Family

Hello friends

A scrapbook page today.  This one has just popped up on the Spellbinders Idea Gallery.

I know the photo is a familiar one...if I like a photo I do tend to use it on quite a few projects!

All the details for this page can be found here, this was a project I really enjoyed making -

the Grand Decorative Circles One are just, well...grand! 

Very happy to place those butterflies on the page too.

Have a good Thursday - mine is working in London, I don't like the way these London days come round too quickly  (rather be crafting...rather be crafting..!)
Talking of crafting - one place has just become available on the Autumn Card and Gift Box class -
this Saturday - details here.

Take care friends.

Felt Box

Hello friends

Today it is festive triple heaven for me!  I've got my favourite box - Square Bracket Edge Box,

I've got my favourite Christmas die template - Layered Poinsettia and ...

it is all cut from my favourite felt! 

I know I've mentioned many times the delight of using your dies with felt,

flowers work so well.  Occasionally I receive emails regarding what sort of felt -

to be honest save your pennies! I've found that if you purchase the sort of felt available in The Range,

(my local market stall), it's not too thick and it cuts beautifully.  

You can reinforce the box by sliding in some cardstock panels but I found once it is assembled it will stand up and hold a couple of  chocolates for a table favour. (You keep the remainder of the chocolates hidden in the kitchen cupboard away from your family...!)

I know we are still only in October but I do get a bit carried away with the festive stuff...

This week Authentique paper has teamed up with Scrapbook Adhesives for a blog hop.

My project will be featured on Friday on the The Crafty Power Blog but I will feature 

it here fully on Saturday.  

Have a lovely day dear friends.

Pumpkins!

Hello friends

Not sure how many of you have come across this magazine...?

It is all about creating cards in ten minutes and using stamps.  I chose to submit a card approximately a year ago and then promptly forgot about it....until....

it was published! 

The bow looks as though it did not travel so well!

Here is my original photo of the card.  

It features stamps from Heartfelt Creations and Pumpkins die template.

I'm not a big lover of Halloween but I do like a bit of roasted pumpkin!

Last night was my creative writing evening class,
I had written my piece on 'Stars' and it didn't actually mention craft!
I did use to have a blog dedicated to writing called 'Desk Adventures' - I may revamp it and post some of my jottings on there...if only as a good place to keep them all together!

I'm keeping up with my new crafty list this week, working on Friday Die-Day today...which is a bit of a record for me to be getting it done on a Tuesday!
Take care friends.

Best Birthday Wishes

Hello friends

I am so lucky to have the most loveliest followers - THANK YOU 

all for your kind comments yesterday, I truly cannot wait to get my new premises decorated, 

organised and open my door to all of you that would like to visit.  

I will ensure there is cake, plenty of cake! 

As for shop front colours - I'm tending to go with the idea of keeping it neutral,

perhaps a cream/beige but then I did also like the suggestion of duck egg blue.

A few matchpots to purchase I think!

Today's card, another one created using a vintage image.

I chose to emulate the roses in the picture with the patterned paper and 

Rose Creations. 

I mentioned the Gift Vouchers yesterday - yes, I can arrange that they can be used

for purchases from my Amazon shop.  Just select what items you would like and email an order 

through to me - christine.emberson@blueyonder.co.uk 

  In fact, if any of you see any items in my Amazon shop but would prefer to order them direct again, 

please email.  I am always happy to help with whatever is easier for each of you.

Today looking at my list (a new list!) I have to admit it is not getting shorter, 

luckily nearly all the jobs are craft...that's nice work! 

I want to send out a mention to Carolyn - I'm so sorry to hear that your dog is now in doggy heaven,

myself and many others know the absolute heartbreak of losing a beloved pet,

home is never the same without them - sending you love and hugs right now.

Take care friends.

Lots of news today!

Hello friends

Yes, it is the coffee/tea cup symbol - it means a long blog post coming up! 

Firstly some of you may recall this card.

This was created with Blossom Tags and Accents and a matching stamp set from 

Unity called Blossom Stackers.

I had many enquiries regarding these stamps and I can confirm they are now available in the UK from 

'Make the Day Special'

I did have a few problems navigating around their website but I do have it on good authority that they have them in stock.  Perhaps if you are interested drop them an email or use their contact button on their site.

They also stock many other stamps from the US - handy to know! 

Had a lovely craft class yesterday, in between crafting we indulged in chocolate cake.

I made quite a lot of chocolate buttercream for the middle...well, maybe it was deliberate!
I was asked for the recipe so posting it here.

175g self raising flour

1 1/2 level teaspoons of baking powder

2 tbsp cocoa

175g soft margarine/butter

175g caster sugar

3 eggs lightly beaten

1-2 tbsp milk

Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 4.  Line two sandwich tins.  Sift together the flour and baking powder.  

Add the margarine, sugar, eggs and beat with an electric whisk for about 2 minutes until well mixed.  

If the mixture is too stiff add a little drop more milk.

 Divide the mixture between the two sandwich tins, cook for 30-35 minutes until risen and firm to touch.  Cool on wire racks.  Once cool sandwich together with chocolate buttercream - lots!

Next item: Gift Vouchers/Certificates

I've had quite a lot of enquiries as to whether I can provide Gift Vouchers..yes I can!

They are available in the denominations of £5, £10 and £20 and redeemable against

my classes, kits and products.

As always, please email me should you wish to purchase or click on 

the Kits and Bits button in the sidebar to purchase via PayPal (if my buttons are behaving!)
Postage is free.

Final piece of news...phew...definitely a long post today!

Personally this my most exciting news!

When I first took on my crafty studio I showed you a picture this pretty cake shop just up the road.

The cake shop moved away and the premises stood empty and looking a little sad.
Each day I would walk past and imagined how nice it would be as a little crafty shop and classroom.
Well.....after lots of enquiries, negotiations and nail biting moments...
this lovely shop premises is going to be mine!
For a little while I will have both premises (yikes!) but it will give me time to decorate this one
exactly how I want it to be.  It will have a larger classroom area and it will also enable me to stock some more goodies.   I will be keeping you posted of progress.
(The boys nearly fainted when I told them they would be doing furniture removals again!)
I'm also thinking Bella will be able to sit in the window and look especially cute!

Already I'm thinking what colour I should paint the outside of the shop..
suggestions very welcome please.
Have a lovely Sunday dear friends.
Take care.

Victorian Christmas

Hello friends

It's the weekend!

I've written a list of all what I want to achieve this weekend, it runs to two pages -

do you think I'm being a little ambitious!?

Today's crafty offering is one of the cards I produced using the vintage postcards/images.

I kept it simple because at the time there was the possibility that these would be produced on a larger scale.

The very lovely Layered Poinsettia features, just using the smaller dies. 

Obviously you can shape the petals, roll etc - purely personal choice.

The picture is framed with Lattice Rectangles (I cut the frame aperture with Classic Rectangles).

Glad you all liked yesterday's project - Sarah has asked whether I mind if she makes something similar with her Rainbow Group - yes, please do.  I am always delighted if I have been an inspiration with my projects,

always feel free to share photos with me if you wish.

Have a good Saturday - I hope it is a crafty one.

Take care.