in an English country garden...

hi all and happy Tuesday, Well just..!)

having just returned from a very welcome and much needed holiday - only fitting and correct to say a  little thank you to my house -sitter - aka my Mum, who made a few trips to check the post, make sure the house was still standing etc etc  and the general things you do do, when charged with such tasks.

well, of course all was ok - so many many thanks Mummie!

and my card/gift - I took inspiration from the popular idea of the 'one sheet wonder' cards where Designer series paper take centre stage.

Now having 'attended' an online class where the topic was Christmas and promising myself I must really try and use the various papers I have and not just look at them -- the challenge throw-down was there, albeit from me to me - but yes,  it had to be done.

I used one of the gorgeous papers from the English garden set - coupled with some stamps from the 'A whole Lot of Lovely'  stamp sets. This is just one of the exclusive stamp sets, only available to a party hostesses  with a qualifying spend  of £150 and above, or anyone placing an online order for the same amount.


The sentiment I created  using a combination of one of Circles Collection Framelits dies and  the larger circle punch for the matt layer and just popped this up on a couple of dimensionals for a bit of depth.

one card which just came together so easily, as a result..

The brilliant Stampin' Write markers make multi-colouring of the stamps so easy and the addition of a bit of edge sponging round the paper and my beloved candy dots in toning colourways just finished things nicely for me.

I made a matching little gift bag with the fabulous Mini-Treat die set - an absolute breeze to use,  as all the cuts, scoring and guesswork are all taken care of for you - all you need do is apply the adhesive, in my case I opted for Stampin' Up!'s 'Fast fuse'  to stick it all together, decorate it as you wish and you end up with a delightful set when you are done.

The die-set comes with a lot of different elements to further decorate the bag and the 'enjoy' sentiment was one of the dies included. A belly band  which I stamped to match,  and a little clothes peg, helped to 'seal' it for me..

and inside - well that bit I haven't thought about yet.. but am sure it will involve chocolates of some shape or other  as I share her liking for all things cocoa flavoured ..and a gift card. These little mini-treat bags are just perfect for these.

Stampin' Up! Supplies for this card:

Just click on the items below to easily access them in my on line store  

Pay just  £4:95 whatever the size of your order, and have them shipped straight to your address.

Whisper White A4 Cardstock	English Garden Designer Series Paper	A Whole Lot Of Lovely Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Blushing Bride A4 Cardstock	2015-2017 In Color Stampin' Write Markers
Fast Fuse Adhesive	Circles Collection Framelits Dies	2-1/2" Circle Punch	Stampin' Dimensionals	Subtles Candy Dots
Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies	7/8" Scallop Circle Punch	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	Clothespins

.

Please  contact me if you have any questions or to place an order for you, if you prefer

and will leave you with this thought - and prediction

He who set  alarm clock for 2:15 am to watch lunar eclipse and 'red' moon is probably very tired now as lack of sleep catches up.

- Ask me how I know!

(but working on the premise that it won't be around for another 18 years I thought I perhaps better take the chance whilst I could!)

very best wishes all and have a lovely week.

Jan x

Hostess sneaky peaks at the ready

Hello all -

Well,  despite my thinking I would not have time to do any postings today - Am sure the old adage of 'when you set your mind to things - it's amazing what you can do', probably strikes a chord with us all.

Today I have been playing with some of the lovely hostess stamp sets and a new one, both available in the new annual catalogue. As Stampin' Up! demonstrators, we get a chance to order certain items before things go live but with the launch date  set for June 2nd  -  not too much longer to wait now.!

I  opted to use the new In-colours for my colour choices  - and think I used all of them as couldn't decide which one to choose. I think Mint Macaroon is probably my go to colour now, as we bid farewell to Pistachio Pudding!

I mixed elements from Hostess sets: 'Floral Wings',  and 'A Whole lot of Lovely' as well as 'Build a Birthday', and the curvy font from the existing 'Butterfly Basics' which has also made it to the new catalogue - am so so pleased to say!

'Floral Wings' feature stamps you can easily combine as two and three step stamping or as individual elements as you need, such as the decoration on the butterfly  or as in the lovely border.   

But to be going on with - a sneaky peek of the front cover - 

'Share the Fun' - I think says it  all, don't you ?

and don't forget -  June 2nd is the launch day for the new catalogue,, all 189 beautiful pages of inspiration and great ideas of it, available to order on line with me from very early that morning should you so wish!

With certain items making it to the new catalogue as well, you will also be able to order them and any items remaining from the retired items list and the Spring Summer catalogue on that day too at their existing prices,  before the new pricing and Stampin' Up! reward programme then takes effect on the 3rd June.

 Just click here  to visit my shop  ...  or use the 'Shop Now button on the right menu bar.

but if you have any questions am happy to help and you can email me or contact me on 01438 820829 if you prefer.

til next time - when I will be doing a quick 'virtual' tour of some of my own highlights from the new catalogue.

very best wishes

Jan x