Mixed Up Saturday

Good Morning ladies,

I honestly only seems five minutes since I was writing my list for Ally Pally, although I forgot the list and didn't get half the things I was meant to get.  I have since ordered them online (plus a whole lot more)! Sshhhhh!!

So today I have a VERY special memory from our lovely Val, I have to say I was so touched that you sent the photo, while I was reading your message I had tears streaming down my face.  I can really sense how much you still miss Alan, which I find heartbreaking but I know I would be exactly the same, Cheryl feels exactly the same too, I think that in our lovely little blog family we have all been blessed with amazing Husbands, which these days is a rare thing.  So here is Val's amazing photograph and explanation of what you can see.

Here is Val's story..........

"I've attached a very precious photo of mine to maybe show on Saturday which would have been our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

It's a very battered photo as you can see but it's in a frame to keep it safe.

On the back row right to left is my dad auntie and uncle. On the front row my brother is the very thin one on the right with Allan sitting next to him and me next to Allan with the rubber ring. Sadly I can't remember who the girl is next to me. My mum's taking the photo.

This was taken at an outdoor baths which was a big day out for us as we got to ride on the ferry across the Mersey to New Brighton.

Allan and I were born and lived four doors away from each other. He was my brothers best friend and we spent a lot of time together as children in each others houses. We all grew up, then I had a boyfriend and Allan had a girlfriend who we both happened to finish with at the same time. Allan had just joined the Police Force and one day he walked down the street towards me in his uniform and he wasn't just my brothers friend any more, I saw him a total different way. He asked me out and we were married a year later.

As you know Allan sadly died 13 years ago very suddenly at the young age of 59. I lost my best friend and I miss him every day but life goes on. He left me with two great chilrren and wonderful memories so I count myself lucky".

Val, that is such a beautiful memory and look back at times gone by,  thank you so very much for sharing it with all of us. By the way, you haven't changed a bit!! 😉

Maria's photo of all of us at Ally Pally

On the Right you have :

Maria, Brenda, Pat, Margaret and Brenda (Littlelamb)

On the Left you have:

Paul, Me, Karen, and Sue.

I would like to thank the lovely 

Helen Bell, who joined us for lunch and kindly took the photographs for us.

Shopping 

Brenda

Brenda bought some lovely bits and pieces at Ally Pally, in the first photo we can see Oxide Distress inks, some Pebeo Gilding Wax, Honey Doo Mica Powders and glue, underneath those are some Foamiran sheets (a delicate thin foam that you can use to form realistic looking flowers).

The second photo contains: two packs of cards, some beautiful lace from the Button Moon stand, he had some gorgeous lace on sale, very good prices too.

Third Photo shows that Brenda had a 'John Next Door' shopping haul, 2 Embossing Folders and three stencils to be precise. Brenda was inspired by some amazing card samples.

I hope that you have managed to finish your sisters accounts Brenda so that you get time to sit and play with all of your new goodies. 

XXX

Karen

Karen bought lots of essentials as well as some lovely dies at Ally Pally, here is her description.....

Here are my buys

The paint is the perfect colour for my Birthday plaques
The dies are a mixture of what was on my Wish List - the Striplet one is my favourite from Sue's latest release They were all cheaper at the show than online
I just had to get that velvet paper after seeing yours!
The card blanks were exceptionally cheap and the glue is my go to for matting and layering!

Thanks for sharing your shopping Karen.

XXX

Maria

Maria had a very busy day at Ally Pally, along with Pat, they both went a took part in a few ,'Make & Takes', learning some new techniques as well as making a lovely Christmas decoration.  With doing those and having our long lunch I think Maria ended up rushing around to do her shopping, here is her description......

My shopping at Ally Pally became a swirl of stuff I don't really need but I just 

had to get something quickly for the time ran out and my chauffeur was coming

to pick me up  ;-)  Did I get anything on my list as storage for stamps and dies. Heck no so might have to go to NEC  and have a look. Is that anything you ladies ever go to ?

In answer to your question Maria, I have been to the NeC to the 'Hobbycraft' show, it was a few years ago though and at the time it was very busy, too busy for me to get anywhere near the stands to see anything, I believe it is quieter these days though, I was thinking of trying to organise Our meet up around one of the crafting shows,  so I would be interested in your feedback.

Thank you for sharing your shopping Maria.

XXX

Sue

Sue managed to get some lovely Dies and essentials for getting started on those Christmas cards, that 6x6 paper pad was fantastic, some lovely patterns for Men's cards.  Some great basics that we all run out of too quickly, card blanks, ribbon, Brads, then there is some lovely designs of Washi Tape, those dies are lovely Sue, I love the cute Reindeer, the pretty Snowflakes too.  Now that 'Red Velvet' card is stunning, I think that we all bought some, it will make gorgeous Poinsettias. 

Thank you for sharing your shopping Sue.

XXX

Margaret

Margaret was being very good as she is saving up for some more Stampin'Up! Goodies, so she mainly bought 'consumables', so we can see lots of card blanks, some good basic Christmas card coloured /Glitter card stock, some adhesives,  glitter glues etc, that lovely 6x6 Paper pad, (that Sue bought) and Washi Tape, a fantastic pack of Memento ink pads in gorgeous colours.  Then right in the center of the of the photo is Margaret's tombola prize that she won, the Tombola was run by Hochanda.  It was lovely to see that one of won. 

Thank you so much for sharing your shopping with us Margaret.

XXX

My Shopping

I have to confess that this isn't just my Ally Pally shopping, I have spent some birthday money on a few bits and pieces too.

I couldn't resist some of Sue's new Dies, they are so pretty, so I got a few of those, I also had a StampinUp order due, I ordered some of the new Christmas dies, which I used to make yesterday's Blog card. The Merry Little Patterns stamp set was Free with my order this time so that was a bonus.  The Colourful Seasons Stamp and dies set has something for every season, the Snowflakes are really pretty, so are the Autumn Leaves.

I bought some Autumnal card and ink colours too. I think that is one of the things I love most about Stampin'Up!, everything matches perfectly! 

A few more Christmas dies, that I found at really good prices, the make is 'Precious Marieke' they are lovely detailed dies.

Last but not least are the Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks, I just LOVE them, I started off with 4, but couldn't resist a few more, sshhhhh!!!

Margaret, I hope that all went well yesterday and that you aren't in too much pain today my lovely, sending you healing hugs xxxx

I hope you all have a lovely weekend,

Love and hugs

Sandra

XxxxxxxX

Festive Friday

Good Friday Morning Ladies,

I have another Christmas card to inspire you all to get started on those cards this week!  I believe there are 13 weeks and 5 days until Christmas day, so that realistically means about 10 weeks to get your cards finished earlier if you are posting to Val !! 

Today's card was made using Stampin'Up! ,"Carols Of Christmas"

Stamp set, which comes with a die set called "Card Front Builder" of which I only really used the frame and Holly and poinsettia. I used the frame die with some Tranquil Tide and Cherry Cobbler card to make a frame that I raised up on foam pads, I popped a piece of the 'Merry Music' DSP, behind the frame (it has actual music to Deck the Halls)! I stamped the baubles from the stamp set and then stamped them again onto white card and die cut them to add some dimension.  I then die cut lots of Holly and Poinsettia flowers to embellish the frame, stamped the "Deck The Halls " onto white card, mounted it onto a Cherry Cobbler mat, the adhered to the centre of the frame.

A 'Cherry Cobbler' ribbon bow finishes the frame.

I hope you like my card xx

Carols of Christmas

Stamp set

Card Front Builder

Die set

Paul is home today, the week has gone quite fast, partly thanks to my too lovely friends for taking the time to visit me.

I hope Michele landed smoothly and is settled into her hotel and relaxing, enjoy your holiday my lovely.

I hope that all of you have a lovely day, 

love and hugs

Sandra

xxxxxx

A nice surprise for me, and a stamping technique for you!

Good Morning Ladies,

I had a surprise visit last night, Paul decided to come home for the night to break the week up, which put a HUGE smile on my face. I did feel bad though because he had to get up at 5am to get back, but it's only one more night away! 

Today's card was my attempt at triple stamping (but I only did double)!  Kind of like how it turned out, it's quite a simple card, being relatively new to stamping means I'm a bit behind with all the different techniques but I enjoyed having a play.
The stamp service used is Stampin Up 'Flourishing Phrases' the colours are 'Sweet Sugarplum' and 'Old Olive'.

Thank you all for the lovely messages of Congratulations for Becca & Josh, we couldn't be happier, well Paul did whince a little at the thought of how much a Wedding will cost!  We paid for our own wedding, I think a lot of couples do these days, we will obviously help out but if I know my daughter she won't be settling for just anything!  We'll see, hopefully we will have a year or two to sort things out.

It was lovely to see Pat yesterday but I have to say I really found it hard to see her in so much pain, I honestly think that they should give out adequate pain relief after such torturous treatments, paracetamol was never going to touch that level of pain, I could see straight away how much she was suffering, so after lunch I packed her off home to try and get some rest.  Sending you huge hugs Pat, I hope you are in less pain today, if not I would make an urgent GP appointment, you really don't have to suffer like that XXX

Michele I hope you and Phil have a lovely holiday, try and leave the worries behind and relax, willing miss you!! Hugs xxxx

I am sending love and hugs to all of you,

Sandra
xxxxxxx

Another Challenge to inspire you..... and a special announcement!

My Daughter Becca & her Fiancé Josh

Good Morning Ladies,

I was shocked when my phone rang at 3am yesterday morning, I always panic if it rings at that time.  I answered it and heard a lot of excitement at the other end, it was Becca, she could hardly contain herself she was so giddy, she rang to tell my that Josh had got down on his Knee and proposed to her right as the fireworks started over the Pink Disney castle, now Becca is a Disney Princess at heart so he couldn't have dreamt a better proposal, Josh is s truly lovely man with a heart of gold and we couldn't wish for a better son in law.   

Today's card is another take on the Sketch Challenge, I used , Stampin Up Island Indigo as the main colour along with Centura Pearl white card.  The Embossing Folder I used is All Occasion 'Christmas Winter Snow', I bought the matching dies to this Embossing Folder too, so used that for my sentiment, I stamped the sentiment with WoW Super Fine White Embossing Powder to highlight the sentiment onto Island Indigo card and die cut it with the matching Die. The Embossing Folder is that detailed that you really don't need any other embellishments.  I added a few snowflakes on the front to match the accent colour, to finish I added a few matching rhinestone crystals.

Sue and I had a lovely day yesterday, lots of chatting and crafting, we both got a complete card made, including embellishments, which never happens. Sue also loved the Distress Oxide inks and used them to create her card. 

I get to do it all again today with Pat too !!

I hope you all have a lovely day wherever you are, 

Love and Hugs

Sandra 

xxxxxxx

The birthday celebrations continue...Brenda's card today!

Good Morning Ladies,

My 50th Birthday celebrations continue, this is so much fun, I will have the longest running birthday celebrations ever by the time we get back from London next week.

We are all booked to go on Monday, we will stay two nights and return home Wednesday evening, this should give us time to do more, last time we were rushed and Paul was exhausted by the time we got to our Afternoon Tea, so we are spreading everything out over 3 days, I can't wait, the reviews of the hotel are really good too, so fingers crossed, we will get to relax.

Today's gorgeous card was made by Our Brenda, it is so pretty, gorgeous shades of peachy/pink and cream, accented with Gold Mirror card, the die cut centre piece is stunning, Brenda has created this by die cutting both sides of the 'So Detailed ' thinlits back to back on a piece of card, this gives you the gorgeous centre piece.  The papers are from the 'So In Love' collection too, such gorgeous subtle shades.

The part of the card that catches your eye is the beautiful hand made wired pearl and ribbon rose embellishment, Brenda it is exquisite, so detailed and pretty, you would make a fortune if you set your self up a 'Sweat Shop' selling these.

A truly stunning card that I will treasure forever, thank you so very much. XXX

Hoping to see Sue today, I am looking forward to sharing my excitement over the Distress Oxide inks with her, I'm going to try some different techniques with them today I think. Watch this space!!!!

I hope that whatever you are doing you have a lovely day,

Love and hugs,

Sandra
xxxxxxx

A Simple Sketch Challenge

Good Morning Ladies,

I thought I would choose a simple sketch for you this week, you can have it which ever way round you choose and the curve doesn't need to be exact either. 

If you don't have a wavy edge die like I used you could just use a large Oval or circle die to cut the shape you you need.

If you need any inspiration go to Pinterest and type in:  Freshly Made Sketch 295. 

My card was made using all new goodies from Ally Pally, I made the pretty floral background with a fantastic new stamp set from Creative Expressions, I saw Sue Wilson using it on Saturday and loved all of the tiny elements in the set.

I stamped my random background using Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks, oh my goodness they are amazing, I picked up just 4 colours on Saturday to try them, I chose 'Picked Raspberry', 'Salty Ocean', 'Twisted Citron' and 'Fossilized Amber'.  I used all of these on my challenge card.  They stamp beautifully and have an amazing 'chalky ' finish, which is so different to anything I have used before. I used the 'Twisted Citron' to colour my ribbon too, (I just ran it across the ink pad). 

So, to recap, I stamped the background, then die cut the top curved piece of card, on which I stamped my sentiment and a couple of flowers, I added the ribbon along the top and added a bow. That's it, it couldn't be simpler, stamps, ink, card and ribbon .

I hope you enjoy this challenge, I have lots of ideas going through my mind for more cards, so more inspiration to follow.

Paul has left to go on a course this morning, it's 5 days which has affected me more than I thought it would, I think maybe it's because he has been home 24/7 since finishing work in early July, either way I think it's going to be a tough week.  I hope to get lots of crafting done, so that should keep me busy.

I hope that you all have a good day, 

Love and hugs to all of you,

Sandra

xxxxxxx

Your Challenge cards

My Challenge Card

The Challenge

Good Morning Ladies,

I hope you are all well and those of you feeling under par hugs are on their way!

Ally Pally was lovely yesterday, I will say that our lunches seem to be getting longer each time we go!  It was a little sad that our lovely Lynda and Terry (aka Capt. Underpants) were very much missed, we all felt a little sat at lunch time, you had better be ok to come in April !!  I took some cupcakes to celebrate my birthday with everyone but She and Margaret and smuggled in one of Margaret's signature Lemon/Coconut cakes with '50' shaped candles which they out and everyone sang happy birthday which was lovely.  It felt like the first 'proper' birthday celebration.

Ally Pally seemed quieter today, I noticed a couple of absent stands but there were 2 new ones too.  It was a truly lovely day but I was glad to lay on my bed !! 

I will photograph my purchases and share them in the week.

Now onto your cards:

Lilian

Lilian chose the Categories: Pink/Turquoise/ Designer Paper / punches.

She used some of John Lockwood's new Stencils as they are small enough to create lovely background effects.  I love your beautiful flowers, have you used Appliqués in the centres?  Such a gorgeous effect. What colours did you use, such soft muted tones.

Thank you so much for taking part.

XXX

 Karen

Karen used the Categories: Red/Punches/Snowflakes

Such a stunning design Karen, a lovely embossed background, with a touch of gilding wax over, on top of which Karen has created a beautiful Wreath of Snowflakes, finished with a gorgeous ribbon bow, a real 'Wow' card Karen, thank you so much for taking part.

XXX

Val

 

Val chose the Categories: Red/Snowflakes /punch

Such a cute and adorable scene Val, I can see a Grandma buying this for the Grandchildren, I do love red, white with a bit of blue, it really works. I think your card covers nearly all the Categories this week, the perfect card, thank you so much for taking part Val.

XXX

Janet

Janet has made two cards for this week's challenge using categories:

Card 1 Designer Paper/Ribbon/Dry Embossing

Card 2 Red/Dry Embossing/snowflakes

Two beautiful cards Janet, the decorative paper that you used on the first card is so pretty, its unusual to find a pretty floral to match a strong colour like the red you have used but that one works perfectly.

Your Christmas card is so pretty, I loved that lovely detailed die you have used, added the red gems has really lifted the design, great idea to use it as an easel card, so that the beautiful embossed bottom section is on show too.  Two amazing cards Janet, thank you so much. 

XXX

 Maria

Oh Maria!! I just want to pat his little head, such a cute image, it melts my heart!

Maria has chosen the Categories :Pink/Turquoise/Cute/ Embossing

Maria I absolutely love that shade of blue (turquoise),  it compliments the pink in the flowers perfectly, the image makes the card, it is so Bloomin' adorable, I love him! 

Thank you so much for taking part my lovely.

XXX

 Lynda

Lynda has chosen the Categories: Pink/Turquoise/ Snowflakes/ Dry Embossing

Such a pretty Christmas card Lynda, those snowflakes are so pretty, I love how you have embossed then into your background and then highlighted the big one by adding the matching Die cut snowflake, slightly off set over the matching embossed snowflake, it has given your card a pop of sparkle and real texture, the pretty pink ribbon bow is the perfect finishing touch.

Thank you so much for taking part sweetheart.

XXX

 Michele

Michele has chosen the Categories: Pink/Turquoise/ Snowflakes/ Designer Papers

Such a pretty Christmas card Michele, a colour combination I wouldn't have thought about for a Christmas card but my goodness it works, I love it and the lovely little village scene ! A beautiful Christmas card.

Thank you so much for taking part Michele.

XXX

 Margaret

A stunning Stampin'Up! Christmas card from Margaret, who chose categories: Red/Dry Embossing/Ribbon .

Such a beautiful Christmas card Margaret, a pretty embossed background with the the sentiment stamped and due cut using the 'Lots of Labels ' die, I really like that sentiment too, so much easier to put "From all our family to yours" than to add specific relation names and then a greeting.

You have finish the card beautifully with that pretty Bow. thank you so much for taking part, I know you have been so busy this past week or two. 

XXX

Another display of beautiful yet very different cards from all of you, no two the same which amazes me each week.

I really do appreciate everything that you do ladies.

Love and hugs to all of you

Sandra 

xxxxxx