Playing Hookey!

I mentioned yesterday that I am doing some crochet...

The truth is that I cannot lounge about doing nothing

even though I am "lounging about" for a valid reason!

it just feels wrong sitting doing nothing while I rest my body

but thankfully crochet has come to my rescue!

most of you will know I love colour, 

whether its the pretty delicate colours in a sweet card 

or in ya face primary's, I love colour! 

and the way colour combinations work together.

That's one of the reasons I love Stampin' Up!

their colour co-ordination is fabulous through inks, card, dsp, etc.

Well I have been playing hookey!
I have busy with my crochet hook and keeping myself happy
 with this fabulous array of coloured yarn by Stylecraft

I created this pastel rainbow star blanket...

I created the pattern myself, 

it's something I have been working on for some time,

the size of this blanket is 30" x 30" from star point to star point

which is ideal for a pram or baby car seat or even a crib or moses basket

I can make it a bigger but I wanted the edge to be purple! 

I will have to plan the next one working the colour combo

 back from the edge rather than from the centre outwards as I did here.

just a bit more planning with note taking before i dive in again.

I used my pattern to create a couple of star blankets in pink or blue stripes 

for newborn baby gifts, they had blocks of colour and looked stripey!

I just had to try this rainbow colour combination 

which changes colour on every row.

I think I will try a primary colour rainbow next but 

oh thats gonna be so bright!

perhaps I should make it as a lap blanket??

I spread the blanket on my settee but I need to retake the photo 

as the arm of the settee distorts the pic! (sorry)

I have to say I am very proud of this blanket, 

I love the way the colours really blended, that was such a delight 

after many attempts to get it right.

now I have decided to list it on Etsy and see what happens ,.

I am not sure if I have the price right? 

maybe a bit low for all the work I have done 

but just gonna try it out for now

I hope to write up the pattern and have that for sale in my Etsy shop too

but writing the pattern for others to follow is a very precise art

but hey its one I will master soon \o/

I have it all in my head but just gotta get it down on paper in an understandable way

let me know what you think

if nothing else, at least its something useful to do when I cant do much else!!!

here's the blue one I made for baby Matthew last year, 

I didnt do the ridges between the points on this one, I hadn't thought of it then LOL

but this inspired me to keep trying out the pattern untill I was happy with it

Just to let you know

I have been struggling with some significant health issues.

I seem to have been catapulted into a season of pain and sleeplessness

I am hoping that this is just a season and a very temporary problem.

However the current health problems and distractions have made it 

impossible for me to concentrate on my card making and paper-crafting

some days I struggle to think clearly 

because of the pain and the effects of my medication.

Therefore, I have had to step back from my dream of being 

an active independent Stampin' Up business demonstrator

I am still registered as a demo right now 

but that's as a hobbyist, although I can still order products for anyone

but I will not be doing any business focused demonstrations classes or sales drives.

I really don't know right now what the future holds

I am still happy to help anyone with techniques or products etc

I absolutely love Stampin' Up products 

and have had immense fun making cards etc for classes etc 

and meeting new, lovely people

but I am not able to sit at my desk for any length of time 

without acute pain, and to be honest I am a bit stressed

so I am putting my feet up and crocheting until this situation changes

that might sound like I am giving up, but no

I am just taking control of a bad situation

and trying my best to be good to myself.

I am gonna be spending extra time with my husband and my family

enjoying the most precious treasures of my life

they make my heart sing

God bless you all xx

***CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

unfortunately due to ill health 
I have had to cancel my Card & Cuppa classes at Mooch1 

which were being held every Monday! 

I am very sad and disappointed about this

but with the amount of pain I am experiencing 

and the serious lack of sleep it causes

 I just cannot function properly to do a good weekly class at this time

sorry for any inconvenience 

I hope to still do my card making buffet 

at Wigglesworths on the first Wednesday of every month

I continue to be an Independent Stampin Up Demonstrator

in fact making cards really helps me to relax 

and think of something or someone 

other than the pain I'm in

even if for just a short while!

it's still my fun fun fun thing to do!

My online shop is still open if you want to shop for Stampin' Up products

just use the link above on the right to browse the current catalogues 

or the my Stampin' Up shop button above

 if you need any help with Stampin' Up products

or general card making questions I would be very happy to help

just contact me (without obligation) for advice

by email at

crafteresauk@gmail.com

thanks for dropping by xx

From Stress to Success

Do you remember I had posted about my first 

Card & Cuppa event at Mooch 1 in St Annes?

I was so excited about it

I had spent some time designing the initial card and I 

bought a lot of the tools & bits n bobs needed

like cutting mats rulers glue scissors pencils and some new stamps, dies and card for the first month of card kits needed for this event.

I love it when a plan comes together don't you?

 I was all packed up with the kits prepared 

and my full trolley tote on the back of my wheelchair. 

everything was ready for a successful day!

The weather was nice and sunny and not too cold. so I decided to go early and have lunch at Mooch1 before setting up!

THEN DISASTER STRUCK!

I put my key in the lock of my front door to leave my flat

but the key sheered off in the lock

***GASP***

having no back door to my tiny flat meant that I was locked in, 

I was trapped!

***GASP***

Stress! Stress! Stress!... I had been so excited just minutes before, 

Now what was I gonna do?

I contacted my housing association, they said they would try their best to get a locksmith to me A.S.A.P. but he was 26 miles away in Leyland on another job he could be 2 or more hours!

so now the disappointment of having to miss my 

first Card & Cuppa class hit me hard 

I was overwhelmed with stress and very upset

but nothing could be done to change the situation.

I had to just get over it!

At 2pm the locksmith arrived, he fixed the lock in minutes 

then he changed the inside lock so I don't need a key to lock or 

unlock the door from the inside anymore \o/

Within minutes I received a phone call telling me that 2 ladies were waiting for the class, can I still do it?  I tried to calm down 

as I whizzed to St Annes square on my electric wheelchair

Finally, I got to the class an hour late, My card making friend Kath joined us and the class went ahead. PHEW! 

The 2 lovely ladies who had so patiently waited 

were both very new to card making 

we made this "Soft Sky and a Butterfly Card" 

Using my kits and a little instruction, they did really well.

They were both very pleased with their handmade creations. 

I was so pleased how the card kits had worked for them

as they had no cardmaking experience 

yet they produced lovely handmade cards.

My friend Kath who has been cardmaking for some years 

was pleased with her card too

which just confirms that the Card & Cuppa event is suitable

 for beginners and experienced card makers alike.

I totally de-stressed as I shared my love of cardmaking and felt quite relaxed as I simply got creative and did what I love doing

As the afternoon went on we all chatted away as if we had already met before. We enjoyed a lovely friendly fun atmosphere which made the afternoon a time to get together and share the fun

just as much as a time to make cards.

After all that stress 

the first Card & Cuppa event

turned into a real success

The Card & Cuppa at Mooch 1will continue as a weekly event

every Monday starting at 1.30

just drop in & join us

no more boring dull Mondays LOL

in the near future my card making kits 

will be available to purchase online

as part of a stamp club

I just need to sort a couple of things first!

I will let you know when they are available

please email me for details

crafteresauk@gmail.com

Soft Sky and a Butterfly

Soft Sky and a Butterfly

It's been ages since I entered a card making challenge, 

I came across the Stamp Ink Paper Challenge this morning.

There challenge #84 is a "tic tac toe" challenge which ends on the 5th of February.

you can find the challenge by clicking here!

To use the Tic Tac Toe grid above 

you simply choose a line and use those elements on the challenge card

The top line of the grid shows "blue, embossing, sequins"

which fits fabulously with a card I have been designing

for my first Card & Cuppa event here in St. Annes

I love the colour combo of Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White

I wanted to use my new Butterfly Thinlits dies.

along with the butterfly stamp in the Butterfly Basics stamp set

Soft Sky is a pale blue colour, 3 sequins adorn the card 

the Square Lattice Embossing Folder 

was used to give texture to the pennant

so I have met the requirement for the challenge

all of these products are from Stampin' Up.

Can you see the stamped lace at the very bottom of my card?

look behind the strip of lacy trim

this was stamped using whisper white craft ink and

the delicate details set of stamps shown below.

This stamp set "Delicate Details" is from the 2017 Sale-a-brations catalogue

any of my customers can get this set free of charge

 ***YES FREE!!!***

when they spend £45 on Stampin' Up products

from any current catalogue or clearance rack

(not including postage charges)

for each further £45spend  there are other fab free items to choose from too!

If you really like this card and you live near Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England

then the good news is that this card will feature in my

 Card & Cuppa event

at Mooch1 in Garden st St. Annes

drop in on Monday 13th of February

between 1.30 and 3.30 pm

to make this card and enjoy a nice cuppa 

for just £5

You will recieve a kit and the use of my stamps and equipment 

to complete this card

all the cutting and scoring is done 

and the sentiment can be changed if desired.

well that's my card for today 

 I am already thinking of some slight changes

like colour, embossing folder, sentiment and the square 

but hey that's what gives me such a buzz

Remember

 I am here to help

with any Stampin' Up product questions

or general card making tips techniques etc

without obligation

and of course if you would like a catalogue 

then please contact me

crafteresauk@gmail.com

CARD & CUPPA

Don't hate Mondays! join in the fun

I am so excited to anounce this weekly event...

This is gonna be fun fun fun

you will recieve a kit of pre-cut and pre-scored cardstock

 and patterned paper for the card design 

and you have the use of my rubber stamps and equipment

to complete your very own version of my card

each week the card design will be changed.

if you want to create a 2nd card without another cuppa 

that will cost just £2.50 per card

I have the capacity in the room at Mooch 1 

for 5 customers at any one time

see you soon I hope

Bee Happy Crafters Group!

I have some exciting crafty news...

I joined The Bee Happy Craft Group 

it's a knit and natter group which meets 

every Thursday morning  between 10am - 12noon

 at the "Wigglesworths" coffee shop in St Annes

I go with my crochet hook and help others to learn
the beginning steps of how to crochet

other ladies bring there knitting etc and share knitting tips.

I find it very rewarding to get out and meet new folk every week 

while enjoying a cuppa and a chat.

 and my own crochet project has grown so quickly!

As a group we recognised there are lots of folk 

with nothing to do, bored or lonely! 

who would love to get out and chat 

Theres other folk with very crafty skills who could share there craft too!

Therefore, every first Wednesday of the month starting on 

Wednesday 1st of February from 6.30pm ~ 8.30pm

we will be holding The Bee Crafty Evening at Wigglesworths.

I will take my cardmaking kits and equipment

to hold a "Card Buffet"

there will be baskets with the kit and equipment required 

to make the card of your choice

participants will take the basket open the kit 

follow the instructions and make a handmade card

enjoying the fun of making handmade cards
while getting together and enjoying an evening out!

there will be other crafty folk there too, 

there will be a selection of crafts to try each month

like jewellery making, sewing, felting, colouring, beading, etc

and lots more as we get established we will find more crafts to try!

there will be something for everyone

The Bee Crafty evening will cost 50p to enter,

then you choose what craft you want try 

and pay the individual crafter for the item you are making

for example:-

to make one of my cards will cost just £2.50 per card

I will give you all the help you need

so absolute beginners are welcome

The fab thing is that if you are thinking of taking up a new craft

you can try it out quite cheaply

instead of buying equipment and realising that craft is not really for you!

we have a facebook group called the Bee Happy knitters, crochet and craft group

so come and join us, its far better than being stuck in front of the TV

and you will meet new people too

we are a very friendly bunch!

A Butterfly Fluttered by!

I Thought it was time to introduce some nice subtle tones today

after using the bright Pop of Pink DSP with it's high contrasts for the last few posts.

So here I have been using the Butterflies Thinlits dies

with Butterfly Basics stamp set

I went monochromatic by just using the Soft Sky colour with Whisper White

One of the good things about Stampin' Up products is the co-ordination of colours.

Their colour pallet is available in ink pads and refills, cardstock, ribbons,

marker pens and a range of DSP which can easily be co-ordinated.

Both in the catalogue and on the package of DSP 

you will see that it states which colours co-ordinate in each DSP pack

 it takes the guess work out of card making and gives a real professional look.

The "Soft Sky" colour, which has been used in this card is from the Subtles collection

I used the Subtles DSP Stack for the dotty paper at the side of the card.

I also used The Lots of Labels Thinlits dies, The Butterflies Thinlits dies, 

The Butterfly Basics stamp set and the new

 All Occasions stamp set from the Sale-a-bration catalogue.

Have you spotted the little delicate lace doily behind all the die cuts? 

I cut mine in half so that it could peep out at the top and bottom, 

from behind the label die cuts.

I love the intricate lace design, they come in a pack of 24 for £4 per pack

The great  thing about these little doilies is that 

on one side the doily is Whisper White and on the other its Very Vanilla

 and of course they can be coloured with inks too

This is a new product which can be found in the new Spring Occasions catalogue

I love the Lacy effect they give to cards or projects.
the other product I used on this card is a free "Any Occasion" stamp set ,
this stamp set was used to add that little sentiment banner accross the label die cut
here a little video to show you more

have you heard of  "Sale-a-bration" which was mentioned in the video?

During the Sale-a-bration which runs from January 4th to March 31st 2017 

while stocks last! You will receive a free product of your choice 

from the Sale-a-bration catalogue for every £45 you spend (not including postage) 

either in the annual or spring catalogues or clearance rack! 

If you spend £90 then that's 2 Sale-a-bration products you earn and so on!
How fabulous is that!!!

If you don't have a Stampin' Up demonstrator

 and you would like more information on Stampin' Up products
or would like to receive the catalogues

 then please let me know, email me at crafteresauk@gmail.com

I would love to help with any questions with no obligation
and to send the catalogues to you.

CANT WAIT FOR THE POSTMAN?....

You will be able to find the pdf of the catalogues in the right sidebar of my blog

 or use my shop now button to go to my online store

all the very best for a real creative adventure
remember I am here to help!

 HAPPY CRAFTING
and thanks for visiting my blog xx

Balloon Adventures Stamps & Pop Up Dies

Balloon Adventures
One of my most recent purchases was the Balloon Adventures Pop Up Dies.
As I had achieved my first goal I was given the Balloon Adventures stamp set
as my chosen gift from my friend and Recruiting Demonstrator Jan Brown
which I am really thrilled with this gift and co-ordinating dies.

Here's a card I made using my new stamps and dies 

which can be found in the new Spring Occasions catalogue 2017

As I still had some Pop of Pink DSP on my desk from my last creation

I used it again, I just love this colour combo of 

Whisper White, Basic Black and Melon Mambo.

 Teaming this DSP up with Silver Shimmer paper makes this card "pop" even more!

I am very pleased with the speed that this card came together

no pfaffing around with this one! (yes I could pfaff for England LOL)
I used a 5x7 card base and layered it with Melon Mambo carsdstock,
then a layer of dotty DSP from the Pop of Pink DSP pack
I found the dots were a bit distracting so added a layer of Basic Black cardstock
I didnt want to cover up the dotty paper too much so made the balloons overlap this layer like they were popping out of the Basic Black coloured layer!

This fabulous die set is a joy to work with, the dies cut beautifully.

 I just did a little bit of trimming of the framed die cut

as I didn't want the frame on the front of the card this time.

I added the dotty and striped balloon die cuts,

then stamped the banner and sentiment then cut it out

I used dimensionals behind the balloons and the banner 

to give them a 3d effect, then I cut the tiny bow die in silver shimmer paper

  I added 3 very thin little strips of Melon Mambo 

to represent longer balloon strings as it had been cut from the frame!

and then HEY PRESTO this card was done! 

"Simples" as that Meerkat would say! LOL

As this is for an engagement celebration

 I cut some tiny little hearts using the cookie cutters punch to finish it off.

I plan to make some "presents" with the other dies today 

for my upcoming card buffet kits

As its such  a miserable day outside
I plan to stay in and have some more creative fun with this set.
now thats a real happy thought ;o)

This Balloon Adventure Bundle is extremely versatile

Therefore, I have posted the official Stampin' Up video to show you more

of what can be achieved with this set

And remember once you start using any of your stamps dies etc.

 you will very likely find even more ways to use them!

When buying the stamps and the dies together as a bundle, customers can save 10%

but there's more !!!

"Sale-a-bration"

During the Sale-a-bration which runs from January 4th to March 31st 2017 

while stocks last! You will receive a free product of your choice 

from the sale-a-bration catalogue for every £45 you spend (not including postage) 

either in the annual or spring catalogues or clearance rack! 

If you spend £90 then that's 2 Sale-a-bration products you earn and so on!
so if you buy the Balloons Adventure stamps and dies bundle
item number 144708 £48.50
you already qualify for a Sale-a-bration item of your choice
How fabulous is that!!!

If you don't have a Stampin' Up demonstrator

 and you would like more information on Stampin' Up products
or would like to receive the catalogues

 then please let me know, email me at crafteresauk@gmail.com

I would love to help with any questions with no obligation
and to send the catalogues to you.

CANT WAIT FOR THE POSTMAN?....

You will be able to find the pdf of the catalogues in the right sidebar of my blog

 or use my shop now button to go to my online store

all the very best for a real creative adventure
remember I am here to help!

 HAPPY CRAFTING
and thanks for visiting my blog xx

Happy Birthday Gorgeous x

I simply cannot put this new stamp set down

needed a card for a birthday and just had to use this set again!

I am totally hooked

due to unforseen circumstance my class had to be cancelled today at r'tilly

sorry, it's disappointing, but when it does run it will have been well worth the wait!

Alternatively I am open to offers to do a party or coffee morning

just get in touch and we will see what we can put together!

back to the card...

yet again I used this stamp set

choosing the Pop of Pink DSP

with Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Basic Black Cardstock

with the Lots of Lables Framelit dies

Stitched Layers Framelists dies

 and a little lacy border from the Flourish Thinlets die set

I used the new watercolour pencils to colour the lady's skin and the underneath of her hat

I used the paper piecing technique to give her a fashionable 

polka dot dress with matching hat

if she had long hair she could have been Kate Middleton LOL

this time "Happy Birthday Gorgeous was the greeting I used

I love the fonts used in this set too!

and the greetings

and the images

oh yeah I JUST LOVE THIS SET!

gonne be putting on some extra embellishments but just cannot decide yet
gonna have a cuppa and get back to it!
if the carsd seems a bit big then thats because its a 7" X 5" (FOLDED 7" X10") ase!

please dont  miss out on the Sale-a-bration and the new Spring Occasions caltalogue
see previous post for details!
formore of my cards using this stamp set scroll back a couple of pages!


*************

I have been having some problems with facebook

it's a long story but very stressful, because of security doubts

I have decided to change my facebook profile

my facebook profile can be found by searching for 

Crafteresa Berrsley

unfortunately I cannot get fb to accept the "UK" in my name

but if you have been a friend on facebook please switch to this profile

Happy Crafting x

More Beautiful You

More Beautiful You!

I have been having even more fun today just "Playing" with this
gorgeous stamp set again ;o)

I used a different lady this time!

For the layout I wanted something without fancy folds etc 

just a simple card I can re-create at the last minute if needed to

I needed a challenge! I always seem to go for pastel colours 

or anything from the blues pinks purples side of the colour wheel 

So today I challenged myself to use colours that are not my "comfort zone" colours

so I chose Pear Pizzaz and Crushed Curry! to give the card a spring feel.

 I decided to try a paper piecing technique on the main stamped image 

I used the Cherry on the top DSP as I needed a small pattern for her dress and hat
i absolutley love the sentiments in this set, they are so encouraging
I seem to send as many encouragement cards as birthday cards these days
it costs very little to give someone a bit of encouragement.

(these picture look so different but both use the exact same colours, 

think its because it was my craft lamplight rather than natural light when I took the photo's)

I like the results of my little personal challenge today
but feel compelled to make something now using the third lady image in the set

its a hard life but someone has to do it LOL
I simply LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do

There are lots of fabulous new products in the new Spring Occasions 2017 catalogue
the Beautiful You Stamp set is just opne of them

and (drum roll) as a real bonus there is the best offer of the year... 

"Sale-a-bration"

During the Sale-a-bration which runs from January 4th to March 31st 2017 

while stocks last! You will receive a free product of your choice 

from the sale-a-bration catalogue for every £45 you spend (not including postage) 

either in the annual or spring catalogues or clearance rack! 

If you spend £90 then that's 2 Sale-a-bration products you earn and so on!

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like to receive the catalogues

 then please let me know, email me at crafteresauk@gmail.com 

I would love to send them to you.

CANT WAIT FOR THE POSTMAN?....

You will be able to find the pdf of the catalogues in the right sidebar of my blog

 or use my shop now button to go to my online store

all the very best for 2017

 HAPPY CRAFTIJNG
and thanks for visiting my blog xx

Happy New Year & Beautiful YOU!

Happy New Year 

to all of my customers, blog readers and friends

I am soooo excited today to show you a one of the cards 

which I have made for my upcoming class

created using the new "Beautiful You" Stamp set

I love love love this set

in my class participants will make 2 different cards

 and have the choice of which sentiments to use from the set.
in my classes all cutting and scoring is done ahead of time for you,
 and embellishments etc are provided
you will recieve rubber stamping and cardmaking tuition in a
warm friendly design studio and most of all you will have fun!

I have used the "Pop of Pink" designer series papers for this card

along with Whisper White, Basic Black and Melon Mambo card stock

(the chevron pattern is just the backing for photographic purposes)

This card making class will be held at 'rTilly 
it's for beginners or experienced cardmakers

  on Wednesday 11th of January 2017

11am onwards

***pre-booking is essential***
'rTilly
25 St. Andrews Rd South, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

speak to Tracy to book your place
01253 788546

Beautiful You Stamp Set

This new stamp set was top of my wish list

As you can see this stamps set comprises of 2 boxes with 13  rubber stamps

 there are some great sentiments within this set and marvellous artistic ladies,

it's not just another birthday set, theirs some great encouraging messages too.

I have so enjoyed myself using this set I think its nearly my most favourite of all!

Stampin' Up have also bought out a set of 12 watercolour pencils 

which match some of the most popular colours within Stampin' Up, YAY!

Using these pencils along with these Beautiful You stamps

 made me feel like a real artist even though I cannot draw! 

(trust me you wouldn't want to colour my stick men! LOL)

The new year brings a new spring catalogue, new products, and Sale-a-bration

all going live on January 4th 2017

There are lots of fabulous new products in the new Spring Occasions 2017 catalogue 

and (drum roll) as a real bonus there is the best offer of the year... 

"Sale-a-bration"

During the Sale-a-bration which runs from January 4th to March 31st 2017 

while stocks last! You will receive a free product of your choice 

from the sale-a-bration catalogue for every £45 you spend 

either in the annual or spring catalogues or both! 

If you spend £90 then that's 2 Sale-a-bration products you earn and so on!

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like to receive the catalogues

 then please let me know, email me at crafteresauk@gmail.com 

I would love to send them to you.

alternatively from the 4th of January 

you will be able to find the pdf of the catalogues in my right sidebar

 or use my shop now button to go to my online store

I simply cant wait to show some of the other fabulous products 

being released this week

I will post again very soon

all the very best for 2017

 HAPPY CRAFTIJNG xx