Sunday 14 October 2012

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 
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.

31 comments:

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

Oh wow Christine so much going on - what fabulous news about the shop, it is so you!! xx

jucrook said...

Ooh how exciting. I am coming to your advent frame class on 4 November so will come a few minutes early and take a sneaky peak at your new shop (if I can find it!). I like the duck egg blue that you use on your blog and I can see some pale blue in the photo, but I can't see any of the surrounding buildings so makes it difficult to make a sensible suggestion - you don't want it to clash!!! Looking forward to my visit to Kent and meeting you again (I met you at Ally Pally). Ju

jucrook said...

Ooh how exciting. I am coming to your advent frame class on 4 November so will come a few minutes early and take a sneaky peak at your new shop (if I can find it!). I like the duck egg blue that you use on your blog and I can see some pale blue in the photo, but I can't see any of the surrounding buildings so makes it difficult to make a sensible suggestion - you don't want it to clash!!! Looking forward to my visit to Kent and meeting you again (I met you at Ally Pally). Ju

Unknown said...

Hi Christine, here we go again, on the move, the shop looks wonderful and Bella will love the window. Mmmmmmmm chocolate cake at this time in the morning my mouth is watering. I posted the Advent Frame I made on my Blog on Friday and received loads of comments. I also made reference to your blog and detail of the kits you supply, so hopefully I have drummed up some business for you LOL.

Wilma

baconbits said...

Hi Christine,

Wow keeping up with you is almost impossible - you are constantly changing.
Good luck for the new premises.
The card is super and will be adding these stamps to my stash.
Happy Sunday
TFS
Hugs
Amanda x
Ps can i suggest a pale lemon..

Jenny L said...

Hi Christine,
what fabulous news. The shop looks so wonderful, and I know you will give it your wonderful finishing touches as you do. Maybe a few butterflies hanging in the windows to accompany Bella. I think a nice shade of pinky beige colour for the outside.
Have a wonderful crafty day.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Christine Harrop said...

Congratlations Christine!! That is absolutely fantastic! Great premises. Good luck with your new endeavour! Christine x

Anonymous said...

Lots of news today Christine. Firstly love the card. Looks so yummy.. Secondly, wow a new shop. Lots of work for you but I'm sure it will be worth it. There's a lot of paintwork on the window and I personally think it would look good in pale lilac.

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Christine, What fantastic news on your new acquisition, well done you. Bet boys are thinking 'Oh No !!! not again !!' ha ha. Bella will love the 'window seat', watching the world go by.
Beautiful looking choccie cake, looks 'good enough to eat' ha ha, bet your craft class enjoyed that, I will be keeping the recipe, thanks.
I love the blossom accents dies, they look so useful.
Have a lovely day, I'm recovering from my 4 hour journeys each way, to Kettering yesterday, but it was fab.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

hazel young said...

Well Done Christine on yet another new venture you really do like to keep yourself busy. enjoy your day xx hazel

Sue Yorkshire said...

oooh Christine what exciting news it will be lovely for you to have a shop and a bigger work room. I will definitely have to come down to London soon.

think I would leave it white, it looks so fresh and you could do a really nice colourful window dressing for each season. Bella will love sitting in the window

Your chocolate cake looks yummy...

Wishing you all the luck in the world in your new venture

Sue xxx

kelly said...

Fab news Christine,how exciting too.
Your card is lovely,gorgeous colour.
Oh my sorry but the cake is much better!!!!LOL. I love cake.Thanks for spending time to share the receipe,will have to give it a try.
Have a great sunday.
Kelly.

Redanne said...

How exciting for you Christine, so much happening. I do remember the shop and I can just see you in there too. Good luck with the move - the boys will get over it! I think duck egg blue as in your logo would be nice but will see it soon for myself. Bella will love it, I am sure ....such wonderful news! Love the card too. Crafty hugs, Anne x

PS - thanks for the recipe too

nmty said...

hi Christine, congrats, what lovely new for you. I bet you feel like you have had a whirlwind of a year!!

could your gift vouchers be used in your amazon store too? I think I will be dropping some very big hints to my family, as my birthday and of course Santa is coming soon and these would be a great idea.

pastel shades are always a fav for me.

good luck with everything.

lv norma

Oksana said...

Wow Christine, what a lovely little shop! So pleased for you, looks wonderful!x

EmmaT said...

CONGRATULATIONS Christine on a wonderful year for you. A gorgeous little shop for your classes. 'How much is that little doggy in the window' comes to mind when you mention Bella in the window:) Emma

Elizabeth said...

Fantastic news and many congratulations Christine. We will definitely be watching this space over the comng weeks.
Thank you also for the link for those lovely stamps. I have always admired all your stamps they look so different to the ones I see in our shops.
Enjoy your day, you are probably still reeling...and your to do list will be gettng longer now.
Elizabeth x

nattyboots said...

HAHAHA nothing you tell us surprises me any more Christine ,you are a go and get it gal if you set your mind to it who will make it a success with all your hard work and energy , i just wish i could have seen the boys faces when you told them , [ i guess they are secretly very proud of their Mum ]

Im not too sure about a colour but todays card is a lovely shade of pink and those little pink pearls set it off a treat .

Enjoy your Sunday
Take Care
Elaine H X

Lucycat said...

Hi Christine.
Where do I start, another lovely card,super looking cake,and what a wonderful looking shop,I am sure whatever you do it will be great. x.

HiggiSue said...

Hi Christine
what wonderful news and how exciting.love the card...might just have to bake today....hmm craft or bake what a decision!

Ita said...

Hi Christine, well done and many congrats/.you are a very busy woman,thanks for the cake recipy, when my new kitchen is finished I will have a go,have a great weekend
smiles
Ita

Planetsusie said...

Hi Christine - what great news about the shop! I am especially pleased that Bella will be able to be there (you know I am a big fan of hers!!!) Your sons will take it in their stride - eventually - lol! It will be lovely for you though.

Big hugs to you Sue Pxxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine, Phew, my head is spinning with all thats going on in your world.Must say, it has cheered me up somewhat and taken my mind off the sad events that have been my weekend.Said goodbye to my darling faithful friend today, he is now in 'doggy heaven' with his pals.
Your cake looks wonderful, will try your recipe on the grandchildren, its their favourite.
What a lucky lady, the new premises sounds right up your street. Colour for the outside? As suggested by one of the other girls, Duckegg Blue from the blog would look nice. Bella in the window will attract the crowds!!
Crafty best wishes, Carolyn x

Craftychris said...

Gorgeous cake, gorgeous card and such fabulous news about your new shop! Bella will look so cute sitting in the window! xx

Sarah said...

The new shop looks very pretty and Bella will be a picture sitting in the window!

AnneRD said...

What exciting news Christine. The shop looks so inviting, with a great window front to show off your lovely creations. Most importantly, Bella will have her home-from-home.
Will have to plan a visit to join one of your classes next year. Best wishes, Anne

ginny c said...

the shop looks lovely such exciting news,and the cake looks just as inviting good luck with your new venture, hopefully i can come to visit whenyou are open, best wishes ginny

LisaK said...

Wow what exciting times ahead you have planned! So pleased for you. I love the look of that new shop window too. Can just imagine a bell jingling as a customer enters lol.

That cake looks divine, I shall have to try it out. The lemon and coconut one was a hit too by the way! Keep them coming...

Cards aren't too bad either hehe ;o)

Carole Z said...

Oh wow Christine, what wonderful news and the shop looks soooo lovely, just like I've always dreamed of owning..wonderful!! Carole Z X

Unknown said...

I am really excited for you and your new shop, all your cards are lovely. The vintage card is just up my street. And as for the cake it looks really yummy, can't wait till I come to you in December (if there's cake like this - hint hint)take care xx

Janice said...

Gorgeous card, yummy looking cake and love the shop, how exciting for you!
Janice x

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