Cherry Hill Crafts

Drum rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroll !!!!!! It's that time of the year again !!!!!

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000Z

Yes, Sale.a.bration has arrived and it's an opportunity for us all to qualify for FREE crafty stash in the shape of stamp sets and Designer Series Paper - I do so love this time in the Stampin' Up! calendar.

Please go over to the sidebar on the right and click on the cover of the Sale.a.bration cover and you will discover the stamp sets on offer together with the gorgeous papers.

Remember - it is just a £45.00 spend, not including P & P, from either the main or mini catalogues and you are able to choose your favourite item for FREE - should you want to spend £90.00 then choose TWO FREE items ie a stamp set and the papers.

And there's more .......................... be a Hostess during the Sale.a.bration Promotion which runs from today, 24 January 2012 right through until 31 March 2012, and you will have the opportunity to claim a FREE set/papers if your party reaches the £300 level.

I am giving out Sale.a.bration brochures to all my customers but if I haven't got to you yet give me a nudge and I will send one to you asap.

As I mentioned earlier this is a fabulous time in the Stampin' Up! calendar of promotions so please don't miss out.

Indulge me if you will as I share a thought with you -

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lit the flame within us.

Albert Schweitzer

Thank you to you all, our crafting community is such a special one - Bridgette

A Happy New Year to you all .................

2011-12-31T21:31:00.000Z

................. I would just like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope that 2012 will be a year full of promise and for each and everyone of us may just one or two of our dreams come true.

I shall be putting up the monthly scrapbook pages over the next day or two and also some of the projects that we complete at craft class for those that can't make it and never get to see what we get up to !!!

I'm not normally one for New Year resolutions but I have undertaken to put a project on here at least once a week - I see all the other blogs while I am hopping around and feel somewhat ashamed that I don't show more of what we do - so I will be endeavouring to follow their example ...................................

............... once again Happy New Year and many thanks for all your support over the last twelve months and watch the space for news of the new Mini Catalogue from 4th January and remember Saleabration will be with us from 24th January.

Bridgette

December Scrappers ....................

2011-12-09T18:48:00.000Z

..................the time has come around so quickly and here are two of the layouts that we will be using tomorrow - the first colour way is inspired by the gorgeous Paisley Petals Designer Paper - picking out Always Artichoke, River Rock and a touch of Early Expresso. The photo size is 6.5 cms by 12 cms and I have placed it portrait but I think it might work landscape too.

The second layout is again inspired by the same papers but this time it is lighter in colour, with lots of cream and Bravo Burgundy - we can bling it up a little more on the day the size of the photo required is 8 cms by 12 cms.

We shall also be making a folder using envelopes and the speciality papers Mocha Morning - the photos will be able to be retro-fitted with this project.

See you tomorrow - Bridgette x

Spalding Scrappers ...... Oh Christmas Tree

2011-11-04T18:53:00.000Z

..... here is the page I mentioned in the previous post - mine is an indoor (artificial !!!) Christmas tree - this is the first time that John decorated his own little tree - I still have it today and all the little wooden shapes, so cute and yes, it still gets decorated nearly ten years later !! mmm me thinks that this year I'll take another photo and place another page alongside this one.

Looking forward to tomorrow - Bridgette

November Spalding Scrappers Club .............

2011-11-03T18:55:00.001Z

................ no surprise that a spooky, cute page is needed - using Black and Pumpkin Pie cardstock and an easy peasy decorative edge, a few bats and pumpkins, do you recognise the little fellas? this time with googly eyes and a tag acting as our gravestone.

We need two photographs the largest and could be portrait or landscape is 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 or 9cms x 11.5 cms -

and the smaller photo perhaps works better as landscape and is 2 1/2 by 4 1/2 or 6.5 cms x 11.5 cms

This is a double page layout that we are trying - so photos from the same event would work nicely here.

The second set of double layouts will be featuring snow scenes ie landscapes, ski-ing photos anything with snow - the colour ways will be Night of Navy, Bashful Blue with a hint of a soft purple/soft green perhaps in some of the accents - if we work on similar sizes to the above I'll be back later with my thoughts on layout.

Here are my thoughts ........ remember the same photo size is being used again as above.

and for the second page of the double layout - following the first set of spooky pages for photo sizes

As a standby, if we really work quickly on Saturday!!! not too many biscuits!!! do you have a photo of you or loved one, two or four-legged by a Christmas tree, outside or inside, again a similar size to the larger measurements ie 9 cms x 11.5 cms - and we'll be working with a traditional colourway the reds, greens and golds - intrigued?

I'll be putting this one up tomorrow to give an idea of layout ...............

So looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday - Bridgette

Spalding Scrapbook Club - No 3

2011-10-14T20:58:00.000+01:00

......... just to put up the details of the third page for Saturday - I have designed it so that the photo can be placed in later as none of the embellishments restrict it in any way.

The colours are Bashful Blue and Black so it lends itself to an old black and white photograph and my tiny tags say Mr & Mrs and Love so a wedding, anniversary, engagement photo - if that's not possible perhaps an older style portrait photo of a family member would be perfect and we can just change the tags as appropriate.

And a closer view ....

See you tomorrow - Bridgette

Spalding Scrapbook Club

2011-10-13T21:08:00.000+01:00

......... I think my nickname ought to be Bunny - I am the proverbial White Rabbit checking the time and always running late, although I never intentionally start out that way!!

Here are two of the three 6" x 6" pages we will be completing on Saturday.

The first is one that needs a photo of cakes, cookies, baking with someone special, in fact anything foodie that makes you smile. The page is Chocolate Chip cardstock and a Real Red designer backing paper with hearts, Real Red satin ribbon and tag using the retired Yummy stamp set ( I know, I don't normally keep stamp sets but this one is special !!) The photo dimensions are 10.5 cms by 7.5 cms, the Top Note diecut tucked behind the photo can be used for journalling or a favourite recipe.

The second page - please forgive the colours, the photograph doesn't do it justice !!!

Using the new Hostess designer papers, Whisper White and Certainly Celery with accent of Wisteria Wonder - four small photos are needed - two of the photographs are able to be lifted and some journalling placed behind - this is then held in position by the central motif. So yes, this is soft greens and lilacs with a bolder pink accent, once again so sorry for the poor quality photo - it is pretty honestly.

So perhaps think about a day out or occasion - Spring/Summer - or favourite flowers in the garden - or even family members wearing clothing in the green/purple/pink colourways - or even your pets if they wear pink collars etc.

I will post the remaining page tomorrow and we will also be making a cute keepsake box for the little pieces of memorabilia that we gather - see you at 9.30 am on Saturday - Bridgette x

NEW Stampin' Up! Catalogue for 2011-2012 ...........................

2011-10-03T15:23:00.000+01:00

............................. our lovely SU catalogue has arrived and you can view it now by clicking on the image in the righthand margin - it is full of gorgeous new products for you to fall in love with add to your crafting stash and remember, the catalogue is full of fresh new ideas for those SU stamp sets that have made it thro' and you may already own - so a whole new burst of creativity for us all to enjoy!!!

So why not pour yourself a cup of coffee and take a moment to browse thro' its pages and find your new favourites.

Bridgette

Scrapbook Class - October 2011 projects

2011-09-09T18:22:00.000+01:00

Hello Fellow Scrapbook Girlies ( you know who you are ( smile ) - I thought this would be the easiest place for you to see the projects and get a feel for the size of the photographs that you will need to find for tomorrow - it is quite wide this month simply because time is against you and that is my fault so for that I am truly sorry.

Project A - Old Olive, Real Red and Whisper White - this could be Christmas or any photo that contains a strong red or green theme.

Project B - Garden Green, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla - an outdoor photo would work well with this, that's what I had in mind when I put this one together.

Project C - Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla with a little Springtime Vintage papers - so think pretty and girlie on this one - there will be some appropriate lettering on the top section of cream in Perfect Plum.

Project D - Expecially for Joyce - and this was a project I was given as a swap by a fellow demo called Sylvia Lawrence so many thanks for the inspiration on that one - Elegant Eggplant and Artichoke for this one.

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow - and yes, Henli's sister very, very welcome to join us.

Bridgette

Love Letter DSP and Top Note Die

2011-07-06T12:01:00.000+01:00

A little project that I put together to show how pretty these papers are - it's a fact, until you get these stunning papers in your hand it is hard to appreciate their quality and simply how gorgeous they are - I'm sure all of papers will be changing in the new catalogue and already I am excited to see what will be on offer - I have already promised myself that I will be using them so much more over the coming months and I'll be putting them into your hands as often as I can - and hopefully you'll fall in love with them too.

The colours for the project are Riding Hood Red, Black and Very Vanilla - the amazingly useful swirl from the Season of Joy - buttersoft striped grosgrain ribbon in the black and vanilla colourway - not forgetting the use of one of our jumbo brads - effortlessly put in position using the cropodile.

The embellishment is put together using the Oval All stamp set, Four Frames stamp set - and punching out with the matching oval and frame punches - can't beat Stampin' Up! for that - love the combination of stamp and punch for real mileage from your crafting items. Cute little metallic brads complete this element with just a touch of Riding Hood Red cardstock peeping from behind - pretty!

The versatile Top Note Die - exclusive to Stampin' Up! - along with the Bigshot, is used to create the project - cut from mountboard, Designer Series Paper and then the inner pages cut from an artist's paperstack - all held together with an 'O' ring - sorry the proper name escapes me - decorated with a little ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by .....................

Bridgette

Fluttering by with a Shadow Box Card ........

2011-05-24T11:54:00.000+01:00

........... isn't this cute?

This is a design from Stampin' Up's Impressions Newsletter, I receive this publication each month as a demonstrator, it is just one of many ways that Stampin' Up helps their demonstrators grow their business and enjoy their hobby.

I have used this at my last two workshops and it is just something a little different - it still folds flat and goes thro' the post as a letter - but of course not if it has lots of embellishments on it - so keep it simple!!! unless you are hand delivering and then bling away !!!!

Thank you so much for fluttering by ........................ sorry couldn't resist that - Bridgette

Happy Easter to you all ......

2011-04-24T14:36:00.000+01:00

...... I've been meaning to show you this for a little while - cute isn't it?

A lovely mummy hen ( stuffed with a Cadbury's creme egg, thank you Barbara ) sitting on some smaller chocolate eggs, nestled in dried grasses from 'my field' at the side of the house.

John and I were paper weaving and making the boater, inking and distressing it, beribboning it with Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon - distressed of course!! and we were very pleased with the result - and yes, he won first prize at school in the Easter Bonnet category!!

Thank you for dropping by - hoping you are enjoying the lovely weather - see you soon - Bridgette

PS Surprise, surprise Kirsty the creme egg is still intact, but for how much longer? Just to explain, Kirsty makes delicious cakes which I find very difficult to share (smile) - chocolate is also another weakness of mine.

Casing the Mini .....................

2011-04-19T21:05:00.000+01:00

.............. that's right !!! but that is what it's there for - to inspire us to create with the stash that we have but use the sample as a springboard and then share the result.

So with that in mind I took the design on page 9 changed the colours a little - the ribbon completely and just inked the background because I love the large background stamps they are so useful to have to hand and added pearls rather than rhinestones. Please remember I mount some of my cards for craft class so this is a little 4 x 4 Certainly Celery card mounted on black mountboard - ahhhh now it makes sense I hear you say !!!!

See you Thursday - thanks for dropping by - Bridgette

PS Hello Sally if you have managed to find me on here - welcome, lovely to see you today - I overheard Chrissy directing you to this blog so I do hope curiousity got the better of you and you've taken a peek - Bx

Easter Treat Pouch

2011-04-17T01:20:00.000+01:00

This little pouch was, I believe, originally shown on Andrea Walford's site for Valentine's Day - my upline, Zoe, gave me her cute version as a swap at the recent regional training events and now I have bunny hopped it on to my own colourway and selected image.

My pink version has an oval aperture and glazed little Forest Friends bunny on the side - this is very quick and easy to do and requires only a small amount of designer paper, a large punch, a snippet of ribbon and some sweeties in a cellophane wrapper - and you're in business. Great mini treats for your children's school friends this Easter.

Thank you for dropping by - see you soon - Bridgette

Let's go on a nature walk .................

2011-04-12T19:42:00.000+01:00

................ I love all of the stamps within this gorgeous set - Nature's Walk - in the Mini Catalogue - this is an example of a Make and Take project at a recent hostess party.

The card base is Garden Green - along with Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Sahara Sand accents - the 'faux' button is a really quick way of bringing in an embellishment when you don't have any to match your project - with the addition of a little bit of linen thread it looks just perfect.

I'm in love with our exclusive SU embossing folders - this particular one - Square Lattice - is useful for both masculine and feminine projects ( a great one to start your collection with !!) and forms a perfect base for my image here - I think this image would look great stamped in Basic Black with Night of Navy. Old Olive and Whisper White - now I may just try that and see !!

Thank you for dropping by - I say it every time but I do appreciate it - Bridgette

Just a little something ................

2011-04-07T23:57:00.000+01:00

.......... this time for my dear friend Chrissy who was celebrating a birthday today - now Chrissy's favourite colour is pink - and of any hue but it has to be said the brighter the better - but never garish - always with a hint of fun.

So, of course, my little something for my friend had to involve pink, some pretty stripes and polka dots and a flower or two. My combination was Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and Old Olive and I had a play with the Stampin' Up! chipboard shapes - they are so easy to use, why did I ever hesitate?

My birthday card matches the little notebook and I love this card design - once you have the template it is a lovely one to adapt to any occasion.

Thanks for dropping by I appreciate it - Bridgette

Simply Stampin' Challenge Blog

2011-04-06T20:26:00.003+01:00

This is a lovely new challenge blog incorporating Stampin' Up! products - do take a look at it here http://simplystampinchallenge.blogspot.com/ - I decided that it would encourage me to be more consistent in my blogging if I too part on a regular basis - so here goes .....................

I had to follow a template given on the site and as usual I have kept things simple and followed as closely as I could - using Crazy for Cupcakes, Whisper White with Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip combination - and a close up lets you see the lovely rhinestones - they are so pretty and in better in real life.

Thank you for stopping by and once again thank you to everyone who commented and/or visited over the weekend - Bridgette

PS My stats looked fab - so many visitors!!

Are you exhausted from all that blog hopping?!!

2011-04-03T18:16:00.001+01:00

Hope you have enjoyed hopping about like demented bunnies over the last two days - I still have Group 4 to go but managed the others - they are full of inspiration and I am full of admiration for my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators - what an amazing amount of creative talent and fantastic products we have to offer our customers.

Please scroll down for my Mini Catalogue Blog Hop offering but I thought I would just show you a recent make - inspired by my fellow demonstrator Chris and a Thank You card she sent - her idea was the gorgeous loopy twine down the side of the card and behind the paper flower - how cute is that!!

Using the dramatic Real Red and Basic Black combination, a touch of designer paper, glitz with the brad and dimension with the layered five petal flower. The card base is Basic Black - I mount all my class samples onto white mountboard for ease of identification on a crowded crafting table, it helps!!

Thank you for dropping by - see you soon - Bridgette

Oh!! I'm so excited and I just can't hide it ........

2011-04-02T09:46:00.000+01:00

....... I'm about to lose control and I think I like it !!!!! Loving the Pointer Sisters !!!

Now, I have to confess to being just a little bit of a control freak - I don't mean to be but well, when Zoe, my upline, told me that she had put my name down on this huge Blog Hop inspired by our fabulous new Mini Catalogue, I don't think excitement was my first emotion !!! You see this is actually my first Blog Hop - but do you know now I think she did me a favour - because I wouldn't have done this all by myself - so thank you Zoe - and now you see I am excited to be part of this hop and then take a whizz round everyone else's fabulous blog offerings myself.

I'm hoping that you have come here from Emma's ( Daisydaye) blog - I know that she will have wowed you with her offering - I love her wonderful 3D projects - make sure you have a good look at all the projects found on her blog http://emma-daye.blogspot.com/ - please stay awhile here - I hope you will like what you see.

My offering uses the Plane and Simple stamp set - and my card is plain and simple too - using just two colours: Night of Navy and Soft Suede - two techniques: sponging and dry embossing and two punches: circle and scallop circle - it's a quick make just right when you need a card in a hurry.

Now, please keep going on your voyage of discovery and visit the very talented Carol - you can find her blog here http://crescentstampin.blogspot.com/ - enjoy.

Thank you for dropping by - come back soon - Bridgette

PS For my crafty friends who visit please be assured more mini catalogues have been order so if I've missed you so far you're on my list - I'll get them out to you asap - B.

Blueberry Crisp Papers & Cottage Garden ..........

2011-03-24T20:43:00.000Z

................. these are really lovely and so much lovelier 'for real' - a winning combination - just a simple little box to house a matching card - the box inspired by a fellow demonstrator named Roz, thank you Roz and the card inspiration from Jenny Moores using a gorgeous, and often overlooked, stamp set called Cottage Garden - but I know that several of my crafty friends have now added this superbly versatile little set to their stash having played with it at our Tuesday Craft Club.

Just a little note - the mini catalogue is just around the corner and is packed with some super new items - I shall be starting to send some to those I don't see so often and hand others out to those I do - but if I haven't managed to 'find' you by the end of the first week in April just let me know and I'll get one to you asap.

As always thank you so much for taking the time to drop by - Bridgette

Same Theme - Different Colour Scheme .....

2011-03-15T22:03:00.000Z

...... oh I didn't mean to make that rhyme - but just wanted to show you a different colourway for the card and treat pouch that I made for Valentine's Day - this time suitable for Mother's Day or Easter perhaps.

These were two of the three projects completed at my Coningsby Craft Club today - it is held the third Tuesday of every month - I'll photograph the other one to show you too, it's very pretty and uses Crazy for Cupcakes and a sprinkle of glitter !!!!

Please don't be confused by the deeper green edge to the So Saffron base card - I adhere all my samples to mountboard as it helps to easily identify them amongst all the craft stash on the work table when I hold my classes.

Thank you for dropping by - Bridgette

Take a moment to think ............

2011-03-01T03:03:00.003Z

................................. have you been hesitating to buy something from your Wish List?

Is the answer a resounding yes?!!!

Then take a look at the March Frenzy List by simply clicking on the image in the sidebar - and it may well be there with up to a 30% discount

Yes, up to a fabulous 30% discount !!

Everything is there from papers and cardstock to rub-ons and embellishments not forgetting a wheel or two and much more !!!

Perhaps you've been waiting to try Stampin' Up! glossy cardstock, or maybe Stampin' Up! rub-ons, to name but two - now is the perfect opportunity to grab yourself a bargain and enhance your crafting at the same time.

Please don't hesitate to contact me to place an order - remember this offer is a limited offer and will run from 1 - 31 March only - OR WHILST STOCKS LAST !!!

That's right - Stampin' Up! have allocated 1000 pieces of each item at these special prices and once they're gone the price will revert back to the full catologue price - so don't hesitate to contact me to place an order by email, phone or tap me on the shoulder !!!

Don't miss out !!!

Bridgette

Just before February leaves us ...................

2011-02-24T21:47:00.001Z

................ I thought I would show you the card I made for my husband for Valentine's Day - with a little decorated box of favourite sweeties.

My starting point for this design was from a card that Monica had made for her blog My Many, Many Passions and I just 'tweeked' it to suit the occasion ..... and used favourite colours and papers - and of course, the very versatile heart trio punch and the cute single punch.

If you are wondering the stems are from the SAB Sweet Summer - such a popular choice this year - sadly this offer now leaves us at the end of the month - but I am sure there will be an offer to tempt us for March and then we have the lovely Mini Catalogue to look forward to in April.

I will pop the details in the side bar as soon as I can so that you can consult your Wish List !!!!

Bridgette

Join the Poppy Parade .........

2011-01-13T22:38:00.000Z

...... this is such a lovely sunshine colour and makes you feel happy just looking at it - this little set was put together using the Cottage Garden stamp set, matching Designer Series Papers which are aptly named Sunny Garden and the gorgeous In-Colour grosgrain ribbon and In-Colour cardstock Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz.

I love the little double card holder, which can be adapted to any size just by increasing the measurements accordingly - this small example for a 3 x 3 envelope can be made using only 1 sheet of A4 cardstock - the 'belly-band' can be made to look really pretty with the addition of ribbon and gems and cheats 'ribbon' - a very thin sliver of cardstock wrapped around a knitting needle to give it curl - handy when you want to co-ordinate your item but don't have the appropriate colour ribbon in your stash.

Hope you are all well in Blogland and many thanks for visiting - come back when you can - Bridgette

Ohhhh ... I'm delighted it is 2011 so Happy New Year to All

2011-01-05T23:52:00.000Z

Just a quick little post as I was putting away all the Christmas cards I thought I would show you the one I made for my husband - I love the little bird punch and have designs on making him into a little Bluebird for Springtime and Valentine's Day but for now he is a little Robin.

Some will recognise the inspiration ..... yes, it's the little corner bookmark - we made a whole selection of items using the little bird and so I thought I would just expand the idea.

Don't forget Sale-abra-tion - the sets are delicious and better than on the screen, trust me, I'm your friendly Stampin' Up Demonstrator !!!!

Bridgette

Little Jotter Pots ......... and sweet Saleabration time's here again!!!!

2010-12-30T21:55:00.000Z

................ this has to be one of the best times in the Stampin' Up calendar - please check out the leaflet in the sidebar - by clicking on it it will reveal the new stamping sets on offer during January and February.

Yes it's hard to believe that for each and every £45.00 you spend on product you will have the opportunity to select one of the sets displayed in the leaflet ie spend £45 and choose one set, spend £90 and choose two ..... and so on - and don't forget if you love all four then you have two months in which to collect them.

As if that wasn't incentive enough - should you wish to host a party and your sells exceed £300 then as a thank you you can choose a Salebration set for FREE - so if you prefer to obtain your sets that way then please contact me and we can arrange a time to party !!!!!

Whilst saying hello I thought I would show you a little project I completed for Christmas - the little jotter holders are covered in Designer Series Paper with the addition of a little bit of ribbon and an attractive matching lid - the base pot and papers are easily found, if I remember correctly I think I found mine in Wilkinson's and they make such pretty little gifts for any occasion.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and let's hope that we all have a successful, happy and healthy 2011 - I know we all deserve it.

Bridgette

A touch of frosty loveliness ..................

2010-12-21T23:26:00.001Z

.................... I do so love it when the world looks like it's been brushed with dazzling diamonds and walking in 'my' field inspired me to create this little card using another lovely set from Stampin' Up! - Winter Post - together with the sentiments from Contempo Christmas.

It's using Not Quite Navy - a non-traditional colour for Chrismas - together with Bashful Blue and Whisper White cardstock and Not Quite Navy ink with a hint of sparkle from our Dazzling Diamonds.

Shadow stamping the trees from Lovely As A Tree, cutting the circular aperture and positioning that on the inside - I think it looks pretty I'm pleased with the finished card particularly because it uses the skating couple - I'm clearly missing Artem and Kara !! - a favourite stamp from the Winter Post stamp set.

If you enlarge the photos it helps to see the effect of the glitter so much better - but please don't be too critical about my straight lines etc as it shows up all the imperfections - I do like simple cards that don't take too long to create and recreate but I adore looking and admiring the very complex creations my many talented friends produce - please take a look in the sidebar favourites to see what I mean, breathtakingly stunning !!!

So you see, I wasn't away for too long this time, was I? - I'll be back very soon - Bridgette

At last ...... and it's not even a card !!!!!!

2010-12-20T00:19:00.000Z

Opps !!! Well what happened there you may be thinking - phew, blink and you can miss a whole month practically. At last an entry and as the title states it's not even a card - it's a cake !!!

For the last few weeks I have been attempting to ice and decorate a cake under the guidance of Fay Barrett a very accomplished cake maker and decorator - I didn't make the cake but bought it from good ol' M & S - one step at a time maybe next year for the making of the fruit cake.

I am very proud of the finished result as it is my first attempt and I know the cake will taste good so no surprises there.

I do have card and 3D projects to show you but I am trying to finish my Christmas cards and still a way to go so I shall be back - yeah, right I hear you say, you'll believe that when you see it - no honestly I will !!!

Take care it's slippery out there - Bridgette

It's good to be back on the road again ........................

2010-11-20T00:23:00.000Z

.................. are you singing that one with me? It is an oldie I know, but I'm telling myself that I have to get back on the road again - not literally you understand, although I have been busy getting out and about for my Stampin' Up! and my craft classes, which I am so happy to report are being enjoyed !! Sadly, I haven't been blogging and I would so like to get back to it and be more consistent - I have discovered that it is so easy to lose momentum !!

So here I go again .................................... first light tomorrow morning I will be photographing some of the projects I have been demonstrating so if attendees give away their own creation there will be a record on here for them to refer to.

Also I have been thinking of swapping around some of my favourite blogs, particularly those that I have discovered on my travels in Blogland - so will be adding a few over the coming weeks.

Oh, how lovely with Christmas just around the corner I am feeling energised to make some changes although not sure what yet but I am sure to be inspired by my fellow crafters.

If you have popped back over the last few weeks and been disappointed that things still hadn't changed I send you a big thank you but hopefully you will have hopped on to somewhere interesting in the sidebar - my ambition is to have you linger a little longer with me before hopping off to one of my favourites - well, a girl has got to have a dream, because 'if you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true ?' ( just a little South Pacific reference there - I apologise, another oldie, I love those movies )

Right it's just after midnight on Friday so I will be putting something on over the weekend - just wanted to say ' Hello again ' whilst I was here.

Bridgette

The Idea Book & Catalogue 2010/2011

2010-10-01T17:11:00.000+01:00

Well, oh dear, where did September go for me?

Just a quick update - I thought I was getting better and I promise I didn't overdo it - I conserved energy and only worked on the most immediate project - took it one day at a time - and still I do not feel 100% and am on a further course of antibiotics - so I shall just do what I can manage and not get frustrated and angry with myself when I don't have the reserves of energy that I need.

So moving on to nicer topics - the wonderful new catalogue is available to view - just click on the photo of the cover and it will take you there - I know it's not the same as holding it in your hand and flicking thro' it but your copy should be with you over the weekend if you are a member of my Stampers 10.

I am working on the catalogue launch for Saturday 9 October at Bromley Hall Pode Hole Spalding - I shall be getting emails out to those that I don't normally see on a regular basis - but to those that a do see don't forget to keep that afternoon free - 2.00pm - 4.00pm - between lunch and teatime - hopefully noone will miss us and wonder where we are as all tummies, large and small, will be full !!!!

Do feel free to bring along a friend to enjoy a coffee and a chat with fellow crafters - remember it doesn't cost them anything to come along with you and enjoy refreshments, have a look at a selection of new products and enter the door prize but, just like last year, there will be the new catalogues to buy for £3.50 rrp £5.95 - Make & Takes to purchase and complete whilst there, all my retiring stamp sets, retiring cardstock, brads, buttons etc etc for sale at super prices and a lovely raffle to enter to win a retired American Stampin' Up! set that hasn't made it across to our shores just yet and it's a Christmas one too !!!

Hope to see you there.

Bridgette

Thank goodness ..... back on my feet again !!!

2010-09-12T21:22:00.001+01:00

As from today I am now more vertical than horizontal which comes as a great relief - I could see next week looming large on the horizon and my not being prepared for all the events that are planned but, thank goodness, I'm now feeling so much more like my old self and connected to my body parts again !!! - I know that sounds strange but it is one of the weirdest sensations that I have experienced, a 'disconnected' feeling.

Thank you so much for your lovely get well wishes, they worked !!

Bridgette

Illness never comes at the right time ....................

2010-09-09T15:51:00.000+01:00

.............. but it could have been worse !!

Wasn't I doing well with my posting over the last few weeks - then, oh dear, an infection literally swept me off my feet and landed me in bed - feeling a little brighter but fragile - thank goodness as my busiest week is next week and not this week - I will hopefully be back on track over the next couple of days.

Thank you for dropping by as you have done over the last few days

Bridgette

Vintage Vogue ....... outside my comfort zone !!

2010-09-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

Mmmm, well I thought that, for a complete change, I would use grey and white today with a little taffeta ribbon ( not sure about that bow just yet, but it's glue dotted into position so there's not alot I can do about it now lol ).

So the deep grey cardstack from the Neutrals pack and using a little scrap of Confetti White, Vintage Vogue stamp set and Basic Grey inkpad - a little tearing, a little inking and a little background stamping with the addition of that little bow and away you go, job done.

Today I'm going to try and squeeze myself into the carboot that I missed on Wednesday so I shall be leaving early to grab my spot, let's hope I make it this time - I will report back later whether it's mission accomplished or not !!

Thank you for dropping by on your blog hopping journey - if you haven't already do take a look at the Last Chance List in the sidebar, just click on the image and it should automatically pop up for you - if I can be of any help please contact me.

Bridgette

Thank You card - a 'handsome hunter' version ........

2010-09-02T11:32:00.000+01:00

No, nothing to do with a handsome hunk!!!! but it does look more masculine than my original version.

I have just quickly got time to post this as I'm waiting for a friend to arrive for coffee and she's running a little bit late - this is the colourway that I spoke about yesterday - using the retiring Handsome Hunter but the same little tree from the Forest Friends stamp set and the Garden Green inkpad and this time a little Bravo Burgundy button that gives a little lift to the card rather than a matching green one - for the Ballet Blue colourway scroll down a couple of posts.

What do you think? More of a masculine feel to it, or not?

Bridgette

Last Chance List is here .....Going, going, then most definitely gone !!!!

2010-09-01T22:55:00.000+01:00

Oh my, I'm not the most technically minded but I have managed to put the Last Chance List on here, yeah .... and if you click on the image it will take you to the screen giving details of all the retiring stock.

Please take a look just incase your favourite, that you haven't managed to buy from your Wish List, is amongst their number - you may also be lucky and find that it is reduced by up to 50% and in other cases by 25% - take a peek - all the other stamp sets are at their original catalogue price but, let me hear you say it girls - you and the stamp sets are worth it !!!

I'm just quickly finishing some little Thank You cards this time in Handsome Hunter not Ballet Blue - it's because I managed to use all my small blue buttons and now it's the turn of the little green guys.

I'll photograph this colourway tomorrow and let you have a look to compare it to the blue way.

Busy, busy today - I am attempting to clear the garage for the winter and thought I would do a car boot - well, it was full, yes, no more cars allowed onto the field and that was just before 10.30 am ( it doesn't start 'til midday !!!! ) so I drove home - and attacked the cleaning of the house, mmmm I thought I better make some progress somewhere - after three hours it definitely looked better.

Bridgette

Dipping into the SU archives ..................

2010-08-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

........... well, to more accurate, my back issues of the Idea Book and Catalogue - with my demo preview of our very own catalogue for 2010-2011 only a day away, I thought I would have a trip down memory lane.

This simple little card was featured in the 2007 US catalogue - I recreated the colourway but not the orientation of the embellishment - so, I used So Saffron cardstock and designer paper together with Not Quite Navy and Handsome Hunter (retiring) - Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon and the tiny floral punch which was part of a set originally but I hope that SU will sell it to us singularly again because it is such a cute flower - my sentiment came from the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set, and with some matching brads, of course.

This really is a very quick little card and if you use your own, or the recipient's, favourite colour combo it's one that you can pull out of the bag very quickly when you hear those words from a loved one - "You don't happen to have a card suitable for so-and-so do you, it's their birthday tomorrow!!!"

Had a fabby day yesterday - Chris was demonstrating at Sir Stampalot ( Always about Colour - please check in the sidebar for the link to her gorgeous creations ) and I came away with lots of ideas which I hope to translate using SU products and basic generic products - met up with my lovely friends - as I have said so often - I feel blessed by the friends that I have met thro crafting.

I'm on a roll with my blog now so please scoot by on your blog hop if you can - leave a comment if you feel so inclined - but either way thank you for visiting - as I remain on my toes lol.

Bridgette

Blooming With Beauty & En Francais ........

2010-08-29T13:07:00.000+01:00

Hello just a little card to post today - I spotted a similar layout on Splitcoast Stampers and just translated to what I have.

The colourway is Creamy Caramel (retiring) and So Saffron with a little Sweet Pea designer paper from the mini - using Blooming with Beauty, En Francais, and the sentiment from One Of A Kind stamp set - I liked the idea of using the twill tape instead of ribbon and stamped the words using black Stazon ink - the little button is one of the neutrals and tones in really nicely.

I decided to ink the edges not only in the Creamy Caramel but to go in again using the SU Black inkpad to give more definition.

I think the addition of the So Saffron cardstock as one of the matting layers and leaving it uninked just 'roughed up' lol a little using my little rougher up tool just makes it 'pop' more than it would have done if I had

inked it - do you know what I mean.

I don't know about you but I struggle between the 'clean' look and the 'inked' look - never sure which I like - I shall have to do the same card for you showing the two versions and get a vote going and see which one gets the vote.

Happy Bank Holiday tomorrow - do stop by on your usual round of blogs - keep me on my toes please !!!

Bridgette

Forest Friends Thank You

2010-08-28T13:03:00.000+01:00

As I have mentioned before I always try to make a little thank you card for my Stampers 10 ladies - so here is this months offering - a very simple card using Forest Friends - I love the tree and cute little animals in this set - and yes, I did order my Trendy Trees with the discount - it was on my Wish List and I was determined to grab myself a bargain !!!!

The main base card is Confetti White ( I'm on a roll with this cardstock now !! ) with the retiring Ballet Blue colourway and the little buttons are part of the Rich Regals collection and they are also Ballet Blue - such a pretty colour - the button is sewn on using the linen thread. The sentiment comes from the ever useful and much used Thank You Kindly set - fingers crossed it makes it thro' to the new catalogue.

Hope you have a super Bank Holiday weekend - I'm delivering this weekend so I shall catch up with some of my crafty friends - which is lovely for me.

Bridgette

Greenhouse Garden .......

2010-08-27T13:14:00.000+01:00

This stamp set was on my wish list for some time before I bought it - and I have to say I love it - I love the two-step stamping technique it really makes the flowers 'pop' - and at the moment, yes, the last gently reminder lol, you can get this stamp set which is usually £22.95 for an amazing £18.36 - that's a 20% discount - for a set of 10 co-ordinating stamps - that's £1.83 for each stamp !!!! That has to be considered value for money !!!!

The card I recreated is on page 43 of the Idea Book and Catalogue - I have slightly altered the colours and I like the addition of the bow down the side, but we're all different and you may not, so although it is a little brighter than what I would normally do I am trying to step outside my comfort zone.

I thank you once again for dropping by - I'm enjoying trying to give you something to look at each day - it's keeping me on my toes - I'm counting down to my peek at the new catalogue which as you know being a demonstrator I get to see earlier than my lovely customers - so I'm sure I shall be wearing a broad smile during the month of September knowing what you all have to look forward to.

Oh gosh, have chatted on as usual - have a good day - hopefully you'll pop by tomorrow.

Bridgette

On A Pedestal ................

2010-08-26T13:13:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon - and what a wet one here!!!!!

I made a cute card yesterday, take a peek on page 13 of the Idea Book and Catalogue, I used the same colour combination - Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie and Creamy Caramel ( a retiring colour on 30 September 2010 ) - but then just added a Polka Dot background, satin rather than grosgrain Chocolate Chip ribbon, and my button placement just jumped from one side of the card to the other - I was pleased with the result - my only other change was to put a little Crystal Effects on the cherry to give it a little sheen.

Hope you don't have to venture far for the rest of the day and can stay snug inside crafting - I know I like to live in an ideal world - me? I've got to pop to Tesco's ( living the dream !!! lol )

See you tomorrow on your journey ........................ bye for now.

Bridgette

The Flowers in the Field ..................

2010-08-25T10:00:00.027+01:00

It has been such a pleasure to walk amongst nature each day and really, really stop and look at what is around me and notice how quickly it changes and whilst these photos show full bloom many of these wild flowers have now come to the end of their short season - but they have been so beautiful.

I thought I would show you a floral friendship card - I love the Confetti White card although I don't often use it and when I do I wonder why I don't more often - do you know what I mean?

Daisy-like flowers have to be among my favourites - I have my fingers crossed for the Upsy Daisy stamp set in October catalogue but I'm not holding my breath lol.

There is just something so delicate about a dandelion 'clock' - I have one as a paperweight, it's in front of me as a type this - sorry this is very indulgent now but thank you for listening while I went on and on about my love of wild flowers - back to cardmaking tomorrow ..... promise.

Bridgette

A Summer Walk Continued ..................

2010-08-24T10:18:00.000+01:00

Oh now this one takes me back - but I just wanted to continue my doggie walk with you and I needed a pink card - and the one today just seemed to fit. This is one of the first stamp sets that I bought from SU, before I became a demo, I saw myself in this stamp lol - I love watching butterflies and as I mentioned yesterday there have been oddles of them on the walk - for some reason although I have now sold the stamp set as it is retired I have kept this card !!

These photos were taken on a warm sunny day, no harsh breeze, no chill wind - just glorious blue sky!!

Enjoy your day - thank you dropping by - look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Bridgette

Lovely As A Tree

2010-08-23T11:37:00.000+01:00

I thought I would show you where I walk the doggies each day - just lately it has been alive with the sound of grasshoppers, bees and a gorgeous array of butterflies - no wonder that I love green - see what I mean!!

So naturally I reach for these colours to craft with, together with my trusty Idea Book and Catalogue, and here is a card we recently completed as part of one of my classes - just perfect for the men in our lives. Good Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and the retiring and to be missed, Close to Cocoa.

This is a template that can be replicated time and time again using favourite colours and stamp sets - so easy and quick to do with lovely results because the colours co-ordinate so wonderfully together.

See you tomorrow if you have time - it would be nice - make a date with me on your blog hop!!

Bridgette

Festive Fun with Season Of Joy

2010-08-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

I have given a nod to Christmas in my workshops just recently but this little card uses a less traditional colourscheme and is lovingly CASED from page 18 of the Idea Book and Catalogue - Season of Joy has to be one of my all time favourite stamp sets.

I'll show you another example next week following a similar theme only quicker to make, but equally as pretty, in my opinion.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend - the summer is racing away too quickly, although I love Autumn I'm not so fond of the chilly winds of winter but perversely I love the changing seasons - mmmm I know not logical at all.

Bridgette

Razzleberry Delight from a Fellow Demo

2010-08-21T11:03:00.000+01:00

Hello - I thought I would share a beautiful card that I received when a group of local SU demos got together - we are not too numerous in Lincolnshire but with the advent of some exciting news over the next few weeks together with the new Idea Book and Catalogue that may soon change and more may come on board - and the more the merrier is what I say.

Now forgive me but I believe this card was designed by Deidra, and it uses the fabulous new Razzleberry colourway, cardstock, ink and polkadot ribbon - if you love the ribbon do bear in mind that this one will not be making it into the new catalogue so, as far as I know, is only available until the end of September.

Hope you enjoy looking at it for inspiration - come back tomorrow, if you can, as I've gone all festive !!

Bridgette

Loads of Love No 2 .....

2010-08-20T01:21:00.000+01:00

Just another 'inspired' card from page 31 of the Idea Book and Catalogue - it was a jumping off point really as scaled down in size although the colour scheme remained consistent - I love the small 4 x 4 format - cute to work with - if you're wondering about the flower - it's one of the diecut blooms on page 83 - not bad huh?

Thanks for stopping by - see you here Saturday maybe?

Bridgette

Loads of Love .......

2010-08-19T01:23:00.000+01:00

Hello there - I'm on the CASE - this little offering is almost a total case from the current catalogue page 31 - except a change of colour - but also acts as a gentle reminder about the offer of the month - oh no not again!! - pick this little set of 7 stamps ( it does Christmas too ) for 20% less than usual !!!

Thanks for stopping by - Bridgette

PS Chris - I can't seem to leave a comment on your blog but loving the little house, soooooo cute - if you want to know what I mean pop across to Chris's blog in my sidebar Always About Colour - really gorgeous.

Mmmmmm Love You Much - but still not too sure about this one !!

2010-08-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

I decided to show you this card, and I do like it, but not sure if there is too much Chocolate Chip. I think the colour scheme of Regal Rose, Real Red and Chocolate Chip are lovely and you'll find this on page 26 of the current catalogue - as you see I just changed it a little bit.

My version has a scalloped edge, a little Real Red top and bottom and my ribbon is tied at the bottom of the card rather than near the heart. I also cheated by using a little paper button, fun to do and really useful when you don't have the matching button you need for your project, oh yes and I used my Hearts O' Plenty roller.

Mmmmm, what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by, and if you left me your opinion thank you for that too - perhaps I'll see you tomorrow?

Bridgette

Close as a Memory - Sympathy Card

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

I adore this stamp set and I so hope that it stays with us into the new catalogue - not only is the main floral image so very useful for all occasions the sentiments in the stamp set are so beautiful and when I find myself in need of a sympathy card they don't fail me.

I turned to my old copies of the Idea Book and Catalogue for help as I find them such a rich source of ideas and with some slight alterations, although not much, I decided this was the one I needed a subdued mix of Chocolate Chip and Always Artichoke lifted by the soft touch of the So Saffron cardstock.

I'm always grateful that you stop by on your blog hop - call back tomorrow if you have time.

Bridgette

Trendy Trees by Lou

2010-08-16T09:00:00.002+01:00

Well, I don't know what I did wrong on Saturday but the post containing the lovely card that Lou made for me didn't appear on Sunday - and I thought I had this scheduling lark off to a 'T' - I only got to my computer at gone 10.00 pm on Sunday so it seemed a shame to put it on manually for only a few hours so, I have made it Monday's post - I hope you enjoy it, it has a special place in my sample box.

I asked Lou to use the Idea Book and Catalogue to showcase how easy it was to use a design from the pages of the catalogue and make it your own - if you take a look at page 39 you'll see what I mean - a simple card yet Lou has added her own touches, which is exactly what you could do too, which is why the catalogue is so brilliant when all you need is a starting point.

You'll find Lou's gorgeous blog in my sidebar - shhhh, noone mention the 'twig' addiction although, to be fair, Lou has taken that vital first step and admitted to it herself so she's on her way to a full recovery lol - only teasing LouLou xxx.

Remember that fabulous 20% discount on this stamp set finishes at the end of August - as everything will be making way for the Last Chance List due out 1 September - and those retiring stamp sets and accessories are all on a first come first served basis !!!

Thank you for stopping by and so sorry about yesterday's post not materialising - I have scheduled posts for all of this week so I have my fingers crossed.

Bridgette

August Offer - Gentle Reminder .............

2010-08-14T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hello - hope you all will be enjoying a fab weekend although I think we are in for a wet one!!!!

Remember the August Offer - 20% of some fabulous stamp sets - I thought over the weekend I would show you two of them, Greenhouse Garden and Trendy Trees, as you know Trendy Trees is on my Wish List - it will be mine by the end of the month - come to Mama!!

So I went back into my photos and pulled this one for you to have a little look at again - tomorrow I will show you one that my dear friend Lou made for my sample box - such a clever girl and back from hols in America now, I have missed her, but I know I'm not alone in that sentiment - we've all missed her smiley face, welcome home LouLou.

I love the little easel card - so simple to do - hope you like it. See you tomorrow as you hop on by - thank you for poppin' in.

Bridgette

It's the Thank You Butterfly ....

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001+01:00

.... I have just popped one of these cute 3 x 3 cards in each bag for my Stamper 10 ladies, if I have the time I always like to do this - it helps to showcase SU stamp sets but more importantly to say Thank You for their support which is so valuable to me.

Again a quick little card using the Flight of the Butterfly and Whisper White cardstock and a tiny piece of Designer Paper - you could raid your scrap box for this as you wouldn't be doing as many as me lol.

I have to thank Zoe Tant, another demonstrator in Lincolnshire, for the fabulous design of this little card, it was her swap card when we all met up at the beginning of July - her design was a striking red, black and white combination - so thank you Zoe.

Thank you for stopping by as you hop in and out of my blog - do hop back soon lol.

Bridgette

Love is like a Butterfly ...........

2010-08-12T09:00:00.001+01:00

...... it's soft and gentle as a sigh ......... don't you just love that comedy series, an oldie but goodie.

I have been making lots of butterfly cards at the moment - I see so many of them each day as I walk in the fields with our two dogs that I think it just translates into my crafting.

Well, surprise, surprise, today's card is using Chocolate Chip and Flight of the Butterfly - I feel I have a pattern developing here - I think I am embracing Chocolate Chip because my beloved Close to Cocoa is retiring - I think it is a little tough love on myself - but it's working, I'm loving CC !!

The gorgeous En Francais background stamp, the swirls from the Baroque Motifs stamp set, stamped once and then lifted and moved slightly and stamped again to give a shadow effect, like it? I think it looks really nice.

The butterflies are stamped using the 'kiss' technique - a solid butterfly stamp is inked in Chocolate Chip and then pressed into the cleaned swirl stamp from the Baroque Motifs and the design is tranferred to the rubber, this is then stamped onto Whisper White cardstock and punched out using the butterfly punch. I did the reverse for the vellum wings - I took the uninked solid butterfly stamp and pressed it onto the inked swirls from the Baroque Motifs this time transferring this image to the wings and then stamped onto vellum and punched out - layered together using Tombow. In order to get a little body with antennae I stamp directly onto the cardstock with one of the images that contains a butterfly body and layer the wings directly on top of this.

Again it's those oval punches - a really good buy and so useful - and this time a sentiment from the matching Oval All stamp set - embellished with just a little matching grosgrain ribbon. So simple.

Thank you for stopping by on your blog tour - come back soon.

Bridgette

Rollers to the Rescue !!!

2010-08-11T09:00:00.002+01:00

Need a quick and simple card - grab your rollers - no, I don't mean your Carmen's!!

This quick little card is using Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery and a little fab Designer Paper ( you're bound to have a little tiny square in your scrap box !!)

The Neighbourhood jumbo roller is used for the background and also for the coloured element - the standard Funky Forest roller was used across the Whisper White square.

Now don't forget the 20% discount on selected stamp sets this month - the Trendy Trees Stamp set containing 8 individual stamps and matches this roller is now only £10.36 - if you want to take a look at it click on the catalogue in the righthand sidebar and turn to page 39 - it's lovely isn't it, and such good value!!

Again the super oval punches have been used and a sentiment from Bella's Blooms (found on p44 of the catalogue) completes the card.

Many thanks for dropping by - I know what it's like to blog hop so I appreciate your time - see you tomorrow.

Bridgette

Masculine Project No 2

2010-08-10T09:00:00.002+01:00

I decided to show you a project I made with one on my classes a little while ago - and this I think was a Stampin' Pretty project which I cased - if you haven't popped across to Mary Fish's blog you'll find it in my righthand sidebar - do take a look.

I used strong masculine colours again - Chocolate Chip and the retiring Really Rust ( remember this one isn't making it thro' to the new catalogue, so if you love it buy an extra pack before the end of September ) together with the gorgeous Designer Papers in the mini catalogue - but once again these are retiring as they have Taken with Teal as part of the colourway - chin up !! - we'll love the new papers you wait and see !!

A lovely geometric theme, striped paper and the gorgeous Chocolate Chip satin ribbon for the cute tie - a sentiment from the Oval All stamp set that perfectly coordinates with the oval punches and voila - it's finished. A quick image on the envelope and you're done, ready to pop in the post.

Thank you for stopping by on your blog hop - see you tomorrow? Hope so !!

Bridgette

Baroque Motifs

2010-08-09T14:14:00.000+01:00

Now this week I am attempting to upload my projects and post date them in the hope I will avoid the long gaps in-between my posts - so here goes with project no 1.

I am trying to do a semi quick masculine card - so Not Quite Navy and More Mustard (good so far!) and using images from the Baroque Motifs stamp set (well just one actually) as the repeat image in the background and the main image for my element - so a strong theme going on.

Corners popped out using the 1/2" punch, inked edges with the matching ink colours ( that's why we love Stampin' Up!) and grosgrain ribbon in the matching More Mustard - this time threaded thro holes made using the 1/4" circle and a small decorative knot in the centre - not a bow in sight.

The envelope was decorated just down one side, secondary stamping tho' just for that distressed look, and positioned using the Stamp-ma-jig - a real must-have item in your crafty stash - if you haven't already got one and fallen in love put it on your Wish List!!!

Now I am going to do the next project and post-date it - see you tomorrow - fingers crossed lol

Bridgette

Two Step Stamping Offer .......... 20 % Discount !!!

2010-08-01T14:14:00.001+01:00

Look at this fabulous offer for the month of August - if you don't have your favourite two-step stamping set now is the time to treat yourself and save a massive 20% on the usual catalogue price !!!
Believe it or not I still don't have the Trendy Trees stamp set only the roller - and I love my trees - so that is on my Wish List and such a good price now with the discount at only £10.36.

I'll list what is on offer to tempt you this month:

Loads of Love (p 31) was £18.95 NOW £15.16
Big Bold Birthday (p 35) was £23.95 NOW £19.16
Trendy Trees (p 39) Was £12.95 NOW £10.36
Greenhouse Garden (p 43) was £22.95 NOW £18.36
Something Sweet (p 8*) was £23.95 NOW £19.16
Tiny Tags (p 15*) was £18.95 NOW £15.16
Bird on a Branch (p18*) was £14.95 NOW £11.96

* This refers to stamp sets in the Mini Catalogue.

I'll not 'stick' this to the top of the blog I'll attempt to place it in the righthand column and keep gently reminding you lol.

Do you like my softer look for summer? - I'm loving the gingham ribbon.

Bridgette

Super Cash Bonus for the Hostess

2010-07-31T22:43:00.000+01:00

Great News!! The promotion for June and July is a scrummy extra cash bonus for the Hostess - this post will remain at the top of my blog until the end of July so please scroll down to see the latest posting.

Basically this promotion means that when you host a party for your friends and family during June or July and it achieves sales of £250.00 you will earn an additional £20.00 to add to your Hostess awards - take a look at the table on page 9 of the SU Idea Book and Catalogue and you will see that instead of earning £25.00 you will receive £45.00 to spend in the catalogue and likewise, for a party that achieves sales of £300 you would normally receive £35.00 but for June and July that amount increases by a further £20.00 so a fabulous £55.00 to spend in the catalogue - are you with me? - just think of all those items you could be ticking off your Wish List.

Why not check your diary - do you have a free date in June and July to host a party? Please contact me if you would like more details.

Bridgette

Matching Notebook and Pen

2010-07-08T00:18:00.000+01:00

Hello again - I just thought I would post the photo of the little notepad and pen that I mentioned yesterday. It really is an easy little project to do and looks so pretty - and I'm sure you could do one for a man just as easily, after all they need to write lists too.

Again the supplies are basic and inexpensive which makes them ideal for bazaars and fetes, and Monica's covered ruler over on her blog (see my sidebar under My many, many passions) would make an ideal addition to this little set - the perfect little trio.

Quite alot of workshops and classes coming up over the next two weeks for me but I will endeavour to keep posting what I've been making - see you soon - Bridgette

Medallion Card - A Different Colourway

2010-07-07T00:08:00.000+01:00

Hello again - I have taken the photo of the Make and Take for Norma's hostess party that I mentioned yesterday. It uses the Perfect Plum and Pale Plum which are super together with Whisper White cardstock, a cute little rhinestone and a little touch of satin ribbon down the side - so easy - what do you say Vanessa? sorry only teasing !!

I have managed the Designer Paper pen and it's turned out really lovely - thank you to Emma for the tip about a little bit of Tombow to help in the initial rolling of the paper - it worked a treat - decided to make a little matching notebook again so quick and simple - I'll post them tomorrow evening.

Bridgette

Medallion Background Stamp

2010-07-06T00:57:00.000+01:00

Hello again - just to show you a project that I did for a belated wedding anniversary gift. I used my new medallion stamps and favourite Certainly Celery and Alway Artichoke cardstock to create a card, plant pot decorative cover and cute tags for the plant and the chocolates - this card also looks lovely in the Perfect Plum and Pale Plum combo which I have used at a recent workshop and will doubtless bring out again as it is so quick and easy to make - I'll take a photo and show you tomorrow.

You can just see that base of the plant cover - it looked very nice honestly - I'll put the other photo on but the light isn't good but at least you can see a little more of the plant.

Thank you so much for dropping by - Bridgette

Cute Little Notebook

2010-07-04T23:56:00.000+01:00

Hello again - I thought that I would show this cute little note book - you'll find these super little guys at Wilkos and only 11p each - what a steal !!!

I remove the front and replace with cardstock and then decorate however the mood takes me - I like to use the Stay Put Bow technique - so lovely as it looks as good from the back as it does from the front.

These make super little bazaar makes - with a matching pen and all wrapped in a little cellophane and tied with a pretty bow and decorated with a tag - you're bound to be onto a moneyspinner

I have recently got hold of some of Wilkos pens and I am going to have a little play at putting matching designer paper down the barrel to match any future little notepads that I make to let you see what I mean - so please watch the space lol !!!

Hope your weekend has been lovely - back soon - Bridgette

Cute Sweetie Box and Card

2010-07-03T20:53:00.000+01:00

Hello again - as you will see I borrowed the card from my Tuesday Craft Group and inspired by it I made another little box - I found it here at Jo Dumbleton's blog http://www.stampin-n-stuff.blogspot.com/ - it is so cute - I scaled it up so that it would hold more sweeties lol!!! It was for Grandi so it had to be full of Werther's Originals - doesn't every Grandi have pockets full of these?

I love this combination as it is masculine but interesting to do if you know what I mean - thank you for stopping by, a special thank you to those who drop by regularly in the hope that I have posted.

Bridgette

One of a Kind - Make and Take

2010-06-15T22:57:00.000+01:00

Just thought I would show you a Make and Take that we did at a recent workshop - using the One of a Kind stamp set - the lovely new Soft Suede cardstock, inkpad and polka-dot ribbon - together with Bashful Blue and Very Vanilla - the variation was using Pretty in Pink - we all made the blue colourway - but each design was a little different so it was easy to mix and match the ideas.

The ribbon is so gorgeous, super quality and loads of it on a spool - so perfect for sharing with another crafty friend - also very versatile as it can be used either plain or with polka-dots!!

Back later in the week to show you the lovely little notepad that we covered - thanks for stopping by - Bridgette

June's Tuesday Craft Workshop

2010-06-09T00:01:00.001+01:00

Just an update on our monthly Tuesday Craft Meeting at Bromley Hall - I'll be adding the dates of our next meetings into the sidebar so if you would like to join us please contact me.

Firstly it was so lovely to be back - so sorry for those that were unable to join us at the last moment, we missed you !! fingers crossed for next time.

Secondly, where did the time go? We were working hard and completed the two projects seen in the photo, and we had our Technique Corner - the Stay Put Bow courtesy of Michelle Single - but ran out of time for the third project. The credit for the super design for both the star card and cute box goes to my upline Monica Gale - a project she put together for her Stamp With Us forum - so thank you so much Monica, it was a hit and enjoyed by all !!

I forgot to mention that a detailed template was initially made by everyone on Whisper White cardstock giving measurements etc before we started cutting into our Chocolate Chip cardstock for our project - so we had a dummy run and ironed out any possible hiccups and also it gave us a wonderfully detailed template to refer back to when we might need a perfect little box to use to present a gift to someone special

The gorgeous papers are from the mini catalogue Autumn Meadows - get them while you can as they won't make it across to the new catalogue as they contain Really Rust and Taken with Teal, two retiring colourways, but they are perfect for masculine cards and 3D projects.

Next meeting will be Tuesday 13 July 2010 - just before the children break for summer - just time to grab a little 'me' time, what do you think?

Back soon - Bridgette

Autumn Days - Thank You

2010-05-31T19:15:00.000+01:00

I found this cute little 3 x 3 card - perfect for my Thank You cards - in the American SU demo magazine. It uses one of the colours that will be leaving us in the autumn - Ruby Red - it is teamed with the Naturals Ivory cardstock, Chocolate Chip and Ruby Red ink and some of our natural twine.

I particularly love the torn paper and curled edge - although unlike the original I decided not to insert another layer and used a different sentiment set - mine is from the gorgeous Fresh Cuts stamp set - found on page 53 of our catalogue.

As yet I don't know if there is a promotion for June from Stampin' Up! - but when I do I'll let you know what it is - be back soon - and thank you for dropping by.

Bridgette

Loads of Love

2010-05-27T00:14:00.001+01:00

Hello there - this little card was spotted by my lovely friend Joyce in my sample box so I have put it here for her to look at in greater detail - she is going to springboard a Christmas card from it - so I shall look forward to seeing it - no pressure then Joyce lol !!! - only teasing !!

It's one I discovered in one of our Idea Book and Catalogue, but have to admit I can't remember which one - but it's definitely a cutie !!

Yippee - I'm starting up my monthly Tuesday Craft Club again ( I've missed them ) - the first meeting will be on 8 June and every second Tuesday of each month thereafter - at a cost of £10.00 for 2 hours ( 10.00 am - 12.00 midday) all materials for 3 projects, lots of giggles and light refreshments back at our usual place - Bromley Hall, Pode Hole. I shall keep it to a maximum of eight places and if there is more interest then there can always be another date in the month added - so no problem. Please contact me if you need more details but I shall be contacting all those who kindly supported this craft club in the past to update them and let them know we're up and running again from June.

Take care - I shall be back soon - Bridgette

PS - Have you noticed that I have gone all glitzy - I may be a classic girl but I can do a little razzamatazz and glitz when I need to lol - although if truth be known I am still working on the matching header as I need to get to grips with paint.net - I'm sure I will get there .......eventually lol.

Fabulous Starter Kit Promotion - Scroll Down To View My Latest Posting

2010-05-07T20:43:00.001+01:00

THIS OFFER WILL STAY HERE AT THE TOP UNTIL THE END OF THE PROMOTION - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW MY LATEST POSTING

This offer is available from 23 April 2010 to 7 May 2010 - so if you have been thinking about joining Stampin' Up's family as a demonstrator now would be the ideal opportunity.

Let me tell you why - for this limited period you will receive a 10% discount on an already fabulously discounted Starter Kit. The usual price you would pay is £139.00 and for that you would be receiving over £240.00 of stamping and business supplies but during this offer period you would only pay £125.00 - that's right, you will receive £240.00 worth of crafting goodies for the amazing price of £125.00.

And what's more it can be tailored-made to suit your needs and colour preferences -

why not take a look in my sidebar at the main catalogue and turn to the back cover where you can see exactly what you can expect to receive - or if you already have your own catalogue grab that cup of coffee, sit down for a while and take another look.

I know amazing isn't it? All that for £125.00 !!!

Become a Cherry Stamper today - contact me for more details.

Wonderful Words - Thank You

2010-05-06T18:45:00.000+01:00

Just a very quick little post to show you a card I recently placed in my orders - again inspiration was gained from the catalogue - this time from the Catalogue and Idea Book 2008-2009 - but using a set that is still available to buy - see page 65.

The cardstock colours are Night of Navy, More Mustard and Bordering Blue - with a little lift from Ruby Red punched flower and a Whisper White Grosgrain 'bow'.

Oh dear I said this would be short - hope you like this cute little card - see you soon - Bridgette

Bloomin' with Beauty

2010-04-29T13:17:00.000+01:00

Hello again - I am just looking thro' the SU catalogues that I have for inspiration for a whole new set of samples for me to show at parties - this is one that I found in one of the previous catalogues and I have put it with a page from last years' catalogue to give you another example with this gorgeous set. To find it in the up-to-date catalogue turn to page 45 and you'll find even more inspirational examples for you.

I have used a classic combination of colours - Old Olive and Chocolate Chip - with the petals shaded with Pumpkin Pie using a blender pen. The sentiment used is from Sincere Saluations with a cute button and linen thread in the corner. The background is En Francais - oh and I nearly forgot the simple pricking detail on the Whisper White cardstock for a little added interest.

I'll photograph the others that I have found to add to my new sample box over the next few days - thank you for stopping by - Bridgette

Vintage Sunday Afternoon ......

2010-04-25T21:22:00.000+01:00

..... what a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon - you guessed it, crafting.

Over to Lincoln today for a crafty party which saw us powering our way thro' three make and takes - using the Vintage Vogue stamp set - two smaller cards which I have shown on my blog before and a 3D floral card.

This card used Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Confetti White, the matching inkpads and a touch of Old Olive for the leaves. The base card was stamped with the Sanded background stamp using Versamark, layered with the complementary cardstock. The flowers were stamped onto the Confetti White card and then others were carefully cut out and arranged over the top of them together with the leaves and branches punched out with the beautiful new punch to be found in the mini. A little Elegant Eggplant grosgrain ribbon, a matching envelope and we were done.

The colours are not so true to life as I was taking it in the remaining light once I had returned home.

Thank you for stopping by - perhaps see you tomorrow? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm I still have that candle to decorate - not really my forte I just thought it seemed a good idea at the time lol!!! - Bridgette

Funky Forest Thank You Card

2010-04-23T11:41:00.000+01:00

Phew, that was a bit of a marathon!!! I have just completed the little Thank You cards I will be putting in my Stampers 10 orders this month - I am expecting the parcel today - so fingers crossed for onward delivery at the weekend - many thanks to Fleur who was the Stampers 10 Hostess for April - a super evening.

A quick and easy card ( that's when you're not making 20+ of them lol ) using the super fast rollers - Funky Forest and true to its name Fast Flowers - I love these little guys - they really give a lift to plain cardstock.

Old Olive, Barely Banana and Pretty in Pink combo for the card with the little floral detail and brad to the corner - also using the wonderful cutter kit that has the edge-distresser as part of the item - just helps to give it a little something.

Thanks for stopping by - now putting the finishing touches to the projects for the weekend so will reveal those after the event - but guess what? I bought a little candle in a glass container yesterday so I'm going to have a play with paper and rub-ons and see what I come up with !! - Bridgette

Lovely As A Tree ..... Birthday Wishes

2010-04-21T20:59:00.000+01:00

Oh isn't it always the way - that last minute birthday card and it has to be for a man !!!! This one got me reaching for Lovely As A Tree and Sincere Salutations stamp sets - not to mention grabbing inspiration from my older Idea Book & Catalogue 2007-2008 - ( hold on to these catalogues, at the same price of a monthly magazine these will be a constant source of inspiration, I promise).

Good masculine colours - More Mustard, Really Rust, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip all combine with the Sanded background stamp, some NEW satin Chocolate Chip ribbon ( see the mini ) and the stamp sets mentioned above - torn and inked for that rugged look lol.

Remember don't forget that envelope - it's always such a nice touch to give it a little colour.

Phew, mission accomplished - see you tomorrow - thank you for stopping by - Bridgette

Fresh Cuts - Variation on a Theme

2010-04-20T00:05:00.000+01:00

Phew, I think I am just squeezing into Monday - but this will at least be up early for Tuesday morning. On Sunday I said that I had a birthday card to make - and that I would use the card I had cased and just change the colours.

So here it is in Regal Rose and Rose Red, using the Fresh Cuts - not too many variations just a little background stamping - I tried to keep it slim as it is going via Mr Postie- raised up with dimensionals rather than glue dots would have been better but not to worry - the effect was there although reduced.

Busy day tomorrow so I may be back in the evening - Bridgette

Fresh Cuts - Thank You

2010-04-18T20:43:00.000+01:00

What I love about the Idea Book & Catalogue is that all the designs turn out just as they are within its pages - yes, this is an exact 'lift' of the card on page 5 of the catalogue - I plan to do it in a different colourway and use the other sentiment - for you - within the set (page 53). It needs to be done quite quickly as it has to be in the post tomorrow - so hopefully that's what you'll be seeing from me tomorrow.

Again what I love is that just a little decoration on the envelope it really lifts the card - so simple.

Drop by tomorrow if you can - Bridgette

Vintage Vogue - Make and Take

2010-04-17T21:42:00.001+01:00

Well, I'm just managing to squeeze into Saturday - I made this little project last night for the Make and Take - and it is just a fun, simple little card using, you guessed it, my favourite set of the moment - Vintage Vogue.

I did make a few adjustments because I mislaid my sample card - so just tweaked it slightly from the original - my crafting girlfriends from last night may notice that the flower is a different colour and there a few little light touches of Taken with Teal inked onto the white cardstock which we didn't do on the evening.

Also we have an envelope - I always like to include an envelope - although on this occasion my supply hadn't arrived, but this is what we would have done if they had, so I shall have to rectify that when I receive them.

Thanks for stopping by - I shall show you my scrapbook page tomorrow and then I shall move onto a different stamp set - I think it's about time lol -Bridgette

Vintage Vogue Treat Pouch

2010-04-16T12:02:00.000+01:00

Good morning - just lol.

I have just time to pop my project on for you to see - there are lots of these little treat pouches but this one originates from Chic n' Scratch and the wonderful Angie Juda - she used this for her Blessings Mix.

I have used Brocade Blue cardstock and inks, this together with Regal Rose ink for the flowers and using the rock and roll technique to deliver a little touch of colour to the edges, these are then finished with a Brocade Blue brad.

The stamp set is the beautiful Vintage Vogue with the matching roller - both found in the mini catalogue - see my side bar to take a look at the catalogue or please contact me if I can supply you with your own copy.

I shall be back tomorrow to show you what I got up to this evening and the project we managed to complete - thank you for stopping by - Bridgette

Vintage Vogue Thank You Card

2010-04-15T12:11:00.000+01:00

Hello, I said that I would pop back with the Thank You card I am putting into Jeanne's order bags - it is made with my most favourite stamp set of the moment - the beautiful Vintage Vogue - so many elements to use in so many different ways - I'll be back with a Treat Bag tomorrow using this set.

Today's card is in our beautiful Brocade Blue ( a farewell colour, so if it's a favourite don't forget to buy an extra pack ) and then the shadow stamping ie just ink the stamp once and make three successive images, so simple.

The sentiment is from the very versatile Cheer and Wishes stamp set, so pretty. The cute row of pricking is done top and bottom of the mellow moss taffeta ribbon - that's it, all done.

Simple but effective and really easy when it all colour co-ordinates so effortlessly.

See you tomorrow for the Vintage Vogue Treat Bag - if you have the time do stop by and say 'Hello'- Bridgette

This is the one that got away .................

2010-04-14T13:46:00.000+01:00

Yes, I'm sorry to say we ran out of time - this was the project where all the ladies could just make up their own design using the pieces that would be given to them and the chosen stamp set which was Autumn Days. These were my two examples to help to inspire them - I was looking forward to seeing what they would all produce, that's always the fun part.

By this time of course we had already managed to complete the 4 notelets and cute box for them plus another card with matching sweetie bag ( see my previous posts ) - so perhaps I was over ambitious but it is always good to have a project in reserve.

At the moment I am making Thank You cards to pop in the bags for Jeanne's recent party - so I'll show you that tomorrow - come back if you can - Bridgette

Another project from Tattershall ..............

2010-04-13T18:43:00.001+01:00

Hello again - I thought that I would just put this on quickly as I spoke about it yesterday - once we had completed the four little notelet cards and matching box this is the project we moved on to.

I love the Top Note Sizzix die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up! - I have a lovely American friend who knows my weakness for dies - and it just fits perfectly on the top of the cute little bag - just right for a few sweeties - so you never arrive empty handed when visiting.

The card is using some of my favourite colours - Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery and Pumpkin - and my latest stamp set - I waited so long for Lovely As A Tree - having now got it I marvel that I waited so long - it is beautiful.

Back tomorrow with the project that 'got away' - Bridgette

WI Craft Day - Tattershall Village Hall

2010-04-12T01:08:00.026+01:00

I was invited, some months ago, to hold a craft class as part of the WI Craft Day on Saturday 10 April, this event was held in Tattershall Village Hall - I was absolutely delighted to accept - I love meeting new crafters, we are such a friendly group of women it's impossible not to get along.

The day was thoroughly enjoyable - we nearly managed the eighth project but time was against us - I blame the delicious lunch and certainly the Banoffee Pie, I tried to resist and stay focused but my willpower failed me lol.

As you can see we completed the main project of four notelet cards with matching box which you can see in the photos. Congratulations to Val on winning the prize draw - a new stamp set just like the one we used to create these cards.

We then made a simple card and matching sweetie pouch - perfect when you don't want to arrive empty handed at a friend's home but want to show that you have thought of them and to give a small handcrafted gift - I'll have photos of that tomorrow for you.

I also gave out details of my blog - so I do hope that the ladies will drop by and read here that I had a great time, they are a lovely bunch of ladies that I look forward to meeting again soon - I do hope they all enjoyed themselves as much as I did.

I'll post the next cards tomorrow - and the eighth project (the one that got away as we ran out of time) on Wednesday.

Hope you can drop by - Bridgette

A Fond Farewell .....................

2010-04-11T10:45:00.004+01:00

................. so now it is the turn of those familiar colours that we will be saying a fond farewell to over the next few months in readiness for the launch of our new catalogue in October.

Remember this will be introducing all of those beautiful new colours to us for use in our crafting projects and for us to discover how they will mix and match with those chosen to remain from our existing families.

Rest assured that over the next few months there will be opportunity to buy an extra pack or two of your favourites from the existing catalogue just to ensure that you will have them to hand - it's good that we have this lead-in time as it gives us the opportunity to plan our crafting needs.

I shall post later to show you the projects I completed with the wonderful ladies I met yesterday in Tattershall - it was a brilliant day organised by the WI - so yes, the Banoffee Pie was scrumptious !!!!

Come back later this evening if you have the time and thankyou for stopping by - Bridgette

Exciting News About Our New Colour Collections

2010-04-08T17:07:00.006+01:00

Yes, it's exciting but also bittersweet - don't you think that sometimes change can be a little like that?

Exciting to think of the new possibilities that lie ahead but only natural to feel unsure about how things will be in the future and will it still be for you - particularly when you love the way it already is.

If you've been following the news on the Stampin' Up! forums you'll know that change is in the air - hmmmm exciting but bittersweet - see what I mean.

But this is REALLY GOOD and the changes will help to bring all the Stampin' Up! family into line - ie we'll be in line with America and Australia - all our paper colours will be the same - yes, that means In-Colors too!!!

Our Stampin' Up! Colour Families will be known as Collections - containing the most popular colours and some new exciting additions, a little colour hopping from one group to another shall we say!! Take a look at the photo at the top of this post - is your favourite staying or are you going to have to stock up to ensure you still get your colour 'fix'!!

Saying farewell to some will be hard, but saying hello to some new colours will be fun - and, don't panic, we have time - all this will start with our new catalogue in October - so you see plenty of time to stock up on the favourites you know you will miss - you're talking to a paper stroker here - and I KNOW I am not alone lol.

Bridgette

Spring is coming .......

2010-03-20T23:56:00.002Z

Hello again - just a very quick post as Saturday gives way to Sunday and another day slips away and brings us closer to Spring - found here at http://www.stampingmoments.blogspot.com/ a beautiful little easel card - I changed some of the colours, papers and stamp details - this is a really popular shape at the moment and so easy to do but it has that 'wow' factor and when the envelope is tied in it just adds the finishing touch.

Sorry I said it would be short but if you want to find the stamp set it's on p43 of the current catalogue and is the wonderful two-step stamping techinique that always holds a surprise each time it's stamped.

Thank you for stopping by.

Bridgette

Sincerest form of flattery .......

2010-03-10T22:02:00.002Z

Hello again - just a quick little post to show you a card a popped into my lovely crafty friends order bags recently - I try to do this as often as I can but they are always just simple quick little cards.

This time I spied one I liked in the US Fall-Winter 2007 catalogue - you can see it in the background of the photograph - well, it is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - and whilst I didn't copy it slavishly it gave me a good base to then quickly make seven little cards to say thank you for the wonderful support given to me as a friend and as a Stampin' Up! demo - I say it often I know but I am blessed by the friends that I have and those that I have met thro' my love of crafting.

See you again soon - Bridgette xxx

Fabulous March Offer

2010-03-02T00:56:00.004Z

This post will stay at the top for the month of March -

please scroll down for the latest posting.

Hurry and make sure that you don't have to wait until October for this fabulous full size heart punch - available only while stocks last.
Combine it with one of the stamp sets and it's yours for only £10.00 - actually there are quite a few stamp sets and co-ordinating punches on offer - do take a closer look and contact me should you need any further information.

Opps, it seems that my photo won't open and allow you to read it so while I figure it out please go along to www.stampinup.co.uk for more details of this fabulous offer.

Bridgette

Saleabration comes to an end ......................

2010-02-28T17:25:00.003Z

Just a quick little post with another salebration card - using the Happy Moments stamp set.

I had designed a simpler form of this card for Barbara's guests to make at her recent workshop ( Kirsty thank you once again for your help ) and I later decided to step it up a little by using a roller design on the background, a little bit of ribbon and some glaze on the flowers ( which you can't see but it looks really pretty, I'm hooked ) - I then made 14 more quite quickly and used them as Thank You cards for those who had ordered at Barbara's party and my other Stampers 10 girlfriends - just so that they could see how easy it is to do a little more with a few extra supplies.

I know, I'm sorry, I have changed my blog background yet again and given myself back my original title of Cherry Hill Crafts but I am still, of course, A Stamp For All Seasons because that is what I feel Stampin! Up! gives me, a wonderful stamped image for all seasons.

Bridgette

PS The envelope never escapes lol.

Belle Toile - so quick and easy ......

2010-02-20T21:45:00.002Z

When I need a card in a hurry - and that's often - I find that the background stamps are wonderful - creating impact and covering a large area at the same time - on this occasion I've used the Whimsical Words together with the oval scallop and the plain oval punches - just a little bit of Always Artichoke ribbon to match the cardstoke and ink used and voila it's finished.

I'll being putting more details about the punches on offer at the beginning of March - look out for it then.

Bridgette

Time for Tea

2010-02-18T20:44:00.002Z

Actually I meant to show this to you all earlier in the month - my lovely crafty friend Jane makes the most amazing cakes each time she is a hostess for a Stampin' Up! party at her home, on this occasion it was the beginning of February - I managed to make myself a refreshing cup of fruit tea and arrange this gorgeous cake on a cute tray before I sat down to eat it - and yes, I was at home, shoes off - just before midnight after what was fabulous evening of crafting with friends lol.

As Sale-a-bration is drawing to a close Stampin' Up! have another wonderful offer to tempt us with starting in March .....................

During the month of March, get 20% off select punches when you purchase the coordinating stamp set. Plus, get a sneak peek at the BRAND-NEW FULL HEART PUNCH - not available again until the release of the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

Yes, the fabulous full heart punch will be available just for a short period of time in March - more details will follow - watch this space.

Bridgette

Have you celebrated Sale-a-bration?

2010-02-16T23:39:00.002Z

Although I haven't been writing about my doings I have been doing, honestly. The photo shows one of the Sale-a-bration designs that I have been using throughout some of January and into February - a very easy and cute easel card (not convinced that is the correct spelling !!) using Happy Moments and Vintage Labels - two of the more popular stamp sets from the choice of four on offer.

I have to let you know that there is a fabulous offer on the way for March - which I will be putting up tomorrow and which will be available from the beginning of March and just while stocks last - it's a punch that I feel we have all been waiting for ........................ see you tomorrow?

Bridgette

Opps ..... where, oh where, has my title gone?!!

2010-01-14T22:18:00.003Z

Oh dear, I fancied a bit of a change and was admiring Lou's background so I changed mine but now I can't put my header back - I will work on it and see what I can come up with - I some how need to be able to fill the space with my title but don't know how to move it about - I think I will have to consult my Google Blog for Dummies book lol.

On the SU side I have been busy, honestly, and now that it is Sale-a-bration it is a great time to collect some free stamp sets - if you haven't got your brochure or you need to find out more visit the Stampin' Up! website and take a peek. In the meantime I shall work on getting the details on here for you all to see.

Hopefully now that the New Year is underway it will see me returning to blogging on a more regular basis - I know that a few of you keep stopping by, if only on the way to somewhere else, so thank you for that - it gives me a little base on which to rebuild.

Sending a hug to all my crafty friends - Bridgette xxx

Happy Christmas to you all .............

2009-12-25T17:05:00.001Z

................. and I hope that you have enjoyed your perfect Christmas Day whether surrounded by friends, family or just that special someone, as long as it was the sort of day you were hoping for with no undue pressure to strive for perfection - our day was relaxed, just the three of us - we are with friends tomorrow and then I go back to work on Sunday.

Speaking of work, I ordered bags of energy from Santa so I'm hoping for great things from here on in - no seriously, it is definitely getting better - I know my stamina levels are increasing. Although I have so missed catching up regularly with friends, blogging on here and crafting in general but I will be making realistic New Year resolutions which I shall do my utmost to keep - SU is still so much a part of any free time I have - I love it - and thank you for your support during the last year and particularly for the last couple of months while I have been finding my feet - you all make my crafting an absolute joy which never fails to make me smile and lift my spirits.

So I am wishing you all good health, prosperity and happiness thro'out 2010 and may nothing befall you that is beyond your capabilities and if you feel it is may you have the strength to rise to the challenge, succeed and note with pride your ability to cope with all that life throws your way - Bridgette xxx

Working Nine 'til Five .............................

2009-10-19T20:52:00.002+01:00

If you love Dolly Parton you'll be humming that for the rest of the evening ...... sorry.

Now I have been busy with in-home demos but just not blogging - although I have been blog-hopping keeping up with what all my favourites in my sidebar have been doing - please take a peek, they are all so inspiring.

I have now become an 'outside the home' full time working girl, as we know every women is a working girl whether inside or outside the home - I am hoping that once I find my feet I shall be posting more regularly - I have a Hostess Party this Friday for Louise which I am looking forward to very much and have already started prepping for - I know, unheard of, but I have to become much more organised if the juggling balls are not to come crashing down on my head lol.

Thank you so much if you have kept visiting in the hope of an update and just like Arnie - I will be back - Bridgette

Trio of Party Makes

2009-09-30T23:40:00.003+01:00

I thought I would show you a little trio of party makes for a little girl - before I get truly caught up in the new catalogue.

Leo the Lion bookmark is made using a selection of punches and some flowers cut for the children by Crafty Lou - and the large teddy face is the large scallop circle sizzix die and then the flowerpot.
This card was made by the adults and the children and I think it was enjoyed - some of the non-crafters thoroughly enjoyed themselves - so I hope to see them again before too long.

Thanks for stopping by - I will bring you news of the launch and details of the Make & Takes on offer over the weekend.

Bridgette

Going, going, gone .......................

2009-09-30T15:05:00.000+01:00

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LASTEST POST - THIS WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER

Over on Stampin' Up!'s site at http://www.stampinup.co.uk/ you will find the Retiring List of stamp sets - these sets are not being featured in the new catalogue - some of my own favourites are going, and I shall miss them - so if you have a set on your wish list - pop across and check because you never know it may be up to 50% off - yes, 50% off - this type of reduction is unprecedented with a Retiring List so it definitely is worth checking - and SU have stated that it is an offer that may not be repeated next year when they reveal their Retiring List again.

If you find anything that you would like either find your nearest demo and they will be delighted to take your order or contact me on my email address in the sidebar and I will do my best to help.

Bridgette

Another project to share .......

2009-09-23T16:52:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to show you the inside of the Criss-Cross card we made at the Tuesday Craft Group - I think it would make a really lovely invitation card - wedding, birth announcment, birthday - lots of occasions really.

Thank you for stopping by - just to share with you that my birthday cards were beautiful and they will be appearing over the next few days - simply stunning - lots and lots of talented crafters amongst my lovely friends.

Bridgette

Tuesday Craft Group Project ........

2009-09-20T19:16:00.006+01:00

I thought I would show you the inside of the little fold out project that we completed - I feel sure I would have found this little guy on Splitcoast Stampers in the demo side but I honestly can't remember I search all over for project ideas - we only made it as a template for our sample boxes whilst in the group but it would be so easy to recreate it using papers more appropriate for the occasion ie Christmas ( yes, I have mentioned the word as many a crafter's mind is making plans for the festive season - mine included lol ).

I think this project would be perfect filled with photos to send to a loved one that you don't get to see as often as you would like, particularly if there are growing grandchildren involved - they could sign at the side of the photo - and I'm sure it would be treasured and looked at often.

The papers are Haiku and the stamp set used Carte Postale - sadly both retiring to make way for gorgeous new products - I shall be sorry to see the stamp set go, it's one of my favourites - but I am sure I shall be falling in love with the new ones - I am sooooooo fickle ( no only teasing, I'm not really ).

Thanking for stopping by - I'll have some party makes to show you next time.

Bridgette

Updates and our Crafty Tuesday M & T's .....

2009-09-18T20:20:00.003+01:00

Well, it seems that whilst Debbie's first workshop may have been small it was beautifully formed - well, I wouldn't expect any less having seen the beautiful sample board she prepared - also keep up to date with her other offerings on Pink Poppy Craft in the sidebar.

Our own monthly meeting was really welcome, our first since the children had returned to school - we had met in the August but it was with our children to encourage them to craft too - all the projects are shown at the top and over the next few days I will put the other close up photos on as for some reason, known only to my blog, you can only see the first photo enlarged - I'm clearly doing something wrong but I'm not sure what just yet !!!!

For the projects I decided to showcase a few of the retiring items - do check out the post at the top just in case one of your favourites is being retired - remember these items will not be available after the 30th September - contact your local demo who will be happy to place an order for you or failing that contact myself and I will always do my best to help.

I've got lots of other projects to show you at the moment - so I shall be posting every couple of days with something different - please pop back if you can and thank you for stopping by on this occasion.

See you soon - Bridgette

Nearly a Birthday Girl ...........

2009-09-14T09:34:00.003+01:00

In anticipation of the event my lovely crafting friends who I 'scrap' with gave me a surprise party - with balloons, presents and cake - I say it often, and mean it, I have some wonderful friends and I count myself very blessed.

Now they also know that anything they craft for me ends up being viewed by all on here - I love to share these beautiful items because as crafters we know how long it takes to make them and the thought and care that goes into such a gift.

So, this gorgeous book was made by Amanda ( there she is in the top left hand corner ) - and serves to remind me of all my friends - and I'm sorry if I look like the 'cat that's got the cream' on the front of the book but I'm wearing my SU apron and doing something I love doing: helping others fall in love with Stampin' Up! products. Today the village hall, tomorrow the world lol.

I'll photograph the projects we did for the Tuesday Craft Group on the 13th and show you those tomorrow - I'm just putting the finishing touches to projects for a Hostess Party tomorrow evening - and this evening sees the first home workshop for Debbie - Pink Poppy Craft in the sidebar - I shall be sending positives vibes to her although she has worked hard with her sample board and projects - I know it will be a success for her.

Bridgette

Crafty Lou's Workshop Sample Board

2009-08-27T21:49:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned a couple of days ago - my sample board for the workshop was inspired by Lou - such a talented crafter and if you are in the Peterboro' area this Sunday drop into Sir Stampalot in the Werrington area and you will find her in person, demonstrating, and she will have the equally talented Chris with her - so a double treat.

As you will see I CASED the top right hand card completely but just used a different colourway - I like to do this as it often looks a completely different card - I'd like to try it in the bolder colourway too perhaps a Tempting Turquoise and Pixie Pink combination might be nice.

Still wading thro' my Sizzix dies and putting them on my ebay site - google Cherry Hill Crafts and I should come up as UK Ebay Shop, about the third entry ( don't quite know how I accomplished that !!) - you may find a bargain - or that illusive die you've been searching for - a lot of my collection is being listed.

Thank you for dropping by and keeping me on my toes.

Bridgette