WOYWW

Another late entry this week again from me... sorry about that... next weeks will probably be early as I'm getting my wisdom tooth out that day so no doubt be up half the night... lol... Anyway... what's lying around for this weeks WOYWW.... things have been flying out the door as quickly as they are finished around here so my desk actually had nothing on it this morning!!! so I decided to share some things with you instead. All decopatch... well I did just finish 4 days of workshops didn't I... lol.

Here's a close up of my little kitty... love these papers and he's still not quite finished yet... need to make him some eyes and a pretty bow to put around his neck.

A few days ago I showed you a picture of a plain gold picture frame... well here it is once it's been decopatched at one of the workshops... that was quite funny as I used the same papers on this as I did on my bangle so I ended up with a matching pair.. lol...

Finally here's a leaf bowl which I've done for my mum as her colour scheme is currently black and white.

I buy all my decopatch stuff from Damselfly Crafts in Glasgow and they also have an online website. Will try and do a tutorial on it in the next few days for those who have never tried it before.

As for last week... so sorry I didn't get to snoop but had rather a lot on the go.. a few questions were asked about things on my desk so just for you... here are the answers.

There was some concertina card on my desk and this is actually going to be made into a little christmas tree... A wonderful idea developed by Kay Rutter using the Hougie Board.

Also the little house I have on my desk is something I made using a kit a few months back.. if you have the time and patience to whizz through my blog you will find details of the kit which was purchased from Samuel Taylors.

Right, think I've rambled on enough now and got so many things to get through today again but I will be back later with some more goodies created using the Hougie Board.

Toodles for now and happy crafting one and all

Lorraine xxx

Create & craft

Sat on sofa, drinking coffee, watching the wonderful Kay Rutter with the Hougie Board...

Needless to say my bum won't be going anywhere till the show finishes at 10am.

Back with you all soon.

Lorraine xxx

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Quick make

Morning all, even though it's rapidly approaching lunch time.

Still got some housework to finish off and have the hairdressers this afternoon, as well as a quick run to Asda for a few bits and bobs. Before I start on all that though, I though I'd share a picture of a wee quick make gift box. The box design was taken from the new Hougie Project Booklet and was obviously scored using bright green Hougie Board... lol... you can actually get 3 of these boxes from just 1 sheet of A4 card.

For my box... I simply followed the instructions in the booklet using basic white cardstock, then inked one of my 'Words Like Honey' stamps in black and stamped all over the card... finished off by punching some holes and threading my ribbon through.

I'm actually going to make a pile of these for my friend... she has 2 small children who love their advent calenders, but as a change this year I thought it would be nice to fill these little boxes with some goodies and hang them on the christmas tree... that way the children will have to search the tree to find the correct numbered box before they can have their goody... it will also be nicer for them to open a gift box then just push a door on a basic advent calender.

Right... off to get organised now and will pop back a little later with something else.. hubby has stolen my camera at the moment so only way I can post any other pictures is via my phone.. typical eh!

Happy crafting and keep smiling

Lorraine xxx

Phew...

Sorry I've been so quiet today but had to finish samples and deal with some other business stuff too... Now all I need to do is clean up the mess I've made... Lol.

Next decision, do I make a start right away on the next christmas card order or do I take a little time for me... Hhhmmmm can't quite make up my mind at the moment...

Anyway, will get some pictures uploaded for you tomorrow of some more wee crafty makes.

Toodles for now

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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All done...

Well today was the last day at the country living fair at the SECC and I must say it was fantastic... What a wonderful show with so many exhibitors participating. This was my exhibitors badge... Very cute, don't you think.

I did treat myself to a nice wee bag (bargain at £10), but will take a proper picture of it for you tomorrow. As for my bangle... Well it headed off on a plane with Sarah, one of the organisers, along with a christmas tree bauble which I decorated for her during today's workshop. What a shame... I'm going to have to decorate another bangle... Lol.

Well, must sign off now, going to have a bite to eat then got a few more samples to do before bedtime.

Catch you all tomorrow and hope you've had a fab weekend.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Beach chair & bunting fabrics & trimmings

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Irish linen coats

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Frilly knickers hanging on the line...

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Coloured raffia etc

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Beautiful handmade cushions

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Handmade jewellery

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Dried fruit & veg ornaments

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Another 2 projects

Morning all... hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned be it spending time with family, shopping or crafting... life is what we make it, so do your best every day to do at least one thing that makes you happy.

Well today I thought I'd share 2 projects with you.... the first is my bangle... when I left home yesterday morning my bangle was baby pink and lime green... unfortunately that clashed so during yesterday's workshop whilst everyone else was making their christmas ornament, I took the opportunity to redecorate my bangle so that it co-ordinated with the outfit I was wearing.. that allowed workshop participants to see just how easy and quick it is to revamp something... and they were rather impressed at just quickly the adaptation was made.

We did have quite a laugh at the workshop yesterday... we are supposed to have 25 participants and yesterday we had a few more than our allocated number... never one to turn anyone away you see... so I ended up without a brush... lol. Fortunately my beloved friend Elena Costella had come along to join in and she very kindly allowed me to borrow her brush to start the demonstration off... then as soon as possible I returned it to her and I continued by using my finger... it was rather funny and was I ever so grateful to Elena. Thankfully using my finger didn't prove to be an issue as I was working on the flat surface of the bangle so it was still very easy to do.

For today's workshop I thought it would be nice to do something else so I am going to show them how to alter a photo frame... we all know how we end up buying new frames for our pictures and new mirrors etc just because we change the colour scheme in a room... where in reality, we can just as easily alter our current belongings at a fraction of the cost by simply doing some decopatch. This is the bog standard frame I am going to use and will post a picture later of the new revamped frame for you all to see.

Well, I've just realised the time so best scoot my bum into the shower and get ready for today's show.... hope you all have a wonderful day filled with fun and laughter.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxxx

Decopatch Sleigh...

Sorry this is short and sweet but heading out the door in next half hour and still got a few bits and bobs to finish beforehand...

Seeing as I'm doing another workshop today again, I thought it only right to share some decopatch with you... today it's a little sleigh that's been done in christmas paper. This is the perfect way to give some sweets etc for a christmas present instead of having them in a normal old box... simply fill with chocolates and wrap in some pretty paper... perfect.

I'm not quite finished yet as I want to add some gilding here and there then choose what sweeties to pack it with before wrapping and giving away. Another cheap hand made pressie...

Well, sorry to dash but hope you all have a fab day and I'll catch up with everyone later.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

1st day over

Well I've just got home a short time ago, am currently having a wee cup of coffee before getting back to work again... Samples for the rest of the night now.

What a wonderful day it was... We had a super workshop and our youngest attendee was only about 8yr old and she actually managed to finish her decoration... I just had to bring her up on the stage with me so she could show everyone what she had made... All the ladies very kindly applauded her and the organisers even took her picture so she was over the moon.

Only managed to have a wee wander around today but I must say, they do have some adorable stuff for sale ranging from hats and coats to jewellery & christmas ornaments. First time I've attended the show but it sure won't be my last.

Oh and I'm now doing the workshops on Saturday and Sunday too so I really have had an awesome day. Sorry I didn't get any pics today as it was all go, but now that everything is there and ready for tomorrow I should be able to get some to share with you then.

Coffee is almost done so guess it's time to get dinner on the go and back to work.

Hope you had a fun day.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx


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SECC Workshop time

Woohoo.... it's workshop time.... and am I excited or what.... oh yeah....

Today and tomorrow I will be conducting Decopatch workshops at the country living fair at the SECC... is it any wonder I love my job so much... lol... just heading out the door in around 10 mins time to go pick up Anni from Damselfly Crafts and off to the fair for set up then.

Sorry I haven't managed to upload any pictures today but I will try to take some pics whilst I'm at the show and then upload some finished projects when I get back.

Hope you all have a fab day.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Just Magnolia challenge

Well I can hardly believe it myself... I've actually managed to make a card to fit with a challenge this week... phew.. well I needed a little thank you card so decided to use the sketch over at Just Magnolia to provide my layout..

Fab sketch to work with as it was quick and simple, combined with a little stamping and colouring.. oh and let's not forget the wee adhesive pearls to finish it off.

Papers are MME

Border Punch by Fiskars

Images are Magnolia

Coloured with Promarkers

Adhesive gems from stash

Nestabilities

Sorry it's short and brief but got a big work load on at the moment, so must push on... workshops tomorrow and Friday, christamas card orders to finish, nieces birthday card to make and a whole pile of samples that need to be in the post by Monday.

Toodles for now and love 'n' hugs to you all

Lorraine xxx

WOYWW

Boy... talk about being late joining in the fun... it's almost 3pm... unbelieveable and I'm only now taking pics of my desk for WOYWW.

Well I do have what appears to be a rather tidy and inactive desk today, but it's very far from the truth... the desk is busy bustling away with prep work making base cards so I can decorate them all at the one time... oh yeah... got a pile of card samples to make so my faithful Hougie Board has been in action today and whilst it's there, I'm simply creating all the bases, hence the pile of white cards to the side... it's a right wee production line that's on the go here today... lol.

Once they are all scored and folded it's onto the decoration part... then they will all be in the post by Monday at the latest.

Well... I've got a card to post now too so will bid you all a fond farewell and hope to catch up with you soon.

Happy crafting

Lorraine xxx

Blackberry issue........

My apologies if I have been driving you all up the wall the last few days whilst I've been making my change over from my old bb to my new one...

You will be glad to know that all now seems to be resolved (hopefully) as I have been able to send emails over the last hour... really silly thing that was causing the problem but thankfully a tech guy posted on the bb forum telling others what to do...

Woohoo.... I'm back in action... 4 days down the line... lol

Perhaps now I will find the time to take some pics and upload some finished projects...

Toodles for now

Lorraine xxx

What printer to buy....

Right folks... I need your help... I have officially declared war against my printer and it is going to be retired from action as soon as I get a replacement... thing is driving me up the wall and my sanity can take it no more.

So... looking for ideas on the best printer to buy... must take card stock obviously... Please let me know what you use and the reason why you love it so much...

With any luck I'll have a new one sat on my desk before the start of next week and this piece of crap that I currently have can disappear off to Rob's office as a spare.

Thanks in advance for all comments and advice received and I'll post a pic soon as my new one is set up.

Happy crafting

Lorraine xxx

Run around...

Evening all... Remember that old program from the 70's and 80's called run around... Well I feel like that's what I've been participating in today... Lol... Housework, washing etc, vodafone shop as I'm having probs sending emails from one of my accts on my phone, bank to check my account as one of the cash machines I use regularly was cloned 2 weeks ago, pet shop, homebase then a wee drive into Glasgow to visit Anni at Damselfly to finalise details of our workshops on Thursday and Friday... Now it's time to organise some tea before finally getting around to doing some crafting tonight... Phew... Will it be card making, decopatch, felt making or soap making... Oh the mind... Can't make it up so will just go with the flow at the time I think... Lol

Anyway, hope you've all had a fab day and hopefully service will be resumed as normal tomorrow again on my blog.

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx


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I'm gutted

Have just been doing my nightly rounds feeding all my animals... But, when I got to my hamsters only one ran out for food and that was the quiet one Pong... Normally wee Ping was the first to run up to the side of the cage looking for her evening feed... So I had to investigate, only to find that my wee baby had passed away... I am so going to miss her as she was so much fun to watch.

Xxx


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Remembrance Sunday

Whether we currently have friends or family serving our country at home or abroad, or know those who have previously served in years gone by. What is important to remember is that lives are lost and ruined by the trauma's of war. My great grandfather died during WW1 and no part of his body was ever returned... My grand father fought in WW2 and was one of the soldiers lucky enough to return home... Today I know a few people who are fighting for our country and every time they are dispatched to foreign grounds, I pray for their safe return. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone today who have been or will be affected by war.

Please do take just 1 minute from your day to stop, sit in silence and say a little prayer for all concerned and let us hope that one day we will be able to find peace in this world.

Love 'n' hugs to all
Lorraine xxx

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What a day!!!

Well my new blackberry was delivered weeks ago and today I finally found the time to try and make the switch from old to new... Not being technically intelligent, it took me a whopping three hours to figure out what I had to do. Finally I think I've managed to get most of it done right... Emails are working, bbm is working and fb appears to be up and functioning too... Woohoo... Now I need to go test the camera etc... Lol.

Don't be surprised if you see some better quality pics from my mobile too as even that seems to be more advanced.

Hope you've all had a fab day.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Lazy day...

Well I awoke this morning to a phone call from my mum with yet another christmas card order... And I was originally going to make a start on it today, then once I finished the housework, had made a few phone calls and had lunch, I ended up deciding just to have a bit of a lazy day instead. Made myself a coffee, turned the tv on and sat for the rest of the afternoon doing some decopatch and just relaxing. Tonight, I've sat back and enjoyed a lovely chinese take away and have some wild strawberry ice cream in the fridge for later. A little tv and then a relatively early night in bed I think then back to normal tomorrow hopefully.

Happy crafting and hope everyone has a fab weekend.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx


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Here's another couple of our late night customers...

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Managed to catch a few customers on camera shortly before closing
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What a mess !!!!

Never be fooled when watching the very talented Elena Costello... She makes a mess just like the rest of us... Lol

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

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The troublesome two

Just having a nice wee mid afternoon tease with one another... Lol... Here is the lovely Elena with the mad hatter Ann showing off one of the stunning samples.

Having a tahoot and hope you all are too.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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I'm on the go...

Well I'm glad to say I'm on the move... Now at station waiting on my train to arrive to whisk me off to Glasgow Central.. Then a short taxi journey up to Queen Street station where I'm meeting up with Ann and the real journey begins.

Toodles for now
Lorraine xxx

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Woohoo

Well tomorrow morning I'll be up to get ready for my wee trip to Burns & Harris in Dundee for an afternoon demo from 2pm-7pm. The lovely Elena Costello of Heritage Rubber Stamps will also being doing a demo on rubber stamping as will Hazel who will be doing some stunning painting.

If you happen to live close, please do stop by to say hello... The more the merrier as they say and if there's one thing you're sure to receive at Burns & Harris, it's a warm welcome and on demo days... A whole load of fun & laughter.

I've also got the pleasure of having my lovely friend Ann Russell joining me for the day too.

Will do my best to post pics throughout the day so you can all join in the fun.

Nighty night all
Lorraine xxx
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Looking for a Cuttlebug

Hi there my lovely fellow bloggers and facebook buddies...

I have a friend who is looking for a second hand Cuttlebug... if either you or someone you know is looking to sell their's... can you please leave me a comment or drop me an email so that I can pass your details on.

Thanks

Lorraine

xxxx

WOYWW

Well it's another week and time again for another WOYWW.... I know the clocks were put back an hour the other week but it feels a bit more like they were put back a whole week... don't you think. It's a very true saying... the older you get, the quicker times goes. The feeling is not helped right enough by the fact that autumn seems to have forgotten to make an appearance this year and we've headed straight into winter... it's dark around 4pm and this morning again... cars had to be scrapped... wonder how long it will be before the snow touches down here.

Anyway, my desk is certainly not the tidiest at the moment... I seem to just finish one job and head straight into another without stopping to clear up... there's a right old mish mash here from stamps and embossing powders to die cut and embellishments. Certainly not my most favourite way to work but hey ho... I'm getting through them and that's all that really matters... and I will get to relax a little next week so I can have a good old tidy up then.

Even the floor is being used just now... not enough space on the desk for the Hougie board, papers, card etc... at least it is in somewhat of a tidy pile at the moment... perhaps that's just because it's not been attacked yet this morning... lol... give it an hour or so and no doubt it will be strewn all over the place again.

Well... today's agenda consists of finishing some samples cards, housework, ironing, pluck the old eyebrows, pack demo kit etc and I've got a meeting at 6pm so want to be done and dusted before that so I can sit back and relax watching some tv tonight.

Hopefully I'll get time to pop by a few more of you over the coming week than what I've been able to over the last few... I miss not having my wee nosey... anyway, time to say toodles for now else my work will never get done. Hope you're all having a fab time hopping around everyone's crafty space and I'll be joining you in a few days so keep those pictures coming.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Celebration time...

It's my friends daughter's birthday today and I was asked to put a little card together for her... she has a handmade one every year and has now come to expect it... quite sweet don't you think. Didn't get much notice on this one and was trying to find a little me time over the weekend but still managed to throw a little easel card together. My new Magnolia cake also came into it's own right for a quick make card. A little matting & layering, some punching, colouring and the addition of some embellishments finished the whole card off.

Well.. guess I best wrap up her for the moment... samples need doing and that won't happen if I sit typing and chatting all day... though I would love to, unfortunately work must come first. On that final note I'll bid you a fond farewell and will catch up with you all again later.

Happy crafting

Lorraine xxx

Wow... I'm so excited... off to the SECC again

Morning all... and it may be rather dreich outside this morning but inside it's nothing but warm and fuzzy.... oh yeah... I'm full of the joys of spring, even though we're in autumn... WHY?????

I'm off to work at the SECC again.... yippee.... I always get so excited when I'm doing a show... this time around I'll be at the Country Living Christmas Fair on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th November where I will be hosting decopatch workshops at 1pm each day on behalf of Damselfly Crafts.

All workshops are free of charge and all supplies will be provided for you... places are available on a first come, first serve basis each day but spaces are very limited so if you plan on attending the show on any of the days and fancy doing a workshop or two please make sure you book them immediately upon entering the building.

It's gonna be so much fun and I'm looking forward to having a nosey around all the other goodies available for purchase too... so much hand made stuff all under one roof... it's gonna be awesome.

Well... enough of that for the moment.. time to get myself back to work, lots to do, orders to deliver, samples to make and needless to say I have to squeeze some housework into the day too... so I'll catch you all later.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Amazing Blog Candy

Amazing blog candy giveaway.... 48 Prismacolor art markers worth a staggering £129....

Now how could you not want to be in with a chance of winning these... what a perfect candy to win just before Christmas too...

What do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning them... well it's all very simple really.

Simple being the ultimate word here.... as they are being given away by the wonderful Jacqui over at Simply Create... all you have to do is visit her blog... leave a comment in the candy posting, sign up as a follower and if you give a toot about the candy on your own blog... you get a second entry too... talk about being generous...

What are you waiting for... get over there now and join in the fun... Good luck to all who enter.

As for me... I'm off out to do a little craft shopping just shortly so toodles for now and catch you all laters.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Anyone interested

Morning all....

A few of us crafty buddies are planning a little meet up at Damselfly Crafts in Glasgow sometime in December.... this is a wonderful shop full of so many inspiring creations and both Anni and Yvonne are always so welcoming and have kindly agreed to let us have a meet in the shop at a pre-arranged time.

If you would be interested in joining us... either leave a message here or on facebook, alternatively drop me an email.... I need to have an approx number so I can let the ladies know how many we are expecting.

Damselfly Crafts can be found at 380 Great Western Road, Glasgow or online.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

NEC - Stand B43 & Product Review

Evening all.... well I was asked last week if I would do a review on a product just new to the market... the all new fabulous Go Kreate card making dies which are exlusive to Samuel Taylors. Well what else was I going to say but YES..... one of the things I love about my job is doing reviews.. you need to get right into the nitty gritty of it all and really push things to their limit and as you can see... my die is still in perfect shape.

I know that at the SECC they were demonstrated by Ann Russell using the Cuttlebug, I'm not sure what they are using at the NEC, and at home for my review I have been using it with my Bigshot and it works just as well on both machines.

What exactly are these dies for... well at the moment they come in 5x5, 6x6 or you can buy a multi pack... my personal choice would be the multi pack. They are designed not to create a mount for an image but to create an actual shaped card like the one below.

Now we all know it can be expensive to buy shaped cards all year round and these dies are the solution to the problem... You simply take a piece of card or a pre-scored card, whichever is your preference... then if you look at your die, you will see that on one end there are two slit areas which indicate where the remaining joins will be on your card... you simply align your card with the slits then pass your sandwich through your machine... once it comes out the other end.. throw your small amount of waste in the bin and you're left with one beautifully shaped card ready to decorate. These dies will even work on mirri board so that just proves the strength behind them. Now the picture above was taken with the flash on but I have taken another identical one below without the flash as I felt that it allowed you to see the depth of the embossing much clearer.

For all you people who use dies on a regular basis you will know that normally you put your die through the machine to cut, then you have to use your rubber mats and put through your machine a second time in order to get your embossed edge.... that is not the case with these dies. The embossing that you see here has been created during the cutting process... there was no need for putting it back through the machine a second time and no rubber mats required which is wonderful news for all the crafters out there who suffer from rubber allergies... and in my own opinion... it's embossing ability is the best on the market at present.

Final verdict.... one of the best 'Value for Money' products currently on the market and a must have in every crafters essential tool kit.

Unless they have sold out already (which is a definate possibility), you will be able to purchase them this weekend at the NEC on stand B43 or alternatively on the website. All I can say is don't delay as I know they were a sell out at the SECC last weekend... so they really are going like hot cakes.

Stamped images show on this card are from the 'Words Like Honey' range

available from Time To Sow (stand C21) at the NEC.

Think I have to go now and cut myself a few more beautiful cards... lol....

Toodles for now and happy crafting

Lorraine xxx

NEC - Stand C21

Now we all have our favourites at the NEC don't we... yes... and we know that many of us go armed with our shopping and must visit list all prepared for the day ahead.. well it does make life a little easier for us, especially if we only have one day at the show to get all the shopping done. What can very easily happen though, is that we end up missing out on some other fab stands in our rush to get to where we are going... I know... I've done it.

At the Stitches trade show this year, I was fortunate enough to discover a whole new range of stamps called 'Words Like Honey' and they are produced by a company called 'Time To Sow' (stand C21). Now there are background stamps, swirls, trees, birds, flowers to name but a few and they produced the most clear image you could imagine. These stamps are manufactured to a very high standard which means they produce a perfect image time after time.

This is just a few examples of what can be produced by simply using the stamps along with some Tim Holtz distress inks and the blue one in the centre has been done with embossing powders.

I am very fussy when it comes to stamps... if they don't stamp clear images time after time, I simply toss them in the bin... can't be bothered with the hassle nor the waste of card through stamping 6 times just to get a good image. My collection of 'Words Like Honey' stamps is growing quickly as I have never encountered a single issue with them.

If you are going to the NEC today or tomorrow may I strongly suggest that you pay them a little visit on stand C21... if you are lucky Emma will be there demonstrating and herself, Mandy or Tim will be more than happy to assist with any queries you may have... Just remember to tell them that Lorraine sent you along.

This card for example was created under 5 minutes... I used one of the new 'Go Kreate' die cuts available only from Samuel Taylors (stands B43 & C01) to create my card... note the depth of the embossed border it creates... then simply used TH scattered straw to distress my card and then inked up my tree image in TH shabby shutters and a small scroll image in the same colour for my corners. Voila done...

Hope you all have a fab day whether you are attending the show or not and I'll be back a little later in the day hopefully with a product review.

Happy crafting with lots of love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Why oh why

That is my question tonight... Why oh why is it that although there is a large free public firework display in Strathclyde Park... Am I now going to have to clean up both my front and back garden of rockets which have been let off by surrounding residents but have so wonderfully landed in my garden. I so love how others put on a garden display yet I have to clean the crap up. There will be a good car inspection done in the morning too as it looks as though one of them may possibly have been hit. Right enough, at least I didn't get whacked on the head this year, which is exactly what happened 2 years ago... Trust me it's not a very pleasant experience having one of those whack you on the head as it falls from the sky.

Anyway, moan over so off to try and relax a bit now.

Night night
Xxx


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Mr postie... Nos 3

Oh... Sorry about the bad picture, lights crap here and can't be bothered pulling out the big camera... Hopefully pics will be better on my new phone... Anyway... Wee Mr Birdie landed home in his nest today... Mega happy now thanks to my lovely friend Kath for packing him up so well.

Xxxx


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Mr postie nos 2

Woohoo... Train tickets for next Thurs all the way to Dundee and back... Can't wait as it's gonna be a fab day out.

Toodles
Lorraine xxx


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Mr Postie... delivery number 1...

Here are some of the gorgeous goodies I received this morning in the post... all I need to do now is get them opened and prep all my samples ready for next weeks demo at Burns & Harris in Dundee... it's a right old mixture I've got here... rippled, glittered, embossed, padded... oh what more can I say... roll on Thursday 11th... tee hee...

Catch you all laters

Lorraine xxxx

Decopatch delight

Morning folks... after the day I had yesterday, I decided to have a little me time last night, something to just sit back and do whilst relaxing watching the tv... and here is what I made. Apologies for the bad pictures but it's a rather dismal day here and so I've had to use the flash. Think I need to get some good advice from a photographer friend... lol. Anyway, you may or may not remember that I bought myself a little decopatch bowl to play with during my last visit to Damselfly Crafts and here is the finished product, all decopatched up and ready to use... only question is what to do with it.. coming up on christmas do I use it for some yummy spicy pot pourri or do I decorate a display candle or will I just use it for storing sweeties over the festive season... oh the mind boggles. Can you tell this is going to be a real multi function bowl...

I also thought that this would make a lovely reminder gift for someone at christmas and being as it only cost around £5 to make... it sure would help with the budget this year. We are all making cutbacks on our spending and what better way to do it than to give hand made gifts this year. People always appreciate something that you've taken time to do yourself and it makes for a much more personalised gift too.

Here is a picture to give you an idea of what the finished product looks like on the inside. Again, apologies for the flash interference.

And just so you know... it's already found it's first useful purpose within the house... it's currently storing all my lovely handmade jewellery that I had for the show, kindly given to me to wear by the lovely Lynsey at Ashby Designs.

Well... that's all from me for the moment.. time to get the house in order as I've got my step daughter visiting tonight so work will have to cease at an earlier time than normal.. at least if I have the house in order before lunch it will still give me all afternoon to get on with things.

Toodles for now my lovelies

Lorraine xxx

Can you help?

Now I'm sure if you have any kind of a heart that you will be touched by the pictures in this poster just like I was... and sometimes we can easily forget just how fortunate we are.

Charlie has raised over £280,000 in the past 10 years for children in Dundee and the surrounding areas. They are children who are suffering from cancer, leukaemia, disabled or underprivileged.

Here is an article from the Courier verifying his authenticity, and here is another giving an example of the kind of work that he does for Ninewells Hospital.

He puts on a party for 3,000 children and would like to collect enough presents to give each child a gift from Santa. These children range in age from 0-16 years and are of both sexes... this year there are more boys than girls.

If you feel that you could help him makes just one child happy for one day of their life by contributing either a small gift or donation, it would be very helpful. Even if your gift is just a pack of colouring pens or a book it will all be gratefully received.

If you live in the Tayside region and click on the poster you will see a list of all the local companies who are working alongside Charlie and using their stores as collection points... alternatively if you wish to forward anything to me, please feel free to drop me an email, I will give you my address to ship your gift to and I will then forward these on to Burns & Harris Art Shop on your behalf.

I know it is a big thing to ask as we are all watching our pennies this year... but think of it this way... some of the children who have been invited to the party, may not actually live long enough to attend... some may only live another day or two.

My personal thanks to you all for simply taking the time to read this and I hope that you can contribute even just a small thing, as it would make such a difference.

Love 'n' hugs to you all

Lorraine xxx

Oh nooooo.....

What a rarity... Debbi actually managed to get a picture of me... I generally hide from the camera but on this occasion decided to join in the fun... alongside me are Anne, Kath and Margaret... normally it's just 3 wee monkeys all in a row but this time around it had to be 4... shame Debbi had to take the picture or we could have had her in there too.

Actually stole this pic from Debbi's blog... so thank you babe.

Was so lovely meeting up with all my buddies again and boy did we have fun... nothing unusual there right enough... that's just the norm when it's show time.

Well, time to get back to work again, catch you all later.

Happy crafting

Lorraine xxx

WOYWW

Now how the dickens did I forget that it's WOYWW day.... then again... I actually know... it's called fighting my way through stamps, inks, embossing powder etc all to get a pile of samples done... lol... and there's more on the way too!

So this morning I've been playing with some Time To Sow and some Heritage Rubber Stamps images, then later I've got an online product review to do and my Hougie Board booklet to have play with. Now can anyone remind me why I love my work so... lol.

Needless to say the desk is a bit of a shambles at the moment but it will clear away as the day goes on and then I'll have my wee clean workspace again all ready for what tomorrow will bring.

Sorry I didn't get to visit anyone last week, but working long hours at the SECC didn't allow me anytime to even boot up the computer let alone have a nosey or leave comments... Sorry.

Anyway, must dash, so much work and so little time... any chance of getting another day squeezed into my week?

Love 'n' hugs to all

Lorraine xxx

Another SECC show

Just incase anyone isn't aware there's another fabulous show on at the SECC from 18th - 21st November... this time around it the Country Living Christmas Fair... full of wonderful gift ideas for Christmas or perhaps just a treat for yourself.

I would recomment you have a little nosey around the website and it will give you an idea of what all will be on exhibition over the 4 day period.

Toodles for now

Lorraine xxx

HE'S BEEN FOUND......

GOOD afternoon all you lovely peeps out there... I was going to update my last post but decided instead to make a new posting so everyone knew... my little birdie has been found safe and well... he had simply fallen from his nest... lol....

Would you believe this.... Kath didn't bring any demo kit with her this time around as there was no sense in having two lots there when only one of us could demo and as I live local I said I would take my kit to save Kath having to travel with hers... that's why this morning I had no reason to believe that she would have my wee birdie...

Now for the fun part... Kath had taken off her apron and put it down then proceeded to pack all the demo kit away for me... which was very kind of her and one less thing that I had to do... then she lifted her apron, threw it in her bag and off she went to catch the train... well... my wee birdie stowed away in her handbag clinging to her apron... oh yes... she lifted her apron and the punch must have been under it and it went too... lol... perhaps it just fancied seeing another part of the country for a few days.. she obviously had worked it too hard over the four demo days and it was in need of a holiday to recover.

I'm a happy person now and my wee birdie will be flying back home in the near future once it's burned out Kath's hospitality... lol.

Right I think I can now progress with some samples in a much better frame of mind.

Toodles for now and thank you all.

Lorraine xxx

I'm rather disgusted....

I would say GOOD morning all but to be honest with you it's not that good a morning here in my old craft room... you may have read on Kath's blog yesterday all about our little birdie sell out, not one but two days in a row... it was by far the most popular piece of equipment on the stand.

Now all the equipment that was used at the SECC last weekend was my own personal demonstration kit so I am sure you can image how disgusted I was this morning when I was emptying all my bags to store my kit away for the next time it will be used... only to discover... wait for it.... someone has actually had the audacity to steal my squeeze punch!!!!! Oh yes, my little birdie squeeze punch has gone walk about in some thiefs bag.

It is random acts of selfishness such as this that turn the show from being a big happy event where we all share tips and ideas into a not so nice situation where we have to face the reality of the kind of society we live in today.... one which contains thieves and liars. Like everyone else out there I have to work hard for a living and would personally never dream of taking something which was not my own, and all I ask is that I am shown the same respect as I show to others.

So on that note I will bid you farewell for the moment and one final piece of advice... if you are visiting any craft shows over the coming months... beware.... nothing is safe.

Lorraine xxx

Where to start...

Well the show's all over and for the first time in almost a week I've been able to sit down and type on my old keyboard... not for long right enough as work is calling to me already... just need to get it all in order before I start... product review to do... samples to finish for the NEC... more samples for demos... and let's not forget about the catching up on the old housework and washing etc... phew... think I'll defo sleep well tonight... lol....

So, without further delay, I'm off to get the house in order so I can get on with some proper money making work... that afterall is the kind that I like the most... who wouldn't when you get paid to play...

Toodles for now and catch you all again in a few hours.

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx