up to this week?

Well. First and foremost, I took a trip into town this week to deliver off 110 cards to the Cancer Research shop. I always save up my demo cards in a drawer, and as soon as the appeal for this years charity came through from Docrafts, I knew exactly what I needed to do.

I had already got some left over from the appeal last year, so I bagged those up, and I had my demo cards, so bagged those up.. plus I got out lots of stuff I wouldn't generally use on my own projects, but which just happened to be in my studio, and made some extra cards last week... so I bagged those up too! 110 cards and counting!

Then, I had some work to finish for a magasine commission this week. I used some really lovely masculine papers, but obviously I'm sworn to secrecy so can't share them yet - not much time to wait though.. the mag comes out at the end of February.

I have also been down to TV world again. (I'm not saying the channel, as it tends to be complained about by someone who has nothing better to do, then I end up getting my wrist slapped from Stampin Up), anyway, I'm sure you know where I mean. I have had two shows this week, and they went really well. Yesterday was a strange one though, as I was working with two presenters. AND.. I got to have coffee with a very important someone! (the fantabulously funny, witty bombshell that is Kirsty Wiseman!)

Actually, this last paragraph sorta explains why I haven't been on my bliggety-blog too much recently. I still love blogging, but can't get to grips with what I am, and am not, allowed to mention on here. It's all to do with the new IDA from Stampin Up, and when I happened to mention a TV station before christmas, I was reported to SU and very quickly told to sort it out - but in the nicest possible way. So, rather than drop myself in it again I hesitated from posting too much and sorta got out of the habit!

Anyway.. that's by the by..

Now I've finished the tv for a few weeks, and my demo's for this loop are over, I can concentrate more on my projects etc for the Stampin Up Workshop that my buddy Sheila and I are holding. Information is on my blog somewhere.. up there.. at the top.. I think!

We are having a FANTASTIC evening of crafting, and for a measly £5 you can come along, play with our SU stamps, and get settled in with a cuppa and a cake to make some brilliant projects. The price also includes all your materials that you need, refreshments, raffles.... and it is on Monday 22nd February, 7pm to 9pm at the Bullcroft Memorial Hall, Carcroft, Doncaster. Just email me if you'd like to know more.

So. That's me caught up again. I will be back to post a project or two later... if I get crafty that is. Because I wasn't here yesterday for most of the time, I have the dreaded housework to catch up on.. as well as taking a trip over to see Sheila on my way to the Range to buy some card for the place names and table plans I need to do for this weekend. lol.

Whatever you're upto, have fun doing it! See ya soon. xx

Sunday 24 January 2010

Helping out with Stampin Up..


In addition to the post I made the other day HERE regarding the Haiti disaster, Stampin' Up has just announced this -


Haitian Disaster Relief
 
On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope. As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you can help make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of this earthquake by purchasing, and more importantly selling, the Greenhouse Gardens stamp set. 

From now until 28 February, 2010, £1 from every Greenhouse Gardens stamp set you sell will be donated Red Cross’ International Response Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.
Product Name
Item #
Price
Greenhouse Gardens
113824
£22.95
In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin' Up! demonstrators have stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different.

Stampin' Up! demonstrators share what they love. That’s how you make a difference. Please do everything you can to lend a hand to the people of Haiti. 

So. There you have it! Simple!

The Greenhouse Gardens stamp set is just beautiful. I do have it, but haven't had the chance to play with it since I got it (which is usually the case!). But this is it - 



And here is a card made with the stamps - I've snaffled it from Jackie Pedro's site - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't mind (I have emailed her). But I think you just needed to see how pretty this stamp set actually is!



So, just to clarify, Stampin Up will donate £1 for each of this stamp set sold, but in addition to this, if you purchase anything from me, I will also donate all my commission to the fund. 


Thanks for looking. 
Jo x

Sale a Bration blog hop..

Here we go! At last it's Sunday and we're all set for our Sale A Bration blog hop!

The stamp sets that you can get FREE are just so cute and lovely! I love them all, and I'm sure you will too by the end of this blog hop.

Here are a couple of cards that I've made with my sets.



I have gone for the Less is More approach on this card... and I think it suits it!

I have used the Happy Moments set, which has some fantastic little stamps in. The greetings are also a perfect size for fitting in the Word Window Punch.. although I haven't tried that yet. I kept the colours quite simple and coloured them in my markers, then blended with the blender pens. The little gingham ribbon adds a finishing touch.


Here it is in a little more detail.

Now we get to my favourite set - Good Neighbours.

I have loved this little set since we could preorder at the beginning of December - I just wish I had more time to play with it!!! There are so many possibilities with this set, but I chose to create a moving home card. I hope you like it.



As you can see, the greeting was stamped and punched out with a couple of different size circles, then finished off with a scallop punch and pricking grid.

The colours I have used are all out of the Rich Regals pack of cardstock and inks. The background panel at the bottom was made from one of the cutesy little trees.


Here's your little close up. Now to take advantage of the Sale a Bration promotion and to order your little sets for FREE, just order £45 of product from the current catalogue.. click on the link on my sidebar.

To visit the next person on the list, click HERE. You will be visiting the fabbie blog of Jo, Mainly Flowers! Enjoy!

Saturday 23 January 2010

Haiti Earthquake fundraiser - scroll down to see newer posts

It's been over a week now since the earthquake in Haiti, and, probably like most of you, feel like I need to do something to help.
Stampin Up is in the process of sorting something out to help with the relief fund for the victims of this devastating earthquake, but what it plans to do at the moment hasn't been released.

So.

What I would like to do is to donate any commission that I make from Stampin Up until 26th February 2010. To do this, and to make it beneficial, I need YOU!

If you place an order with me, from today and upto this date, any commission I earn, will be donated to the Relief Fund. I will keep you updated on how much has been raised.

And don't forget, if you do order over £45 worth of product, you will still earn your free stamp set. But any order would help with this fundraiser, however small your order is.

I hope you will support me in this venture, and as soon as Stampin Up release what they are planning, I will post it on here too!

Thank you in advance, and I will keep my fingers crossed that you will help me achieve a great donation.

Jo xx

Friday 22 January 2010

Sunny Days

I didn't forget, you know..

I know I promised you all a sneak peak of the scrapbook that we made at the Stampin Up training event last Saturday.. and here it is!

I'm not going to describe all the pages individually.. mainly because I'm tired and I'm travelling to Southport tomorrow morning for a demo.. lol. Long Drive. Long Day. But heck, it's worth it!

So.. without further ado - here's the scrapbook, all items are from the Sunny Day's Scrapbook kit from Stampin Up, and I must say, it's rather stunning in real life!! Of course, I made it into another lickle doggy album to add to my collection.. and I've already reordered another full kit to make another.. lol.














I know the photos aren't that good. They've been taken at the wrong angle, but I really wanted to get them on here without more delay

The pags are mounted onto the front of the clear pockets, and I must admit, I did tell Monica that I didn't like it like that, and the pictures were supposed to be on the inside.. but I did do it as Monica said to do it.. and I actually quite like it - plus there is more storage inside the pockets for my journalling and also for adding more photos. Just Great. I love it. And Thank you to Monica and Bekka for coming up with the ideas for the projects. I love 'em.

Right.. now my bed is calling.

It'll probably be Monday when I get here on next as I'm working all weekend.. Southport tomorrow and Peterborough again for 8am on TV.. So, until then!

Thursday 21 January 2010

SALE - A - BRATION BLOG HOP..

Check out my blog on the 24th January, when I'll be taking part in the SAB blog hop..

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Word Verification

Sorry everyone, but due to getting lots of rather 'rude' spam this week, I am putting word verification back on my blog.

Hopefully I can take it off again in a few days.. just to get rid of the spammers.. lol.

Enjoy a Crafty Evening...



Contact me for more details and to book your place.

Come along to a Stampin' Up event where you can make THREE projects for £5
Cost includes all materials, raffle and refreshments.
A raffle will be drawn every 30 minutes.

To be held at

Bullcroft Memorial Hall
Chestnut Avenue, Carcroft, Doncaster, DN6 8AP, United Kingdom

Do you like something for FREE?
Then come along and try out the wonderful range of
Stampin' Up! products before you place your order and earn *FREE* stamp sets!
(*on orders over £45)

You can book using the button on the sidebar ---------->

Is it really that long?

Blimey - how slack have I been? I don't seem to have posted for what seems like ages!
Anyway. Good Morning everyone! I am in a good mood today because we don't have the snow that was forecast for this morning.... unless it decides it's going to arrive later on! But for now, it's clear.

I've got so many things to tell you about things coming up in the next few weeks, but firstly, I want to tell you about last Saturday.

Me and my buddy Sheila, and another lady who joined us, went on a girly day down to Peterborough for a Stampin Up event held by Monica and Bekka. We set off at around quarter to eight in the morning, and arrived home around six o'clock in the evening.. so we had a long, lovely, crafting day!

The reason for the day was to help to promote the Sale a Bration which is going on at the moment with Stampin Up. It is a fantastic promotion where, if you spend £45 or over, you will recieve a FREE stamp set!!! Yes, totally FREE! There are a choice of four lovely sets which are only going to be available during the Sale a Bration. They will never be on general release again. So, not only FREE but totally UNIQUE. Great stuff.

Anyway, we were joined in Peterborough by lots of lovely ladies, I think around 35 of them altogether, old faces and new, and we had a great time. There were swaps (although like an idiot mine were still sat at home!) and projects, demo's and samples galore. I met up with some lovely folks that I'd not met for what seems like an age - Germaine, my Docrafts buddy Emma, lovely Linda who I'd met during demo's in Leeds, and of course, my Sheila without whom I wouldn't have laughed so much!

I apologise in advance for this, but I've had to pinch the photos of the projects, as my camera has run out of battery, so thanks go to Monica, who had put these pictures up on her blogs.



This one was a treat holder. A very simple fold, using the SAB set as an embellishment on the front. The colours are great aren't they? I love the little dangly heart - this was punched from cardstock and then hung using one of the Stampin Up paper clips. The colours are Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose and So Saffron.

We then made a great little bag for holding the Love Notes cards - I've just had to order some of these to finish the little set off.


I am just loving using the hardware that comes from Stampin Up. It's something I've rarely used before, even though I've got them, but I do like how they make a project look so different. And also, I'm not generally a fan of Satin Ribbon, but using this white from SU.. I think I may just become a convert!! Colours are Sage Shadow, Elegant Eggplant and Pale Plum. Again, the greeting is from the SAB sets.

Onto project number three, and this was this lovely card here.


Aren't the colours all bright and zingy.

Now, when I ordered my SAB set, I went for Good Neighbours, which has the houses, as I thought they would be more useful - but I really love this set!

The colours on this card are Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron. I love the effect of the faux embossing too, so I can see this being used often in the future!

The next project was a scrapbook that we made. I didn't have time to finish it on the day, so it was finished at home. I will put it in a post of it's own as it's quite a large project.... and who knows - you may even see a class on it at some point in the future!

So. A great day was had by all - what a fantastic time to spend a few hours.. well six actually! Sat with friends - cutting, gluing and sticking! And if you fancy making any of these projects and earning yourself some free stamp sets to share with your friends, why not book a party?

I was up early again on Sunday to go over to the Range at Leeds for a demo. Everyone who came was enthusiastic about the products - I think Docrafts are just getting better and better at the moment! The colours in the bag this month are just fantastic and they were selling well.

It was lovely to see some familiar faces from the days I used to visit this store when working for another company. I was pleased to get home though and spend some time with my family and of course, the woofers! I miss them all when I'm away from home, even for a day!

This weekend sees me travelling over to Southport on Saturday (providing the weather holds out!) and on Sunday I'm back on TV at 8am, so an early start there.

I've lots more things to tell you about, but I'll put them in another post.

See ya later, alligator!

Friday 15 January 2010

demo's, doings and other things....

Morning all.

I'm just flying by to upload a few samples from my Demo last Saturday. I had a brilliant day with lots of lovely folks - suprising with the weather really! The day was a bit snowy and I hadn't expected alot of people to turn out. Most of the Docrafts demo's for this last weekend had been cancelled due to the weather, but as mine was really local I was able to get up to the store.

Anyway. I forgot to take photographs of my sample cards, so here they are.

The photos are really awful, but I'm sure you can make them out and gain a little inspiration (maybe?) from them. lol.










I really do apologise for the photos. I will try to take some more as soon as I can.

Yesterday was a really good day for me... well.. sorta!

My diary was looking fairly quiet for the next couple of weeks, but last night was a different story. I am now fully booked up.. lol.

Today I am working on some samples and finishing some swaps I am taking part in.

Saturday 16th Jan, I am off on a jolly to Monica's training event down in Peterborough.
Sunday 17th Jan - I'm on a jaunt over to Leeds for a last minute demo at the Range for Docrafts.
Saturday 23rd Jan, I'm travelling over to Southport for another demo - but obviously depending on the weather, which I'll check nearer the date.
Sunday 24th I am back on TV at 8am. So, another trip to Peterborough. lol.

In between all of this, I have just been asked to complete another commission for a magasine, which I love doing. And it's a masculine project. And it's lovely!

So, life is busy again here. No rest for the wicked I guess. lol.

And Stampin Up - don't forget all about the fantastic SALE A BRATION promotion that is going on at the moment.. order your items and if your total is £45 or over, then you qualify for a FREE stamp set! How great is that?!!

I am also still taking folks to sign up for my Techniques Group starting at the end of January. So if you'd like to take a place.. just let me know!

Thursday 14 January 2010

Introducing my little Pudcat

Did you know I have a cat? In fact, I've got two. We did have three, but this little guy's brother went over the Rainbow Bridge a while ago now.

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This is Senna, the persian puss. He is now 12 years old and is such a loving little cat. He loves his tummy tickles and is a very demanding fussy-furball. lol. We've had Senna (and his brother, Biela) when they were 10 months old. They came from a breeder who wanted rid. They were in such a state,(matted up - never been combed, infected cuts from scissors, bad teeth or even still, no teeth!) totally underfed (and I mean two adult boys, half a tin of food between them per day!) and still trusting of people. Don't animals amaze you? They do me!

We also have Kiara, a little black and white cat, and she is 11.. I'll try to get some photos of her if she stays still long enough! We got kiara at 2 weeks old after she'd been dumped in a carrier bag! Our old dog, Asti, found her and her litter mates whilst out walking.

Snow days

Hi all.. I'm back again. Two days on the trot - aren't I doing well?

I just wanted to upload some photos of the snow and other bits that I've just downloaded from mobiles - mine and daughter's.

As you know, it's been snowing quite a bit this last couple of weeks.. and actually, I'm just about fed up of all the white stuff!

I absolutely love it when it first falls, then it turns to slush, and without doubt always ice! People start falling over, cars start skidding about and the whole kaboodle turns rather dangerous. In fact yesterday, on our local news, there were images of children crawling across the road to get to school! How ridiculous they must have felt and how dangerous?! Poor things. Where my hubby works there had been accidents too - his work colleagues had had crashes and collisions, people had fallen over. It's just so hazardous.

Looking outside was like something from the Ice Road Truckers. I love this program - and you have to admire their resiliance (is that how you spell it?).

This is a piccie of the tree outside our house.

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I just love how the little red berries are sticking out of the snow. It has been fantastic for the little birds to get some food from, and there is a thrush that visits at least every few hours. I always leave food out for the birds, especially in bad weather. They must be getting really hungry. In fact, there were two little bunnies out on the icy, snowy playing field last night trying to find food, they must have been freezing!

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My lickle fuschia bush is really suffering too - always leave the growth on the top until the summer! That's what I do and it helps to protect it a little.

Now what else can you do when it's snowed the worse it's been for the last 30 years?? Well, you can......

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JUMP! This is little Holly chasing snowflakes whilst out on our walk. The woofers have really loved the snow - especially Truly who thinks it's her new best friend and she can't wait to get out into it!

Not a very clear picture, but here's Holly looking so cute.

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And finally for now, Christmas - woofer styleee!)

This is Truly fighting with Martina for her prezzie. She got some chews as a stocking filler, and she thought they were rather munchable!

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And here is Scooby opening his present from Carley. Feet stuck in, whacking whoever gets in their way, and munch - definately the order of the day. We even got help opening ours! Great fun!

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I hope you like the piccies. I'm just off to sort out my samples from this last week or so.

Back soon !

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Time for a catch up I think..

I have been on a bit of a whirlwind for the last week or so, and I'm sat here now - 12.15pm on Wednesday, actually able to sit and catch up on my blog!

My blogging has been slipping a little bit lately, I've just had no time to update it, and no time to take photos from my camera to my computer! I'm sure you know how it is.

So. What have I been upto?

Since last time I wrote, I have been doing lots of crafting. I was preparing samples and demo's for a few days down in Peterborough for the POTW. My first day down there this month, was on Friday. I had to be there for 12pm, midday, and as you know the weather has been absolutely awful. Thank fully, when I set off, the weather was worse here than there, and when I got just past Lincoln there wasn't much snow laying around. Bonus!

The hour went so quickly, and working with Leonie was amazing. She is such a sweet thing, and we had a bit of a laugh too, which is always nice.

On Saturday was my Docrafts demo at the local store. I was suprised to see lots of regular faces, which had all made the effort to come and see me and spend some time. My lovely downline Sheila turned up to see me too, and as it was near lunchtime, we went for a quick cuppa. The goody bags sold like hot cakes and the product spoke for itself.

Sunday was a very early morning on the road again. I set off for Peterborough at 4am, as I was live on air at 8am. I was on with Stephanie, who is so warm and friendly. A mine of information and a lovely person to boot.

Monday - well, before we get to Monday, I have to say that I was asked at short notice to go back on another show on the Tuesday, and recieved my kit to work with on Saturday whilst I was out working - so Monday was another rush for me. Lots of sample making going on in the house of Austin, and this was all I did until around 11pm at night. A very busy day all round.

So Tuesday was D-Day. Off to Peterborough for POTW at 8am, so left here again at 4am. In fact, driving on the road at that time in the morning is quite good - it's quiet and not lots of cars on the road. I was all really to go by 7.30am, so just a little bit of waiting around. I was working with Nigel, and he is always lovely. I've worked with him before, and he's really nice. After 9am when the show finished I went for a quick coffee to wake me up (even though I don't often drink coffee.. ) and then back in the studio for around 9.40am to set up for the 11am show.

Time came around really quickly, and I was on my way home around half past 12. I did call in Sainsbury's for a quick drink and then the journey home.

So - that was my last couple of weeks in a nutshell really. It's all gone by in a 'whoooosh' but it makes it all the more worthwhile when you get emails complementing you on the day job.. so thank you all - I appreciate them.

Today.. I am feeling the effects of a bad cold caught from my hubby. My throat feels like a cheese grater and I can't quite decide if I'm hot or I'm cold.. lordy, I sound like Katy Perry! You know, my two eldest went to see her in concert in London last year and said she's a fantastic performer. Off tangent completely there..

So today. I feel a little bit headachy, sore throaty, hot and coldish, so I'm taking an easy day. I have some swaps to do for the weekend and at some stage I want to share some projects with you that I'm working on.

This weekend I'm travelling to Peterborough again, with Sheila, to attend a Stampin' Up! event. I'm in a bit of a dark place regarding Stampin Up at the moment and thought yesterday about chucking in the towel, but I have a few things up and coming, so instead of feeling like that, I'm going to plan a few ideas and get sorted. But it's New Year-ish isn't it.. and its cold.. and snowy and weather for sitting next to the radiator! lol. Then next weekend I'm up in sunny Southport for another demo, so looking foward to that.

Stampin Up? Well, I have some technique classes to prepare for, some swaps to make, and samples to do. And you know the best bit of going down to Peterborough this weekend? Well, that has to be spending time with Sheila and planning our Big Event at the end of February. Did I tell you about that?? Well, I'm going to have to shoot off for now, but watch this space.. lol.

It's been nice catching up .. and I promise to pop back with some cards later on.

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Snow Business like Snow business....

Blimey - in a matter of a few hours, the whole place is covered with snow!

I didn't manage to get to sleep until around 2am this morning, and was up again at 5am - all was clear! Then I woke up a couple of hours later and it's absolutely chucking it down with snow!

It looks so beautiful.

However, I'm supposed to be recording down in Peterborough on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday... so please stop snowing!!!!!!

Today, I'm trying to get back into work again. Yesterday was my first day working after the holidays and I got making my samples for Create and Craft. Today, I'm waiting to find out for definate if my Docrafts kit will be on its way so I can get planning my projects for when it arrives tomorrow.

Now tomorrow is a busy day too, apart from waiting for my kit to arrive for this weekends demo, I also have to wait for Sky to turn up to install my HD box. We treated ourselves to a large (!!) flat screen HD LCD tv the other day and the quality of viewing through our Sky+ box isn't really very good .. plus the scart lead doesn't fit in when it's mounted on the wall! So, we're updating to the Sky HD which runs through a different cable, picture will be improved, plus my son will get the other box installed into his room for free! They'll all have sky boxes by the time we're done! lol. At the moment, my living room looks like a TV shop. The old tv is sat in the corner waiting to be taken to Kent at the next opportunity, as Paul's sister is having it. Makes sense as it's still under warranty.

I've also booked onto the one day Sale a Bration event that Monica is holding down in Peterborough middle of January so I need to be making some swaps to take with me. I'm travelling down with Sheila so it's going to be a blast! She is one funny lady and we have lots of planning to do for a big event we're holding in February. More details on this later.

So... that's me up to date. The dogs have been out playing in the snow.... daughter 2 is at school..... daughter 1 has a day off..... and I'm just going to get me a nettle tea! Yum.

Have a great Snowy day whatever you're upto.. xxx
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