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Bed time..

Nighty night folks..

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Bed for the night

Almost time to hit the sack for the night so I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning.. Up at 6am.. Need to check out etc before registration at 7.30am.. Then off to the workshop we go.. Roll on tomorrow morning..

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Hotel...

Woohoo... I've landed safe.. Been on a 30 min taxi ride and have now arrived safely at the venue..


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Again..

I'm feeling like this is a normal sight for me this week.. Lol.. Hopefully the weather's a bit better when I land at Luton..

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Airport again..

Yep it's that time.. As Tim would say.. 'Let the journey begin'.

So whilst I'm away having fun mummy dearest will be tending to the house, watching sky and will hopefully have the ironing pile greatly reduced for my return.. Well she does have all day today and tomorrow too.. Lol

So I'm off to head through security and hope I'll be able to keep you updated throughout.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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All packed

And ready to go... Woohoo... Yes the day has finally arrived when I'm jetting off to do my wonderful Tim Holtz workshop.. Well I say jetting off but there's a possibility the plane will have propellers.. Lol..

The fun begins today.. Flying down.. Then a wee rest and nosey around the place before sitting down to an enjoyable evening meal with my wonderful friend Cynthia.. Wonder just how much conversation we can fit in before bedtime.. Lol.. A good nights rest then up early and off to see the wonderful Tim.

I'll keep you up to date as much as possible with pictures as and when I can..

Now, I'm off to sort the house, make sure dishes etc are all done before my departure.. Lol..

Hope you all have a wonderful time too.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxxx

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Three monkeys..

See no evil... Speak no evil... Hear no evil.. Lol..

Left to Right..
Emma Lockey 'Words Like Honey', Elena Costella 'Heritage Rubber Stamp Co', Mandy Lockey 'Time To Sow'

Lovely picture of 3 of my dearest friends.

Xxx

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Leonie

Now there's only one problem here.. Why did I not think to have my picture taken with Leonie too instead of just taking Emma's picture.. Lol.. Well there's always next time I guess..

Leonie Pujol and Emma Lockey

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BEST PRODUCT AWARD....

BEST PRODUCT AWARD

Well did Kay Rutter get the shock of her life on Sunday night or what...

The Crafts Beautiful awards ceremony was hosted at the NEC on Sunday night... and Kay not thinking that she would receive one, actually went back to the hotel to relax after a hectic day at the show... then she received a call on her mobile telling her the fantastic news... and she thought the caller was kidding... that was until she received yet another call... lol...

Oh yes.. our very own British designer Kay Rutter took the award for Best Product... this was a major achievement for her as she was infact up against names like Martha Stewart... I think that itself speaks volume's on just how much we all love the Hougie Board.

Kay is to be found at most major craft shows up and down the country and if you are more local to me.. and are attending the SECC next week... please pop along and say hi... stand F20. Now I know that last time around a lot of you said you didn't actually get a chance to speak to Kay direct as she was constantly doing demo's... well that's going to be different this time... I will be assisting Kay on the stand so we will be taking it in turns.. this will allow you time to see her demo and at other times she will be free for a chat with you... now that's what you call pleasing your customers.

Congratulations Kay.....

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

Farnborough...

Caroline & Di... I know a company who may be looking for someone to demonstrate for 1 day only... Saturday... that is this coming Sat 26th..

Cant tell you exactly what but most likely die cutting, possibly dreamweavers etc. You will need to have good product knowledge, the ability to approach members of the public, good sales ability and I will say.. it will no doubt be a very busy day.

If either or both of you are interested... can you please drop me an email from my profile page giving me your contact details please so I can pass them on.

Thanks ladies.

xxxxx

Happy times..

Well mum was up for a wee bite of lunch there.. Another hour and a half away from my day.. At least I got the washing in the machine before she arrived and it's just finished.. Good timing or what.. Lol..

So.. Without further ado.. Picture uploading has commenced again..
Now I think the smiles on these faces tell just how much fun was being had yesterday.. Lol..

On the left we have Emma Lockey.. The face behind the 'Words Like Honey' range..

On the right we have Elena Costella.. Owner of the Heritage Rubber Stamps Co..

Right.. Off to get the washing hung up and the next load on.. I'll pop back again in a wee while with something else.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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QVC

Oh just sat down to see what is on qvc and it's Anna Griffin.. That self inking stamper is a mini version of the one that Fiskars released in the UK last year... If anybody likes the concept.. Take a look at the Fiskars one before you buy as they take bigger stamps too not just 2" ones... Xxx

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My I'd badge from yesterday :-)

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More Tim things..

Morning again.. Thought I'd make a start on sharing some more pics.. These tags are all one's that were on the stand yesterday with Tim.. Aren't they just gorgeous.. Beautiful bright colours.. And so wish I could have stolen it for the wall in my craft room.. Lol..

Xxxx

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Question..

Does anyone live close to Farnborough??
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Chilling..

Well folks.. Got home just over an hour ago and am in my pj's, drinking second cup of coffee.. Trying hard to stay awake to see Tim's TSV on QVC.. And no.. Seeing him in the flesh today wasn't enough.. Lol.

My brain is a little switched off at the moment as I'm sure you can appreciate.. At the same time it's still spinning right enough.. Lol..

Still got some more photos to upload but that will be in the morning.. Right now.. I'm chilling.

What a day it's been..

Catch you all again tomorrow.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Tim's box

Isn't Tim's configuration box just gorgeous..

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Happy birthday to Kay Rutter..

Any congratulations on winning her awards last night..

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The man himself..

None of than Mr Tim Holtz himself.. Mwah...

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Airport

At least there's no snow or sleet down here at the moment.. Lol

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Goodbye

To a wet and dismal Glasgow.. :D xxx

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WOW...

Tim Holtz has just confirmed he will be at 'Stitches' tomorrow..

Could it possibly be that I will actually get to meet him twice in one week.. Oh I sure hope so.

Off to finish getting handbag ready for the mornings departure then off to bed for some sweet dreams.

Will try to post pictures throughout the day tomorrow.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Busy day...

Afternoon all... it's a bit of a busy day here today... have been doing the housework, cleaning bunny cages, booking the tesco delivery order... making sure I have all my paperwork printed for the week ahead... boarding passes printed... etc, etc, etc...

Now I need to head to my mother's to drop off a birthday present for her husband as it's his birthday tomorrow.. I'm a little in the bad books as I won't be around... where will I be... one of the best places in Britain to be... The trade show at the NEC... woohoo... can't wait to arrive.. Sadly I'm only there for the day but have so many people I need to see that it will be full steam ahead the minute I land at the airport.. so much fun though I'm sure I'll survive... and I'll do my best to take a few pics to share with you all too.

So, time is rather precious today as when I get back I still have to sort the nails, eyebrows etc.. well I do need to look my best for tomorrow's meetings don't I... lol..

On that note.. I'll bid you a fond farewell for the moment.. and if I manage to achieve anything crafty later on I'll do another posting... in the meantime.. make sure you've had a nosey at my BLOG CANDY...

Toodles for now...

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxx

CANDY TIME.......

Well a very good afternoon to you all folks and my apologies for it being so late in the day before I've gotten around to posting pics of the candy now up for grabs... I would say it's been one of those days but it's all been business related so didn't mind the delay.. lol.

Anyway... let's get this ball rolling... up for grabs this time around are 12 sets of clear stamps kindly donated to me by Time To Sow. As I'm sure you can probably tell from previous postings I am fortunate enough to be their designer so I get to play with all of their delicious stamps and one thing I can say with my hand on my heart... they are amazing stamps.. exceptional high quality that allows a perfect image every time and they can be adapted in so many different ways so you always have to remember to look beyond the immediate image for other potential uses.. and trust me... there are a variety of them.

The retail value of these stamps is somewhere in the region of £100 so I am very grateful to Tim, Mandy and Emma for being so generous.

First up is one of my all time favourite stamps and it gets used for just about anything... backgrounds etc and if you saw my previous 'Dream' sign.. this is also the stamp I used for the embossing... oh and 2 adorable butterflies too... lol

These are awesome stamps too... the tree is the one used in a recent project with my sizzix birdhouse.. there is so many options with this image and the oriental floral stamp is ideal for borders, foliage and simple edging.

Now so many options with this set of mini trees... ideal for background trees.. I used one of them on yesterdays project to create a tree in the distance and I also use them a lot for creating foliage and adding tufts of grass etc by masking off the bottom of the image and only using the top of them.

This one is so adaptable.. beautiful tree that can be used any time of the year for your cards and scrapbooking but also at christmas as the little bird in the tree can be seen as a partridge in a pear tree...

Well.. do I really need to say anything about these apart from they are a must have in any crafters drawer... beautiful for accents, backgrounds and corners...

The large image I used on last weeks acrylic project... the lotus flower I used a few months back on a card where I decoupaged the layers for a truly beautiful effect and on of the birds can be seen in last weeks project with the birdhouse.. he was perched upon his branch inside the house.. lol

Again... sentiments and a few flourishes... we can never be without so an essential in the craft room.

I actually used a few of these last week whilst working on an easter project... I combined them with a crackle effect background stamp and distress inks.. I amazed even myself with the finished look...

A bit early for christmas I know but at least you'll be organised well in advance and with so many trees in the one pack you certainly wont be stuck for options will you.. lol

These stamps create some stunning effects when stamped in black and combined with distress inks etc.. either rich oranges and reds for the dessert feeling or blues and greys for the midnight sky... the dove is also perfect for weddings, sympathy, holy communion etc and if you wanted to you could simply mask the word 'peace' and use the dove on it's own... just imagine doing a mirror image of it for a wedding card... beautiful dont you think.

A few lovely sentiment stickers which can be used as a main feature on the front of the card or even as a verse on the inside of your card... again multiple usage.

Finally... we have a set of really cute stamps and the really good thing about them being individual stamps is that you can create your own scene.. use one shepherd or use all three... as for the sheep... well we can never have too many of them can we... and they are the cutest wee things too.

PHEW.... finally I've reached the end of the posting... so now all I have to do is tell you the rules... oh I do love when I get to be bossy boots... lol... so here goes...

To enter...

Simply leave a comment on this posting.... that's it... simple...

There is no need to sign up as a follower... I don't like blackmail... although you are welcome to if you want to

There is no obligation to post about it on your own blog.. but if you want to I'd be grateful for the publicity.. after all... the more the merrier.

Well.. now that's done all that's left is to tell you that this candy will run until midnight (GMT) on Monday 28th February (my birthday) and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 1st March.

Finally... GOOD LUCK to all who enter...

Love 'n' hugs

Lorraine xxxx

Heads up on Candy..

Evening all.. Hope you're all planning on a fun filled Friday night.

Just thought I'd give you a little heads up that tomorrow I will be posting a BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY which you are all welcome to enter. So make sure you check back then to be in with a chance to win.

In the meantime.. I'm off to snuggle on the sofa as I've got a thumping sore head.. Exciting night for me.. Not.. Lol.

Hope to see you all tomorrow.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx


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This mornings play..

Well folks.. You can see the stamps I've used in the posting below and this is the result of the wee play I've had with them this morning.. Sooo wish we could see the bee's outside just now.. At least then we'd know that summer was coming our way.. Lol.

So now that I've finished this one, I've off to sort some lunch before mummy dearest arrives..

Will try and get back with something else a little later too..

Have a happy Friday.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Stamp set I've used this morning..

Very cute I think..

www.timetosow.com


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Let's take a walk..

Morning all.. Hope it's been a good start to the day for you.

So this morning I thought I'd share my latest make with you that I done using the stamp set I shared yesterday.. Immediately I was inspired to create some kind of a walk so off I went.. Only additional stamp I used was the small tree in the background.. It comes from another stamp set from the same range..

I actually had a lot of fun with this.. Probably as I felt as though I was away for a wee stroll in the country.. Lol.. So I hope you like it too.

Well.. A few wee bits and bobs to do just now then I'll have another rummage through my stamps and see what set I'm going to play with next.. Oh I do have such a hard time at work don't I... Lol..

Again.. Stamps are available from www.timetosow.com

I'm off.. Goodbye.. Catch you all later..

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxxx

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Set up..

Yes that's right.. I've finally managed to get things out ready to go tonight.. Only problem is.. Now it's tea time.. Obviously it's going to be a quick make tonight so I can get back to my inks and get myself all dirty.. It's felt sooo wrong being clean all day today.. Lol

Right I'm gone.. Back with you all soon..

Xxxx

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Thursday's stamps..

Afternoon all.. Well I've been a busy wee bee today.. All the housework is done, 3 loads of washing, floors mopped etc and been tending to my poorly bunny rabbit in between.. Oh also managed to sit down and have a wee cup of coffee with mum for a half hour.. Only thing left to do this afternoon is pop to Asda.. Yes yet again.. Thanks to dear darling hubby.. Lol.

Once I get back I'm gonna sit down and get on with some more samples seeing as I feel most of the day has already escaped me and I don't have a single bit to ink on me yet.. Lol..

So.. This is the stamp set I've decided upon today.. A bare tree.. A branch with leaves on it and some grassy foliage.. Oh I'm looking forward to this one.. Spring, summer, autumn and winter.. You can never go wrong with nature.

Stamps as you can see are from the 'Words Like Honey' range available from www.timetosow.com

Right, must dash.. So I'll catch you all later.

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxxx

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Time to get excited..

Yes folks.. It's time to start building the excitement I think as 1 week today at this time.. I'll be sitting in front of the one and only Tim Holtz..

Oh yeah.. Registration begins at 7.30am.. The shop opens then too.. And then our workshop starts at 8.30am.. I can just imagine everyone's faces when the enter the room and see not only Tim himself but also our very own hessian bags filled with goodies to use... It's so funny that people are actually trying to guess exactly what size the bags are.. I have a vision of all these bags being turned upside down and shaken like mad in the rush to see what all it contains.. Lol.

Needless to say I'll be there with my camera, flapping ears, attentive attitude and busy dirty fingers.. Well I don't want to miss out on anything do I..

Then, it's lunch in the restaurant with Cynthia, before heading off to my workshop with Lin & Leandra.. What more can a girl ask for in a day.. Lol.

Question is.. Will I have enough energy to post the pics when I get home on Thurs night or will it have to wait till Fri morning??? Either way.. I'm sure I'll manage to squeeze in a few mobile pics as we go.. Fingers crossed.

Right.. Time to get some coffee in me and make a start on this wonderful day... Not that the sun is shining right enough.

Have a super day all and I'll be back and forth throughout the day.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx


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Sympathy card

Everyone has different tastes and opinions when it comes to cards..

When it comes to sympathy cards I'm one of those who like them to be very plain.

For this one I have used a very beautiful floral spray along with a simple sentiment. Some slight colour was added using Promarkers.

Sorry the picture is not the best but it's getting a little dark here.. I really do need to start taking pics during daytime hours.. Lol..

Anyway, stamps used are from the 'Words Like Honey' range available to buy from www.timetosow.com and the scalloped squares are from Craftwork Cards.

Off to do some more crafty makes and I'll try to be a better photographer tomorrow.. Lol

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Proud as punch

Well we've just heard some fantastic news from Brianna.. She's just received her letter of acceptance for Glasgow University for her Masters degree..

We're so proud of her achievements so far and that she is continuing to show such dedication to her education.

She's worked long and hard since she was 11 years old, including attending the RSAMD, singing with NYCOS and for the last few years has even been touring parts of the world singing with the University choir.

Being as I was one of those who didn't progress to further education it gives me such pleasure to see her focused on and heading towards her dreams.

Congratulations Brianna..

Xxxx

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Hello..

Good morning everyone and seeing as I've just started on my 2nd coffee of the day.. (Rub the sleepy eyes.. Lol).. I thought I'd share another stamp set with you.

I love this one.. So chic and classy.. A little like myself.. Lol.. Somehow I don't think so.. I'm just a basic down earth girl I am..

Well.. Coffee awaits me and I'm almost positive I can hear an ink pad or two calling on me.. Think I best investigate.. Lol.

Right I'll catch you all later and in the meantime.. Have a happy crafty Wednesday.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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And more..

Perfect timing for all our Easter cards but I think the cross would also be beautiful for sympathy cards, wedding cards and first communion too.. Xxx

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Even more

Got some good collage ideas going on here..

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More stamps..

Another beautiful set from the 'Words Like Honey' range available at www.timetosow.com


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New stamps..

Oh I'm excited today as Mr Postie arrived with a box absolutely overflowing with new stamps for me to play with.. 48 new sets to be exact.. Oh and another few packs for me to give away as blog candy.. I'll get that sorted later on..

So many gorgeous designs which I will share with you over the next few days.

So many ideas are flowing through my mind right now I'm on overflow.. Lol.

Well off to get last few chores done so I can get back to sample making soon.

www.timetosow.com

Love 'n ' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Idea time..

Oh Rob was making me a pot of fresh coffee this morning using one of my christmas gifts.. He pulled out the box and as he did what idea came to mind???

Have you guessed it yet???

Wouldn't this just make the perfect configuration box.. Lol.

Guess I'll be saving the rest of the boxes now and looking for stash to put in it.. Happy, happy days.

Happy crafting all.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Product survey

What is your favourite product at the moment?

Well I'm sat here running some ideas through my mind.. And it's made me wonder.. What is my favourite product just now.. Hhhmmm... Can't decide right now.. I really do need a wee while to think about that one..

However.. I'd love to hear what your favourite product is just now.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Close up

This is a close up of the acrylic tag below.. to begin I used black stazon to stamp my image.. Then on the reverse of the tag I coloured the image using promarkers.. I allowed a few minutes to ensure it was dry then I coated it with glue and adhered gilding flakes to the glue.

Quite a nice fun project for something a little different..

Stamp is from the 'Words like Honey' range available from www.timetosow.com and gilding flakes are from Crafty Notions.

Off to get some housework done now as I've got rather a long list of chores today.. Lol..

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx

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Acrylic tag

This is the finished look of the tag..

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Another rose

This time around I used Craftwork Cards back 2 basic die cut daisies.. So if you don't have a 6 petal flower stamp then you can just as easily use these die cuts.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Inky day

Afternoon folks.. Hope you are all well..

Well it's rather overcast here today, damp and haven't got a clue about the temp as I've not been out yet.. Lol

Today I've been doing another sample and this one was so much fun.. I hope you like it too.

Bird house is Sizzix die cut, distress inks of course and all stamps are from the 'Words Like Honey' range available to buy from www.timetosow.com

I'm off to have a bite of late lunch now..

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Another sample done

This time around a simple background paper combined with a paper rose, sentiment and some ribbon.. Now if you had a stash of paper roses ready this would make a really quick card.

Background stamp and sentiment are from the 'Words Like Honey' range available to purchase at www.timetosow.com

Well we're off out now so will be a few hours before I'm back with anything else..

Happy weekend crafting.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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Tutorial

Sorry folks, my apologies.. If you would like to see a tutorial for the paper rose there is one available on the artistic stamper website.

Xxxx

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Blog candy..

Hey folks.. It's your last chance to join in with Ann's blog candy giveaway over at www.icklehaggiscraftspot.blogspot.com

What you waiting for.. Hurry.. Only a few hours left to go.. Good luck to all.

Xxxxx

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Must first attempt at a paper rose.. I done this one on card so if I made a muck of it I could just toss it in the bin.. Lol.. Next time I'll try it on grunge and should get an even better effect I hope.. I'm pleased with this one too though.

Love 'n' hugs
Lorraine xxx

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