Good Morning Ladies,
I am writing today's blog post as I sit in the shade on a very warm evening while dinner is cooking. We were having a very relaxed, laid back holiday but recent events have made us feel a little uneasy.
Barcelona is just a little too close for comfort to be honest, we were planning on visiting as we thought that the architecture would be great inspiration for Sophie's A level art. I am thinking that they are unlikely to repeat their attack but still don't fancy being in large crowds where emotions are very high.
Anyway onto today's post, so many lovely craft purchases and some beautiful handmade crafts from both Janet and Karen. So without further ado......
I decided to add Carole Matthews, "Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses" to my Holiday Reading list, well girls I can wholeheartedly 100% recommend you get it, it's loosely based on our lovely Craft friend Christine Emberson and Elliott's live's, it's funny, sad, heartwarming all in one book, on the day I started it I hardly looked up from my kindle before I realised I was on Chapter 52!!! I couldn't put it down. It mentions craft addictions too which we can all relate too. I am so glad I took the plunge !
Janet
Janet has sent two stunning craft projects to share with you today, the first is an absolutely beautiful Cross Stitched picture of two adorable little girls walking onto the beach, wouldn't it be lovely to see little girls dressed like that these days instead of leggings! Our Becca and the girls all had an M&S dress with the Hand Smocking on the front, I loved them. Anyway Janet your cross Stitch is perfect and absolutely adorable.
Janet's second piece is the Beautiful 'Pinflair' Anniversary card, it is just exquisite Janet, with the sparkle from the sequins and luxurious white ribbon edges, what an amazing Keepsake, you always finish your projects perfectly Janet.
The third photo is Janet's purchase of dies (from China) I believe, what an amazing selection Janet, I love the tractor and the Deers and Tree scene.
Thank you so much for inspiring us all Janet
XXX
Michele
Michele has shared her craft shopping this week, a fantastic selection of what I class as 'Essential' craft dies, I am guessing they are from China too as our Michele is an expert when it comes to spotting a bargain!!
Thanks for sharing your shopping Michele
XXX
Karen
Karen has shared a beautiful selection of proper 'Hand Knitted' Baby Cardigans, oh my goodness I love to see a baby in a lovely white babygro and hand knitted cardigan, I still have (hoarded) all of the hand-knitted cardigans that my 4 babies had, some knitted by family that are no longer with us, so too precious to part with.
Here is Karen's description......
"Just thought I'd send you a few of the makes I will be taking to Harefield Hospital when Team Gary do the Fun Run in September. Each one will have a printed onto ribbon "Handmade by..." label with washing instructions
There is a League of Friends Tea Room and shop So I make baby clothes throughout the year and what's not "pinched" by my daughter for friends etc they will sell."
There is a League of Friends Tea Room and shop So I make baby clothes throughout the year and what's not "pinched" by my daughter for friends etc they will sell."
Karen I bet they all well like hot cakes, they are gorgeous and I love the colours you have used too, thank you so much for sharing my lovely.
XXX
Brenda
Brenda bought some new Stampin'Up goodies for making Christmas cards, the 'Starlight' dies are lovely and have both the detailed dies and the outline dies for backing or making apertures. The "Lovely as a Tree" stamp set is Stampin'Up's longest selling set I believe, it has been in every catalogue since it was designed, it is very versatile though.
Thank you Brenda, I can't wait to see your cards!
XXX
Lynda
Lynda managed to bag herself this bargain bin eBay, the Spellbinder's Sapphire is a great mini die cutting machine that seem to have become as popular if not more popular than the larger machines. This one has a good reputation as well unlike the Baby Blue that many people had problems with. This one will be much easier to put in your bag when crafting at your daughter's Lynda, thank you my lovely for sharing it with us
XXX
Thank you to all of you that sent in projects and purchases today XXX
Sue, I do hope the Sun shone for the wedding, I was thinking of you all, did you take any photos, I would voice to see one?! I had visions of you cranking out paper flowers in your sleep for decorations!! XXX
Sending the warmest love and hugs to all of you,
Sandra
xxxxxx
Morning Ladies
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely selection of crafts and purchases. Janet & Karen-you are both so talented, it's lovely to see your hand crafted items.
My Dies are from The Works. I call in the shop in Southport sometimes to see what's in stock so I got a surprise last weekend when say they stocked Dies. There is a good choice but the pierced edged basic shapes caught my eye. The prices are reasonable-they start at £3 and the dearest is £6.
I'm off to the Sincerely Yours craft show today, calliyfir my Mother in Law on the way. I suggested I'd collect her at 9am but she asked if I could make it a bit later. The only problem will be finding a parking space getting there later.
Michele
Hi Michele
DeleteYes are works do these dies as well. That's if they last long enough to be able to get them. I bought squares and circles from China. However, as they don't seem to give sizes. So I took my tape measure over to Yarnton nurseries ( where our works is ) to measure them but they'd all gone. Hope you and MIL have a lovely day at the show.
Hi Michele
DeleteLove your Dies from the works. I went to our works in the Wyvale garden centre & i was surprised there wasn't any craft items.
So must try in Margaret as they have a new shop opening.
Enjoy your craft show hope you find a parking space. Xx
Hi Michele, you are so lucky to get dies from the works because in ours and we have 2, non of them have dies so I am being really cheeky here now to ask if you cold get me the 2,3 and 5 (Tags ,Rectangle and the Circle one) ? I'll send you the money of course right away. xx
DeleteI'll check in the shop next Saturday Maria & if they have those three shapes, I'll certainly buy them for you.
DeleteMichele
Morning ladies,
ReplyDeleteMy what a wonderful selection of gorgeousness from Janet's delightful cross stich picture, funky dies, and stunning wedding bell. Is this a half polystyrene one Janet?
Then onto Michele's staple dies shapes from China and Karen's hand knitted goodies for the hospital. I loved the stripey one Karen and I was so lucky to receive one for Milly-May. Sadly she has now outgrown it but it has been passed to another little girl who loves it too.
Brenda's Stamping Up star dies are so pretty and with the trees as a background, you wouldn't need much work to create a beautiful scene with one of the stars as the focal point.
Lynda's Sapphire die cutting machine does quite sturdy. I have heard a lot about this machine, you will have to let us know how you get on with it.
Following two days of sunny all day days, yesterday was a mixture of heat and coolness. I went to B&M's where I found some square 35L RUB storage boxes which will be handy for under the stairs, as being split level I struggle to find boxes that fit neatly. As I came out it started to rain and had cleared by the time I got home. Later on it became quite a heavy downpour, the noise was almost a train rushing by.
This morning it's sunny and raining at the same time. Clearing out under the stairs today will be my task (so much gets just pushed under them and all in a good variety of boxes), ready for my new 'No Frost' freezer at the tallest point.
Gentle hugs and healing prayers to everyone suffering at the moment.
Love 7 hugs
Cheryl xxx
Hi Cheryl
DeleteI hope your voice is slowly improving. I decided that I needed a new under the counter freezer. However, I had my new kitchen fitted around my appliances. I mean new in the loosest sense as I've gad it awhile. However, my cooker is only 54cm, I decided I need a new one of those as well. My old freezer is 50cm. The problem is that a new freezer will be at least 54.5cm. I could get a 50cm cooker but would ideally like a 69cm. So I'll compromise on the cooker and get a 50cm double oven. I asked Craig if the small cupboard between the freezer and the washing machine could be cut down to make room. As my doors have curved corners he was very doubtful. But I'll keep trying to think of ways to do it Cheryl. I need a very clever kitchen fitter or carpenter.
Hope the weather clears up for you.
Hi Cheryl,
DeleteI haven't had time to use my sapphire yet but my friend has one &I she love's it. I bought the baby blue at NEC a few years ago. It was useless didn't cut at all well.so I sold it on eBay. Then I saw the sapphire on there so bid on this one & won it. So must try it as it's a used one. Good luck with the cupboard clearing.
Hope you voice is coming back Hug's xx
Hi Cheryl. Hope your tidying up under the stairs goes alright, you never know what you can find if you like me just shovelled it in and forget about it. Did you ever find your material ? Hope your voice is back to normal now xx
DeleteMorning Everyone
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely 'Mixed Up Saturday' today.
KAREN- You have really been a busy bee and I just know how much donations are appreciated. I really cannot choose a favourite though I do love the little cardy with the frilled edge.
BRENDA- Ohh what a lovely collection of stamps. I cannot wait to see some results.
MICHELE- have a really good day at the show today. Those dies really do look useful.
I popped into my local 'Works' last Saturday morning in Meadowhall and nearly had a heart attack as all their windows where covered with 'closing down' notices!!!! I did ask one of the young assistants and was so pleased to find that they are closing for a refit and will be open again well before Christmas. What a relief. They have really bumped up their Crafting Section and some real bargains can be found.
LYNDA- cannot wait to see what you create with that little funky machine.
CHERYL- in answer to your questions re the Bell yes it is a half and so fits really well onto 300gsm card. Good luck with under the stairs today.
Will you please put on a SAFETY ROPE so that if you get lost under there we can come and pull you out hehehe. If it's anything like under our stairs you will need one lol.
As it Saturday again we're off to Meadowhall for a bit of shopping and then hopefully a quiet afternoon with feet up for both of us this week.
The CAFE is OPEN though the doors are closed at the moment as there's quite a wind blowing and I don't want the table cloths and paper napkins blowing all over.lol.
Have a good day whatever you all get up to. Goodies will be on the counter later.
Hugs are on their way to you all. xxxx
Hi Janet
DeleteWhat a gorgeous cross stitch picture. I think I've seen a stamp that's quite similar. Might have been done by Jane Nestarenko, or Joanna Sheen can't remember which.
Plus your bell is fabulous you really are clever. Not to sure I would even know where to start on something like that.
Hi Janet Wow your so talented love your cross stitch & your card is amazing
DeleteHug's xxx
Hi Janet, Love,love your cross stitch ! I have some decoupage by this artist and they are all so lovely . The card is amazing and the finished of all your bulbs etc are fantastic, a lovely keepsake. Looking forward to a coffee and some goodies later as long we don't blow away by then Lol at least the washing dried in no time,hugs xx
DeleteMorning Sandra and ladies,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely selection of good things today.
JANET wow what a beautiful cross stitch picture and clever bell card. Both delightful. Your a very clever lady. Love your selection of dies. I have some myself on order at the moment.
KAREN. Oh how sweet. So many to chose from, all equally lovely. Bet they sell so well.
BRENDA Beautiful star dies and the tree stamps are just what I've been looking. I can see some beautiful cards being created.
MICHELE love all your dies. I thought they were from China at first only they're packaged too well!! I was really disappointed with The Works on the Wirral when I was there last as they didn't have any craft at all but maybe they were being stocked with all new goodies. I'll try again in October.
Enjoy your day at the Craft Show.
LYNDA I have this wonderful little machine. I've had to put a cardboard shim in mine now as it's gone a bit loose but it goes to craft Club with me every week and a few of the ladies have them there. So light and portable. I'm sure you'll get so much use out of it.
I'm off out with Lyn soon to look at cars. She looking to change hers and we've been here and there all week but just can't find the right one. We're going a bit further afield today. I must admit I'm not really interested in cars. I don't drive myself and a cars just to get in to go from A to B. I don't really notice what the actual car is like. Actually I'm making myself smile. I used to insure cars for a living in most of my working life ha ha. Not a good advert am I?
Well I'm off to have a shower.
SUE hope everything went well yesterday.
MARIA hope you're feeling a little less sore today.
Hugs to poorly friends. Xxx
Hi Val
DeleteYou did make me smile when you said you weren't interested in card and then promptly said you insured them for a living.
My eldest granddaughter had an accident in her Kia that she inherited from her other Grandma when she sadly passed away. She decided to get a Mazda 208 Style 5 door. Which apparently is a limited edition. She looked at a couple in Liverpool while they were there. Then when they got home all the ones she liked seemed to be on sale around car dealers in Liverpool. She Finally bought one in London. Then all of a sudden her younger sister decided she needed a new car for work. So she's bought virtually the same car. Is going to sell or scrap Trevor the name she gave the Fiesta we gave her when she turned 17.
Poor Amy had to delve into her savings for a house as it wasn't worth getting the other car fixed.
Hi Val
DeleteI sold my baby blue it was rubbish didn't cut. My friend has the sapphire & she loves it. Was a used one I won on eBay only came yesterday morning so haven't used yet. Good luck with Lynn buying a new car.
Hug's xx
Hi Val, good luck for Lyn to find a new car. I don't drive but like to have a little say in what car we get as I like going on long car journeys and need to be sitting comfortable Lol. Hope Gracie is alright after her ordeal, having her fur cut hihi have a nice day, hugs xx
DeleteOh SANDRA I completely understand how you feel about not venturing into Barcelona
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to win a Carole Matthews book "The Chocolate Lover's Christmas" on Christine's blog - remember the chocolate wrapper?
Your cross stitch and bell are stunning JANET I haven't done any cross stitch for ages I must get some out as it's very relaxing I am lucky in that I live very close to the Pinflair factory/shop and it's a great Aladdins cave to browse around
Great bargains MICHELE There is a RANGE in Stevenage I wonder if the girlies fancy a visit tomorrow....
I fancy the idea of getting a Sapphire for taking to craft club So I'm very interested in your reviews LYNDA
Knitting is my first passion and knit in the evenings when it's too dark to make cards but I have had to give up making adult garments because my arthritic hands can't cope with the weight I've not made as many this year because I have interspersed them with making cardies and blankets for a Preemies and Angels group on FB
I can't wait to see the wedding photos SUE and MARGARET
I hope everyone's that's in need of an extra hug are on the mend
I went to a Motown (my favourite genre of music) night last night which was "different" shall I say!
Beautiful sunshine today after some awful rain last night
Take care all xxx
Hi Karen
DeleteLove the cardigans you've made. For a great cause as well. The cardigans made for our League of Friends always goes well as well. I stopped knitting ages ago but Olivia decided to take it up when she was about 10-11. Now at 15 she's to old for that now so she says. She's always a bit hyper so it calmed her down. Love the range when I can get to one. I'll have to see if Sandra fancies a trip when she gets back. We haven't been in awhile.
Hi Karen
DeleteI love all your cardigan they are all beautifully made
Hug's xx
Hi Karen, wonderful knits and for a good cause. Love the little ones with a frilly hem, so cute.
DeleteWish I could go to Stamparama but just a bit too far. Have fun if you are going. Still looking how to get to Ally Pally the best way, not sure yet. xx
Meant to say the book was a fantastic read too
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra
ReplyDeleteLovely goodies on display today. Must take a photo of what I've bought for Sandra for next week.
A great tragedy in Barcelona Sandra but if probably very secure now. It would ge a shame if you don't go as Sophie would love the architecture.
Sounds like your having a lovely time, are the sand attachments working.
Petes eye was worse last night. He decided it itched and rubbed it quite hardl the result being that it bled and the white part of his eye is bloodshot.
Oh Pat, poor Pete. I can well understand his need to scratch his eye if it's itching. Hope its not bad enough for a hospital visit.
DeleteEnjoy your weekend. Xxx
Hi Pat
DeleteOOO I bet Pete's eye is very sore. Same as Terry he keeps scratching his leg & it keeps bleeding I have given up telling him too stop it 👊But he doesn't listen.Men.
Sending Hug's xx
Hi Pat, oh poor Pete. I hope he is able to leave it alone to heal so he dosen't get an infection. My legs are itching but that because of these lovely stocking they have given me to wear ,it can drive you mental aaargh ! Sending both hugs xx
DeleteHi Ladies
DeleteYes, I'll never understand why men don't listen. All I get is, do stop nagging. Then regrets what he's done afterwards. Same with eating food that doesn't agree with him after his Bowel Cancer.
Hi Sandra & all in cafe,
ReplyDeleteSandra I understand about going to Barcelona, I would feel the same, hope it doesn't spoil your holiday.xxx
Lovely lot of goodies on show today.
The wedding yesterday went very well, we had sun, rain, thunder the lot but a lovely time was had by all. Unfortunately Alan(Pop) was not well enough to go, he reacted badly to new tablets & new ones did not have time to kick in. I am sure Sue will send photos in. Thank you for all best wishes, they are a lovely couple.xxx
Maria hope you feel better today, take care hugs on way.xxx
Feel tired today so hope to have lazy afternoon out for coffee this morning.
Sending hugs to all who need them love Margaret.xxx
Hi Margaret. So pleased the wedding went off well yesterday despite the weather and you all had a lovely time but how sad that Pop wasn't well enough to go. How disappointing for you and him. Hope he's feeling ok and his meds kick in soon. Looking forward to the photos. Xxx
DeleteHi Margaret
DeleteGlad you had a good time at the wedding sorry Pop wasn't well enough to go. Sending some healing Hug's xx
Hi Margaret, glad all went well with the wedding despite the funny weather we had. Sorry Pop missed it with being to ill because of his medications, hope the new ones are better for him. Have a nice quiet afternoon snoozing in your chair, hugs xx
DeleteHi Margaret
DeleteSo pleased the wedding went off ok but a shame Pop couldn't make it.
Hi Sandra & ladies
ReplyDeleteI have commented on way down but kept being interrupted I started at 11am.
Sandra Hope you get to go Barcelona it is beautiful & the Architecture which Sophie would love to see. Have a good day
Well after housework My pet has to hoover now as it's so hard for me to push the Hoover with Mr Arthur attacking me all over it's so frustrating because he doesn't see what I see.👀 Shouldn't complain he dose his best. Wouldn't be without him.
MARIA hope your feeling better today & you had a good night's sleep.
LILLIAN how are you today hope you ok sending some Hug's xx
TRACY are you ok haven't seen you in the café sending you some Hug's xx
Well we are of to Tesco now so will pop in later. Love Lynda xx
Hi Lynda, hope your shopping went well and maybe one or two goodies fell in for later tihi Like your new sweet little machine, hope it cuts better the the other one did, not. So wished that Mr Arthur didn't give you so many problems, tell him to go and h--g himself and never come back. I'm alright, had a outing this morning to Dunelm and Lidl, hanged the washing out and that was dry in no time today with the strong winds we are having. The coast must look quite amazing with the clouds , rain and thunder around. Tell Terry not to scratch or we have to ask Karen to make him some Mittens to wear :-) hugs xx
DeleteHi Lynda
DeleteI bought myself a Gtech to do the floors. Didn't like the look of the Dyson one as it was very clumpy by the handle. I Hoover ( when Petes not looking ) now it's so light as well. Sending both you and Capt Underpants some hugs.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteSandra , can understand you a bit apprehensive about going to Barcelona for a visit but don't let them win. My neighbour is going there soon and she said she won't let this stop her. It can happen anywhere so go and have a fabulous day in one of the most amazing towns. Have not been but it is on my bucket list.
Brenda- lovely stamps and I too would love to have the trees. Looking forward to see your cards made with them.
I saw Carole Matthews in MK once when she did a book signing and like to read her books one day. I have seen her with Christine and I believe she into card making too.
Michele- hope you don't mind me asking for some help to get the dies but they look good and at a good price too. Don't worry if you can't or won't. Hope you have a great time at the craft show.
It was nice to go out for some hours this morning and we had coffee out at Dunelm. Still looking for new furniture for the lounge but they don't have many on show here and I like to see and test before buying. Have some tiding up to do at my work space in the kitchen so will do that soon and then I have some birthday cards that need a start asap or they will be late. Sorry Sandra ,no cc from me this week but will use the sketch in future makes.
Sending hugs and love to you all and hope our missing friends will soon visit us again when they have a moment. Have a nice Saturday, Maria xxx
Hi Michele
ReplyDeleteI hope your feeling better after your op. Do you gave a DFS somewhere near you. Toms daughter Jill has bought three from there and they were lovely and wore well. She changes furniture quite regularly so that's why she's had so many.
Hello Sandra and everyone,
ReplyDeleteSandra my dear friend I can understand your apprehension about to going into Barcelona with the girls. Quite honestly you can be anywhere these days, you just do not know what's going to happen, if we let these b.....d's rule our lives - they win, yes be careful and vigilant and do what you planed to do. I'm sure the security there has been increased 100% That said, I hope you are still having a great time XX
What a lovely selection today very mixed - love it all!
JANET, Your cross stitch is beautiful. What a great mixture of dice you had bought. The 20th anniversary card is absolutely stunning love Sabelle mixture of dice you had bought. The 20th anniversary card is absolutely stunning, I love the Bell. xx
MICHELE, those dies are great value. I have seen them in the works in Croydon. Great for making toppers also mattand layering, might have to go back and look again. xx
KAREN, What a beautiful selection of baby jackets and cardies. You should feel very proud of yourself - Such a worthy cause. xx
LYNDA, Great little bargain, let us know how you get on with it. xx
Ladies have you seen Sizzix are bringing out a new Die cutting machine. It has fold-up platforms and a small storage compartment.......COST £149.99.
Sandra I'm sorry I haven't made a CC. It was on my list to do today, But we had unexpected visitors, they are from Edinburgh and are only here for the weekend with there two little children, boy of 3yrs and little girl 18 months. It was so lovely to see them. As you can imagine all my plans today have flown out of the window. But ha ho tomorrow is another day!
Hope everyone is having a great day,
Hugs Brenda xxx
Hi ladies
ReplyDeleteI got the car make all wrong I'm afraid. Amy and Sophie bought a Peugeot 208 Style not a Mazda.
Hello All, quick comment as we are away staying with my daughter for a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteLove all the goodies and the makes on show today.
Love the cad Sandra, beautiful stamp.
Going to see my grand children tomorrow, first time we've seen them since Christmas, it's Amelia's forth birthday, so really looking forward to seeing the .
Hugs to all Lilian.
Have some lovely few day's with the family and the grand children Lilian. take care and happy birthday to Amelia ,hugs xx
Delete