MISSING IN ACTION!

Oh my, where has the time gone?!!  I have had a really busy couple of months and have totally neglected saying hello! So a big HELLO to you all!!!

My absence started around the time I had my Card Workshop at Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium and it was a very happy afternoon crafting with some lovely ladies.  They made some great cards and we ate some absolutely wonderful cakes and had plenty of tea and coffee! 

Tracy, Ann & Naomi concentrating hard!

Tree Scrapbooking and Margaret working away!

As you can see from the pictures, everyone seemed to have a lovely time and I am going to visit Sharon who owns Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium to organise some more dates for future Workshops in a couple of weeks time.  I am planning  on doing both a Card Workshop and a Scrapbook Workshop.  If you are interesting in attending either kind of class, please do get in touch.  Future Workshops will most likely run during the evenings as this allows ladies who work to attend!

Tree, one of the ladies who came along to this Card Class doesn't actually make cards.  However, she is a very accomplished Scrapbooker and  takes the card kits  and adapts them to make Scrapbook layouts.  The results are always absolutely outstanding!  Tree also comes along to my Card Class/Crop at Wherstead each month and does the same there.  She has totally inspired the ladies at the Crop and next month some of them intend to turn their card kits into scrapbook pages too!  It is wonderful to see how our individual creativeness can take the same items and make something so totally different and wonderful!  I come away so encouraged by these lovely ladies!

I will add dates for future Wigglywoo Workshops on here once they have been organised.  I plan on doing a Seaside theme for the first Scrapbook Workshop as I am sure with the great summer we have had, there will be plenty of beach photographs we would love to turn into pages for our albums!  I even spent some time yesterday afternoon on Shotley beach with my husband looking for some baby shells to be used with the layouts!  He has a harsh tongue sometimes however!  Whilst bending down with my back to my sea, he kept informing me it was an unhappy water as it was getting further and further away from my large bottom!  He can be sooo rude sometimes!!!  Anyway, I need to hang some washing on the line as it is back to the time of the year when good days are becoming less frequent!

I shall be back soon with more news of what I have been up to over these past couple of months!  It includes tents, lots of miles in the car, moving a son, crochet, card classes and crops, making lots of swaps and more!!! So do keep your eyes open!

Bye for now!

K xxxx

Card Class Crop Wherstead - July 2013

A collection of some of the stuff used in July's Card Class and Crop and cards that were made!

July's Card Class/Crop went down well and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.  The cards we made are in the above photograph.  Two of the ladies who came don't make cards but still did the class.  They transferred the card kits into scrapbook pages and I must say, the results were outstanding! 

I was slightly dreading the heat of the day as we have had such extreme hot weather; I was concerned it would be totally draining and too sticky for a day in a hall.  Bottles of water were taken along with the usual tea, coffee, sweeties and cakes (can you believe I was up at 6am making rock cakes?!!! They just aren't the same the following day and needed to be fresh!)  However, the sun very kindly stayed behind some silvery clouds and kept the intensity of it's heat from baking us!  It was comfortable and not unbearable!

As August is such a busy month for my family I haven't been able to set a Saturday aside for a Class/Crop and I know I'm really going to miss it.  However I did run a Card Class at Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium on 7th August and some of my more local ladies came along to that.  I shall blog about that in a few days!

My next Wherstead Day is on Saturday 14th September from 10am until 5pm.  I do have a couple of spaces left but it is pretty full now.  If you would like to come along and join us, do give me a call whilst there are still some places left!  If you would like a Card Kit but cannot attend the day, they are available for £5 plus postage.  Please order by 9th September at the latest!

See you in a couple of days when I show you what we did at Wigglywoo's Class!

CARD CLASS AT WIGGLYWOO'S CRAFT EMPORIUM

There will be a Card Class at Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium next Wednesday 7th August at 12 - 2pm.  You will make 3 cards that you will be able to take and send to your friends and family.  The cost is £12 and booking must be done via Sharon at Wigglywoo's.  Contact: 

PLACES ARE LIMITED YOU MUST BOOK AND PAY IN ADVANCE!

Address:

Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium

Unit 7, Gower Street Industrial Centre
Ipswich

Suffolk 

IP2 8EX

Open: Wed to Sat - 10 am - 4 pm

Phone: 07966768895

Email: sjwigglywoo@gmail.com

Visit: 
 http://wigglywoocraftemporium.webs.com/menu

Please note that the cards featured in the picture are from a previous class and are not the ones you will make!
You will find it useful to bring a basic tool kit if you have one!

Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium

As seen from Wherstead Road just after you have gone past Whip Street on the way into town!

I highly recommend a visit to this craft shop where you can browse the wares made by local crafters, have a cuppa and a slice of homemade cake or even sign up for one the many craft workshops that Wigglywoo's host.  You may even be tempted to purchase a piece of the shabby chic furniture that is lovingly upcycled by Sharon in her own nearby workshop!

One of the most amazing things about this lovely little shop is that every time you visit, not only are there more new and exciting surprises to peruse on all the shelves, but that the shop layout is always changing! And thats because pretty much everything you look at is on sale!  Go take a look, I know you will love it there!  In the meantime check out the website where there are many more pictures showing some of the crafts on sale and a diary of upcoming events and workshops being held (including a Card Class which I have the privilege of running on behalf of Wigglywoo's)

Address:

Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium

Unit 7, Gower Street Industrial Centre
Ipswich

Suffolk 

IP2 8EX

Open: Wed to Sat - 10 am - 4 pm

Phone: 07966768895

Email: sjwigglywoo@gmail.com

To find Wigglywoo's by map click on the Location link at the bottom of this post.
 

Visit: http://wigglywoocraftemporium.webs.com/menu

Card Class Wherstead June 2013

Everyone in action, but for some it was all too much after a night shift!

I made paper flowers

A gallery of the action at my first Card Class Crop at Wherstead Village Hall.  We all had a fun, busy time and everyone was very happy with their makes.  As you can see, we all learned a new technique with the lattice edged card. It's not as difficult as it 

Janina, Liz, Lusia and Denise

looks once you have the template in place.  Also everyone made a set each from Stampin Up's Buttons & Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds.  I think its fun to make your own embellishment.  You can make it whatever colour you need and it's a great way to save your pennies too!

Assisting Anne and Naomi!

Tracy actually making cards!!!

CARD CLASS AT WHERSTEAD

 You are invited to attend my

CARD CLASS & CROP

 being held at:

Wherstead Village Meting Rooms

IP9 2BJ

(old Eastern Electricity site, currently Co-Op offices

Left Off A137 100 metres from A12 junction (near Jimmy's Farm))

Saturday 22nd June 2013

10am – 5pm

£8.50 for Card Class

£5 just to Crop

At this Card Class you will make 3 cards and a 3d project and maybe learn a new crafting technique. the more advanced among you could just simply come along and enjoy making some cards and chatting over a cuppa and cake!!! kits come complete with an envelope so that you can send the cards to friends and family!!! guaranteed to be lots of laughs!!!

alternatively just come along with your stash and crop.

It is important to book as places are limited.

Please Contact Karen on: 07772847353

Front Page Detail

So, yesterday I spent some time playing with my This and That Bundle of goodies. I covered the front page of my journal and also did some bits to the first two pages inside.

Along with that, I covered a shopping list book which looks so lovely I have a feeling my shopping list might get really long just so that I can keep using it! Hee hee. Of course I would prefer to use it for my craft supply lists rather than food shopping, but having been blessed with my wonderful husband and two amazing sons who have hollow legs, it will be filled with eating supplies! But still a pleasure to use!

As I do more, I'll put up more photos!

See you soon

K x

Mr Brown - My Friend!

Sorry, no time to chat, it's playtime! :-*

Katie Crafting In The Garden!!

This afternoon my son's girlfriend spent a couple of hours in the garden making a birthday card for her Mum's 50th. I directed her a little here and there, but she did a sterling job despite being full of cold and feeling rather unwell. Well done Katie! Oh and thanks for the cups of tea Jacob!

THIS n THAT: It's More Than Smashing!

I am really excited to be able to show you This & That – Stampin’ Up! have their own equivalent of Smash! Including Stampin’ Up! Washi Tape!!! Can you believe it, Stampin' Up have brought out their own Washi Tape!

As always with Stampin' Up, the quality is outstanding! And as if that's not enough, there is also a fantastic offer! From today, 1 May until 31 May, Stampin’ Up are offering THE WHOLE KIT as a BUNDLE with 15% off the regular price as an introductory offer.

Item.                 Description.                                                                    Price

131268.             Epic Day This and That Journal.                               £9.95

130814.             Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper.     £9.95

131463.             Remember This and That Rotary Stamp.                £5.50

131271.             Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers.             £4.50

131269.             Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape.      £4.50

133905.             Epic Day This and That Bundle.  Includes the five 

This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until May 31.  £29.24   15% Off Retail Value!

Epic Day This and That Bundle

Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until May 31.  £29.24

15% Off Retail Value!

You can also view the online pdf document HERE

More products will be added to the range over the coming months!

To be one of the first to own your own This & That journal please contact me on karencurd@hotmail.co uk or text me on 07772 847353

If you are interested in attending a day of This N That'ing at the end of May please contact me for details.

 

Cupboard Trilogy Spring Flowers!

If we aren't going to get much sunshine we need to make it up ourselves, and this month's Challenge on the Cupboard Trilogy does just that with Spring Flowers.

So when we feel down in the dumps from the lack of that illusive yellow ball in the sky, we only need take a look at the DT examples in the Cupboard for a bit of cheer! Click here for some floral cheer!

Lets hope we'll be getting more of the real thing in time for the Bank Holidays this month!

See you soon

Karen x

Sneak Peak!!!

I am still thoroughly enjoying the Spring/Summer Catalogue as well as the 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue, what with it being so much bigger than the previous UK catalogues. Yet teasingly along comes a sneak peak from the 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue from Shellie! You will find Shellie's blog here.

These cards display new stamps, embossing folder and punch! A rather Moroccan feel if you ask me!

I'll add some more of my makes soon!

K x

Owl Fabrictastic!

I'm certainty no whizz with a sewing machine but really wanted to use some of my Twitterpated Fabric to make a birthday present for a very special little girl's 5th birthday. This is the result and I must say I'm very pleased with it as was 5 year old Scarlett! The three girls in the family, ie Scarlett and her big twin sisters, Annie and Martha, totally stole our hearts from their baby days and simply won't give them back! We don't see them as often as we would like to these days, but we love them to the moon and back and think of them often! Happy Birthday Scarlett x x

Color Refresh

Stampin' Up are Refreshing their colour charts for the start of the new annual catalogue on 1st July.  Some colours we will be saying farewell to, whilst it is hello to some new colours and welcome back to some previous In-Colours. 

Look below for the ins and outs of it all!

Angry Birds Punch Art!

I had a lot of fun with this one!  I have to admit I copied the design of each Angry Bird but I adapted it and this is what I came up with!  As the name suggests there is a lot of punching involved with punch art and this design was no exception.  I used a variety of Circle Punches; a Heart Punch used upside down for the yellow bird, which is unfortunately discontinued; the Owl Builder Punch which is where you get the little circles and the heart shaped noses and for the rest of the shapes I had to cut them out by hand.  The celebrate is part of the Outlined Occasions Stamp set which is also discontinued as it was part of 2012 SAB (I do have a spare one which I can sell if anyone is interested).

Punch Art is great fun and the only limit is your own imagination and creativity (and patience whilst dealing with tiny bits of sticky paper!)  Have a look at my post Twit Twoohoo; Owl Fun and see how versatile just one punch (Owl Builder Punch) can be.  Have fun!

Stamping; With Love!

 

In December my husband was spending whole evenings being very secretive on the computer, but being the lead up to Christmas I guessed that I ought not ask too many questions!  As it happens he was trying to ask me questions about certain preferences I had so it became clear that he was trying to design a stamp for the back of my cards.  I had to trust that he knew my tastes well enough to make one I liked.

Christmas Day came and I was thrilled with it!  Well done Paul! He put together the fact that I love hearts and that I also love postage stamp stamps and here you can see the result of that combination! 

 

It just so happens that the stamp fits perfectly inside the 1 3/4 inch Scallop Circle Punch by Stampin'Up!  If you put the punched circle back into the punch and line it up in the centre of each scallop and punch again you get the effect as shown in the picture above.  A bit fiddly but worth the effort as you get a lovely natural looking sunflower effect.

 

The great thing about having a punch like this one is that you can colour the ink to suit the card.  Some of the personal stamp designs you can get are pre-inked so not as versatile!  This stamp was adapted from a design Paul found on Etsy with a lady called Simone from DesignKandy in the U.S.  Alternatively there are some good ideas at The English Stamp Company, where you can custom make what you need by experimenting from a range of designs!

Need More Space!

My husband made this for me, but I think it may need an extension soon though!

Baptism Cards

Three commissioned  Baptism cards!

I could have just made three cards the same, but where is the fun in that?  The great thing about making your own cards is that you can tailor them to suit!  Whilst all three have the dove stamp (not Stampin' Up) they are all very different as you can see!  Can you spot what I did with the 'Lattice Bigz' die? Combining the 'Itty Bitty Shapes' punch with the 'Madison Avenue' stamp set is very affective I thought, even if they were a little fiddly! The 'Oh, Whale' stamp set was perfect for a little splash too, especially ideal for a teenager!

All stamps, punches & embossing folders available from Stampin'Up! Please contact me or leave a comment if you would like to know more!

I've been busy making!

 

Having had a weekend away where I made 40 cards and had a total of 7.5 hours sleep, I've increased my sleep intake and reduced card making production significantly since my return.  However I've have managed a few cards and the pictures here show some of them! I'll show my weekend away makes soon!

Happy Birthday to my Step Dad.

It's my Step Dad's birthday tomorrow and he's the Maintenance Manager at a big hotel in Great Yarmouth, so when I saw the amazing stamp Tool Shed in the current Stampin Up catalogue I just had to get it to make his card! 

The actual design is cased from Pinterest but I'm not sure who originally designed it. I added a few of my own personal touches of course, including the charming little brads I happened across in Craft & Candlelight on Bramford Road, Ipswich. Do pop in there for a look. Diane is lovely and will always order something for you if she doesn't have it, so long as it is available! Of course, if you would like anything from the Stampin Up catalogue you can give me a call!

Sale-a-bration Starts Today!

Today sees the start of Stampin Up's annual Sale-a-bration. As it is the Company's 25th anniversary, there are lots of extra choices.

If you spend £45 from any of the catalogues, you can choose a free item from the Sale-a-bration Brochure. 

Spend £90, choose two items. No limit! If you would like a Brochure and a copy of the new Spring/Summer Catalogue, please email me your details and I will pop one in the post to you :-)

Happy 2013!

It is so scary how fast the years pass and so true that it seems to go faster the older you get. When you sit thinking over things and remember how old you thought your Dad was on his 40th birthday back in 1987 and how young 40 really is now that you yourself have passed that landmark!  Or when you speak to your 19 year old son and mention that you were married in the 80's which are seriously the olden days! And when your home phone has been out of order for 5 days and the internet isn't therefore working and you start too feel like the Mayans must have been right and the world has come to an end - yet no internet existed when I was 19 and my parents remember a time when there was no such thing as a home phone!

I have seen huge technological advancements in my lifetime which are nothing on those seen by my parents and grandparents generations yet life isn't quite what we expected when I was in high school and we imagined flying cars would be our norm as adults! 

What is very much the norm now and I must say a pleasurable norm is coffee shops whilst in town. And today I've managed Starbucks and Nero! If I popped to Costa I could make it a hat trick! And a coffee crawl to boot! 

I'd just like to wish you a happy happy year in 2013. If you're a crafting friend, I hope it's an inspiration filled one at that! And if you've never been there I am letting you know that Pinterest is seriously bad for your time management so avoid it at all costs! 

Bye for now! 

Karen x