THE CHESHIRE DESIGN HOUSE

And the winner is!......

2012-01-25T14:35:00.000-08:00

We put everyone who commented (apart from me of course) into a hat and the winner who was drawn out is....

THE CRAFT FAIRY!!

Let me know your address and I will pop the bag into to post for you

Draw very soon! Bag making class anyone?

2012-01-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

I Have been asked buy a few people to hold a bagmaking class..
iF you are interested please let me know, all materials will be provided, date TBC places will be limited but they will be held in my new ...nearly ready.... Craft studio!
iVe only been sorting it for a few years so it's about time it was ready....

Red Spotty Blog Candy!!!!!

2011-12-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Ive not done a blog candy for a while so here it is!!

Please leave a comment and you will automatically be entered into a draw to win a red spotty bag.

2011-12-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry Ive not been around,
I have been soooo busy and have soooo much to update, I will get round to it....promise...
Ive been to Paris to the fabby Stampin Up convention (lost the memory card) and seem to have not had a minite to spare!

I love Interior Design and have been out of it for a while but I have some exciting news to share with you very very soon....

One thing that has been keeping me from my blog is this little one...

This is Lady C she is such a complex little one, I often stare at her to try to see what is really going on in there....she is so mixed up, so anxious, so angry......its not fair for a little girl to feel the way she does....wish I could help more....

love her to bits...but its so very very hard.....

NEC November 2011

2011-11-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

I was lucky to be a member of the Pinkies team who exhibited at the NEC Hobbycraft show, Ive got lots of amazing picture's to share with you, all made my the amazing team members either a Pinkies team member or one of Bekka's team.

how cool is this pine cone made with out lovely Holly Berry Bouquet Speciality paper.

This is amazing made with our First Edition Speciality paper.

Lush Christmas paper again....

Love this fabby tea cup and biscuits, lovin it!!

Ive been busy.....

2011-10-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cant seem to make enough of these or make them quick enough!!!

been a busy busy girl....

2011-10-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo excited, Stampin up are at the NEC next weekend!!!!!
Thurs Friday and Saturday and Sunday and I will be on the stand on Sunday, really looking forward to it, we have an amazing make and take (make sure you book early) and the most beautiful stand has been designed....

Hope to see you there x

Fabric Fabric and More Fabric...

2011-10-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

From the sneak peak here are my first samples using one of the new fabby fabric pack from Stampin Up!
I used Flirtatious 122335 ,Lovin it!. the great thing about theses fabrics is you get a generous 68.6cm 45.7cm which is a very big fat quarter.
Here are all the projects together. The middle 'cake' is a pin cushion and the little patchwork pillow is a lavender pillow.

This is a little place mat with very easy applique...

This is a little phone purse

An easy hair clip

And a very easy applique bag, if you cant sew but can use an iron this is the project for you...
iron on the adhesive fabric roll to the back of the fabric pieces, choose a die and put through your sizzix peal off the adhesive roll backing and iron on!! simples!

Keep looking for my fabricy treats!

New workshops.......!

2011-10-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

My new workshops have been a great success, it helps feed my obsession with fabrics and paper crafts and helps other find their creative mojo,so its a win, win situation.

My next workshops will run in December (date TBC) and will then carry on through into 2012

If you are interested in a sewing or paper craft workshops in Cheshire please let me know, dates will be available soon, places are limited and the get booked-up very quickly so I can get you on the mailing list x
Here are the classes coming up shortly.

BASIC BAG MAKING
CUSHION MAKING FOR BEGINNERS
3D PAPER CRAFTS
CARD MAKING WORKSHOPS
PAPER CRAFTS TECHNIQUES
I f you would like to go on my mailing list please contact me on
cheshire.designhouse@virgin.net

You will not believe it...Fabric...oh yes!

2011-10-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

Stampin Up are doing fabric!!
WOO HOO.
Some may know its my passion.....I love it, love the feel of it, smell of it, and love to have a play!
When Monica Gale asked me to do an Inspiration Station at training I was thrilled, sadly though its on the same day as Michelle Lasts (my upline) so I couldn't attend but I agreed to do a few samples with one of the new fabric ranges.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on it....Monica sent me the flirtatious fabric range which I love, I wish I had had more time to play but as you know I have my big crafty event on the 22nd Oct so its been a bit hectic.
Anyway I can show you what I have made just yet but here are a couple of sneak peaks...

Also I love the new storage for clear blocks, it doesn't come with the Stampin Up sticker, Ive put that on but doesn't it look cool?....

Attention Crafters!!!

2011-10-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am madly preparing for my crafty table top sale on 22nd Oct I forgot to tell you about the amazing new Stampin Up catalogue!! It is new, fab, exciting and scammed full of scrummy new crafty lushness!

I am so lucky to be part of an amazing team who love the sames things as me.If you would like to start a new crafty business or just want cheaper craft materials get in touch.
Here is the new amazing starter kit worth over £250 All for £119 INCL delivery!

COME ON ...YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!.......

And the Winners are!!!...........

2011-09-20T03:49:00.000-07:00

my lovely girls have picked out 2 winners...

Sarah you have won the ring
and
Fiona you have won the bag

Hope you like them!!

I am making a whole new batch so will put another givaway on soon...

Please can you both e-mail me your address so I can post them off to you xxx

Crafty Table Top Sale

2011-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Please pop along to my second crafty table top sale!!

Hope to see you there...xx

2011-09-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

On saturday I was relly luck to qualify for the Stampin Up Leeds training day. I cant tell you too much as there are other regional training event going on around the country so I dont want to spoil it for anyone but it was great,lovely to seel lots of like minded people. I came bck with lots of lovely swaps and a goodie bag of surprises!!

I cam back from holiday the Wednesday before and told myself that to keep the pressure off I wouldnt do any swaps but I had missed crafting sooo much I did 35 quick ones!
Hope you like them...I love this colour combo..
One to the Freebie!
Here is my blog candy picture it is the aqua and ecru colourway and has a magnetic snap for a change.

Second Blog candy pic...one of my rose rings.... kind of a blonde colour

If you would like either of these please leave a comment and I will pick names out of a hat very soon!

Im nearly back of holiday......so freebee time!

2011-08-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

hi folks, I will be back on Wednesday, Ive had a long few weeks thinking of EVERYTHING I would like to do with my Stamping, Bag making and Interior design.....

Lots of plans...

room to be finished...
so to start things off

I am giving away an aqua spotty bag and one of my rings, I cant post a picture but will do when I get back from sunny Crete!

2011-08-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

OK this is the start.......

I had to paint the wall and put the rails and the shelf up myself!
The shelf is going to be for fabby samples, when I make them.

There are 3 clock, a bit posey but I used to be a clothing buyer so used to needing to know what time it is in different countries...
Ok the ribbon storage is not new but some of you may not have seen it, I love it!

Ok I love this bit, I have use sticky velcro to attach the glue guns so they just pop back in place when I am not suing them, ribbon scissors are hanging on a little screw. My crop o dile also has a little space of its own!

This room is our garage, I am very lucky because it is a double garage and a few years ago I had a window put in it so I have loads of natural light. The garage doors (a redundancy prezzie from me to me) open out so in the summer its amazing.

I hope you like this so far...

OPERATION CRAFT ROOM REVISITED.......

2011-08-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Some may know I am terrible at organizing....I get so far then give up, I covert everyone Else's crafty space, I drool over how amazing OTHER peoples rooms are.

I love the following magazine:
WHERE WOMEN CREATE
STUDIOS

There is nothing better than a nice hot bath and a crafty storage magazine.
Here lies the problem...I love to look, read and dream about having a lovely space but actually putting it into practice is a totally different thing..

I have set myself a 5 day challenge and as the days have past I have realised it will take a LOT longer.
OK I am very very lucky to have a big space but if it was just a Satmpin up room it would be an easy job but I have a workshop that covers a number of crafts, the biggest being sewing....this is my business, my spotty bags have gone down so well I have actually run out! I am planning some more styles and colours for after the holidays.So for this I have 2 domestic sewing machines and a massive industrial machine and of course tons and tons of fabric, trimmings,lining and interlining.

I am also an Interior Designer so need to put designs boards together and have a drawing board and drawing equipment and A1 card, mount board and paper!

This is closely followed but felt making, machine embroidery and anything else I can squash into my time...

so to shame myself into action here are a couple of 'before'pictures......

I blush....
And

wish me luck!!

WoW!! Fabby new Promotion!!

2011-07-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

How great is this?

I don't hide the fact I LOVE Stampin Up products love them love them love them....I love the people in our team, love the fact I will be going to Paris in November to spend lots of time with lots of lovely demos,love the whole thing!
Some might say obsessed....the fact I have stayed up until 1am to post the new promotion may confirm I am a bit bonkers (and maybe a bit obsessed...)

Need some free craft supplies? just take a look at this great promotion, call me or e-mail me if you need to know more!

Teachers gifts......How Many!!!

2011-07-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

When you are told to always check the School website for any school info, you kind of check the website....don't you? didn't expect the holidays to be out of date...so the girls actually broke up a week earlier than planned!!
If that wasn't bad enough I didn't click that's the 'teachers gifts' had to also be made a week earlier! PANIC!
So I delved into the craft room,did a little research and voila....

When I asked Lady C I then found out between them I had to 16...yes 16....if the teachers like them or not I always fee compelled to 'make' something (hope they like them..)

Hope you like them, I lovely getting my trusty SU stash out.

Cardstock share and a freebie Bag!!!

2011-07-20T04:52:00.002-07:00

Would you like to see ALL the stampin up cardstock but cant invest in a pack of each??
Let me help you!! join my paper share and you will have 1 A5 sheet of every cardstock colour from ALL 4 families PLUS 2A5 sheet from the IN COLOURS!!!!

All delivered to your door for £? JUST ASK ME!!!

You could use it to make cards or samplers for all your new recruits....

Playment by cheque or cash or Paypal with a 5% charge (sorry)....

Was there anything else........????? Ah yes....

Your can also me entered into a draw for a free spotty bag! its Aqua spots with a neutral strap and a flowery cram and aqua lining...

Pic to follow xx

CARDSTOCK SHARE AND A FREEBI

2011-07-20T04:52:00.001-07:00

blog hop!

2011-07-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you came from

www.cardsandacuppa.blogspot.com

and after me you will go to www.lindseyscards.blogspot.com

Wish someone had told me I hadnt spelt Lindsey correctly or linked properly!!! hope it hasnt ruined nything...xx

More rings......and a freebie!

2011-06-22T01:17:00.000-07:00

I do 2 styles a rose and a chrysanthemum, I am coming to the end of my batch of resin so I need to see how they sell before I invest in more, your feedback would be super duper!

I have done about 15 cols here are a few.

Late me know your fave colour or a colour you would like and will put your names in a hat and pick one name out for a free one!
what price to sell ? what do you think?

If you have a loo throught the stampin up caralogue ,on the right side of my blog ,at all the Ink pads, I can make a ring in pretty much any of theses colours!

2011-06-12T10:37:00.001-07:00

It is Marieke's Birthday today (a good friend)and I wanted to use my recent experimenting to make her a prezzie.

I wanted to play with the lovely papers from the new Mini catalogue, I made this simple card and a matching box, I love making 'no glue' boxes they are soo easy and I think they look great.

You may notice there is a little rose ring, I made it using a resin that I dyed using the re-inkers!!!

What do you think?

I have loved making this soooooooo much I have now made 4 colourways and different styles, all colours are mixed using the re-inkers.

Well Im off to see what she thinks!!
Bye for now...

Hot cakes!!

2011-05-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have been sooooo busy, my bags have being going like hot cakes!
Here is a picture of a craft fair I did a little while ago and a pic of the different colors available Ive been asked for prices so below is a current price list. I can send out a bag straight away if its in stock and if not usually within a few days, I am away next week for 4 days so there will be a little delay then.
Here are the pics

Here is the price list
BAGS £29 postage £3.95
PURSES £5 If bought with a bag £6 if not postage £1
Doorstops will be supplied empty you will need to fill and slipstick the hole! £10 postage £2
Pin cushions £3.50 £1 postage
Tooth pillows £5.50 £2 postage

International orders will be more.

All dependent on fabric availability, special order will be taken!!
Coming soon....
Personalised Bike Buckets....
Personalised Mini Bags....
Jumbo Beach bags....
And more..

In the Interim....

2011-05-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am working on some new ideas but in the meantime I wanted to share a pic with you. I took my girls to Blackpool, it cost a small fortune but we had such a great day, I love to see them experience new things. Stuart was away so couldn't come with us and I didn't realise that most ride are for 2 and there was no way I could leave one of the girls on their own. Luckily Sarah (the lovely Sarah Makin) doesn't live too far away and said she would bob over with Tom and her new baby Matthew.
How cute is he!!!!
They really saved the day Lady K to a very big shine to Sarahs hubby Tom, so nice to see her so happy, poor Tom he didnt get a minute's peace!

Lady K wanted to try to win a toy and after a few attemps she realised it wasnt going to happen then we bumped into this poor man....

I asked him if he had a big house...her replied "I havn't got a big car!!" It wasnt as if it was soft so it could be squashed into a car its was solid. So I had to thank my lucky stars.....I couldnt stop laughing...if you look closely his wife won as well and they didnt have any kids!

UP DAY AND DOWN DAYS.....

2011-04-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Like most of us I have up days and down days, unfortunately I have had a few down days all together in one go so not been blogging recently....

Just to add to my dark days Lady C in a temper said to me today "you are not my Mum anyway Mum"
usually my face shows how upset this makes me but today it kind of made me chuckle, she was trying to hurt me with her words but still called me Mum at the end!

The good news is that I am now back on track and have been crafting to pick myself up and get me motivated again.
I have been using some of the new fabby stampin up mini supplies, so much amazing stuff! here a a few pics...

I love to make good memories for my girls and think of my lovely Dad for inspiration, he always made things special, never let us know when there were problems (I'm not good at that) he was am amazing man...so taking a leaf out of his book I organised a full day of partying for the Royal Wedding , here are a few pics

this was lunch a nice British tea party with Pims on the lawn! later we had a BBQ with venison and steak and lots of scrummy salads, a lovely day I hope they will remember.....

Canvas and Stitch Class Now June

2011-04-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

3 projects and here are 2 of the projects sneek peaks...

Nice crafty day for all!
We have a list of people so far, why not join us?

here is the link to the sneaks!

http://www.limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/

I Love the new Sizzix Build a Flower Die...

2011-04-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

The New min is full of fab new Sizzix dies, I love them for my card making and any other papercrafts but did you know they can also cut fabric and felt? I LOVE LOVE LOVE fabric and sewing so I HAD to make something with the new build a flower die.

This is a sneak peak of a class project I have designed for a workshop I may be doing with my friend Kirsty Wiseman, she is planning a few events and this is to be 'EVENT 2'
http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/two-events-pick-date.html

Here is a sneak peak...

And another....

if you are interested please leave a message or e-mail me. xx

BLOG HOP FOR THE NEW MINI!!

2011-04-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog hop!!!
Not really sure what I am doing.... Amanada is after me!!!!
http://thecraftspa.blogspot.com

The new Mini catalogue has come out today, e-mail me if you would like a copy at cheshire.designhouse@virgin.net

I made this mini box for a recent crafty get together, I LOVE the new Sizzix 'Build a flower' from Stampin up, it makes great flowers a also a great tag.

I loved making this card so decided to a card based on the same design.
Here is a little cose up.

And another one..

And the finished card...

Give me a call if you would like to book a workshop to make these projects or any other projects.

Lovin this mini!!

BEST SEWING GADGET!

2011-03-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

I love fabric, I love the look of it, the smell of it , I love to create things out of it......some may say I am obsessed and they would be right!
One of my favourite designers is Heather Bailey and I am blessed to be included in one of her blog hops this month!!
We are sharing our favourite usedful tools.
If you go to her site
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com
I cant seem to link it for some reason so google it...

Click on :
March of the Tools

There is a list of who has been playing this month!

This one of my millions of tools.....
Is it a telephone?
No!! I attach it by suction to my rulers, set squares etc there is nothing worse the trying to pick up your rulers from a flat table (ruins the nails....)

Just wanted to share...

2011-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Lady C my youngest , if you read my blog you will know the ups and down we have.....

This morning in the car she had a big smile on her face, I said "why are you so happy today?"
She replied
"I am always happy now I have a mummy like you..."

How amazing is that!!
Just wanted to share.

Craft Fair

2011-03-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy over the last few weeks sewing ready for a craft fair last Saturday, I was asked to have stand in a barn, I expected lots of hay and a nice fresh country smell....lush...to my surprise it had a swimming pool on the ground floor (and a very posh one too..) and upstairs a massive room with toilets and chandeliers!!

I took lady 'K' who's is my best helper, we carried everything up the winding stairs, here is a pic of the table.

and a close up...

what do you think of my little tooth fairy pillows? they have a little embroidered linen pocket so you can leave your tooth in the pocket and if you are good they should be a coin left by the tooth fairy!! OK for £5.50!

Kat is obsessed with chocolate, maybe because here early years consisted of chocolate chocolate and not much else but that's another story... can you imagine her face when this arrived? she was in a trance.....truthfully....I have never seen her like that! a lot of my profit went on this..

What I love about craft fairs is all the other stallholders, hearing their stories, their successes(and failures), I always come away motivated and with few new craft friends. Beverley lives locally and had the most amazing personalised children swear, we found it hard to stop nattering the whole time, she has 2 donkeys,chickens and (in her words) an untidy crafters house! She has invited me and the girls to visit in the holidays, I cant wait!

A good day was had by all.

Thoughtful thoughts...

2011-03-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

In light of the news today about Elizabeth Taylor who died today at 79 years of age, I can't stop thinking about my little mum, she will be 81 this year and I feel so lucky to have her.
She popped round today in her car with no power steering....had a few cuppas and a piece of cake and a natter..

Mum is a very Young 81 year old but things keep going wrong for her, she has battled a lot of sickness over the last 10 years but she keeps bouncing back.

She loves
'PROPER BUTTER'
'A NICE CUP OF TEA'
FISH AND CHIPS
WHITE BREAD
A BIG BREAKFAST
LASAGNE
A GOOD BRITISH ROAST
She has 3 cigarettes a day (which I tell her off for.....)

she is very very special,you see I lost my Dad in 1984 very suddenly, he was always ill but this was very unexpected and very sudden, I miss him like mad, every day......so this makes my mum EXTRA special.

Its sad because we are not cuddly, we don't say the 'L' word but its doesn't matter because we know its there without being said or done, maybe that's why I cuddle my girls to bits....

here she is on her 80th Birthday ,
thanks for reading ..

Canvas and Thread Workshop

2011-03-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here is and extract from Kirsty Wiseman's blog let me know what you think!!!

Canvas and Thread
Also, I'm trying to gauge interest for a one day even up here, in Ashton (J23 M6). Sunday 22nd May, 10am-6pm for a canvas class (sneak coming soon) taught by myself, a beautiful sewing/fabric class (sneak coming soon) - taught by Jane Egan-Cresswell plus an altered project. Not strictly scrapbooking but a day full of technique..... emphasis on technique. Oh and how could I forget the beverages, cakes, cakes and cakes with a lush buffet lunch and home made soup and cake. With cake. And cake. The price will be between £60 and £65 ... dependant on numbers. If I can just gather interest now, I can book the hall with confidence otherwise Ill be sat in there on my own eating all that cake! You can pay in instalments to make it easier on that craft crazy purse (that takes a hammering cuz I should know, mine has moths in it most of the time ;)). Leave your name in my comments if you would like to attend such a day or email me at kirstywiseman@hotmail.com

hope you can come let me know what you think!

No Glue Mini Surprise Box

2011-03-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

I love mini books, boxes, anything 3D. I don't consider myself as a scrapbooker, if I am going to capture moments it will be in a mini book or box , I have even captured a family holiday in a flip flop book! yes actually made from a flip flop...

This is a no glue box made with some clever folding a couple of cuts and it done!

That lush stripy ribbon....cant get enough if it.

Inside a very simple folded album.

Hope you like it.You can order any of the products used through me, just e-mail me on cheshire.designhouse@virgin.net

spotty dotty bags!

2011-03-05T16:56:00.001-08:00

Thanks so much for the interest in my spotty bags at training.
I can make whatever colour you like from the following colours but you can pop onto www.spotsandco.blogspot.com for actual bag cols.

The only thing I am out of stock of at the moment is red cotton webbing for the straps.
The bags are £29 each plus £3.50 postage (UK) and the macthing clip on purses are £6 I have a few old style purses left in a few cols which are £5.
The bag lining cols vary e-mail me for details , I will put some images on soon.

You can pay
PAYPAL
CHEQUE
BANK TRANSFER
Thanks so much

Leeds Leeds Leeds!!

2011-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

Getting excited now, Im off to Leeds in the morning to our Stampin Up regional training day. It great to be with 70 like minded people.
It is tradition to make swaps to take with you, I decided to make 60, I love this part of the day as we come back with lots of other peoples swaps, have a great day of crafting business training, chatting and generally escaping from everyday life!

I have just had to re-glued 30 of my 52 swaps....I made 60 but found 8 empty wrappers in Lady 'c''s bedroom!! and no she isnt a toddler shes 8 1/2!!!!

it has a little chocky inside, the orange ones have an orange chocky and the blue have a silver chocky!

Also made a couple of dog beds, think they like them.....

been a busy girl!

will let you know all about it ..

And the Winner is......

2011-03-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

The girls are at school so I thought I would get 'Boots' the kitten to do the honours!!
she likes to run after screwed up paper and bring it to you, I didn't capture the actual moment but this is her nearly in action....not so much of a kitten any more..

The winner is Mandy and I think she is in America , Mandy can you e-mail me your address?

Hope you like it.

The next giveaway will be a new creation of some kind not sure what yet!

Sometimes I forget...

2011-03-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

I like to think of myself as a 'proper' mum, in fact I AM a 'proper' mum!!
But,
Somestimes I forget what Im dealing with...what can bring back a memory...a simple comment..."you are in so much trouble for dong that".....

I didnt know, after saying this ,Lady 'C' trembled in her bed for an hour waiting....just waiting for her punishment...How was I to know? I would NEVER hurt her but even after 4 whole years she thought I was going to...

How do I feel?
You cant imagine.....

Feb Blog candy pic

2011-02-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry to be so late!!! here is the picture of this months blog candy, hope you like this spring aqua colour. It has a kind of toile de joie lining and a aqua spotty pocket and of course a tabe and clip for your heys or one of my matching purses!

Don't forget to leave a comment to get your hands on this bag, I don't discriminate on where you live, my last blog candy went to Germany...hope you still like it Helga x

OK OK I know its late but its Freeby Time

2011-02-23T01:32:00.000-08:00

I will be travelling back from Sunny....actually very rainy Cornwall today and will be putting the picture on of my free spotty bag giveaway...I know its been a long time and I am sorry for that but my studio flood put a temporary stop to giveaways as I lost a lot of fabric and to finish me off got an extra £200 water bill!

The bag I will be giving away is a nice spring colour is aqua and creamy white spots with a natural strap, I cant put a pic on until I get home but will as soon as I do.
As usual leave a message if you would like to be entered into the draw.

I hope you like it, I hope to have a total revamp of my range this year...would love your suggestions, I am planning:
MORE BAGS
MAKE UP BAGS
PURSES
LONG PURSES
CUSHIONS
MORE DOOR STOP DESIGNS
PEG BAGS
And I will be adding handmade furniture to the range, its sooo special and made by my ex brother in law in Cornwall, keep looking for pics..xx

More made from the free stamp sets!! not long left

2011-02-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

Not long left now to grab a freebie!
Here is a swap I made, the lovely thing about being part of Stampin Up is that we have lots of get togethers, they are all over the country so there is always one you can get to. I live by the rule 'have car will travel' so I never let distance stop me!
There is a lovely tradition that our little family like to follow and that's called 'swapping' everyone makes a card front or 3d item out of Stampin Up products , you make a number of the same item 9in this case I made 30) and when we get there we all swap with each other.
Love it! you arrive with one design and go home with 30 new designs, get the idea?

Here is my Bicester swap.

If you would like to know how to get your hands on this lovely stamp set e-mail me any time.

Love this Stamp and its Cheap as Chips!!

2011-02-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am on a roll my Mojo is on the way back, its not quite arrived but I'm definitely feeling it!!

In case you haven't noticed I love spots, I dream about anything spotty dotty, If I see something spotty I have to have it, teapots, tea towels, mugs, scarves so sorry about the background for this card!

Sale A Bration Free Stamps!! dont Miss Out...

2011-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

What a shame to miss out...this beautiful 'For You stamp' is from one of the free Stamp Set available exclusively until the end of Feb, theses sets will not be available to buy again. If you spend £45 from the main catalogue you can choose a free stamp sets from the Sale-A-Bration leaflet. Click on the images on the right of my blog to have a look.

This is a little thank you card to my hostess for booking a party with me. I used my fave medallion background stamp from the main Catalogue and the for you stamp from one of the freebies! I love the Baja Breeze and Cherry Cobbler combo don't you? I had to add dazzling diamonds and a couple of pearls of course!

Happy Valentine's Day My Love......

2011-02-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

I love crafting and I love simplicity this card let me achieve both!!

hope you like it...all Stampin up products of course...

I don't tell him enough but I do love my Hubby, its been a tough week with my girls this last week, many tears, many sleepless nights but my knight in shining armour has just had a great meeting with school and we hope to get a 'Statement' for my little angel very soon. There wasn't much pint in me going as I would have blubbered all the way through so off he went x

Flood!

2011-02-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

I have had a terrible flood in my Studio over Christmas, I lost a lot of fabric and tons of bits and bobs I left on my floor after a mad busy pre Christmas sewing rush.....

The leak must have been going on and on for ages and as it was Christmas I didn't go in my room at all.

My new years resolution is very delayed......BUT its time to get cracking!!
To any fellow demonstrators who are close by, I am having a shoe box swap the middle of March. I will have room for about 8 I think, if you would like to come (actual date to be arrange) please leave a message or e-mail me.

This will give me the kick I need to get sorted AGAIN....everything had to be moved and stacked very quickly out of the way.....

New beginnings.....(just had my water metre read and we are £200 over the normal reading...ouch.....

Lots of freebies plus.........

2011-01-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love stamping and love sewing so decided to put the 2 together for a special offer until the end of Feb!
Some may know that it is the most amazing offer from Stampin Up at the moment this is how it works:

· Place an order, every £45 worth of product means you can choose a free stamp set from the sale-a-bration leaflet (click on the link on the right of this page). And of course if you place an order for £90 worth of product you can choose two free sets etc....

· Host a workshop – All your guests will be able to benefit from the special Sale-a-bration offer and earn free sets and the hostess can choose an additional free set if the workshop total is more than £300, it also means you can choose a level 2 set and at least £35 worth of free goods. I have some dates available, get in touch to book your own workshop call me on 01625 535981 or 07814 676413

· Become a demonstrator and in addition to the £120 worth of free goods in your starter kit you can choose an additional stamp set from the main catalogue up to the value of £44.95 absolutely FREE! You will not need to reach your first quarterly minimum until the end of June and you can swap items in your starter kit if you already own the stamp sets, cardstock or ink in the kit.

I have more information for you to read about becoming a demonstrator and I can email the forms for you to read through and answer any questions you may have. Remember you don’t have to be an expert crafter!

E-mail me at: Cheshire.designhouse@virgin.net

So what the extra freebie? well apart from the chance to get your had on cheap supplies and free stamp sets, I am offering for free one of my spotty bags (colours subject to availability) to store all your fantastic new craft supplies!! It will be the large size with the long strap and this offer is only while the sale a bration offer is on which is until the end of Feb (paperwork must be received by then...) plus a personalised notebook pen, swatch pack and a special new demonstrator booklet.

I have a new small (but perfectly formed team......) if you join with me you can grow with me as a demonstrator you will be a member of the 'Pink House' (my team name). I have lots of plans for the 'Pink House' I would love you to join to find out what!!

If you join you will also be included in my monthly free competition to win on of my sewn creations!

Hope to hear from you
xx

2011-01-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

I felt bad for only posting a picture of Lady C..... well, this is Lady K (with lady C of course....)

she desperately NEEDS to be loved, she ALWAYS feels the need to be liked by everyone, as I look at this beautiful face I now find it hard to believe she used to find it hard to look in the mirror, she saw an ugly girl facing back at her....can you believe it? she would cry and cry about the way she looked, slowly she has started to get more confidence and had started to believe she is beautiful.
This is a very rare picture of my girls together, 'K' doesn't show much affection to 'C' that's why is so precious, it was taken by my buddy Kirsty Wiseman and it was with a little point and click!

I love it...

monthly Giveaway!

2011-01-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Fot the chance to enter my monthly giveaway of one of my crafty creations please leave a comment, I will pick at random and will bost a new pic of what it is every Month. Thanks for readling.

My little Angel....

2010-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

We are lucky enough to have 2 lovely little girls and many of you will know we have not had an easy ride.
Adoption is a long and complex process and we have to deal with a lot of things that we are not really qualified for, but, for the last 4 years I think we have managed really well.
This Lady C , I love her little sweet face, I often stare at her to try to understand how she feels as she is so very troubled, I try hard to help her but there are so many things I don't understand, how could I after all? who can really appreciate what she has been through? apart from her and her sister..
I do get stressed and frustrated and sometimes embarrassed as she is a bit like a box of chocolates....you never know what you are going to get...how she will behave , whats she will do or say next.

Christmas time is 'different' for us, children who have had very little find it hard to cope with it. So when I asked 'Lady C' what she would like for Christmas she only wanted 1 thing.......her tooth...we have waited and waited for months and months and months for it, she didn't want anything else.

Can you imagine the joy on her face when she woke up on Christmas morning with her missing tooth popping through, a little tear rolled down my cheek...her wish came true..
Bless her

Nice picture for my new diet.....

2010-12-27T10:15:00.001-08:00

I LOVE to learn anything new, anything crafty , it keeps me sane, its tough being a Mum sometimes and of course with my 2 lovely girls being a little more hard work than most in some ways, its a challenge to my nerves...so.....I craft, sew, even just LOOK at my crafty stash and for an extra treat I take a class or got to an exhibition.

I recently went to the Knitting and Stitching show with my 'crafty Mate Chris' (that's her full name now....) We went at daybreak expecting a horrid journey from Wilmslow to Harrogate but it was great, we were an hour early so we stopped off for a treat.
I have ALWAYS wanted to got to Betty's Tea Shop and have always moaned at my mate Dyan (from Art from The Heart) as she lives in Harrogate and when I have stayed we have never made it there, but that has now changed because here I am in Betty's Tea Shop!!!....

Not my fav picture, a few too many chins but maybe it will help with my New Years Diet. What a lovely traditional quaint tea shop, sadly as it was breakfast I didn't fancy a cake or a cheesy croissant that early in the morning so it was just a nice cuppa for me!

I loved this exhibition, we did a couple of classes and were like excited little girls running around stroking fabric and gazing at buttons....but around the exhibition there were windows to the outside world showing the start of a little shower of snow which got heavier and heavier so we made a decision to leave early, we found a lovely couple of ladies to give our last class tickets to and set off home. the journey is 2 1/2 hours on a normal day but becuase of the thick snow and ice it took 6 1/2 hours.....so tired and so stressed but as I had a nice crafty FIX I soon got over it..

I will post a pic of my Freebie Blog Candy ASAP

Anyone for another freebie????

2010-12-19T02:20:00.000-08:00

As promised I am giving away some blog candy every month, it wont get to you before christmas but maybe something nice for the new year?

I will be one of my bags, not sure what colour yet, I have a fair in a new old folks home on Monday so need to see what sell there first.

I will post a picture soon

Merry Christmas!!

Its been a while...

2010-12-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

So sorry I have been sewing away making orders and getting ready for 3 fairs this week...yes 3!! I'm so tired....1 wore to go, I need to sew ALL day tomorrow, I had to order some more of the webbing for the straps which only came today, so am early night and early rise for me.
Anyway, remember my blog candy?
How lovely is this post!
This is the winner of my blog candy, the lovely Helga in Germany. It took a long time to get there but at last it arrived, I am so please it went to such a lovely lady and I love the way she showed this on her blog.
copy and paste this link into your browser....hope it works.
http://www.stempelkunst.info">

Thought you may like to see my crazy dog Nix...she needed somewhere comfy to relax and chose the cat litter tray....

And the Winner is..........

2010-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

I am bit overwelmed by all the messages, cant believe all the lovely comments about my bags.

I LOVE to make them, I LOVE to sew to be honest, my room (in the garage) is sooooo colD at the moment but I plan to spend all day in there tomorrow sorting/clearing out.
I am starting some kids sewing classes soon so need to get organised.I have been a litle obsessed with my Stampin Up venture, I LOVE doing workshops and LOVE the fact I can make an 'emergency' card in a few mins with all my scrummy supplies.

Anyway

I have decided to do a givaway every month as a thank you for reading my blog. My little girl lady K (most know why I cant publish their names..) has drawn out 1 mane for the black spotty bag......

HELGA from Germany is this months winner, I will contact you directly , I hope you like it !

2010-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

How can you buy one of my bags?
visit Spots and Co!!
See below for my new shop.

www.spotsandco.blogspot.com

keep looking more and more being added my sewing machine is getting hot!

Blog candy picture!

2010-11-02T05:32:00.001-07:00

This is the bag I am giving away as a thank you for ready my blog!! Its the medium size with short handles with an oil cloth outer but it is fully reversible so if you take it to on holiday or to the pool you can turn it through and Voila water resistant inner!

Hope you like it, its my fav colour combination.
x

Another Freebie Spotty Bag!

2010-10-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have decided to give away another spotty bag, I will put a picture on my blog tomorrow of the colour...not decided yet, need to have a look what I have ready sewn!
Leave a comment if you would like to be pu in the draw!

More fabby projects and Gordon Ramsay??

2010-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

what is this?

last week I was so lucky to go to a Gordon Ramsay Gala dinner up in Scotland, I am not really used to occasions like this so I ordered lots of new outfits to try because I wanted to feel 'nice'! I actually ended up wearing a jacket I wore on my hen night 10 years ago....never mind.

The picture above is the middle course sorbet, it was like a work of art,,,the outside was edible pearl coloured in the shape of a peach, even the leaf was edible, when it was lightly tapped it shattered revealing the sorbet...yummmm......the whole meal was amazing, I even met the man himself!

Another little project to share from our fab training day, this is from a level 2 hostess set and the gorg designer papers.....love it!

2010-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

horah! found a use for my 'slimming world' book.........it was a big one! found in Lady 'C's bed.....

More from the Quarterly Training day!

2010-10-22T14:12:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple more samples from the quarterly training in Bicester, my favourite is this bookmark....lush!!!! love the 2 colour stamping...

Also ove the use of this littl stamp from 'Artistic Etching' how amazing is this! in fact love everything about this design too...
Get your fabby Stampin Up supplies from me! email me with your requirements and guess what???? you can now pay with your credit card...tempted?

Inspiration Project

2010-10-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hope you like my inspiration project, I did this at the SU training at Bicester, I haven't done one of these before doing a demo to a lot of demo's is nerve racking especially when things go a little pear shaped!! I did if 4 times 3 were fine and the last one I had to do again.....but it went well in the end. I will being a Video tutorial on this soon.

I thought I would include a close up? is this metal??...ahhha!!!! wait and see xx

I am off to Scotland in the morning to a special evening with Gordon Ramsey, all expenses paid 5 star hotel, fabby food and entertainment , some time with hubby and a little respite from the kids!! Hope to get some pics....I am sooooo lucky x

Bicester Stampin'up! Training Day

2010-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to Bicester on Sunday for our Stampin'up training day, Michelle organised a fab day on her own for 30 people..bless. I took with me, 3 'crafty' friends ,Kirsty, Chris and Claudia. We had a very early start we left at 6.30am and poor Claudia had an hour drive before that!
We all had to squash ourselves into a little Audi because my big bus (people carrier) wasn't too well so I didn't want to risk it.
The day started well with Claudia running our wheelie bin over.......hope her car is ok, I was more worried about the gorg flowers she has on the side of her Beetle hope they didnt get scratched..how cool is that.
After a few wee breaks we arrived , I did a little demo together with 3 other demonstrators, to be honest Ive always been a bit nervous of these things but I loved it, even when I had a little hiccup...sometimes its good to make mistakes so you wont do them again (I kept telling myself this..).

We crafted and crafted then had to most amazing raffle, I won 3 times and it was all amazing things from the new catalogue......scrummy... I will post a load of pics shortly , I wanted to show you a few samples I saw on the day, will post some more tomorrow..

by the way,one of the many highlights on the day was when Kirtsy smacked the bum with her ruler of someone who she thought was me bending down only to find it was someone she had never seen before, we laughed so much, I had tears streaming down my face.....I was a bit worried Kirsty was going to pass out!

Kirsty took some fabby pics, I hope to get them from her soon and share them with you.
Belly laughs and crafting with friends ...what a perfect day xxx

I dont want to be French I need to be France!

2010-10-08T03:55:00.001-07:00

This is my sweet little Lady 'C' she has more going on in the little head of hers than most of us have in a lifetime......I love her to bits, good and bad...
It was 8am and she said she had to go to school as 'France' so sorry for the very rough sewing I ran to the sewing room and made her a nice red beret, she put it on and loved it , I had already made a sample of a little 'kind of' French maids pinny so she put that on as well.

Ohhhh, I said you look so French! to which she replied, MUM!!! I need to be France not French!!

Bless her little cotton socks
She is on a new program at school and for a whole week she has been amazing so tonight we are going out, just the two of us. Lady 'K' is on a sleepover, and of course Dad will be in the Pub (its law on a Friday..girls night in so Dad HAS to go out..)

OK I'm off to do some sorting in the new SU room....while watching for my SU delivery of course!

Getting there.......

2010-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well after the disaster of my shelves collapsing in my new stamping room/office, I think it may have been for the best....at least it was only me hurt, if they had fallen on my mum (they were over the guest bed) it would have been terrible she is 81 and although she doesn't look it or act it she can be fragile.
Her are some of the pics of the work in progress, lots more to follow

you cant beat Ikea can you!

the problem I have is that there are some new punches on the way......

here is a tip!! never ever choose white for your walls and never believe a tin of paint call 'one coat' its doesn't do what it ways on the tin....if it said four coat then that's more like it...

Swaps for Manchester Training

2010-10-05T10:05:00.001-07:00

Hope you like my little swaps for the Manchester training, I LOVE my crimper and like the effect of stamping first then crimping,the Artistic Etching stamp set is fab, there are so many ways of using it...

Here is my little manequin, I bought a few of these from a closing down sale and decided to alter it, I used one of the stamp from the Vintage Vogue stamp set and Whisper white and early espresso cardstock. I made the flower using the Boho Blosson punch and just HAD to use a basic Pearl int he centre. I decided to use the Art By Design stamp set to make the little woven label on the side.
The leaf is made using the 2 step bird punch...fab isnt it?

I really hope you like it, any of the materials can be purchased from me, just click on the catalogue link, choose your stash, add £5.95 postage (for ANY size of order) , e-mail me and I will have it sent to your door!

And I lived to tell the tale..

2010-09-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Its been a long haul.....trying to get organized but tonight in my lovely new office/Stampin up room I was nearly there...

I was just sorting my books in height order...like you do...

then

This

I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry...I had even sorted out the spaghetti mix if 4 boxes of leads and chargers!!

looking at the picture it doesn't show the devastation on the floor...trust me you cant see the floor it even took out the TV.

my mum sleeps here when she comes over and shes 81 so I have to count my blessings.

x

Swap time

2010-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is my task for tonight after I have finished my workshop for tomorrow.40 swaps for my training evening on Friday, a room full of like minded crafters super duper....
I do love this new stamp set, I think I will go on and on with it has soooo many possibilities.

See Below my unfinished swaps are a couple of pics of the projects I designed for my fabby workshop last week, I taught 30 people!they were all so nice and I think they all enjoyed it.
I love stampin up stuff, you don't have to be an expert crafter , all the products are so easy to use and easy to put together to make a fabby design!

New tutorial

2010-09-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have been to the Manchester Stitch and creative craft show at Manchester Central today....
The kids are back at school, I have been surrounded by stress so as I don't have a car I popped on the train...super....popped on the free shuttle bus....super... ready for a creative boost..
It was the worst show, half empty so bad I went round in 15 mins and left!
There was one nice stand I know the lady think its Dolly Cottage crafts but to be honest I didn't need any card and stampy stuff because of Su
I wanted inspiration and all I got was perspiration......
I did buy a load of cheep scissors for all my workshops from the 'every things a pound' stand (she says hopeful about Stamp Up workshops!)

I am designing my new office in the hope it will bring me a more business as I will be super duper organised....
I am still painting I think I have the spray from the white roller on my eyeballs today, but I HAVE to finish it.
Every time I paint I see another thing that needs doing, the cornice was a bit grubby, shall I paint it?? nah......well actually I now HAVE to paint it because 3 walls are white and as you know white makes old white look dirty and grey so on with the ceiling, cornice wall...ect ect etc

The Tutorial
I have been sewing FOR EVER and seem to have left this passion for a long long time, I trained for 4 years at Hollins on Manchester so should really use it alongside my papercraft obsession.
OK
I can make roman blinds but just haven't got the time so...wait for it....I am going to COVER one!!
I will take pics as I go along to show you how i can be done..hopefully..

This will mean you can buy any roman from Ikea or anywhere Dunelm etc and use your own fabric

YOU MUCH FOLLOW THE FIRST IMPORTANT STEP
using making tape attach the blind to the window with a piece of the new fabric you want to use over the top to make sure you cant see through to the blind underneath

Watch this space for pics..

Thanks everyone!

2010-08-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for all the orders, I will get started this weekend.

I have had a good week and bad , I installed an Interior Design Job that has been delayed because the fabric was stuck in customs but on Thurs night we installed. I take my Interior Design very seriously and always feel it need to be 'just right' well It was fab, lots of silk, Designers Guild fabrics, a buffet of Pink and green and choc...ooooooooooooooooow lovely, felt really proud.

My lovely Harvey (8 yr old Cocker) is not well, he is my little boy my substitute baby , he has been poorly before but think its come back...he can walk but cant walk up of down the stairs he just cries....its breaking my heart, keep thinking he will get better but think we need to go and throw money at the Vet tomorrow (they really should have soooo much money) it costs £50 to walk through the door, the last time it was £500 and the Insurance only paid out £300...
Anyway, my boy is sooo special I would sell ANYTHING if I needed money to make him better... I will keep you posted.

After hubbys car setting on fire and the engine blowing up after Lady K dropping my Blackberry in the bath and hubby standing on his Iphone its been a very expensive month....dont call me unlucky..

Hubby went out tonight, he was drinking Champagne and eating tapas...I am at home with the kids 2 dogs (1 poorly) and a mad kitten so I treated myself to some scrummy but health food. I was unloading the car in my bare feet dropped the flaked poached salmon on the drive, stood on it (remember I have bare feet) it squished through my toes-great, so I put the squwished salmon in a dish for the kitten and was left with nothing.Hubby arrived at 1am with a lovely hunter warrior style kebab which I caught him feeding the kitten, not his best move, he loves to tell me how much he loves me (a good indication of just how drunk he is..) then passes out on the sofa, tonight he even threatened to put the heating on! this was a shock because he is like the bloke from the royal family, if he goes out the fire goes off...no worries about me still sitting here!
Its 2.13am and he lasted about 11Min's before he passed out after putting our marathon episodes of come dine with me on, I'm not sure if Harvey or Stuart is snoring the loudest. Its not chucking it down outside so I'm off to bed, shall I wake him?

BAGS FOR SALE!

2010-08-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there,
My spotty bag range is growing, I have had such a good year and decided to let people choose their own cols and lining.
I do have a few bags in stock and wondered of anyone would like to buy one, they re £29 each and the purse is £5 the postage is only £3.50. I can make other colours but I have these available to go!!
My lovely Friend Marieke and her gorg daughter agreed to do a bit of modelling for me I have put the inside views of the bags in the gallery.
Here is the pale blue

My fave black

Scrummy plum

pale pink

You can pay with a credit card securely with the PAYPAL (you don't need a paypal account)button on the left side at the top of the blog, e-mail me first to check availability or if you want something a bit different just ask!!

More pictures will be added to my gallery soon.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

2010-08-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

The problem is what to do first, I'm sewing ,sorting, selling and child minding...(sorry the child minding was at the end of course that's first!)
My office is coming along nicely I hope to have some pics shortly I have moved the furniture round and I am ready to paint....The sewing room is a mess, it wasn't but is again and I have someone coming round later to buy some fabric so need to get cracking. The problem is there is a new craft shop opened in the Village its 2 mins away, haw amazing , I NEEEEEEEEEED to go and have a look don't I?

I have a new really lovely customer for my bags, doorstops lavender hearts etc etc I did a craft fair and a really nice lady bought some of my bits and bobs , she has a lovely village shop and would like to have some for her shop. How amazing is that! I now have 3 outlets!

My second article is going into Sew Hip magazine so I am really excited about that too here is a sneak peak of the project.

Any no-one guessed the Dog bed I designed I thought I would offer a FREE LAVENDER HEART to the first person who has seen my first article in this Months Sew Hip and know how many pages it was...(something little me is very very proud of)

gotta go painting ect to crack on after a little crafty visit of course......

Sunny and Windy Majorca

2010-08-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

I am having the best holiday the girls are old enough to play almost unsupervised its hot and as a bonus its windy. I am eating too much everything comes with chips butThe frecles are coming on nicely and all this lazing around is getting my creative thought pounding. I am so luck hubby is letting me have the spare bedroom as an office/ stampin up room so my garage studio will just be for my sewing projects. I am going to have it pink plum and black I thing I'm going to have a big inspiration board and will of course post some pics. Amazing news I am having my second design published in my fave mag Sew Hip no sure which month it will go in. but how fabby! Hope hope you are having a great summer too!!!

Operation craft room resumes...

2010-08-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

After a long break this part of my blog WILL be continuing, I cant take the credit Grace my lovely neighbours daughter need to really, she has been busy trying to sort me out (many have tried....)
I wanted to show you a sneak peak of my new crafty table its quite high, a bit too high really but I decided to make a nice spotty curtain and add pockets for all my tools

hope you like it

I have another sneak peek coming soon....

Do we need the RSPCA???!!!!!

2010-07-30T03:00:00.001-07:00

Our poor Kitten, Lady C -7 years old decided it would e really funny to smother herself in lipstick and kiss her...this picture doesnt actually show how bright tecolours is...

Special Orders!!

2010-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have sewn and sewn and sewn ALL day I have made more spotty bags a make-up bag special request and some little purses, here are a couple of pics more to follow in the morning!
can you see my helper?..

sorry about the rubbish pics, my camera is not too good.

here is the make-up bag

Sleep well

Why why us?

2010-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

There are many cats waiting for homes....why did we get the completely bonkers one?
she fell head first into a tub of butter didnt jump out oh no..she ate her way out then landed on my laptop to show me what she had done!
in the picture this is butter not soap!
she has now just had her second bath of her short life and is feeling very very sorry fo herself....

No you have not guessed it yet!!!......close but not yet!!

A little givaway..

2010-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Just a it of fun but do you know what it is?
A free spotty lavender heart to one of you that guess right!

I have to make 9 outfits for the school play on Sat Its a little hard with my houseful of pets the goldfish don't give me much trouble but the kitty likes to sit on my knee while I am sewing and anything that goes on the floor is atomically something for the dog to sit on...Lady K is a pink lad in Grease , I am doing the beauty school dropout outfits, I am spraying 90 velcro silver in the morning for the headgear.

Another little special order to go with a bag sent out.

Simple but I do like nice packaging..

Mondays special order

2010-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hi ,
I keep forgetting to photograph my special orders,so before this one goes out I thought I would post a quick picky!
Here is the bag with the multi paisley lining and a nice orange check trim, I have started to do add on bits and bobs which have gone down well like purses and make up bags.

Here is a little coin purse to match.

If anyone has bought Sew Hip magazine this month please let me know would love to get some feedback on my first project
Have a good night

Stressed so I will tell you about Boots...

2010-07-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

Hi there,
I'm a bit stressed today,I don't feel too well I am still on tons of medication which seems to zonk me out make me feel 2,000 degrees and generally rough , together with a stressed husband and 2 girls who are very very hard work, I am still waiting for the manual we should have received for taking on 2 traumatised children...
anyway,
I wanted to introduce you to our new family member the lovely boots...

do you think she had settled well?......

She is only 10 weeks old and has lost a number of lives already..
she has fallen twice from the top landing.Lady C will not leave her alone, she takes her everywhere including to the loo where she accidentally dropped her in so we had to shower her and shampoo her and she seemed to enjoy it!

she likes to spend most of her time lying on my laptop which is a nightmare when I have things to do but think she felt this was the warmest place to lie on while she dried herself.
I think our pets are a reflection of our family which is why they are all bonkers, I havn't got a problem with that because being bonkers keeps me going.
I forgot to mention, here is a close up of when she tried my boiling hot tea, can you see the little b urn on her nose, bless.

Se loves a bit of Loose Women too

will try to post my news tomorrow
thanks for reading

Thnk so much!

2010-07-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well what a week!
I am now out of hospital resting (or trying to..) I was taken in my ambulance on Tuesday, that was an experience only to be endured with gas an air!! I came out on Saturday afternoon , missed the school fair when I was selling my bags and purses ect....just my luck. I feel a bit groggy and stiff but had the most lovely bath this morning so feel on the mend.
I want to thank everyone for the lovely cards and messages, I got a big shock but very welcome surprise when I came home to loads of card mostly handmade and some from people have never met.

how cool is that!
Our Stampin up team of 'Pink Ladies' ae so thoughtful its great to be part of it.
Thanks so much, duties will resume shortly I feel a few tutorials coming on...lots of time to think in there, I hope Kathleen, Gillian and my new special Friend Edith with whom I shared a small room with get better soon.

New bag colour what do you think?

2010-06-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a new colour combination, hope you like it , I sold this colour like hot cakes at the weekend, I have decided that for once I am going to enjoy using my artistic licence too design lots of different combinations so keep looking!!

and the inside...

Here are all the current outer bag colours I am selling this by the metre at £12 and here are the colours. the aqua colour doesn't photograph well its a lovely colour and I make this with a fabric lining of scotty dogs , will post a picture very soon.

I made purses for the Fete that clip on and sold them all so will make some more and post these too, the larger 2 colour make up bags have been made to order but think I need to stock some as well, I have 2 more fairs Styal Primary next Sat and possibly The Wilmslow Show.

I have to admit something......I dont craft in a nice neat way...my operation craft room is a disaster, I cant see the floor but I will resume once these fair are finished.
Thanks so much for reading

Terrible Blogger

2010-06-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am a terrible blogger, I know, but I have so busy making bags, lavender hearts and pin cushions for a local Fete today, I had a great time my bags were really well recieved and I looks like I will be stocking a fab local shop I will post the info when I know more...How exciting!!

On a good note I sold most of the bags I made on a bad note I didnt get chance to photograph all the colours so I will make some more very quickly and post the pics, I have some of the colours in my gallery on the right hand side but will update soon.

Thanks for everyone for the lovely positive comment, for all the purchases and for all the orders!! I really shouldnt be watching Lewis I should be sewing but need a break.
I will be at the Styal Primary school fair on Saturday next week and may be at the Wilmslow show if there are any tables left.

Thanks for reading

A break from operation craft room!

2010-06-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

I NEEEEEED to have a break from the art of organisation, its quite clear I a rubbish at it, I stress about it, dream about it and I go 5 steps forward and 10 back....so....I have not given up but I need a creative fix, I have a table at a summer fete at the end of this month so I need to get creating, I have loads of bags to make I have sold loads this week and have some ordered to finish and also exported some of the oilcloth to Italy!! wow get me!
So here is the first little project of the week.....
my little pin cushions with heart pins.

while I was on a roll I made some very very sweet smelling French lavender hearts too, I have made about 15 and they have all gone to new homes (as well as mine) they help calm the girls (I will try anything!!!!) and I love to put them on all my door knobs.

A little close up

I know I promised hints and tips on organising but I need to CREATE!
While writing this my hubby gave some great advise on sorting out my room I am sure this will make up for my creative break.......
CHUCK IT ALL OUT!!!!! Sooooooo supportive, well I wont have to worry about him soon as he will be engrossed in the footy.
By the way I made a load of cards today and some make up bags which have all sold already!
I will post some more piccies tomorrow

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE Anyone needing curtain fabrics let me know

Operation craft room continues....

2010-05-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ok I am a terrible blogger!!....sorry I have not updated you on my room but sewing and papercrafts got in the way!! and made more of a mess!

Al the Pink Ladies (our Stampin up Team)did a lovely surprise for Michelle Last our upline, we, all on the same day sent her a handcrafted card each to thank her for all her support guess which one never arrived!!! yes you guessed it!! mine! so disappointed, I thought she had not shown it because it was rubbish bt no...I also forgot to photograph it so I got it on the post on time!never mind the thought was there..
Anyway back to the room,
I had my work table raised with some wooden cubes that fitted underneath that Father-in-law made but I miscalculated and its soooo high it needs to be altered...cant tell him though it took ages and ages,all my fabrics are on rolls and they take up a lot of room as you can see

So when I was meeting my new fabric supplier I had an idea when looking throught their stock in the warehouse..If I could fold all my fabric right side out and lap them on card not only would they take up less space I could see the colours more and visualise my colour combo's...here are some pics what do you think?

The fabby Chris came round on Friday to get me back on track she is great and getting me motivated just look at my books and shelves!!

I will get there in the end you know, just don't know when the end its....I have a couple of craft fairs coming up soon so I need to get sewing I will post pics of some of my bit and bobs to see what you think.

On a funny note , I have just been away with Hubby and 2 other couples to London for the weekend, it was reall wierd having 2 arms again (not having Lady C holding my arm with 2 hands she cant go anywhere without doing it) what a great time, we laughed and laughed and had a good drink (or 2 ) saw the sights when we could get the men out of the pub here is a picture of a pidgeon eating smarties at the next table and a pi of the men bringing us all flowers but in their mouths Stuart is the one on the right I could not stop giggling it also took the edge off the £3.50 Mr Whippy hubby bought me...£3.50!! thought they were called a 99 for a reason....

Nothing to do with crafting.....but just as cool

2010-05-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is nothing to do with crafting AT ALL but I just wanted to share a little sentimental moment with you if I may!
Here is Lady C and Lady K kindly named this by my Kirsty Wiseman my bud.Kirsty puts up with a lot because Lady C very often is horrid to her she get jealous of anyone I'm close to...one day I hope she will feel settled, they have both lived with us for 3 years, its been hard but more fab than not..
Anyway...As I am feel very very emotional at the moment an in the words of BT 'Its good to talk'.... here is a special poem for anyone else out there who has adopted.

NOT BLOOD FROM MY BLOOD
OR BONE FROM MY BONE
BUT EQUALLY MY OWN
NEVER FORGET JUST FOR ONE MINUTE
YOU DIDN'T COME FROM UNDER MY HEART
BUT IN IT..

Still makes me cry

flippin love em to bits....
Thanks for reading

Do you know what it is yet?

2010-05-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am...one of my special dreams has come true.It may not mean as much to you as it does to me but woooooooooooow!!!!!!!!!!!!..is all I can say!
I have not been able to tell anyone in case it didnt happen but Its now official!!
My first sewing /craft design is being published in my fave magazine....
www.sewhip.co.uk
Its going in issue 19 out end of June AND I am working on my next project too
Without giving anything away here is a sneek peak!

OPERATION CRAFTROOM DAY..A LOT LATER THAN I THOUGHT!!

2010-05-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am guilty as charged,I had a deadline and managed to keep it well out of my reach...
Life kind of get in the way doesn't it? I am still trying hard to get things sorted and I think even through it is slow it is working out for the better.

It would be easy to make it look 'nice' but I need more than 'nice' I need a good practical workspace NOT something that looks good but no use.

So, as I a finishing jobs and designing little new products I am planning little areas and here is the latest

This is my ironing station, it is next to my industrial machine and it is on top of a set or drawers that I LOVE, I have all my sewing patterns it it, zips, needles, threads, I only have to wheel a little left on my cow print chair to get to it!
FAB
I was lucky to have 2 helpers who insisted on being in the picture..introducing Harvey and Nix LOOOOOOOOOOVE em..
Anyway I use the table of the sewing machine as a little work area too, when I bought it second hand it had an extra wide table, not sure what the previous owner did with it but the table is great
Thought you may want a loot at the top of the ironing table too, this ironing mat is great you can take it anywhere and it protects any surface SUPER DUPER

hope you like
Speak soon

Did you watch it?? my claim to fame!!!???

2010-05-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

I hope you were all glued to Create and Craft on Sat, it was on twice in the day, it was my Mums birthday she was 81!! cant believe it she doesn't look it, she would kill me for telling people...we have actually decided that she is 79 this year we are going backwards...
Anyway
Create and craft, did you see my little project? We were all screaming at the television!!, I know to some it is a little thing but to me WWWWWWWWWWWOOOWWWWWWW
SUPERCALAFRAGELITIC!!!
Ok Ok I will calm down......

Its so nice to get some appreciation, not sure if its an Aquarius thing.

My craft day was so good , so nice, so I am still on a high!

The next really exciting thing I cant tell you yet but I hope that I can spill the beans soon..

MY STUDIO/CRAFT ROOM
So sorry,I did think it would go on a while....I don't disappoint.. I am in there all night tonight, I an designing some storage containers for it....watch this space, think they will look good.....
hope you like them, I plan to sell them too!

Going Solo!

2010-04-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

My first crafty open day is now over, the stamp pads are not all put away yet and there is some paper and stash lying around but I have clocked off for the night!

I call it SOLO but to be honest without my crafty bezzie mate Chris and my mum whos is shhhhhhhhhh 81 tomorrow I couldnt hve done it.

I have had a great day, met some really nice people. I feel like I've had my crafty 'fix'even though it was MY day I loved it.
I thought you may like to see my make and takes, here is my first one

My second..

here is my third..

hope you like them!
I am now off to watch
Its complicated
The Time Travelers Wife
Couples retreat

Good luck to Kirsty on Creat and Craft in the morning

Crafty Open Day at my house!

2010-04-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well its all systems go for tomorrow, the house is nearly ready, the doggies are all excited...(well they always look it!)

I am so sad my room is not properly finished for my crafty open day I had planned to get it all done but didnt realise what a mammouth task it was going to be....
Anyway I have been so busy busy but I have designed 3 lovely Make and Takes for the day (well I think they are!)
The show must go on as they say!

I will have my spotty bags for anyone to have a look at or buy if they like and I have some furnishing fabrics available to buy too!

Not of course fogetting all the stampin up crafting to be done goodies and samples to have a look at!

cash or cheques will be accepted on the day.

pop-in for a nice cuppa and a slice of cake!

Also Kirsty was supposed to be coming but she has a rush job on ready for Create and Craft on Saturday so she cant make it..booooooo!

If you can make it let me know so I can get enough cake......

Jane
xx

5 steps forward 100 steps back....

2010-04-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

****EDITED****
Sorry to be away for so long!!

I have been busy clearing and getting ready for my open day on Friday!

There have been a few other things going on and I may give you a sneak peek later on in the week....
Anyway,
Can anyone help, this table was perfectly organized...bu look at it now! anyone know how to craft in a tidy way?

Here is my storage soltion for all thoses wheels! I now have a few wheel storage boxes to sell if anyone wants them!

Anyone watching create and craft on Saturday please look out for this!!!.....so excited!

This has been made with a brand new CD designed by my mate Kirsty Wiseman, oh yes you read right!!! have printed her fabby designs onto paper that has fabric attached and made this little make-up back, the possibilities are endless........I hope to be stocking this printable fabric soon...keep looking!

DAY 10 ish Operation craft room!

2010-04-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

I am desperate to finish my room but its a big big job so I have asked for help...in the form of some fabby reading material!!

I love these magazines I surround myself in creative mess and read up on how people all over the world organise their space...think i'm getting something wrong...
it reminds me of my sister she used to eat Mars bars and read slimming magazines at the same time....
Where women create....love it...even Marie Osmand is in there.

Studios magazine, this this is my favourite, I buy every issue, it had Elsie Flannigan in the last issue who is a lovely crafter, quite 'alternative' but great.

The workbook called the organized and inspired scrapbooker has a step by step approach on how to sort out your space, it is pace with ideas and helps you work out what you need to make your space WORK rather than just making it nice. It went with an online workshop I did with 'Big Picture Scrapbooking' its amazing! its now out of print but I have 2 so if anyone would like one I am happy to sell it £20 plus P&P!

no idea why this pic will not loadthe right way round!

I still have loads to do ,I cant see the wood for the trees just yet!
Father-in -law is coming on Sunday to put some rails up, I found then in the back of room! can you believe I have all the tools but haven't used them!

I thought you m also like to see me old office chair...everyone should have a cow print fur chair I have noticed its a bit baggy on the seat..need to sort that out!..

see you next time

A quick example of what you can do!

2010-04-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick altered one!

I did this for my Lady 'K' stenciled with some fabic paint.

Hope you like it

CRAFT BAGS FOR SALE AND OPEN DAY!!!

2010-04-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am having an open day on 30th April at my home.
I will be showing my spotty bags but mainly it will be a 'Stampin -up' event!
If you are curious about papercraft and stamping it would be lovely to see you for a cuppa and a bit of crafting!

The open day will start from 11am until 2pm there wll be a litle demo, some make and takes.
If you can make it please e-mail me or leave a message so I can get enough biscuits in!

Pencil-in the date, I will post the address etc very soon live in Cheshire.
xx

Canvas craft bags for sale!
I have a large number o craft bags for sale I dont have time to 'alter' them,
they are plain ready to 'alter' you can stamp them, add applique,paint add ribbons etc etc etc
I dont know the postage yet but the bag will be £3 plus P&P
colours:
pale pink
bright pink
brown
black
red
here is the pic!

first come first served!

I have a secret......

2010-04-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Cant tell you yet but I have a secret and if all goes well I will be soooooooo happy (im really excited but keeping my glass half empty not half full!!)

well when I eventually got in the craft room today, its was really really cold but a nice big cardy on I have dashed about clearing and moving stuff.
I have so many books dotted around I have decided to put sewing/fabric books near my sewing space and card/mini book making near my cardmaking stuff!
May seem obvious but not to me they have been dumped EVERYWHERE!!!

I now have too many ribbon's for my drainpipe , too many punches for my punch rail
mmmmmmmmmmm will need to have a think....anyway what do you think of this? Its not wonky, opened the door and snapped the pic frm on step.

I was going to throw out this old CD holder bought ages ago from Ikea, I just tried a Stampin up stamp set in one of the holes, its PERFECT like a glove!
Its so narrow and so tall it can fit behind the door!, ive fixed t to the wall to be safe. I will have all the labels visible, eventually...My lovely girls mate Dyan Reavely had a massive studio jam packed with stash but she has a place for everything and everything in its place so you can
have a massive craft
trash the place
easily tidy it up!
Sorry Dy I have done that a few times!

Someone once said to me you need to organise as if it was kindergarten...good advice I just need to follow it!
hope you like this ideas.

Progress report..

2010-04-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know that there have been some developments but not worthy of A picture just yet.
I have made
A 'sell' box
A 'give away' box
A 'rubbish' box

I have made a fabby curtain for my table, can't wait to show you its really practical and of course spotty!

I have generally been sorting out but when YOU sort out do YOU make more mess like me?
hope so!
Kids go back tomorrow so I have a mountain of housework but I WILL be in the craft room!

Bags bags..

2010-04-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

H,
I had a fab night last night, I met up with a group of girlies I hadn't seen all together for ages.Chris (my special crafty mate who I do see I the time) Annie (who makes me laugh EVERY time I see her) Geraldine ,Jo, Heather and the host Bridget. Great night.so nice to see everybody.
We laughed and laughed, ate nice food and drank.....perfect
The girls hadn't seen my new spotty bags so I took a couple with me and they loved them, so my room needs to be finished even more quickly because I have a load of new orders to make!

I sadly had to leave at 12 to pick hubby up who has man flu together with a bad throat, he was dosed up all night so he could go to the pub but the meds started to wear off so I picked him up in a taxi and took him home.
He is now still sleeping (its 11am Sunday) ad feeling rough.He was supposed to be on a big mountain bike ride which he loves but no chance today im afraid.
I cant wait for my room to be finished because I have so many plans, need to make lots and lots of samples, I am bimming with ideas as well as fabric. I am really excited, I have some trimming coming from Italy and am just sorting some new trimmings to come from France!!! how exciting and I have some gorgeous wool felt on he way...fab colours....
I dont want this to sound like an advert but some of you have asked me for my bag prices £25 for the medium (smaller with short handles) and £29 for the large (bigger with long handles) plus p&p!!
Post later operation craft room!!!!

Day 5 operation Craft Room

2010-04-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hi again,
sorry about yesterday!!!
Ive been a bit busy today and have a few pics to share with you!
I HAD to add to my ribbon collection today, I was missing a through spotty and check ribbons, have a look what do you think?

Hear are some of my boxes, I have made a box just for felt, I LOVE felt and try to use it on my projects as often as possible. I have tons and tons of fabric pieces so a box was needed for that too!
I have made temporary labels until I get the lamina tor dusted off.

Here are my fabric pieces in their own cupboards and how fab when the doors are shut!!

Also I wanted to share a little stampin up notelet designed, I love this stamp so much found piece of whisper white carstock inked up my stamp with the lighter colour then just 'kissed' the edges with the dark colour then stamped the card randomly. I add the greeting then voila!!

I Will post the recipe tomorrow, I am going to see the girls tonight!! I very rarely go out at all let alone twice in one weekend!

Want to see a Cockerpoo?

2010-04-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have not posted today, I was planning to do lots tonight and post my accomplishments
but
My very very close pal Annie who cannot come into my house for more than a minute without sneezing uncontrollably, she leaves the house with runny red eyes like you have never seen because of our 2 dogs. Harvey is Cocker Spaniel and Nix is a rescue from the dogs home and for anyone my age or older she looks like 'freeway' from 'heat to heart'....
I love my dogs soooo much and even though we now have the girls I still adore my dogs. Annie has never really had the luxury of a dogs because of her allergies and also ALL the family are the same.

Today I had a text from her with a picture of a puppy on it....I was very shocked and equally confused? is this joke I said? she replied with a no its her new puppy!
I could not believe it, how? what? when? etc etc etc!!!

I HAD to go round just for a quick look and 6 hours later we left and have just got into bed, Im up at 8am to go and get a ribbon stash from my supplier!!
Anyway It is a dog a bit like the new breeds like a Labradoodle (Labrador and poodle) buts It a Cockerpoo!!! OMG cant believe it,so very very cute, never heard of it but how gorg!
here is 'Lady C' in hr new 'Fame' fancy dress outfit clearly showing where she has cut her hair "because it was sticking up!!!" with Dexter the new 16 week pup, it has been bread for people like their family Annie Jo Sam and Tom who are asthmatic and allergic to animals.....ohhhh are 3 dogs too many?????.....................
will resume duties in the morning